All language subtitles for The.Dg.Dys.of.Christmas.2022.720p.WEB.h264-BAE

[instrumental music]

[woman] merry christmas!

[indistinct chatter]

Nothing like north haven
at christmas.

-Uh-huh.
-First time here?

-Sorry?
-North haven. First time here?

Oh. No, I grew up here.

I just haven't been back in,

Wow, almost three years.

Oh, sure. So where do you live?

Everywhere, really,
I work for a non-profit

Called the helping initiative.

So we go
wherever the help is needed.

No one needs my help
in north haven.

[phil] oh, I wouldn't be so sure
about that.

Hm.

[music continues]

-Okay, here we are, 442 maple.
-Oh.

[chuckles]
well, someone likes christmas.

I'm forbidden to enter
my aunt's house without this on.

-Well, I think it looks great.
-[chuckles]

I'm phil, by the way.
Merry christmas.

-Merry christmas.
-[woman laughs]

-Aunt annie! You're here!
-The conquering hero returns!

Oh, my darling.

-Hey.
-Oh. Look at you.

Welcome home,
my world traveler. Oh!

My turn!

Um, who are you? And what have
you done with my niece?

[chuckling]

-Hey, guys.
-Hey, sister.

Aunt annie, what'd you bring me?
What'd you bring me?

Iris, is that the first thing
you have to say to her?

Sorry, but she does see you
as a present machine.

Well, I might just
happen to have

Something in my bag
for my favorite niece.

I'm your only niece, silly.

Iris, if I had
a thousand nieces,

You'd still be my favorite.

Close your eyes.

[gasps]

[annie] I was helping
build a school in nepal

And the oldest woman
in the village,

Some say
she was over a 100 years old,

Made this just for you.

[giggles]

Whoa!

-[instrumental "jingle bells"]
-and it plays jingle bells!

All the way from nepal?
How do you like that.

Wait. I can do back-up.

-[instrumental "jingle bells"]
-[laughter]

William, you are
such a christmas ham.

I love it! Thank you!

Wait, are we hugging again?
Come on!

-Oh, wa... It's cold.
-Don't leave me out!

I told you
re-entry was gonna be intense.

[laughter]

-Can't breathe.
-Mwah.

[humming]

Mm! I've missed
your sweet-potato casserole.

And I've missed you eating it...

So I don't have to eat
the leftovers.

It's so nice having the whole
family together at christmas.

It has been too long.

So, annie,
how long do we get you?

-You know I love you guys...
-[remy] uh-oh. Here we go.

-She's gonna say two days.
-No, not just two days.

But I love my job also
and I just found out

I'm in line for a promotion,
project manager.

Oh, that's wonderful.

She still hasn't told us
how long.

-Two weeks.
-[remy] oh.

Oh, come on, guys,
two weeks is a long time.

That's right. And we're gonna
make the best of it.

The north haven christmas
countdown has officially begun.

There's the tree-lighting
ceremony, of course,

Christmas craft fair,
snowman-building competition.

-Snow-person, grandpa.
-Oh, I'm-I'm sorry.

Of course. Snow-person.

Actually, I was hoping
to volunteer somewhere.

-While I was home.
-Volunteer?

Honey,
you volunteer for a living.

Aren't you on vacation?

I never take a vacation
from helping.

[cell phone ringing]

Uh, sorry, it's, it's work.
I-I gotta take this.

-[instrumental music]
-hello, annie speaking.

Well, it's good
to have her home.

[claire] mm-hmm. Heh-heh.

[annie] thanks so much
for letting me stay.

I know dad wanted me
to stay with him, but...

Too much man cave. I hear ya.

I love my brother-in-law,
but how many lazy boy chairs

Does one person need?

Yeah.

[sighs] and I'm sorry
I'm not staying longer.

I know
I'm disappointing everyone.

Honey, we just miss you.

And we're all secretly dreaming
that you'll find some nice guy

And settle down here.
Did I say that?

Well, you'll have to keep
dreaming. I have a job!

And I'm not gonna find a guy
in north haven

That shares my same world view.

You would be surprised.

When I met frank,
well, he was in the last place

I was looking for.

You rear-ended uncle frank
with your car.

I don't think
you were looking at all.

You know what I mean.

The only thing
that's important in love

Is where you feel it,
and that's in your heart.

This came in the mail.

Couple of months ago.

The pictures of the dogs
were so cute,

I just couldn't throw it out.

And I thought of it when you
said you wanted to volunteer.

"foster a dog
for the holidays."

-Mm-hmm.
-Oh, I love dogs!

But you're allergic,
and I'm staying with you.

Well, I'm sure
I'm not allergic anymore.

That was a long time ago.

I don't think
allergies work that way.

You should do this.
I think it's a sign.

Why else would I have kept it
for so long?

I don't know, you tell me.

[laughs] you...

-Nice to have you home, honey.
-Thanks.

[instrumental music]

Whoa-oh...

[chuckles]

Excuse me! Oh.

[sobbing]

-Are you okay?
-I'm fine.

Can I help you with something?

I was interested in fostering
a dog for the holidays.

I had to close the rescue.
I just can't afford to run it.

Not enough donations,
and to be honest,

I don't have a head
for business.

So what happened
to all the animals?

The local vet
agreed to take them in.

I'm sure you could talk to him
about fostering.

He's on main street.

Okay. Thank you.

Hey.

It's gonna be okay.

[instrumental music]

[man 1] hey, merry christmas!

[man 2] merry christmas
to you as well!

[cats meowing]

-[dylan] stop that turtle!
-Oh.

-Uh, uh...
-Thank you.

I don't know
how this one keeps getting away.

Annie?

-Annie blake?
-Dylan hawkes?

Wow! You, you look great.

I-I mean,
you always looked great. Uh...

Uh, I haven't, um, seen you

Since our last debate
in high school.

Right. Was king arthur a real
historical figure or a myth?

-Which I won.
-Won?

-Is it opposites day?
-Same old mature dylan.

No, you were
in the historical team

And the myth team
served you a crushing defeat.

I don't remember it that way.

Then you remember it
the incorrect way.

Why is it that we've never been
able to look at each other

Without arguing? I remember
getting into it with you...

Over what's the best way
to eat an oreo.

You have to dunk it in milk,
obviously.

Split it in half,
lick the insides.

Save the chocolate for last.

Myth.

-What are you doing here?
-Right.

I wanna foster a dog.

Do you know
if the veterinarian is here?

Yeah. You're looking at him.

This is my clinic, and,
apparently, also my shelter.

[cat meows]

It was really nice of you
to take in all these animals.

Yeah, I don't really have room
for all of them here,

But the alternative
was to send them

Into the shelter in the city.

And that wouldn't give them
much of a chance.

Why doesn't that cat
have any fur?

-He has issues.
-Oh, yeah.

Look, I'm kind of busy.
You want to see some dogs?

-Dogs.
-Dogs.

Okay.

That is rocket and banjo.

-And... Oh, no.
-Hi.

-I'm missing farley.
-Hi, buddy.

-Hey.
-Farley! Here, here, boy.

Oh. How small is this dog?

Small, pocket-sized.

I got him.

Hi, farley, come here.
Here, buddy, come on.

