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[MUSIC]

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Ready to make our Christmas lists?

What's wrong, sweetie?

Nothing.

I know a worried, Emily, when I see her.

Sometimes I just feel a little empty at

Christmas, because of

all the other big families.

Like Kat, she has so

many brothers and sisters.

I know sometimes our family feels small,

but I have more love for you than drops

in the ocean and sunbeams in the sky.

And we'll always have each other.

I know what you need.

Sometimes there are the worries we can't

control, and those we can.

For the worries we can't control, like

feelin' sad, we'll put

them in this worry box.

Watch.

Worry.

Sprinkle.

Sealed.

In.

You try.

Sealed.

And then we'll let the

angels take care of those, okay?

Why do I have to make a list for Santa if

he knows everything?

Oh, well, the lists are just for Santa,

sweetie. It's for you as well.

I like to think of lists as roadmaps.

There are a lot of distractions out

there, and lists help you

focus on what's important.

And you know what's at the top of my

Christmas checklist?

A new pair of skates?

Having fun with my little Gem.

Dashing through the snow, on a one-horse

open sleigh, over the hills we go,

laughing all the way.

[music]

Emily!

Yoo-hoo!

Emily!

Hi, Mrs. Riley.

How are you, my dear?

Oh, silly question.

Sorry, I never know what to say.

I'm fine.

I should really be going and...

Are you thinking of decorating this year?

I don't know, probably not.

Oh, that's a shame.

Your house was always

the brightest on the block.

And this is Candy Cane Lane, after all.

Right.

How could I forget?

Well, look, if you need any help, I'd be

happy to lend a cheerful hand.

It's the happiest time of year.

Right.

The happiest.

[music]

You're out of the pate, so I had to

downgrade to morsels for

Little Muffin, which he hates.

Why don't you have red and green catnip

toys? These yellow ones?

Not Christmassy enough for his stocking.

Oh, cat food's on sale.

Last time you overcharged me 20 cents.

Are you serious right now? You're

actually complaining about 20 cents?

And morsels that don't jive with Muffy

Muffy Muffball's refined palate?

Those things seem pretty insignificant in

the grand scheme of life, don't you think?

While Muffin is enjoying her

catnip-induced Christmas with a stocking

full of red or green or yellow toys, can

cats even see color?

Some of us don't know how we're gonna

make it through the holidays!

I'm sorry.

I'm just gonna put this here.

Whoa,

Sorry, are you okay?

Depends on your definition of okay.

[door opens]

[music]

[door knocks]

Cheryl.

The one and only. Can I come in?

Uh... I guess.

You haven't been answering my calls.

Sorry about that. Now is

actually not a great time.

Really great bones. Excellent

craftsmanship. You have got

quite the asset on your hands.

Now, I completely understand what you're

going through. Losing a

parent can be overwhelming.

That's one word for it.

But when you initially reached out, you

seemed pretty sure you were gonna sell.

I'd say I was more 60-40.

Given that your house is on the famous

Candy Cane Lane, there is no better time

to sell given the holiday season.

Think of the optics.

Look, I appreciate you coming by, and I

know I need to make a decision soon.

The sooner the better. You must be

anxious to get back to

Seattle. Move on with your life.

Moving on would be nice.

Take it from me? A house?

It can really weigh you down.

Seems like strange advice given that

you're a real estate agent.

And a realist. And for real, when you

sell, you will have a nice chunk of

change to open a vegan

cheese shop or make some soap.

Or whatever it is you

Millennials are into these days.

I'm not ready.

Think about it. You have my card.

And it wouldn't hurt to

put up a few decorations.

Tis the season.

Ho, ho, ho.

Tis the season.

Ho, ho, ho.

Cheryl ...

I bring tidings of tamales.

Thanks, Kat.

It's that time of year. I have tamales

coming out of my ears.

Who's Cheryl?

The realtor.

Ah, that's what I thought.

Did you pull the trigger?

Not yet.

Not yet as in not yet but going to or not

yet not in this lifetime.

Honestly, I have no idea.

After mom passed, I thought I couldn't

stay here for another second. But now I

can't decide what sweatpants to wear.

I'm not ready. For any of it.

I'm here for you. You know that, right?

I know.

What you need is a cut in color. Want me

to book us a lady's trip to the salon?

I'm okay. Who am I

trying to impress anyway?

Have you heard from...

Dave? No.

I'm not surprised.

I'm pretty sure when he said take a

break, he was just too

scared to say break up.

You did say you two were growing apart.

You should just take this space as an

opportunity for you to

figure out what you want.

Still, would have been

nice to at least get flowers.

At least.

Are you still going to

that grief support group?

Why not?

Honestly, I'm cried out. I think I'm

clinically dehydrated.

I gotta go. I gotta go grocery shopping

and then pick up the dry cleaning and

then go get the boys from hockey.

I don't know how you do it all. And now

you have me to look after.

Caffeine and sugar, baby.

Call me if you need anything.

I will.

No, you won't. That's why

I keep checking in on you.

Love you.

Love you.

Okay, Mom.

If you're watching over me...

Please give me a sign.

[music]

We have already talked about

it in hundreds of times

We have talked about this so much that

I'm beginning to read

divorce legalese in my sleep.

Yes, we want this.

Okay, and it would be great if you could

have it signed and done before Christmas.

It's not going to ruin

Christmas. Don't be so dramatic.

I have to leave now my meeting's here.

Tim? Tim, don't start with me.

Next time you can just pick up an

extension if you

like. Get the full story.

I just didn't want to interrupt.

Don't worry. I never had a personal life

before. Why start one now?

Come on in Noah; take a seat.

You okay?

Of course. Why wouldn't I be?

Divorce is kind of a big deal.

It's part of life. In a

yang, light and dark, etc. etc.

Sometimes love ain't

enough. There's a song about it.

Love makes the world go round. There's a

song about that too.

Maybe.

I really liked Tim.

He seemed like the only one that

could get you to slow down.

Maybe you should have married the guy.

The plight of the snowy egret.

Yeah, I'm hoping it'll get people to take

climate change seriously.

Did you know that the destruction of the

habitat is the greatest

threat to their entire existence?

While I appreciate your enthusiasm for

our feathered friends, what I need now

are Christmas stories.

