This Time Each Year (2024)

[bunniefuu]

We're ready.

Ready for the holiday.

We're ready.

Ready for the holiday.

Right now.

There's no better

time or place.

We're ready for

the holidays?

Spread the love.

The la la love

Friends and family

gonna call mine up.

Near and far.

Wherever you are.

You can feel it.

Bells are ringing.



Choirs are singing.



We're ready, ready

for the holiday.

Get ready, ready

for the holiday.

Right now.

There's no better

time or place.

We're ready for

the holiday.

Ay, ay, ay, ay, ay...

Right now there's no

better time or place



Get ready for the holiday

Ay, ay, ay, ay...

Ay, ay, ay, ay, ay...

Ay, ay, ay, ay...



We're ready for the holiday



[camera shutter snaps]

Oh, finally!

Yoo-hoo!

I'm so thrilled to see

you finally moving in.

And just in time for Christmas.

We like to really do

things up around here,

if you hadn't noticed.

Oh, I noticed all the houses

on the street are spectacular,

but mine's just not ready yet.

Oh, such a shame.

I used to see you

around here quite a bit.

You've worked so

hard on this house.

Maybe it'll be ready next year.

I hope so.

Good luck.



Looking good kid.

Thanks, Ron.

How'd Stacy do in

her game last night?

Oh. They won.

That's exciting.

There's nothing like

watching your kid win a game,

am I right?

Nothing like it.

Uh, Kevin, can I have

a quick word with you?

Sure, man. What's up?

You're still on

the wagon, right?

Yeah, yeah. Best

decision I ever made.

I've got so much

more energy now.

I'm fully present with Charlie.

I think there might even

be abs in my future.

[laughing]

I'm proud of you.

Real proud of you.

Thanks.

And look, you... you

helped me make this bar

into something special.

Listen, Ron, we've already

talked about this man.

You don't have to say anything.

No, you don't understand

what I'm trying to tell you.

I think it's time

that I let you go.

[laughs]

What are you talking about?

Christmas, New Year's,

lots of holiday parties.

It can be real hard on

folk this time of the year.

Ron... I messed up, so

I made a commitment,

and I'm going to stick

to it. I'm not worried.

Yeah, I'm sorry, kid,

but I couldn't bear the

guilt if you got off track.

And really, you shouldn't

be working at a bar.

How am I supposed

to tell my wife

that I got let go of my job?

It's the holidays, Ron.

Serving drinks aren't

serving you anymore.

It's time to find out

what you're meant to do.

And this bar, it ain't it.

[emotional music]

[sighs]

Well, Charlie, what

about the other one?

The outfit in the white bag?

Um... No, thank you.

I like my Santa suit.

I know you do. I like it, too.

But you've been wearing it

for two weeks in a row now.

Don't you think

you're gonna get tired

of it before Christmas?

Who could get sick of Christmas?

[chuckles] Well,

that's a good point.

[phone rings]

Jingle bells,

jingle bells.

- Jingle all the way.

- [laughs]

Dad says in December it's

Christmas music or no music?

He does does he?

Hey, Jingle Bells...

Oh, Lauren. Turn

it down a little.

You're acting like a teenager.

Charlie, my boy.

Oh, what fun it is to ride

in a one-horse open sleigh.

Oh, what fun it is to ride.

In a one-horse open sleigh.

Hey!

Wow. Your dad is

already putting up

his Christmas lights.

We can't help it.

We're McCaul's.

Yeah, we're a McCaul's.

Here, Charlie, why don't you

take your overnight bag inside,

and then you can come

back and say goodbye?

You want to come in and say hi?

Um, no, I don't think I should.

Well, my mom's asked

you if you're coming

every day this week.

I'm just glad we only have

your mom to worry about.

You still haven't told your mom?

I just figured I

had time, you know?

She's not coming for

Christmas or anything.

Right.

It's getting cold enough

for snow out here, huh?

Are you going for the 'Baby

It's Cold Outside' routine?

No. What? No, no, no, no, no.

I was just, uh, just gonna offer

to put snow tires on the car.

Oh, well, I did call

Doug and Bob, and, um,

they don't have any

appointments available

until the weekend.

I can do it. I'd

like to do it.

Snow's gonna be

here by Saturday.

Okay.

Oh. Um... I forgot.

I bought these

for Charlie to give his grandma.

I knew it would go perfect

with the McCaul decorations.

You're always

looking out for us.

Thanks, Lauren.

[car honking]

Yup.

Kev-bo!

Oh, you shouldn't have.

You know, it's really nice

of you and your roommates

to host us tonight.

Easy, Bart. I'm still

their favorite son.

I can cancel your invite.

Lauren's here.

[laughs] Oh!

Hi, Bart. [yelps]

I didn't know you were coming.

Yeah, well, I'm just

here to drop off.

Look at us. The band is

all back together again.

Well, uh, no one's

back together.

Tell me you are staying.

Well, I, um...

Is that Lauren?

Is she staying?

Mom. You're staying?

Uh, Charlie...

Wait a second. Who is that?

That is not Charlie.

Uh-nah, that is Santa Claus.

Hey, buddy.

Oh, Joe.

So good to see you.

It's so nice to see you, too.

Mom, can you please stay?

Yeah.

Yes. Of course.

Yeah. There we go.

Okay, that's enough

for Uncle Bart.

Hey, Ma!

We got the icing

sugar and the eggs.

Patricia!

I'm in the kitchen.

Go say hi to your grandma.

Come on, buddy.

Listen, I just, um, I

just need a minute, okay?

Yeah, I know we're a lot.



She's still in love with you?

I can totally see it.

You guys back in

couples' counseling yet?

What? No.

It's not fair to keep asking her

to fix something that I broke.

We're separated,

so we're trying to do

what's separated people do.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Which is what?

[sighs] Maybe start

dating other people.

Dude, not a chance.

Kev, you are the guy

that everyone wants

to take the last

shot at the buzzer.

Yeah, well, shot

clock's running out.

Ron, let me go

from the bar today.

What?

He said it's time for me to

go after what I really want.

He's not wrong.

Don't tell mom.

I won't.

No, he's not wrong.

But what I really want

is my family back,

and I don't know how telling

Lauren I lost my job.

It's going to...

[both] We see you, mom.

Well, I've barely

seen you all day.

I've been so busy with

all of this baking.

The house looks great.

And you're always trying

to get me to downsize.

Downsize? But

where would we put

all these mildly

creepy-looking elves?

Don't touch them!

They're special.

Very special.

Oh, look at the

beautiful flowers.

They're from Charlie.

Oh. Bart, your father's

probably still in the garage.

Can you go get him, please?

Get Kev to do it.

No, he brought me flowers.

[mocking] Get Kev to do it.

- Kevin.

- Yeah.

Doilies, please.

I love you, Mom.

- Bart.

- I love you, mom.

Did he eat the garland?

[Kevin] Bart did it.

[Bart] Stop it!

[Kevin] You got me bro!

Don't fall asleep tonight!

[sighs] I'll just do it later.

Kevin!

Sorry...

No. It's okay. It's your room.

I just needed a minute.

I thought Bart was chasing me.

Oh, yeah. I was, uh,

sent up here for...

for doilies.

Well, has your mother

moved forward with her idea

of turning this into

a wrapping paper room?

