My Christmas Family Tree (2021)

[bunniefuu]

♪ With a h*! And a ha!
And a hee-hee! ♪

♪ Oh... ♪

♪ I'm the happiest
christmas tree ♪

♪ h*-h*-h*! ♪

♪ Hee-hee-hee! ♪

♪ Someone came
and they found me ♪

♪ And took me home with them ♪

♪ Oh, I'm the happiest
christmas tree ♪

♪ h*-h*-h*! ♪

♪ Hee-hee-hee! ♪

♪ Look how pretty
they dressed me ♪

♪ Oh, lucky, lucky me ♪

♪ I got shiny bells
that jingle ♪

♪ And tiny lights
that tingle ♪

♪ Whenever anyone passes by ♪

♪ I blink my lights
and I wink my eye ♪

♪ Oh, I'm the happiest
christmas tree ♪

♪ Christmas day
wait and see ♪

♪ I'll be laughing happily ♪

♪ With a h*-h*-h*
hee-hee ♪

♪ With a hey! And a hee!
And a h*-h*! ♪

♪ With a hee! And a h*!
And a ha-hah! ♪

♪ With a hey! And a hee!
And a h*-h*! ♪

I'll get the papers
over to you right away.

Merry almost christmas, shelby.

Same to you, vanessa.

You're here early.

Yeah, you know,

I just had a few things
I wanted to take care of.

Hmm...

I wonder who it's from?

But this little girl can't wait
till the first of the year.

I've seen you work your magic
around red tape before.

Come on, let's get her
this family by christmas.

You're the best.

Thank you so much, susan.

Yeah, have a great holiday.

[Woman] hi, vanessa.

Hello!

And what do I owe the pleasure
of seeing you all this morning?

We do have a bit of a problem.

Oh, is everything okay?

Everything is beyond perfect.

The problem is

You've done so much
for us and the kids

That we will never be able
to repay you.

Seeing your smiling faces
is the only payment that I need.

You went above and beyond
your job for us,

And the kids wanted to share
how grateful we all are.

[Gasps]
is this for me?

[Gasps]

Thank you!

[Woman] there's more.

Are you ready, kids?

♪ We wish you
a merry christmas ♪

♪ We wish you
a merry christmas... ♪

♪ We wish you
a merry christmas ♪

♪ And a happy new year! ♪

[Applause]

That was so wonderful

And the best
christmas present ever!

If you don't have any plans,

We'd love to have you
over for christmas.

That is so sweet,
thank you,

But you guys should
celebrate christmas together

As your new family.

[♪♪♪]

One, two, three!

Big smiles!

Merry christmas!

Merry christmas.

[♪♪♪]

Merry christmas.

[♪♪♪]

Hey, buddy!

How are you?

Did you miss me, huh?

Did you miss me?
Want to get some food?

Okay, you can have one present.

Do you want this one?

Do you want this one? Yeah?

Yeah.

Oh, what's that?
What's that?

[Toy squeaking]
yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Knocking on door]

Deedee!

Thank you!

Girl, it's : p.m.

And I know you don't
have to work tomorrow.

Pajamas already?

Well, dee,
as you can clearly see,

These are not pjs,

These are workout clothes.

Ah. Let me guess,

You are about
to binge christmas movies

With mickey?

[Barks happily]

What's wrong with that?

Nothing,

If mickey had opposable thumbs
and walked on two legs.

Oh, no offense, mickey.

Yeah.

Hi...

You have to get back out there.

As in dating?

Who has time for that
these days?

If you have time

To binge
christmas movies with mickey,

You have time for a boyfriend.

It'll happen
when it's supposed to.

-Wine?
-Mm.

So was there a reason
that you stopped by,

Or did you just want
to give me a hard time?

Because there's
room on my couch

With your name on it.

Right!

First,

Did you get
your results back yet?

Results for?

From the family branch
dna tests that we did.

Check your e-mail.
I got mine today.

Anything juicy?

It turns out

That I'm a little less
south asian than I thought,

But I am % brazilian.

I mean, that--
that explains a lot.

So...

Go get your computer!

Ancestry breakdown--

British and irish, %.

Spanish, %.

. % French.

And . % West african.

That's kinda cool.

That is very cool.

"View family history".

It says I have a paternal match?

As in a biological father?

Oh, my word!

Okay, well, this is
what you were hoping for, right?

Yeah, but, um...

Click on it!

I can't do it.
I can't do it.

You do it.

-Yeah?
-Mm-hmm.

Okay. Okay, okay.

Richard hendricks.

Years old.

Barrington, connecticut, usa.

Barrington?

That's, like, an hour away.

That's a good thing, right?

I didn't--

I didn't think
I'd actually find him.

Okay, let's see...

Wait, what are you doing?

Checking to see
if he has social media...

I found him!

He has a family.

Which means
you now have a family.

Hey...

You okay?

Seconds ago,
I didn't have a father...

Or siblings.

You remember what you told me?

It's gonna happen
when it's supposed to happen.

I was talking about
a boyfriend,

Not a family.

It still applies.

I think
you should message him.

No way.

I'm sure he did this dna test

Thinking he'd find, like,

A third cousin
in sweden or something.

No, you don't know that.

What if he's looking
for you, too?

I highly doubt that.

Okay, well, I think that
you should send him a message

Before you have a chance
to overthink it.

-Okay.
-Okay!

Okay, what do I say?

Uh, okay, well, um...

I don't think that you should
beat around the bush.

I think you should say...

"Hi, I'm your daughter."

What if he doesn't respond?

If he doesn't respond,
that's on him.

Not you.

You're right.
You're right.

Okay...

Um...

"dear mr. Hendricks,

happy holidays.

my name is vanessa hall.

and I live in new york city.

[Message alert chiming]

i recently took a dna test
and discovered a paternal match.

i know this may come
as a surprise,

but it looks like
you are my father."

[Crash!]

[Richard] did the kids
take off for school okay?

[Wife] yes.

So did you get your santa
all fixed out there?

Yep.

He's mostly duct tape now.

[Wife] maybe it's time
to retire him this year?

I can't do that.

He's practically
part of the family.

Speaking of family.

I actually don't know
how to say this.

I just know that I love you

And that this doesn't change
anything between us.

Okay...
Now you're scaring me.

Do you remember that dna test
that we took last year?

Yeah?

Just...

Your daughter?

Wow.

Is this for real?

Yeah, well, it must be.

It's on my account, too.

It says I'm a paternal match.

I mean, obviously,
this was, like, years ago.

It's long before I met you.

Trust me,
I've already done that math.

Where were you years ago?

It was before
my second tour of duty.

So I remember I was seeing
a woman named trish.

And...

And then after being over there
two years in the middle east,

I couldn't find her
when I got back.

So what are we going to do?

We?

Yes, we.

Richard, this concerns
all of us.

[Exhales]

Yeah. Yeah, you're right.

I think you should call her.

[line ringing]

[Phone ringing]

Hello, this is vanessa.

Hi, vanessa.

