Original subtitles

♪ Oh, the countdown'’s on ♪

♪ Just a few more days till Christmas comes ♪

♪ Gotta decorate Got shopping left to do ♪

♪ Yeah, the countdown'’s on So move along ♪

♪ Gotta get things right for Christmas morn ♪

♪ Here he comes ♪

♪ Here comes Santa Claus ♪

♪ Oh, the countdown'’s on ♪

♪ So we'’ll make a list and check it twice ♪

♪ Just like Santa had so many times before ♪

♪ Superhero flown coupe and a town full of grace ♪

♪ Put a big fat smile on his angel face ♪

ACTOR: All I'’m asking is for a another chance.

Is that so wrong?

Another chance?

How many more chances do you need?

How about a little faith, Maria, in me?

In us?

I need someone I can rely on.

Someone who will be there for me.

- Joe! - What?

You said you'’d leave at 3:00 to get to Jessica'’s house by 5:00.

[gasp]

- What time is it? - It'’s 4:15.

I gotta go.

♪ Tick tock tick It'’s coming up quick ♪

♪ Yeah, Santa Claus is on his way ♪

Taxi!

♪ Hauling lots of toys for the girls and boys ♪

♪ On his trusty Christmas sleigh ♪

♪ Ooh, ooh, whee ♪

♪ Christmas is coming fast ♪

♪ Ooh, ooh, whee ♪

♪ Christmas is coming fast ♪

♪ Now deck the halls with lights and all ♪

P.A.: The Metro North nonstop to Connecticut

is now leaving on track 29.

♪ We'’ll get this holiday right ♪

♪ Ooh, ooh, whee ♪

♪ Christmas is coming fast ♪

♪ Ooh, ooh, whee ♪

♪ Christmas is coming fast ♪

[laughing]

But seriously,

it was a brilliant finish to a perfect campaign,

and I could not have pulled it off without you.

Well, thank you.

Thanks for the ride.

No problem.

What?

Thought I saw something moving.

It'’s probably just some kind of animal or something.

A dog or a cat or...

Yeah, or something.

Dylan!

Zoey?

Oh, you gotta be kidding me.

"I am not always big and tall,

but I am the brightest in the fall."

"What'’s cold and runs, but weighs a ton?"

"I have a head and four legs, but only one foot.

What am I?"

"This room may be a little small,

but it holds your coat and parasol."

You know it'’s bad luck to open that inside the house.

Especially for you two.

Would someone like to explain

why you kids were spying on me tonight?

Okay, hypothetically we were...

observing the events of the evening

'’cause we heard that you had a "dinner meeting"

with a man named Ian,

You heard I had a dinner meeting?

Well, we maybe, kinda, sorta hacked

into the calendar in your phone.

Hold on a second.

I know that you'’re pretty advanced for your age.

But seriously, hacking my phone?

Actually...

I did.

What?

But whoever would go through all this trouble

might really just want their mom and dad back together again.

You know, hypothetically.

For the record, Ian is my boss.

It wasn'’t a date. It was business.

Furthermore, you two secret agents

wouldn'’t have been left alone tonight

if a certain someone had shown a little responsibility

and actually showed up on time.

JOE: Hey, kids, who wants some pizza?

Dad!

- Dad! - Dad!

I missed you. Come here.

Mwah! Who wants some pepperoni?

Oh, my God. You'’re home.

And you'’re two hours late.

Let'’s go.

Just one slice to start, all right?

I'’ll be right in.

I can explain.

Well, seeing as you'’re always late,

I really don'’t think an explanation

is all that necessary.

Okay, cool.

So how was the big meeting?

We closed the deal.

Ah, wonderful.

And then I come home, and I find our sweet angels

playing secret agent and spying on me from the bushes outside.

- They did that? - Yeah, they did.

Can you blame them for being curious?

A strange man dropping their mother off...

after dark?

- What are you implying? - What are you inferring?

If you wanna know more, just ask your 9-year-old son,

who apparently thinks it'’s okay to just hack into my cell phone.

Clearly you'’re a little overloaded,

so why don'’t you just let me stay here for the weekend?

You know, I can help you work.

I don'’t want to have this conversation again.

You need to know where the line is.

Okay.

Hey, kids, save your old man a piece of pepperoni.

♪ When the lights have all been hung ♪

♪ And you hear the carols sung ♪

♪ There'’s a smile on everyone ♪

♪ Christmas is almost here ♪

♪ When there'’s magic in the air ♪

♪ And there'’s joy enough to spare ♪

Check out paragraph 2.

You'’re never gonna believe the offer.

What is this, some kind of typo?

That'’s the offer.

- You gotta be kidding me. - I know, right?

I haven'’t seen that many zeroes

since my last divorce settlement.

Oh, buddy, this is gonna be awesome.

Your show, national tour.

I just always thought it'’d be something smaller.

I mean, this really happening?

Oh, yeah. Big time.

You'’re gonna make a big splash at the Beverly Hills Theater

in Los Angeles.

Oh, that means movie options, a CD soundtrack!

- There'’s no songs, Ted. - Well, write some!

Wait a minute. If we take the play out west,

that means I gotta be gone for what, six months?

I can'’t be gone from Jessica and the kids that long.

Joe, Joe, you'’re overthinking this.

Maybe a little space

is exactly what you and Jessica need, okay?

A little breathing room.

I'’m not asking you to make any decisions,

but you'’ve gotta take that meeting, Joe.

You gotta take the meeting.

It'’s Christmas, Ted.

I'’m your agent, and this is what you pay me for,

and we'’ve struck gold in Uncle Jed'’s back forty.

I don'’t care if it's black gold or Texas tea.

I'’m not leaving my family.

Oh, buddy,

I'’m not sure you're keeping up with current events,

but from my perspective, it looks like they left you.

Hey, they did not leave me.

We'’re just... separated.

We'’re taking a break.

Okay, all right.

Well, then look at this as an opportunity

to show Jessica exactly how far you'’ve come.

College tuition for the kids.

Oh, jeez, a summer house in the Hamptons.

That watch you'’ve always dreamed of.

What'’s wrong with my watch?

They make it in men'’s sizes, you know.

You gotta take that meeting, Joe.

You gotta take that meeting!

Otherwise, it'’s back to Spam and Top Ramen!

Come on, Ted, I don'’t do that badly.

I'’m talking about for me.

Oh.

Hey, Jenny, can I get five copies of this, please?

- I'’ll put them on your desk. - Thanks.

Jessica! Just the person I'’m looking for.

Oh, hey, Ian, listen, sorry again about last night.

Last night?

The noise in the bushes.

It'’s my kids keeping an eye on me.

Ah, so what are you apologizing for? They'’re kids.

Listen, I just signed a very big client

who'’s looking for someone new, fresh and exciting

to handle their account.

Seeing as how you really knocked it out of the park last night,

what do you say?

Are you ready to run point with me?

Really?

I-I mean, yes! Yes, of course!

