Original subtitles

I've announced I'm marrying Rosa María and she doesn't know.

If she sees Rita and she tells her...

Manolito! Hey, how are you?

We've come to spend Christmas with dad.

- Congratulations. - Why?

Rosa Mari, the wedding...

Grown-ups are complicated.

You loved auntie Rita and she loved you.

We ought to talk about what happened yesterday.

You mean your affair with Maximiliano?

BLANCA WHORE

- Who was it? - Me, Doña Blanca.

Doña Blanca!

You won't get paid until next year.

And of course, forget your Christmas pay.

No, it will turn out, that apart from being a womaniser,

you're a good guy.

- Who do you think you are? - Do you want to show off?

You'll have to learn to behave like a family.

We'll spend Christmas together in the house in Baqueira,

as the lively family we ought to be.

You can't force things.

How did it go?

Your father wants us with him at Christmas.

With Enrique and Bárbara. A happy family.

I'm still in love with you, Ana.

I've never stopped loving you. Let's leave, please.

Alberto, are you uneasy with me?

I'm not interested in compromise.

Doña Elena can't run the workshop.

- We should tell him what has happened. - No, don't insist.

But... why?

Doña Elena is Don Alberto's mother.

- Why are you still here? - We're going for a walk.

Jonás, I think I'll need your help.

It's the girls, they're up to something.

I need you to find out.

- What's going on here? - Luisa?

- Uncle Jonás has come to sew. - When did you learn to sew?

Don't tell Don Emilio.

I've got a better idea. Do you know Philip Ray?

21ST DECEMBER

Who's going to put the star on top?

22ND DECEMBER

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Turn them on.

23RD DECEMBER

Before going away,

Don Alberto left clear indications on how he wanted the shop windows.

So I want to see you and Pedro there in less than half an hour.

- Very well, Mr. Riva. - Wait a moment, wait a moment...

my little Sherlock Holmes.

Didn't we have a deal?

Yes, well, but with Christmas and everything...

I don't want excuses, Jonás, I want an explanation.

How is it possible

you still haven't found out what the girls are up to?

With due respect, Mr. Riva,

they're just young, innocent girls.

The only crime being... they're innocent.

- A wonderful defence. - They aren't hiding anything.

Look, Jonás,

every success is based on the perfect balance of three things:

tenacity, talent and intuition.

I have plenty of all three, especially the third.

If these angel-faced lizards aren't up to something,

my name isn't Raúl and my real job is planting lettuces.

You too?

I'll see you in the shop window.

Yes, my dear, tomorrow. I've got a ticket.

I'm looking forward to meeting him too, yes...

Look, I have to go. I'll see you tomorrow. Kiss, kiss.

Are you making plans for the holidays, Doña Blanca?

My daughter, Carmen. She's getting engaged.

He's called Vicente.

He's going to spend Christmas Eve with us.

I'm happy, for her, not so much for him.

I wouldn't like to be him

having to meet your approval.

I'm not that bad. She's happy.

And we both know we'd do anything for our children.

By the way, Doña Blanca,

I'd like to thank you for your discretion regarding Isabel.

She was the only one who didn't judge me on my decisions.

I shan't judge on hers.

Doña Blanca, we've all got over that, you should too.

Enjoy the Christmas celebrations.

I'll take your advice.

Uncle, do you need a hand with that?

No, just left-over decorations.

They're spare?

Can I take some to my room? Rita will love them.

Have a look...

Don't you want any for your room?

I've got enough bits and pieces up there.

Years go by and I can't get you to enjoy these Christmas celebrations.

I'm not into celebrations.

Well, celebrations as such...

we've always been here on our own.

It was more than sufficient for me.

And for me, too.

Besides, having to improvise...

I like my routines.

Do you remember the first Christmas we spent here?

I was dying for that doll,

and you gave me that huge dictionary.

Do you remember that nought in language. A huge nought.

- A nought, me? Never. - Yes, never.

Anyway, dictionaries always come in handy.

We're partying already?

We're remembering old times.

Are you going anywhere, Doña Elena?

No, I'm afraid Cuba is a bit too far.

Have dinner here with us.

If we break the routine for once?

We'll have to find a bigger table, buy more mince pies--

We can do it together.

- Ah. - Of course.

So it feels like Christmas.

Hello.

What do you think?

Is it more or less what you had in mind?

Oh, it's perfect.

What's all that?

It's Christmas, isn't it?

A bit of Christmas spirit in the workplace...

How are you getting on?

We're up to our ears

and with the Christmas holidays we can't cope.

We're lucky Jonás has joined us, aren't we, Luisa?

We'd be lost without him.

Look, Jonás isn't too bad at it, but nothing spectacular.

Have you seen him sew?

He's so fast you can't see his hands.

Do you think we'll get the orders done

before you go on holiday?

- Can we leave some? - No.

- We'll get them done then. - Good.

Are you staying here with your uncle again?

No, Doña Elena is staying this year too.

Oh, party. You should come to the village one year.

Once uncle Antolín starts on the anisette, there's no stopping him.

No, it does me good to stay here on my own and think.

Have you spoken to Carlos?

About Alberto?

How can I tell him, he doesn't even know we dated.

Well, perhaps you could tell him.

