Christmas Contest, The (2021)

[bunniefuu]

[♪♪♪]

[Lara] At some point,

we all ask ourselves

"What is
the meaning of life?"

And at some point...

maybe when we fall in love,

maybe when
we lose someone...

we find the sudden, fleeting
answer to the question...

an answer that reminds us

of life's immense possibility
for change.

And, sometimes, that change
gets the better of us.

Sometimes,
we lose ourselves in it.

[♪♪♪]

Not this year, lights.

Hey...

untangling the lights
used to be your favorite job.

What happened?

I don't know.

Guess I grew up.

But it's in
those moments of change,

of love, of loss,

that we realize
the real question isn't,

"What's the meaning of life?"

but rather, "How do I
give my life more meaning?"

And then Christmas comes...

with all the answers.

[♪♪♪]

[Lara] It is an honor
working with all of you,

and, as you know,

I'm so grateful

to be your colleague,
your friend...

"Boss."

Yes. Thank you for that, Mia.

Definitely not
the first time in my life

I've been called bossy.

[laughter]

But seriously,
I'm grateful to each of you

and I wish you a holiday
and year

filled with only
the best things.

[applauding]

So, Lara.

First office holiday party
as C.O.O..

How does it feel?

Well, now everyone's forced
to laugh at my lame jokes,

so... amazing!

Then why are you sneaking off?

Oh, I'm not sneaking off.
I'm...

I'm casually slipping away.

Are you okay?

Yes! Yes, I'm fine.

I am so grateful to you
for this opportunity.

Hey, you've earned it.

Now enjoy.

I will. Yeah, I am!

Now let's all enjoy ourselves.

Okay.

[♪♪♪]

I'm the "Sultan of Swing,"

former MLB MVP,
Ben Winters...

here to tell you

that Winters Christmas Jerky

is a holiday home run.

'Cause nothing says "Christmas"

like beef.

Moo!

Guys, are we sure
that that's accurate?

That "Nothing says 'Christmas'
like beef"?

I mean, come on.

You know what? Maybe I should
do a little adlibbing here.

Yeah? Okay.

♪ Have a holly, jolly ♪

♪ Jerky Christmas ♪

No, that sounds like
a Christmas full of jerks.

That's not gonna work.

Winters Christmas Jerky...

[gags]

Is this...

Is this jerky...
fruitcake-flavored?

Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

Can I get my cozy coat?

[♪♪♪]

Hi!

How are you?

I'm here!

Well, we are done.

Gin, ladies.

Good job, Mom.

I'm sure your friends

enjoyed your hypercompetitive
card-sharking.

Well, if they didn't,

then next time, I can just
pick on someone my own age.

And what age would that be?

Yes, please. Tell us.

-[ladies snickering]
-Hi, honey.

You are late,

but you are just in time
for cocoa. Come on.

[chuckling]

-[water dripping]
-Oh, careful. We got a leak.

That's the budget solution.

Oh.

[exhales deeply]

[snap]

[groans]

You know, it's like
It's A Wonderful Life,

but without the charm.

This place is as geriatric
as we are.

The TV is so old
it's a radio,

and the only time we can tell
that the furnace is even on

is when we smell it.

Okay, Mom, I'm digging
the stand-up routine,

but I get it... it's old.

I offered to donate money.

I know, but we need way more
than what you can donate.

Luckily...

your mother has an idea.

Oh... now why am I scared?

You'll see

when we get to your house.

[perky intro theme plays]

Hi! Marty Grayson here,

and I'm so excited to announce
that Daytime Denver

will be hosting its first-ever
Christmas Contest!

Five Denver locals...

along with help
from their teams...

will compete on-air
in four holiday-inspired events

for a chance to win $50,000
to the charity of their choice.

Okay, what exactly
am I looking at here?

Honey, you are looking at

the way you are gonna win
the girls and me

the money
for the senior center.

Lara, this is
Christmas meets competition.

It's the perfect
Cottridge-style Venn diagram

if there ever was one.

Well, breaking news, Mom...
you're also a Cottridge.

Yes, but I am already
way too busy, honey.

I, too, am a tad busy.

With what?

Uh, hmm, let me think.

Maybe being the C.O.O.
of a multi-national corporation?

And having no time
for my friends?

And I've ignored a dating app
for so long

my profile picture
still has chunky highlights.

Noted.

But you are still my daughter,

and that means you can do it all

and will be the best
at everything, honey.

Oh, thanks, Mom.
No pressure there.

Plus, you know what's
not even on your list?

Christmas spirit.

You know what?
You're right.

I am gonna win this contest,

which will rejuvenate
my Christmas cheer

and help me rediscover
my purpose in life.

[gasps theatrically]

The Christmas spirit
is in me!

It's time to burn my MBA

so I can start
a Christmas-tree farm

in Klausville!

Just give the contest
some thought, huh?

[♪♪♪]

h*, h*! There's the world's
best personal assistant.

Why are you here so late?
The gym's closed.

And are we redecorating?

If so, why isn't the staff
doing it?

Just adding a little Christmas
cheer for the baseball clinic.

What?

The clinic
that starts on Monday?

The "Ben Winters Session"
sports camp for at-risk youth?

Part of your effort to use
your celebrity to give back?

Oh! Yes, that.
Right. Of course.

Monday.

Oh, also, a booking agent
from Daytime Denver called.

You never sent me your schedule,

so I just gave them
your cell number.

Oh. Well, they probably
just want me on

for a celebrity
guest appearance.

Let's see.

Voicemail.

Uh...

Mm.

No, something about
a "Christmas contest"

they want me to apply to.

It's, uh...

oh, five contestants...

everyone brings a team.

Four events.

Ooh! Winner gets 50k for
the charity of their choice?

They can't guarantee me a...

They can't guarantee me a spot,

but they're looking for
a "hometown hero" contestant.

Wow. I mean, this could
be great, right?

Free press for the gym,

boost my social,

could get the word out
about my charitable work

with the "Winters Session" kids.

And, oh, plus,
I could plug the jerky.

And...

it's for a good cause.

Right.

I led with that.

Well, hey, wish
this "hometown hero" some luck

'cause I am off to apply
to a Christmas contest.

-h*, h*!
-Okay...

guess I'll just take care
of everything on my own.

Again.

How? I just checked you
an hour ago.

Hey! [knocks]
It's just me.

[door shuts]

Whatcha doing?

Eating.

Mm.

Not that I'm not happy
to see you again,

but what are you doing here?

Well, I just wanted to check

if you gave that contest
more thought.

Mm.

They're gonna announce
the contestants on Monday.

Oh, there's no harm

in just looking at
the website, right?

Maybe it'll get
that winning spark going?

I sent you the link.

Now, applying
for the Christmas Contest

is as easy
as two simple steps.

One, create an anonymous,
holiday-inspired handle.

I see you as "Noel-It-All".

Get it?

Oh, I'd be...
"Sleigh the Competition".

If I were doing it,
but I'm not.

[hits key]

And, two,
write a short essay

answering the question,

"What is Christmas?"

[whacks key]

"What is Christmas?"

What does that even mean?

What's the problem?

That seems easy enough.

Are you joking?

Answering "What is Christmas?"...

I may as well answer
"What is the meaning of life?"

So? Just figure out
the meaning of life

and just work backwards
to Christmas.

You are welcome.

Okay, I love you,
but goodnight.

[thud]

[Donna sighs]

Okay.

It's just kind of sad

that you're not
doing this contest.

