Original subtitles

[acoustic guitar music]

Most people go home for Christmas, spend happy, quality time with their families.

To reflect and regroup and refresh, to connect and accept,

to support, to celebrate.

For us, home meant this house, and the small town of Oceanside, Oregon.

Is this an old idea?

Is our current generation no longer interested in home or family?

And what makes a family, anyway?

[folk pop version of 'Deck the Halls']

That's me, Kate.

That's my little sister, Melanie.

Crazy thing is, she's actually as sweet as she looks.

Drum roll, please.

And those are my parents.

Mom used to laugh at all of Dad's jokes.

We all did.

One time, I buried Mel's best friend, Janine...

No! No!

In my defense, Janine was a doll.

Plus, I just put her in the...

...time capsule with the rest of the family treasures.

Girls, you each have to remember how many steps you take.

Okay, kids. All right, now, you guys are going

to have to work together to dig this up?

Okay, but not until it's time. Pinky promise? Pinky promise...

[singing] ...I got a wide open road...

Swan Lake, anyone?

Smile!

Probably not.

- You girls look so beautiful. - So sweet!

Oh, Honey, he'll be here. He'll be here.

Wait for it...

[Crying]

Ever hear of pretty crying? Clearly, I hadn't.

[piano plays 'Ave Maria']

Mel got married right out of high school. To her high school sweetheart.

Fortunately, I'd grown out of my braces and pimples,

but I still felt like that ugly duckling.

Maybe that was why the whole occasion just seemed...

...wrong to me.

[female voice sings 'Ave Maria']

- Hi, Dad. - Hi, Katie-kat.

There he is. Mel's soon-to-be husband, off flirting with one of the bridesmaids,

and this wasn't the first time.

[singing: Oh, listen to a maiden's prayer]

[For though cans't hear amid the wild...]

[‘Tis though, ‘tis though...]

I have to go.

Why aren't you wearing your dress?

Grant, he doesn't care about you. He just wants a trophy.

What are you talking about?

I'm so sorry, Mel.

You're actually leaving?

Kate? Kate! You can't do this!

Neither should you!

Communicating, especially with Mel, had never been my forte.

[car drives away]

What’s going on?

Mel never got over that one.

[song: 'Twelve Days of Christmas']

Five years had passed...

with no contact.

[lyrics: On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me]

[Hope for the future and a Charlie Brown Christmas tree]

[On the next day of Christmas my true love gave to me]

[Gifts for the family]

[Gathered round that old Charlie Brown Christmas tree]

So I became good at fixing other people's words.

I'd landed my dream job at a local book publishing company,

Oceanside Publishing. And it was Christmas time...

...which meant lots of happy family memories.

Meanwhile, Mel seemed well suited for her shiny happy world.

The fairy-tale never looked so good, am I right?

I overhead Grant talking to Donatella. She's designing my entire wardrobe

for our trip to the south of France. And we're going on Brangelina's yacht,

where they're throwing a private party for 200 of their closest friends.

My parents had never been rich. They had to take out a second mortgage,

and the recession hit them, hard. The bank took the old home

and they moved into a townhouse...

...where my mom had her very own daycare.

Duck... Goose!

Come on, you're the goose!

I'm not a goose, I'm a girl.

You're a goose.

Hey, guys!

- You okay? - I'm great.

Duck... Duck...

- Come on. - Goose!

Wendy? This is Gus.

- Isn't he cute? - Puppy! Puppy!

[fake sneezing noises]

[melancolic music]

And Mel was living in a lavish McMansion with McDud.

[light switch]

Mom would still drive by the old house,

hoping someday to buy it back from the bank.

And so, the news that somebody had finally bought the house was... well, not good.

The truth is, maybe the past five years

hadn't been so great for any of us O'Briens.

How's that editing coming?

- Gross. - What's gross?

Just schmaltzy, saccharine sweet, stilted...

Well, his last one was on the best-seller list for a month.

I don't know who reads this stuff.

Apparently, plenty of people, thus the word best-seller.

Yeah, well, his last editor must have been really good.

Hey, I have complete faith in you,

my junior editor editing her first big-time novel.

You know, real families aren't actually like this.

Real families may seem like they're perfect and everybody's happy on the outside,

but everything's coming apart at the seams,

and then nobody ever talks to each other again.

Not that I'd know anything about that.

You know, you are far too young to be so cynical.

If you don't believe in family, why did you volunteer to edit this project?

I didn't volunteer to edit this project. You assigned it to me.

Right.

Anyway, I just came to say goodbye, and go home.

I will. I will, I promise. I'm just about done.

I have a little bit more work to do.

Hey, uh, you know, my wife is cooking dinner for me and the kids.

Why don't you join us?

I'm not really a big family dinner person.

Did he write that?

Did I say that out loud?

[calm 'Jingle Bells' version]

Hi, Wendy. It's beautiful outside. Why don't you come out and play with us?

Old Gus has been asking for you, haven't you, buddy?

