Original subtitles

Downloaded from YTS.MX

This program is rated G

and is suitable for general audiences.

Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX

♪

Liz: Merry Christmas, Ms. Benson.

Luke: And thanks for the cookies!

Merry Christmas, sweetheart. And you're welcome.

Tell your mom we're super excited to see

what she's come up this year, Liz!

Bye!

["Joy to The World" Instrumental] ♪

Hi Dad!

Look out, Mary.

You're about to be boarded by a group of scallywags!

There's my little helper.

Did you start without me?

I wouldn't dream of it.

Dad taught me how to tie six knots

before he shipped out this time.

Good, 'cause I'm gonna need your help once we hit the open water.

No one's gonna stand a chance against us this year.

Oh, I didn't realize winning the parade was so important to you.

Well, that's the whole point, right?

Think again, little lady.

[laughs]

Ok, guys, family picture time.

Let's go!

Luke?

Liz: Come on, Luke!

We said a family picture. Get over here.

Here we go.

In one, two, three.

["Joy to The World instrumental] ♪

♪

When you sleep,

do you dream of sugar plum fairies and candy cane castles?

You know what, Erica, sometimes I do.

Ah, yeah.

Ah, decorated trees in the courtyard?

Check.

Snow frosting on the windows?

Check.

Main lobby display?

Check.

And one more thing.

Have you changed your plans for Christmas?

No.

'Cause if it were me, I'd already be in Hoboken

with my mom eating chocolate and binging as many baking shows

as we can get out sticky little paws on.

That is because you and your mom are like best friends.

-Whereas my dad and I are... -Not so much.

Guys, we're leaning a little to the right.

♪

Well look, Mom, I still got it.

That's because you had a good teacher.

Oh, maybe it's because of my innate sense of style and taste.

Aren't you wearing the same outfit

I bought you two years ago?

True, but I dressed myself.

Ok. So, what else can I help you with?

Nothing, you've done more than enough.

I mean, you really shouldn't unload all of this by yourself.

Luke...

I've got plenty of time.

No, I can handle it.

Don't keep him waiting.

All right, if you need anything else.

I'm sure I have your number, somewhere.

Alright.

I'll see ya.

Have you heard from our team at the convention centre?

They're just putting out the centerpieces now.

Right on schedule.

Can you put some holly in these, please?

Thank you.

You'd really rather spend Christmas at a hotel in Seattle

than at home in Portside?

It's a really nice hotel.

Besides, it won't be forever.

As soon as the insurance money from the fire comes in

I can finally start the repairs.

So you're ok?

Yes. Yes.

I have so much to be grateful for.

I have an incredible daughter, a job that I love,

an amazing friend who cares about me.

What more could a girl ask for?

Two black coffees and a little something sweet.

Thank you so much, Joyce.

You know, our niece is visiting this Christmas.

That must be so nice for you, Arthur.

She sure would like someone

to go to the winter ball with her, hmm?

Well, you know, if she is half the woman you are, Marsha,

I'm sure she'll have no trouble

finding someone to take her.

Thanks, Joyce.

-Good luck! -Won't need it!

-Merry Christmas to ya. -Merry Christmas!

You are falling right into my trap.

[chuckles]

Boom!

Really?

Oh yeah, that happened.

Check mate.

[groans]

Really thought today was gonna be my day.

Oh, well, it could have been if you hadn't spent

so much time protecting your rook.

The rook is the best piece.

[laughs]

Again?

[phone rings]

Oh, lunch break is over.

Hey, can you do me a quick favor on your way home?

Can you stop by the Christmas market

and make sure Mom set up the stall ok?

Yeah, all right.

And I will get you next week.

Yeah, I've heard that before.

All right, Dennis.

♪

Then our work here is done.

Our busiest Christmas season yet and it went off without a hitch.

-Hi! -Mom!

Banana! Hi!

[squeals]

How was your last day?

Mrs. Clarke gave us homework to hand in when we come back.

Oh, no! How awful.

Right?

It's called Christmas break, Auntie Erica,

not Christmas work.

So, what do you think?

It's even better than the last year, Mom!

Yes!

Thank you, sweetheart.

So, are you ready to have the best Christmas ever?

Yes.

I made something for you.

Hi.

-Hey Carol. -Hey Dennis.

Wow!

Hey, kid! Look out!

Carol: Dennis!

["We Wish You A Merry Christmas instrumental] ♪

♪

[laughing]

Holy moly!

You were too young to remember much

from the last time you were there.

No, I remember.

Oh, really?

A little. Not a lot.

This is where the parade goes, right?

That's right.

On Christmas Eve, the boats sail through the harbor

and then the judges vote on who had the best light display.

And you always won.

Not always.

But Grandma was very good at decorating.

What about Grandpa? Does he still do the parade?

No, Grandpa sold the boat after Grandma passed away.

Oh.

"More rapid than eagles his coursers they came."

"And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!"

Both: Now Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! On, Cupid! On Donner and Blitzen!

[phone chimes]

Hello?

Hello, Liz, it's Joyce Benson. I'm calling about your dad.

♪

♪

Thank you!

I can't believe we're actually here.

It's going to be exactly like when you were a kid.

I don't know if it'll be exactly like that.

Oh, thank you! And Merry Christmas.

Ok I told Ms. Benson we would meet her up top.

And if I know Joyce,

she will be waiting with fresh cookies.

Liz!

Luke!

-Hey, hi stranger. -Hi.

Hi, hi, hi, hello.

Wow. It's been a while.

You look healthy.

Uh, yeah. Thank you.

You too, you also look healthy, as well.

Do I look healthy?

[chuckles]

Yes, remarkably healthy.

Hi. Sorry, this is my daughter, Hannah.

Hannah, this is Luke. We grew up together.

Hi, Hannah, nice to meet you.

I told you it would be just like when you were a kid.

