Original subtitles

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"You've come to the end of the scavenger hunt."

"The wishing bell is close."

"You may need a boost, which you've probably deduced."

"It is found in the park's biggest oak!"

Last one there's a rotten egg!

That's impossible.

Y'all better wait for me!

We got this.

I know what that means.

[straining]

Nora, can you hurry it up?

Emily, can you be less wobbly?

It's Christmas Eve, you two,

let's try to get along here.

Y'all need some help?

No, thanks, Liam, we're good.

See you at the bluff tomorrow.

Good luck.

I got it!

[woman] Left this morning...

-We're done! -Found the bell!

Time to make our wishes, people.

Wow, you girls finished so quickly.

Maybe I should make those clues a little harder.

-No, Daddy. -They were hard enough.

It was a perfect scavenger hunt, like always.

So, are you ready to make your wishes then?

Story first, Mom!

You don't wanna hear that old story again.

-Yeah, we do! -[girls screaming]

-Okay, if you insist. -[girls] Yay!

It's story time!

All right.

[sighs] When I was a young boy,

not much bigger than Nora here,

my grandpa gave me a bell for Christmas Eve,

and he carved it out of the wood of a magnolia tree,

and I still remember that it smelled like blossoms

when I opened the box.

He said to me, "Robert, when you want something

really special for Christmas,

and you've got a desire in your heart,

make a wish, ring that bell,

and the gift will find its way to you."

So I wished that day for something I really wanted.

A tool set.

One I still use today.

And every Christmas Eve I make a wish,

and as I get bigger, the wishes get bigger,

and pretty soon I started wishing for...

-A car? -A house?

For Mom to marry you?

[laughs] And a family.

This bell has given me so much,

and it's become such a gift for our family.

And now we can make our wish,

but only if you girls know exactly what you want.

I'm ready.

What about you, Em?

I'm ready too.

Charlotte, honey.

Yes, I know what I want.

Okay.

[bell ringing]

[ringing]

[ringing]

[chuckles]

[welding torch sparking]

Whew!

Hey, did you remember to invoice the Stone family for those end tables?

A lot of it happens automatically now with that software I installed.

My smart girl.

Oh! I'm so happy.

I can't believe I'm going to have all three of my girls home this year.

-Sure it won't be weird? -Not if you get along.

I meant, because it will be the first Christmas with all of us in the house

without Dad.

Oh, Nora, you know how your dad would love knowing

all his girls are together for Christmas.

Yeah.

We are gonna have a great time together.

Are you sure I can't get a sneak peek of your top-secret Christmas display?

You have to wait for Christmas day,

just like everyone else.

Well, it was worth a shot.

[mother] Yeah.

[trolley bell clanging]

I packed the prenatal vitamins just in case.

Got the backup phone chargers too.

Oh, thank you.

-Sourdough starter. -Is that really necessary?

Absolutely. I am so teaching your mom my recipe.

As if I couldn't love you any more.

Crazy last day before the break?

Every day is a crazy day at a startup.

-Y'all covered at the bakery? -Oh, yeah. I think so.

So, when's the last time you talked to Charlotte?

She was on a build in Peru, Brazil...

near Patagonia.

[husband] Hmm.

-Look, Em? -Hmm.

If we're going to start a family...

I think you should turn over a new leaf with those guys.

I'd love for our kids to have aunts they can call,

when they're annoyed with us.

-[Emily laughs] -Don't you?

Hey, I want things to be better between all of us.

Just don't know if either of them care to make that happen.

I promise I will try.

That's all I ask.

And you actually take your vacation days.

What was that?

[husband] Oh, nothing.

[Charlotte] All right, team, that's a 15-minute break.

Get a drink, get a holiday snack.

Everyone's doing such a fantastic job.

[phone rings]

Hello, this is Charlotte.

Hi, this is Cathy Brendel from the Mississippi Children's Bureau.

Look, I am so sorry for calling so late.

I'm just trying to finish things up before the holidays.

Actually, it's morning where I am so it's no problem at all.

[Cathy] Well, I see that you have requested a copy

of your preadoption records from the state.

Yes. And that will have my birth mother's information?

Well, name, address,

and phone number at your date of birth,

but now I can't promise

that information is current.

Of course, thank you.

Well, I just wanted to let you know that

you should receive those documents in the next few days.

Ms. Daniels, are you still there?

Yes, sorry. Thank you so much.

Would it be possible to mail them to a different address?

I'm actually headed back to Mississippi this Christmas.

Could I send them care of a friend?

S-Sure. To what address?

[guitarist playing "What Child is This?"]

Wow! Liam.

I get a sign and everything?

Well, it's not every day the famous Charlotte Daniels

comes into little old Mississippi from a town...

that I probably can't pronounce.

[Charlotte laughs]

Oh, you look great, Char.

[Charlotte] Oh!

-Thank you for picking me up. -You're welcome.

I was surprised you had the time, now that you're a bigtime contractor.

Oh, I'm also the bigtime lead guitar player for the most popular local band

amongst the 50-and-older demographic.

Oh, sounds like the Nachos are making a name for themselves.

Well, they are. [chuckles]

Might be why this year the mayor appointed me

in charge of all the Christmas displays on the bluff.

[Charlotte] That's awesome!

Hey, I heard my mom is making a secret display this year.

Tell me, what is it?

Apparently Mom's cooking up quite the storm.

-Hmm. -You're invited to stay, of course.

Am I sensing you need a buffer?

-Why would you say that? -[laughs]

It's not like my sisters resent me for living a million miles away.

Hmm. And it's not the least bit awkward

that Emily just eloped with Paul

without inviting any of us.

Isn't that the point of eloping?

Yeah, but still...

-I... -[chuckles]

What about the fact that Nora's board game cafe

closed down before you even set foot in it?

That's probably not sensitive at all, is it?

-Oh, no, not at all. -Not at all.

Totally comfortable.

Listen, as much as I love your sisters,

and your mom's cooking, I'm gonna let you...

spend your first night reunited without me.

A true southern gentleman.

-Thank you. -Hmm.

Bye.

Oh, I thought I heard Liam's truck.

-Ooooh! -Oh, Mama!

-Oh-ho-ho! -Ohh!

Oh!

Three flights and a bus transfer to get here

and you still look fresh as a daisy.

We missed you.

Oh! Come on in.

I've got jambalaya on the stove, cornbread in the oven.

You're killing me already, Mrs. Daniels.

Oh, you know there's plenty for you too.

Oh, sorry, Mom, but Liam's too busy for us tonight.

Oh, is that so?

I can do a taste.

[women laugh]

[door opens]

Turns out, Paul made their wedding cake last spring.

Oh, you made it!

All right!

Oh! All my girls made it.

We sure did.

-Yeah. -[Emily] Yeah.