Yeah. You know, she just

wanted to make sure that, uh,

that I knew she didn't plan

on having me move back in.

Right. Well, I guess plans

don't always work out

the way we want them to.

Right.

You look... amazing.

Thanks, Kevin.

You do too. You look healthy.

Oh. Thank you.

I feel healthy.

I think all the walking to

and from work really helps.

I bet.

How's Ron and the bar?

Uh, great.

Yeah. Yeah. Work

is... work's so great.

Yeah, we're just setting up

the bar for the holidays.

You know, tips are so good this

time of year, which, you know.

I'm sorry you have

to think of that.

Uh, no, I and...

I can't believe I'm the

one who put our family

in financial distress.

I'm a business manager.

We're supposed to

be risk averse.

I thought the home looked

perfect, too. Okay?

I mean, who knew

that no contingencies

meant no inspections at all?

No, I... that stairway...

Oh.

The insulation.

The roof alone.

I know. I mean, I

think I set a record

for buying a house that

lost value so fast.

Well, I mean, that's kind

of on both of us, right?

Lauren, I just, I...

I can't take back what

happened last year.

You know, me losing my

license and everything.

Everything.

Look, what I'm working on

is changing my future, okay?

Our future.

I know, Kev.

[exhales]

Uh, thanks for

dropping off, Charlie.

Of course.

You have to know that

that's what I'm thinking

about right now. Right?

Just making sure this is still

the best time of

the year for him.

Even though...

I know. Me too. We will. Okay?

We got this.

Okay, now we want to mix all

the dry ingredients together.

That's right, that's

right. Good job.

We found the doilies.

Oh, Lauren. You stayed.

Thanks for having me.

Oh, those go in

there on the charger.

Okay.

Here you go.

Psst.

Good job. Keep stirring.

Joe, how's retirement?

It's so good it

should be ill*gal.

He's certainly keeping

busy, that's for sure.

- [doorbell - Are we

expecting someone else?

Hey, Charlie.

Don't tell grandma.

- Hey.

- Shh.

Good to see you too.

- Hi.

- Hi.

- Hey.

- Hi, everyone.

Hi. Am I late?

Not at all.

You all remember

Kimmy from church?

Oh right. Hi.

Homemade eggnog.

McCaul family recipe.

Uh-huh.

- There you go.

- Thank you.

They're the ladies that made

Uncle Bart laugh so hard

chocolate milk came out of

his nose at the Easter fair.

[laughing]

Yes, that was mean.

And not only is she funny,

but she also sings

in the choir with me.

And she volunteers.

And she's single.

Wow. [laughs]

Left the brandy out of

the nog this year, Kev.

Thanks, Dad.

I'm a really big fan

of your mom's baking,

so she promised that

she would teach me

some of her famous recipes.

Oh, just making

the pieces tonight.

And Kimmy has signed up

for the gingerbread

house decorating contest.

Wow. You have no idea what

you got yourself into.

I see that.

Um, I'm really excited for it

because my whole

family is in Michigan,

so I'm just happy to be here.

If a family is growing together,

it's doing something right.

Well, Kimmy has a bit of an

advantage in our contest.

She's a top realtor in town.

Wow.

Okay, everybody, I

want to say something.

Kevin, we are so proud of

you for overcoming adversity.

Ah.

Oh, I don't mean you, Lauren.

You're not an adversity.

I just mean well, now you'll

be looking for a new job.

It's not spying, Bart. I

just happened to overhear.

And I'm proud of you,

Kevin, for staying positive.

And I know with your resilience

you will find something

that truly brings you joy.

I love each and

every one of you.

- Cheers.

- Here, here.

- Cheers.

- Cheers.

Okay, let's get these

ingredients going here.

Lauren, get back here.

Help us roll this dough.

Yeah. I'm coming.

Oh!

Easy Dad.

I'm fine, I'm fine.

I can reach it with

the other stool.

This one's just...

Yeah. Okay. All right.

Hey, it's my album.

[sighs]

Would you look at that.

Oh, look at how

young you two were.

Look at that chest hair.

And that suit, you stud-muffin.

[chuckles] Well,

it was the '70's.

Oh, gosh. It seems

like yesterday.

[knocking]

Hey, sorry to interrupt. I

just wanted to say goodbye.

Already?

I'm gonna go check on Kimmy.

Go for it.

I'll walk you out, Lauren.

Oh, no thanks.

Thanks for the nog though, Joe.

Yeah. I'll see you at the

gingerbread competition.

Dad, just... just wait

for me, one second.

I can do it.

We're not gonna talk?

I have work. I have

a job, remember?

Okay, look, I'm sorry. I

was gonna tell you, okay?

I just asked you how

things were going at work,

and you lied to my face.

I was waiting for

the right moment.

I don't even get it.

You know, I didn't like

you working at that bar.

Yeah, well, I kind

of needed the cash.

Remember that?

I do. I remember that

everything is my fault.

No, that's not what I'm saying.

And you know what? I

liked working at that bar.

Talking to all those

people made me realize

that not everyone's

perfect, and that's okay.

Just one second.

Oh, I... I'm...

I'm interrupting.

No, no, not at all.

I just... I got to take

some pictures in there.

Oh, you're having

too much fun, right?

This family is the best.

So are you going

to the gingerbread house

decorating competition?

Oh, I've had my fill of houses.

Oh, why?

Uh, Lauren and I, we...

We bought our dream house,

and then it turned

into a nightmare.

Oh, I'm so sorry. Was it

not what you expected?

Well, it was, uh, it was pretty

impressive from the outside.

It's one of those

homes on Bayview Drive.

You got a Bayview home?

Those are gorgeous.

Yeah.

Well, we made an all-cash offer.

No contingencies.

We were knee deep in the Reno.

Building codes were the

least of our problems.

You're in real estate, right?

I am. Are you

thinking of selling?

- Oh, yeah, I mean we...

- No, I'm not quite...



Do you have a card?

I do, yes.

And you can call me if

you change your mind.

No pressure.

Because it's definitely a

seller's market right now.

- Is it?

- Really?

- Yes.

- Right now.

Right now. Buyers are very

motivated to close deals

before the end of

the calendar year

and... and just have a place

to call home for the holidays.

Well, don't we all, right?

Hey. Thanks, Kimmy.

Okay.

[phone rings]

[phone rings]

[clears throat] Mom. Hi.

Hi. I'm so sorry I wasn't

able to pick up earlier.

It's been such a busy day.

Oh, honey, I have

wonderful news.

Really? What's that?

I'm coming to visit this week.

You are? Here?

Yes. You're never

going to believe it

but I won a Christmas cruise

going all the way

down the coast.

Isn't that exciting?

So I thought that I would

come a day before I set sail

and celebrate Christmas early

with you, Kevin and Charlie.

Won't that be fun?

Oh, it would be so good

to visit you and the boys.

- It's been too long.

- Yeah.

I really need a good...

- Boy, that does sound...

- For my next adventure.

Exciting. I... I can't wait.

Um. Can I say good

night to Charlie?

Tell him the good news.

No, he's...

He's, um... he's sleeping.

He's already tucked

in, you know.

Oh. Okay, honey. Good

night, sweetheart.

Good night.

[chuckles]

I know how you feel, Tommy.

