Original subtitles

(holiday jingle)

- Honey, you not driving up to see us

this year is one thing,

but why are you still at work on Christmas Eve?

- It's just like any other day to me.

- Oh, come on.

You?

The Grinch who loves Christmas?

Since when did you start spending Christmas in the city?

- Does everybody think that Los Angeles

becomes some apocalyptic wasteland

during the holidays?

- Of course not.

LA's like that all year long.

(laughs)

Ali, nobody tees up those one-liners for me like you do.

- Anytime Dad.

- Now, listen, seriously.

With you staying down there all year,

does that mean I won't get to see you til spring?

- I miss you too, Dad, but it's just like six weeks.

I'll be back before you know it.

- Yeah, spoken like a daughter who's

never been a father.

- Someday.

Alright, I should get back at it.

I'll give you guys a call tomorrow.

- Alright, great.

Oh, listen.

Mom and I sent you a little care package

and I'm hoping it gets to you on time.

- Thanks.

I love you.

- I love you, too, Alison.

Merry Christmas, sweetie.

- Merry Christmas.

Daddy.

("The Nutcracker")

- (chuckles) Exactly.

Last chance to join us at the cabin

for wine, hot-tubbing, and Jay's famous baby back ribs.

- Ribs and a hot tub?

- Completely eliminates the need

for moist towelettes.

Genius, right?

- Course, you're insane.

- So you're coming?

- I think the two of you will have a better time

without me watching you pollute the hot tub.

- Jay could always call a buddy.

- That sounds awesome.

- Right?

- For Jay's buddy.

- Ali, the thought of you staying here in town

for Christmas is just depressing.

- Do I look depressed?

- The thought of you staying here alone

is depressing me.

- Alone?

There are four million people in this city.

- It's the worst kind of alone.

Alone and surrounded.

- It's Los Angeles, where everybody spends

Christmas together, just separate.

- Go peddle that someplace else.

You're not celebrating Christmas,

you're skipping it.

- No.

And I'm treating myself to a deep tissue massage

by a burly, yet caring professional.

And I'm gonna binge watch every season

of the Botox Ex-Wives of Boston.

- Ah, that sounds so much better than soggy ribs.

- Aren't you supposed to be talking me out of this?

- I lost focus at burly professional.

- (laughs) You know what the best part is?

Is that no one will be judging me

or incessantly asking if I'm seeing anybody.

- Are you?

- Charice!

- It's been a whole year Al.

- I'm so not having this conversation.

- Fine, I'm all done trying to talk sense into you.

- Finally, the quitter attitude I was counting on.

(playful reggae melody)

Well, thank you for, you know,

staying and helping with the Doyle project.

I know you were on your way home for Christmas.

- And I bought the coffee.

- That too.

(man laughs)

Nicest Christmas bonus I think I ever got.

- Well, Ali, it was the least I could do.

I mean, you were the only person working

Christmas Eve, other than me, and I own the joint.

(Ali chuckles)

Not that working Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

is weird or bad or a desperate cry for help.

- Nope, none of the above Mark.

I just, I wanted some distraction-free work time.

- You are amazing.

At least say you'll have dinner with

Doris and the boys and me tonight.

Christmas Eve.

- Oh, um, I can't.

- It's because I'm a mistake, isn't it?

What happened at the Halloween office party?

- No.

- I said I was sorry.

- Come on.

I mean, who hasn't had a little too much to drink and just

overreached.

(scoffs)

- That's what I told Doris.

Now she has me seein' a professional.

- Oh.

Fingers crossed.

- Yeah, it's not going well.

- Oh.

- Yeah.

Listen, you wanna get outta here

and just have a cocktail somewhere?

- Um--

- I was kidding, I was totally kidding.

But I got ya. - [Ali] Oh.

- Huh, yeah? - [Ali] Yeah.

- [Ali] I mean, yeah. - Tempting isn't it, uh-huh?

- Um, look it, thank you,

but I already have a date actually for Christmas Eve.

- Wow. - [Ali] Yeah.

- [Mark] Lucky guy. (laughs)

- Well, hug Timmy and Malcolm for me.

- I would, except now they're teenagers.

They don't hug anymore.

They don't talk, they don't hug.

They just want money and the keys to your car.

- Right.

- But kids are great, you know what I mean?

So I will tweet them your regards.

- There you go.

- [Mark] Okay.

- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas, you two have a great time on that date.

(man scoffs) (Ali sighs)

I'm a little bit jealous.

I'm kidding.

(laughs)

- Yeah, I have a date.

With a dutch chocolate cake.

(thud and splash)

(gasps)

(playful music)

(crack and moan)

(groans) (thud)

- Yeah, you'll love (mumbling).

It has a super easy vibe.

- I can't wait.

- [Man] Ali, is that you?

- Cam, hey.

Merry Christmas.

- Wow, how long has it been?

- A year, exactly a year.

You know, roughly.

- Uh, Samantha, this is Alison.

Alison and I used to uh--

- Yeah, I cracked the code.

- Nice to meet you.

- Hi.

- Ali,

how've you been?

- Good, totally good.

Yeah, no, really, really good.

- So, do you live here?

In the park?

- Me?

What, here?

- Uh, I figured you would probably be

headed up north to your folks by now

for the obligatory Pennebaker family Christmas.

- No, you know what, I decided I was

just gonna stay here and do some work.

- Oh, work through the holidays, huh?

That's dedication.

- Can we, um, can you go down memory lane another time?

I'm kinda running late.

- We're, uh, we're headed to Aspen.

- Oh, enjoy.

Nice to meet you.

- Likewise.

You, you have a lovely park.

Honey.

- Wow, I don't know what happened to her.

- She clearly lost you, then lost her mind.

Who wouldn't?

(bell jingles)

- I assume anywhere is fine?

- Yeah, no, afraid not.

No shoes, no shirt, no service.

- Seriously?

- Hey, I don't make the rules.

I just get paid an insulting amount to enforce them.

- Yeah, bet you wouldn't be such a stickler

for the rules if I took my shirt off.

- Please don't.

- I wasn't really going to.

- Oh, no, no, no, I'm sure you weren't.

You don't seem like the desperate type at all.

(playful dramatic music)

Both of them.

- So we good?

- Anywhere you like sweetie.

(sighs)

(playful dramatic music)

OpenSubtitles recommends using Nord VPN

- Big juicy burgers.

Exactly the Christmas Eve feast I need.

- The roast beef sandwich is to die for.

- I'm sorry?

- Roast beef sandwich, trust me.

And get the fries, not the cop-out side salad.

It's Christmas Eve.

You don't mind, do you?

On holidays, a lady should never eat alone.

- Who says I'm alone?

- I'm talkin' about me.

- Oh, sure, I guess.

- French fries.

No one will know except you and me

and the mean waiter.

- Wait, didn't you--

- Used to be over there?

Yes, now I'm over here.

- No separate checks.

- What, another rule?

- Would you like to see the whole book?

(playful dramatic music)

- Two roast beef sandwiches with fries, burn em.

- Okay.

- Um, actually, I'll have your juicy burger.

Well done.

- You might as well order a shoe.

She'll have that medium.

- What?

- I'm begging you here.

- (sighs) Medium.

- Thank you.

- Don't mind him.

His wife left him for a short order cook

at a nice diner, which wouldn't take much.

I'm Ginny, by the way.

- Ali.

- So what twisted reason do you have

for eating fattened carbs alone on Christmas Eve?

- I was working.

I didn't feel like traveling to see my family this year.

- No guy or girl or whatever?

- So what, you think I need a guy or whatever?

- No, but you do.

One guy in particular, I'm guessing,

who's still messing with your head.

There is a picture of him on your desk.

Sometimes you talk to it.

- Um, I did, actually, break up with my boyfriend

exactly a year ago.

- Yes, I still got it!

Oh, I'm sorry, please continue.

- Well we were living together.

