Original subtitles

Merry Christmas from the Gilligans.

All right, let's see if our girls

were on the nice list this year.

Look, Santa must have came!

I'm so excited.

Oh, here they come.

Oh my gosh.

Presents!

Santa must have heard about all the great work

I did as student council president this year.

Can I open one, Dad?

Yeah, yeah, of course.

He got me a Timmy Timber! You're the best, Santa.

That doesn't make any sense. Trees can't dance.

Nuh-uh, he's magical.

And here is the shining star

atop the Christmas tree yourself, Gwen Gilligan,

the Queen of Christmas,

who is certainly on the nice list.

You checked that list twice?

Oh, you know me, I check it at least four times.

I know what you're thinking. It's not a halo.

Good. I already have one.

A hubcap. How did Santa know?

Actually, you're getting four hubcaps

with four new tires for the car.

I just couldn't imagine wrapping all that.

But the best part of the gift is,

I'll teach you how to install 'em.

My goodness.

If this isn't an Ed gift, I don't know what is.

Thank you for always making my

favorite holiday special, Casanova.

A microphone! Dad, over here.

Now I can practice my hockey play-by-play in style.

Great.

Now, back from commercial, we go to

world famous play-by-play announcer Heidi Gilligan.

Thank you, Dad. We're in the third period.

The Avalanche have a power play.

They have the Kings on the ropes and...

Sophie, you're ruining my live broadcast!

We're the halftime entertainment.

There is no halftime entertainment in hockey. Mom!

Heidi, Sophie can be a part of it.

Okay, Gwen, Heidi, Sophie, Timmy Timber,

let's go, let's all huddle up.

Let me get one shot of my lovely ladies by the tree.

Wow, I am one lucky man.

Rich, here's the stat round-up

for the booth tonight.

Gilligan. Always making me look good.

And copies for you too, Deion?

I already look good, so no help needed there.

So, listen, Rich, Gary's still out on

Thanksgiving holiday, and here's the thing.

I know that I'm ready to be "ringside" for the game tonight.

Getting to the booth takes time and patience, Heidi.

It's one at a time baby steps.

Took me eight years to get to the booth,

so Chad's gonna take it tonight.

I've been here two years longer than Chad.

Yeah, but Chad played D1 hockey

and his on the ice experience is invaluable.

But trust me, Heidi, you are right there, top of my list.

Don't worry, H, we still got you on a

very special sideline assignment tonight.

Good evening, Highridge.

We are here at the highly anticipated.

Snowman Building Contest, which is already underway.

I've got Head Judge Steve Strickland here with me.

Tell me, Steve, what makes a snowman a snow champ?

First off, hi, Mom!

Uh, so you're looking at waist circumference,

the ratio between the base, middle and head,

carrot placement, of course.

It's really riveting stuff.

Hi, Mom and Dad!

- I love you so much! - As you can see,

all ages can compete, like this local middle school

who's decided to take a pause from building

to engage in a friendly snowball fight.

But I'm sure they want to win a snowman contest

instead of throwing snowballs at a news report...

And judging by that shot accuracy,

baseball scouts might want to

keep their eye on Jefferson Middle School.

Zero to you.

Back to the studio.

Puck in the neutral zone,

he makes a move past two defenders.

Oh, what a pass to Schaefer, he shoots and scores!

Yeah! Woo!

Could have been calling the game tonight.

Instead, I'm looking for Frosty

for a post-contest interview.

You are spreading the spirit.

And nice sign off, by the way.

Most reporters would've crumbled.

Yeah. Kids will be kids, right?

Heids, look, we both know that you have what it takes

to get into the booth and call the game.

And your willingness to take assignments

like you did tonight, that just means you're a team player,

and you're the biggest hockey pundit that I know.

And yet I've been stuck in small gig

purgatory for the last five years.

Yeah, well, Rich has made it perfectly clear

that he's going to announce his retirement

at the Christmas party, which means he will probably

be announcing his replacement.

But you know Deion, right?

He's gonna do whatever he can to make sure

that Chad is sitting next to him in booth instead of me.

And Al, getting a snowball facial on live TV

does not help my cause.

You took it like a champ. Just saying.

Anyway, I'll see you later.

Bye.

Hey, barmaid, where's my drink?

You know I get cranky when my hot cider cools off.

Oh, Agnes, you get cranky about pretty much everything.

All right, ladies, I have three very hot ciders

for my favorite Wednesday night table.

An extra scoop of cheer in yours.

Aw, we're her favorite table!

Must be her only one.

Your last name is Gilligan, right, Sophie?

Yeah, that's right. Why?

I was watching the news earlier

and I saw this young anchor.

Her last name is Gilligan. Is she any relation?

She kind of looks like you.

Snowballs at a news report...

And judging by that shot accuracy.

- Um, uh... - Baseball scouts might wanna.

Must be a coincidence.

I mean, Gilligan is a pretty common last name.

Oh, did I ever tell you about my snowball incident?

It was 1974, maybe '75.

By the way, Sophie, how's, uh, your realtor?

He's good. Busy as ever.

You got a single grandfather I can get my hands on?

You know my type.

Old enough for AARP, but young enough for me.

Oh, you like to date the younger men.

Yep. Nice and ripe and

in their '70s.

Rawr!

I will, I will keep a lookout.

I will be back to get your food orders, okay?

Oh, Agnes, we are out of crabapple pie tonight. Sorry.

No, nothing?

One of these days, I am going to make you laugh.

You've been serving us for, what, two years? I doubt it.

Wow, well, let's just hope my jokes land

a little better tonight.

The Highbrow is hosting their holiday open mic night.

Good for you, Sophie. Pursuing your dreams.

Life is too short to be just a cog in the corporate wheel.

You know what my dream is?

I wanna be the next golden bachelorette.

Oh, I'd make those silver foxes weak in their knees.

This is why you're my favorite table.

It's officially the holiday season. Woo!

That's right! You know how I can tell?

Wow. I can tell because of my neighbors, yeah.

My neighbors, they just love

to put their Christmas lights up

before even taking their Halloween decorations down.

Oh, yeah.

We have like a hideous spider hanging out with Frosty.

We have a witch riding Rudolph.

Yeah.

I mean, basically, they're just walking through

Thanksgiving like it's a hallway now.

A great set tonight, Soph.

- Yeah. - Great.

I mean, it may be chilly outside,

but it certainly was a warm room.

- Yeah. Yeah, it was, yeah. - Yeah.

So, uh, hey, you go back to my place,

take a look at your resume together?