I'm just your business manager,

but if you could just...

No, you're right, you're right.

You have almost reached your

saving goals for the year.

Almost, just doing a lot

of work in that sentence.

I understand. You got to

go. Merry Christmas, Tommy.

[notification alert]

So let me... let me

get this straight.

You're asking me to lie.

Well, I mean, it's more like

just play pretend, you know?

That's what we'll explain to

Charlie that his Grandma J

is not going to be here

for the actual holidays,

So we're gonna play

pretend Christmas early.

[scoffs]

I thought you wanted

me to stop lying?

Well, I do want you

to stop lying to me.

But lying for me is

totally different.

Could you pass me the

torque wrench, please?

- Torque wrench?

- Yeah, that right there.

Thank you.

- Yes.

- Yeah.

You know what, maybe...

Maybe we should

just tell her, huh?

No. I mean, yes, yes,

I'm going to tell her,

but I'm just not ready.

So it'll be a, uh, a practice,

a rehearsal Christmas?

Yes. Great. Call it

whatever you want.

But you'll help me? Please?

Okay. Yeah, I can do that.

Thank you.

Under two conditions.

One, we get back

into couples therapy

so we can stay ahead of

anything should anything arise.

And two...

Um, you let me take you

for a date on the 22nd.

We missed making

it happen last year

because of everything and

it's totally my fault.

So please let me make

that up to you, okay?

Our annual Christmas date.

Yeah.

[sighs]

You have a deal, McCaul.

All right. Double

the Christmas.

Double the fun.

[chuckles]

I'll have you out of here

in a couple of minutes.

Right.



Oh, great. Okay.

Do you think Grandma J's

gonna like my Santa suit?

Of course she

is. It's perfect.

Good choice.

Okay, now it's

important to remember

Grandma J is not going to

be with us on the actual day

so it's up to us to act

like it's Christmas.

Right?

Two Christmases!

Yes! And your dad's

going to be here

but only for tonight

for our pretend

Christmas for grandma.

- Okay?

- Okay.

[car honking outside]

Oh. Um... Okay.

Grandma's here.

So you keep putting

up the decorations,

and I'll go get her.

Okay.

Mom, how long is this cruise?

Oh, darling, how

could I possibly know

what I'm going to want to wear?

I have to have

options, you know.

Well, you always look perfect.

Sorry to say my

house is a bit messy.

I mean, we weren't

expecting you.

I have known you

your whole life.

You don't have to

make excuses for me.

So where is Kevin? Is

he still at that bar?

Um, yeah. He should

be home any minute.

[grunts]



We're here. No more games.

I'm not playing a game.

I'm job searching.

Oh, yeah. Any leads?

Why are you whispering?

Stealth.

Okay. Well, there's nothing

that's jumping out at me here.

Well, don't get discouraged.

Well, if there's

one thing I can do

while it's Christmas, right?

That is the one thing.

Yeah. Great.

Go get 'em, champ.

Thanks. Really.

I should be getting my

license back any day.

Don't mention it.

[car engine starts]

Honey, I'm home.

Okay, let's do this.

[whispers] She's here.

Sorry I wasn't around

earlier to help out.

What do you mean? I'm

doing fine on my own.

I don't need help.

It's a little bare.

Whispering about my

Christmas present, I presume.

Oh. Hi, honey.

No, no, no, no. We

were just, uh...

we were just whispering, um...

whispering sweet nothings.

Wonderful to see you.

You must be so busy.

You haven't even begun

your holiday decorating.

Usually you have your

lights up by now.

It's almost like he

hasn't been here.

[nervous laugh] What?

I mean, we've been

waiting for you.

Right.

I can't wait to hear all about

your Christmas cruise, Janet.

[Janet] I must be

on a lucky streak.

I don't even remember

entering the contest.

[Kevin] What? How is

that even possible?

Thanks, Mom.

I'm sorry that we couldn't get

a reservation somewhere else.

Oh, not at all.

I never allow myself

a cheat day like this.

Oh, yeah. We don't

come here very often.

Yeah, we do. [whispers]

I always get the cheese.

Uh, hey pal, what do

you say we each open

one present tonight, huh?

That way, we can celebrate

properly with Grandma J.

Is that okay with you, babe?

Um, yes. Of... of course.

Yes!

[laughing]

Except, um, you have to wake up

so early tomorrow, don't you?

Oh, nonsense, dear.

I can sleep when

I'm dead, right?

[chuckles]

Right. Yeah.

Of course.

- There you go.

- Mm.

Woo, your mother.

Don't say it.

I was just gonna say

that she has more energy

than you and I put together.

Well, no surprise there.

Here, you can wear this.

You're still wearing this?

Yeah. It's from the

concert where we met.

You can keep it if you want.

It's not that big a deal.

You know, I'd never seen

anyone wear combat boots

with a lace dress before.

Yeah, I was pretty

cool back then.

You still are.

And those songs, they

still bring me right back.

- [humming a Christmas tune]

- [laughing]

I will never forget the

looks on their faces

when you introduced the church

to your alternative rock

version of 'First Noel'.

Hey, that was our song.

And you used to say

that's when you knew

you wanted to marry me.

Well, I couldn't

let a catch like you

slip through my fingers.

I feel the exact same way.

It can be like this for real.

We can make things right again.

You say that because

everything always works out

the way you want it to.

But it's not like that for me.

I can't just wave a magic wand.

I know, but it is Christmas.

And that's exactly

when magic happens.

Goodnight, Lauren.



Oh, sounds like life has been

eventful since we last spoke.

Yeah, to say the least.

What was it like being

together again, Lauren?

With your mother, no less.

Yeah, it was nice, fun.

Awkward.

Mm. Tell me about the fun.

It's nothing we

don't already know.

Kevin is handsome and

funny and entertaining,

and he's always

easy to be around.

You know, it's... it's great.

And yet you make it

sound like an accusation.

I don't mean to. It's just...

That's not the problem.

Right. But were you able

to spend the whole evening

without thinking about everything

that happened last year.

Yeah. Uh, yeah,

I... um... was,

except for I was worried about

my mom finding out the truth.

What do you think would

happen if she had found out?

I had a nickname

when I was little.

She called me Miss Mess

because I would always have

these big ideas, projects,

and then I wouldn't

see them through.

And I guess I just left

a big mess everywhere.

When I became an adult,

I realized I didn't want

my life to look like that.

So make sure that you leave

Miss Mess in the past.

Yeah, right.

Exactly.

We had to borrow money.

My mom helped us pay

for the Bayview house,

and I promised her that

I would see it through.

And if she finds out

that we're separated,

I'm gonna have to

explain why and...

I just think it's for the best

if we put the Bayview

house on the market.

I thought that place

was your dream.

- A family dream...

- It was, but...

now everything's a mess,

and I just don't

think we can fix it.

But you're here... trying.

I thought that's

what we were doing

until Kevin lied to me again.

Just like he did last year

about his driver's license.

Kevin, why did he

think you had to lie?

Because I had just lost my job,

and I hadn't seen

her for a while,

and we were having

a nice moment.

I wanted to tell her,

but I just didn't feel

like the right time.

[scoffs] Right. It wasn't

convenient for Kevin.

Just like last Christmas

wasn't convenient for

him to tell the truth.

Except it becomes extremely

inconvenient for everyone else.