Um, I would love to stay and catch up

but we better run, our ride is waiting.

Oh, shoot, I was supposed to...

Ta da.

Joyce got caught up with some stuff at the bakery

and she asked me to do her a favor, so, here I am.

You shall be riding with me.

-Ok. -Ok.

Ok.

Right this way.

So were you there this morning when the tree fell?

No, I wasn't, but I heard that as things go,

it was lucky your dad swooped in when he did.

He hasn't given you the play-by-play?

I actually haven't spoken to him yet.

Oh. Well, the hotel's talking about how brave he is.

I bet he hates that. My Dad, the hero.

Hey, welcome home.

Since when did the parade have a cash prize?

Has it been that long since you've been here?

Four years.

Well, we've been doing it for three years

and the mayor thought if she offered

a cash prize it would attract more tourists.

Well, it seems to be working

'cause the harbor has way more boats than I remember.

$25,000 grand, huh?

Don't you start getting any ideas?

I don't even think your mom could get the boat ready in time,

especially considering the shape it's in.

What did you say?

Oh, no, don't get me wrong.

If anybody could get the boat ready...

No, no, no, no, no.

It would be your mom, 'cause she was the absolute best...

You said with the shape it's in?

Yeah.

It's still down there?

Of course. It's never gone anywhere.

Hannah, come on.

Where are you going?

Ok, well, we don't, I just, uh. I don't...

Ok.

Not quite how you remember it, is it?

Not exactly.

Are you sure this is the right one?

Why would your dad tell you he sold it?

That's a good question.

♪

Ok, you got it from here?

Yep. What do you say?

Thanks for the ride, Mr. Luke. Merry Christmas.

Very merry Christmas to you too, Miss Hannah.

And I'm sure I'll be seeing both of you around town.

Yeah. Thanks again.

Welcome home.

Ok, you ready? Let's do this.

[knocking]

-Grandpa! -Hello.

Merry Christmas, Dad.

Oh hi, kiddo.

I'm just saying, without a Christmas tree

it's going to be very difficult for Santa

to know where to put presents on the big night.

Is that a risk you really want to take?

I guess I never considered the consequences.

Hey, Banana?

Why don't you go explore for a little bit?

Good idea.

I need to know what we're dealing with here.

So, I hear you're a local celebrity now?

Bunch of nonsense. Right place, right time.

Maybe.

How're you feeling?

Oh this? Doc's being over cautious.

It's a little sore, that's all.

When Joyce called she said you needed help.

How are the repairs going on the house?

We haven't started yet,

but the insurance money should come through this week.

Well...

You're welcome to stay here as long as you need.

Thanks.

But we'll only stay until you're back on your feet.

Gonna be a short visit then.

All the same, I think we'll stay through Christmas,

just to make sure.

Well, suit yourself,

but you know I don't make a big deal out of that here.

I know that.

So we stopped by the marina, on the way here.

You said you were selling the boat.

I was. I just never got around to it.

I wish I'd known that you changed your mind.

I didn't change my mind, I just...

Never got around to it.

Joyce: Merry Christmas!

Oh, boy.

Here you help me with- You take this.

-Ok. -Thank you.

You're here! You're here!

Oh, it is so good to see you.

Oh, you too.

I forget how much you look like your mother.

Big surprise, no tree upstairs either.

Honey, this is Joyce Benson.

Hi, I'm Hannah.

Yes, you are my dear. Can I have a hug?

You... you smell like cookies.

[laughs]

That is the best part of a Ms. Benson hug.

I wish Mary were here to see this.

The Darling family back together again.

Isn't this great, Dennis? Oh, well... he's off.

We can have a... cookie?

Mmm.

[laughing]

Uh, Julie was asking about you last night.

Oh, really?

Yeah, you know. She just wanted to know

if you had a date to the winter ball yet.

Your wife and I go through this ever year.

I know.

I told her you weren't gonna go, but she can't help it.

She worries about you.

Worries?

What, that I'll get too much peace and quiet in my life?

Yeah, I worry about you too.

Give me this.

But I know the real reason why you're not going to the ball.

Oh boy, I can't wait to hear this one.

You're afraid.

Afraid that I might show you up on the dance floor.

Wow. Wow.

You know I never knew why Julie married you,

but now I see it.

Like a moth to a flame, my friend. Woo!

Hannah: What are you looking at?

Wait, what's up?

Hannah: You did?

You see it?

Huh. Liz Darling?

Yeah.

Hm. I heard she got in yesterday.

You mean your wife told you she got in yesterday.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

And?

And what?

Just gave her a ride from the ferry.

Oh, really? Huh.

Hold this, I'll be right back.

Liz: Not too far, Hannah!

Liz! Hey.

-Hi. -Hi.

So, have you settled back in to small town living yet?

Not quite.

My dad seems to think that he's the one taking care of us

instead of the other way around. So...

Oh yeah.

He's one tough cookie, your old man.

Yeah.

All I wanted was to give Hannah a good Christmas this year.

And instead I brought her to the house where Christmas goes to die.

Oh.

I mean, just 'cause your dad stopped celebrating Christmas

doesn't mean the rest of the town has.

You two should come to the Christmas market, tonight.

Does your mom still set up the stall?

Yeah. Every year.

Hey, Mom!

Isn't this Grandpa's place?

Dad's selling the house?

Huh?

Of course, just stay in the front yard, honey!

Hannah: Ok, mom.

Hey.

First the boat, now this?

Dad, why didn't you tell me you were selling the house?

I'm not.

The bank is.

[sighs]

What are you doing?

Homework.

Over the holidays?

Tell me about it.

Do you want to take a break?

Cool.

Woah!

That's a projector.

I used that when I taught geography at the high school.

Now what do you teach?

Nothing anymore.

I stopped working to take care of your grandma

when she got sick.

I never quite found my way back.

She was a teacher too, for kids about your age.

Was she good at it?