- Adam. - Come on.

You remember what you told me back in January?

That if my comedy career

didn't take off by the end of the year,

- then- - Then...

I would...

Start looking for jobs back in the corporate world.

Come on, you're so good at marketing.

I don't love marketing. I love making people laugh.

And, and, you know, you're hilarious.

It's a big reason why I've loved

spending time with you, okay?

But you're, you're a little old to still be waitressing.

Wow. Okay.

Are you saying I should just give up on my dream?

No, I'm just suggesting that you consider

a more viable career option.

I don't want to be just like a cog in the corporate wheel.

It's not who I am. I have to keep trying.

What's so important on your phone?

- Hm? - What?

No, this is just a...

Look, you know what, Soph?

I think it might be time for us to, you know?

We're just on different paths in life,

and that's okay, it's just...

It's not what I'm looking for.

This is a breakup.

Yeah.

Wow. Okay.

I can't think of a joke right now.

Maybe that's a good thing.

Bye, Soph.

Connor moves the puck through center ice,

digs past Harrison, slides it across to Duncan,

and he shoots and he scores, woo!

Second power play goal of the night, in as many chances.

Hello?

Is this Heidi Gilligan?

This is she.

We have an Ed Gilligan here

- admitted to emergency. - The hospital?

We're still running some tests.

Uh, yeah, yeah, yeah, no, I-I'll be right there.

Okay. Thank you.

"Special skills, making people laugh."

Is this a butt dial?

He's where?

Where's Dad?

They're running some tests on his heart.

He fainted earlier today.

Okay. So we just wait?

Okay.

Gilligan?

He's gonna be okay.

We'll keep him here a while longer to monitor his vitals,

but he's ready for visitors now.

Mason to ER3. Mason to ER3.

- Hey. - Dad.

- Hey, Heidi. - Dad.

Hi, Soph. Hey, darlin'.

Hey, loving the do.

Oh, thanks. It's, uh, hospital waiting room chic.

- Hey, Heidi. - Hi.

Wow. Both my gals in the same room.

- Hasn't been since- - Dad, we're here for you.

Oh, well, it doesn't have to be. I'm fine.

You're in the hospital. That's not fine.

Ooh, ah, I'm sorry. This is really important.

I'm gonna be super quick, okay? Promise.

Okay.

- Hi. - What happened?

You're in great shape.

Were you chugging gravy at Thanksgiving or something?

Mm, gravy.

Can't have mashed potatoes without it. Or turkey.

Yeah, I'll put gravy on my green bean casserole.

It's like my love language.

Hi. Hi.

I'm, uh, I'm Nurse Brad Herbert.

I'll be assisting you until you, uh,

get back up on your feet.

Well, nice to meet you,

but I doubt I'll need much assisting.

You think I'll be out of here later today?

We're gonna have you running marathons in no time.

Maybe he's more of the wood chopping type.

Uh, Doc said that your fainting spell

was most likely caused by mild arrhythmia,

which is worsened by stress, exhaustion.

You drinking enough water?

Uh, hi. I'm, uh, Sophie, his daughter.

Could we have a moment, just us, for a second, please?

Yeah.

Yeah, okay, Sophie, um, I will be over here,

reading charts and doing important nurse things.

- Interesting young man. - Mm-hm.

I like him.

Yeah, he's definitely approachable.

Stress related, Dad? That is so not cool.

You know, for just a minute,

I thought I might get to see her again.

Dad, you know what Mom would say to that?

Yeah.

"Ed, quit pouting, hike up your britches,

and get back out there."

Exactly.

Four years is too long to not take care of yourself, Dad.

Four already, huh?

I'm sorry I-I haven't been around much.

I-I promise I will be there more often.

I've just been so busy, I

I get it, darlin'. You girls keep busy.

How's the comedy routine going?

Oh, good.

I-I get a, a chuckle now and again,

uh, uh, the occasional guffaw.

Your mom always said you were

the funniest person in the room.

And she was the smartest person in the room.

Come here.

I'll have it right up to you

an hour before the puck drops.

Great.

Now, how about your place?

Are you keeping it clean?

It's fine.

I will be the judge of that, sir.

So, listen, Dad, something came up at work,

but I'm gonna be right back after the game, okay?

- Okay. - I'm so glad

you're doing better.

- Thanks. - I love you.

I'm coming back for you. Okay, woo!

Heidi. Heidi.

Heidi, wait.

I'm worried.

Dad is like a shell of who he was with Mom.

I mean, look where he ended up.

Look, Dad's fine. That's what matters here.

And one hospital scare doesn't suddenly

change everything between us, okay?

Yeah, right.

I, um, I saw your snowball clip.

Mm.

You should have ducked.

Thanks.

I was kidding.

Nothing? Okay.

Yeah, let's, uh, let's go back to the way things were.

Okay, cool. Bye.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Do you mind if I sit down?

Oh, what, what are you doing?

I call that a, a comfort pat.

You are poking me like a loaf of bread.

It's like a comfort jab? I don't know what that is.

I envisioned that differently in my head.

Penny for your thoughts?

Whoa, uh, I'm really glad my dad's okay,

but, uh, honestly, if something had happened to him,

I think my sister and I really

would've wished that we had fixed things between us sooner.

- Are you two not close? - Nope.

We, we used to be.

Families are messy.

Doesn't mean you stop loving each other.

You say that like you had experience.

Three older sisters growing up and one bathroom.

- It was war. - Oh.

Yeah.

My dad, um...

He's just really struggled since my mom passed.

I mean, she loved Christmas, everything about it.

She loved it.

She would spend an entire day

decorating our house every year.

And now, the ornaments stay in the box,

the lights do not go up,

and the tree is still in the attic.

And I don't know how to fix it.

Maybe he doesn't need someone to help him fix it,

maybe he needs someone to sit in it with him for a while.

Therapy is not his speed.

It's a good idea though.

Are you always so insightful with strangers?

- No. - No, oh.

Only with the ones that have smiles

that light up the room.

We do have a great program here at the hospital.

Matches patients with volunteers who can lend an ear.

And they're not trained therapists

or anything like that,

it's just everyday people that've gone through

loss themselves and just great listeners,

and they would let your dad talk about

what he's struggling with in a very casual setting.

Yeah, that sounds more his speed.

I'm sorry about your mom, by the way.

Thanks.

Well, uh, I should go say bye to my dad,

and then I'm heading over to his house

to make sure he's been cleaning it,

and I'm pretty sure I am going to find

yogurt in the fridge from the '90s.