You used to love Christmas.

It meant everything to you.

I should let you
get back to work.

Love ya.

Love you.

[♪♪♪]

"What is Christmas?"

What is Christmas?

Well...

"like life...

it's a time to find meaning..."

[Ben] "What is
the meaning of Christmas?"

What is
the meaning of Christmas...

Come on. You gotta spitball
with me here, Grandma.

Just a little help?

It's your essay contest, Benjy.

Figure it out for yourself.

Whatever.

All right, well, on
to the next order of business...

Chuck's Grandma is
coming to town for the holidays,

and I thought that maybe you two
could be ladies who lunch.

You know I don't
eat lunch, honey.

Grandma. Listen.

I know that you miss Grandpa,

but, you know,
making some new friends

could help that.

Let's get you out of the house
and change up your routine.

Your Grandpa's and my routine
worked all these years.

Why change it now?

Okay, well, then...

in one final act of futility
and exasperation...

what do you want for Christmas?

I don't want anything.

I have everything I need!

Really.

All I want for Christmas
is for us to be together.

[claps and grunts]
That's it!

That is the answer
to the essay question.

"Christmas is a time
to be together."

[laughs]

Mm! Thank you!

[♪♪♪]

[Ben humming cheerfully]

Hey!

You're late.
The kids are waiting.

Kids?

Oh! The baseball camp.

Yes, but the Christmas Contest
finalists

are being announced right now.

You know what?

Two birds, one ball.

I could use this
as a great opportunity

for a teachable moment.

[exhales]

'Kay.

That good?

You're late!

[dryly] Oh, yeah,

because, obviously,
I was getting my nails done.

Hi.

Oh, look, it's starting.

I just know
you're gonna win.

Okay, Mom,
I love the confidence,

but let's not get
too competitive.

-This is just a little contest.
-Mm. Right.

[Marty]
I just wanted to say

that this contest was inspired
by my love for Christmas,

my love for Denver,

and my desire to create

an event that brings
this great city together.

And with
a thousand essays submitted,

it was nearly impossible

to choose
only five contestants.

-But here goes.
-You're gonna get picked

-for sure.
-Oh, I'm not so sure,

but we can't let
fear of striking out

keep us
from playing the game.

Babe Ruth said that, right?

No, I just made that up
right now.

I'm pretty sure
Babe Ruth said that.

Agree to disagree,
but the point is,

not every run
can be a home run.

Our first contestant is...

"Winters Wonderland."

Oh! But this one is

'cause that's me!

Yes! "Home run, Winters!"

Oh, h*, h*!

[roars] Yeah!

Next...

"Rebel Without a Claus."

It's okay.

Next contestant...

"Special Snowflake."

-Okay.
-Up next...

"Santa's Little Health."

And our final contestant is...

..."Sleigh the Competition".

[Cottridges shrieking]

Yay! That's my girl.

Join me tomorrow
as we meet our contestants

right here on this stage

for the first event...

a Christmas trivia quiz.

Which contestant has...

[gasps] Nobody knows
more trivia than you do.

-This event is yours!
-...going h*-h*-home?

We'll find out
right here, tomorrow!

[♪♪♪]

Hi. I'm Lara.

Otherwise known
as "Sleigh the Competition".

I'm Lindsay...
"Santa's Little Health".

-Hi.
-Bill.

"Rebel Without a Claus."

-Oh.
-I'm Zoey.

♪ "The Special Snowflake." ♪

Hi. I'm Ben.
"Winters Wonderland."

[ominous chord strikes]

-Wow.
-Hi.

Excuse us.

[♪♪♪]

So...

we're both here.

Yeah, both, uh,
Christmas Contest competitors.

So, Ben,
How've you been?

Great.

Yeah. Just so busy.

Yeah, you seem busy
shilling your celebrity.

You mean lending my good name
to worthy causes?

Worthy causes like

"the Ben Winters
Spray Tan Salon"?

To combat
Seasonal Affective Disorder.

[scoffs]
It's a spray tan, Ben.

Well, I guess
lucky you knew me.

I mean, because you only
learned Christmas trivia

because I learned it
for you.

But you only learned it
because you learned it for me,

so I guess,
lucky you knew me, Ben.

So is this gonna be awkward

with us both
in the contest together?

Probably for this round,

but once
you're eliminated today,

it'll be totally fine.

Ha. Okay, well,

I can see you are just... mm!

...as competitive as ever.

Not at all.

This is a fun contest
to inspire holiday cheer.

Mm.

Everyone on stage
to get miked, please.

It's showtime!

All right. Well, hey,
high-fives all around. Huh?

Yeah.

Except for Lara,
who leaves me hanging.

Oh, no, Ben.

You're the one
who leaves people hanging.

[♪♪♪]

[cheery intro plays]

Welcome to our first event...
the Christmas trivia quiz!

Okay...

Let's get started

with our first question,
shall we?

What's Ben doing there?

[groans disdainfully]

First question...

which country has
a festive legend

about a giant cat?

-[Ben and Lara buzzing]
-[both] Iceland!

[Marty] All right.

You both buzzed in
at the same time,

so I'll give this point
to Lara and Ben.

And, uh, Lara, Ben?

You're miked,
so no need to shout.

[Marty chuckles]

Next question.

Come on.

What is the symbol
of Christmas

in New Zealand?

-[buzzing]
-[both] The Pohutukawa tree!

[Marty] All right!

Once again...

point to a very loud
and enthusiastic Lara and Ben,

who should really both wait
until I call on 'em to answer.

Next question.

[inhales deeply]

What is Santa's zip code?

-[buzzing]
-Rebel Without a Klaus?

Santa's zip code
is h*-OOOO.

Point, Rebel.

Yeah.

Next question.

What is Frosty the Snowman's
nose made out of?

[buzzer sounds]

Special Snowflake?

A button?

-That is correct!
-Yes!

-Easy.
-Next question.

The catchy carol "Jingle Bells"

was originally written for...

-[buzzing]
-[both] Thanksgiving!

To commemorate
the Medford Sleigh Race!

But was originally entitled
"One-Horse Open Sleigh."

And was the first song
broadcast from space.

[Marty]
Wow! That's a lot of info.

Final question.

How far does Santa travel

each Christmas?

-[buzz]
-220 million miles.

Giving him,
with the time zones,



At 650 miles per second!

Breaking the speed of light!

Consuming roughly 150 billion
calories of cookies and milk.


his daily recommended intake!

[♪♪♪]

Wow.

And with that,
our trivia portion is over.

And I'm sorry to say,
but Santa's Little Health,

you'll be heading home.

But not empty-handed,

as you'll be receiving $1,000
to the charity of your choice.

[applause]

Thank you.

[under his breath]
One down.

Now let's spend some time
with our remaining contestants.

First up,

local celeb... Ben Winters...
who needs no introduction.

You might have a pot holder
or an energy bar

with his face on it.

And if you don't,
you should.

[Ben chuckles smugly]

Next up,
we have Denver native

and McLeeds Consulting C.O.O.
Lara Cottridge,

a.k.a.
"Sleigh the Competition."

So, Lara, off your handle,

should we assume
that you're competitive?

Oh... no, Marty.

I don't believe in competition.

Rather, I believe in
challenging myself and others

to reach our full potential.

Tell that to the Great Christmas
Scrabble w*r of 2012.

Yeah, I will tell that, because
"aecia" is still a common noun.

[snaps] Proper noun.

Uh... do you two
know each other?