Yeah, well, I'm not going to get too attached to Gus,

since he's not going to be around anyway.

I'm sorry, sweetie. I didn't think some of the kids would be allergic to him.

I know, honey. You don't really think, do you?

I know, honey. You don't really think, do you? Once upon a time, you thought I was spontaneous and fun. You remember fun?

Once upon a time, you thought I was spontaneous and fun. You remember fun?

That's not fair.

I get that you miss Kate and Mel, but I've been right here all this time.

You don't even see me anymore.

Sweetie...

We've got two beautiful daughters, and there's not one picture of them here.

It's all just your daycare kids.

[breaking noise short barking]

- Al! - Oh, sorry.

That's our clock!

Oh, would you look at this... Somebody's hungry.

I've had this dog for all of five hours. I've seen more affection from him

than I have from you in five years.

Well, then why don't you two lovebirds just...go get your own place, then?

Maybe we will, then!

- Fine! - Fine!

- Fine! - Fine.

[sad music starts]

[dog whimpers]

Hey.

You can't outrun your problems, Katie-kat.

My only problem is my dad's fashion sense.

Who's your friend?

Gus. He presents a bit of a problem.

Run faster.

Speed's not the issue. Your mom is. We're separating.

He said you kicked him out because of a puppy?

Of course, I didn't kick him out because of a puppy.

What do you think, I have no heart?

Then what happened?

Maybe it was time. We were happily married for 22 years.

- You've been married for 27. - Exactly.

Mom...

His statement, not mine.

I don't... I don't understand. You're just going to throw it all away?

- He's in denial. - About what?

Well, in his little world, there's nothing to be upset about.

It's perfectly fine that his two daughters aren't talking

- and that we've lost our home. - I'm in denial?

She's got 10 new kids, and I'm the one in denial?

She didn't even want to have Thanksgiving this year.

What was the point? Mel won't come in case you're there.

Well, you won't come in case Mel's there.

I can't believe Mom didn't cook. Mom loves to cook.

It's like that with everything. She'd rather be driving by the old house,

or watching someone else's kids than be with me.

They sold the old house.

Really?

Do you know that that old house, on the day of the wedding,

was the last place we were all together as a family.

[new music track starts]

Come on, Ryan, let's go! Your dad's ceremony starts at three bells!

Nice faux hawk.

You learn that on urban dictionary?

Might have.

You can learn a lot on urban dictionaries these days.

[engine starts]

Your principal called again.

- I can't help it if I'm popular. - You've got to go to school, Ry'.

Your mom's having a hard enough time without you making it worse.

It's not like I missed a test or anything.

From what I understand, you couldn't do worse on these tests

if you did miss them. What's going on? You're a smart guy.

I don't want to mess up the curve for everyone else.

Hey, I'm serious, Ryan. You can't get a job without an education.

I got a job.

What if you decide to do something else?

I miss your father, too.

And I know it's only been a year since we lost him, but...

you know you can talk to me. About anything, all right?

Where's the tie I put out for you?

I'm guessing... still on the bed?

You need to wear a tie to the ceremony. We're going back to get it.

[engine stops]

[birds singing]

[knocking]

Nice.

Hello!

Hello?

[happy music starts]

Gearing up for the annual swing competition?

Oh... Oh, I'm... I'm so sorry. I was--

- Trespassing? - No, I went to the d--

- Breaking and entering? - No, I knocked.

- Landscaping? - No...

I don't know, I was never great at charades.

I was just... I didn't know anyone was here, but...

[music stops]

They didn't have to call in the Marines.

I'm going to go. I'm sorry.

- Okay. Sure. - I'm leaving right now.

- Okay. - Gonna get off your property.

- That's all right. - Sorry.

[christmas music starts]

Traitor.

I wasn't taking sides.

You crossed enemy lines. The house is your mother's side of the divide.

Mom is not the enemy. She is mad at Melanie and me.

She's mad at me, too. Just because she blames us doesn't mean we're to blame.

Dad, that makes no sense.

Go talk to her.

Mom, somebody's already moved in.

Oh, I've seen that truck. Some old miserable woodworking guy, right?

He's not that old, or miserable.

What happened to the clock?

Honey, this... is the first casualty of our separation.

The dog chewed it, and now it's broken. Ruined.

It's not ruined, it's just... it's looking a little worse for wear.

This was the first thing your father and I bought for the house.

I think it's a sign. We're never getting the house back.

Mom...

Garbage man's coming in about an hour. Would you just... stick it in the can?

Are you sure?

['O Christmas Tree']

Hey, check this out. People love to buy stuff like this. Can I put it in the case?

That belongs to me.

It's a medal of achievement.

Achievement for what?

For meritorious service in combat.

Did my dad get one of these?

Your dad...

your dad was a hero. He didn't need a medal to prove it.

Put it back.

[distant dog barking]

[door opens]

Hi there.

[door closes]

Hi.

We don't have any swing sets. We do have a great jungle gym, though, and a see-saw.

It's you... again. Awkward.

Well, you were trespassing.

