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There you go, little buddy.

What time's the flight?

It's tomorrow.

Early.

Em, I feel like

you've been living
out of that suitcase

for, like, a year.

Don't you want to just stop?

Yeah, well,
this is me stopping.

I'm stopping in Honolulu,

and then I'm going
40 minutes to Kauai,

and I'm going to do
nothing but relax.

Well, at least

pack something cute.

You might someone.

Babe, unless it's a date
wrapped in bacon,

I'm not interested.

It's a relaxation retreat!

Morning, Matt!

Are you at work already?

It's almost 9:00.

What?

Ugh! I'm late again.

I need you to cover for me.

And say what?

I don't know.
Just anything.

Anything that's better
than last time.

People do get their arms caught

in vending machines.

It's a thing.

It's not a thing!

Oh!

See you.

Morning. Sorry.

God bless you.

-Thank you.
-Morning.

Mood?

Uh, I don't know...

but he's doing

that weird clicking thing
with his tongue.

Emily.

We need to chat.

Daryl, I'm supposed to be
nursing a sunburn in Hawaii

this time tomorrow.

Why me?

Because you're the best
creative director on the floor,

and I need a miracle here.

You're my wunderkind.

My Don Draper.

Don Draper is one of

the most tragic
fictional characters

in television history.

But he had a thing.

You have a thing.

I need you to do that thing.

What thing?

That thing
where you take a nothing

and turn it into a something.

A shiny,
gold-plated something.

Jerry bailed because he knew
his concept was a brick.

Look at these.

They're awful.
Why does he--

I need you to take that brick
and turn it into a wall.

No!

A fortress.

A gold-plated fortress.

And I know you know
what I mean.

No! La, la, la, la, la!

I know you know what it is.

You also know that Jerry's
halfway out the door,

and when he goes,

that big, cushy office of his
will be up for grabs.

I like big.
I like cushy.

Plus the international stuff.

First-class?

Economy-plus.

Unlimited peanuts.

We've got projects
coming in from Toronto,

London.

A big one in the Caymans.

You spend the next five days
in Fulton

spinning this straw into gold,

I'll make sure your name
goes to the top of the list.

I'm sorry,
did you say Fulton?

Christmas capital of Illinois.

Oh, no.

No, Daryl,
anywhere but there.

I cannot go to Fulton, Illinois.

Did you hear that?

Is that the sound
of a big, cushy corner office

slamming shut?

Super. Mahalo!

No, no, Mom,

the train departure is at 2:20,

the train arrives at 4:40,

which means you want to be
at the station...

You're not writing
any of this down, are you?

Just r elax, okay?

You still haven't confirmed

whether or not Emily
is going to be joining us.

Look, uh, Ma...

...we're playing
that one by ear,

so, uh, you know,
lots on her plate.

Well, she's never been here

for Christmas before,

and not for nothing,

but I think
this new series I'm working on

would look super cute--

Yeah, Ma, that's great.
I've gotta go. I really do.

Okay, but before you go,

you're not gonna believe

what I found the other day
at String and Things.

Uh-huh?

Do you remember
those little clay paint pots

I brought back from my trip
to Bloomington

For Joanie's retirement party?

And I kept saying

how much I had wished
I had bought more of them?

Well, just the other day,

I popped into the store
to pick up some...

Matt.

Yeah.

Well, what about Hawaii?

Wait, wait, wait.

Hawaii is on hold.

Instead, I'm going to spend
the next five days

in balmy Fulton.

Fulton?

Isn't that where--

Jamie's from? Exactly.

Where you can't swing
a candy cane

without hitting
a member of his family.

Fun.

Not to mention

this project needs more work
than the Colosseum.

Look at this.

Jerry.

Jerry...

So, sayonara to sun, sand,

and anything
resembling relaxation.

I'm sorry, Gina.

Good day, everyone.

I know that we are all eager

to scurry off for the holidays,

but I'll keep this one short.

You good?

I'm good. I'm good.

Thank you. I'm sorry.

Poll numbers are down.

Again.

Apparently, I am too corporate.

Too policy-focused.

Not relatable enough.

Gina, where are we with
the Christmas Day address?

Right on track.

I'm still locking down
a location,

but Martin's been working
on the speech.

Right.

And it reads like
a thesis on tax reform.

Come on, people,

this is supposed
to get me re-elected.

Don't we have anyone
who's clever?

Funny?

Human?

Uh, yeah.

Jamie can write it.

This guy is on the writing team?

I'm on the...

I'm on the Gina team.

I hired him last month.

He's been writing copy
for your mail-outs.

That one you talked about

with the new state
smoking bylaws?

No if, ands...

or butts...

about it.

Jamie, shh.

No.

I need heartwarming.

Inspiring.

Relatable.

My re-election depends on it.

So, please, don't let me down.

Yes, Ma'am.

Thank you, everyone.

Thank you, Governor.

No if, ands or butts...

Hey, Gina,

what just happened?

That sounds like

a pretty important
campaign speech. no?

Why do you think I hired you?

Pity.

I answered too quickly,
didn't I?

I'm serious.

You're here
because you can write.

Friend or not,

I wouldn't have hired you
if you couldn't.

I don't think

The Schmidt campaign
would agree with that.

Steve Schmidt

couldn't get elected

if the only person voting
was his mother.

It had nothing to do
with your writing.

Why did you get into politics?

To effect change.

To inspire.
To make a difference.

Exactly.

And I think
you just got your shot.

Gina, if I blow this,

I'm not going
to be able to get a job

writing parking tickets.

So don't.

You'll have lots of time
to think about it on the train.

Okay...

Look who the cat dragged in.

Thank goodness, Becca,

I thought for sure
Mom got the time wrong.

She did.

She wrote down 7:00,

but this is
the last train today,

so, obviously--

Emily! You came!

Jamie was being so dodgy,

I thought for sure

maybe you guys had broken up
or something

and he just hadn't told anyone.

This is amazing!

I'm gonna take this.
Here. All right.

Dad's double-parked.
Let's go.

No, I'm--I'm not--

Em, what are you doing here?

Working.

Hey, just now, your sister said
she thought we broke up,

and you didn't tell anyone,

which feels like we broke up
and you didn't tell anyone.

Yeah, I noticed that, too.
It's weird.

Are you kidding me with this?

Guess who's here!

Oh, there they are!

Merry Christmas!

Hi, Pop.

We weren't sure
you were both coming!

Here, let me grab those.

-Oh, no, no, no.
-Oh, that's no problem.

Hey, we've got to hurry, though.

They weren't joking about
these tickets around here.

Your mom
is going to be thrilled.

I'm going to explain
everything, I promise.

Just give me--okay.

You kept the decorations
pretty tasteful this year, Pop.

I'm not done yet.
I was waiting for you.

I got a few more surprises
up my sleeve.

Okay, good.

Okay, whatever this is.

We're home!

And you're not going
to believe who's here!

-Auntie Emily!
-My man.

Oh, my gosh, Scotty.

How are you?

Oh, my--you got so big.

Come here, come here.
You remember?

Boop, boop. Ah! So close!

All right, all right,

I'm also here.

Can he have a candy cane?

Just one this time.

Of course.

Oh, wow.

Extra small.
There you go, buddy.

Thank you!

You can have
a little bit.

Like two licks, okay?

Two licks?
Come on, Mom.

Mom, is that paint?

All right, all right.

Oh, I'm so ha--

Hi, Diane.

Yes. I'm here. But--

I knew something was up
with you two!

Oh, my goodness.
I could feel it.

You wanted this
to be a surprise!

Big surprise.

Well, it is possibly
the best gift I have ever had.

