Original subtitles

(gentle uplifting music)

- [Eliza] I can divide my life into "before" and "after."

Before the Christmas that my parents got the book.

And after, when my life would never be the same.

The book was called "The 100 Wonders of the World,"

and from the moment I cracked it open for the first time

that Christmas morning, I was obsessed.

Machu Picchu, Mostar Bridge, the Terracotta Warriors.

Everything was exotic; everything was fascinating.

I made a promise to myself I would see them all,

and I started counting the days

when I'd break out of my teeny tiny little town.

Because seeing pictures in the book wasn't good enough.

After high school, I had my chance.

I left Maryville to see the world.

And I haven't looked back.

Stepping out to experience the wonders

with my own eyes was more incredible

than I had even imagined.

Eventually, I landed my dream job,

allowing me to share my adventures

with aspiring travelers across the globe.

(uplifting music)

(uplifting music continues)

- Eliza, you're home!

- Hi.

- I thought you wouldn't be back till next week.

- There's only so much you can write about some places.

(sighs) I convinced my editor

that two months in the Serengeti was enough.

- In the what?

- Serengeti.

Tanzania wildlife park.

- Oh, Africa.

Did you share an Airbnb with the animals?

- No, but it smells like they moved in here with you.

How big was the party?

- Well, let's see.

It was just Fran from work,

a couple of her friends, and the newbies in 210.

Just your standard-size shindig.

- Charley, please tell me tonight's a rare night off

from your social life.

- Oh, well, nothing's planned yet, but the night is young.

When's your next assignment?

- In a couple of days.

I'm doing a piece on European Christmas markets.

But right now I'm gonna work on sleeping off this jet lag.

- Fine.

- See you in the morning.

- Good night.

Wait, did you see zebras?

(perky uplifting music)

♪ Mm, mm, mm, mm, mm, mm, mm, mm ♪

♪ Mm, mm, mm, mm, mm ♪

- Oh, Mom called.

- [Nora] Hi, honey! It's Mom.

I thought this was the perfect time for,

you guessed it, my annual holiday voicemail

to officially invite you home for Christmas.

Austin finished the cafe remodel.

It would be great if you came home

to see what he has done with the place.

I love you. I'm so proud of you every day.

- Ugh, I miss her. (sighs)

(gentle yearning music)

(car horn blaring)

(phone ringing)

Georgina, hi!

- [Georgina] Hey, Eliza!

Outline and proposal for the Serengeti story look great,

consider them approved.

One more thing,

just got word that we're pivoting

on the European Christmas markets piece,

so you're off the hook.

- Oh, I was really looking forward to that.

So what else do you have for me for the holidays?

- [Georgina] Nothing, actually!

I don't think I've ever said this to you before,

but enjoy the holidays.

Not for too long, though,

Greece is still a go right after the new year.

Talk soon.

- Okay, yeah, I'll talk to you later.

- [Georgina] Bye.

- Looks like I'm not going to Europe

for Christmas after all.

- Oh, well, where are you goin' then?

You're always somewhere exotic for Christmas.

Hey, what about that little hometown of yours?

Maybe you could go there for the holidays.

- Yeah, right.

Wait, yeah, right. I could.

- You really could. Imagine your mom's face.

After all these years

of turning down her holiday invitations,

you could finally take her up on it.

- You know what, I think I'm gonna do it.

(upbeat music)

(upbeat music continues)

- [Colin] Colin Anderson, go.

- Hey, it's Eliza.

- Well, this is a nice surprise.

- Yeah, I'll make this quick.

I know you're busy with the merger, and I just landed.

- Oh, you left already.

I thought you still had a couple of days in the city.

- Yeah, the Christmas markets thing got canceled,

so surprise again.

I am in the last place I thought I'd be for the holidays.

- [Colin] Should I guess where?

- Don't laugh. It's Maryville.

- Wow. Really?

Please tell me it's for an assignment.

- Nope, it's just the first time

I don't have somewhere else to be.

- You mean that you get to be somewhere else?

- Yeah, that's a better way of putting it.

Anyways, I figured I have no more excuses this time,

so I just thought I'd go home for a few days,

and that would buy me a few more years

of spending the holidays anywhere but my hometown.

- Well, if only I weren't buried in this merger,

I'd be able to save you.

- I think I can manage a few days.

Let's just get together in the new year

when I'm back in town, okay?

- It's a plan.

I'll have my assistant get us a reservation somewhere.

- [Eliza] Talk soon. Wish me luck.

- You're gonna need it. Bye-Bye.

- Bye.

(car horn blaring)

- Yes!

Hi! - Hi, Mom! (laughs)

- I'm so excited to have you finally home for the holidays!

I knew one day my phone calls would work.

- It's good to see you, honey.

I love you. - Hi, Dad.

It's good to see you too. Retirement looks good on you.

- [Nora] Semi-retirement.

- Let's get your luggage in the car.

- Okay. - Let's go!

- Oh, wow! Looks cute.

- [Nora] I knew you would love it. (laughs)

(uplifting music)

(uplifting music continues)

Wow. This town is a lot smaller than I remembered.

- Really.

Well, with all of your globe trotting and big city living.

You know what they say,

you can take the girl out of the country, but you can-

- You can always guilt-trip her into coming back.

Mom, we aren't even country people anyway.

- Well, well, well, look who decided

to finally grace us with her presence. (laughs)

Hi, sis. - Give her some space.

- Whoa, okay.

- So good to see you. - It's so good

to see you guys. - Oh my gosh, come on in.

Oh my goodness, you look wonderful.

Oh, give me strength. (grunting)

- I can't wait to just chill and relax.

Can't remember the last time I didn't have

a jam-packed itinerary.

Does anyone wanna binge some of those holiday rom-coms

while I sit here and veg for a while?

- Eliza, we don't have time for that;

you may not have an itinerary but we do!

We have people arriving here soon.

- Arriving for what?

- The Annual Gardiner Family Ugly Sweater Christmas Party.

The AGFUSCP. It's a family tradition.

- You guys still do that?

I thought that fizzled out years ago.

- Heavens no! It is bigger and better than ever before.

You'll like it, you'll love it,

I promise, I swear.

I asked Kate to pick out an ugly sweater for you upstairs,

unless, of course, you brought one of your own.

You didn't, okay. Okay.

Kate, ugly sweater 911. Jim.

- [Jim] Whoo!

(Eliza laughs)

- Ah, roomies again.

- Yep, just like the good old days.

Here we have a small collection of uglies

for you to choose from.

- Oh, boy. These really are ugly.

(Kate laughs)

- So first things first,

tell me more about your man, Carter?

Connor?

- It's Colin. Yeah.

Where do I start?

Well, first of all, he's not really "my man."

We're just kind of, talking.

- Oh, you're "talking?"

Got news for you E, he's definitely "your man."

- It's basically all we can do,

text, sometimes call.

He's busy, I'm hardly ever even in the same ZIP code.

We're taking things slow.

- Is, is he? You're quite the catch.

- I don't think there's any other way we can take it.

