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Holiday for Hire (2024)

Christmas & New Years movies collection.

Moderators: Maskath3, sidolanters, GabrielAlejo2341

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Christmas & New Years movies collection.

Holiday for Hire (2024)

Post by bunniefuu »

[bright cheerful music]

[Katie] Ah! One more.

[people excitedly chattering]

[Katie] Good job.

Okay. I m not a primate.

Put your hand down.

[Dean] Hi!

We just hit a million total

like on our post for the year!

Hey, a million likes.

Look at that.

I knew the BurgerBus

tweets were good, but

I didn t expect them to go viral

And sales are up nineteen

percent for the year.

We really crushed

that one, didn't we?

You know, we make

a pretty good team.

- Hmm.

- What a great year.

You know, I've got a

place with actual windows.

Windows are good.

- A million total likes.

- Wow.

And, of course...

[bright cheerful music]

[clears throat]

I met you.

Oh, yeah.

Right.

You know, we should

probably get going to the...

Oh, wait, wait,

wait. That s my mom.

- [phone vibrates]

- Hold on. Don t go nowhere.

Hey, Sweets.

Hey, Mom.

Guess who hit a

million total likes?

Good for you.

I knew that BurgerBus

talking hamburger was a winner.

What's going on over there?

Oh, your Dad is finishing

up the Christmas lights,

and I'm baking up a storm.

I hope Dean likes gingerbread.

Uh, speaking of.

[whispers indistinctly]

Still camera shy?

Um, doesn't matter.

You'll see him in

person tomorrow anyways.

It's been a long time

since you brought

someone home to meet us.

Well, it's been a long time

since I've had somebody

worth bringing.

I got him his own stocking.

I just finished sewing it.

Thanks, Mom.

You know, I really think

this could be the one.

[squeals excitedly]

Oh, both my girls with

beaus for the holidays.

It's gonna be the

perfect Christmas.

Speaking of, how is Julia?

[Mary] Oh, you know her.

She's buzzing around

putting up

decorations in between

snuggling up with Richard.

[Mary] They're like

newlyweds still those two.

- [bright cheerful music]

- [timer beeps]

Oh! My cookies.

I gotta run. [lips smack]

I'll see you

tomorrow, sweetheart.

All right, bye.

[bright cheerful

music continues]

So I don't think we should

stay too long tonight.

[Katie] I want to

get home and pack.

Yeah, about that.

Everyone is so

excited to meet you.

Well, I think we

should talk about...

Mom is baking up a storm.

I hope you like gingerbread.

Who doesn't like gingerbread?

And of course, I can't

forget my perfect sister

Julia, who has

been home all week

helping her get ready.

[bright cheerful

music continues]

Sorry.

I know I m talking a lot.

I'm just really excited

to finally not be

the only single person

at Christmas this year.

So, when do you want

to hit the road?

Katie, I'm not gonna

be able to make it.

[laughs]

By "it" you mean...

I mean I can t come

to Christmas at your

parents house.

Why not?

Because I'm transferring

to San Francisco!

You're what?

When did this happen?

I've been talking about

it for a couple of weeks,

but just got finalized today.

[Dean] Start in January.

Okay, well, if it's in January,

we can still spend

Christmas with my parents.

We can even come

back the day after.

I can help you

pack, find a place.

Actually, I think

we should break up.

What?

[Dean grunts]

I don't want to do the

long distance thing.

Tried it before, it

just doesn t work.

Or maybe I could

get transferred too?

There s only one position open.

[gentle music]

And you took it.

Without even talking to me.

I thought we were

supposed to be partners.

We were...

Very successful partners.

And that means now we

have new opportunities.

This ll be great.

For both of us.

You'll see.

[gentle music continues]

[Katie] This was supposed

to be my first Christmas

not being the single sister.

You know Julia and Richard

are in their mid-twenties,

and their fourth wedding

anniversary is coming up?

I feel so single just

hearing all this.

I don't know what to do.

He's supposed to meet my

whole family tomorrow.

[Katie sniffles]

I can't show up

single and alone

again for Christmas.

They're your family.

They're not gonna

care about that.

Yeah, you haven't met Julia.

She's been competitive with

me since she could talk.

I mean, always a

few years ahead in

school, and dating,

and getting married.

I thought you were

the older sister?

I am.

- Oh.

- Sorry.

But, you didn t hear

how excited my Mom was.

[Katie] She said

it's a mother's dream

that both of her

kids have someone.

This is gonna crush her.

Don't worry about your

mother's feelings.

Worry about your own.

[Sarah] You have to

take care of yourself.

I am worried about

my own feelings.

I'm worried about

how I'm going to feel

when I show up without

a Dean. [sniffles]

[Sarah sighs]

Breathe.

[both inhale and exhale]

It's gonna be all right.

So what? You show up alone?

It's Christmas.

It's gonna be fun.

Forget about him.

I can t, my Mom sewed him

his own freaking stocking.

There's going to be a

Dean stocking and no Dean.

[both laughing]

[Katie sighs]

How could he do this to me?

[gentle music]

Have your parents or

anyone in your family

ever seen a picture

of Dean before?

[gentle music continues]

You know I think

posting your boyfriend

all over social media is cringe.

What, are you going

to dress up as Dean

and come home with

me for Christmas?

- [curious music]

- [both laughing]

No, not me.

[curious music continues]

[keyboard clicking]

[Katie] Work now dot com?

What is that?

It's this freelance website.

Sometimes I use

it for extra cash.

People post odd jobs

and you submit to them.

And so I literally just post,

"Seeking a man to

pretend to be my boyfriend

and come home with

me for Christmas

so I don't look like a

complete and total loser."

- Yes.

- No.

[curious music continues]

Wait, you're serious?

I see posts like

that all the time!

Okay, not all the

time, but still.

[keyboard clicking]

Urgently seeking fake

boyfriend for family holiday.

[sighs] After...

pathetically and unceremoniously

being dumped right

before Christmas.

- [curious music continues]

- [keyboard clicking]

You, Katie, thirties,

social media exec,

karaoke fiend.

Is that important?

- It doesn't hurt.

- [keyboard clicking]

Okay. Him.

Him. Thirties, handsome...

- Mmm.

- [Katie chuckles]

and available tomorrow night

to drive to the countryside

and spend three days

with me and my family.

- [keyboard clicking]

- [curious music continues]

Perfect.

Now we add a link to your

socials and a picture

so people know you're real

and not a total weirdo.

Submit ASAP.

We ll conduct interviews

first thing tomorrow.

Anything else?

Did I mention that

I am heartbroken

and will be in tears

the whole way home?

I think that's implied.

Then no. That s everything.

[curious music continues]

Thanks for cheering me up.

I ma my head to bed.

Good idea. Big day tomorrow.

- Good night.

- Good night.

[keyboard clicking]

[ringtone plays]

[ringtone plays]

Hello?

Who's this?

[inaudible chattering]

Dean? Um.

Where are you calling from?

It doesn't even matter. I

m so glad that you called.

[man] So I got the job?

You mean your promotion?

[man] Promotion? I haven

t even started yet.

Who is this?

[man] I can be your Dean!

Oh, no. No, no, no.

Sarah.

Why did I just get a call

from someone

claiming to be Dean?

What?

That doesn't make any sense.

I specifically said

no calls in the post.

You posted it?

[bright cheerful

music continues]

And the response has

been amazing! Look.

What are you thinking?

This was as a joke.

What? Katie, you

help me write it.

Look what I said. I

said I'm pathetic.

Well, technically, you

call getting dumped right

before Christmas pathetic,

and it kind of is.

[bright cheerful

music continues]

- Sarah - Okay.

Okay. I'm sorry.

Clearly, we had a

little miscommunication.

[Katie] Little?

But look, I've already started

sorting through top contenders.

[bright cheerful

music continues]

Sarah.