[bell dings]

Oh! That's the cornbread.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

[all] Merry Christmas!

Paul. Nice to see you. Nice to see you.

-Hi, you. -How are you?

[mother] I hope everybody's hungry.

I really wish I could stay,

but after a very long and painful internal debate,

I have to go, but you guys have your family time.

-What? -Come on, you are family.

No, I know, but I really must be going,

so, um, I'll see plenty of you guys before Christmas.

[mother] Nora, help your sisters take their things upstairs

and then we'll eat.

I'd love to!

[sighs]

Beep-beep!

I should have known you'd be bringing all of your earthly possessions.

It's hard to keep up with Ms. World Traveler here,

who probably packed a T-shirt and... toothbrush?

Hey, my elite packing skills took years to perfect.

-[Nora] Is that my bracelet? -[Charlotte] No, I got this at a flea market in Nepal.

[Nora] You did not. You stole it out of my suitcase at Mardi Gras.

[Charlotte] That was five years ago...

Listen, if anything gets heated with these girls

and you need to get away, you call me, I'm five minutes away.

I'm sure we'll be okay.

Paul. Five minutes away.

Okay.

[Charlotte] So, Emily, what's going on with the tech firm?

We got acquired, so now I'm running their division

focused on small molecule therapeutics.

Hoping to go public next year.

That's huge. Congratulations.

And, Nora, how's it going--

Since my business flopped and I moved back home?

Fine.

Not doing much except attempting

to bring the wood shop into the current century,

so... there's that.

And she's been a huge help.

Hmm. And how's it going with Vanessa?

Not great, considering we broke up six months ago.

How did I not know that?

Honestly, I'm impressed that you remembered that we dated in the first place.

I'm so sorry.

Don't be, she was way too needy.

-Mom! -[Nora] But she's right.

I mean, Vanessa was just like... a lot, you know?

Okay, so what's your next career move?

Just trying to focus more on life than career.

Not sure I feel like burning out by my mid-thirties.

You know, I would love to hear more about

your family's Christmas traditions.

There's a magical wishing bell, right,

and a scavenger hunt to find it?

Which the girls retired from after high school.

[sisters chuckle]

Sure, but does the bell still come out around the holidays?

Um...

Um... not so much anymore.

And especially not since Dad got sick.

Hmm. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up.

No need to apologize, Paul.

Those are great memories.

And we have plenty of tradition to share with you while you're here.

Okay.

First up is Christmas-issippi Mud Pie at Smoot's.

-Who's in? -Yes.

No idea what that is, but, uh, sure.

You know I'm down.

-I think I'm going to pass. -Of course you are.

I'm sorry, I'm just so jet-lagged.

And plus, I had twice as much jambalaya as either one of you.

-True. -But it's tradition.

Well, let's go another day. I'm just so tired.

She's right, let's not be selfish.

Let's just do whatever it is Charlotte wants to do.

-[Emily laughing] -[mother] All right, you guys.

Leave your sister alone. She’s exhausted.

Y'all go on now. I'll stay with you.

And we'll catch up while you get ready for bed.

Okay, well, we've gotta hurry before it gets crowded.

Shotgun!

Hup, she called it.

[mother] Okay, well, bring us back the usual.

But hold the ice cream.

You betcha, but don't be surprised

if a few bites are missing.

[door closes]

So...

What's up with my baby girl?

[Paul] Oh, close.

-Ah! -[Paul] Okay, all right.

-[Emily] All right. -[Paul] Here we go.

-I'll show you how it's done. -I'll show you how it's done.

Aww!

Hey, I hope I didn't upset anyone earlier

bringing up your dad and his bell.

No, no, it's fine.

Really, those memories just seem like a really long time ago.

And you should never feel bad about bringing up Dad.

-Yes! -I know you just met him that one time,

but he was crazy about you.

And if he were here tonight,

he would tell you to order the Rob special,

not the fudge blondie.

What's the Rob special?

Just trust me on this, okay?

Done.

Hey, Nora, I'll take the Rob special, actually.

I knew you'd come around.

Excuse me, I don't see the Rob special up there.

Oh, that's because it's not on the menu.

It's something my dad came up with.

Oh? What is it?

Well, it's basically the Christmas-issippi Mud Pie

with extra ice cream.

You can't go wrong.

I don't know, that's a lot of pressure.

I'm here with my mom, she's a very serious foodie.

Why don't I just let the local order for me?

You sure about that?

Yeah, go nuts.

Except actually I'm allergic to nuts, so, seriously, don't order nuts.

[chuckles]

Hey, Charmagne,

uh, let's make it two Rob specials

for the charming visitor and her mom.

I'm Maizy, by the way.

I'm Nora. It's nice to meet you.

Oh.

Thank you.

So make sure you ration the ice-cream appropriately

with the chocolate for maximum enjoyment.

I will try my best. [laughs]

[door opens]

[Paul] That was the best dessert I've ever had.

-[Emily] All right. -And that's saying a lot coming from a pastry chef.

Let's get you to bed.

[Paul] Have to get the recipe.

-Did you guys go out for a nightcap? -That's just the sugar talking.

[Paul] Absolute confectionary perfection!

-[chuckles] -What are you still doing up?

Yeah, I thought you were exhausted.

I was, but then I started talking to Mom and I got a second wind.

She still awake? I've got the goods.

Oh, no, you can put it in the fridge. She went to bed a while ago.

Okay.

It's been great getting to know Paul.

I mean, he's wonderful.

I mean, I could tell he was at the funeral.

Yeah, he is.

Just wish he could have known Dad, you know?

The two of them would have been hanging out, eating pralines.

Trading corny jokes.

Any idea where that nativity set that Mom made is?

No, I haven't seen it yet.

Maybe it's over here.

Em.

It's the bell.

Wow. It is.

We have to put it out.

For Dad.

[gasps]

[both] Nora?

[Charlotte] "I sure hope this Christmas is merry and bright

as my three girls come home and at last reunite."

"I don't have much time so I think I'll be blunt,

I've made one more holiday scavenger hunt."

"I assure you it's real and not just a dream,

I wish for my girls to go out as a team."

"If you choose to proceed, and I hope that you do,

look down below for your first Christmas clue."

Wha... How long do you think that's been in the box?

Uh, Mom and I went to Aunt Joyce's last Christmas,

so I'm thinking at least almost two years.

Do you think Mom knows about this?

I mean, maybe, but Dad always liked to put the clues together himself.

I mean, we're doing this, right, no question?

We have to. I mean, it's what he wished for.

I'm in.

Under one condition.

Don't be surprised when I'm faster than both of you.

[chuckles]

For Dad?

Yeah, for Dad.

-Whoo! -Who's the slow poke now?

Well, I am right on your tail.

