Original subtitles

- Yes, I'll hold.

I'm on hold, Beth.

- But-

- Not now!

- Mr. Ackerman?

- I'm on the phone.

I know.

Your mother has called 11 times this morning.

1172

-11.

She said it's an emergency and she needs to speak with you.

- About?

-I don't know.

- Fine.

Pick up line one for me.

Reschedule that call whenever they finally pick up.

- Yes, sir.

- Oh.

Mom, what's wrong?

Is that any way to greet your mother?

- Mom! Are you okay?

What's the emergency?

- The emergency is I haven't heard from my only son

in nearly a week.

- Yeah, sorry, Ma, it's just busy time of year.

- Never be too busy for family, Christian.

- I know. You're right.

It's nice to hear your voice, Mom.

- That's more like it.

How are you, honey?

- Busy. Very busy.

We're going from Black Friday

right into our holiday campaign.

- That's not what I asked.

How are you?

- I'm okay.

I really miss Grandpa,

so I've just been throwing myself into my work.

Keep picking up the phone to call him.

- Yeah, me too, babe.

Which is why I'm calling.

- Really?

What's up?

- Well, the reading of Grandpa's will was today.

- Oh, yeah, he's splitting everything

between you, Aunt Jean, and Uncle Jack, right?

- Almost.

He left some surprises for the grand kids.

- Really?

- Emma got his pocket watch and some of Grandma's jewelry.

Jack, Jr. got his car.

Clint got the boat.

And he opened some small trust funds for the littler ones.

And you-

- It's okay, Mom, I don't need anything.

- You were his favorite, Chris.

- Yeah, I know I was.

- He left you the Lake House.

- In Maine?

Yes.

- Really?

- Really.

His lawyers are gonna get in touch with you.

- I can't believe this!

I love that house.

Well, there is a stipulation.

- Stipulation?

- Yes.

In order for you to get the house,

you have to host Christmas like Grandpa used to do.

Chris, are you there?

- Yeah, I'm here.

Just surprised is all.

- Yeah, I know you're really busy, honey...

- Yeah, I'll find a way.

- Okay, are you sure?

- Absolutely.

Grandpa wanted it this way.

I will figure it out.

- Christmas is a month away.

- I know.

I'm on it.

- Okay, let me know if you need any help.

- I will.

- I love you.

- Love you too, Mom.

- Bye.

- Goodbye.

Hey, Beth.

- Yes, Mr. Ackerman?

- Is Larry around?

- Yes, Mr. Link just returned from lunch.

- Great.

Let him know I'm on my way up, please.

- Yes, sir. - Thanks.

- Chris, come in!

Thanks.

- Have a seat.

Did you have a nice Thanksgiving?

- I did, thank you.

I watched the parade, I had some dinner.

You?

- Oh, it was great.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

Being around the family it's good for us.

- Yeah, it was just me this year.

You know, we had my grandfather's funeral a few weeks ago

and I had a lot to catch up on.

- Well, you should a joined me and Loretta.

There is nothing like a Link family Thanksgiving

and you were the missing link.

- Thank you. I really appreciate that.

But, you know, I just had too much to do for Black Friday.

- And you did a great job too, Chris.

I'm going through the numbers right now

and our sales are up 17% from last year.

- That's all?

- That's all?

We set ourselves a goal of a 5% increase.

You knocked that one out of the park!

- Yeah.

Yeah, but I was hoping for 20.

- 20?

You're a machine.

You need to take some time off.

- It's funny you should say that, uh...

- Oh.

You're not going to leave me for the holidays, are you?

- Not exactly.

My grandfather, he left me his house in Maine

and I have to host Christmas up there.

Do you mind if I work remotely until the new year?

I will start the new year fresh in my office.

- No, you don't have to come back

exactly on New Year's Day, Chris.

- Well, yeah, we'll see.

- Do whatever you need to do, Chris.

Just keep up the good work.

- Thank you. Thanks, Larry, I really appreciate it.

Merry Christmas.

- You too.

Oh, Mr. Ackerman,

I have a few messages for you.

Mr. Carter called-

- Don't worry about it, Beth.

Do me a favor, reschedule my phone calls

for today and tomorrow till Wednesday.

- Yes, sir.

- Oh and get me a list of the five best event planners

and decorators in Christmas Cove, Maine.

- Christmas Cove?

- Well, South Bristol, actually.

My house is in Christmas Cove.

- I'm sorry, Mr. Ackerman, you're confusing me.

You have a house in Maine?

- Apparently.

It's a long story.

Just get me that info, reschedule my appointments.

You can have the rest of the day off.

- Really?

Yes and come in around 11 tomorrow.