[gasps]
oh, my goodness.

[gibberish]

Um, he's really cute.

[door chimes chiming]

Oh. Hi, mrs. Samuels.

Hi. Uh, I'll be out in a second.

-I really need to...
-I know, I know.

I'm gonna pick one. Um...

Well, um...

-[squeals] I'll take all three.
-Excuse me?

I just can't pick one. I mean,
they're so cure, look at them.

Okay, well, great!
Uh, do you need leashes?

I need everything if I'm gonna
get them adopted in two weeks.

Seriously? Two weeks?

Yeah, that's how long I'm home
for the holidays.

But it's right before christmas.

And I know that because
I already ate the chocolate

For December 16th.

Chocolate advent calendars
are for children.

Listen,
it's the end of the year.

I think the last thing
on people's minds

Is adopting a stray pet. Um...

-I just don't think that--
-I can do it? Hm.

You don't know me very well.

Say hello to your new mom.

You wanna get some walky,
do you?

[gibberish]

-[instrumental music]
-here we go.

Good boys. Come on.

That's it, over here.

Okay.

Here we go. Come on, come on,
that's it. Come on.

Aunt claire.

[humming]

[claire laughs]

Oh, that's what I love
about you, annie.

You always go big.

Uh, meet rocket,
banjo and farley.

I hope you don't mind.
I just couldn't pick one.

[chuckles] not at all.

I love... Dogs.

I thought you said
you weren't allergic anymore.

I'm not. It's just...

[claire sneezes]

-Pollen.
-Pollen?

Oh, you love food,
you hate food.

And you like
christmas ornaments.

Stay.

-Lay down.
-[dog barks]

[chuckles] well, sit.

No? Okay. High five. Do nothing.

You guys are such good little...

Okay, you're gonna do it,
I'm gonna close my eyes.

I'm gonna open them. Stay, stay.

[gasps] rocket, get down here.

[laughs] you...

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[dogs barking]

[annie]
would you like to adopt a dog?

Hi!

My number's just there.

Hi! Would you like to adopt
a dog for the holidays?

[gasps]
oh, my god, he's so cute.

Yes. He looks so cute.

For the holidays. Yeah.

Would you like to adopt a dog?

[sighs]

[cat meowing]

Dog training?

How to teach your dog to talk.
No way!

-Dogs a little unruly?
-No!

Not at all.
No, um, little angels.

I was just here to drop off
my adoption flyers.

I thought that you could
hand them out to your clients.

Sure.

-These are great!
-Thanks. I hope they work.

I've blocked out
the whole day tomorrow

To interview potential adopters.

The whole day?

Mm-hmm.

Uh, I'm just...
I'm, I'm gonna go.

-Nice to see you.
-Yes. Mm-hmm.

Hey.

Forgot your book.

I won't, I won't need it.

See you. Bye!

[dogs barking]

[door opens]

I hope you don't mind them
on the couch.

Not at all.

Mi furry casa, su furry casa.

[chuckles] I see you found
the christmas pajamas.

You mean, the ones that were on
my bed with a label that said,

"wear these?"

[chuckles]

What are you doing up so late?

I'm trying to finish my report
on the school.

But I found a library
in wisconsin that's gonna donate

All of its extra books and send
them all the way to nepal.

And how did you do that?

I found that people
are really good deep down.

It's just about connecting them
with a cause they believe in.

Your mom
would be so proud of you.

Thanks. So what do you think?

I couldn't find
any sample adoption applications

I liked online,
so I decided to make my own.

"what's your favorite book?

What's your greatest memory
with an animal?

If you could make one change
in the world, what would it be?

What historical character
do you most identify with?"

Whatever happened to
"is your yard fenced?"

-That's on page five.
-Oh.

I just wanna find
the perfect home for these dogs.

They've been through a lot.

[claire] I'll drink to that.

Cheers.

[sneezes] I'm fine. Remind me
to dust the room tomorrow.

I'll drink to that upstairs.

Mi furry casa, su furry casa.

Thanks, aunt claire.

[instrumental music]

-Morning.
-Morning.

You think a, a dog
will help you meet girls?

Yeah.

So you need a model
for your dog couture?

You want to practice parenting
a dog before you have a baby?

And then you want to give
the dog back after you've had

The baby? Really?

So you wanna rent a dog
for a date

To-to try and win
your boyfriend back?

You want this little dog
to help you herd sheep?

That's what you wanna do?

[sighs]

Oh, that bad, huh?

I just wanna find a good home
for these dogs.

Maybe I need to make
an application, you know,

To sort out all the riff-raff.

-Don't you mean ruff-ruff?
-Oh.

[laughs] maybe a mistletoe mocha
will help you feel better.

Yes. Please. Extra sprinkles.

Whoa. I, I thought
I ordered no sprinkles.

Uh, this is annie's.
This is yours.

-What's wrong with sprinkles?
-What's right with sprinkles?

It's called the mistletoe mocha.

Without the sprinkles,
it's just a mocha.

Hm, what's the mint then,
if not, symbolic of mistletoe?

Garnish.

So you two know each other?

-Yeah, we're friends.
-Friends?

We were on the debate team
together.

Which is where
we became friends.

No, that's where
we debated each other.

Oh, yeah, that's right.

-You had some great debates.
-Mm-mm.

You shouldn't bring them up,
I won

Most of them
and it's a sore spot for annie.

-Mm.
-So how are the adoptions going?

-Great. Remy.
-Terrible. What?

Dylan doesn't think I can get
the dogs adopted in two weeks.

-Oh, I didn't say that.
-You implied it.

And I told him
he doesn't know me very well.

-[cell phone ringing]
-annie blake.

Oh, you're interested
in adopting rocket?

[stacy] yeah.
When I can meet him?

-[annie] wait, I can hear you.
-I can hear you.

-Hello?
-Hello.

[laughs] hi.

You were saying...

-Stacy!
-Stacy.

-S... Annie.
-Oh. Yeah.

[both laughing]

[stacy] so, saver of dogs
everywhere.

[laughs] I don't know
about everywhere.

I'm just fostering some dogs
while I'm home for the holidays.

-Some?
-Three.

-And you don't live here?
-No. Just home for the holidays.

Most people stuff themselves
full of candy canes and turkey

While they're home
for christmas.

But I'm guessing
you're not like most people.

I can be a little type a.

Then we'll get along just great.
I'm a big type a.

When would you like
to meet rocket?

Now let's see,
I own the crossfit gym in town,

So I have
a pretty busy schedule.

Uh, I've got an early class
in the morning,

Followed
by a private training session.

-How about 9:00 at the dog park?
-Sounds good. I know the one.

-Just sent you a calendar alert.
-Perfect.

Rocket and I will see you there
tomorrow morning at 9 a.M.

Sharp.

Yes!

Perfect.

[instrumental "deck the hall"]

[dogs barking]

[chittering]

Who's a good dog?
Who's a dog? Oh.

Rocket's a good boy!
Ooh, I love him!

I think the feeling is mutual.

-Got a present for you.
-Whoa, you got a good arm.

Yeah, captain
of the softball team at the gym.

-Would you excuse me?
-Sure.

Aunt annie, farley has to go
to the bathroom.

