(gentle music)
("It's Really Christmas
Now" by Gwen Hughes)
¶ Season lights ¶
¶ Season brights ¶
¶ By the fire ¶
¶ You hold me tight ¶
¶ And I know ¶
¶ It's really Christmas now ¶
¶ I waited ¶
¶ So very long ¶
¶ By the fire ¶
¶ A solo song ¶
¶ It was never ¶
¶ Really Christmas now ¶
¶ Like a child looking
at the tree ¶
(tablet chiming)
(laughs) Whoa!
Hey Mom, did you know
that dogs can hear noises
that are four times further
away than humans can?
No, I didn't.
Pretty cool, eh?
Super cool.
Listen, sweetie, I'm so sorry
this is taking a little
longer than I hoped it would.
A few more minutes and
we'll be on our way.
Was that the poster
you went with
for the Mango Mist campaign?
Yep, their focus group suggested
that cowboys and dinosaurs
are hot this Christmas.
Together?
I know!
Who knew?
Lauren, you in here?
- [Lauren] Hey!
I come bearing gifts!
North Soul Records' new
band profile.
They're waiting on a
press release.
Thank you.
Marco's Sporting Goods Limited,
they need a pitch campaign
by Monday noon.
Got it.
And Mango Mist is rethinking
the dinosaur cowboy mashup.
What?
That was their focus group!
They want five more
options before committing.
Okay, I will see what I can do.
Oh, did Telstrom Media book
their big annual fundraiser?
Yeah, the Sunset Halo Center.
No, no, no, no, I told them
to book with Nightingale.
We always have problems
with Sunset Halo.
Nelson insisted.
And it's not your account
so don't sweat it.
Nelson will have to deal with
any issues, if they come up.
We should have gone
with Nightingale.
You know, when they told
me you were a workaholic,
I didn't believe them at first.
(office phones ringing)
And now?
They say seeing is believing.
Look, just because
it's Christmas,
I don't see why we can't
use the free time
to catch up on a little work.
Now that is the kind of
Christmas spirit I like to hear.
And you remind me of a young
me when I first started.
Wow, Doris, that means
so much coming from you.
(laughs) Have a nice Christmas,
ladies.
- [Both] Merry Christmas, Doris!
(gentle music)
Okay, a few more
years of hard work
and I'll be just like her.
VP of the company, vacations
in Maui, beach house.
And time with Jacob.
I'm just wondering if you'll
be able to fit any Christmas
into your Christmas
break this year.
It would take a miracle.
(laughs)
Yeah. (laughs)
- [Jacob] Phone charger?
Check!
Work files?
Check!
Work notebook?
Check.
Puppy for Jacob?
Ch--
Wait, what?
Mom, you promised we
could get a dog this year!
I know, sweetie, eventually,
when the time is right.
(phone chiming)
What?
What is this?
The dog breeds that I
would like you to consider!
Golden lab, black lab, corgi,
c*ck.
I emailed you the list.
Okay, honey, this looks like
every dog breed known to man.
(laughs) It is.
Did you know that there's
over 200 recognized dog breeds
in North America in shelters,
all waiting to be adopted?
I'd be happy with any
one of them.
Sweetie,
a dog requires so much
work.
A puppy can keep me company
while you're working.
Listen, sweetie,
I know things haven't
been the most fun lately
and I've been working
really long hours,
but it's not gonna be
this way forever.
Now, we are gonna have
the best Christmas ever
starting right now, okay?
Okay.
- [Lauren] Sound good?
Sounds great!
Good.
Now, it's a long ride
to Grandma and Grandpa's
so let's get going.
c*ck?
Did you make that one up?
Come on. (laughs)
(office phones ringing)
Lauren!
Mr. David!
You remember my son, Jacob?
Yes!
Why, he's here so often,
I feel like he should be
on the payroll.
At the very least, we should
look into getting him a pass.
That doesn't sound
like a bad idea!
(Lauren laughing)
Looks like you're
taking a lot of work
home with you for the holidays!
Yeah, well, you know,
just trying
to start the new year off right,
sir.
Well, it's good to see
such a great work ethic.
You know, we have a big
promotion
coming up in the new year.
Really, I hadn't
heard about that.
Big promotion!
And your name is at the
top of a very short list.
I've entered a new
route to take.
It should save us
almost 30 minutes.
Honey, I think I know how to get
to Grandma and Grandpa's house.
Are you sure?
It said that there's
traffic on the interstate.
Trust me, kiddo, come on.
Oh.
(car horns honking)
You know, I'm not that kind
of kid who says I told you so.
Christmas cookies?
Where'd you get those?
School.
They were giving out
Christmas cookies at school?
Well, not exactly.
What do you mean not exactly?
It's nothing.
Spill the beans, kid.
And hand me one of
those cookies.
Kids made them and brought
them to school.
Which kids?
All of them, it was a
class thing.
Jacob, are you telling me that
all the kids in your class
made Christmas cookies
and brought them to school
and you didn't?
Maybe.
Honey, why didn't you tell me?
We could have made
Christmas cookies.
I know, I just...
You just what?
I know how hard
you've been working
and I didn't want to bother you.
Ah.
Hey, kiddo?
You're never a bother, got it?
Got it.
All right.
Want another cookie?
Sure, thanks.
(gentle festive music)
(car horns honking)
(engine rumbling)
Hmm.
Mom, are you sure we're
at the right house?
(laughs) Of course, honey,
I grew up here.
Well, where are all the
Christmas decorations?
Grandma and Grandpa usually
have this place decked out.
That is strange.
Maybe they wanted to
wait until we got here
so that we could put
them up together.
Sounds like fun.
Yeah.
That's weird, it's locked.
(doorbell ringing)
(knocking)
Mom?
Dad?
It's us.
(doorbell ringing)
Lauren and Jacob Bradley!
They know who we are.
Then why aren't they
opening the door?
I know.
Yes.
Does this qualify as
breaking and entering?
No.
Are you sure?
Well,
maybe.
(gasping)
Mom?
Dad?
There's no Christmas tree!
Where's the Christmas tree?
Hold on a second.
Hey, sis.
I'm good.
He's good too.
Hey, where are Mom and Dad?
And why aren't the
Christmas decorations up?
No, Jacob and I are
here right now.
(mischievous music)
In Mom and Dad's house.
We used the hide a key.
Good news, it's not
breaking and entering.
We're not going to jail.
Lizzy, Lizzy, that's crazy,
what do you mean you
hadn't heard from me?
Jacob!
Grandpa, it's Jacob,
come say hi!
Hey, Mom, I found
Grandma and Grandpa.
Where are they?
Florida!
Florida?
(gentle festive music)
But, sweetie, when your father
and I hadn't heard
back from you,
we just figured you were
staying home for the holidays.
We called and emailed to
let you know our plans.
That's crazy, are you
sure that I didn't call
or email back?
Lauren, we know how hard
you've been working.
Ever since Paul.
Dad.
What your father's saying
is that we just thought
you were working through
Christmas again.
I don't always work
through Christmas.
Do I?
We understand, kiddo.
Okay, well, what do we do now?
'Cause we're here
and you're not.
Stay at our place and spend
Christmas with your sister!
I'm sure she'd love to
see you and Jacob.
I'm surprised she's not
already there.
Hello, it's the police.
(mischievous music)
We got a report of a
break and enter.
It's not breaking and entering!
We're family and--
Hey, Aunt Lizzy!
Hey, buddy!
How's it going?
Good.