I'll be telecommuting until the new year.

I, I don't know what to say.

- Well, neither do I, Beth.

This is all a bit sudden for me.

Just get me that info, will you please?

Yeah, yes, sir!

- Reschedule my calls.

Absolutely.

Thank you.

Ah.

- Yo, you sure you're only going for a month?

It seems like you're moving with all this stuff you got.

- I have to move my entire life

up to Maine for the next month, Jordan.

I don't wanna chance leaving anything behind.

Why don't you just fly up there?

'Cause I need my car.

It's not like New York. Can't just walk everywhere.

Cabs?

- No, man. I am in the middle of nowhere.

Is the town really called Christmas Cove?

Kind of.

It's on Rutherford Island in South Bristol.

The story is that John Smith harbored his boat there

during Christmas in the 1600s and gave it that name.

- John Smith?

- The Pocahontas guy? - Yeah, yeah, yeah.

The town is still South Bristol

but Christmas Cove is a real place.

There's only a handful of homes there.

Oh, and your grandfather owns one of those homes.

- Exactly.

My grandma and grandpa lived there their entire lives.

My grandpa bought it from his father,

and now passed it down to me.

- No mortgage.

Sweet.

- Yeah, yeah, but it's beyond that, Jordan.

All of my family's Christmas memories are up there.

My mom grew up in that house.

Everybody goes to the Lake House for Christmas

and we really didn't know what we were gonna do

this year since Grandpa passed.

- Looks like he decided for you.

- Why don't you come and join us with your folks?

For Christmas?

Yeah, why not?

- I don't know, I mean,

my sister's gonna be in Utah spending it

with her new in-laws.

I mean, would just be the three of us anyway.

- Maybe it would be a good distraction for them.

Not such a bad drive from Boston.

Maybe.

I'll talk to them about it.

Who else is gonna be there?

- My entire family.

Mom and Dad, two aunts and uncles,

at least three cousins-

- It sounds like a full house.

Are you sure you want three more?

- Absolutely.

It's Christmas. It's a big house.

- How big?

Come for Christmas and find out.

- I'll talk to my folks.

I promise.

Good.

- How are you gonna pull this all together?

- I have my ways.

I know you do.

- Well, I better hit the road.

Traffic's gonna start getting heavy in a bit.

Oh, how long's the drive?

- About seven hours.

Ah, that's not bad.

- You should make the drive.

- I get the hint, Chris.

Hey, but drive safe, all right?

- All right.

Come on, bring it in.

Oh, yeah.

- Send me when you make it, all right?

- I will, I will.

- All right, brother.

- And now for new business.

The South Bristol Chamber of Commerce has a new member.

I'd like us all to give a warm welcome to Meredith Block,

proud owner of Merry Events.

Meredith, why don't you come up here

and tell us a little bit about your business?

- Me?

Of course.

Small business owners are their best advocates.

Oh now, don't be shy.

There might be one or two people

in this group that could be clients.

- Yeah, I guess.

- You shouldn't guess.

You're a business owner.

You need to exude confidence.

Let's give her a little encouragement!

- Thank you, Felicia.

- You're welcome.

Hi! I'm Merry Block.

That's short for Meredith.

Uh, Merry is, not Block.

Block is my last name.

- Go on.

I just opened my company, Merry Events.

I decorate and plan the event

and cook for small parties.

- Are you licensed?

What?

- Are you licensed to work food service in Maine?

- Oh! Yes, of course.

Licensed, bonded, and insured.

And trained!

Classically trained in the culinary arts.

I spent some time abroad in Paris, actually,

so I really do know how to cook.

- So why events?

- Uh... well, I've always enjoyed planning parties.

I'm the hostess with the mostest, I guess!

- Can I ask you why you started your business now?

I mean, typically in the winter is a very difficult time

to open a business.

- Well, I've always planned parties.

My parents never really got into birthdays

or the holidays or anything,

so I was always left up to my own devices for them.

Aw.

That's so sad.

- Oh, no, no, not at all.

My mom is a neurosurgeon and my dad is a scientist.

They were just really busy

and didn't find the holidays important.

I loved planning them so that we could do things together,

even if it was only a couple times out of the year.

- So you don't spend holidays with them?

- No, not really.

I hosted Friends giving at my house this year

and I hope to get a Christmas client.

- A Christmas client?

- What's a Christmas client?

- A Christmas client is someone who doesn't have time

to decorate for Christmas and lets me plan the event,

decorate, and cook for their small party.

- So where do you spend it?

- That's not really about my business.

You're right. I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to get personal.

- It's fine!

It's fine. Really.

I have plenty of friends in South Bristol

and no shortage of invitations for Christmas.