Between my work schedule and his,

it's like we're in a long-distance relationship.

- Well, I think we should "meet" him some time.

We could decide for you.

- Now there's an idea.

- Hey, Mom needs you to get downstairs right now.

She needs you. Okay?

Okay. Dude, it's Christmas.

- Well, hurry up and get ready.

It's time for your reintroduction

to Maryville society.

(gentle perky music)

(gentle perky music continues)

(upbeat music)

♪ 'Tis the season, it's the time ♪

♪ When lights are bright, and sidewalks shine ♪

♪ Trees are tied to car rooftops ♪

♪ Snow is fallin', hope it never stops ♪

♪ Wreath with bows on every door ♪

- Eliza! Last time I saw you, you were yea high.

Oh, you have really grown up.

Oh my gosh, how long has it been?

- Years. Many years.

Ah, I see you still have great taste in sweaters.

- Oh, (laughs) I wear it once a year for this party.

I look forward to it all year.

- Where have you been?

Traveling all around the world, I understand.

What is it you do again?

- I travel a lot, write a little,

and take tons of pictures.

- And that's a job?

- Yep, they pay me and everything.

- Wow. I need a job like that.

- Seriously.

(partygoers chattering)

Oh, Pinedale sounds like a lovely city.

Town? Village.

I'll have to add that to my list.

Yeah, how long has your granddaughter been there?

- Oh, two years. Two years.

- Two.

- I see you escaped the ugly wool party.

- Barely.

I've talked more about myself in the last hour

than I have in the last decade.

- Mm, that's because you're the most famous person

in all of Maryville.

- And the most interesting. What do you think, Will?

- I mean, she has been somewhere outside a 20-mile radius

of this town.

- [Austin] Oh, good point.

- Will?

- Oh, I see you're still wearing my sweater.

- Oh my gosh, you're still in love with him.

- I mean, everyone knows

if you wear a guy's sweater, you're in love with him.

- True.

- You borrowed it the last time you were in town

for the Christmas sweater party.

- Oh my gosh, was it that long ago?

- Well, this is embarrassing.

I didn't realize it was yours when I put it on,

and I just got here and didn't have one,

so I'm just gonna go change and give it back to you.

- It's okay.

Look, I'll let you hang onto it for a while longer.

Plus I'm still waiting for you

to fix it like you promised.

(Eliza laughs)

- You okay, Eliza?

- [Nora] It's such an ugly sweater. So much, dear.

- Okay, I'm gonna go.

- Already, Will? You just got here.

And Eliza's here too.

You remember Eliza?

- Yes, I remember Eliza very well.

In fact, she just promised to fix my sweater. Again.

Okay, I gotta head out. My pops is waiting for me.

I'll see you guys.

See you later, Willpower. - Bye, Will.

- [Nora] See you tomorrow, Will.

- Take care, man.

- What was that?

- What? - That was horrifying.

- [Kate] Will's right. You are still in love with him.

- I am not.

I mean, I was. Used to be.

Everyone was.

- Didn't you and your friends used to like?

- Used to walk back and forth

in front of the hardware store pretending

to be interested in drills and fasteners just to-

- Stop. - maybe catch a glimpse

of him through the window.

Yeah, we did.

So embarrassing. But effective.

(Kate laughs)

I still can't believe he pretended

like I didn't exist back then.

I walked back and forth so many times.

- Why didn't you just like, talk to him?

I mean, he was Austin's homeboy.

You could have like, I don't know,

dialed it down and been friends.

- Yeah, that's definitely far too logical

for the teenage mind to grasp.

Besides, I don't think

he ever could have been interested in me.

I was always just his best friend's little sister.

You know, off limits.

- Well, good thing you don't have

to worry about that anymore.

You've got, um...

What's his name?

Carter. Corbin.

Wait, don't tell me. Colin.

- Yeah, I've got Colin.

You're right, I don't need to worry about Will Matthews.

At all. Ever again.

(gentle hopeful music)

(crickets chirping)

- [Nora] Up and at 'em, girls! Rise and shine.

We've got things to do and people to see.

- I'm a grown woman, and my mother still hollers at me

to get up like I'm five.

Why are we getting up already?

- Day after the ugly party,

it's Cookies and Carols at the Care Center.

- We should be sleeping in.

- Come on! Mom's not gonna give up.

Literally, it's the same plan every year

since Grandma lived there before she died.

- I forgot about that.

Those were some of the best times of the holidays.

Are Bev and Harold still there?

- [Kate] Still there and still a hoot and a holler.

♪ Wishes in all of truth ♪

♪ Everyone's laughing and dashing ♪

- [Will] Well, looks like we're about there.

- Okay, thank you and here's your daily paycheck.

Best hot chocolate in town.

- I'll take it.

Okay, looks like the last thing we have

is the light switch covers.

If you have them all, I'll install them real quick.

- Uh, light switch covers, light switch covers.

Shoot, I forgot them at home,

and I don't have time to go grab them before we open.

Do you by any chance have a few extra minutes

to go grab them for me?

- Yeah, for sure, for sure.

Is Eliza gonna be at the house?

- Yeah, yeah, she should be. Why?

- No reason.

- Hmm, hmm?

- Look, she just,

she seems different.

- Okay, yeah. Different.

In what way?

- Like, she's just not your little sister anymore.

- Technically she'll always be my little sister.

- Come on, man, you know what I'm saying.

- Listen, I can put in a good word for you, you know.

- No!

- No, I can. - No, don't do that.

I got this, okay?

- Okay. (sighs)

The boy's gonna need all the help he can get.

(gentle upbeat music)

- Good morning, my loves. - Hello.

- Come over, I need your help.

- Mom, it smells so good.

There's nothing in the world like your sugar cookies.

You should open a cafe or something.

(Kate laughs)

- Ha, ha, ha, ha.

I'm leaving the rest of this for you two to finish up.

We have a very busy morning.

Now, if you gals wouldn't mind doing your decorating magic,

just like the good old days.

We will be back later this afternoon,

and we can go to the care center together.

- [Kate] Okey dokey.

- Hey, honey, you ready to go?

- Ready. And I have another family craft idea.

- Wonderful.

- Now, don't make a mess.

- Bye, Mom.

- Feels like the perfect time for Mele Kalikimaka.

- What?

- Mele Kalikimaka! Merry Christmas?

It's how they say it in Hawaii?

- I know what it means. I just did not understand you.

- Oh, another fun fact, in Ghana,

they have four Wisemen in their nativity scene.

- Mm, interesting.

Here's my fun fact,

in this house, we eat cookies and drink wassail.

- Ooh, a really fun one is in Bali;

they light sparklers and firecrackers.

- Now, that's what I'm talking about.

I guess you learned something out there.

We should put firecrackers in the brownies.

(Eliza and Kate laugh)

Hey, Eliza.

- Yeah.

- [Kate] Mele Kalikimaka! (laughs)

(Eliza coughs)

- Do you need help?

- Um, probably. - Wait.

I'm sorry, here.

- I can't see a thing.

- It's probably a good thing, 'cause you look ridiculous.