This is richard hendricks.

Um, well...

I guess I'm your father.

i mean, biological.

I assume you have
someone else you call father.

Yes.

No. I don't have
any other fathers

As far as I know.

I mean, I definitely
don't have any other fathers.

Thank you for calling.

How are you?

I'm good, great, yeah.
How are you?

Yeah, great, thanks.

so...

where have you been
all my life?

[Chuckles]

That was a--
that was a joke.

i make bad jokes
when I don't know what to say.

That's okay. Me too.

That's even more evidence
that I'm your father.

That sounds like
some solid evidence there.

Yeah.

If you had to make a list

Of the most awkward
conversations

You could have in life,

I think our situation
is right up there.

it's probably a conversation

that we shouldn't have
over the phone.

I mean, if you're comfortable,

Would you--

Would you be open
to a meeting maybe,

Um, in person?

I mean, I'm coming in
to the city

On thursday, I think.

I have to pick something up,

and if you're free afterwards,

maybe we could meet up?

Thursday?

Yeah, that--
that sounds great.

Um, I have a little park
by my house

That's doing
some holiday stuff.

If you want to meet there,

We could meet
by the big christmas tree?

Great.

That sounds great.

Say : p.m.?

Wonderful.

I can text you the address.

Okay, good.

Vanessa, looking forward
to meeting you.

Okay. Thank you.
Bye-bye.

Thank you. Bye.

[Exhales]

♪ Good king wenceslas
looked out ♪

♪ On the feast of stephen ♪

[Sings along] ♪ when the snow
lay round about ♪

♪ Deep and crisp and even ♪

♪ Brightly shone the moon
that night ♪

♪ Though the frost was cruel ♪

♪ When a poor man
came in sight ♪

♪ Gathering winter fuel ♪

Hi.

Hi. You must be--

Vanessa.

Yeah, I figured.

Richard, nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you!

I've gotta say,
I'm impressed

That you know all the lyrics
to "good king wenceslas".

My family--

They're big carolers,

So it's engrained
in the ol' noggin.

Can I interest you
in a hot cocoa?

Yeah. I would love that.

Does your mother know
that you...

Um, she actually...

Um, she died a while ago.

I didn't realize that.

I remember trish being
very sweet...

And funny.

Trish?

Oh! You mean patty.

Yeah, from what I can remember,

She had a really good
sense of humor.

She could make

Even the scroogiest scrooge
crack a smile.

How old were you
when she passed?

I was nine when she died.

And the only other family I had
was my grandmother,

But she was in
an assisted living facility,

So this wonderful older couple

Fostered me
until I left for college.

Did your mother
ever mention me?

From what I remember asking,

She always would say,

"You father
was a really good man."

I'd like to think that...

She would have told me
more about you

When I got
a little bit older,

But her death was pretty sudden.

I'm so sorry.

I had no idea.

It's okay.
There's no need to apologize.

My past made me
who I am today,

And now I work at a non-profit

Placing kids in foster families.

That sounds very rewarding.

So do you have any plans
for christmas?

Just a dinner
with some friends,

But that's about it.

I was wondering,
if you don't mind,

If I could ask you

About what happened
between you and my mom.

Well...

I was in the army then.

And I met your mother

Shortly before I shipped out
to the middle east.

It was a...

Bit of a whirlwind,

And we really liked each other,

But then I shipped out.

And, um...

I was over there
for a long time.

Did she ever write you

To tell you
she was having a baby?

If she did, I never got it.

Did you try looking for her
when you got back?

I did,

But it was two years later.

And that was before
cell phones and social media,

So it was easier
to lose track of people.

But, uh...

I looked.

And then I ended up
meeting pauline,

My current wife,

And here we are.

So you have a family.
What are they like?

You know what?

Why don't you find out
for yourself?

How about you come and spend
the christmas holidays with us?

Oh! No.
You don't have to do that.

No, I think it's
the perfect time to meet up

When the whole extended family
is going to be there.

If you came up on the saturday,

You could spend a few days
getting to know the kids,

And then...

The whole family will arrive
christmas eve.

I don't have a car
and I can't leave my dog alone.

That's okay.

We have a friend, kristopher,
a family friend,

He's driving up.

You can catch a ride with him.

And just bring the dog.

Are you...
Are you really sure?

Yes, I'm sure.

I think I would like
the opportunity

To get to know you more

When my toes aren't so numb.

Yeah. Yeah.

Let's... Let's do it!

Okay. Okay.

I'll contact kristopher

And I'll get the details
and I'll send them to you.

Great.

I will see you saturday.

Saturday. Yes.

Bye.

[♪♪♪]

I think I have committed
to spending too much time there.

Richard is nice,

But what if
the rest of the family

Isn't as accepting?

You will be fine.

You just have to get
out of your own head

And be yourself.

[Text message chimes]

That's him.

-Okay.
-Okay.

-Yeah.
-All right.

Okay. Let's go.

Hi.

Do one of you ladies
happen to be vanessa?

Uh, that's me.

Nice to meet you.
I'm kristopher.

You can call me kris.

Hi.

This is
my best friend, deedee.

Hi, deedee.
Nice to meet you.

-And this is mickey.
-Hey, mickey.

[Barks happily]

I can grab that for you.

Oh, thank you!

Wow, what do you have
in here, gold?

Yeah, along with
some frankincense and myrrh.

[Kris laughs]

[Deedee] is he
a relative of yours?

I don't think so.

[Deedee] good!

Because he is cute.

You know, I used to ask my mom

Why the wise men

Used to bring frankenstein
to the baby jesus.

It just seemed like an odd gift.

Frankenstein would have
made the nativity

A lot more interesting.

Right?

-Mm-hmm.
-Yeah.

Deedee, are you coming with us?

No. I'm staying here.

My parents are visiting.

Okay, cool,
well, happy holidays,

And I guess we can take off.

Call me later.

-Merry christmas.
-Merry christmas.

Okay, come on, mickey.

You know, I feel like

I've met all of
richard and pauline's friends.

Why haven't I ever heard of you?

Richard didn't tell you?

No, no, he didn't.

He just said that we'd have
something to talk about

On the car ride.

Oh, yeah.
Yeah, we will.

Okay.

[Kris] I can't believe it.

So richard's had a daughter
living in new york city

For years
he's never known about?

This is crazy.

Imagine how I feel.

How do you feel?

I don't even know.

I mean, the whole thing
is so surreal.

I literally just found out
that I have a father

And now, here I am.

I wonder what pauline
and the kids think about this.

I have no idea.

I mean, I've never
even met them.

It could make for
a very interesting christmas.

Don't make me any more nervous
than I already am.

No. No, no.

Look, they're good kids.

And they get

A cool older sister
for christmas,

I'm sure they're gonna be
just fine with it

I hope so.

[Kris] and this is why
I come here all the time.

It's great, right?

[Vanessa]
it's really cute, yeah.

Great little family spot.

All right,
two peppermint eggnogs.

Enjoy.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

-Wow.
-Wow.