Come on, get settled.

We're about to do the tree.

Oh, I...

Mom, no,
you don't have to do that.

Luggage delivery!

No, no, Dad.
Dad, you don't--

I'm not staying!

-What?
-What?

I'm not...

staying for the tree decorating.

I can't stay
because I have a meeting.

I have-- I was saddled
with a last-minute project

before--

we left--

and I just need to go
to a meeting in town.

On a Saturday?

With who, the Pentagon?

Well, Tom's been baking
all day long.

Can you stay
and have a quick nibble?

Mom, maybe she doesn't
want to have all that--

Yeah, yeah, of course.

Sure, maybe I can stay
for just a few minutes.

I'm going to go see
if Grandma's awake,

because she is going
to be tickled to see you.

Right?

I guess we're doing this now.

Come on in.

That's a big tree, Dad.

Yeah. Isn't she a beauty?

Just got her today.

I'm think you need
a little more ceiling.

Aren't we supposed to let
the branches settle

before we decorate?
For balance?

Nah. I figure
we just load'er up

and let gravity take the wheel.

Okay, who's ready for cookies?

I'll take one.
I'll take one.

I'll get one
in a minute, hon'.

Thank you.

Jamie, can I talk to you

in the kitchen
for a second, please?

-Yeah, sure.
-Thank you.

We can do that.

Excuse us.

Oh, wow. Sugar.

That's like
three cavities at least.

Cool-cool-cool.

Any chance you want
to explain to me

why your family
has no idea that--

Plates.

Forgot the plates.

...that we're not
together anymore?

Yeah, uh...

if I had to guess,

and I'm just--
I'm spitballing here--

Yeah, just, you know,
that's good.

Okay, I think it's because
I haven't told them.

-Yeah, I did the math on that.
-Yeah?

When were you planning
to tell them?

Hot chocolate.

Yes.

Now, would you be a dear, Emily,
and bring that carafe along?

-Sure.
-Thank you.

On your mark, get set, go.

Go!

That a boy.

Okay, do you want
to put that over there?

Hey, honey, tell them about
your art work and whatnot.

I'm painting
a whole series of cats.

My little Michelle-Angelo.

And she also made
Scotty's costume for the play.

Isn't that right, kiddo?

I'm a Christmas tree!

Mom's directing!

That's nice.
Wow, look at that.

Yeah, until they figure out
I have no idea what I'm doing.

Oh, yes, you do,

and it's going to be
spectacular.

Em, I want to hear more

about this...

this job
that you're working on.

Oh, yeah.

Well, it's kind of exciting.

It's the Fulton City
Planning Commission--

they want to attract
new residents,

so they're starting with

a whole multi-seasonal
marketing campaign,

starting with Christmas,

and we launch Christmas Day.

Sounds like a big job.

It is! Yeah.

It's a promo reel
featuring the city,

it's print ads,

social,

and I'm in charge of creative.

The really cool news is

Jackie Joyner-Kersee
is our spokesperson.

What? No way!

You're kidding me!

What, you didn't know?

Well, I told him on the train.

Remember, I told you
on the train,

because my camera crew
is coming with her tomorrow?

-Yeah.
-Yeah.

I remember that.

Uh...

I thought she said
Jackie Joyner-Percy,

and I was like, "What?

the lady from
the fluff 'n' fold on Clark?

That doesn't make any sense."

Three-time
Olympic gold medalist.

That makes
a whole lot more sense.

Yeah.

Time's up, kiddo.

-How's my time?
-How'd he do?

A minute 18.

That's good, right?

That's good.

Well, anyway, hopefully,

it's not
all work-work-work for you,

because it can get
pretty magical around here

at Christmas-time.

-Right?
-Certainly does.

Yes, and, well, you know,

it might inspire
some talk of the future...

-Oh, gosh.
-Mom.

Well, gee, no time
like the present

to talk about the future--

especially if these guys
are planning to have babies.

Oh, my gosh!

Okay, nobody panic!

That carpet's seen worse.

-I'm sorry.
-I've got to go.

I'm so sorry.

Thank you so much.

Okay, Jamie--

I'll tell them.

Yeah, you will,

because I'm not spending
the next five nights

on some janky pullout
in your parents' basement

because you don't have
the guts to tell them

you dumped me!

Could you be
talked into four?

Too soon.

That's too soon.
I'm sorry.

Two and a half months, Jamie.

That's a really long time
to be lying to your family.

I don't even know what that is.

Look, I wanted
to tell them, okay?

Granddad had passed.

I knew they would be upset.

I just wanted Christmas to be...

easy...

on everyone.

Had I known you'd be
at the train station...

Yeah. I get it.

Please just tell them
tonight, okay?

All right.

Thank you for the lift.

It's the least I could do.

Well, technically,
the least I could do

would be absolutely nothing,

but, clearly,
I haven't done that.

So it's the least I should do.

-Good luck with the campaign.
-Thank you.

Yeah.

And good luck with, um...

all of it.

Merry Christmas.

You too.

We're not apart,

we're just not...

together?

Look, guys...

we just have very different...

taste in movies.

It turns out

that she...

is in the witness
protection program

and needed to relocate.

Look, the truth is,

her career was taking off...

while mine was in a tailspin,

and I was afraid...

that I wouldn't be enough.

Hello?

How far did you get?

Not as far as you would think.

The reservation was originally
booked under Jerry's name,

and, of course,

only the person
who books the reservation

can change the reservation,

but nobody's at the office
this weekend

so I can't call them,

and then my phone died,

which is why I called you
on a landline,

so I can't even look
for another place tonight, so...

that's what's going on,
and here we are.

Okay, so janky pullout
on the couch?

Downstairs in the basement?

Yeah. Just for the night.
Please.

Oh, hey, um, Em,

do you still want me
to come clean

about the whole
you and me thing?

And be standing on the tracks

when that train
comes rolling through?

No chance.

You've lasted this long,
what's one more night?

I'm good with that.

Welcome to the 23rd annual

Dunsmore family
secret Santa name draw.

Yes!

Love it.

Okay, everyone's here
except for Grandma.

Grandma!

She's awake.

Look at you.
Doesn't she look beautiful?

Yeah, I'm 85
and feeling twice that.

Look at you!

Hi, Estelle.
Great to see you.

How long has it been?
Since--

George's funeral.
That's okay.

We're not going to stand here
and feel sorry for each other,

are we?

We're going to have a draw.

You're absolutely right.

Grandma.

Oh, guest of honor.

Good point.

Oh, no, no.

I'm not--
I'll sit this one out.

-Wrong answer.
-No one sits out.

-Come on.
-Get in there.

-Come on.
-Get that paw in there.

-Come on.
-Get in there.

-Come on.
-Come on.

Hide it, hide it, hide it.

Yeah. This is top-secret.

Now we're having fun here.

Thank you for surrendering
your room to me.

Yeah. I'll be fine
in the playroom.

It's like a toy store
threw up down there,

so your loss, really.

Wow, I forgot
what a party pad this place is.

Yeah. No, I was very cool.

I also placed fourth
in a croquet championship,

so there's also that.

I stand corrected.

Okay, um...

so there are
extra blankets in the drawers

and some copies
of The New Yorker

under the mattress

if you need help
falling asleep.

Be up early tomorrow.

I don't want to field
questions from your family

without you.

Of course.

-Goodnight.
-Goodnight.

No. No.

Forget it.

Not now.

Oh!

That's great.

Hey, there she is!

Aren't those flannel sheets
something?

Wow, they really are.
Thank you so much.

Uh, so... how's Jamie?

Is he up yet?