Perfect. We'’ll need to start immediately.

You know me. I'’ll start yesterday.

Great! I'’ll have Marilyn send over the files right away.

Perfect. Uh, hey, Ian!

- Yeah? - Who'’s the new client?

Oh, uh, Palm Springs.

Palm Springs?

As in Palm Springs, the city?

Of course.

I mean, what could be better?

Listen, all we have to do is come up with something fresh

to help sell Palm Springs

as the ultimate vacation destination.

Wait. Think about it, think about it.

Christmas in Palm Springs.

I-I can'’t go to Palm Springs right now.

Why not? We certainly can'’t design this new campaign

3,000 miles away.

No, I just... I thought the new client was...

here in New York.

- It'’s Christmas. - So what?

Bring the kids. They'’ll love it.

And what about Joe? I can'’t take the kids away for the holidays.

It would crush him.

Then leave them with him while your gone.

Yeah, I don'’t know if that'’s such a good idea.

Remember in our first interview?

You said how important it was for you to get back in the game.

I'’m giving you a chance to lead the game.

You should seriously consider this.

JOE: Palm Springs?

But it'’s the holidays. I had plans with the kids.

I was gonna take them to the Radio City Music Hall.

- I already have tickets. - I know, Joe,

- but I want them with me. - And I was gonna take them

to the top of the Empire State Building.

You'’re afraid of heights.

Oh, come on, Jess.

I'’m not afraid of heights.

Maybe you can exchange the tickets for another night.

This is important.

And my family is what'’s important to me.

Joe, this is a huge opportunity. I'’m not gonna pass it by.

You know what, Jess?

You act like you'’re the only one that'’s got stuff going on.

I'’ve made some big sacrifices.

Oh, yeah? Like what?

Teddy got a call from some big-time producers out in LA.

They want to do a production of my show out there.

Really? That'’s great news.

That'’s just it. I turned them down.

They wanted me to fly out to over the holidays.

You know what I told '’em? No. Why?

Because I wanted to be with my family.

Joe, you shouldn'’t have done that.

Well, I did. I guess we know where your priorities lie.

Joe, you know how long I'’ve been waiting for something like this.

Why are you trying to make me feel bad?

Jess, I'’m not trying to make you feel bad.

Wait a minute. Is he gonna be there?

Joe, he'’s my boss.

Oh, now I get it.

Look, if you don'’t wanna take your meeting, then don'’t.

But this is something that I have to do. I'’m sorry.

I can'’t believe you guys aren'’t excited.

Palm Springs is gonna be great.

And Dad'’s here left here alone. How do you expect us to feel?

I expect you to be happy for me.

This is a huge step in my career.

Well, expect away.

We need to do something about this,

otherwise Dad'’s going to become the Ghost of Christmas Past.

- Is that Dad'’s email account? - Mm-hmm.

Dude, Dad would kill you if he found out.

You in or out?

Oh, boy.

♪ You gotta shake it up, Santa ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ You gotta shake it up, Santa ♪

♪ Oh, yeah, yeah ♪

[phone rings]

I have Joe Brady'’s agent on the line.

Put him through.

Teddy! Any update on meeting with your client?

We know how thrilled we are

about producing his new show out here!

Oh, actually this is Natalie, Teddy'’s secretary.

He wanted me to give you a message

about the meeting with Joe on the 23rd.

Oh, all right.

Teddy said Joe would love to meet with you,

but he can'’t go to Beverly Hills.

I'’m sure we can make something work.

Where would he like to meet?

How about... Palm Springs?

Palm Springs?

Yes, my, uh...

I mean, his wife will be there with their kids,

and he would really like to be with them for the holidays.

Well, you can tell Teddy

that we would be happy to drive out to Palm Springs

and meet with Joe.

Good, good! I will let Mr. Brady know,

and, uh, my people will call your people.

Ciao!

Oh. Ciao?

[chuckles]

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ If I could have one wish this Christmas ♪

♪ I'’d only ask to be with you ♪

This is Teddy.

Teddy, Joe.

Joe? Did you think about the offer?

Yeah. You know, I'’m gonna take it.

Really?

Turns out that I'’m not gonna be able to see the kids anyway,

Jessica'’s taking them to Palm Springs

with her freakishly good-looking,

incredibly rich boss.

So I figured what the heck.

Did you just say Palm Springs?

- Yeah. - Well, that'’s interesting.

I just got a call from Mia, one of the producers,

and guess where they'’re setting up the meeting?

Oh, come on. You'’ve gotta be kidding me.

Palm Springs.

One of my secretaries called her. Which one I don'’t know.

I got so many running around here, but don'’t you see?

This could work out for the best.

You should fly out there on the red-eye ahead of time,

spend some time with the family.

Oh, right.

Jessica would love that.

Meeting'’s not till the 23rd.

Gives you three whole days to work some holiday magic.

I'’ve had marriages that didn'’t last that long.

Teddy, I couldn'’t possibly interfere

with Jessica'’s business plans.

I'’m just kidding. I'’m there.

That'’s the spirit.

Looks like you'’ll be spending Christmas in Palm Springs.

Jingle bells, my friend.

Jingle bells, baby!

♪ Whoo ♪

♪ Oh, yeah ♪

♪ Hittin'’ the road ♪

♪ Hittin'’ the road again ♪

♪ This Christmastime ♪

♪ Out on the road ♪

♪ Fill '’er up and turn the radio on ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ That'’s right ♪

♪ Don'’t matter how far we go ♪

♪ Keep playin'’ that rock and roll ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ Here we come ♪

♪ All right ♪

♪ Oh, yeah ♪

♪ Hittin'’ the road ♪

♪ Hittin'’ the road again ♪

♪ This Christmastime ♪

♪ I'’m hittin' the road ♪

Hello. Welcome to the hotel. Enjoy your stay.

Well, kids, here we are.

Beautiful Palm Springs. Isn'’t it amazing?

- Ah-choo! - Bless you.

- You sure you'’re all right? - Yeah, I'’m fine.

Must be all the clean air and open space.

I'’m allergic to nature. I'’ll be inside, you guys.

Don'’t worry. It'’s gonna be great.

- Welcome to Palm Springs. - Yeah, thanks, whatever.

They'’re handling your check-in right now.

I got you two rooms with an adjoining door.

Anything you guys need, just call the front desk.

Do they have pizza? I'’m starving.

Then you better order an extra large, buddy.

I'’ll get our bags squared away

and confirm our appointment with Mayor Tomlin this afternoon.

- Great. Sounds good. - See you later.

Okay.

Oh, your father'’s a real nice man.

That is not our dad. It'’s her boss.

Oh. My mistake.

Well, will your father be joining us for Christmas?

I wish.

Not this trip, I'’m afraid.

Oh, I see. Well, you never know.

- It is Christmas, after all. - Yeah.

I had your key here somewhere. Where did I put that?

Oh...

Oh, hah!

There it is.

- Say thank you, Mr... - Thank you.