Aren t you just a

little bit curious?

Look, you don t have to

leave until this afternoon,

and a bunch of these guys

are excited to meet you.

What can it hurt just

to do some interviews?

No, no, absolutely not.

No, no.

You sure, about doing this?

I mean, we still have

time to dip, so...

- let's just.

- [phone vibrates]

How about we just get started?

- [phone thuds]

- [upbeat music]

- [Harry] Katie?

- How's it going?

You don't look anything

like your photos.

- It's very nice to...

- Oh, sorry.

The holiday seasons

are primed for germs.

[upbeat music continues]

Sick job posting.

Oh. Oh, I feel like

I know you already.

Have a seat.

Okay.

[upbeat music continues]

So, um, what made you

apply to the post?

My girlfriend just

dumped me, too.

A few years ago.

Well, I m like in

between jobs right now.

And houses.

So, I kind of just,

like, need a place to crash

for the next few days.

I, I really love Christmas a lot

And people, of course, and,

people at Christmas and,

you know, Christmas music.

We get that,

right? [both laugh]

Do we have to leave tonight?

I'm still looking for

someone to watch my iguana.

[upbeat music continues]

Can you tell me,

is your parents

bedding hypoallergenic?

Your parents cool if like, a

couple people come through?

Christmas candles and,

Christmas trees and,

Christmas movies, of course.

I m allergic to most mattresses.

Also dogs, cats.

I do get carsick, so

I will have to ride

in the back.

Penicillin and shellfish.

Moms love me.

You know, the whole,

whole thing for...

Jolly old Saint Nick, you know.

Gluten, most gluten substitutes.

Dads, too.

Do they?

[upbeat music continues]

Pineapple, and dust.

Thank you so much.

We'll be in touch.

- [fingers snap]

- [table thuds]

I think we can consider

that a complete and total

humiliating bust.

Hey, we tried.

I don't know what

I was thinking.

There's no way I'm

going to be able

to find the perfect guy

right before Christmas.

[papers thud]

[gentle music]

Are you Katie?

I'm Josh.

I'm here for the interview.

Sorry I'm late.

Late?

Uh. Please have a seat.

Thanks.

[Josh] Hey.

- Hi.

- [Katie] Hi.

I'm Sarah.

I'm helping Katie

weed out the psychos.

Mmm. Oh, good.

Gotcha.

You're not a psycho, are you?

Um. Not that I know

of. [all laugh]

- [Josh inhales]

- [Katie clears throat]

So, uh, what made you

apply to my job post?

Honestly?

- [Katie] Yeah.

- [Josh chuckles]

I don't want this to

come off as, like,

a whole sob story, but I

don't really have any family.

Um, usually Christmas

is just me and my mom.

But she passed away this year.

I'm sorry to hear that.

[Josh] Thanks.

She really loved Christmas,

and we had all

these fun traditions

the two of us would do together.

[Josh] So, I don't know.

I guess I just

didn't want to be

alone this year.

I was browsing work now dot com

last night, and I saw your posts

and I thought it

sounded kind of fun,

pretending to be someone

else for a few days.

I thought I d at

least check it out.

Make sure you're not

a psycho. [all laugh]

Oh! [all laugh]

[Josh] Okay. Um. Yeah, so.

So what else do you

need to know about me?

[inhales] Oh, right. Um.

[papers shuffling] Um, this.

Social media.

My ex and I, Dean,

work together at a

social media company.

Are you familiar

with social media?

Just in case my family

asks. [Josh chuckles]

Okay, you can't

tell anybody this.

I'm a carpenter by trade,

but I run an account

for an anthropomorphic

football during football season.

- [bright cheerful music]

- Fredrick Football?

- You know it?

- [Katie] Know it?

I had a whole

conversation with it

as a talking hamburger.

Wait, are you Bus Burger?

Guilty as charged. [Josh laughs]

My ex and I are. Well, were.

Wow that, that s

a great account.

You're very funny.

So are you. [Josh laughs]

[Sarah clears throat]

How are you at charades?

Charades? Uh.

I guess I'm okay.

Why? Is that important?

Deadly important.

My family and I play

Christmas charades every year.

And it can get a

little bit cutthroat.

- Cutthroat charades?

- [Katie] Mhmm.

I guess I might need to

brush up a bit then. [laughs]

Can I ask you a few questions?

Sure.

[Josh] I'm just curious.

Why do you need someone

to pose as your ex

to your family?

[gentle music continues]

My ex broke up

with me yesterday,

and I already told

my entire family

that I was bringing

him home for Christmas.

Right, I saw that in your post.

But wouldn't the normal thing

be to just tell your family

that you broke up?

It would.

Um, but I just can't

face telling them that.

[Katie] I've been

the single sister

my entire life.

My younger sister, she s

been married for years now

and I've never

even brought a boyfriend

home for Christmas.

Ah. I see.

[lips smack] That's

quite the pressure.

Yeah. So, I just need to

get through the holidays.

One Christmas not being the sad

single sibling.

And after that?

Dean and I will have a

seasonally appropriate

break up mid-January.

You think I'm crazy, don't you?

Mmm. [chuckles]

But, hey, so am I.

I'm the weirdo who

responded to your post

and has no plans on Christmas.

Well, I guess we're both

a little psycho after all.

[all chuckling]

So, how fast can you pack?

You're picking me

to be your Dean?

Wow. I've never been picked

to be anybody's Dean before.

Uh, I can be ready in an hour.

I'll pick you up at two?

Perfect.

I'll text you my address,

and um, I can brief you in

the car on the way there.

We have a couple of

hours ahead of us.

Not including holiday

traffic, so. Yeah.

Looking forward to it.

[Josh laughs] Bye.

[bright cheerful music]

Oh, goodness.

Oh, sh**t. Only

have a hour to pack.

- Oh.

- You gonna come help?

[both chuckle]

[bright cheerful

music continues]

[Katie] He's kind of perfect.

Maybe even better

than the real Dean.

I think it's too soon

to say that, but so far,

he hasn't taken a promotion

across the country

and dumped me right

before Christmas, so.

You've got to give it to me.

My whole work now plan

was pretty genius.

Or you got lucky.

If Josh don't show up.

But he did.

I kind of feel bad

for him though.

First Christmas without his mom.

Well, if you have

to spend Christmas

without your mom,

there's no Christmas

like an Andrew's

family Christmas.

Well, you know, you

re always welcome

to come home with me.

I had a great time last year,

but I think you ve got

your hands full right now.

Okay.

You sure you're gonna be

okay here all by yourself?

Um, a week off with the place

to myself and a DVR

full of reality shows?

I'll manage.

- Aw.

- [bag zips]

- [both laughing]

- [bag zips]

- [Katie] All right.

- [bag thuds]

[bright cheerful

music continues]

- [Josh] Hey, there. [laughs]

- Hey.

[Josh] Let me get that for you.

Thank you.

- [bag drags]

- [Josh] Woo!

[both laughing]

Ready to go?

- Let's do this.

- Let s.

[upbeat music]

[Josh] So your sister is Julia.

She's married to her high school

sweetheart, Richard.

Your parents are Mr. And

Mrs. Andrews to start.

Your mom will probably say,

"That's silly. Call me Mary.

But your Dad may just

stick with Mr. Andrews.

Yes, but just in case,

his name is Anthony.

Sorry for the rehearsal.

I just want to make sure

that you're prepped.

It would be kind of weird if

my boyfriend of six months

didn't know anything

about my family.

- [upbeat music continues]

- So, what about us?

We met at the office.

Our first date was

a Red Sox game.

You had too many hot

dogs and got sick.

I don't think we have

to share that part.

[both laughing] But

other than that,

you're a pretty convincing Dean.

You've got nothing

to worry about.

Mmm, you haven't

met my family yet.

My sister's going to give

you the third degree.

- Your sister, Julie?

