All language subtitles for A.Twist.of.Christmas.2018.WEBRip.x264-ION10

♪ I don't want
nothing melancholy ♪

♪ Just a little eggnog
and holly ♪

♪ on this holiday with you ♪

♪ So hurry up don't
keep me waitin' ♪

♪ I'm in the mood for
celebratin' this one holiday
for two ♪

♪ As long as I'm with you
I don't care what we do ♪

♪ A cozy fire,
snowflakes, under the moon ♪

♪ grab some candy canes,
we go ice fishin' ♪

♪ as long as we're together
we can only win ♪

♪ when you're around
it's Christmas the whole
year through ♪

♪ Oh, I don't want
nothing melancholy, ♪

♪ Just a little eggnog
and holly ♪

♪ On this holiday for two ♪

To sum up your child's
nightly sleep ritual,

think of it like landing
a plane.

Twenty minutes before landing,

make an announcement:
stow away all toys,

finish drinks...

do a final check to make sure
the bed is

in the tucked-in position,

then glide in for
a perfect landing.

Ah-choo!

It wrote, ah-choo.

[doorbell]

I hope you don't mind
your editor dropping by

but I come bearing gifts.

Thanks, Cheryl.

I was just about to call you,
actually.

Now I know we're
not a newspaper

but parenting magazines
have deadlines too.

So, I have to ask, how does
the bedtime article go?

Well... I just finished
and sent to your inbox.

Perfect!

On time as usual.

I could set my watch by you.

Now I brought
another Christmas present,

an opportunity.

I know you're a huge fan

so I thought I'd give
you the first shot.

How would you like to meet
Doctor Thomas Baxter?

The childcare expert?

Yes.

You know he's my idol, right?

I live by his books.

And he's the reason
for my wall schedule!

He's passing through
town tomorrow

on the tail end
of his book tour

and he's agreed to be
interviewed for an article.

You're kidding.

Nuh-uh.

What's the topic?

Parenting over the holidays.

How would you like to be
the one to write it?

Cheryl... are you serious?

That would be amazing.

Thing is, this could be
a stretch, even for you.

He's available at
10:30 tomorrow morning.

And in order to get it
to press,

I would need a final copy
no later than 9:00 PM.

And don't forget, it's
three days before Christmas.

Wow. Okay.

Tomorrow night,
uh, that is soon.

I know.

But if it all goes well, it may
just help convince the publisher

to make you a regular columnist.

Do you think you can do it?

Uh, okay, look.

If I move Elliot shopping
to today

and then I use last year's
Christmas playlist,

push the tree shopping a day.

Then with the sitter that frees
up tomorrow morning just fine.

Your life looks like a regular
advent calendar.

Hey, without this schedule the
trains wouldn't only be late

but they would be
off the rails, okay?

I have the perfect
Christmas planned for Elliot.

There's activities, meals,
my books are coming in.

I even have time to get
Elliot his dream gift.

What is it?

It is the ultimate programmable
remote control robot

that walks, dances and sings.

Mmmm.

Elliot's dad got him
a robot every year

and he looks forward
to it every Christmas, so...

I want to continue
that tradition.

They're sold out everywhere,
and online,

but your girl found one
and has the toy store here

holding it for her.

Wow. Why am I not surprised?

[message alert]

It's Doctor Baxter.

Last chance to back out.

Do you think you can do
the interview?

Absolutely.

And, if you don't mind, I have
a toy robot to pick up.

[laughing]

Super mom!

Super mom.

Well you got them
talking again, Ryan.

Great job.

Thanks Candace.

Wrap this up by Christmas
and you may find the keys

to a corner office
in your stocking.

I want everyone heads down
on this deal until it closes.

So, work together to revise
that term sheet

to find something that they both
can agree on.

Will do.

Absolutely.

And on't forget, partners'
holiday party is tomorrow

and I want to show off
my two rising stars.

I'll be there with
my fiancée, Linda.

Great!

Ryan?

I'll be there too.

That's awkward.

I got it at a toy store
across town.

You're kidding!

I called, like, 80 stores.

I called the 81st!

Oh, that unicorn is Jasmine's
wish come true.

Emily, thank you.

It's on hold but the store
sounded like a mad house.

Okay, I'm going to go now.

I'm picking up Jasmine
at her mom's tomorrow

and I'm not letting that unicorn
slip through my fingers.

Text me the address.

Oh, skipping out early, Ryan?

Everything okay?

Back in an hour, Terrance.

Thanks for the concern.

Sure.

Hey, I was wondering,
maybe we...

Could talk later.

Good.

[Christmas tune playing]
♪

[Christmas tune playing]
♪

Excuse me.

Hi, pardon me, can...

Um, excuse me, uh, I'm here
to pick up a unicorn.

Uh, nothing Terrance,
I just had the radio on.

Uh, put Emily back on.

Uh, yeah.

Emily, can you read
that last paragraph

again to me please?

Merry Christmas.
Who's next?

-I am.
-I am.

Excuse me, sorry.

These poor clerks
are super busy

and I believe she was
helping me first.

No, she definitely made eye
contact with me as she asked.

Made eye contact
over her shoulder?

Hey, you're um, actually
holding a robot for me.

I called last week.

I'm here to pick up a rainbow
light-up unicorn

with the voice
recording feature.

It's on hold for me as well.

I'm sorry, I'm in
a bit of a rush.

No problem.

I'm sure that, um, Patty can
help you as soon as we're done.

I'm sorry but this is urgent.

A real unicorn's easier to find.

Trust me, if you think
that's rare,

my son says that this
robot is the sole survivor

of the Battle of Zeffron Five.

Also, you know, I mean,
unicorns... they're, like,

everywhere in this store.

Uh... not rainbow
paddock unicorns

that light up in periwinkle

and let you record
your voice in it.

Trust me, I've been
looking for weeks.

Don't worry folks, you're both
here to pick something up

and I can help both of you
if I could just get your names.

-Hewitt.
-Cooper.

Okay.

I'll check in the back.

And each purchase qualifies
for a free stocking stuffer

if you want to grab one
off the back wall.

I'll be right back.

Great, thank you.

Patty... you are doing
a super job.

Uh, Cooper first... and maybe
you could show me how to record

a message to my daughter.

Of course.

Adorbs!

Uh...

Hey...

Excuse me, I think this is mine.

Actually, I reached
for it first.

I really have to have this.

You can pick something else.

I like this one.

Guess great minds think alike.

This great mind's
not letting go.

Be that as it may, possession's
nine tenths of the law.

Can I help?

Oh... the music box.

Have you seen it play?

You just place an Oreo in
the centre like a record...

and then it plays a different
song after each bite.

You can even program songs
into it.

Wow.

That is incredible.

It reminds me of playing music
with my son.

We put cookies out for Santa.

He would love this.

I'll take it.

Oh, I'm sorry, it's for display
purposes only.

But you can buy one online.

I'm happy to pay for it now,
my daughter would love this.

Maybe the owner will make
an exception?

You heard Patty, she said
it's for display purposes only.

Are you sure there's no
possibility I can't buy it?

Terribly sorry but there's
plenty of Santa hats.

Your gifts are at the register.

Merry Christmas.

We meet again.

Did you just cut in line?

Technically you're not
in line if you're,

like, five feet from the counter
and on your phone.

No, hang on a sec.

Look, it's Christmas, okay?

Have a heart.

I have, like, a million things
to do.

I get it.

Same here.

Looks like you've got
a lot of distractions.

Yeah, just tell Candace
I'll be back soon.

I'm almost done with a revised
term sheet for the merger.