Well, put him down
on the ground.

-She refuses.
-He doesn't like the dog park.

-Too many dogs.
-The dog training book says...

To help him get used to as many
situations as possible

So he builds confidence.

"a confident dog
is an adoptable dog."

-You've been studying.
-You know me.

I love a good how-to book.

-It's okay, farley.
-[farley whines]

[annie] that's it, farley.

So how's the meet and greet?

Great so far.
Stacy's over there with rocket.

-Wow!
-[grunting]

That woman
has some serious skills.

I think rocket might have found
his match.

-[remy] oh!
-Banjo!

Aunt annie, santa should adopt
banjo and farley.

-They really like him.
-That's weird.

They're usually shy
with strangers.

I'm sorry about that. It must be
something about the suit.

He must think
you're a big red dog.

You mean, like clifford?

Oh, it's you.

Is that any way
to talk to santa?

-What are you doing here?
-It was gary's idea.

We're raising money for
the cats and dogs in my clinic.

And, honestly, I think he just
wanted to wear an elf costume.

Rocket just beat me
in the 100-yard dash,

And that's saying something.

Well, he lives up to his name,
for sure.

I'm really interested
in adopting him.

What's the next step?

I'll email you an application.

Okay. Get back to you tomorrow.

-See ya, buddy.
-[annie chuckles]

I think she's one of those
people that only need,

Like, two hours of sleep.

Yeah, I'm getting tired
just watching her.

Ho, ho, ho! Merry christmas!

Hey, I know you.

Yes, I'm fostering some dogs.

That's cause for a celebration.

How about a photo
on santa's lap?

-What? No.
-She won't do it.

Aunt annie, don't be shy.
Let's both do it.

You work for a non-profit.

You know
every little bit counts.

-How much is it?
-Five dollars.

-Fine.
-Uh-uh.

-Per dog.
-Santa's lap awaits.

-Say meow-y christmas.
-I won't.

-What? You don't like christmas?
-Sure, when I was a kid.

Christmas is even more important
as an adult.

Everyone needs to feel
the joy of christmas.

And nobody wants an angry elf.

Three, two, one!

[all] meow-y christmas.

[instrumental music]

[dan] just the girl
I wanted to see.

That snow-person
isn't going to build itself.

Excuse me?

Fifteen minutes
to the snowman competition

In the park.
I've reserved our snowman.

Uh, well, I reserved
our pile of snow.

That's today?
I'm still finishing my report.

Plus, I gotta train these dogs

And work
on their social-media campaign.

I'm just not on track.

And I need another candidate
by this afternoon

Or I won't meet my deadline.

Honey, deadlines,
campaigns, reports.

It's christmas time.

You should be using words like
gingerbread and tinsel.

I'm just trying to help,
you know?

I know you are.

I just like to see you more.
You're not staying with me.

It just feels like...

I'm very proud of you.

[cell phone ringing]

Annie blake. Sorry.

You're interested in adopting
banjo? Awesome.

[instrumental music]

[annie] yes. No, I can be there.

Got an avocado taco
with santa sauce

And a side of truffle oil chips.

Merry christmas, santa.

Hey there.
What can I get for you today?

I'm looking for jake.
My name's annie.

I'm fostering a dog
he called about.

I'm jake.

-Is that banjo?
-Sure is.

[jake] banjo,
what's good, my dude?

Um, hey, can you
take over for me? Thanks.

Come on, buddy. Good boy.

-Can I pet him?
-Sure.

-[jake chuckling]
-aww. He likes you.

Or he likes
whatever's on my hand.

Oh, which reminds me.

I made you a dog bone.

You made that?

It does look pretty good,
if I do say so myself.

But taste is what
really matters.

Banjo here
is my first customer.

-Hm.
-I think he likes it.

Oh, he likes a lot of things,
including christmas ornaments,

Throw pillows, shoes
and my favorite socks,

Which I'm still not ready
to talk about.

See how the leash is slack
like that? That's good.

That means he's not straining
keeping pace with you.

Good boy, banjo.

Also, you want to say
specifically what it is

That he's doing that you like.

Instead of just saying
"good boy," you say "good walk."

Got it. Good boy, banjo.

I'm kind of nervous.
I never walked a dog before.

-Never?
-[jake] yeah.

We grew up on a farm,
so we always had dogs,

But they were like loose,
you know, herding cattle,

Chasing sheep,
annoying chickens.

So you grew up on a farm
and you have a vegan food truck

In north haven,
the town of butter and bacon?

You'd be surprised.

People here are more open-minded
than you think.

I'm currently working
on a vegan christmas cake.

My sister, remy, makes the best
christmas cake in new England.

Ten-thousand sticks of butter
in it, though.

-Wait.
-My mom's recipe.

Wait. Your sister is the famous
remy from remy's coffee bar?

-The one and only.
-[laughs] small world.

Well, small town.

Well, I better
get back to the truck.

Fill out that form for banjo!

[instrumental music]

What do you think, buddy?
You like him?

[music continues]

-Oh, hi, stacy.
-Hey. Hey.

I filled out
the application, um,

I took the liberty
of adding a couple of questions

I thought might be useful,
plus some references.

Wow! Okay.
I can't wait to read it.

Your sister is a trip.

I don't think she realizes
it's christmas.

I don't think she does either.

-Poor dad.
-Poor annie.

I'll see you out there, okay?

-Hey, annie.
-Hey.

I have two, count 'em, two very
good candidates for the dogs.

Great. Good for you.

I'm sensing a tone.
That's unlike you.

It's just that I thought
you were here to see us,

You know, your family.

I'm staying at aunt claire's

And I'm looking at you
right now.

You totally flaked on dad today.

I know, but, like,
snowman-building?

That's not the point. The point
is to spend time with dad.

He's been planning your visit
forever, counting the days.

I know, but snowman-building?

We used to do it every year
as kids.

I know.

It's just, christmas things
that we did with mom,

Well, those are the things
that dad keeps insisting on.

You know
what a christmas guy he is.

And he wants to keep
her memory alive.

-I know he does.
-[remy] well, do you, though?

I, I just can't bear
to see him without her.

Is that why you haven't
been home in three years?

I miss mom, too.

You're acting like
you're trying to avoid us.

Dad just wants to be
close to you again. We all do.

Okay.

I'll fix it.

Great. Well, you can start
by giving me a hand with this.

Where are we taking them?

May I present to you
nog on a log.

So everyone brings a log
and then they drink eggnog?

-Bingo.
-[chuckles] only in north haven.

-Oh. Ah.
-Annie!

-You made it to nog on a log!
-Wouldn't miss it for the world.

-Did you bring a log?
-No, I brought a dog.

-Does your dog like to jog?
-In a fog?

So this is a rhyming event?

Oh, it does sort of bring out
the dr. Seuss in all of us.

We're already out of eggnog
and that's no yoke.

Iris, let's go
and get some refills.

-Can you hand these out for me?
-Uh, sure.

Thank you. Let's go.

[claire laughing]

Oh, great.
Excuse me, I-I-I gotta go.

Annie.

Annie, if I didn't know better,

I'd think you were trying
to hide from me.

I am trying to hide from you.