If you see anything moving, call me immediately.

Okay, well, what if I have a non-yogurt related emergency?

I'm good for those too.

Oh, okay. Well, then, I guess I need your number.

Yeah, yeah, I think so, um...

Things will turn around. I promise.

Oh, Daddio.

"I'll keep the cider hot"

and the beers cold for you up here.

Thanks for the memories.

Promise me you'll make many more with the girls.

Speaking of, this gift is for their eyes only.

Give it to them on the first Christmas without me.

Love, Gwen.

Oh, and PS, change your work boots every six months.

"After that, they smell like a dead opossum."

First Christmas without her?

That was three years ago.

Heidi, Sophie.

Mom.

If you've opened this, it means your father

has carried out his part of the mission.

My beautiful daughters,

Sophie, the forever bringer of joy and laughter,

and Heidi, my assertive, strong go-getter.

I am forever grateful that God

blessed me with the two of you.

Now, to official business.

As you know, I was your father's first and only love,

but he still has a lot of life to live and love to give,

so, when he's ready,

please help your father find love again.

He's a great man, but he definitely lacks

what I believe you call game.

He'll be stubborn as always,

but I know with a little help,

a lot of help from you two, he can do it.

I love you both more than words can say.

And of course, merry Christmas.

Love, Mom.

Score! Score!

Score! Score!

Score! Score!

I mean, listen, Heidi, if you want play-by-play duties,

losing a snowball war to a middle schooler

isn't the way to do it.

Well, it's a good thing that sports jobs aren't awarded

by middle schoolers with TikTok accounts, isn't it?

Well, word around the studios,

you think Rich's chair has already got your name on it.

No, I think I've worked really hard for the opportunity,

and what happens after that isn't really up to me.

But if you want honesty, Deion, yes, I do want the job.

I've dreamt of it ever since I knew what a hockey puck was.

Well, my money's still on Rich choosing someone who,

you know, looks the part.

A former hockey player like Chad.

Yeah, I'm still waiting for Chad

to figure out the coffee machine.

You're a feisty one, H, I'll give you that.

How about we continue this conversation later?

I still owe you a drink from our Stanley Cup bet last year.

Yeah, yeah, cool story, yeah. Maybe after hockey season.

Hey, Al.

Don't listen to him.

He's just jealous 'cause you're gonna be in

the booth beside him instead of his bestie.

Sophie? Why would you be emailing me?

From Mom?

Heidi, Sophie.

If you've opened this, it means your father

has carried out his part of the mission.

My beautiful daughters, Sophie,

the forever bringer of joy and laughter,

and Heidi, my assertive, strong go-getter.

Listen, I love Mom, but this is just impossible, okay?

We'd be wasting our time.

Dad needs help.

Maybe Mom's wish could help him

get him back to his old self.

Nothing is gonna get him back to his old self.

One date. We just get him to go on one date.

I'm, I'm sure he'll be a lump on a log about it,

but then at least we could say we tried

to actually fulfill Mom's Christmas wish.

I mean, dad dating in 2026? That would be humorous.

You never were one to give up, were you?

Especially when trying to get a laugh.

Should we actually try?

I mean, Dad, like, he needs work.

Yes. Yes.

Agree. Hard agree.

But with your attention to detail and my sense of style.

Our sense of style, excuse me.

Our sense of style.

We could take the lump of clay that is Daddio

and turn him into a silver fox bachelor.

She would be laughing at us.

She'd be laughing with us. That'd be the best part.

Let's do this for her.

Okay. Okay, fine.

We help Dad through Christmas, but that's it.

That's it. That's it.

- Deal. - Deal.

Yeah. Great.

Oh, that's your face.

I don't have a face.

Yeah, you do when you like someone.

I've met him once.

And somehow, your posture just improved.

Okay. I'm gonna go say hi.

Please stop being annoying.

Mm-hm. 'Kay.

Bye.

Hi.

Before you say anything, this is...

I'm going for the Christmas after a blizzard look.

I wasn't gonna say anything.

Ooh.

Yeah, I'm the most festive guy on the floor,

so I like to do the Christmas decorations.

It's like a side hustle on my break.

Sweet.

Your father's vitals look good.

He should be released today.

Keep him hydrated and try to get him to relax a little bit.

Mm.

Actually, my sister and I are

trying to help him a little bit.

Since my mom passed,

my dad has basically stopped living his life,

so we had this crazy idea to

help him find someone, which may be stressful.

I like it.

That's like, it's like a Christmas matchmaking operation.

I like that.

People need people, especially during the holidays.

So, do you know anyone? Nice, age appropriate?

I do know that my Aunt Linda is available.

Yep. She will steal sweetener packets from diners.

Deal breaker. No.

Let me think on it.

- Okay. - Yeah.

I think I do know someone.

And they're available for hot chocolate later this week.

He's smart. He's funny.

Oh.

Terrible at hanging snowflakes.

Is that your way of asking me out?

It was going way better before gravity got involved,

but, yes, exactly that.

Okay.

Um, tomorrow night, you could

pick me up at the comedy club before hot chocolate.

I'm helping amp up the Christmas spirit there.

Okay. I call hanging snowflakes.

Okay.

Any orders from the doctor?

Just more pills for my collection.

Ah, and there's this.

He gave me some lady's card, somebody I guess to talk to.

Well, that might be good for you.

Just give it a gentleman's effort.

Oh, using my own quotes against me.

You know, Christmas was supposed to stay in storage, Sophie.

Oh, bah, humbug.

Your place was in need of a major holiday makeover.

Mom used to make a whole event around decorating, remember?

Yeah, she did. Always finished with Christmas cookies.

So, Dad, we've been thinking,

um, it's time that you partake in some self-care.

Well, I-I cut my fingernails. I trim my beard.

I throw the milk out three days after expiration.

What more do you want from me?

Well, um, you're just like two weeks away from

a mullet, that's all.

I'm failing to see the problem.

Well, it's just that if you're gonna put yourself

back out there, we just don't want you

to be mistaken for Bigfoot.

Put myself out there?

What do you mean? I am long retired.

Um, we're not talking about work, Dad.

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

I see where this is going.

- No. - No, Dad.

Dad, just, just,

- just hear us out. - No, absolutely not.

Just having you two side by side

makes my heart feel good, and that's enough.

One date before Christmas, one.

No.

Okay, Dad, hold on. Here's the thing.

Soph and I, we're gonna help you get that date.

Oh, yes, yes, we are.