We used to...

kind of somewhat date.

And by "kind of somewhat date,"

she means we were together
for four years.

[astonished] Huh!

Well... Lara, Ben.

I'm sure
there's a lot of history here.

Seeing as the contest
is all about

fostering community spirit
and holiday cheer,

I hope that you two
can put the past behind you

and be good sports, yeah?

-Of course we can.
-Definitely.

Well... Lara.

Best of luck to you.

And best of luck
to you, too, Ben.

You're gonna need it.

[♪♪♪]

Yeah, Ben and I once dated,
but...

it is not gonna
be a problem.

I am totally chill
with him.

I would never
describe Lara as "chill."

That girl is so competitive.

Yeah, I-I can be
a little competitive,

but I mean,
that's how I was raised...

to be ambitious.

Oh, this one year, she came up
with this whole dance routine

just so we could win

her holiday talent contest
for her work.

[rhythmically]
♪ We wish you ♪

♪ A Merry Christmas
We wish... ♪ [laughs]

It's stuck in my head,
all these years later.

My grandparents
were immigrants.

My mom worked two jobs
to put herself through school.

My mother left
when I was young and, um...

my grandma raised me.

She wanted me to have
everything she never could,

so she taught me
the value of hard work

and wanted me
to make something of myself.

I was set on
making something of myself.

'Cause unless
you're the lead dog,

the scenery
never changes, right?

So who will be the lead dog
in the contest's second event...

the bake-off?

We'll find out tomorrow.

And remember...

this isn't your run-of-the-mill
baking competition.

These folks will be baking

holiday-inspired treats
of epic proportions.

But our contestants
won't be baking alone.

Throughout the contest,

they'll be helped by teams
of three friends or family.

Because remember,
this is about community.

-Lara. Hi.
-Hi.

Oh. Did some Christmas shopping?

Oh, just some stuff
for the bake-off.

This is a very nice dress
to be baking in.

Oh, and look.

Designer heels to match.

I bake in heels
all the time.

Sometimes.

Never.

Is this about your ex?

This is about
being camera-ready.

Oh, Lara, come on.

I remember you and Ben.

You two were twin flames...
a real power couple.

You were great together,
but also...

intense.

"Intense"?

Intense!

Okay.

I have to go.

I know we're trying
to wrap up the year,

but I will be back
online tonight,

and I will pull
an all-nighter,

but for now, I have to wrangle
my Christmas Contest team.

[packages rustling]

[♪♪♪]

Here are the blueprints
for the yule-log cake.

This is very complicated.

Think perhaps
you've gone a bit overboard?

What happened to
"It's just a little contest"?

Ben happened!

Yep, Ben happened.

So this contest has gone

from "community spirit"
and "spreading holiday cheer"

to "long-awaited moment of
liberating personal catharsis."

Mm.

Girls, Lara dating Ben

was four years
of her being treated

like she was never
good enough.

This is her chance to prove

that she's not
just good enough,

she is better.

Just... [sighs]

...this seems a tad

petty.

You wouldn't want
Santa to skip you.

Oh, Lara has been good
this year.

Santa will forgive

one tiny
Vesuvian act of revenge.

Ooh.

Girls, this contest
is ours to lose,

because when Lara sets her mind
on something,

it's hers.

My girl is a winner.

Again, no pressure.

Okay, Team Sleigh
the Competition...

Mm.

All hands on deck?

Yes!

[slap]

Oh, yeah!

Break!

[♪♪♪]

Perfect!
I'll get back to you.

Hey. Thanks for covering.
I was on with Daytime Denver.

Oh, yeah?

Hey, what's his story?

Oh, that's Jayce.

He can be very focused,
very determined.

Not the best social skills.

He's got a lot to prove.

Reminds me of myself
at that age.

Anyway, so I just
pitched Daytime Denver

a brilliant idea.

You know how we need a team
for the Christmas Contest?

Well, I was thinking,

what if the team was made up
of a few of these kids?

I mean, imagine...

me, and the kids,
Yuletide cheer?

It's adorable-overload.

What's that I hear...
a sure win?

[chuckles] And do I smell
the sweet scent of endorsements?

It would also be a great
experience for the boys.

Yes, I just said that.

Liam and Ellis
are natural hams.

-I'm sure they'd love it.
-But I need three.

What about Jayce?

Sure, Jayce. Yeah.

Good.

So can you call the parents
and see what they think?

-Yeah.
-Great.

-One more thing.
-Mm-hmm?

Using the kids as your team
wouldn't have anything to do

with you trying to get back
at your ex-fiancée, would it?

Oh... [scoffs]
Pfft. 'Course not.

No, actually,
me competing against Lara

is a great opportunity
for me to show

how much I've matured.

Because this contest
is not about my ego.

Nope.

It's about me
doing good in the world.

Which could also
benefit your ego.

Sure. Maybe.

But no time
for self-awareness now.

I've got places to be.

All right, my man.

Hey. Just keep
your back elbow up.

Square up your shoulders.
Lead leg out in front.

Step into it.
Throw your hips.

Nice.

Thanks.

Okay, so anyways, I gotta do
a recon of the bake-off site.

You good here?

Well...

[sighs] Sure!

[thump]

[sighs louder]

[♪♪♪]

[indistinct exchange]

[♪♪♪]

Lara.

Wow.

Come here often?

Or you just popped by
to do a little recon?

Happened to be walking by.

Strange. Me too.

Mm.

I guess
great minds think alike.

Great minds and... exes.

You know, Ben, it's good
we bumped into each other

so we can get a handle
on this sitch,

because,
while the banter is fun...

It is, right?

...It's also
incredibly immature.

And we can be adults, right?
We can be civil.

So, Ben, are you ready

to bake a giant
Christmas dessert tomorrow?

Of course.

What, are you suggesting

that baking
a giant Christmas dessert

is hard?

Only as a rule, yes.

So I suggest
you get yourself a recipe.

Oh, but I forgot.

You hate recipes

and anything related
to instructions or directions.

So is this
you being civil, or...

and I don't hate them,
I just don't need them.

My bookshelf?

Which I built
without instructions?

That collapsed the first time
I put a book on it?

We couldn't prove
that was an assembly issue.

Well, good luck
with your baking.

And good luck with your baking.

Just make sure to ask the judges

if they prefer raw
or undercooked.

Har, har, har.

Well, historically,

my baking may have leaned
towards the less-well-done,

but you, undoubtedly,

will burn
your bake-off creation.

-Ah.
-And from the burnt crumbs

of your giant dessert,

my dessert will emerge

like a Phoenix
rising from your sugary ashes!

Wow! Are you really
gonna be this competitive

about a bake-off?

[snaps] Oh, this is about
more than a bake-off, Ben,

and you know it!

[calmly] Okay. Being civil
is obviously too ambitious.

How about, instead,

we are just
competitors on-camera

and mature adults off-camera?

Okay?

[snickers]

Lara, you look beaut

Oh, thank you.

Honey, are you gonna bake
for four hours in stilettos?

Oh. They're not stilettos.
They're... pumps.

Besides, I brought sneakers.

Oh! sh**t!
I forgot my sneakers.

Hi, Donna.

It's so nice to see you again.

[darkly] Hello, Ben.

Oh, wow, that was the most
terrifying "hello" of my life.

-Oh! My team!
-Hey, Coach Ben.

What? No! No, no, no.

You can't have kids
on your team.

Oh, really, and why not?

Because you're just using them
for their adorable factor.