The only sticking point's
the factory in Eugene.

Ooh! Oh!

Sorry! Monkey avalanche.

Emily, I'll be back
in the office in ten.

Okay, Okay. Thanks.

-Aah.
-Aah. Thanks.

Excuse me.

Oops! Excuse me.

Pardon me.

Merry Christmas!

Have a good day.

Please, after you.

Thank you.

Unbelievable.

Unbelievable.

Hey.

Mom!

How was rehearsal, buddy?

Fine.

Uh-oh.

The last time I heard
a "fine" like that was

when I tried to make you
kale roll-ups.

The Christmas concert
is tomorrow.

I know.

I am so excited because
you ring bells

better than any
seven-year-old I know.

It's easy, I just hold the bells
and my hands shake.

Elliot, you are going
to be great.

Mom... do I have to go
to the concert?

Why?

Are you feeling sick?

Mom, why do you always have
to carry that everywhere?

Because you have the Eagle Scout
of moms, kiddo.

I'm not sick.

Okay.

What is it then?

I kept messing up my part today.

The teacher kept correcting me
in front of everyone.

Oh, I see.

Everyone makes mistakes
now and then, okay?

What if I make mistakes
at the concert?

It'll be in front of a whole
bunch of people.

How about this.

Imagine you're playing bells
for an audience of snowmen.

And if you get nervous,

just think of a heatwave
coming in

and making them melt
and get mushy and slushy.

There's my smile.

I love you, kiddo.

Let's go home.

What's in the bags?

I am not saying anything,
Elliot.

Anything for me?

You are going to have to wait
until Christmas morning.

Mom... I really, really, really
hope it's the robot

and I've already figured out
what to name him.

Orson!

One of Dad's favourite movies
was by a guy named Orson.

That's a perfect name
for a robot.

So, does that mean
I'm getting one?

Ooh, you are sly.

I am not saying another word.

Oh no... your sitter
just cancelled,

said she twisted her ankle.

Is she okay?

Well, considering she
just posted pictures

from a holiday party,

she's okay until the next time
I see her.

All right, well that blue card
was the cornerstone

of my day tomorrow.

Let's see... I can still do
the interview.

It's going to be tight.

That just means I have
to wrap presents tonight.

So dinner, then bath,
then bed.

Let's go.

Okay.

Orson, huh?

Yup.

I'm digging that name.

And now for the grand finale.

What?

What?

Jasmine, I love you bigger
than the sky.

Mom, I can't sleep.

I keep thinking about
the concert.

Oh Elliot.

Why are you holding
a rainbow unicorn?

Uh... this unicorn?

Yeah.

That one.

You know, that is
a super question.

Wait. Shouldn't you be
in bed?

Mom... wait.

Who's that for?

Mom. What's going on?

Okay, okay, okay.

Ugh!

Okay, there's been a mix up.

Look, I really wanted
to surprise you

But... I found your robot.

You found it?

But I think I switched gifts
with someone at the store.

You lost it.

I'm sorry honey, okay.

I'll get it back.

All right?

And I think I know who has him.

You doing okay, Elliot?

What if Orson's gone for good?

What if he's never coming home?

He's coming home, okay?

That's a promise.

When we find Orson,

then I'll know it's
actually Christmas.

Don't worry, I'll find him
tomorrow.

Get some sleep.

Good night, buddy.
I love you.

Good night.

I... I knew that guy was trouble
the moment I saw him.

[Cheryl] So what
are you going to do?

Hunt him down!

You're an A-supporter Abby,

but even you need something
to go on.

I heard part of his phone call
at the store.

His name was Carter.

Or Capra.

He's clearly a lawyer and
he has a boss named Candace

and there was something
about a factory in Eugene.

Okay, well good luck.

But Abby, remember
Professor Baxter flies out

on the red eye tomorrow, so...

I won't let you down.

Okay.

Well, Mister nine-tenths
of the law,

I'm going to find you
if it takes me all night.

Mom.

Were you up all night?

Don't you worry about that.

You just need to get ready
to be happy.

How come?

I found Orson!

Really?

Yes.

I did a little detective work

and I searched some names of
partners at various law firms

around the city and voila!

What?

Sorry buddy, too much coffee.

I know where to find Orson.

I was just waiting for things
to open

so just watch as your mom solves
this right now.

I'm going to call Sloane
and Hendrix law firm

and we are going to get
this taken care of in
three... two... one.

Sloane and Hendrix,
attorneys at law.

How may I direct your call?

Yes, hi.

I'm looking for a lawyer
who's working on a merger.

The attorney's name, please?

I don't actually know his name
but I was...

I do need a name.

Carter?

No.

Capra maybe?

No.

Okay, well how
about a description?

He's tall, well
dressed, about 30.

There are more than 50
lawyers on staff here.

And... self -assured,
a little full of himself.

You just described
a lot of people here.

Excuse me, I have another call.

-But I--
-Merry Christmas.

Rude!

No Orson?

Not yet, honey.

Just finish your pancakes, okay?

Sloane and Hendrix,
attorneys at law.

How may I direct your call?

Hi. Yeah.

I just called looking
for a lawyer.

I forgot to mention that
he's working on a merger

with a factory in Eugene.

Did you figure out his name yet?

Not yet but I...

Okay.

Hello?

Hello?

Did they hang up again, Mommy?

Yup.

But we're going to get this
taken care of right now, okay?

Finish your breakfast.
I'm going to get ready.

Okay.

So, I've revised the term sheet
for a Christmas win-win.

The Eugene factory stays
open but you hold off
on the expansion

to free up funds
for a buy-back

so the stock price rises.

Merry Christmas.
May I help you?

Now, if you all can bring
your attention to section 4 A...

Ooh, there he is.

Come on, Elliot.

Uh, Mr. Cooper's in a meeting.

Yes, with us.

Trust me, he'll be
happy we're here.

[whispers] That's him.

So, it seems like
we're closing in

on the terms of
the revised deal.

And the package you have
before you represents,

in my mind, the best
deal for you both.

[gasp]

He's ignoring me.

Point number one...
yes, if you all can see right...

Hi!

Hi!

Oh, my! Her? Seriously?

Hello?

Ryan there is a...

Okay, so... um, does that
make sense to everyone?

Does anybody need more coffee
or treats to go over it?

We will get whatever you desire.

Why are you ignoring us?

Is he walking away?

Hi.

So, if anyone has
any questions

on the documents or anything
else, um... you know...

Ryan, is everything okay?

Hmm?

Is everything okay?

Oh...

Hi. Yes.

Um... nothing.

It's just a toy donation I'm
making for a Christmas drive.

Could you all excuse me
for just a moment? Um...

Mm-hmm.

Okay. Shall we?

Right here.

What are you doing here?

You have my robot?

Have you been drinking?

Look, as far as I can tell,

somehow in the hubbub
of the store

we switched bags while
you were on the phone.

Does this refresh your memory?

Jasmine, I love you bigger
than the sky.

Jasmine, I love you bigger
than the sky.

Believe me now?

Can we talk about
this in private?

...I love you bigger
than the sky.

Look, I have a reputation
to keep.

Tough guy lawyer
not pushover Dad?

Your secret's safe with me.

Now if we can just get
our robot,

you can have fun
with your unicorn.

Unicorn?

Oh no...

For me?

Daddy!

You found her?

Why didn't you tell me you
brought your daughter to work?

Because I didn't think you were
going to spill the beans.

Yup!

It's for you.

Merry Christmas.

Oh!

Oh Daddy, I love it!

Oh, thanks so much
for bringing it by

and ruining my Christmas
surprise.