Because you ran a hardware store for 40 years,

so we are gonna give you the tools that you need to thrive.

And listen, if you don't want to try, that's cool,

it just means that we'll just go back to our separate ways.

Are we?

Oh, yeah, we outta here.

- It's your call. - An ultimatum.

- Mm-hm. - Up to you.

What kind of miscreants did I raise?

Look, if me going out with one lady

will keep you two in each other's lives

a little bit longer,

fine, I'll do it.

Yes! That sounds like a yes.

- Oh, yeah. - Okay.

Hello.

One condition.

- No internet stuff. - Right.

No eMatch or Binge, Tumble,

whatever people are doing these days.

If I meet somebody, it's gonna be

through a conversation, not on a screen.

- Absolutely. - Got it.

- In the wild. - Yep, deal.

Oh.

Ah, okay. Sorry, I got to get to the office.

Come on, I'll walk you out.

Oh, hey, um...

Ah. Oh.

Sorry, just wanted to say, like,

good luck with your hockey stuff.

Not that you need it, but, just, good luck.

Thanks.

Um, Heidi, before you go, you two never told me

what happened after your mom's funeral.

I-I told you, you have to ask.

Ask Sophie, right, and she says to ask you.

- Yeah, listen, I- - That doesn't work for me.

I really gotta go. I'm sorry.

I love you.

I love you too.

Ms. Loftus?

You must be Ed. It's Janice, please.

Um, here's something to warm you up.

Thank you, Janice.

It's nice to meet you.

So, you're the one willing to lend an ear, huh?

Oh, you're in luck. I'm willing to lend two ears.

I may not be a professional,

but I'm a heck of a listener.

I'm like a good friend.

Oh, my daughters say I need more friends.

Not that I'm lonely, I-I just prefer the company of nature.

Winter is beautiful in Colorado.

How have things been going for you?

Hm.

Well, this morning, um, had some oats with qui-noah.

Uh, quinoa?

Um, that.

And then I watched the morning news.

I know it's supposed to snow tomorrow. Um...

Oh, you mean like with the hospital

or, or with my late wife, or...

This is hard.

There's no right answers.

We're just having a conversation.

Are there any Christmas traditions

you're looking forward to?

Um, no. No, I don't, I don't do those anymore.

No.

My wife Gwen was the Christmas queen.

I just followed her rule.

I love that. What did she love most about the holidays?

I don't...

I don't know.

It's okay.

This time of year is the hardest when we've lost someone.

It's been four years since I lost my wife.

I've got her memories. That's enough.

I get this probably helps a lot of people,

but I just feel like I'm wasting your valuable time.

And for that, I'm really sorry. Thank you for the coffee.

Ed, I'm sorry if, uh, I made you feel uncomfortable.

No, no, no, it is not you. No, it's, it's just me.

And again, I'm, I'm sorry for wasting your time.

Get it together, Ed.

Are you sure the trade has been finalized? Okay, great.

Thanks, Greg. You're a legend.

Woo!

Hey, Rich. Good news.

- I've got the latest in the- - No need, Heidi.

I got the inside scoop.

Can you believe we actually got McKinley on the wing now?

What? This story just broke, how did you...

Oh. Excuse me.

How did you beat me to the break?

It's nice having a direct line to the front office.

I had the same lead this morning.

Yet here we are.

Now, this is lit.

- You came. - Yeah.

The vendor said that that is

cinnamon whipped cream and Christmas spirit.

Oh.

I think that last ingredient is just nutmeg.

Thanks.

So, this is Christmas comedy.

Mm-hm.

So this is the stage, eh? Where the magic happens.

Yeah, you know, it's just a silly hobby mostly. Yeah.

Silly hobby?

What? No, come on now.

No, I-I just mean, you know,

I just tell a few jokes here and there.

You're making people laugh. It's not just anything.

You know, my ex,

he used to roll his eyes anytime I even brought comedy up.

Your ex sounds aggressively unfun.

Yeah.

He looked at life through a different lens.

Well, for the record, I think it's rad.

So, what time on Wednesday?

Do you want to, you want to come?

Sophie, I work 12 hour hospital shifts.

The idea of watching you tell Christmas jokes

while I sip on a peppermint mocha here, that sounds amazing.

Plus, I've been told that I have a loud, bellowing laugh.

I like to think of it as like emotional surround sound.

Wow. I'm definitely not saying no to that.

- You don't want to. - Okay.

- Dad! - Dad!

Wow! You ready for your holiday makeover?

Nope.

Fantastic.

Oh, Paul Bunyan's got nothing on you, Dad.

I mean, I guess you could say it's woodsman chic.

No, don't try to justify this stuff.

Dad, you're dressing like a Canadian hoser.

Or an Australian bogan.

A Midwest corn farmer.

Look, I don't see the problem.

Flannel is both practical and fashionable.

Your mom made me watch all of the rom-coms.

Is this the part where we...

- Hi! - Hi!

I'll take a two on the sides.

Now turn around, please.

The rest will be ready for you at the shop today at five.

Ciao.

Thank you.

Gwen would've laughed.

She would've said he cleans up real nice.

Yeah, she would've.

And don't tell anybody. I like the pedicure.

Oh, I'm telling everybody.

That's it for today.

The real work begins tomorrow.

Well, I'm gonna go home, pour myself a whiskey,

and watch James Bond movies until I

cleanse myself of this day's events.

Wow. So dramatic.

- See you later. - Bye.

Bye!

The tree lighting was mom's favorite night of the year.

Remember how she used to make us sing "O Holy Night"?

Yeah, made you sing. I have a voice of an angel.

Ooh, okay. I'm the one with the jokes.

You know, being here makes it feel like

she's still around, you know?

Yeah.

Never knew you could get a wedgie on the top half.

Ed? Edward Gilligan, what a happy coincidence.

Uh, yeah.

I still like shopping in person.

I'm old fashioned, but clicking Add to Cart

just doesn't have the same spirit.

I agree.

I mean, half the fun's talking to the shop owners

and running into neighbors,

and can't put that in a cardboard box.

Uh, look, I'm sorry for

cutting our time short the other day, I.

You don't have to apologize.

Grief isn't exactly eager to introduce itself to strangers.

I guess I'm just not quite ready to talk about Gwen.

Then don't. You mentioned you felt connected in nature.

The Continental Trail's just outside of town,

and it's a beautiful...

And before you panic,

no feelings quizzes. Just fresh air.

Gwen used to drag me out hiking every Saturday morning.

I called it fancy walking.

Well, maybe it's time you tried fancy walking again.