- (laughs) Thanks.

This is so embarrassing.

- Um, Austin's not here, by the way.

- Oh, yeah, I know. He's at the cafe.

He sent me over here to pick up a package.

- Oh, yeah! I can't wait to see it.

I know he's been working nearly 24/7 on it.

Has he roped you into helping out?

- I mean, a little. Well, a lot, actually.

But you should come by and see it.

You know, we could uh,

go together before you leave town.

- Yeah. That sounds fun.

- Well, it's uh, it's a date.

Okay. Well, I better go get that package.

- Okay, yeah. See ya.

Wait, did he just say date? (sighs)

- Clara. Hey!

- [Clara] Oh hey, you made it.

- Yeah. Sorry. - We almost had a riot

on our hands.

- Oh boy. - Can I help you with these?

- Hold on.

Clara, you've met everybody in the family except for Eliza.

Eliza, this is Clara.

- Oh, Eliza, it is so nice to meet you.

- [Eliza] Hi.

- I've heard so much about you.

- Really? - Mm-hmm.

- Yikes. Good things, I hope?

- Oh! Only good things, I promise. (laughs)

You must be so happy to be home.

Austin tells me it's been quite some time.

Well, there is no place quite like Maryville.

I've only been here a few months,

but it's already starting to feel like home to me too.

- Well, hopefully this guy is helping with that.

- Dad.

- He definitely is. He's quite charming, this guy.

- [Austin] Thanks.

- Charming? Austin?

This Austin?

- Yeah, that's me.

I can be charming. Sometimes.

Okay, okay, okay.

Let's just get these cookies over to the table.

Is that all right? - Okay.

- So, what's the story with those two?

I haven't heard anything about her.

- Clara's an interior designer,

and she moved here to live with her aunt.

Austin needed help with the cafe's remodel

and she was the one.

They hit it off immediately, we all love her.

- Aw. Who would've thought?

Our little Austin.

I'm happy for him,

but it is weird to see him like this.

- Oh, believe me, for us too.

But we're getting used to it.

- Thank you so much for bringing the cookies.

- Of course.

- Oh, what time is it?

Okay, it's showtime. Should we get ready?

- Yep. - Okay.

(audience chattering)

Hello, everyone.

If we could please take a seat and turn this way.

It is my privilege to introduce,

for the 15th year in a row, one of

our Maryville Care Center favorite Christmas traditions,

the Gardiner Family Singers.

- We didn't even practice.

- We never do, and they never care.

(audience applauds)

(Austin humming)

- Okay. Ahem.

One, two, three.

♪ Dashing through the snow ♪

♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪

♪ O'er the fields we go ♪

♪ Laughing all the way, ha, ha, ha ♪

♪ Bells on bobtails ring ♪

♪ Making spirits bright ♪

♪ What fun it is to ride and sing ♪

♪ A sleighing song tonight ♪

♪ Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle all the way ♪

♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪

♪ In a one-horse open sleigh, hey ♪

(audience cheers and applauds)

♪ Up on the house top, reindeer pause ♪

♪ Out jumps good old Santa Claus ♪

♪ Up on the house top ♪

♪ Down through the chimney with good St. Nick ♪

♪ Sleep in heavenly peace ♪

♪ Sleep in heavenly peace ♪

(audience cheers and applauds)

- Your performance was lovely. Thank you.

- Oh, thank you.

- Oh, Christmas carols always remind me

of my late wife, Margaret.

Oh, she could sing like an angel.

- [Eliza] Sounds like you loved her very much.

- Hey, Pops. I got you a...

Eliza? I see you've met my pops.

Pops, this is Eliza, Austin's little sister.

- Pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Is she the one you were telling me about?

- Um, yeah, I was telling you about all of the Gardiners.

All of them.

- Now, as I recall, you said, how did you put that?

She has a very nice frame.

- Um, yeah, I said that. Thanks for that reminder, Pops.

- Anything for you, Will.

- Pops, it's been a pleasure. Later, Will.

(upbeat music)

- Up and at 'em, girls! Rise and shine.

We have got things to do and people to see!

(upbeat music)

- Does this still happen every morning?

- Yep, every morning.

She's especially chipper during the holidays.

- We can't have Christmas without a tree.

That's why we waited until you came home,

so we could pick it out together.

Come on; time's awastin'.

(Kate laughs)

Hey, see you downstairs in a few. Bus leaves in 10.

(mischievous music)

- Hey.

- Oh, hey, you missed breakfast.

Well, there's fruit in the bowl. Where's Will and Clara?

- Wait, Will's coming?

- Oh, so Clara had a last-minute client consultation,

but she'll be back over to help with some decorations.

And Will's gonna be meeting us over at the tree lot.

Yeah, he'll be looking for one for Pops.

Are you okay there, E?

- I need a minute. Where's my lip gloss?

- I didn't touch it.

- Lip gloss?

- [Austin] It's a city thing, Mom.

(uplifting music)

- I still can't believe they waited so long to get the tree.

- What? I mean, this is tradition.

The Gardiner family always picks out a tree together.

- I mean, I understand doing them all when you were kids.

It was, you know, to make Christmas magical.

And it always was.

But now that we're adults, why still do them all?

Some of them seem kind of silly.

- Silly?

I mean, it may be silly to you,

but, I mean, for your mom?

Probably reminds her of all the past Christmases,

you know, all the magic, love.

I don't know, I just always felt lucky to be included.

- So have you decided which one's perfect for Pops?

- Ah, this one's a strong contender.

I don't know, I just...

It's his first year in the care center.

I really wanna make it special.

- It won't matter which one you choose,

if I know you, you'll make it look amazing.

He's lucky to have you.

- Thanks.

But, I mean, you should really lower your expectations.

No one can match your mom's decorating skills.

- You're 100% right, no one can.

- [Nora] Eliza, over here. We need your vote.

- Oh. Duty calls.

(gentle music)

(uplifting music)

- Perfecto.

All right, Mom, I think my decorating duties are complete.

- Wow. Great job on the wreath, Austin.

Wow. Now it smells like Christmas.

- Thanks, Mom.

- Will, you can fill this box up

with anything you like to decorate Pops' tree.

- [Will] Are you sure?

- Of course, we have plenty.

- [Will] Wow, thank you.

- Okay, I'm going to resume my position on the couch.

Kate, I'm gonna supervise from here.

Keep up the good work, you two.

- Nice try, buddy,

but you have to put the star on top of the tree.

- Mm-mm.

- Yes, you are the tallest one here,

so you need to do it.

- Hey.

- Plus, it's not gonna pass Mom's tree test

till all the ornaments are evenly distributed.

- Or mine. You can do this.

- I was about nine when I made these.

I'd forgotten all about them.

- (laughs) You know,

there might be some of my masterpieces in here.

- I think you're right.

Mom never passed up a chance

to have someone make an ornament for her tree.

- Oh, yeah, yeah. I remember this one.

This one's one of mine.

- Well, that's the thing about them. They all had meaning.

They were all special and beautiful in their own way.

- Even this one?

- (laughs) Especially that one.