I'm so sorry. Okay?

But on the upside, the bigger
surprise would've been

her opening the wrong gift
on Christmas morning, right?

So, we'll just get our robot
and we will be on our way.

There's one small problem.

I don't have it.

You lost Orson?

Sorry sport.

But we can get it back,
it's nearby.

Nearby?

What's nearby?

Look, I messengered the gift bag
over to my ex-wife's, okay?

Why?

Your daughter's right there.

Yeah but she spends Christmas
morning at her mom's

and I wanted it to be
a surprise.

Though that ship has sailed.

My son has been looking forward
to this all year.

Fine.

Then I'll call my ex-wife
and you can go pick it up.

She's just across town.

No, no, no.

You helped me get
into this mess,

you're going to help fix it.

I'm negotiating a
multi-million-dollar deal.

I don't have time for
a crosstown mission

to track down some robot.

But he's not some robot,
his name is Orson.

And he can walk, he can sing
and he can dance.

And he's the biggest, baddest,
coolest robot ever!

And it isn't going to be
Christmas without him.

I know buddy, it's okay.

One way or another
we will get Orson back.

Daddy... it's Christmas.

Couldn't you help?

You bet, sweetheart.

I will.

Ryan.

I'm sorry but I have
to step out.

If you could just confirm
the terms

I've proposed in the document
you have,

I will have the contract written
up by the end of the day.

Bye now.

By the end of the day.

As we were shown...

Ooh, bubba we've got
to zip up the coat.

Brr, it's cold out here.

I'm fine mom.

Okay, well trust me, a Christmas
cold is not fine.

By all means, take your time.

It isn't like that eight-figure
merger is important.

It's okay, I parked right here.

Uh... Wait... where's my car?

I parked right here.

Right, buddy?
Right here?

Yeah, right here.

Gee, right by the 15-minute
parking only sign?

I can't imagine where your car
might've gone.

This day just gets better
and better.

Well, what do you suggest?

What, did you need a car
big enough to fit your ego?

Very funny.

I'm going to call her Moxie.

Moxie, meet Elliot.

Moxie, that's a funny name.

Not like Orson.

I blame this mix up
on tissue paper.

Why do they have to wrap
things in a ton of that anyway?

'Cause it gives it
a festive touch.

Let's agree to disagree.

Look, obviously we don't see
eye to eye, okay.

Ok, I get that.

But we are two adults here
with our kids' best interests

at heart so let's just try
to make the most of it.

I couldn't agree more.

But for the record,

we're in this mess
because of you.

At the store,

you were distracted
on of your phone.

Better momentarily distracted
than over-parenting I'd say.

Excuse me, now we're doling out
parenting advice.

I'm just saying you might try
easing off the reigns

now and then.

Maybe you should have reigns.

Okay, because of this my day
is falling like dominos.

I'm never going to make my 10:30
interview and I'm supposed

to pick my parents up
at the airport by noon.

Ever heard of Uber
or maybe a cab?

If my parents are flying
hundreds of miles to visit,

of course I'm going to
pick them up in person.

What are they doing back there?

Oh, looking at videos
on Jasmine's phone.

You let your seven-year-old
have her own cell phone?

Of course not.

She's eight.

Do you have any policies when
it comes to screen time?

Jasmine lets me watch an hour of
baseball before we play poker.

Are you taking notes?

I just got an inspiration
for a new article.

Call it...

A case study in distracted
parenting.

Sound good?

I owe you, Cheryl.

Thank you so much.

Just see if the professor
can maybe do the interview

this afternoon.

Okay, thanks.

Yeah.

Oh my goodness, this is
a beautiful property.

It's okay, I suppose.

If a house has two chimneys,

how does Santa know
which one to go down?

He asks the housekeeper.

Anyway, we're here.

Wow!

This is a gorgeous house.

This is just like
Santa's mansion!

Yeah, this is Santa's sleigh.

Mommy always likes to have the
most elegant house on the block.

And Kenneth set up
all the decorations.

Kenneth?

Mommy's new husband.

Kenneth can practically
build anything.

Yeah, but can he build a case
that'll stand up in court?

Because I can.

What Daddy?

Nothing, sweetheart.

[doorbell]

Hi Mommy!

Hi Pumpkin.

Come on, let me show you
my rooms!

Rooms... be good.

Hello Brooke.

Ryan, what is this emergency
you texted about?

I am still centred
from couple's yoga

so please keep that
in mind.

Since when do you do yoga?

Since Kenneth opened
my world to it.

Our instructor just left.

Excuse me, hi.

You must be Lexie.

It is so nice to finally
meet you.

No, sorry.

Wrong gal.

Oh, this is not Lexie?

This is not my girlfriend.

Thank goodness for that.

I'm Abby.

And I'm really sorry
for this inconvenience

but we have a Christmas crisis
on our hands.

You have my robot.

I'm sorry, I don't understand.

You want to take this one,
big fella?

Sure.

Ryan, buddy!

Great to see you.

Hey.

Hey, Kenneth.

This is Abby.

Great to meet you, Abby.

Yeah, hi.

I've seen you somewhere before.

Oh!

Um, the, uh, uh...
the calendar.

You were on the hottest doctors
of Seattle!

Yes.

And thanks to you
it was March,

like, three months out
of the year in my house
last year.

Guilty as charged.

Uh, it was for a good cause.

Raising money for
the new hospital wing.

Yeah, can we please get
the package I sent over?

Oh, now you're in a hurry.

Come on in.

I'm still a little confused.

Oh, sorry to barge in like this
but as soon we get

the toy robot we're gone.

No worries Ryan, it's fine.

But, uh, you look stressed.
Ooh.

You can really bury stress
in your trapezius.

Yeah, Kenneth, shouldn't you
be at the hospital right now?

Nope.

I had an early triple bypass and
popped back to finish building

Jasmine's Birchwood playhouse
out back.

Sorry, we're in a bit of a rush.

I've got an interview
that I'm missing

and family flying into town.

So, if we could just get the toy
that he sent over

we'll be on our way.

Our housekeep just wrapped
all of Jasmine's gifts.

We don't believe in doing
Christmas small.

Whoa!

Look at all these!

I know, right?

Well this is simple enough.

We just unwrap the ones
that are for Jasmine.

Oh, they're all Jasmine's.

Then we should start now.

Excuse me, you are not going to
start tearing open every gift.

Then what do you suggest?

Wait...

So you're a doctor, huh?

Negative.

Are you sure?

Next patient.

You're going to listen for like
a whirling sound

that's Orson's internal
gyroscope.

So what happened to Lexie,
the amazing gal-pal?

Nothing happened.

Lexie is terrific.

We're great.

Really?

And Abby?

She's just here for the robot.

[robot noises]

Shh!

What is it? What is it?

I...

[whirring sounds]

I hear a motor.

Orson!

Oh, thank goodness!

We got him.

Mommy, you found him!

And he's the best thing ever!
He's so cool!

You have so much fun with
your Daddy, okay sweetie?

And remember...

I'll have her back
Christmas Eve.

Great.

Because the day after Christmas
we're heading to Aspen

for a couple of days of skiing.

Oh, fantastic.

Oh... almost forgot.

I've got an early present
for someone.

So you can count down
the minutes until
Christmas morning.

Whoa!

Thanks Kenneth!

That's quite a gift.

Yeah.

You know there's more to
Christmas than big gifts.

And you remember, have her back
Christmas Eve before bedtime.

She'll be here.

Thank you, guys.
Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Love you!

Have fun!

Bye.

Okay, now I understand your need
for a big car.