Mom, Dad, Lizzy is here
so we should probably go.
Call you in a bit?
Okay, sweetie.
Merry Christmas!
Yeah.
Merry Christmas.
So, who messed up, you or Mom?
Who do you think?
(laughing)
Hey!
Mom and Dad say I didn't call
to tell them I was
coming this year.
Well, that's 'cause you didn't.
I didn't call you either?
No.
Email?
(laughing)
Really?
I'm sorry, it's good to see you.
- [Lizzy] You too.
So what do we do now?
Grandma and Grandpa suggested
we just stay here for Christmas.
Well, I would get to
hang out with my nephew
and you'd get to hang out
with your adorable kid sister.
What do you think, bud?
Can I ride in your cop car
and turn the sirens on?
Or is that against the
standard operating procedure?
It is against standard
operating procedure.
Aw shucks.
But I'll see if I can't
make an exception.
Really?
Cool!
Okay, well, until then.
Can we decorate the house?
Yes, that is a great idea!
Lizzy, I have a ton
of work to do.
I know, Christmas decorating
isn't your favorite thing.
But maybe,
with a little music
(festive music)
and a little holiday cheer!
I am fresh out.
Oh, come on!
My shift is finished,
my sister and my favorite
nephew are in town.
I'm your only nephew!
And smart as a whip too.
Let's get the holidays started!
Put some hot
chocolate on the stove
and let's start
decorating this place!
Anybody got a problem with that?
Hey, hi, over here.
Yes, Lauren?
Me, hi.
Why don't you guys
start decorating?
I just need like an
hour to organize my work
and then I will join in on
the fun as soon as I can!
Sound good?
Roger that.
Jacob and I are on
Christmas duty.
¶ It's Christmas, time to
hang up all the stockings ¶
¶ Getting cozy by
the evergreen ¶
¶ It's Christmas, where's
the cocoa for the evening ¶
¶ Take my mittens colored
red and green ¶
¶ I believe, I believe
it's Christmas Eve ¶
¶ I believe ¶
¶ I believe, I believe
it's Christmas Eve ¶
¶ Got the lights set up right
outside of the house now ¶
¶ Every year I can see more ¶
¶ I get older and I learn
what Christmas is about ¶
¶ It's the same old joy,
I'm sure ¶
¶ It's Christmas, time to
hang up all the stockings ¶
¶ Getting cozy by
the evergreen ¶
¶ It's Christmas, where's
the cocoa for the evening ¶
¶ My old mittens colored
red and green ¶
¶ I believe, I believe
it's Christmas Eve ¶
¶ I believe ¶
¶ I believe, I believe
it's Christmas Eve ¶
¶ Christmas Eve ¶
Mom!
Hi!
Wow, great job, everybody.
Thanks, it was fun.
Did you come to see us
turn the lights on?
I sure did.
You can do the honors.
Me?
No, honey, you should do them.
I didn't even help with
any of the decorations.
Yeah, but decorating for
Christmas isn't work,
it's having fun, and I want
you to have some fun too.
Here you go.
Thank you, really.
All right, you guys ready?
(drums rolling)
Here we go!
Oh no.
What's wrong?
I'm not really sure.
I made sure I plugged it in.
Huh.
(bells ringing)
(mischievous music)
Oh my goodness!
Mom, look, it's a puppy!
Hi, little puppy!
Ella!
You shouldn't be running
off like that.
Is this your dog?
Actually, it's my neighbors'
dog.
They let me practice walking
her for when I get my own dog.
I'm Charlie.
Hi, I'm Jacob.
My Mom promised me a dog
this year too!
Really?
And my Dad promised me
I'd get one for Christmas.
Well, he didn't promise me,
he said it was a possibility.
Sorry, she got away on us.
I'm Ben, this is my daughter,
Charlie.
Hey, I'm Lauren, Lizzy,
and this is my son, Jacob.
Hi, nice to meet you guys.
But, you don't live here.
Oh, well, I used to, it's
actually my parents' house.
Jacob and I are just visiting.
Oh, the Bradleys.
I thought they were in
Florida this holiday season.
Oh, they are, there was a--
Miscommunication.
Well, the house looks
great decorated.
Thanks.
We can't seem to get the
lights to work though.
- [Ben] Really?
Yeah, I think maybe one of
the string lights is out.
You know, it's probably
just the fuse box.
I could take a look, if
you don't mind.
My dad builds homes.
Well, not really, I do renos.
Well, we fixes things
all the time.
Okay, sure, yeah, the
fuse box is in the garage.
Great.
(gentle music)
So, Charlie, where's your mom?
It's just me and my dad.
Really?
Huh.
Pretty dark in here, do
you think you can see okay?
Oh yeah, yeah, I'll be fine.
I think the fuse box
is over there.
Oh, right here?
Uh-huh.
Whoa!
(mischievous music)
Something's got me!
What is it, what?
I don't know!
What?
(laughing)
Just kidding.
Wow, you are
very mean.
I'm also pretty funny.
I got you, I got you.
Ha ha.
Ha ha.
So funny.
Is this Polar Pete?
Wait, you know Polar Pete?
Oh, I know Polar Pete.
I used to watch him all
the time when I was a kid.
So did I!
I literally drove my
parents up the wall
watching every episode
over and over.
¶ Who likes to read
day or night ¶
¶ Has a coat of fur
polar white ¶
¶ Who has muscles
full of might ¶
¶ It's Polar Pete ¶
(laughing)
Uh, the fuse though--
Yeah, the--
Is probably--
I--
Just need to be--
The lights,
that's why we're here.
That should fix it.
Yeah.
- [Both] We should probably
check on the kids, yeah.
(laughing)
Okay.
All right.
Okay, well, that should do
it, let's give it a try.
(festive music)
Whoa!
It worked!
Thank you.
It's my pleasure.
Our place is better.
Charlie!
(laughing)
My dad kinda gets
Christmas crazy.
I kinda do, yeah.
Hey, Mom, can we go check
out their place sometime?
Yeah, sure, of course,
Jacob, you, your husband,
you guys are welcome any time.
It's just Jacob and his mom.
Oh.
Well, the offer still stands.
Great.
Okay, Charlie, we
should get going.
It was really nice meeting you.
Yeah, it was nice
meeting you as well.
Thank you, again,
for the lights.
No problem.
Like I said, my dad
fixes things.
(laughing)
Come on, let's go.
Hey.
I owe you one.
Bye.
You stop it.
(bells chiming)
(upbeat music)
(knocking)
Do you want me to get that?
No, no, you eat your cereal.
Hey, look, I'm sorry to--
(clearing throat)
Ben!
Hi.
Hi.
Sorry to bother you so
early in the morning.
Oh, no, that's fine, what's up?
I need to ask your help
with something.
With what?
You gotta kinda see
for yourself.
Okay.
(mischievous music)
What is this?
It's a puppy.
It's a corgi puppy, actually.
No, no, I know what it is.
Why is it here?
It's a bit of a long story.
Charlie, she really wants
a puppy for Christmas.
- [Lauren] Okay.
And I was supposed to
pick him up next week
but there was this mix up
and I had to pick him
up this morning.
Okay.
I mean, he's so cute though,
isn't he?
Yes, he's adorable!
Why is he here?
I don't want Charlie to
see the puppy
until Christmas morning.
It's just really important
to me that it's a surprise.
I'm sorry, what are you
asking me to do exactly?
Is there any way,
any chance that you could
hide him here for a day
or two, maybe three?
Are you serious?
It wouldn't be the whole time.