- So in conclusion...

- Right.

In conclusion, I'm able to help turn any celebration

into a Merry Event.

Oh, okay.

- Thank you, Meredith.

Thank you.

Okay, so onto the next order of business.

This is the South Bristol New Year's Eve Party,

sponsored by Don LaRue at King Eider's Pub.

Don.

Good job tonight.

- Hardly!

- Oh no, you did great.

I really put you on the spot

and you handled it really well.

- You think?

- Yes.

You work on your confidence,

but that will come with time.

I hate speaking in front of crowds.

Oh well, so do 1.

- Really? You're such a natural at it.

Oh, not really.

I really have to hype myself up for these kinda things.

But you have people

eating out of the palm of your hand.

- Hardly.

I like you.

- Thanks.

You're not so bad yourself.

- I'm gonna give you a lead.

- A lead?

- Yes. Here. - What's that?

- Well, this woman phoned this morning

and I guess her boss inherited this house in Christmas Cove

and they want to host this big Christmas party.

- Really?

- Mm-hm.

They need an event planner to plan,

to decorate, to cook.

That's right up my alley!

- I know it is and I knew you'd be here tonight,

so I wanted to see how you handled things.

- You tested me?

- Well, you know, I'm not in the habit

of suggesting people that I don't know.

- You won't regret it, Felicia. I promise.

- I know I won't.

Call her before 11

and Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas?

We've got a few weeks until Christmas.

Yes, I know but there's gonna be

this whole dump of snow and I am not good in the cold.

But you live in Maine.

- I know I do but that was my husband's idea

so we have this deal.

We go to the Bahamas for a month during the holidays.

- Oh, that is really nice.

Yes, it is.

- Thank you, Felicia. Really.

- Give us a hug.

You are gonna do great.

- Thaddeus! I'm home!

Where are you, Thad?

I'm sorry I'm late.

Thaddeus.

I know, I'm sorry!

Here you go.

Pss pss pss.

Come here.

Yeah, bud.

What?

- Hello?

Hi, is this Beth Reynolds?

- This is she. Can I ask who's calling?

- My name is Meredith Block.

I own Merry Events in South Bristol.

Felicia Johnson referred me.

Great! I'm so happy to be speaking with you.

- You are?

- You're an event planner, right?

I sure am.

How can I help you?

- It's actually for my boss, Chris Ackerman.

- I don't recognize the name.

- I didn't think you would.

He just inherited a house in Christmas Cove.

His grandfather passed away.

- Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that.

Right around the holidays too.

- It was really sad.

He and his grandfather were very close.

- I can imagine, inheriting his house.

But how can I help you?

- There is a stipulation to the inheritance.

- Oh?

- Yes.

He must host Christmas for his family

and that includes food, decorations, everything.

I'll be honest, I love my boss,

but he doesn't know the first thing about entertaining.

Well, you're speaking

with the right person.

- I certainly hope so.

It's a lot of work, but it pays well.

How many people will be there?

- 10 adults.

Some are teenagers.

- That's not so bad.

- You must decorate the entire house from top to bottom,

interior and exterior.

In one day?

- No, of course not.

Mr. Ackerman will be there tonight

and he's looking to hire someone by the weekend.

- Oh, that's plenty of time.

- They will need the entire Christmas dinner

prepared by a private chef on Christmas Day.

- I take care of all the food myself.

What about Christmas Eve?

- Uh, there are no plans for Christmas Eve,

so you could even have the day off.

But Christmas is non-negotiable.

- Okay. Anything else?

Anyone else that I have talked to

has all but hung up on me

when they found out they had to work Christmas.

Do you celebrate the holiday?

I mean, you are familiar with Christmas.

Of course I'm familiar with Christmas.

I'm familiar with all holidays.

And I actually do celebrate Christmas,

but my parents live in Baltimore

so I spend the holidays with friends.

I'm sure they'll understand.

That is wonderful to hear.

- Great. So I have the job?

- I wish I could hire you on the spot,

but Mr. Ackerman actually wants to meet

all of the candidates in person tomorrow at the Lake House.

- Oh, I thought you said I was the only one left.

- You are.

Does 10 work?

Absolutely!

What's the address?

- I'll text it to you.

Does this number work?

Sure does.

Great.

- Thank you. Have a good night.

- You, too!

- Hi, Grandpa.