-We always argue. See?
-No, we don't.

What you call arguing, I call
friends teasing each other.

Hi. Adopt a cat for christmas?

-There you go.
-Thank you.

What are those?

I'm getting some dogs
and cats adopted.

And you got the idea
for the flyers from me.

Uh, you didn't invent the flyer.

Can I see it?

-Huh. It's okay.
-I think it's cute.

I think you need
an application form as well.

Hm. Yeah, I'm gonna follow
my instincts.

-Uh... Okay, see her?
-Yeah?

[dylan] she's single,
and she likes kids,

But doesn't want them yet.

See the way she's playing
with her friend's baby,

But not holding it?

If she had baby fever,
she'd be holding that baby.

I'm guessing from her shoes
that she's a professional,

She probably works in town,

Which means she won't be home
during the day,

Which means a cat would be
perfect for her.

Watch this.

Hi. Sorry to interrupt.

Uh, have you ever considered
owning a cat?

[indistinct chatter]

-I see you got her number.
-Huh?

Oh, yeah, for snowball.

She's gonna come by tomorrow.

Impressive. How'd you learn
how to do that?

It's the holidays.

You know, christmas brings out
the best in people.

So that's why
you're a christmas person?

Yeah, that and the fact
that my mom and I

Moved here just before it
when I was 14.

Honestly, I hated it.

I thought
I was the cool kid from boston

And I didn't wanna move
to some dinky small town.

-And I missed my dad.
-[girl] happy holidays.

He was in the army.

So why do you like christmas if
it reminds you of a bad memory?

'cause it reminds me of
all my memories, good and bad.

They're all a part of me, and I,
I don't wanna forget that.

Think christmas helps you feel
all the feels, you know?

[laughs] man, if you had a tail,
you'd wag it.

-Yeah, like, all the time!
-[annie laughs]

Oh. I see another candidate.
Gotta go.

[indistinct chatter]

Oh. Thank you.

-Cheers.
-Cheers.

[instrumental music]

-Oh, hi. Merry christmas.
-To you, too.

[indistinct chatter]

Okay, historical figure
I most identify with? Bruce lee.

-I totally see that.
-Thanks.

He loved flippin' around as much
as I do. Plus, he wore black.

When I left the military, I was
so used to wearing a uniform,

Didn't know how to dress.
Black's easy.

And more importantly,
easy to keep clean.

-[annie chuckles]
-am I interrupting?

I'm so sorry. Uh, uh,
it'll just be two seconds.

I'm, I'm sorry, I thought
that you were just gonna

Hand me the application,
I didn't realize we were gonna

Discuss it, which is great,
don't get me wrong,

It's just I promised my dad
that I would go

Christmas shopping with him.
I didn't want to be rude.

That's not rude. It's direct.

And one
of my favorite qualities,

As you can see here
on page four.

[instrumental music]

I've got the popcorn maker
for william.

Remy wants bath bombs.
I don't know what those are.

I can help.

-See anything you like?
-[annie] dad...

What?
Uh, you're on my list, too.

You know how I feel
about christmas presents.

If you really wanna get me
something, you can make

A donation
to the helping initiative.

But I want you to open something

Under the christmas tree.

[sighs]

How about that one?

That would look
so pretty on you.

-[dan] it's--
-rose quartz.

The heart stone.

[dan] your mom's favorite.

I just realized I haven't, um,

Walked the dogs in a couple
of hours. I, I gotta go.

I will help you find something
for iris later, I promise.

Okay, sure. Uh, you okay?

Yeah.

[sniffles]

[annie] okay, we're walking,

We're walking.

We're walking.

We're walking
and we're stopping.

[gasps]

Yes! You stopped when I asked!

Oh, my god,
I gotta get a picture of this.

[dog barking in distance]

Ooh, hey, hey,
we were doing so well.

Come here.
Uh, uh, uh. Come here.

And you can come up.

Hello, hello.

-[dylan chuckles]
-[chuckles]

Whistling is the only
dog-training tool you need.

Randomly whistling at a dog
is not dog training.

[laughs] by what definition?

-It's not in any of the books.
-Oh, I don't go by books.

-I go by... Yeah.
-Yeah, instincts.

-Okay. I got it. Thanks.
-Here.

[sighs] I gotta go.

Looks like we're heading
in the same direction.

I'm on my lunch break,
so I thought I'd walk mabel

And hand out some flyers.

Come on.

Oh, she's really cute.

Is anybody interested
in adopting her?

Oh, no, no, no, no, no,
she's mine.

Someone left her at the clinic
a couple of years ago

And she's been my co-pilot
ever since.

Oh. I found a home for snowball.

-The woman from nog on a log?
-The very same.

She runs the nail salon in town.

And, apparently, snowball
is going to work every day.

That's great, dylan, really.

Now I just need a home
for five kittens,

The hairless cat now known
as bigglesworth, and jerry.

-Jerry? Oh.
-The turtle.

Know any turtle-lovers
or crazy cat ladies?

Hm.

-A little help here!
-[dylan chuckles]

Can I ask what it is
that you're doing?

I'm late for the craft fair.

Set-up started half an hour ago
and I couldn't get this

Gosh-darn santa
out of the attic.

[exhales]

Why does santa have to go
to the craft fair?

He's my earring display. See?

-Ta-da!
-Santa with body piercings.

-I love it.
-Aunt claire, meet dylan.

-He's the town--
-town vet.

Small town, dear.
Everybody knows everybody.

You two friends now?

-No.
-Yeah.

[claire laughs]

Well, it's nice to see you

Up close.

Do you want help
getting him in there?

No, I got it. You can go back
to handing out flyers.

Annie, if somebody o-offers
help, let them help.

[whispers] especially
if that someone is cute.

[whispers] he's not that cute.

I can hear you, you know?

♪ what is it about christmas

♪ I'm fa-la la-la falling

♪ the snow is coming down but

♪ there's still
an old flame burning ♪

Claire, you made all these?

Well, last year
I retired from teaching

And, uh, had a little spare time
on my hands.

Yeah, I can see that.

Annie gets her busy nature
from me.

She and I can never sit still.

-When she was a little girl--
-okay, stop right there.

I don't know
what you're about to say,

But it's probably embarrassing.

Excuse me, this is my story.

[chuckles] one time

She found a baby bird

That had fallen out of its nest

And she insisted
on bringing it home to my place.

I kept telling her,
"baby birds are terrible.

You have to feed them every
two hours, all night long."

And she kept saying,
"I've got this, aunt claire."

So that night
I decided to check on her

Around about 3 a.M.,

And there she was, wide awake,

Writing a how-to-care-
for-baby-birds book.

[claire laughs]

The baby bird
was fast asleep on her lap.

Annie has always helped everyone
and everything.

That's just annie.

-[iris] aunt annie!
-There's my favorite niece.

-I'm your only niece, silly.
-Oh, that's right.

[claire] iris, I've got a spot
for you all set up.

I brought an earring kit.
Can you help me make earrings?

Oh, squish monster,
I wish I could,

But I have to go see a man
about banjo.

-I can help.
-[claire] oh, well.

-Come right around here.
-You know how to make earrings?

No, but I can take directions.

I remember you. You're santa.