Sometimes anger can be healthy.

It can mean that you are

moving through the issue

rather than going around it.

Okay. See you next time.

Thanks.

All right. Come on in.

Thanks again for doing this.

A deal's a deal, remember?

Okay. So, uh, you're calling

Kimmy about selling Bayview?

I think it's for the

best for everyone.

I gotta get going.

I gotta meet Bart at

the Christmas tree lot.

You're walking?

It's no biggie. It's

only a couple miles.

I'm happy to give you a ride.

No, I've been walking

everywhere, remember?

Besides, I wouldn't want

to inconvenience you.



[sighs]

My business partner will

be here in a minute.

We can't wait to

take a look around.

You've told him that

we haven't decided yet.

- I filled him in.

- Right?

You should have seen the

plans I have for this place.

I'd still love to hear them.

Just the perfect number

of bedrooms for a family.

- Yeah, I...

- [knocking]

That'll be him.

- Hi.

- How are you?

- Good. How are you?

- Wonderful.

Hi.

You must be Lauren.

Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you as well.

Um, lovely home you have here.

Thanks, thanks.

Yeah, it's more of a house

than a home, unfortunately,

Places like this do

not come up that often.

I understand you haven't

decided for sure yet

if you're going to sell it.

Right.

I really think with

some Christmas decor,

some homey touches,

buyers could be very motivated

to snap up this piece

of the town's history.

Wait, this is my favorite room.

The second I saw the

wallpaper in here,

oh, I fell in love

with the whole house.

- Just to increase curb appeal.

- Yeah.

At this time of the year,

compared to some of the

other places on the block.

We could have a

staging company do it.

They would decorate

it, furnish it.

You don't have to do

anything. It just takes a day.

Wow.

That sounds like a lot.

Um, I don't know. I'd

have to think about it.

I'm not sure that's

in my price range.

It could be as simple as putting

a few garlands down

the front stairs,

possibly a wreath

on the front door.

A personal touch could

help potential buyers

see themselves living here.

I really think we could have

the ink dry on a

deal by Christmas

if you're motivated to sell.

It's as simple as putting

this on the front lawn.

Right, right.

As soon as you're

ready... we are.

[exhales]



So how's it going with Lauren?

Mom said you spent

the night last night.

It wasn't like that.

No, we just had to

pretend to be together

so she doesn't have to tell

her mom we're separated.

Janet doesn't know?!

How long has it been?

Uh, ten months

since I moved out.

You're going to spend

the night again?

No, no. It was just

one night only.

One wonderful night.

Janet, uh, heads off on a

holiday cruise today, so.

Well, it must've been nice to

be back with your family again.

Like you wouldn't believe.

We were almost

like we used to be.

I mean, that was

the plan, right?

Get my family back by Christmas.

What do you think of this one?

Uh, looks like it needs therapy.

It's perfect.

Great. 'Cause this is gonna

be a little bit of a trade.

Oh, I knew there had to be more.

What do you want, Bart?

Uh, advice on... Kimmy?

You've never needed my

advice about women before.

Yeah, but I really like Kimmy.

She's smart, she's funny.

I think she's out of my league.

No, there's no such thing.

You've literally been

MVP on every single team

- you've ever played for.

- Yeah.

All right. Think

of it like being

on the team's reserve list.

Oh.

I know you're gonna have

to use your imagination.

Okay, you want to get

on the main roster?

What do you got to do?

Make mom and dad proud

so I didn't get taken

out of the will?

No, the other thing.

Work harder.

Make sure I'm better than every

other player on the bench.

I can't hear you.

Work harder.

Make sure I'm better than any

other player on the bench.

Exactly.

Step up your game.

Yeah.

[telephone ringing]

Hello?

Great.

Oh!

My cruise is not real.

You said that on the phone.

I still don't know

what you mean.

I have been conned.

What?

You know that invitation?

The winning prize cruise?

Well, it's all fake.

There is no Christmas cruise.

I have nowhere to go.

My Christmas adventure

has been ruined... oh.

Oh.

Oh, no.

Not again!

I'm coming, Mother. I'll

bring all your stuff.

Okay.

[exhales]

I can't believe we're

doing this again.

[hammering]

Why is this so hard for some

people to just ask for help?

Dad really needs to find a hobby

that doesn't include

climbing ladders.

Ooh. How'd the interview go?

Yeah, not really a

work from home type.

Your dad is. He

won't stop working.

Whoa!!!

Okay, big fella,

time to get down!

Yeah, just a minute.

I'll be right there.

What do you need to hear? Do

you need to hear good job.

- Fine.

- [both] Good job.

It looks great. Beautiful.

Dad, just come on down.

[Dad] Go get me

an extension cord.

Okay. Go help him.

Can you see him?

On it.

Oh.

You said you needed to

talk. What about? Bayview?

My mom.

Your mom?

Yes. I guess her

cruise was canceled.

Or maybe it never really

happened, I'm not sure.

But the point is,

she's at my house

for I don't know how long.

And things went really well,

you know, she had a good time,

but if she stays, she's

going to find out about us,

and she's not going

to understand.

Okay, well, I'll come back.

We can get back together.

We'll pretend to be back

together like we did yesterday.

Just until Christmas or until

you're ready to tell her.

What about Charlie?

I don't want him 40 years

from now talking about

that weird fake

Christmas we had.

Come on. You know Charlie.

He loves make believe,

and he's a great kid.

Plus, you're the

world's best mom. Okay?

If he turns out half

as amazing as you.

He's gonna be just fine.

I'm a McCaul.

[both] And who does Christmas...

better than a McCaul?

Even make-believe ones, huh?

Can we start decorating now?

Oh, easy on the tinsel.

Makes such a mess.

Mom, I made some cocoa.

Yeah, buddy, I got

everything right here.

Easy on the tinsel, I think not.

You know, Charlie, I couldn't

get him out of that Santa suit.

Oh, yeah, I had to give up.

He said he wants to

wear it till Christmas.

I wonder what that's all about?

[whispers] More?

Oh. When was this?

Oh, that's from our

honeymoon in Hawaii.

Lauren gets me an ornament

from every city

that we travel to.

Oh.

I remember this one.

Here's some tea.

- Thank you.

- Yeah.

Why is Charlie the

only one smiling?

Oh, I think we weren't

feeling well that day.

That's why Christmas ornaments

are so special, Charlie.

They hold all our

cherished memories.

And then once a year,

we get to bring them

out of their boxes

and relive them all over again.

This was mine when

I was little girl.

She's been with me

for every Christmas.

My grandfather used

to give me a boost

so I could put her up somewhere

special to watch over us.

Maybe your father can

help you with it, huh?

Maybe right...

Careful with that, Charlie.

Here.

Sure.

Perfect.

Now it's beginning to feel

like Christmas [laughs].

But we still don't have

our outside lights up.

Oh, uh, well, I know

a couple of elves

who can help out with that.

But first, all little boys

have to be fast asleep

so they can get ready

for their big day of

skating tomorrow. Okay?

Don't worry about the tinsel.

I'll take it down

when they're in bed.

- Dad.

- Mmhmm.

Will you still be

here when I wake up?

I sure will be.

I guess we'd better get to work.

Oh, no! Where do we...

How did this happen?