I haven't seen him,

but breakfast is ready
if you're hungry.

We still do it
buffet-style on Sundays,

so get in there
before the troops arrive.

Thanks.
I'm just gonna go check--

What a cute outfit!

Hey, are you hungry?
I can make you a plate.

-Uh, no...
-No trouble at all.

I'm going to give you
a little bit of everything.

There you go.

I just want to see
if Jamie's awake.

Jamie's still sleeping?

Sounds like somebody's
running a chainsaw down there.

Poor guy.
He's probably exhausted.

Yeah, I bet he is.

Yeah. Poor guy.

I just worry that he's hungry,

so I should probably
bring him some food.

-Aunty Emily!
-Oh, there's tons of food.

Want to see
the superhero I invented?

Yes, I do, I do.

Something is burning.

Emily, can you crack
that window for me?

-And the door.
-And the door, too.

Okay, okay.

Hey, did you want coffee?
I can make some more coffee.

I'll take some coffee.

His name is Christmas Man!

Oh, Christmas Man
is super cool.

Breakfast is served!

I need to see if Jamie is--

Whoa!

Oh...

Oh, no.

Looks like gravity
took the wheel.

So you've been pretty busy
with work these days, huh?

You're still traveling
a fair bit?

Uh, yeah, I am.

In fact, I just--
I'm up for a big promotion,

and if I get it,

boy, if I think I'm busy now,

I'd better buckle up.

Well, it's a wonder you have
any time for yourself.

That diving trip you went on
sounded like a hoot.

Oh, yeah!

Diving trip?
Not me.

What? Wait. No, you went on
that trip with your girlfriends.

Bahamas.

Yeah, that's why you didn't...

go to Becca's birthday.

Oh, that driving trip!

Right, that was so fun, yeah.

Why did you go
on a diving trip

if you don't even dive?

Well, um,
my friends were diving,

but I dove...

into the margaritas.

Good one!

What was the name
of that resort?

I'm going to go wake up
our little sleepy head,

see if he can jog my memory.

Yeah, let him know we're going
to be doing the yard soon.

Get him up here.

-Hi!
-What was that for?

Guess what, it's almost 12:00.

It's almost 12:00.

-No, it's not.
-Yes, it is.

Look at that.
Look what I found!

-Oh...
-Oh!

What have you been doing?

What have I been doing?

Gosh, it's just been
like a fam-jam bonanza!

It's been so fun.

I was drawing with Scotty.

I've been dancing, Jamie.

I've been dancing--

a dirty, deceitful,
little jig.

And then your parents

just brought up
my recent scuba-diving trip,

which, try as I might,

I just couldn't remember
a single thing about it.

Isn't that fun?

Uh, it does sound pretty fun.

Yeah, so fun!

What else have you been
telling them about us, Jamie?

-Um...
-Um, um--

I don't want to know!

All I want you to do

is get up, get dressed,

go upstairs and do the yard,

and then take me
to my hotel,

because my camera crew
arrives in two hours, okay?

Yes.

There he is.

Hey, how'd you sleep

'cause you're looking
a little achy.

Oh, good, yeah.

I think that mattress

is stuffed
with broken car parts.

What's all this?

We're going big
this year, pal.

Got to keep up
with the Joneses.

Do the Joneses know that
you're keeping up with them?

Oh, they will.

Why can't we put this
on the roof?

Oh, no, buddy.
Not since the incident. Come on.

Oh, ho, ho, ho, ho.

-Yeah, the incident?
-What's the incident?

Oh, you gotta tell her
about the incident.

No, no, Dad.
Come on, come on.

-Yeah, you gotta tell her.
-Tell it, tell it.

Do you want to hear
this Grandpa story?

Yeah, sure. Sure. Yeah.

It's Christmas morning
a few years back,

when up on the roof,
there arose such a clatter,

but a miniature sleigh
and eight tiny reindeer...

Plummeting off of the roof,

past the window,
onto the ground.

Oh, gosh.

And Becca just starts laughing.

-It's a reflex!
-I know--

and then we all start laughing.

We can't help the man--
he's stuck up there.

Oh, my God, he--

he's like screaming
like a banshee,

"Get me down!"

Here comes the firetruck--
whoo-whoo!

He was so embarrassed.

He didn't talk
to any of us for a week.

Was he okay?

He was fine.

He just wanted to brighten
Rudolph's nose with some paint

and he slipped.

Man, he was a legend.

That guy really loved Christmas.

Well, how about this?

In honor of Granddad?
Come on, gather around.

Shall we do a countdown?

For sure. let's do it.

All right.

-Ready?
-Yeah.

Three, two, one...

That's my phone.
Sorry.

Oh, hi!
Hi, Jackie!

We finally meet.

Emily, hi.

I'm afraid I have
some bad news.

What? No.

Unfortunately, I'm not
going to be able to make it.

Oh...

There's a massive
snow storm--

Can you--

And the airport is closed.

So you're saying
that there's no other--

I'm so sorry.

I'm sorry, too,

but I really appreciate
your willingness to do this,

and, um...

thank you so much for trying.

Okay. Best of luck.

We'll talk soon, I'm sure.

Okay.

Bye.

Bye, Emily.

Agh!

Apparently, my team
and Ms. Joyner-Kersee

won't be joining me today

because everything
on the Eastern Seaboard,

in the air,

is canceled
because of weather,

and neither will I be able

to film the lighting
of the Christmas tree

because...

...of that,

which was specifically
requested by my client.

So, uh, you know,
if anybody wants to find me,

I'm gonna be hitchhiking
across Mexico,

living out the rest
of my sad, jobless life.

That's it.

I'm just going
to have to tell them it's over.

Come on, no.

Just do it yourself.

Come on, like you used to,
in the old days.

You've got a camera.

You film, my sister can shoot.

Shoot what?

I don't have a spokesperson,
I don't have a campaign.

Hold on.
Wait, wait, wait, wait.

Here. Come.
Come back, come back.

Sit down, sit down.
Hear me out. Hear me out.

Uh, have a seat.

What if...

I got the...

...the Governor
for your campaign?

The Governor of Illinois?

Yup. Yeah.

How are you going to get
the Governor of Illinois?

"Hey, Gov, it's Jame-o.

You got anything cooking
Christmas Day?"

Okay, maybe not
quite like that,

but, uh, yeah,
I work with her now.

Right.

Oh...

really?

What are you,
speech writing?

Yeah.

As a matter of fact,

I am doing
the televised Christmas Day...

address.

Congratulations.

I'm really happy for you.

Thank you.

Okay, so...

what do you say?

What's the catch?

What's the catch--

come on, there's no catch.

Okay, small catch.

You stay here,

with us for a week...

...and we just, you know,

play along with the current...

appearances of things...

just so that my family

can enjoy Christmas
drama-free. Please.

Do you understand
what a terrible idea that is?

Yes.

And you still want to do it?

Yes.

You really think
you can get the Governor?

Oh, yeah, in a heartbeat.

She loves me.

All right.

You've got a deal...

sweetie.

Wonderful...

dear.
All right.

Let's go see my sister
about dusting off her camera.

These are fully necessary?

Tradition.

-For Grandpa.
-Okay.

You guys ready?

-Yeah.
-All right.

Squeeze in.

Ready...
and "peppermints"!

Peppermints!

Power up in five!

Five! Four!

Three!

Two!

One!

All right, well, we got that.
What's next?

I'm thinking funnel cakes.

Funnel cakes!

Love the funnel cake.

All right,

I think we can take
these vests off now.

Go ahead.
Take your shots.

Karaoke starts now.

Hey, everyone!

We have our first volunteers!

Oh, that's us.