You guys, it's been so long since I rode one of these.

[Emily] "Here you go with your very first clue."

"Work all together to be a good crew."

"Head to a spot that never failed to delight,

our prized Christmas view with holly in sight."

[Charlotte] It's the patio of the Grand Hotel.

They always have that beautiful view of the river and the holly wreaths.

I say it's the Magnolia Grill. They have the better view,

and they always have holly on the table for Christmas brunch.

The best view is from the bridge. We just need to look for holly.

We need a plan.

Okay, I say we go to all three.

All right, I'll map out the most efficient route for us.

Is that really necessary? We know our way around.

Well, talk about a blast from the past.

Well, you three are out awfully early, and...

together.

If I didn't know any better, I'd think you guys were on a scavenger hunt.

You serious? You're on a scavenger hunt?

-Dad set it up for us to find. -We got the first clue last night.

Actually, maybe you can help us. The first clue, it said--

Whoa! [laughs]

Have you forgotten the number of years I've offered my help, and you've turned me down?

"No, you cannot see the hidden treasure attic with us, Liam,"

or, "No, sorry, Liam, you cannot help us finish

this delicious tub of marshmallow fudge,"

so I'm sorry that I will not be able to help you right now.

-Excuse me? -I've just always been told you three are very capable

and independent women, so, uh...

might have to find those clues on your own.

But good luck!

-[Charlotte scoffs] -Did Liam just shut us down?

Yeah, and I think he enjoyed it.

We don't need help, ladies. We totally got this.'

Follow me.

Now, some bakers say that you have to be really aggressive

with the dough, but that's not true.

Now, I like to be firm, but I'm firm with love.

[laughs] You are the perfect teacher, Paul,

patient and encouraging.

-Bread is my love language. -[laughs]

I'm sorry if this scavenger hunt stole some of your alone time with Emily.

I... I know how rare it is she takes off from work.

Are you kidding?

I am thrilled for her to be running around with her sisters.

We always hoped they'd stay close,

but they're just all... so different.

Maybe it's like this dough.

You can follow all the right steps

and give it all your love and attention,

but sometimes the bread still just does what it wants.

Hmm.

Either way, I'm sure all of your loaves

are gonna turn out fantastic.

Oh.

Now, let's get back to work.

Yes, sir.

[Emily] So that makes us 0 for 3 in our guesses.

The clue said, "with holly in sight."

That has to be what we're missing.

I can't believe we rode all the way down to the bridge for nothing.

Well, we rode all the way to the Grand Hotel for nothing,

unless you count being yelled at by some Scroogey tourists something.

Maybe the clue's missing. Dad must have hid it almost two years ago,

unless someone knew to hide it now.

Dad was a planner. He would have laid everything out so we can find it.

We just need to refocus.

Hey, maybe we should go back inside, get some shrimp and grits,

that way we don't lose too much steam?

Steam?!

[shrieks]

[laughs]

Oh, no, we just missed the last ride.

-[Nora splutters] -And we have to find this clue today.

What are we gonna do?

Wait, what are you doing?

We've been searching for this clue all day.

We're not leaving this dock without it.

Um, is trespassing on your new list of hobbies, Nora?

Come on, we'll be quick. Emily, you're on the lookout.

-Let's go. -Oh! What if someone comes? I am the worst liar ever.

Okay, fine, you two go, but hurry. Get the clue, get in, get out.

-We'll be quick. -Yeah. Not like it's a 3-story steamboat or anything.

Are you coming or not? Let's go.

-Go. -Yes.

Okay, good luck. Go quick!

-[Emily] Where do we look? -[Nora] Anywhere, everywhere.

Oh, wait.

You guys. You guys!

Come!

-Okay. -[departing footsteps]

Is that Charlotte Daniels?

Wha... Yeah, it is. It's me. Hi!

-Hey! -I came down to take a ride

and realized you were closed.

Yeah? Well, you're more than welcome to come back tomorrow.

Uh, I left a Christmas gift onboard.

Picked up a little something in Memphis for the missus.

-So... -You know, I realized

that I have been your passenger all these years

and I never thought to ask you,

how did you become captain of a boat like this?

To be honest with you, I've always been a little bit of a boat nut.

-[chuckles] Yep. I had a... -Really?

[gasping]

I don't get it. This is the best view.

[gasps]

Remember when Captain Ron used to let us drive the boat?

That was a pretty good view.

-Third deck. -Mm-hmm. Come on!

Fish boat, ski boat, pontoon boat,

tugboat...

and now I've got the paddlewheel boat.

-Yeah. -Ha ha ha!

Okay.

[sisters laugh]

[Charlotte] You know, I am kind of a connoisseur of boats myself.

I have so many pictures on my phone that I would love to show you

of all the boats I've been on.

Oh, you're gonna love it!

Look, I'm sorry, Charlotte, I need to be getting on my way.

So maybe you'll come back tomorrow and show me the pictures and all?

Oh, yeah, maybe.

Aw, thank you for talking boats, Captain.

-[Captain] Loved it. -[Charlotte] Loved it!

-[Captain] Ho ho ho! -[Charlotte laughs]

-[whispering] Come on, come on, come on! -Wait for me!

Come on!

[Charlotte] Come!

Go, go, go, go!

[shrieks]

Well, I did not realize that the builder of Santa's Village

also hung Christmas lights.

You caught me.

Well, Dad's knee's hurting him and he's too stubborn to ask for any help,

so I figured I'd do it while he's playing poker.

That's very thoughtful.

Although the way you're hanging them is the tiniest bit off.

Really? So, were you wrangling Christmas lights as a project manager?

I spent a few winters helping Dad with our Christmas lights.

-Okay. -So, I would move that second nail about five inches.

All right, you win.

[sighs]

Liam, can I ask you a question?

Of course. Shoot.

Come here, that's my dad!

-What? -Go! Go, go, go!

[laughing] I thought you said he was at poker.

He was. What I didn't mention was, he's a lousy gambler.

-Ouch! -They don't call him "All-In Collin" for nothing.

-Oh! [laughing] -Shh!

-[giggling] -Are you trying to get me busted?

That would be fun to watch, actually.

All right, I need to figure out when he's leaving now so I can finish.

Go, go, go!

Go, go, go!

[laughing]

-[woman 1] Cute. -[woman 2] Absolutely adorable.

Oh!

Hey, you were right, by the way,

about the Rob special.

It was a big hit with my mom here.

Maizy!

So, this is who I have to thank for those amazing mud pies.

Hi, I'm Julie. Pleased to meet you.

I'm Nora, hi.

Well, I'm gonna go and peruse.

-Okay. -[Julie chuckles]

[Maizy] Sure.

-It's so good to see you. -It's good to see you.

What are you y'all up to today?

We are continuing our tour of the delicacies of Natchez.