Hard-warming, tear-jerking, love-filled

stories that will go viral and spread

faster than a sourdough recipe on TikTok.

What do you have

against Christmas stories?

Just not my thing. I like writing

articles with substance.

Not about the lights on Candy Cane Lane

or the Great Christmas Bake Off.

You wrote that piece on grief in the holiday

season a while back.

Yeah, but it wasn't a fluff piece. That

was about how the holidays affect people

that have suffered loss.

Noah, you're a good writer. Even a great

one. But you have to focus. Freelance is

fine for a while, but you can't build

your career on that alone.

Thank you. I think.

There's a position opening up for a staff

writer in the Metro section. I'd like to

put your name forward for the job.

But you have to prove to

me that you're versatile.

Mary, I'm versatile.

Bring me an inspirational Christmas

story, something we've never seen before,

something that will bring hope to people

in these trying times.

You bring me something like that, and the

staff position is as good as yours.

Thank you, Mary. I will not let you down.

I know you won't. I'm going to dazzle you

in so much Christmas cheer, you're going

to thank Santa wrote it himself.

Cute. Oh, and Noah, I need that in three

weeks for the Christmas edition.

You got it.

[MUSIC]

[MUSIC]

This is impossible. What is...

Isaiah, hey. It's this article I'm

working on. I'm stuck.

Have you run out of ideas

on how to save the world?

It's an assignment Mary gave me. She's

basically handed me a full-time staff

position if I could get it right.

No pressure.

Exactly. It's one of those heartwarming

Christmas fluff pieces.

Ah, your favorite.

Yeah. You'll figure it out.

If you want the staff position, that is.

I do. Be a good step in the stone for me.

Anyways, how's work?

Fine.

Isn't that good?

It is what it is. It means to an end.

Aren't you supposed to be at Dad's?

No, that's tomorrow night. Why? Are you

actually going to come?

Especially not now. I've

got to work on this article.

Sure. I haven't heard that one before.

I'm a writer, okay? It's what I do, I

write. And especially not with this one.

The stakes are way too

high. It's got to be perfect.

[sighs]

Okay, angels. Time to

take care of all my worries.

[music]

[music]

My sweet Gem. If you're reading this, it

unfortunately means that I won't be with

you this Christmas,

despite how badly I wanted to be.

I know you'll be sad. So I created a

Christmas checklist. You

know how I am with lists.

That I do.

Of twelve things that I want you to do

before Christmas. Check them off as you

complete them, and you don't have to do

them in any particular order.

Just make sure that you

finish all twelve activities.

The twelfth activity will

come to you on Christmas Eve.

Mom, I can't.

I can hear you saying that you can't do

this, but you can. You're so strong, my

Gem. You've overcome any

obstacle you ever faced.

I'm so proud of you.

I know you'll tackle this challenge

head-on, and that you'll find joy in the

process. Trust me,

mothers are always right.

Please complete all of the items on the

Christmas checklist. It's all I ask.

I love you to the moon and back. All my

love, forever and always. Mom.

Donate jackets and

clothes. Go on a wintery adventure.

[music]

Okay, I'll do one thing.

[music]

Oh, oh, I'm sorry. I

didn't see you there.

Hey, it's you.

I'd ask if you're okay, but if I recall

correctly, that's a touchy subject.

Right. Sorry about that.

All in the past.

It's a lot of coats. I'm Noah, by the way.

Emily.

So what's the occasion for the closet

purge? Is it Marie Kondo? Are you early

spring cleaning? Are you moving?

You ask a lot of questions.

I can't help but work hazard. Here, let

me help you with that.

Thank you.

Thanks for your help.

My pleasure. So I gotta ask, what brought

you to the co-drive today?

I'm here from the Ivywood Gazette. I'm

doing an article about...

It's about giving the spirit of giving

and what makes people want to give and

how it impacts the community.

Are you sure? You

don't sound too convinced.

It's a work in progress.

I'm afraid my reasons aren't as

altruistic. I'm doing it for a checklist.

A checklist?

It's a long story.

I've got the time.

My mom died recently on November 11.

I'm sorry to hear that.

It's okay. Actually, it's not okay, but

that's just the easiest

thing to say sometimes.

I get it. I lost my mom a few years back

around Christmas. So now I don't even

really lean into the Christmas thing.

A checklist doesn't really give me that

option. It's a list of things I have to

complete before Christmas.

She left it for me. It

was her final request.

That's a nice way to

stay connected to her.

Sure. Except the last thing I want to do

right now is decorate the

house or pick up a new hobby.

Well, you already donated the clothes, so

I guess that's part of

the list, I would imagine?

It was.

Can't be that bad.

Aren't journalists supposed to remain

objective? It sounds like

you're taking my mom's side.

I disagree. This is

partial to a good story.

You know what?

This is a great story.

Oh, I don't think so.

It's pretty personal.

Sometimes those are the best ones to

share. Don't you feel better after

talking to me about it?

Yes, but that's because you tricked me

with your journalistic charm.

I didn't know that was the thing.

It is. You have it.

I gotta be honest with you. I'm actually

a freelance journalist, and I gotta find

this amazing, viral story

that'll blow my editor's mind.

So I can land this promotion.

I really think that this is that story.

The spirit of giving isn't gonna cut it.

It's not special.

What you're doing, that's special.

I appreciate that, but I

just can't. It's too soon.

Okay. Yeah, I get it. I don't want to

push, but, you know, I had to try.

Thank you again for your help with the

coats I should be going.

Nice bumping into you, Emily.

Hey, wait.

Can I help you with the checklist?

Why would you want to do that?

Well, you said there's

things you don't want to do.

Maybe if you did them with

someone else, it'd be easier.

And to be honest with you, I could really

use the Christmas cheer.

Promise me it's not

for your story.

It would be completely

off the record, Emily.

I promise.

I'll think about it.

Okay. Hey, let me give you my card.

And I'm also really good with a staple

gun, too. I'm just saying.

I'll keep that in mind.

Okay.

[music]

How's work coming?

It's fine.

You dating? Using those apps?

Dad, can we just decorate the tree and

talk about sports like we always do?

My apologies.

A man must know what's

happening in his son's lives.

Just know that they're happy.

Everything's fine, Dad. I'm doing okay.

You don't have to worry about me.

Yeah, it's just your

brother I have to worry about.