And thank you Doctor Freud.

Your ex-wife really hit
the husband lottery.

He's a handsome, successful,
British cardiologist?

Who also happens to be
a construction genius?

Want to know the worst part?

He's actually nice.

Well, you must be nicer
than you look as well.

Letting Brooke have Jasmine
Christmas day?

I haven't exactly finished
my new condo yet

so it's not Christmas worthy.

How long have you lived there?

Two years.

[robotic sounds]

Well at least all the Christmas
gifts got back to

where they belong.

Good job back there, actually.

Oh, a crisis I can handle.

It's real life that's
got me stumped.

I wish I could be just like you
and kind of skate through life.

Is that what you think?

Never mind.

You know, I've got to find out
what impound lot has my car

and you can drop us off and we
can both be on our merry way.

[busy signal]

Still busy.

Perfect.

I have to deliver an article
for an interview I've missed

and my parents have
been cooling their heels

at the airport for 20 minutes.

Well this is terrible timing
for me too.

It's my special day
with my daughter

and I still have a contract
to finish.

Look... as much
as I hate to ask...

I think there's a way
we can help each other.

How's that?

You can give me a ride
to the airport

and pick up my parents
with me.

And then maybe I can
watch Jasmine

while you write up
your contract?

Do I look like a shuttle
service?

No.

But you do look desperate.

I've struck some unorthodox
deals before

but this feels more like
a plea bargain.

Ok, fine.

Great!

My parents are probably
wondering where I am

and we can grab lunch.

I'm sure someone's hungry.

Oh, you bet I am.

I meant the kids.

Hey.

Mom, Dad!

Hi!

We thought you'd forgotten us.

I know, I'm sorry.

There was a hitch in my schedule
this morning.

Hey kiddo.

Look at you!

So glad you're here.

Come on.

Honey, could you get your driver
to take our bags?

Driver, please.

Yes ma'am.

Happy to help.

Thank you, sir.

Oh, Elliot!

Oh, good to see you.

Grandpa missed you.

Elliot!

-Grandma.
-Oh, hi.

It's so good to see you.

Abby?

When did you get a second kid?

Very funny.

That's Jasmine and she belongs
to him.

Oh.

Welcome aboard!

Thank you, you too.

Ooh, driver... could you turn up
the heat please?

Mom, he's not the driver...

Yes ma'am.

Heat turned up.

Thank you.

Hey. Who here likes
Christmas music?

Driver, silence please.

Hey, don't go Grinch on me.

How about "The Twelve
Days of Christmas"?

Okay!

Sounds good.

Yes!

That's good.

♪ On the first day
of Christmas, ♪

♪ my true love gave
to me... ♪

♪ a partridge in
a pear tree. ♪

♪ On the second
day of Christmas, ♪

♪ my true love
gave to me... ♪

♪ two turtle doves

♪ and a partridge
in a pear tree. ♪

Okay, we're all settled in,
honey.

What can I do to help?

Uh, you can make the salad.

I already washed the lettuce.

I made the dressing and I
chopped some veggies.

Oh, great.

Hey kids.

Wow.

You just whipped
all this all up?

Every battle is won
before it's fought.

Sun Tzu.

Gesundheit.

Oh, sorry.

We don't do screen time
at lunch.

It's a bad example for the kids.

And what's going on here?

Planning the invasion
of Normandy?

Oh, that's our monthly calendar.

Red is for Elliot, yellow are
my appointments

and green are our activities.

I'm sensing you like order.

Well, modern parenting theory
says that children experience

comfort with routine
and structure.

Excuse me.

Modern parenting theory?

The real world has mix ups
and muddy shoes.

Not mine.

Except our little mix up
yesterday, remember?

Everyone has their own approach,
I suppose.

Excuse me.

So what's yours?

Happy chaos.

That's not an approach, that's
like the lack of an approach.

Daddy, daddy, look!
Moxie's flying!

Oh, that's great, honey.

Classic distracted parenting.

It's no wonder Jasmine's always
trying to get your attention.

Well since you're such a keen
student of human nature,

maybe I could share
some observations

I've made about you.

Please, enlighten me.

Well clearly you're
a great mom

but you're totally
over-parenting Elliot.

And that might be one reason
he's a little

on the fearful side.

All right, listen Larry Poppins.

I think I can raise my kid.

Lunch is ready!

Yay! Sandwiches.

All right, kids.

Let's go.

Mmm, lovely.

Hey, Elliot.

Load up.

You're going to need
some energy

for that Christmas concert
later, right buddy?

I guess so.

Something wrong?

He's a little nervous about
the Christmas concert, okay?

Look, it's at the town centre,
it's a lot of people.

He just needs to keep
his mind off things.

Hey kids.

Who wants to put up some
reindeer on the roof?

The roof, really?

Kidding!

Aww.

Oh, your driver friend
is so cute.

He's not my friend, Mom.

Trust me.

Oh, right.

Wise decision not to get caught
up in that friend zone thing.

What?

I watch cable.

And look how good he is
with the kids.

That's because he is one.

You know, I just think
that is so adorable.

The lengths he went to get
his daughter's unicorn

back from you.

Is that what he told you?

Huh.

Because I brought him Moxie
back on a silver platter.

Whatever.

I just think he's a real catch.

You know what I mean?

It's only been three years, Mom.

I know, I'm sorry.

And look, if he's such
a committed parent,

why does he treat his cell phone
like a first-born child?

He's pushing them too high and
now he's taking a phone call?

Unbelievable.

What's that, a shed?

It's my treehouse.

Let's go.

I thought treehouses were
supposed to be up in the tree.

Well, mom said that this way
is safer and that mine's unique

because you can see the roots
really good.

I think your mom did
a number on you.

[phone buzzing]

Dad says he's sorry but he'll
be off his call soon.

I can't believe your dad lets
you have your own cell phone.

It's mostly so I have
someone to call

when he forgets
to pack my lunch.

What do you do?

My mom's never forgotten
my lunch, like ever.

But one time she did forget
to leave the chopsticks
with my sushi.

Your mom makes you sushi
for lunch?

Doesn't everyone's?

All good.

Bye.

Hard at work watching the kids,
I see.

Shouldn't' you be focusing
on your situation?

I can't.

My editor still can't reschedule
my interview.

You know... since we're covering
for each other,

maybe I could interview you?

Seriously?

A case study in distracted
parenting?

Why not?

I mean, I've got
the world's authority.

It would be a crime not
to share that with everyone.

Look!

My dad's laughing.

They must be
really getting along.

You think?

They seem to argue
an awful a lot.

So did Shrek and Fiona and
look how well that turned out.

So... my mom and your dad...

Think about it.

If we get them together,

it'll be like when two
superheroes team up.

Double the super powers.

But it might make the universe
explode though.

True.

But I say we do it.

Maybe they just have to
do something fun together.

Okay, how about this one.

Single parents at the holidays.

Fine.

You can interview me.

If you promise to look after
the kids for an hour

so I can catch up on
some work.

Is everything with you
a negotiation?

Is everything with you
a teachable moment?

No.

Hi.

Hello

Can we please go see
Santa now?

Um...

You promised you'd bring me
at lunch.

Can we go too, mom?

Pease?

Well... I guess we can.

You know what, I can interview
you there.

Okay.

Yes!

I bet you they kiss
by Christmas.

Or kill each other.

Sweetie, go ahead.

Go on, go do your interview.

We've got this.

Yeah, we're bonding.

Okay.

So... as a single working dad
over Christmas vacation,

how does a day with you
and Jasmine typically start?

I'm imagining pop tarts.