He may be understanding.

And if not, well, Alberto seems keen, doesn't he?

Rita.

I'm only joking to relieve the tension.

What would I do without you both?

Almost the same, but laughing less.

Oh, don't go, I'll miss you!

What's going on?

I'm away for ten minutes and nothing gets done... Great.

What's got into you?

You're speaking to your superiors. You're on a trial period!

- He's getting a bit pushy. - Right, let's see...

You'll bring the rest, won't you?

If you ask me like that, how can I refuse?

Go on then!

I won't be long.

Go on!

The red baubles. No, not the rope, the baubles.

All red baubles.

Pedro! Pedro, wait, Jonás.

Yellow, no. All red baubles! Red!

- No, honestly. Where were you? - Doing an errand, cousin.

- An errand? What for? - Like you--

I don't believe it. I'll bash them with tinsel.

Don Alberto has given very precise indications

as to how he wants the shop windows and we can't improvise.

And the baubles...!

All the baubles have to be red. Red.

We're decorating the tree like this.

There are green, yellow and white ones

because in our village they are always decorated like this. It looks nice.

It's a shame this isn't a peasant's hut, with all due respects.

Pedro, please!

Right then. The first lesson on chromatic harmony.

What colour is the dress?

What did he say?

What colour is the dummy's dress?

Red.

And the foulard?

The what?

The scarf!

Red.

Red.

And the bag is red, and the presents are red...

So, what colour should the baubles be?

- Red! - Red!

All red baubles!

- All the same colour is a swindle. - What?

I'm going to put some yellow ones on too, make it patriotic.

You'll get us into trouble. Give me those.

Go and see to the customers, I'll sort all this out.

How do I get out of here?

We've bought everything: the gloves for my brother,

the hat for my uncle,

violets for my grandma Joaquina...

- What about the bus tickets? - As well.

Hey, I don't want to see that face when you ask me to marry you,

my family will be there. You'd better start smiling.

What? What face?

Every time I see you, you look like a lost soul, that's what.

What's up, Pedrito?

Aren't you glad we're going to be a family at last, the three of us?

Of course I am but...

Do we have to go to all this fuss?

What fuss?

When I say fuss, I mean, we're going to be...

I'm going to ask you to marry me in front of your family on Christmas Eve.

When we go to the village

everyone will point, "Look, the ones getting married."

Let them point. An engagement is once in a lifetime.

I know.

I just get very nervous, I'm sorry, Rosa Maria.

Can I sleep with my dad tonight? Can I?

I don't know. Can we?

You can't... You can... Do you follow?

What would the villagers think, before the wedding

us spending a night together?

We've got a son.

I know we've got a son, but... it's our wedding.

We have to do things properly,

I think the occasion calls for it.

- Auntie Rita! - Manolito, hey!

How are you doing, handsome?

How are you?

Rosa Mari, Pedro. I didn't see you.

You've caught us amidst all this fuss...

The bus tickets, the dinner,

the presents, the engagement...

The engagement, of course.

Yes, Pedro is going to ask me to marry him on Christmas Eve.

To make it truly official.

That's how I am: official.

Oh, great. I'm so happy, it will be lovely.

Everyone is so excited about it...

They couldn't wait for Manolito to have a father...

Rita, shouldn't you be at work?

- Yes. - Hey, don't rush the poor girl.

Are you going with your sister tomorrow?

Yes, after work.

Great, we are too!

Why don't you catch the four-o'clock bus? We can go together.

I'll tell you about my ideas for the dress.

I'll see what Clara says, I'm not sure.

What can she say? She'll say yes.

It's going to be such a special Christmas.

Yes.

It will be quite special, yes.

Jingle bells, jingle bells jingle all the way

Rita, the singer is Luisa.

I know, but you have to smile when times are tough.

I'm trying hard to liven things up.

Okay.

Have you packed your suitcase? I've just spoken to mother,

she said that you probably hadn't even started.

What do you expect me to do? I'm busy, I haven't had time.

Yes, of course, crying in the corner like a lost soul,

or standing in front of the mirror feeling sorry for yourself.

Or lying in bed for hours hugging the pillow.

That's all you've done since Don Mateo and the man-eater kissed.

What do you expect me to do, Rita? It's how I feel.

You're not exactly the soul of the party since Rosa Mari came.

I know. My stomach turns every time I see her with Pedro.

Yes, don't worry. It's all under control.

When have I ever let you down, Alberto?

Okay, but that doesn't count.

No, that doesn't either, it was a rhetorical question.

Yes. How are things in Baqueira? What about those skis? And Enrique?

No, I'm not teasing, honestly.

By the way, Sara Ortega called asking for you.

No, she didn't leave a message. I don't know, you tell me.

Yes, yes... Don't worry.

No, don't worry. Send my regards.

Right. Oh, merry Christmas.

Was that Alberto? How is he?

What are you doing here?

We decided that I'd take charge of things for a while.

Alberto decided that, not me.

Isn't it that

your mother has gone to Santander for Christmas with friends,

your brother, Alberto, is with his family and you are at a loose end?

Tomorrow, I'm going to Susú Miravelles' house.

- If you'd like to come? - I've made other plans.

With your girlfriend?

No, with my entire family: my mothers, Lucas...