♪ My train pulled out the station

♪ Rode along the Hudson coast

♪ It brought back the memories

♪ Of the ones I love the most ♪

♪ There's holly on the mantel ♪

♪ It's peaceful everywhere ♪

♪ Thought of you like presents ♪

♪ All the magic through the air ♪

♪ And now I pray ♪

♪ For all the joy and hope ♪

♪ That I've been given on this day ♪

♪ Brings back the love ♪

♪ The strength ♪

♪ That I've lost in yesterdays ♪

♪ I was a tree with no roots ♪

♪ No stars next to the moon ♪

♪ But once again ♪

♪ Feels like Christmas here with you ♪

♪ Now it feels just as warm inside ♪

♪ As baked cookies on the stove ♪

♪ And it's time to burn the candles ♪

♪ That we saved from years ago ♪

♪ Ohldon't need a reason. ♪

♪ For that twinkle in your eyes ♪

♪ To celebrate the season ♪

♪ For standing in your light ♪

♪ Now I pray ♪

♪ For all the joy and hope ♪

♪ That I've been given on this day ♪

♪ It brings all the love, the strength ♪

♪ That I've lost in yesterdays ♪

♪ I was a tree with no roots ♪

♪ And no stars next to the moon ♪

♪ But once again ♪

♪ Feels like Christmas here with you ♪

Oh.

Hello?

- Chris, is everything all right?

- Yeah.

Hi, Mom. What time is it?

It's 9:30. Are you sleeping?

9:307?

I gotta go, Mom. I have a meeting at 10.

Wait, a meeting?

Are you in Maine?

- Yes. It's for...

It's fine. Don't worry about it.

- Is it the attorneys?

Because I know they needed to meet with you.

- Text me his number and I'll give him a call,

but I've really gotta go, Mom.

Love you.

I love you, Chris...

♪ If I could make a list of wishes ♪

♪ That only could come true on Christmas ♪

♪ There's only one I'd make ♪

♪ To find you on this holiday ♪

♪ I could light my Christmas candle ♪

♪ Decorate the fire mantle ♪

♪ Until you're in my arms ♪

♪ Only love can decorate my heart ♪

♪ Only good can come to those ♪

♪ Who wait under the mistletoe ♪

♪ I hope and pray that Santa's sleigh! ♪

♪ Will bring me joy this holiday ♪

♪ And I could light my Christmas candle ♪

♪ Decorate the fire mantle ♪

♪ Until you're in my arms ♪

♪ Only love can decorate my heart ♪

- Good morning, Merry. The usual?

- Yes please.

And a medium black coffee, cream and sugar on the side.

And these.

- You have a coffee date?

- Oh, no, not at all.

An interview, actually.

- Hm, I never heard of bringing coffee

to an interview before.

- Well, from what his assistant told me,

he got in late last night

and he's staying in a place

that people haven't been in in a while.

So I'm sure he'll appreciate the coffee and donuts.

Good idea.

It'll make a good impression.

- That's the plan.

Total is 9.50.

- There you go.

- Your change.

- Thanks.

- And thank you.

I'll put the sugars and creams in a bag for you.

- Great.

♪ I could light my Christmas candle ♪

♪ Decorate the fire mantle ♪

♪ As long as we're apart ♪

♪ Only love can decorate my heart ♪

♪ Only love can decorate my heart ♪

- Great.

Ooh, hi.

- Good morning!

- Can I help you?

Are you Chris Ackerman?

- Depends who's asking.

- I'm Meredith Block

with Merry Events.

I spoke to Beth last night

and she told me to be here at 10.

- I'm sorry, I accidentally slept in this morning.

There's no coffee in the house,

so I am a bit slow today.

- Oh! Well, here you go.

- What's this?

- Coffee, black, cream and sugars in the bag.

- Really? - Well, when I spoke to Beth

she said you got in late last night,

and I figured there wasn't any coffee in the house.

There's also little donuts in there as well.

- You're hired.

- Excuse me?

- You're hired.

Anyone this considerate is exactly the kind of person

I'm looking for

To handle Christmas for my family.

- Really?

- Come on in and we can work out the details.

Have a seat.

- Don't you wanna interview me before you hire me?

- No. Beth spoke with you.

She told me you're the only decorator available.

- Event planner.

Excuse me?

- I'm an event planner.

I plan the event, decorate, and cater.

- All by yourself?

- Well, if it's a big event,

I'll hire people to work with me.

- What constitutes a big event?

- 50 people or more. Like a wedding.

Well, definitely not 50 people or a wedding.

- Beth told me 10 adults and a few kids.

That's easy.

- Great.

Does 12 work for you?

- 12 instead of 10? Sure.

- No, $12,000.

- $12,000? For what?

- Well, I budgeted $12,000 for the...

Excuse me, event planner,

plus decorations, food, and whatever else might be needed.

- That's a big budget.

Is it?

- Yes. It's very generous.

- Okay then. When can you start?

- Today, if that works for you.