Here we go...

Well, I'm just wondering when he's going

to quit fooling around

with all that writing stuff.

Well, actually, he's up for his staff

position at the Gazette.

Really?

Well, thanks for sharing the good news.

What's the catch?

No catch, really. I mean, apart from

writing a knockout

article to win the promotion,

I don't know. Let's just

hope he doesn't mess it up.

Dad.

[MUSIC] When the gathering has begun and concerns

are down to one, should we clean up or

have fun for a while?

[MUSIC] There's a sweet, sweet stillness there in

the quiet Christmas air.

May you find yourself

laughing all the while.

Hey, what's up?

Are you okay?

I got a sign.

What? You did? I didn't actually believe

all that stuff. I was

just being supportive.

Mom left me something in the

worry box. Total Ruby move.

It's a checklist of things I have to

complete before Christmas.

Your mom and her

lists! What kinds of things?

Mostly stuff that we

would have done together.

That's really nice, Emily.

It is, and it's hard.

It's all part of the

process. Just take it day by day.

I did do one easy thing

today. And I met this guy.

Say what? Way to bury the lead.

Funny enough, he is a journalist.

Tell me more.

Kat, Dave and I haven't

even totally broken up.

The last thing I need right now is a

romantic distraction.

However...

There's always a but with you.

He offered to help with the checklist.

At first he wanted to

write a story about it.

Oh?

But that's not happening.

But he still wants to help.

I don't know why.

Part of me wants him to.

I don't know why. I

don't even know the guy.

W.W.R.D.

What Would Ruby Do?

That's the whole point of

this checklist, isn't it?

So? What would Ruby do?

She wouldn't hesitate.

Exactly. Call him now.

It's late.

8:30! No more excuses! WWRD girl.

Boys, you don't need to

get out every single bowl!

I gotta I go.

I promised the boys we'd

make Christmas cookies.

Boys!

[music]

[music]

C'mon, let me in, this thing is heavy!

Kat!

You scared me.

Since when do you lock the door?

You should just give me a key.

I wanted to help inspire

you with the checklist.

And I think you need

something living in here.

I'm sorry. You know what I mean.

It's okay. You don't have

to walk on egg shells around me

You're still wearing your pajamas?

Don't pajama shame me.

These are my day pajamas.

Then I don't want to

see your night pajamas.

You know, you don't need to keep coming

over and checking on me

and bringing me things.

Although you can bring me

some pozole if you're making it.

It's not Christmas

without pozole, my friend.

And no, I don't need to. I want to.

Thanks, Kat.

So, did you call that guy?

Why not?

I thought about it.

And?

It feels weird to ask a complete stranger

to do something so personal.

Have you Googled him?

No.

Amateur hour? He's not a

stranger if you Google him.

Come on!

Catalina!

I do this all the time

to vet Peter's employees.

You're a cyberstalker?

I like to think of

myself as Catalina P.I.

What's his name?

Noah Carver.

Try adding the Ivywood Gazette

Look at all the articles he's written.

Be kind to bees.

Fostering saves lives.

Look, grief can make you a Grinch.

When the wave of grief pummels over you,

it can make you feel angry and irritable

and do things you wouldn't normally do.

See? He totally gets

where you're coming from.

And he's super cute.

He must have written this around the time

he lost his own mom.

I think it's fate.

Call him!

And then get him to help with...

What's the next thing on the list?

Decorate the house.

Perfect.

And then do the tree while you're at it.

There's just one problem.

No more excuses.

Call him.

I've been thinking about it.

It's okay to have fun, you know.

I'm not sure I'm ready for fun.

You will be.

I'll call you tomorrow.

Here goes nothing.

[music]

[music]

[phone rings]

Hello?

[phone rings]

Hello?

Emily?

How did you know?

Lucky guess.

And I was hoping you'd call.

You were?

I was.

I was just wondering if you

were still interested in...

Yes.

Absolutely.

When?

Ummmm

Now?

Now works.

Actually, could you give me half an hour?

I will text you my address.

I'll be there.

Oh, and Emily?

Yeah?

What exactly are we doing?

You'll see.

Bye.

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

Hey.

Noah, hi.

Right on time.

So, what's today's challenge?

Decorating.

Piece of cake.

Well, not just decorating.

Decorate as if you are

trying to win a contest.

It is Candy Cane Lane, and I think there's a

bylaw for decorating

practices on the street.

Hold on.

That's way more than I signed out for.

Don't blame me.

Blame the checklist.

Why do you think your

mom left you the checklist?

She had a thing for lists.

She had a list for everything.

She even had a list for all her lists.

I love a good list.

So satisfying.

[laughs]

There was also this book that we loved,

"The Christmas Box."

There was this quote, "The best cure for

a broken heart is to use it."

I think she knew I'd be heartbroken

without her, so the list is her way of

making me do stuff to

distract me from my sadness.

Well, then there's only one thing to do.

Complete every item on that list.

Give it 110 percent,

nothing less than everything.

You in or out?

I think I need some

cocoa. Do you want cocoa?

I can make us some cocoa.

Maybe I'll just start

moving these decorations.

Yeah, I'm okay with that.

[music]

[music]

Thank you.

Look, I know I'm just basically a

stranger that cornered you on a coat

drive, but I'm happy I'm here.

And this Christmas

checklist could be good for you.

And for me, even though I don't have any

idea what I'm walking into, but...

You're not a complete stranger.

I read some of your articles.

You read my articles?

I had to check you out

before I invited you over.

I figured a guy who writes articles about

bees can't be all that bad.

That's good!

So what do you say?

Are we doing this or what?

Let's do it.

Great.

[music]

This stuff's nice.

It's a little dated.

No offense.

None taken.

If we're gonna decorate like we want to

win a contest, we gotta step our game up.

How did I live here my whole life and not

know about this place?

Well, it started up a few years back.

It's all donations. It's

run by volunteers and...

You know, this would be great material

for that article that you have to write.

Great minds think alike.

Did you bring me here to work a story?

No, but that's not a bad idea.

Do you mind if I go say hi to

the owner? Give him my card?

Not at all.

[music]

[music]

It's a perfect moment

suspended in time.

It's what the snow globe represents.

It's a perfect moment

suspended in time.

Right.

My mom got me one like

this when I was a kid.

She loved angels.