The prodigal son returns home.

Worried about losing mother's affection?

Didn't you come to work?

What shall we do?

The extra pay packets?

Why don't you do the paperwork whilst I go and get the employee files?

Patricia...

the second drawer on the right.

Can you open it for me?

Don't tempt me.

We've received the money for the extra pay.

It will be shared out tomorrow.

Miss Patricia insists on being useful and wants to do it herself.

Quite frankly, I don't trust her.

I would feel much more at ease if you were to check it over.

I want everyone to receive their share.

Doña Blanca, I apologise.

No, don't worry, Don Mateo.

Thank you very much.

I suppose it will be easier to check who isn't on the list.

Sure enough, Pepita and myself aren't on the list.

Doña Blanca, needless to say, if you need--

Don't worry, Don Emilio. I didn't expect a Christmas miracle.

It isn't just Christmas. Your daughter's engagement--

There's no need, truly. I've taken it into account.

But thank you very much for the offer.

Don Mateo, some ladies are waiting for you.

Some ladies?

How many?

How are you, dear?

Hello, dear.

- What are you doing here? - My treasure.

We've come to try on the gowns we left for altering the other day.

And to say hello to our favourite nephew.

I've got a lot of work to do, I'm really tied up,

I can't attend to you as I would wish.

Well, well, three charming ladies in the store

and no one was going to tell me.

I suppose you were about introduce us, weren't you?

Of course. My mother--

There's no need, I know her name is Julia.

Pleased to meet you.

Sagrario.

A pleasure.

And Herminia.

A pleasure.

Well, I don't know the name of this sweetie.

Lady Whiskers, our little cat. Mateíto chose the name.

Oh, Lady Whiskers. Mateíto, you rascal.

That information isn't needed, auntie.

Not true. It is needed, definitely.

I'm extremely interested, Mateíto.

Mothers, you came to try on your dresses.

- Yes. - Really?

In that case, I'll attend to you personally.

You can carry on telling me about Mateíto, I want to know everything.

You're busy, I'll see to them. Follow me, please. This way.

- Maybe next time. - Goodbye, Don Raúl.

Merry Christmas!

Mateíto.

First course, lobster.

Second course, rib steak.

And soufflé for dessert. We can't go hungry, Mateíto.

Isn't it a bit much, auntie? Considering I'm paying for it.

I don't intend touching a penny of your wretched father's.

Besides, Mateo, I don't want you to be so stingy.

I'm sure Lucas wouldn't object.

I'm so looking forward to seeing him.

All the family together again. Aren't you?

I'm dying to, auntie.

Well, not everyone will be there.

No, of course not. The further away your father, the better.

Do you know where he's going this year? To Montecarlo, with his latest catch.

My only consolation is the arrival of your brother, Lucas.

Before we go, let's visit the jewellery section.

I want to buy him some cufflinks.

Auntie, please. Lucas has never worn a suit.

I doubt he needs one in India with his camera.

Well, for when he wears one.

At least he uses the presents we give to him.

When does the favourite son arrive?

Tomorrow evening. And don't you dare be late.

It will be a Christmas Eve like before.

Oh, yes--

- Don Mateo, your order. - Thank you, Pedro.

What a lovely gesture.

No, mother, they aren't for--

Roses. I love roses.

You could have bought some for us.

It didn't occur to me, auntie.

Well, guess who it would have occurred to.

Lucas, yes.

- Take a chocolate, auntie. - Yes.

- Clara? - Put them over there.

When are you leaving tomorrow?

After work.

We won't see each other for a week. It will seem so long.

Clara, please, I've said I'm sorry a dozen times.

And you think you can settle it with flowers?

I know I can't, but it's driving me mad.

I want things between us to get back to normal.

Mateo, normality to you

is laughing along with you all day, going out to dinner,

getting drunk and then you know what.

You make it sound lousy. We enjoy ourselves.

I want more. Things are always the same with you.

Do you know how much you hurt me?

I can't get it out of my head.

I'm sorry, Mateo, I'm no longer who I was.

I think my time away will do us good.

To think about what we want and make a decision.

What decision?

If we want to be together.

Have you got a spare suitcase?

All my things won't fit in mine.

Just like Clara.

When they go to the village they get changed twice a day.

No, it's not that. It's Juan's things,

I'm taking them to his parents' house.

Sorry, Luisa.

It's the first Christmas without him, it will be hard.

You know if you need anything, Rita and I are here for you.

I know. It's just a question of time.

Do you know what I'm going to miss?

- What? - The turkey.

- The turkey? - Yes.

We had roast suckling pig at home, but he always preferred turkey.

If needs be, we'll buy a turkey.

- Here. - Thank you.

Do you think she'll be all right?

- Luisa? - Yes.

It won't be the best Christmas Eve of her life.

But she said it herself. It's just a question of time.

And the things you never said or did?

Those things you can regret for the rest of your life.

She'll have to learn to live with it.

There's nothing else she can do.

Do them.

- Where are you going? - To make a call. I'll be back soon.

Can I sit down or are you waiting for someone?

You.

What's up then?

What's all this?

Stay with me.

What?

For Christmas Eve.

I know you've got a flight but I thought maybe you could change it

and spend a few days here.

