Original subtitles

Here she is, Alma.

She's got fresh carriage slats, reinforced trestles, and I gave

the runners a little extra

shape just to make her more aerodynamic.

You're the best.

Thank you so much, Maren.

You know how much this sled means to me.

I do. This thing's got history.

- Yeah. - Looks like your mom raced it

pretty hard when she was a kid.

So she says.

I can't wait for her to see her

grandkids doing the exact same thing.

And thanks for always taking

such good care of me, us, everybody.

Your dad would be so proud.

I'm happy to do it.

Tell the family I say Merry Christmas.

Absolutely.

Do you need a hand with this to the car?

- No, no, I got it. - You got it?

- Yep. - Okay.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

Good work, boss. Another Christmas saved.

Thank you, Josie.

Hey, Joe. You still working on that diner?

Yeah. Place was built in the '60s.

Half the codes are out of date

and the rest is covered in grease.

Mm-hm. Here, you might want another 3/4 inch conduit too

just to be safe.

Good catch.

- Thanks. - You got it.

My goodness.

There's something for everyone in this place.

Can I help you find something?

I'm looking for one of those doodads

to hang a small decoration.

Nothing too heavy.

Mm. All the doodads are right here.

Take your pick.

- Thank you kindly. - You're welcome.

Doodads.

Mom!

Oh, quick!

Hide the candy canes.

Hi, honey. How was school today?

- Good. - Yeah.

I got a sticker on my reading report.

You did?

Well, that deserves a candy cane.

Just one.

That's... Yeah.

Okay. Now it's two.

This one's for Josie.

- Really? - Oh, thanks, lady.

Candy canes.

My favorite.

Want one?

I'm good.

You know, I don't think I recognize you.

Are you new in town?

Actually, just moved here recently.

Kris Patterson.

Oh, well, welcome here.

I'm Maren. This is Leah, and that is Josie.

Hi.

How do you like Bright Creek?

Oh, it's delightful.

I'm over at that new retirement community, Jolly Acres.

Hey.

Ms. Hill was telling us about that place.

Adopt a grandparent.

How sweet is that?

It's fun to have kids around the place.

Keeps us on our toes.

Are you doing it?

Indeed I am.

I thought it'd be a good way to make new friends.

I didn't get to have a grandpa for very long.

I thought maybe I could adopt you.

I bet we'd have quite the adventure together.

Maybe we should just sign up for the program first. Yeah?

It would be $14.53, please.

A check, okay?

Old school.

Yeah, that's fine.

Thank you.

Josie, could you figure out how to do this?

Well, I hope we see you again very soon.

I have a feeling you will.

Bye.

He's adorable.

He's adorable.

- Mom. - Hm?

It would be so much fun to do grandpa stuff.

Like Gemma and her grandpa go stargazing.

And she learned all the constellations.

So cool.

Okay, then I think we're going

to have to sign up for this program.

Thanks, Mom.

Yeah, of course.

How about you go get started on your homework?

What?

You know, you don't have to do everything.

Yes, but I'm good at it.

Trust me, you're going to love it.

See you on the 24th.

Great room. Tell your friends.

Hey, how is the Great Room?

- Not great. - Not great.

Contractor just told me

it's going to be a couple more weeks.

- No. - So my head is... I am...

Okay. Well, it's going to be worth the wait, right?

Yeah. Yes, it will be.

It's going to be warm. It's going to be welcoming.

We'll have it all decorated like Christmas

and it's going to feel like home.

Good, because the brochure needs to sell that.

Yeah, they say a picture's worth a thousand words.

So when the when that thing is done, we're going to let

the Great Room do all the talking.

Excellent. And reminds me photographer called

they want to schedule a shoot. - Yes.

I'm thinking the 23rd,

the day before the Holiday Housewarming party.

Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. I like that.

Good. Head count is at 42 or 43 if you count Earl.

Who's Earl?

Midge's accordion.

She named her accordion?

She did. After her late husband.

Apparently, they were both great listeners.

- Oh, that's sweet. - Mm.

Oh, that reminds me.

Make sure we have a gluten-free option ordered for Midge.

Of course.

Oh, and Arthur, we have to make sure that he has a seat...

Away from the music.

Got it.

Yes. And No, that's all I have for you.

- Great. - Great.

Hey, teamwork makes the dream work, right?

That's it.

And you're planning on sticking around for all of this, right?

I'd love to.

And I go wherever the boss tells me whenever she tells me.

Right.

Okay.

You don't need me here anymore.

You got this. You're a great manager.

You just find ways to bring residents together.

That's all there is to it.

I can do that.

Yeah, you are doing that.

Hey, speaking of which, you saw Jane and our new resident Rita.

I did.

They became fast friends, didn't they?

Yeah, you knew exactly what you were doing

when you put Rita in next door to her.

Eh... Call it a lucky guess.

- Sure. - All right.

Hey! Photographer!

Oh, look at the Christmas display.

Yeah.

- Hello. - Hi.

Welcome to Jolly Acres. What brings you in today?

We're here about the Christmas Companions program.

We'd love to learn more about it.

Great. Yeah, we have the sign-up sheet right over there

by the bulletin board.

Feel free to look around.

I'll go find the coordinator for you.

Thank you.

- Mom? - Yes.

- Can I go look at it? - Yeah, go ahead.

Ah.

Those molasses cookies are delicious, aren't they?

Sometimes I-I put one or two in my pocket for later.

Is that allowed?

I mean...

I won't say anything.

Thank you for the tip.

This place seems pretty great.

Are you visiting someone?

No. No, I'm Regional Director of Operations.

Oh.

'Cause I'm...

It's quality control, so.

Sure.

How's the quality?

I might need one more just to be certain.

Good. I want you to be certain.

Okay. Yeah. Is four enough?

I hear you're interested in the Christmas Companions program.

Yes. I am Maren, and this is Leah

and we just love the idea.

Hi, I'm Reid Tanner.

It's nice to meet you, Leah.

Thanks. I-I like it too.

A lot of our residents

they don't really have family nearby.

And so this is a very easy way for them to meet people

and get to know people, especially during the holidays.

And how does it work on our end?

Here is a list of all the activities

for the next couple of weeks and,

you know, no pressure.

Mom, there's cookies and crafts and an ugly sweater contest.

Wow.

Wait, let me guess.

Let me take a look at you.

I am going to say you are eight years old.

Eight and a half.

Oof. So sorry.

- It was close. - It was close.

It was close. The half is the best part though.

Do you have kids?

I don't. No.

I have a lot of experience being the fun uncle,

but no kids of my own.

Oh.

How are you, Kris? How was the jingle jaunt?

Oh, Reid, you should have seen it.

The whole town was there cheering us on.