He was dropping hint after hint,

or, you know, at least I thought he was.

So when the engagement ring that I was

so sure was in that little box

turned out to be earrings,

I overreacted.

- Overreacted, like stuck a fork in his hand overreacted?

- No.

- Planted drugs on him and called the cops overreacted?

- No, I broke up with him the next morning.

- That's it?

- You know, I just got caught up in the

whole so-called magic of Christmas thing

and I was a child.

There is no magic.

There's just life.

- Excuse me, there is magic.

- Okay.

You're one of those.

- One of those what?

- One of those, magic-is-everywhere,

you-just-have-to-go-off-your-meds people.

- Magic isn't everywhere, not even every-when.

It's just at Christmas.

- That's kind of even worse.

- I'm just saying if all this grief

is about one overreaction, hey, undo that reaction.

- Oh, okay, yeah, and I'll just undo

his girlfriend while I'm at it.

- Listen, if you could do last Christmas

over again, would you?

- Well, that's impossible, obviously.

But if I could do that moment over again,

yeah, I would.

- Enjoy meat-eaters.

- You want my roast beef, don't you?

- What, no, my burger looks awesome.

- Yes, the burger does look awesome,

but that doesn't alter the fact

that you want the roast beef.

- No.

Okay, kind of.

Yes.

- See?

I ordered your juicy burger medium

because Mama likes a little juice.

Mm-hmm.

(chuckles)

(moans)

- You're right, this is amazing.

- You would've been so unhappy with this.

See, sometimes people do get second chances.

Would you be okay with half a roast beef sandwich?

- Don't even think about it.

- Well, that's not the Christmas spirit, McScrooge.

(laughs)

- Thanks for the company.

That was fun.

- Fun, ooh, pace yourself.

- I mean it, we should do this again sometime.

Here, let me give you my information.

- Oh, I already have your information silly.

I'm sure I'll see you soon.

- Well, how do I find you?

- Oh, I'll be around.

(cackles)

- Here you go, Miss.

Uh, hey.

Who served you without shoes?

- Seriously?

What is with you guys and shoes?

Fine, go ahead, kick us out.

Oh wait, we're leaving. (chuckles)

- By we, you mean ...

(whimsical chiming)

Merry Christmas, ma'am,

to you and your imaginary friend.

(mysterious music)

- When crazy's in town, it eats here.

- Yeah, copy that.

(playful dramatic music)

(sighs)

- [Voiceover] The Earthquake State with their

usual ratings grabbing shenanigans.

Biting, cursing, breathing, running around naked,

and playing with dogs.

But center stage this season seems to be unfiltered brandy.

(Ali chuckles)

- To Christmas Eve.

From now on.

- [Voiceover] And Carlton is one special lady.

(Ali sighs heavily)

Are you sure you mean witch?

(bell dings)

- [Voiceover] Rise and shine sleepy head.

- Mom?

What're you doing here?

- What am I doing where?

- I'm in the guestroom?

- Okay.

Oh, yes, you're in the guestroom with out Cam.

I know you lived together, I get it.

But maybe after you're engaged.

- Whoa, whoa, whoa, back up, back up.

Cam's here?

- Yeah, he's downstairs with your dad

fixing breakfast, God help us all.

- So it didn't happen yet.

Or has it happened?

(gasps)

Ooh! (loud thud)

- (laughs) You're still as clumsy as ever.

(both laugh)

What's the rush?

- Rush, um, I'm starving.

- That's no surprise, you ate zero dinner last night,

and then you finished off half a box

of my Christmas cookies.

- Last night.

(lips smack)

Race ya downstairs.

(women laugh)

(moan and thud)

- Honey?

- [Ali] I'm okay.

- I'm tellin' you, you get your

coordination from your father.

("Jingle Bells" jingle)

- Good morning, my Ali, so how'd you sleep?

- Slept great.

- Good, it's so good to have you home, sweetie.

- Morning baby.

- Oh, see, that's why they're sleeping in separate rooms.

- What?

- Hey, no, no, Brian, it's actually no big deal.

We have the rest of our lives to spend together.

- Well, that's the wonderful thing about him, Ali.

- Well, that's just one of many, many, many, many things.

- So have you two can actually cook something

we can have for breakfast?

- Yeah, bacon and eggs, we're ready to roll.

- Yum.

- Heavy on the eggs, light on the bacon,

this guy here started eating early.

(gasps)

- Oh, way to rat me out, sir.

Trying to get on my good side again, I can tell.

- What can I say?

- So what's on the agenda for today?

- Um, well, we're gonna get Jason from the airport.

Uh, the Christmas toy wrap at the club,

and then we're gonna go for Christmas Eve dinner

there with the Spivacks from across the street.

And that was all on the activity sheet

that I slipped under everybody's door.

- Right, sorry, just a little spacey this morning.

- Yeah, you don't seem terribly excited about all of it.

You've always loved coming home for Christmas.

- Yeah, I did, I do.

Mom, this is gonna be the best Christmas Eve ever.

- You have no idea.

c

- Yeah, alright gang.

Shake a leg.

The stagecoach pulls out in five.

(lips smack) With or without you.

- He's been saying it exactly like that since we were kids.

- Is there actually a stagecoach

and if you don't shake a leg,

will the thing leave without you?

- Good point.

- Let's not find out, huh?

Come on.

Let's roll.

- I'm coming, I'm coming.

Oh shoot.

(bells on doorknob jingle)

- Come on, come on, come on everybody, let's go,

let's file in, don't want to be late.

- Jason can wait five minutes, Dad.

- Honey, with all your schedules,

your mom and I only get to spend

five minutes with you every three years,

so, you know, we have to make the most of it.

- Ali, come on, hon. - [Brian] Thank you darling.

- Thank you so much, alright, let's get in the car,

come on, this is another unscheduled hug

that's throwing us off schedule,

get in the car, thank you so much.

- Now, don't make up time the way you usually do,

ignoring pedestrians in the crosswalk.

(playful music)

- Hi, ah, my folks said you were coming back this year.

- [Ali] Yes.

- Hey.

- Hey.

- Yeah, Cam and I have been traveling

the last few Christmases, so.

- Yeah, if you haven't been to Vienna

to see the professional holiday displays there, you should.

It's amazing.

- I'll keep that in mind.

So you'll come to the club later, right?

- Uh, yes, definitely, and Jason, too.

We're actually on the way to get him

from the airport right now.

- [Man] Jason, God, I haven't seen that kid in,

since I don't know when.

- That makes two of us.

- What part of the world's he workin' these days?

- Uh, Singapore, I believe, and then Sydney next.

- I don't know how he keeps it all straight.

- Me either.

- Well, I better get back.

My dad's so old-school, he loves to wait

til Christmas Eve to put all those up.

- Ha.

- [Man] But I'll see you later, right?

- Yes, absolutely.

- So you really dated that guy in high school, huh?

- What?

No.

Why would you think that?

- Oh I, no, I mean, you live across the street

from him, I figured maybe--

- No, no, Nick's always felt just as much like

a brother to me as Jason.

- Just checkin'.

(playful dramatic music)

♫ Deck the halls with boughs of holly

♫ Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

♫ 'Tis the season to be jolly

♫ Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la ♫

- You know, Dad, I could've gotten

to your place from the airport.

They have these things now called cabs.

- Oh, come on, that is a waste of money.

Come on, you know how much a taxi would cost out here.

- Dad, you think everything's a waste of money.

- No, that's not true, your father likes nice things.

He just wants to pay as little as possible for them.

- That's just a diplomatic way to admit that he's cheap.

- (laughs) Yeah, Dad's Scotch-Canadian,

in the world of cheapness, that's a blackjack.

- I heard that.

- Good, then we won't have to say it again.

- You know, Jason, if you'd taken a cab,

you might've missed toy drive.

- You know, you could've just written a check.

- Now, where is the fun in that?

- Oh, first fun thing just happened.