The guy that I would
usually ask,
he's away because it's
the holidays.
And Charlie's having a
sleepover tonight
and there's no way I'm gonna
be able to hide the dog
with a house full of eight
year old girls running around.
Ben, I wanna help you so badly,
but what if Jacob sees him?
So?
I thought he wanted a puppy too.
He does, but we can't.
I mean, I can't make
a puppy fit right now.
It's a huge responsibility
and I can barely take
care of myself.
Okay, I didn't realize.
And, you know, I brought
a ton of work home
for me to do over the holidays
and I was hoping my parents
could help watch Jacob
while I get some of it
done but they're in--
Florida, yeah, I know.
Yeah.
So, it's just,
it's just not the right time.
It's okay.
It's all right.
We'll think of something else.
Wait.
I guess, since I'll be
locked in my parents' room
working most of the time.
Yeah?
I could tell Jacob the
room is off limits.
(puppy whining)
(mischievous music)
And?
And,
if I could sneak the puppy in,
I could probably keep him
hidden for a day or two.
Really, are you sure?
No, no, I'm not sure
about any of this at all.
But I do owe you for
the fuse box yesterday.
Yeah, well, now I kinda owe you.
No, let's just call it even.
Okay.
So, does this puppy have a name?
No, not yet.
But I was thinking Rocky.
Or maybe Columbo.
Really?
You think your eight
year old daughter
wants her puppy to be
named Rocky or Columbo?
Yeah, I should probably get
Charlie to name the dog.
Probably. (laughs)
All right, well, we
should probably do this
before Jacob wonders where I am.
Right.
Oh, just one more thing.
He can be a bit of a handful.
I think I can handle it.
(puppy yipping)
Shh!
- [Jacob] Who was that?
(mischievous music)
Hi.
That was Charlie's dad.
What did he want?
He asked me for a favor.
Cool.
Cool.
So, what's in the box?
This box?
Yeah, the box you're holding.
(laughs) This box.
Well, it's actually a
surprise for Charlie.
It's her Christmas present.
Okay.
Okay.
Shh!
(puppy whining)
Well, hello there!
Hi!
Who's a good boy?
Oh, you are so cute!
Okay, listen, I'll
make you a deal.
If you stay quiet, no barking,
I'll give you a treat, okay?
Deal?
Okay, I'll be right back!
Stay!
(puppy barking)
Shh, no, no, no, no, I
said no barking!
We had a deal!
Mom, your cereal's
getting soggy!
Jacob, honey, I'll be
down in a second!
All right, I'll be right back,
okay?
Be a good boy.
Stay!
Shh!
(puppy whining)
Sorry about that.
Oh listen, honey, Mommy's
room is off limits, okay?
There's Christmas presents
in there that you can't see.
Okay!
Okay.
By the way, your cereal
got all mushy
so I made you some toast.
Oh, thank you, sweetie.
Listen, honey, I know
that this holiday
isn't working out exactly
as we hoped it would.
What do you mean?
Well, Grandma and
Grandpa aren't here
and I have to spend a lot
of time working.
It's okay, Mom, I know
you're super busy.
Do you want me to
call Aunt Lizzy?
See if maybe she could
come and watch you?
I have plans.
(laughs) Plans?
Me and Charlie are gonna go
build a snowman at the park.
You and Charlie?
Yeah, me and Charlie exchanged
emails, she's pretty cool.
Yeah, she does seem pretty cool.
And, before you ask, there
will be parental supervision.
Charlie's dad is gonna
come with us.
Really?
(gentle music)
Okay then.
And don't worry, I won't
tell her about her present.
(laughs) Thank you, baby.
- [Jacob] Bye.
Have fun, okay?
Okay.
And bundle up.
Okay.
Don't forget your gloves!
Bye!
(festive music)
What is this?
I leave you alone for
five seconds and you--
No, no, don't you give
me that look.
(laughs) You stop being so cute!
("Can You Help Me Out"
by Helen Austin)
¶ I've been a good
girl this year ¶
¶ Santa Claus, can you
help me out ¶
¶ I don't know if you can hear ¶
¶ Santa Claus, can you
help me out ¶
¶ I try to only do good things ¶
¶ Santa Claus, can you
help me out ¶
¶ Can't wait to see
what you bring ¶
¶ Santa Claus, can you
help me out ¶
¶ Just a gift or two ¶
¶ While you're passing through ¶
¶ I'll leave something for you ¶
¶ I've not been naughty,
I've been nice ¶
¶ Santa Claus, can you
help me out ¶
¶ You know I try to do
the right thing ¶
¶ Santa Claus, can you
help me out ¶
¶ So now you know
that I'm hoping ¶
¶ Santa Claus, can you
help me out ¶
¶ Just a gift or two ¶
¶ While you're passing through ¶
¶ I'll leave something for you ¶
(phone ringing)
Hello?
Hey, Lauren, it's Ben,
how's it going?
Good, how are you?
Good, good.
I just wanted to call and see
how Charlie's present's doing.
Oh, you mean this little terror
you asked me to puppysit?
I did say he was a handful.
I hope he's not too
much trouble.
No, I think I've got him
under control.
Look, I just want to
thank you so much
for letting Jacob come
over and play with Charlie.
Oh, he was pretty excited
about building that snowman.
A snowman? (scoffs)
The neighborhood kids are
building a whole snow family.
I was thinking, because
there's five moms
on parent duty right now,
I was wondering if you
want to take a break.
Take a break?
Yeah, I'm not really a
big fan of breaks.
Well, I was hoping I
could buy you a coffee.
Now, coffee, I am a fan of.
Maybe we could take the puppy
for a walk while the
kids are playing.
Yeah, sure, why not.
All right, great.
I'll be over in a few minutes.
Great.
Do you wanna go for a walk?
Get you out of the house?
(laughs)
So, are you telling me
that this little angel
made a mess in the bathroom?
No, I am telling you
that this little monster
destroyed the entire bathroom.
We're gonna need new tiles.
Really?
Uh-huh, oh yeah.
New tiles, drywall, the
whole kit and c*ck.
That's not a breed.
It's a good thing you're handy.
Listen, I can't thank
you enough for--
What? (laughs)
Oh!
Here.
Don't think for a second that
this coffee makes up for it.
(traffic roaring)
No.
Oh, hey, wait, I've got a--
Oh, here, I have some cash.
No, don't worry about it, I'll
put enough for both of us.
Here you go, Merry Christmas,
Santa.
(gentle festive music)
So, have you thought about
how you're gonna tell Jacob
that he is not getting a
puppy this year?
Oh.
I'll blame Santa.
He might be a bit too
smart for that.
You might have to do better.
I don't know, I'm just trying
not to think about it too much.
Well, he seems like a good kid.
He is, honestly, he's the best.
I am so busy but he just
keeps us both on track.
So you lead a pretty busy life,
huh?
Yeah, you could say that.
Ever think of just
relaxing a bit?
You know, it is Christmas.
Like I said, I'm not a big
fan of breaks or relaxing.
Plus, there's this really
big promotion at work
that I really want.
Oh, so you're a workaholic.
I wouldn't say that I'm
a workaholic.
All right, well, what
would you say?
Okay, maybe I'm a little
bit of a workaholic.
But I wasn't always this way.
Well, what happened?
You know, being a single mom,
wanting the best for your kid,
doesn't exactly leave much
choice in terms of work schedule
or payment schedule,
for that matter.
Yeah, tell me about it!
The mortgage, car payments,
utility bills, it adds up.