I don't understand, first you want to take it slow--

I need to spend a few days with you, alone, with no one to bother us.

Just you and me...

Well, except Christmas Eve dinner, my uncle and Doña Elena will be here.

Are you sure?

Does that mean yes?

- I won't have to cook, will I? - No.

- Are you sure? - Yes.

Of course it's a yes. I haven't got a flight tomorrow.

- What? - I just didn't want to pressure you.

- My plan worked, didn't it? - Yes.

See you tomorrow.

At nine o'clock.

Where are all the blankets?

I've got my own blanket.

Put this one on too. You might get cold.

Doña Elena, don't argue with my uncle, there's no point.

Besides, he's right. It gets extremely cold.

- There. Are you satisfied? - I suppose so. Let's go.

Uncle...

I just wanted to say...

Well, I know you don't like these celebrations much,

- but there will be one extra for dinner. - What?

- Who's coming? - Carlos, my boyfriend.

It would be good if you got to know him a bit more.

And don't worry, we'll eat whatever.

Whatever, no. We can't offer him whatever.

Well, I'll take care of that. Relax, Emilio. It's only a dinner.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

Where were you?

Quiet, they'll hear us, they'll hear us.

Goodness, I'm sure it will snow this year.

I've never seen it snow.

Do you remember, not long ago, we watched falling stars here,

and we made a wish?

I made a wish for happiness in love.

I thought it hadn't come true because Alberto got married the next day.

But I also met Carlos that same day.

So come on, let's raise our glasses and make a wish.

They might come true.

To miracles.

- To a miracle at Christmas. - We need one.

Girls, I don't know what you wished for but it's snowing!

Look! Look!

Merry Christmas!

In the end Manolito has fallen asleep, he's so cute.

Look, cousin. It's snowing.

What's this?

Someone is celebrating Christmas early.

Cousin, I want to show you something.

Cousin, will you pay attention?

Heck, cousin. What a ring. It must have cost you your wage packet.

No, I already had it.

It was Clara's.

Cousin, you can't get married to Rosa Mari.

There must be a way of stopping this madness.

Yes.

There's only one but she isn't too keen.

Well, it doesn't matter. Let's go inside, it's freezing.

You didn't say there was a party.

It was a private party.

Really? We had one too.

Can't say you look jolly.

Rita, Rita, Rita...

Yes?

- Can we talk a moment? - Of course.

Carry on. I'll be along later.

Goodnight.

I'll check on Manolito.

So then?

Well, it's...

Crikey...

Who's there? Everyone in their rooms.

Of all the hiding places possible, this is the worst.

Well...

with it being this cold...

no one will come here looking for us.

Do you remember when it snowed in the village?

When you and Clara...

- Those were the days. - Yes.

Days gone by.

- Do you miss it? - The village?

Well, not much. It's nice not having to worry about ticks.

Well, I meant when we were...

when we were friends, or when we were closer friends.

A lot has happened since then.

After all that has happened, would you go back to those days?

When you were going out with Clara and you told me about your problems?

Well, a little bit after that, when I wasn't...

When I wasn't with her anymore.

But that's impossible, Pedro. You're with Rosa Mari now.

What if I weren't?

Is that the engagement ring?

It wouldn't matter, Pedro.

It wouldn't matter if you weren't together, we're friends

and we always will be, no matter what.

No...

matter what?

No matter what.

Forever friends.

Forever friends.

24TH DECEMBER

Dad, it's snowing!

Manolito, quick before the snow melts.

Look, Manolito, two buttons for the eyes. What do you think?

- Great. - Really?

They're very small.

They're off the black market, Pedro. Don't complain.

- Take that! - Look, press them on hard.

- No, not on my coat. - How nice!

Excuse me, I know we ought to have--

Quiet, Ana, you'll get snowballed.

A white Christmas. We should celebrate.

They will, this evening. It's Christmas Eve and we'll be busy.

We must work to the limit. Don't make me repeat myself.

Let's go.

But, Don Emilio, it's Christmas Eve.

And tomorrow it's Christmas Day. I know, Manolito.

Come on, please, everyone inside.

Come on.

Everyone inside.

That's it.

Emilio, you're a grump.

Am I the only responsible manager in this store?

You shouldn't be out here getting cold.

I haven't seen snow for years, Emilio.

Haven't you felt it either?

No, no. Don't you dare.

Don't you dare!

A perfect choice. Merry Christmas.

Here you are.

Thank you. Happy Christmas.

We'll take the skirt up a few inches

and we'll take the waist in a pinch, that's all.

Can you do it today? I'm going to Susú's party

- and I've nothing to wear. - Patricia, I've seen your wardrobe.

I've got nothing I want to wear. Is that better?

More realistic.

Will it be ready, ladies?

We've got a lot of orders.

We're going home to the village at midday.

So, the sooner you finish the orders, the sooner you'll see your families.

Certainly, Miss Márquez.

Well, I'll leave you in good hands. I'm leaving now,

I'll get a rash with all these decorations.

Besides, my chauffeur is waiting for me.

A chauffeur? Where are you going and who with?

Darling, some things can't be told

because if you knew, even you'd be shocked.

Ladies! I'm leaving! I'm leaving!

