02x14 - Yes, Nicholas, There is a Santa Claus Pt. 2

[bunniefuu]

Aren't those ours?

Hello, Santa Claus.

Hello yourself,

laddy boy.

My name is Nicholas,

just like yours.

Ain't that nice?

- Hey, Mary.

- What?

I don't think Susan's home.

Her bed hasn't been slept in.

- All night, she's not home?

- I don't know.

- Come on.

- What? What?

Didn't you go together

in Alan's car?

Yes, we did.

Didn't they come

back with you?

- They went to midnight mass.

- Midnight mass?

That's what I thought

when she told me

but anybody

who goes to midnight mass

can't be all that bad.

He can be, if he's

going there to confess.

I'll just call her friends.

Maybe they decided to..

I don't know.

I think we should

staff the phone.

'If they wanted to call,

they'd have called us.'

(Mary)

'We've gotta do something.

Call the police?'

(Tom)

'Let's call the police.

We've gotta find her.'

I knew it!

I just knew it.

- What's the matter, Nicholas?

- It's my fault.

- You saw her?

- No, I saw him.

- Harold?

- No. Santa Claus.

That's why I took

all our stuff back.

Come on, I'll show you.

Oh my gosh.

[indistinct clamoring]

What's going on?

Santa Claus stole our presents,

and Susan's been kidnapped.

I think whoever took those...

[indistinct clamoring]

[theme music]

[music continues]

I've got it. Maybe if we

put on some holiday music?

No holiday music.

I mean, why didn't he

at least rip off the elms

along with everything else?

Why'd you let Susan

go out with Harold?

I mean, he's

a total stranger.

Harold's not a stranger.

He's Alan's cousin.

And they were not alone,

they were with us.

At first.

Did we call Alan?

Three times.

Is anyone gonna

eat these?

Uh-uh.

Is there any waffles left?

Here. I didn't touch mine.

I don't believe it.

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

Susan's here!

Susan! Oh, where had you been?

We were so worried about you.

- Watch it, watch it.

- Oh.

Susan, you've been driving

everybody crazy around here.

We just went up

to the snow.

Yeah. See, I brought

some home for ya.

Yeah.

We better tell dad,

you know.

Do you think he's going to be

disappointed that it's melted?

Harold!

Sure you don't want those?

No.

Hey, aren't you

worried or upset?

About what?

About Susan.

What's going on around here?

Well, the insurance

will pay off all the stuff

and Susan's either living it up

or sleeping it off.

So, why sweat it?

Because your sister is missing.

And because it's Christmas,

and because your brother

is upstairs,

feeling responsible.

- Are you finished?

- No, I'm not finished!

Uh, hey, what's the station

wagon doing on Folsom Street?

- Folsom Street?

- Yeah, at the end of town.

Yeah, we came down out of

the mountains, and there it was.

Oh, come on!

Well, now, wait a minute.

My family is expecting me.

Harold, we're going..

Get in!

Open up this door

back here.

Oh, Elizabeth, you stay home

and tell dad, okay?

No, I want to go!

Christmas is a renewal

of humanity.

The time we spent

thinking about Christmas

the time we spent

planning it.

And, yes, planning

the presents too.

It's all a way of reaffirming

our love for each other.

We honor the man who taught us

to love each other

by loving each other,

and the presents be damned.

(Elizabeth)

'We found the presents!'

- What? Where?

- We found the presents.

- Where?

- Inside the car.

Susan is back.

Thank god.

No, she left

with Joannie and Harold.

- Who's Harold?

- Her date.

Oh, yeah, midnight mass Harold.

- Where'd they go?

- To catch the thief.

What?

- What if they find him!

- Oh, my gosh.

Okay, exactly

where on Folsom?

The last lot before it starts

curving up the mountains.

Listen, Nicholas, you better

stay here with Abby.

But I'm the only one

that knows what he looks like.

That's right. Alright, Abby,

make sure you call the police.

- What'll I say to them?

- Think of something.

- I'll stay and help her.

- And keep her off the lawn.

Please be careful.

Come back safely, okay?

- Bye.

- Bye.

Look, I am not chicken.