Okay, well, we should

start with, like,

an end piece, right? And

then work our way back.

I do these every year, you know.

Oh, yeah, and every year

something goes wrong.

They get tangled or the

lights don't turn on.

Okay. Hang on. You know what,

I think you just have to go.

Okay. Hold on.

Okay. Under here.

Under here. Under here.

Under here. Under here.

Okay. That did not help me.

No, no! Go back, go

back, go back, go back.

Okay.

Yeah, over me. Yeah, perfect.

You have that one here.

Oh.

Everything all right out here?

- Perfect - Fine.

Charlie wants to read

the last book altogether.

Mom! Dad!

We have to finish this.

Okay, uh... you

know what it is?

- No.

- I think I got it.

You do not.

I think I do. Wait for it.

Oh!

Nailed it.

Oh.

[chuckles]

Well, you know.

[laughing] Is this

how you wanted it?

We'll figure that out later.

Oh, uh, you know what,

you're almost free.

Let's go there.

Whoa, whoa, whoa. I got you.

Thank you. It does

look really nice.

My pleasure.

Dashing through the snow

on a one-horse open sleigh.

O'er the fields we go.

Laughing all the way.

Bells on bobtail ring.

Making spirits bright.

What fun it is

to laugh and sing

a sleighing song tonight.

Jingle bells,

jingle bells.

Jingle all the way.

Oh, what fun it

is to ride...

[Lauren] Go Charlie!

Didn't Kevin say he was

going to skate with Charlie?

He did.

Well, that's odd

that he's not here.

So I see you didn't get

Charlie out of the Santa suit.

I didn't try.

Is Kevin gonna meet us here?

Yeah, I'm sure he'll

make it here any time.

There he is.

Sorry, I'm late. My

skates are at our place.

I didn't... I didn't

want to walk that far.

So I went to my parents place

to look for Bart's skates,

but couldn't find them anywhere.

They must have sold them.

Can you believe that?

No. I don't. I mean,

that sounds crazy.

They are Bart's state

championship hockey skates.

And now, after 20 plus years,

you think his parents sold them?

Hey, guys.

Hey, Bart.

You're all here.

Hi.

Bart?

Wow, that's... that's great.

Nice skates.

Thank you. Thanks.

Uh, Kimmy, he won three

state championships

with those hockey skates.

- Really?

- Yeah.

Wow.

Three times. Right, Kevin?

Yeah, three.

Hey, Kimmy brought her

skates, where are yours?

Uh, it's a...

it's a long story.

I gotta run so.

I'll help you out.

- Janet! Hi!

- Bart.

- Nice to see you.

- Good to see you.

Kimmy, Janet. Janet, Kimmy.

I will be right back.

Okay.

Let's go. Yeah.

Grandma J, I'm Lauren's mom.

Oh, nice. Hi.

Hi.

I'm gonna put my skates on.

Lauren's the best.

We just started

working together,

but I'm so impressed.

You must be so proud of her.

Oh, I am.

I never thought she'd

outgrow that disaster phase,

but she really has become

a wonderful woman,

mother and wife.

I am very proud.

You shouldn't be.

I have to come clean, Mom.

About a lot of things.

I'll give you a minute.

We should sit down.

Hey Bart, let's slow him

down a bit, okay buddy?

Alright, here he comes.

One. Two. Three.

- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

I didn't raise a fibber, Lauren.

I know.

I know and I should have

told you months ago.

Why didn't you?

Because telling you

makes it... real.

And you would have been

disappointed in me.

Disappointed?

Look at me, Mom.

You look great, Charlie.

You better explain everything.

I knew it was a risk

buying the Bayview house.

Kevin kept warning me.

I didn't want to believe

we had bought a money pit.

I just wanted it to work out.

I didn't want to rent anymore.

I thought we could fix

everything ourselves.

You bit off more

than you can chew.

It was really hard.

Kevin started avoiding

the house and avoiding me,

and taking more

shifts at the bar

to pay for everything and

we started fighting a lot.

And then last December, we

had this big blowout fight

where we both said

things we shouldn't have,

and he stormed off and

he lost his license,

and he kept it

from me for weeks.

And when I found out,

I told him I needed some

time apart and he left.

Where did he go?

We don't even have

an occupancy permit

at the Bayview House,

so we have to keep

a sign on the door.

So he had to move

in with his parents.

It's just that everything

fell to pieces,

and I've been trying to put

it back together, but...

but it's not the same.

Maybe I should head home.

You and Kevin obviously

have things to work through.

You don't need your mother...

- No.

- In the middle.

No, mom, you have to stay.

I need you more than ever.

Please, please say you'll stay.

Of course.

I'm sorry I haven't been around

that you couldn't confide in me.

I'm so sorry that I

didn't tell you the truth.

Everything good?

I told my mom everything.

If I'm being honest, I

sensed something was off.

We're sorry, Janet. We...

I'm just glad you two

are better parents

than you are actors.

[laughs]

I just couldn't pretend anymore.

You did the right thing.

Sorry.





Kevin, Santa's meeting

me here, you're kid?

Yeah.

Charlie, say hi to Dax.

Hello?

Cute kid.

Yeah, he gets it from his mom.

Hey. I didn't think I'd be

seeing you this holiday season.

Yeah. You know, I

decided to stay.

Really Dax?

That's great.

My sister and I worked

through a lot of stuff.

Those old family dynamics,

past disagreements.

It's like he told me, though.

The only way out is through.

It wasn't easy, but taking

your advice was worth it.

I owe you.

It's nothing, Dax.

You did that. Proud of you.

So you're not working

at Ron's anymore?

Where are people supposed to go

for their Kevin's

Corner therapy sessions?

Yeah, that's a good question.

You know, when I figure

out where I land,

I'll be sure to let

you know. All right?

Sounds good. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

- [camera shutter snaps]

- Got it.

Okay, Dad, I'm ready to go.

Hey, hey, what'd

you ask Santa for?

I can't tell you. That's

between me and him.

Hey, how's it coming?

Oh, I'm, you know,

making progress.

Hey, Lauren. I just

wanted to apologize

for what I said at the ice

rink the other day, I...

Oh, no no, no, no,

don't apologize.

It was me.

I needed to say something

to my mom and... and I did.

And I'm glad.

You know, selling your home

is never an easy decision,

whether you lived in it or not.

And I know we have this

great plan of action,

but we'll only use

it if you want to.

The ball's in your court.

Nice sports metaphor.

You and Bart have

a lot in common.

You think?

Yes, I do think.

The question is,

what do you think?

I... uh... I mean, I like him.

I like them, I

like them... them.

McCauls are all great.

Oh, great.

They are.

They're a great family.

Hey, help me get

this to the garage.

So back to Bart.

Oh, gosh.

[both laugh]

It looks amazing, Mrs. McCaul.

Thanks Kimmy.

Oh, there you are.

Charlie, hooray! My good

luck charm is here. Oh!

So mom's biggest

competition is herself.

She outdoes herself every year.

Well, you miss 100 percent

of the shots you don't take.

Did you just quote...

Wayne Gretzky is my idol. I

played hockey in high school.

Hmm. Competitive too.

And just so you know,

this is a ferocious,

decades old,

community-wide battle for

the best gingerbread house.

Patricia and her choir ladies,

they argue about the

results all year long.