Gabe. Folks call me Gabe.

Gabe?

Enjoy your stay.

Come on. Thanks.

All right, kids. Ian and I have a meeting with the mayor,

so I'’m gonna have to run.

Mom, we just got here.

Yeah, and we'’re starving.

All right, you can order room service.

- Yes! - Room service?

- Yeah. - Really?

You drag us all the way across the country at Christmastime,

dump us off in a hotel room and then just take off?

Zoey, please, honey. I don'’t have time for this right now.

Dylan!

Dylan! Where you going?

I think I left something in the lobby!

Would you please go with your brother?

Yeah.

Sir, sir!

How can I help you?

I was wondering if you had any more rooms available for a...

A special "friend?"

Well, we'’re sort of booked solid for the holidays,

but why don'’t we see if old Gabe

can conjure up some special magic for you, okay?

Really? Thanks!

Don'’t mention it.

You know, when two people are meant to be together,

doesn'’t matter what the universe throws at them.

What'’s meant to be is meant to be.

DYLAN: We'’re lucky Gabe was able to find Dad a room.

You do realize when Mom finds out what we'’ve done,

we'’re gonna be grounded until next Christmas.

Life is full of sacrifices, Zoey.

You first.

JOE: And they got me a room? You sure?

Yeah, I'’m sure. I got an email right here from the hotel.

It says you'’re locked in through Christmas.

Somebody up there must like you.

Wow. These guys are first class.

Have a safe trip, good luck, and remember why you'’re there.

Yeah. I just hope she doesn'’t get too upset.

I'’m talking about the meeting.

Oh, right, yeah, that too.

Go get '’em, tiger.

Okay, Teddy, I will call you from the west coast.

Do you know why I was elected mayor of this city?

I was elected mayor because I promised to show them

how exciting Palm Springs can be.

What I need is a campaign

that breathes new life into this city.

Instead, you know what I got?

Old life?

Exactly.

Skip?

Ms. Mayor, let me just start by saying

I completely agree with everything that you'’re saying.

And if you'’ll just look at the proposals that we brought...

I love sweet talk. I really do.

The sweeter, the better.

In fact, my dentist said I got three new cavities

with the last agency I dealt with.

What I really need is results.

Fore!

Are you sure you gave me the right club?

That'’s the driver, ma'am.

Give me an iron.

You know, our busiest season begins after the New Year,

so I need a new campaign approved

before the holiday season.

Can you get me something by then?

Sure. Absolutely.

Great, because I would hate to have to get another agency

yet again.

How about we reconvene on the 24th?

Uh...

You can'’t.

You have the Christmas Eve parade on the 24th.

23rd then?

Can'’t. You're playing Mrs. Claus.

at the top of the tram.

22nd?

Uh, you'’re whipping up the birthday cake

for Saguaro'’s anniversary celebration.

Perfect. We'’ll meet there before the event.

You'’ll love it.

It'’s one of Palm Spring's signature landmarks.

We'’re looking forward to it.

Now stand back.

See you on the 22nd.

And please don'’t disappoint me. Skip?

Did you hear what she said?

We'’ve gotta get her something by the 22nd,

or she'’s gonna go to someone else.

That'’s two days from now.

I thought you said this was a done deal.

It'’s the power of positive thinking, Jessica.

If she wants Palm Springs on a silver platter,

that'’s exactly what we'’re gonna give her.

Hello. Welcome to the hotel.

Thank you.

Enjoy your stay.

Thanks.

All right.

IAN: Sorry again if it feels like

I put you in an awkward position back there.

JESSICA: Ah, it'’s all right.

We just have to explore a little,

get a sense of what the main attractions are.

We'’ll come up with something that works for them.

You know, we should get a nice, relaxing dinner tonight.

All four of us. My treat.

Yeah, further. Yeah.

Go further back.

[screams]

Ma'’am!

- That sounds nice. - Get away from me!

Come inside. Are you okay? I'’m sorry, my dear.

I don'’t know what he was doing back there.

Can I help you to your room, sir?

No.

Sorry.

I thought I dropped something.

Perhaps I can help you find it.

No, no, that'’s okay.

Wow. That'’s a big, beautiful place you got there.

220 rooms.

I have a reservation. My name is...

Joe Brady.

We'’ve been expecting you.

Great. What room am I in?

221.

Dad!

- Dad! - Kids! Kids!

Oh, I missed you so much!

I can'’t believe that we're staying at the same hotel.

Yeah, I know! It'’s amazing!

It'’s so amazing, I could...

Wait a minute.

It'’s too amazing.

Uh-oh.

[sighs]

Huddle up.

Out with it.

Don'’t be mad, but we called your producers

and asked them to move your meeting to Palm Springs.

You did what? How could you?

I hacked into your email.

And I pretended to be your agent'’s secretary.

We just wanted everyone to be together for Christmas.

I know, honey, and I appreciate that,

but you guys can'’t do stuff like that.

You two little techies are too smart for your own good.

Then we probably shouldn'’t have ordered flowers

with your credit card either.

Flowers?

Aren'’t they lovely?

Very. I wish someone would send me flowers like that.

Well, you know, when I'’m older, of course.

Mm-hmm.

Obviously, whoever sent those

must really care about you, right?

Well, I don'’t know about that. I mean, he is my boss.

Wait. What makes you think they'’re from him?

Who else would they be from?

Um, I don'’t know. Maybe Dad sent them.

Oh, come on.

Your father hasn'’t sent me roses since we first started dating.

Ian'’s taking us all out for an early dinner.

I want you guys on your best behavior, you hear me?

Oh, don'’t worry. We will be.

[ringing]

This is Ian.

[nasal] Hi. This is Lillian Gardner

from the Palms Springs planning commission.

What can I do for you, Ms. Gardner?

Well, it'’s quite embarrassing.

The mayor seems to have, uh,

misplaced your campaign proposals.

Oh, I'’m sorry to hear that.

I'’ll get some new ones down to your office

first thing in the morning.

Well, you see, that'’s the problem.

We'’re meeting tonight on a few issues,

and it would be really helpful if we had them.

Is there any way possible

you can swing by the city hall and drop them off?

Hey, what are you two up to?

Mom! Uh, we'’re in the middle of something!

Mom?

Just be ready in five minutes.

Okay, okay, just go!

Okay.

Heh. Sorry about that.

Um, the proposals?

Yes, of course. I'’ll bring them right over.

Good, good. Thank you.

Ciao!

Ciao?

Interesting town.

♪♪ [country]

Very salty. You gonna get the chicken tacos

or the carne asada?

The chicken? Maybe they got some mushroom.

- You love mushrooms. - No, I don'’t.

[gasps] Hey!

- Joe! - Look who it is.

What are you doing here?

I was just about to have dinner alone,

but, you know, maybe I can join you.

No. I mean what are you doing here in Palm Springs?

Remember that meeting I told you about,

the one with the producers?

The one that was supposed to be in LA?