I'm just realizing I don't

know what happened to it.

You should get that one.

Maybe it's there for a reason. It'll

replace the one you lost.

Someone's quite the romantic.

No!

These would be nice for the walkway.

You could do three on each side, you

know? A little pop of color.

Okay.

We're gonna need a cart! [laughs]

[music]

Okay.

[music]

On the first day of

Christmas, my true love gave to me

a partridge in a pear...

[laughs]

You could really sing.

It's just Christmas

carols. Anyone can sing those.

I disagree. That is some

professional tra-la-la-la-ling.

Are you a singer?

Me? No. I mean, I can sing kind of.

I used to with my mom, but

I'm a nurse professionally.

I got you.

The clumsy nurse, apparently.

What hospital you work at?

Seattle General.

It's quite the commute from Ivywood.

Which is why I live in Seattle.

Alright.

This is, um, was my mom's house.

It's been in my family for a long time.

We both grew up here.

It's a lot of history.

Yeah, thanks for reminding me.

I came back to take care of

her just before she passed.

And now I have to figure out what to do

with it before I go back.

Which is when? January 1st.

It's a big decision to make in such a

short amount of time.

Yeah, it really is.

We make a great team.

We do!

So, what's next?

Oh, come on. We had a deal.

I'm not backing out. I'm just trying to

think of an easy one.

Um, how about go on a

wintery Christmas adventure?

It could be sledding or skating or...

Caroling. You got

a perfect voice for it.

How about skating?

Ah! Tsk ...

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!

Are you okay?

[laughs]

Okay.

She's one of the kids

doing laps around next.

Whoa!

Sheeez!

To...

the little bit of pride still intact

You weren't that bad.

I wasn't that good either.

I even practiced.

You did?

Mm-hmm.

Well, at least you didn't give up.

Falling is just a

second chance to try again.

Yeah.

You know, I have to say, this checklist

is really getting me

into the Christmas spirit.

I'm grateful that

your mom left it for you.

That's actually one of

the items on the list.

To give thanks every morning you're

supposed to say something that you're

grateful for out loud.

Not as easy as you want. You done it yet?

Not yet.

It's kind of hard to

feel thankful right now.

Christmas was her

favorite time of the year.

Hence why it's not an

Easter checklist, right?

Yeah, and I'm supposed to do all these

things that just feel

like painful reminders.

Well, maybe that's the point.

Even when we're hurting, there's always

one thing we could be grateful for.

So, you're gonna feel grateful that you

went skating today, even though you're

gonna be hurting tomorrow?

Yeah.

Can I see it?

The, uh, checklist?

Sure.

But I'm sending it to you as

a friend, not as a reporter.

Of course.

Okay.

There.

So, what are we tackling next?

Uh, how about send handwritten cards to

show love and appreciation?

The very analog.

Yeah, my mom always wrote letters. Thank

you cards, holiday cards.

I never understood why she loved it so

much, but I guess

that's why it's on the list.

Well, how about you send

one, and I'll send one.

Well, you gotta keep me posted since I'm

your accountability buddy.

Okay. Okay.

[sighs]

Today, I am thankful for...

the Christmas checklist...

the time I had with my mom...

my best friend Kat...

and for meeting Noah.

[music]

[music]

[music]

Hey, Mom, let me help you.

Miguel, get your butt

over here and help Aunty Em.

Thank you.

Thank you.

They have never done that before.

[music]

[music]

And your card is ...

The ace of diamonds.

[applause]

Thank you.

[laughter]

[music]

So where are we with the musical act?

I booked that husband and

wife duo, Rock and the Slay.

Never heard of them.

They're huge on TikTok.

We usually book the

guys from the union league.

I thought we'd do something different.

They're really special.

Here, let me show you.

It's fine. So what else are you planning

on changing this year?

I was thinking we set up

the food stations here.

No. Maybe even...

We never put them there.

It's too close to the restrooms.

I also wanted to talk to you about the

excessive use of tinsel.

What about it?

It's...

You know what? Never

mind. Do whatever you want.

Well, if I wanted to do whatever I

wanted, I would have booked the guys from

the union league instead of

some randoms on the internet.

[music]

Patty?

I want you to know

that you can count on me.

Because I want this to be the best

Christmas party that

Ivywood has ever seen.

And I really look

forward to doing that with you.

What?

Here.

Do one thing.

It might change everything.

Be kind to others.

Hmm.

[music]

[music]

Mom?

You okay, Gem?

I know this seems scary, but

we practiced a hundred times.

Remember what we talked about?

If I get that feeling in my tummy, I

close my eyes and see

that it's just you and me.

You got it, sweetie.

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

Now, you must be Emily.

Nick, right?

That's right. Pleased to meet you.

Any chance this little

one's in need of a foster home?

Oh, unfortunately,

she's already spoken for.

Oh, that's too bad.

She seems so sweet. The company would

have been nice during the holidays.

Tell you what. Why don't you leave your

number with the cashier over there, and

if anything changes,

you'll be the first to know.

Okay, great.

Oh, and good luck with your checklist.

Hopefully, I'll be

seeing you really soon.

Eggnog? Or wine?

[laughs]

[music]

I bet you have a lot of memories here.

Let's make some new ones.

I'm in

[music]

I love that.

[music]

Hello?

Yes, this is she.

What? No, you can't cancel.

I'm so sorry to hear that.

No, I understand. I hope you feel better.

It's just, how am I gonna find someone to

perform so last minute?

[laughs]

Is that guitar an old new hobby?

Yeah, I was feeling inspired.

I'd love to hear you play.

Ugh, we'll see. It's been a while. I

don't think I'm ready for an audience.

What about you?

What's your hobby gonna be?

I'm working on a book. A novel.

Wow, that's impressive.

No, it's not. I haven't touched it in

years and I kinda lost my motivation.

I got into a pretty serious long distance

relationship and those freelance

journalists' contracts made life a little

easier for my girlfr ... ex-girlfriend and I.

So you stopped writing a novel?

I chose a career path for a relationship

that didn't work. I just can't help but

feel like I made some pretty big mistakes along the way.

It's hard to face them.

That's why the article is so important to

you, to set you on a new career path.

I'm sorry about your breakup.

What about you?

Me?

Yeah, boyfriend, fiance?