(gentle uplifting music)

All these little things are flooding back to me.

It was out of sight, out of mind for so long,

I didn't even really miss it.

But the more I'm here, the more I realize,

I don't know, I do kind of miss it.

It's weird.

- Yeah, I get that.

I remember it was kind of the same

for me when I moved back for Pops.

I mean, the big things are important,

but really, I think the small things are what anchor us

to our past.

Remind us of who we are.

You know, no matter where we've been.

- I'm so glad to have Eliza home for Christmas.

- Me too. This house hasn't felt this full in years.

(Nora chuckles)

(Jim and Nora cough)

- Who's up for some wassail?

- [Kate] Wait, but first? For the big moment.

- All right. Ready.

(uplifting music)

I think that's my best one yet.

- It's definitely the best one.

(uplifting music)

(uplifting music continues)

- Morning, Dad.

- Well, you're up early. Any big plans today?

- No, nothing planned.

Just thought I'd go into town, see what's new.

You know, like I do when I travel.

After all, this is an exotic and distant location for me.

- (laughs) Hey, listen,

before you head out on this grand local adventure,

I wanted to talk to you about this Colin fellow.

Would I like him?

- Dad, you never like anyone.

- That's true.

I just wanna make sure

whoever it is deserves my little girl.

And let's be honest,

there are very few who measure up to you.

- Well, there might be someone who comes close.

I'm still getting to know Colin,

but so far he might be a good candidate,

he's successful, hardworking.

- As long as you're happy, that's what matters.

And whoever makes you happy makes me happy.

- Oh, Dad.

- Listen, kiddo, you better head out

before your mom has you making angels

out of toilet paper rolls.

- Thanks for the heads up. You better watch out too.

No one's safe.

- Have fun out there.

- [Eliza] I will. Love you, Dad.

- Love you.

- Great news, I found more toilet paper rolls.

(upbeat music)

♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh ♪

- Ooh, yeah.

♪ Oh, oh, oh, yeah ♪

♪ If it don't put a twinkle in both of your eyes ♪

♪ Light you up and make you shine ♪

♪ No baby ♪

♪ It ain't Christmas ♪

♪ If it don't make your jingle bells ring-a-ling ♪

♪ Or give your heart a reason to sing ♪

♪ No baby ♪

- Oh. I'm so sorry, I didn't see you.

Eliza. Hi.

- Hi. (laughs)

- I'm sorry, I didn't see you. I-

- It's okay, I didn't see you there, either.

Sorry that my frame got in your way.

- (sighs) Oh. I'm sorry.

I was talking to Pops,

and he's kind of old fashioned,

and it just kind of came out. - It's really okay.

Oh, what is that? That smells really good.

- Well, it was hot chocolate,

but it's the best in town,

but of course you know that already.

- Why would I know that?

- It's from your family's cafe.

Have you still not been?

- I, I, well, is now an okay time

to take you up on that offer to show me around?

If you have a minute, we could go over together.

- Yeah, I have a few minutes.

- Okay. - Let's go. Here.

- Yeah. - Yeah, okay.

- [Austin] Here you are. Can I get you anything else?

- Oh, no, we're good.

- [Austin] All right. Let me know if you need anything.

Thanks for coming in.

- Thank you.

- Hey, welcome, welcome, welcome!

- Austin! I'm impressed.

The pictures don't do it justice.

This is amazing!

- Yes.

Well, that's really high praise coming

from somebody who's been all over the world

and seen every charming little cafe.

Thank you. Yeah.

I did it myself.

- Ahem.

- Well, I may have had a little bit of help.

Clara may have pitched in an idea or two, but-

- Or 100.

- Okay, she did everything. I'm gonna be honest.

But I was really good at supervising. And writing checks.

And that's about it.

Will here, on the other hand, got in on the action.

- Hey, I mean, when your best friend

is remodeling the family business,

an architecture degree comes in handy.

Clara here, hardest project manager I've ever worked for.

- Oh, I think they did okay.

- So you two walked in together, huh?

- Uh. - Uh.

- No, we- - Yeah, we, we did.

We didn't like, plan to come together.

We just sort of ran into each other-

- No, literally we-

- outside the bookshop

and decided to come check out the new place

and try some of the famous,

fancy hot chocolate I've been hearing about all over town.

- Wait, really? Like, all over town?

- Yeah, Will just told me about it on the way over.

That's basically all over town.

- Okay, good enough for me.

Two Cafe on Main's Famous Hot Chocolates comin' right up.

- An architect, huh?

That seems so professional and mature.

- Why do you sound so surprised?

- I just remember a guy hanging out with my brother

and getting into trouble.

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

(laughs) Okay, we were pretty good at that.

Look at you, though. Big shot travel writer?

I mean, that's everyone's dream job. And you have it.

- I still can't believe it actually happened.

I dreamed about it, and worked really hard, and here I am.

I know I'm lucky.

But it's not as glamorous as it sounds. It is work.

- I mean, sounds and looks pretty amazing.

- Looks.

- I may follow you. (laughs)

- Really?

- Look, you're quite popular. People love your work.

- Well, so what about you? Why are you still here?

- Well, I left right after high school.

I moved out to Chicago and got my degree

and actually got my dream firm.

But later that year, Grams wasn't doing so well.

She got sick, and so I moved back

and then she passed.

So yeah.

- I didn't realize all that was going on.

I'm really sorry about Grams.

I know she meant a lot to you.

- Yeah, she did. Pops does too.

He tried living on his own for a bit,

but, you know,

even with my help, it's not enough.

So we decided on the care center.

But, you know, my firm's been great.

They are allowing me to work remotely,

and they say they're ready for me

to come back whenever I am.

- So you are the adventurous type after all.

- Okay. A little bit.

Not as much as you.

- And voila! This is on the house.

- So generous.

- Thank you.

- You're welcome. All right.

Okay, well, this has been a great conversation.

Really thrilling.

But I've gotta get to the more important matter

of wooing a lady.

- Doesn't seem like much wooing is needed.

Austin, she's into you.

All you have to do now is not screw it up.

- Oh, but for some reason that's the hard part, isn't it?

But she's cool, though, right?

- She's very cool.

Not that my opinion matters or anything,

but so far I approve.

- Now, listen, your opinion matters more to me

than you think.

- Aw, are we having a moment here, Austin?

- [Austin] We sure are.

- (laughs) Yours matters to me too.

- Okay, well, if that's the case,

then I approve of this.

I approve.

- It's nothing.

- It's nothing.

- Right. Okay.

Well, hope you enjoy the hot chocolate.

And please leave a five-star review on the website.

- Website?

- Yeah, the website. You're not the only one in the family

with an online presence.

I'm modern.

- Hey.

- Hey.

- Now that you've had the famous Cafe on Main hot chocolate,

what do you think?

You think you're up for another family tradition?

- Ah, I might be. What is it?

- Gingerbread houses with Pops.

- Oh, one of yours!

I've been so caught up in my family stuff,

I haven't even stopped to think about what anyone else does.