- Sure.

I'll have Beth reach out and give you the contract.

Oh, here.

- What's this?

- It's my credit card.

You can put all your supplies on it.

Okay, great. Thanks.

- How about a tour of the house?

- Sure, that's a great place to start.

- Obviously, this is the kitchen and dining room.

- Obviously.

- I'd like an extra table or two in here.

That's what grandfather used to do.

- Sounds good.

- This is the living room.

I would like the big tree in there.

- There's more than one tree?

- Yes. I'll show you the other rooms.

- Okay.

Certainly sounds like you know

what you want.

- I just remember how my grandfather used to do it.

- I can tell you really loved him.

- That I do, did.

Still do.

- I'm really sorry for your loss.

- Yeah, me too.

- Look, Mr. Ackerman-

- Please, call me Chris.

- Okay. Chris.

If you show me pictures of how

your grandpa used to decorate,

I'll do my best to match it.

- Really?

- Yes.

You can even tell me what he used to cook

and I'll do my best to honor him.

- That would be really, really special, Miss Block.

Thank you.

- Merry.

Yes, it would be merry too.

No, my name, it's Merry.

My friends call me Merry.

- Okay then, Merry it is.

Come on.

I'll show you the rest of the house.

- This is the foyer.

It's the main entrance to the house.

Everybody comes and goes through here,

except if it's snowing.

- What happens when it's showing?

- Enter through the game room downstairs.

- Oh, you have a game room?

- Yes, and it's my favorite room.

I'll show you last.

- Sounds good.

- Follow me.

- Linen closet.

- With linens?

- Yep.

- Great.

- Full bathroom.

Let's go this way.

This is one of the guest rooms.

I take it you slept in here last night?

- Yeah, my cousins Jack, Clint, and I

used to stay in here.

- Where are the other bedrooms?

- Basement and second floor.

- Well, old habits are hard to break, I guess.

Yeah, you could say that.

No, I just got in real late last night

and this was the first bedroom I thought of sleeping in.

- Hey, you don't have to explain yourself to me.

- Let's go downstairs.

Nope.

Watch your head.

- This is the big tree room.

- I take it the big tree goes here?

- Exactly.

When I was a kid, this is where the adults would hang out,

while we were in the game room.

- And now?

- Well, last year, my cousins and I

were still in the game room

While the older adults were here.

- Sounds about right.

So you want this room more elegant then?

- Yeah, maybe.

Something different than the rest of the house.

We exchange Christmas gifts in here.

And it's the first room you see when you walked in

so it's a really special room.

- I can tell.

- And we take our family photos in here too.

- I'll make it extra special.

- And you don't have to worry about the bedrooms.

Maybe something little like a wreath or candles.

That's what grandfather used to do.

- Got it.

- Any questions about the rooms you've seen so far?

- Nope. I might ask some in the future.

- I'll be working from home, so I'll be here.

- Great.

- Now, onto the game room.

Follow me.

Welcome to the game room.

- Cozy. I like it.

- Some of my best family memories were made here.

My Uncle Jack taught me to play Hearts on this table.

- Are you any good?

- Good enough to win a family championship

three years in a row.

Impressive.

- This room has an endless supply of snacks

during the holidays.

People get lost down here for hours.

There's a bathroom over there.

We usually surface when it's time to eat.

- So you want it decorated,

but not too fancy.

Yeah, basically.

- Great.

Pictures from past holidays will definitely help.

- I'll get you the photos by Friday.

Great.

- That's the door we use when it snows.

It's easier than climbing the stairs to the front door.

And we leave shoes there.

That way we're not tracking anything through the house.

- Smart.

What about a slipper station?

- Slipper station?

- Yes.

A bunch of slippers and fuzzy socks

for people to change into when they come in from the snow.

- I like that idea.

- I'll write out a proposal for each room.

- No need. I trust you.

- But you don't even know me.

- Yeah, but I can tell you understand me,

and how important Christmas is to my family.

Are you sure you don't mind spending Christmas

working for me?

- No, not at all.

- Well, I can let you go early

so you can get over to your family's house.

- They live in Maryland.

- A friend maybe?

- Maybe. We'll see how it goes.

- Okay.

Well, I need to get some work done.

I will be setting up my office up down here,

so I would appreciate it if you didn't come into this room

between the hours of 8 a.m and 7 p.m. during the week.

- Got it.

What about outside?

- Grandpa did something different every year

but each year had a theme.

One year it was nutcrackers.

One year was snowmen, reindeer, candy canes.

He even made a gingerbread house one year.

Do you have a theme in mind?

- No.

You have carte blanche.

- I like that.

- Thanks for coming by, Merry.