I am just tired.

And not calling the police

is ridiculous.

[together]

Chicken.

Ohh.

I should have

trusted my instincts.

Never trust

a handsome man.

I didn't think

he was so handsome.

Sure he was.

You didn't see him. I did.

No, Nicholas, we're

talking about Harold.

Well, forget it.

I'll explain it later.

At the moment,

would you just hold tight

and pray for a red light?

- This is Folsom.

- I know.

'Lots of cars.'

There's a big yard

in front--

But there's

lots of yards.

Well, I know

it's right near here.

- 'Is this the right street?'

- 'Yes, it's the right street.

A big yard in front.

There it is. There it is.

Right there.

- See that big yard?

- I told you it was here.

- Let's go.

- Wait. What about the police?

All they have to do

is take notes.

I really think we should

send somebody for the police.

And you're

volunteering to go, hmm?

Well, if you insist.

Look, I-I'm not

a chicken, it's just..

Come on, let's go.

Harold, we're not going alone.

Now, get out.

Come on, Harold.

[car honking]

Hey! The cavalry!

Hey, Nicky, this might be

dangerous, you know.

Come on.

Uh, dad, I can

explain everything.

Yeah, we'll discuss

you later.

Right now, we have some

business to attend to.

'Sir, how we're

gonna handle this?'

Who's gonna go

in there first?

Why don't you just

call the police, Harold?

- That's a good idea.

- We already called them.

(Harold)

'Oh, uh, well, then..'

Oh, uh, in that case, I'll just

stay out here and stand guard.

That's a good idea, Harold.

- Stay right where you are!

- Yeah!

Well, now I wasn't

expecting company, I..

I'll just go

put the kettle on.

No, you won't.

What a nice surprise.

The trimmin' does seem

a little skimpy, don't it?

♪ It came up on

a midnight clear ♪

That is my favorite

Christmas carol.

If you're here

to carol, go ahead.

Carol.

Eh?

Don't you remember me?

Can't say I do, laddy boy.

What is your name?

Don't tell him, Nicholas.

Nicholas!

Oh, what a nice name.

Don't you remember?

I told you last night.

Where was that?

At our house,

while you were robbin' it.

[laughing]

'Oh, don't be ridiculous.'

I was here all last night,

trimmin' my little old tree.

If I could only find

some more comic strips

'I might be able

to decorate it here.'

Alright, kids, let's get

this stuff out of here.

What's going on here?

Now, hold it.

Just a doggone moment,

will you?

You can't come

into a man's castle

and steal his presents

just like this.

Yeah, you're absolutely right.

- This is my Christmas present.

- Keep that, keep that.

- I'm gonna call the cops.

- They're on their way now.

Oh, they are.

Well, how about some coffee?

A little tea, perhaps?

A Bourbon?

This is Christmas,

let's have some libation.

That's a present

for my best friend.

Now, if you promise

to leave peacefully

I will not report you

to the authority.

Don't worry,

we will leave peacefully.

As soon as we gather our stuff

and you're on your way to jail.

Why do you want

all of this stuff for anyway?

Oh, come on.

Let's just split it.

Fifty-fifty.

Sixty-forty?

Oh, dear. Ohh.

'Ohh..'

How come you didn't

swipe my presents?

What presents?

The pictures

that were all rolled up.

Were those your drawings?

Ha ha. They were

just beautiful, sonny boy.

Come here, let me

tell you something.

You know, that

those pictures that you made

were a worth

more than anything here

in this whole room.

- You know why?

- Why?

Because you made them.

Because presents

like that are worthwhile

the ones you can't

buy yourself

because they are

made with love.

Not money.

Comin' through.

I wish I had the ability

to make presents like that

for my grandchildren.

How many grandchildren

do you have?

Ten. Ten, yes.

But they don't live with me now.

They live way off

down San Diego way.

Oh, dear.

I just wish I could make

presents like that for them.

You see, I just don't

have any money, Nicholas.

And I can't make presents

like you can make for them.

I don't even have money

enough to buy stamps

to send them

the Christmas card.

You don't know

how awful it is

to live on social security

these days.