Has the Matthews family always done gingerbread houses

for Christmas?

- Yep.

Grams and Pops have always made sure that we've done it.

- I love that.

Maybe that explains why you're such a successful architect.

- Hmm. You know what, I never thought about it,

but you might be right.

Anyways, I should get going.

But pick you up in a couple of hours?

- Can't wait.

(perky upbeat music)

(gentle music)

- Are you okay?

- I'm fine, I'm fine. Fine, fine.

- 'Cause you're acting weird.

- I'm not acting weird. I'm just in a hurry.

- Hurry? For what?

This is the one night Mom has nothing on the calendar.

Well, my calendar has the care center on it.

I'm going to decorate gingerbread houses with Pops.

- Oh. And anyone else?

- And Will.

- What is going on with you and Will?

- We're just friends,

and I am having a good time getting to know him again.

- Apparently he is too. And Colin?

Remember him?

- Yeah, I remember him.

And as far as I know, we're friends too.

(bell rings)

(upbeat music)

Okay, gotta go. Don't wait up.

- You're telling me everything the second you get home.

- Bye.

(upbeat music)

I have to say, I did not quite expect this.

You've got blueprints.

I've only ever made gingerbread houses with graham crackers.

- Oh, this is serious business.

- Pops and I are the Christmas Festival reigning champs.

- Yeah.

- [Will] We're hoping for a repeat this year.

- Well, you've got a professional architect

on your team.

Of course you'll win.

- You'd be surprised. The competition is fierce.

- But I like our chances. I think Eliza's our lucky charm.

- I'm just following your lead.

I think the, um-

- The millwork.

- Yep, the millwork. Yes.

I think is what's gonna give us the edge.

- I think you might be right.

Pops, months of planning might pay off.

(Pops laughs)

- So how close is gingerbread design

and construction to your real job?

- Oh, it's pretty much the exact same.

Lots of frosting, long hours. You know.

- Okay, better question.

What do you love about your job?

Because if it's anything like this gingerbread house,

I can only imagine how much heart

and soul you put into your actual work.

- I mean, I'd like to think so.

I don't know, I kind of like everything.

You know, the creativity, the challenge.

I mean, even the budget.

But if I had to pick my favorite,

maybe the end result.

Just 'cause I love creating something, you know,

a space that people love.

- That's kind of beautiful.

And, I mean, you have quite the portfolio already,

between the gingerbread house and the cafe remodel,

I think I've seen enough.

Next time I build a real house or gingerbread house,

you're my architect.

- Well, I would be honored.

(perky music)

- I think we're gonna have a winner.

- Yeah, me too.

- You need more frosting.

- I've never done this before.

(gentle uplifting music)

I just love what Austen's done with the place.

It's so modern and homey.

Ooh, and the hot chocolate is amazing.

- A little hungry today?

- (laughs) Let her be. Come on.

- This is so good!

I can't remember the last time I had homemade waffles.

- Oh, don't forget,

tonight is the Maryville Christmas Festival.

It's the biggest show in town. We're all going together.

Kate's trio is gonna be performing. It's-

- We know.

- [Both] Tradition!

- How did they know I was gonna say that?

- It's a mystery.

- Ahem. It's not really your style, is it?

- Oh, no, not for me.

My mom has a shelf full of these.

I just thought it'd be nice to add to the collection.

- Well, I mean,

the shape and the size, the finish,

it's really just immaculate.

It's also really pricey for such a little thing.

- Yeah, it's kind of a makeup gift

for all the years I've missed.

- Well, in that case, maybe you should get three or four.

Okay, I'm kidding. Just two.

Let's see what we got. We got My Fair Lady.

We got Wing Golden Baby.

(Eliza laughs)

That's a front runner, for sure.

- Tree head gnome.

- Valid.

- There's a mini.

- That's adorable.

(Eliza laughs)

But what about this one?

- Yeah, 'cause you know her so well.

(gentle music)

Well, it's not a bad idea.

Yeah, I'll take it.

And I fell in love with the world

and found the perfect job to see it.

Well, most of it, anyway.

- You know, most people only dream of traveling the world.

You've done it.

So how does a small-town girl dream up all these big ideas?

- Well, it started with a book I got one year

for Christmas when I was nine.

"The 100 Wonders of the World."

- That's right.

That's the one you always carried around with you.

- Yeah, I...

Wait. You remember me doing that?

- Yeah, of course.

I mean, you barely came up for air from that thing.

Come on.

So when you're not out in the world, where are you?

- Oh, I'm a big-city girl. That's where the magazine is.

And I live with my roommate,

who is a classic social butterfly, knows everyone,

and is always down for a party.

- Partier. Huh.

I mean, I kind of thought that, after all that travel,

you might want some peace and quiet.

- I don't mind it, really.

I'm hardly ever there,

and I meet a lot of interesting people because of Charley.

- Charley?

- My roommate.

- Oh.

(tense music)

- Oh, no, no, no.

Charley is short for Charlotte,

who's my best friend and a girl.

She's just trying to find herself in this world.

- Well, she sounds like a lot of fun.

- Oh.

- Oh, we gotta.

Hey, it's Christmas Festival time. Let's get down there.

- Already?

- Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Clara's just helping me close.

So we'll meet you up front. Okay?

Let's do this.

All right, you ready?

- Oh, hey.

- [Austin] What? - Gotta hang this on the tree.

- [Austin] Ooh.

(Clara laughs)

- This has been great.

You know, I don't usually get the opportunity

to shop for figurines, so thanks.

- Yeah, it was fun.

I didn't think that was how my day was gonna go.

But I'm glad it did.

And I'm glad it's not over yet.

(gentle uplifting music)

- Oh, hey. You guys are still here.

You waiting for us?

- Yeah. Waiting for you guys.

- Well, let's get going.

Miss.

(Clara laughs)

(upbeat music)

♪ There's a jingle in air ♪

♪ A fa la la la feeling everywhere ♪

- Hey, do you guys wanna go see Santa really quick?

We have a few minutes before Kate's trio performs.

See who's been naughty or nice, yeah?

- Yeah. - Yeah.

- I think I've been pretty nice.

- [Austin] I think so.

Eliza, come on.

- What? What's happening? - This way.

- [Eliza] Where are we going?

- We're going to the North Pole.

- Ready? Over here. One, two, three.

Perfect. Merry Christmas, you guys.

Let's go get your mom.

- Merry Christmas, kiddos.

- [Helper] Hey, there we go. My Santa photo.

- Hi, Santa. - Santa!

- You've been on the nice list.

- [Austin] Santa!

- [Clara] They look perfect.

- [Austin] Oh my goodness, they look so cute, don't they?

- [Helper] Snuggle a little bit tight. Yeah.

- Wait, I want a selfie.

Thanks, Santa.

- Thank you. Have a merry Christmas, you two.

- Santa!

- [Santa] Oh, good to see you.

- [Helper] All right, one, two, three.

(Austin laughs)

- Hey.

- Oh.

♪ I've got the nice ♪

♪ I'll hang a mistletoe, you bring the kisses ♪

♪ Baby, you're the merry in every Christmas ♪

- That was good. Thank you.