I know. I was, but, um... It's just that I grew up in that house.

Oh. Well, it-it's a great house. Miss O'Brien, right?

How do you know my name?

There are still some old boxes up in the attic with your family's name on them.

Christmas stuff, mostly.

Oh. Well, thanks for not throwing them away.

I'd never throw away family.

Do you do clock repairs?

Clocks are my specialty.

Time is one of the few things in this world you can count on.

Have you heard of the Great Sandini?

The magician?

Yeah, I just bought his Tools of the Trade,and, uh...

...can you help me out?

But you have to promise not to reveal the secret.

I promise.

It's called the Contortionist's Hug.

- Here it is. - Okay.

You want to put your hands above your head.

Okay...

And now pivot around three times.

Yeah. Faster. Right,

now, touch your toes, and twist onto one hand.

Was it because I fell?

Yeah, you fell for it, all right.

Here, I'll get you out.

[harrumph]

Just...

How did you do that?

One of the perks of being a book editor is,

you get to know a little about a lot of things.

Impressive.

The clock...

Whoa. Land shark?

Puppy. Can you fix it?

- You could always pull its teeth. - The clock, not the puppy.

Yeah, I could have it to you by next week.

I'll just need your name and your number... right there.

Great.

Thanks for your time. Mister...

No mister. Just Mike.

And anytime is a good time, Miss O'Brien.

Just Kate.

Just Kate.

Oh, just...give it a good push. Just the handle...

There you go. Goodbye.

- Huh... - Lame.

Seriously? Somebody's got to help you with your game.

- I got game, kid. - Oh, yeah?

Yeah, I got fields of game.

[christmas music starts]

[children laughing]

Mom, Dad loves you. He doesn't mean to do silly things. That's part of his charm.

That's why you married him, that's why you love him, right?

Who's got a moustache? Oh, my goodness, you guys are getting so old. Look at you.

I made choc.

Chocolate moustache. Did you have chocolate? It's chocolate, right?

Mom...

Yeah. Don't come crying to me when you're bouncing off the walls later.

I really, I don't think it's fair that you're taking out

what's going on with me and Melanie on Dad.

That is not what I'm doing, sweetie.

We're all adults, and we're all responsible for our own actions.

[distant jazz music]

[robot hoover]

[telephone ringing]

Amanda!

Where have you been? I miss you! Oh... What is that hideous noise?

We're, um...

...just doing some renovations.

Oh, that's so stressful, all those workers in your house?

But it's good for my plan.

What plan?

Girls' spa day! I'm buying. I owe you for the time I forgot my purse.

[phone ringing]

Can you just hold on a sec? I have another call.

[short beep]

Hello? Grant and Melanie's residence.

Uh, hi, is Melanie there?

- She's not in. - Do you know when she'll be back?

She's out of town. On a trip.

Around the world. On a big boat. The Titanic!

Thank you for calling.

[short beep]

Amanda...

...you are amaze. I've never needed a massage more than right now.

Should we meet at the club spa at, like, noon?

Mel?

[five short beeps, disconnect sound]

Hello?

Amanda?

Hey! Are we on?

Yes. Absolutely. I'll see you then.

Ciao. Ciao! [short beep]

My shoulders are killing me today. Can you focus right there, please?

Heather, can we get started? I'm dying.

[harrumph]

Oh, that's nice.

I'm so tense today.

Hmm?

Yeah, bad day. Family. My sister called me today.

I haven't heard from her in years, and I swear,

all it takes is one phone call to send me over the edge.

Can you not go so deep? Ow. Ow! Ow!

- You're not Heather! - Astute observation, Watson.

Who's Watson?

- Never mind.melanie - What are you doing here?

Well, you wouldn't talk to me on the phone.

Yeah, and I don't want to talk to you in person.

Look, this is not my idea of fun either.

What do you want?

I thought you should know that our parents are splitting up.

What?

Meet me outside in 10. Lose the toga.

Dad's been living with me for a week.

I just called Mom, and she seems fine.

Why would she be fine?

I'm sure you're just overreacting, as usual.

Really? Fact one-- Mom drives by the old house, like, every day.

Fact two-- Mom doesn't cook anymore. She loved to cook.

It made her happy. Fact three-- Mom stopped being happy when you

and I quit talking. Fact four-- Mom and Dad are separating,

so fact five-- it's all our fault.

Okay, what do you want from me?

Maybe we can stop this. If we just... seem like we're getting along,

for Mom and Dad's sake.

There's something I want.

What?

I want an apology.

I am not going to apologize for doing the right thing.

[music starts]

Stupid frustrating, just selfish! Selfish! Self--

Sister issues.

[drilling machine]

Incoming.

That's beautiful. Did you make it?

It's the kid's.

No, it's not. Mike is the one who likes to play with toys.

We're just about ready with your clock. Uh, waiting on a few parts.

Actually, I came here for something else. I think I saw some marionettes?

Dolls are his favorite.

Would you shut up? We're not in high school. Well, you are, but we're not.