- [Katie] No, Julia.

You knew that. [both laughing]

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Ooh, this is a good

one. [Katie chuckles]

[upbeat music continues]

[Katie] It's that

one right there.

[Josh] Okay.

[upbeat music continues]

[Mary gasps] Hello! Hello!

- [Anthony] Oh, hi baby.

- [Katie] Hey Dad.

- [Anthony] Hey!

- Call me Mary!

So nice to meet

you. [all laughing]

- [Katie] Mom!

- [Mary] Oh, Katie baby!

- I missed you so much!

- I missed you, too.

Nice to finally meet

you, Dean. [laughs]

Katie told us

everything about you.

Well, not everything

about me I m sure.

[all laughing]

Come on in. Dinner will

be ready in 15 minutes.

- [Anthony] Yeah.

- [Mary] Come on.

Hey, you guys made

great time. [laughs]

- You okay with that?

- I m all set, thank you.

[Anthony] All right.

[Anthony] Come on

young man, right here.

- [Mary] Come on!

- [Josh] Okay.

[Anthony] All right.

- [Josh] Thank you, sir.

- [Anthony] Absolutely,

- absolutely.

- Woo! It s cold.

Let me get that

coat. Stay a while.

- Thank you.

- Put that scarf there.

- There we go.

- There we go, yes.

- Thank you.

- Oh, of course.

Wow! Your house looks

straight out of a

Christmas movie.

Oh, thank you.

Mom goes all out.

It's her favorite time of year.

[Anthony] It s all of our

favorite time of the year.

Except for the electric bills.

- [all laughing]

- Oh, stop it, you old Scrooge.

Ma! [all laughing]

Katie why don t you

take Dean to his room,

you get settled and then

come see Julia and Richard.

- [Katie] Sounds good.

- All right.

He's cuter than you

said. [all chuckling]

So, you get to crash

in my old room.

You don't wanna sleep here?

No, I'll take the

guest room upstairs.

It's, right next

door to my parents,

and my dad snores like

a freight train, so.

Man. You were really

into Boy Bands, huh?

[Katie] Yeah, they

were cool back then.

Was the color pink pretty

cool back then, too?

Are you done?

Actually, I think I m

just getting started.

[both laughing]

Who's this?

- That's me with Julia.

- [Josh] Aw.

Ooh, and what's this?

- Oh, careful that s...

- Oh. I am so sorry.

It s okay, it s

completely broken.

[Katie] It has been

since I was a kid.

It was a gift from

my grandmother,

and I just can't bear

to get rid of it.

Mmm. [sighs]

Yep. I can see it.

This is 100% you.

Yeah, I don t know

why my parents haven t

updated it yet.

[Katie] By the way, I hope

they're not being too much.

What? No, of course not.

They're great.

- Really?

- Yeah.

And the decorations

are out of this world.

[Josh] Honestly,

I'm so excited to be here.

Oh, I just realized

I didn't have time

to buy anyone gifts.

Don't worry about it.

I got it covered.

[bag ruffles]

A photography coffee

table book for Julia

- and Richard.

- [Josh] Hmm.

- [bag ruffles]

- [Katie] Ah.

[Katie] A Christmas

cookie cookbook for Mom.

- Wow.

- [Katie] And...

- a bottle of whiskey for Dad.

- [Josh laughs]

Expensive enough

that you don't look

cheap, but cheap enough

that you don't look

like a show off.

Wow. You really

thought of everything.

But what about your gift?

We ll just say that

you gave it to me

before we came.

Hmm. [chuckles]

[Mary] Katie, Dean. You

two ready for dinner?

Ready for this, Dean?

Dean was born

ready. [chuckles]

[footsteps clomping]

See what this Dean is all about.

Merry Christmas!

[Julia] Merry Christmas!

- Hi.

- Merry Christmas, Richard.

This is J...

Dean, just Dean. [laughs]

Dean, meet Julia and Richard.

- So nice to meet you both.

- [Richard laughing]

It's nice to meet you

too, Katie s been talking

nonstop about her

big city boyfriend.

You know, I was

starting to wonder

if you were even

real. [all laughing]

Well at least for the

next few days, I am.

- [all laughing]

- So, you and Katie

work together, Dean?

- Yeah, we sure do.

- [Julia] How is that?

Oh, well, Katie's amazing.

Not that I'm telling you

anything you don't

already know. [laughs]

So you two met at work?

Yes, we did.

And our first date

was a Red Sox game.

Though I'm not supposed to

tell you about the hot dogs.

- Oh, no.

- [all laughing]

- [Mary] Dinner's ready.

- [all clamoring]

[Anthony] Hope

you re all hungry!

[gentle music]

So I walk into the

conference room,

and there she is.

The most beautiful

girl I d ever seen.

[Josh] I walk up

to her, and I ask,

"Is this where the

10:30 meeting is?"

And she says...

do you remember this?

It's a little hazy,

actually. [both laughing]

She says, "Yes.

The 10:30 meeting

was in here...

at 10:30."

I had forgotten to change

my watch, so I missed it.

[all laughing]

[Josh] But Katie was so great.

She took me back to her office

and helped me get up to speed.

[Julia] Wait, office?

Katie, you didn t tell us

you have an office now.

Uh, I did, um...

it was when they were fumigating

the workspace. [chuckles]

- We had those pests.

- Mmm.

Pests?

- Pests.

- Yeah. [laughs]

I think you guys are just

perfect for each other.

Dean, did you know right away?

Oh, definitely.

It s amazing how time

flies when you're in love.

I know it s been

six months, but...

doesn t it sometimes feel

like just hours, Katie?

[stutters]

We can just go ahead and

start clearing the plates.

Do you want to give me a hand?

You might want to watch

the embellishment there.

Sorry.

I was just getting

into it. [laughs]

Why? How did you and

the real Dean meet?

He couldn't connect to the WiFi,

so I gave him the password.

Okay, my version is

way more romantic.

Okay, I'll grant you that.

But you still need

to be careful.

Careful about what?

- The using too much...

- Black ice

Using too much

salt on black ice.

You know, it only

takes a little bit

- to melt it.

- Right.

Well you can never

be too cautious.

Why don't you two

put on your pajamas?

We'll play charades in a minute.

- Okay.

- Dean.

[Mary] Do you know

how to play charades?

Absolutely. I love charades.

Okay, good. [chuckles]

That may have been

a bit of a fib.

I don't think I've

played since I was, what,

ten years old?

Movie, TV show, book, song?

Okay, I've already

memorized your whole

family and your dating history,

and now I have to

learn this, too?

[Josh] It's been a while,

but I'm sure I'll

get the hang of it.

- Mhmm.

- It s just charades, right?

[Anthony] Humpty Dumpty?

- [Josh grunts]

- Shark?

Uh, bear? [stutters]

- [Anthony] Barrel of monkeys?

- [Richard] Sharks?

- [Josh grunts]

- [Anthony] E.T.?

- [Richard] Shark?

- Eiffel Tower?

- [Julia] Time!

- [Anthony] Oh, crap!

- What was it?

- Elf.

- You call that an elf?

- [all clamoring]

Hey, it s not Dean s

fault. You guys can t guess

to save your life.

- [Anthony laughing]

- [all sigh]

This is really intense.

We like to think of

charades as a contact sport.

Katie, you're up.

- [Katie] All right.

- [Julia] Here we go.

- [Katie] Okay.

- [bright cheerful music]

[Mary] Ready?

- [Mary] Go!

- [table thuds]

[Julia] Movie. Three words.

- A Christmas Story.

- Yes! Yeah!

- Uh.

- [table thuds]

[Julia] Song. Three words.

O Christmas Tree.

Keep it going.

[bright cheerful

music continues]

- [Julia] Animal. Reindeer.

- [Katie squeals]

- Okay. Uh.

- [table thuds]

Movie. Four words.