All right, Dunsmores,
let's do this! Come on!

We've gotta go,
we've gotta go.

Thank you!

Come on. You guys.

No, I'm just here to record.

I'm here to watch her record.

You know what,
can you take pictures?

-Yeah.
-Let's do this.

Nice try, buzzkill.

Your arm is like a bear trap.

Hey, Dunsmores,
get up here!

Whoo!

Yay!

Did you get
all the shots that you need?

Yeah, I did.

You know,
your sister is really good.

She should be doing this
professionally.

Yeah, I think
that was the idea,

you know...

but best-laid plans...

Yup, I know.

It's too early to tell,

but I think Gran's got

a real bright future
as a rockstar.

Hey, don't shortchange
yourself there...

Elvis.

No, get out of here.
I wasn't even singing.

Yeah, but you...

you had presence.

No. Really?

No. You looked like

you wanted the stage
to swallow you alive.

-All right, all right.
-Of course not.

You had the same look
on your face you did

the night we met at Susie's--

-Broadway karaoke thing.
-Broadway karaoke night.

Oh, no.
What was I doing there?

I didn't know a single person.

I talked to no one.

You talked to me.

Yeah. I asked
where the exit was.

Please. I remember the dress
I was wearing that night.

Yeah, I remember that, too.

You were so sweet,
giving me your sweater,

getting me a cab.

Getting my number.

It was a cashmere sweater.

I had to make sure
I got it back.

Well, you better make it good.

Yes, or it's
seven years bad luck.

Come on.

Oh!

That's a good one.

Uncle Jamie,

come watch me play
Candy Cane Toss!

Yeah.

All right,

so you're going to go
right here.

-Where? Sorry.
-Over there.

Okay.

-Hey.
-Yeah?

We're solid, right?

This Governor thing
is happening?

Oh, yeah.

Yeah. 100%.

-Okay. Thank you!
-Yeah.

Good luck!

Come on, Gina.

I need you to come through here.

The Governor
is on a tear today.

How's the speech?
Where are we at?

Good, good. Yeah.

I mean,
Rome wasn't built in a day.

She's on me.

This needs to make an impact.

Did you pitch my idea?

About doing the speech here?

She could shake some hands,
kiss some babies,

slide down the hill
on a homemade toboggan.

It doesn't get more relatable
than that, Gina.

I mentioned it,
but she has a family.

Traveling on Christmas morning?

It's a tough sell.

I hear ya.

But just stay on her,
you know?

Definitely just stay on her.

'Cause it's a good idea.

And I think you should
just stay on her.

What do you mean
Jackie's not coming?

Her flight was canceled
due to the weather,

so there's nothing--

But that's our whole campaign.

Yes.

"If you can't beat her,
Joyn'er."

I know, I realize that, so--

So what are we
paying you for here?

Well, I'm--

I think we're going
to push the whole thing, okay?

Thank you for your time.

No, what if I told you

that I could get you

a big, splashy, televised
Christmas Day speech

right on your front lawn?

From who?

The Governor of Illinois.

I'd say you have our attention.

Okay.

What are you hiding?

What?

You're hiding something.
What is it?

Is it something with Emily?

No.

No, we're just stressed.

You know,
big dreams, big pressure.

Tell me about it.

Oh, come on.

This is great.

You've been talking about
directing one of these things

for years.

It's not exactly

how I imagined
using my film degree.

It's not exactly
how I imagined anything.

How's your love life
these days?

Anybody special
catching your eye?

Well, let's see,

I'm a single mom

who works part-time
at an art gallery

and lives with my parents,

so...

I'd have better luck

finding romance
at the bottom of a cereal box.

Okay, come on,
it can't be that bad.

Well, there was one.

Really?

-Smart...
-Okay.

-Ambitious.
-Yeah?

Funny.

And?

We fell in love,

then we got married,

and I realized
I wanted to adopt,

she decided she didn't
and moved to L.A..

Permission to get real
with you for a second?

I'd prefer if you didn't.

Okay, here we go.

Becca...

you have so much to offer,

and you are going
to find that person again.

Maybe you need to change
things up a little bit.

Why don't you come to Chicago?

Scotty would thrive there.

Yeah, I know, I know.

It's just...

it's big.

Starting all over again.

Yeah.

As much as I complain
about Mom and Dad,

having them around,

it's like it...

just fills in
the missing pieces.

Yeah, I get that.
I get that.

Mom?

I knew it.

I look ridiculous!

-No, buddy, come on.
-No, no, no, no.

-You look--
-You look perfect.

Perfect.

Is it the best costume?

-No.
-No.

But does it matter? No.

No.

Because you know and I know

-and Uncle Jamie knows--
-I know.

--that no matter
what anybody says...

...you are extraordinary.

-Yeah.
-And...

-Powerful.
-...powerful. Yes!

-And...
-Unique?

Unique. That's the word.

That's the word.

Come here. Mwah.

You're at his parents' place.

Are you nuts?
Are you guys--

No.

I mean, it's complicated.

Also, hi.

So you're not back together,
but you kind of are.

Em, you were shattered--

I know.
Believe me, I--

remember,

but, you know, it's--

I kind of don't have a choice.
He got me the Governor.

-Whoa. Legit?
-Yeah.

He's working with her now,

and, honestly,
even with the Governor,

I still have to rework
this entire concept,

and I'm just...

right now,
I'm really not seeing it.

Aunty Em,
charades is starting!

Okay. All right, I gotta go.

We're gonna do
Christmas charades.

I really hope
you know what you're doing.

Jumping.
Excited. Excited!

Um, reindeer?

Reindeer jumping?

Grandma! Grandma!

Grandma got run over
by a reindeer!

How'd you get that from that?

-My turn now.
-Go!

First word? Sorry.

-Sad.
-Sad.

Really sad.

-Sad girl.
-Sad monkey.

Oh, it's a sad song
you're talking about.

Too many drinks?
You drink too much?

-Second word.
-Second word, second word.

She looks like...

She had too many drinks.

Say "too many drinks"
one more time, please!

Guys!

It's sad face plus hula!

It looked like you were
coming home from the bar.

Blue Hawaii!

I'm supposed to be there
in, like, three days.

You know this!

What?

Did you--
what did you just say?

You just said that
you're going to Hawaii.

On Christmas Day?

No, I'm not,
'cause I'm--

I'm... I'm staying--

I'm here, so I'm not--

It was a gift from me.

What? You weren't going to go?

No.

No, no.

I don't like...
I don't like--

Fun, or anything
resembling it?

-Becca!
-Yeah, that.

Yeah, we thought--
we thought why--

Why would we?

--would we go away--

on the beach?

I mean, why would
anybody do that on Christmas?

That's so silly!

-When you could be--
-Here. Yeah. Family.

We're glad you stayed.

Yeah.

I need a refill.
Anybody else?

And then I think
we should do another round.

Winner takes the crown.
Winner takes the crown.

Oh, I hope you have a pencil,

'cause I'm gonna give you
my hat size.

Oh, them's fighting words.
Let's go.

Boy, there's something weird
going on.

You've got
some explaining to do.

Turn on Becca She Shed.

Wow. Love what
you've done with the place.

Spill it.
Everything. Now.

I ended things in October,

and, for reasons
I would rather not discuss,

decided not to tell anybody.

Okay.

Yeah.

So why is she still here?

For work, believe it or not.

Meeting at the train station
was just a fluke,

and then Dad suddenly hauling
her luggage to the car,

and, well, here we are now.

So she got "Dunsmored"?

The most.

Oh, no!

I'm sorry.
That's funny.

Good. I'm glad
you're enjoying this.