Actually, every morning
we go out

and try a different restaurant
for breakfast.

No domestic routine.

It's just that consistency,
they say,

is good for kids' development.

So...

And changing things up
keeps Christmas exciting.

Especially now that I don't see
Jasmine so much.

What do you mean?

Last year we saw each other
all the time while Brooke

and Kenneth were busy
renovating Castle Perfecto.

But ever since they finished,

I only have Jasmine
every other weekend.

So I really try to up the ante.

With what?

I mean, Kenneth's always
showering Jasmine with gifts
and trips,

I just can't compete.

But I have to try.

I don't get it.

Why even bother competing
at all?

Because I'm slowly being
replaced by Mister Amazing.

I'm sorry, Doctor Amazing.

And with that new watch
on her wrist,

she has a reminder
of Kenneth 24/7.

Okay, well you're not being
replaced.

That little girl of yours
has not put down Moxie

since you gave it to her.

Oh, maybe you're right.

I've been chasing down
that unicorn for weeks.

It's the one thing I knew
Jasmine really wanted.

And a way for her to hear
my voice,

even when we can't be together.

You know, that's surprisingly
sweet.

Surprisingly, huh?

Well yeah, coming from you.

Anyway, what's your excuse?

You were mama grizzly
at the toy store.

I have to be.

I have a sleigh piled
with Christmas traditions

and I'm the only
reindeer pulling it.

Elliot's dad isn't any help?

Actually, Elliot's dad passed
away three years ago.

I'm really sorry.

It's really tough at Christmas.

But I've tried to keep up
with all of our traditions.

And robots... that was Elliot's
thing with his dad.

Then I'm extra glad
he got Orson back.

I'm sorry I ruined
your Christmas surprise.

But think about it this way,

if you didn't see Jasmine
open Moxie,

then you wouldn't have been
able to see

that smile on her face.

And for my part, if I
was a tiny bit rude at
the office and toy store...

Apology accepted.

I wasn't exactly apologizing.

Admitting you were rude
is the first step, so...

Can we go skate?

Uh... I don't know.

Please, mom!

Um... Look at this face.

How do I say no?

Okay, maybe just
for a little bit.

Yes!

Let's go put our skates on.

Yeah!

You want to join them?

Hey kids, hot chocolate.

Come!

Come on!

Yummy!

Thank you.

Thank you.

Elliot.

Whoa, slow down!

-Whoa!
-Oh!

So romantic.

Okay, now you're like...

literally skating circles
around me.

Ah...

I have a confession to make.

Okay.

Usually when it comes
to parenting,

I feel totally out of my depth.

Well... I mean I think you do
a pretty good job.

Look at the evidence.

You've raised an awesome kid.

-Oh.
-Uh.

Yeah.

We've been had.

Smart!

When I was making my schedule
this morning,

I didn't think couple's skating
would be included.

You know, sometimes mixing
things up doesn't hurt.

I used to skate all the time
at Christmas when I was a kid.

Life got busy.

Believe me, I get it.

Smile for a picture!

[laughing]

[message alert]

Sorry.

The professor can only do
the interview at 3:00.

Elliot's concert is at 3:30
and I told him I'd go early

so I could give him
some support.

Aren't your parents going
to be there?

Yes.

But he could use all the help
he can get.

Look, I don't suppose
that you and Jasmine

would want to tag along?

I mean Elliot's really taken
a shine to you.

It would give him a boost.

Plus, you have something
that no one else has...

a car.

You could give him a ride?

I'd love to but...

I promise I'll give you time
later to work on your contract.

You sure you never went
to law school at some point?

You'd be relentless in
the cross examinations.

So, is that a yes?

The thing is... I need
your help too.

Okay.

[laughs]
Whoo!

What is it?

My firm is having a cocktail
party today at 5:00

and I promised I'd make
an appearance.

Maybe you could come along?

Are you serious?

I hate showing up stag
to these things.

What about your girlfriend?

The truth is Lexie and I broke
up over a month ago.

Oh, sorry.

No, it's okay.

It was too many things.

My job and Jasmine
and everything else.

It was too many spinning
plates anyway.

Just out of curiosity, did your
girlfriend break up with you

because you called her
a spinning plate?

Look, do we have a deal
or not?

Okay, yes.

I'll do it.

But can we just get off
this ice?

I knew it, I knew I was going
to fall at some point.

Thank you so much
for meeting with me.

I hope you don't mind me
recording this.

No, not at all.

That way I don't have
to repeat myself

and you don't have to
take notes.

It's very efficient.

Well, I have to confess,
I am a fan.

I have your colour coded chart
on my kitchen wall.

Oh, you read my first book?

Read it?

I live by it.

And I'm sorry about missing
our first interview.

I pride myself in punctuality.

Just had an unforeseen
situation arise.

Which is why, during
the holidays especially,
remember...

first book, page 17, parents
have to expect the unexpected.

Right?

And have contingencies in place
and then nothing is left to...

Chance.

[both] Chance.

There you go.

Of course.

Oh, this is going to be good.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Hey Elliot, have a bite.

Got to keep your strength up.

No, no, no.

Not just before he performs.

Well he's got a show.

Hey Elliot.

Elliot.

Isn't that your teacher?

Shouldn't you go get ready
for your show?

I guess.

♪ Don we now our
gay apparel ♪

♪ Fa, la, la, la, la,
la, la, la ♪

Sure is nice of you to help out.

Abby's got her hands full.

Well she does do a good job
juggling everything with
that calendar.

Oh, you mean her
schedule and such.

Well, that's a more
recent occurrence.

So she didn't alphabetize
all her teddy bears when
she was little?

Actually, um, after
she lost Elliot's dad,

that schedule is how
she got through the day.

Oh.

Anyway... she's a wonder.

How she keeps going
single-handedly.

Yeah, you're right about that.

Speaking of keeping
things going,

I'd better get some work
done myself.

♪ Fa, la, la, la, la,
la, la, la ♪

[applause]

Welcome to the annual
Christmas festival and concert.

All right, so remember
everybody,

ring your bells when I cue you.

All right?

You guys are going to be great.

Big smiles.

Oh, Elliot?

Are you with us?

Just stay here a sec.

Excuse me, I'm with Elliot.

Oh. Sure.

Hey, Elliot.

What's going on?

Why don't you just do
your work?

Because some things
are even more important.

Like talking to you.

So...

what's the harm with ringing
a few Christmas bells?

I just don't want to.

Can we call my mom?

We can try.

But maybe you can talk
to me about it.

Hmm.

So... a little nervous around
a crowd, huh?

Happens to the best of us.

Even me.

It's true.

When I was a kid, I hated going
up in front of an audience.

Spelling bees, plays...
even when I became a grown up.

The first time I had to address
a courtroom I froze.

I looked a lot like
Frosty the Snowman.

But take your pal Orson here.

Looking at him, who would know
he could talk,

dance and play music?

He's what we call
a triple threat.

He doesn't care who's watching.

He just wants to have fun
and so should you.

So, let's be like Orson and show
the world what we got.

Huh?

That's easy for you to say.

You'll be safe in the audience.

Well...

You've got a good point there.

Hmm.

One sec.

I think the third book will be
called Surviving Christmas.

Yeah.

I think stability and
predictability are cornerstones

of good parenting,
especially at Christmas.

Hmm.

I'm sorry, am I boring you?

I'm sorry.

Would it be okay if I made
a quick phone call?

It's just my son's in
a Christmas concert

and I wanted to...

No, Miss Hewitt, you've already
stood me up once.

We rescheduled and
you were late today.

So... could we please focus?