Kris!

Well, hello.

I was hoping I might see you again.

Wait, you two have met?

This is the lady I was telling you about,

runs a delightful hardware store in town.

Yes, we had a very good luck of running into each other. Hi.

Perhaps a bit of kismet?

What's kismet?

It's a little bit like magic.

Maren actually sold me the kit to hang the mistletoe.

You never know when it'll come in handy.

Yeah.

We're here to sign up for the Christmas Companions program.

Do you think you'd want to be my grandpa?

It would be my honor.

Aw. Okay.

All right, let's make this official then.

So...

Goodness.

Ready? Three, two

Okay, that was adorable.

Perfect.

Welcome to the family, Kris.

Looking forward to getting to know you better

and all the activities and...

Snow globe making is tomorrow.

Sorry, I have to step out.

I just wanted to say it was-it was great to meet you.

You too.

Sounds right up my alley.

Oh, and Leah.

Just one.

Did you see that?

That was cool.

- Mom? - Yeah.

Don't you think Kris seems kind of like

Santa?

Well, wouldn't that be something?

Leah, we got to go. We got to get to Jolly Acres.

Ready.

What do you got there?

My spy kit.

I'm going to find out who Kris really is.

I think Kris is just a very nice man who's trying to make

some new friends.

Why don't we just get to know him, okay?

That's exactly what I'm doing.

I'm calling it Operation Kringle.

Okay, agent.

Let's go meet your mark.

Come on.

Good morning, Reid.

Looks like you're already on the go.

Busy day?

Yeah, never a dull moment.

So we got the Christmas Eve Holiday Housewarming coming up,

so I've got to go meet with the contractor right now

about the Great Room.

Uh yeah, quick breakfast.

It's gonna be something special.

I really think it is.

Hey, thanks for pairing me with little Leah yesterday.

I can't wait to get to know them better.

You know Bright Creek is full of wonderful people

if you slow down long enough to notice.

If I slow down long enough to notice,

Frankie hands me clipboards of to-do lists.

See ya.

All right, snow globe making is just about to start

in the dining room.

Oh, I'm so excited for snow globe making.

-Yeah -Hey there.

- Hey. - Okay, oh...

Oh.

Do you want some help with that?

No, no, no, no, no.

I'm just I'm going to call maintenance.

They've been battling this thing all week.

That is nothing a little super tape can't fix.

No, there's no way that will hold.

It's uh...

Perks of growing up in a hardware store.

Oh.

She can fix anything.

Everyone calls her a handy ma'am.

Handy ma'am, that's funny. I never heard that before.

Um okay, let's get in there. Uh...

We... oh...

You got a...

No, it's just a it's a piece of a...

- Okay. - Like a pine needle.

Shall we?

Yep.

So does Kris have any other names?

Hm, not that I know of.

Oh, I mean now that you mention it,

I did hear someone call him Coco Claus last week.

Mm-hmm.

Does he have any secret hobbies or pets with antlers?

Uh... he does love to socialize.

And he is always making lists.

Checking them twice?

At a minimum.

Oh.

Checking twice?

Are you ready for this?

I mean I've never made a snow globe before.

Just wait.

There is something magical about a snowy tiny world.

Is that right?

Reid, you want to walk us through this?

Oh, Kris, I don't usually join in.

But I have a couple of minutes, so I-I'd love to.

Yeah, let's do it.

Join you.

I think we're supposed to pick a figurine first, right?

Hm, right.

Kris, do you have a big family?

Oh, yes.

I have family all around the world.

Lucky you.

I'm adopted. It's just me and Mom.

I always knew that I wanted to be a mom,

but uh dating never really made the list,

so I just skipped straight to the kid.

Wow. That's really something.

I mean I'm sure it's not without its challenges also.

Actually, I...

I've always been a pro at flying solo,

except now I have Leah.

We have a good time, don't we, kiddo?

Poof!

Being adopted makes you extra special

because you were chosen.

Really?

Best choice I ever made.

Kris, can you help me open this?

I bet we could do it together.

Ooh!

Oh, look at that teamwork.

I am so sorry to duck out. I've got to take this call.

Of course.

Hey there, Dave.

Yeah, congratulations.

Okay, yeah. No, that's great.

That's-that's wonderful.

Absolutely. No, you don't worry about it.

You-you go back and-and then and-and I'll figure it out.

No-no problem.

Okay. Great, we'll talk soon.

Congrats.

Everything okay?

My contractor's twins came two weeks early.

Uh-oh.

Does that mean...

I have to find his replacement and quick.

Um... I'm so sorry.

Excuse me.

Yeah... Can we...

Okay.

But uh Mac can start in a few weeks, but uh

No, it has to be done before the photo shoot

and the Holiday Housewarming party.

Right, right.

- So... - So you know what?

Leave this with me. I got it.

We will figure this out.

- Okay. - Okay.

Okay, I'm just going to...

Oh. Oh, sorry. Yeah.

Sorry about this bump in the road.

Hey, yeah. Thanks, thanks.

It's uh-it's great for Dave.

Not so great for us.

A little tricky finding contractors

this-this time of year.

What's this room supposed to be?

Um this is our Great Room.

So right now our residents, they don't really have anywhere

they could just kind of you know hang out together.

It's supposed to be done like weeks ago,

but that uh snowstorm that came through

that delayed some deliveries.

Oh, yes it did.

And-and you need this done by...

- Christmas Eve. - Huh.

Two and a half weeks.

Yeah, it's ambitious, but doable.

Maybe if I could find someone to oversee the whole thing,

but if I can't, this is-this is going to take up all my time.

I might even need to step back

from the Christmas Companions program.

You mean miss the Cookie Exchange?

Oh. Sadly, yeah.

I, um, I might even need to scale the whole program down.

I can't oversee that and manage all this at the same time.

Oh, well that-that would be a bummer.

I just...

I've just got so much left to do.

I mean...

Look, there's not that much. Not-not really.

Did you ever tackle anything like this, Maren?

Well, she re-did the Andersons' fireplace.

That hearth was a thing of beauty, wasn't it?

I'm not asking you to...

I mean I do love a good reno and uh

I know a very fast and reliable crew, so...

Are you serious?

Quick, before I change my mind.

Obviously we-we would compensate you.

Uh, if you keep this program running,

I can have this room ready in time for Christmas Eve.

Are...?

Deal.

Great.

Um, I will get started

when we're here for the Cookie Exchange tomorrow.

Thanks, Reid.

Yeah, of course.

Thank you.

Let's go, kiddo.

Funny how things work out.

Wow. You made this?

Yep. I even put the little family in there.

Aw.

- But it was great teamwork. - Okay.

Me, Mom, and Kris.