You think it's gonna work?

I'm not using them.
How cynical of you.

I'm merely trying
to offer these kids

a once-in-a-lifetime
holiday experience.

Oh, hey, Marty,
question for you.

Um... can we have
whomever we want on our team?

-Yep.
-Thanks.

My guys! Get in here.

-[laughing]
-[boys] Hey, coach.

I'm sorry, were you
complaining about something?

[groans] Oh!

[grunts victoriously]
Who's ready to bake?

Oh, h*. Thank you.

And vanilla.

Ben's team is all kids!

How am I supposed
to beat children?

Oh... wow.

Listen to the words
coming out of my mouth.

No. No stress.
It's all good.

Kids or no kids,
our dessert is still a winner.

Uh, except
that Beth just called.

It seems that her granddaughter
just went into labor early,

so Beth is off
to Fort Collins.

Till New Year's.

So we're down a team member?

[♪♪♪]

Looks like luck
is on our side!

[♪♪♪]

Bernie! Hi!
It's nice to see you.

And you, Lara!

I've missed you!

Oh. Me too, really.

So are you on Ben's team
for the bake-off?

No, I'm just here
for moral support.

Oh, good.

Well, then, question...

What's going on?

Uh, actually,
I was just about

to ask Bernie
if she'd like to join my team.

-What?
-What?

After all, our team can be
whomever we want, right?

I want Bernie.

Well, thank you,
but I couldn't.

Wouldn't want
to "Et tu, Grandma?"

[Martha and Donna giggling]

[♪♪♪]

No, Grandma...

you should do it.

What? R... Really?

Yeah, really. Definitely.

It'll be fun and, uh,

Lara could use your help.

Okay, fine.

But just for today.

Thank you!

What?

Grandma, this will be good.

You can make some new friends.

Change up your routine.

Okay?

[distractedly] Okay...

Hi, Donna.

Hi!

Do you remember who I am?

Of course.

Why, did you forget?

[laughing]

Get over here!

Oh, hey.

Oh, it's been way too long.

It looks like
I'm on your team.

Really? Well, then
let's get you an apron!

Come on. [laughs]

[♪♪♪]

So what do you think?

It's a "gym-gerbread" house.

It's clever, right?

A gym made of cookies?

-Mm-hmm.
-Sure makes sense to me.

Oh, and your dessert is better?

[chuckles] Behold...

Operation: "Yule Be Sorry."

Whoa.

In honor
of the stalwart reindeer,

we're doing a magical
"Christmas forest" theme.

Oh... be careful.

My reindeer's very fragile.

I thought he was stalwart?

[thumps table]

All right,
we had two days to prepare.

How did you pull this off?

I called in a few favors
from friends.

Bakers, architects,
project managers.

-Oh!
-But don't worry.

Since you can't beat me,

just make sure
you don't come in last.

Now, please,
may I have my reindeer?

See? All you had to do
was ask nicely.

Okay, folks!

We're gonna start rolling soon.

Okay.

Ah! Have you guys
ever baked before?

[♪♪♪]

...So there I was, retired,

with no idea
what to do with myself,

then I caught wind
of a poker game

over at the senior center...

and the rest is history!

[both laughing]

Oh, but enough about me.

How about you?
How is Charlie?

Actually, he passed last year.

Oh, Bernie.

Oh, honey, I'm so sorry.

Would you two mind
trying this for us?

Mm...

So, what do you think?

Delicious!

Heaven in butter form.

Ooh! Yes.

So good.

-Camera.
-Camera!

What happened?

I turned my back on them
for three seconds and...

Guys, we are supposed to have
our eyes on the prize.

I know,
but Ellis started it.

Only after Liam spilled on me.

-Guys. Guys!
-Stop!

We are a team, all right?

So go with Chuck,
make up, get cleaned up,

and get back to work.

There's less than an hour to go!

Let's go.

Oh, my goodness.

Dude!
You're a really good baker.

Well, I live with my grandma,
so I bake with her a lot.

You know, I was raised
by my grandma, too.

Yeah, I know.

I've heard you talk about it
in interviews.

[♪♪♪]

Oh.

Great minds again.

[overlapping] Go ahead.

-No, you.
-No, you.

[wrapper crinkling]

Just use scissors.

No. That's why
God invented hands.

Oh, I can assure you,
God did not invent hands

to open up
packages of candy.

And you know you're just gonna

burst open that bag
and gumdrops are gonna

-fly everywhere.
-No, I'm not!

[gumdrops thudding softly]

[♪♪♪]

It looks amazing!

Well done, ladies!

Just one more thing.

-[squish]
-[thud]

[horrified gasps overlapping]

[Lara whimpers]

[♪♪♪]

I slipped on a gumdrop.

This is the most humiliating
moment of my life.

The most humiliating moment
of your life so far.

Come on, honey.
We'll get you cleaned up.

[♪♪♪]

Oh, honey...

Sabotage. Just sabotage!

Ben did this.

Oh...

I'm sorry.
I'll leave.

Oh, no, Bernie, it's fine.

[sternly] And, of course,
Ben didn't do this.

Mom. You have to stop.

I know you have
your feelings about Ben

and I know you want me to win,

and I know what the center
means to you.

Sweetheart, this whole contest
is about you.

I've been watching
your magic start to fade

and I just thought
you could use a little fun,

otherwise, I would've entered
the contest myself.

I'm sorry.

[laughing] Oh!

Well, despite being covered
in yule log and blisters

and awaiting
a humiliating elimination...

...it has been kinda fun.

I just wish I'd spent
more time enjoying it

instead of bickering with Ben.

[Bernie] I'm sure
he feels the same way.

Now, let's finish
cleaning you up

and get you back to set.

Oh...

It's now time to reveal

which of
our bake-off contestants

will be leaving us now.

You've all performed admirably.

Lara, your yule log notably
suffered in appearances,

but the cake was moist,
the frosting rich,

and the flavors incredible,

which makes this decision...
[sighs]

...especially difficult.

So, the Christmas Contestant

who will be receiving $1,000
for the charity of their choice,

but, sadly, heading home is...

...Special Snowflake.

[dejected whimper]

Aww.

[Marty] But we'll be excited

to see
our three remaining contestants

back on-air in two days,

for Christmas caroling.

[♪♪♪]

I'm playing for my best friend
and mother, Donna.

I'm playing for the kids
on my team.

If I win, the money will go

to the senior center
where my mom socializes.

When I win...

...uh, I'm gonna
donate the money

to sports scholarships
to help the kids on my team

with clinics and summer camps
and equipment.

I know, people think
senior centers

are just shuffleboard
and applesauce, but...

really, they're centerpieces
of the community.

I know people say
that sports are just a game,

but they're so much more
than that.

It's about, you know,
finding a sense of self,

about work ethic.

They bring connection

to people who might otherwise
feel isolated.

I know it's given my mom
a sense of... belonging.

It's about a place
where you belong.

Is it true...

Ben keeps jerky
in his pocket?

You know what else
goes good with sports?

Winters Christmas Jerky!

[groans disdainfully]

[♪♪♪]

[laughing]

Mom! What are you doing?

I am teaching Martha...

...the Dougie.

But I don't know who Dougie is.

[laughing]

It's our Christmas carol
choreography.

Oh! Well,

I appreciate the initiative,

but I don't think
we're gonna Dougie.

Oh...

Where's Bernie?

Oh. She was a no-show.

We haven't even heard from her.