Oh, the best.

I bet she never would have given me homework over Christmas.

[chuckles] No.

You're right. She never would have done that.

[Hannah giggles]

Do you know how to play chess?

Would you like to learn?

Yes.

Is this a puppy?

Well, no, it's a knight.

Looks, supposed to look like a horse,

kind of looks like a puppy.

We'll call it a puppy, if you want.

Joyce?

Hi, miss! I saw this at the shop,

just knew exactly where it belonged.

I sure hope he appreciates the effort.

Oh, he does. In his own way.

-We look out for each other. -Mmm.

I'm guessing you were at the bank.

How did you...

I happened to see some of those in the mail last week.

What did they say?

He has until the end of the month to pay what he owes

or they're going to move to foreclosure.

I can't come up with this much money on such short notice.

Well, we'll think of something.

Your turn, Grandpa.

Mmm. Ok.

Here we go.

Go here.

Oh. Ok.

Ok. All right.

No!

Yep. Gone.

Yep, gone.

I got your horse, Grandpa.

So you did, so you did.

Hey, you two.

Mom, Grandpa's teaching me how to play.

She's got a dangerously good head for the game.

Well, I don't want to interrupt,

but the Christmas market's tonight.

Do you want to go?

Yes! Grandpa, are you coming?

No. I don't mix with all that nonsense.

Oh.

Can we play again tomorrow?

Sure, pieces aren't going anywhere.

Good.

Oh.

[giggles]

-Go get your coat on. -Ok.

We'll be back in a couple hours.

♪

... Merry Christmas.

Woah! Look who it is!

I like your apron.

It definitely suits you.

Thank you very much.

-Yeah. -Yeah.

I like it. It's comfortable.

Does this have too much baby's breath?

Hi Mrs. Fletcher.

Luke: It does have too much baby's breath.

Hi.

How are you?

-It's so lovely to see you. -Oh, you too.

Hey, Mom, can we get one of these for Grandpa?

You know what, Hannah, that is a great idea.

Oh, no honey. Family doesn't pay here.

We'll put this aside and you'll pick it up on your way out.

Thanks. He's gonna love it.

Well look, it's almost time for the Christmas light up.

Luke, why don't you escort these lovely ladies

to the hot cocoa stand before it starts.

All right, well you heard the lady.

Hot cocoa it is.

-This way. -Yay!

Thank you. Bye Mrs. Fletcher.

I'm gonna go find Mrs. Benson!

Ok!

So how bad is it?

It's bad. But Dad won't admit it.

What are you gonna do?

The only thing I can do.

Use the insurance money to pay off the house?

And you and Hannah keep living out of a hotel?

I never mentioned the hotel to you.

Oh, Dennis and I play chess every week, it came up.

I'm sorry, are you, like, friends with my dad?

Because that is super weird.

It's a little weird,

but he was such close friends with my dad, so, I don't know,

I feel like I get to be a part of it somehow.

Ok. So it is both weird and very sweet.

About the house,

you just let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

-Thank you. -Sure.

Julie: Luke! Liz!

-Hey! -Hey!

Oh, my gosh!

[laughing]

Oh, my gosh!

I saw the announcement. The time has flown by.

How far along are you?

I'm seven months

and I'm totally tired of the whole bowl full of jelly thing.

-You look amazing. -Thank you.

So, what have you guys been up to?

So much to catch up on, I bet.

Yeah, you know, I guess.

Hi, you lot.

The tree lighting is gonna start soon.

Ok.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

I'm Mayor Rachel Shoemaker and it is my honor

to kick off this year's annual Portside festival of lights!

[cheering and applause]

These contestants will battle it out on Christmas Eve

for the title of best decorated deck

and the grand prize of $25,000!

[cheering and applause]

Contest entry closes tonight. So this is it folks,

your last chance to cast off and show us what you can do.

Any takers?

Going once, going twice.

Well, that looks like it, folks.

Wait!

What are you doing?

Something I'll probably regret.

Hi, I would like to sign up for the parade, please.

Yes!

Ladies and gentlemen,

this competition just got interesting.

And we can't wait to see what Elizabeth comes up with.

[cheering]

I hope you know what you've gotten yourself into.

It's gonna be great.

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for.

All: Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five,

four, three, two, one!

[cheering and applause]

♪

Grandpa, we're home!

There were carolers and crafts and we got hot chocolate

and watched the Christmas tree light up.

Well, I'm, I'm glad you had fun.

We got something for you too, Grandpa.

Oh.

Well, that's very nice.

Hey, honey, why don't you go get your PJ's on

and work on your Christmas list?

My daughter was trying to share something special with you.

I don't, I don't know what you're talking about.

Yes, you do.

Please don't take Christmas away from her like you did for me.

You were the one who stopped coming for Christmas.

And why do you think that was, Dad?

Look around this place.

You took all Mom's decorations, every good memory,

and you shoved them away somewhere.

I don't want to talk about this.

Of course, you don't.

Before you hear it from someone else,

you should know that I signed up for the parade.

Absolutely not.

-We will do all the work. -No.

-Dad, Mom would want us... -No!

I'm not asking permission, Dad.

[sighs]

Mom, if you are listening, we are gonna need some help.

[sighs]

♪

♪

♪

[crashing sounds]

[Liz grunts]

Good morning.

I always knew you'd end up here at some point

but I didn't think it would be this early.

Or this noisy.

-You live here? -Sure do.

I usually don't wake up till 8:00AM.

Noon on weekends.

Too bad marina bylaws only restricts noise until 7:00.

[crashing]

You know this is a long shot, right?

The competition is fierce because of that prize money

and the displays nowadays,

some of them could even rival some of your mom's best work.

I'm gonna pretend like you didn't say that.

I know, I'm just trying to manage expectations.

You only have a week until Christmas Eve.

And this, this is a lot of work for anyone and a kid.

Hey!