When her team canceled,
we made a deal.

I would get the Governor
for her campaign

and she would...

you know...

Pretend like
you're still together?

Yes.

Uh-huh.

Ow! Why?

What is wrong with you?

I know.
You know and I know.

Okay, I just...

I am well aware
of how much you guys love her.

And Granddad had happened,

and Christmas--
everybody's favorite holiday--

is right around
the corner, and...

I didn't want you guys
to be hurting

like I was hurting.

Jamie.

For the last two years,

every word out of your mouth

has been "Emily this,"
"Emily that."

I thought you were ready
to get down on one knee

for that girl.

Things change.
People change.

I decided it...

wasn't a good fit.

Long term.

Why?

Because she's amazing.

Smart, funny,
crushing it career-wise...

Exactly.

I'm not.

We were going
two different directions--

two very different directions--

and I didn't want
to be the one...

to hold her back.

And now you're not
holding her at all.

Yeah.

Look, can you please
just keep this to yourself?

She leaves Christmas Day.

I'll break the news
when she's gone.

I love you.

And I support you.

But you're wrong here.

So if you don't marry her,

I'm gonna have to
marry her myself,

because, one way or another,

we're keeping that girl
in this family.

All right.

Good morning.

How's your speech coming?

Good. Powerful.

Where are you going?

I'm just going
to go out in town

and see if I can find
some inspiration of my own.

Oh, that's nice.

Can I make a suggestion?

Sure.

If you go somewhere,
go hit State Street,

the winter gardens.

But don't enter off...

Main.

Go through the park.
Actually, no, Briar.

You know what,
maybe I should go with you.

I could use a break.

This is going so well.

Are you procrastinating?

Am I your excuse?

No, no.
This is going really well.

All right, come on.

So the campaign--
sorry--

the campaign is about Fulton,

but it can't just be, like...

-Here, can you hold this?
-Yeah, yeah.

It can't just be
a bunch of boring stock photos,

or even
a celebrity spokesperson.

It really needs to be a hook.

A hook?

A story within a story.
You know what I mean?

Within the story.

You know what I'll never forget?

You remember the campaign

you came up with
for that tea company.

How it was about
not the tea--

But the time spent enjoying it.

-Yes.
-Yes.

-It was brilliant.
-Thank you.

It was really good.

Although, if you recall,

you're actually the one
who came up with that verbage.

I just sort of
unearthed the concept.

I think you give me
too much credit.

-Okay.
-You ready?

Yeah. Where to?

Turn around. Turn around.

I give you State Street.

Once a paltry pitstop

on one of the busiest
trade routes in the Midwest,

now a thriving shopping
and entertainment district.

This is where our tour begins.

How am I doing?

-Great. I'm riveted.
-Thank you.

Yeah, continue.

We shall walk.

We shall eat.

We shall endeavor to unearth

the story within the story
that is Fulton, Illinois.

Oh! Wait! I left my camera
in the coffee shop!

Thank you, my friend.

You break a sweat yet?

These hotdogs
are like lunch for a week.

I know.
Here, wash this down.

Thank you.

If you finish it,
you'll win a car.

You know, my school
used to be right over there.

Where?

Right there.

You see it?
Right there on the corner.

Oh!

-That's so cool.
-Yeah.

How was that?

Your Mom working
in the front office

and your Dad driving the bus.

Oh, yeah, it was so cool.

Dad thought it was
open mic night every day.

Singing and wearing
funny t-shirts,

joking around.

Yeah, it was the best,

-but--
-But?

I got teased for it so much.

-Oh...
-Yeah.

-Really?
-Yes.

That stinks.

Yeah, it's not fun.

Kids can be mean.

Yeah.

Do you think that's why
you're maybe so particular?

Like, if everything's perfect,
there's nothing to poke fun at.

I don't know.
I've never thought about that.

I mean, I'm not judging you.

You know my story.

Bouncing around
from military base to base.

It's hard to let people in

if you know
you're going to leave.

Yeah.

It sounds lonely.

For both of us.

Yeah.

And here we are.
Full circle.

Locals call this area
"Little Chicago".

In fact, Melody's...

once a famous mob hangout,

is where the man himself,
Al Capone,

used to throw
his legendary Christmas parties.

Really?

-That's right.
-Wow.

Politicians, movie stars.
It was a who's who.

He would dress up as Santa
and hand out cash, jewelry.

Make everybody sing
Christmas carols.

Really?

No. No.
I made that part up.

Why do I always fall
for your ridiculous stories?

Because you secretly love them.

Well...

don't just stand there.

Buy me a drink.

Yes, Ma'am.

Um, hey,
I wanted to ask you something.

Did you notice something

a little bit off
about Jamie lately?

Like, especially
when he's around Emily.

Could be anything.

Remember the week I proposed?

It was like my body
was taken over by an alien.

-Yeah.
-Earth to Tom!

Wait a sec.

I read somewhere

that Christmas Day

is the most popular day
of the year to propose,

and when I mentioned it
to Jamie the other night,

he got really uncomfortable.

You don't think that--

Yeah, he did, he did, he did.

--he's planning to propose?

Oh, yeah.

Oh!

By Christmas!

Walker, for two.

Front right.

-Okay, thank you.
-You bet.

-Sorry, go ahead.
-Please, please, after you.

Thank you very much.

-Haven't done this in a while.
-Oh, thank you.

-No, we haven't.
-No, we haven't.

Cheers.

-So, work good?
-Yeah.

Work's great. Yeah.

I've been having fun.

And...

the guy
that I told you about--

Jerry--

the guy who does
all the international stuff?

Yes.

-He's on his way out.
-Oh, no way!

So I'm next in line.

Wow.

You get to pick up
the international stuff.

That's what
you've always wanted.

Yeah.

That's exciting.

And you, with the Governor.

I mean, how did that happen?

Oh, Gina.

Yeah, she brought me onboard
about a month ago.

And you're doing
the Christmas day address,

and...

-Yeah.
-Wow.

I mean, you have been...

Struggling?

No. No.

You can say it,
you can say it.

No, I was going to say
you've been working really hard.

You've been working hard
to get to this point, and...

it's really great.

So what the--
what's the gist of the speech?

Uh, you know,
It's just the usual.

It's like Christmas.

Political stuff.

Okay, it was a few weeks
after we met,

and you were writing copy
at City Hall,

and I was in the old buildings
in the West Loop.

-Yeah, yeah.
-And there was that place.

What was that place called?
We would meet there.

-It had the pink--
-Pink umbrellas.

-patio umbrellas!
I love that place!

Yes, yes, yes, yes.

We would sit there for hours

and just talk about...

everything,

and life,

and dreams, and...

What happened to that?

Well, you jumped up
to creative director

and started taking
the out of town jobs, and...

It's hard
to stay up all night talking

when we're 1500 miles apart.

-Thank you.
-Thanks.

Do you want me to take one
for the lovely couple?

Oh, no.
We're not together. Thanks.

-My apologies.
-Just pretending to be.

She's kidding.
We're a couple.

I'm not kidding.
We're a couple of frauds.

I mean, we used to be together

until this guy decided
to pull a ripcord.

Really wish I hadn't
stepped out of a meeting

to take that call!

I mean...

Then I find out

that his family doesn't know
that we're not together,

and so now
I am staying with them

until Christmas

in exchange
for the Governor of Illinois!

Well, we've all been there.

Right?

Thank you so much.

I'm glad we did that.

Yes,
and they're smiling at me.

It's like they're mocking me,

and I can't look at her
the same since then.

I'm sorry.

It is. Don't you
apologize for that.

It's never a successful day
unless I get one snort laugh.