[♪♪♪]

Oh, h*! Great.

You're alive.

So why did the principal call,

telling me
you're playing hooky, huh?

Lara called,
asking why you didn't show up

to carol practice.

Oh, that? No.

Joining her team
was a one-time thing.

Why?

You had fun baking!

I saw you chatting it up
with Donna,

so go get caroling.

Go hang out
at the senior center.

Make some friends.

Why? What's the point?

I don't know.
Human connection?

I have heard
it makes the world go round,

but who knows?

Grandma, the point is,
I worry about you,

here alone, all day,
you know?

And Grandpa would've wanted it.

Well, just to keep
the frustration going...

there's ten days
till Christmas.

I'm out of ideas
for gifts for you,

and so can you please
just tell me what you want?

[laughs]

What?

It's just you're reminding me
so much of your grandpa.

I used to have
this exact conversation with him

every Christmas.

He'd never know what to get me

and threaten
that if I didn't tell him,

he'd buy me
a diamond tennis bracelet.

Not such a bad threat.

So did he ever get it for you?

No.

He wanted to...

but I would never let him.

So back to joining
Lara's team...

listen, I'm on my way over
to Santa's Grotto,

and I could easily
drop you off on the way.

And if you say no,

I'm just gonna have to buy you
a diamond tennis bracelet.

No tennis bracelet.
Promise me!

I promise I won't buy you
a diamond tennis bracelet,

if you join Lara's team.

Wow! What a great deal for you!

Get your coat.

[shutter snapping]

[♪♪♪]

Hi.

You're like a whack-a-mole.

Why? Because you want to hit me
repeatedly with a giant mallet?

That,
and you're everywhere.

Oh. Well, I saw you
eyeing these chimney cakes.

I've always loved 'em.

I know.

I could get you one.

Ooh!
What is she gonna decide?

Cake? Or no cake?

It's a real nail-biter, folks.

Fine, Winters.
Buy me a chimney cake.

What was that?

Was that a... "Thank you"?

Sorry.

Old habits die hard.

[laughs] No worries.

I still don't
like whipped cream

and you still obviously
like extra.

Know what?
Fill me in on the last decade.

I saw you're the C.O.O.
of McLeeds now?

I mean, congratulations.

How's it feel to have
everything you ever wanted?

Yeah. It's a dream come true.

It's been an honor to help
lead such a great company.

Wow! I sound like
a bad press release.

[laughing]

I don't know, I've worked
my butt off to get here.

I have everything
I've wanted,

and I have nothing
to complain about.

But I don't know,
I just...

I work a lot.

Ahh.

And sometimes
because I have to,

but sometimes because, um,

I don't know what else
to do with myself.

And if I'm being
totally honest...

it's not just work.

It's like sometimes my life...

feels a little empty,

a little flat.

No, I get it, really,
you know.

I mean, shilling my celebrity
to the milk-processing board

is about as fulfilling
as I thought it would be.

[deep voice] "Got eggnog?"

I know.

Sometimes, I feel like
my best days are behind me,

that I...

I don't mean anything anymore,

or that...

that I never meant anything.

It's...

Well...

these chimney cakes

aren't gonna
eat themselves, so.

Mm!

You know what?

It's easy to remember
the bad between us,

but chatting back there
reminded me of the good.

How you could always see
right through me,

get me talking,

how comfortable
you could make me feel.

Well, I won't tell,
if you don't.

But, yeah...

we had something special.

Eek!

Is that Lara and Ben?

It's the Christmas Contest
couple!

O.M.G.

Would you both take a photo
with Santa

for the Grotto's social?

-Oh...
-Oh!

-Sure.
-Yeah.

-[Ben chuckles]
-Hi, Santa.

A pic where you're both
pecking Santa on the cheek?

-Oh. Uh...
-Yeah.

-[snap]
-h*, h*.

Perfect! [gasps]

Oh! Please don't post that!

Oh, I wouldn't worry about it.

I mean, how many people

are actually looking
at that account?

No offense, Santa.

[groans]

[Donna] Pull up
the Daytime Denver website.

Really, Mom? You texted "911."

Pull... up... the website.

"Looks like
the King and Queen of Christmas

are an item again.

These two obviously
make music together,

but do they make music apart?

Tune in
to the carol-off tomorrow."

Mom.

Don't worry,
it'll blow over by tonight.

Yeah, well, maybe it would've,

if the tabloids
hadn't just picked it up.

I'll send you the link.

[text chimes]

[groans]

We didn't kiss!

Yeah, we kissed!

It was just
a Santa staging mishap.

It was just...
amazing.

Like always.

Something between us?

No!

Definitely not.

There'll always be
something between me and Lara.

Ben has always had the power
to turn my world upside-down,

but you can't
live upside-down.

Losing her was
the biggest regret of my life.

Why did we call it off?

Why did we call it off...?

"We" didn't.

Well, I guess,
despite a life of team sports...

I'm a lone wolf at heart.

[♪♪♪]

[exhales] Come on.

Oh! You're here.
I was worried. Any trouble?

Nothing easier
than wrangling elves, Ben.

Ah. Great.

Ooh. My man, Liam.

Hi, Coach Ben.

Ooh! Ellis in the house!

My mom made us cookies.

[Ben] Victory cookies.
Digging it! Thanks, Mom.

[inhales deeply]
There he is.

My MVP.

You ready, Jayce?

Yeah.

[chuckles] Yeah, you are.

Adorable overload.

Yeah. The kids are cute,
too, right?

They definitely have
hero worship.

I'd just call it being honest.

Hey, you'd better be bringing it
today, Cottridge,

because Winters Wonderland
definitely is.

Uh, well, get ready
for a challenge.

You know I love a challenge.

All right, Ben.
You're up next, Ben.

All right, boys.
Let's do it. Come on.

[boys] We got this.

What?

"You know
I love a challenge," huh?

I get it.

That boy is
your great white buffalo.

My "great white buffalo"?

Ma, are you quoting Ted Nugent
on the dangers of overhunting?

It means
"the one who got away."

Mom, Ben is not
"the one who got awa..."

I have more regret

over ordering pizza instead of
calzone for lunch yesterday.

Right.

[sighs]

Okay, fine.

Maybe there's a smidge
of residual emotion,

but not regret.

And Ben didn't "get away,"

Ben pushed me away.

And if we can be civil,
then that's a win.

'Cause I don't want to spend
another ten years

harboring a grudge against him.

Agree.

I'm just saying...

please, be careful with him.

Yeah, I get it.

You were never a fan.

Oh, Ben Winters
has enough fans.

I just don't want him
to hurt you again.

Okay?

[♪♪♪]

Now, let's get this
scrunched up.

[laughing] Mom.

Okay, guys.

-[slap]
-Let's do it.

Hi. Ready?

[quietly] Yeah.

What's up? You nervous?

I don't know.

Maybe a little.

I mean, what if I make us lose?

Oh. Uh...

One, you won't, okay?

And, two...

winning,
it isn't everything.

Of course, it is,

because if you win,
then people like you.

What do you mean by that?

Like, if I get
a baseball scholarship

and go pro,

then I'll be famous

and everyone will know me.

I'll be someone.

Like you.

[Marty] Let's welcome
Winters Wonderland

and his team of elves
to the stage.

You got this. Okay?

Let's go.

Okay. We got this.
Let's go, guys. Come on.

Let's do it.
All right. Here we go.

Are you good?
You ready? You guys ready?

Okay. Here we go.