I swear this town has the best bakers in the world.

I might have to agree with you there.

[Maizy laughs]

Oh, looks like you got quite the project going.

Oh, it's just a little silly side thing.

Oh, yeah?

Okay.

So, we've had this wood shop in our family

for almost a hundred years,

but we still don't have a website.

So, I have been teaching myself Web design

so I can make us one.

Hmm. Well, this looks great.

You think so?

Oh, yeah, it modernizes the business

without losing any of the history.

Well, uh, I'll let you get back to it.

-Maizy. -Yeah.

Would you wanna hang out sometime?

Yeah, I could hang out.

[laughs] Um...

Um...

Call me.

Oh, and what's the best--

White chocolate raspberry, no question.

Thanks.

[computer keys typing]

Charlotte! You scared me to death.

I thought you were Paul.

Are you working?

[Emily, sighing] Checking my email calms me down.

So you're hiding in here.

What's happening? What's going on?

[laughs]

I brought y'all some cupcakes.

You seem to be in a particularly good mood.

A cute girl just gave me her number.

And, let's be honest, cupcakes make everything better.

That's the truth.

[Paul] Em? Hon?

You guys up here?

-Oh! -Shh! -[sisters giggle]

[sisters shushing and giggling]

Okay.

[whispering] Wow.

[Emily] All right, Nor, where are we headed?

"Picturing y'all is music to my ears,

spreading all kinds of holiday cheer."

"You'll help out our town near twinkle lights that dangle,

making the perfect Christmas triangle."

So, we're volunteering near Christmas lights.

[Nora] Why volunteering?

Well, 'cause that's helping our town.

Okay, but what does he mean by triangle?

Of course.

[gasps]

[sisters exclaim]

Remember why Dad said triangles were so special?

They have three sides, just like the three of us,

and they come together to make perfect pitch.

"Together, y'all can do anything."

"Just have to support each other."

"Especially singing."

[gasps]

It's caroling night.

Does that mean we have to sing?

Whatever it takes to get the clue, Char.

[Charlotte scoffs]

-[crowd murmuring] -[guitar playing]

Hi!

Oh!

-[music stops] -Glad you could make it.

Thank you for the text. This doesn't mean I'm helping with the scavenger hunt.

-This is just accompaniment. -Understood.

-Okay. -Although your guess is as good as ours

as to where this clue is gonna surface.

We know it's gotta be here somewhere.

We just don't know where.

Oh, uh...

Actually, we might need to put you front and center then.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for coming.

I want to let you know that we're going

to start tonight's caroling off a little bit differently this year.

We have the lovely Daniels sisters with us tonight.

-[crowd] Whoo! -So we're going to start by playing

one of her father's favorite Christmas songs.

This one's for you, Robert.

This is "Natchez Christmas Eve."

[softly] No, wait, wait. We don't remember the words.

-[whispering] You're gonna be fine. -[gasps]

[laughs] Uh...

[sisters whispering]

♪ Leaves from the fall have all but gone ♪

♪ Radio starts playin' those old December songs ♪

♪ Tupelo to Jackson ♪

♪ Vicksburg to the sea ♪

♪ You know this is the only place for me ♪

Okay.

♪ Christmas lights shine on Main ♪

♪ Put your hand in mine ♪

♪ But mind the candy canes ♪

♪ You know there might be snow ♪

♪ Might be a sweet southern rain ♪

♪ But I'm still gonna kiss you just the same ♪

♪ 'Cause it's you and me underneath magnolia trees ♪

♪ Might be 35, might be 80 degrees ♪

♪ Don't matter the weather ♪

♪ It's you and me together ♪

♪ On a Natchez, Mississippi Christmas Eve ♪

♪ On a Natchez, Mississippi Christmas Eve ♪

[applause]

[cheering]

-Nora! Look! -What is it?

-Look. -How did that get in there?

You were great... so good.

No.

"Find the spot we captured joy

with every passing year,

then off it went around the world

to spread our Christmas cheer."

"Above the Big River with a 360 view,

posing is vital to earn your next clue."

Oh, that sounds like a rough one.

You sure you don't already know what the answer is, Mom?

Well, if I did, do you think I'd tell ya?

[Nora] No. [laughs]

[Emily] Okay, so posing and capturing.

Like a photograph?

"Around the world."

Our Christmas card photo?

And now it is time for my famous snowflake pancakes.

-The gazebo at the bluff. -Oh!

-Ahh! -Yes!

Whoo!

I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you.

More for us. [chuckles]

-More for us. Come on. -Yeah.

[Nora gasps]

Oh, oh, oh, I'm sorry.

Santa just stepped away from the North Pole for a few moments,

but he'll be back.

Okay, we need to just check out the throne for a second.

It'll be my Christmas pleasure. Go ahead.

-[Nora] Okay. -Aw, thank you.

You're welcome.

[Nora] Okay, come on, buddy.

-Underneath? -Yeah, yeah.

[strains] You guys got the back?

We've checked every inch of this throne.

-Nothing! -[Charlotte sighs]

I'm sorry, ladies.

I can help you recreate that photo if that would cheer you up.

Wait, what photo?

[woman] The one on the tree!

-Come on! -[sisters gasping]

Oh!

You two have always had a thing for each other.

Oh, thanks for letting me know.

-[scoffs] It's pretty obvious. -Hmm-mm, it is not like that. -Yeah.

Paul picked up on it like right away.

He sees the way Liam looks at you.

In fact, he thinks that he's the one behind the entire scavenger hunt.

-Seriously? -Well, it can't be Mom.

She's way too wrapped up in the shop.

Mm-hmm. Well, it's totally Liam, you guys.

No, he seemed so surprised that we were doing the scavenger hunt at all.

Um, that's exactly why I suspect him.

What's it like to know you're right all the time?

Oh... pretty great when I'm with you two.

[Charlotte and Nora] Hmm.

[sisters chuckle]

Four days till Christmas and you're still working on those displays?

Hey!

Well, this one needed a little TLC

and the mayor himself asked me to fix this one.

Apparently, Dancing Banjo is his favorite.

[laughs] Well, it can't be easy.

These things are, what, from the 1950s?

If you'd like to stay here and help me, I would love that.

-With this? -Yeah.

I don't know, it's not exactly cocoa on the bluff.

It's not, but we could make that here,

put some carols on, and, uh, it'll be fine.

So...

anything you're asking the wishing bell for this year?

I mean, if you find it.

-[chuckles] -Um...

I don't think I'm gonna make a wish.

Really? Not even for fun?

Honestly, I haven't made a wish in a very long time.

What?

Well, every year, I used to wish for the same thing.

To meet my biological mom.

It had nothing to do with my parents not being enough.

I...

I just wanted a sense of her.

You know, who she was, where she was from.