I just don't think I'd be a very good company.

I'd wager you may be even better than good.

Monday morning, 10 o'clock.

Oh, and wear your fancy walking shoes.

All right, let's focus.

The holiday season is very competitive, soldier.

That's right.

You have a lot to learn, so pay attention.

Oh, boy.

But, girls, rocks are

a fascinating topic of conversation.

- Dad. - Dad, no.

Okay, you know what? Let's practice.

- Here we go. - Um...

Hello. Um, what's your favorite Christmas movie?

Mine's "Die Hard."

No. This man is very rusty.

- Uh, practice dates? - Yes.

Yes.

I happen to know three lovely ladies

who would love to help you out.

I'm only here 'cause your daughter is giving me

free wiener schnitzel for the rest of the month.

Now, remember, Dad, it could take her a minute to open up.

Be patient. Don't force anything.

Easiest way to get her on your side is to be funny.

So, um, Christmas, just around the corner.

You want to know the best possible gift to give somebody?

Peace and quiet.

A broken drum. You can't beat it.

Are you kidding me?

She laughed at a dad joke. Come on.

I thought you said she's tougher than a walnut.

Oh, I guess that must mean dad's the Nutcracker.

Um, she's nervous.

Yes! Yes.

Um, she's closed off.

Yes! Um...

Um, she's into me?

How old did you say you were?

Almost 66.

Oh, a younger man. I like it.

I wish your daughter could have introduced us earlier.

Dating's fun, isn't it?

Well, still just trying to figure it all out.

You know, it's been 45 years since my last date.

I'm on my fourth one this week,

but the first one with the

Kurt Russell lookalike.

Now, remember, Daddio, be a good listener.

It shows you care.

Always be prepared to ask a follow-up question.

You're not going to believe this.

The reason I was a little late tonight

is 'cause when I was driving here,

I hit every single red light.

Can you believe it?

The last time that happened was three or four years ago.

These women are a hoot.

You always were really good

at making friends out of strangers.

Thanks. It is my superpower.

Do you have grandkids?

I have three grandkids, but Cody is my favorite.

I was there when he was born, you see?

And she said that I was talking too much

in the delivery room, can you believe it?

Oh, we've talked through the entire dinner rush.

I've really enjoyed our conversation.

Me too.

Well, I got Judy's number.

Ooh.

She told me to follow her on Bingbong.

- Uh, TikTok? - Oh.

Well, Dad, you have officially passed

the Gilligan Girls Daddy Dating Bootcamp.

And this is signed by both of us.

Congratulations, Dad.

You are officially done with your training,

which means, this weekend, you're going out into the

battlefield of love and finding your first official date.

The Christmas market is bound to be full of potential.

Then, I'm done.

No, we said one date. Then you're done.

Wow.

He says that like you two are

putting him through military training.

- Brad. - Nurse Herbert.

Mr. Gilligan, you are looking, might I say, dapper.

The jacket's working, the hair's on point.

Hey, I was against the paste. It feels like frosting.

You gotta trust the paste, sir.

See, Dad, everybody's doing it.

You ready to walk me to my set?

Yeah, I'd love to.

- Oh, bye. - Bye.

Bye.

I haven't seen her light up like that

in a really long time.

Me neither.

- Shall we? - Yes, please.

So, my dad is, uh,

back in the dating game this holiday season.

Ooh!

Mm-hm. You know, that is exciting.

But it is also terrifying, because I recently learned

that my dad thinks flirting involves

talking to women about mulch and rocks.

Yeah. Dad.

He's the best though. He's warm, he's funny.

He's got the silver fox thing happening.

But it is a little weird,

especially when he starts asking you for advice

and he starts saying things like,

"Honey, do I still got it?"

And you're like, "Please never say that again!"

And that's our time, everybody.

Thank you. You guys were great.

Let's give it up for Sophie Gilligan!

You were great.

Taking a break before the next set.

Grab a drink, we'll be back in five minutes.

- You came. - I did.

Wildcats are on the road against

the Blue Spruce Stags tonight, so I had an hour to spare.

So, what'd you think?

Kidding. You were really great.

And you, with the loud laugh.

Present.

Take good care of my sister, huh?

Happily.

I mean, who knew getting my dad to date again

would be such great material?

Well, you were having fun with it. That's what made it.

Yeah. Sometimes I don't know.

I've been doing this for years

and nothing big has ever really happened.

I mean, the chances of making it

a full-time career are pretty slim.

But you love it, right?

Yeah, I do. I-I want to marry it.

Then, so who cares if you make it a career or not?

Just do what feeds your soul.

Personally, I think it's great that you have

a habit of bringing joy to people.

Speaking of bringing joy to people,

I have a spot that is sure to bring joy to you.

- Oh. - This way.

I'm excited. What is it?

Is it a puppy?

A create your own hot chocolate bar?

Exactly.

Instead of creating your own ice cream sundae

with all the fixings, you do it with hot chocolate.

Wow. So many important decisions need to be made.

Oh, yeah.

You know, you can tell a lot about a person

by what they put on their hot chocolate.

You don't do anything halfway, do you?

Well, Brad, I think life is too short

to scrimp on whipped cream.

Fair enough.

Three's the charm, they say.

I'll get one for you. Would you like one?

Yes.

Wow.

I'm pretty sure there is hot chocolate

under here somewhere.

Mm. Do I have something on my face?

- Yeah. - Yeah?

- Yeah, you do. - On the lip?

Yeah.

So, what made you want to become a cardiac nurse?

Well, actually, I lost my dad to

a heart attack rather suddenly.

I'm so sorry.

Yeah, me too.

But it did, um, light a fire under me to

want to go and help others with their hearts

and keep them ticking as long as possible.

After he died, I tried to

fill that empty space with relationships.

Well, eventually, I realized that

it wasn't supposed to be filled.

It was supposed to be honored.

Every winter, we used to go ice fishing.

So now I just try and carry on that tradition.

My mom made Christmas magical.

After she died, I thought it would be easier to

stop celebrating than celebrate without her here.

You know what I think to myself?

"If Dad were here, what would he want me to do?"

And then I just try and do it.

Oh, well, if my mom was here,

she would be having an absolute fit,

knowing we weren't doing Christmas the justice

it deserves without her here.

Well, lucky for you,

Christmas keeps showing up every year.

Hey, Soph! Sorry to interrupt.

You had a hilarious set tonight.

Love the stuff about your dad.

I just wanted to let you know that a little birdie

told me that a big comedy agent

is going to come to the last show before Christmas, so.