Five, six, seven, eight...

♪ Deck the halls
with boughs of holly ♪

♪ Fa-la-la-la-la
la-la-la, la ♪

♪ 'Tis the season
To be jolly ♪

♪ Fa-la-la-la-la
la-la-la, la ♪

♪ Don we now
Our g*y apparel ♪

♪ Fa-la-la, la-la, la
la-la, la ♪

♪ Troll the ancient
yuletide carol ♪

♪ Fa-la-la, la-la, la
la-la, la ♪

[all]
♪ La! La! La! La! ♪

Yes!

[laughs]

Yes! Yes. Aw, dude.

We have been scooped
by the Bad News Bears!

What are we gonna do?
"Deck the Halls" was our song.

-We could perform it as well.
-Oh, are you kidding?

Did you hear them?

Those kids are ringers
from Star Search.

Oh, Mom,
you're dating yourself.

Oh, why did Ben
have to pick that song?

He knows
it's my second favorite.

Well, maybe he picked it
because he was hoping

you'd perform
your first-favorite carol.

Oh, no. No, no, no, no.
Not gonna happen.

Where else are you gonna
find a fully-choreographed,

holiday-inspired
song-and-dance routine

in the next five minutes?

[♪♪♪]

[Marty] Our next carolers
are Sleigh the Competition...

Lara Cottridge and her team,
the Jingle Ladies!

♪ We ♪

♪ Wish you ♪

♪ A Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you ♪

♪ A Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you ♪

♪ A Merry Christmas ♪

♪ And a Happy New Year ♪

♪ Good tidings we bring ♪

♪ To you
and your kin ♪

♪ We wish ♪

♪ You ♪

♪ A Merry Christmas ♪

♪ And a happy ♪

♪ New Ye-ee-ear ♪

[ladies giggling]

[Marty] Wow!
Sleigh the Competition sleighs!

We'll be back
after these messages

to reveal which
of our contestants

is eliminated

and which two
will be our finalists.

Yay!

[♪♪♪]

You remembered our routine.

I did.

Actually, I remembered
a lot of things.

Yeah?

Well, not "remembered,"
but realized.

I suddenly understand
how much of my life

I've spent
trying to be the best.

Trying to win,
trying to...

win people over to prove
that I was good enough,

but I-I realize

I was just trying to prove it
to myself,

because I didn't believe it.

I know that tune well.

I also realize

I've spent all of these years
blaming you

for what went wrong between us,

but it was my fault, too.

Our inability
to be a partnership...

that was half me,

so I need to take
responsibility.

Wow.

That's a... a big realization.

I guess forget therapy...
everyone should just carol.

[laughs]

Lara, I am so sorry I hurt you.

But I guess we always
hurt the ones that we...

...are civil to?

Are, uh...

mature adults with?

Are newly strangers?

Mm, I think we always hurt
the ones we...

...tolerate?

Ahh.

Well, all three performances
were wonderful,

but sadly...

Rebel...

you will not be advancing
to the final round.

But congratulations...

you've won $1,000
for Bikes for Tikes.

Thank you.

It's been a real honor.

[applauding]

We now move on
to our fourth and final event.

In four days,

our two finalists,
Lara and Ben,

will be co-hosting
a Christmas party

with a theme
of their joint choosing

at Denver's historic
Santa's Grotto.

At the party,
Lara and Ben

will each unveil

a Christmas tree
they've decorated

as they read their answers

to the contest
application question...

"What is Christmas?"

So, Lara, Ben...

in four days,
the contest will be over

and one of you will be crowned

the King or Queen
of Christmas.

Are you ready for that?

[Ben stammers]

Well, um...

No.

No.

I'm not quite ready
for this to end.

[♪♪♪]

[Ben] Okay, Cottridge,

we got to make this
the most rocking Christmas party

in Denver's history.

Oh, easy.

I've got
the party theme on lock.

Oh, no need.
I've got that part figured out.

Oh, and you're sure your idea
is better than mine?

Yeah.

On a count of three.
Three, two, one...

-Elf-a-palooza!
-Elf-a-palooza!

Great minds.

So we're gonna rock
and elf-themed Christmas party

together?

Those are the rules.

Well, guess if I have to.

Let's get to work.

Yeah! Looking good.

Just fill it up.

You know what?
Hang on a second.

Hey. Why don't you go
join your friends?

Liam and Ellis
aren't my friends.

Well, I mean, maybe not yet,

but they would be
if you tried, right?

I've tried,

and kids don't want
to be my friend.

You mean Liam and Ellis?

No, other kids.

At school.

Well...

dude.

Well, listen.

First, I'm no expert, but...

I think making friends is...

it's kind of like
a box of chocolates, right?

You gotta just keep eating 'em

until you find
that delicious caramel one.

Do you get what I mean?

No.

Uh...

Let me see.

All right.

I mean, you said
you wanted to be famous, right?

You wanted to "be someone"
so people would like you.

Unfortunately, it doesn't really
work like that.

There's no amount
of people liking you

that's gonna make you
like yourself,

that's gonna make you feel
like you mean something.

That...

that's gotta come from you.

Is this is a bit mature?

I don't really speak


No. It's good.

You did good.

[♪♪♪]

[Donna]
Oh, you left this in the car.

It's ringing non-stop.

Oh, that's work.
Let me take care of that.

What? You don't want
to check in with the office?

No, I don't.

These past few weeks have
felt like such a needed break,

and I'm really not
looking forward

to going back
to how things were.

Maybe I'm beginning to wonder
if I want a change.

No, sweetheart,

you're just burnt-out.

What if
it's more than that?

What if I want
something different?

You have always pushed me
to work my hardest,

do my best,

be the best.

And sometimes, I feel like

I'm just constantly
chasing more,

and for what?
What's the point?

Where's the meaning?

What if I want to stop
for a while

and try to find
what gives my life meaning?

Then I'd be proud of you.

[Lara scoffs lightly]

Would you really?

You know, I'm...

gonna go take these
back to the girls.

[♪♪♪]

What are you doing?

Proving Camus wrong.

Here. Let me.
I'm good at this.

Okay.

What's going on?

Oh, come on.
I see you, Cottridge.

I guess everything

just kind of
feels off-kilter.

Hmm.

Like this was supposed to be
just a fun little contest,

and somehow, it's turned into
way more than that.

[laughs] Yeah.

And soon, it'll be over,

and I don't know
what comes next.

Well, I get it.

The last two weeks
have just been...

they've been amazing,

and you know,
I never thought I'd say this,

but I actually love
working with kids.

Turns out, feeling like
you're making a difference

actually helps you get
out of bed in the morning.

Who would've thunk?

Okay. Wow, miracle-worker.

[Lara] Well, it was
always my favorite job.

Hon'?

Oh.

The girls are exhausted

and want to head back
to the center.

Want to ride back with us?

Unwind with
a round of gin rummy?

Or better yet, some poker?

I'm behind at work.

I should crunch.

But, hey, Donna, um...

if, uh, if you're looking
for an extra poker player,

well...

I'd be down.

Sure. If you're in the mood
to get crushed.

Come on.

[♪♪♪]

"Full House" Winters!

F.G.W.!

[Ben grunts victoriously]

Martha, how about
we scrounge up some cider?

So are you just upset with
my impressive poker skills

or me in general?

Donna, I know
you don't like me.

It's not
that I don't like you, Ben.

You know, I haven't
been a perfect mother.

And I may have
unwittingly led by example

and taught Lara
to guard her heart.