[Julia] It s A Wonderful Life.

[people cheering]

- Wow.

- Conspiracy.

[all laughing]

- And that s how it s done.

- Really?

Don t worry. I have a lot

more practice than you do.

[bright cheerful

music continues]

Great game of charades

out there, sis.

Don't get in the way

of the Andrews women.

[gentle music]

So, Dean seems great.

Not at charades but, generally.

He is.

It's nice to finally

see you with someone.

Well, not everyone can

find the love of their life

in high school.

[gentle music continues]

Did I tell you that Richard

got another promotion?

He s the youngest manager

at his company now.

Well, Dean got promoted,

too. He s moving to Sa...

Sandwiches.

No more burgers.

That's a promotion?

Yeah, you know,

more prestigious.

Let me get these

cookies in there.

[footsteps clomping]

[Anthony] Then like, he

s looking at me side eyed

[stutters] so I'm getting

a little bit nervous,

but I think if I get

in with a Mom here,

you know, Mom's,

cause I got some roses for,

you know, women like roses.

- [Josh] Of course.

- Cookie delivery.

Hey, you interrupt

my story there.

[Anthony] I was getting

to the good part.

[all laughing]

So, Dean.

Katie tells me

congratulations are in order.

They are?

[Julia] Your promotion?

Yup. Uh, Dean will be

covering sandwiches now.

- Oh.

- No more burgers.

- [Josh] That's right.

- That s a promotion?

It is. A really big one.

Yeah, I, I just wish

I didn't have to move.

Move?

Yeah, he has to move up a floor.

I thought you already

worked on the top floor?

[Josh] Yes, just

moving up the floor.

Down the hall, closer to Katie.

Oh, isn't that

nice? [all chuckle]

See I would think burgers

and sandwiches are kind

of the same thing?

You know, a lot of

people think that,

but there are actually

some key differences

from a social media standpoint.

Really? Like what?

Oh, you know. Shape. Toppings.

I'm sure Dean doesn't

want to talk about work

all night.

Let's talk about something else.

Well, tell us about

your family, Dean.

[Katie] Not that. Uh.

Dean is just, he's so sad.

This is his first

Christmas without,

his mother Harriet.

Dad, Eugene.

Sisters Andrea and Carrie,

and older brother Oliver.

Yes. It's my first

Christmas away from... them.

But I'm very happy to be here.

And we're really happy

you're here, Dean.

- So promotion...

- So what about another round

- of charades!

- Yeah, woo!

[all laughing]

Let s do it! [chuckles]

[gentle music]

[Katie] Thankfully, you're

a little bit better at

coming up with stories

on the fly than you

are playing charades.

That was something else.

She was really competitive.

She reminds me of you a little.

Really?

Yeah.

You both have a certain...

intensity.

Never noticed that.

[gentle music continues]

This is my roommate. Do

you mind if I take it?

- No, of course not.

- Alright.

[Katie] Girl.

Hey, how's it going?

[Katie] They love him so much.

It's insane.

Honestly, I think they might

even like him more than

they would have liked

the real Dean.

[bright cheerful music]

Hey Dean.

Hey, there.

I was just,

taking in all these decorations.

I just came to say

good night and tell you

how glad I am that you're here.

You make Katie really happy,

and that makes me

really happy. [laughs]

Thank you.

I'm very happy,

too. [chuckles]

I love being here.

We're glad you're here.

Shut up.

That's amazing.

Is it awkward all

being there with him?

Surprisingly, no.

He's a really nice guy.

I'm actually having

a lot of fun.

Fun?

How much fun?

I don't know. An

appropriate amount of fun?

Stop!

What if you two start dating?

Mmm, I don't think I can afford

the long term version of this.

Anyways, I m not ready

for another relationship.

You never know.

Um. Hey, I'll keep you posted.

- I got to go.

- You better!

Bye.

[bright cheerful

music continues]

[both laughing]

[Katie] What's so funny?

We were just talking about Dad s

"A Christmas Carol" charade.

I, I still don't know

how Dean guessed it.

I think it was

his Tiny Tim impression

where it finally clicked.

- [both laughing]

- Look at that.

Anyway, I just came

to say good night.

You two have

everything you need?

- Think so.

- Think so.

If you get cold,

there's extra blankets

- in the hall closet.

- Mom, I think we're fine.

Thanks.

Good night, you two.

- [Katie] Good night.

- [Josh] Good night.

[bright cheerful

music continues]

Everything okay

with your roommate?

Yeah, she just wanted to check

and see how things are going.

What d you tell her?

I said it's going perfectly.

I still can't believe

all these decorations.

It's epic in here.

Well get ready.

- Ready for what?

- For Christmas Eve.

That is when the

Andrews family Christmas

- really begins.

- Ooh.

I can't wait.

Really?

[Josh] I mean it.

I'm having a great

time here. [chuckles]

Seriously?

Yeah.

It's the best Christmas I've

had since my mom passed.

- [Katie] Sorry, Josh.

- [Josh] Oh, it s okay.

Honestly, this is a pretty

amazing distraction.

And she would have

loved all of this.

[Josh] Though we did

have one ironclad rule,

only homemade gifts.

- [Katie] Really?

- Mhmm.

We never had a lot

of money growing up,

and she would always say that

giving someone a handmade gift

was a chance to give them

a little piece of yourself.

That's really lovely.

So is she.

I really like your family.

You're really lucky.

I am.

[bright cheerful music]

[bright cheerful

music continues]

[footsteps clomping]

[bright cheerful

music continues]

[all laughing]

I still like me. You

do it! [all laughing]

Good morning.

Good morning sleepy head!

[Anthony] Morning.

We thought we d let

you sleep in a bit.

Thank you.

Want some breakfast, sweetie?

Uh, I m good with just coffee.

Most important meal of the day.

Your parents were

just telling me

all about you in kindergarten.

Not the paste story I

hope. [all laughing]

Oh sorry, Kate.

It s a classic.

[all laughing]

More eggs, Dean?

Oh, I don't know. I m so full.

You're going to need the

protein for football.

Football?

Yeah, we do

our annual Christmas

game after breakfast.

- Oh.

- Yeah, so you don t

want to eat too much.

You're playing, too?

[Katie] Every year.

Mom and I just sit on the deck

and drink hot chocolate.

Spiked hot chocolate.

[all chuckling]

[Josh] Ugh.

Two, forty-two, hike,

hike, hike. Hike!

[all clamoring]

- [all cheering]

- [bright cheerful music]

[all clamoring]

[Anthony] All right, here

we go, all right, all right.

Here we go.

Right. Here we go. Here we go.

All right!

Hickory, dickory, dock!

The mouse ran out

the clock and hike!

[all clamoring]

- Ow! Ow, ow, ow.

- Dad? Dad, Dad, are you okay?

- [all cheering]

- [Katie] Really?

- [Julia] Score! You did it!

- [all cheering]

[all clamoring]

[bright cheerful

music continues]

All right. Final score.

- Dean and Katie. 35.

- [all clamoring]

Dad and Richard. Six.

[all clamoring]

[Dean] Good game.

Good game, sir.

- [Dean] Oh!

- [Anthony] Sorry!

[Mary] All right, come on,

let s have hot chocolate.

[Mary] All right

let s get inside.

Richard, that was a

pretty impressive play you

came up with out there.

I have a little experience

of finding workarounds

for being terrible at

sports. [all laughing]

- [all laughing]

- Aw!

And Dad, your acting skills

really improved since

last night s charades.

[Anthony] Yeah, I was

really good, wasn t I?

- [all laughing]

- Broadway s calling!

Oh, honey.

You can't even remember

what you had for breakfast.

How re you going to

remember all those lines?

[all laughing]

[gentle piano music]

Sneaking away from the

madness for a minute?

- [Josh sighs]

- [Anthony chuckles]

Don't worry, I do it, too.