I would love to say that I'll miss you but it would be a lie

because I'll really, really, really miss you all

so please, come here, hug me, kiss me,

love me as I love you and say goodbye to me

as I deserve, it's an order. Oh, I kissed her!

Right, I'm going. I won't say Merry Christmas, I hate it.

CLOSED MERRY CHRISTMAS

- Merry Christmas. - Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

And now, on behalf of the store, Merry Christmas,

enjoy these well-deserved holidays and we'll see you on your return.

And you too, thank you.

Clara, wait. Wait, wait.

Aren't you going to say goodbye?

Merry Christmas, Mateo.

Rita, come on, we'll be late.

I'm coming, don't get worked up. We've got plenty of time.

Yes, I know what your "plenty" is.

We'll end up on the back seat of the bus, and I get dizzy.

Come on. Are we all here?

- Except Pedro and Jonás. - And Rosa Mari.

Yes, as well.

- I can't wait to get there. - She's the same every Christmas.

I'll miss you all so much.

Don't be silly. We'll be back for New Year's Eve.

Girls! Girls! Girls!

- You have to come and listen to this. - What's wrong?

Silence, please, silence.

This unpredictable storm will be strongly felt on the central meseta.

Heavy snow is forecast in the capital.

What are they saying? We have to go to the village.

We can't hear, Miss Montesinos.

All trains and buses around the city have been cancelled.

But, we've bought our tickets already.

Ours leaves shortly.

You are advised not to drive. The storm has barely begun.

- I'm so sorry. - My daughter was waiting for me.

I'm sorry, Blanca.

Goodbye village. Goodbye Christmas Eve.

I know it isn't the same,

but at least we'll be together on Christmas Eve.

Ana, this is a store, not a dance hall.

Blanca, it's a store, but it's also our home.

And tonight isn't any ordinary night. It's Christmas Eve.

What are we going to do? Sit in our rooms and cry about it?

No, by no means. We'll all have dinner together.

But there's a whole army of us.

Well, we can manage. Where four can eat, we all can eat.

I've got sausages in my room.

- That's good - Sausages?

Don't worry, Doña Blanca. My mum brought sausages from Germany.

Wonderful.

Well, you have ten minutes to tell your families.

Tell them not to worry.

We'll all have dinner together.

Perfect. It will be a fantastic evening.

Don Emilio, my cousin and I will take charge of the main dish.

Okay.

I'm not sure it's a good idea.

- Why? Look, we can make a soup-- - Yes, exactly.

If they do a little bit and we do a little bit...

I'm so sorry, Clara. I've just found out.

This is going to be the worst Christmas of my life.

It wouldn't be much better in Porrillos,

but spending a night like tonight far away from home...

Come and have dinner at mine.

What?

I want you to have dinner with me.

And with my mothers and my brother. You can meet him.

- Are you mad? - No, no.

Madness is ignoring all the signs around us.

- What signs, Mateo? - What signs?

The snow. The snow, Clara.

We haven't had this snow in 50 years.

It was on the news on the radio.

If this isn't a sign, may God descend to witness it, please.

- A sign of what? - Of what?

Destiny wants us to spend this evening together.

And you can't play about with destiny.

- Mateo, after all that has happened-- - No, no, no.

With no hard feelings, no past.

We'll be two friends who like each other

and want a new start. Come to my house for dinner, please.

I'll be the perfect man. I'll be a good host.

I'll do everything I can for you to forget about being at home.

And once you meet my brother, you'll like me even more.

Let's face it, Clara, you don't find men like me anymore.

What will your mothers say?

We both know they don't much care for me.

My mothers...

Don't worry. They'll be delighted.

Mateo, dear, how can you bring someone, today of all days?

It's a family dinner with your brother.

And I'm delighted, mother, truly, but Clara--

Clara?

Like that disturbed woman who came.

Not like her, it is her. And she isn't disturbed.

I heard you, auntie.

I can't believe you want to bring her.

Mother... Clara is a nice girl, she has nowhere to go.

Thank you very much! We'll be there.

I really wanted you to ask my father for my hand in marriage.

So did I, so did I. But it can't be done.

I'm so unfortunate, Pedro. Everything happens to me.

These days are supposed to be the happiest days of our lives.

I've been dreaming of this since we went into that barn.

Don't be silly. Manolito, take this letter to Clara.

Dad, I already know that story.

Don't say those things in front of him, it will affect him, please.

Love can't affect him.

Well...

Anyway, honey, it doesn't matter.

Ask me to marry you tonight, in front of everyone.

- What about your father? - My father... some other time.

I'll be so glad, Pedro. Manolito!

Ana! Dinner is ready!

It's my uncle. I have to go.

Wait.

I've bought you a present.

Really? Where is it?

And wait until your uncle falls asleep.

- Have you got the music? - Yes, I have.

- Shall we buy the cheese? - Yes.

Who was it?

No idea, but if they see you with this turkey, you're dead.

You carry it, it's heavy.

Somebody is coming!

What do we do with this?

It's simple, cousin. Here, kill it.

- Me? - Of course.

- Why? - I can't do it.

- Why can't you do it? - Because I'll stain my coat.

- Why did you buy a live turkey? - For Luisa.

- Why doesn't Luisa kill it? - It's a surprise.