I mean, a highly intelligent, extremely capable,

super awesome kid.

-Thank you. -You're welcome.

What is the worst that could happen?

So, we lose the parade and I'm right back where we started

and I'll just use the insurance money like I planned.

All right. Good luck.

We're good. We don't need luck.

You sure?

[struggling grunts]

Can you help me, please?

[laughing]

Liz: You're a fantastic helper.

Oh!

[knocking]

What's going on now?

I want to show you something.

You do these last night?

Yeah.

I couldn't sleep.

Um, what do you think?

It's very impressive.

You're gonna need to build framing for all of this.

And you'll definitely need reinforcement for that,

besides the sheer number of lights.

It's cool.

I just don't think the two of you will be able to pull it off.

I agree.

The two of us can't.

No, no.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no. Find someone else.

Come on.

Do you remember how much fun we used to have doing the parade?

I'm too busy.

I've got work and this is the busiest time of year

for Mom at the shop, I just can't.

Luke, it'll be just like when we were kids.

When we were kids we weren't responsible

for an entire parade float.

Fine, if you won't do it for me, then do it for my dad.

I don't even really like your dad that much.

And if you won't do it for him, then do it for her.

Pretty please, Mr. Luke.

Won't you make a little girl's Christmas wish come true?

Oh, wow, that is low. That's really low.

Should we just wait for you out here?

♪

Here's the plan.

Once we're finished cleaning out

the rest of this junk off the deck,

you can start framing the presents at the bottom of the mast

and Hannah and I will run support lines in the rigging.

Once that's done, you can start framing Santa's sleigh

and we'll do the wire frames for the reindeer.

First of all, this is a parade of lights,

not a carpentry contest.

There's no sense framing boxes

if we don't have lights to hang on them.

And second of all, nope.

Where are you going?

Unlike when we were kids, I've got a job.

You'll come around, Luke Fletcher.

It's only a matter of time

before you get on board with my plan.

You know I hate nautical puns.

You "shore" about that?

Argh!

Ok, ok, ok, but you see the possibility, right?

All I see is an old boat that needs a lot of work.

[sighs]

Men.

You stick that there and...

Mmmmm...

Did you have a fun day?

I got stuck in a net. That was kind of cool.

Wait a minute, is, is that dinner?

Yes.

Ok. That does it. I'm cooking tomorrow.

I'm making my world-famous spaghetti and meatballs.

Seriously?

This is not how families eat dinner.

Ok.

If you say so.

Hey, that's my roof!

Mm.

Uh-uh.

[laughing]

Yeah, I'll send Marcus over to check it out

once we're done with the Keller house.

Ok.

Bye.

Dang.

You've been holding out on me.

My sources tell me you've got a new job offer.

How does Julie know everything that happens in this town?

A little scary.

It's terrifying.

How come you're at work with me when you should be down

at the docks with the girl who got away?

I mean, I know I'm pretty and all, but...

She didn't get away, Marcus.

Liz and I were best friends and we just drifted apart.

Which never made sense.

You guys were joined at the hip, going to college together.

Sure, but I had to leave after that first semester.

For good reason.

But her family's here, she visits.

Right. All the time, with her boyfriend,

who later became her husband.

That's gotta hurt.

Here's your nuts.

Merry Christmas.

So that's it, huh? Just missed your chance.

What do you want me to say, Marcus?

It wasn't meant to be.

Well, I hope the next time opportunity comes knocking

you'll be ready to answer that door.

You're being extra weird today.

Knock, knock.

-Oh, hey! -Hi.

Wow. Santa and her reindeer are moving really fast today.

Yeah, well six days until Christmas.

The lights are ordered and on their way,

but we still have a lot of work to do, so.

-Hi, Marcus. -Liz.

I don't want to interrupt your really busy day,

but we're gonna go clean out the boat.

Uh, it sounds like you could use a hand.

Listen Luke, the guys and I can take care of things,

why don't you take the rest of the day off?

-I can't. -I think you can.

-Nah, I can't. -Oh, I insist.

You realize I'm your boss, right?

-Feels more like partners. -Mmm.

Besides, 'tis the season of giving, remember?

Good to see you, Liz. Good luck in the parade.

Ok.

[applause]

They sure know how to make a big deal out of nothing, don't they?

That's because they've never seen a real-life hero before.

Hey, I'm still mad at you for telling Liz I needed help.

I know.

It was quite terrible of me.

You having the usual?

No, not today, I'm making dinner.

You're making dinner?

Yeah.

And I need something for dessert.

I just sold my last Christmas cake,

but, I'll tell you what.

I will whip up a fresh one

and drop it off on my way home after work.

That's very kind.

You'll stay for dinner then?

That would be lovely.

Good.

♪

All sorts of stuff in here, books and clothes.

Perfume.

Oh, look at this.

Christmas, 1991.

It's like he stored her entire life down here.

Oh, wow. Hey, look at this.

She wanted to capture every family moment.

I remember, this was the year

Dennis let me drive the boat by myself.

You ok?

Yeah. I just wish she was here. She was so good at this.

Well, that just means you learned from the best.

She had this way of making people feel something

when the boat lit up.

Nostalgia, joy, excitement.

A design like that takes weeks to come up with.

Not one night.

-Can I tell you something? -What?

I think you're being too hard on yourself.

Look what I found!

Oh!

That was Grandma's camera!

-Can I see? -Yeah.

-Oh, you know what, -Come on in here.

I think there's still some film in here.

Here we go.

What are you doing?

You know what I'm doing. Here we go.

Yes.

Smile.

Smile!

There it is.

Ok. Big smile.

Show those teeth.

Big... Yay!

One more. Silly face. Goofy face.

That's the one. That's the one.

Ok. My turn.

[Liz laughing]

Ready? This is the original selfie.

Ready?

Got it. Perfect.

And you know what?

I think that's the end of the roll.