And on one income, it's tough.
Exactly.
I mean, how could a water
bill be so high
when there's
literally one and half
people living in the house!
You're preaching to the choir,
here.
If I could just get
this promotion,
the extra money will really
help us and then I could afford
to spend more time at
home with Jacob.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I just think that time
doesn't have to be a luxury.
It's the one thing we have
that just only goes one way.
And when it's gone, well,
you can't get it back.
I mean, look at us now, we're
sitting in a coffee shop,
you've got a coffee,
relatively nice company.
Just sit back a bit,
relax, take a few breaths.
(deep exhaling)
Nope, can't do it.
There's so much to do, I can't.
Wow, that lasted like all
of two seconds.
- [Lauren] I'm sorry, I--
Ben Summers?
Oh!
Mr. Christmas himself!
Charlotte, hey!
- [Charlotte] It's so
nice seeing you!
It is so good seeing you!
- [Charlotte] Happy Christmas!
Merry Christmas! (laughs)
Oh, you must be...
Lauren, this is Lauren,
Charlotte.
This is Charlotte. (laughs)
How do you and Benny
know each other?
Oh.
Benny and I are
friends.
Really?
And how do you two--
Oh, you know what?
I gotta run, so nice seeing you.
You too.
And nice to meet you too,
Laurie.
That's a really cute dog.
Thank you.
And it's Lauren.
Well, she seems nice.
She doesn't, she
doesn't seem nice.
(laughs) Thank goodness,
I thought it was just me,
but it got like 10 degrees
colder when she was here.
She is an ex-girlfriend.
Yeah.
I put that much together.
Yeah, she was the first one
I dated after Charlie's mom.
At least you're brave enough
to get out there and try.
You know what they say, if
at first you don't succeed--
Swipe left?
(laughs) I was gonna say try,
try again
but that's great advice.
(festive music)
Cutie.
We had a fun day.
(mischievous music)
Hi, Mom.
Hey, honey!
How was building snowmen?
It was great!
You should have seen
Charlie's place.
It was amazing, it was
completely decorated!
It was like a
Christmas expl*si*n!
Wow, really?
Yeah.
Do you wanna watch a movie?
Mm-hmm, yep, sure, just
right after dinner, okay?
Really?
Yes.
Go wash up and I will be
right back down.
Okay!
Okay.
(sighing)
(laughing)
Okay, here you go.
Now you be good, okay?
I'm gonna go down and
watch a movie with Jacob.
When I come back,
we're gonna have some quality
puppy play time, okay?
Okay.
- [Actor] Gee whiz,
Santa, if we don't hurry,
Christmas is gonna be ruined!
I have to get all across
town, what am I gonna do?
I'll handle it.
(festive music)
(tablet chiming)
(gentle music)
Come on, let's get you to bed.
(sighing)
Finally, I can get
some work done.
(puppy panting)
What, what are you trying to--
Oh, you probably need to go.
(puppy whining)
All right.
(gentle music)
¶ Deck the halls with
boughs of holly ¶
(puppy whining)
(yawning)
Puppy?
Puppy!
Oh. (laughs)
(puppy snoring)
(gentle music)
You can't sleep in there!
Although it is pretty adorable.
Let's see if we can't
find you a better bed.
Oh.
Perfect.
(gentle music)
(gasps) How did you
get up there?
Come here, buddy.
There you go.
There, now isn't that a
little better than a suitcase?
(laughing)
¶ Who has the muscles
full of might ¶
¶ It's Polar Pete ¶
(doorbell ringing)
You stay there, okay?
Okay.
Lizzy!
Wrapping party!
Lizzy!
I got Jacob a few
things last night
and I figured that we
could catch up
while we wrap presents.
A few things?
I'm his aunt, I'm
supposed to spoil him.
You really didn't
have to do that.
I figured, you're
getting him a puppy,
so the least I could
do was get a few toys.
Right, about that.
Tell the kid, out of
the house for one hour.
And then let's get wrapping!
I guess Mango Mist can
wait for an hour or two.
(gasping)
(festive music)
(wrapping paper crunching)
Well, I think I did a pretty
good job, considering.
Considering what exactly?
My overall lack of
Christmas spirit.
Ugh, stop being such a grump!
You used to love wrapping
presents, remember?
I used to love a lot of things.
Especially the holidays,
remember?
Maybe it's time that you
and Christmas made up.
Maybe.
I'm working on it.
Really?
That's an interesting
development.
It wouldn't happen to
have anything
to do with a certain
handsome and handy
neighbor who lives
down the street?
What about you, how's work?
I love it, helping little
old ladies cross the road
and catching the
occasional bad guy.
Are there any good guys
in your life?
Well, most of the guys
I meet at work
have criminal records
and they're pretty quick
to distance themselves from me.
Right.
But, no, I haven't met my
knight in shining armor yet.
But I'm still hopeful.
I want what Mom and Dad have.
You'll find it, Lizzy.
Okay, maybe not in the
back of your squad car
(laughs) but you will find it.
Do you think that that kind
of love is still out there?
The kind that Mom and Dad have?
Maybe.
Maybe?
Wait a minute, do I detect
a hint of positivity there?
What?
No, I, what do you, why?
Well, let's see, what's
changed recently?
Nothing!
This has nothing to do
with the aforementioned
cute neighbor?
Would you like to know what
this cute neighbor did?
Yes, what?
No, nevermind, I'm not telling
you, you're a blabbermouth.
Oh, no, no, no, no, no,
you don't.
(laughing)
Spill it.
(gasping)
(festive music)
It's adorable!
I can't believe he
bought you a puppy
but Jacob's gonna love it.
No, no, no, no, this
is not our dog.
I'm just hiding him for
Ben until Christmas.
Oh!
He didn't wanna risk
his daughter finding the
puppy before Christmas.
It's like super important
to him for some reason.
But Jacob can not know
anything about this.
If he finds out, he is
gonna be so disappointed
that it's not for him.
Wow, that's a pretty big favor
for a guy you have no
interest in.
I owed him one.
Uh-huh.
Who's the cutest puppy
in the world, is it you?
Okay, that is Polar Pete,
not a chew toy, thank you.
All right then.
Here it is!
Come on.
Mom, I'm home!
Jacob's home.
Quick, let's go
before he comes up.
But...
I'm trying but I can't.
It's like he's got a
cuteness tractor beam
and it just keeps pulling me in.
Let's go!
Oh, bye, puppy!
(Lizzy and puppy whimpering)
(mischievous music)
Hey, honey.
Hey.
Okay, I'm off to work,
I'll see you later.
Good luck with the thing.
Right, the thing.
Bye, kids.
[Jacob And Charlie] Bye!
So, what are you two up to?
Snack time.
Oh!
We're gonna go look for cookies.
That sounds like a--
(puppy barking)
(exaggerated coughing)
Cough, cough, cough.
Sounds like you're
catching a cough.
It's nothing.
I'll make you some
tea with honey.
(thudding)
What was that?
Oh,
I have a broken lamp
in the bedroom
and it keeps falling
over, so you know what?
I am gonna go take a look at it.
My dad can probably fix it.
Your dad's the cause.
What?
Hmm?
Nothing.
Do you need help?
Nope, all good.
You guys go eat.
Let's go look for the cookies.
What did you do?
Oh no!
(laughs) Polar Pete!
Not so mighty after all.
I know, honey, you can't be
cooped up in here all day.
It's no fun for anyone.
I have an idea.
What?
My sister needed help.
And that little guy back
there needed some excitement.