Last minute, they decided to switch it to Palm Springs.

- Really? - Mm.

Of all places, they just so happened

to move your meeting here to Palm Springs.

Palm Springs is just a hop, skip and a jump from LA.

That'’s not bad. Maybe you could use that for your campaign.

Wow.

You guys really topped yourselves this time.

I don'’t believe you. Come on, kids, let'’s go.

Jess, Jess, Jess, please.

This one'’s on me. This was all my idea.

Don'’t blame it on the kids.

No, no. Do not make me look like the bad guy here again.

No one is the bad guy.

I just thought maybe it would be nice.

Nice?

Look, I'’m here.

We have a table.

Let'’s just sit down and have dinner like a family.

What'’s the big deal? Come on. Please?

Kids, will you excuse your father and I

for just a moment?

You know, if you wanted to talk,

we could'’ve done that back in New York.

I was just as surprised as you were

when I found out what our two little geniuses had cooked up.

You do realize that just you being here

could ruin everything for me, right?

You afraid I'’m gonna spoil your little Palm Springs getaway

with Mister Lucky?

Hey, this is not some little getaway.

- No? - No!

Really?

Does he know that?

Why do you think I wanted the kids with me?

- You wanna talk about us? - Mm-hmm.

- Let'’s talk about us. - Okay.

- You know what your problem is? - Do you see what you just did?

I love how "talking about us" turns into "talking about me."

Joe, our kids need a father figure,

not a best friend.

"Hey, Dad, can we go to the movies?"

"Sure."

"Hey, Dad, can we get some ice cream?"

"Yeah! Let'’s go!"

"Hey, Dad, can we have pizza for dinner every single night?"

"Yeah, why not?"

Will you listen to yourself?

"Hey, Dad, can we have pizza for dinner?"

Are you telling me that that'’s the reason

that we'’re not together right now?

No, no, of course not.

Look, I just need more from you.

A lot more.

I mean, it'’s... I just... I need you to support me

when "yes" isn'’t always the answer.

Sometimes you have to say "no".

Sometimes "no" is the right answer, Joe.

- I realize that. - Do you?

Yes...

Or should I say "no"?

Why do you always make me look like the wicked witch

who never lets Cinderella have any fun?

Actually, Cinderella had the wicked stepmother.

Do you think it'’s easy juggling a career with motherhood?

No, Jess, I don'’t.

But you act like I don'’t work.

What, you used to have a job. I mean a real job.

- Yeah. Drama teacher. - And you were good at it!

And I hated it.

Look, going back to work was your dream.

A second chance at going back to a career

that you had to give up. Fine.

But now we'’re both making more than enough money

to support the family.

You'’re going after your dream.

What'’s wrong with me going after mine?

That'’s just it.

I wanted to be past the point of pursuing our dreams

and actually living them.

Meaning what? You'’ve succeeded,

and I'’m just supposed to admit defeat?

No, I didn'’t say that. You have your play.

That'’s right. I have my play.

I have... that..

Wow. Is that Blue Hawaiian?

I didn'’t even know they still made that drink.

But we have something, uh...

[static]

Look, I'’m gonna call the producers

and tell them to reschedule the meeting back in LA

and there'’s been a mistake '’cause that's what you want.

You don'’t have to do that. What about the kids?

Something tells me that they already know what'’s going on.

ZOEY: We just want to be a family again.

We didn'’t know what else to do.

I know, but what you did today was wrong.

It wasn'’t fair to your father or me.

I know that it'’s hard to understand,

but nothing good could'’ve come from this.

Sometimes you just have to trust me.

All right?

We just wanted everyone to be together,

to have dinner just like we used to.

[knocking]

Hold that thought.

- Oh, hey. - Hey, Jess.

Uh, so the strangest thing.

I get down to city hall, and there'’s no one there.

Finally a guard lets me in,

and I slipped the proposals under the door.

But I'’m sorry I missed tonight.

It was supposed to be my treat.

Please don'’t apologize.

I'’m just glad they got what they needed.

Well, I'’m exhausted. Think I'’ll hit the sack.

That is, unless you wanna grab a quick nightcap in the lounge.

Oh, no, no, I don'’t think so.

It'’s been a really big day.

- You sure? - Yeah. I'’m kinda tired myself.

All right then.

Well, good night, Jessica.

Good night.

All right, you two, off to bed. Let'’s go.

Chop chop.

Mom?

Yes?

Sorry about today.

That'’s okay.

I might have done the same thing myself.

- [phone buzzes] - I have Joe Brady on the line.

Put him through.

Joe, I can'’t tell you how excited we are

to meet up with you in two days.

Actually, Mia, that'’s why I'm calling.

I was wondering if we could reschedule the meeting

back in Los Angeles.

Sure, but I thought you wanted it in Palm Springs.

I did.

And I really appreciate the gesture,

but it'’s no longer necessary.

We'’ll meet wherever you'’d like, Joe.

I'’ll call your agent with the details.

That'’d be great. And, Mia, once again,

I'’m really sorry about the mix-up.

It'’s all my fault.

Not a problem.

Hey, Gabe.

Good morning, Mr. Brady.

Good morning.

Listen, I just want to thank you for helping my kids.

I know what you guys were trying to do, but...

this whole thing'’s been a big mistake.

Uh, leaving us so soon?

Yeah. I'’m gonna take my meeting up in LA.

Now, you do realize LA'’s just a hop, skip and jump

away from Palm Springs.

Yeah. Funny you should say that.

Yeah, well, why don'’t you just stay here,

drive in for your meeting?

Think about your children.

I am thinking about my children.

I don'’t think it's healthy for my kids

to see their parents acting like kids.

Mr. Brady, it'’s Christmas.

Do you really want to spend the holidays by yourself,

alone in some hotel off the interstate,

eating from some drive-through burger joint?

Take a look at what you'’ve got here.

This is what the spirit of Christmas is about right here.

Can'’t you think of one reason

for you to stay?

You know what, Gabe? You'’re right.

Cancel my cancellation.

Now we'’re talking.

[phone buzzing]

I have Joe Brady calling again.

Again? Thank you.

Joe, I was just about to send Teddy the new plans.

Actually, Mia, scratch that.

I'’d like to keep the meeting as scheduled

in Palm Springs after all.

Sure. Whatever you want, Joe.

Great, great. I'’ll see you in a couple of days.

Okay. Looking forward to it.

Me too. Thanks, Mia.

Writers.

Oof.

Ah-choo!

[groans]

So I'’ve been going over some of the local events

that we should take a look at while we'’re here.

There'’s this high society art soiree this afternoon.

Jessica?

Yeah?

Yeah, it all sounds great.

Is everything okay?

[sighs]

It'’s my husband Joe.

He'’s here.

Here in Palm Springs?

Yes.

My kids have been desperately trying

to get us back together again.

Somehow they got his meeting moved here.

And last night they conspired to have you diverted away

from our dinner.

Are you saying that the kids...