I was just admiring

your family photos.

This is Julia's first Christmas.

[Anthony] Ah, Katie was so

excited to be a big sister.

She started making

presents for Julia

before she was even born.

I think that s

supposed to be a boat.

Made out of an egg carton.

Well, Katie s not

much of an engineer.

What's this?

That is Katie's

first ballet recital.

She sprained her ankle

the night before,

but insisted on going on.

- [sighs] She's tough, Katie.

- [gentle music]

One of a kind.

Yeah, I think I'm

beginning to see that.

I hoped you might.

[gentle music continues]

You re good for her, I think.

You do?

Usually at Christmas,

she's so...

stressed...

worrying about making

sure everything's perfect.

I hadn't seen her this

happy and relaxed...

since...

[gentle music continues]

well.

We re happy you re here, Dean.

Thank you.

I'm happy to be here.

Actually,

I was wondering if I

might ask you a favor?

Dean and your dad seem

to be getting along.

Another day or two

he ll be asking him

to call him Anthony.

What? I don t even

call him Anthony.

- Oh.

- [Mary laughing]

Speaking of Dean and Dad, um.

Where are they?

Uh, in the garage.

Your Dad said they

had a project.

Maybe I should go see

if they need a hand?

[Julia] I'm sure

they're fine, Katie.

What, are you scared Dean s

gonna spill all your secrets?

[all laughing]

It's a good sign they re

spending time together.

I still remember that

first Christmas with

your dad's family.

Oh, I was so nervous.

Why? Dad's family loves you.

They may now,

but that first

Christmas was rough.

I was so anxious

to make a good

impression, I couldn't

even be myself.

I forgot all my Christmas gifts.

I sang off key in

the Christmas carols,

and I broke one

of Grandma Trudy s

antique Christmas ornaments.

[all laughing]

What d she do?

She sat down with me with

a bottle of super glue,

and the pieces of the ornament

and told me something

I have never forgotten.

"Mary" she said,

"in this house,

we don't throw things out

just because they're broken.

Every crack is just a piece

of the story of

something we love."

- Hmm.

- That's beautiful.

I was finally able to relax.

I, I realized things don't

have to be perfect

to be beautiful.

And if I was a little imperfect,

it didn't mean I didn't belong.

Still burnt the

dinner rolls, though.

[all laughing]

[trash bag crumpling]

[footsteps clomping]

[trash bag thuds]

[Katie] What are

you doing in there?

Just helping your

dad or something.

[Josh] Come on. It's

freezing out here.

[bright cheerful music]

[Josh] Thank you

for dinner, Mary.

I can't remember the

last time I had food

- this good.

- Nonsense.

I'm sure Katie cooks

for you all the time.

Well, I wouldn't

say all the time.

So what now?

Oh, how about dessert circle?

- Oh, yeah.

- What's dessert circle?

Oh, it's this little tradition

we picked up from

Richard's family.

Everybody goes around

and says what they're

most grateful for today.

Oh, that sounds lovely.

- Richard, you start.

- [Richard] Well,

the best part of my every day

is waking up next to Julia.

- Aw.

- And the best part of

my night is going to

bed next to Richard.

[all chuckling]

[Julia] How about you, Mom?

[Mary] I am just so grateful

to have both my girls

home for Christmas.

And that you're both with

someone you care about

so much.

[bright cheerful

music continues]

- I second that.

- [all laughing]

[Anthony] What about you, Dean?

Well, I'm very grateful

that you've all opened

your home to me.

I know that I don't know

you all very well yet, but

I'm grateful that um,

you've just made me feel

like a part of your family.

My first Christmas on my own.

And I'm especially

grateful that I met Katie.

- [Josh] She's the best.

- [all chuckling]

[bright cheerful

music continues]

Oh, I um.

- Cheers!

- [Julia] Cheers.

- [all clamoring]

- [glasses clinking]

[bright cheerful

music continues]

[gifts shuffling]

[gifts shuffling]

Sounds like peanut

brittle to me.

[chuckles]

May I?

[gift shuffling]

Yep. Definitely

peanut brittle.

- I'm just...

- [Josh] Trying to

guess what's under the tree?

Like a five year old?

- Guilty. [laughs]

- [gentle music]

I'm just trying to figure

out what Julia got me.

I want to make

sure that it's not

better than my gift for her.

Which is?

An engraved

calligraphy set for her

new side hustle.

Wow. That's very thoughtful.

Yeah, but she always

manages to do better.

Like last year, I got

her this designer purse

that I knew she really wanted.

[Katie] Guess what she got me?

A designer purse with

a matching wallet.

[chuckles] Impressive.

Sounds like she really

goes the extra mile.

When it comes to being

the golden child,

she always does.

[gentle music continues]

Thank you for

letting me be a part

of this Christmas

with your family.

I probably should be

the one thanking you.

[Josh] It s just,

It's nice to have somewhere

to belong, you know?

[gentle music continues]

- Good night, Katie.

- Good night.

[gentle music continues]

[footsteps clomping]

[door creaking]

[gentle music continues]

[chuckles]

[bright cheerful music]

[bright cheerful

music continues]

[Josh] Katie?

There you are.

- Ready for breakfast?

- Just about! [chuckles]

Oh, uh.

[Josh] Did you see

a ring fall out?

It was my Mom's.

I was taking it

to get it cleaned.

Sorry.

Oh!

I, I saw it, and it

was just so beautiful.

I just wanted to try

it on, that s it.

As long as it's

safe. [chuckles]

- But it won't come off now.

- [Josh] Oh.

Um, here. Let me see that.

[bright cheerful

music continues]

Oof, it s on there all right.

- Katie, will you...

- [Mary screaming]

- [Mary] I knew it!

- [Josh] Oh, um.

Mom, wait.

- [Josh] Uh.

- [Anthony grunting]

Welcome to the family,

son! [all laughing]

- [all clamoring]

- [Mary] Your sister s engaged!

- What?

- [all clamoring]

Uh.

Well.

[Richard] Congratulations!

[bright cheerful

music continues]

[all clamoring]

[Mary] Let me see!

Oh, it's beautiful.

- [Anthony] Aw.

- Vintage?

It's a family heirloom.

- Aw.

- Well, do you have a date?

[Josh] Not yet, no.

We'll have to reserve

a venue right away.

Oh, I have to call Martha.

She'll be over the moon!

[all laughing]

[Josh inhales and squeals]

- [Mary excitedly squeals]

- [Mary] Come here.

[all chattering]

So, do I get hazard pay for

faking an engagement?

I have to figure out

a way to stop this.

[Mary] What are you two

lovebirds whispering about?

- Nothing!

- Nothing!

[Mary] Ah-ha!

- I found them!

- [magazines thud]

I still have these from

your sister's wedding.

I mean, the fashion

changes a bit

but it'll get us started.

[Josh and Katie chuckle]

[Mary] Oh.

Oh, Katie. Wouldn t you

look lovely in a mermaid

gown?

Actually, we re

thinking about eloping.

But then we decided that

we definitely wanted

the full wedding experience

with all our family there.

Katie, we had no idea.

Neither did I.

When did you decide you were

were going to propose, Dean?

Oh, it was pretty last minute.

My mom always said to me,

she said, "Josh" ...

[Richard] Josh?

Uh, that was her

nickname for me.

Josh.

[Josh] Anyway,

"Josh" she said,

"when you know you've

found the one, don't wait.

Because you never know

what tomorrow brings."

And when I saw

Katie this morning,

the sunlight shining

on her in her pajamas,

I just knew that I couldn't

wait one more second.

Then here we are.

Oh, this is the

best Christmas ever!

[Josh] Aw.

I'm so happy for the two of you.

Some things are

just meant to be.

[all chuckling]

[Katie] Surprised you

don't already have these

on the tree.

[Julia] Well, we always

decorate the tree together.