Lauren!

Oh. Hi.

Lauren. Oh, so glad

you came, sweetheart.

As winners last year, tradition

has you building over here.

But I don't want to put

any pressure on you.

I have to defend

my title, don't I?

Hey, Charlie.

You know, after all these years,

I figured I'd find a way to win.

Well... can't win

them all, Bart.

I'm gonna try.

I heard you talked to Santa.

Yep. I told him

all about my plan.

He's cool with it.

Your plan?

Oh, I'm wearing this

until Christmas.

Since it's just me

and mom this year,

I want to make it extra special.

Can we start yet?

Oh. Of course.

Not yet.

I think we should have

a reading of the rules

for our new participant.

Okay, everyone, I'd like to

welcome the newest member

to the competition,

Miss Kimmy Andrews.

Woohoo! [applause]

And at your stations,

you will find identical

homemade gingerbread houses

courtesy of mom, aka Patricia.

All decorations and

embellishments must be edible

and created during the time of

the competition which starts...

Oh, it starts now!



Christmas time is

the very best time

to take my baby dancing.

Sing along now let

the church bells ring.

That's great.

Ding dong, sing along

dance around the mistletoe.

Covered by the amber glow.

Underneath the

sugarplum sky

Sing along now

let the church bells ring.

Ding dong, sing along.

We all need

somebody to hold.



[buzzer]

Oh. Time's up. Frosting down.

Ding dong sing along...

Ding dong, sing along,

ding dong, sing along.

Did you spend all year coming

up with the pretzel fence idea?

'Cause that's really good.

Thank you. Sweet and salty.

You cannot go wrong.

Yeah.

Oh, and, Kimmy, I love

the black licorice

framing your windows.

It's a real trend I've been

seeing on the market lately.

Yeah.

Maybe whoever buys

Bayview will do the same.

The house is on the market?

No, no. Not yet.

Well, there's lots of steps

till we get to that point.

Not until you and

I talk about it.

Lots of steps.



How's the job hunt going?

Oh, they're hiring a recovery

counselor at Grace Road.

Really?

Yeah, I'd probably have

to take a couple courses

to finish my degree,

but I think that could

be pretty good at it.

So do I.

Oh, I don't have it yet.

Oh, right.

Okay, next, we got to start

taking down all the...

So, uh...

This is real.

Listen, only if

we want it to be.

Ah.

Kimmy and Jason think they

could get it sold by Christmas?

Right.

Who's Jason?

Kimmy's business partner.

Oh, I, uh, I like the wreath

you put on the front door.

Yeah. Jason suggested some

Christmas decorations,

and if I just clean

it up a little,

it'll help generate interest.

Mm. Um, I gotta get going.

I gotta get ready for my

job interview on Thursday.

Oh, yeah. No. Of

course. Of course.

I would like to give you a ride

to your appointment on

Thursday, if you want.

Uh, no, you don't have

to do that, Lauren.

I want to.

Yeah.

Okay. It's a plan

then. Thanks.

And, Kevin...

Any other plans you should

be making me aware of?

You know, for Friday?

- Um, no, no.

- [knocking]

Lauren, how are you?

Hi.

How are you? Nice

to see you again.

I'm great. Thank you.

Jason, this is...

this is Kevin.

Kevin. Jason.

Hello, Kevin.

Hey. Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you.

So a photographer friend agreed

to take some shots this week.

If you two are ready

to pull the trigger.

Yeah, great. I was just saying

that I'm going to get more

Christmas decorations,

and I'm going to

clean it all up.

I cannot wait to see what

you do with this place.

You know what? I can

take lead on that.

My parents have all sorts

of Christmas baubles

laying around we can use.

Amazing.

Next, I guess, we should do

a full tour of the house.

Sounds great.

Yeah. Great. Let's get to it.

First of all, we started

with the staircase.

All of the flooring

are original.

And then we moved

on to the attic.

I did all the insulation myself.

And then we... we moved

on to the fixtures,

and we're still working on that.

Fantastic job you've done.

Ultimately, I'm glad

she knows the truth.

It did feel wrong

what we were doing,

and I felt like a

little kid again,

trying to hide my

messes from her.

You told her everything?

Yeah. Yeah, I did, and...

And she forgave me for keeping

the truth from her for so long.

Oh, forgiveness is a wonderful

thing to receive from others.

Bear in mind, it's

also something

we can offer to ourselves.

Now, before we took a

break in our sessions,

dating other people

was put on the table.

Where are you with that?

Hearing Lauren say that

it only made me

want to work harder

to earn back her trust,

earn back my family.

That's great, Kevin.

But, um, I've realized

if that doesn't happen,

I need to be okay with me.

I gotta do the work to be

happy with myself first.

Uh...

No, I haven't been on a date,

but there have been offers.

It's on both partners

to decide for themselves

how they want to proceed.

Is that what you want?

Honestly, I don't know the

answer to that question.

Do you think dating other people

is going to help you find it?

I don't know.

I wish more than anything

someone could just

tell me what to do.

You know, like, should

we stay together

or should we split

up completely?

Well, unfortunately, no one

can figure that out except you.

You have to find the answers

you're looking for within yourself.

Right.

Great.



You know, what's a

great idea, if you help.

Mom said we have to do

this together. Come on.

She's crazy if she thinks

dad isn't gonna notice

his Blitzen is missing.

Is this Blitzen?

It's giving me more Comet vibes.

Whatever keeps Dad from

going up the ladder again.

Oh, he'll find another reason.

Hey, the job market's

a little dry.

I can always set you up with

Jimbo doing day calls at the site.

I've had a job for a long

time. I need a career now.

Sounds like you got

something cooking.

Mhm. Recovery counselor.

I'm actually just registering

for the last course.

I need to finish my degree.

You've always been good

at, you know, listening,

and that's what you

want to do in school.

Sounds like a home run, buddy.

Oh, which reminds me,

I'm thinking about asking

Kimmy to Christmas.

Oh, good for you.

Bart's got a girlfriend.

Girlfriend is such

a strong word.

You're the one that said

you really liked her.

I do.

Bro, you don't just invite

someone home for Christmas

if it's a casual fling.

It means something.

Christmas is sacred.

Says the guy who just

faked an entire Christmas.

Maybe I won't ask her.

You know what? I'll make

a game-time decision.

Does Kimmy know everything is

a sports metaphor with you?

Maybe it's time to pack away

the high school hero bit, huh?

Well, I'm not really the type of

guy to sit on the sidelines, Kev.

Unlike somebody I know.

What does that mean?

You and Lauren, Kev?

It's been almost a year,

and you've actually done nothing

to try and get your

wife to take you back.

What are you talking about?

It's all I think about.

Yeah, I know, and thinking

is what you do on the bench.

Dude, it's time to

get back in the game.

You're down, bro. You

have no time-outs left.

It is time for the Hail Mary.

[mocking] It is time

for the Hail Mary.

[phone ringing]

- [phone ringing]

- Hey, mom.

Huh? Is he okay?

No, no, no, no, we're

here. We're in the garage.

What do you mean,

you already left?

Okay, we'll meet you there.

What happened?

Dad's going to the hospital.

What?

Okay, okay.

- You okay, Dad?

- What happened?

I'm so good it

should be ill*gal.

Joseph McCaul and

his entire family.