- What? - Make those laughs

extra big this Wednesday.

Um, thank you for the tip, Cheryl.

You're welcome.

Uh...

- I'll just go. - Bye!

You are lit up like a Christmas tree.

Oh, yeah! I mean, big laughs?

You're gonna be great.

Thank you.

Listen, I don't use flaxseed often.

My son just told me to add it to my diet.

People are turning into birds.

So, um, why did you decide to do this

lending ear thing anyway?

Oh, it was after I lost my husband, Tommy.

He lost a battle to cancer eight years ago.

Wow. Very sorry to hear that.

I wasn't exactly graceful about it.

Some days I'd stay in pajamas till two in the afternoon.

But it wasn't the people with the answers

who helped the most, it was the ones

who sat beside me without them.

Not everyone has that friend,

which is why I started volunteering for the hospital.

Wow, that's really great.

Mornings.

I'm sorry?

That's when the pain of losing Gwen

is most difficult, in the mornings.

Every day we'd start with two cups of black coffee,

one for her, one for me.

The evening's tough too, that, um, goodnight kiss.

Of course, Christmas.

To be honest, Janice, every single day is hard for me.

And you would think after four years.

Four years isn't very long

when someone was your whole world.

Well, how did you, I mean, with Tommy?

I cried a lot.

Not really the crying type.

I prayed a lot too.

I guess I'm not really the praying type either.

Prayed for what?

Hm, depended on the day.

Sometimes strength, sometimes peace.

Sometimes I'd just say, "Tommy, if you're up there,

I could really use a hand today."

And did he help?

Not once with the laundry, no.

But somehow I always felt a little less alone.

Hm.

Made it.

I enjoyed our fancy walk, Ed.

Thanks for opening up to me about Gwen.

Well, thanks for listening.

And you're right. You are good at it.

So, we just meet up again whenever?

Whenever you need an ear.

Say, can I give you something to try on your own?

It helped me during one of the harder seasons.

I'm always willing to give something a gentleman's effort.

When you feel ready.

Hope you enjoy the rest of your day, Edward.

You too, Janice.

The rest of my day.

Oh, boy.

Oh, Dad.

What?

Check out that lovely woman right there.

Seasonal shopping suggests holiday optimism.

She's the one.

You said you wanted to give this a gentleman's effort.

A gentleman doesn't abandon a damsel in distress.

- Yep. - Damsel in distress?

She's buying ornaments.

Dad, you have got this, okay? Shoulders back.

- Chin up. - Smile.

Oh, too much smile.

Dad, you've got this, okay?

Okay, great. Okay, fine, fine, fine.

You got this!

Dad, Dad, Dad, Dad, Dad, Dad!

Think he'll remember his line?

Oh, it's been over 40 years.

I'll be impressed if he says any line.

Here goes nothing.

Au revoir.

Sorry, French Frosty.

Good as new.

Um, I, uh, I like your reindeer. Well, not your reindeer.

I highly doubt you have a pet reindeer.

I meant your ornament.

It's not your ornament, you haven't purchased it yet,

but it also doesn't have a hook, and there are others,

so just before you purchase it,

make sure you get one with a hook.

Okay.

Good day.

Dad, what happened to all your training?

I'm pretty sure I blacked out. But that's it.

I'm done. Let's go.

Oh, excuse me, sir?

Thank you for warning me about the other ornament.

Um, saves me a return.

Oh, yeah. Couldn't leave you on the hook.

My new reindeer and I appreciate it.

Oh, well, it is, um, it's lovely.

Is it Donner?

Well, I was thinking Cupid, maybe.

Oh, yeah, that, that is better. Yeah.

Um, you know, uh, I love eating dinner.

Do you like, do you like dinner?

I do like dinner.

I meant, would you like to have dinner

with me, like a date?

- I'd love that. - Really?

- Yeah. - Great. Super.

♪ Dad got a number, he got a date ♪

All right, all right, let's not make a scene, okay?

I haven't done that in an age.

Soph, do you like dinner?

Oh, what a great question.

Come on now. I did it, give your pop some props.

All right, we'll let you off the hook.

Okay, I'm done. I promise.

But we're joking, Dad. You did great.

It was the perfect meet-cute.

I got through it, right?

You girls want to come over for Christmas Friday?

- Uh... - Um...

You would host this year?

If you would both come, yeah. Happily.

I mean, it's been way too long.

And you certainly made my place

festive enough for the occasion.

Well, I am off work.

Me too.

It's decided.

Okay, but first things first, we're gonna be there

to support you for date night this Wednesday.

Don't you have your work

Christmas party for the promotion?

Dad, I'm gonna be there for you.

Me too. My, my comedy set isn't until later.

You know, as much as you guys have tortured me,

it's been fun seeing you work together so well.

You always did, when you weren't

pulling each other's hair out.

- Thanks. - Yeah.

- See you. - Bye.

Okay.

Is it me or is the star on top

shining a little brighter today?

Definitely is.

Well, I wanted to thank you all again

for helping out with my dad.

- Oh. - Oh, now, your dad,

he's a funny person.

I guess the apple rolled far from the tree,

all the way down the hill.

He's a very kind man.

Well, remember, the check is on me tonight

for all of your wonderful help.

- Aw. - So enjoy your evening

and have a very merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you, Sophie.

Dad, we're here! You ready?

In a minute.

So, big night tonight.

I'm expecting a very emotional acceptance speech.

And I expect you to crush your set tonight.

Deal.

Now we just need to make sure that Dad

doesn't open his date with fun facts about rocks.

Yeah.

Okay, don't make a big fuss about this.

Yes, Dad, yes! Give us a spin.

- Woo! - Wow.

You don't look a day over 50.

Let's get this over with.

Oh, so dramatic.

Yeah, that's what we're in your life for.

Dad, Mom would love seeing this,

you getting back out there again.

Well, I couldn't have done it without

the two of you together.

Oh, well, we are proud of you.

Go get 'em, tiger!

- Roar! - Oh! Okay.

Don't do that on the date though, okay?

- Have fun! - No rock talk.

And, and don't brag about your Social Security checks.

- Bye. - Bye!

- Yeah. - We did it.

Mm-hm.

- Ed. - Oh, hi. Lillian.

So great to see you again.

Yeah, you too. Let me get your chair.

- Oh, thank you. - Uh-huh.

So, how does that reindeer ornament look on your tree?

Oh, Cupid is comfortable and, uh, ready for Christmas.

Did you put up a tree?

Oh, it's just an old fake one.