You couldn't come till

right before Christmas

this year, but I

wanted to save at least

a few ornaments for you.

Thanks.

I can't believe you're engaged.

It feels so sudden.

Yep, it does. [chuckles]

Does he make you happy?

I think so.

Good.

I hope you find what

Richard and I have.

He's a good guy.

I'm glad you found him.

Well, now we both have something

to celebrate this Christmas.

- [Josh] Hey.

- Where were you?

- It's a secret. [laughs]

- Keeping secrets?

Just a few.

So, what's the plan

for the afternoon?

Well, I will be cooking all day

since we have Christmas

and an engagement to celebrate.

- [all chuckling]

- Do you need any help?

Julia can help me out.

- I don t mind.

- Oh, no. We got it.

You and Dean go celebrate

your engagement.

We've got this.

Richard and I are going

Christmas shopping.

But it's Christmas Eve.

Hey, no minute, like

the last minute.

Besides, I didn't

want to get Dean

- a gift before I met him.

- [all laughing]

Katie, why don t you

take Dean for a drive?

Show him around town?

Mom, I'm sure he

doesn't want to do that.

- Actually, I'd love to.

- [bright cheerful music]

You guys sure you

don't need any help?

We're fine. Go.

[Josh] Come on. [chuckles]

[Mary] Have fun.

Wanna help me with these?

[bright cheerful

music continues]

- [snow blower screeching]

- Well, you sure enjoyed that.

You know what?

I really did.

[both giggling]

Sorry again, that it stuck.

Guess that means you

re stuck with me.

[Katie giggles]

- [snow blower screeching]

- [car door slams]

[bright cheerful

music continues]

[car door slams]

So my old high

school is down there.

And this coffee shop is

where I had my first job.

Wow. A whole bunch of

new pieces of the puzzle

that is Katie Andrews,

my fiancee. [chuckles]

Sounds pretty great.

I guess.

What do you mean, you guess?

[bright cheerful

music continues]

I don't know.

Coming back here.

I moved away ten

years ago for school,

and I guess I just thought

I would have made it by now.

Made it?

[Katie] You know, uh.

A big job, uh.

My own place.

A real boyfriend that

I didn't hire off

the Internet.

Hmmm.

What?

I don't know.

Maybe you have more

than you realize.

What do you mean?

Well, your job for starters.

I thought you said you loved it?

- I do, but I...

- [Josh scoffs]

There s your

problem right there.

Where?

But, you love your job.

But, you have a great roommate.

But, you have a

family that loves you.

But. Why is it so hard

for you to just say

you have a lot of great

things in your life?

Not to mention a

handsome fiancee.

[gentle music]

Look, all I'm saying is,

I'm alone for the first

time this Christmas.

Do you have any

idea how much I wish

I had a family to go home to?

[Josh] Even if

they're not perfect?

[gentle music continues]

Wow. I knew I was paying

for a boyfriend...

[Josh] Fiancee.

Fiancee.

I didn't know

I was getting a personal

coaching session thrown in, too.

Sorry. [both laughing]

So what about you?

What about me?

I mean, this whole time

we've talked about me

and my family.

Barely know anything

about yours.

What did you and your mom

like to do for Christmas?

[gentle music continues]

Oh, my Mom loved

everything about Christmas.

Caroling, baking, just

sitting in front of

the tree, looking at the lights.

Why don't we do something?

Something that she

would have liked.

In her honor.

How do you feel about eggnog?

I think I might know a spot.

[Josh] Ooh.

[classy violin music]

I can t believe you got

me to come to Dudley s.

I have not been

here since college.

I'm honestly surprised

they're open on Christmas Eve.

What with business

booming like this?

- [both laughing]

- [gentle music]

Actually, my mom would have

really liked this place.

- Really?

- [Josh] Yeah.

She loved the fun

little hole in the wall

places where only the locals go.

She said it was the only way

to truly get to know a town.

Well, I'm glad we're here then.

So, why don't you tell me

more about your childhood?

Were you a rebellious teenager?

Mmm, nothing too much, you know.

Usual teenage antics.

But there was this one time

Julia and I got in trouble

for throwing a party.

You did?

Yeah. [both laughing]

My parents were out

of town overnight,

and Julia knew how bad I

wanted to have friends over,

so she promised not to tell.

Unfortunately,

the neighbors didn't

feel the same.

Oh, no.

Oh, yeah. Yeah.

My parents were so mad.

They grounded us

for a whole month.

Julia, too?

Yeah.

She could have thrown me

under the bus, but she didn't.

So she got a month, too.

- [gentle music continues]

- Huh.

What?

It's just the way you

talk about your sister.

I wouldn't have expected that.

What do you mean?

Well, you make it seem like

things are always competitive

between the two of you, but,

maybe that's not

always the case.

[violins screech]

Okay, enough about me.

What about you?

What kind of teenager were you?

Well, my mom got sick

while I was in high school,

so I actually spent a lot

of time taking care of her.

Not a lot of time

left for partying.

But we always had a lot

of fun at Christmas.

- Best time of year.

- [Josh] Mhmm.

[gentle music continues]

- I'll be right back.

- Sure.

[footsteps clomping]

Hey, what's up? Hi.

Hi! What's up

with me? Nothing.

What's going on with you?

I need the tea on

Dean, I m obsessed.

Is it still going well?

I would say so.

Uh, we're engaged.

What?!

It s a long story.

I knew you were sad about

being over Christmas,

but I had no idea you were

going to take it this far.

It's a huge

misunderstanding, um.

But my mom's already

planning the wedding

[Katie] and calling

all of the relatives.

So what are you gonna do?

[Katie] I mean, what can I do?

Just wait it out a

couple more days.

Try to get this

ring off my finger

and figure it out from there.

What if you two work out?

You have such an iconic

story of how you met.

Sarah, I don't think I

would call that iconic.

I think I would

call that desperate.

Don't say that!

I mean,

look,

even if he did like me,

it would never work.

[Katie] What do

I tell my family?

Ah-ha, just kidding.

This is not Dean.

This is actually Josh and

I hired him to pretend

to be Dean and pretend

to be my boyfriend.

Come home with me for Christmas

so I don't look

like a lonely loser.

[Katie] Oh, yeah, and by

the way, we accidentally

got engaged.

Hey, let me, I ll call you back.

Don't leave me hanging!

Dean.

Katie!

Hey, I, I've been

trying to call ya.

Yeah, maybe you should

have taken the hint.

Listen, we need to talk.

Yeah, I'm, I'm busy right now.

We can talk when I see you.

Okay, because...

Bye, Dean.

I'm in town.

Hello? Hey, oh.

[Dean sighs]

[Katie] So, what did I miss?

[Josh] Well, Bernie here was

telling me how he had to work

on Christmas Eve.

And unfortunately,

he s missing out

on watching Christmas

movies with his family.

Bummer.

It is.

[gentle music continues]

[Josh] You know,

one of the things my mom and

I loved to do on Christmas Eve

was find somebody

having a tough time

and try to bring them

a little Christmas cheer.

So what do you have in mind?

No. No way.

- [Josh] Oh, come on.

- No.

What happened to that

karaoke fiend from your ad?

She only comes out on Fridays

after a long night at the bar.

For my mom.

You are wearing her ring.

[gentle music continues]

For your mom.

Yeah!

Let s do this.

[footsteps clomping]

This goes out to

anyone who wishes

they were somewhere

else this Christmas.

- Hear, hear!

- [all chuckling]

[Josh clears throat]

On the first

day of Christmas

my friend Katie gave to me

a partner in karaoke

On the second day

of Christmas, my

fake Dean gave to me

Two eggnog

[Josh] And a

partner in karaoke

On the third

day of Christmas

my mean boss gave to me

[Bernie] Three lame shifts

Two eggnog

And a partner in karao ke

On the twelfth

day of Christmas

my true love gave to me

Twelve congratulations

Eleven Christmas cookies

Ten empty bar stools

Nine Bus Burger tweets

Eight perfect pancakes

Seven dollars in tips

Six bad charade clues

Five other things!