No, just one of his helpers.
Today you can call me dylan.

-Are you sure about this?
-Positive.

You go find a home for banjo.

I'll look after rocket
and farley while you're gone.

Okay. Thanks. Iris, you good?

Okay, dylan, you're gonna
stand over there

And I'm gonna pass you
the thread.

[dylan] yes, ma'am.

♪ and fa-la la-la ♪

[iris] and then...

♪ someday I'm gonna tell you

Okay, close your eyes.

Jake, I'm just here to pick up
your application.

Yeah, first,
just close your eyes.

My sister told me
to close my eyes

Once and she put a bug
in my mouth.

I'm not gonna put a bug
in your mouth. I'm vegan.

Come on, just close your eyes.

-Come on, come on.
-[exhales]

Open.

Oh.

It's, uh, white-chocolate mousse
with candy cane and mint glaze.

Try it.

It...

Hm, hm, it's amazing.

-And it's actually vegan.
-Vegan.

[laughs]

Oh, and that bone I gave banjo
had kale in it.

-Hm?
-Shh. Don't tell him.

You should put that on your
application. "makes dog bones."

[sighs] uh, yeah,
um, about that,

I haven't actually
filled it out yet.

Sorry, it's just,
I work 18-hour days

And I really hate
filling out paperwork

And, I mean,
it's a lot of paperwork.

-Hm.
-It's like a novel.

A short story at most.

I just wanna make sure
you two are a good match.

We are. Look how cute
we look together.

Fine, I'll give you
a second chance

As long as I can get
one of these to go.

I have a friend
who really likes mint.

I'm on it.

-Something wrong?
-Yeah.

I just got a call
from the county.

Apparently, I'm not allowed
to have that many dogs and cats

At my clinic because
I'm not officially a pet rescue.

Oh, no. That's no good.
Well, what's your plan?

I don't know. I've got to meet
an official there now.

Can I talk to you
at your aunt's house later?

Of course.

[dan] you did all this?
[annie] what's wrong?

So you built a school
in a mountain village

With no electricity.

You brought in solar power,
all the building materials,

Got the books donated

And then set up a fund
to pay the teachers

And now 120 kids
all the way across the world

Are learning to read
for the first time?

Is it confusing?
I can change it.

No, no, it's not confusing.

I don't think they should
make you project manager.

I think they should make you
president of the free world.

[chuckles] thanks, dad.

Okay, so should I send it?

This report could mean
my promotion.

Yes. Send it.

[sighs]

Let's celebrate with a drink.

It's a little early in the day
for cider, don't you think?

-I'm feeling reckless.
-[door opens]

I sold 23 pairs of earrings!

-What? That's amazing.
-[laughing]

-[sighs]
-care to join us?

I need something stronger.
Add cinnamon.

Claire, where do you want this?

In the attic. Uh,
top of the stairs to your right.

Thanks, dylan.

[claire sighs]

You two friends now?

He is adorable

And single.

So why don't you go out
with him?

Because he doesn't look at me
the way he looks at you.

-Which is?
-Smitten.

-Please.
-[chuckles]

Well, I just call it
how I see it.

Do you think dylan wants cider?

[dylan] absolutely.
[dan] four mugs coming up.

[dylan] thanks.

Oh, can I talk to you
for a minute?

-Sure.
-I'll take farley.

-[sneezes] oh.
-Thanks.

Wow, there's a lot of pollen
in the air today.

-It's winter.
-Pollen never sleeps, annie.

[instrumental music]

[shuddering]

So the county gave me
until christmas eve

To relocate the dogs and cats,

Or they're gonna take them
to the shelter in the city.

-That's horrible.
-Yeah.

All those sweet animals...

-Sitting in cages...
-On christmas.

-We can't let that happen.
-No, we can't.

Does gary still own the barn?

Yeah, he was gonna sell it
after the holidays.

We have to get it back open.

[instrumental music]

-[gary sighs]
-something wrong?

Well, you know,
I'm not a great businessman,

But I'm not really
a great cleaner either.

I just left it like this
because I was thinking

I'd come back after christmas
and get the place ready

To sell in January.

I mean, who wants to clean
over christmas?

Gary, we're not going
to judge you.

I'm sure it's not as bad
as you think.

[annie coughs]

-It's worse.
-I know. It's a mess.

Well, let's take a look
at your books and see

What kind of a mess
you really are in.

[gary sighs]

It's more of a bag
than a book.

I-I was gonna go through these.

Yeah, yeah, after the holidays.

[instrumental music]

-What's the damage?
-I've seen worse.

-At least gary has receipts.
-Oh, yeah.

Most charities
don't even do that.

I helped a man set up
his flamingo sanctuary once.

I walked in and there was
a flamingo standing

On the dining-room table.

Cool. I've never treated
a flamingo.

[sighs] so it looks like gary
is up to date on his mortgage,

But behind on the day to day,
the food operation, electricity,

Transportation costs.

We need to raise about $10,000.

-[chuckles]
-I'm not kidding.

Oh. Wow. Okay. Uh, how?

Well, a bake sale
isn't gonna cut it.

We need an event,
a christmas event.

And north haven
has more christmas events

Than any place on earth.

What's an event that's missing?
An event-theme?

Well, we've already had

The snowman-making competition,
nog on a log...

You keep a list of
christmas events in your pocket?

I thought this was a safe space,
annie. Oh, no.

I completely forgot.
We-we've gotta go.

-Come on. Come on, come on.
-Why?

-We're gonna miss it!
-Where? Why?

♪ joy to the world

♪ the lord is come

♪ let earth receive her king

[panting] oh, the christmas tree
lighting ceremony? Seriously?

E-every single night
in December.

-Haven't missed one yet.
-[sighs] man...

This town's obsession
with christmas events is--

-The best, right?
-Hey.

Do you have anything fancy
on that list?

Uh, we don't really do fancy
in north haven.

-We do, like, l.L. Bean.
-Oh.

I just think it would make
our event unique, you know,

Get people talking.

Plus, everybody loves an excuse
to dress up,

Especially
if it's for a good cause.

Oh, you mean like cocktails,

Dancing, a-a band.

A christmas ball for animals.

A fur-ball.

Ooh, okay.

I woof you a merry christmas?

-Barks and beverages?
-Are you even trying?

Ah.

I got it. Santa paws.

Yes! Santa paws.

-Uh...
-Um, that's a great idea.

And we can, like, use
gary's rescue.

It's, uh, it's free.

-And a complete disaster.
-We can clean it up.

Me, you and what army?

The first rule of non-profits,
ask your family first.

Cruel. I like it.

So does this mean we're going
to be working together?

It's for a good cause.

As partners?

-Partners.
-Merry christmas, everybody!

Count me down! Ten...

[crowd] nine, eight,
seven, six...

Five, four, three...

Two... Make a wish.

[crowd] one!

Merry christmas! Ho-ho-ho!

[crowd cheering]

[santa] the magic of christmas
never ends at north haven.

[crowd cheering]

♪ let every heart
prepare him room ♪

♪ and heaven and heaven
and nature sing ♪

[remy] so you wanna have
santa paws on the 23rd?

[dylan] yeah.
And today is the 21st.