Can't feel my butt.

("Joy to the World" instrumental)

- That's right, oh thank you, sir.

Alright, same bet as every year:

he or she who wraps the fewest gifts

gets to wash the Christmas dinner dishes,

tomorrow at our house.

- I don't like that bet, I never have.

- That's because you're a perfectionist.

If you'd just cut out that nonsense,

you would stop losing every year.

- You know what?

I like pretty wrappings!

And I refuse to rush the process.

- Okay, mom,

these presents are the only one's these kids are gonna get.

I don't think they're gonna notice the wrappings.

- Yeah, but I would.

- Yes, and civilization as we know it would end.

- Oh, I'd pipe down if I were you, Mister Giggles.

Next to Mom, you are the absolute

worst gift wrapper in this group.

- Dad, think about that bet.

I don't own a single dish.

Do you really want me washing yours?

- Let me answer that for you.

No.

(laughing)

(soft piano music)

- These gifts, these are for needy children, right?

- Yes.

- Okay, so

if you're a needy kid, do you need a doll?

How about a useful gift instead?

- Each kid gets a toy and something useful,

like you said, shoes or clothes.

Okay, so why the toy at all?

That's all I'm saying.

Why not two useful gifts?

- You were a child at one point, right?

I mean, besides this moment right now?

- (laughs) I'm just saying it seems like a big waste.

- Well, you know what?

I doubt there's much magic in their lives.

You know, when your whole life is about need,

it's probably a welcome distraction

to have something frivolous.

- A ha!

You admit, it's frivolous.

See?

Look, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, I know, you love Christmas.

I just ...

I've never caught the whole magic of the

season fever.

Just always seemed a bit ridiculous to me.

- I'm starting to see things a little more your way.

- Hold on a second.

Last night, you were wearing antlers

and literally chasing me around the house

with mistletoe.

This morning, you're gonna wake up

and all of a sudden you give up

on the holiday spirit altogether?

- I've not given up on it.

I just, I think I've been focusing on it too much.

You know, it doesn't matter that it's Christmas.

What matters is that

some little girl is gonna get a nice doll,

that we wrapped.

And that we get to spend time with the people that we love.

- Like me?

- Of course.

Come here.

- Eggnog for my darling girl

and sparkling water for my darling guy.

And if it turns out to be champagne,

whoops, my bad.

- We're outta paper, I'm gonna go get some more.

- Okay.

- Does Ali seem a bit weird to you today?

- No, Ali's always a little weird.

It's part of her charm, hmm.

Oh, these are all gonna have to be redone.

(playful dramatic music)

- Excuse me, I need some more wrapping paper.

- Sure thing, doll.

Anything in particular?

- What are you doing here?

- What aren't I doing here?

I'm the wrapping manager,

getting no help. (sighs)

- So, I really get to redo Christmas Eve with Cameron?

- You said that was the part you wanted to do over.

You got your wish.

- But how?

And why me?

- Okay.

Did you see Men in Black?

- Yes.

- This is nothing like that.

Did you see Back To The Future?

- Yes.

- It's nothing like that.

- Okay, look.

You brought me here.

- Well, maybe.

But, from here on out, you're on your own, chickadee.

I'm just here in case you need further guidance,

which you will.

- Well, yeah, well, give me some further guidance on this.

Cam just told me that he's never understood Christmas.

- So, you claim neither do you anymore.

- Right, but that's not the point.

The point is, is that he's never said that.

He never said it a year ago.

He's never said it ever.

- And ...

- Well, isn't this supposed to be all,

like, deja vu-ish?

Aren't people supposed to be saying

the same things they said last year

and then I get a chance to respond differently

and fix things?

- Okay, I see the problem here.

What we need is a basic physics lesson

before we proceed with your Christmas redo.

- Physics?

- Yes.

It's something called the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle,

which says that the very act of observing something

inherently changes it.

- Okay, so, I can't violate the laws of physics,

other than time travel.

- You got it. (laughs)

- Okay, but so, how am I supposed to know

what's gonna happen next

if everything is happening differently

than I remember it the first time?

- I know, right?

Those guys in Groundhog Day had it easy.

(laughing)

(Ali sighs)

- Come on, come on.

Come on.

$5 for whoever can catch me.

Don't ever catch me!

♫ I'm the king of toys, I'm the king of toys ♫

(girls giggling)

(serene music)

- [Ali] Sorry, Cam, I got distracted.

- [Cam] Oh, hey, um ...

- [Ali] Sorry.

- Ali, look, um,

I know that you are a big stickler

for holiday tradition, okay?

Yes, but, I was, just wanted to give you

your big present, um, early.

Not Christmas morning, but instead, tonight.

Before you say anything, I just feel like it would be

a lot more romantic that way.

(chiming music)

- Big present?

- I'm not answering any questions.

I'm not giving any hints.

- Sure, whenever you want.

- Whenever I want?

Did I ...

This is coming from the girl who

at last Christmas, I was eating,

remember the 11th of, day of Christmas chocolate

on the ninth day of Christmas

and you got so upset with me?

- I didn't get upset.

- I believe your exact words were,

"You wrecked Christmas."

(birds chirping)

- Yeah, okay, that rings a bell.

You know what, but this is the new and improved

more flexible Ali.

- Well, I, I like this new Ali.

Should keep her around.

- That's the plan.

(lively guitar music)

- Oh, I'm thinking strawberries

and gorgonzola for the salad tomorrow.

- Why don't we throw in some sunflower seeds,

give it a little texture?

- Ooh, I love that.

- So, how are things going at work, kitten?

- Dad, I'm 30.

I'm not a kitten anymore.

- You'll always be my kitten.

You're gonna have to deal with that.

(laughing)

- Things are good.

- Good.

- Oh, I got a promotion.

(all gasping)

I, I'm up for a promotion,

for project manager.

Which I'm gonna get.

- Of course you are.

You're the strongest architect they got.

- Spoken like a true brother.

- So, Jason, how are things going in Singapore,

and Taipei, and the Guatamala?

- Same as always.

I'm living out of a hotel,

eating at restaurants every night.

- Sounds like heaven, actually.

- Well, after a few years, it wouldn't.

- Wanna bet?

(playful dramatic music)

(background chatter)

- I have rarely seen two people

that excited about fruit.

- I can't take it anymore.

I'm hiding.

I'm waiting for Dad and Jason to get back

from their bourbon run.

- A likely story.

You're a jukebox junky.

I'm here to intervene.

- (chuckles) Picking up food for the family?

- Uh, for me.

I just live a healthy walk from here.

- Oh, wow, when you said

you weren't gonna leave the neighborhood,

you meant literally.

- I leave.

Sometimes.

My gym, it's all the way across town.

(laughing)

And I like this neighborhood.

It was good enough for us to grow up in.

- Dad said that you have

the biggest contracting company around these days.

- We're doing okay.

Got 20 employees, twice as many when we're busy.

Why, you lookin' for work?

- You know what?

I'm actually really handy with a lug wrench.

- Yeah?

- Mmhmm.

What is a lug wrench?

- Ugh, I was hopeful for a sec.

(laughing)

Actually, we do a lot of decorating for the holidays.

You would be stunned how much sane people will spend

on a little professional Christmas cheer.

- Oh, I, I live with Cam.

I got over the shock of what people spend

a long time ago.

- Well, you'll see some of my work at the club tonight.

- [Ali] Yeah?

- I would love your opinion.

If I can pass the Ali Miss Christmas Pennebaker test,

I'll know I've made it.

- Mmm, what'd I miss so far?

- Uh, we were just discussing

Ali's skills with a lug wrench.

- Mmm, the only tool that Ali really is familiar with is me.

- A little hard on yourself there.

- Tell me you weren't already thinking it, though.

(playful dramatic music)

- Can't do that.

- Nick was just telling me about his business.

- Mmm, construction, right?

You build houses and stuff?