And you're the ones playing with dolls.

We have a few marionettes hanging over here.

Um... I'm looking for one with red hair.

There is one redhead, but she's on hold for another customer.

Do you think I could at least see her?

Yeah.

She's perfect.

Is there any way I could buy her from you?

Oh, I'm sure Mike can figure out a way.

Don't you have a train to catch?

I think I'm cool, I think I'm cool.

Who's he?

He's my, uh, part owner, part son. It's difficult to explain.

So, the guy is on hold for is a pretty big customer.

I'll match his offer.

He does a lot of business with me.

- I'll double his offer. - You think I can be bought?

- She knows you can be bought. - Lunch.

- Excuse me? - Have lunch with me.

Like a date?

Like two people eating food together midday.

I'll take you to my favorite restaurant. Meet me here tomorrow at 2:00?

- Tomorrow? I work tomorrow. - It's the weekend.

Okay. Okay, fine. Um... bye.

Aren't you forgetting someone?

Janine. Her name was Janine.

I'll see you tomorrow. 2:00!

Nice play. Find something she wants and exploit it. Where's your pride?

Pride's overrated, kid. You'll learn.

Don't you have a housekeeper for that?

What are you doing here?

- I have something for you. - No thanks.

Please? I just want 10 minutes of your time.

[harrumph ]

Open it.

[melancolic music starts]

Janine.

It's not really Janine. It's a replacement.

I never should have buried her.

I never should have done a lot of things, actually.

What, like walking out on my wedding day?

You know, you've always done what felt right to you.

For as long as I can remember, you've just been doing your own thing.

And now you have this fabulous job. You're up for a promotion, I hear.

Life just keeps getting better and better for you.

Meanwhile, all I've ever cared about is how I look.

I've been starving myself to fit into the perfect little black dress

to attend the perfect function with the perfect people,

and you end up on a magazine cover.

I'm sorry, am I supposed to feel bad for you?

Is this a pity party in the backyard of Melanie's 5,000-square-foot home?

Because if it is, I think I have other plans.

You were right about Grant. He left me...

...six months ago.

He never wanted to marry me.

He was only doing it because his daddy wanted him to marry someone

who would look good on his arm. I've never had a job.

I have no idea what I'm good at.

And I don't even know where to begin to figure that out.

I've been selling stuff just to pay the bills.

The living room furniture went this week. So...

Mel, I'm so sorry.

Me too.

Do you want to hang out tomorrow?

I can't.

Oh. Okay. I mean, I get it.

It's not like we're going to be best friends again.

No, it's not like that. It's just, I have somewhere I promised I'd be, so...

But we'll figure this out together, okay?

[piano music]

[happy music starts]

You look beautiful. May I accompany you to your seat, princess?

It's right this way.

You did all this, for me?

Lunch is just about ready. It's a good thing that you are punctual.

You're cooking?

I'm barbecuing, which is to say, I am man-cooking.

You realize not one of these is matching, right?

Why should they?

Most people like matching sets. You know, neat, organized packages.

Well, where's the fun in that?

I'm glad you're here. Do you eat meat?

I'll eat anything.

I like that.

Looks delicious.

All right, let's dig in.

So, Ryan is your... part-son?

Yeah. His... dad, Jon, and I went to school together. He was a few years ahead of me.

He’s the one that got me into woodworking.

I just loved that he could look at a piece of wood

and know exactly what it should be.

We even planned to open a shop together, until all the turmoil in Iraq started,

and we wanted to do our part, so we joined the Marines.

Spent a few years overseas. Jon was really missing Jill and Ryan.

He, uh... he never made it back.

I decided to move here and open up the shop in his honor.

Ryan had a hard time adjusting. He was acting out, driving his mom nuts,

so I thought I'd give him a job at the shop,

see if I could help guide him in the right direction.

Tell me about Janine.

She was my sister's favorite doll. Meant a lot to her.

- What happened to her? - I buried her.

Oh.

In the time capsule. I wonder if it's still there.

Okay, you've lost me.

We buried a time capsule in our-- your yard.

Is this before or after you broke in?

When we were kids. Maybe if we found it, my parents would...

Do you have a metal detector?

[happy music starts]

I've got nothing. Are you sure it had metal in it?

No.

Okay, um... And you're sure you buried it out here?

Somewhere out here, yeah.

Okay, somewhere out here. Any chance you can narrow that down just a little bit?

My Dad told my sister and I each half the directions,

so we'd need each other to find it.

Hmm.

[door opens]

Well, so much for that.

Yeah. Hey, can't you just ask your sister for help?

It's complicated. Do you have a big family?

Yeah... really big.

Are they coming here for Christmas?

No.

Are you going to see them?

It's complicated.

Well, this house was amazing at Christmas.

Yeah. Come on.

We always had a big Christmas tree here.

My Mom and Mel actually called it a Charlie Brown tree

because Dad insisted on cutting it down himself.

I loved to go with him, out in the woods, just us and a saw.