Of course.

My day has just been
a world-class disaster.

Well, all disasters
are avoidable.

With proper planning,
I know.

But in the real world, just to
play devil's advocate here,

isn't that setting an impossible
standard?

I mean, is there ever
a situation

where it may be okay just
to give into happy chaos?

I should think not.

Children benefit from structure,
consistency, accountability.

And you were able to provide
that to your own kids?

My hat is off to you.

You made it all work.

Well, I'd say
with a little help

from my wife and
several caregivers...

and staff.

But I conducted
the symphony myself.

Oh... I see. I'm sorry.

You never mentioned that help
in all your books.

Well I'm a busy man.

The thing is, sir... some of us
don't have a symphony,

we just have to play solo.

You know?

We don't all have caregivers
and a spouse at home or staff.

We have to be the sous chef so
that our kids eat their broccoli

and the teacher so that we
finish their homework on time.

And then the chauffeur to make
sure that they get to their

lessons while running around
trying to keep the music perfect

and not missing a beat.

Because maybe sometimes
perfection just isn't possible.

And it's not fair to expect it
or strive for it.

Well I was just looking
to be helpful.

Christmas without a plan
is a recipe for disaster.

Then I guess I'm serving up
a dozen fresh-burned disasters

this Christmas.

Where are you going?

We're not done.

I'm sorry.

My son has a concert today
and it might not be a symphony

but it is to me.

Merry Christmas.

Hi!

I made it.

I made it!

Just in time.
Atta girl.

[bells ringing to
"Jolly Old St. Nicholas"]

[applause]

It's a Christmas miracle!

Hey, where's Ryan?

Giving a little moral support.

[bells ringing to
"Jolly Old St. Nicholas"]

[Laughing]

[bells ringing to
"Jolly Old St. Nicholas"]

[laughing]

[bells ringing to
"Jolly Old St. Nicholas"]

Good job, Elliot.

I am so proud of you, bubba.

You were fantastic.

I'm a triple threat,
just like Orson.

Yes.

Oh, look at this tree,
it's gorgeous!

Abby, I don't think you have
your tree yet, do you?

Not yet, mom.

I knew you could do it.

You did great!

The human tree.

Thank you by the way.

I guess it goes to show that
some dads will do anything

to keep their kids happy.

Huh?

Last year I lost my doll in
the air and space museum.

So Daddy climbed up into the
lunar capsule and got it for me.

We got in trouble
with the security guard

and we can't go there anymore
but he got my doll!

Why am I not surprised?

How'd your interview go
with the professor?

Oh, it was a train wreck.

I just can't believe I based
so many parenting techniques

off that guy.

You know in all of his preaching
about perfect parenting,

he forgot to mention that
he outsources all of his help

with his poor wife
and his caregivers.

What about the article?

I can fix it.

I've got some of his quotes
and I have a few hours.

Honey, why don't we get
your tree today?

Can we stop and buy one
on the way home?

Well, I was going to go tomorrow
per the schedule.

But maybe I can bend some rules.

Really?

Are you serious?

Is Rudolph's nose red?

Yes.

Then let's go get the perfect
Christmas tree.

Yes!

Yay.

Kids!

What's the rush?

Hey!

They're trees, they're not going
to go anyplace.

Oh, hurry up Chester.

If they reach the Douglas Firs
we won't find them

until the spring.

Okay, so what I usually do
is I check out every tree

and I rate them according
to shape, scent and freshness.

Hey, if Jasmine's with
her mom for Christmas day,

what are you going to do?

Well I usually go
for a long jog...

the streets are empty,
crisp air, no traffic.

What?

It's great, really.

Uh huh...

Hey, can I ask you something?

Sure.

What happened between you
and Brooke anyway?

I used to work at a small firm
doing environmental law.

I was pretty content there
but Brooke always thought

I should be more ambitious.

So, I finally changed firms,
put my nose to the grindstone,

but by then it was already
too late for us.

What about this one?

Or do you need some kind
of checklist to go through

before you make a decision?

Actually, I like it.

Hey, Elliot!

Jasmine!

What do you think
about this one?

[Elliot] I love it!

[Jasmine] Perfect.

Okay.

So this is the one to beat then.

Let's just make sure
there's no other good ones.

Abby, Abby, Abby... when you,
uh, when find the right tree,

you know the one
that's a keeper,

Um, you might just want to buy
it so no one else snaps it up.

Settle, Mom.

Okay.

We'll take this one.

Yeah, we'll take this one.

Right here.

Thanks.

Good pick, buddy.

Oh man, that's a big tree.

How am I going to get that
in the house?

Well I can help bring it in
once I drop you guys off.

Remember, I do have an SUV
big enough to fit my ego.

Sorry about that.

But you're not going to back out
of my cocktail party, are you?

Oh, heck no.

I could use a cocktail
about now.

And besides, a deal's a deal.

Elliot, look.

The pond.

Yeah.

I am just going to try
and get all that I can.

What's taking her so long?

I ran home and put a new suit on
in 15 minutes.

Well, son...

let me give you a pointer
from someone married 35 years.

When a woman's getting
all dressed up for you,

best to pipe down and smile.

Yeah, but we need
to get there...

Daddy, he's right.

Okay, I'm ready.

How do I look?

Err...

I thought lawyers were never
at a loss for words.

You look amazing.

Shall we go?

Yeah.

Have fun, kids.

Thanks.

We've got the other kids
covered.

Fancy party.

My magazine's Christmas party
this year was just a couple

cartons of eggnog and some
peeps left over from Easter.

All our biggest clients are here
so my boss wanted me

to make an appearance.

I just thought of something.

Are people going to think
that I'm Lexie?

I'll just say that
you're a friend.

Uh, there's my boss.

We'll just say a quick hello
and leave.

Okay.

Ryan.

Back from the trenches I see.

Hello, nice to meet you.

Hi

I'm Candace.

And our firm's senior partner.

So this is the famous Lexie.

I was starting to think
your girlfriend

didn't actually exist.

Actually, no.

This is, um...

Lexie. How do you do.

Pleasure.

Well, Terrance here was
just telling us

all about his wedding plans.

Right.

So, you know, initially we were
thinking Pebble Beach

and then we just settled on
The Ritz in Maui.

Go big or go home I always say.

In this case we're going to big
and then we're going to go home.

Living large.
Right buddy?

I love Maui.

My husband and I met there
in college.

Little ramen shop where we had
to share the same table.

How about you two?

How did you meet?

You know, it's a great story.

You want to tell it, honey?

You tell it best.

Uh, well, I guess I would just
have to say

it was a Christmas surprise.

Last Christmas.

We were both out
shopping actually.

And we just sort of kind
of bumped into each other.

He had this steely strength
and many talents.

He sings, he dances.

She's as unique as a unicorn.

Anyway, one thing
led to another...

And he just stole my heart.

Actually, I believe
you stole mine.

Oh, how wonderful.

Anyways, I should probably
get back to work.

I'm almost done with
the revised contract

that I think will be
to both parties's liking.

I hope so.

Nice to meet you, Lexie.

She's a catch.

Actually, Ryan's the catch.

Uh, honey...

For your firm.

Honey, we should...

He works all the time,
day and night.

And forgive my bluntness
but if anybody deserves

a step up to partner,
it's him.

Well she doesn't hold back,
does she?

Uh...ha...

We should probably be going,
I have a contract to finish.

Nice to meet you.

Well keep your phone on, Ryan.

I may have some big news to
share with you later today.

What was that back there?

Come on.

I just said the truth,
you do work all the time.

Lexie.

You look so familiar.