Yes, yes. They were the ones who called you last night,

not city hall.

[chuckles]

That'’s actually genius.

Well, it'’s over, and Joe is leaving in the morning, so...

[phone vibrating]

Oh, it'’s the office.

I gotta grab this. Excuse me.

Actually, Joe'’s staying.

Maybe you'’ve given up on me, Jess,

but I haven'’t given up on us.

Look, Joe, I have got to prepare this pitch

for an important meeting with the mayor tomorrow,

and I am not gonna let you mess this up.

I'’m not gonna mess anything up. I'’m gonna help you.

I appreciate what you said about how difficult it is

to balance motherhood and a career.

You were actually listening?

Yeah. You focus on work. I'’m gonna take care of the kids.

You'’d do that?

Yeah. I mean, what else am I gonna do,

play video games?

Mm, okay, but just for the record,

this does not change anything between the two of us.

Duly noted, but for the record,

I'’m gonna cram them full of candy, ice cream and pizza

all day long.

What'’s so funny?

Uh, nothing.

Let'’s get to work.

Yeah.

Ah-choo!

Bless you.

I hate nature.

- [knocking] - Hey, kids!

Dad!

[turns off TV]

Hey!

Ooh!

Mom told us last night that you were leaving.

Are you crazy?

And leave you to have all the fun in Palm Springs by yourself?

I'’m staying right here with you guys.

Well, you know, we can keep helping you.

You know, like a team.

Right. But, uh...

Kids, the whole teamwork thing

didn'’t quite work out so well last night,

so let'’s try not to do anything else

that'’s gonna make your mother more upset than she already is,

especially at me.

Dad, sometimes when two people are meant to be together,

it doesn'’t matter what the universe throws at them.

What'’s meant to be is meant to be.

Well, thank you for that, great philosopher.

Face it. You need all the help you can get.

Yeah, well, we'’ll see.

So what do you want to do today?

Can we go shopping?

What, so close to Christmas?

Well, I could get you something.

- Ah... - Can we ride the sky tram

that goes to the top of the mountain?

The tram, huh?

Silly. Dad'’s afraid of heights.

Hey, I am not afraid of heights.

I'’m simply afraid of falling from heights,

and that is two completely different things.

So... shopping?

Why don'’t we just play it by ear, huh?

♪ Whoo ♪

- D'’you put on sunscreen? - Yeah.

- Yeah? - Yes, sir, yes, I did.

- What about you? - Yeah.

All right.

- Dad! - Huh?

♪ It'’s time to get movin' on ♪

♪ Gotta keep rollin'’ ♪

♪ Rollin'’ on down the line ♪

♪ Gotta keep this engine goin'’ strong ♪

♪ Nothing'’s slowing us down tonight ♪

♪ Gotta keep rollin'’ ♪

♪ Rollin'’ on down the line ♪

♪ Nothing'’s gonna slow me down ♪

♪ Nothing'’s gonna break my stride ♪

♪ Gonna push the pedal down ♪

♪ And just ride ♪

♪ Just ride ♪

♪ Baby, nothing'’s stopping you and me tonight ♪

♪ Rollin'’ ♪

♪ Rollin'’ on down the line ♪

♪ Gotta keep on rollin'’ ♪

♪ Rollin'’ on down the line ♪

♪ What'’d I say ♪

♪ Rollin'’ ♪

♪ I'’m rollin' on down the line ♪

♪ Oh, yeah ♪

♪ Whoo ♪

[mimicking gunshots]

JESSICA: Thank you so much for the tour, Bob.

I had no idea that art and culture

was such an important part of Palm Springs.

It'’s been our pleasure.

I'’m really looking forward to seeing Mr. Reese'’s work.

I wish I could join you at the auction,

but Jessica'’s very capable of representing the firm

while I'’m tied up elsewhere.

Absolutely.

Would you look at the detail on this one!

BOB: Let me tell you a little about this.

It'’s a Navaho rug.

Hi.

What are you doing here?

I was just kidding about the cake and ice cream.

I mean, you can'’t chastise me for introducing our children

to the world of art and culture.

We'’ve been shopping.

That'’s great, honey.

Would you give your father and I...

one minute?

I have to go.

We have an event to attend.

Ah, yes. Spending the afternoon

at the auction of Mr. Reese, are we?

Sounds like fun.

Goodbye, Joe.

♪ Promises, promises ♪

♪ Hope'’s gonna find me ♪

♪ When it feels like the opposite ♪

♪ You'’re there to remind me ♪

♪ Promises, promises ♪

♪ When I'’m filled with worry ♪

♪ You say no matter how tough it is ♪

♪ Keep faith in the journey ♪

No way!

Well, look at you.

You'’ve been sitting here since, what...

1995.

Still happy?

Probably '’cause you can't talk to each other.

You don'’t know how good you got it, pal.

What'’s up, Dad?

I don'’t know. Maybe I'm just making things worse.

What you need to do is make her realize

why she fell in love with you in the first place.

You met in college, right?

Yeah, in the college art gallery.

Your mother was the most beautiful thing

I had ever seen in my life.

DYLAN: So how'’d you make your move?

I took this jacket from one of the guides,

and I pretended to put on this fake art tour.

[chuckling]

It was genius, and your mother loved it.

Wait a minute.

Wait a minute.

Should I?

Oh, yeah. Do it.

What do you think?

Are you a man, or are you a mouse?

Why, you...

Come on.

Come on.

Slow, slow, slow.

We'’re cool.

Can you feel it in the air

This Christmas

[distant chatter]

Ah, thank you.

Oh, wow, look at these pieces.

It'’s amazing how Mr. Reese is able to convey so much

with so little.

I had no idea you were so conversant with art.

I was an art history major as an undergrad.

Yes. I also was heavy into painting

and sculpture and modern dance.

Modern dance?

Guess that explains your artistic vision.

You'’re quite the Renaissance woman.

I guess I should say I used to paint, sculpt and dance.

I see. No more of that.

Well, I put it all aside

to pursue more serious ambitions.

Lucky for us you did.

I feel the same way...

A picture of elegance and beauty.

What is your name?

Jessica.

Jessica, my name is William,

but you can call me Willie.

Mr. Reese, I'’ve admired your work since college.

Jessica studied art history as an undergrad.

Is that right?

It was a passion of mine.

Was? There'’s no such thing as "was."

No. A passion is like a dream.

Once you have it, it'’s yours always.

Wow. I'’ve never really thought of it that way.

I'’m Skip.

Of course you are.

I'’m working on a new campaign for Palm Springs,

and I was wondering if you might wanna share

some of your insight on the city with me.

Absolutely. I would love to share some insight.

Jessica, let show you around.

Jessica, I really like your... ideas.

You know, I was thinking.

I can'’t promise anything, but...

what if I put a word into the mayor'’s ear

when I see her and, uh...

Well, it can'’t hurt.

You have no idea how helpful that would be.

Where do you find these guys, Jess?

Ladies and gentle-mois!