We, Dave and I, we broke up just before I

came out here to look after my mom.

Ouch.

Well, we didn't technically break up. We

sort of took a break.

I see.

But the more time I'm away from him, the

more I realize how much distance there

was between us already.

It's funny that when you're apart, you

can really get to know someone.

And absence doesn't always

make the heart grow fonder.

Yeah.

I thought we said no, Caroling.

Did we?

It must have slipped my mind.

Come on. It's for a good cause.

Emily, Noah, welcome.

Glad you could make it.

So happy to see you here, my dear.

It's been so long

since I've heard you sing.

Nice to see you.

Come on.

Now, does everybody know Silent Night?

I'd prefer to be silent.

Silent night, holy night,

all is calm, all is bright,

round yon virgin mother and child,

holy infant so tender and mild.

Sleep in heavenly peace!

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Your voice was absolutely amazing.

Thank you.

So, I have to come to this

gingerbread decorating contest

that my friend, Kat, is hosting here.

Do you want to come?

Sold! What item in the

checklist are we going to cover?

None of them.

Yeah.

[phone rings]

Dave.

Hey, I know it's been a while.

I'm sorry I haven't reached out.

I've been doing a lot of thinking.

I miss you Em. I'm a lot.

You could have at least texted.

You're right. Totally right.

I guess I just don't deal

with loss that well, you know?

I'm sorry it's been so hard for you.

Oh, that came out

wrong. I didn't mean that.

It's okay.

Well, if ever you need someone to talk

to, I'm here for you.

I've been doing okay so far, but thanks.

So when are you coming back?

Work wants me back by the first.

That's great!

I don't know. It feels so

soon. I have so much to do here.

Well, the sooner you get back to your

normal life, the better.

I guess.

How's work?

You know how it is. Same

cases, different faces.

But we finally discharged Mr. Glickman.

[laughs] Remember him?

And Em.

And meant what I said.

I miss you.

This break has made me realize what a big

part of my life you were ... are!

I don't know what to say.

You don't have to say

anything. I just wanted you to know.

Listen, I gotta run. Duty calls.

Let's talk again soon, yeah?

Yeah, let's. Thanks for calling.

No sweat.

Bye.

Bye.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

I understand. Thank you.

No luck?

That's the end of the

back-up to my back-up list.

No one is available.

Well, what did you

expect? It's Christmas Eve.

Thank you. I'm aware.

What are we gonna do?

The musical act has always been the

highlight of the party.

Do you want me to call the

guys from the Union League?

I already did. They're halfway to the

Caribbean right now on a cruise.

We tried them in the first place.

You did a good thing.

Trying something new.

I am sorry that it

didn't work out for you.

Do you remember when we

used to get all kinds up there?

Anyone with a triangle or

a tambourine could perform?

You know, maybe that's a good idea.

What are you thinking?

What if we did it old school? Have a

sign-up sheet, kind of

like an open mic night?

What if no one signs up?

Hey!

I have a feeling that won't be a problem.

And if all else fails,

there's always Christmas karaoke.

I come bearing gifts.

Oh! Thank you, Emily.

Well, that's unexpected.

Thank you!

Are these made with agave by any chance?

And gluten-free?

No, they're just regular donuts.

I see.

Is this cow's milk?

Yes, it is.

It's too bad.

I only drink plant-based milks.

Well, we better get back to it. This

party isn't going to plan itself.

Classic Patty. She

likes things a certain way.

Let me guess, her way?

Although, ever since I gave her the

checklist, she's been

giving me way less Cruella vibes.

The checklist?

Yeah. Sorry. I hope that's okay.

Of course. I'm glad it could help.

Don't jump to conclusions. She's still

dead set on that tinsel.

We gotta run. I still have to pick up

Juan and Miguel from school before we

head to the senior center.

So, funny story. Dave

called last night.

Whoa. That's not funny at all.

And?

He misses me.

Of course he does. You're amazing.

And it's too little too

late, don't you think?

I don't know. Everybody

processes this stuff differently.

He's been giving me space.

Just because Dave was part of your past

does not mean he needs

to be part of your future.

I gotta go pick up my

kids. You all good here, Patty?

Oh, sure thing. I'm wrapping up too.

Okay, great. I'll see you on Monday at

the Gingerbread Contest.

Yeah. Perhaps you're right. Maybe we

should tone down the tinsel this year.

Whatever you want, Patty.

No. It's whatever we want, Kat.

Have a good day, you two.

[music]

I knew you wouldn't like it.

Then why'd you submit it?

I'm an optimist.

You know what I'm looking for?

Tears.

And?

A triumph.

Yes. My life's full of disappointment.

Please don't be another one.

Of course not.

Two weeks. Clocks ticking.

[music]

I posted the open mic sign up sheet on

the website, and we can make an

announcement tonight to

stir up some word of mouth.

Really wish we had at

least one name on there.

We do.

Oh. That was fast. Who is it?

Uh... Emily Robertson.

Your friend, Emily.

Wait. Wasn't her mom a singer?

I remember. She used to

perform every year. What a voice.

Emily's really

talented, too. She's just shy.

Well, I think it's just lovely that she

is taking up her mother's tradition.

Nice job, Kat.

Judging will be based on execution,

creativity, and originality. There will

be prizes for the different categories.

You will have exactly 30 minutes to

complete your gingerbread house. Anything

goes, but make it nice.

And have fun. Ready? Set? Go!

I didn't realize we'd be

competing against each other.

Why, are you nervous?

Hardly. I watched about 50 YouTube videos

to prep, so bring it on.

So, you're the Noah I've

been hearing so much about.

Well, good things, I hope.

Oh, very good things.

Kat, Noah, Noah, Kat.

Kat was just stopping by

to say a quick hello, right?

Fine. I'll leave you to it.

So nice to meet you, Noah, and good luck.

I don't think you get special treatment

just because you're my bestie.

Oh, I wouldn't dream of that.

It's nice to meet you, too.

[music]

Three, two, one.

Time!

Candy cane's down, everyone.

[applause]

Attention, everyone. We

have tabulated our votes.

The first award goes to the house that is

the most original, the Cat House.

[applause]

And the winner for best gingerbread house

overall goes to Noah!

[applause]

Feel free to make a

speech, okay, big winner?

Okay.

Well, I'd like to thank the Ivywood

Party Planning Committee for this honor.