(puppy panting)
Besides,
how can you say no to that face?
I'm more of a cat person.
(sighing)
(gentle music)
(phone ringing)
Hello?
Hey, Lauren, it's Ben.
Hey, Ben, how are you?
Good, good.
I was just calling to see how
our furry friend was doing.
Well, there's been a casualty.
Polar Pete didn't make it.
Guess he's not so
mighty after all.
Yeah, I had my sister
take him out
for the day to get
some excitement.
Well, seeing how you're free,
I was wondering if you and Jacob
wanted to join Charlie
and I at the market.
I don't know, I was actually
just starting to get
some work done.
Are you sure?
They got hot chocolate here.
And Santa actually just
made an appearance.
Hey, Jacob?
Yeah?
You wanna go see Santa?
Yes!
How can I refuse Santa?
Yes!
(laughs) Okay, maybe
just for an hour.
Great, oh, and bring
Polar Pete with you.
Okay.
Okay, here you go.
- [Charlie] Thank you, Dad.
You're welcome,
isn't this great?
Small town Christmas, the
stores are all decorated,
people are being friendly
with each other,
they even serve popcorn!
Uh-huh.
Oh, let's see Polar Pete.
Oh yeah.
Yes, this guy has
definitely seen better days.
You know, this stuffed toy
is the reason I got
into marketing?
That silly Polar Pete song
gets stuck in your head
and you never forget it.
(laughing)
And that is a
lasting impression.
Why don't I hold onto
him for a little bit?
Just to see what I can do.
Okay.
Good luck.
Shall we sit?
Yeah.
You know, this place
hasn't really changed much
from when I was a kid.
Yeah, well, maybe the
price of popcorn.
(Lauren chuckles)
There it is.
What?
A smile.
Or better yet, a laugh.
Oh, that wasn't a laugh.
Oh, say it was a chuckle.
(chuckles) Okay, fine, a
chuckle, I'll give you that.
You gotta tell me, how
does a person
who grew up here end up
hating Christmas?
Okay, I don't hate Christmas.
What do you wanna say,
be mildly offended by it?
Maybe off put is the right word?
Off put's not really a word,
so look,
you can laugh all you want, Mrs.
Grinch,
but I'm gonna get to the bottom
of your lack of Christmas cheer.
It's a long story.
Come on, it's the best
time of the year.
I mean, have you seen the
snow family our kids made?
It is really nice to see
Jacob having so much fun.
But, I mean, Christmas is really
for kids though, isn't it?
I beg to differ.
(laughs) Nice.
Yeah, it really brings out
the goofiness in your face.
As intended.
There's that smile again.
So, I mean, you must have
enjoyed Christmas as a kid.
Are you kidding me?
I loved Christmas!
Oh yeah, I was way
worse than you.
Way worse, I couldn't
wait for the holidays.
So then what, why the
change of heart?
Jacob's father passed
away this time of year.
Oh.
Lauren, I'm sorry, I
didn't know.
It was a long time ago
but it still echoes.
That Christmas was the
hardest Christmas ever.
Jacob was really young so,
luckily,
he doesn't really remember,
but...
Then I was a single mother
and I had to go back to
work full time.
So, Christmas took a
backseat to work that year
and then the next year
and the year after that
and the year after that.
What was his name?
Paul.
Do you think Paul would
have wanted that?
What?
You to not enjoy
Christmas ever again?
No, no, of course not.
It's just this year with
the promotion.
I don't know, maybe next
year will work out, you know?
I wouldn't count this
year out just yet.
You ready?
Ready for what?
Okay, everybody say cheese!
- [All] Cheese!
(camera clicking)
- [Grandma] Did you have fun?
So much!
Did you get the picture
with Santa I emailed you?
We sure did and I see
you have a new friend.
Yeah, Charlie, she's
pretty cool.
That's great.
And she's smart too.
Did you know that
roasted chestnuts
are the only nuts that
contains vitamin C?
I did not!
Did you know that it
takes 540 peanuts
to make a jar of peanut butter?
Really?
And that's where he
gets it from.
Okay, guys, it's time to tuck
this little munchkin into bed.
Oh, not so fast, I see you
made a new friend too, dear.
Who, Ben?
Yeah, he's pretty cool.
And are you and your new
friends gonna go
to the big tree lighting
ceremony on Christmas Eve?
Well, I--
There's a tree
lighting ceremony?
Can we go, please, please,
please, Mom?
Okay, sure, sounds fun.
All right, go up to bed,
I'll be up to tuck you
in in a minute.
Thanks, Mom, this is
gonna be awesome.
Goodnight, Grandma, goodnight,
Grandpa.
I wish you guys were here.
Goodnight, Jacob.
Goodnight, Jacob.
Goodnight.
Goodnight, I'll be up
in a minute.
So, Ben?
I like him.
He's good with a hammer.
He fixed our screen
door last summer.
Anything we should know?
Nope, love you guys, goodnight.
Hey!
Thank you so much!
How was he?
Well,
our little pal is now an
honorary deputy on the force.
And my partner, Ed, has
gotten a little attached.
I see that.
Look at him, fits in my hat!
(laughs)
Aw!
That's so cute!
I need a picture!
(puppy whimpering)
(phone clicking)
Perfect.
Seriously, thank you.
No problem.
Oh, and if it's okay, I'll
swing by and take Jacob out
for a few hours before
my shift starts tomorrow.
I think I might have
an idea that could help
with the whole Jacob
puppy Christmas dilemma.
Really?
Mm-hmm.
Yes, of course, that would
be amazing, thank you.
Maybe I can even wrap up
all my work in the morning
and then we could spend the
rest of the holidays together.
Yeah!
Aw!
Hey, buddy, look what
I got for you!
(laughing)
Bye.
Did you have fun?
Bye, I'll miss you! (laughs)
This is great.
What?
(gentle music)
Get in the car.
(phone ringing)
Hello?
Good morning.
Hi, Ben.
So did the little fur monster
destroy anything last night?
(laughs) I think he
was pretty tuckered out
from chasing bad guys yesterday.
He slept like a baby.
Well, I was thinking,
because your sister
so graciously took the
kids out on an adventure.
It might be a good time
to bring the little fur
monster over.
Oh, sure, yeah, actually
it's perfect timing.
I am just finishing up
this last press release
and then I will be officially
free for the holidays.
I could be there in 20 minutes.
What's your address?
Oh, you don't need it. (laughs)
(festive music)
Just look for the
Christmas expl*si*n.
(police siren wailing)
That was so much fun!
Do you guys get to ride with
the sirens on all the time?
Just when it's
absolutely necessary.
Or when my favorite
nephew's in town. (laughs)
Your family is so cool!
Yeah, thanks.
So where are we?
Well,
I know that you wanted
a dog for a while now
and I thought that maybe,
until you guys are
ready to adopt one,
you could volunteer some
time to help dogs
who haven't found their
forever homes yet.
What do you guys
think about that?
- [Both] Sounds great!
(laughing)
Awesome.
(festive music)
(Lauren laughing)
Christmas expl*si*n, huh?
Well, what did I tell ya?
Wow. (laughs)
What do you think, super
cool or super nerdy?
Well,
let's just say
you definitely know how
to maximize the space.
Well, come on, it's even
better inside.
There's more?
Oh, yeah.
(dog whining)
- [Charlie] Aw!
Oh my goodness, so
much puppy love!
All these dogs need a home?
Yep, and we can help them
by taking them for walks
and giving them tons of
love and attention
until they find the right
family to adopt them.