Allow me to be your tour guide

to the world of artistic abstraction.

Let me introduce you to this first piece,

something we like to call "Box...

- Joe. - ...es."

What are you doing?

Clearly the artist was attempting to combine

the worlds of transcendental meditationism

with the neo-geometrical movement

from the 18th century... B.C.!

This is not funny. Stop it.

If you are not impressed,

perhaps I shall introduce you to the crown jewel

of this collection of abstract deformations,

something we like to call "Bob."

[laughter]

Bob is a classical representation

from the proctological movement

from the late Jurassic.

- Okay, that was funny. - Yeah?

Many people don'’t know that "Bob"

was actually painted by a monkey.

[laughter]

What?

Mr. Reese, this is my husband Joe.

Joe, this is William Reese, the artist.

The art... The artist?

Mr. Reese, I was just telling my wife

how much I'’ve always enjoyed your work.

I...

I'’d like you to leave now, please.

Splendid!

- Come out with us tonight. - What?

Just come out with us tonight. Just the four of us.

We'’re gonna look at Christmas lights.

I really think you should leave.

I'’m not leaving here without a yes.

Joe, please.

Perhaps you would like me to reinstate my...

No! Shh! Just stop!

Just... Okay, I'’ll go.

So I'’ll see you outside the lobby at 7:00.

Fine.

This concludes our tour, ladies and gentle-mois.

Remember to bids early, bid often,

and remember it'’s all for charity.

- Go! - Merry Christmas!

You...

are married to that man?

That'’s what the State of New York says.

Gaah!

♪ My baby'’s so ♪

♪ So far away ♪

♪ And now that it'’s Christmastime ♪

♪ I just wanna say ♪

♪ Won'’t you come home ♪

Don'’t worry, Dad. She'’ll be here.

[sighs]

Whatever.

She'’ll be here, Dad.

Yeah.

♪ I know it ain'’t easy ♪

Told ya.

♪ You got so much goin'’ on ♪

So we gonna go look at some Christmas lights?

Yeah.

You look beautiful.

♪ Won'’t you come home ♪

Thank you.

♪ Come home for Christmas this year ♪

♪ And spend it with me ♪

♪ Yeah, yeah ♪

Aw...

♪ All year long it'’s the same old song ♪

♪ It'’s so hard to break away ♪

♪ But at Christmas we were meant to be ♪

I can'’t even remember the last time we did something like this.

I know. I think it was three years ago.

Dylan, you were six.

Oh, that'’s right. He ran into those people'’s yard

with the inflatable Santa.

Do you remember that?

JOE: You took down all the lights.

I felt so bad.

It must'’ve taken them so long to put them up.

And only seconds to take down.

- Oh, God! - Way to go, Dylan.

I don'’t think it's nice to single me out like that.

Oh, don'’t worry, honey.

It won'’t be too long before we all forget again.

Some things I don'’t wanna forget.

And, Dad, can we get some hot chocolate?

Well, I don'’t know. Why don'’t you ask your mom?

Well, why not?

That sounds great.

- All right! - Okay.

Hot chocolate it is.

- You gonna do that? - I don'’t know.

[laughter]

Kids, stay close.

So how'’s the pitch going?

You guys come up with anything?

No, not really.

Well, what can you say about it? It'’s Palm Springs.

It'’s the most famous resort destination on the planet.

What can you say that hasn'’t already been said, right?

Exactly. I know.

- Why don'’t you let me help you? - What?

I am a writer, you know.

Oh, thanks, but, uh...

I really need to do this on my own.

And how did I know you were gonna say that?

Okay.

- I got a surprise for you. - Uh-oh.

So I'’m digging around in the apartment the other day,

and I found...

Our old snow globe.

Do you remember we used to say that if you looked hard enough,

you could find our old apartment?

Our old apartment was a dump.

Yeah, but we were happy there.

Um, you were happy there.

No, I beg to differ. Look! Look, I can see you.

That'’s you right there.

And look. You have a smile on your face.

And you'’re dancing, and I'’m dancing with you.

I don'’t see myself in there anymore, Joe.

Jess...

[phone chimes]

- Don'’t get that. - I have to.

Jess, please. Do you have...

What, is it him?

We'’ve got so much work to do. I'’m sorry.

Look, it'’s not far from here. I can walk.

Jess, don'’t go. No.

Don'’t go.

Joe, we can'’t just magically put all the pieces back together

in one evening.

Why not?

It'’s a nice snow globe.

You wanna talk about it?

I'’ve never had writer'’s block before,

but I just can'’t seem to come up with anything.

I meant Joe.

You know, I really should get these mockups to the printer'’s

before the pitch meeting.

Look, everyone needs to grow up sometime.

We'’re all adults here, right?

Are you talking about me or my husband?

I'’m just looking out for you, Jess, okay?

How can you be at your best with that kind of distraction?

I see the way he behaves, and I think you deserve better.

That'’s all.

What, better like you?

I mean better like better.

You and I have a lot in common.

We both want the same things in life.

Success through hard work.

And as for these pitches you'’ve prepared, they're...

Not good enough.

I didn'’t say that, all right?

No. I did.

You gotta eat it.

You always take my chips.

This is your last one.

- [phone rings] - Stop it.

- I don'’t like onion. - I don'’t want 'em either.

Hang on, kids. I gotta take this.

Hey, Teddy, what'’s up?

I'’m calling to confirm tomorrow'’s meeting.

The producers from Los Angeles, Beverly Hills Theater,

the whole reason why you'’re out there.

Right. I'’m sorry.

I'’m just a little distracted right now.

Well, un-distract. These guys are sparing no expense.

They'’re gonna take you to dinner. There'’s gonna be...

prime rib, truffles, all the good stuff.

So can you please be excited for me, please?

Can you do that?

Yeah, I'’m excited.

But they want me in Los Angeles for the entire prep?

Yeah, and they'’re gonna pay handsomely to do that.

Isn'’t that great?

Yeah, it'’s great, but it'’s also not great.

Look, it'’s not like you have anything else going on

in New York anyway.

Your other play will over by then.

Move your head away from the screen.

- Huh? - You heard me.

Now a little to the right...

and down.

Oh, yeah! That'’s what I'm talkin'’ about.

You happy now?

Listen. News flash.

I'’m not moving to California.

Not for a year, not for a month.

Give me one good reason.

I'’ll give you three good reasons:

Jessica, Dylan and Zoey.

That'’s my final decision,

and if that'’s not acceptable to them,

then you'’re just gonna have to tell them that I'’m out.

You listen to me, buddy.

My reputation'’s on the line here too,

so you'’re gonna go to that meeting,

you'’re gonna hear what they have to say,

and you'’re not gonna be too quick to say no.

If they want you badly enough, we can negotiate.

Who knows where your head'’s gonna be three months from now.

[phone rings]

This is Ian.

Hey, David.

Yeah, it'’s going very well.

We'’re actually presenting our pitch to the mayor

in a just little while.