We'd have a fire here and a homemade wreath. Pine garlands everywhere.

The entire house smelled like forest.

Well, you've got to try my apple cider.

[piano sounds]

[christmas song]

Nobody sings anymore, but when we were growing up,

we'd go caroling, and just go house to house,

and hand out my mom's Christmas cookies.

What was your favorite?

[singing] O Holy night

The stars are brightly shining

It is the night of our dear Savior's birth

Oh, come on, keep going. Please?

[singing] Fall on your knees

O hear the angel voices

O night, O night...

O night divine...

Where did you learn to sing like that?

My sister sings, too. Or used to. And so does my dad, actually.

We're kind of a musical family. I always thought that was normal.

I guess I just assumed that every family sat around a piano with a guitar and sang.

That's so special. You're very lucky.

I am.

Mike, what if we did that again this here?

What do you mean?

Use the house-- your house-- and we did an old-fashioned family Christmas,

just like we used to. I'll take care of absolutely everything.

Your whole family who I've never met, here?

Please?

Okay. Okay. On one condition.

The town Christmas dance is coming up, and...

Ryan has a crush. He asked me to teach him how to dance,

and I'm the world's worst dancer. He's never asked me for anything before,

so, it's, uh, kind of a big deal. Can you help?

I'm not the greatest dancer.

You've gotta be better than me.

Hey, Ryan, have you seen my medal?

- What medal? - The one you found the other day.

I put it back like you asked.

I can't find it. Oh, hey.

Hi.

I thought we'd do it here.

Okay.

[pop music starts]

Let's start with something a little more chill.

Actually, do you have anything classical?

Uh...

[switch music off]

[piano music starts]

Perfect.

All right, well, um, let's get started before I completely lose my nerve.

We're going to start with a very simple waltz step. So... ready? Like this.

- Yeah, not gonna do that. - No way.

I'm kidding. You don't have to do that. It's actually really simple, so...

Mike, do you want to start with you?

Okay...

All right, just face me.

Face you? Mm-hmm.

And put one hand there.

Okay.

And then... this one up.

And so you want to make a real simple box shape with your feet.

So, step towards me with your right foot.

- Whoa, not yet. - Sorry.

Um... Okay, ready?

One, two, three... One, two, three...

Good. And just relax.

Okay, again. One, two, three... and spin.

Two, three... Good. One, two, three...

Hello? Hey! I'm still here. I'm the one going to the dance.

Maybe.

Have you asked her yet?

What's her name?

Rose.

By any other name...

- Would smell as sweet. - Wow!

Somebody's been reading their Shakespeare.

Well, Rose will love it if you bust out some moves.

[laughing]

Two, three, four... One, two, three four...

And it's not over...

You totally remember it! Oh, my...

Hold that thought. Hang on. Hold on!

I still have your old guitar...

You kept it?

Yeah, you left it at my wedding.

[guitar playing]

Silly girl with your game face on...

Sing! You sing.

People to see and places to go...

Good.

With a tired heart a little edge and he couldn’t anymore

Racing through life all alone

Ooh...

Like a wildfire burning on the side of a highway

I found you falling in a field of gray

Slowed me down and made it okay to catch my breath

Just to take it away and smile again

That was pretty good.

Remembered it.

Thank you for coming over. I needed this, seriously.

Well, I'm here. From now on, I'm always here.

You know, I knew I was making a mistake.

Every inch of me was saying not to marry Grant,

but... I just smiled through it, like I always do.

Well, that's what happens when you have a gazillion-watt smile.

Stop.

If you could do anything, anything in the world, what would you do?

Well... Be a mom?

I know, that's a totally uncool thing to say.

No, it's not. It’s not at all. Just because I'm independent

and obsessed with my career doesn't make it right.

I'm probably going to end up alone with 13 cats. A baker's dozen.

What's that smile?

What?

Um... who is he?

- No one. - Who is he?

No one. Honestly!

You lie! I know when you're lying. I still know when you're lying.

I'm not! I'm not lying.

- Interesting notes you sent out. - Oh!

The deadline has been pushed up. We need the book ready for publication ASAP.

- Pushed up to when? - Just before Christmas.

What? No. There's way too much work to do.

You know, I was surprised to see that you recommend

that the author pull the brothers out of a novel about family.

I thought you were just making them sisters?

It's the parents' story.

The book's called My Family, My Friends.

Yeah, but that's a working title.

You know, some of the other editors have complained

that you are highly opinionated. And I said I like highly opinionated.

People have said that about me.

But there's a difference between opinionated and biased.

Are you taking me off the project, Harry?

I have a few proposals that I can't put off,

but I'll be back at the end of the day to hear your pitch for the release,

and I suggest you adjust it appropriately.

Is there any way I could give it to you in the morning? I... I'm not staying late.

Are you feeling okay?

Yeah, I'm... I'm feeling fine. I just have a prior engagement.

A prior engagement with your computer?

No, with a human being.

Now I know you're not feeling okay.

Very funny.

Who is he?