Prices just keep

goin' up and up.

Rent goin' up.

And that old social security

stays just the same.

Just don't get any bigger.

But your story sure does.

Hey, cheer up.

I could use some help.

Sure. What can I do?

Well, there's this,

uh, silver chalice

in far cabinet over there

on the top shelf.

It's an old Bradford family

tradition from what they say.

It's kind of

a funny story, you see.

Grandpa Bradford

won it in a poker game

'the Christmas that he was

engaged to grandma.'

'So she filled it up with wine'

and everybody would take

a sip from it.

Well, here's one of your

presents the burglar didn't get.

"To Tommy from mom.

Don't open till Christmas."

Did you forget about it?

Oh, wow.

No, I-I didn't forget.

I-I'm his step mother,

I'm not his mother.

Oh.

Well, Tommy's upstairs.

Why don't you give it to him?

No, I, um..

I think his father

will wanna do that.

No, no, no, no.

Oh, dad, we can't

take away his Christmas.

What are you talking about?

He took ours.

But he won't have anything

to take to his grandchildren.

No way to get there either.

I could take the bus.

You'll take

the police car.

If they ever get here.

Are we goin' to send

Sam to jail?

No, the police will.

Oh, dad, what about

your Christmas spirit, huh?

Mine? He's the one

who went around--

You can't let police

put this poor man in jail.

Give me one good reason why not.

That would be terrible.

I didn't ask you.

Elizabeth, come on.

He's a thief.

He is a poor old man,

with nothing.

Yeah, nothing.

Nothing.

Well, then he should apply

some place for help.

At Christmas?

But he stole our presents and

everything, you guys. Come on.

Okay, what if we,

we take all our stuff back

and then, just forget

all about it, huh?

Ohh.

Yeah, I mean, that way,

we get everything back

and Sam wouldn't

have to go to jail.

And-and we just pretend

it never happened.

I don't know.

I could borrow your car.

No, you can't.

Just a thought.

Come on, dad. Please!

I don't know. I think

we'll be making a big mistake.

Oh, no, you wouldn't.

It's exactly

the right thing to do.

I will help you

carry the presents.

Excuse me.

Oh! Yes, uh..

Is everything alright?

I-I was very worried.

- Harold.

- Yes.

Open the tailgate, Harold.

Yes, sir, right away.

And don't disappear.

I wanna ask you a few questions.

- Oh, well, sir, my-my family--

- Harold.

Yes, sir.

I don't think

he likes me.

That was a hot tip alright.

Looks like a crime ring.

Better call a back up. It looks

like there's about of them.

Alright, hold it

right there!

(cop #)

'Don't anyone move.'

Keep your hands

where we could see them.

Don't anyone move.

Who's movin'?

No, you don't understand.

Get your hands up.

No, but I'm the one

that called you, officer.

A woman called.

Yes, that's right.

That was my wife.

Then I came here,

and so did they.

Your g*ng?

Oh, no, no, no.

They're my children.

We found the stuff,

and we came to get it.

Us.

How did you find the stuff?

Because my daughter

was passing by

she saw the station wagon

right there. Tell them.

[indistinct clamoring]

Yes, we know

who took it.

He isn't here.

He's left.

No, he got away.

Give me a hand

here, young man.

What's this?

One of your children?

No, no.

But I can explain.

I hope.

Hey, what's everybody

just...standing around for?

Hey, Harry.

Doesn't that look like

the kid reported missing?

Yeah.

So what we have here..

...is kidnappers.

Ha ha.

It's evidence.

We have to hold it.

- Until when?

- The trial.

I'm sorry, Nancy.

Oh, boy, we can't

even have our presents.

Come on, Harold. Get up.

[Sam whimpering]

Oh, Sam.

I told you, we decided

not to book him, officer.

We do the booking,

you do the complaining.

- Who's complaining?

- We made an agreement.

He'd give us our stuff back,

and we wouldn't charge him.

That's a very nice thought,

but it's out of your hands now.

Grand theft, grand theft auto,

grand theft Christmas.

Foster.

Yes.

Grand theft Christmas?

What's with this report?

Why, it's just, uh,

havin' little fun.

