Original subtitles

Of course, it's someone I know.

Yup, that's how that was always gonna go.

Oh. Hey, Martha!

Happy Christmas break. - Thank you.

We made it! - Yeah!

The Christmas pageant is done,

the sing-along has come and gone,

and the band concert

was surprisingly so much better than last year.

And you, my friend,

you made the craft fair the best it's ever been.

Thank you, so much,

and now, we just have to make Christmas work, right?

Hey, Boo?

You almost ready to go?

Good talk.

Oh, you must be glad to have them both at home.

Hey, how did Keegan enjoy his first semester at college?

Uh, fine... I think? Yeah.

What about you?

How are your decorations going for the Christmas Eve Crawl?

Oh, I'm making the family do it this year.

I have enough to do.

Absolutely! I still have the tree out front,

and the lawn to decorate, the lights to string,

gifts to shop for, baking to do...

Well, it's a good thing Keegan came home

just in time to help you get it all done.

Well, good luck to us.

Happy decorating,

and I will see you in a couple of days.

Merry Christmas, Principal Davis.

Oh, you too, kiddo.

Oh. Okay.

All right, Boo... let's go!

Which is why, this Christmas,

my family is putting down our phones

for an entire week.

Good luck with that, Dr. Marsha.

What do you think, Boo?

Should we do a digital detox for Christmas?

We're gonna move to the North Pole

and become reindeer farmers.

Packed your bags in the back.

Keegan has to clean the stables.

Today's episode is sponsored by.

Memories Times a Million.

They started doing ads for the app Dad made?

Got old photos or video tapes around?

Get them encoded with Memories Times a Million.

All right, buddy...

Time to get that tree in the front yard done.

Get your coat.

Keegan, the house is on fire.

"Oh, no. The house!"

Dad's app isn't working.

What do you mean, it's not working?

Dad's app. The website too.

They say, "Hold tight."

We are working behind the scenes to fix things.

"Try again later."

We should call Kate and ask about it.

If I know Kate, she is already working on it.

Besides, she's so busy, sweetie.

She's the C.E.O. of a tech company.

She is also my godmother.

True.

Did you load the dishwasher?

Needed doin'.

Thank you.

Mom, the videos

are all we really have to remember Dad.

I know, honey,

and we will sit,

and we will watch the videos,

like we do every single year, okay?

It's probably just a glitch.

The site'll be up and running before we know it.

Go get your coat.

Who's... that?

I joined a dating site.

Sounds like a lot of work.

More work than when you used to leave it to chance?

Times have changed.

It's hard to meet new people now.

About time you got out there.

Yeah.

Merry Christmas, you two!

Merry Christmas, Martha.

And what school equipment

can we help repair for you today?

Well, actually...

I'm here to chat with Damon.

You remember Sue Riley, right?

She took over for you, for kindergarten?

Of course. How's she doing?

She's great.

She married our seventh-grade teacher.

Nice.

Long story short... they're leaving town,

and after the Christmas break,

we're gonna be down two teachers.

And since I already know someone

who's taught kindergarten before...

Oh... Martha.

No.

Really, thank you for thinking of me... I'm flattered...

But I've found a really good thing here

and, uh...

Uncle Charlie. You understand, right?

Well, if you change your mind...

I will think about it. No promises.

Well, Merry Christmas, anyway.

Merry Christmas.

Hi, Kate!

Um, sorry to bother you,

but the kids and I noticed that the site was down,

and so I just wanted to, uh, call and check in, um

if you could give me a call back whenever you get a chance...

And, as always,

there's a standing invitation for Christmas.

We would love to see you.

Keegan's focused.

Okay, good job, buddy.

Keep going.

And... here's your mom...

Hanging the Christmas lights.

Is the site back up?

Uh, no. These were on my phone.

I was just double-checking.

And they still work? - Yes.

Hey, you can make fun of my ancient phone all you want,

but this thing is a beast.

Hmph!

So, the thing I mentioned last night...

Keegs. Look.

Your dad and I wanted you to go away for college.

We wanted you to have a bigger experience,

and you picked this school!

If you transfer closer to home, you'll...

I don't get a say in it?

Of course you do!

I know you're homesick...

It's not homesickness.

What is it?

I just...

I miss times... like this.

Buddy...

I miss you so much!

Which is why we are gonna make the most

of this time together, while we have you home.

We are gonna decorate.

We're gonna do all the family traditions,

and we are gonna watch the videos,

when the site comes back up.

What did Dad always say?

"Keep going."

Yes!

We're gonna keep going.

Okay. - Now

do you wanna come with me

to get supplies for the Christmas Crawl,

or you wanna stay and decorate?

I'll hang back and finish decorating the yard.

Oh... I was hoping you would say that

because you're the best son!

You are!

All right, thank you!

No problem.

Oh, yes. Red.

Oh! I'm so sorry. I'm sorry!

Sorry. - Oh...

Sally?

Hi! - Hey.

Hi.

Um, thank you. - Oh, this is yours.

Wow, it's been a... it's been a minute.

Well, yes, it, uh... - Until

it was a while, until...

The app?

How... are we feeling about the app?

I joined two weeks ago.

Me too!

I kind of just did it on a whim, you know?

No, that's not true.

No, not on a whim.

I wanted to do it.

It just, uh... it took a while.

Yeah. Same.

Well, look at us, taking the easy way out...

Instead of getting out in the world

and meeting people.

Exactly.

Instead, I chose to answer a million questions on my phone,

and choose a picture...

Ah, totally impossible.

Impossible, yeah.

It's great to see you.

You, too. Yeah!

Do you want to get... - Since we

a coffee now?

Oh! Um... I've had a lot of caffeine,

um, clearly.

No, I want to! I do. I...

It's, um, it's just, it's December 21st,

and I have, oh, so many things to do.

Text?

Text?

Yeah.

Yeah!

Okay, great, um

actually, can you...?

Give them, yeah, give it here.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

All right, here we go.

And... check.

I just got it.

Good. I'll take those, thank you.

Okay, well, happy, um, Merry Christmas...

Yes. - And happy wrapping.

Oh, yeah, and happy with all your, um... things, too.

Yeah.

Bye.