- And thank you for hiring me.

I look forward to speaking to Beth

and I'll get on my designs today.

- I'll walk you out.

- $12,000?

- Shh!

Do you want everyone to hear?

Where does he get that kinda money?

- He's some retail bigwig in Manhattan.

He has a good-paying job, I guess.

- Yeah, you think?

- He seems to really wanna make his family

happy for Christmas.

- Christmas Cove, though,

that is a rough drive

In bad weather.

I'll watch the forecasts.

- Well, if you get stuck there, call me.

I'll take care of Thaddeus.

- I'm not getting stuck there.

- You might wanna get stuck there.

- Bella! It's strictly business.

Besides, I don't even know if he's single.

- Well, if he wasn't,

wouldn't he have brought his girlfriend with him?

-I don't know.

- Is he cute?

- Very.

But he's very polished.

Nothing wrong with a little polish.

- Bella, it's just business.

- Yeah, yeah. You said that already.

Okay, so why don't you introduce him to me?

- No way!

- Ooh, I knew there was interest.

- Of course not.

I just don't want you getting me into any trouble.

Wait until after Christmas and I'll introduce you.

- Deal.

So are you gonna take the job?

-I'm 90% I'm gonna take it.

- Don't do this to yourself.

Do what?

- You know what, Mer.

Not everyone has a close relationship with their parents.

- I don't know what you're talking about.

- Meredith Block.

We have been best friends since we were 12 years old.

You have spent every holiday with me since then.

So?

- So it's okay that your parents

don't celebrate the holidays.

And it's okay that you don't see them all the time.

- Or any time at all.

- See? I knew it was that.

Okay, look, call them

if you think it'll make you feel better.

- What for?

- In case they have special plans for the holidays?

You never know.

- Right, I guess.

- Okay, let me ask you a question.

If you know your parents aren't doing anything

for the holidays, would you take the job?

- Absolutely.

- So call them.

Just see.

And plus, this guy's probably sending you

the contract now so you should sign that

and get it right back to him.

- Why?

I mean, his assistant said that I was the only one

interested in the job.

- You never know who might turn up.

- True.

Call 'em.

- What, now?

- Yes, now, call them.

- Okay. Fine.

- Dr. Karl Block.

- I don't know why you answer the phone like that

when you know it's me, Dad.

- Well, hello there, Meredith.

How are you?

- Doing well, thanks.

How are you?

- Just great.

Is everything all right?

- Yeah, of course.

Just calling to chat.

How's Mom?

- She's fine.

She's working a lot.

Doing a lot of overtime over the holidays

so that other doctors can spend them with their families.

- That's really nice of her.

I'm glad you brought up the holidays, Dad.

- Oh?

Did you have a nice Thanksgiving with the Franzes?

- Yeah, it was wonderful.

I really missed you guys.

- Oh, that's sweet of you.

- Do you have any plans for the holidays?

- Plans for what?

- I don't know, Dad.

Spending Christmas with someone special?

- Like who?

I'm sure your mother is probably working.

- Me, Dad, me.

You know, your only daughter?

The one that lives in your old house in Maine?

The one that you haven't seen you in three years?

- I'm not sure why you're getting so upset, Meredith.

You're always welcome to come down and visit us

here in Baltimore.

Our door is always open to you.

- I have spent every holiday

since I was 12 years old with the Franz family.

- Oh, remind me to send them a gift basket.

- Dad, come on.

- What, Meredith?

I don't know what you are trying to get from me, honey.

I thought you and Isabella were best friends.

- Dad, we are.

- Do you want some money so you can go on a cruise with her?

- No, Bella doesn't wanna go on a cruise for Christmas.

- Well, then what is it?

You're 29 years old.

Things haven't changed.

Your mother and I have very important work to do.

We are saving lives.

- I'm 28, Dad.

I just thought this year was gonna be different.

I was offered a really terrific opportunity

and I have to work on Christmas

and I just wanted to see

if maybe you had a surprise planned.

- Honey, you know how I feel about surprises.

Take the job.

It'll be good for you.

- Good for me?

- Sure. A little hard work never hurt anyone.

And I'm sure you'll make

A nice paycheck since you're working over the holidays.

You can save it for a rainy day.

- Okay, thanks, Dad.

I'll talk to you later.

- I'll tell your mother you called.

Good bye.

- Happy?

- Are you taking the job?

- Yes.

Then, yes, I'm happy.

Also did he offer us a cruise?

- I don't wanna talk about it.

- Look, don't let this get you down.

You got an amazing job for Christmas.

It's your favorite holiday!

I know.

- And you're gonna do a great job at it.

- I know.