Nobody! He's no one. People do that.

Yeah, normal people, but you?

He must be some kind of prince.

Well, he did call me his princess.

He did what?

Nothing. He did nothing. He's just a regular guy.

- You like him. - I barely know him.

Is there any way we can push this release to early January?

Deadline's not changing. Good luck.

With what, the date or the book?

Both.

[music starts]

What do you think?

I've never brought anybody here before.

I used to come here as a kid when I wanted to be alone.

- No one could ever find me here. - It's so peaceful.

I'd come here to write. I wrote my first song here. I write all my songs here.

[singing] Crashing into love and leaving barely breathing

Another great escape

Reaching for the silver lining just to find I was standing in my own way

I was staring down the barrel of a broken heart

Chasing after every burnt-out star

Looking down the wishing well I fell into for true

Baby, it was always you...

[door opens]

Guys, this is my sister, Melanie. Mel, this is Mike and Ryan.

- Are you single? - Are you legal?

Mel's here to help with Operation Home for Christmas.

Um... English?

I have a little plan.

A little plan?

The Invasion of Normandy wasn't this detailed.

Oh, yeah, Kate is a bit of a control freak.

The short version is this, Mom and Dad have not had a Christmas with us

since we were in that house, so, I figured,

if we could get them to show up there for Christmas, with all of us there,

just like we used to do... it might be enough to save their marriage.

And our family.

Christmas dinner. Pepper-roasted ham and mashed potatoes. Anyone else hungry?

I would love it if you guys were there. It's the least that we could do.

We'll see.

They may just want to spend it as a family.

Okay, first things first, the tree.

['O christmas tree']

So, will it be a Douglas Fir?

A Blue Spruce? Or Scotch Pine?

I don't know, what's your favorite for a Christmas tree?

I'm not sure. This will be the first real tree I've ever had.

Even as a kid?

You'll know the right one when you see it.

My dad always said that the best trees were right in here.

- Which one looks good to you? - Uh... you do.

Focus. I meant what tree looks good to you.

Uh...

I like that one.

- Okay. - Come on.

- Watch your step. - Okay.

All right, where do we want it?

- Right in front of the window. - Okay.

- Okay, careful. - Whoa...

Perfect.

Here's the last two O'Brien boxes from the attic. They're mad dusty.

Oh...

I made this for Andrew Hilton in the fifth grade. The love of my life.

And it's all downhill from there.

I can't believe all this stuff is still here.

These are cool.

Dad cut a slice of every Christmas tree we ever had.

One for every year. Until we... stopped being together.

How many years did you miss?

- Four? - Five.

This was the year we pretended we were twins.

It's too bad they broke.

Dad would be heartbroken if he saw this.

Hey, what's the big news?

I'm so excited. I'm going to Costa Rica for the holidays.

What? No, you can't.

We leave at the end of the week. I already got our tickets.

Who's we?

Gus and I. It's going to be a big guys' adventure tour.

Gus is a dog.

He's good company.

This is so good, Sam. Who are they? Who are these people?

Baby Sam. Mama Wendy.

I'm not your mama.

Yes, you are. You're the best mama ever.

I'm not so sure my daughters would agree with you.

One, two, three. [piano music]

One, two, three. One, two, three.

Turn, two, three... Good!

One, two, three... Pay attention.

She's always had two left feet.

- She looks good to me. - She was too shy to take classes.

I think it's cute.

Here, let me show you.

Just... follow me.

I'll follow you anywhere.

- Cut it out, Ryan. - What?

Okay, and...

And then you just want to put your own little style into it.

All right, it's time to step it up.

Mel, you want to show 'em?

- Yeah, okay. I'll lead. - No, I'll lead.

Okay.

- Ready? - Yeah.

- Yeah! Whoo-hoo! - You got it?

- I think so. - All right.

- Okay. - All right.

[distant christmas music]

- Congratulations. - Thanks.

Are you going to say it?

You were right.

The book is going to be a huge success.

You're going to be known as the top editor for family stories.

So you'd better get that figured out. I'm not going to carry you on the next one.

Merry Christmas.

[country rock song Aaron Pritchett - 'You and me']]

[singing: I was never one to take things slow]

[Wouldn't wait for the ebb and flow]

[Didn't bother to turn the page]

[I'd tear it out and throw it away]

[People gave and I would take]

[All throttle I never could brake]

[Looking out for number one]

[Never gonna be outdone]

[And I stumbled into your life]

[You were high on hope with no money]

[And when things are good they're fun]

[And when they're bad they're funny]

[You changed my point of view]

[Find a girl and really love her]

[Make her a wife and a mother]

[Through all the selfishness and greed]

[I see that all I really need]

[Is you and me...]

[I'd lay alone and scratch my head]

[In the middle of a king-sized bed]

(Half a man wanting to behold)

[A full wallet but an empty soul]

[I wanted it all so bad]

[Ten times more than the Joneses had]

[Biggest house in the neighborhood]

[Never did me any good]

[I stumbled into your life...]