- Actually, I was just telling Ali that a big chunk

of our work right now is decorating for the holidays.

- Quite the picture, huh?

Buncha big, burly construction guys

hangin' tinsel for the holidays.

It's cute.

- Big burl construction guys

like Christmas just as much as the next guy.

(bell rings)

- Hey everyone!

Sorry it took us so long,

but we settled on the Wibberly's.

- It's the bourbon of kings.

Really, really cheap kings.

- Well, I didn't hear you offer to pay for it.

- No, you didn't.

- [Dad] No.

- Okay, finally, come on, take these.

We gotta go.

- [Jason] Really?

- [Mom] Let's get the groceries home.

- So, we'll find you at the club in a couple hours, yes?

- Just follow the tinsel.

(serene country music)

- [Cam] The little black dress was invented for you.

- (scoffs) Yeah, I wish.

- Quiet, now.

I know what I'm talking about.

- Oh god, I've missed this so much.

- What, since yesterday?

Okay, damn, I guess I'm that good.

- No arguments here.

- You know, it's really a shame

that you look this beautiful tonight.

It's gonna be really rough on Nick.

- (laughs) What are you talking about?

Nick doesn't care what I'm wearing.

- Clearly the guy has a thing for you.

- Cam, you think everybody has a thing for me.

- Most of them do.

I can't blame them.

But don't tell me that you can't see

the way he looks at you

with those pathetic little puppy dog eyes.

- Oh come on, that's so mean.

And not even true.

- Okay, alright, I'm off base then.

- Yes!

Growing up across the street from each other,

our parents best friends,

Nick was like a second brother.

- Got it.

- Seriously.

I don't even think he thinks of me as a girl.

- I think that dress will do the trick.

- (sighs) Should I change?

I think I've got some shapeless,

footsie pajamas around here.

- Deflecting with humor.

You do that.

Should I feel jealous now?

- Whoa, suddenly, I'm in charge of your feelings?

- I was just asking you a question.

If I weren't in the picture,

would you be interested in the, uh,

local handyman?

- (scoffs) Why are we even talking

about hypothetical questions?

- Why are you dodging my hypothetical questions?

- No!

Okay?

The answer is no.

I am here with you

where I have dreamed about being for the last ...

For a very long time.

Whatever would have happened with me and Nick

would have happened,

or wouldn't have happened,

a long time ago.

So, seriously, you need to let this go, okay?

- We all have options, that's all I'm saying, okay?

I could have patched things back up with Antoinette.

- Your ex?

- She dropped her rebound guy

a month after you and I got together.

I could have looked her up.

I could have called her,

but I didn't want to be rude to you.

- Rude to me?

So, good manners is what kept you

from dumping me for your ex girlfriend?

- You know that's not what I meant.

- Well, is Antoinette still on the market?

You should call her up.

Wish her a merry freakin' Christmas,

for all I care.

(serene music)

- I'm gonna walk away

before I say something I regret.

- Before?

(door shuts)

- [Cam] Being a typical woman.

Yeah, that's what I'm trying to tell you.

- Sounds like Cam is having an important phone call.

Uh, I,

I gather you two had words?

- Why can't he just be calling his mom?

It's Christmas Eve.

- Uh, honey, it sounded like he said this was a trainwreck?

But, it could have been Merry Christmas, I ...

I don't eavesdrop as well as I used to, sorry.

- He's jealous of Nick.

- Nick, talented, successful,

nicest guy you could meet,

heck, I'm even jealous of Nick.

- No, Dad, this was different.

This was a part of Cam that I don't recognize from before.

- From before what?

- Okay, look,

Cam has a jealous streak, most guys do,

but over a person I've never even dated?

- Honey, jealousy is not unusual

and unheard of in a relationship, you know that.

Usually it just passes.

- No, I just can't figure out why now.

And why Nick?

- Because you and Nick have a history

that Cam wasn't a part of

and he's never met this, Ali,

and he's not sure what to expect from her.

- How can he not know what to expect?

We've dated for five years.

- I know, I know,

but I've always had the feeling

that Cam's been a little insecure

around here, in your world,

and maybe this is just a part of it.

- Hmm.

It's hard to imagine Cameron

feeling insecure about anything.

- He's only human, sweetheart.

Well, I mean we all go squirrely about something, right?

- Even you?

- Oh yeah, especially me.

Come on, help me cheat on my diet.

- No, dad, you don't understand.

Cam and I never had this fight.

- And just because he hasn't said it out loud,

doesn't mean he hasn't been thinking of it.

Just, you know, be honest with him.

I mean, Nick's never been on your romantic radar.

It's simple.

- I'm scared to even say Nick's name at this point.

- Well ...

- Have you guys seen Cam out there

having some kind of emotional melt down

on the phone?

- Jason,

this is not the time, okay?

- He's really got his undies in a bunch.

Oh wait, I bet he wears a thong.

- You're one to judge, Mr.,

Giorgio Armani.

- Al, I wear nice suits to work.

I don't feel the urge to match my skinny jeans

to my vintage chambray shirt

with retro timepiece.

- I don't know what most of those words mean.

- We know, Dad.

- You know what?

I think I finally understand

why you and Cam don't get along.

You guys are so much alike.

- If I ever turn into that guy, somebody smack me

until you get tired of smacking me,

and then switch hands and keep on smacking.

- Alright, are we finally all ready to go?

- We've been ready for a while now, Mom.

- You know, when you're young,

you can just wash your face

and throw some clothes on.

At my age, it takes a little more finesse

to look this good.

- Well, the finesse is worth the effort.

You look great, Mom.

- Oh, thank you, honey,

but I didn't get you the Tesla this year,

again.

- What?

That's it, I'm running away from home.

(laughing)

- You think you're so funny.

- Because I am funny.

Mom, ask around.

- Oh, and I saw Cam out there.

What's happened to him?

- He got in a fight with Al,

now he's out there probably

crying on the phone to his mommy.

I wonder if she'll fly out here and burp him for us?

- Alison, what did you do to the boy?

- What did I do?

- Well, I know how you get.

And, he's very sweet.

- Mom, have you actually met Al's boyfriend, Cameron?

I'll introduce you when he's done snivel--

(door shuts)

- Just finishing up some business.

Don't we have a party to get to?

(dramatic music)

(upbeat music)

♫ Bells on bobtails ring

♫ Making spirits bright

♫ Oh what fun it is to ride and sing

♫ A sleighing song tonight

♫ Jingle bells jingle bells

♫ Jingle all the way

♫ Oh what fun it is to ride

♫ In a one-horse open sleigh

♫ Jingle bells jingle bells

♫ Jingle all the way ♫

- Oh, I see the Lemlys.

- And I see the bar.

Dad, how about I buy the first round?

- Well, music to my ears, sir.

Lead the way.

- We need to talk.

- Let's just get through this here and

we'll talk about it back home, not here.

Just promise me I'm not going to have to

hang out with your buddy Nick all night.

- Well, that might be tough,

because my family sits with the visitor.

Always have.

- Wonderful.

I'm gonna go get a drink.

♫ See the blazing yule before us ♫

- You thirsty gentlemen.

Apparently I have some catching up to do.

- Cameron,

can my son buy you a drink, sir?

- Excuse me?

Clearly my father's generosity exceeds his judgement.

♫ While I tell of yuletide treasure

♫ Fa la la la la la la la la ♫

- If I were Cam,

I wouldn't leave my girlfriend alone

at a party full of eligible bachelors.

- Oh, eligible bachelors, you say?

Well, if you can find another man here, besides you,

who is under 50, single, and not twice divorced,

I'll give you a hundred bucks.

- Hey, being over 50 and divorced a couple times

is not gonna stop them hitting on you.

Many still have enough money

to give 50% of their stuff

to a third future ex-wife.

- Oh, gosh, you make it sound so romantic.

- Hi, I'm Samantha, I'll be your bartender.