Four Christmas presents

[Bernie] Three lame shifts

Two eggnogs

And a partner in karaoke

- [all cheering]

- [Josh clapping]

Thanks, guys. That

really made my day.

[Josh] Hey, Bernie.

[Josh] Here you go.

No one should only make

seven dollars in tips

on Christmas Eve.

Thank you.

[Josh] You're welcome.

- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

[gentle music continues]

[bells jingle]

So, that's

how you and your mom

like to spend Christmas?

[chuckles] Well, part of it.

Mom always said,

"The best way to stop

feeling sorry for yourself

is to make someone

else's day better."

She sounds great.

I would have loved to meet her.

I think she would have

loved to meet you too.

[gentle music continues]

Oh, I didn't realize

how late it's getting.

We should head back home.

- Everyone will be waiting.

- Okay.

[car door slams]

Mom s baking. I can

smell it from here.

Me, too.

[Josh] It smells like.

Dean?

[Josh] Uh, that s not what

I was gonna say, but, okay.

What are you doing here?

Katie, I made a huge mistake.

Yeah, you did.

Showing up here.

Dean, what were you thinking?

Oh. So this is Dean.

Who s this?

- Uh.

- Everything okay?

[Josh] Oh, uh.

[Josh] Yeah, yeah, uh.

Who s that?

Uh, she just ran

into an old friend.

All right. Well,

don't stand out there

- in the cold too long.

- All right.

- You'll turn into an icicle.

- [Josh and Anthony grunting]

I have to get you

out of here now.

- Who, me?

- What?

Wait, you can't leave.

What am I supposed to do?

Uh.

Just, just stall for time.

Okay.

- [Josh exhales]

- [door slams]

[footsteps clomping]

[Julia] Where's Katie?

[Josh] Um.

Something came up.

[gentle music]

What are you doing here?

I told you, Katie.

[Dean] I made a mistake.

I miss you.

- You miss me?

- [Dean] Mhmm.

You dumped me 48 hours ago.

I thought you might

bring that up.

Classic Katie. Listen.

Breaking up with you was the

worst decision I ever made.

I recognize that now.

So you thought

crashing my family's

Christmas was a good

time to tell me that?

You invited me.

[gentle music]

[Katie] Dean,

you cannot stay here.

Well, I'm not leaving until

- we've had a chance to talk!

- [Katie] Stop!

Fine.

There's a, there s

a hotel downtown.

Starlight Inn.

Just go there and wait for me.

- Katie...

- Just go.

[Katie] I will call you.

I'll be waiting.

[gentle music continues]

[Josh] Uh, so she just

dropped me off while she went...

- There she is!

- [Josh and Katie chuckling]

I was just telling

Julia how you had to pick up

a last minute present.

[Katie] That s right, um.

Just got back with it.

[Julia] Wait.

So where is it?

Hmm?

The gift that you

just picked up.

- Uh, it s in my pocket.

- In the car.

In my pocket, in the

car, the car pocket.

For safekeeping.

You're a little weird

since you got engaged.

[footsteps clomping]

So what happened?

Nothing, I just

sent him to a hotel.

- What are you gonna do?

- [Katie] I don t know.

But, this is a disaster.

[gentle music]

I have to talk to Sarah.

- Maybe I should leave.

- [Katie] No.

Just, give me a chance

to get rid of Dean.

[footsteps clomping]

[door slams]

Last minute Christmas emergency?

You could say that.

[Sarah laughing]

[Sarah chewing]

- [phone ringing]

- [Sarah chewing]

Hey, engaged girl.

Admit it, my plan was genius.

Yeah, genius,

except for one part.

Dean's here.

Wasn't that the whole point?

To make your family

think Dean was there.

No, not Josh Dean, Dean Dean.

[Sarah gasps]

Oh, no.

Oh yes, and now he's saying

it was all a mistake,

and now he wants to

get back together.

Is that what you want?

- [Katie] No. Yes.

- [Sarah chewing]

Maybe. I don't know.

All I know is, I can not

let him meet my family.

Well, just tell

him to go back home

and wait for you.

Yeah, right.

That's a good idea. I'll

just, I'll send him back home.

And we can just talk

when I get back.

[sighs] This is, this just keeps

getting more complicated.

Just breathe, Katie.

[inhales and exhales]

It s gonna be okay.

[chuckles]

Yeah, easy for you to say,

[sighs]

[bright cheerful music]

[footsteps clomping]

[Mary] Katie?

[door slams]

[Mary] What are you doing?

Nothing, um.

I'm just going out

for a little bit.

But, you just got back.

[Katie] Right, I forgot my, um.

Something.

[bright cheerful

music continues]

- [Katie shrieks]

- [Dean] Katie.

[door slams]

- Katie!

- [Katie] Woo!

So cold outside.

[clears throat]

Aren't you gonna answer that?

That? No, no, it's

probably just carolers.

We have great Christmas

music playing anyway, so.

- Woo.

- [both chuckling]

Katie, what earth is going on he

[Mary] Hello!

Katie.

Who's this?

This?

Um, this is a

colleague from work.

Thought I told you

to wait for me.

Well, I had to see you.

A work colleague, well.

You must know Dean.

I am Dean.

[Dean] And you must be Mom.

Come here. So good

to finally meet you.

[Dean] Storm of the

century out there. [laughs]

Mmm. I smell cookies!

There you go. Woo!

[Katie chuckles]

So.

- [gentle music]

- You re Dean?

Mhmm.

These cookies are excellent.

[Dean] Is that

nutmeg? Excellent.

[Anthony] And you're not?

[gentle music continues]

I knew it.

[Anthony] This is

too much to wrap

our heads around right now.

I know! I just found out

there s another me. [chuckles]

Half-off version.

Katie.

I'm sorry.

Dean and I broke up,

and I didn't want to come

home alone for Christmas.

[gentle music continues]

I hired someone.

So you hired someone

to propose to you?

Wait. You're engaged?

No, we're not engaged.

It wasn't even a real proposal.

It was all just a

misunderstanding.

[Dean] [scoffs] Oh, good.

That s a relief,

because, actually,

I got a question for ya.

[gentle music continues]

[Dean grunts]

[Dean grunts] You

can have that back.

Will you marry me?

[gentle music continues]

Sorry, I need some

air. Excuse me.

- [Dean] Well.

- [ring box snaps]

[bells jingle]

- Katie.

- [bells jingle]

What are you doing out here?

It's freezing.

Just, trying to escape

the mess I made.

[gentle music continues]

I still don't understand.

[Mary] If you and,

Dean broke up.

Why didn't you just

come home alone?

Why did you go through

all the trouble

to hire a stranger?

Because you were so

excited to meet Dean.

I just didn't want to

ruin Christmas for you.

How could you ruin Christmas?

But you said it was a Mother's

dream for both of your kids

to have someone at the holidays.

It is.

I want both of

my children have someone

to share their lives with.

But I don't want you to feel

like you have to find

someone to make me proud.

You should find someone

cause he makes you happy.

[Mary] The way your

father makes me happy.

[Mary] And the way you do.

But Julia has

somebody and you're,

you're so proud of her

that she found the right

guy and got married.

Yes. She found the right guy.

That's what I want

for you, Katie.

[stammers]

I don't want you to just

find someone, but the one.

That's what I have

with your Dad.

That's what Julia

has with Richard.

And that's all I want for you.

I'm sorry if I made

you feel differently.

But what do I do now?

Everything is a mess.

How do I fix that?

[gentle music continues]

Well.

If there's one thing

I've learned in my life,

Katie, there s only

one way to fix a mess.

You just start cleaning up.

Now, can we go inside?