[music fades out]

You fixed the angels?

It was Mel's idea.

And you can't have a real tree without a topper.

[piano music starts]

I'll drop off Mel on the way to my shop.

Great.

Thanks, Mike.

Okay, here's the plan. I'll be in charge of Dad.

I've got to keep him from getting on that plane to Costa Rica.

I mean, people go there, and they don't want to come back.

- Mel, you take Mom. - Done.

Where is your Christmas spirit?

Thank you for everything. I'll see you tomorrow.

Yeah.

All right, Ryan. Might want to put that outside.

[engine stops]

[signal-horn]

- Mom is here. Bye. - See ya.

Hi, honey. Aw, you look cute!

Mom! Jeez...

How did the decorating go?

- What's it look like to you? - It looks beautiful.

I'll be, uh, one minute, all right?

Go wait in the car. I'm just going to say hi to Mike.

You didn't have to get me anything.

I wanted to. You mean a lot to me.

No. No.

Thank you.

Are you sure about this?

Of course, I want to spend Christmas with him, but he wants to spend it with you,

and given the circumstances...

He shouldn't have a choice. We need to set rules.

I know, but it's the holiday.

And you're sure you're not going to spend the night alone?

I'm going to be with some other wives who have also....

- And if you change your mind-- - I will call you.

I was really worried about him,

but he seems better since he's been spending time with you. I'm so grateful.

I'm glad to hear that. It doesn't always feel that way.

Yeah? Well, baby steps, right?

Right. Baby steps.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas. Thank you.

Drive safe.

[music starts]

- Hey. - Hey.

- Is everything all right? - Yeah, it's fine.

All right, then let's go.

[telephone ringing]

Hi, Katie-cat.

No, sweetheart, I've got to catch a flight.

Can't this wait till I get back?

Your mom's there? How? Why?

You forgot the what, when and where. Get in.

There we go.

Let's go. All right.

[music starts]

Melanie, what are we doing here?

- I wanted to show you. - What?

That it's the same decorations? That's weird.

Where are you going? Honey, we don't know this guy.

Come on.

[knocking]

Katie. What...?

Welcome home.

[music starts]

Hi.

Merry Christmas Eve.

[dog whimpers]

Come on. Watch your step.

Those cookies taste so good. Just like yours.

So is everyone ready?

Here it goes.

- Wow! - That's nice.

That's really nice.

Mike put all this together.

It bothered me that you didn't have trees for those five years.

I didn't think there should be a gap.

Mike, this is really great.

You know, honey, you've got to toss me out more often.

I didn't throw you out, you left.

Well, let's just say you weren't too upset to see me go.

- Yes, I was! - Really?

- Yes! - Really?

Oh, my gosh, are you sure you still want to spend Christmas with us?

I wouldn't miss it. But I do, uh, have to get going.

Where are you going?

My 15-year-old business partner has a date to the town dance, and I'm his ride.

Do you need a date? I think Kate's free.

Mom!

I think, uh, Kate wants to spend some time with her family.

- Marry that man. - He has a girlfriend!

What do you mean?

I saw him with Ryan's mom.

She's just a friend.

[sad music starts]

You know what, I can't do this anyway. I'm not a relationship person.

Go.

Go.

You know, if you wanted to use the house, all you had to do was ask.

You just had to get back at me, didn't you?

What? I was trying to protect you.

Oh, as if you care!

I do care, actually.

Maybe that's the problem with us. You know?

We just care too much. I'm going.

[music fades out, door banging]

She was trying to do the right thing.

Because she's your sister, sweetie. She loves you.

Oh, and would you look who's talking.

- What? - She learned this from you--

- I didn't do anything. - This was not a good idea.

[loud door banging]

Well, Katie-cat...

[sad music starts]

I guess I missed my flight for nothing.

Sorry, Dad.

[dog barks]

Merry Christmas morning.

- No, it's not merry. - True.

I'm sorry about Mom.

You know what I like about books? They make you feel something,

but then when I don't want to anymore, I just put them down.

So that's what you're going to do, then? Just file Mike away.

Well, I don't think I really have a choice.

I thought you liked him, sweetheart.

I did. I... I do.

He doesn't feel the same way. It just hurts. You know, you guys--

No, no, no, no, don't go blaming us.

Hello?

Well, I guess we should at least clean up.

[melancholic music starts]

Dad...

What is it?

Five foster families?

He said he had a big family, but he'd never had a family Christmas.

That explains his willingness to let us into his home.

And why he was so excited. He kept saying how lucky I was to have you all.

He must have hated the thought that a family wouldn't be together.

Maybe that's why he's so close to Ryan and his mom.

Yeah.

I have to fix this.

Mel?

Please don't.

[music ends]

I saw Grant flirting with one of your bridesmaids at your wedding,

and it killed me.

But I was wrong to walk out on you the way I did.

I'm so sorry.

[sad music starts]

I should have said that to you a long time ago.

That's all I ever wanted.