Hey, do you...

do you maybe want to come to dinner tonight?

Dinner?

Dad's cooking and it's the least we could do

to thank you for your free labor.

Hm. It sounds like a good idea, but hang on,

I'm not being paid?

[laughing]

Oh, what? Oh really?

That was a bullseye!

Here, trade me.

Thanks.

You know, you really didn't have to.

I know, I did.

Dennis would never forgive me for showing up empty-handed.

-Wow! -Oh?

Mom!

Awesome!

You hung your wreath on the door!

Of course.

I want all my neighbors to see what a special little girl

my granddaughter is.

[laughs]

Dennis: Well, I'll be.

Dennis: Now it feels like Christmas.

You two ran wild on those docks.

A real pair of pirates you were.

Arr!

I had to apologize to every boat owner in town

by the time you were 12 years old.

That is not true. We were not that bad.

Stop giving my daughter ideas.

I was a perfect angel. I never got into any trouble.

I remember one Christmas in particular

when your mother was mad

because I wouldn't let her stay up to meet Santa.

So she came up with a brilliant idea to stow away on my-

Do you know what that is, to stow away?

Hide out on Martin Therwood's boat,

right before he and his wife

left on a two-month trip to Canada.

I remember that year.

Operation escape to the North Pole.

[laughing]

And as usual, she wrangled this one in.

Oh, which was a terrible idea

because I would be Santa's right-hand elf right now

if he hadn't blown our cover.

I told her I was scared of polar bears.

I warned you. You knew.

Your mother had to warn every boat owner in town

to double check their cargo before they left.

Good idea. That was smart.

And don't you even think about it.

[laughing]

No, do not. It's not worth it. It's lovely here.

You are not getting out of my sight until you're in college.

I had big dreams. Big travel plans.

I wanted to go places.

-And drag me along with you. -Always, always drag you along.

Mmm.

[laughing]

Oh.

So, I have a very, very important question.

Uh-oh.

-Ah, move the forks! -Got it.

-Why do you live on a boat? -Oh, here we go.

Why does everyone have a problem with the boat?

I don't have a problem with it, I don't. I just...

I find it odd that someone who builds houses

would then choose not to live in one.

[laughs]

Uh, no one has ever put it to me that way before.

You're welcome.

But, so far, doesn't seem to be affecting business.

Ok, ok. Fair enough.

I don't know, to be honest.

I always felt more comfortable on the water.

And Dad was the same way.

I guess his career choice made a little more sense than mine.

He was a great man.

I'm sorry that I wasn't around more after he died.

Don't be.

I'm the one who decided not to go back to college

after the funeral.

I always felt like you, you were a little mad at me,

because I went back and, and you stayed here.

What?

What are you talking about? Why would I be mad?

You had to go back.

Yeah, I know, but whenever I would come home after that

it always just felt like you were avoiding me

and it's the only reason that I could think of.

What? No, that's not...

No, it wasn't...

Things were just different.

I had to work and to take care of Mom.

And you... had Kevin.

Hannah: Mom, come look!

Do you think we can use this on the boat?

[laughing] Liz: Absolutely.

I think it would look great back by the wheel.

And there's still lots more to go through.

Well, I hope you take a break from the competition

to go to winter ball this year.

Hold up, winter ball? You mean like in a fairy tale?

We didn't bring any of my dresses!

This little town likes big names.

It's not that fancy.

Excuse me?

There's dancing, there's food, a real live band.

If that doesn't sound like a ball then I don't know what is.

I've never been to a ball before.

Well, we'll just have to find a gallant prince

to take you and your mom.

I wonder where we'll find one of those.

Luke, will you take us to the ball?

Oh, that's really not my scene.

Oh.

Seriously, you're still boycotting it?

I convinced him to go once in high school,

and apparently he's never been back.

Well, I am no gallant prince, do, do, do.

[English accent] I'm just a guy with two left feet.

[giggles]

[gasps]

Look at this guy!

Didn't we make these with Mom in third grade?

I still have mine.

[gasps]

Wow. It's so beautiful.

This was Grandma's favorite.

She let me put it on top of the tree every year.

[giggles]

What else do we have in here? What is this?

Dad? You ok?

I'm fine.

Your mom and I always planned on taking a trip when we retired.

There's a cluster of small islands

off the coast of South America.

The Galapagos trip. You guys talked about it a lot.

I never meant to lie to you about the boat.

I wanted to get rid of it. It hurt to look at the thing.

It's just that every time someone made an offer

all I could think about was about how we were never gonna take that trip.

Why didn't you ask me to come home

and help you with the house?

I didn't think you ever wanted to come back here.

Well, part of me didn't. Can you blame me?

You don't understand.

That first year when I lost your mom was...

You know what, I do understand.

But you decided how we were supposed to grieve for her

and I didn't get a say in that.

But you're still my Dad, and this is still my home.

I didn't realize how bad things had gotten until recently,

with the bank.

Mary always took care of that kind of stuff.

I guess it's fair to say that now,

when I lost her I let a few things slip.

Better go say goodbye to our guests.

Dad?

I miss her too.

Every day.

♪

[grunts] Oh, come on! Just...

Urgh!!!

Why won't you just... turn!

[grunts]

Ahhhh!!!!!

Are you ok?

-Hi. -Hi.

Good morning.

Are you having a little trouble?

Nope.

You know, we don't need the main sail for the parade.

We can just troll along on the engine.

I'm aware, but we need something that will really impress

the judges and this thing is broken!

Do you mind if I... May I?

Please.

Yeah, sometimes they can get a little...

You just gotta...

Well, here you go.

You just have to...

What did you do?

Magic touch.

Well, your magic touch might have just saved us.

Oh, Liz?

We're gonna blow those judges right out of the water.

Uh, Liz? You might want to check this out.

Ah.

choc-hocolate.is your

-Thank you. -You're welcome.