- I'm Jason.

I'll be your designated drinker.

- Good one.

- Thanks.

And mom thinks I'm not funny.

- Hmm, imagine that.

- Actually, I was just being polite.

I get that designated drinker line about

three times a shift.

- You got me.

I'm a hack.

So, you wanna just get outta here?

- Hmm, you're cute. (giggles)

- When you can steal a sec,

I'd like an elderflower martini, please.

- Ha!

Not here you won't.

- Okay.

How about something local then?

A shot and a beer.

- You got it, Harvard.

- Cameron, so nice of you to climb off your high horse

to join us simple folk down here.

- Tell me something, Jason.

What is it, that is bothering you so much about me?

- What, do you want a list, a telegraph,

PowerPoint presentation?

- I want to take you for a little walk,

just you and me, how about that?

- Boys, don't make me come over there.

(clears throat)

- I see Cam is finally bonding with the Pennebaker men.

- You don't hate Cam, do you?

- I don't hate anyone, Al.

I don't wanna date him.

- Well, that's not what I--

- Or hang out with him,

or really talk to him ever again.

- Okay.

Question withdrawn.

Well, what about you?

The last time I talked to my parents,

they said that you were dating a yoga instructor.

- Pilades,

no we broke up around Halloween.

- Well, any eligible bachelorettes here tonight?

- I'm actually hiding from my parents

who are desperate to introduce me to Lila,

the local veterinarian.

- Oh, family fix ups.

- I'm sure Lila's fine,

but I'm at the point where

I want for there to be the possibility

of it going somewhere.

And, I want it to be undeniable,

on both sides.

- Yeah, but even still, how can you be sure?

- I don't know,

but suddenly I don't wanna waste anymore time.

I know that seems weird to someone like you.

- Don't be so sure.

- I'm rehabbing this old house

at the edge of the old neighborhood,

big backyard and a basketball hoop in the driveway,

and it just hit me.

I'm ready for the person who's ready for that.

- That sounds nice, Nick, truly.

- Al, where do you find these guys?

Cam just ordered an elderflower martini,

elderflower.

- Yeah, but have you ever had an elderflower martini?

- Sorry, I'm still reeling from someone

more pretentious about alcohol than myself.

- It's good to see you, Jayce.

- Hey, it's good to see you too.

This place looks amazing.

This is great.

- Thank you.

I charge them plenty for it, trust me.

- Of course, we're doing the same deal, right?

Everything is split 50/50?

- Hey, send me an invoice, just don't hold your breath.

(laughs)

- I see a party foul.

Those hands are empty.

Let's fill 'em up with some drinks.

Right this way, sir.

- You heard the man.

- Have fun.

(laughing)

- It's Christmas, what can I--

- Pardon me, may I ask for a dance?

- What a nice offer, yes.

- Oh, yes, whoops! (laughs)

Hey, hey, hey. (laughs)

- Now, if I could only romance your daughter

the way I can you.

- I know, I'm so--

- I feel like I'm very charming.

- You are charming, I think.

- I didn't mean to ruin your night.

I know how much you love Christmas Eve.

- I don't care that it's Christmas Eve.

I just don't like it when we fight.

- Everybody fights sometimes, Ali.

- You know, in 30 years,

I've never seen my parents fight once.

- (laughs) Yeah.

Well, they fight alright.

They were just going at it this morning

about how your Mom wants to turn the den into

a professional pottery studio.

- What?

Mom does pottery?

- Not yet.

But is she had the studio ...

I'm sorry that I overreacted, Ali.

- There's nothing between me and Nick.

- I know.

- You're my present,

and I hope my future.

- I don't know what it is about that guy.

I see the two of you together, and it just bugs me,

and I know I shouldn't feel insecure or threatened,

by the brick-layer that wants 3.2 kids

and a tacky above ground pool in his backyard.

- Basketball hoop.

- I know you're not interested in changing diapers,

and baking brownies for the PTA meetings, so ...

- [Ali] What does that mean?

- I just, that's what those women are all about.

You know, they revolve around school lunches

and carpooling, and driving the snot-nosed kids

to and from field trips.

- Wait, you don't want ...

You don't like kids?

- I didn't say that.

I don't dislike kids.

I just ...

I like my

handwoven eggshell rug.

Right, how long's that gonna hold up

with grubby little baby fingers?

- But we agreed, I mean I thought we agreed

that we would wait five years

and then have kids.

- We agreed that we would talk about a change

if we were bored with our lifestyle

and travel and everything.

- Oh, I thought that we would wait five years

and then have kids, not just talk about it.

- Alison, I thought we were on the same page about this.

I didn't think you were cut out for this kind of thing.

- Not cut out?

- Yeah, look, you have one life that you live,

and you wanna waste it raising babies?

I mean, that's not who we are.

We're adventurers, we get out.

We wanna be wandering down La Rambla at 4:00 AM.

That's, that's, that's who we are.

- Okay, well La Rambla, that was an amazing vacation,

but Cameron, at some point--

- Let's talk about this later, alright?

Let's ...

Mom sent me out here

to let you know that they're gonna be serving dinner.

And I wanted to come out here and just,

just tell you I'm not mad anymore.

I mean, I know it's been a rotten night so far,

but I promise you,

there's a cute little present

with your name on it,

in your very near future.

And it's,

it's gonna fix everything.

- Okay, well, um ...

I'll meet you at the table, okay?

I just need a second.

(upbeat music)

- You're up, sister.

If I were you, I'd light a match in there.

Not good.

- You're one of the carolers?

- Two years of voice at Juilliard

I had to drop out 'cause this gig

wasn't covering my tuition.

- Stop it, Ginny, this is terrible.

- Tell me about it.

The tall one's only moving her lips.

- You did not come back in time

to sing Deck the Halls at my parents' country club.

- I'm trying to convince them to turn me loose

on Good King Wenceslas.

Something with some bite!

♫ Good King Wenceslas something something

♫ On a Christmas morning

♫ Good King Wenceslas came around

♫ On a crispen evening ♫

- Clearly, I'm doing something wrong

for you to be back so soon.

- I didn't show up because you messed up,

I'm just trying to help you stay on task here.

- Some task.

- That's life, though.

You push down one lumpy section of eggshell rug

another pops right back up.

- Cam doesn't want kids.

- Not everyone does.

Preferring to sleep in Sundays

on 1000 thread count sheets

instead of coaching soccer,

doesn't make him a bad guy.

- I know, you're right.

- But, if you want kids, and he doesn't,

now that's a problem even

non-grubby little hands won't fix.

Really?

You've been together five years!

You didn't discuss wanting kids earlier?

- Well, I don't know.

I guess we just talked around it.

I mean I always knew I wanted kids.

I just assumed that Cam did too.

- Right, 'cause we know all good relationships

are based on assumptions, not communicating.

- Hey, we talk plenty, okay?

We've just been more concerned with business-class upgrades,

than gastropubs.

Para-sailing.

- So, why suddenly bring up children?

- I don't know, I guess just talking to Nick--

- That guy Nick does seem to be causing

a lot of romance trouble for someone

who you think of as the brother.

- I thought this was about my overreaction

to some stupid present.

- Ali, think.

With the chance to travel in time and redo the past,

be wasted on something as simple as that?

(classical music) (laughing)

(fork ringing glass)

- Tonight,

I have a very special gift

for a very special woman.

- [Robin] Oh.

- No, not you Robin,

although you are very special,

and I do have a gift for you, but--

- Never a doubt.

- Ha.

- Wanna guess what it is?

- Framed photo of yourself?

No, you'd never go for one that small.

- Jason.

- Open it, open it.

- They're boarding passes.

- First class, Aspen.

- Wait, these say that we leave tomorrow morning.

- Mm-hmm.

- Christmas morning.

- Mom, did you know about this?

Are you okay with this?

- Well, Cam asked before he booked it,

and I gave him our blessing.