It's like, um...

It's like christmas in a cup.

That's exactly
what richard would order.

I guess you really are
his daughter.

So how do you know richard?

Richard and my dad,
they were in the army together.

Basic training, two tours.

Richard says that my dad
saved his life,

But i...

I don't think it was
in the literal sense.

Sounds like they went through
a lot together.

What--what are you doing?

I'm just trying to see

If there's a resemblance
to richard.

Do you see one?

Not really.

You're much--
you're much prettier than him.

Don't tell him
I said that, okay?

So, um,

What do you do for work?

I'm a corporate attorney.

And do you enjoy what you do?

It pays the bills.

You know, we should
probably hit the road.

-Oh, yeah.
-Okay?

Yeah, yeah.

[♪♪♪]

[Vanessa]
wow, this is the house?

[Kris] yeah, we're here.

Hey, I don't know
if you need to hear this,

But richard is one of
the best people I know.

If he even knew for a second

He had a daughter
out there somewhere,

He would have done

Everything in his power
to find you.

Okay, this family...

Your life is going
to change for the better

Knowing them.

Mine has.

Thank you.

That's actually
really comforting to hear.

Okay.

Hey, welcome.

-Hello.
-Hi.

I hope kris here
didn't talk your ear off.

You know how
those lawyers can be.

I had my headphones ready
just in case.

Smart girl.

[Laughs]

Everyone's ready to meet you.

Ready?

Come on.

Here, emilia,
put your coat on.

-Guys! Hey!
-Kris!

Kris.

Good to see you all.

Hey, everyone,

This is vanessa,

My daughter...

Your sister.

Hi, everyone.

I'm pauline.

-Oh.
-Hi.

-You're so beautiful!
-Thank you.

You are, too.

I'm so excited to meet you.

That's my wife,
and she's a hugger.

And then
from oldest to youngest

Is caitlin,

And this is aiden,

And emilia.

Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you, too, aiden.

And this would be mickey,

Who would be your nephew.

[Laughing and gushing]

Hey. Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you, too.

I've always loved
the name caitlin.

Cool.

How can you be our sister?
You're a grown-up.

Oh, um,

Before I met your mom,

I met vanessa's mom,

And then vanessa was born.

Then why are we just
meeting her now?

Well, we didn't know before,

Until a few days ago,

Because of a dna test.

I don't get it.

Me neither.

Yeah. Great explanation, dad.

Guys, I've been at depositions

With warmer receptions
than this, okay?

Vanessa is amazing.

She's awesome.

I've already vetted her.

She's super nice
and very funny.

Just not as funny as me.

But, dad, why did kris
take her to the vet?

To the vet? No.

I'm sorry.

Let's get you settled.

And I hope you don't mind
sleeping on the couch,

'Cause this one's getting
the guest room.

Oh, man.

I take back everything nice
I said about her.

Your home is beautiful!

Thank you.

It even smells
like christmas in here.

I know the decorations
are a little much,

But that's mostly
richard's doing.

[Vanessa]
this is absolutely gorgeous.

[Pauline] thank you.

So that's where
the christmas tree will go.

We'll be chopping
that down tomorrow.

We usually wait
for kris to get here.

And maybe you can join us.

Yeah, I would love that.

[Richard] let me guess,

She told you that

She had nothing to do
with the christmas decorations?

Did you?

Don't believe this one.

You know, one year,

We had a lights contest
in our neighborhood,

And she went and she bought up

Every christmas light
in a -mile radius.

I'm a little competitive.

That's why I'm glad

That she's always
on my side for life.

Hey, I'm sorry about emilia.

She just takes
a little while to warm,

But once you've won her over,
she'll be your best friend.

Oh!

All right, you guys are gonna
wear me out for christmas.

Aiden, why don't you
show mickey around the house?

Awesome.
I love dogs.

Just be careful.
He can be a little tricky.

Okay, there you go.

[Pauline] emilia, do you want
to go play with mickey?

I have to go practice my song.

Yes, emilia's singing a solo,
"away in a manger",

In our church's
christmas pageant.

A solo...

Wow, that is very impressive.

It's no big deal.

Ooh!

Sorry.
Normally, she's very sweet.

I get it.
This is a lot for a kid.

What were you like as a kid?

Uh...

I was pretty shy.

Definitely not the kid

To take a solo
in a christmas pageant.

What about you, kris?

Oh, kris was great,

But he had a lot of energy,
he would never stop,

But he had a good heart--

And he was obsessed
with baseball.

[Kris] I still am.

Yeah, richard took me

To my first yankees game
when I was six.

I'm a fan for life.

Except my dad
didn't like it very much.

He was a mets fan.

I think I've got to side
with your dad on this one.

No!

Mets and jets all the way.

You've got to root
for the underdog.

Mets and jets!

I knew--

I knew I liked this girl.

Why don't you
help me in the kitchen?

Okay. Yeah, sure.

[♪♪♪]

Hey, can I show you
to your room?

That would be lovely.

You have a beautiful family.

Thank you.

Yeah, we do a big family photo

In front of the christmas tree
every year.

Well, you'll be in it--

I mean, if you want to be?

That would be nice.

Okay.

I'm really happy
that you're here.

I think the timing's
no coincidence--

The holidays
are all about family.

I think we have
a lot of catching up to do.

Yeah. Yeah, we do.

Okay, here's your room.

Oh, great.

Make yourself comfortable.

Okay, thanks.

Dee, you don't understand
how amazing everything is here.

like, too good to be true.

Really? I mean, how so?

Richard and his wife, pauline,
are so lovely,

And, well, the kids
are understandably shocked,

But they seem really sweet.

What about that guy
that drove you there?

I mean, what's his deal?

Kristopher?

Yeah, he seems nice.

And cute.

you sure he's not
your cousin or anything?

Yeah. No, he's definitely
not in the family.

[Knocking on door]

Uh, look, I gotta go.

I love you!

Come in.

-Hey, how are you?
-Yeah, good.

I'm supposed to tell you
that dinner's ready.

Oh, okay. Thanks.

How are you feeling
with everything?

You were right
about the family.

They're wonderful.

And I really appreciate

You helping me
break the ice with the kids,

Although I'm not sure
it's fully broken yet.

You'll get there.

Hope so.

-See you soon.
-Okay.

"You'll get there."

"Okay."

Emilia, can I just tell you
how much I love your hair?

Oh, that's not her real hair,
didn't you know?

She's wearing a wig.

See?

I am not!

[Kris] hey. Hey!

[Richard] here we go.

Ooh, yeah.

[Vanessa]
wow, that's interesting.

This is--
it's pinnekjott.

This is basically
smoked lamb ribs.

Really popular norwegian meal
during the holidays.

So how often do you guys

All get together
for dinner like this?

[Pauline] we try to
as much as possible

With the kids' schedules.

You know, when I was a kid,

We would have dinner
for two hours every night,

Because my mother
was from norway,

Would ask us

Very detailed questions
about our day,

And we thought
that she was being strict,

And then we realized

She was just trying
to practice her english.