Kate? Hi.

Sally, hi! I got your call.

I probably could've just called customer service.

No, not at all.

Jake and I built this place together.

Your mother was our bookkeeper, for heaven's sake!

The site is basically family. I owe it to you to...

What's going on, Kate?

We hit a server threshold,

which we then tried to fix

with a migration to a larger server.

With all the tech upgrades, uh, we, uh

may have lost some videos.

W-What do you mean, you lost them?

I mean, we

might have lost all of them.

But you have backups, right?

I'm sure Jake put your videos somewhere.

I do have backups on my phone...

Uh, listen, I gotta go, but I will

keep you updated.

Okay, let me know if I can do anything to help.

Sounds good.

Got Mom just in frame...

Doing exactly what she loves.

Oh, honey, why do you have to video everything?

What do you mean?

These are times to remember!

And also, why am I

the only one decorating this snowman?

Because you're the artist.

All right, kids

what do we think?

Love it, Mom! Reminds me of Dad.

Oh! Hey!

You calling me a snowman?

You callin' me a snowman, mister?

Imma get you!

It does kinda look like Dad... I'm not gonna lie.

The site's still not working.

Oh, um, I called Kate, and she is working on it.

Can I watch the ones on your phone?

Uh, yes, you can. Just give me one second.

I'm getting your popcorn and then I'll...

What was that? - Nothing!

Oh, no.

Oh, no...

No. No!

Um.

You know what?

I have a... super-fun... idea.

What if we did a digital detox for Christmas?

Is this some "Gen X" trick?

Why would we do that?

Because Keegan's home!

We're all together again, right?

Connection... quality time...

You know what?

I bet you can't go to Christmas day

without your phone,

the TV, or video games, hmm?

You're betting us to give up our phones?

What do we get if we do?

Well, what do you want?

I still don't understand

the whole last-minute thing about the sweater.

What was that all about? - Because I was cold!

And if I was cold... - Well, if you were cold

when we were getting in the car...

You have to...

Gran! Pop!

Hey!

Oh, Barbara!

Mm... she prefers "Boo," Mom.

Oh, I know!

I just like the fact that, technically,

we are both named "Barbara".

Put 'er there, slugger.

Hey!

So bad with nicknames, both of you.

No... - Mm!

Your mom must be so glad to have you home

and able to help with everything around here, huh?

Yes, I am very happy to have Keegan home,

but I have it under control!

Here! Now, I was gonna wait,

but I want to watch you enjoy them.

Thank you!

Thank you! Nice.

New phones?

Thank you.

Good news! It was reported today

that a cure for the common cold is very close.

Reliable sources say that chicken soup

has proven to be part of this new discovery...

Hey, Dad?

Could you... Could you turn the TV off for a minute?

Dad!

And guess what...

It also raises the levels of chemicals...

I have an announcement to make.

You know, Mom,

if you send me the videos on your phone,

I could put them on the TV.

Okay, yeah, um...

Mom and Dad?

The kids and I have decided

we are going no devices at Christmas.

Whoa! Did we agree to that? - What?

Why would you do that?

Because... look at us!

We're all in here together. Everybody's on a screen!

Is this the thing from that podcast?

The Dr. Marsha "Digital Detox" thing?

I am all for that!

You are?

Oh, of course!

Periods of time, when you're not at work...

Time off, evenings,

and you have to... relax.

Be present.

Three days.

That's it! We can do it, okay?

Tomorrow is the 22nd,

and then, we're at December 23rd,

and before you know it, we are at Christmas Eve.

We are gonna put all the devices in here.

Yeah, but what about the bets?

If we do it, if we all get to Christmas morning,

do I...? - Right. Right.

Mom

you get to Christmas morning without a screen,

what would you like in return?

I would like everyone to chip in

and help me make Christmas dinner this year.

But not the way you want to do it...

The way I ask you to do it.

Uh, sure. Sure. Okay, Dad...

You go no news until Christmas day...

Please, I-I just like to know what's going on in the world...

as far as holiday background noise...

Don't you like knowing what's happening out there?

I didn't say I didn't!

All I want is all of us together, here.

I've already got that.

Why should I give up the news

to earn what I already have?

Would you have a serious conversation with me

about transferring closer to home?

What?

Yes...

I will.

All right, Boo, you're up. Give it to me, girl.

You want a new game? Oh...!

Caroling.

We've never been Christmas caroling,

and I like singing,

and I think it'd be a fun thing to do as a family.

Maybe we can make it a new Christmas tradition?

Aw!

I love it.

So, no screens until Christmas day, all right?

In case of emergencies,

we have a landline right in that kitchen.

We have a landline? - Nobody uses a landline.

Exactly.

Come on! Pony-up, kids.

That's the spirit! Yeah!

Mom? Mm-hmm!

Dad?

Merry Christmas to us all.

Did you put all this out?

Well, it's not like I got a lot else to do.

You are fidgeting again, and watching the yard...

It's like you're expecting reindeer or

a tornado.

Well, without the news,

how would we know about either one of those things?

Are we really that helpless, hmm?

I just need what's on the cellphone.

No, I don't do the... the 'cloud' thing.

Yeah. I understand.

Thanks anyway.

Power cord...?

Mom?

Oh! Hey, bud.

What are you doing up here?

Oh, you know... rummaging, trying to find.

These!

Since we can't use playlists on our phones.

Do we own a record player?

Hmm. Yeah, I don't know.

I'm sure we have something up here, you know?

If not, I'll go and get one.

Dad's 'ugly Christmas' sweater.

He didn't love an ugly Christmas sweater,

so he bought that to wear to the parties.

You can have it, if you want.

Yeah. Thanks, Mom.

Yeah. - Let me take those albums

downstairs for you. - Thank you!

And good luck with, uh, all of this.

Okay.

Yeah...

Well, someone's getting into the holiday spirit.

Why not? People love it, and it's good for business.

Here, let me help you.

I can handle my own coat.

Oh... so that's the, uh, dating service?

It's not... It's not a service,

and I think I am not going to meet her.

Why not?

We used to work together,

and I taught both her kids when they were really little,

and I don't know...

It's a small town, people talk.

What ever happened to people meeting in person?

We did... actually.