Are you sure you don't want to spend Christmas with your mom?

Yeah.

What are you doing with my medal?

I was going to put it back.

You were going to? You stole from me,

something meaningful, and you lied to me about it.

I told Rose that it was my Dad's. I'm sorry.

Wait.

[engine]

Wish me luck.

- Good luck! - Good luck, sweetie.

I wonder what she going to say.

- Where are you going? - I'm not missing this.

[music gets happier]

Look, I know things can get confusing,

especially without your dad here to help out.

When I was in high school, I used to look at all the other kids

with their families, and I would just pray that that could be me.

You're not alone. You have a mother who loves you.

And I'm here for you. And we're on your side. Okay?

And you don't need to worry about impressing Rose.

I saw your moves on the dance floor. You were killing it.

I had a good teacher.

I don't think we're going to see much of Kate anymore.

Why not?

[knocking]

I'm going to check that out.

Saved by the noise.

[calm music starts]

Can I come in?

Insurance regulations prohibits visitors when we're not open.

Then can you come out?

I'm sorry. I panicked. I do that.

It wasn't you. Well, actually, I don't know

if it was you because I didn't give you a chance to explain.

It's true.

I... I thought that if we used the house, we could help the family.

But then, when we started working and dancing together...

...it just felt so... good with you.

Maybe too good.

So... when Mel told me about Jill, I guess I just... I assumed the worst.

Do you have feelings for Jill?

I love Jill.

I love Jill like a sister. She's family to me.

Okay. That's good, that-that's good.

Is it?

Come spend Christmas with us? My entire family wants you there.

Oh. So this is about making your family happy again?

No, it's not all about them.

I want you there.

Your house is all set up, and the experience wouldn't be complete

if there wasn't at least one family fight,

and we've already had that, so... you're safe.

Are you sure?

[falling noise]

Drum roll, please?

You just had to mess everything up for me again? I asked you to wait in the car.

We were just trying to support you.

- I thought we could help you. - You were great, honey.

Ryan's grabbing his jacket.

What say we get this whole motley crew together,

and go back to the old house for some celebration?

Yeah?

Invite Jill, too.

Okay.

I want the whole family to be there for the best Christmas yet.

Hey, small steps. You were just little.

Sorry.

There we go. Right there, right there.

Don't fall.

Oh, Gus. Here, Gus...

- Here? - I guess so.

All right, let's do this.

- Ready? - Yeah.

Here. Now we both have one.

Oh, the happy family. Greatest present then, greatest present now.

Oh, my gosh, look at the glasses!

[Laughing]

Wendy!

It's for you.

- It's for me? - Yeah.

Okay.

- Here. - Wow, it's beautiful.

It's the clock.

- Did you do this? - Yeah.

It's beautiful work. It's perfect.

Don't you even think about it.

I don't know how to... I don't know how to

live without you, and I don't want to learn.

I'm going to try to be more patient.

- I'll try to be more... aware. - Good.

Merry Christmas night, sweetheart.

Merry Christmas night.

['We Wish You a Merry Christmas']

What are you doing?

It's for your dad. He deserved it.

- This was Jon's? - It should be.

It makes me feel like he's right here with us.

This tree is for family. Everyone we love is together on Christmas.

Okay, everyone, picture time.

Yes, let's do it.

Okay...

Where’s Gus? Come on in.

Gus, Gus?

He's as big as you are.

Everyone smile like you mean it now.

[snapshot]

[singing: We have a Charlie Brown Christmas tree]

[But it's perfect to me]

[Brings back those memories of the way things used to be]

[And even when we're miles away]

[We've got to make it back, we've got to celebrate this day]

[I wanna be home for Christmas]

[Gotta be home for Christmas]

[There ain't no way I'll miss it this year]

[I wanna be home for Christmas]

[Cookies and cake for Christmas]

[There's no better place I wanna be home for Christmas]

[Sometimes we turn our backs on those we love and leave them in the past]

[Should be easy to forgive at this Christmas time of year]

[And even though we're miles apart]

[Every time we make it back there's Christmas in our hearts]

[I wanna be home for Christmas]

[I gotta be home for Christmas]

[There ain't no way I'll miss it this year]

[Everything I wanted was right in front of me]

[Christmas is the greatest gift, to be with friends and family]

[I wanna be home for Christmas]

[Gotta be home for Christmas]

[There ain't no way I'll miss it...] - That's my girls!

[...this year...]

[I wanna be home for Christmas]

[I gotta be home for Christmas]

[There's no better place]

[I wanna be home for Christmas]

One more time...

[I want to be home...]

So there it is. We may think we're independent, that we don't need anyone,

but what I'm realizing is we are who we are because of our families,

and that connection is never lost.

It's our responsibility to work at it, and to continue to expand

and grow as a family, to include and accept others,

because family really should be friends, and friends should be family,

and we all, each and every one, want a place to go home for Christmas.

[ laughing and talking]

[folk pop version of 'Deck the Halls']

[music ends]

Amanda! Silly girl with your game face on...