Honey, we always love having you with us,

but we wouldn't want to hold you back

from a fabulous trip like this.

- Our blessing, huh?

- Mine, ours, same difference.

- We agreed,

that since this was the first Christmas

that my brother could make it back for in years

that we'd spend it with my family.

- Well, Ali, we have.

I mean, and it's been fantastic.

It really has,

but this gives us an opportunity to go

on another vacation for Christmas,

together, just you and I.

And I know how you all have a tradition

where you exchange gifts Christmas morning.

I do know you,

and I know you don't like surprises,

so this gives you an opportunity to pack.

- Instead of spending Christmas Eve with my family,

or sleeping.

- Whoa, whoa, whoa, easy tiger.

It's Aspen, it's gonna be fun.

It's got a super easy vibe.

You'll see, you'll like it.

To be honest, I have no idea

how we haven't made it out there

and seen the Rockies by now anyway.

- Just too many other places, I guess.

- Well, I've always wanted to see Aspen.

- So, anybody want some coffee?

Tea, dessert?

(melancholy jazz)

- Just so you know, I tried to fit in a walk

to Santa's Corner today,

but our agenda was a little bit too busy,

and since you're going to Aspen tomorrow morning,

we are not going to have time to see

the Christmas clock reset this year.

- Yeah.

- [Dad] Yeah.

- That's okay.

It's silly it took me this long

to outgrow that tradition anyway.

- Uh-huh, it's not silly.

I loved that you always wanted to go

the day after Christmas to see the clock reset.

You always said it made you feel good knowing

that even though the holiday was over,

it was only 364 days left until it came back around.

- I was such a dork as a kid.

- But, an adorable one.

There's nothing wrong with embracing your inner dork

as an adult.

- Dork-chic was two years ago, Dad.

- Uh-huh, un-un.

Oh, also,

Nick's company is taking over the decorations this year,

so I figured we might check it out.

- I'm sure it's going to be amazing.

I'm sorry I have to miss it.

- Yeah?

Yeah, you sure about that?

'Cause I don't think you're all that interested

in the whole holiday thing this year.

- Is it that obvious?

- Hey, I'm your dad.

- Cam and I, we're fine.

- Wait a second,

I didn't ask how you and Cam were.

- I guess I'm just trying to see things differently.

- Hmm, okay.

Alright, well,

not too differently, I hope,

because, my Al,

you are made of the best stuff

in the world.

(melancholy jazz)

- There's so much food.

Well, you get that Cam and I

aren't going to be here to eat it all, right?

Well, that's why I switched the Christmas brunch

to a Christmas breakfast with everybody

instead of brunch.

- Oh, great.

So, this doesn't work on any level.

- Robin, is there anything else I can do to help,

before I turn in for the night?

- No, I think Ali and I have everything handled.

Yeah, you've been a peach.

- Okay, well I guess I'll go to bed.

Gonna be an exciting day tomorrow.

- Mm-hmm.

Good night.

- [Cameron] Good night.

- I just think the world of that guy.

- I know you do, Mom.

- Yeah.

I look at him, and I see this

bright shiny future for the two of you.

- Mom, Cam doesn't want kids.

- Yeah, that doesn't surprise me.

- You're not disappointed?

I mean, Jason's not gonna stay in one place

long enough to have a family.

Aren't you worried you won't have grandkids?

- Well, I don't know if you know this honey,

but having kids is a giant pain in the rear.

- Mom.

- No, no, don't get me wrong.

I mean, you guys weren't that much trouble.

- Oh, gee, thanks.

- No, it's just that there's a lot of drudgery,

and it's kinda boring,

and Cam is not into boring.

- Well, that's true.

- Yeah, and some people are just made

for a brighter, shinier life.

And you and your brother,

have always been on that track.

- You never thought I'd have kids?

- Not really, no.

When you were 18,

you headed outta town for the big city

and never looked back.

And I was proud.

I was happy you weren't gonna

settle down with a local like Nick,

and have babies and just--

- Whoa, what's wrong with Nick?

- Well, Nick's a very sweet guy,

and he'll find a meek, sweet little girl,

and that's not you.

- [Ali] Well, I know, - [Robin] And that that's why

- When you came to me during your senior year,

and you asked me if I thought you'd go out with him

if he mentioned that, and I said, "No."

- I'm sorry, what?

- Well, I said that you didn't think of him that way.

And he thanked me,

and said, "Please don't mention

"that we had the conversation."

- And you're mentioning it now, because ...

- Because it doesn't matter anymore.

You've got Cam, and you're happy.

And besides, you didn't think of Nick that way anyway.

- Well, Mom, I don't know, maybe I would've

if knew that he thought of me like that.

- And watch you derail all your plans?

I know, I know,

everyone says parents shouldn't meddle in things,

but I couldn't help it.

- Well, that's terrible.

- That's parenting, Ali.

Those are the tough decisions we make,

because we think we know what's best for our kids.

- Well, don't you think I had a right to know

how he felt about me?

- Do you really think you would've been happy

stuck in this town, the wife of a contractor?

- Well, I guess we'll never know, will we?

- But don't we?

(melancholy music)

(laughing)

- What's up?

You're really going to Aspen in the morning?

- Cam spent a lot of money on this trip.

And you heard Mom and Dad, they want me to go.

- Is that what they said, Al?

- It is, I was listening.

- Mom says she gave Cam permission to bail early.

It doesn't mean anyone's glad to see you go.

And who's gonna do our tradition

of taking shots of peppermint schnapps at midnight?

- What are you talking about?

That's not a tradition.

- I was planning on making it one.

But fine, deprive Mom of another holiday tradition

to stress her out.

Can't you just admit that you don't wanna go?

- What are you talking about?

Of course I wanna go, it's Aspen.

- Throwing clothes around the room,

slamming suitcases, my mistake.

You seem overjoyed.

- Shh, Cam might hear you.

- Trust me,

a Michael Bay movie could be playing in here

and he wouldn't be able to hear it

though his solar-powered hot mist humidifier

and industrial-grade ear plugs.

(groaning)

- Why do you make fun of him all the time?

- Because,

I don't think he's right for you.

I never have.

- Well, what do you know?

I see you like, twice a year for a few days.

And the other times,

you're sending me weird-flavored potato chips,

and some gelatinous thing.

That was not delicious, by the way.

- Oh, you weren't supposed to eat that.

- Why, what was it?

- It is so good that you don't know.

(laughing)

Also, thank you for not pointing out that

my advice-giving credentials

include me not dating anyone for an entire year.

- Well, I still might, it depends on your advice.

- I really lowered the bar on what I consider a date.

At this point, a pat down from airport security counts.

But, I know a bad relationship when I see one.

I've had enough of 'em.

- You don't like Cam,

but everyone else thinks

that we're pretty perfect together.

- You don't.

I mean sure, you and Cam like a lot of the same things,

but when he looks at you,

sometimes I wonder if he sees you,

or just another one of his things.

- Yeah, you're not the only one in this room

who's wondering.

- Traveling, I meet a lot of people, like Cam.

He's not a bad guy.

He just ...

He wants to spend his life

eating wild boar and drinking expensive wines

at a party that never ends.

- And he just moved the party to Aspen.

- There you go.

- What's wrong with that?

- Nothing, but,

that's his whole life.

All of it, not a part of,

and then it's just not room for much else.

You said it earlier.

He would consider the life I have, heaven.

And Al, the life I have on the road, traveling,

is shallow,

and lonely.

Because the people I love the most

aren't in it.

- I miss you too, Jason.

That's what it was so huge for me

to come back this year.

- You know, earlier,

when you and Cam had that argument,

I was really hoping that he did something idiotic,

like break up with you.

- That's not nice.

- I just, I want you to be free

to experience that real kind of love in your life.

I mean, at least one of us should.

- Well, yeah, what you need is

a job that keeps you in one place

for longer than six months.