But it never happened.

So eventually I just stopped wishing.

Well, I'm... really sorry.

I never told anyone.

I hope you find her, if that's what you still want.

You know, I almost forgot, too. Uh...

Something came for you. It was, uh...

It was in my PO box for some reason.

I'm not sure, but... Well...

-Yeah, there you go. -Oh.

Yeah, I had it sent there because I thought maybe it was...

-Yeah. -...safer for the holidays and...

That's fine.

-You okay? -Yeah.

I'll just, uh, put this with my coat.

[indistinct conversation]

[piano music playing]

The organizers really stepped it up this year with the desserts.

Right? And look at how cute these teddy bears are.

I know!

They're all from the Silver Street Gallery.

Gail donated all of them.

She's the best.

I could snag one for you and Paul.

What's with the wink?

[chuckles] Well...

you and Paul are thinking about starting a family, right?

Did he say that to you?

Well, we were bonding over bread

and it sort of just came up.

Well... he didn't make it sound like a secret or anything.

No, it's not a secret.

I'm just surprised he said something.

Oh, dear.

Hope I didn't get him in trouble.

I'm dying to know if he's in on the scavenger hunt.

-Oh! -Are you kidding?

Well, he's been acting awfully curious

about how everything happens with the clues.

-I assure you he is clueless. -[mother laughs]

Well, it's not a bad theory.

I mean, plus, y'all know how much I love a good mystery.

Right, weren’t you writing a detective novel for a while?

Yep. After I took a criminology class.

I didn't know that.

Well, maybe you would have if you ever visited me at B.U.

That was when I was practically living at the office.

Right, I forgot. Work comes before everything.

Girls.

This is a charity event.

Maybe we could be a little more charitable to each other.

Good.

Now, where is the cake pop?

[sisters laugh]

-Ooh. -Hello. Thank you.

[sisters talking indistinctly]

-I mean, that face. Come on. -[Emily] Cootchie-cootchie...

Oh, our adoption days!

Look how cute we were!

-Aw. -The little pigtails.

-Oh. -Look at that smile.

[chuckles]

Do either one of you still keep in touch with your early foster families

or your biological parents?

No.

I actually reconnected with mine

for a second while I was in college.

But I don't really

feel the need to stay in touch.

I have my family.

Oh, I feel the same.

-Yeah. -Mom and Dad never let us want for anything.

We all got so lucky, didn't we?

[phone buzzes]

-Is that who I think it is? -Are you guys already texting?

Oh, great, here we go.

Did you ask her out?

Sort of, but it's more of a hangout than a date.

Okay, when and where is this happening? Because we need all the details.

Yeah, and if it's just a hangout, we should probably be there.

-100% -Absolutely not.

-[sisters] Yes. -No. -We'll wear disguises.

-We'll do accents. -A mustache.

-She will never know. -A monocle.

-Ahh! -[Nora] Absolutely not. -A top hat.

-Guys! -[laughing]

[screaming, laughing]

Oh...

-Hi, honey. -Good morning.

What are you doing here?

Couldn't sleep.

I was remembering how sometimes when I was little,

Dad would have me come in with him some mornings and carve with him in the back.

Mm. I'm guessing there's not a lot of room for artistry

when you're working with 2x4s and cement.

Sadly, no.

[laughing]

How's the scavenger hunt going?

You know, it's actually going pretty well.

Although we have had a couple sister moments.

Well, I kind of had a feeling that might happen.

I mean, you girls have been apart

more years than you've been together now.

You can't expect to be the perfect teammates.

But the fact that you're doing this for your dad,

I have faith you'll find your way.

Thanks, Mom.

You really wanna help.

-I really do. [laughing] -Get in here.

You loved the sanding always.

"Every display at the Christmas bluff

has a special place in my heart,

but this might be my favorite one,

made with you girls in mind from the start."

[all] The three angels.

Come on, Dad, getting soft on us.

It's way too easy. It's probably still at the shop.

Not so fast-- that piece was sold at the auction a few years later.

We're gonna have to find out who bought it and hope they still held on to it.

Prepare to go digging in the file cabinets, ladies.

Lucky for you, someone started an online database for the shop a few months ago.

Look at you, computer whiz.

[winces] And you're welcome.

Looks like it belonged to Mr. Cain Weller.

He's probably at the church.

Yes! Let's go.

[Charlotte] Of course it's the church.

Behold, Mr. Weller.

-We should sit. -Okay. Go on.

Did you have to choose Dad's pew?

[Nora] Where else would we sit?

I can picture the exact shirt he'd be wearing.

The smell of his cologne.

He had a beautiful service here, didn't he?

[Nora] Exactly what he wanted.

I'm sorry I left after the funeral...

that I didn't say goodbye.

It was just, it was too hard.

It was like, if I stayed too long, he was...

he was really gone, so I did what I do best.

I kept moving.

That was hard.

It was hard.

It really was.

But we know that everyone grieves differently.

People aren't always in synch when they lose someone.

[Charlotte] We should have been together, though,

the three of us and Mom.

Missing Dad, loving Dad.

As a team.

I let you all down and I hope that one day you can forgive me.

We still have a lot of life ahead of us to be a team.

-Right? -[Nora] Yes.

Angels display.

I remember.

My late wife and I, we bought that 20 years back.

-So lovely. -Yeah, we're fond of it too.

Our dad actually made them with us in mind.

[Cain] Your father was quite the artist.

It was such a pleasure to follow his career.

We were hoping that maybe there was a chance that we could see the angels?

Well, you know I don't have them anymore.

When my wife passed, I donated them to a place

where they would always honor her memory.

Can you tell us where that is?

I could, but that might be considered cheating.

The word in town is that y'all don't need any help.

-Liam. -[Cain] Keep your heads up, girls.

I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for.

-What do we do? -[door closes]

[Charlotte] Okay...

He's right.

We just need to keep our heads up.

[Charlotte laughs]

[laughing]

[Paul] You know, if your startup doesn't pan out, I could use you at the bakery.

[Emily] I would eat all of your inventory.

Like that one?

That one was broken.

[Paul chuckles]

You're a genius, by the way. These are delicious.

It was your idea to add the mocha flavor.

Hmm, mocha makes everything better.

You know, I would have never thought I could have my own bakery

if you hadn't told me I should.

Oh, yes, you would have.

No, it was you encouraging me.

Otherwise, I'd still be the guy doing a 9-to-5,

miserable,

dreaming about all the recipes I'd never get to try.

Well, I always want to encourage you,

support you in your dreams.

Mm. Same here.

Hopefully it won't be too much longer

before we're both supporting a new set of dreams.

Right. Um...

-About that. -Mm-hmm.

I've just been thinking a lot about Dad

these past few days and...

Mom and Dad and...

just how much they had to work and take care of us

and like the shop and everything and...