[annie] yup.
[claire] well...

There's only one thing
that can help us.

[dan] a lot more people?
[gary] a magic wand?

-[claire] christmas music.
-[dog barks]

-[christmas music on phone]
-ta-da!

[laughter]

♪ I can't wait for christmas

♪ candle lights
on the christmas tree ♪

I should've warned you
about my family.

-I think they're great.
-[chuckles]

♪ santa company ♪

♪ I can't wait for christmas

♪ I feel the magic in the air

♪ it's the greatest time
and it's yours and mine ♪

♪ you can see it
in every way... ♪

[dan] better.
[annie] it's getting there.

I asked jim
at the hardware store

If he could give us a discount
on some paint.

He said he could do
even better than that.

I love it.

I got the decorations
from my house.

[chuckles] I could use some help
bringing them in.

-At your service.
-Oh.

Oh.

These are all yours?

These are my spare decorations.

I thought I was the only one
with a house

Full of christmas decorations.

I bet, between the two of us,

We'll have everything
we need for the party.

Hey, I have the same mrs. Claus.

-[chuckles]
-which one should we use?

-Both.
-Both.

[chuckles]

Uh, you can call me claire.

You can call me gary.

Color. What about this?

Red, it's my favorite.

♪ ooh-ooh-ooh

♪ merry christmas baby

You know,
this purple isn't so bad.

Once we add colorful
christmas lights to it,

It's gonna look just like--

Free donated paint.

-[chuckles]
-[cell phone chimes]

Oh, the invitations are ready
at the printers'.

-They look incredible.
-[chuckles] yeah.

Oh, you've got some paint
on your cheek.

-Here.
-Here?

Oh. Hold on.
You're making it worse.

[stacy] annie, I know
I was scheduled to walk rocket

And I'm almost two minutes late.

[annie] I'm sorry,
I just can't forgive you.

-Uh, uh...
-Joke! It was a joke. Sorry.

Of course.

-[dog barks]
-I'm sorry about that.

I'm still teaching him
about not jumping.

Well, it's not a problem.
I can pick off the hair.

So we need a christmas tree,
there are still some left

At the tree lot
down by the taxi depot.

I've to get
the table and chairs.

I still have to organize
catering.

Yeah, I've gotta see patients
at the clinic. Um...

Um, why don't I meet you
at the tree lot

And we can, like,
pick a tree out together?

Right. Like we're ever gonna
pick the same tree.

I will take him for a walk
in just a sec.

Great.

Jake, I know you're hiding.

You haven't filled out
your application.

[instrumental music]

[sighs] sorry. It's just...

We've been really busy here.
How can I make it up to you?

Donate food for santa paws.

And fill out that application!

[man] how about this tree?
All right.

[dylan] this might take a while.

They're gonna wanna sniff
every single tree.

I don't blame 'em.

-[chuckles] what about this one?
-Mm-mn.

[woman] oh, my god.
Merry christmas.

You know, it's really nice
to walk a dog.

It's a great excuse
to take a break and get outside.

Yeah.

You know, there's some pretty
good hikes around north haven.

We could show you if you like.

We'd love that.
Wouldn't we, guys? Right!

-You're getting attached.
-No.

They're gonna find wonderful
homes, and that's what matters.

You know,
you can always adopt them.

I can't,
ever since I started working

At the helping initiative,

I have never lived in one place
for longer than six months.

Is that hard?

Yeah.

But the work is important to me

And I love to see the world.

Me, too.

"we must take adventures
to know where we truly belong."

-Wow! Did you write that?
-No.

-I saw it in a cafe in thailand.
-You've been to thailand?

Why is that so hard to believe?

Because
you're mr. Small-town guy.

Just because I love north haven
doesn't mean

I melt
when I cross the city line.

-[chuckles]
-this is my home.

I've always wanted to raise
a family here.

-Find anything yet?
-Phil? What are you doing here?

I own the place,
and I'm the local cab driver

And I'm president of the
ukulele club among other things.

[phil] small town.
People here wear many hats.

So...

-How about this one?
-Mm.

Wow.

It's beautiful, but probably
out of our price range.

-Don't be silly. It's free.
-Really?

William told me what you all are
up to, helping those animals.

It's a real good thing
you're doing.

Thanks, phil.

And you're cordially invited
to santa paws.

Well, that sounds purr-fect.

Meow-y christmas.

[instrumental music]

-Where am I?
-[chuckles]

Gary and I understand
that you need elbow grease

To do anything.

[chuckles] you guys,
this is unbelievable.

Thank you.

So I have the catering
lined up, the drinks donated

And I thought that we could
hang this up out front.

Ta-ta-da-ta!

-It's beautiful.
-Absolutely wonderful!

Is, uh, dylan around?

It's a crafter-noon
at the animal clinic.

It's what now?

[instrumental music]

[meowing]

[door opens]

[door shuts]

Crafter-noon!

Ah, now it all makes sense.

So I thought
we could decorate the trees

With pictures of the animals
that are up for adoption.

So I've got pictures of animals,
a hot glue gun

And these red and green
twirly things.

-Pipe cleaners?
-Exactly.

-That's what I said.
-[chuckles]

Then at santa paws

Guests can pick ornaments
of available animals

And gary can help them
with the adoption process.

Are you sure you've never worked
for non-profits?

I learnt from the best.

[instrumental music]

[annie] I've just gotta
stick the eyes on bigglesworth

And then I'm done.

-What do you think?
-Needs more glitter.

You gotta make up
for the lack of fur on the cat.

So how did you get
into the world of non-profits?

What made you wanna do that
for a living?

My mom, really.

She was just
such a natural care-giver.

She was a full-time nurse,
had two little kids

Who had time to volunteer,

Making quilts
for the retirement home.

You know,
every winter she would ask me

Which one of the kids at school
couldn't afford a winter coat

And then she'd compile a list
and get to school early

And hang a brand-new winter coat
on the hooks

Outside the classroom,
completely anonymous.

[dylan] she sounds amazing.

She was.

It's getting late. I better go.

I-I'll walk you home.

[owl hooting]

[annie] see you in the morning,
partner.

[dylan] see you in the morning.

Hey. I had a great time tonight.

Me, too.

[mellow music]

Come on, mabel. Let's go.

[sighs]

[music continues]

-[wind howling]
-[intense music]

[barking]

-[dog barking]
-[gasps]

No, no, no...

Oh. My alarm didn't go off.

Oh, the power got knocked out
because of all this wind.

I only woke up because I nearly
froze to death in my bedroom.

I made some cowboy coffee
over the fire.

Apologies in advance, probably
more grounds than coffee.

-Want some?
-No.

I've gotta go find out if the
rest of the town has lost power.

Today is santa paws!
This can't be happening!

-[wind howling]
-[gary panting]

I thought for a second I was
gonna blow off the porch. Oh.

What's going on with the power?
Is it just our block?

No, that's why I'm here.

The wind knocked
the power line down

Right past the entrance of town.

North haven is completely dark.

[wind howling]

[door chimes chiming]

Dylan. Everything
all right in here?

Yeah, I-I got a call
from the county.

If we can't get the animals
out of here by morning,

They're gonna come get them.

Wait, you can't let that happen.