[Pauline]
caitlin, no phones at the table.

You know that.

Vanessa, who do you
eat dinner with?

Um, sometimes, friends,

But it's usually
just me and mickey.

So that's why this is
such a treat.

Where do you eat dinner, kris?

Where do I eat dinner?

At my desk,
usually takeout.

Or I'll stop at julia's
on the way home.

Oh, is julia your girlfriend?

[Kris] no. No, no.

It's julia's kitchen,
in chelsea.

Do you know that spot?

Oh, yeah.

Yeah, I know the place.

[Kris] it's one of
my favorite places.

Well, aside from
pauline's kitchen, of course.

Good save.

Yeah, that's a good one.

Okay, let's--

Can we say grace?

We would like to thank you
for this beautiful meal

And for bringing us
a very special gift this year.

Vanessa.

And for bringing
people into her life

That have taken
such good care of her.

And for guiding her
to us this year

So that we can have
a very special christmas.

In your name.

Amen.

[All] amen.

[Group] five, four,
three, two, one.

[Cheering]

The lights look really nice.

-Oh, do you think so?
-Yeah.

I don't know.

I think we've got
to turn up the wattage.

You know, dim the rest
of the neighborhood.

[Vanessa] ah, good idea.

Take out the competition.

Yes.

[Richard] is that--

No.

Oh, no!

Emilia, get the duct tape.

[Kris] yeah. Duct tape,
duct tape!

Hi.

Looks like you and mickey
are really bonded.

Yeah, we get along really good.

So what grade
are you in, aiden?

Sixth grade.

But I'm already
on the th grade hockey team.

Wow, you must be really good.

Yeah.

-Can I tell you a secret?
-Sure.

I've never actually
been ice skating.

Really?

It's not that hard.

It requires some coordination,
which I don't have very much of.

Can I tell you another secret?

Okay.

I've always wanted a brother.

I've always wanted
a brother, too,

'Cause I already
have two sisters

And they can be annoying.

Right.

[♪♪♪]

It's not too bad, right?

It's, um...

It's pretty magical.

So, dad, where did you
meet vanessa's mom?

Providence.

I didn't know
she lived in rhode island?

That's where you guys met?

Yeah, she had
an apartment downtown,

By the old majestic theatre.

She must have
moved back to new york

Before you came home.

That's probably
why you couldn't find her.

That's true.

I only looked in providence.

[Emilia] wait.

How can we be sisters
if we have different moms?

She's our half-sister.

I actually don't like
the term half-sister.

I think family is family,

And you're sisters,
and that's it.

That was the perfect
but chilly ending

To a beautiful night.

-Could you read me a story?
-Yes.

[Text alert chimes]

[♪♪♪]

Everything okay?

Uh, yeah, yeah.

Just--i'm a bit tired.

I think I'm going to turn in.

Okay. Have a good sleep.

Yeah. You too.
Good night.

Good night.

[line ringing]

[Woman on answering machine]
our office is currently closed.

please call us back
during regular business hours.

happy holidays!

[♪♪♪]

-[Knocking on door]
-come in!

Hey. Morning.

Good morning!

Hi.

Um, pauline mentioned

That you might want to come
get our christmas tree with us.

Oh, yeah!
I would love to.

Yeah? Okay. Great.

Good.

Okay. Wear something warm.

Warm? Got it.

Okay...

I can't believe
that the girls are missing this.

Yeah. Pauline took
emilia to rehearsal

And caitlin's doing
her own thing,

But they'll join us to decorate.

Okay, so what kind of tree
are we looking for?

A christmas tree.

I mean, like a tall one,

Or a fuller one,

Or a skinny one?

I think we'll know it
when we see it.

Okay, let's split up.

Aiden and I are gonna
go off together.

Holler if you see something.

Whoa, dad,
can we get that tree?

[♪♪♪]

So, I've gotta ask...

I know you're close
to the family,

But I'm sure there's

A million other things
you could be doing right now.

Why do you choose to spend
your holiday break here?

Sometimes, it's just nice
to get out of the city,

You know?

I'm sensing there is
more to it than that.

My, um...

My parents passed away.

It was a car accident.

They were traveling to michigan
to come visit me at law school.

I was .

The next couple of years,

I just couldn't face
the holidays.

Richard finally talked me into
coming to visit with the family,

And...

I've been coming back
every year since.

Thank you
for sharing that, kris.

And I'm sorry to hear
about your parents.

Thank you.

I appreciate that.

[♪♪♪]

What do you think?

I think it's perfect.

[Cheering]

[Richard] here we go!
Here we go, guys!

There's more decorations
in the garage,

In case these aren't enough.

[Vanessa] where's emilia?

Is she still at rehearsal?

She's in the dining room

Stringing together
a popcorn garland.

Something happened
at rehearsal today,

But she doesn't want
to tell me.

Do you mind
if I go and talk to her?

Please. Be my guest.

♪ Away in a manger ♪

♪ No crib for a bed ♪

That sounds wonderful!

You know, I've never made
popcorn garland before.

Do you...

Do you think you could
show me how you do it?

Is there...

Is there any string left?

It's easy.

You just string it through
the center of the popcorn,

And if you want,
you can add these...

Whoa, cranberries.

That is--

That is taking it
to a whole new level.

So, how did rehearsal go today?

I don't wanna do
this solo anymore.

Well, how come?
You have a beautiful voice.

I can sing at home just fine,

But when I'm at rehearsal,

In front of people,

My throat gets dry
and I sound horrible.

Well, you know,

A lot of very famous singers
have stage fright.

Adele, katy perry, rihanna...

They do?

Of course!

And I am no singer,

But back in college,

When I had to give
a presentation,

I would get so nervous,

I could feel my voice shaking.

But then I learned
how to work through it.

How?

Well, I'd take
some deep breaths...

And think about

How nobody in the class
wanted me to fail.

We were all in the same boat.

Same goes for the audience
listening to you sing.

Just try and focus on
how singing makes you feel,

Then let it flow
from your heart,

The same way you do
when you sing at home.

Sometimes, being nervous,
it just means you really care.

That makes sense.

How about we go decorate
the tree now?

[Emilia] dad!

Yeah?

Vanessa and I made this.
Can you hang it on the tree?

Of course!

Fantastic.

There you go.

[Richard] very nice.

Vanessa, how did you
and your mother

Celebrate christmas?

Well, it was always
just the two of us,

So she tried to me make
christmas extra special.

We would go into the city,
to rockefeller plaza,

And see the big christmas tree,

And then we'd always go
for a nice dinner after.

That sounds really nice.

We found it!

You guys need another house

To store
all your christmas decorations.

No way.

Remember that?

Yeah, I remember
when I made this.

It was forever ago.

Emilia's first christmas.

[Kris] look at the cheeks!

-You were so cute!
-I still am.

Yes, you are.

What does this say?

Oh. This--

I made this with my grandfather
when I was a boy.

That's norwegian
for "merry christmas".

Oh.