♪ Hey, hey, hey ♪

♪ You're the happy in my holiday ♪

- Thank you.

- Thank you so much.

Oh, hot.

(upbeat music)

There it is.

And look! You won first place.

- We won. Pops is gonna be so proud.

- I think a speech is in order.

- Right. Ahem.

Maryville, this is the highest of honors.

None of which would be possible without one person.

Eliza Gardiner, your understanding of millwork

and weightbearing structures is unparalleled.

Well done.

- I'm so flattered.

(upbeat music)

- All right, let's go.

- What's the verdict?

- Well,

I give my first Maryville Christmas Festival five stars.

- Wow, wow, wow. Well, it's not over yet.

The grand finale's just about to start.

You ready?

Let's go see.

(phone ringing)

- Be right there.

- Come on, Will. - Hey, Charley.

- Still alive?

I haven't heard from you in a few days;

I thought maybe you fell

into a deep Christmas movie marathon or something.

- Alive and well, I think.

Oh, I'm gonna send you something.

(phone buzzes)

- All right, girl, details, spill.

Hat guy is a hot guy.

- It's too many. I'll tell you when I get back.

- Oh, can't wait.

Sure miss your face, get back soon.

- Oh, I miss your face too,

and your more-than-a-month's rent miracle face serum.

- (gasps) I knew you were using it!

- I gotta go.

- Wait, we need to talk about this.

- (mimics static crackling) You're breaking up.

It must be a bad-

- (gasps) There's only one of us

who can actually afford this stuff.

And it's not me.

(uplifting music)

- As your mayor, I wanna officially welcome you

to the annual Maryville Christmas Festival.

(audience applauds and cheers)

As we all know, Maryville is a magical place

where we never lose our small-town charm,

where neighbors help neighbors,

and where everyone you meet is a friend.

Let's get this show started.

We have a wonderful night,

and our first number is "Joy to the World."

- Go, Kate! Yeah!

Sorry, that's my sister.

♪ Joy to the world, the Lord is come ♪

♪ Let earth receive her King ♪

♪ Let every heart prepare him room ♪

♪ And saints and angels sing ♪

♪ And saints and angels sing ♪

♪ And saints, and saints, and angels sing ♪

(audience applauds and cheers)

- Kate's performance was amazing!

- Well, on behalf of Kate and her estate,

I'd like to say thank you very much.

(Eliza laughs)

- Hey, babe.

(tense music)

- What are you doing here?

- Surprise.

- This is a big surprise.

Everyone, this is Colin.

Colin, this is my dad, Jim.

- Good to meet you, Colin. - Nice to meet you.

- [Eliza] My mom, Nora.

- Hello. - My big brother, Austin.

- Hi.

- His girlfriend, Clara.

And this, this is-

- I'm Will. Sorry, I'm an old family friend.

Who are you?

- Colin.

- Right.

You know what? I better get going.

I should go check on Pops.

- We'll see you tomorrow at the house, right?

You're coming over, Will, for Christmas Eve?

- Yeah, yeah. Maybe.

- [Jim] See you, Will.

- Bye, Will.

- Well, I bet you two have a lot to catch up on.

It was such a pleasure to meet you, Colin.

- You as well.

- See ya.

- See ya. (laughs)

- So what are you doing here?

- Just drove into town

and followed the sounds of the hoots and hollers.

This is a small town.

Like, an incredibly small town.

- What happened to the big deal you were working on?

I thought it was gonna take you the rest of the holiday.

- Out of nowhere,

the bigwigs decided to take a couple of days off.

So, inspired by the lovely Eliza, that's you,

I thought I'd drop in on my family

for a spontaneous hometown holiday celebration.

It had been a while for me too.

And since I was going to be traveling anyway,

I worked in a little layover here with you.

- A layover in Maryville, huh?

- It was right on my way.

Do you wanna go see if somewhere's open?

Could get a late dinner.

- I better not. I got plans and, um...

But tomorrow, you should come tomorrow

and spend the day with the family.

- And what exactly does one do

at the Gardiner Family Estate on Christmas Eve?

- You'll just have to wait and see.

- Uh, yeah, so I'll see you tomorrow. Okay?

(mischievous music)

(upbeat music)

- Up and at 'em, girls! Rise and shine.

We have got things to do and people to see.

And I need your help with brunch.

- Her secret weapon. Cinnamon rolls.

- Ah, that woman is evil.

I'd literally do anything for her cinnamon rolls.

- Give up state secrets?

- Yep.

- Give up 10 years of your life?

- 1,000%.

- Give Austin a foot massage?

- I have my limits.

(Kate laughs)

(Kate sighs)

What?

- So I guess I'll address the elephant in the room.

Colin. Here?

Out of nowhere?

- Oh, elephants. I love elephants.

Have I told you about the herd I saw on Tanzania?

- I'm sure they were amazing.

And I'd love to hear about them later.

But the elephant I wanna talk about now is Colin.

- I think he'd be pretty offended

that you just called him an elephant.

- Ha, ha. Come on.

Spill the tea. Why didn't you tell us he was coming?

- 'Cause I didn't know he was coming. He just showed up.

- That seems pretty romantic.

That's big-gesture,

I'm-in-this-for-real kind of stuff.

- Yeah, he's a go-big kind of guy.

Especially when it's something that he wants.

- Which brings me to elephant number two.

Will. What about Will?

- What about Will?

He's cool, amazing, and we're friends.

Oh, I'm his best friend's little sister.

- Eliza, I think we can all tell it's a lot more than that.

- Really?

Looks like I have two really big elephants.

- Yep, two very handsome, very eligible elephants.

Sounds like a problem only a cinnamon roll could fix.

- Or a dozen.

- All right, everyone, we are here.

Let's get this party started, shall we? Yeah.

- Ooh, not so fast. We still have people coming.

And you're ruining the arrangement.

- How can I help?

- Can you finish up with the cinnamon rolls

and keep this guy, Austin, out of trouble?

- Thanks, Mom.

(bell dings)

(tense music)

- I'll get it.

(tense music)

Merry Christmas Eve, you two.

- Thanks, babe. Lovely to see you today.

- Yeah, thanks. Babe.

(tense music)

- [Nora] Hello, hello.

- May I?

- Hey. Hey. - Hi.

Everything looks and smells amazing.

- [Nora] So glad you came.

- Thanks.

- Please take a seat, Carter.

- It's Colin.

- [Nora] Colin.

- Before we dig into this amazing meal,

can I just say how great it is

to have you all here in our beautiful, festive home?

Thank you, Nora.

I'm so happy to have my sweet Eliza home.

It's not often that we get to be together as a family.

And when we do, it just feels good.

Dear Lord, as we gather together

to celebrate the birth of thy Son,

may we have gratitude in our hearts

for the wonderful blessings we enjoy.

We thank thee for this bounteous meal

and ask that those that have traveled

to be with us today may be safe in their journeys.

Amen.

- Amen. - Amen.

- [Austin] Sure hope there's more for everybody else.