- And afterwards, Mr. Megabucks

is gonna sweep your best friend of her feet,

take her to New York City, live happily ever after.

- Bell, stop. Let me sulk.

- No! This is a sulk-free zone, okay?

You know what you're gonna do?

You're gonna go home, sign that contract,

and you're gonna make his Lake House

a winter wonderland.

- What would I do without you?

- The world will never know.

Go!

Thanks.

- Coming!

Oh, great.

You can put all these away in the kitchen back there.

- Put them away?

- Yeah, the fridge and freezer are empty

so wherever you put them is fine.

- Um, we don't do that.

I can put them on the table for you,

but we don't put groceries away for people.

- Why not?

- I don't know, dude, I'm just dropping the groceries off.

- Yeah, let me help you. - Thanks.

- Straight ahead.

You can just put everything on the table.

- Sure.

- Here you go. - Thanks. Happy holidays.

- You too.

Oh, hi.

Were you expecting someone else?

- I just had a grocery delivery.

I thought she had forgotten a bag or something.

Can I help you?

- Hi, I'm Artie Stein.

I was Joseph Pasquarella's attorney.

- Please. Come in. - Thank you.

I'm handling the execution

Of his will.

All right.

And I assume that you are Christian Ackerman,

Joseph's grandson, right?

-I am.

- Well, it's really good to meet you.

Your grandfather, he was a great man, a great man.

- Thank you. He certainly was.

Would you like a drink?

- No, thank you.

This is gonna be very quick.

I just wanted to introduce myself.

- Nice to meet you as well.

- Good, and I assume your mom explained the stipulation

of your inheritance, right?

- To host Christmas?

Yes.

- Well, it doesn't look like you've started decorating yet.

- No, no I haven't, but I did just hire someone

to help me with that.

- All right, great.

Okay look, so I'll pop

By Christmas and I'll make sure

everything is as your grandfather wanted, okay?

- Oh, why don't you join us?

- That's very nice of you,

but I don't think I could leave my family.

See, we're Jewish.

We always have Chinese food every Christmas.

- Come see what a Pasquarella Christmas is all about.

Bring your family.

It's a big house.

- Really, you wouldn't mind?

I mean, it would be me, my wife, my daughter.

- Oh no, not at all.

- Gosh, that's very nice of you.

You know, Hanukkah came early this year,

I've we've never been to a family Christmas,

and I really loved your grandfather,

so I think it might be fun.

- Trust me, it is.

Please, I insist.

You know what?

The Stein family gratefully accepts your invitation.

That'll be wonderful. Thank you.

- Great. I'll have Merry reach out with the details.

- Merry? Merry Block?

- Yeah, she's the one

that's gonna be helping me with Christmas.

- Oh, that's very good.

- You know her?

- Yes, yes. Merry planned our daughter's bat mitzvah.

She is a good girl. - Ah.

- She's very good at what she does.

You made a good choice.

- Well, that's great to hear.

Thanks for coming by, Artie.

- My pleasure.

Oh, and you know what?

I'll bring the papers so you can sign them Christmas.

- Papers? What papers?

- So you'd assume the deed for the house, of course.

- Ah, right, of course.

- All right, it's a pleasure.

I'll see you at Christmas.

- You, too. - Thanks for the invitation.

Hm.

- Good morning!

- Morning.

You can just come on in, you know.

- Oh thanks. I don't have a key though.

- I'll get you the spare before you leave.

Coffee?

- Oh, you went grocery shopping.

- I did indeed.

- I would love a cup

but I'm gonna bring in the boxes first.

- Boxes?

- Decorations.

I'm gonna start upstairs.

- Very nice.

Do you need help bringing anything in?

- No, thanks. You're busy.

I got it.

- Well, if you're sure...

-I am.

Oh and here you go.

- What's this?

- Our contract.

You have me until the day after Christmas.

- I have you?

My services.

Planning and decorating, and cleaning, you know.

- Yeah, I know.

Well, I have some work to do,

so I'll be in the game room.

Coffee's in the kitchen. Help yourself.

- Will do. Thanks!

- And you know what, it might be easier

if you just in come through the game room.

- No, I don't wanna disturb you.

- It's no big deal.

Plus, less steps to climb.

- Great.

- Are you sure you don't need help bringing anything in?

Mm-hm, yeah, no, you're busy. I got it.

- Okay.

Mm-hm.

Be right back.

- Ah.

It started snowing.

- Yeah, it did.

- Do you have a lot more to bring in?

- No, not really.

- Let me know if I can help you.

- Oh no, I'm good.

- Okay. - Anyways.

- This is Chris.

- Chris! It's Larry.

Oh, hey, Larry.