Great, well, then success.

Yes. Yes.

Seriously, though,

today was...

Yeah. Yeah, it was.

And informative.

Yeah, educational even.

I love
these homemade ornaments.

Each one tells a little story.

Very unique.

Granddad used to have us
make them every year.

From whatever we could find.

The collection just kept
growing and growing.

It's like a little map
of your childhood.

It's really sweet.
I never had anything like that.

Oh, no.

Who's this little Don Juan?

He looks like some kind
of young model, I think.

No! I know that's you.

I would know
that face anywhere,

bowl cut or not.

Yeah.

Look at those eyes.

The same eyes.

Yeah, still close together.

No. Curious.

Intelligent.

Guarded.

Even then, you had
a whole world going on

that nobody else had access to.

Hmm.

I guess I haven't changed much.

Well, don't.

It's part of your charm.

I mean--

No, no. Leave it there.
That was very nice.

Where are you going?

Come on.

I can't believe I didn't think
to show you this earlier.

This is one of
my favorite things.

Come here.

Beautiful.

What's the thing about
being at 11:13 in the evening?

Oh, when has that
ever bothered you?

Come here.

You made that comment

about how each ornament
tells a little story,

and I realized

that the real heartbeat
of this town,

of any town, really,

it's not hotdog stands
or jazz clubs,

it's the people.

And their stories.

Exactly. Hold this.

Why am I holding this?

What are you--

Come here.
Give me your hand.

Oh, what is this?

Oh, they all have
writing on them.

Yes, they do.

Since forever,

it's been a Fulton tradition

that every couple
that gets married here

writes their initials
on a stone

and drops it in the fountain.

That's a little bit romantic.

Yes.

And I've always been fascinated

by the idea that each stone

tells the story

of two entirely separate worlds
forged together as one.

And with each stone placed,

a story is born anew.

And the promise
of chapters yet to be written.

Yeah.

Chapters, stories,
chapters...

I like this.

Fulton, your stories begin.

Chapter...

Fulton, your story starts here.

That's so good.
That's it!

You like that?

-That's such a good hook!
-Okay, good.

-Yay! That's it!
-We did it!

Fulton, your story starts here.

Yes. Now put the stone back

since it's
somebody else's story.

-Oh, yes, here.
-There you go.

Be free.
Be happy, Fulton.

Fulton! Fulton!
Your story starts here!

That's right.

Don't let anybody sleep tonight.

Come here.
Let's get down.

-Yeah.
-Let's go.

Oh, this is fun.

You happy
we figured that out?

-Mm-hmm.
-Good.

Thank you. For all of this.
For everything.

And the Governor.
I know that was not an easy ask.

You really came through.

Yeah.

Hey, Gina.

Uh...

hate to bug you again,

but I'm going to need you

to push to have
that speech to happen here.

It's incredibly
important to me,

and the truth is,
I'm in a bit of a bind.

Okay. Call me back.

Shopping for anybody
in particular?

Yes!

No.

-You?
-Yes.

-Me?
-No.

Who?

Well, either you've sorely
misjudged Scotty's sock size,

or you pulled your dad's name.

Socks? Really?

Have you ever had
a good pair of socks?

And they're practical.

Yeah, but so is
home owners' insurance.

Nobody wants to get it
for Christmas.

-Right.
-Look! Look at these!

Get your dad
something he can use--

like these.

Look. We've got pot holders,
we've got an apron--

look at
that cute, little apron--

That'll just encourage him.

So he's not Martha Stewart.

Your dad knows
that he's not a good cook,

but he loves it anyway,

and there's something
to be said for that.

There's also something
to be said for warm feet.

Don't you have
your own shopping to do?

Yeah. I'm not buying socks.

Go on. I gotta take this.

Excuse me.

Gina, hey, any word?

The word is you owe me big.

She's in.

She wants hands to shake,

babies to kiss,
the whole thing.

Gina, I cannot...

You can thank me

by grabbing me

from the train station
this afternoon.

Looks like I'm spending
Christmas in Fulton.

Hi.

Hi. Did you win a cruise?

-Better.
-What?

Where's the fire?

My musical director
just busted an ankle,

and he's in the show,
so I have to recast the part.

No time!

That's strange.

What size are you?

Ooh.

No. Not in a million years
am I wearing that...

on that.

Uh, yeah, you are,

because if you don't, I'll tell.

Tell what?

What are you, eight?

You're going to tell on me?

Does she know?
Do you know?

Oh, I do know.

And I know we'd like to think

I'm above resorting
to something like this,

but desperate times, my friends.

You do the play
or I spill the beans.

We don't negotiate
with terrorists.

Hi, Mom.

Jamie has something
he'd like to tell you...

Jamie?

Is everything all right?

Yeah.

Um...

look...

-The thing is...
-Yeah?

I'm in the play.

Oh, honey,
that's so exciting!

It's so exciting!

I don't know
why you're smiling.

You're gonna be running
the confetti cannon.

Welcome to showbiz, kids.

It's dog eat dog out here.

I'm probably
not qualified for that.

If I'm doing it,
you're doing it.

have witnessed me dance, okay?

It's not natural.

It's like someone

swinging around
a bag of random body parts.

I really have to work.

I'm not hearing it.

Maybe this hasn't
occurred to you,

but there will be fallout

from this little
farce of yours,

and who's going to left
picking up the pieces, huh?

Look, all I'm asking

is five minutes
of your respective time

at the end of my play.

And you're doing it.
End of story.

All right,
this has been fun.

I got to go pick up Gina
from the train station.

She's coming in to prep.
Can I borrow your car?

You don't drive stick.

Can I borrow your car
with you inside of it driving?

Thank you kindly.

I can't believe you never
learned to drive stick.

Oh. Working, are you?

Just kidding.
I'm kidding.

You do whatever
you want to do.

Oh. I'm going
to finish that one.

All right,
what does she look like?

I don't know.

She's got brown hair.

Two eyes.

A face.

-She kinda looks like...
-Jamie!

Like that.

Gina! Thank you so much!

Anything for you.

Yes.

This is my sister.

-Hi.
-Hi.

-Gina.
-Becca.

I've heard so much about you.

Jamie invited me
out for dinner tonight.

Will you be joining?

Um...

Yep! Come on.

I always wanted
a cat, too.

Really?

Yeah, but--

and I'm not allergic--

but I grew up
moving around so much,

that, um...

I guess it just wasn't
very practical

to have a pet,

and now I'm always on the go,

so, yeah, too many houses
and never really a home.

You know we think
the world of you.

You'll always have
a home here with us.

Thanks.

Hmm...

All right, so, Jamie,

tell us about
your part in the play.

Jamie's filling in
for Mr. Price!

-I heard!
-Yeah.

You're in a play?

Barely. Barely.

If by barely,

you mean closing out
the entire show.

Ooh!

Welcome to Mama Meroni's!

Thank you!

Could we get some water?

Yeah.

Into the elbow.

Recycled air
on the airplane, mostly.

You know,
you look really familiar.

I know what it is.

You guys came into Melody's
the other night.

I was your server.

You told me
that crazy story about--

Maintenance,
who's in charge here?

This table
has quite the wobble.

Em, a little help?

Great idea.
Nothing suspicious about this.

We need to escape.
We need to escape.

How, Batman?

You guys good?

Almost got it!

-It's just a--
-There you go.

Oh, they've got the coaster.
Problem solved.

Those little feet--
those little, sabotaging feet.

All right,

I'll give you folks

a little time
with the menus, yeah?

Okay, yeah. Sounds good.
You guys good?

What are we doing?

I think I've got a plan.