Hmm.

Even Reid helped a little.

Reid? Who's Reid?

Hmm?

He's-he's a manager at Jolly Acres.

Oh.

He's nice too.

- Hm. - And kind of funny.

And kind of handsome.

Okay, Leah. Let's go meet the crew.

What crew?

Crew?

- Yeah, you said crew... - Crew?

- Meaning, meaning crew. - Crew.

Oh, Reid lost his general contractor

for this reno he's doing

and they need it finished for this Christmas Eve event.

The Holiday Housewarming.

Yes, I might have volunteered.

You what?

Remember we talked about you not doing everything.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, but I'm-I'm still good at it.

Plus didn't you say something about how you wanted

more responsibility around here?

Congratulations.

I really need to stop saying things out loud in front of you.

Probably.

Okay, kiddo. Let's go.

Okay, well, have fun with handsome.

Not handsome.

Oh, a little handsome.

Okay, well, have fun.

Okay, so let's finish the sheetrock today.

We'll mud and tape tomorrow and we're off to the races.

Thank you, guys.

Hey, morning.

- Hi. - What's this?

That? Uh, union rules, I think.

I'd love to take a quick peek and say hi to everybody.

I know, I know you would, but uh I think... they work better

without an audience.

- Oh. Got it. - Mm-hmm.

Come on. They're starting the cookie exchange.

Oh. What if last one there gets the oatmeal raisins?

I like oatmeal raisin.

That's? Is that weird?

Hello everyone.

Good morning and I just wanted to welcome you and say

if this is your first companion event,

we're happy to have you here.

This is my own personal favorite because we get to learn

about people's family recipes and traditions

and stories and, uh, of course the cookies.

So enjoy.

Hi.

What are these?

Shortbread.

They're my great aunt Sue's recipe.

Hm, delicious.

I made them myself this year.

No pecans.

- You can take those. - Thank you.

Leah, hello.

You made these?

Yes, these are thumbprint cookies,

my grandfather's recipe.

I wonder if my grandpa had a special recipe.

I really wish I could have known him better.

Mom doesn't really talk about him that much.

I bet he was quite the guy to know.

But it's so fun to have an adopted grandpa.

It's fun to be adopted.

Every year my Ronnie,

he would make them and send them to his friends.

Oh. Should we try one?

And you know he even found a way to make them gluten-free

just for me.

- I mean there you go. - That is so sweet.

Well, you have half of this?

But now it's just me and Earl.

I love that.

Mm..

Thoughts?

- That's a really good cookie. - Very good.

I know.

Oh wow, thank you.

Thank you for sharing all of that too, Midge.

You're welcome, and there's more?

Oh, oh, I'm coming back.

Sadly I didn't have a chance

to bake anything for this or the skill.

But I am keeping the Tanner tradition alive with Chips Ahoy.

- Oh. - Chips Ahoy.

My dad actually had a special technique for opening the bag.

- Oh. - It was legendary.

That's actually my favorite thing about Christmas cookies,

all the traditions that go along with them.

Like your thumbprint cookies.

Exactly. Thumbprint cookies,

gluten-free options, Chips Ahoy.

How about your family, Maren?

Well, um my mom passed when I was little.

So it was just me and dad

and he always made cast iron rosettes.

You needed this like special iron that looked more like

something from a hardware store than a kitchen.

Very him.

What do they taste like?

They tasted like someone fried a snowflake.

Just crispy and light and sugary sweet.

Exactly.

Anyway, haven't made them in a while.

But today we brought reindeer cookies because Leah likes

anything shaped like an animal.

So add that one.

Do you think we could learn

how to make rosettes like Grandpa Charles?

Yeah. Yeah, maybe we could give that a go.

Yes.

He would have really loved baking with you.

Come on, Leah.

We've got more cookies to exchange.

Have fun.

- Yeah, those look so good. - Thank you.

I mean, imagine how much time that took.

Mmhmm.

Feels like you were really close with your dad.

Yeah, I was.

He was uh... he was quite a guy.

Is your dad still around?

Yeah, mom and dad.

They are eat, pray, loving their way through Europe right now.

Mm, fun.

Yeah, yeah.

I don't see them as often as I'd like,

but I'm-I'm really grateful that I have them.

- Mom? - Hm?

I think I'm going to need a bigger tin.

Yeah, I think so too.

Uh schedules, budgets, contracts,

all that lives in the file Operations Master.

Operations Master, not to be confused with the folder

Operational Disaster, which I'm sure we will fill out

Don't you do that. That's not funny.

That's a little funny.

You're like the-the wizard

behind the curtain with all this, you know that?

I mean you know all the building codes,

what's in storage,

who's allergic to what, when to order supplies,

how to make everyone just feel so...

welcome.

It's a tough act to follow.

Yeah.

I know I've opened 14 locations.

- I learned a lot. - I bet.

And that you're going to learn it all too.

Well, whatever it is, I'm sure it's a fun adventure

setting up shop here and there.

My wife Janice and I, we always wanted to travel more, but um

just never really felt like the right time.

Sure, I get that, but you never know.

There's still time.

Yeah. Uh, she keeps the dream alive

with her tropical vision board, so

Feel like that she's manifesting it for you.

Exactly.

Yeah, come in.

- Hey. - Hi.

Um, now that the crew is working, should we talk about

design or furniture?

Yeah, you bet.

We actually just ordered some great pieces.

Where did those end up?

Hm? Oh, the carriage house, out back.

Now see, look at you.

What?

Knowing where things are.

That's how it starts.

You're going to be great.

Okay. To the carriage house.

Oh wow.

It's beautiful.

Yeah, it's-it's-it's pretty magical even though

it has become a catch-all.

I, uh, I don't know where the new stuff is, but I mean we can

pull from anything in here.

Right. A lot of the stuff would work really great.

Yeah.

Oh hello. Okay.

Ah.

Oh, yeah. Reid, you got to come try this.

Oh.

See what I mean?

- Yeah. - Yeah, it's good.

I might just...

Does it recline?

Wait.

That's not bad.

Not at all.

I could be here all day.

Same. Yeah.

And that's a lot coming from me. I don't stay anywhere long.

Is that by choice?

It's been since my childhood.

Military family, but then I got a job opening these centers.

You oversee a launch and make sure the team's up to speed

and then you move on and you do it all over again.

Eventually I just got better at leaving than staying.

Does it get lonely?

Mm-mm. I meet a lot of nice people.

Good people.

Plus I've developed a very

strong sense of detachment to stuff.

Everything I own fits in like two suitcases.

What about you?

You born and raised here?

Born and raised.

Wow.

Yeah, this store was my dad's and when he got older

I started working with him

and then eventually I just took it over.