Have fun on

your own time, okay?

- Who's married?

- I am.

We found this letter

on the old man.

We have to keep it as evidence,

but I don't know of any law

that says you can't read it.

- What is it?

- I don't know.

I made it, I made it!

Made what?

I made medical school!

Yes, Nicholas,

I agree with your daddy.

Santa Claus is mostly

just a spirit.

Yeah, well, I was hoping

he really was a Santa Claus.

I should hope that

there's considerable

of the old Nick in me.

Is that why you're gonna take

all those presents

to your grandchildren?

Yeah.

[chuckles]

Come on, old timer,

let's go.

Are you going

to put him behind bars?

Uh, yes, but

it's a very nice cell.

Yeah, but remember.

He has one phone call, you know.

He's gonna call his lawyer.

I should know,

I was in jail once before.

You were?

Sure. I burglared a cat.

I had to do some

pretty hard time.

No television for two hours.

'Can you believe that?'

'Oh, boy.'

Just play it cool,

so they won't slap

anymore charges on you.

Alright, Santa Claus.

Let's go.

(Joannie)

I thought you wanted

to celebrate Christmas.

Give me a break, will you?

You'll be eating

Christmas dinner

while poor old Sam's

in jail.

We're havin' turkey today.

- Turkey?

- Yeah. Pressed.

Hey, what do you think

this is, the Ritz?

Come on, let's go.

- Bye, Sam.

- Bye.

(Nicholas)

Merry Christmas.

(Nancy)

Dad, they're all wrong.

- Yeah.

- I think it's mean.

Aren't you forgetting someone?

Harold.

Harold.

Come on, Harold. Come on.

I hate that name.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[doorbell rings]

There's somebody

at the door.

Maybe they'll go away.

Oh, come on, you guys.

It's Christmas.

It is?

- Merry Christmas.

- Oh, hi.

Where is everybody?

Everyone's in

the living room.

- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

Is there, uh,

something wrong here?

We've been robbed.

- What?

- That's terrible.

It's been a rough

Christmas, Daisy.

Oh, it's been

a real gas, yes.

Yeah. Sam stole all

our presents and took our car.

Sam? Well, who's Sam?

Oh, some old man with

ten grandchildren in San Diego.

Oh.

[grunting]

You better stretch

before you try and sit up.

Huh?

I slept there last night.

I'm Noreen.

Oh, yeah. We kissed.

'The mistletoe, remember?'

So..

You can't get out

of this place either?

Nope. My parents are furious.

- Where are they?

- Monterey.

Oh, yeah?

It's a nice place, Monterey.

Yeah.

My parents went to visit

my grandparents up north.

I am supposed

to be with them.

You don't have any place

to spend Christmas?

Only here.

Yeah.

To tell you the truth

we spent most of Christmas

in the police station.

Not exactly your

traditional Christmas.

Yeah. No presents.

Well, we brought you

some presents.

I baked a fruit cake.

Nobody's hungry.

Be quiet, Nicholas. That was

very nice of you, Daisy.

Thank you.

Oh, and, uh, I brought you

a little something, Tom.

A present for me?

For Christmas?

Ohh..

Christmas present.

Oh, my goodness.

You know, ha ha..

Oh, yes.

This is, uh, it's..

Isn't that something?

It's my Christmas column.

- Perma Plaqued.

- Right..

I wanted to get

something original.

Yeah, well, that is,

it's original, alright.

I-I got you a present too.

- Oh.

- But..

Yeah, it's in jail with Sam.

Yeah. Here.

I have it right here.

Merry Christmas.

- What is it?

- Your present.

Number ?

'You know what it is.'

It's-it's a claimed check

for, uh, you know

for impounded evidence.

You can pick it up

anytime you want.

'As long as

it's after February th.'

Yeah, that's when

Sam goes to court.

Oh, well, thank you.

This certainly is original.

It's nothing. I wanted

to have it Perm Plaqued.

Ha ha.

Well, um..

Daisy, I think maybe

we should be getting on?

Oh, yes. We have

a few more stops to make.

- very, uh..

- Oh, uh.

And, um, thanks.