What for?

I heard she missed having turkey on Christmas Eve

and I thought it would be a nice gesture. This was the only one left.

- It's a nice gesture. - Of course. I'm all heart.

What shall we do with it?

Are you going to walk in this cold?

The taxis are still running.

Come on, get in. I won't charge you for the ride.

Careful.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

And you too, Miss Patricia.

- Merry Christmas, girls. - You too, Don Mateo.

How do you feel about Pedro's engagement?

Now I know what you suffered with Alberto and Cristina.

It's not that I didn't understand before. But I'm suffering it myself now.

All I need now is for him to ask her to marry him in front of me. I'll die.

Or I'll kill him. Or I'll kill them both and die after.

It's bad luck having to dine with her tonight.

Come on, don't be like that, Rita.

What should I be like?

Is it that serious, not wanting Pedro to get married?

Is it that serious...

that I still love him?

That I've always loved him, with all my heart?

It will be the worst night of my life.

No, it won't be.

I'll make sure of that.

It's our first Christmas Eve together.

We aren't in the village, we're here, but we're together.

I suppose that will be the only good thing about it.

Rita, I've left something in the bedroom. You go and get the cheese.

Well, but why don't you come with me?

The market is about to close and I must go back, we've no time,

We'll end up with no cheese.

Ah, yes, we don't want that. I'll go quickly and I'll see you later.

- Okay. - Yes.

I'm sorry about what happened in the Pausa.

It was selfish of me to put you in that position.

I only hope that when I get back we can talk once more.

Merry Christmas. Sealed with a kiss.

Careful, there we go.

Right. Now for the chairs, plates,

cutlery, candles. Come on! Come on!

You must excuse me but I shan't be dining with you.

Why not?

I appreciate it, but I'm not in the mood.

And I don't think you'll want a guest at the table

with such a gloomy face.

We wanted you to be with us in whatever way, Doña Blanca.

But, but... Are you going to sit in your room?

If you need me, that's exactly where you'll find me.

Good night and merry Christmas.

What's the matter with this woman?

If you have come to convince me--

That's why I'm here, and also...

What was that for?

That year, it wasn't the snow, it was Don Rafael and Oxford.

We ended up with no holidays but between us

we livened up the Christmas Eve. Do you remember?

No, no. We were very young then, Don Emilio.

They are young now.

They work away from home all year, away from their families.

They aren't the only ones.

Up until a few days ago, I would have settled

for the usual dinner, just me and my niece.

I needed nothing more.

But, what can I say? Seeing everyone here today,

yourself, Isabel...

Well, I've realised how lonely we were.

Allow me.

You may feel lonely, Doña Blanca, but you aren't.

You aren't. Come on, cheer up.

Come on, cheer up. Do it for your girls,

and I'll do it for mine.

- But, the two of us, alone? - No. Isabel won't miss a party.

You're admirable, Don Emilio.

With all that we've been through and you can suddenly raise spirits

like you used to with just this.

Me? Look at Isabel.

She is the one who doesn't lose heart, not for one minute.

She deserves a great Christmas Eve, don't you think?

- ...and they call him "hunky meat"! - Oh, no!

Yes! Meat!

Well then, how do I look?

Good heavens above!

Maybe it's a bit skimpy for dinner with three old ladies.

Unless you want to give them a heart attack.

That's it, I'll call Mateo and tell him I can't go.

No, honey!

I'll stay with you and we'll face up

to Rosa Mari, that bitch.

Look, you're tempting me, but it's best if you go.

He clearly loves you and he wants to prove it to you.

Anyway, the Rosa Mari problem is over, right?

Yes.

You go and show him you're the perfect woman.

This will be the first time we spend Christmas Eve apart.

It will feel very strange.

Well, here's to the Velvet girls. Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Good evening, I'm Clara. Clara Montesinos.

Hello Clara, good evening. We're delighted to have you here.

Happy Christmas, Doña Julia.

Where's Mateo?

He hasn't arrived yet. He'll be here soon, don't worry.

But come in, my dear, come in.

I suppose you remember my sisters, Sagrario and Herminia.

Yes, of course. How are you?

Delighted to have you here, my dear.

Don't be shy, ask for anything you like,

we've got plenty of food.

Well, I've brought some rice pudding, just in case.

It's homemade.

Thank you very much, but there was no need.

What we like most is doing good to others.

But take your coat off, we've got heating in here.

Remedios will take it for you. Don't worry, she's trustworthy.

I suppose Mateo will arrive shortly,

so let's go through to the lounge, please.

What's wrong?

I've no idea. It must be the cold.

I don't believe it.

- You'll flood the engine. - That's enough, Patricia.

You haven't a clue.

Haven't I?

It's behind.

I know.

For goodness sake.

Thank you.

Delicious.

Eat some more, dear. Your arms are getting so skinny.

Of course, poor thing. When you're used to eating very little,

your stomach shrinks, doesn't it?

Well, I eat normally.

Mateo! I'll open the door.

Where on earth have you been--?

And who are you?

Clara. You must be...

Lucas! Come here, son, how wonderful!

Mother, how are you?

Very well. How handsome!

I can't believe it. Stuck in this old heap with you.

With me? What's wrong with me?