Follow my lead.

Okay...

What to eat...

Becs, have you had a chance
to look at the menu yet?

There you go.
You know what I'm getting.

Oh, yeah.

What to eat,
what to eat...

What is going on?

He knows.

The server knows!

It's my fault.

You've got
to get rid of him, Becs.

You've got
to get rid of him now.

How? This isn't
The Godfather.

I don't know. Pull him aside,
order for the table,

pay with your credit card

and tell him we don't want
to be disturbed.

I'm sorry?
My credit card?

I didn't think
you'd catch that.

Thanks for dinner!

Yeah.

Has anyone tried
the gnocchi?

So do you normally ditch
your family at restaurants, or?

It's probably 50-50.

Well, I appreciate the lift.

I hope Emily and Jamie
don't mind walking.

Whatever.

I'm sure one of them
has a scarf.

They can share.

"Who's in charge
of maintenance?"

I panicked!
I had nothing, all right?

And what did we learn

about divulging
sensitive information

to wait staff in small towns?

A lesson.

Good. Good.

-What's that thought?
-What thought?

Come on, I can see it--

it's right here--

this giant thought,
sitting right here.

What is it?

I just thought
I was crazy to agree to this,

but I'm actually
enjoying myself.

Good. Good.

Yeah.

It feels like when we started
dating, you know?

-Em?
-Yeah?

I am so sorry...

for the way things ended.

I handled that badly.

I apologize.

Thank you.
I really appreciate that.

It was a surprise.

I know.

Sometimes, I wonder,
you know...

Wonder what?

Come here, look at this.

It's a shooting star.
Make a wish.

Before-- come on.
Before it goes away.

Bad luck.

I don't want that.
What do I wish for?

Whatever you want.

Uh...

Close your eyes.

I'll tell you mine
if you tell me yours.

I think I'll wait
and see if it comes true.

Let's go.

Oh, yes, sir.

Wow.

Hey. Where's Em?

Her camera team's
finally arrived.

She's bringing them
up to speed.

Where are you off to?

Um...

I have a meeting.

On Christmas Eve?
No, you don't.

It's a coffee meeting.

A coffee meeting!
With who?

Gina?

You cracked the case, Columbo.

Ooh!

How do I look?

You look fantastic.

Have fun.

I kinda want that, too.

Yeah, doesn't look
so bad, does it?

No.

-See ya.
-Yeah.

He loved them.

Your granddad loved books.

Some days,

he'd spend whole--

the whole day--

in here,
lost in the pages.

Yeah.

I miss him.

You know, it's hard,
not having him here.

Oh, he's around.

I mean, he's with us.

He just can't complain
about my cooking anymore.

What's that look?

Tell me.

I got a speech to write, Gran.

It's a big one.

It's maybe
the biggest of my career.

And I got nothing.

Not a single sentence.

This seems to be my thing.

When it comes time...

to find the words
that really matter, I...

I don't know what happens--
I freeze.

It's remarkable
how much of him I see in you--

your Granddad.

Everything always
had to be just so.

Just right.

But do you know
what he discovered?

Very late?

That the pursuit of perfection

is a road paved
with disappointment.

The really important
things in life,

like love,
and family, and community,

I mean--

they are very messy.

Life is messy.

It can never be perfect.

Never.

So you have to just enjoy
the beauty in the mess, Jamie.

Success or not,

you do not
have to prove yourself.

We love you
just the way you are.

And so does she.

I just hope
Governor Hayward feels that way.

I am not talking about
the Governor.

Yeah. I know.

your story starts here."ton,

Oh, catchy.

Yeah. A friend helped me
get on top of that.

Daryl, hi.

I'm here with Rissa and Danny.
They just landed--

-Hi.
-Hey, Daryl.

Perfect. Real quick.

Forget Hawaii.

How do
the Cayman Islands sound?

That project
I was telling you about

is going ahead January 1st.

You're in!

Ooh...

uh, wow.

I don't know what to say.

I think you do.

Finish your meeting.

We'll chat details later.

So do you want to go?

Yeah, I want to go--
of course, I want to go--

but...

oh...

Jamie and I have been
kind of reconnecting, and...

Don't wait around for him.

I know, I know.

I'm not... I'm not.

I just...

I miss him, you know?

And...

it's been really nice
to reconnect.

Is that something you want?

I don't even know what's
going on in his head, okay?

The guy's a vault,
so it's probably nothing.

Okay.

Hey, Em...

be careful.

Yeah.

Okay, I gotta run.

Bye.

-All right.
-Oh, nice!

Did you get that?

I did, yeah.

-Oh, wow.
-Thanks, kiddo.

-Get over here.
-All right.

You win, you win.

I'm glad you like it.

That was very thoughtful.

I wanted to bring out
your eyes, you know?

Yeah? I was
half expecting socks.

Grandma's next!

Oh, yes! Grandma!

Yes, that's me! Sorry!

-Excuse me.
-Yes, Ma'am, yes, Ma'am.

This is it here.
Right here.

Merry Christmas!

Oh, sorry!

So that is for the tree.

In case there's
not a new one this year.

Oh! It's beautiful, dear.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

It's of all of us
when we were doing karaoke.

That was a big night!

Okay, well,
that just leaves one more.

Okay...

and, well...

here you go.

Thank you.

And it's
not going to shed.

Yeah,
and you won't sneeze either.

Aw! That's so sweet.

Thank you so much!

You're welcome.

It's so cute! Aw!

My very own cat.

So thoughtful.

I always wondered
when I was a kid

what it would be like

to have a big family
at Christmas,

with all the noise,
and the chaos, and the joy,

and, you know,
you're really lucky, kiddo.

You guys answered my question

with flying colors,

and it's just more than...

I could have imagined,
thank you.

You're so welcome, Emily.

We love you so much, hon',

and you deserve it all.

You sure do.

What cursed luck upon this Eve!

Oh, wicked storm!

I cannot leave!

Snap out of it.

It's community theater
not the Gettysburg address.

Yeah, yeah.

I just...

You're still madly in love

and you feel like a huge dummy
for breaking it off.

I get it.

All right.

And you should tell her...

right after the show.

Right now I need
your head in the game.

Do you understand?

-Yeah.
-Yeah?

-Good?
-Yeah.

-Jamie? Make me proud.
-In the game.

-Good. Break a leg.
-Okay.

As night falls...

All right, go.

...toward morning light...

Oh!

...this stranded sleigh...

Okay, hey,

I'm gonna circle
out front, okay?

Hey, congrats again
on the job.

Right.

If you need a photog,

three months in the Caymans
doesn't sound bad to me.

I know.

See you later.

-Hey, man.
-Hey.

-Looking good!
-Yeah.

Hey, I know we haven't
talked about

what's going to happen
after the speech,

but I was kind of thinking--
I mean, I was kind of hoping--

It's okay.
It's all good.

Are you okay getting a cab
to the train station?

I think I might
some time alone with my family

to break the news, all right?

Places.
It's showtime!

Yeah.

I shall cast aside
mine mortal fright,

and undertake...

Hey, okay, listen.
You got this.

Just go out there...

and have fun, okay?

Radiate that energy. Go.

Who will guide
my sleigh tonight?

That's Jamie.

I've come on a mission

from the stars up above

to save Christmas for all

with the power of...

Love.

Love!

Fly. Fly!

And Christmas was saved!

Hey, good show, guys.

-Hi.
-Hi.

So what was that?

I'm sorry about the confetti.

Are you?

Or is that
you getting back at me?

Yeah, I ruined
your sister's play

to get back at you.

Are you insane?

I don't know, Em.

Am I?