Merry..

Thanks for the cake.

Oh, humbug.

Think it's the same kind

as last year?

Alright, now, look.

We can just sit around here

and feel sorry for ourselves

for the rest of the day

or we can celebrate

with what we've got left.

What have we got left?

- Nicholas's presents.

- Oh, yeah.

Sam did say

they were the best ones.

I'm sure they are. So,

come on, let's open 'em.

Yeah, okay, I'll help you.

Alright. What

do we have here?

This is, uh, David's.

This is dad's.

That's, um, Abby's.

- Where's mine? I want mine.

- Okay.

Oh, these are

pretty good lightings.

King of the house. Yeah!

Alright, Abby,

it's your turn.

Okay, okay.

'Here goes.'

Oh, I love it.

Look at this, with

all these little babies.

(Abby)

'You're so talented.

That's great.'

Ohh, look.

Those are muscles.

Ha ha. Yeah, yeah.

Definitely.

I can't believe this.

Ouch.

- Oh, no.

- Oh, yes.

On the phone.

How appropriate.

'Ohh.'

'Geronimo!'

Oh-ho. Look.

Ah.

(Tom)

'Oh, that's nice.'

This last one's for Tommy.

Oh. By the way,

where is Tommy?

Tommy's in the kitchen

having his snack.

Yeah, but, we're

gonna have dinner soon.

Said he didn't

wanna eat dinner.

That he was going over

to Danny's.

Tom, wait. There's

something that, uh..

Listen.

I don't know what's

going on in your head.

But your owe

this family something.

There comes a time

when I don't ask, I tell.

This family has been

through the wringer.

But we're trying to hold on

to some part of Christmas

and right now

that consist of dinner.

So, we are, all of us

going to have

Christmas dinner together.

I have to eat

when I'm not hungry?

You look pretty hungry to me.

- When's dinner?

- In one hour.

I'll be in my room.

He used to come to me every time

something bothered him.

Why won't he tell me anymore?

Is it because he couldn't

get a date last night?

- I don't think so.

- Well, then what is it?

Well, I found this

is in the chalice.

I guess, um, Joan like to do

her Christmas shopping early.

Well, all year long, she would

keep her eyes open for him.

For a personal gift

that would make..

...each child's

Christmas special.

'And in other one year'

it was only two days

after Christmas

that she came home with this,

uh, silver antique compact

for Nancy.

And I said to her, "What are you

gonna do with that?"

And she said, "Just wrap it up

and forget about it

till Christmas."

Nancy still cherishes

that compact.

I guess

this year, all Joan

had time for was Tommy.

Must be a very special gift.

I thought you'd um..

I thought you'd

want to give it to him.

Considering the mood

that Tommy is in

I-I don't know

how he'd take it.

I wonder if she's

at Gary's house.

Elizabeth, why don't you

just let her have him

whoever the heck

she is anyway.

Where'd she go now?

On the phone again?

- Who is she?

- Noreen.

Last time I saw her,

she was huddled with him

on the screen porch.

- Who's him?

- Harold.

Harold, Harold..

Harold?

- They're gone.

- Seems like it.

Oh, where did you

think they went?

Maybe they eloped.

Uh, David, come on.

Harold and Noreen?

Why not? They should get

along pretty well together.

Come on, Susan.

Tell me the truth.

Did you really care

about Harold?

Yeah. I thought he was cute.

Honestly..

...a bit after lunch.

Uh, David,

what about Noreen?

- Honestly?

- Yeah.

She was a big headache.

[both laughing]

- Did you guys find them?

- Nope.

Where did they go?

- Think they ran away together.

- Two less for dinner, dad.

Good riddance.

Yeah, I just wish we had

our own ornament back.

Why don't we

make another one?

It wouldn't be the same.

Oh, Nicholas.

I knew this family

once in Pasadena

you know,

that was my hometown

and, uh, they didn't have

any money for Christmas

not even a Christmas tree.

There was a poor family

in Pasadena?

Hmm. They must

have been an exhibit.

Let Abby finish this story.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Anyway, so this family, see,

they weren't starving

to death or anything

but they shouldn't have

enough money for extras

'and they wanted to give

each other presents.'