A-Accidentally.

Yeah, and we agreed to text,

but I think I may have sent too many,

or not enough, or... - Look, look.

I text a bunch of people.

Small stuff, plans, but not the important stuff.

And dating... that's important.

Well, this is what happens now.

People text.

It's like passing notes in high school.

Higher stakes, though... and faster.

Yeah, but how do you really listen to someone,

without talking?

How do you know what they really like?

How do you know what's in their heart?

I don't know.

Oh. What's going on in here?

Keegan mentioned all the things we still have to get done.

And we noticed

a surprising lack of Christmas cookies in this house.

Hey-hey-hey!

Will you give the lady with a full-time job a break?

I don't know how we're gonna manage.

We don't have any phones, we don't have any recipes.

Forget about it! It's all up here.

Dry ingredients go in this bowl.

And what goes in the other bowl?

Here.

Okay.

Mom, can you finish up here?

I just need to go run an errand.

Absolutely.

Okay, enjoy!

Hi.

Oh, hello! - Hi!

I was wondering if you could help

get this camcorder to work.

I think it might just need the right cord, but...

Sally?

Hi!

Damon!

Do you... you work here?

Yeah, this is my uncle Charlie's place.

I help out...

Oh, is this the girl from the Internet?

Uh, no-no.

Um, yeah, well...

I thought you were sweet on

a girl named Sally, that you met on your phone?

Word spreads.

Anyway! A Merry Christmas to you.

Merry Christmas.

The workshop is out in the back.

Okay.

This way.

I think, if we can just get it working,

we can find,

arguably, the most important part of my family's Christmas.

Wait. What's in this?

Christmas videos from before my husband died.

That felt abrupt. Was that abrupt?

No. No-no-no.

I remember when it happened.

Yeah.

Oh, that's right! You... You sent a note.

I hope I said thank you.

That time was kind of a blur.

I can totally understand.

So, um, do you have any back-ups?

Nope, and no cloud.

Trust me, you're not the first person to ask.

Um, Jake had all the videos up on a website,

and then I had 'em on my phone,

so I-I didn't think I needed it.

Your phone?

Smashed.

Tch.

So, my new hope

is that I can find the original videos.

It's just, these are my kids' favorite part of Christmas.

And I'm guessing they don't know they're missing?

No. No, they would

be devastated.

So, I need to find the videos, so I don't have to tell them.

So, you need to find these videos to save Christmas?

No pressure... right?

I will do everything I can.

Thank you.

So, you left kindergarten to, uh, repair antiques?

You mean, like this antique?

That was top of the line...

In the last century.

No, I left

because Uncle Charlie had... had a stroke five years ago.

Anyway, he's much better now.

He raised me and my sisters,

and, long story short,

I do like... keeping an eye on him.

Oh, it's on!

We're powered up.

Can it play?

Let's see.

No, no, no, no, no! - Stop that!

Stop, stop, stop, stop. Oh no!

That doesn't sound good. No, no, no, no, no!

Come on, stop.

No, uh...

What... What happened?

This is what I feared...

It's what happens to old videotapes

when they're not temperature-controlled.

They degrade.

Right. Well, um, thank you.

There's got to be more tapes!

Jake filmed constantly,

and he... he never threw anything out, you know?

I just need to keep the kids off the screens,

off the phones,

long enough to find the videos.

We are doing this, um, "no-screens Christmas" thing.

Wait.

Is that why you haven't responded to my texts?

Yes.

Yes! Oh, Damon...

I'm so sorry.

I should've told you.

Stop! I have a landline.

You have a landline? - Yes!

Okay.

Wanna give me your number?

Are you gonna call it?

Depends.

Wow, I haven't done this in a long time.

The full number.

Yes, of course I'm writing the whole number.

I wouldn't do that to you.

Mystery solved.

Yes.

Um... ahem, thank you.

Um, and, uh, Merry Christmas.

Yeah...

I think I'll take this.

Hey! It's quiet in here.

Well

you asked us to have a very pilgrim's Christmas.

We were gonna be churning butter,

but we decided on knitting and reading instead.

Ha-ha. Funny.

Can I help you with something?

No. What are you doing?

How do you fix a hole in a sweater?

Um...

You know who you should ask? Your grandmother.

She's an expert knitter. She made this.

Great.

Thanks. I'll talk to Grandma.

Yeah.

What are you looking for, by the way?

Oh, you know your, uh, dad...

I found his old camcorder,

and I was just thinking, in the New Year,

maybe I'd take some lessons.

You know, he had some old camcorder tapes.

Uh, have you seen those lying around somewhere?

I don't even think I know what a camcorder tape looks like.

Right? Yeah...

Carry on.

Okay.

Hey, sweetie. Doing some arts and crafts?

Yeah, well, I figured, if I couldn't play a game,

I would design one instead.

Well, that seems like a really smart idea.

Did you make this little guy?

It's definitely not Minecraft or Super Mario, but

this is my spin on Christmas.

Hmm... I haven't heard this on vinyl in decades!

Hey, look at that guy.

Oh, look who this is.

Let's have a look here.

Got any scratches?

No!

Hey! I think I have found what you were looking for.

Ha-ha! - Oh, let me just... I-I...

Ugh, my nephew thinks I'm helpless.

I just think he's a little bored.

Oh! Merry Christmas.

Oh, yeah, she's a beauty.

Son?

Do you remember what

the doctor told me at my last check-up?

That you needed to exercise?

That I have made a full recovery.

I have appreciated all the help

that you have offered me for, um, so many years now.

May I suggest that you turn your attention

where it actually should go?

Yeah.

Mr. Williams!

Boo! Look at you.

You can call me Damon now, if you want.

Uh, I don't think I can.

Yeah, she's right about that!

Wow! College, right?

13 years since I taught you?

Yeah, I remember a lot of crafts

incorporating numbers, letters...

And you were eating a lot of paste.

Damon! Hi.

What are you doing here?

Uh, Mom, Dad, you remember Damon from, um...

The kids', uh, kindergarten teacher?

It is a pleasure to meet you.

Again.

Yeah, so, um, you came to the store and...

Yes! Uh, D-Damon, um, he works at the Fix-It Store...