"Julekurvers"?

Julekurver, yeah, that's right.

That's another
norwegian tradition.

You hang them on the tree
and then you add candy and nuts.

Yeah, all these years,

And I still don't have
one myself.

Right, guys?

What happened there?

Maybe I'll just
take yours this year?

Is that--
is that okay?

[Richard] oh, the star!

-Want to put it on?
-Yes!

All right.

There we go.

-Is it on?
-Yeah.

[Cheering]

[♪♪♪]

-Hey.
-Hey.

[Kris] so, what do you think?

I think I'm starting
to understand

Why you come back here
every year.

It kind of feels like a gift.

Wait-- I didn't get
presents for anyone.

It's okay.

Just get gift cards
like I usually do.

I can't get them gift cards.

I need to get them presents--
like proper presents.

Well, I'd be happy
to take you out tomorrow

If you want?

Not like out on a date,

You know, just out, shopping.

Shopping?

Yeah, yeah.
I got that.

That would be great.
Pretty clear.

-I'm going to go to bed.
-Yeah, let's got to bed.

-Good night!
-Good night.

You should be doing
most of the work.

You didn't get your workout
in today, did you?

Man, you've been handling

This vanessa situation
really well.

She's making it easy.

But, uh...

What?

Nothing.

What is it?

Well, don't say that
I said this to her, all right?

All right.

But vanessa didn't know

That her mother
lived in providence.

That's the only place
I knew her.

The woman I knew,
everybody called her trish,

So why does her daughter
only know her as patty?

People move, right?

People change--
change nicknames.

She said
she doesn't know her mom.

Her mom passed away
when she was young,

So she might not have known her.

Yeah, you're right.

You're right.

Also, I've seen the dna test
and we're definitely a match.

-Come on.
-Okay. All right, all right.

[♪♪♪]

[Kris] so you don't think

I should get gift cards
for everyone?

I don't have a problem
with gift cards.

They just should have
a personal touch.

Take emilia for instance,
what is she into?

Oh, she's into, um,

Theater, music, acting...

There you go.

A gift card
for a movie theater.

Or, wait, I have a better idea!

If you want
to go in on it with me.

-Yeah, sure.
-Okay.

-I'll take care of it.
-Okay.

What about aiden?

Aiden--winter sports.

Winter sports...

Okay, what about

A gift certificate
for some lift tickets?

And then, obviously,

Caitlin would be
for a camera shop.

Wow, you're really good
at this.

I've always wanted to have
a big family to shop for.

Well, now you do.

What are you getting me
for christmas?

I'm really torn

Between a half a lump
and a full lump of coal.

Hah!

[Kris] well, maybe
you need a break.

You know,
help you make that decision.

Oh, I don't know...

So, how does
a nice guy like you

End up in corporate law?

We're not all bad guys.

You hinted before

That you didn't really
enjoy what you did.

I've always been
someone who's...

Pretty good at things.

I was a pretty good student,

I'm a pretty good lawyer,

I was a pretty good athlete...

But there's only one thing
that I'm truly great at...

Underwater basket weaving.

That's just thing.

You know,
I'm not great at anything.

You're pretty great
with the kids.

To be honest,

I've always had trouble
imagining myself with kids.

Why?

Well, my life
kind of took a detour

After my parents' accident.

I've just been
so committed to work.

So no luck
in a relationship, then?

Not even close.

I guess dating's the one thing
I'm not good at.

Well, I hope you're good
at ice skating.

[Vanessa] whoa.

[Kris] whoa, whoa, whoa.
Yeah, yeah.

Okay, yeah, yeah.

Step, step.

-Okay.
-Here we go.

-Step.
-Step.

-Whoa!
-Glide.

[♪♪♪]

So I've got everyone done,
except for caitlin and richard,

But I found a place online
that has a gift for richard,

If you don't mind making
one last stop.

Yeah. Not at all.

[Phone ringing]

Everything okay?

Uh, yeah. Yeah.

I'll just deal with it later.

Okay.

What's going on, guys?

Hey.

Well, we have to say goodbye
to a local icon.

No amount of duct tape
can fix him.

Yeah, yeah.
Could you grab it?

I'll grab it.

Richard, I wanted
to wait until christmas

To give you this,

But it seems like the present

Is the perfect time
for your present.

Whoo-hoo!

Look who saved the day.

Whoo-hoo!

Yeah, I think
it's a little smaller.

Yeah, yeah, definitely.

Time for gingerbread houses.
Who wants to join?

-Oh, you want to?
-Yeah, sure. You?

Yeah, yeah?
You all ready?

Should I just
sprinkle some on top?

[Indistinct excited chatter]

You're using
way too much icing?

What?

I figured
if icing holds it together,

Then a lot of icing

Would really
hold it together, right?

Did you do this type of stuff
with your mom?

Uh, we would make...

Gingerbread houses
out of graham crackers.

What about you?

No gingerbread houses for us.

My dad was a musician.

He played guitar.

The holidays were sort of
his bread and butter.

That's when he played
all of his gigs,

And my mom and I
would go watch him.

We even went to the fancy
private christmas parties.

Was your mom also a musician?

No, no.

She...

She was a teacher.

Taught third grade.

She was always
the smartest person in the room,

But she never acted like it.

Well, remind me never
to hire you guys

To do any construction.

Look at that.

That's fundamentally flawed.

It's not.

It is actually very strong.

[Richard] until a puff
of wind comes along.

I love all of these fun
christmas activities.

[Richard] okay, good,
because there's a lot more.

We've got a christmas pageant
tomorrow night.

Oh, and on christmas eve,

You're going to meet
all the relatives.

We're going to do snowmen,

Make cookies, go caroling.

It's really a blast.

I just can't wait

For you to meet
the whole family, though.

Me too.

From all the stories I've heard

And all the fun family photos
I've seen,

They seem like a good bunch.

Hey, do you have
any old photos of your mom?

I have one photo

Of her holding me
when I was a baby

That's framed in my apartment,

But, um,

My foster parents
had a flood in their basement,

So all of my other photos

And everything
that my mom left me

Got ruined.

Oh, that's a shame.

Yeah.

Did you guys drop yours,
or is it meant to be like that?

Yeah, we took creative liberty,

And we feel like
it's probably the most edible.

-[Vanessa] yeah.
-Okay.

Cool.

[Richard] you are painters
with candy.

[Voicemail]
you have one new message.

[Woman on voicemail]
hi, vanessa.

this is diana calling from
family branch dna.com.

we've tried to reach you
a couple of times.

it seems there's been
a mix-up with your results.

there were two vanessa halls
in our system.

it was a rare glitch

and your test
was switched with hers.

we're so sorry
for the inconvenience.

please give us a call
so we can sort this out.

we are currently
assisting other clients.

please leave a message

and we will get back
to you shortly.

[Phone ringing]

Hey, girl, what's up?

I don't know what to do.
I'm kind of freaking out.

What happened?

The family branch dna company

Left a voicemail

Saying that
they made a mistake

and they mixed my results up

With another vanessa hall.