Older than my daughters, actually.

Yet I still can't seem to get rid of it.

Oh, well, that's because it's a classic.

By the way, I appreciate you asking me out in person.

I mean, it just seems like such a lost art

with all these dating sites these days.

Well, it's the only way I know.

And I appreciate you showing me some grace on the execution.

We could all use a little grace in life, can't we?

This is my first date in 45 years,

meaning I might need some more of that

grace during our meal.

45 years.

Well, I'm honored to be your first date

back in the fray.

I will help you get rid of the rust.

- White vinegar. - I'm sorry?

Gets rid of rust. Lemon juice and salt, too.

Oh, so you are a handyman.

Oh, I owned a hardware store

for nearly four decades.

Drinks for the lovely couple?

Um...

Um...

How about a glass of white vinegar?

Comfort jab.

Oh. I am officially freaking out.

- Really? - Yes.

Uh, hey!

I've worked in cardiac care long enough

to recognize elevated heart rate.

This is classic overthinking.

Okay. Mm-hm.

Just be your funny, goofy, beautiful self.

Oh, there she is.

Oh. Well, I'm ready to laugh.

Before I left, to prepare, I watched "Home Alone."

You have a very unique way of

making me forget to be nervous.

You got this, Soph.

Toothpaste, rocks in it. Makeup, rocks.

Batteries, all made of rocks.

I'll admit, I have never met anyone

so knowledgeable in rocks.

Well, my daughters would kill me,

'cause they said, "Dad, no rock talk."

It's nice to have something to be passionate about.

Ed, how do you feel about ice skating?

Ice skating?

Yeah, the Wildcats host a community

Christmas skate every year,

and I suppose I'm, I'm just having such a nice time,

I don't want the night to end quite yet.

Well, I tried it once.

About as awkward as a cow on roller skates.

But sure.

Why not?

Boys, merry Christmas.

Good to see you. Awesome.

Chad, how are ya?

Merry Christmas.

Hello. Is this on?

Hey, Merry Christmas, everyone.

- Merry Christmas, Rich. - Thank you.

I want everyone to enjoy this very festive celebration,

but I do have one very important work-related announcement.

For the last 35 years, I have been calling Wildcats games

for the amazing Highridge Sports Network.

- We love you, buddy. - Yeah.

And as much as I would like another season on the rink,

yeah, it's my time to retire.

But, one very important part of my retirement

is naming my replacement in the booth.

It was an incredibly difficult decision,

and in the end, it came down to two

very, very qualified candidates.

I'm happy to announce that our very own

Chad Rosengard will be joining Deion in the booth.

Ooh! Yeah, that's my guy!

- Yes! - Go get 'em!

A word, bubba. Come on.

Man, so many words,

none of which I can find right now.

My man's speechless.

Not the first time, won't be the last.

No, this is not okay.

- Heidi. - No, it's not okay, no.

I gotta say this.

Sorry, Chad. I just...

I have something to say.

I spent...

I've spent years believing if I just worked hard enough,

eventually, someone would notice.

I came in early. I stayed late.

I covered every assignment I was given,

whether that was hockey playoffs or snowman competitions,

because I thought if I kept saying yes,

if I kept proving myself and people pleasing,

eventually, I would get to where I wanted to be.

Heidi, as I say, it was a really.

Rich, please.

I missed birthdays. I missed holidays.

I wasn't there when my mom passed

because I was called in to cover game seven in the playoffs.

It's all right. You know what?

Maybe Chad is the right choice. Yeah.

Maybe he isn't. I don't know.

What I do know is that I can't keep doing this.

Yeah.

I quit.

I quit too.

Al, you have a family to support.

- You can't do that. - Look, I am not working

for a company that doesn't cherish

one of their hardest working employees.

Let's get out of here.

Good evening and welcome, everybody,

to the Highridge Arena for the 18th annual.

Wildcats Community Christmas skate.

Nervous?

Only from the ankles down.

We will take one awkward step at a time.

All right. Thank you.

It's not bad.

Oh, look.

Gwen?

Ed?

Excuse me.

Are you all right?

Oh, I'm sorry, Lillian, I...

I thought I was ready for this, and obviously not.

I'm so sorry.

Excuse me.

Excuse me. Pardon me.

Woo, all right, everybody,

welcome to our weekly Christmas comedy special.

We've got 10 talented comics hitting the mic tonight,

so don't be a Scrooge, give 'em some laughs.

Woo!

I, um, I gotta go.

Uh, I will be back for my set, I promise.

Is everything okay?

Just need to check on my dad.

Dad? I got your text.

Are you okay? What happened?

Everything was fine, and then just for a minute,

I imagined your mom was there.

Lillian was wonderful, but she was not my wife.

And then we, then we held hands and I just panicked.

And for a moment there, I couldn't breathe.

I guess my heart wasn't ready to handle that.

Yeah.

Oh, you should go back to your celebration.

There's no celebration. I, uh, I didn't get it.

Oh, no. Oh, come here.

Come here. Sorry.

I just threw my heart and soul into it,

because work is the one thing that keeps my mind busy

so I don't have to think about her.

I just miss her so much.

Yeah, I know.

Dad? Hey.

I'm here. Are you okay?

Yeah. Just embarrassed.

Okay.

Good.

And your promotion?

I don't want to talk about it.

Sorry.

I have to go.

I gotta get back to the club.

I just, I just came to make sure you were okay.

Seriously? Dad just had a panic attack.

I know. That's why I came back.

It's one comedy set. I'll, I'll come right back here.

Yeah, and four years ago,

it was just one playoff hockey game.

Heidi.

Every time I think about Mom,

I think about not being there.

You were working.

Mom knew that.

She knew that you loved her.

Yeah, but you got those last moments with her.

When she took a turn, it was really fast.

Okay?

And I didn't choose that!

Okay, you have to stop putting your guilt on me, Heidi.

That is not fair.

Okay.

Well, then after the funeral.

You kept blaming me for not pushing you harder

to come back to the hospital.

Oh, right, so then you decided to remind me

that you were the one that got to be there

in Mom's final moments.

What a punchline that was.

You knew exactly how much that would hurt me.

Girls, that's enough. It's enough of that.

So this, this is what happened, hm?

Four years? Four Christmases.

Because neither one of you would tell

the other one that you were hurt.

You know, this is the last thing she would've wanted.

She would've wanted you to, to hold onto each other.

Not whatever this, this resentment is.

I have to go.

For the record, for the last four years,

I wished you were there too.