Nothing, the best holidays of my life.

As if you had someone to spend them with.

- Why do you say that? - Look, Patricia, if you're angry

because you've been left in Madrid, don't take it out on me,

you're the only one responsible for all this because...

Well... you know why.

For having slept with Enrique?

I don't know why it's so hard for you to say it.

Perhaps you think you're better than me?

Have you never slept with a married woman?

You?

The eternal bachelor, fluttering around

with no commitments.

You're wrong. I'm with Clara.

- Really? - Yes.

Are you with Clara or do you sleep with Clara?

Mateo, Mateo, look at me when I'm speaking to you.

Don't you dare judge me.

Come on!

Hello everyone!

- Sorry I'm late. - Mateo, you are hopeless, honestly.

Mother, please, the car broke down on me. I'm sorry.

I'm really sorry. Lucas... Brother.

How was India?

- I wasn't in India. - Of course. Was it Turkey?

You're impossible, Mateo. Guinea.

It's your fault for travelling so much. You look feeble. Are you all right?

With the family, better than ever.

Yes, yes, family.

Brother.

Go and get changed, make yourselves handsome.

Meanwhile, we'll wait for you in the dining room.

Oh, what a fright.

- Hello. - Hello.

Am I late?

Well, that depends. Late for what?

For seeing how Pedro and Rosa Mari declare eternal love

and bore us with their joy, you're just in time.

- Rita! - What?

It's best to be warned than to find out by chance.

Let's open this bottle, it will come in handy.

- You look lovely. - Thank you.

Can you help me to set the table?

Everything looks wonderful.

Good evening, Don Emilio.

Good evening, excuse the bustle but we're a large family.

I hope it's a nice one too.

You know how family dinners start, but not how they might turn out.

Ana, pour him a glass to get him warmed up.

Of course. Thank you, for everything.

Hello.

Hey, at last, the man responsible for the main course.

What surprise awaits us?

Well, what a surprise.

Don't tell me... Roast lamb?

Suckling pig?

What's that?

Our dinner. Well, what was meant to be dinner,

because we've had a bit of a problem.

Don't panic.

What's wrong, Pedro? What is it?

Nothing... Cousin.

What on earth is this?

Well, a turkey, basically.

Yes, I can see that.

We were going to kill it, Don Emilio,

but the beast has turned out to be a bit of a tough one.

It's ridiculous. How embarrassing.

Well, well. We have another guest.

Give it some water, don't be ill-mannered.

If Don Emilio doesn't object, of course.

Of course not.

Doña Blanca, could you put the rest of the cutlery on the table, please?

- Of course. - Thank you.

I imagine the guest knows that he will have to go home tomorrow.

Yes, yes, he knows, he knows.

He knows, he knows.

Be thankful Don Emilio is in a good mood, we'd be kicked out otherwise.

What's this?

Luisa...

Look, I heard you say that turkey was important to you.

So I thought, "I'll buy a turkey for Luisa,

so that she has a happy Christmas Eve."

But of course, when the time came to kill it,

my cousin fell to bits...

We've made a fool of ourselves.

- Yes, a little bit. - Yes.

But it's very nice.

Yes, yes, it's nice.

Well, shall we have dinner?

Yes, of course.

Let's go.

Merry Christmas.

Mother, everything was delicious.

As always.

Thank you very much. I hope you have room for dessert.

I'm very grateful, but I'm full.

My dear, you must try the soufflé. It's Remedios' speciality.

Let's bring it.

No, honestly--

Bring her some, she'll eat it, you'll see.

You'll love it.

It's better this way with them.

They ask you if you want some, you say no and they insist to be polite,

you carry on saying no, and you end up accepting.

It's quicker this way.

So then, Clara, tell us. What's the fashion world like?

Lucas, what a surprise.

I thought the fashion world was frivolous in your eyes.

Clara doesn't seem to be a frivolous or superficial woman.

Well, I'm a secretary really.

Is that how you met?

Clara is the best secretary we have ever had.

Imagine what the level was before.

If you'll excuse me, I will go to the washroom.

Have you seen her backside?

What do you mean, her backside?

I'm counting the minutes until she's mine.

Clara is with me. Okay?

And? That's never bothered you before.

Since we were boys you've stolen all my girlfriends.

You said it, we were boys. It was a kid's game.

Well, mother always says you're still a child.

- Shall we carry on playing? - So, you take notice of mum now?

No, I take notice of you.

What a lovely washroom you have.

I hadn't seen so much marble since I visited the cathedral in Zaragoza.

You should see St. Peter's of the Vatican. Haven't you taken her yet?

Believe me when I say, in all honesty,

that today, right now, I feel like I'm with my family,

we are with our family. The Velvet family.

Tonight we are honoured with two very special guests: Rosa María and Carlos.

Oh, sorry, sorry. I forgot the most important: Manolito.

And the turkey.

The turkey too.

It's a pleasure to have you here with us.

It's an evening for celebrations, so ladies, gentlemen, family,

happy Christmas.

For allusions.

As Don Emilio says, it's hard not being with the family on such a special day.

Even more for me, since it is extra special.

Today isn't just Christmas Eve. Today is the day when Pedro and I

announce our engagement.

Pedro.