- Glad you think so.

- What?

- Can you keep a secret?

- No.

- Alright, well keep this one.

I just put my notice in at work.

- What?

- In two weeks,

I will officially be among the unemployed.

- Get outta here.

- Yeah, just goofing around with those kids at the club,

but for the first time,

I saw so clear the life I've been looking for.

And I'm never gonna get that

unless I jump off this hamster wheel I've been on.

- Wow, that's huge.

I'm so proud of you.

What are you gonna do?

- Have fun, have a life,

I don't know.

I haven't figured it out yet.

But I will.

And so will you.

(lively music)

(serene music)

(both gasp)

- Oh Ali!

You scared the hell outta me. (laughs)

- I didn't know Santa scared so easliy on Christmas Eve.

- Well, all that time at the North Pole

just messes with your brain.

(both chuckle)

- What's up?

Is everything okay over there?

- Yeah, sure, I just wanted to come talk,

saw you were still up.

- Well, if we stay here, my folks are gonna

invite you in and make hot chocolate.

- Kinda sounds nice.

- No, no.

That hot chocolate comes with a side of guilt trip.

And they don't even tip a little rum in it

to take the edge off.

(laughing)

Let's get outta here.

(serene music)

- I was surprised to see you up at 2 A.M.

- I always loved waking up there on Christmas morning.

You know, my parents worked so hard

to bring Santa to me as a kid,

so I just, I don't,

I like to do the same to them as an adult.

- Well, bringing Christmas magic is your day job.

- You do know I'm not actually Santa, right?

So, what time do you fly tomorrow?

- Actually, later today.

Let me be the first

to officially wish you a merry Christmas.

- Back at you.

(serene music)

Ali, it was tough to see you so sad tonight,

especially on what's always been

your favorite night of the year.

- It's not sadness, really.

It's ...

I don't know what it is.

- Well, whatever you call it,

you wanna see something that should

make it feel all better?

- Yes.

- Alright, follow me.

(lively music)

You all set?

- I've been set!

Hit it!

("Joy To The World")

- What do you think?

- It's fantastic.

It's like you were born to do this.

- [Nick] What, born to decorate?

Is that a compliment?

- Definitely!

My dad was right.

This is amazing.

The local kids must have freaked.

- Well, that's one of the bonuses of the job.

That and the wads of cash.

(laughing)

So, now that I have improved the lighting,

how about telling me why you came looking for me tonight.

- I didn't come looking for you.

I just, I saw you across the street

bringing in the presents and ...

- Well, you didn't come across the street

to talk to me in the middle of the night

on Christmas Even without a reason.

- Do friends need reasons?

- Well, Al, we haven't really been friends for years.

I mean, we're not even fake Facebook friends.

So no, while not everyone would need a reason,

I think you would.

- (sighs) I guess I wanted to see if it was true.

That you wanted to ask me out senior year.

- (laughs) Your mom told you.

- Yep, she finally dragged it out of herself.

- Yeah, I had it pretty bad for you back then.

Everybody knew.

- Not me.

What my mom said was true.

I thought of you like a brother.

- Ouch. (laughs)

I mean, I appreciate that you used past tense,

but that doesn't make that any easier to hear.

- I get that.

- Is that what this is about, you coming to find me?

- [Ali] Honestly, I don't know.

- No idea about, about Cam?

- About any of it.

I thought it was it, but after I broke up with him--

- Wait, you broke up?

- We broke up, a year ago.

Okay, and I thought that I made this huge mistake,

that I threw away something great.

- So, you took him back?

- Well, went back.

- Right.

So now you're the happy couple I saw tonight?

Which is why we're standing here at 2 A.M.

- You know, and then my mom starts talking

about senior year

and I start thinking about roads not taken.

Don't you want to go back to a time

when things were simpler?

You know, when we knew what was gonna happen next?

- We didn't know what was gonna happen.

We were just young and stupid enough to think we did.

Ali, I don't think the answer you're looking for

had much to do with me.

- What?

- I'd like to think that I'm more than just a distraction,

than some tool for you to figure out

what you really want.

- Wow, okay.

That's not harsh.

- Okay, tell me it's not true.

- So what, Nick, am I the only one

feeling this connection here?

- Well, we're not gonna figure it out

while you're still so unsure about everything

and definitely not while you're living with a guy

that you're not even sure you like.

- Wow, okay.

No, you're right.

I guess whatever I thought we had

was just in my head.

- No, that's not what I meant.

- You know what?

I should get some sleep.

- [Nick] Ali, I'm sorry that sounded harsh.

- No, Nick, it sounded real.

You should go on that family fix up.

- Lila?

How did she come into this?

- Goodnight.

- Hold on, I have to power down the display.

- You know what?

I'll be fine.

I'm gonna walk.

(somber music)

(crying)

Ginny!

Ginny, I need you!

Some help you are.

(serene music)

(door creaking)

- Big day today, huh?

You believe that at this time tomorrow,

we're gonna be strapping on skis?

Now that, that is a Christmas vacation.

- So what's this been?

- This?

Uh, obligatory family visit, I guess?

I mean, I get it.

You gotta keep the folks happy, blah blah blah.

But, I got the get out of jail free card.

- Okay, yeah, see, I, (sighs)

Cam, I wanted to be here.

Not because I feel obligated,

but because I love these people.

And I don't get to see enough of them.

- And that's how I'm planning, too.

Now come on.

Let's go get through breakfast

and we'll get our stuff and get outta here.

- [Ali] I don't wanna go with you, Cam.

- Of course you do.

We're practically the same person,

basically share the same brain.

We like to travel, that's what we do.

- I've been waiting months

to be in one place with my whole family

and if you can't see that,

then we're definitely not the same person.

Not even close.

- Is this about our fight last night?

Because I said I was sorry.

- No, you said you weren't mad anymore.

- There's a difference?

Alison, just talk to me.

- I thought you were gonna propose, alright?

- What?

When?

- Last night, at the club.

The little box?

The one that was supposed to fix everything?

I thought it was gonna be an engagement ring,

not a plane ticket outta here.

- I had no idea that you thought that.

- I know you didn't, Cameron.

That's the problem.

So don't say you're sorry,

'cause I'm not looking for an apology.

I'm just, I'm trying to give you

a sense of where we are here.

- Now, let me get a sense of something here.

You and marriage,

a futile alliance of two families?

- Okay, so let me make sure I understand this.

First, you don't wanna have children,

and now you don't believe in marriage?

- Of course I believe in it.

I believe it exists, it's been around since

the dawn of mankind.

I mean, cavemen were just as nuts as the modern man.

- That's not what I'm saying.

You know what I'm saying.

My point is that you don't wanna get married.

- I don't want a piece of paper

dictating our relationship.

- It's a commitment.

A partnership.

It's, it's a promise of love.

- Human beings are serial monogamists, okay?

This happily ever after scam

is a bill of goods sold to us by society.

- Cameron, stop coming up with lame

pseudo-intellectual reasons for everything.

Just be honest.

You do not want to get married.

You do not want children.

- I do not, okay?

I don't see a need for it.

But if it is something that is important to you, Alison,

of course I'd be willing to consider it.

I mean, I guess I could see us with a couple of kids,

maybe backpacking through Peru, sure.

- Do you even hear yourself?

I don't want you to be willing to have a kid with me.

And you can't just drag a toddler

all the way around the world.

- Yeah, there's a law against that somewhere.

I don't even know what you're saying anymore.

Will you just talk to me?

- This isn't going to work, is it?

- This, meaning us?

- Yes.

- You're breaking up with me?

- Am I?

I guess I am.

- This is rich.

I was considering doing the same thing,

but I didn't, no.

I got us tickets to Aspen

as a last ditch effort to save this relationship.

- What was so broken about it

that you couldn't talk to me?

- Talk to you?

When am I gonna talk to you?

All you ever do is work.