So, instead of you having
your own puppy,
you can be friends with
and make a difference
in the lives of all
of these dogs.
Aunt Lizzy?
Yeah, buddy?
This is the best Christmas gift.
I'm gonna make sure all these
dogs get the love they need.
Now who's ready to
go for a walk?
Let's go!
(upbeat music)
Come on, friends.
Slower.
Slower.
I can tell you are impressed
with my interior
decorating skills.
Yes, impressed is the word
that I was looking for.
Not overwhelmed in the least.
I think it takes a
sophisticated kind of mind
to understand my
particular genius.
Yes, I am literally
drowning in Christmas cheer.
(laughing)
All kidding aside, though,
I think it's really sweet
how much you do for
your daughter.
I want to give her the world.
Or, at least, what
little part of it I can.
Thank you so much for
looking after her puppy.
I kind of got used to
having him around.
She's gonna love him.
I need your help.
What now?
Cupcakes.
I don't bake.
I already baked them.
I just need help
decorating them.
What are we
decorating them with?
Christmas cheer.
They sell that?
They do, yeah, come on!
(laughing)
Let me give you that, thank you.
Okay, buddy, okay.
There you go.
(Lauren laughing)
He's a hungry guy.
Okay.
Okay, so, we've got icing,
sprinkles and some gumdrops.
Chocolate chips?
Of course.
Okay.
("You're My Christmas"
by Juliet Lyons)
¶ Some people love the
bustle and the parties ¶
¶ Others crave the
decorations all sparkly ¶
¶ Fancy treats, stuff
in the yard ¶
¶ With all the bells
and whistles ¶
¶ Draped in flashing
lights and tinsel ¶
¶ All my friends, they
love getting big gifts ¶
¶ Starting out in June,
they're dreaming long lists ¶
¶ Designer clothes, a
skiing trip ¶
¶ A necklace and an
emerald ring ¶
¶ Gold and silver dazzling ¶
¶ Ooh but not me ¶
¶ You're all I need ¶
¶ You're my Christmas, the
present 'neath my tree ¶
¶ You're my Christmas,
the Santa I can see ¶
¶ I like the way those
reindeer dance in your eye ¶
¶ You're my Christmas
all wrapped in one guy ¶
¶ Christmas ¶
¶ You're my Christmas ¶
Done.
Nice.
I'm sorry, I'm obviously
out of practice.
What?
They're perfect.
Really?
Practically.
Let's get a second opinion.
What do you think?
(puppy whimpering)
Nice.
Bit of a tough crowd.
Yeah. (laughs)
Well, at least he's honest.
Yeah. (laughs)
So, Charlotte, ice queen
from the coffee shop.
What happened there?
She couldn't sustain the
onslaught of Christmas spirit?
No, nothing like that.
I just think that I
wasn't ready.
You know, it was all my
friends and family
telling me to get out
there and meet people.
Gotta get back on the
horse again.
There's someone for everyone.
Plenty of fish in the sea, yeah.
I got that from
people a lot too.
They mean well.
So, what was it like?
You know, getting back on
the horse again?
Oh, terrifying, all
your insecurities
are just hitting you like
a ton of bricks.
Please, a guy like you
with mad decorating skills?
You know, that checks off
a lot of boxes.
Thank you, I'm gonna take
that as a compliment.
You should.
Seriously, though, you
still went out there.
Despite the self-doubt.
Yeah.
I figured, might as well
give it a shot.
And it was nice, at first.
Do you want a coffee?
Yeah, sure.
Wait, I'm sorry, Charlotte,
the woman who pretended to
not know my name, was nice?
Yes, she was, at first.
Then?
Then I found out Charlotte
didn't wanna have kids.
I've got Charlie, so...
Ouch.
You know, it's all right, we
just wanted different things.
I mean, it's not the
same when we were kids.
You know, it's funny,
Lizzy and I actually
were talking the other
day about how we're hoping
to find the kind of love
that our parents have.
Let me guess, still married
after many many years?
And still madly in love.
Ugh, my parents too.
I blame them for setting
the bar too high.
You know what?
You're so right.
That was a real jerk move
on their part.
Yeah.
So, Lauren Bradley, what
is your story?
All work, no time for love?
No, I mean, my friends
have tried setting me up.
Trust me, they have, but,
I don't know,
I guess I'm just worried
about what Jacob would think.
I think, ultimately, Jacob
would just want you to be happy.
Okay, this is gonna sound
really stupid.
But I have been out of the
dating game for so long
that I'm not even sure if
I know how to date anymore.
You know, everything
is new again
and that first kiss, ugh,
I dread that first kiss.
The only man that I have kissed
in the last 15 years is Paul.
What if I'm bad at it now?
(laughs)
No, here I am in
this dating pool
of people in their thirties,
all of whom have probably
kissed someone recently,
you know, who have more
experience than me.
It's just scary.
Hold on.
I have never thought
of it that way before.
See?
And now that you say that,
it's all I'm gonna think
about now, thanks a lot.
We're both doomed.
Seriously, though,
I think you could really tell
if a person is meant for you
from that first kiss.
You're a romantic.
Hopeless.
(thudding)
What's that noise?
It's probably just the
kids coming back.
Oh, cool.
(gasping)
- [Both] The dog!
(mischievous music)
Here, put him in the basement!
I don't know where
your basement is!
The door that goes
down the stairs!
There's three of them!
This one!
Hey, Dad.
Hey, Charlie!
Kiddo, how was your adventure?
So much fun, we rode
with the sirens on
and visited a dog shelter,
we took some of the
dogs out for walks
and we gave them belly rubs
and it was just so much love.
(door thudding)
Oh!
Wow!
Oh, hi, Mrs. Bradley!
Hey, Charlie!
Hey!
Lizzy brought Jacob home.
He had an amazing time too.
Oh, that's so great!
Well, I should probably
get going too.
Okay, well, thank you
for coming over
and helping me decorate
the cupcakes.
No problem.
Were you guys in the basement?
Yes.
(laughing)
Yes, because Lauren
wanted to borrow
some Christmas
decorations for her house.
Right, yeah.
Well, I know where they
are, I can show her.
No!
No no, no.
It's okay, sweetie,
'cause the thing is,
is that I wanted more
Christmas decorations
after seeing your amazing
house but then I thought...
Then she realized that
it's Christmas Eve
and she would have to
take them down
so soon after putting them up
so it just didn't
make any sense.
Yeah, that's exactly
what happened.
(puppy barking)
(exaggerated coughing)
Are you guys okay?
Yeah.
Oh no, no, no, no.
It's going around.
Stay back, it's contagious.
It's not that bad.
Well, I hope it's
nothing serious
'cause the tree
lighting ceremony
in the town square's tonight.
Yeah, I remember that
tree lighting ceremony
from when I was a kid.
Charlie and I, we go every year.
Well, Jacob and I are actually
gonna go this year too.
We'll be there.
Great!
We can all go together!
Yeah, that sounds great.
Sounds like a lot of fun.
Yeah, okay, cool!
Well, I'm gonna go
and I will see you guys
later tonight.
Great, we'll see you there.
Okay.
Take care of that cough!
Right! (clears throat)
- [Lauren] Bye, Charlie!
Bye!
(coughing)
(festive music)
Jacob, Lizzy?
Mom, there you are!
- [Lauren] Hi, how was it?
It was amazing!
Aunt Lizzy showed me that
instead of just adopting one
dog,
I could make a huge difference
in the lives of other
dogs in shelters
by volunteering and
spending my time with them!