People call me Joe.

Well, Joe, you're a lucky man.

Looks like you don't

have any fractures.

Just some bumps and cuts

from the bushes, I presume.

How are you feeling?

Any better, I'd be twins.

There you are.

Oh, oh. I'm sorry. I

don't mean to interrupt.

No, Lauren. Please stay.

Lauren, honey you're family.

So I think we just want to keep

you overnight for observation

and make sure you don't

have a concussion.

Really? That's it? I mean...

- Kev.

- Well...

You know, I do think it would

be good for you to discuss

with your family who's

climbing ladders from now on.

To me, it looks like you have

three very capable people

that can help you with

your Christmas decorations.

Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

Hey, guys.

Would you guys give me

a minute alone with Dad?

- Oh, sure.

- Sure, sure.

Yeah.

Come on, Bart.

Who are you texting?

- Nunya.

- Who?

Nunya business.

[chuckles]

Listen, Dad, um...

I know it's not our thing,

but I wish I'd asked for help

last year when I needed it.

You have always

stepped in for me

when I've needed

help, no matter what.

So let me return the favor.

You got a lot on

your plate right now.

The last thing you need...

No, Dad. It's the

main thing I need...

to be helpful.

It's just that it's taken me

a while to figure that out.

I love you, Dad.

I love you, too.

What bushes did you take out?

[laughs]

- Oh.

- Sorry.

[laughing]

[pleasant music]

What am I even doing here?

Oh!

No. You're being ridiculous.

Hey, have you been out

here the whole time

I've been in there?

Um...

well, yeah, but I was just

waiting because, you know,

you had that look on your

face like Charlie did

on his first day of school,

and I figured I

should stick around,

you know, in case you

needed a quick exit.

I have been offered an

administrative position.

That's great.

And as soon as I complete

the required course,

I'll be a counselor here.

Kevin congratulations!

Yeah, um... thank you.

What's in the bag?

I got us some fuel.

Thanks.

Pick up two reindeer and

reverse to the North Pole.

Again?

How many cookie cards

do you have anyway, huh?

[laughs]

If you keep taking down decor,

you leave me no choice

but to go shopping again.

Oh, I have something

you can use, Mom?

Sorry, Mom.

It's just that if I can

make the Bayview house

look more like a

home at Christmas,

it'll be easier to sell it.

Well, you should

have said something.

Here.

She'll do the trick.

No, Mom, there's no way

I can take your angel.

That is your most treasured

Christmas decoration.

Well, for good reason.

She provides peace

and protection.

So whoever comes to your open

house is going to feel that.

Let me get the box.

Thank you for watching,

Charlie tomorrow.

I have no idea what

Kevin is planning

for our annual Christmas date.

Well, I'm sure it's

going to be fun.

It's going to be a long day

of Charlie beating me

at Christmas cards,

but I'm gonna love

every second of it.



[exhales]

[sighs]



- [knocking]

- Good morning.

I just came to see how much

room I have for presents.

[groggy] Good morning, mom.

I start hiding them in the car.

How many cars you got?

Oh, this came for

you in the mail.

Oh, it's too much.

It's just too much.

But I can't help myself.

I love spoiling my kids.

Well, I know how you feel.

How are the decorations

at the Bayview house?

Eh...

Ah! [chuckles]

Got my license back, Mom.

You know, honey, there

comes a time in life

when you have to take a chance.

And with that risk comes the

possibility of disappointment.

You can build all the

train tracks you like,

lay it all out.

But at some point, you got

to get the locomotive moving.

Right? And Christmas is

right around the bend.

Is that what you were going for?

December 22nd seems like

a better time than any.

The 22nd? That's today?

All day.

Choo, choo!

How could I forget?

I'll get this train in gear.

Hey, don't worry

about those sounds.

It looks like the paparazzi

I hired attracted a crowd.

Just make sure they

get my good side.

Oh, of course.

Oh, but seriously, though,

they did say the lions can get

a little restless at night,

- So try not...

- No! Stop it, Kevin.

Okay, here we go.

The Bayview house.

Kevin.

Watch your step.

Wow.

Here, let me get this.

Thank you.

Yeah.

Wow. Kevin.

You know, this is how I

imagined this house could look.

How I knew it could feel.

Me too.

Which is why I thought of

this as the perfect start

to my plan for our

annual Christmas date.

Honestly, I thought you

had forgotten about it.

Uh, yeah, I did.

I forgot with

everything going on.

Oh.

My mom mentioned the

date this morning,

and I realized that I

couldn't let you down.

I'm not going to let

you down again, Lauren.

You ready for the best part?

There's more.

Oh, yeah.

Oh...

Kevin... wow.

Kevin, this is beautiful.

You arranged and

did all this today?

Well, I rallied a lot on

my friends from Ron's.

Everyone I called, they

wanted to help out.

You said you want to have

this house sold by Christmas.

And I want to make

your dream come true.

Oh, um, there's one more thing.

It's your favorite, "A

Christmas Carol". The OG.

I love this movie.

- [laughs]

- I know.

Thanks for telling me the truth.





Oh, oh!

I got you.

- Look at you.

- Oh, sure, I do?

On my nose? Really?

Cheers.

Do you remember the

looks on their faces?

Yeah.

[laughs] Yes! Yes!!

That is exactly

what they look like.

And then I had to explain to

them that their surprise Santa

he hadn't actually shocked me.

My hair... my hair was just

that bad. Remember that?

[laughs] I do.

Those frosted tips.

[laughing]

[exhales]



- The first...

- Our song.

Noel

The angels did

say was to...

It's so amazing, Kevin.

The truth is, there should

have been lots of nights

like this along the way.

No, I don't expect or need

big, fancy grand gestures.

I know, and that's

what makes it so fun.

You don't expect it but

you definitely deserve it.

On a cold winter's

night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel

Noel

Born is the

King of Israel.

This has been the most

humbling year in my life.

I'm making it through

because I know you're

there cheering me on.

Shining in the East...

Even if it has to be

from the sidelines.

I'll take it.

But here's the thing,

Lauren, I, um...

Maybe...

[gasps]

[laughs]



Oh, no!

Oh!

Be careful. It's really sharp.

I had no idea that

this was here.

The guys, they must

have knocked this down

when they were

moving everything in.

My mom had this since

she was a little girl.

What am I gonna tell her?

Oh, I'm so sorry.

You don't have to

tell her anything.

It's my fault. I'll tell her.

No, you didn't do this, Kevin.

I know that, but

neither did you. Okay?

But she entrusted

it to me, and...

I'm so sorry. I have to go.

Charlie is a lucky little boy.

Kevin's coming by

in a little bit.

He and Charlie are gonna wrap

presents for the McCauls.

Oh, that's the best

stage at Christmas.

I remember you when

you were a little girl

at this time of year.

I even remember myself...

Mom, I don't know

how to tell you this.

Your angel is

broken. I'm so sorry.

It was an accident,

but I should have taken

better care of it.

And I'm... I cannot

tell you how sorry I am.

[doorbell]

[doorbell]

You should probably get that.

Mom?

Yeah.

Here she is.

Thanks, Charlie.

Hi.

Cute Santa outfit.

Oh, yeah. Right.

You look fantastic, Lauren.

Merry Christmas, by the way.

Oh. Thank you.