Mm. When he passed I...

I love the people.

And I know their-their stories

and their kids and their projects,

but they keep me very busy.

Which is probably the point.

Sounds nice.

It is.

I should probably leave.

Yes.

- Yeah? - Yeah, we should.

Okay, we're doing this.

Okay. Oh that's-that's really jammed.

- Um... - Stuck.

You have to-you have to lean back and...

- Just give me a hand. - Give me your hand.

Wow!

Oh!

Uh-huh.

Strong. I mean...

That chair was so strong. It was stuck.

- Let's get out of here. - Yep.

Is that supposed to happen?

No.

- Okay. - Okay.

Um...

- Yep, just... - It's-it's broken.

I broke it.

You broke it?

- Okay. - Okay.

Um... all right.

Um... I put my phone down somewhere.

Where did I put...

No, I left my phone on my desk.

I don't have reception.

- Okay. - Okay.

- Okay. - Okay.

Okay. Okay. Okay. Don't panic.

I'm not panicking.

- I was talking to myself. - Right.

Help!

Are you good?

Uh... okay.

Idea. Idea.

Yeah, I think we have to break the window.

No. No, no, no. Those windows are original.

You would never be able to find a replacement.

It's not ideal. I know.

If I just...

- Okay. - These pins look original.

What are you...

Oh no. There's, I don't... There's no way

that's going to come off.

That thing's probably welded on with like a hundred years of-

Got it.

Wow.

All right.

Okay. Glad we figured that out.

We?

Who are you texting?

No one.

Reid.

Ah. Hm.

It's a remodel update.

Oh so that's a remodel update face?

Yeah.

- Mom? - Hm?

Are we seeing Kris tonight?

Yes, yes. We are going to the Christmas tree farm.

Oh, is Reid going too?

No.

That being said, I do have

to swing by his place for some blueprints.

Mm-hmm. Well, say hi to Mr. Blueprint for me.

Will do.

You're with me, kiddo.

Welcome. Come on in.

Home sweet home.

Home is a dentist waiting room.

What do you mean?

I'm so sorry, you just moved in.

No, I didn't.

You don't have a table.

Coffee table.

It's a coffee box.

That's fair.

Reid, you don't have a Christmas tree.

You don't have a Christmas anything.

Not true. Uh...

Look. Bam! Christmas.

Oh Reid.

You like that?

I travel a lot.

I don't need to collect a bunch of things.

That's the one thing

that comes with me every time, the telescope.

- Hm. - Helps me stay grounded.

Blueprints.

Is there something else?

Yes. You're coming with us.

We are getting you a good old-fashioned Christmas tree.

What, right now?

Yes.

After we find our tree, do you think we can maybe get my ugly

Christmas sweater because the contest is this week.

Absolutely. We are going to find

the ugliest sweater of them all.

So do you know what you're wearing, Kris?

Sure do.

I found it with some

old Christmas treasures a few years ago.

Well, I bet we have some old treasures to go through

as well, but either, we're going to find something,

and it will be ugly.

- Yeah. - Yeah.

- That's a very nice one. - Yeah.

There she is.

Big Jim.

Nice to see you.

You just missed Mr. Bracken.

He was raving about that sensor light you put on this porch.

Okay, I'm going to have to swing by then cuz I just got

these color-changing bulbs and that he will love.

Yes.

Big Jim, this is Reid and Kris.

- Nice to meet you. - Merry Christmas.

- Hello. - Hi.

Leah, I got something special for you.

I borrowed a reindeer. His name is Robbie.

Cool. Did you know that girl reindeers have antlers too?

I did not know that,

but what I do know is that this reindeer Robbie

hasn't eaten the last two days

and I'm starting to take it personally.

I'm going to go check on him

and make sure he's not feeling homesick.

You guys should pop by and check him out.

- Okay. - Okay.

- Boom. - Bye.

Bye.

Did you ever meet a reindeer?

No.

I feel like you know everyone here, don't you?

Well, it's a small town.

Hi Parker.

Some people I'm still getting to know better.

How do we know which tree to pick?

One of them will just feel right.

Wait.

- It'll just feel right? - Yeah.

Wow.

I never picked out a Christmas tree before.

Never?

No, never.

We just took it out of the box.

We set it up.

That was the Christmas tree. Yeah.

Do you know what I do on Christmas now?

I fly.

Empty plane, free pretzels,

George Bailey on a tiny little screen.

It's actually kind of nice.

This one.

You like it?

Yeah. I don't know. Just feels right.

Well, it's a good pick.

My dad liked Fraser firs.

Fraser fir.

Leah, let's go visit that reindeer.

Thank you for this.

Of course.

It's going to tie your whole place together so...

for now at least.

Yeah.

Well, I uh, I got to grab some more stuff.

So, I'll-I'll meet you out there.

- Okay. - Okay.

Have a good night.

All right. What do I owe you?

Nothing.

Sorry?

The person in front of you covered it.

He said pass it on.

Really? That happens?

Yeah, around here it does. Yeah.

Okay. In that case, I insist on paying for whoever's behind me.

- Hello. - Oh boy.

Mom, Reid, come quick.

- Come on. - Uh...

Well, hello.

Come on.

Hey, something special about that guy.

I knew it.

Yeah.

I know, but I don't need MDF. I need solid wood.

Any chance you can help us out, Bill?

Oh, thank you. I owe you one.

Okay. Tell Jenny and the boys I say hi.

- Hi. - Hey there.

Thank you for my tree.

Yeah, of course. How's it looking?

- Naked. - Right.

- But that smell is... - Mm.

It's good, right?

- Wow. - Mm-hm.

So, I wanted to talk about paint colors for the reno.

We only have, what, 12 days until the Holiday Housewarming,

so we should we should make some decisions.

Okay. I was just about to run and grab some dinner.

Would you like to come with me?

Uh...

Uh well, Leah is with Josie tonight.

It's like a little early for dinner, isn't it?

Not around here.

Okay.

I am so sorry.

I didn't realize it was breakfast for dinner.

Oh, chocolate chips, very nice.

Fabulous. Did they bring a wine list by?

So, there's a lot of beige happening in the Great Room.

Right. We love beige.

Yes. It's a very safe color palette

Kinda like your apartment.

When you say it like that, you make it sound like a bad thing.

I'm not saying what if we add a little color. Hm?

- Oh. - What do you think?

So, the color palettes are the same at all the locations.

So, consistency matters.

Sure.

That being said, I think maybe we could try and branch out

a little bit. - Just a little.

A little bit.

Like that that pop of green did wonders for my apartment.

You know what? I thought it might.

Yeah.

Pancakes were awfully light

on the chocolate chips tonight, Reid.

Shoot.