Well, what'd they do?

They gave each other things

that they didn't have to buy.

- Like I did?

- Yeah.

- What kind of things?

- Let me see if I can remember.

- 'Um..'

- Don't.

What?

Don't remember. It might be

the same thing I'm thinking of.

Excuse me.

No peeking.

I'm not peeking.

Aren't you finished yet?

Masterpieces take time.

Hmm.

Cut it out.

'Look at that.'

- That's so pretty.

- Yeah.

Even better

than the original.

I think we've come up with

a new Bradford family tradition.

It's nice.

It's just not fair.

Oh, what's that, son?

Sam.

We don't have presents,

and he don't have presents.

But we're still havin' fun

and he's in jail.

- Come on, can't we..

- Please, dad.

Wait a minute.

Just as the police say

it's out of our hands.

We can't get him out.

We can bail him out.

We don't know if they'll

let him out on bail.

- Yes, they will.

- Yeah, it's only $.

[indistinct clamoring]

[mellow music]

And your addressing,

Mrs. Bradford.

Your dressing

is magnificute.

Thank you, Sam.

Thank you again.

I think somebody should

make Tommy come down here.

We can't force him

to come down.

We'll just send

a tray up to him.

Ready for another

helping, Nicholas?

I'm not very hungry.

I guess not

if you don't want thirds.

Yeah, well,

I was figuring.

Can we have desert after

we open the presents?

Ah-ha.

Now we know.

'You young whipper-stopper.'

[all talking]

"Whether I become a world

famous physician or a quack

"I hereby offer free,

excellent medical service

"to my entire family

and offspring thereof

for the rest

of their natural lives."

Aww.

My turn? Me, me, me.

"This coupon is redeemable

for free tutoring in all sports

from motocross to sky diving

to anyone who wants it."

I do, I do!

And Sam, um, even though

it doesn't say so

includes you too.

Oh, no, thanks.

My sportin' days are over.

I think I'll stick to

station wagon.

No.

Okay, it's my turn.

Okay, Joannie.

Have you been looking..

...for this?

My bikini! I have been

looking all over for this.

- She blamed me for this one.

- Yeah.

Well, that's my

Christmas present to everyone.

I'm returning everything

I ever borrowed.

[instrumental music]

Okay, now, you guys,

you all read your present.

Yeah, you too, Sam.

You all read it

off the card out loud.

Now, this is, um..

This is what

I would give you all..

...if I could.

Starting on my far right.

Okay, um..

"A month long honeymoon

in Europe with Tom."

Oh, I'd like that.

Now, here's mine.

"A month long honeymoon

in Europe with Abby.

Okay, you.

"A complete album

of Christmas music."

Thanks a lot.

They grow on you though.

Yessie.

Thank you, Joannie.

Thank you.

"Officer Foster

on a silver platter.?

Well, I have

a date with him tomorrow.

So, who knows!

Ah-ha. Very intelligent.

"A Greek God

not named Harold."

(Abby)

'Your turn.'

Mansion big enough

for all my grandchildren.

And Christmas all year long.

I love mine. My own telephone

with three separate lines

and a secretary.

- You need that.

- I know.

[telephone ringing]

That's probably

for Elizabeth.

Why don't you let your

secretary answer it for you?

That woman is never

around when I need her.

Hey, hey, listen to this.

To be the oldest kid

in the family for one whole day.

Good one.

Mine is..

"A Greek goddess

not named Noreen."

It's alright. She's

not your type anyway.

Well, there's

just um, Tommy's left.

- Should I read that?

- Yeah, you do it.

Well, a date with

Wendy Springer.

He'd like it.

Your turn, David.

To my family, I promise

never to being dead enough

so that I have

to move in on you.

But my door's always open if

you ever have to move in on me.

Aww, that's sweet.

- It's for you.

- Who is it?

Noreen.

That kiddo costs me money

even when she's not around.

Harold.

Noreen, where are you?

Monterey.

Well, how'd you get there?

Harold's got

his mother's car.

Harold.

Yeah, how's Harold?

They're in love.