And, um, I-I came in to have you rewire the, um...

Uh... the coffeemaker.

You two, like, hang out?

We made coffee this morning. - What?

Uh, if you guys could just excuse us for a... a second?

Yeah.

Sorry to make that weird.

My family's already weird. Don't worry about it.

So, listen, um, I got an idea.

Okay.

I was wondering, did you find any more of those tapes?

Nothing yet.

Okay, 'cause I was thinking, your phone...

Yeah? - Even though it's broken,

there is a way to salvage the files inside the phone.

You can do that?

I can't, but a friend of mine can.

Would you be up for going on an adventure with me?

Yes, let me go get my coat.

Okay. - Okay.

Here we are.

Um, I'm a little confused.

Did we... Do you need a Christmas tree?

Damon! I'm so bonkers-happy to see you!

Hello!

Alexis, this is...

Sally! With the phone?

Yes, yes.

Well, come on in. Let's see what I can do.

Okay.

So, you, um

run a Christmas tree farm,

and also do this?

I loved working in tech,

but every job ended up just... blech!

Bit of a grind, you know? Hmm.

I was lucky enough to cash out early,

work at my parents' farm... which I love...

And now I just do some programming on the side.

Let me fiddle with something else.

Hi. Can I get some help with my tree out here?

Hi! Oh, right.

You called about the Noble fir. Great choice!

Just give me one second, and I'll...

I got it. I got it. Let me do it.

I'll go with him. - All right.

Come on.

You holding onto the rope, really tight?

Good! Keep holding.

I got this. I know what I'm doing.

Do you know what you're doing?

Yeah! Good.

Okay, may I have it, please?

Thank you so much!

Okay, well, you did... so good. Amazing.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas. Bye. - Merry Christmas.

Whoa!

Look at you... wreath genius.

Oh, no, it's just "art teacher" stuff.

Watching you with that little one... gosh.

Just reminded me of how good you were with my kids.

Oh, yeah, there's nothing like working with kids.

They just want to be seen, you know?

Like they matter.

Yeah.

You wanna remind me, again, why you stopped teaching?

Well, I-I had a rough time,

and then Uncle Charlie got... got the stroke.

I had to be there. - Right.

And wasn't that also around the time when...

Ah, I had hoped people had forgotten about that.

I did almost marry someone, and then I didn't.

You know what?

You don't have to talk about it unless... you don't.

So, I got into those files...

Oh, wow! Thank you!

Oh, no, I'm sorry.

This is bad news. They're all corrupt.

Short of a Christmas miracle,

we're not getting into your phone.

So that's it?

I wish there was more I could do.

Pick your favorite tree... on the house.

It's the least I could do.

That's so generous. Thank you.

Um, you know what?

I do think I could use a second tree.

I will take a look.

Okay. - Okay.

Shh, shh, shh. - She's so cute!

She's right there. - She's perfect.

Hello?

Hi! Uh, I found my tree.

It's at the end.

Okay. - Yeah.

So, um

where did you and Alexis meet?

College. - Oh.

Yeah, we've been great friends for years.

It seems like it.

Yeah, she's, uh, taken, though.

Happily... - Huh.

By Sarah.

Good to know.

Honey!

A needle and thread will do you no good with a sweater.

Now, let me have this yarn and these needles.

Yeah, but it's not the same red, though.

Oh, it's close enough.

It's gonna look repaired, yes,

but there's something special about that, too.

If we're going to patch a Christmas sweater

might as well keep going...

Make it a real Christmas sweater...

Add green pockets.

Okay!

First thing you have to do... is cast on.

Okay. Loop it

pick up the other needle,

underneath,

yarn over

back on the first needle.

Okay.

Well, I, um...

I had fun today.

I did, too.

You're really good at the Christmassy things.

I'm sorry about the phone, though.

Me too.

I feel like I'm running out of options.

I just don't know what I'll do if...

Anyways.

Thanks.

I'll see you soon...

I hope?

I'd like that.

Shall we?

Shall we...?

The tree.

Oh... yeah.

Mm-hmm. The tree.

Yeah, okay.

Okay, all right.

Tapes, tapes, tapes...

Jake

where would you have put these tapes?

Mom usually keeps the extra decorations in here.

Hi!

Hi... You're back? - You're back.

I am.

Great.

Did you get a second tree?

I did.

You did? - Huh.

Wanna help me finish decorating the front yard?

Yeah. - Great!

Let's do it! - Let's do it.

Great!

Okay, I got this one. This one right here.

In there. - Nice.

Come on.

Another one.

Here we go.

That looks good.

What's holding that one up?

There we go. That's good.

Looks good, guys.

A little more slack there, Keegan.

Thank you.

That's right, he's doing good.

Good job, buddy.

And come around the front a bit?

Yeah, all right.

And then...

How's it looking down there?

It's perfect.

Four... three, two, one.

We did it!

Merry Christmas, team.

Great, now it's time to go back inside!

Yes, it is freezing out here. Come on.

Honey, come on.

Dad would have loved this.

And as much as I probably have some texts to return,

it's been nice to do more together.

I love you, buddy.

I love you, too, Mom.

Um, all right.

So, listen, um

about the videos...

Must be an emergency!

Baldwin residence?

Oh, hi, Kate, how are you?

More importantly, how's the new bookkeeper?

Merry Christmas.

You all just spent decades answering each other's phones?

Hey, Kate, I, uh... hope this means

you're calling with some good news?

Not exactly. You got a minute?

Yeah.

They rebooted.

We restored 98% of the videos we lost.

But...?

But the 2%

we couldn't recover...

They were the first videos that Jake ever put on the site,

when he first built it.

And those...?

They were yours, Sally.

One or two other people, too.

I-I'm so sorry.

We tried everything, but they're gone.

I see.

I'm so sorry.

Good morning! You're up early.

Oh, I made coffee and hot cocoa.

I know! I mixed mine together.

I've been out for a walk.

Your neighbors have really gone all-in,

decorating for the Christmas Eve Crawl.

It is a favorite tradition.

You used to do this when you were Boo's age.

Sneak down,

and look at the Christmas tree all by yourself.

Go ornament to ornament,

remembering where all of them came from.