And most of all, I'd like to thank my

partner in All Things Christmas, Emily.

Thank you all for coming out tonight, and

please don't forget to sign up to perform

at the annual Ivywood Christmas party.

If you don't, I will be forced to perform

Mariah Carey's full Christmas repertoire,

and trust me, we don't want to see that.

We do have one participant already signed

up who we would like to thank.

And who will remain a

surprise until the big day.

Thank you all for coming out, and we'll

see you on the 24th.

[applause]

Yoo-hoo, Emily!

Mrs. Riley, I was just

bringing over Christmas cookies.

Ruby's super-duper special

sugar cookies? My favorite.

You know, Mr. Crabtree would love these.

That Mr. Crabtree?

The very same. I was just having my

morning coffee with him.

I always thought he was a total recluse.

As did I. But then something you said the

other day got me thinking.

You know, sharing Christmas.

I realized I've lived across the street

from the man for over 30

years, and I barely know him.

Now what kind of

neighbor does that make me?

And you know what? He's really not that

crabby. Just a touch shy.

I guess I better go get

another tin of cookies.

Thanks again.

You're welcome.

[music]

[door opens]

Hey. I'm here for my cookies.

But can I have the

ones that Noah decorated?

You'll get what I give you.

By the way, he's way cuter in person, and

nice, and charming, and kind, and has

major vibes for you.

Okay, enough.

Sorry. Didn't mean to touch a nerve.

I'm sorry. It's not you. I feel like I'm

on the end of an emotional yo-yo between

Noah and Dave, and I don't know what way

is up, or what's good or right anymore.

Love isn't linear, my

friend. Sorry to break it to you.

You've been practicing?

More like dabbling. I don't

have anything to practice for.

Um...

What if you did?

I'm not following.

Okay, before you say no, hear me out.

What if you performed at

the Christmas Eve party?

Absolutely not.

I feel like that was a premeditated

answer. You didn't even give me the

chance to sell you on it.

There is nothing you

could say to convince me.

Please?

Kat, you know how hard it is for me to be

in front of an audience, but that

performance on that night,

after the year that I've had?

I get it. I do. But the thing is, I'm

really in a bind, and I kind of already

told the committee, aka

Patty, that you would.

Kat! Emily, you have an incredible voice,

and singing makes you happy. You radiate

when you perform, and I would say that

even if I wasn't your best friend.

I'm so out of practice. You have time.

I just... I know.

It's hard.

But you've come a long way

since you were eight years old.

Look, I know it seems like I'm asking you

to do this for me, but honestly, I think

you should do this for yourself.

Can I think about it?

Of course.

You want to see me?

Sit.

These pitches you sent.

Well, in fairness, if I could just get

the opportunity to elaborate, then I

really think you'd see the potential.

I'm sorry, Noah. That's three strikes.

I'm gonna have to go with another writer.

I don't get a foul ball.

Not in this game.

I really wanted this for you.

I'm sorry I let you down.

What happened to your heart?

Excuse me?

You always write with

your heart. What happened?

Mary, I have the story that you want.

It's just one problem.

It's not mine to tell.

I met someone. Her name is Emily.

Her mother passed away a month ago and

left her a checklist of twelve things to

do by Christmas Eve.

At first read, it's pretty

straightforward, but now I think that it

has a greater purpose.

This might sound crazy, but I truly

believe that this checklist is a roadmap

to finding love in all of its forms.

But like I said, it's

not my story to tell.

I beg to differ.

Meeting Emily, finding

your Christmas spirit again.

This is about you, Noah.

You're showing me your heart.

And I need that. Heck, we all need it.

Don't you understand,

Noah? You're giving me hope.

That's what I've been waiting for.

Let me read it at least. Do you have a

rough draft, an outline?

A few pages.

Tell you what, send it to me. I won't do

anything until we talk again.

Scout's honor.

You were a Boy Scout?

Get out of here before you see me cry.

Okay.

[music]

Is everything okay?

Yeah, of course. Why?

You seem...on edge or tense.

I guess I'm just nervous that you

wouldn't enjoy the meal.

Are you kidding? This is the

best paella I have ever had.

Thank you.

Okay, I can't stand it. Something's up.

You've been acting

distant all night. Just spill.

[phone rings]

Well, I should get that. It could be my

dad or Isaiah for the

volunteer fire department.

Mary, to what do I owe the pleasure?

Noah, you did it. You made me cry, sob,

bawl, weep. This Christmas checklist

article is everything.

It's not even finished.

Ah, details, details. You will finish it.

I will run it. It

will dominate Christmas.

This is huge. This is going to change the

course of your future.

[music]

[music]

All good?

No, things are not all good, Emily. I

have a confession to make.

Okay.

I've been searching for the perfect

article to land this staff position.

I remember.

But everything that I've been

sending in hasn't been right.

I've been feeling the

pressure from my boss.

So today, in my meeting, I told her about

the Christmas checklist.

I see.

She loved it. She wants me to write it.

And you told her no, right?

Like I said, it's too personal. I'm not

ready to share it like that.

Of course. The problem is,

I've already started writing it.

You what?

Well, not all of it. But I have started.

I'm so inspired by you, Emily, and by our

time together, that the words just flowed

onto the pages so naturally.

I never intended for her to read it,

especially not before

talking to you about it first.

But in the moment, it felt like sharing

it with her was the right thing to do.

She was so moved that I didn't want to

disappoint her, you know?

So instead, you disappointed me?

Yeah. I'm really sorry, Emily.

Was that her on the phone?

Yeah. She's, uh... She wants to run it.

Say no.

I can't do that. She's my boss, and I'm

contracted to write for her.

Emily, I'm so sorry. This is

not how I want things to go.

How did you think it was

going to turn out, Noah?

All this time, I thought you were doing

the checklist because you cared about it,

because you saw something special in it,

and you genuinely

wanted to help me finish it.

But now I understand. It was about the

article the whole time, wasn't it?

The checklist isn't something you can

just use for your own benefit. The fact

that you don't see that tells me

everything I need to know about you, and

you're not who I thought you were.

Okay. We're gonna talk about it.

I'm okay, really.

No, you're not. You wrote me a ten-page

dissertation by text

on why you're not okay.

I just feel like the whole time he was

only interested in getting a promotion.