I have some wonderful news.

There's been an offer

on your Bayview house.

Unconditional. We

could close tomorrow.

That's great... I guess.

It is. Kimmy's drawing

up the deal right now,

and there's a few points I

wanted to go over with you.

I was hoping I could steal

you away for a few hours.

Oh. Hi, Kevin

Hi, Janet. I would

have knock but uh...

That's all right.

Is, uh, Lauren here?

She's out.

Oh, she told me about the angel.

Oh. Uh, yeah. Look, I'm sorry.

The guys had plenty

of excuses, but...

What guys?

She made it sound

like she broke it.

No, no, no, no, no.

She was devastated, but

it wasn't her fault.

She puts so much weight

on her shoulders.

She was never like

that as a child.

Wait, what?

What was it you

used to call her?

Little Miss Mess?

I can't believe she

even remembers that.

Well, she does.

Oh.

Dad, you have the stuff!

Hey, buddy. Yeah, you

ready to get wrapping?

Yeah.

Okay. Where should

we do all this, huh?

Um... my room!

Okay, you lead the way?



Oh! Kevin. Hi.

Hi.

Sorry. Um, Charlie and I,

we finished up

our gifts tonight.

Oh, well, I bet you're

an expert now, right?

You live in a wrapping room.

Funny.

It's, uh... it's

late. Hot date or...

It was just dinner.

Oh. Right.

Jason says there's

an offer on Bayview.

Jason?

He thinks they can

close the deal tomorrow.

I'm happy to hear and

I'm happy for you.

And it's just like I told you.

You got a trust in

Christmas magic, right?

- Exactly.

- Yeah.

That's right.

Well, I got a lot

of work to do still.

Mom's church choir,

they need candles

for mass tomorrow.

And you can imagine who she

volunteered to pick them up.

Well, I'll see you tomorrow.

Merry Christmas, Lauren.

Merry Christmas.



Well?

Well what?

How was dinner with Jason?

Oh, it was good.

He thinks it's a great offer,

and he thinks we should take it.

Oh. Kevin stopped by

while you were out.

Yeah, he was here

when I got back.

He didn't seem like himself.

You know, he did seem different.

How do you mean?

How does he feel about you

selling the Bayview house?

I don't know.

We didn't have a chance

to talk about it.

He rushed out of the house as

soon as I got back last night.

Well, honey, it had to have

been awkward for him to be here

when you came home from a date

with a tall, handsome realtor.

It's not a date, Mom.

[laughs] Right. Sure?

I am pretty sure the realtor

thought it was a date.

I'm pretty sure everybody

thought it was a date.

Oh, no.

Everything's all

packed and ready to go.

Kimmy said she'll steam the

sashes as soon as we get there.

Thank you, love.

You're being very helpful today.

Yeah, well, just

trying to keep busy.

Sorry, honey.

It won't always be

this way, I promise.

Thanks, Mom.

I'll go let Dad

know we're all set.

Ow!

Ow.

Charlie's tucked away.

I told him Santa won't

come until he's sleeping.

What is going on

with that garland?

I can't do it.

McCaul's make these every year.

I don't know how they

make it look so easy.

Patience, my dear.

I am failing at making

popcorn garland.

Oh, let me have the popcorn.

Sometimes when we

lose everything,

we appreciate what we had.

All I want is what you had.

You and dad...

you had a perfect

family, a perfect house.

- You had a perfect...

- Separation.

- What?

- Yeah.

That summer you went

to sleep-away camp.

Your father and I

lived separate lives.

You never told me that.

Well, honey, that

was grown-up stuff.

We didn't want to involve

you until we were sure.

Little Miss Mess.

Honey, that was just a nickname.

Your room was always

such a pigsty.

I just wish I realized how much

our teasing you took to heart.

But you're right. I am a mess.

My life's a mess. My

marriage is a mess.

- You lent me that angel and...

- Honey...

How did you...

Isn't she gorgeous?

It's a Japanese method.

It's called Kintsugi.

It means repairing

what's broken with gold.

It's somehow more

beautiful than before.

Rather than hiding the

imperfections, the mess,

Kintsugi highlights them.

Celebrates them.

Kevin helped me find

the person who did this.

Yeah.

And I really noticed

how much he has grown.

He's a good man.

I love you, Mom.

I love you, too.

Oh.

Thank you.

You sure you can handle all

the midnight mass pickups?

Yeah. It's just some

little old church ladies.

I'm sure I can handle them.

And, Kev. I got

your back, bro.

We all do.

You want a hug?

It's in the pews.

Yeah.

I think you brought too

much hay for the manger.

Yeah, I'm gonna put some back.

Okay.

Lauren.

Is Kevin here?

Oh, he left. I'm so sorry.

I gotta run.

Merry Christmas, Lauren.

Merry Christmas.

[vocalizing]

The first Noel

the angel did say

was to certain

poor shepherds

in fields as they lay

in fields where they

lay, keeping their sheep

on a cold winter's

night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

born is the King of Israel.

Pat! Kimmy! That

was beautiful.

Lauren, what a surprise.

Oh. You sounded like angels.

Oh. Thanks, Lauren.

It took a lot of

practice to get us here.

It certainly has.

We rehearse, we practice,

and then we let the

Christmas magic take over.

Now I know where Kevin gets it.

Listen, I was wondering

if you both would help me

out after church tonight.

I'm planning a little

Christmas magic of my own.

Deck the halls with

boughs of holly.

Fa la la la la

la la la la.

Bayview? What are we...

Oh, right. Here we go.

Time to go, buddy.

It's after 1:00 am

on Christmas Eve.

Let's go.

Guys, what is going on?

Lauren, what are you doing?

I thought you accepted an offer.

This is my home.

Being here with you

the other night,

it just reminded me

of what I want most.

How much I want this life.

I know.

You love this house,

Lauren. I know that.

It was a little cold

for the lace dress.

Oh, I dig it.

I just thought our

family was perfect.

And when we lost that,

I thought we had

lost everything.

And I didn't think

we could fix it.

But I get it.

I get it now that things

that are broken can be fixed,

they can be better than ever.

Our family is more

beautiful than ever.

And that's what I want.

I want you.

I want you to come

home for Christmas.

You're supposed to wait

until Christmas morning

for presents, Lauren.

I know you're such

a rule follower.

I'll have to work on that.

Well, I guess we're both

a work in progress, so.

I don't mind if you don't mind.

No, I don't mind.

[all] Kiss her.

- Kiss her!

- Kiss her!!

[laughing]

[cheering]

I love you.

I love you too.

- Kiss her again.

- Again.

[cheering]



Mom! Wake up, it's Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

- Merry Christmas!

- Merry Christmas!

Let's go!

What about me?

Dad!

Merry Christmas, buddy.



...we're making cupcakes.

Santa was here.

- [laughs]

-

Merry Christmas.

...kiss under

the mistletoe.

- Come on!

- We're coming.

Tis the season

Boy, I've been wishing

there's somebody special

wrapped up under my tree.



I just want my baby

coming home back to me

Santa, it's on me.



But since that is Christmas

I just want my

baby coming home

back to me.

It's all I need.

Everybody say Merry Christmas.

[all] Merry Christmas.



It's all I need.

Noel,

Noel, Noel

Born is the King of Israel.