I still do that.

Yeah, the kids used to make ornaments every year.

So, this year, this... thing where we're off our phones,

I get the feeling there's more to it

than you're letting on.

I lost the videos of Jake and the kids on my phone.

And the website lost them, too.

And, I take it, the kids don't know?

And that's why you've been keeping them offline?

The original tapes, they have to be somewhere,

but, Dad, I have torn this house apart,

and I cannot find them anywhere.

How can I help you?

You can

help me keep a secret for a little bit longer,

so I can find the tapes,

or figure out some way to make it up to them.

You know, as far as I can see,

the kids are enjoying themselves.

Those videos are important to them, but...

Dad, those videos are Christmas to them.

It would be really, really hard on them.

Them,

or you?

No, I...

Look, if you and Mom

do not want to participate in the no-screens thing anymore,

you don't have to. I...

No, going without the news for a day or two,

that's not the worst thing.

I've slept like a hibernating bear,

and I had been noticing

that your mother and I don't

talk to each other as much as we used to,

and I wonder if maybe

that's because we are distracted.

Well, have you talked to her about that?

What's the plan

with that second Christmas tree you brought yesterday?

Where do you want it?

I was thinking the front room?

And then we maybe could unburden this tree

with some ornaments, and put 'em over there?

I think we just need a tree stand.

You mean this broken one? Tch!

Isn't there a shop in town called the Fix-It Shop?

I think there is.

The Fix-It Shop

did we pass it on the road on the way here?

Hello.

Oh, hey.

Hi. A little help with this broken tree stand?

I think it might be rusted.

You're gonna have to see my nephew about that.

Uh, he's forbidden me from going into the workshop today.

Oh, one of Santa's bossier elves?

Oh, exactly!

I thought he was just being his usual overprotective self,

but I suspect he's working on a present.

So, should I just...?

Oh, yeah.

'Kay.

Okay... um, good as new.

Or repaired to the best of my ability.

Thank you so much.

I appreciate it.

I have to ask... what is going on over here?

Oh, this is a... Christmas present gone wrong.

Yeah, so I'm trying to put together a scrapbook.

Uncle Charlie keeps

all these old articles, newspapers, photos,

I'm trying to put together, but...

You know this is what I do, right?

Come on, just... let me help you.

No, no, no. I-I feel like I should finish this by myself.

Things have been tense between us, so.

All right, well,

I would love to find some way

to thank you for all you've done for the videos.

Oh, yeah, how's that going?

It's not.

No. I, uh, I hit a dead end.

Well, if there's anything I can do,

or if I need help with the scrapbook,

I could call your landline.

You could.

Deal!

Deal.

So, what do I owe you?

Oh, free of charge.

You've been getting this one out of my hair.

You keep that up,

and it's free repairs for life.

Well, I'm happy to take him off your hands

the next time I need him.

I appreciate that.

But only if you come to my house on Christmas Eve.

I'm having a party.

There's gonna be snacks, eggnog, spiced cider...

Oh, we'll be there.

Uh, can we bring anything?

Extra ornaments?

Def... Definitely not, no.

I have so many of those.

In fact, I already have this big plan one day

to go through all of them, and put aside my favorites,

but with what time?

Then we'll see you at Christmas Eve.

Great! Yeah?

Yeah. Yeah.

Okay. - See you then.

I'm gonna need your help with something.

Okay.

There we go! - Wow.

Now, that's more like it.

Uh, kids, did you grab your favorite ornaments

from the other tree?

All right, let's hang 'em.

Aw, the Santas!

Yeah.

Aw...

There we go.

Um... so we need

some red-and-white clay for the Santa.

Right. - Yeah.

And don't forget the reindeer.

Oh, we can't forget the reindeers!

Um... that's a lot of clay.

How many reindeer are there?

Oh, um, well, we got Donner, Dasher...

Yes. - Vixen, Blitzen...

Comet, Cupid...

Kevin, and Janet.

Oh, Janet? Oh, I love Janet.

I know. - We can't forget about Janet.

She's the best.

She's the best reindeer.

Now that we have a second Christmas tree,

why don't we start making ornaments again?

Oh, I'd love that!

I'm totally onboard.

Somebody get me a glue gun! Oh!

What are you working on there?

A special gift for Mom.

Ahem, ahem, ahem. What's going on in here?

We just started making paper snowflakes.

Aw...

You know, maybe we could

take some of these ornaments up to the cabin.

We could use 'em there.

Yeah, next year, when things go back to normal.

Mom, I know we usually do Christmas at the cabin,

but this year, Keegan wanted to do it here.

Well, I still have to go back up there

to pick up some presents.

Why did you ship the presents to the cabin?

Accidentally.

I was on some account I used to use

when I worked at the website,

and the shipping address was the cabin.

I had to call Kate. Ha!

It was a mess.

Wait, so the business account is linked to the cabin?

Did Jake use that, too?

We both used it

to hide presents from you... for years!

It was fantastic.

Uh, I'm gonna go run an errand. Um...

I will meet you later.

Okay.

Fix-It or Leave-It Antiques.

Uh, Damon, are you up for an adventure?

I think I might have a lead on the tapes.

Actually, I'm-I'm in the middle of...

Get out of here.

Yeah, I'm free.

All right. See ya soon.

My dad was an engineer,

and his dream was to have a log cabin,

so, he built it.

It's beautiful!

And this location's incredible, too.

Yeah.

The key's somewhere... oh!

Up here.

No? - No.

Thank you for that.

Knowing my mother, she put it...

There we go!

Thanks, little guy.

Voila.

This is where we usually spend Christmas.

It's great! It's cold.

Yeah. - What's the heating situation?

The heating situation is, I make a fire.

Okay.

Now, put me to work. What am I looking for?

Uh, probably a box,

and it might have a logo... "Memories Times a Million"?

Um, let's divide and conquer.

I'll take the living room and kitchen,

and maybe you take the bedrooms and closets?

Yes, that way.

Any luck? - Well, I did find

these boxes with Jake's name on them.

Everything else was empty.

Okay. Do you want hot cocoa?

I made some.

Yeah.

So, how is that no-screens policy going

with the family?

Um... it's pretty great, actually.