But you proved me right.

You broke her heart.

I know.

And I can tell you I'm never
gonna forgive myself for that...

...but...

...maybe this is my chance
to prove you wrong.

[♪♪♪]

Guess what, Jingle Ladies?

Ben here just offered

to use his poker winnings
to buy us all dinner.

Whoo-hoo!

Please prove me wrong, Ben.

[knocking]

Hi. Come in.

What are you doing here?

Your mom wanted me
to bring this to you.

Something about
a calzone you let get away?

[Lara snickers]

How's the work crunch going?

Oh, it's not.

Honestly, I'd rather be doing
literally anything else.

Or nothing at all,

just lie on the floor
and stare at the ceiling.

Well, let's lie on the floor
and stare at the ceiling.

[laughing]

See? It's a reindeer.

It really does look
like a reindeer.

Oh, how do I get by in life,
you may wonder?

On charm, mainly.

[Lara chuckles]

[♪♪♪]

What?

I just forgot...

or I wanted to forget...

what a force of nature
you are.

You know what
I always said about you?

You have the power
to turn my world upside-down.

But can you live
upside-down?

Lara, I've never stopped
thinking about you.

I've thought about you
all these years

and I still think about you.

I'm just scared I'm never gonna
stop thinking about you.

You know, just...
sharing.

You can take that
with a grain of salt.

I take it with
more than a grain of salt, Ben.

But you loved me...

you dumped me,

so...

you can't expect me

to once again
run breathless into your arms.

I should get home.

[claps his thighs]

There's still enough time
to waste the entire night

trying to figure out what to get
my grandma for Christmas.

Massage g*n.

I did that last year.
She used it as a plunger.

Ew!

-[laughs]
-Ew.

Man, I wish I could
go back in time.

You know, not just to set
some things right...

...but to feel
some things twice.

I'm gonna go.

Ben.

Know what my mom said about you?

[laughs] No,
and I probably don't want to.

She told me

you're
my great white buffalo...

...the one who got away.

[♪♪♪]

[boys giggling]

You're awesome.

[laughing and chatting,
indistinct]

Hey.

Oh.

Shouldn't you be
working on your tree, Benjy?

Ahh! I have tree-block.

Grandma, I could use some inspo.

You gotta tell me...
what's Lara's tree theme?

-Oh!
-[laughing]

You are such a traitor!

Well, I got you
a little something.

It's an early Christmas present.

It's a spa package
for you and your team.

Oh...

But you hate it.

I don't hate it,
it's just...

I'm not sure
I'll keep seeing the gals.

Why not?
You obviously like them.

Yeah, but...

I'm old
and I'm settled in my ways.

Well, you don't have to be.

[♪♪♪]

Grandma, can you excuse me?

[♪♪♪]

Oh. Hi.

Hi.

Wow.

Wherever you were right there

must be almost as beautiful
as you look right now.

So you happy
with the party prep?

Very happy.

I think this is gonna be
the best Christmas party...

actually...

best Christmas ever.

Mm.

Best Christmas ever so far.

Mm.

I stand corrected.

Can I have this dance?

They're playing a slow song.

There's no music.

Oh, there is in my daydream.

Oh, so smooth.

Amongst other things.

Definitely charming.

Oh, well, when you're through
being charmed by me,

I'll make sure to remind you
to find me annoying again.

[whispers] But what if

you're never through
being charmed by me?

[♪♪♪]

So you think you're gonna win?

You think you're gonna win?

I asked you first.

Honestly?

I truly don't care
about winning anymore.

-Mm.
-What about you?

I already won.

As preciously stated,

so smooth.

Oh, I have some big news
I wanna share with you.

So you know how I've been doing
this "Winters Session" camp?

I have decided to turn it

into a year-round
sports non-profit for kids.

Wow... really?

Yeah, really.
I mean, it's a good idea, right?

Uh... I...

Yes, i-it's amazing,

it's wonderful, noble.

But it's a huge undertaking.

There's a massive
difference between

a ten-day program

and running
a year-round nonprofit.

Yeah, but different
is good, right?

I mean, isn't this what we said?

That we want our lives
to be different?

-Yes.
-Okay.

Well, then we've got
to take a leap.

I mean, you said
that you're not fulfilled

in your life and job,

and you want meaning,

so do it,

and do it with me.

Together or separate...
w-whatever.

Just find something
that fulfills you.

You could even work with me
at the nonprofit,

if you wanted to,

but let's just burn some bridges

and let the flames
light the way.

[♪♪♪]

What...
What's that look?

It's just I have
heard this all before.

"Let's take the leap,
let's interweave our lives."

And then you come off your high

and remember you're just
a "lone wolf at heart."

I don't know.
Maybe I've changed.

[♪♪♪]

I got to go meet my team.

[text alert chimes]

[sighing]

[♪♪♪]

[quietly] Maybe
I'm the one who's changed.

Working at McLeeds
has been an honor,

but I've been here
for 12 years,

and I want a change.

And I don't know exactly
what that change is,

but I know I need to make
a first step...

[deep breath]

...so I'm resigning as C.O.O.,

but I'd like to move into
a consulting position,

if you'll have me.

Well, of course,
we'll have you, but...

Lara, are you really sure?

Maybe you should take some time
to think this over.

I know things have been hectic,

but we could put a pin in this
until after the holidays,

when things return
to status quo.

That's the problem.

I don't want
to return to status quo.

But what are you gonna do?

I don't know.

I think...

I'm gonna burn some bridges

and let the flames
light the way.

[♪♪♪]

Oh, you're late!

The girls are inside,
waiting to start on the tree.

Yeah, sorry,
I was held up at work.

Mm.

Um... actually, some news.

I stepped down as C.O.O..

I'm moving into a consulting
position at McLeeds.

Okay.

And I might help

Ben turn his sports camp into
a year-round nonprofit.

Lara!

You quit your job for Ben?

I quit it for me.

I don't want that life anymore.

And you could at least try

to veil
your blatant disapproval.

I just want you to have
what I couldn't.

But have you ever asked
if that's what I want, Mom?

To be a winner?
To be "the best"?

And if I can't be
who you want me to be...

if you can't live through me...

can you still love me?

How could you
even think that?

I'm gonna head in.

The girls are waiting.

[♪♪♪]

You finish your tree?

Uh, just about.

Mom and the girls left
a little while ago.

-You?
-Yeah.

Yeah, the boys were tired.
Chuck took 'em home.

So, obviously, we need to talk.

Yes, we do.

I know I kind of
shut down yesterday,

but I've been thinking
a lot more about what you said...

just taking the leap,

separately, together...

building something
with meaning.

And yes, I am scared
but I'm also...

What's that expression?

I-I don't know.

I've also been thinking
about what you said yesterday,

and you know,
maybe you're right.

I mean, what happens if,
when I come off my high,

and I am still
just a lone wolf,

and I hurt you?

So I'm thinking that maybe

we slow our roll a little

and we hold steady a while.

and I stick with endorsements
and you stay at McLeeds,

and then we see
what shakes out.

Ben, that would be
a great option

if I hadn't just quit my job
this morning.

What? You quit your job?

Ben, come on.
I know you're scared, but...

Actually, no.

No, I am not doing this again.

I'm not gonna
beg you to be with me.

I'm freaking amazing!

But I want you to know
that I believe you can change.

I believe you can be better.

Because I know
who you really are,

and I can't even believe

you're not trying
to be that person,

because I am trying.