Stanley, have you met Maren?

Pleasure.

I'll be talking to the front desk

about those chocolate chips.

Got it. Noted. Thank you.

So, do you eat here a lot?

More than I'd like?

This town has some pretty great restaurants I could...

I could show you.

I thought you'd never ask.

And the best café is right around the corner.

- So, this is Bright Creek, huh? - Mm-hm. It is.

Wow.

You don't get out much, do you?

I mean it's probably self-preservation.

I don't want to go fall in love with the place.

Look at... it's like this place is showing off right now.

Oh! Leah loves this game.

They set it up every year and all the proceeds

go to the youth group.

Okay. Let's do it.

Okay.

Okay.

So, you hit the bell, you win a prize.

- Okay. - Okay?

- Got it. - All right.

Oh, that was pretty good.

That was really good.

- That was not bad. - No, it wasn't.

You want to-you want to give it a go?

Sure.

Good luck.

I played a little ball in my day.

Wow, a little ball.

Minor leagues like several lifetimes ago.

Okay.

What a great prize.

Thank you.

He's huge.

Wow. Uh well, do you think Leah would like this?

Are you kidding? She'd love him.

Yeah, okay, good.

Unless you're emotionally attached.

No, no, no, no. I already have one.

No, I'm kidding. We can share custody.

Okay, as long as I get Christmas.

You got it.

Okay, popcorn is made.

Are you ready for this movie or what?

Yep. I just have to finish this.

What's this?

Secret agent stuff.

About Kris.

Mm.

I've been watching him all week and sometimes

he seems totally normal.

That's what he wants you to think.

- Like he eats oatmeal. - Mm-hm.

He loses glasses.

Okay.

But yesterday he was looking at a globe

for a really long time.

And then he asked me what the weather's going to be like

on Christmas Eve.

Mm, that's suspicious.

Yeah, but why would Santa be in Bright Creek?

Well, maybe someone needed him.

Mm-hm.

Okay, come on. Let's start this movie.

Okay, so maybe I'm not going to get recruited

to pro ball anytime soon, but

No. You had a great arm.

- Thank you. - Well, it was fine.

We can work on it.

You put your heart into it.

You put your heart into everything, don't you?

I guess.

- Question. - Yeah.

How many people in Bright Creek have a Maren Pollock story?

What do you mean?

Like ways that you've shown up

for people without them asking you.

A few, I guess.

Super nosy follow-up.

When's the last time you did something just for you?

Does getting my oil change count?

No, it doesn't.

It doesn't.

No. What's something on your list that you never get to

because you are so busy taking care of everyone around you?

My dad.

There's the-the boxes that he left behind.

It's photos, keepsakes, things from the store and

it's been five years and I keep telling myself I'm going

to open it and figure out what to keep

and what to like let go of, but

I haven't been able to open it.

Well, sounds like that could be something worth making

a little time for.

So, Frankie said that the Christmas Companions program

was your idea.

Mm.

First one was in Aspen two years ago.

It was a huge hit.

Apparently, the kids go back every year.

- They love it. - Oh, I could see that.

Yeah, I mean having Kris and everyone at Jolly Acres

in our lives has been great.

Leah's life, in Leah's life.

Yeah. Yeah.

Um yeah, something really special about this Jolly Acres.

Yeah. But you'll be moving on to the next one soon.

Any idea when?

And you just... you don't mind.

Baseball was good training for that.

New city.

Same duffle bag.

But you had a team.

Yeah, but I...

What's the longest that you stayed anywhere?

Two years, Gunflint, Iowa.

It was a great town.

I loved it. It was middle school.

I started playing baseball.

I had a best friend.

But Dad was always getting transferred and so I learned

not to get too attached.

After a while, leaving was easier than staying.

But Bright Creek,

I could see why you wanted to stay here.

Really?

A stranger bought me a Christmas tree.

They did.

That's...

Plus the company's not too bad, huh?

I should go.

I just told Josie I wouldn't be back so late

and it's almost 10:00, so.

Okay. Sure. Let me give you a ride.

No, no, no, no. No, it's all good.

- I'm going to... - You sure?

No, thank you.

But tonight was really nice.

It was.

Just you and me, kiddo.

I thought I saw someone out here.

You and your friend are awfully quiet.

Oh.

You're out late.

Stanley and I were just having a little chess match.

I could say the same for you.

Everything okay?

Yeah, great.

Yeah.

Mm-hm. Just...

wanted to enjoy the stars a little bit

before I headed back in and get some more work done.

Great night for it.

Yeah. Great night.

I went out with Maren.

I take it you two had a good time.

Yeah. Maybe a little too good.

Ah. No such thing.

Hope you're right about that.

You got your eye on the North Star?

Then you can't go wrong.

Well, well, well, look at you.

You're smiling.

I...

I don't think I've seen that smile since maybe uh...

high school.

It's silly.

What is?

Enjoying the company of someone

who might be gone like next month.

Well, you don't know what will happen.

I do.

He'll leave. He said so and...

I have enough on my plate.

Look, for as long as I've known you,

you've always had a lot on your plate on purpose.

So maybe it's time to,

you know, move that stuff off your plate.

I just need to finish the reno.

Okay.

What do you got there?

I'm looking for an ugly Christmas sweater.

The contest is today.

Oh, yeah.

Oh my gosh, Grandpa Charles's old things.

Oh my goodness, the rosette maker.

A Christmas treasure, just like Kris was saying.

Oh Leah!

Look at this.

It's perfect.

Mm-hm.

Love you, Larry.

Hey you.

Hi.

Hey, I'm so sorry to interrupt.

I just wanted to quickly introduce you to the new boss.

- This is Linda. - Oh!

She is tough but fair and highly motivated by fish.

Pleasure to meet you and I will not let you down.

So uh by the end of the day, we've got trim, electrical,

and carpet all wrapped up.

Eleven days left to the Holiday Housewarming.

It'll be done?

Hopefully sooner. I like a buffer.

Oh, I like that about you.

- You do? - I do.

Are you and Leah

going to the ugly sweater competition tonight?

Trying to stop us.

Oh now, that sweater's too special

to be ugly.

It was my grandpa's.

And guess what else we bought?

Now that's pretty cool.

I like your sweater.

Do you think you could tell me if I'm on the nice list?

I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Now tell me, which reindeer is this?

Rudolph. His nose lights up but his eye keeps falling off.

- Oh no. - That's great.

That-that just gives him a little more character.

How'd he fly?

That's a fair point. I didn't... yeah.

You know what? I think I have...

I think I have a safety pin...

No, I left it in my... I left it in my...

Amateurs.

Perfect.

Oh I well...

I have an idea. I have an idea.