You're worried,

about the schedule and how it's all gonna work out?

I am too.

Your crazy hours at work and my running the bakery.

It's not gonna be easy.

But we have nine months to get ready.

Yeah.

[line ringing]

[ringing]

[woman] Hello?

Hi. I was hoping to reach Allison?

This is Allison. Who's calling?

I'm...

I'm your daughter.

[Allison] I'm so glad you called.

[Emily] So we get all the way through this race, but we win.

And then we turn around and our picture,

our picture was actually just like right there.

[laughing]

-The spirit was strong. -[mother] So there you are.

Can I fix you a plate before you get on with the next clue?

Actually, I was wondering if I could borrow your car.

I have to go to Jackson today.

It's for a last-minute meeting with a potential donor for my nonprofit.

What about the scavenger hunt?

Maybe you two can take this clue without me.

Keys are on the hook.

Drive safely.

We hope this donor writes you a very nice check.

I hope so too.

Good luck.

Bye.

[clicks tongue] I...

Can I hug you?

Yes.

Come on in.

[Charlotte] Oh, wow, your home is lovely.

Can't believe I'm sitting across from you, that we're together.

Yeah, me too.

So tell me everything.

What do you do? Where do you live?

Well, I build medical facilities around the world.

So I haven't had a permanent address in...

gosh, going on 20 years.

Really? Well, that's kind of like me.

I'm an antiques dealer.

So I've been all over the U.S. and Mexico,

Italy, China.

I inherited this place from your grandmother.

Otherwise, I'd still be on the road.

That is so interesting, that we have that in common.

To me, being on the move is the best way to live.

What's your favorite place you've ever been to?

Changes all the time.

Today I'm going to say South Africa.

I spent a summer in Durban right on the coast.

I love Durban.

If I was gonna live anywhere permanently,

Durban's right at the top of my list.

I always knew you were made for more than Mississippi.

It does have its charms.

Natchez was a great place to grow up.

Did you have a happy childhood then?

Absolutely.

I couldn't have wished for more loving and supportive parents.

And my mom and dad adopted two more little girls after me,

so I grew up with sisters.

Are the three of you close?

Yes. Very.

We have our ups and downs, sure, but...

when it matters, they are my people.

I've thought of you often

over the years, Charlotte,

hoping you were safe and loved and okay.

I was, very much so.

Although I always felt like... like something was missing.

A big question mark from my past.

Can I ask you the circumstances,

placing me for adoption?

Of course.

I was, uh... real young, and terrified.

I didn't know what to do.

But what I did know is that I was not fit to be a mother.

I wanted to keep you.

But I knew you deserved a good life.

I'm sorry, I'm not sure this is what you wanted to hear.

Actually, it's what I've been searching for forever.

I was always worried that if I ever met you...

that you'd be upset with me.

You'd resent me for...

for giving you up.

Not at all.

You gave me the best life possible.

It took a lot of courage to do what you did.

It must have been so hard.

Oh, it was the hardest thing I ever did.

But I'm...

thrilled that you got everything and more that I hoped for you.

I did.

Oh, look at us. We even cry the same.

[laughing]

You know what? I always hoped you'd reach out.

I have been looking forward to this moment

as long as I can remember.

Yeah, I don’t know how it would work exactly,

but I'd really like to be a part of your life,

even if it's just in a small way.

I'd love that too.

[Allison] What are your plans for Christmas day?

I'm having some friends over in the afternoon,

and it would be great if you could stop by.

It'll be casual, lots of good pastries.

Sure, I'd love to.

Good.

[Nora] "A feast for your eyes, and maybe even more,

every Christmas season this meal was in store."

"Our table for five will now work for three,

make sure you order cherries jubilee."

Oh, we are so not telling Charlotte we got an easy one without her.

Or that we get to eat the best po'boys in Mississippi.

[laughing]

Paul has tried making these before.

Never quite hit the mark.

I won't say anything.

I know we promised we would not talk about work stuff,

but I just wanted to say I'm sorry,

for not reaching out when things didn't work out in Boston.

I'm sure it was really hard.

It's embarrassing.

You shouldn't feel embarrassed.

Businesses are risks.

You took a huge one.

I'm proud of you.

Means a lot for you to say that.

I'm sure you two must think I am a lost cause.

Not at all. Take those words out of your mouth.

I mean, honestly, I've always been jealous

that you are so good

at like everything.

[laughing]

And just because people have like their career figured out

does not mean everything else is like perfect.

What's wrong?

[scoffs] Come on.

I mean, you might as well tell me now.

We have cherries jubilee on the way.

[chuckles]

[sighs]

Paul really wants to have a baby.

And we've been talking about this since before we were even married.

I just don't know if I'm ready.

Okay.

My job, it's so demanding.

And then introducing a new human into the mix,

I mean, that just seems like...

a lot.

Not everyone's meant to be a parent, Em.

Not everyone can be a parent.

We both know that.

But for now you should tell Paul how you feel.

-[groans] -I know, I know.

It's like Dad said.

"The truth is hard,

but it always feels better after."

-Thank you. -Thanks.

Nora, please let me get this.

Just because I'm unemployed doesn't mean I'm broke.

[laughing] Okay.

Okay.

[gasps]

[Charlotte] Thank you for inviting me tonight.

And for picking me up.

[Liam] I figure this might be a little cozier than your beach cruiser.

And I hope I'm not intruding on your sister time.

I don't want you to miss any of your daily clues.

Actually, they found it while I was in Jackson.

-Oh. -So my night freed up.

Lucky me.

When was the last time you came to this?

Oh, probably...

Oh. It was the Christmas before you left for school.

So, almost 20 years.

Still feels like yesterday to me, though.

You know, I knew you weren't gonna stick around in this town for long

and wait for life to happen.

Although it's...

it is hard every time you leave.

You should come on a build sometime.

And stay awhile.

Yeah, maybe I will.

The only problem is...

if you come and stay...

I might not want you to leave.

-We have questions. -About what?

Em saw Liam dropping you off last night,

and both of you seem unusually smiley.

Now is the time to talk because I swear, if we find out that this whole time--

Okay, everybody, let's calm down, I will talk.

We kissed last night, for the first time ever.

-Was it good? -Was it awkward?

It was perfect.

-[screaming] -[Emily] I can't believe it!

♪ I knew it, I knew it ♪

I knew it!

[sisters laughing]

You girls okay up there?

Everything's fine, Mom.

Yeah. Charlotte just told us that she totally...

She totally what?

I... I totally made my bed already.

Can you believe that?

Good to know.

Emily, will you come down when you get a chance?

I have something for you and Paul.

-Oh, I have something for you too! -[Emily shrieks]

[chuckles]

[soft laughter]

Hello.