Lara, we both know
that you're better than me.

-Oh!
-You're too good for me and...

Oh, wow. We are right back
to where we were.

But of course we are,
because how could I think

that anything would be different
when we'd always be the same?

We will never
be a partnership.

We'll never be a team.

We'll always be a zero-sum game,

where someone will win
and someone will lose,

except we both lose.

-Lara.
-No.

We have
to get through tomorrow.

Lara, I'm sorry, I...

No. Go.

I have to finish my tree.

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

[sobs]

[sobbing]

[♪♪♪]

[door opens, creaks]

[Donna] Hey... it's just me.

Honey?

Are you okay?

Just tell me you told me so.

You were right about Ben,
as always.

[Donna scoffs]

[Donna sets bag down]

Okay, first of all,

I don't want to be right.

And second, I am not right,
I'm wrong,

and I have been so wrong.

All I ever wanted

was to teach you to be strong,
and independent,

and prepared for this world,

like I wasn't.

But in doing that,

I forgot to teach you
the importance

of also being soft
and vulnerable.

And I am sorry.

I'm not perfect.

And being your mom
has been some work.

But you also
blew my heart wide open

and you've taught me
a better person.

Thank you, Lara,
for this work.

Thank you for teaching me.

And I know that things
need to change...

we need some boundaries.

I know that I cannot keep
living my life through you.

So please just be patient
with me, huh?

[Donna breathes deeply]

Okay.

Now, what are
we gonna do about Ben?

Oh...

There's nothing to do.

But these past few weeks,
I have been...

shown something I've needed
to realize for years...

that I want
things to be different.

I want my relationships
to be different

with... with work and love,
with you.

And most importantly,
with myself.

[sniffles]

But as for me and Ben?

We will always be the same,

so there's nothing to do.

But I am grateful
I re-met him,

'cause he's always had

the power to turn my world
upside-down and...

my world needed
an upside-downing.

[♪♪♪]

Hey, Grandma.

What happened?

Oh, I guess she remembered
who I really am

and realized that people
don't actually change.

Benjy.

Remember how I told you
about Grandpa Charlie

and the tennis bracelet
he wanted to buy?

Of course.

The truth is,

it was more than
just a bracelet to him.

It was a symbol.

It was Charlie's way of saying

he wanted
a grow-together kind of love.

And now, not a day goes by

that I don't wish
I could've given him that time,

that growth...

And he would've wanted me
to grow,

even after he's gone.

And he would've been
so grateful to you

for pushing me
out of my comfort zone.

[Ben] Ah.

Hey, Bernie.

Well, if you're here to tell me
that I proved you right...

you are right.

Lara's better off
without me.

So? What are you
gonna do about it?

What should I do about it?

Well, fight for her!

Ben, listen.

Life is a hand each
of wonder and loss.

We search for meaning

and we find it...

we lose it.

And we search again...

not realizing

that the answer is right there,
in front of us the whole time.

So... you know
the meaning of life?

Of course we do!

And so do you.

Oh, and Ben,
um, I checked out your tree.

It is so cute!

But we need way more
than cute here, okay?

-I...
-So, luckily,

I called in reinforcements.

Come on, Bernie.

Look, I appreciate
you being here,

but you shouldn't have
to pick up my slack.

Hey, man, this time,
it's my pleasure.

[Ben chuckles]

You are a good employee.

No, you're a good friend.

There you go.

You bet I am.

All right,
what's the game plan?

Let's follow
those ladies' lead.

All right.

[♪♪♪]

The party is wonderful, Lara.

It's such a success!

And honey.

you are such a success.

In every way.
I'm just so proud of you.

Oh, thanks, Mom.
You inspire me.

-Mm.
-You all do.

You are amazing ladies.

Amazing "Jingle Ladies,"
you mean!

Here's to Team
"Sleigh the Competition"!

And...

[cheering]

Give me a jingle!

[ladies humming and laughing]

Hello, Denver,

and welcome
to the most anticipated event

of the holiday season...

the Christmas Contest finale!

[applauding and cheering]

Today, our contestants will
read their application essay

and then unveil their trees.

So... take it away, Lara.

Uh...

my original essay
said something like,

"What is Christmas?

Like life,
it's a time to find meaning."

But I'm not gonna read
my essay,

because while I managed to wax
philosophical on the topic,

I-I really didn't know
what I wanted to say,

but now I do.

At some point,
we all ask ourselves,

"What is the meaning of life?"

And at some point,

maybe when we fall in love...

...maybe when
we lose someone...

we learn the sudden, fleeting
answer to the question...

an answer that reminds us

of life's immense possibility
for change.

Sometimes, that change
gets the better of us.

Sometimes,
we lose ourselves in it.

But it's during those moments
of change,

of love, of loss...

that we realize
the real question isn't,

"What is the meaning of life?"

but rather, "How do I
give my life more meaning?"

And then...

Christmas comes
with all the answers.

Oh.

[applauding and cheering]

And as for my tree...

[♪♪♪]

I didn't decorate it,

I'm not competing anymore,

because life
isn't a competition.

Christmas isn't a competition.

I'm also
not competing anymore

and I'm not gonna read my essay
because, well,

frankly, I didn't mean it
when I wrote it...

...but I mean it now.

See, I said that, "Christmas
is a time to be together."

And that's true.

Because I learned

that connection
is all that matters,

and I... second Lara.

You know, we spend
so much of our lives

searching for meaning,

but all I know now

is that whatever
the meaning of life...

...we don't find it alone.

[crowd applauding]

[♪♪♪]

But I did decorate my tree...

just not for the contest,
but...

for Lara.

[♪♪♪]

[Jingle Ladies giggling]

Let's take a quick break.

[crowd applauding]

Why is your tree
upside-down?

You know why.

Because, Lara,
you turn my world upside-down.

I know that I messed up,

and I know that I hurt you,

and I know that I have
a lot of work to do on myself,

but I just really hope that
you give me a third chance,

because I have spent
so much of my life

trying to prove
that I mean something,

not knowing
what that something is.

With you, I know.

We're each other's
great white buffalo.

Are you ready?

[♪♪♪]

Well, despite neither
contestant following the rules,

the Christmas Contest winner
is...

...Lara and Ben!

[gasping and cheering]

[all applauding]

It's a tie!

So Lara and Ben
will split the money.

Half will go
to the senior center

and half will go
to Ben's sports program.

[audience applauding]

This is perfect!

So this means we can
keep training with you?

Always, dude.
I'm your coach!

Yes!

[♪♪♪]

[snapping]

[quietly]
So are we in this together?

Are you talking about
the sports program, or...

I'm talking about everything.

Well, then, I guess
you could say...

...I am finally ready to fall
breathlessly into your arms.

[♪♪♪]

[ladies giggling]

Come on,
let's celebrate, guys.

Aw, thank you so much.

Definitely not

the best Cottridge
Christmas Eve dinner ever.

I think it's perfect.

Oh.

[♪♪♪]

Here, Grandma.

Thank you.

Hon'. I told you
not to get me anything.

This one's not from me.

Oh! [laughing]

[♪♪♪]

Hi. I need to talk to you
about something.

I think I discovered
the meaning of life.

Oh, yeah?

-Yeah.
-You gonna tell me?

Well, I can't tell you...

but, um...

I can show you.

[♪♪♪]

Best kiss ever?

It's not a contest, Winters.

But...

...best kiss ever so far.

Oh. Well, then...

[♪♪♪]