I'm mostly worried about jerry.

-He doesn't do cold.
-Okay, uh...

Can I go check on the animals
upstairs?

-Great. Grab the blankets.
-Okay.

[animals whining]

[panting]

Oh.

Hey, guys.

I know it's cold.
The power is out.

Hey, bigglesworth. Oh...

Hey. You poor thing. Oh.

It's gonna be okay. I promise.

-[dramatic music]
-[wind howling]

[door chimes chiming]

[annie] dylan, I've got an idea.

[dylan panting]

-Oh.
-Nice weather we're having.

Looks like we're going to have
to cancel santa paws.

-You can't fight mother nature.
-No.

-We're not canceling.
-Yes.

-Yeah. What she said.
-In my job...

A little wind is nothing.
And a hurricane, an earthquake?

-Then we'll talk.
-So what's the plan?

Well, first thing we need to do
is warm this place up

So we can bring
the animals over.

Dad, how many generators
can we round up?

-I'll see what I can do.
-Aunt claire, gary.

We need as many blankets
as we can find.

-I've got some in my attic.
-Me, too.

I already made a dozen loaves
of fruitcake for dessert,

But we can't cook anything
if there's no power.

Well, I-I've got a grill.
We could grill stuff.

I've got a grill, too.

-Grill-off?
-Oh, you're on.

Iris and I'll go and get
grill supplies.

And candles.
We need a lot of candles.

We need to get out there
and spread the word

That santa paws
is still happening.

-Great.
-Yes!

Let's do it!

Lucky it's a small town, huh?

[instrumental music]

[wind howling]

Santa paws is still on tonight.
Please come along.

-We'd love to see you.
-Thank you.

Please come along.

Santa paws is still on tonight.

[woman] thanks.
[annie] yes.

What is that?

Thanks.

Thanks so much.

All right. Oh, beautiful.

[annie chuckles]
it's still on.

Still on.

Thank you so much. Fantastic.

Hello. Look at you.

[claire] so beautiful.

-Thank goodness, it's over.
-Yo.

How crazy was that storm.

Jake, I didn't know you were
gonna bring the whole truck.

I thought you were just gonna
donate some food.

Yeah, I'm an all or nothing
kind of guy.

I'm sorry this is all happening
right now.

I'm sure you'd rather be
spending time with your family.

-I mean, it's christmas.
-I am.

There's my dad,
my mom and my sister.

-Hi, nice to meet you.
-Hi, nice to meet you.

That's our christmas tree.
We wanted to donate it.

[gasps]

Jake, thank you.

[hammering]

Okay, gary.

Three, two, one!

[crowd gasping]

[crowd cheering]

[instrumental "we wish you
a merry christmas"]

I can't believe we did it.

-I can believe you did it.
-We did it.

Annie, do you wanna
come inside a minute?

There's an issue
with the christmas tree.

Sure.

It's missing an ornament.

[mellow music]

[sighs] it's mom.

I saw all the cute pet ornaments

And I asked dylan
if I could make one of my own.

Your mom
was always helping people

And now you're doing
the same thing.

I just wanted her
to be here somehow.

I hope you don't mind.

I love it.

I'm sorry I haven't been home
more, dad.

It's just, being home
reminds me so much of mom.

But I want that, you know?
I don't wanna forget her.

Forget her? You can't.

Your mother
is very much alive in you.

Oh! That reminds me.

I know you said no presents.

-Oh.
-But...

Dad.

Oh, dad.

[instrumental
"joy to the world"]

-There you go.
-Is that the best you can do?

-[sighs] mm.
-Thank you.

Thank you.

-One for you.
-There we go.

-[woman] how are you?
-Oh, my...

[indistinct chatter]

-What do you think?
-He's one of my favorites.

[music continues]

[gary] thank you so much.

-Oh, thank you so, so much.
-There you go. Happy holidays.

[music continues]

You look beautiful.

-May I have this dance?
-Of course.

You know, if you told me
that I would be wearing a suit

And dancing with
my debate nemesis annie blake,

I'd say you were crazy.

And if you told me that

I would be having
a wonderful christmas

In north haven, I would say
that you were crazy.

Christmas time and small towns.

There's really
no better combination.

Well, I might have to agree.

I can really see the appeal
of living here.

Really?

Really.

You know,
I've got a confession to make.

In high school I used to have
the biggest crush on you.

I only argued with you
so you'd talk to me.

Hi guys. Uh, so...

We just reached $10,000!

-What?
-[chuckles]

Hey, everyone,
it looks like, uh,

With all the donations
and the ticket sales,

We've reached our goal
of $10,000! The rescue is saved!

[cheering]

All right, everyone,
let's celebrate!

[upbeat music]

Let me take a picture
of you two.

Oh, here.

Okay. All right.

Here we go. Yes.

-Oh, beautiful.
-Can I see?

-Sure.
-Dylan. Come on, let's dance.

♪ choirs are singing
for the joy and happiness ♪

What? Did I cut
someone's head off?

[claire] I'm famous for that.

What's the matter?

You look like
you've seen a ghost.

Uh, I just got a message
from the helping initiative.

I got the promotion.

♪ oh yeah yeah yeah yeah

♪ it's christmas

You're going to costa rica?

They want me to start there
right after christmas.

But I, I get to have
a whole team, everything.

I get to pick a project
I'm passionate about, uh...

Right after christmas?

Wow. Wow.

Well, okay. I keep saying wow.

Look, um, but it's great news.

It's what you always wanted.

It's what I thought I wanted.

[indistinct chatter]

Dylan, I think
I'm going to adopt lucy.

[phil] can we have a look
at her?

-Uh, okay.
-Great.

Hey, we've already adopted
five animals tonight.

It's just incredible.

Well, you're looking
at the new project manager

For the helping initiative.

She's, uh, going to costa rica.

Wow! That's just amazing!

Could you excuse me?

Hey, so I was thinking
about shutting the grill down

And having a dance with my wife.

Think everyone's
had enough food?

Yeah, thank you, william.

Annie, you did
a really great thing tonight.

[sighs]

Hey, I'm leaving.

Got a crossfit
tomorrow at 5 a.M.

But I'll see you after
to pick up rocket?

-Sure.
-Yay.

[sighs]

I'm filling out my application.

I got my name, my address.

Uh, that's about it.
But it's a start.

Thanks for all your help
tonight, jake.

You know, I haven't seen
our town come together

For a good cause
in a long time.

-That's all on you, annie.
-[man 1] happy holidays.

[man 2] oh. Happy holidays.

[instrumental music]

[sighs]

♪ all I really want is you

Hey. Have you seen annie?

I think she went outside.

Probably making calls.
Celebrating.

Yeah, it's been
an amazing night, right?

No, not about that.

She got the job in costa rica,

The big promotion.

-[sighs] oh, she did?
-Yeah.

♪ all I really want is

Yeah.

-Hey.
-Hey.

I was just about to come in
and talk to you.

Yeah. About what? The promotion?

I heard. Congratulations.

-Uh, w-who?
-Gary.

But it's okay. Uh...

He and I
are gonna partner up here,

And it will be great
working with him.

We're all good now
because of you,

So don't hurry back.

I think you and I
made a pretty good team, too.