Might not be perfect but there's no such thing as

perfect, is there?

Even if we see the safety pin, I think...

All right.

Just a little and then we are back in Christmas business.

What do you think?

Mm-hm. Rudolph lives to fly another day?

- Yeah. - Okay.

All right, everyone. How are we feeling?

Good.

Hey.

Are we ready to do this?

Yes.

- Are we feeling festive? - Yes! Yes!

All right, everyone. Take your places.

Let's do the walkway.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first annual

ugly Christmas sweater contest

where fashion crimes are encouraged

and sequins are to be celebrated.

Now are we ready for some of the most unique sweaters

you have ever seen?

Let the runway begin.

Eugene. It's Eugene.

Woo!

Looking good.

Okay, judges. What are we thinking?

Oh no, really?

I don't know how we can just pick one.

They were all so excellent.

- Stanley? - I don't care.

Okay, you know what? I got this.

Ladies and gentlemen, the judges have deliberated

and we have a winner.

Drum roll, please, Stanley.

Not on your life.

Okay. The winner is...

everyone.

You are all winners.

Well done, everyone.

Yeah.

This was really fun.

Oh, especially seeing Leah in my dad's old sweater.

I bet. I bet.

No, it could be easier going

through your dad's things with Leah.

Yeah. Yeah, maybe it could.

She's so enamored with all of his old things.

Could be one of those things that you do for her

but also

for you.

Oh, I see where this is going.

You're sneaky.

- I'm... - Yeah.

Just thinking out loud here.

Right.

Mom, where are you?

You have to come see these stars.

Oh, wow. Look at that.

Hi.

Wow.

I wonder if you can see the North Pole from here.

Oof, I don't know.

I can teach you how to find the North Star though.

So if you find the Big Dipper. You see the Big Dipper?

- Mm-hm. - Okay.

So if you follow the rim of the bowl around, see the two stars

at the end?

- Mm-hm. - Okay.

Trace a line from that last one right over

and that-that's the North Star.

A special person once told me

that if you keep your eye on that,

you can't go wrong.

That's what Santa follows.

Cool, right? Really cool.

Thank you for a fun day.

Turns out joining in is not so bad.

It's not so bad.

- Right? - Wasn't bad.

Yeah.

'Course the, uh, company didn't hurt.

What about you?

You didn't have the Great Room, no shop.

Just a little holiday cheer.

Yeah. It was It was really nice. Change of pace.

Nice to just slow down...

Together.

See you tomorrow?

Heck yeah.

- All right, stargazer. - See you.

Time to head home.

See you kiddo. That was fun.

Bye.

Beautiful night.

Yeah. Yeah, it sure is.

Things are going well then?

Yeah.

You could say that.

Glad to hear it.

Like I always say,

follow that guy and this guy, you'll always end up

where you're meant to be.

All right.

- Sorry. I have to grab this. - Sure.

Hey Ms. Whitmore.

Hello.

'Course. Yeah.

Right. Okay.

Um...

Sure. Will do.

Okay. We'll talk soon.

Great. Bye.

Was that the big boss calling?

Sure was. Yeah.

So you got another move on the horizon.

Looks like it.

Good night, Reid.

Hey, yeah. Come on in.

Can I get you some tea or...

No, no, no. Thanks. Thanks.

I, uh, um...

so my boss called and told me that there is another location

that might need my help in Honolulu...

after the holidays.

Oh.

It could still be TBT if they really need me.

- Right. - I don't know. Unclear.

Well, I'm...

I'm sure they will. You're great at what you do.

I hear Honolulu is gorgeous.

I think it is.

Yeah.

Um, palm trees, ocean breezes, little, um, drink umbrellas.

- Sure. - Sure.

Rare to turn that down.

Couple of months ago, yeah, that might have been true but-

now I don't know.

I-I think I maybe might want something else.

That-that might be something worth considering.

Thank you for telling me.

For what it's worth, I was really hoping

that I could stay here for a while.

Yeah. Me too.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Okay.

Yeah, it's just in this aisle right over here.

What's, uh, going on?

Your jingle looks a little jangled.

Reid is transferring to Honolulu right after Christmas.

Oh, Maren.

It's okay.

No, I-I knew this was coming, so.

You really going to do that?

Do what?

Pretend like it doesn't matter.

Look, it was a great detour, but now I get back to my life.

You know that the store and Leah, you.

Oh, what? Leave me out of this.

It's been so good seeing you so happy.

I haven't seen that in years.

I'll admit...

it's been great having Reid around.

And I promise that I will take more time for myself

after the Great Room is done.

Right. Because if you fix this, you don't have to deal

with any of this.

Why are you always right?

Well, I'm your best friend. It's my job.

- Thank you. - Mm-hm.

Hey there, Kris.

Oh, hey Reid. Morning.

Are you going to see Maren today?

Uh, yeah.

I think she's going to be by later.

Why do you ask?

Leah left this behind yesterday.

Knowing how special it is.

I was hoping you could get it back to her.

Yeah, of course. Of course.

Well...

Hey, that reminds me. I wanted to ask you.

So we have the Holiday Housewarming coming up

but the one little missing piece is a visit from Santa.

Are you offering me a gig?

Are you up for it?

I'll see if I can find my suit.

Thank you. Thank you.

So have you come to any conclusions about Kris yet?

Yep. I think he's Santa.

- Really? - Yep.

He makes lights turn on.

He got the reindeer to eat. - Mm.

And he laughed like, ho ho ho!

That is all very Santa-like, isn't it? But...

I don't think we should get our hopes up.

Already up.

Great.

It's wonderful.

- Yeah. - It's wonderful.

And with four days left to spare, just...

All right. Photographers will be here in a few days,

and we'll-just we'll just keep it rolling.

Yep. I just need to add the last few accoutrements.

The what now?

It's French.

For what?

Expensive?

Ha, funny.

Hey. Okay.

Could you and Leah swing by tonight?

Swing by your place?

Yeah. Yeah.

I am working on something. It might be-

I might be in way over my head.

Please.

What time?

Uh it doesn't matter, whenever.

Whenever you're done saving the world.

I'll see you tonight.

Okay, great. Thank you.

Thank you for...

Looks great, Reid. Nice job.

Can you believe it?

But missing one thing.

Mistletoe.

You could never have too much.

Perfect, yes. Be-be my guest, Kris.

Come on in. Come on in.

I'm-I'm-I'm really glad you could make it.

This is way nicer than last time I was here.

Nicely done.

Thank you. Thank you.

What's that smell?

Oil.

We're making rosettes.

No way.

I thought I'd maybe try and do something for you.

And I have the magic weapon.

Oh.

Grandpa Charles' rosette iron.