Jessica? Oh, man. She'’s been amazing.

She'’s smart, ambitious, and charming.

I really like her a lot.

I'’m happy with the way things are working out between us.

I'’m really looking forward to having her with me

for a long time.

No, no, I haven'’t asked her yet,

but I think she'’s gonna say yes.

- Oh, hi. - Going somewhere?

Yeah. Ian and I have our big pitch for the mayor today.

Why don'’t we all go? Maybe Dad can come too.

Oh, honey, this is a business thing.

I don'’t think that would work.

But we had such a good time last night.

I know, honey, but that was last night.

Doesn'’t that mean anything to you?

Hey, can we talk about this later when I get back?

I won'’t be long.

Come here.

You can order a pizza if you want. Bye.

All right. You know what we have to do.

- [knocking] - Dad.

Hey, kids, what'’s up?

Mom and Ian are going to see the mayor.

Yeah, I know. She told me.

We think you should go too.

And why would I do that?

Dad, this is serious.

We heard Ian talking on the phone.

And we think he'’s planning to ask Mom out on a date.

He said he really "liked" her,

and he was gonna ask her a question,

and she would probably say yes.

Wait a minute. Maybe you kids misunderstood.

- You sure? - Yeah.

- Yeah? - Yes!

Dad, we'’ve come so far. You can'’t give up now.

What'’s meant to be is meant to be.

Isn'’t Mom worth it?

Isn'’t this family worth it?

Are you a man, or are you a mouse?

Who are you calling a mouse, Squeaky?

All right.

I'’ll show you a mouse.

Do not worry. The pitch is gonna go great.

I have every confidence in you.

Thank you, Ian.

I just wish I was as confident as you are.

Anyway, her assistant said they'’d be in the main kitchen.

All right. You ready?

I am.

Then let'’s go close this deal.

All right.

It'’s no big secret that other agencies

have failed to give you the magic that you'’re looking for.

That'’s why I'm confident in saying that today

you'’re gonna see something a little different.

Something special.

Well, can it be a fast something-special?

Because I have a cake to bake and a few ribbons to hand out

at the junior high this afternoon.

Yes, ma'’am.

Jessica?

Jessica.

What are you doing?

Do you know what makes Palm Springs special?

It'’s not the museums,

it'’s not the history, the art.

Have you lost your mind?

It'’s not the golf or the retirement homes.

No. It'’s none of that.

It'’s all of it.

This whole town...

is a family.

I mean, the people who live in it,

the people who visit it and breathe it.

The adults, the kids.

I mean, there is something for everyone.

You'’ve got the warmth of the sun,

and at the top of the tram,

you'’ve got an old-fashioned white Christmas.

Palm Springs is...

It'’s a place you feel comfortable.

A place...

that feels like home.

But home is much more than a place.

It'’s something you feel...

in your heart.

Palm Springs...

is in your heart.

I like it.

What? You do?

I do.

You do? She does.

You'’ve got yourself a deal.

Oh, that'’s great!

Just don'’t get all weepy on me. It gives me heartburn.

Okay.

I'’ll need mockups by the 24th.

Skip will do the paperwork.

And now if you'’ll excuse me,

I'’ve got to get this in the oven.

- All right. - Yes, ma'’am.

Thank you, thank you.

Thanks again.

IAN: That was brilliant.

I can'’t believe it, but you did it!

Trust me, I don'’t know what came over me,

but somehow it worked.

Joe.

Jessica.

Joe? Oh, so this is Joe. Hey!

Very nice to finally meet you.

I'’m all good, "Aye-an."

And I know what you'’re trying to do.

You do? And it'’s "Ian."

Yeah, and if you think I'’m gonna stand by,

let you just take my wife from me,

you got another thing coming, pal.

Take your wife?

I'’m not really quite sure what you'’re talking about, man.

I know how you feel about her.

Wait, you mean... [laughs]

Oh, you think that like her and I are...

That'’s right. Let me tell you something.

You like my wife,

you'’re gonna have to go through me first, pal.

Joe, let me give you a little head'’s up.

You'’re making a fool of yourself.

And far as Jess is concerned,

I think she'’s already made it pretty clear

she'’s ready to move on...

and up.

Ohh... [laughs]

I think you'’re all wet.

All wet?

What a snappy comeback.

I thought you were supposed to be some genius writer.

Where did you find this guy?

- Joe! - I meant that literally.

You okay?

Yeah.

- What has gotten into you? - Nothing.

I'’m still the same guy that you fell in love with in college,

and you can'’t stand it.

But you, Jessica, have changed.

You'’re damn right I changed.

I grew up.

I matured.

I set my sights on a goal, and I went after it.

Good, but what happened to Jessica the dancer?

What happened to Jessica the artist?

What happened to those Jessicas?

You'’re not the girl that I married.

Then why are you chasing me so relentlessly?

Because you'’re still the girl I'’m in love with.

You leave me no choice, Joe.

When we get back to Connecticut, I'’m going to file the papers.

What?

- Yeah. - Why?

Because I can'’t keep letting you get in the way of my dreams.

One big deal doesn'’t make a dream, Jess.

My $3,000 suit.

Oh, gosh, I'’m so sorry about that.

♪ You can'’t imagine ♪

♪ How good it feels to hold you right here in my arms ♪

♪ At this holiday season ♪

Joe, what'’s the matter with you?

I thought you were staying through Christmas.

What'’s the matter with you? I signed the contract.

What more do you want from me?

Believe it or not, I want you to be happy,

and this is not the sign of a happy man.

There'’s no reason for me to stay here anymore.

Really? Your two kids aren'’t reason enough?

They'’ll be back in three days. I'’ll see them then.

I am not good company for anybody right now, Ted.

Okay, all right.

Well, take some time, think things through.

I'’m sure everything will be fine.

I guess it just wasn'’t meant to be.

Call me when you get home.

Okay.

Merry Christmas.

Checking out again?

You know, you must be psychic.

You'’re gonna miss the Christmas Eve parade.

Yeah, well, I guess I'’m gonna have to watch it on TV.

Dad?

You'’re not leaving, are you?

You'’re supposed to stay till Christmas.

You weren'’t even gonna say goodbye.

Kids, something came up with the play.

Someone got sick and had to drop out.

It'’s a real emergency.

You kids understand, don'’t you?

They really need me.

We really need you too.

I'’m gonna see you in a couple of days,

and we'’ll have Christmas then, okay?

Okay.

Come on.

You tell your mom I said goodbye.

Let'’s go.

I'’ve never lied to my kids before.

How does that feel?

You don'’t even wanna know.

Thanks, Gabe.

- Hi, kids. - Hey.

Can I talk to you for a second?

Look, I know you'’re both pretty angry with me right now.

But you have to understand.

Sometimes grownups have to make really difficult decisions.

And that'’s just what I did.

You made Dad leave.

Zoey, I...

He said to tell you goodbye.