Ahoy, neighbor.

-Here. -Thank you.

Hey, I think it was a really good idea

and this design is still great without it.

It's too simple.

It's got no heart, no pizzazz, no...

Hey, the Liz I grew up with

would never do anything without heart.

And if that's who I'm working with,

then I'm going to do everything in my power

to make sure this is the best boat in the parade.

Pizzazz included.

You actually came around, didn't you?

It was bound to happen. Schooner or later.

[laughs]

Don't tell anyone I just did that.

-Shhh! - You made your first pun.

Alright, alright.

Finish your cocoa, we've got work to do.

We've got a parade to win!

Let's do this.

Alright.

♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la ♪

♪ 'Tis the season to be jolly ♪

Yes!

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la ♪

♪ Fill the mead cup, drain the barrel ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la ♪

♪ Troll the ancient Christmas carol ♪

This is really heavy.

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la ♪

♪

♪ See the blazing yule before us ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la ♪

♪ Strike the harp and join the chorus ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la ♪

♪ Follow me in merry measure ♪

Oooh, yes.

Good, good, good, good, good.

♪

[laughing]

Joyce: Oh, are you going to want another one?

Luke: I'll have another one.

Yes! Thank you. I appreciate you so much.

I'll pick it up first thing in the morning.

Thanks buddy.

Everything ok?

Yes. Yeah.

It was just a work thing.

She's really starting to look good, huh?

You think so?

Yeah, just my opinion though. You're the expert.

Dennis told me about some of the clients you work with.

Very impressive.

Do you two actually play any chess

or do you just gossip about me?

Ah, a little bit of both.

But you like it, your job?

I love it.

Even though it's not your typical dream job, but...

-Who wants typical dreams? -Mmm.

I'm really glad your life worked out the way you wanted it to.

Is that what it looks like? Because my life is complicated.

Emotionally, financially, all the "ly's" you can think of.

Romantically?

Well, that's not that complicated.

I just haven't really wanted to date

since Kevin and I got divorced.

Well, good thing you don't live here.

The local matchmakers would never stand by.

Yet here you are, a bastion of bachelorhood.

The local ladies don't like the boat life or...

What?

There are plenty of ladies that can't wait to be my first mate.

Huh! Plenty, huh?

Sure, I've had options.

And?

And what?

The right one just hasn't come along yet.

We should get back to work.

Actually, I think we should take a break.

Why?

I think our youngest sailor needs one.

[groaning]

I think I'm seasick.

The boat isn't even moving.

It must be scurvy then.

That sounds serious.

[laughs]

Good thing I know just the cure.

One hot chocolate with extra whipped cream

should clear that scurvy right up.

[giggles]

Mmm.

Mom?

No way!

Hannah, what are you doing?

Elves, Mom! Santa's elves were right here!

What?

Where do you think they went?

I think I might have an idea. Come on.

Come on, Mom!

We haven't missed it. Come on, get in there.

-Ok. -Come on, Mom.

Welcome, boys and girls and a very merry Christmas to you all.

All: Merry Christmas!

Hey, why aren't you in the North Pole?

Because, my friend, the big man himself needs your help.

I don't remember this.

It's new. it started last year.

Shh!

Elf: We need you to help make sure

everyone has an amazing Christmas.

Do you think you can help?

All: Yes!

Come on, Santa needs us!

You're right. Santa needs us. Let's go!

I'll be right here.

[laughs]

Hey.

Oh, hey, Dad. What are you doing down here?

I was just coming back from lunch with Joyce,

I thought I'd check and see

if Luke's mom was getting on all right.

Oh.

-He worries, you know. -Oh, he always has.

Grandpa! Guess what?

I'm an honorary elf. I'm gonna help save Christmas.

Really?

Santa's list of non-perishable donations.

This sounds like a very important job.

It is, Luke's one too.

-Nice hat. -Thank you.

Aren't you a little old to be an elf?

It's never too late for a career change.

Well, I hope you haven't completely given up construction

because we have a lot of work to do today.

But Mom, Santa needs help saving Christmas!

Oh, honey, I'm so sorry.

We have so much to finish before the parade.

Hannah, why don't you come with me and you guys go do your work?

Really?

If your mom says it's ok.

Of course it's ok.

All right, Hannah.

Hannah, I'm going to have to go into early retirement.

Yeah.

Dennis, you are now one of Santa's little helpers.

You're gonna need this.

And this.

Good luck to you.

-Come on, kid. -Bye!

You call me if you need anything.

He's never wearing that hat.

It'll look great on him. Yeah.

[laughing]

Just the two of us.

Yes. And a boat.

-The boat. -Yeah.

-The boat. Shall we? -We shall.

or lose my best friend forever?

Some choice.

That's really what I said?

That I would never speak to you again?

Word for word.

I don't know. That doesn't sound like me.

Maybe you're remembering it wrong.

Nope.

I've got the whole thing stored up here.

The entire Liz Darling encyclopedia.

Oh really?

Try me.

Favorite band in high school?

Pearl Jam.

Favorite food?

Coconut snowballs.

Favorite teacher?

Mr. Kirby. The drama teacher.

High school crush?

Mr. Kirby. The drama teacher.

-No! -Yes!

[laughter] I didn't tell anyone that. Not even you.

Favorite color? Purple.

Greatest fear? Needles.

Favorite book? The Secret Window.

Face it, I know everything about you.

I bet you didn't know that I had another high school crush.

Oh no, poor Mr. Kirby. Who was it?

You.

-No you didn't. -Yes, I did.

-No, you didn't. -Yes, I did.

-No, you didn't. -Yes, I did.

-No, you didn't. -Fine. I didn't.

Good.

Look out!

Woah.

Woah.

Oh. Uh, thank you.

Yeah, no problem.

[exhales]

Hey, uh, listen.

There's no way you had a crush on me in high school.

Because I, uh...