It was awesome!
Oh, honey, that is so great!
What a wonderful and
important thing to do.
I'm so proud of you.
Well, I gotta go, my
shift starts soon
and I left Eddie in the car
jamming out to my
nineties playlist.
A guy from work who likes dogs,
tolerates your nineties music
and doesn't have a
criminal record! (laughs)
He was kinda cute with the dogs.
See you tomorrow,
Christmas dinner!
Bye, buddy.
Bye!
Bye!
Okay, well, let's get
you cleaned up
and ready for the tree
lighting tonight.
Or did you forget?
No, I'm super excited,
it's gonna be awesome.
Hey, Mom, it's okay that I'm
not getting a puppy this year.
Spending time with Aunt
Lizzy and having fun with you
is the best Christmas gift ever!
(gentle music)
(birds twittering)
There's this one dog
called Bear.
He was so big and fluffy and
gave me big kisses on the nose.
Aw, that's so great!
And another dog, Molly,
who just wanted belly rubs
the whole time.
Honey, I am so glad you had fun.
It was so much fun and
we made them so happy
just by spending time with them.
Wait, are you baking?
Maybe.
I didn't know you can bake!
Neither did I!
I may have learned a few
new tricks today.
Huh.
That's an interesting
development.
(laughing)
(mischievous music)
(phone ringing)
Hey, Marcus.
Wait, what?
Hold on, you're breaking
up, I'm in the basement.
Yeah, well, no, if we
start next summer
then it should totally be fine.
Yeah, well, so you just call
him and then let him know
that we'll bring
everything over there.
How's that batch coming?
They all look pretty good,
I think.
They do look good.
Now let's just hope they
taste good too.
I'm gonna have one shaped
like a Christmas tree first,
then a heart, then a
smiley face.
You always have a plan,
don't you?
Can we bring cookies to
everyone at the tree lighting?
We sure can!
I can just see the headline now.
Entire town poisoned
by inexperience baker.
Gotta have a little faith, Mom.
Thanks, honey.
(suspenseful music)
Dad?
Dad?
Dad, are you down there?
Call me, then we can
start first thing.
- [Charlie] Oh my gosh!
(puppy yipping)
Marcus, I'll call you back,
all right.
(phone ringing)
Oh, honey, can you see who
that is for me?
It's Ben.
Oh, hold on.
Hey, Ben.
Jacob and I are just
whipping up some
(tablet chiming)
Christmas cookies for tonight.
What do you mean?
Oh
my
gosh!
It's a corgi!
Charlie got a corgi for
Christmas, can I go see him?
Oh no.
Oh no, like, I can't
go see the dog
or oh no, like, things are
getting too complicated?
(gentle music)
(puppy yipping)
You had one job, mister.
I know, I know, I'm sorry.
Two days!
I had him for two days!
Okay, so the big
Christmas surprise
was a day early, so what?
I mean, look at them.
She's smiling, my daughter's
happy and it's Christmas Eve.
Thank you for making this
so special for Charlie.
- [Lauren] You're welcome.
Oh, I've got something for you.
For me?
Yeah.
What?
Ta-da!
You fixed him!
Yes, the mighty Polar
Pete is mighty again.
Thank you.
Seriously.
Thank you.
Look, I was just
thinking that maybe,
after Christmas, if you
don't have any--
(phone ringing)
Oh, wait.
Sorry, I have to take
this, give me one second.
Mr. David, hi, how are
you, is everything okay?
Listen, something
important's come up.
I got a call from
Telstrom Media.
Their venue, Sunset Halo,
promised
to have renovations completed
in time for the event
but that proved to be
overly optimistic.
They have 500 guests
and need to find a new
venue immediately.
Not just a new venue
but a new press release,
guest notifications, this
is a huge mess!
Where's Nelson on this?
Nelson's out of the
country with his family.
Of course.
I know it's last minute.
Very last minute!
But I need you to come in
and handle this.
But it's Christmas Eve and
I'm not even in the city.
(laughs) I felt like I could
count on my number one.
You can, sir, but
it's Christmas!
And it's not even my account!
I just think it's really unfair
that I have to take the hit for
someone else's bad decision.
Sometimes sacrifices have
to be made in the present
in order to enjoy the
rewards of the future.
I thought you understood
what was at risk.
Puppy, you're so cute!
What with promotions
coming up and--
Yeah, I understand.
I'll come in, I'll do it,
I'll be in as soon as I can.
I knew you wouldn't let me down.
Oh, and Merry Christmas.
Yeah.
Hey, everything okay?
I have to go into work.
Now?
Yeah.
Can you watch Jacob for me,
please,
and take him to the Christmas
tree ceremony tonight?
Wait, it's Christmas Eve.
Yeah, I know it's Christmas
Eve but I have to do this.
I can't believe your boss
is telling you
you have to drive into the
city and work on Christmas Eve.
He's not telling me to
but I just don't really
have a choice, it's not
the same thing.
What?
If I don't do this,
there's a chance I won't
get my promotion.
Lauren, if you do this,
there's a chance
you're gonna miss the
lighting ceremony.
You're gonna miss Christmas.
(downbeat music)
No, if I leave right now,
there's a chance that I
can make it back on time.
You can't drive to the
city and back that quickly.
Just, please, take Jacob for
me and I'll meet you there.
I don't know.
It seems like you're
gonna cut it crazy close.
What would be crazy
would be me throwing away
all of those nights with Jacob,
all the soccer games
and the birthday parties
and the nights at home eating
dinner and watching a movie.
Everything would be for nothing.
Just, please, take him to
the Christmas tree ceremony.
If I'm lucky, the traffic
will be light,
and I'll just miss like
a tiny piece of it.
Miss out on what?
Jacob, honey,
something's come up at
work and Mommy has to--
Something always
comes up at work.
It isn't fair, you
promised we could go
to the tree lighting
ceremony together!
I know, but Ben's
gonna take you.
And then I'll try really
hard to make it back--
It isn't fair.
It's okay that I'm not
getting a puppy,
it's okay that you have
to work all the time,
but you promised
that we could go
to the tree lighting ceremony.
And now you're gonna miss
out on Christmas again?
I thought things were
changing but they're not.
Things are just the
same as always.
Jacob.
It's okay, I'm used to it.
I have to leave right
now if there's any chance
of me making it back in
time for the ceremony.
Yeah, no, you go ahead.
I'll watch Jacob and we'll
be here waiting for you.
Thank you.
(sighs) Okay.
(melancholy music)
(energetic music)
(traffic roaring)
(elevator chiming)
Okay.
(festive music)
(crowd chattering)
Hi, Santa!
(horse snorting)
Okay, s'mores, let's
go get a spot.
Okay.
All right, list of contacts.
Contacts--
(distant festive music)
¶ One more year, I
hardly can believe ¶
¶ We made it through ¶
¶ Feels so far away ¶
¶ Bright and clear
above the midnight sky ¶
¶ I see a star greet the
brand new day ¶
Doris?
Lauren.
I should have guessed
you'd be here.
(laughs) Doris, it's
Christmas Eve.
I know it is, my dear.
Why else would I be
playing Christmas music?
(festive music)
(crowd chattering)
Mr. Summers?
Yeah?
Do you think my mom's
gonna make it on time?
I don't know but she's
gonna try her best
and that's all that matters,
right?
I guess.
But why are you here on
Christmas Eve?
Same reason you are, I
expect, to get work done.
(laughs) You're an executive.