Kris told me that you left it behind so he asked me to give

it back to you and I figured I couldn't return a rosette iron

without making rosettes because that's for sure a rule.

Of course.

Right. Exactly.

So what do you think? Who's in?

Yes!

That is! Let's do it!

So we're going to do four eggs.

- Like you mean... - Oh!

Whisk it. Whisk it.

We're going to mix in the flour now.

Flour!

There is...

You're good. We need some milk in there.

We need some milk in there.

That's good. Now combine.

That's good.

Time to fry. Let's do it.

Hot.

Okay, but not too close.

Look at that. Now they're really crisping up.

Here we go, here we go. This one's ready.

Look at that. Look at that snowflake.

Oh, my gosh, here.

Wow!

Oh my gosh. That's so good.

Okay. That came out all at once.

Oh!

Oh.

What do you think?

- Yeah? - It's amazing.

It's light.

Oh, holy night that's good.

No, I got to flip these.

Oh will you-will you grab that for me?

- Yeah, yeah. - I got to flip these.

Okay. Let's get this one out of here.

A package from Jolly Acres in Chicago. Corporate?

My transfer.

What's all this?

Oh, nothing. Just cleaning up a little bit.

When we go to Jolly Acres today,

could we bring some rosettes to Kris?

I want to tell him we learned

how to make Grandpa Charles' recipe.

Absolutely. Yeah.

Why don't you go get ready and we'll head out.

Oh, well, hello there.

Are you here for movie night?

Miracle on 34th Street, a Christmas classic.

Yep.

And we brought candy canes.

Oh, perfect.

Honey, why don't you run in and grab some good seats

and Kris and I will be right behind you.

Okay.

I was um-I was just hoping to talk to you about something.

It's just Leah really misses having a grandfather in her life

and she has taken to you in such a big way.

It's... wonderful.

I just don't want her to get hurt.

I see.

And she...

she may have convinced herself that you're Santa.

So I just wanted to make sure...

That I don't mislead her.

Yeah.

Her heart is safe with me. I promise you that.

I know.

I'll have a chat with her right after the movie.

A gentle one.

Always.

Thank you.

My goodness, delicious. You made these?

With Mom and Reid.

Oh, you don't say.

Can I ask you something?

Always.

The Christmas tree lights, did you make them turn on?

The staff lets me keep this.

They say it makes people smile.

I-I-I thought you were maybe...

Santa.

I know.

I believe in what Santa stands for.

Hope, joy and wonder.

That part's real, okay?

It's just...

I didn't get to have a grandpa for very long,

so I thought maybe I could have you.

I could never replace your actual grandpa.

But I'd be awfully honored to be your friend.

Wow. This is looking good like-like really good.

Is this real?

Oh, yep.

I just know a lot of good people and I pointed them

in the right direction.

Uh, excuse me. Stanley... Stanley, don't touch that.

Just got off the phone with the photographer.

They'll be here tomorrow to shoot the brochure.

Good.

And then yeah, it's hard to believe

the Holiday Housewarming's two days away.

What would I do without you?

Thank you.

Not just for... for all this, but

you know, for everything.

Yeah.

You'll be missed.

You know I didn't choose Honolulu, right?

That was-that was-that just came down and then

if you want to move up, you got to...

I get it.

You go.

But...

what do you want?

Tanner, there you are.

Miss Whitmore, this is perfect.

I wanted to introduce you to Maren.

She's the one taking care of all the renos.

Oh, pleasure. Thanks so much.

Maren, sorry. Can I steal you for a moment?

Sorry to interrupt.

- Sure, yeah. - Excuse me.

Yeah. You're-you're earlier than expected.

We were just putting some finishing touches on the room.

What do you think?

This is everything we've been working toward.

It's-it's clean. It's elevated.

It's aspirational.

Oh, it'll photograph beautifully.

Well done.

This is exactly what they need in Honolulu.

Mm.

Hey there. You taking off?

Hey.

My last receipts.

- Oh. - Thank you for trusting me.

Um, I was going to go for a drive later

to do some stargazing.

Do you and Leah want to come with?

I think we're just going to head home.

Thank you.

Yeah.

Um... maybe we'll see the party then?

Maybe.

Yeah, we might pop in for a bit.

It was fun today, right?

Good night.

Good morning.

Hi.

Morning, Stanley.

Oh, no. No, no, no, no.

Can you pick up, Reid. Pick up! Pick up, Reid!

Reid, yeah. No, we have a problem.

Oh!

Oh, well, the plumber said it started when that second floor

pipe burst, but then it just got a whole lot worse.

Okay.

All of your hard work.

These things happen. It's nobody's fault.

That may be, but the families arrive tomorrow

and this room will never be ready in time.

Okay, maybe we could host them in the dining room.

The dining room's a wading pool right now.

We have to turn off most of the electrical

and don't give me started on the insurance

and the inspections.

Plus we have to air it all out or else it's going to smell

like wet... - Yeah.

- Everything. - Yeah, yeah.

This is a disaster.

This party was supposed to be

a celebration of the new Great Room.

Well, Miss Whitmore,

Frankie, we got to cancel the party.

- Reid, no, we can't just... - Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Can we-let's just think for a second.

There's no way we can fix this in one day.

Mom...

And we don't have anywhere else we can accommodate everyone.

This isn't how it was supposed to go.

I know.

Okay, we got to get this stuff cleaned up.

I have some calls to make.

We got to get this water to stop.

Yeah. I-I got this.

Let's go, honey. Okay?

Okay.

- Careful with the... - Yeah.

Such a shame.

It was so beautiful.

That couch looks really uncomfortable.

Well, I don't think it's about the space, Stanley.

Yeah.

I think it's about what it was supposed to be.

You know, Maren and Reid, they worked really hard

to pull everyone together and give us this space.

I think it's our turn to show up for them.

You know, I think I have an idea.

And so as Tiny Tim observed, God blesses everyone.

You okay?

It's not fair.

I wanted to go to the party tomorrow.

I know.

We're all disappointed.

I was going to wear the dress Josie gave me.

Okay.

Off to bed.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and we are going to make

the most of it no matter what.

- Okay? - Okay.

I'll be right behind you.

I love you.

I love you too.

Hey Mom.

Yeah. What is it, sweetie?

I still believe.

Hey Frankie.

Hey. I have some news, but don't be mad.

Okay.

- I didn't cancel the party. - You what?

You good sweetheart?

- Yeah. - Yeah.

- Thank you. - Mm-hmm.

Also thank you for holding down the fort these past few weeks.

I really appreciate it.

Of course.

I'm so happy you actually let me do something for you.

Yeah. I'm trying to do more of that.

Sorry about the flood.

- Worst lump of coal ever. - Yeah.