Didn't I see you in the office?

We should go dance.

Goodness... man, no wonder
you're so competitive.

That guy Terrance
is a real jerk.

I owe you a big thank you
for what you did back there.

You went above and beyond.

Hey, don't mention it.

Okay, look who's a good dancer.

You sound surprised.

Ooh!

Well anyways, I'm really sorry
that the real Lexie

couldn't be here to join you
and have fun.

Don't be.

Want to know the real reason
she dumped me?

She wanted me to jet off to
Milan with her for Thanksgiving

but I had Jasmine that weekend.

So I said no.

That was the final straw
for her.

In my opinion you're better
off without her.

I admit, I completely
misjudged you.

I just thought you were
this self-centred,

materialistic, rude...

Isn't there supposed
to be a 'but'?

But... maybe I was wrong.

Ooh, sorry.

They found my car.

It's at Abe's Towing
on West Maple. Oh!

I guess then I can drop you off
after we head out?

Uh... do you have any plans
later, for you and Jasmine?

Oh, I was just going to order
pizza and put on a movie for her

while I finish the contracts.

Well... maybe you guys
can come over later?

Jasmine and Elliot could hang,
you could work.

Win-win?

I mean, if you wanted to.

We could decorate the tree.

Actually, that sounds
pretty great.

All right.

Okay you guys, before
we decorate too far.

I usually start at the base
of the tree

and then I work my way up
so all the decorations

are evenly spaced.

Sorry, old habits.

I guess we'll just see how
everything goes?

Yeah.

Yeah.

Daddy.

Put them together,
like a family.

You got it.

It's been years since we
decorated a tree together.

You still have a great eye.

Oh!

Yeah!

Oh!

[laughing]

Not bad, huh?

Yeah, actually looks
pretty good.

Even without a plan.

I'm proud of you.

Hey, since we're challenging
ourselves,

I challenge you to turn
that phone off for a bit

and enjoy all this.

You're right.

It's just that Candace
kept hinting she might have

big news for me today.

Then you should definitely
turn it off.

Sometimes it's not until you
stop waiting for good news

that it finally arrives.

Good point.

I'm turning it off.

All right, you guys.

We're going to finish decorating
and then it's dinner.

Yes!

I'm hungry!

What's with the popcorn?

I was going to maybe string it
and put it on the tree.

Why wait?

Jasmine, I love you bigger
than the sky.

Dance funny!

Jasmine, I love you bigger
than the sky.

How's it going over there?

Almost done.

And you?

Me too.

And the kids sure look happy
and focused.

Yeah.

I'd say your cell phone being
off is having a positive effect.

Oh honey, I can't
find the cocoa.

Oh, we must be out.

I can go get some.

I'll come with you,
it's a quick walk.

Great.

Hey buddy, I'm going
to go to the store.

Be good, okay?

Yeah, for sure.

Be back soon, Jasmine.

What's going on?

Happy with how your article
turned out?

Actually, I am.

I included my opinion
as well as Doctor Baxter's

and readers can decide
for themselves

what works best for them.

When we get back I
just have to proof it,

check for typos and send it
in by 9:00.

So this Professor Baxter,
he's like your personal guru?

I don't know so much anymore.

You know, he just set such
a high standard for parenting

in all of his books and I always
felt like he was helping me

strive for perfection.

But lately I just feel like I'm,
most of the time,

falling short as a mom.

From what I've seen you're doing
pretty great.

I'm sorry I said you were
so lax with Jasmine.

She's awesome.

She's so self-assured,
she's funny...

I think you're doing
a great job too.

Thanks.

It's funny.

Before Jasmine...
I thought I had it all.

Friends, travel, career.

But once my daughter came along,
I feel sorry for the old me.

Not knowing how awesome being
a dad would be.

I just wish I could do better.

Trust me, I think
you do just fine.

I'm glad we got our toys
mixed up.

Me too.

Funny how I'm appreciating
the moonlight with a guy

I was arguing with
just yesterday.

Guess I got a little caught up
in the holiday pressure, huh?

Same here.

Why is it the most magical time
of year is also the time

when life gets so crazy?

It's the Christmas puzzle.

Sometimes puzzles can be fun.

Honestly, I had more fun today
than I've had in a long time.

Me too.

I'd forgotten the fun
of a family Christmas.

It was a nice surprise.

I haven't been ready
for surprises lately.

And in fact I've been doing
everything I can

to avoid the unexpected.

And now?

Maybe it's time for a change.

Speaking of surprises...
I almost forgot.

I got you an early
Christmas present.

What?

But how did you get the store
to give this to you.

Hey, I'm a lawyer.

I know how to negotiate.

And it was for a good cause.

Putting a smile on your face.

[Jasmine] He's giving
her some kind of gift!

What?

Here, let me look.

How do you think it's going?

I don't know.

Well you can't rush
these things.

You've got to let the moonlight
do what the moonlight does.

I want to have a look.

The moonlight sure is nice.

Yeah, it is.

That's the thing
about Christmas.

You've got to remember to
look up and enjoy the lights.

I like how you put that.

Whoa, whoa!

No!

Oh my!

-Oh, you kids!
-Oh, ho, ho, ho.

[Clarisse] Time for Christmas
charades?

Charades?

-Coming.
-Oh.

[Clarisse] You'll see,
you'll see.

It's going to be a surprise.

Oh, great.

Jasmine, look at this.

Did you put marshmallows in it?

Lots of marshmallows.

Yes!

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Ryan, why don't
you start us off?

Oh, no...

Come on! The stage is yours.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Please, for me!

Come on.

Okay, fine.

Yay! Yes.

High five.

Wait.

Ha-ha!

Okay. I got one.

See if you can guess it.

-First word.
-One word.

-One word.

Two words together.

Oh, two words together.

Snow.

Snowing.

Snowing.

Uh... rain.

Rain, rain.

It's Christmas, why would...

Um... horns.

Reins...

Galloping.

Prancing.

Deer!

Deer.

Reindeer. Of course

Reindeer.

Oh!

Oh, there's more.

You're eating.

Rudolph.

Rudolph!

[laughing]

You're so good!

Alright, Chester.
Your turn.

Oh, Alright.

Uh...

One word.

Mm-hmm.

Oh...

You hurt your back?

Uh...

Oh, he's a sore back.

You need a Christmas
chiropractor?

I can't believe
you don't get this.

The nutcracker.

Yeah, the nutcracker!

Yes, thank goodness!

Jasmine!

Good job Jasmine, good job.

Brilliant.

In the lead.

Mom, you're up.

No, no, no., no.
I'm...

Please!

Take one for the team.

[phone buzzes]

I'm going to think of it.

[Clarisse] Okay, take your tim.

Get a good one.

You're so good at this.

I used to be.

Come on.

You're good at this.

Okay, okay.

I got one.

Hey Candace.

I got your text.

There's something important
you wanted to talk about?

Yes, but not what
I wanted to share.

Williams has got cold feet.

But I thought they
were both ready to sign.

They're backsliding?

Afraid so.

Williams sent an email
all worked up

with a whole new list
of concerns.

You'll have to look at this no.

Okay, I'll take a look at
the email now and form a reply.

I need you to action this now.

Yes, I get it.

Uh, I can do that for you.

I've got it. Okay,
I will call you back.

Uh...uh...

A Christmas wrapper?

[Clarisse] Frozen.

No, it's right in front of you.

A Christmas tree!

Yes!

I'm going to go check
the cookies.

Okay, you guys keep playing.

I'm going to finish my article
too, I'll be back.

Okay.

[Chester] All right.