A VP, you shouldn't
have to be here.
Hogwash.
The only thing more important
than getting a promotion
is getting the next promotion,
am I right?
Is anybody else here?
No, I expect they're all
home with their families.
Their families.
Where everybody should
be on Christmas Eve.
Most people, sure.
But not us.
Why not us?
Because we're different.
Oh, everybody else can laugh
and call us workaholics
but what do they know?
They'll never amount
to anything.
Workaholics.
You know, we're the same,
me and you.
I'm sorry but I thought that,
once you get to a
certain position,
you don't have to work
as hard anymore.
(laughs) Well, maybe that's
true, if I become president.
Which, if Mr. David decides
to step down in the
next few years,
I might be next.
The next president of the firm?
Oh, trust me, Mr. David
knows how hard I work.
And, if I keep it up for a
few more years,
I just might make it.
Do you always work on
Christmas Eve?
Well, if you
ask my second husband,
Larry, he would say yes.
But what did he know?
He never made it past
middle management.
Your second husband?
And that's why I married Martin.
'Cause he gets it.
(laughs) And Martin is
your third husband?
Fourth time's a charm.
Christmas candy?
What?
I find sugar's the only thing
that keeps me going on
these all-nighters.
No.
Oh, suit yourself.
No.
No.
No,
no, no, no.
Well, more for me.
(sighing)
No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Come on.
(elevator chiming)
(crowd chattering)
(phone ringing)
Hello?
Lauren, I wanted to check in
and see how things were going.
I think you're gonna have
to call Nelson on this, sir.
What do you mean?
I have worked hard for this
company for a really long time
but I am not gonna sacrifice
any more time with my son.
Time only goes one way.
I love my job, sir, and
I am really good at it.
And if you don't feel like
I'm right for this promotion,
so be it,
but I think we both know
what I bring to this company.
Lauren, this needs to get fixed.
Yes, it does.
But this is Nelson's mess
so he needs to clean it up.
I'll see you after the holidays,
sir.
Merry Christmas.
(phone clicking)
Merry Christmas.
(sighing)
(engine rumbling)
(traffic roaring)
(police siren blaring)
Oh no.
No, no, no.
Come on!
Come on, come on, come on,
come on.
I am so sorry, officer, I know
that I was speeding but I--
Lizzy?
Lauren.
Do you know how fast
you were going?
Where are you even coming from?
It's a long story.
I have to get to the
tree lighting ceremony.
Can you please, please help me?
When your big sister asks
for a favor on Christmas Eve,
you do it.
Thank you!
Yeah.
I love you!
We have to hurry though,
come on.
Come on!
Hey, Eddie!
Lauren?
What's going on?
We have to get Lauren to
the tree lighting ceremony
or she's gonna miss it.
That's too bad.
It's a whole thing with
the puppy, trust me--
The puppy?
Why didn't you say so?
Hit the siren!
It's not a real emergency--
Yes, it is!
It's a Christmas
emergency, hit the sirens!
(mischievous music)
(police sirens wailing)
(crowd chattering)
(clunking)
(festive music)
(crowd applauding)
Whoa!
She didn't make it.
(puppy whimpering)
No, but I'm sure she
tried her best.
Yeah, can we go home now?
(puppy yawning)
Sure, yeah, let's go.
(police siren wailing)
(melancholy music)
I'm so sorry, Lauren.
They're gone, everybody's gone.
¶ All the couples
holding hands ¶
¶ And I'm feeling out
of place this holiday ¶
¶ All the trees and the lights ¶
¶ And mistletoe above ¶
I missed it, I missed
Christmas Eve.
How could I let this happen?
(gentle music)
(puppy barking)
Hey, buddy, what are
you doing here?
Hi!
I knew you'd be back.
Jacob?
You were just a little late.
I know, sweetie, and
I am so sorry.
I never should have went in.
I never should have
even considered
working on Christmas Eve.
I spent so much time thinking
about this promotion
and the future
that I completely
lost track of--
The present?
Yeah.
And that's what Christmas
is all about, the present
and the presence of me.
And I have been absent
for so long and I just...
I can't make the same
choices anymore.
(puppy whimpering)
I'm so sorry I'm late,
sweetie, but I'm here now.
I love you, Mom.
I love you too, sweetie.
I'm so sorry that I
missed the tree lighting.
You didn't miss anything.
Fuse box!
(clunking)
Wow!
I'll take him.
- [Ben] I told ya.
It's beautiful.
You see?
Christmas magic.
You did this?
It was Jacob's idea,
but I did help.
I'm sorry that you had to meet
this workaholic version of me.
Are you a workaholic, really?
(laughing)
I didn't notice.
I made you laugh.
It was a little bit
of a chuckle.
Ben, I...
I never thought that I
could feel this way
about someone again.
Come to think of it,
I never thought I could feel
this way about Christmas again.
But I do.
You helped me find the
Christmas magic--
(romantic music)
I told you my dad fixes things.
Best Christmas Eve ever!
(puppy whining)
Jacob, I'm really sorry you
didn't get a puppy this year.
But, if you want, you can
come visit mine any time.
Deal!
(gasping)
Are you...
Are you crying?
What, me?
No, no, no.
I just never would
have taken you
for the sensitive type, is all.
Well, maybe we could
keep this little secret
to ourselves, okay?
Sure, okay.
I just like happy endings.
Me too.
(laughing)
So?
So?
How was it?
How was what? (laughs)
Our kiss!
Oh!
I mean, I thought it
was pretty okay.
Really?
Yeah.
Well, why don't we
ask the expert?
What did you think?
(puppy whimpering)
Really?
(puppy yipping)
I guess we're just
gonna have to try again.
("You're My Christmas"
by Juliet Lyons)
¶ Some people love the
bustle and the parties ¶
¶ Others craves the
decorations all sparkly ¶
¶ Fancy treats, stuff
in the yard ¶
¶ With all the bells
and whistles ¶
¶ Draped in flashing
lights and tinsel ¶
¶ All my friends, they
love getting big gifts ¶
¶ Starting out in June,
they're dreaming long lists ¶
¶ Designer clothes, a
skiing trip ¶
¶ A necklace and an
emerald ring ¶
¶ Gold and silver dazzling ¶
¶ Ooh but not me ¶
¶ You're all I need ¶
¶ You're my Christmas, the
present 'neath my tree ¶
¶ You're my Christmas,
the Santa I can see ¶
¶ I like the way those
reindeer dance in your eye ¶
¶ You're my Christmas
all wrapped in one guy ¶
¶ Christmas ¶
¶ You're my Christmas ¶
¶ Christmas ¶
¶ You're my Christmas ¶
¶ Sure, I like to do a
little Christmasing ¶
¶ Yes, I kinda like the
old food traditions ¶
¶ Turkey stuffed and
cranberry sauce ¶
¶ And you know I never dread
candy canes and gingerbread ¶
¶ Ooh but really ¶
¶ You're all I need ¶
¶ You're my Christmas, the
present 'neath my tree ¶
¶ You're my Christmas,
the Santa I can see ¶
¶ I like the way those
reindeer dance in your eyes ¶
¶ You're my Christmas
all wrapped in one guy ¶
¶ You're the spice
in my eggnog ¶
¶ Rudolph's nose when
I'm in a fog ¶
¶ You're the snow
under my feet ¶
¶ The fruitcake that I keep ¶
¶ You're my h* h* h*,
you're my mistletoe ¶
¶ Now I've been good
so kiss me ¶
¶ You're my Christmas ¶
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