What's this?

It's a gift for Leah.

Something that I've been wanting to do for a while,

but Reid encouraged me to make time for it.

- Reid. - Reid.

Yeah. I just didn't expect any of this to matter so much.

Yeah, that'll sneak up on you.

Yeah.

But we both knew what this was, so.

Well, this doesn't have to be a one-woman project.

I'll leave you to it.

Thanks.

Hey Leah, I think we need to go get your party dress.

Really?

Really.

Yes.

Shall we?

We shall.

Whoa.

- Look at all the lights. - Yeah.

Mom, I have to go find Kris.

Okay, go ahead.

- How did you... - I know.

- This is... - Yeah.

You did a fantastic job.

- Please. - You solved the problem.

You made this place better.

Thank you.

Well done.

Well, I learned from the best.

I got this, boss.

You can go.

Hey Reid.

Yes. Hi. Great to see you.

Josie, what are you doing here?

Well, I had to see some of my handiwork.

What?

Well, I got a call from this gentleman named Frankie

who needed some hardware expertise,

which I now have because of you.

Got some specialty light fixtures, a few touch-ups,

extra garlands.

You...

I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

Look, everyone here cares about you so much.

This is our way of saying thank you for everything you do.

Thank you.

Well, don't thank me. Thank all these folks.

I mean, you can thank me just a little bit.

A little bit.

- A little bit. - Thank you.

- Midge? - Oh.

So great to see you here as well.

You too, Earl.

He says Merry Christmas.

And you know, he's so happy

that I made so many friends here.

It's wonderful.

- You're wonderful. - Thank you.

You are too. This is lovely.

Be careful, Stanley.

Almost looks like you're having a good time.

´Tis the season after all.

What a jolly thing to say.

Don't tell a soul.

Hey. Can I have him for a second?

Oh, sure.

I love this space, Tanner.

I kind of wish I lived here.

Me too.

So we should talk Honolulu sooner rather than later.

Right. Right. Okay. About Honolulu...

I'm afraid I can't do it.

What's this?

I spent my entire life going from place to place

and it-it's just not working for me.

I found my team.

It's right here.

That's kind of leaving me in a pinch.

Yes, I understand. I can appreciate that.

Frankie, Frankie, come here. I have an idea.

I'm not sure if it's going to work.

You know Frankie.

He's the best operations manager that this place

has ever had Oh...

and I-I think he would be more qualified

for Honolulu than I would.

Seriously?

I mean, that if that's something you're interested in.

Honolulu? And to work with Jolly Acres?

I mean, that-that sounds like the best of both worlds.

Well, that can be arranged, I guess.

Let's connect after the holidays and we'll iron it all out.

Absolutely.

Thank you.

Honolulu, I mean...

- Vision board. - Vision board.

That's right. I can't wait to tell Janice.

- Thank you. - Congratulations.

Wow.

So does this mean we're going to be losing you then?

I hope not.

Look, you know that I have spent my career

opening these centers.

My favorite part has always been the people.

Finding a leader,

building the team to create these connections

that make you feel like you want to live here.

Makes it feel like home.

I want to find more Frankies.

Every single Jolly Acres should have someone like him.

From Bright Creek?

Yes, from Bright Creek.

Look at this place. You said it yourself.

I don't want to leave here.

Well then...

welcome aboard as our new talent acquisition partner.

We'll get it going on Monday.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

You know,

this is the first time I've ever seen the brand come alive.

Your team did that.

Thank you.

Hi.

- Hey. - Hey.

What was that about?

Okay. I need to talk to you.

Yeah.

Look who I found.

Ho, ho, ho!

And you have a very Merry Christmas. Ho, ho, ho!

I think you're going to get whatever you want for Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Maren.

It's not too late to share

what you want on your Christmas list.

- May I? - Please.

You have already given us plenty this year.

You've given that little girl the best Christmas

in a very long time.

And seeing you two together reminded me of my dad

in all of the best possible ways, so...

Thank you for that.

I'm glad I could be a part of it.

Us too.

And you helped me see that it's up to us what we hold on to.

And who we let in.

- Oh, Maren. - Hm.

Don't forget this.

You did a wonderful job.

Thank you.

You have to try the cookies.

- Should I? - Yeah.

Leah.

Okay.

I made this for you

so you could know your Grandpa Charles.

It's an early present.

An early present for real.

Mm-hm. For real.

And a lot of people helped me see that it's extra special.

Should we open it?

- Yeah. - Okay.

- My Grandpa Charles. - Mm-hm.

Charles Pollock was born on June 30th

in Bright Creek, Vermont.

His eyes were blue. His favorite color, forest green.

Yeah.

Rosettes?

Mm-hm. I found his actual recipe.

Yeah.

This is the first time he ever held you.

How cute you are.

I have never seen him happier.

Thanks Mom.

Of course.

I want to show it to Kris.

Okay, take it to him.

What's this?

My Grandpa Charles.

You wanted to know him better.

Looks like your wish came true.

Yeah.

I guess it did.

I wanted to talk to you about something.

- Sure, yeah. - Okay.

Come here.

Thanks, Kris.

Merry Christmas.

Okay.

- You go first. - Okay. Um...

These past few weeks, I've...

I've realized that I-I do this-

this thing where I keep busy.

Mm-hm.

Taking care of everyone and everything

because it-it doesn't leave me time to be sad

or vulnerable or open to anything new.

I don't want to be like that, Reid.

You have brought so much joy into our lives.

Even if it's just for one season, I'm here for it.

I'm not going to Honolulu.

- You're not? - No.

No.

I finally found something worth staying for.

Someone.

And...

I shared joint custody of a penguin.

- Right. - Yeah.

- Oh... - What?

- He's gonna... - I think Kris put that there.

Wow.

You think we should go thank him?

Yeah.

Mom, Reid.

He's gone. This was on his chair.

He's gone?

He'll be back though. I know it.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, honey.

- Merry Christmas, Reid. - Oh, Merry Christmas, Leah.

He ate the rosettes.

He sure did.

- Did you eat them? - I didn't.

Hey, did you bring this?

Me? No.

It's from Santa.

Oh, honey, I don't think...

- No way. - A telescope for stargazing.

Awesome.

Just like Gemma and her Grandpa.

- Did you? - That wasn't me.

See you next year, kiddo.

Until then, keep an eye on the North Star.

Love always, Grandfather Christmas.

I knew it. I knew it all along.

Oh my goodness.

Doesn't this kind of look like us?

It's just missing a couple power tools.

Yeah, and a penguin.

I'm going to go look at that.

Yeah, go ahead.

- Do it. - Yeah?

- But... - Okay.

Merry Christmas, Reid.

Merry Christmas.