Uh, Boo is crafting a Christmas board game.

My parents are connecting

like I haven't seen in such a long time.

They're going through albums,

and playing music

and talking and laughing and dancing and... yeah.

That's what Christmas is supposed to do.

Yes! Yes, that's true.

So, tell me, why did you finally get on the app?

Well, I was already quite used to being single...

Okay.

And then, Thanksgiving, last year,

when I go to see my sister...

Mm-hmm... - and, when I get there,

every single person turned up with someone.

Like, everyone... my nephew, everyone...

And I was, uh, by myself,

the only single person in there.

Oh! Oh, no!

Yeah, I slept in a pullout couch in the basement.

Oh! I'm so sorry.

And I thought to myself, "What happened?"

I was supposed to get married,

and I was going to have a family,

and then I...

Seriously, you don't have to talk about it now,

but you know I'm good to hear it, right?

'Kay.

So, why did you join the dating site?

I was sitting by the fire, last Christmas,

and I was thinking about time.

I mean, don't you find

that Christmas marks time really specifically?

Yeah.

Ornaments you remember,

or traditions you continue, or...

I mean, even people getting older.

Yes. Or something new happens, you know...

The baby's first ornament,

or a new cookie

is, you know, included in the cookie exchange and...

Yeah.

Then you're thinking about New Year's,

and change and new beginnings and...

I just...

I really wanted somebody to sit by the fire with,

to witness the passage of time

to laugh with, to dance with...

What are you doing?

I'm taking care of one of those things.

Oh, that's... so sweet.

You know, I still can't believe...

that you were

the first person I met on that app.

Someone I know...

Someone... my kids adore.

It's kind of hard to trust.

It would've taken me weeks

to say exactly what you said,

but yes... that.

Damon...

You might have found it.

What, the tapes?

Yes. - There?

Wait, no, no...

Aw!

I thought we had lost these.

Well, they're not the tapes, but

my kids'll be really happy to have these pictures.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Thought you might want some Christmas cookies.

Thanks, Pop.

So, what are you working on?

So, it's a board game?

We call them "tabletops" now, but yeah.

Everyone who plays is an elf,

and they have to get the presents

from the factory in the North Pole

all the way down to Santa's sleigh.

I keep running out of room when I draw the middle,

and the end.

You want some help?

Yes, please.

All right, well, what if you take something like this,

and then you lay this out the way you want it to go,

and then, you measure that

it'll tell you how long to cut the thing.

Is this what engineering is?

Well, kind of, yeah.

You just apply it to art, I guess?

You should see how geometry works in a pool hall.

I would love that.

So, like that?

Yeah, good.

Okay.

Yup.

Wrap it around...

Around...

Now, when you've finished that square,

we can tie it off, and start on the other one.

I can show you how to sew a button

back on your shirt, too.

Or not!

I remember my first year at college.

Oh... it was different back then,

but coming home that first Christmas... ha!

It is nice to sleep in my own bed.

Hey, hey, hey, hey! What are they teaching you?

Um, okay...

"Blitzen and Donner came down with colds.

Go back three spaces."

Yeah!

See? See what happens?

Oh, all right, I think I get one of those cards, too.

Okie-dokie.

And mine says,

"You have fed the reindeer. Move ahead five█ spaces."

Ha-ha!

One, two, three, four...

Oh, no, no, no... - No!

No! We're losing!

Your move, Gran.

All right.

And... ha-ha!

One, two, three, four, five!

These little guys are so cute!

Particularly mine.

I forbid you to roll a three.

No threes.

No!

And the crowd goes wild!

Yes, and you win... a candy cane!

I guess now I have to really figure out

how to tell the kids about the videos.

You know, maybe if they were older, I...?

Uh, Keegan's in college.

And of all the 11-year-olds that could handle this,

that's Boo.

Maybe, it's just...

Jake was so positive, you know?

His motto was, "Keep going."

Well, just remember...

They have that inside of them as well.

So, where to? Home?

Uh, no. You came out here for me,

and it is time for me to return the favor.

How? Where?

Don't you have a scrapbook to make?

Oh, ho, ho.

Look, I don't have the videos,

but maybe I can do something special with these.

Okay.

Welcome to my happy place.

Oh, I need my own scrapbook, so

put that in there.

Nice.

And look. See?

You could get two different kinds of paper,

and then you can layer, and add texture.

Isn't that pretty?

I like it!

Charlie likes to travel, right?

Yes. He used to travel a lot.

Okay... you're gonna want this...

It is paper, but travel-themed,

and you can put the pictures on top of it.

That's very cool.

Isn't that pretty? - Mm.

Yeah, okay. Stickers.

Oh, yes! Look at these.

All right, you want to use stickers sparingly,

because it can clutter the page.

But I do like a little clutter.

It's a personal choice.

You can also use the stickers as adhesives.

Oh, speaking of... we need glue.

But my favorite?

Double-sided tape.

What a miracle double-sided tape is.

Thank you. - Thank you.

So, is the order important?

Yes.

Okay, so, the key to a good scrapbook, right,

is it tells a story,

so chronology matters.

Also

it's not just a Christmas present.

Remember... it's gonna come out every year at Christmas.

So, it's not just a scrapbook?

It's decoration! - Decoration.

Yes.

You have a lot of great, older photos.

Do you have anything current?

No.

Yeah, I stopped taking pictures since my engagement.

Yes, I was engaged to be married.

I remember.

Yeah, what did you hear?

It's a small town. People talk.

I'm sure there were lots of wild stories about that.

Yes, people talked, um,

but you know what?

Back then, I just didn't feel it was any of my business.

So, as far as I knew,

one day, you were getting married,

and the next day, you weren't.

And that's pretty much what happened.

We started going in different directions.

We were not the same people we were when we met,

and then, we were planning our wedding

and Uncle Charlie got sick.

And it, of course, took me all of my time,

but she started resenting me.

And then she gave me an ultimatum,

and, finally, she called the whole thing off.

I'm so sorry that happened.

Thank you.

No wonder you wanted to take a break from life.

What?

What do you mean?

You know, maybe

maybe it is time for you to step back into your life?

Teaching brought you a lot of joy.

Anyway, um

let's talk about you.