Are you serious?

Yes.

So, richard isn't
my actual father.

This isn't my actual family.

i don't know how to tell them.

Okay, well...

I would wait
until after christmas.

I can't do that.

Somewhere out there,

Richard has an actual daughter
named vanessa hall.

And you've tried
to call them back?

I can't get through.

It makes sense.

Richard mentioned

That he met my mother
in providence.

I don't ever remember her saying
she lived in rhode island.

Until you know for sure,

There's no point
of you spoiling christmas.

[Knocking on door]

Look, I gotta go.
I'll talk to you later.

Good morning!

I brought you coffee.

Oh, that is so sweet.

Thank you!

Breakfast is ready.

I'll be down in two seconds.

[Sighs]

Okay...

Oh!

You really pulled this off.

Hey. Pauline got called in

To cover a shift
at the hospital,

And aiden has decided
to take over.

Here you go.

-Oh, it looks delicious.
-Thank you.

You good?

Uh, yeah.

I just didn't sleep really well.

Yeah?

Pillow issues?

Hey, dad,

There's this winter dance
at school tonight,

And all my friends
are going to be there,

And I was wondering
if I could go.

But the pageant is tonight!

I could come
and watch you sing

And then go to the dance
afterwards.

I wouldn't miss your solo.

But this is
vanessa's first year.

Forget it, I won't go.

No. You should go
to the dance.

It sounds like a lot of fun.

You're going to be here
all of christmas eve

And spend all christmas day
with the family, right?

That's a very good point.

Well, if there are
no other objections,

Then it's fine with me.

No objections.

Okay, I have to leave.

You'll be able to help
with my costume, right?

Yes, of course.

Don't stress.
You're gonna be great.

Okay, I'll see you all later.

-Bye. Have a great day.
-Good luck.

Bye.

Thank you for that.

I didn't think
he'd ever say yes.

Although now I have no idea

What I'm going to wear
for the dance.

Well, I haven't picked up
your christmas gift yet.

Do you want to go shopping?

Yeah!

Cool.

This store has
some really cute stuff.

Totally.

So, do you have a boyfriend?

No... Do you?

No...

But you like someone?

Maybe.

His name's eli,

But we're totally
in the friend zone.

We've been best friends
since we were kids

And, well,
he'll be there tonight.

Starting as friends
is a good foundation.

It's kind of confusing.

How do I know
if he likes me?

Well, tonight,

When a slow song comes on,

You could ask him to dance,

And while the music's playing,

And you two lock eyes,

See if you feel a spark.

You'll know.

You mean like
how kris looks at you?

[Laughs]

I have no idea
what you're talking about.

Um, it's pretty obvious.

I've known kris my whole life,

And he likes you.

And I think you like him, too.

And I think that it is time
for you to try on this dress!

I like having a big sister.

Merry christmas.

[Indistinct conversation]

-Hi.
-Hi.

Can you believe these lights?

Every other one of them
is burnt out.

I know your family
is coming here tomorrow,

But I was hoping
that we could talk.

Oh, yeah, yeah.

I wanted
to chat with you, too.

Even though I am a grown man,

I was very nervous about
telling my mother about you.

What did she say?

Well...

She was understandably
surprised at first,

But then I thought

She was more open-minded
than I expected.

I mean, you kind of
remind me of her.

You're both very strong,
resilient women.

I think you're going
to get along great.

Thank you.

And I'm looking forward
to meeting her, but there's--

Are these the lights
you're looking for?

Oh, yeah, yeah. Yeah.

That should work great.

Did you find something
for caitlin to wear?

Yes. She has a great eye,

And the dress she chose
is beautiful.

Hopefully not too beautiful.

I am not prepared

For young suitors
to come knocking.

The fact that you still
call them young suitors

Definitely says
you're not ready.

Well, I'm going to head inside.

Let me know if you need a hand.

-Done.
-Good?

-I love it.
-I love it, too.

Oh, wait,
you've got a little...

Something.

[Knocking on door]

Hey.

You mind if I get
a little help?

Emilia's having
a bit of a meltdown.

What's wrong?

Pauline said

She was going to help her
get ready after work,

And she's still not back yet.

Uh, yeah, I'll be right down.

Okay, thank you.

You look great.

Thank you again for everything.

Of course.
Just remember to have fun.

Dad! I don't think
that's how you do it!

-Hey.
-Hi!

I hear it's got some wings.

I think they might just be...

Going on like a backpack.

One arm through there.

One arm through there...

Boom.

Okay, good.
Okay, good.

Good, let's go.

Come on, we're going
to meet your mother there.

One final little touch.

And this one.

Okay, let's tie this
around here.

You are going to be great.

Just remember,
try to take some deep breaths

And know that
everybody in the audience--

Especially me--

Is cheering you on.

Voila!

Wow. That was fast!

Okay.

-Come on.
-One angel ready to go.

I'll see you there!

[♪♪♪]

Did emilia sing yet?

No, no. She's ready.
It's okay.

You're just in time.

[Clearing throat]
do not be afraid.

I bring you good news

That will cause great joy
for all the people.

Today in the town of david,
a savior has been born.

You will find a baby
wrapped in cloths

Lying in a manger.

♪ Away in a manger ♪

♪ No crib for a bed ♪

♪ The little lord jesus ♪

♪ Laid down his sweet head ♪

♪ The stars in the bright sky ♪

♪ Looked down where he lay ♪

♪ The little lord jesus ♪

♪ Asleep on the hay ♪

[♪♪♪]

I mean, I think for me,
she got her comfort on stage,

Don't you think?

I helped her put her wings on.

You were seriously
amazing today!

I mean, you're going
to open on broadway one day,

I know it.

I thought about
what you said,

And I wasn't as nervous.

Thank you!

You're welcome.

I'm going to the dance now.

Oh, yes! Okay.
Have fun!

Have an amazing time.

Let me know how it goes.

Thank you.

Nice job.

Big sister coming through.

Thanks.

Are you free later?

Did you want the green or?

No, no.

I am literally
the worst at this.

That's why I get gift cards.

I don't know,

I think that there's
something kind of endearing

About interestingly-wrapped
presents.

-Do you?
-Mm-hmm.

Well, luckily,
this one's going to you.

These are for aiden.

Oh, man, snowboard gear.

He needs this.

What did you get,
an air fryer?

Well, pauline said she loved
her easy bake oven as a kid,

So I figured

An air fryer is sort of
a grown-up version of that.

That's really thoughtful.

You know, I can tell how much
this family means to you.

Yeah, they...

They really mean a lot.

They just...

So openly embraced me,

And...

It's...

It's almost overwhelming.

Hey, trust me.

They...

They're so glad you're here.

If I'm being
really honest about it...

I'm glad you're here, too.

I... I can't believe
it's almost christmas eve.

You're gonna meet
the whole family tomorrow.

Right, um...

Well, I'd better...

Better tuck these away,

And get some sleep.

Okay.

-Have a good night.
-Yeah, you too.