What's this?

I have a little early Christmas present I want to give you.

I know it's a bit soon, but whenever the time comes,

this is yours.

Your daddy and I, we made this together

the year we started wishing for a family.

So when your wish comes true,

I will ship this to San Francisco for you.

Until then, it's here for you.

[Paul] It's... it's beautiful.

Donna, thank you.

Look at the... look at the detail.

I'm... I'm speechless.

[laughing]

Thank you so much.

Very kind of you.

Wow.

This is so cute!

It's adorable.

I actually know the designer.

Is there anyone in this town you don't know?

Not really.

You were the last one,

but I'm working on fixing that now.

You're doing a really good job.

Yeah, this is my favorite spot to get gifts,

because everything is made in Mississippi.

Careful.

Your local pride is showing.

That's on you.

You have a way of...

bringing out what I love about this place.

So... thank you.

Oh, well, thank you for bringing me here.

You know, as an artist, it's really inspiring

to be in a place with so much creativity.

And what kind of art is your specialty?

-I'm a painter. -Oh.

Mostly acrylics.

I've been experimenting with watercolor recently.

I've only ever experimented with finger painting,

so this is very impressive.

-Is that so? -Yes.

Uh, where could I see your art?

I have a website, but, uh...

it's terrible.

I can't let you see it.

-I mean, you design websites. -Barely.

That's... not like what I do do.

Oh, so what do you do?

Uh... I'm still figuring that out.

I so know that feeling.

-You do? -Oh, yeah.

I'm an artist.

Reinvention is in my blood.

[chuckles] You know, if you're not starting at the beginning

with every project, then you're not doing it right.

What's your secret?

How do you keep going?

[clicks tongue] No matter what, just keep getting up in the morning.

Yeah, sometimes it's as simple as that.

You'll figure it out.

[phone buzzes]

Oh.

I gotta go.

Time got away from me.

I'm supposed to meet my mom for a carriage ride.

Then you better get out of here.

I'm so sorry.

Don't be. I... should get back to my sisters.

And... this was fun.

Yeah, it was, it was fun.

[laughs]

Well, you better go. The carriage waits for no woman.

I know, thank you. Bye. [chuckles]

[Charlotte] "The place where your births were recorded

on Christmas not far apart,

thanks to our prayers, hopes and wishes,

we became a family under this chart."

Hey, team, how we doin'?

It's been kind of a weird morning.

I'm sorry, Em.

Yeah. Maybe seeing Miss Gloria will help.

-Come on. -Yeah.

Well, thank you.

[Miss Gloria] You know, I let your dad in myself

so he could write your names in the book.

He was eager to write them.

Robert and Donna Daniels.

That's them.

Or should I say that's all of you?

Oh, we've never seen this before.

I'd be happy to make you a copy, give you a few to take home.

[whispering] There isn't a clue in here.

You sure you don't have something for us?

Am I supposed to?

Guess not.

It could be with the clerk who was off today.

Or they could have fallen out of the ledger and been lost.

Miss Gloria did say she would call if she found anything.

And we left a message with the front desk.

I say we take a break.

So, you're just done?

But we haven't found today's clue.

We don't have any other idea of where it could be, Char.

Maybe we just take a breather.

There's more important things to think about than finishing the scavenger hunt.

[ringtone playing]

Allison, hi.

Hey, you. Is now a good time?

Sure. How are you?

I just wanted to let you know about a little change of plans.

The friends and I are gonna mix things up

and drive down to Biloxi on Christmas morning.

We got plenty of room in the car and we could scoop you up on the way.

I know they'd love to meet you and you'd adore them.

Maybe.

Yeah, I think that might work.

I just have some things

to figure out, but, uh...

-Can I call you later and let you know? -Sure.

I'll be in touch with details, but I hope you can make it.

Yeah, me too. Thanks.

Bye.

Hey. You need help closing up?

Oh, no, I'm just doing a little project for my mom.

All right. Hey, I got a gig at Smoot's later on, and I was hoping to grab some food.

-Do you wanna join me? -Yeah, sounds great.

[Liam] Good.

-You okay? -Yeah, yeah, fine.

You sure?

I mean, it's me. What's up?

Um... I made a huge mistake.

I lied to my family.

I told them I was going to Jackson for work...

but I went to Baton Rouge to meet my biological mom.

I got her information and we planned a time to talk.

It was good, though.

We actually got along great.

She's kind of fantastic.

So, when do you think you might tell them the truth?

I don't know that I have to.

I mean, at least not right away.

I mean, Charlotte, do you really think that's the best idea?

I thought you'd be happy for me.

This is something I've wanted for so long.

I am, I am happy for you.

But I just wanna make sure you've thought it through.

Well, you have no idea how hard it's going to be to tell my family.

You're right, I don't know.

I'm just... trying to be helpful.

Well, it's not helping.

I'm sorry.

I have a lot on my mind and I...

I just think I probably need to be alone.

Okay.

I can't do this.

I get it.

No, I can't...

do this.

I just don't know what I want right now.

I think you do know, but...

I'm going to give you the space to make sure.

Thank you, Paul, for helping me.

Of course.

This is fun.

I like that your family has special plates

to use for Christmas Eve dinner.

-[Emily] Mm-hmm. -We should do this with our family.

I have something to tell you.

I don't know if I'm ready.

To have a baby.

Kind of saw that coming.

I'm sorry, I know we've talked about this, forever,

but the closer it gets, I just...

I don't know if I can take on that added responsibility.

I don't know if I can make it a part of who I am.

I'm not saying that that door is closed.

I'm, I'm just saying that... right now it's not open.

Please say something.

I think I should take a walk.

Paul, I love you so much.

I know.

I just need to process this.

[door opens]

Hey.

I'm gonna run to the store,

grab a few last things for Christmas Eve supper.

You need anything?

I'm good, Mom, thanks.

You know, my mom radar's a little rusty, but...

I think I owe you an apology.

What do you mean?

Oh, the whole baby situation.

I just got caught up in all the excitement,

and while I would love to be a grandmother,

I'm not here to put pressure on you

or to force anything.

Especially when I get the feeling

that's not what you want?

Wanna talk about it?

What's going on with my girl?

You guys?

We read "the place where your births were recorded,"

so we thought the courthouse.

But I have a feeling...

it was right here all along.

That's the last one, isn't it?

Our last chance to do it before Christmas.

"Head to a familiar oak,

the bell is your last clue."

"Ring it on Christmas, loud and clear,

if there's a wish you want to come true."

"You girls are my most treasured wishes,

the best gifts I ever received."

"I love you now and always."

"From Dad on Christmas Eve."

All right.

We have a bell to find.

[laughs]

[gasps]

-[laughing] -Wow!

I wonder if we'll still be able to make wishes without Dad.