Clarisse, your turn.

[Clarisse] Okay.

Where'd you sneak off to?

Sorry, I got an important text.

I thought phones were off.

I know.

But I found my boss
had big news.

Turns out the big news
is my deal's falling apart.

Were you just on my computer?

I apologize, I was going to ask.

I hope you don't mind.

I just needed to take a look
at the new demands.

Yeah, I just, um...

I usually don't let people
use it

because I have it all organized,
it's like...

I get it, I'm sorry.

It's my mistake, I'm done.

Oh no.

What is it?

No, no, no, no.

I didn't save the last version
of my article.

Just tell me you didn't close
the document.

I don't think I did.

I just checked my email.

Everything's gone.

Everything I wrote, I... I...
I can't believe it just...

Maybe we can get it back.

It was just the last few edits,
right?

You don't understand.

I don't miss deadlines.

I don't fail.

Believe me, I get it.

But sometimes things
like this happen.

You just need to take it
and move on.

Move on?

What I mean is we've still
got time, Abby.

I can help you with this.

Cookies!

Ok.

Ooh!

Oh!

[coughs]

Oh my.

Ooooh!

Perfect.

Now my career and cookies
have gone up in smoke.

Oh look, I can handle this,
honey.

You just deal with your work.

Mom, that's okay.

I've already missed
the deadline.

Can you just go check on the
kids please and open some doors?

Okay. Thank you.

This is so frustrating!

This is exactly what happens
when I take my eye off the ball.

It's not so bad.

Not so bad?

Why are you always
minimizing things?

Maybe 'cause you're always
maximizing them.

I'm sorry,

but in my world missing
a deadline is a big deal.

I'm just saying maybif you'd
ease off a bit and let us...

I don't have time to ease off,
okay?

Why am I the one
on the witness stand?

Let's look at your role
in this.

Yes, I made one mistake
and I feel terrible about it.

But these things happen.

Not to me.

Look... if you were just
a little less distracted

and a little more present,
you'd get it.

Can I please just have
a minute?

Yeah.

Are you sure there's nothing
I can do to help?

I just need to focus
and handle things myself.

I see now that things go best
when I do them myself,

when I stick to the schedule.

Maybe I'm not ready
for all this anyways.

Not ready for what?

Surprises.

I see.

It's getting late.

Jasmine, we should go.

Take good care of Orson.

Take good care of Moxie.

I guess things didn't
work out like we thought.

Yeah.

[Both] Bye.

Bye Jasmine.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Oops!

Bubba, what are you doing?

Baking cookies with Grandma.

I'm getting a head start.

That is the sweetest thing.

You are the sweetest guy.

Thank you.

All right.

Well let me help you
clean up this mess, okay?

Are you excited for
Christmas tomorrow?

Yeah.

Orson kind of misses Moxie.

He does, huh?

Who knew a robot and a
unicorn could be friends?

Well, that just goes to show you
that you never know

who's going to get along.

Like take you and Jasmine.

You guys are friends, right?

Yeah, that's true.

Jasmine told me that her dad
is all alone for Christmas.

It's too bad.

I bet he could really use
a friend too.

What are you doing in the office
the day before Christmas?

Just making a last-ditch attempt
to reach Williams and McCoy.

But they're not getting back
to me.

And I thought I was the only one
obsessive enough

to work over Christmas.

I'm sorry the deal went off
the rails yesterday.

Williams is not the first person
to get cold feet

in the eleventh hour over
a multi-million-dollar deal.

Well he's not answering
his emails.

I guess we'll just hope for
good news in the new year.

Well about that...

you should probably pack up
your office.

What?

Because you're going to be
needing a bigger one soon.

Congratulations.
You made partner.

But...

I have been through enough
of these situations

to know that there is always
a last-minute hitch.

But if a deal is meant to be
it'll go through.

Sometimes things
can't be rushed.

So, you're a partner.

Aren't you happy?

Of course.

Merry Christmas, Ryan.

Merry Christmas.

For parents,

Christmas is the season
of high expectations,

of towering trees and big plan.

And if that pressure
isn't enough,

this year my Christmas collided
with another holiday traveler

a fellow single parent who
broke all the rules of the road

and helped give Christmas
chaos a new meaning.

It's so pretty here.

I love looking at the windows.

Oh! Daddy!

Come here.

Wait for it.

[laughing]

I love it when the kittens pop
out of the boxes.

I'm surprised Mommy
and Kenneth

didn't take you down
here already.

Kenneth wanted to but I said I
would rather come here with you.

You did?

How come?

We come here every year
together.

Hey.

Want to go inside and go on
a shopping spree?

I'll be getting a raise

so the sky's the limit.

If you want to Daddy
but I just like looking

at the windows with you.

Me too.

Okay, let's go look
at some more.

I really do love you bigger
than the sky.

Well they're not perfect but
they're not that bad either.

Not bad at all.

You all packed up, ready
to go to your mom's tonight?

Yeah.

Can I bring Moxie to Aspen?

Absolutely.

Unicorns love snow.

And I want you to have
the best Christmas ever.

[message alert]

Jasmine, go get your stuff
together, honey.

We have to leave for
your mom's soon, okay?

Thanks to my new friend
I discovered

You can't always guess
a gift by its wrapping.

And though our parenting
styles couldn't have been
more different

his dedication to his
daughter's happiness,
no matter the challenges,

was an inspiration.

And also a reminder to be open
to new ideas and surprises.

Especially at Christmas,
because sometimes the
best present

is to live in the present.

At Christmas, we can't
control the obstacles that
appear in our path

but we're all trying to get
to the same destination.

A happy home filled
with those we love.

And as every parent knows,

life rarely goes according
to plan.

So, this year I'm tearing up
the plan.

And as to what
New Year's brings.

Who knows.

I just know I'm ready
for surprises

and I'd like to thank someone
for that reminder

that in all the hubbub
of Christmas,

don't forget to look up
and enjoy the lights.

Mom, what are you doing?

This board has been running me
ragged long enough.

But what about the schedule?

Well, we'll just have to make
it up as we go, buddy.

Without the schedule, what's
the plan for Christmas day?

Well, you know...
I have an idea.

Okay, you ready?

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, buddy.

Merry Christmas, Elliot.

I'm so excited for
you to open this.

Open it!
Open it!

It's a telescope!

Yeah.

Merry Christmas, Elliot.

Oh, there!

That's the one I like.

I know.

From that shop.

Yeah.

I am going to try it on.

[robotic sounds]

What in the world?

Surprise!

Surprise!

Merry Christmas!

[laughs]

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, Daddy!

What's going on?

Well Mommy said we
could do Christmas

a little different this year.

She did?

Brooke and I worked out a deal

and you've got Jasmine
today until 8:00.

Really?

Yeah.

And we're kidnapping you

and we're bringing
you to our house.

That is... if you'd like
to come.

Actually... I'd love that.

By the way, I read your article.

You did?

Yeah. And I wanted
to thank you.

For what?

For cutting me some slack.

I just wrote the truth.

You are a great dad.

Well... now I'm hoping to be
an even better one.

[dinner conversation]

[Abby] Oh, those
are my favourite.

[Elliot] Mom, everyone!
It's snowing!

[Jasmine] It's snowing!
Alright!

Oh my gosh.

All right!

This is so cool.

Come on!

Woo-hoo!

Oh, my goodness.

[Elliot] It's beautiful.

Oh, wow.

Wow.

Nothing like a home-cooked
meal at Christmas.

And to think we have two
star-crossed toys

to thank for all this.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Um, Abby...

Don't forget to look up.

Uh-oh.