- [Partaker] Oh, thank you.

- You think you're so funny. - Can I have at least two,

please? - Yeah, absolutely.

So Carlos, big-city guy.

- It's actually Colin.

- [Austin] Oh, so sorry.

- What do you do out there?

- [Colin] Banking.

- Baking?

- No, banking.

- Banking. - Oh.

- Like, investment banking.

- [Austin and Clara] Oh.

(upbeat music)

♪ I'm crazy about Christmas ♪

♪ It's the best time of the year ♪

♪ I love toasting marshmallows in the fire ♪

♪ And jolly cups of cheer ♪

♪ I'm crazy about Christmas ♪

♪ Let those bells ring loud and clear ♪

♪ Oh, I can't wait for Christmas, I can't wait ♪

♪ Santa in my windows ♪

♪ I can't wait for Christmas this year ♪

♪ I love gifts to wrap, making ginger snacks ♪

♪ And building angels in the snow ♪

♪ Writing letter to Santa Claus ♪

♪ Everybody knows I'm crazy about Christmas ♪

♪ About Christmas, bells ring loud and clear ♪

♪ Oh, I can't wait for Christmas ♪

♪ Santa in my windows ♪

♪ I can't wait for Christmas this year ♪

- "Footloose." - "Singin' in the Rain."

- [Austin] "Singin' in the Rain."

"I Think You Should Leave." - "Die Hard."

- [Jim] "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." The musical.

- "While You Were Sleeping." - Oh, oh.

- "Alison in Wonderland." Ooh.

- [Austin] "Brother Bear."

- "Doctor Who." - "Silence."

- [Clara] "Quantum Leap."

- "It's a Wonderful Life."

- Oh. - Oh.

- Oh man. - "Black & White."

That was close.

- Good job, Kate.

Okay, Colin, it's your turn.

- [Everyone] Colin! Colin!

Colin! Colin!

Colin! Colin!

- I really must get going.

- Oh. - Early flight in the morning.

- Oh. - But thank you so much

for your kindness and hospitality.

- It was delightful to have you here.

- Thank you.

- Nice meeting you. - Yeah, thanks for coming.

- Yeah, thanks for coming. - Yeah, nice to meet you.

- [Austin] Merry Christmas.

- [Clara] Have a good time in New York.

- Thank you.

(soft emotional music)

I didn't tell you before, but this is a rescue mission.

- A what?

- A rescue mission.

I'm busting you out of this nightmare.

You said you'd rather be anywhere else

but here for Christmas.

So here I am.

Like a wee little elf, granting your Christmas wish.

- You can't be serious. Are you?

- Very. We'll be at my parents' house in Boston by noon.

Having a proper Christmas. Together.

- But.

- I am glad I took this little detour

to get a look here for myself

instead of taking your word for it.

It really is as awful as you said.

- I never said "awful."

- Maybe you never said "awful,"

but over the past year,

I believe I've heard you describe it as, ahem:

backwater, podunk, uninspiring,

unrefined, and pedestrian.

And I think you also said:

just stringing up a few strands

of twinkle lights in the middle

of Nowhere, USA doesn't make it charming.

It's still Nowhere. You're absolutely right.

Go get your stuff packed.

I'll be back here bright and early to get you.

Flight leaves at 7:00.

(gentle music)

(gentle music continues)

- Okay, now what? Time for another game.

The door was open.

- I'm gonna leave.

- Sounds good. See you, Will.

(somber music)

- You heard?

- Everything. Loud and clear.

Sorry to embarrass you.

- Good night, guys.

(somber music)

- Love you, kiddo.

- Mom, I.

- You could have told us the truth

about why you never came home.

It would've hurt.

But it would've hurt a lot less than you...

You lied to us all these years.

We've been nothing but supportive

of you and your dreams.

Our lives and dreams are here.

The least you could have done was return the favor.

(somber music)

(somber music continues)

(phone dings)

(gentle music)

(blankets rustling)

(gentle music)

- Hey, babe. Where's your bag?

- I'm not going.

- What's that?

- I'm staying.

I am choosing to spend Christmas here

in this wonderful, magical,

heartwarming, teensy, tiny,

middle of nowhere town.

- You sure?

- Positive.

- Alrighty, suit yourself.

Give me a call when you get home.

When you've gotten all this out of your system.

- I am home, and I don't think I'm gonna be calling you

or getting anything out of my system, for that matter.

- What are you saying?

- I'm saying, I think you're a great guy.

I just, I don't think this is gonna work.

The girl you've been talking to, it was me,

it just wasn't the complete me.

This here in Maryville, this is the real me.

And I don't think it's what you're looking for.

- If you really mean that, Eliza,

I can't believe I'm saying this,

but I agree?

- I think we're best as friends.

- The friend zone. Ouch.

Not where I thought I'd end up,

but I appreciate the honesty.

If you do ever decide to leave here, give me a call.

I still owe you the insider info

on the best French pastries in the city, like I promised.

- Deal.

- Goodbye, Eliza Gardiner.

Good luck.

(gentle uplifting music)

(gentle uplifting music continues)

- Hey, Kate.

(gentle music)

(gentle music continues)

(upbeat perky music)

(upbeat perky music continues)

- Hey, wait until you open that one up.

I wanna see you do it.

♪ Mm, mm, mm ♪

Oh. Kate, when are you gonna learn?

- [Eliza] Sorry, it's mine.

- My stars, you scared me!

- I'm sorry.

- What are you doing here?

We all thought you left.

Up and at 'em, girl. Rise and shine!

- Please don't say it, Mom.

I've literally got nothing to do.

And I know people do not want to see me right now,

after everything that happened last night.

- Oh, sweetie.

- Mom, I really messed up. Everything.

- You certainly made some mistakes,

but it's pretty hard to mess up "everything."

- I broke things off with Colin, whatever that was.

I hurt and betrayed the most important people in my life

by saying some really stupid things.

And Will,

I think what I did was the worst to Will.

Mom, I am at a loss, honestly.

I've traveled everywhere.

I've lived on my own thinking it's made me mature.

But now I realize I know so little.

When did you learn to do all this?

How to be good at life?

- Never. You never really figure it out.

You never feel like you know what you're doing.

- That's reassuring.

- Welcome to adulting.

It's the secret no one ever tells you.

- I've been so confused ever since I've been back.

It's like there's two versions of me.

The world traveler, big-city me.

And the me that grew up here and left here behind.

Maybe I've been running away for so long

that I just don't even know who I am anymore.

Maybe I shouldn't have come back.

- That's exactly what I've been afraid of.

That you would never come back home again.

When you left here,

you made it quite clear that this house,

this town, this place was too small for you.

And I agree. It was.

I'm so proud of you for leaving the nest, flying.

Soaring. You're amazing.

But it's really hard not to see you.

I miss you terribly.

It's been so great for all of us to be together.

It's been magical.

And maybe I've been trying to bottle all this magic up

in cookies and carols and Christmas trees.

- And toilet paper rolls.

- We never got to that. You're right.

And every other celebration tradition I can think of.