♪ Winter'’s calling ♪

♪ Felt like summer was only yesterday ♪

♪ The cold is coming ♪

♪ If only we could make the sun shine ♪

♪ Like before you went away ♪

♪ But the winds of change have blown ♪

♪ And it'’s left us here alone ♪

♪ I'’m missing you and the way you make me smile ♪

♪ I'’m wishing you would suddenly appear ♪

♪ If only we could somehow bridge the aisles ♪

♪ We could be laughing here together ♪

♪ Instead of holding back the tears ♪

[guitar twanging]

One of those days, huh?

Hey. What are you doing in there?

This can'’t be real.

I'’m not really here, so don'’t get too excited.

Oh.

Good.

I'’m sorry you didn't change your mind

about spending Christmas in Palm Springs.

Things didn'’t really work out too well out there, did they?

I see.

I don'’t know what I expected.

It'’d be silly to think that I would just fly out there

and things would magically go back to the way they were.

That'’s where you went wrong, son.

It is?

Sure. The way it was is not what you want.

What you want is the way it'’s meant to be.

You want things to change around a little bit.

Yeah, but it'’s Christmas Eve,

and they'’re 3,000 miles away in Palm Springs.

Looks like I ran out of time.

"Do not squander time,

for that is the stuff that life is made of."

Oh, that'’s deep.

That'’s Ben Franklin.

Same thing.

Remember, Joe,

fears are meant to be conquered.

Don'’t let 'em hold you back.

Fears are meant to be conquered.

Fears are meant to be conquered.

♪ My holiday ♪

♪ Is a blue holiday ♪

♪ Without you ♪

[panting]

It'’s not so bad.

[chuckles]

It'’s not so bad.

[laughs]

I did it.

I'’m not scared of heights anymore!

I'’m not scared of heights anymore! I did it!

♪ Go, Santa, go ♪

That'’s right!

♪ Go, Santa, go ♪

♪ Go, Santa, go ♪

♪ Go, Santa, go ♪

No, no, no! Jumbo Junior no longer works for peanuts!

Get back to me when you have a respectable offer!

And the bearded lady?

Not one whisker will she pluck for your commercial.

Oh. Do a little shopping?

I'’m not going, Ted.

What?

I want you to call the producers,

I want you to tell them they can have the show,

but they can'’t have me.

You know that'’s where the big money is, right?

I don'’t care. I'm not moving to California, Ted.

I can pop in and out if they need me. It'’ll be fine.

I love my wife.

I was never there for her because...

I was scared that she wanted me to give up my dream,

but she got scared because she thought

that I wasn'’t supporting her going after her dreams,

but if we both love each other, we can both have our dreams

and keep our beautiful family together

because that... is the real dream.

Fears are meant to be conquered. Do you know what I mean?

No.

I didn'’t think so.

Okay.

Do what you gotta do.

You'’re not mad at me?

I'’m furious.

But I'’ve also been married six times.

What do I know about love?

I got a plane to catch.

Merry Christmas.

I'’ll call ya.

Meshugena.

Get me that bearded lady on the phone.

♪ Oh, we wish you a Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪

You know what? It'’s Christmas Eve.

Why don'’t you go be with your kids,

and I'’ll finish up here?

Maybe you can take them to that parade.

I'’m almost done.

Besides, I don'’t think they're speaking to me at the moment.

Mm.

I'’m sorry about that.

I guess this isn'’t really quite the Christmas

they were hoping for.

It'’s my own fault.

Believe it or not, I think I selfishly put my own needs

ahead of everyone else'’s.

My husband'’s, my children's,

even my own best interests, if that'’s even possible.

I couldn'’t see past the end of my own nose, and...

well...

now I'’m paying for it.

Mrs. Brady, I have a message for you.

It'’s from your children.

- They'’ve left the hotel... - Wait, they left?

No, I'’m sure everything'’s all right.

Sorry, Ian. I'’ve gotta go. Please, let me see.

Thank you.

"I have two hundred feet and twenty horns.

What kind of creature am I?"

A marching band. The parade.

If you hurry, I'’m sure you'’ll get there on time.

Thank you.

Don'’t worry.

I got all this covered.

♪♪ [marching band]

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,

Palm Springs welcomes you

to the annual Festival of Lights parade.

Whoa, whoa.

Hey, I know you guys are mad at me,

but you could have asked if you wanted to go to the parade.

Where'’s the fun in that?

Hey, look!

[laughing]

Look. Look at that one.

Oh, wow. Look at the one way up there.

Do you see? Do you see it?

And now last but not least, our very special guest

Santa Claus and his four-legged friends

from the Palm Springs Adopt-A-Pet Shelter!

[dog barking]

Ho ho ho!

All right.

I guess that'’s it.

♪♪ [rock]

[howls]

♪ I'’m in the doghouse ♪

♪ That'’s nothing new ♪

♪ You know I'’m low ♪

♪ I'’m lonesome and blue ♪

♪ Don'’t wanna play fetch ♪

♪ And I don'’t want no bone ♪

♪ I just need a home ♪

♪ If you'’ll just say yeah ♪

♪ I'’m here to stay ♪

♪ And I'’ll be your pet ♪

♪ On Christmas Day ♪

♪ Never be lonely ♪

♪ And I'’ll always be true ♪

♪ I'’m here for you ♪

♪ You and me, babe ♪

♪ Yeah, you and me, baby ♪

♪ What a match ♪

♪ What a match we would be ♪

♪ And I'’ll be so good ♪

♪ And I'’ll never be bad ♪

♪ And I'’ll make you happy when you are sad ♪

Meow!

♪ If you just say yeah ♪

♪ Then we can play ♪

♪ And I'’ll feel peppy ♪

♪ On Christmas Day ♪

♪ You'’ll never be lonely ♪

♪ I'’ll never be blue ♪

♪ I'’m here for you ♪

And you and you.

And you.

And you and you and you.

And you and you and you.

Uh, not you.

And you.

Maybe you. Yeah, you.

I cannot thank you enough! This is absolutely wonderful!

I think everyone on the float is gonna find a home tonight.

Well, almost everybody.

Oh, I think everybody.

Yeah?

Yeah.

I want the girl I married.

I want the man I married.

And I wanna make people think,

and I wanna make people laugh, and I wanna make people cry.

I wanna write.

And I wanna dance.

And I wanna paint all the colors of the rainbow.

I wanna kiss you.

And I want you to kiss me.

Then shut up and do it!

♪ If you'’ll just say yeah ♪

♪ I'’m here to stay ♪

♪ And I'’ll be your pet ♪

♪ On Christmas Day ♪

♪ Never be lonely ♪

♪ And I'’ll always be true ♪

♪ I'’m here for you ♪

♪ You and me, babe ♪

♪ Yeah, you and me, baby ♪

♪ What a match ♪

♪ What a match we would be ♪

♪ And I'’ll be so good ♪

♪ And I'’ll never be bad ♪

♪ And I'’ll make you happy when you are sad ♪