I don't know. We gotta try.

Who's going up?

[laughing]

-Okay. -Here we go.

All right.

-Two, three... -Ah! Ha!

Ha!

Oh!

Should have just checked there first.

-Would have saved a whole lot of time. -[laughing]

[phone buzzing]

Who's Allison?

No one.

Well, it was programmed in your phone,

so, it's gotta be someone.

-[Emily] Yeah. -It's nothing.

-Guys, I don't wanna talk about it. -Who is it?

-No, it's nothing. -Why are you being so weird?

-I'm not being weird. -You're being totally weird.

-No, I'm not. -Just tell us.

It was my biological mom.

I didn't go to Jackson to meet with a donor.

-I went to meet her. -[Nora] You lied?

I was gonna tell you guys. I just wasn't sure how you were gonna react.

You guys, this has nothing to do with you.

It has everything to do with us. Charlotte, we're your family.

Of course you're my family. You're always gonna be my family.

This is just something I've always wanted.

You never cared about connecting with your biological families,

but I did, I always have.

I can't believe you.

After all we've been through this week, you would do this to Mom?

And to us?

It's not about you, I promise.

It's about something that's missing from me.

The only part of you that's missing is the part that wants to be.

No, you guys.

Nor, Em!

-Wait, you guys. -[bell chimes]

[Charlotte] I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

We know it was an accident, Char.

It was, but...

but I'm sorry because I should have been honest sooner.

And I should have been coming home more all these years.

I think traveling around,

it let me leave behind...

any pain from the uncertainty of my past.

But being home with you two this last week...

seeing everything I missed,

I have a lot of regret.

And I know that I can't fix my shortcomings from the past,

but I can be a better sister,

and I will be a better sister from now on.

Me too.

I know that we haven't talked about it,

but, um, I am so sorry

that we eloped.

It killed me to not have the two of you there.

But I just kept thinking about how much it would hurt

to not have Dad there, and...

slightly so that I could take a little less vacation time.

[chuckles]

[laughs]

I'm sorry.

I am also very sorry.

I know I've been incredibly distant.

Moving back home after the business folded,

while you two were off living your exciting lives.

I just... I felt behind.

Like...

the littlest sister all over again.

And I somehow blamed you.

But being together this week,

I remembered that we are equals.

If Dad was here...

he would be so happy.

The bell may be cracked,

but it's still granting Dad's wishes.

What do you say we do it one last time?

It is Christmas Eve.

[Nora] I call first. Thank you.

-Thank you. -[sisters laughing]

[phone rings]

-Hello? -Allison.

-Hi, it's Charlotte. -[Allison] Hey, you.

Thanks for calling back. What do you say?

-Can you join us tomorrow? -Actually, I wanna thank you

so much for the invitation,

but I'm gonna spend Christmas tomorrow with my family.

Of course, I completely understand.

I do want you to be part of my life,

but let's take it step by step.

Can I be in touch after New Year's?

I'd love that.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you too.

Bye.

[Santa chuckles]

Oh, I want a Barbie house.

A Barbie house.

Well, I think we have a lot of Barbie houses

at the North Pole.

Were you a good girl this year?

Hey, buddy, what you doing?

[Santa] What would you like?

Just waiting for the line to end.

Then I was gonna take a selfie with Santa.

[Emily laughs]

Maybe I can cut in.

I'm ready to be a parent.

But if you're not, that's okay.

I admire how important your job is to you,

how driven you are.

If that means we have to wait until we're on the same page,

sobeit, 'cause we're a team.

We'll get there together.

If I get one wish for Christmas, Paul,

it would be for a way to always make you happy.

I already am happy.

'Cause I'm with you.

[Emily] Let's see where we're at next Christmas.

How bad is it?

Hmm, the crack will be visible,

but it'll still ring.

You've been hiding the clues, haven't you?

Hard to stay a step ahead of you girls,

but somehow I've managed to do it.

I don't know how your dad did it all those years.

Mom, I have something I have to tell you.

Sure.

I didn't go to Jackson the other day.

I met my biological mom.

Really?

I'm sorry I lied to you.

It's something I've wanted to do,

but I didn't know how to talk to you about.

I didn't even know how to bring it up.

Must have taken a lot of courage

to reach out to her.

We had a good meeting.

And I hope we keep in touch.

You know that no one will ever replace you.

You'll always be my mom.

Are you upset?

You know...

I'm sure every adoptive parent feels differently,

but...

I'm glad you had the chance to meet.

If I were you, I would have wanted to.

-Really? -Of course.

You are more like me than you will ever know.

I just...

wish I'd known.

I would have sent my gratitude.

Mine and your father's.

I will tell her.

Please.

I love you so much.

Oh!

I love you too.

[door opens]

Merry Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas to you.

I wanted to thank you for being so open the other day.

I still don't know what I'm going to do with my life,

but... I know now that I can have joy

in the process.

That is so great, and I'm really happy to hear that.

And in the meantime, I'd love to come see you

in New Orleans and see your art in person,

if that would be cool.

Yeah, that is very cool.

Oh!

So you can remember your first Christmas in Natchez.

Oh!

I love it.

-[hands clapping] -[mother] Good morning!

-[excited chatter] -[mother] You're the elf.

-Okay. -Oh, merry Christmas.

[Nora] Merry Christmas, Mama.

-[mother] I'm starving. -[Paul chuckles]

She ever made these for you?

Presenting...

my not-so-famous...

snowflake pancakes!

I must say, it is nice being on the receiving end of the plate this time.

-Thank you. -They look delicious.

I... I like mine crispy.

[laughter]

Wait, where is Charlotte?

[contemplative guitar music playing]

[Charlotte] Excuse me.

Are you Liam Malbrough of the Natchez Nachos?

That depends on who's asking.

Actually, I'm your biggest fan.

I wasn't expecting you.

-Hi. -Hi.

Liam, you've been my best friend as long as I can remember.

And to think of us being something more,

especially with everything happening with my family,

is a lot.

But I do have feelings for you.

And it would be so worth it to me

to see where this could go.

You can't play with my emotions, Charlotte Daniels.

Not on Christmas morning.

You wanna see where this can go?

That's what I wished for on the bell.

That's what I wished for, too.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for being here.

It is my great honor to present to you

our newest display for Santa Land on the Bluff

made by the one, the only, the lovely Donna Daniels.

-Whoo! -Go, Mom!

Ow, ow! Yeah!

Welcome, everybody, and merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

I would like to dedicate this piece

to my three wonderful daughters

and to my husband, Robert Daniels,

the man we all think of

every time a bell rings.

[gasping]

[crowd exclaiming, clapping]

[cheering]

[mother] Thank you.

Come on in here. You bet, baby.

-Hi, sweetie. -[indistinct conversation]

[laughter]