'Cause I'm so afraid it won't happen again.

I want you to chase your dreams and live your life.

But I also want you to come home, sometimes.

- I will, Mom. Of course I will.

- I better get back down there.

I wanna give this gift to your dad. (laughs)

They're gonna think that I got lost up here.

It's a ratchet set.

It's been on your dad's wishlist for months.

- Oh, how romantic.

- It's another secret about adulting.

The older you get,

the increasingly more practical the gifts become.

(Eliza laughs)

- Now come on, get up. Come on down.

- Mom, I don't think I can go down here.

I wouldn't know what to say.

And I think my being there would just ruin Christmas

for everyone.

No one knows I'm here, right?

- Yeah, they all think that you left

with Colin this morning.

You've missed so many Christmas mornings already.

It would be a shame to miss another one.

- [Kate] Mom! Today, Dad's losing his mind.

Did you forget where you put it?

- I just found it. I'll be right down.

All right, well, we'll see you down there. Okay.

(gentle uplifting music)

Merry Christmas.

(gentle uplifting music)

(gentle uplifting music continues)

(upbeat music)

(phone ringing)

- Merry Christmas, roomie!

- Merry Christmas! Opened my gift yet?

- Just did. "Costs-more-than-a-month's-rent" face serum.

You shouldn't have.

Oh wait, you totally should have.

You used half of mine. How's Smallville, anyway?

- Merryville has been unexpectedly action-packed.

And the plot's still unfolding.

- Hmm, I'm intrigued. Hope it involves "hat guy."

- I bet you do.

I just wanted to call and let you know

that I'll be staying here a little bit longer.

I have to see how this all plays out.

- Okay, but don't be too long;

it's not the same without you occasionally here.

- Okay, talk to you later.

Wish me luck. I think I need a Christmas miracle.

- Good luck.

(upbeat music)

(Kata and Clara laugh)

- [Clara] Here's a scarf.

- That's a good one. I like that one.

Hey, you guys.

Eliza's new article just got posted.

Listen to this.

"Wonder. It's a good theme for a Christmas Day post.

Especially since it's what I write about."

- [Eliza] Usually, when you read these articles,

you're seeing overwater bungalows in the Maldives

or the northern lights in Iceland.

This one looks a little different,

but I promise it's still me.

It's the new improved me.

For as long as I can remember,

I've wanted to see the world.

To break free. To go everywhere.

To do everything.

As long as it was anywhere but my small hometown.

- Luckily for me,

I've been able to live out my wildest dreams

with all of you along for the ride

as my faithful travel companions.

But while I was expanding my vision

of the exotic and far-flung,

I lost sight of the wonders in my own world.

- [Eliza] My family.

My old friends. My new friends.

My roots.

The past few days have shown me how much I've missed

and how much I need those wonders to be part of my life,

my dreams, and my checklist too.

I will always be a wanderer.

I will keep exploring

and discovering the wonders of this big, beautiful world.

But now I know that you don't always have to travel far

and wide to find them.

They're all around you and most of the time,

have been right in front of you all along.

Maybe even where you least expect.

I'll keep chasing the big ones

until I get to all 100 and far beyond.

- But from now on,

I'm not gonna miss the little wonders along the way.

(gentle uplifting music)

- Eliza! What are you doing here?

We thought you'd left.

- I couldn't miss Christmas with the family again.

I've done that enough already.

Have you guys done the "Christmas mornings

at the top of the stairs" pic?

Did I miss it?

- Oh, we haven't done that in years.

- Well, come on, Mom, time to start it up again.

Up and at 'em. It's tradition.

- [Nora] Okay.

(upbeat music)

(upbeat music continues)

- Wow. - Whoa.

- Clara.

- Oh, thank you.

- [Eliza] Yeah. Austin.

- Thanks, sis.

- Do you have mine?

- Yeah.

For you. - This is a long party list.

Wow. - So, so cool.

- Oh. Ooh.

- I love it.

- Oh.

- Eliza. Oh.

- How did you get this? - Now I love you.

- [Kate] Open this one first.

- Oh, it's so pretty.

Thank you.

(Kate laughs)

(gentle music)

- What are you working on, E?

- Oh, just a project that's been years in the making.

It's something I should have done a long time ago.

- Hmm, I'm intrigued. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

- Yeah, I can't either.

(upbeat music)

(residents chattering)

Pops.

- Oh, Eliza, it's a pleasure seeing you again.

Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas. Sorry to barge in on you.

- No apology necessary. What brings you here today?

Are you singing again?

- No, not today. I was hoping to run into Will.

I checked by his place, and I thought I'd come here too.

Just trying to track him down.

- Well, he was here.

We opened some presents together. But he left.

He said he had somewhere he needed to go.

I can tell him you stopped by.

- Would you please?

- You bet. You wanna play some Christmas bingo?

It starts in five minutes.

- I wish I could, but there's something I really have to do.

- Oh. Well, Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

- Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't see where I was going,

and I just...

Uh, you.

- It's for you, actually.

- Really?

Well, it's a good thing we bumped into each other again.

Seem to be getting good at that.

(tense music)

I was actually looking for you.

- You were?

- Yeah, I was.

- Well, you found me.

Are you gonna open it?

- Yeah.

(gentle uplifting music)

(laughs) I love it.

You never cease to surprise me.

And you fixed it.

I read your article, by the way.

- Oh yeah, what'd you think?

- It's your best one yet.

- And I meant every word.

I'm really sorry about everything

that happened the last couple of days.

I just got so caught up with everything in my family,

and then it was also unexpectedly magical,

and then I fell in love

with this town.

I realized you were right about what you said at the party.

I am still in love

with you.

(gentle uplifting music)

- Wow, that's really good to hear.

'Cause I've always been in love with you, Eliza Gardiner.

Wait. Wait, wait, wait.

Am I still competing with Chris?

Clide? Clark?

- (laughs) It's Colin. No.

- Oh, Colin.

- We realized that we weren't quite right for each other.

'Cause I think there's someone else who might be.

- Oh. Do I know him, or?

(uplifting music)

(uplifting music continues)

(uplifting music)

(uplifting music continues)

(uplifting music continues)

(uplifting music continues)

(upbeat music)

♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh ♪

♪ Oh, oh, oh, yeah ♪

♪ If it don't put a twinkle in both of your eyes ♪

♪ Light you up and make you shine ♪

♪ No baby ♪

♪ It ain't Christmas ♪

♪ If it don't make your jingle bells ring-a-ling ♪

♪ Or give your heart a reason to sing ♪

♪ No baby ♪

♪ It ain't Christmas ♪

♪ If it doesn't fill your mind ♪

♪ With gold and memories ♪

♪ If you don't wake up to find ♪

♪ The world's at harmony ♪

♪ If the love's underflowin' and the smiles aren't showin' ♪

♪ And nobody's gettin' no kisses ♪

♪ Then you know ♪

♪ It ain't Christmas ♪

♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh ♪

♪ Oh, oh, oh, yeah ♪

♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh ♪

♪ Oh, oh, oh, yeah ♪