He didn't care about the checklist or

us... I mean us doing

the checklist together.

Can I ask you something that might make you mad?

No.

Are you more upset that the checklist is

out there in the world, or because you're

doubting your read on him?

What's that supposed to mean?

Oh, come on. You were catching feelings

for each other, and you're pissed at

yourself because you think you read him

wrong, and it's your job to read people

and figure out what they're feeling.

No. Okay, maybe yes.

Would you consider that maybe he's a good guy who made a bad choice?

I don't know.

I know you're mad right now, but try not

to be mad forever. It's

not good for your complexion.

I'll keep that in mind.

Great job decorating

Nick. It's very festive.

You think it's good

enough to win a contest?

Definitely.

Thanks so much for stepping in to take

care of her. The original fosters had a

family emergency and had to leave town.

Of course. Thank you!

So? How long can you keep her for?

I was supposed to head back

to Seattle around the first.

No problem! The other

family will be back by then.

Oh, okay. That's ... good.

Emily! ...

Meet Ruby.

What did you say?

Ruby. Her name is Ruby.

Hi Ruby!

It's nice to meet you!

I'm thankful for my mom and the checklist

for giving me a reason to

bring a new Ruby into my life.

[door knocks]

All right. All right.

I'm coming. Hold on.

I wasn't sure if you heard the door, so I

let myself in. Old habit.

Of course. Of course.

Come in and make yourself at home.

Can I get you anything?

Coffee, tea, water? You hungry?

No, I'm good. Thanks, Dad.

I brought you some cookies.

Oh, thank you.

Did you make them yourself?

Mm-hmm.

I didn't know you had this skill.

Um, Isaiah told me that

you got a big promotion.

It's not confirmed,

but it's looking good.

Well, it's great.

I'm proud of you.

You are?

Of course I am.

I know I gave you a hard

time about your writing.

Because I didn't understand it,

then, but I want to.

I want to be a part of

your life again, Noah.

I'm sorry, too.

I shouldn't have shut you

out like that after Mom died.

I was just so mad at the way that you had

shut down that I ended up

just doing the exact same thing.

Well, son, we're more alike than you know, huh?

I guess so.

Let's say we try again.

I'd like that.

Sure.

You sure you're not hungry?

I got lasagna with your name on it. Yeah, okay.

So, how have you been?

Haven't seen you around much?

Busy.

Work, holidays, the usual, you know.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, me too. Gah.

It can be so exhausting going from one Christmas party to another to another.

Constant socializing

really takes it out of me.

How about you? Any holi-dates lined up or

are you looking for one?

... uh ...

Okay, Ruby, let's go for a walk.

I should get going

What about dessert? Your

father brought a lovely cake.

Spice cake. Your mom's favorite.

I wish I could, but I

have this deadline tomorrow.

This draft has to be perfect.

That's my son, the world's hardest

working writer. Can't wait to read it.

Thanks, Dad.

Alright, good night, guys.

Good night.

Uh, Noah?

Mind if I walk you home?

It's right next door.

I know. Um, but I want to

talk to you about something.

Yeah. Yeah.

Okay.

Uh, Noah?

Yep.

This is going to seem impulsive and maybe

a little out of the left field,

although probably not because I've been

laying it on pretty thick.

Anyway, um, here goes.

Whoa.

Come on. Sorry. Was that, um...

It was unexpected.

Uh, we are standing under a mistletoe.

Huh?

Look, Renee, Renee, I think

you are an amazing person.

It's just that I...

You can say the pity

speech. I've heard it all before.

Are you kidding me, Renee?

You are gorgeous. You're confident.

You seem to have the

world at your fingertips.

You're the last

person that needs any pity.

It's just that, uh, I

think I like someone else.

You think?

No, I know that I do.

Then what are you waiting for?

I did something to upset her, and I don't

know what she'll ever forgive me for.

Have you apologized?

Start there.

If she feels the same way about you, I'm

pretty sure an

apology will go a long way.

Thanks, Renee.

Sorry I ambushed you with a kiss.

I guess I watched too many rom-coms.

No, please, please. Never change.

Somewhere out there is a guy who would be

lucky to be on the

receiving end of that kiss.

Yeah. Yeah, you're right.

Good night, Noah. Good luck.

Thanks, Renee.

[music]

I'm thankful for...

[music]

[music]

Cheryl, it's Emily

Robertson from Candy Cane Lane.

Let's do it. Let's sell the house.

[music]

[music]

You did Ruby proud, my dear.

That's exactly the kind of

potluck she would have wanted.

Come on.

[music]

Did you forget something, Mrs. Riley?

Noah.

Hi.

Hi.

May I come in?

Sure.

Emily, I'm so sorry.

I should have told you I was writing the

article from the start.

I never meant to hurt you or take

advantage of what you're going through.

I write because it's the only way that I

can say how I truly feel about something,

which is why I wrote about you.

Here.

I brought you a copy just in

case you wanted to read it.

I'm really proud of it, and I hope that

maybe you'll see what I see.

Noah, you were right. The

checklist was meant to be shared.

I'm sorry I blew up at you.

That's okay.

I can't promise that

I'll read it, but I'll try.

That's fair.

And hopefully you'll also

accept this small apology gift.

Em?

Dave, why are you here?

Well, when you weren't answering about me

coming down, I figured

I would surprise you.

Hello, I'm Dave, Emily's boyfriend.

Noah, Emily's ... friend.

Well, I guess that's why you have the

for-sale sign now, right?

No, it's not. It's...

No, it's complicated.

I know.

Well, I'm sure you two

have a lot to catch up on.

So...

All right.

Noah, wait.

Looks like a great party.

Got any leftovers?

Yeah, in the kitchen.

Look, I'm pretty tired. Do you mind if I

set you up on the couch

and we call it a night?

Yeah. Of course.

[sighs]

We need to talk.

I'm sorry I showed up

unannounced last night.

It's okay. I understand why you did.

I'm sorry, too. It's... I've been

distant. It's not fair to you.

Well, I'm here now. We

could figure it out, right?

These past few years

have meant everything to me.

But the problems that we had before we

went on a break will still be

there if we get back together.

We've been through so much together.

I can't imagine throwing that away.

We're not.

What we had will always be ours.

It's just not enough

to build a future on.