What would you do

if you didn't find these tapes?

I-I can't imagine not having them.

Yeah, I mean, especially at Christmas?

Yeah, but what would change?

I don't know.

I guess we're both dealing with change.

This is hard.

Wanna finish up at the house?

Yeah. - Yeah.

Is that you?

Mm-hmm. The sideburns!

And that's your uncle?

Yeah! He had great hair, didn't he?

That was the '90s, though...

Hence the shirt.

I think your mom said

we should go easy on the stickers.

Yeah, but is she right?

We did projects like this in your class.

Yeah, we did. - You were a good teacher.

You think so?

I remember you read to us and did a lot of funny voices.

You made it fun.

That's nice to hear.

I heard that they could use more fun

in seventh grade, I'm not gonna lie.

Hey!

Didn't know you could knit.

I was led to it by boredom.

This is cool.

So, how's college?

It's going.

It's... it's good.

Okay. I sense a "but" in there.

I've been thinking about transferring closer to home.

Oh, is it that bad?

No, it's just that

I feel like Mom could use the extra help.

Does she know that?

Knowing your mom,

I think she would wanna know how you feel.

Yeah, she may want to know,

but I'm not sure her knowing will help.

It's just, I worry

that if she knows the real reason,

she won't let me.

Okay.

In my experience,

it's better not to hide these things from your parents.

You've got to let them in on it.

Hey, Mom?

What's this?

Well

this is a scrapbook that I've been working on.

This is you and Dad.

It is.

I've never seen these before.

That's because I, uh, actually found them at the, um

cabin...

Yes, there is always a chance that we find them,

but your dad's videos are... are pretty much gone.

Look on the bright side... this...

You knew about this?

Mom...

I asked him not to say anything. That is on me.

Why? Something like this... why wouldn't you tell us?

This is why!

The look on your faces.

Look, I know how hard it is

for you to not have your dad, and...

Keegan.

Boo?

It'll be better in the morning.

It always is.

Goodnight.

Sorry, Dad.

Oh! It's you.

I was preparing myself to fight a raccoon.

I would pay to watch you fight a raccoon.

Mom?

I know. - I remember that Christmas.

Yeah.

Found these in Jake's box.

We made those videos for a reason, Mom.

You know?

Christmas is about memories.

You know what I remember about my mother?

She smelled of baby powder,

and whatever she'd cooked that day.

Yeah. She did. Yeah.

She had these big, pillowy arms

that made her hugs feel so safe.

She had really strong opinions.

And my dad had this great, big laugh

that filled the house.

Oh, I loved that house.

Honey...

Even if you had those videos...

And let's not abandon hope, it is Christmas Eve

you are not now, or ever,

in control of what anyone else remembers.

Thank you.

You're my favorite girl.

Actually.

I have an idea.

Come on. With me.

Okay. Okay. What are we doing?

Mom, what are we doing?

Okay, I know we have 24 hours left

until Christmas Day,

but, Boo,

you are getting your prize early.

We are going caroling!

Are you serious?

Right now?

Look, I know we're sad about the videos, okay?

But we can't let it stop us from making new traditions, right?

We can stay inside and we can be sad,

or we can go door to door,

and we can sing and we can spread joy,

and maybe... turn this thing around.

What do you say?

Let's do it!

I'm in. - Me too.

Where's our first stop?

Martha's.

Let's go!

Okay. Let's go.

Okay, so the first one is a classic...

I think we start there.

Is this how this works?

You just sing outside someone's house?

Yes!

Okay, ready?

Oh! You all look festive!

What are you up to?

We, the Baldwins,

are starting a new Christmas tradition...

We are caroling.

Oh, well, in that case...

Everyone?

There is a nice surprise waiting out front.

Hi!

Hi! Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

Ready?

Thank you, Baldwins! That was so nice.

Do you guys wanna come in?

Oh, we can't! We have more caroling to do,

but maybe we'll see you for the Christmas Eve Crawl?

Definitely! - Okay.

Merry Christmas.

Not bad. - Merry Christmas.

Hey!

Uh, guys, keep going! I'll catch up.

Okay.

You weren't kidding

about your, uh, neighborhood on Christmas.

Are you caroling already? I thought it was just at night.

It is, yes, but uh

we're starting a new tradition.

What are you doing here?

I'm here to talk to Martha.

Yeah, all this talk, and spending time with you...

I realize that maybe I have been backing away from things,

so...

I'm gonna take that job.

You're teaching kindergarten again?

No, the kindergarten teacher's

marrying the seventh-grade teacher,

and Boo explained to me that they need the help, so...

Well, that would make us... co-workers.

Yeah.

Yeah...

Is that okay?

Okay.

Congratulations.

Oh! I need to catch up with the family.

We're going door to door.

Yeah.

But we're seeing you tonight, right?

Yes! Yes.

Yeah? Okay. Great.

Mom!

Hi... Kate.

Oh, I am really sorry

to have called on Christmas Eve Day.

No problem. I've got the box right here.

Yes.

We've got

camcorder,

and a bunch of tapes.

I am so glad I called.

Oh, that was what I was afraid of.

Uh, tapes degrade over time.

It's the whole reason

that Jake and I started the site in the first place.

Yeah

the tape is damaged.

I can mail it, or I can drive it up.

Kate, please, really.

Just go home... have a good Christmas, okay?

I called Kate.

Please don't be mad at me.

I had to try.

I could never be mad at you.

Mom... thank you for trying!

I was hoping for a Christmas miracle, I guess.

I know.

Maybe...

Maybe this is our Christmas miracle.

Think about it!

We're-We're together, happy

making new traditions.

You're right.

Oh. Love you, honey.

I love you, too!

Now, let's go get ourselves ready

for the best Christmas Crawl yet.

Got it. Onwards!

We did it. - Hey! Sally!

Wait up.

I... I'll see you inside, Mom.

So? How did it go with Martha?

Great. I start in the new year.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Listen, uh,

I wanted to talk to you about something else.

Sure.

It's about, uh, Keegan, actually.

Um... okay.

Well, he opened up to me

about wanting to transfer back home.

He talked to you about that?

Yeah, he did. - Yeah.

What did he say?