Soph. Sophie.

All right, everybody.

If you're a regular here, you know our next comic

always brings that big

- I'll take that. - Holiday laughs.

Let's give it up for Sophie Gilligan!

Hello, thank you.

So.

Ooh!

Christmas is in two days.

And, uh, that means...

Um, that means...

That means my mom.

She loved Christmas. She loved everything about it.

She loved the, the decorations and the music

and the presents, and she especially loved that

really big Christmas tree in the market.

Oopsies.

You know, after she passed, I think that I thought that

jokes would, um, help me avoid feeling any of it.

That somehow if I could make everybody laugh,

that maybe I wouldn't have to

be sad.

I mean, the funny thing is,

grief doesn't really care if you're funny.

Sorry.

Sophie. Sophie.

Are you okay?

I am. I-I just, I need to be alone right now.

Okay, don't worry about the set.

You had something on your heart. You were being honest.

I, um, I-I don't know how to do this with you right now.

Okay.

Oh, yeah, just, um, call me when you do.

Okay.

Good morning. Hey.

Morning.

I made it just how you like it. Straight up black.

No cream, no milk, no fun.

Thanks.

Dad, I'm really sorry.

Not just about last night. For everything.

No.

You girls have been carrying around a lot of hurt.

I still feel like I let everybody down.

You two worked awfully hard to get me back out there.

I just embarrassed myself.

No.

No, it's your boss. Should get that.

Nope. I'm where I need to be.

Your mother would love to hear that.

So I called Lillian and I told her

that she was lovely company,

but that my heart's still

trying to catch up with the rest of me.

There's nothing in the rule book

that says you can't still be friends.

Hm. She's a gem.

Yeah.

She deserves somebody who's ready.

You know, being with her, I figured out.

I'm not trying to find somebody to replace your mother.

I'm just trying to figure out how to live without her.

Well, when you're ready,

just know that you still got game.

You're doing great.

Thanks.

Edward Gilligan, that you?

It's a Christmas Eve miracle.

Hey, Bart.

I haven't seen you here on Christmas Eve since...

Well, uh, I'm sorry about Gwen.

Thanks.

You here to lend a hand?

I can lend two.

Oh, that'd be great.

Is Rudy still here?

Oh, you betcha.

Hi, Rudy.

Surprised to see me?

You were always my wife's favorite.

Thought you were the cutest.

Gave me some tough competition.

Yeah, sorry she's not here. Me?

No, I'm here because this lady, Janice,

suggested that I go to a spot

that was special to Gwen and me.

And every Christmas Eve, we would come here

and spend time with you and your friends.

Janice also told me that I should try to talk to Gwen here,

which is just silly 'cause she's not here.

So, I thought I'd come talk to you,

which is equally silly.

Yeah. Oh!

Oh, you're saying you think I should try. Well, okay.

Um...

Gwen, um...

Um...

Uh...

I miss you,

so much.

Oh, darlin'.

You were the world's best mother.

My best friend.

If I could just have one more Christmas with you,

one more moment, one kiss.

I would give anything for that.

You showed me strength, showed me joy.

Then you, you showed me love.

I miss you so much.

Tiny Tim, Vixen. Good to see you.

I wish you were here, Mom.

Okay. Here goes nothing.

♪ Oh, holy night

♪ The stars are brightly shining ♪

♪ It is the night of our dear savior's birth ♪

♪ Long lay the world in sin and ever pining ♪

♪ Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth ♪

♪ A thrill of hope

♪ The weary world rejoices

♪ For yonder breaks

♪ A new and glorious morn

♪ Fall on your knees

♪ Oh, hear the angel voices

♪ Oh, night divine

♪ Oh, night when Christ was born ♪

♪ Oh, night divine

♪ Oh, night

♪ Oh, night divine

Mom always said, when we were down,

To look for the light.

Yeah.

The brightest light in town is

the star on top of the tree.

I'm really sorry for what I said yesterday.

I-I didn't mean it and you did not deserve it.

I let one terrible day become four years of hurt,

and then I just added to it.

I wasn't innocent either.

I never properly apologized to you

for what happened at the funeral.

Well, neither did I.

You know, when we were younger,

we would fight and argue

and literally pull each other's hair out,

but we were always there for each other.

I promise to always be there for you, going forward,

occasionally annoying little sis.

Me too, occasionally very bossy big sis.

Christmas at Dad's tomorrow?

- Yeah. - Okay.

Happy right now.

Merry Christmas, my love.

Merry Christmas, Daddio!

Hey. Merry Christmas.

- Hi. - Hi!

You look different.

I do feel lighter. Maybe it's Christmas spirit.

Merry Christmas!

- Heidi. - Hi!

- Merry Christmas, honey. - Hi.

Ah, my two girls.

Oh my gosh. Presents!

Oh, wow. Some things never change, do they?

Thank goodness.

Sophie, uh, open this one first.

Okay.

Timmy Timber! Aw!

All these years later.

He still makes me laugh!

- Thank you. - And don't stop doing

what you love, okay?

I love it!

You're even dancing! I'm dancing with you!

Dad, look!

Ready? I'm spinning you.

- Oh, Timmy. - I'm spinning you!

Are you kidding me? I'm spinning you!

What?

The NHL? Are you serious?

- Al, I love you! - Grief is a necessary thing,

and if loving someone means missing them

after they're gone, then I choose

that love every single time.

How we deal with grief, that's where things can get tricky.

Sometimes, people try to cover up the pain

with another emotion instead of confronting it.

Others bury themselves in work,

hoping it'll distract them from the pain.

Others simply shut themselves off from the world.

But, you know, there's no one right way to handle grief.

We just have to do our best and let love in.

So I heard the holiday lights in the botanical garden

stay up through New Year's.

You in?

Soph, I've been in.

Sure beats filling an online shopping cart.

You can't build Christmas memories

with a few cardboard boxes on your porch.

Truer words have never been spoken.

I'm good for one or two a week.

Come on, girls. We got a list to check.

Coming, Daddio.

All right. Off to the hot chocolate bar?

Mm-hm. Highest whipped cream tower wins?

I have been training for this moment for my entire life.

Hey, well, count me in.

Play-by-play duties require extra whipped cream as fuel.

Okay, I'll save us a spot.

Okay.

You know we have to sing for Mom later, right?

I wouldn't have it any other way.

I am one lucky man.

Come on, let's show these young'uns

how hot chocolate is done.

Where are you, Brad?

Wait! Wait for us!

Come on!

Pick 'em up, put 'em down. Let's go.