What Rosa María says is true, I have an announcement.

You know that Rosa María and I knew each other, we share a past.

A lovely past, which is now over.

I came to Madrid with Clara, it didn't work out, she went with Mateo.

You don't know Clara but of course--

- Pedro, darling, to the point. - Okay.

Officially...

I am with Rosa María again

and she has given me the best thing in the world,

this lad.

I can assure you...

for your own child, you're capable of anything.

Anyway, I won't take any longer over this.

Rosa María...

Kneeling down would be better.

Rosa, will you marry me?

Of course I will, how could I refuse?

Thank you so much.

Rita, you have to be strong.

I'm fed up of being strong.

I'm tired of seeing everyone happy and... Why aren't I?

Why can't I have the same? Why?

I'm tired of looking around me

and seeing that everyone has someone who loves them.

Give it time.

When Alberto got married I thought there'd never be anyone else,

and look... there's Carlos.

Life will offer you a second chance.

Yes... but the problem is, I haven't even been given a first chance.

Here you are, dear, this is for you. You need it more than we do.

- What is that? - Clothes, as good as new.

We were going to take them to the church,

and we thought, "Why give them to a poor person we don't know

when we can give them to her?"

Clara, Clara, wait a moment.

You said she didn't have anywhere to go, and that she was alone in the world.

We thought about what Father Damián says.

Mother, I don't care, Clara isn't poor. She isn't poor, okay?

She isn't poor?

It was because of the snow!

Oh dear, out on the street in this cold.

That's enough, please, that's enough!

Clara isn't a destitute! She's my girlfriend!

That's the first time you've said that to me.

Yes, yes, I...

Because...

Clara...

I don't want us to be friends or workmates or lovers.

You're my girlfriend. My girlfriend.

My girlfriend.

Am I interrupting?

No, of course not.

Can you see?

In the end it's a happy evening, in spite of the snow

and not eating turkey. In spite of everything.

Yes, Christmas is like that.

Some years can be the happiest of all and others...

Can be the unhappiest of all, can't they?

This year, it's quite peaceful for me.

I see myself here and I think,

"This is where I should be."

I'm glad that's how you feel.

Thank you.

There's something I've wanted to confess for some time and I've never known how to.

My name isn't Elena.

- I'm Isabel-- - Yes, I know, Alberto's mother.

Don Emilio told me.

But please, don't blame him.

I cornered him when you became ill

and he had no option but to tell me.

I assure you, you needn't worry.

I will keep your secret as if it were my own.

When all is said and done, I know what you have been through.

I also had to give up my own child.

I became pregnant by Don Rafael's brother.

Esteban was a rogue who wanted to ruin my life.

He denied he was the father and disappeared.

If it hadn't been for Don Rafael, I don't know where I would have ended up.

Blanca...

I must tell you the truth, it wasn't that way.

He didn't know about your pregnancy until many years later.

That isn't possible.

- Yes. - No.

He wrote to me saying he wanted nothing to do with the child or me.

Those letters were false.

Rafael manipulated them to separate you.

Esteban didn't find out until years later, until he left that family...

until Rafael banished him from your lives, Blanca.

But...

Esteban?

Where is he now? What has been of his life?

I haven't written to him for a long time, but it wouldn't be difficult to find him.

If you want to know how he is, I think he'd like to know how you are.

Are you ready for the concert?

Yes.

- Shall we go? - Let's go.

Alberto, guilt has got the better of me.

You must know that your mother is still alive.

I know it will be difficult for you to believe,

but if I lied to you it was because I thought it was best.

In doing this, I prove to be a coward, that's what I am.

I hope you can forgive me one day. Goodbye, son.

...and you too.

What do you think?

Thank you.

- For having dinner next to a turkey? - No, for giving me a place in your life.

What's most important about Christmas is being with those you love

and that's exactly where I am.

Hey, who knows?

We might be the next in taking the plunge.

Carlos...

if I want this to carry on, and I do...

I must be honest with you.

You know I've always been conditioned

by my previous relationship, and it's time you knew who he is.

- You talk about him as if I knew him. - You know him.

It's Alberto. Alberto Márquez.

Ana confessed that you dated with her.

Why should it worry me?

You're married now and she's with me.

I'm glad, Carlos.

- Not as much as I am. - Mateo...

- I want to learn to drive in your car. - What?

- I can teach you, if you like. - Really? Would you?

Oh my God, I'll never survive this.

- Good heavens, tell me. - Father Cosme phoned.

I told him they aren't getting married.

What?

And I told them that Father is on his last legs. I've cancelled the wedding.

Doña Elena, I want to find Esteban. If I don't try, I'll regret it forever.

The presentation of the uniforms

isn't long off and we have a lot to prepare.

You and Enrique, of course.

Of course.

You've had a good time in Baqueira.

It would be good if things stayed that way.

I'll be a good boy.

What does it feel like to be married to the perfect woman,

in love with the most attractive employee and...

having a good time with his associate?

I've just seen Bárbara. Aren't you back with her?

But that doesn't mean I don't want to have you close to me.

This parcel has arrived for you, from Cuba.

I want Alberto to have them, it's the perfect excuse to tell him.

Haven't you felt like doing the same, dropping everything and leaving with me.