Hey, what's up?

Whatcha doing?

I thought that I had

An old photo
of vanessa's mom.

I thought
I'd surprise her with it,

But I can't find it.

Uh...

Do you think it's--

It's weird if...

If I like vanessa?

You are asking me

To be a young suitor
to my daughter?

Yeah. I think I am.

Well, nothing would make me
happier than that.

-That's good!
-All right.

[Richard] how does she feel?

Oh, mickey,
what am I going to do?

Oh, um, excuse me.
Pardon me.

Oh! She's awake!

Hey, everyone!
Excuse me. Everyone!

This is my daughter, vanessa.

This is my family--
our family.

Let's do this properly.

This is your uncle dave.

-Hello.
-Hi.

This is my sister,
your aunt sandra.

-It's nice to meet you.
-It's nice to meet you.

They have two kids,
sherry and mike, over there.

-Say hi, sherry.
-Hi!

This is sharon and peggy,

They're my cousins,
your second cousins.

Oh, and this is
your uncle terry.

-So great to meet you.
-Oh, nice to meet you.

And this is your aunt judy.

So lovely to meet you!
Welcome to the family.

They have two kids,
alisha and adam,

But they're not here today.

And then this is
your aunt candy.

Hi.

-Your aunt carol.
-Hello.

This is judy number two
and uncle ron.

Judy. Ron.
Nice to meet you.

And then
that's paul and kimmy,

My cousins.

And, um...

Last but not least,

This is my mother, helene.

Let me see you, darling.

Aren't you just
the most beautiful young woman!

Thank you.

Let's get you
some breakfast, dear.

-Oh, look at that.
-Thank you.

Hot food
is served in the kitchen

Whenever you're ready.

Oh, thank you.

Oh, sweetheart, thanks.

That's so lovely.

Have you ever had lefse before?

No. I've never
even heard of it.

[Helene]
lefse is norwegian bread

Made from potatoes.

My lefse isn't as good
as my mother's was,

But it's not bad.

It's really good.

Have you ever been
to norway, dear?

No, I haven't.

It's beautiful.

Unique food, too.

If I had my way,

I would serve us ludafisk
for christmas dinner,

But richie won't let me.

Why won't he let you serve it?

'Cause it makes
the whole house

Smell like a fish market.

Oh...

You come to my house one day
and I will make you ludafisk.

[Kris] god jul, helene.
Hello!

Your norwegian accent
is getting better!

God jul, handsome.

God jul.

I've been practicing
just for you.

I thought so.

So nice to see you.

Hey, how was the dance?

[Caitlin] so good!

I danced with eli three times!

Wow. Nice!

Okay, guys.

Time to make snowmen!

Dad, they're called
snow-people now.

Called "snow-people".

All right,
time to make snow-persons!

Let's go.

Everyone, it will just take
five minutes, don't worry.

What do you think?
Looks just like richard, huh?

I would say
there is no denying it.

You've got better dad jokes
than your own dad.

[Laughs]

[Aiden] snowball fight!

Hey, you get back here!

[♪♪♪]

You know you can have
some fun, huh?

[Tv playing]
♪ for auld lang syne ♪

♪ we'll take a cup
of kindness yet ♪

♪ for the sake
of auld lang syne ♪

"It's a wonderful life"
is my favorite.

It's my favorite, too.

[Vanessa] this has been
the best christmas,

And I love your family.

Well, everybody loves you.

So, how did
the two of you meet?

I was his nurse.

She had me in stitches
the first time I met her--

Literally--

I had a gash above my eye
from a hockey game

And she stitched me up.

I thought he played hockey
and got hit with a puck.

Turns out that kris's dad

Accidentally elbowed him

While they were
watching a hockey game.

So kris's dad is the reason
that the two of you met?

-Mm-hmm.
-Yeah.

[Vanessa] that's so sweet.

Well, every good romance
has a good story.

Oh, yes. So true.

[Vanessa] I just wanted to say

Thank you for being
so gracious and open

To having me here.

When you have
what richard and I have,

It's easy.

Besides, what's his is mine,

And that includes you.

I am going
to take these cookies in.

-[Richard] here.
-Thank you.

Still warm.

Richard, I wanted to talk
to you about something.

How did you meet my mom?

I know you said
you were in providence?

Yeah.

Um...

I remember it was a windy day,

And my hat blew off
and she picked it up.

And then she made fun
of my army buzz cut.

And thanks
to that gust of wind,

You're here today.

And because we both did
those dna tests by chance.

No, nothing's by chance.

You're meant to be here.

Actually...

Emilia spilled
her hot chocolate.

Agh!

, Who needs one?

Oh, you need one right here?

Okay. Remember,
you're the best singer.

[Kris warming up
his vocal cords]

-Kris.
-I know all the lyrics.

You know them all!

Okay, come on, here we go.

You been caroling before?

Um, not in a really long time.

Are you an alto
or a soprano?

What's the really high one?

Soprano.

Then I am definitely an alto.

Listen, there's something
I need to tell you.

Yeah? What is it
that you need to tell me?

That, um...

I'm a really bad singer.

You're a--
[laughs]

You know what,
there are no bad singers,

There's only bad voices,

And you know what,
it doesn't matter,

Because we're just here
to have fun.

Great.

♪ Angels we have heard
on high ♪

♪ Sweetly sang through ♪

♪ And the mountains
in reply... ♪

Lucky we have
these cheat sheets.

I sing these lyrics,
every single year

And I always forget them.

♪ Gloria... ♪

♪ In excelsis deo ♪

Do you think that

It's better
not to have a good thing

If...

You're gonna lose
the good thing,

Because once you have
the good thing,

You realize how good
the thing actually is?

Whoa. I think
I actually followed you there.

I think what you're saying

Is you're worried

That you'll never have
a christmas this good again?

How can it be?

You know, I felt the same way,

But this family
has made me realize

That there's other ways
of celebrating,

Of finding happiness.

You know, I know it's just
been a few days,

But...

You being here has just given me

A whole new perspective
on what it means to be a family.

I know how you feel.

Do you want to go on
a real date after christmas?

I don't know, maybe even spend
new year's together?

I mean, I want to say--

Say yes. Say yes. Say yes.

Okay? Just don't even
think about it.

Yes.

Yes, I would--
I would love that.

Okay.

I'm sorry,
that was very lawyer of me.

[Richard] just before
we sing this next one,

I just want to say...

My family was blessed
with a very special gift

This year.

I found my daughter
after so many years.

And just to have her be...

Such a--

Such a wonderful person.

She's the missing part
of our family

That we didn't even realize
was missing.

And as i--as I stand

In front of
this beautiful christmas tree,

I can't help but think

That the most important tree
in all of our lives

Is our family tree.

So...

Thank you, vanessa.

And everyone else,
merry christmas!

Merry christmas!