[phone ringing]

-Because if I'm honest, I... -I have to get this.

Hello?

We make a good team, Grandpa.

We sure do.

Excuse me, but we need to make sure this gets delivered

to Mr. Claus as soon as possible.

Most people only pick one of two items on the list.

Yeah, well, my granddaughter is very serious

about Christmas spirit.

No kidding.

Well, I can tell you one thing,

if you two weren't on Santa's nice list before,

you certainly are now.

Did you hear that, Grandpa? You're on the nice list too!

Yeah, well that'll be a nice change for me.

What's going on, kid?

How come you stopped wanting to spend Christmas with us?

I like spending it with you.

I like spending it with you too.

Ah. It's just, Christmas is a hard time of the year for me.

Mom said it's because you miss Grandma a lot.

Mm. That's true.

But I don't understand.

If you miss Grandma, and Mom misses Grandma,

wouldn't it just be better if we all missed her together?

Oh, god.

You're just like your Grandma, you know that?

-Really? -Yeah.

Kind, funny, clever as a whip.

She would love to be spending time with you,

just like I am right now.

[giggles]

Ok, let's go. Let's go see what your mom's up to.

Ok.

-Ok, here, come here. -Woo!

Oh, yeah.

Onward!

Ok.

Wee!

I mean, you said it yourself. It was a long shot.

I was wrong. All we have to do is...

We did it! We saved Christmas!

You did?! That was quick.

No time to waste when your stakes are high.

Now I can help decorate again.

Good. 'Cause we need all the help we can get.

Thanks, Dad.

Oh, I had fun. She's such a great kid.

She really is.

What's wrong?

I heard from the insurance company.

My claim's not gonna come through in time.

I'm sorry, Dad, we have no backup plan.

And there's so much to do before the parade.

Well, if you need all the help you can get,

maybe I can lend a hand.

I still have one good one.

-It's ok. -Thank's Dad.

Well, that's it.

Every lightbulb we've got is on there.

I just hope it's enough.

So, what do we do now?

I've got an idea.

Woah!

[clapping]

Oh yeah.

Oh, I love the smell of a fresh Christmas tree, don't you?

Thank you guys for the extra muscle.

Boom.

And, if we don't see you, have a merry Christmas.

Oh, but I'll see you tonight, at the ball, right?

I don't think so.

Oh, but you gotta go.

Come on, Julie and I love it.

Dancing, music, food, the whole deal.

It's a great place for a date.

Ok, it's time to go.

You're giving me a lift back to my truck.

Bye!

One of the matchmakers you were talking about?

I'm sorry about him.

It's ok.

Well...

I'll see you tomorrow.

Yeah.

-Have a good night. -You too.

-Hi. -Hi.

So, I was thinking.

We should all go to the ball.

I thought it wasn't your scene?

That's true, it's not my scene

but I think Hannah would love it.

Oh.

Ok. Yeah, um, I'll ask her and, um, we will think about it.

-Ok? -Ok.

Ok.

So I'll go.

I'll go now, and then maybe I'll see you later.

Maybe.

Hey, Hannah?

It's perfect.

Good, good.

Actually, better than perfect.

Mom says that Grandma is watching over us

because she's an angel.

Just like this one.

Do you want to put it on the tree?

No.

I would like to put it on together.

Come on.

-Ok. Ready? -Yeah.

Okay, here we go. Up. And up.

-Nice -Oh yeah.

So beautiful.

♪

be late!

All right.

Finally.

Honest opinions.

Hair up, hair down?

-Up! -Down!

-Up! -Down!

[laughing]

You guys are no help.

Why does it matter? It's just a dance.

Dennis: Oh, you will understand one day.

Come on, we'll be in the truck. Come on, kiddo.

It's just a dance. It's not a date.

It's just a dance.

Hair down.

♪

Luke, this is so cool!

I knew you would like it.

Wow, you look um...

Healthy?

I'm going to find Ms. Benson.

-Ok. -Ok.

-You look great. -Thanks.

Ok.

See ya, Dennis.

-Do you want to get a drink? -Yeah.

So, is it as dreadful as you thought it would be?

Uh, not quite. But the night is still young.

It always made me so nervous.

Wondering if someone was going to ask me to dance or not.

I don't recall you having an issue with that.

Oh, come on.

Guys were climbing over each other

just to get a chance to dance with you.

They were not.

You never asked me.

I didn't know you ever wanted me to ask.

I wouldn't have said no.

[slow song plays] ♪

[clears throat]

Elizabeth Darling, may I have this dance?

You may.

What was it Joyce called me... a gallant prince.

♪

Oh, oh.

How can I expect anything so fancy.

Mm. Fancy's overrated.

♪

Do you know why I never came back to this thing

after senior year?

Hm?

I had built up this moment so much.

I was going to ask you to dance,

I was going to hold you close

and then lean in, whisper in your ear

and tell you exactly how I felt about you.

You never asked me to dance.

I chickened out.

I missed my opportunity.

Just out of curiosity, what were you gonna whisper in my ear?

♪

Liz Darling, I'm in love with you and I always have been.

♪

♪

I wish I could go back in time and tell you sooner.

What do you think would have happened?

It looks like we'll have a chance to find out.

When we first got here,

Hannah said that it was going to be just like when I was a kid.

It's not that easy though. We're leaving in a few days.

-Then stay. -Luke.

I'm serious. You and Hannah could stay here.

We have a life back in Seattle.

Hannah's school, my work. Our friends.

It's a good life.

Sure. But look at where we are.

All these years later, to end up back in the same moment.

There's gotta be a reason for it, right?

Would you do it?

Would you uproot your life and leave Portside?

I... I can't.

I just can't leave Mom, you know?

And I've got a company and so many people here rely on me.

Our timing really is terrible, isn't it?

I guess it's just not meant to be, huh?

I can't really regret

the way that things turned out between us.