Well, he sees how much you have going on,

and that's why he wants to come back... to help you.

Oh, he wants to come back for me?

Well, why wouldn't he just tell me that?

Uh, because maybe if he told you the real reason,

you wouldn't let him?

He's not wrong about that.

No, I wouldn't let him leave his dream school for me.

I just can't!

How did I miss that?

You have so much on your plate.

I know, but clearly that's... that's part of the problem.

I should've just told him about the tapes from the start,

and then maybe we could have been, you know,

like, figuring it out together,

and, instead, I was off figuring it out with you.

Right.

That did not come out the way that I...

No, no-no-no.

No, no, it's fine. You're right, actually.

It's true!

No. It's not... It...

Anyway, I thought you should know.

Now you know,

and, um, I'll go.

Okay? - Damon, please, don't.

I'm serious, I'm sorry. - No, no, it's okay. It's okay.

Listen. It's okay.

Wow, good job, you guys!

This turned out incredible!

Right?

Oh, Mom. I've got something for you.

Oh! A gift?

I made you a broken-cellphone ornament...

to commemorate this year.

It is so sweet,

and sad!

Thank you, honey, I love it.

Mwah!

I am so sorry about

everything.

I have spent a lot of Christmas looking for tapes.

I should've told you from the start.

I should have been here.

Mom

you don't have to apologize.

I should be the one to apologize.

I wasn't exactly honest on why I wanted to transfer home.

I don't wanna be a couple hours away,

not being able to help you.

Hey...

I want you to hear this.

You owe me nothing.

You know, after your dad passed,

there were a lot of people who came up to you,

and said, you know,

"You're the man of the house now."

And I tried to stop them,

because what a wild amount of pressure

to put on a child!

That was not your job.

Your job is

to go to college

and have the time of your life,

and to keep being your funny, kind, cool self,

even in your dad's Christmas cardigan.

Look, I'm a mom.

I will be overwhelmed for the rest of my life.

Am I right, Mom?

Forever!

Seriously... Mom and I got this.

Yeah.

I know the videos are important,

and traditions... how we remember the past,

and, also

change is good.

Can I just say

it's fine?

A website went down,

you freaked, and tried to fix it.

I did.

It's a bummer Dad's videos are gone,

but it's not like we're gonna forget about him.

We are him...

The three of us.

You know we're gonna be okay, right?

Yeah.

What did he always say?

"Keep going."

I am ready for a little Christmas Eve

with some people, some snacks,

maybe a little dancing, if I can convince them.

You ready?

I-I don't think going is a good idea.

We're celebrating!

You took that job,

and I can finally sell this place and travel,

and I can stop worrying about you.

Wait. What?

I appreciate how you have taken care of me,

but it's been way too long!

I don't want you to take over this business.

It is not for you.

And I certainly don't wanna do it anymore!

You were waiting for me to leave?

To pull yourself together, get on with your life.

Look.

Don't let fear stop you

from getting the life that you want.

Now, you go get her!

Now, you grab this gift!

Let's go! Come on.

Sally?

Kate? You came!

The website is back up and running...

And with everything that's happened,

I wanted to see my goofy godchildren.

Kate, you've got to play this new board game I've made.

Yes, I do! And I want to hear all about college.

It's been pretty great so far.

Oh, wait

is this Jake's?

The storage room turned out to have his computer,

and a bunch of other things,

and I figured now you have them all in one place.

Thank you!

Can I try and get this working?

Sure, baby!

Merry Christmas!

Oh! Welcome. Please, come have a drink.

You look beautiful.

Thank you.

I, uh, wanted to give you this in person.

I made it,

and, uh, I remember you...

You said that you needed some, um

oh, just-just open it!

All right. Okay. All right. So...

It's a place to put your favorite ornaments.

What?

It's, uh, for your favorite ornaments you love.

This is so beautiful.

Thank you so much.

Aw...

Okay. I wanted to see you open it.

So, I'm gonna go, have a great crawl...

Uh, Damon? Uh, wait.

Look, um...

I've been doing this "Mom" thing for a long time

by myself and...

So, when someone... um, you...

Tried to help

in that moment...

I didn't know what to do with it.

Well, I did overstep with the Keegan situation,

and I shouldn't have.

You didn't overstep.

You showed up,

for me,

and for my son.

Thank you.

And since you've been showing up, um...

I've laughed more and

worried less.

Things have been better,

and that's not nothing.

That's... kind of everything.

The thing is,

I got to spend

these last few days of Christmas

with this funny, deeply wonderful woman

who sees the best in people...

The kindness, the humanity...

And she-she knows who she is.

But she's been through so much more than most people,

and yet, she holds it together.

I don't know how.

But through it all

not really knowing how...

No. No, she... she does not.

But that's great.

That's really great,

because I don't know what I'm doing, either,

and I wanted to tell you that...

Mom, you've got to see this.

Um...

Yeah.

We got the laptop turned on! - Oh!

There's definitely some videos on here.

You raised geniuses!

They're labeled, but we need the password.

Um... try "memories".

Okay.

What about "times a million"?

That's not it.

How about... "keep going"?

Keep... going...

All right, Jake... he found everything exciting.

So, try "keep going"...

Three exclamation marks, one for each of us.

There we go! - Ah!

You did it.

We did it. We did it!

Hey, team.

It's, uh, it's me

obviously.

You are all asleep upstairs right now,

um, so I wanted to take this time

to tell you a few things.

I haven't seen this video before.

Neither have I.

I-I know that I've been a real nuisance

when it comes to making these videos...

I know!

But I just wanted you to see it how I saw it.

You know? This...

This big explosion of love that we get to feel every year.

I'm sure that you've grown, by now,

and everything's brand-new,

and that things are big and different...

And that's good.

I just hope that,

for however long these videos survive,

each Christmas that you have in the future

is your favorite.

Now, remember what we say...

"Keep going."

keep going.

Keep going.

Keep going.

Merry Christmas, team.

I love you forever.

Come here.

Come.

Where are we going?

We gotta finish the conversation we started.

I was thinking...

Okay.

Because neither of us has it figured out...

I think we should figure it out together.

I like that.

I would really, really like that.

Yeah?

Yeah.