To think I'm the one who wanted to take

the break. Why do I regret it now?

I don't. It helped us.

To be honest, you seem lighter, more

optimistic, and that has

nothing to do with me or us.

I know things weren't perfect.

I just miss the old days.

Me too.

But for the first time in a long time,

I'm looking forward to

the days ahead, you know?

Yeah.

I do know.

So I'll see you back in Seattle?

Actually, I'm not

sure about that anymore.

I hope we can still be friends.

We always have been.

We always will be.

I am so happy that Ruby

has found her forever home.

Me too.

Let's go home.

[music]

Cheryl, it's Emily.

Robertson.

Candy Cane Lane.

Listen, I've been doing a lot of

thinking, and I've

decided I'm not going to sell.

Ever.

I'm gonna stay in Ivywood.

[music]

[sigh]

I'm thankful that it's

finally Christmas Eve.

And I'm thankful for

you, Mom, wherever you are.

Cause I can feel you everywhere.

Our parents give us many gifts.

They teach us about kindness and empathy.

They show us how to stand up for

ourselves when it counts.

And step back when the

fight isn't worth it.

However, I would argue that the most

important lesson our parents

can give us is how to love.

How to receive it, share it, and spread

it to those who need it most.

When we lose a loved one over the holiday

season, it can be devastating.

When we lose a parent, it's debilitating.

Unless you're lucky enough to have a

mother who leaves you

a Christmas checklist.

A roadmap to guide you

along the path to love.

Finding community and cultivating

friendships along the way.

This is the story of that checklist.

And how it changed Christmas for me.

Forever.

Hey, Renee.

You look great.

You're right. I do. [laughs]

And you're not so bad yourself.

By the way, the Christmas

checklist has gone viral.

I linked the hashtag to your

article and it's blowing up.

That's great.

Did you tell her how you feel?

I tried.

Not good enough.

Put it all on the line.

Take it from me.

You'll feel better afterwards.

No matter what happens.

Hey, guys.

Just hang on a second.

I forgot something.

Emily.

You ready to go?

Yes.

There's just one last thing.

It's from your Mom.

I'll wait for you in the car.

My precious Gem.

I know this Christmas will be hard.

But I hope you know that

I will always be with you.

Close to your heart.

If I know my Gem, you've figured out what

the 12th item is on the checklist.

Remember, keep your heart open, my dear.

And it will open your eyes to the love

that is all around you.

And no matter what, you have my love.

Forever and always, Mom.

* Christmas is coming *

Noah!

Just the man I want to see!

Mary, hi.

Tim?

You look great.

How are you guys?

How are you doing out here?

Oh, stop beating around the bush.

Yes, we're back together.

Blame the holiday spirit.

Blame the mulled wine.

Blame the checklist.

But here we are.

Noah ...

I'm thrilled to tell you that the staff

writer position is officially yours.

Mary, thank you!

Thank you for believing in me.

Thank you for seeing this through ...

Oh, okay, okay.

I don't need an acceptance speech.

We'll see you after the break.

Tim and I are going on vacation.

Finally.

Well, you have a great trip.

Thanks again.

There she is.

Hi, Emily.

Hi.

Are you gonna play?

Like you so graciously pointed out,

performing tonight is doing

something that I'm afraid of.

And I have to finish what I

started with that checklist.

I'm so proud of you.

Now go get backstage so we

can get the party started.

Oh, there's just one other thing.

I have decided to stay.

That's the best news.

Okay, go.

Go get ready.

Hello, everyone!

Welcome to our annual

Ivywood Christmas Eve party.

Thank you all so much for coming out

tonight and supporting the community.

It's just you and me.

Without further ado, I'd like to

introduce the first musical

performance of the evening,

who also happens to be my

best friend, Emily Robertson!

Good evening and Merry Christmas.

I'm gonna perform a song

that I wrote with my mom, Ruby.

It's about the magic of Christmas and how

it becomes more magical

when you share it with people you love.

Mom, this is for you.

Listen here and I'll tell

you the story of our lives.

We're together under a canopy of stars

and it's Christmas night.

Look around you as miracles everywhere.

Every heart warm with the love we share.

Like you, I was young once

and unsure of so many things.

Courage comes last and

it's a long road in between.

You came along and that's when I knew.

Love is within and it's in you too.

Don't let your doubt

rule over your heart.

Listen closely and your

true self will sing out loud.

When times get too hard to bear alone.

I'm never too far,

just remember this song.

Come closer, let's

think of all the good times.

We're together under a canopy of stars

and it's Christmas night.

Noah, I've been unfair to

you and I have to apologize.

You were nothing but kind and considerate

to me and I reacted harshly.

And then I saw you kissing that very

pretty woman the

other night and I just...

Wait, wait, wait. You saw that?

That was my neighbor, her name is Renee.

I know it looked like, it was like a

mistletoe

misunderstanding. It's a long story.

I wanted to give you this when I came

over the other night but

things got a little complicated.

Right.

You remembered.

I know you're moving back to Seattle and

Dave's in your life again but I just

want you to know that these past few

weeks with you they've been perfect.

A perfect moment suspended in time.

I don't know what the future holds but I

hope whenever you see that snow globe

that it reminds you

of joy and not sadness.

This is so thoughtful, thank you.

But I'm not getting

back together with Dave.

And I'm not going back to Seattle.

I realize that sometimes

moving on means coming home.

So this is where I need to be right now.

I'm happy to hear that.

Reading your article and seeing the

checklist through your eyes made me

realize that love is the

legacy my mom left for me.

I hope I could be a part of it Emily.

You already are.

[music] There's a lot to see a lot to do.

Recently I've realized I

like doing it all with you.

Take my hand. Twirl me around.

Hold me close. Don't ever put me down.

Every time I look at you

you're looking back at me my dear.

When you are around

everything seems crystal clear

I've been dreaming on this moment

Hope if there's something real

For something real

Way back when I was a lonely soul

Holding on to a heart so cold

Letting go is the only way

To free myself from years of pain

You came to me like an ocean breeze

We're so sweet I thought I'd never see

Love like this is all I need

Never thought I'd be so free

I can't count all the times I've tried

To fill the void that's

broken me apart so many times

Then you came into my life

Hold me close, hold me tight

Every time I look at you

you're looking back at me my dear

When you are around