Not really.

Because I wouldn't have Hannah.

And you know what?

I wouldn't change a thing.

Good night, Luke.

-Hey Dad. -Yeah.

I'm gonna head home early. Can you stay with Hannah?

-Ok. -Ok.

Is she all right?

Picked a good tree.

Yeah. Yeah. Oh.

Really brightens up the place.

Dad, what are you gonna do if we lose the parade?

Well, I've given it some thought and I think that win or lose,

we sell the boat.

What? No.

Wait, hold on, I'm not telling.

I'm asking, I want to know how you feel about it.

But, I'm not getting any younger.

I'm not sailing the high seas anymore.

And that beautiful lady's being wasted,

just stuck at the marina all year.

Nobody keeping her company.

But Mom loved that boat.

No, no kiddo.

No, it was never about the boat.

Or the decorations for the parade.

Your mom loved you and... me.

For her it was all about us spending time together

as a family.

And being the old fool I am,

I convinced myself that we couldn't do that without her.

[chuckles]

But this past week, having you here and getting to know that,

that amazing little girl, that you're raising.

I'm just sorry.

I'm so sorry that we missed all those Christmases.

I've missed you, Dad.

Oh, I missed you, kiddo.

Now, tell me what happened between you and Luke tonight.

Not much to tell.

Just...

Just not meant to be, I guess.

I'm gonna go tuck in Hannah.

-Good night, Dad. -Good night, kiddo.

Hm.

Hello?

Who's there?

[laughs] Oh, honey you scared me.

Sorry.

Why aren't you getting things ready for the parade?

We finished yesterday.

So I thought I'd come help out here.

Well, I appreciate your help,

but wouldn't you rather spend time with Liz while she's here?

Uh...

Luke?

I told her how I feel.

I see. And?

We realized it's just not gonna work.

I mean, she's got her whole life in Seattle

and I've got my responsibilities here.

That hasn't changed.

You remind me so much of your father.

He was always making sacrifices for other people.

Trying to take care of the whole world.

Mom.

No, no, no, listen to me.

You stepped up when this family was hurting.

And he would have been so proud of the sacrifices you've made,

but I should have told you this a long time ago.

I don't need you to take care of me anymore.

What I need is for you to take care of yourself.

So you have to decide what you want.

And what you're willing to do for it.

I don't want you to spend another second

with less love in your life on my account.

And I can do all of this on my own.

Yeah, you can.

Thank you very much.

Dennis, I was hoping I'd find you here.

A-ha! Come to try your luck again.

No, well, actually, yes.

Uh, is Liz around?

No, she and Hannah went into town

to get provisions for tonight.

Good. Good. That's good.

You all right, son?

Dennis, I'm in love with your daughter.

Of course you are.

Oh.

Uh, it's not the reaction I was expecting.

What I'm wondering, what I have always wondered

is when are you going to do something about it?

Well, actually that's... that's why I'm here.

I've got a plan, but I'm gonna need your help.

What can I do?

Everyone's really excited, Mom.

Aren't you?

Yeah, but do you think we can still win?

Oh, I don't know about that,

but I don't want you to think about it, ok?

Just have fun sailing in the parade like I used to

with my mom, ok?

-Ok. -Ok.

Hey, Joyce sent along some treats for the voyage.

But we gotta get going they're gonna start soon.

Ok.

What about Luke?

Um, I don't know if he's gonna make it, Banana.

But he worked so hard on it.

I know.

♪

-Hi. -Joyce.

-Oh, so good to see you. -I know.

-I am so excited! -I'm excited!

Ahhh!!! Hi!

Come, come, come, come, come.

Come here.

-Oh, look at that! -That's nice.

I really like that one.

Carol: I've never seen so many of them.

Oh, yeah!

That's a nice one.

Joyce: Where are they? Aren't they next?

Ok. I think that's us. Are you ready? Ok.

Ok, light her up, kiddo.

♪

Wow.

[cheering and applause]

Wow.

Amazing!

Amazing.

♪

Dad, what are you doing?

What I'm told.

But we don't need it, there's a big hole in the...

♪

♪

[laughing]

I think I remember that.

♪

♪

Did you do this?

Hey.

Look, I know this isn't simple

and I don't have all the answers.

Luke.

No, but I am sick of wishing that the timing would be right.

Or waiting for fate to do all the work.

Luke.

I know, this could be complicated and difficult

and messy but I know what I want out of life.

And it's worth fighting for.

-Luke. -Yeah?

Stop talking.

♪

They're kissing.

[crowd applauds]

-Merry Christmas! -Merry Christmas!

All: Merry Christmas!

-I still can't believe we won! -I knew it.

[laughing]

Wow! Thanks, Grandpa.

This is the best Christmas ever.

That's a nice chess set, maybe you can teach me to play.

-I doubt it. -Thank you.

Hey. I think you've done a great job.

Not too bad yourself.

-Thank you. -Mm.

You know, I've been thinking about

taking this home rebuild gig up near Seattle.

Interesting, 'cause we plan on visiting Dad a lot more.

Oh.

Yeah, our paths may cross.

-Maybe. -Mmm.

Maybe this is the beginning of our very own fairy tale ending?

[laughs]

It's terrible.

I've created a monster.

Ok, that's it.

This is the last Christmas with my darling Mary.

It's family picture time.

Come on, let's get up.

Down here at the end, Dad?

Yeah, right here.

-You got those slippery shoes on. -I know.

You all right?

-Okay, here we go. -Okay.

Hey, tall kids in the back. What are you doing?

Excuse me sir, will you take our picture?

-Do you mind? -Thank you.

Joyce!

-He said family picture. -Family picture!

Come on, bring it in Joyce.

All right. You ready? Get in nice and close.

Ok, alright. Everybody say Merry Christmas!

All: Merry Christmas!

[camera shutter snaps]

♪

♪

♪