[Mary shivering]

It's a little overwhelming.

I m sure she ll be right back.

Cookie anyone?

[gentle music continues]

[door slams]

[Katie] Dean.

Sorry. Real Dean.

[body thuds]

- [Katie] Can we talk, please?

- Yeah.

[Dean] So good.

So, how much does

freelancing pay for

a gig like this?

I'm beginning to

think not enough.

[Dean] You're right, Katie.

Your family loves me.

So, I work things out

with the promotion,

and they're gonna

let me work remotely,

so we don't have to break up.

[gentle music]

You know, I realized

something, Katie.

We are partners.

I don t know what I'm

doing without you.

We re meant to be together.

[gentle music continues]

Dean.

You were right.

Not about us being

meant to be together.

Before, about us breaking up.

What?

I think I was just so excited

to find somebody

that I was blinded to

who that somebody was.

Wait, who are you talking about?

[Katie] You, Dean.

Us.

I mean, you proposed to me

without us ever even

talking about it.

Yeah, but I spent a lot

of money on the ring.

You took a job

across the country

without talking to me about it?

Yes, but I did talk

to you about it after.

You took a promotion

for yourself.

Without even thinking about me.

And we're supposed

to be partners.

I know.

And that was a mistake.

[gentle music continues]

This is the mistake.

But for the past

two days, I got to spend time

with somebody who actually

likes spending with me.

Not because he

needs me for work,

but because he likes me.

[stammers]

He asks me questions

about myself.

Like where I'm from

and what I like.

[Katie] But I think...

I already know what

you think, Kit-Kat.

Stop calling me that.

I can't stand that nickname.

And if that was true, you

wouldn t be here today.

Alright Katie, I don't

know about this Josh guy.

But I know about us.

We make sense together.

I want more from

our relationship

than it just to make sense.

[gentle music continues]

I want the one.

The one what?

- Goodbye, Dean.

- [claps legs]

But what about us?

There is no us anymore.

[footsteps clomping]

[gentle music continues]

Is Dean coming back in?

He seems lovely.

Actually we broke up.

Oh, thank goodness.

Oh, he was so awful.

[Mary] He was really awful.

I know.

Where s Josh?

He, he didn t

tell you? He left.

And he didn't say

where he was going?

He seemed really down.

He could be anywhere.

Should we all go out

and look for him?

Maybe he's close.

No, I don't blame

him for leaving.

This is my fault.

All of this is.

[gentle music continues]

Katie.

Your Dad let me use his tools.

It's not exactly handmade,

but I hope it counts.

Merry Christmas.

[gentle music continues]

- [sighs]

- [bed creaks]

[phone playing upbeat music]

Hey.

Put another one in the

the record books

for Katie Andrews.

The colossal mess.

I'm sure it's not that bad.

No, it's worse.

[Katie] Not only did

I humiliate myself,

dumped my boyfriend,

faked an engagement,

and ruined my entire

Christmas Eve with my family.

I chased off the first

nice guy I met in years.

Do you want me to come up?

Do you have a time machine?

[chuckles] Not on me.

[Katie] I know.

No point in disrupting

your Christmas plans, too.

Hang in there, Katie.

Things will turn around.

I promise.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas,

- [gentle music continues]

- [footsteps clomping]

[door knocking]

Julia.

Sorry Katie, I m not

interrupting anything, am I?

[Julia] I thought carbs

might help the situation.

Did you come to gloat?

[Julia] What are

you talking about?

I came up here to

check on my big sister.

You think I came

up here to gloat?

Why not?

Once again, you're

the golden child.

[Katie] And I am

an embarrassment

to the Andrews family.

Is that how you think I see you?

Katie, I don't look down on you.

I've always looked up to you.

What?

[Julia] You ve always

been the cool sister.

You moved to the big city.

You got your own place.

The amazing job.

You're living your dreams.

What about Richard?

[gentle music continues]

Richard s my dream, Katie.

Getting married

and settling down.

That's what we wanted.

That doesn't make

me the golden child.

- Last Christmas. The gift.

- [Julia] That bag.

I just got you that because

I don t know what else

to give you.

You got me exactly

what I wanted.

So, I gave you something

just like that.

[gentle music continues]

If this is how you

really feel then.

Why is it always so

competitive between us?

I don't know, I

guess I ve just...

I ve always tried

to keep up with you.

It's not easy being the younger

sister to your hero.

Can we make a Christmas promise?

[Katie] No more competition.

No more black sheep

or golden child.

Just sisters.

Okay, deal.

[both laughing]

[Julia] But I have to warn

you my present is still gonna

to blow yours out of the water.

I know. [both laughing]

[Julia] Okay, so now what

are we gonna do about Josh?

What do you mean?

[Julia] Come on.

Katie, I see the

way you look at him.

Even if you ve only

known the guy a

few days, you're

crazy about him.

[Julia] You got

fake engaged to him!

Okay. [both chuckling]

[gentle music continues]

Still not answering

his phone, huh?

No.

I really think I

brought him down.

I don't know where he could be.

[gentle music continues]

Um, I'll be right back.

[Katie] Tell Mom and

Dad I'll be right back.

- [Julia] What? Katie.

- [footsteps clomping]

It's Christmas Eve.

Nothing's open.

I know a place that is.

[footsteps clomping]

[gentle music continues]

- [glass thuds]

- [Josh] Ah.

[Josh] Hit me again, Bernie.

[Bernie] Are you sure?

That's a lot of eggnog.

You do know it's nonalcoholic?

- Yeah.

- [glasses thud]

- Thanks.

- Yeah.

[bells jingle]

One fake fiancee.

Was really, really really sorry.

Katie, what are you doing here?

I came to apologize.

I should have never pulled

you into all of this.

And, I've realized

that I probably should

have just told the truth.

Well.

If we re telling the truth now,

it's okay.

For what it's worth,

I actually had a

really nice time.

Sorry I came between

you and Dean.

Congratulations, by the way.

Josh, there is no

more me and Dean.

[gentle music]

I, I thought all you wanted

was your perfect

Christmas, at home

with your perfect boyfriend

or fiancee or whatever.

I did want all of that.

I mean, I still do.

But I realized that,

I think I had it all wrong.

[sighs] Dean wasn't

the perfect boyfriend.

I mean, he wasn't

the perfect anything.

[gentle music continues]

And...

[sighs] Josh, for

the last few days,

I got to spend it with

somebody who I actually like

and who actually likes me back.

And I think I might

have gotten a glimpse

of what perfect

actually looks like.

[gentle music continues]

Look, I know I've

embarrassed myself,

not to mention you,

and I don't expect you to

just forgive me like that.

But I do know that you don't

deserve to spend

Christmas alone.

And I know that my family

would never forgive me

if I didn't invite you

to spend Christmas with us.

They really like you.

I really like them.

Really?

Yeah.

Your family s the best.

They really made me

feel like I belong.

But, I m not gonna

stay here for them.

[gentle music continues]

[Josh] I would

stay here for you.

Look, Katie.

I don't care that you hired me.

And I don't care that

your awful ex showed up.

Or if your family

thinks you're crazy.

[Josh] You are the most amazing

person that I've ever met.

You're funny, you're smart,

you're thoughtful.

[chuckles] I mean, look at you,

you're beautiful.

I just have to keep seeing you.

[bright cheerful music]

So either I'm gonna

need a long term

extension on my contract or.

[lips smack]

Or we just make this official.

[bright cheerful

music continues]

[lips smack]

Best Christmas Eve ever.

[both laughing]

[Anthony] And last.

But certainly not least.

Aw. Thank you.

[wrapping paper tearing]

Oh, wow.

[laughs]

I didn't even notice

you taking this.

[bright cheerful

music continues]

Mom, I'm impressed. [chuckles]

There was just

something about you two

standing there that seemed real.

I think it is.

[bright cheerful

music continues]