Yeah, but you're leaving.

Just like you always said
you would.

Listen, I-I just came out here
to say congratulations, so...

If I don't see you again,
goodbye.

[instrumental music]

Mm. Mm.

[groans]

Oh.

Hello. Good morning.

[mumbles]

Why is george walking across

The kitchen table?

-I adopted him.
-[annie gasps]

[claire chuckles]

Tsk. And watch.

Tu-tu-tu-tu-tu. See?

[annie] see what?

I'm not allergic to cats!
Isn't that hilarious?

Oh. So you're not allergic
to dogs or cats.

-Oh, you.
-[annie chuckles]

Merry christmas eve morning,
by the way.

I think that's how you say it.

You left the party without
saying goodbye last night.

Remy thought
that you'd started to pack.

I said,
"well, that sounds like annie."

No, I just wanted to leave
right after I talked to dylan.

Did you two have an argument?

Or I guess
that's what you call talking.

No, he just seemed
completely fine with me leaving.

Maybe he was just
being supportive.

It was like he didn't even care.
He said, "don't hurry back."

I was starting to think
he felt the same way about me.

As you do about him?

This is why
I'm married to my job.

Relationships are too hard.

Oh, sweetie...

You know, when frank died,

I never thought
I'd be with anyone else again.

I just shut myself off
from that part of my life.

I taught school,
went to crafting classes,

Made earrings,
lots and lots of earrings.

And then I met gary,

And he asked me out on a date
last night.

-He did? What...
-Mm.

What did you say?

Well, I said yes because, sure,

Relationships are complicated
and messy,

But they are worth it.

Love is always worth it.

You know, for two people who say
they can never get along,

You two
sure seem like soul mates.

Come on, lucy. Come on, girl.

-Annie, I'm walking lucy.
-Okay.

What a wonderful thing
you've achieved.

We all did this.
It was a team effort.

That's what
community building is.

Oh, community building needs a
leader and that's what you are.

All great accomplishments
start with that one person.

-Gandhi.
-[chuckles]

-Jane goodall.
-[chuckles] dad.

You're that person
for north haven.

Gary can be that person.

Annie, you know I'm a hot mess.

-Please stay.
-Gary, you got this.

Need a hand, squish monster?

Thanks, aunt annie.

You know, iris,

Did I ever tell you
that you're my favorite niece?

I'm your only niece.

And I don't want you to go.

[mellow music]

Mm.

[instrumental music]

So, today is the big day.

Yes, about that.

Finished it!

Well, I, um, I finished
most of it.

Uh, I lost one of the pages,

Then I spilled coffee
on another.

-It was a whole thing.
-So...

So, uh, about the-the dogs...

Um...

I've decided to keep them.

-[jake] oh. What?
-You can't be serious.

I really didn't mean
to string you along.

-We had an agreement.
-I know. And I'm sorry.

But here's the thing.

I don't think either of you are
a great match for these dogs.

Don't get me wrong,
you're great people,

And any animal would be lucky
to have you,

Just not these animals.

Jake, you work too much.

You said it yourself,
you work 18-hour days?

Oh, yeah, I do, but I have
mondays off sometimes.

You don't have time for a dog.

But have you ever considered
a turtle?

-[jake] I haven't.
-Meet jerry.

[jake] whoa. Whoa.

He would love it
if you would be his person.

He comes
with his own diy terrarium

That's pretty spectacular,
and a hat he refuses to wear.

-He's kind of awesome.
-[chuckles]

Yo. And he's vegan.

-I'll take him.
-And, stacy.

You love animals,
but you don't love animal hair.

Have you ever considered
a hairless cat?

May I present to you
bigglesworth.

-Whoa!
-[annie chuckles]

He's a totally amazing cat
that won't disturb

Any of your black clothes.

I do really hate getting fur
on my clothes and furniture.

I just thought that it was
something I needed to get over.

You don't have to get over
anything with bigglesworth.

[chuckles] I love him.

Oh, great!

You know, sometimes the answer
is right in front of you

And you just can't see it.

[iris] hey, granddad, what does
an elf study in school?

[dan] I don't know.
[iris] the elf-abet.

[iris and dan laughing]

[iris] thanks, mom.
[dan] there you are.

We've been waiting for you.

I wouldn't miss
christmas eve dinner

With my family
for anything in the world.

Wait, why are rocket and banjo
with you?

I thought
that today was adoption day.

It is.

I'm adopting them.

You are?

And I'm not going anywhere.

[instrumental music]

What about the promotion?

I realized I can make

The most difference right here.

I talked the helping initiative
into letting

My first project be
managing gary's animal rescue.

-I hope that's okay?
-I can't believe it.

Wow! Blow me away
with a feather.

That is
the best christmas present ever.

-Oh, stop. Oh!
-Mwah!

-[chuckling] you guys!
-Oh...

[all chuckling]

[indistinct chatter]

[chuckles]

[gasps] what's this?

Just open it.

[annie gasps]

You found it.

Tha-thank you.

[dan] oh, don't take
all the sweet potato.

I'm not. I'm just taking all
the marshmallows off the top.

-[dan] hey.
-[knocking on door]

I'll get it.

Hey.

Hey. Something wrong
with the animals?

Uh, no, no. Nothing's wrong
with the animals.

-Um...
-What's up?

Bigglesworth and stacy,
jerry and jake,

That was your handiwork, right?

I just thought
it was a better fit for them.

I'm keeping the dogs.

You're what?

Told you I'd find them
a perfect home in two weeks.

Great.

It's cheating, but it's great.

Only problem is you never
filled out an application.

-They're way too long.
-Sorry, rules are rules.

-Seriously?
-[chuckles]

First question.

-Who is your favorite author?
-Oh, uh...

Easy one. Anyone who writes
a how-to book.

You're always trying
to better yourself.

You're like a constant student.

Next question.

Who is your inspiration?

Your mom.

You've got her generous spirit

Her joy for living.

Important question.

Do you have any pet allergies?

[chuckles] no, but I've noticed

That dogs do something
to your voice.

[laughs]

Two more.

If you could change one thing
in the world, what would it be?

And I've got two answers
for this.

One, end all suffering.

True. What's the second?

Make green sprinkles mandatory
on mistletoe mochas.

Which would end all suffering.

Last question.

What's your greatest wish?

No. What's your greatest wish?

My greatest wish in the world...

Is that you would be with me.

You know,
someone once told me that

"we must take adventures
to know where we truly belong."

They sound wise.

So you're staying?

No.

I'm just not going anywhere.

[instrumental music]

-[iris chuckling]
-[claire] oh.

[gary] oh.

-Merry christmas.
-Merry christmas.

[chuckling]

♪ white lights starry night

♪ making angels in the snow

♪ fairy tales and tailbacks

♪ come meet me
under the mistletoe ♪

♪ another year another dream

♪ with all the chances
we let go ♪

♪ but I'll keep
the flame alive ♪

♪ so you can find me
in the cold ♪

♪ and the carol singers
start to sing ♪

♪ and it feels like
there's still hope ♪

♪ when I hear
those christmas bells ring ♪

♪ that's when I know
I'm coming home ♪

[instrumental music]

[music continues]