Ohh.

Hey, that's

terrific, Noreen?

Really terrific.

Good luck.

Wait. Let me talk to Harold.

Hi.

Yeah. There's something

you oughta know.

She gets headaches.

You know, I..

I'm giving him my gift.

Oh, Sam, you don't

have to give us anything.

There's somethin' I'd like

to give to all of you.

Oh, you gave us yourself

for this, um, crazy Christmas.

That's enough.

I mean it. I really do.

The gift I want to give

to all of you

is just get out

of your lives.

Oh, we don't mean that.

Sam!

I'd give anything to be able

to go down San Diego way

to see my grandchildren.

Sam.

I wouldn't have to take 'em

any presents, you know.

But just hasn't

got the money..

Oh, daddy, please!

No..

Dad, please.

Alright, Nicholas, alright.

How much is the car fare

to San Diego?

Bus fare.

There's one born

every minute.

Daddy, thank you.

Merry Christmas, Nicholas,

and ho ho ho.

Merry Christmas, Sam.

Don't forget to show up in court

on th of the month.

And, David, don't you drive him

any further than the bus depot.

Oh, dad..

Hey, could you possibly stop

and buy me a six-pack?

Merry merry.

Ho ho ho!

♪ Jingle bells jingle bells.. ♪

[mellow music]

[telephone ringing]

I'll get it.

If that's what's

her name again, nobody's home.

Ha ha ha. Yeah.

Hello. Yeah,

hold on, just a minute.

Elizabeth, you sure could

use that secretary, you know.

I know.

Hello.

Hah. He did?

She did?

'They did?'

Hey, thanks

for lettin' me know. Goodbye.

- Did what?

- Well..

...Gary told her that

he liked me, and she got mad

and she left

with her mother.

Merry Christmas.

- Yeah, Merry Christmas.

- I win.

- Oh, no.

- Hey.

You're gettin'

too good for me.

- Hey, where is all the popcorn?

- Let's make some more.

No butter.

Uh, yeah, butter,

lot's of butter.

You can help me.

Why don't you get me some salt?

Okay.

Did you get this for Tommy?

No, um...it's um..

...it's from your mother.

[melancholic music]

[music continues]

Hey, Tommy, um,

everybody's downstairs

tryin' to make themselves

a Christmas, and uh..

Well, we need

all the help we can get.

Hey, you know, it's-it's been

a lousy holiday for all of us

but we, well, we can't stop

tryin' to make it work.

Hey, you know, we were

downstairs really miserable too

and, uh, well, we got

this terrific idea

and-and, and maybe

if you'd come downstairs..

Tommy, what's wrong?

Look, I'm not tryin'

to mother you or anything.

That's it, isn't it?

'That your mother's

not here for Christmas?'

Please get outta my room.

[music continues]

No one can

take her place, but..

...if there's

anything I can do..

You can get out.

[music continues]

(Tom)

'He wouldn't come out

of his room.'

'Not even for dinner.'

- After I demanded.

- Tom, he couldn't.

He just couldn't. I mean..

...don't you see, this-this

house was so full of Christmas

and everything, I mean,

in spite of the theft..

'Tommy just had

to block it all off.'

Wouldn't that make him

feel even worse?

See, I think

this is the reason

that he can't

deal with Christmas.

Obviously, it's because

Joan isn't here.

So maybe, maybe if we

could just have her here

even if it was

just for a moment or so.

Come on, Tommy, we

can give it a chance, okay?

It's gonna be okay.

C'mon, Tom.

Do you want us

to go with you?

I'm goin' to Danny's.

Tommy, wait.

This is for you.

Well, how come

Santa didn't steal it?

It was hidden away

in the kitchen.

That's clever.

Tommy..

...please, take it.

Read the card.

It's from mom.

Open it.

[melancholic music]

It's a book.

E. E. Cummings.

It was mom's favorite.

[music continues]

"My dearest Tommy.

"It is not unmanly

to be sensitive.

"Be happy that you are.

"It makes you

even more than a man.

"It makes you

a human being.

"Merry Christmas.

I love you."

[sobbing]

[instrumental music]

[theme music]