- Yes, okay, I've been working more hours,

but I'm not always there.

And I'm sorry, I can't just walk out the door

in the middle of the afternoon

when the New York market closes like you do.

- Work to live, not live to work.

That's what you and I always said.

- No, that's what you always said.

I just didn't disagree.

I happen to love my job.

- Yeah, you love your job so much

that you choose that, and this,

this pie in the sky relationship ntiquated ideal,

instead of me.

- That's the thing, Cameron.

I shouldn't have to choose.

We should support each other's wants and needs.

Cam, do you love me?

- Yeah.

- Yeah.

There's a sexy, confidence inspiring word

every girl wants to hear.

- Alright, stop.

I'm gonna go inside.

I'm gonna get my things,

and I'm gonna go to the airport.

And you're gonna come with me.

And if you don't,

then I guess this relationship can't be fixed.

- Finally we agree on something.

- You're just gonna throw it all away?

Is that it?

All the great years that we had, for some holiday tinsel?

- You really don't get me, do you?

- I guess I don't.

I'm gonna go finish packing.

- Nice, mmm, mmm.

- Oh, Ali, will you go tell Cam we're just about ready,

or your father is gonna eat all the bacon.

Stop.

- I am not.

- I don't think Cam is--

(door bell rings)

- Who on Earth drops in on Christmas morning

when I'm putting breakfast on?

Goodness!

♫ Happy holidays to you

♫ Merry Christmas from the zoo

♫ To you and you and you and you

♫ Happy holidays ♫

- I'm sorry, I don't think we ordered an ape.

- Gorilla-gram for Ali.

It's a Christmas present from her boss.

- Wow, Ali, your boss is a freak.

- Uh, honey, I don't wanna interrupt your present,

but just a reminder,

we need to get you to the airport in about an hour.

- Cam's going to Aspen, by himself.

- What?

- I'll be right back.

- God, I hope she lets me tell Cam.

- Where were you last night?

- It was Christmas Eve, I crashed a party.

I'm here now.

- In a gorilla suit?

A singing Christmas card, really?

- I'm running out of ways to keep people

from asking me questions I'm not allowed to answer.

- Whatever, Ginny.

I needed you last night.

- You wanted my help last night,

but you didn't need my help.

Semantics.

- Oh, you sound like Cam.

- Lord, I hope not.

Okey dokey, you got an ex-boyfriend

that I need to take off your hands,

and I'm just the gorilla for the job.

- Hold on.

My mother's gonna freak.

- Look, it's gonna be okay, slugger.

The hard part's over.

- Okay, look.

You brought me here to unmake this huge mistake,

and all I've done is make it worse.

- What if breaking up with Cam

wasn't the thing you're back here to fix?

- Yeah, I've thought about Nick.

He's not interested.

- That's not what he said.

- I wanted Nick to fight for me,

not tell me that nothing is gonna happen.

- Doll, he has much as told you

that he has feelings for you.

- You know what?

What if I care how this turns out?

What if I just wanna see where my life might take me?

- Now that's deep.

Now we can proceed.

Let's go.

- Yeah, the gorilla suit,

it's not helping me in there.

- Alison.

Honey, I don't understand what's going on.

- Mom, I think the problem is you do.

- You know what?

I think you kids just need to

turn down the volume in here, have breakfast.

Whatever's wrong, you can talk it out

- Okay, there's nothing wrong, Mom.

Cam and I, we just want different lives.

- No, no, you don't!

You want adventure and romance!

- Honey did you say something about

turning down the volume?

- Al, don't go to Aspen!

I mean, I blew it last night,

and I want to answer your question again.

- Nick dear, this is not the ideal time for a drop in.

- Trust me, this is exactly the right time.

- Right, and exactly the right time for us

to butt out.

- But, she needs to--

- Go, dear, go dear, go.

- [Robin] Oh, lord, will this Christmas never end?

- Um, look, you asked me last night how I felt about you,

and I wanted to explain it so perfectly.

After all these years.

- Well, no, you did.

- No I didn't, because you ran off,

and you were convinced

that I didn't have feelings for you.

Alison, I did then, and I do now,

and it's definitely not like a brother.

Um, I mean, I'm over there,

and I'm driving myself nuts,

and then it hits me.

This is about us.

I could care less about stepping in

between you and Cam.

- Good news,

now you don't have to.

(melancholy music)

- Well, it's like she's 14 again, you know,

instead of like an adult

whose life is finally starting to fit together.

- Honey, you said it yourself.

They're not kids anymore.

They can make their own decisions.

- Hmph, the wrong ones?

- Wrong for who, you?

- Hmm.

Yeah, the kids were little.

I wasn't sure it was the right thing.

- Yeah, who knows, really?

What I know is that's what made us us.

You know, we could've,

we could've blown out of this town years ago,

taken the jobs in the big city.

I would go anyplace on this Earth, with you.

- Yeah?

- Yeah.

Try me, baby.

- Hmm.

How about Aspen?

- I'll think about that.

- [Robin] Okay.

- So, I guess I will see you back in the city,

once I get back from Colorado?

- Take your time.

I promise I'll be out by the time you get back.

- Perfect.

No reason not to be civilized with this, right?

- Take care, Cam.

I mean that.

- You too.

Goodbye, Ali.

- Hey, don't.

You deserve a guy who knows that Aspen is

the last place you wanna be on Christmas

than with your family.

- I know, it's just ...

Why didn't my mom just tell me

you had feelings for me in high school?

- It wouldn't have mattered.

Me back then, you probably would have thought

my life was kinda boring.

- I was a stupid teenager.

- Well, you're not a teenager now.

What do you want?

- I wanna get to know you,

as adults.

- Man am I glad I rolled the dice and came over here.

- Me too.

Here's to second chances.

(light-hearted music)

- Oh, it's a human candycane.

- Oh, give it a rest.

- Oh, good morning, sunshine.

- You said I could change things.

You promised.

- No, I didn't.

I said sometimes people get second chances.

- Yeah, well, I went back last night,

and I did everything differently.

- And you broke up with Cam a second time.

I know, remember, I was there,

really cute gorilla suit.

- You said that maybe that wasn't the point of the redo,

that maybe my mistake, it wasn't the breakup,

it was not noticing Nick.

- It's your redo, Ali, not mine.

You tell me.

- Well, I chose the right guy this time.

I chose the guy that was gonna make me happy.

I chose the guy that really knows who I am

and wants the same life that I do.

What went wrong?

- Maybe nothing.

Maybe all of those things are still true.

- But they're not.

I just got a Christmas card from Nick,

from Nick and Lila.

Yeah, the girl he wasn't interested in.

The girl that I told him to date.

I even screwed that up.

- Should I call a coroner?

- Oh, she's not dead.

Can you get me some ketchup?

- Sure.

Thanks, sexy.

- Oh, stupid Lila.

- Hey, Al.

- [Ali] Nick!

- [Nick] There you are.

- Where were you?

- I ran out to get you a Christmas latte.

- Oh, thank god.

- Well, it's just a Grande, it's not a Venti.

- You're,

so thoughtful.

- No, I just know what you're like

before you get your coffee.

Here, come on, we gotta hustle up,

if we're gonna make it to the old neighborhood

in time to wrap presents at the club.

- Right.

Sorry, it's been a weird morning.

- Well, maybe you can tell me about it

on that long ride up to your parent's place.

And you know how I hate

when you go out without your ring.

Men hit on you, boys hit on you, babies hit on you.

Saw this sitting on the sink by dishes on my way out,

so I thought I'd just take it for safekeeping.

Boy, I never get tired of doing that.

Merry Christmas, Al.

- Merry Christmas, Nick.

- Yo, shake a leg, stage coach leaves now

with or without you.

- Ali, he's your brother.

Now tell me, is there an off switch someplace?

- Uh, no.

- You're welcome to check though.

- I will.

- Alright, come on, let's go.

(upbeat music)

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