♪ O christmas tree
o christmas tree ♪

♪ How lovely
are thy branches! ♪

♪ O christmas tree
o christmas tree ♪

♪ How lovely
are thy branches! ♪

♪ Your boughs so green
in summertime ♪

♪ Stay bravely green
in wintertime ♪

[♪♪♪]

♪ Angels we have heard
on high... ♪

Okay, okay, guys.

Don't get too comfortable!

We have to take
our family photo.

All right.

It's our first year
with vanessa!

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

[Knocking on door]

Hey.

Could you touch up
my hair for the picture?

Of course, emilia.

[Emilia] I'm sorry
for being rude to you

When you first got here.

I think I was jealous of you.

It's okay.

I think, in a lot of ways,
I'm actually jealous of you.

You have a lot
to be grateful for here.

What do you think?

I love it.

I think it's super-cute.

Come on, you two.
Everybody's ready--

Even mickey is ready.

No, I don't think
I can do this, pauline.

Don't be silly.
You look gorgeous.

[Richard] oh, here we go.
Here we go.

Okay, everyone's here.

Vanessa, there beside mom.

Beside grandma.

Don't be shy, darling.

[Richard] okay, good.

Okay, it's on
a -second timer.

Everyone ready?

Okay, here we go!

And merry christmas!

Merry christmas!

Okay, hold on.
Hold on.

Don't move, don't move.

We're going to do one--

Everybody do silly faces,
except kris, obviously.

Pretend to be yourself.

Really good. That's really good.
I can see that.

Now we're going to do
silly faces, all right?

Silly.

Wait, wait, wait.

I can't be in this photo.

I'm...

I'm sorry, I need
to tell you all something.

I'm not richard's daughter.

What are you talking about?
Of course you are.

No, actually, I'm...

I'm not.

Maybe this is a great time
for some hot cocoa.

Anyone care to join me?

Okay.

Look.

The dna testing company called,

And they said they mixed up
my test results.

Richard, you do have
a daughter named vanessa hall,

But she's not me.

Wait, this--

This doesn't sound right.

[Vanessa] it's true.

Are you sure about this?

Yes. I mean...

That explains

Why I didn't know about
my mom living in providence,

Because the woman
that you knew--

She wasn't my mom.

You have an amazing family.

And whoever
the other vanessa is,

She's...

The luckiest girl
in the world.

I'm...

I'm really sorry.

Vanessa, wait.

Vanessa, wait.

Why didn't you say something?

I wanted to say something
to them...

And to you.

I just--

I couldn't get the words out.

I was...

I was so happy here.
I didn't want it to believe it.

You don't have to go.

They've accepted you
in their family.

No.

They've accepted you
as their family.

I don't belong here.

[Doorbell rings]

Let me guess,
you're the real daughter?

Um, no.

I'm...

I'm the not-real daughter's
friend.

I'm going to miss you guys.

Thank you all so much
for your hospitality.

-Vanessa, wait...
-No, i...

I should go.

But i... I hope you have
a merry christmas.

So she's not my sister now?

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

[Richard] hey, I know it's been
a really strange day,

But the fact of the matter is,

Is that I do have a daughter
named vanessa out there.

It's just not the one
that we thought it was.

So, if you could all
keep an open mind,

That would be great.

[Aiden] but, dad,

I don't want
a different vanessa.

I don't even care
that she's not my sister.

Can't we still
hang out with her?

It's christmas

And she has no family.

She's welcome here,

But that would be
for her to decide.

You know what,
I think it's time for dinner.

A little food
always makes us feel better.

Come help me.

[♪♪♪]

[Kris] I can't believe this.

You know it's not her fault.

She wanted us to be
a part of her family

As much as we wanted her
to be a part of our family.

What should I do, richard?

This doesn't change anything
between you.

I mean, we all saw
the connection you guys had.

She had a connection
with everybody.

She bought
the whole family gifts.

She bought me a gift.

Open it.

Open it.

[♪♪♪]

[Laughing]

What? What is it? What?

Frankenstein and myrrh.

[Laughing]

See that?

She's making you laugh
and she's not even here.

That's saying something.

I think it's saying that i...

I care about her.

Well, what are you doing here?

Go tell her.

I don't think she feels
the same way about me.

What are you talking about?

Of course, she does.

I mean, she was put
in an awkward situation here.

That's not the real her.

Go!

And tell her

That even though
she's not related to us,

She's always welcome here.

Thanks, richard.

Okay, there you go.

What are you going to do now?

I guess I'm...

Back to binge-watching
christmas films.

Are you sure you don't want
to come over?

My parents are here
and they would love to see you.

Thank you, but...

I think I'm just
going to decompress.

That's understandable.

The funny thing is, you know,

I actually--

I started seeing
parts of myself

In richard and the kids.

Goes to show you see
what you want to see, right?

What about kristopher?

Maybe he's the silver lining
in all of this.

I think that
that ship has sailed.

-Oh, I love you.
-I love you.

Okay.

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

Hey, hey, hey, everyone.
Come here. Come here.

Come here!

Vanessa said

That her mother's name
was patty.

But her real name
was patricia.

Patricia hall.

And... And look...

She looks just like vanessa.

Our vanessa.

She is my daughter.

I knew it!

What are we going to do?

Well, who wants to go
to the big apple?

-Yes!
-Yes!

I do!

Yeah!

[Carolers] ♪ silent night ♪

♪ Holy night ♪

♪ All is calm ♪

♪ All is bright ♪

♪ Round yon virgin ♪

♪ Mother and child ♪

♪ Holy infant
so tender and mild ♪

♪ Sleep in heavenly peace... ♪

♪ Sleep in heavenly peace ♪

[Vanessa] what are you guys
doing here?

Excuse me.

I think...

...that she has your eyes.

That's my mom.

Merry christmas.

[Richard] get in here!

[♪♪♪]

Come in, come in, come in!

♪ ...laughing all the way ♪

♪ h*-h*-h*-h*! ♪

-[Vanessa] come in. Welcome.
-Thank you.

Where's kris?

I thought he might have
been here already.

Do you think he's okay?

Yeah. I'm sure he's fine.

[Knocking on door]

Hey!

I got you a little something.

Come in, come in! Here...

Yeah.

Here. Let's put it
by the fireplace.

-Okay.
-You got it?

[Kris] hey, guys.
You beat me here.

-Merry christmas.
-Merry christmas!

[Vanessa] okay.

Kris, I know I should have
said something sooner.

No, no.

I understand why you didn't
say anything right away.

It's just...

I was falling in love
with the family.

You're not the only one
that was falling in love.

You know you can't
get rid of me that easily.

We've tried for years.
It's true.

Wait.

When you said that I wasn't
the only one falling in love,

You didn't happen to be
referring to yourself,

Were you?

Oh, no.

No, I was...

I was referring
to another vanessa hall.

That's, um...

That's too bad.

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

-Oh, my gosh.
-[Richard] what's this now?

A coupon for a special day
in new york city

With kris and vanessa

That includes
a trip to the salon,

Tickets to a broadway show

And a sleepover!

Oh, I can't wait.

-Oh, for me?
-Yeah.

[♪♪♪]

My family.

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]