Wow, I'm such an idiot.

For falling back
into this with you

and then thinking
that you felt the same way.

Agh!

Hold on, hold on.

Falling back into this, how?

You're--you're leaving.

What?

Did I not just hear
your photographer talk to you

about going
to the Cayman Islands

for three months?

You got a new job.
You're gone.

And who knows for how long.

Wow. You have no idea
what you're--

Am I wrong?

You have no right
to be angry.

I was planning on building
a life with you

and you broke that off.

I've been trying
to figure out why ever since.

And then you roped me

into this whole thing
with your family,

and give me every indication

that you still
have feelings for me,

only to just rip
the rug out again,

so I'm just...

really tired
of feeling like a yo-yo.

Please tell me what you want.

Tell me what you want, Jamie.

That's what I thought.

Okay. I'm going to get
a hotel room for tonight.

Wait. Em...

Yeah?

What do I tell my family?

Tell them the truth.

That I went along with it

so that they wouldn't feel hurt

and wouldn't feel foolish.

Even though now I'm the one
who's a fool

and I'm the one
who's getting hurt.

You were so focused

on keeping up the appearance
of being in love,

that it didn't occur to you
I never stopped.

I don't know.
Tell them whatever you want.

I'm done lying to them.

Hey.

Nice work up there.

Interesting finish.

I hate to rain on the moment,

but I don't have
a speech yet, Jamie.

Do I need to be worried here?

G, I...

I think you might.
I don't have it.

I'm so very sorry.

Just talk some sense into him.

I just want to say...

I'm sorry.

You guys gave me so much love
and treated me like family,

and I'm really sorry
that I lied to you.

We love you so much,

and you are family.

Merry Christmas...

Merry Christmas.

Bye, Auntie Emily.

Bye.

-Safe travels.
-Merry Christmas.

Turn on Becca She Shed.

Full blackout.

Must be serious.

Did she get her things?

Yeah.

I don't have a glass.

You wanna talk about it?

-No.
-Too bad.

Because I know you.

Probably better
than you know yourself.

And I see things you're not even
willing to acknowledge.

This sounds profound.

Please, do share.

I see a guy
who's in love with a girl.

And he's a little broken.

He's a little scared.

So he's too frightened
to do anything about it.

Becs, she is--

She what?

She loves you?

You're terrified
to put your faith in that

because it might not be perfect

and you might get
your heart broken?

And you know what, you might.

But it's better
than drinking wine alone

in a garden shed.

I'm not alone.

You will be...

in about six seconds.

-Don't stay too long.
-Yeah.

It's freezing out here.

Turn off Becca She Shed.

-Hey.
-Hey.

Dad...

Yeah?

It's magnificent.

The whole thing.

Thanks, pal.

I know it's a little
over the top,

but...

your mom loves it.

I do it for her.

How'd you know she was the one?

That's easy.

Whenever we're apart...

I feel like
there's a piece of me missing.

I've got to go tweak an antler.

Oh, hey.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Mom.

Yeah.

Merry Christmas, pal.

Merry Christmas, Pop.

Hey, coffee's fresh.

Sorry we started without you.
This guy was up early.

Too early.

Yes, that's my fault,
I'm sorry.

How's everybody doing?

Well, hold on,
the party's not over.

There's still one more left
from me.

This one's for Scotty.

Oh!

-Nice.
-Come on, rip into it.

What are you waiting for?

I was looking at
the one before.

How many presents
have you gotten today?

There you go.

-It's an art set.
-Lucky boy.

Pops open right here.
Just lift these up.

Oh, it's an art set.

Just like Grandma.

I'll teach you.
I can give you lessons.

Absolutely. I'll show you
how to mix colors.

There's a brush there.
Look at that.

What do you think, buddy?

Good stuff.

What do you think?

Thanks, Uncle Jamie.

Yeah, pal, of course.
Of course.

Nice, right?

Who's hungry?
Anybody still hungry? Breakfast?

No, I'm good with coffee.

Come on. Pop, let's take
that apron for a spin.

What do you say?

You go ahead, son.

I'm not really
feeling all hungry.

Come on.

Pancakes? I'll cook.

And I never cook.

There's a reason for that.

I had a granola bar.

Okay...

Okay, I know things...

they didn't go as planned.

I know that. I'm sorry.
It's my fault.

But come on,
we can still celebrate.

Yeah?

It's Christmas.

-We love Christmas.
-Yeah, sure.

Yeah, you know,

it's not your fault, Jamie.

We're just, I think...

I think all of us are feeling
a little off this morning.

That's all.

It's not the same
without Auntie Emily here.

It feels like...

Like a piece of us is missing.

Yeah. Yeah, I know.

Get your coats.

You heard him.
Get your coats.

Let's go.

It's time for
"Operation Go Get Emily".

Go get Emily.

All right, now--

Whatever.
Pop, step on it.

Okay, let's do this.

Absolutely.
Just glad she's all right.

Jamie!

I got your email.

Thank you so much
for the speech.

It was perfect.

Yeah. Where is everybody?

Where's...
where's the Governor?

She canceled.

No!

Her daughter
had an asthma attack.

She's fine,

but they're at home
in Springfield,

so we're going live
from there instead.

Okay...

Emily?

She's gone.

She left for the train station
a while ago.

She was pretty upset.

Yeah.

I bet.

No. No, no, no. No.

Okay, no.
I've just gotta hustle.

Right? Okay, thanks, Gina.

Oh, wait, Gina.

I'm so sorry for me being me.

Just get going.

Yeah.

What happened to Emily?

The Governor canceled.

We need to get
to the train station!

To the train station it is.

Good morning,
and Merry Christmas!

Unfortunately,

our daughter had
an asthma attack this morning,

and, thankfully,
she is much better now.

However, we were unable

to be in the charming,
little town of Fulton,

where we originally
planned to do this broadcast.

If you haven't been,

I suggest you visit.

It is one of my favorite places
in the state.

Sometimes, life throws us
curveballs

and we have to adapt--

especially when it comes
to family.

Gran, is it
the shoulder belt?

No, I need a mint.

For who?

Just go!

So rarely
do we take a moment.

The gifts we already have...

Gina!
What are you doing here?

As if I was going to miss this.

So romantic.

Love. Community...

Come on, Scotty!

And family.

So, today,

tomorrow,

and every day after that,

let us strive for that,

because that is how
we keep Illinois moving forward.

Merry Christmas, everyone,

to you and your loved ones.

Hi.

Hi.

Did you write that?

Yeah. Yeah.

Jamie, it was--

No. Wait. Em.

I am so tired

of making decisions out of fear.

Fear of failure.

Fear of falling short.

This idea that I have

that things have to be...

perfect

in order for me to be happy...

successful,

valued.

The only thing
I have to show for it

is a heart that aches
for you all the time.

I guess the truth is,

Em, I never stopped
loving you.

Ever.

I just don't think
I believed in myself...

enough to fight for it.

But I'm fighting for it now.

I'm asking.

Asking what exactly?

Stay.

Will you stay?

I know that you have
the job in the Caymans,

-but we can--
-I turned it down.

No, no, no, Em.
That's not what I want--

No, that's what I want.

I turned it down
because I want to stay home.

I want to...

put down roots,

and start to really
let people in.

There's this guy
I really...

well, you know,

he's a pain in the neck,

but we work well together.

He's an amazing speech writer.

Handsome?

Yeah.

I'm so sorry.

I am...

so sorry...

...that you had to see me
as a unicorn.

If you're looking
for a date to the wedding...

I'd like that.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Jamie.

Emily!

Who's singing it?

Yeah, or she's a singer.

Okay, okay.