How's everything in the office?

- Terrible.

- Terrible?

I've only been gone a day.

- Did you see the email about the strollers being recalled?

- What?

No! When did you send it?

- Five minutes ago.

I thought you said that working remotely

wasn't going to affect your performance.

- It won't. It's not.

Okay, I just found it.

- So?

- This is the stroller we based

our new moms' marketing campaign on.

- I know.

It's gonna be released at midnight.

- I'm aware.

All right.

I need to fix this.

- Get on it, Chris.

- Chris?

Chris.

Hey, Chris?

- Hello?

Hello, Merry?

Meredith!

What are you doing out there?

- Just hanging some lights.

- You need to prop the door open.

It slides closed and locks.

- So I noticed.

- Are you okay?

- Yeah. I'm sorry to have bothered you.

You looked like you were really busy.

- Just a little crisis at work.

- Is it fixed?

- No, not yet.

Just a few more phone calls to make.

- Listen, I was gonna do a tasting for you tonight,

but I got a little carried away out here.

What if I make a meal that I might potentially make

for Christmas dinner?

- That sounds terrific.

You don't mind?

- No, not at all.

- Will you join me?

- For, for dinner?

- Yes. I mean, if you'd like to.

Strictly business, of course

so I can provide feedback.

- Of course.

- Great.

- I'll finish up out here

and I'll let you know when it's ready.

- Perfect.

Thank you.

Hello, Mother dear.

- Hi, Chris.

I was just finishing work and I was thinking about you.

I just finished work myself.

- Not working too hard, I hope.

- Probably as hard as you, Mom.

- Touche.

I hear you invited

Artie Stein and his family for Christmas.

- Shoot, I forgot to tell Meredith.

Meredith? Who's Meredith?

- You'll meet her, Mom.

She's helping me with Christmas.

- Oh, honey, please tell me you didn't hire

an event planner.

Mom.

- That was not Grandpa's intention.

- What do you mean?

- He wants you to connect the family,

to carry on the Pasquarella tradition.

You know, Grandpa did all the cooking

and all the decorating himself,

even when Grandma was still alive.

- Yeah, I know. I've heard the stories.

I just thought it would be a nice tradition

to decorate with someone else.

- Okay, but did you hire this person?

You didn't pay her, did you?

- What's the difference?

- Christian, did you pay someone to do this?

- No!

She's upstairs cooking dinner right now.

- Oh, so it's a romantic interest?

Mom, come on.

- Is she coming for Christmas?

- Yes, and she loves cooking and decorating.

- Why have I not heard about this person before?

Dinner's ready!

- Mom, gotta go, dinner's ready.

Wait Chris!

Oh. Oh.

- Mm. Smells delicious.

- I hope you like it.

Have a seat.

- Do you want wine?

- Do you have wine?

- I sure do.

Is red okay?

- That's perfect.

I made chicken.

- My attorney brought me wine.

- Attorney?

- Well, my grandfather's attorney, actually.

Just checking to see if I'm hosting Christmas

as per my grandfather's wishes.

- I see.

- Which reminds me, I actually invited him and his family

to Christmas dinner.

- How many people?

Three.

Two adults and one child.

You know them, actually.

-I do?

- Yes. Artie Stein.

He said you planned his daughter's bat mitzvah.

The Steins!

Of course!

They're terrific people.

- He pretty much said the same about you.

And that you're really terrific at your job.

- That's great to know.

It'll be nice having them here.

- So, what are we eating?

- Orange chicken, broccoli, and a simple salad.

- It looks delicious.

- But...

- I didn't say but.

I can see it in your eyes.

You're disappointed in something.

- Am I that transparent?

- Maybe a little.

- No chicken.

- No chicken?

- It's too basic, I think.

My grandfather went way over the top with his cooking.

- What about the broccoli?

- Gimme a second.

I haven't even swallowed my chicken yet.

Right. Sorry.

- Mm. Mm.

Definitely make this.

- Yeah?

- Definitely.

The salad's fine too.

- Not too basic?

- Isn't all salad basic?

- I'll make plenty of options.

We have a lot of time before you have to make any decisions.

- But I definitely want the broccoli.

- Yeah? Okay, you got it.

Great.

- I'll do the dishes, Merry.

You don't have to wait on me.

Go on home.

- Okay. I'll leave them in the sink.

Don't you wanna try dessert?

- Dessert?

- Mm-hm.

I made a little something.

Just wanna gauge your sweet tooth.

- Oh.

I like sweets in moderation.

- Okay.

Tell me what you think about this.

- What is this?

- Homemade chocolate cream pie

with vanilla whipped cream.

- It looks too pretty to eat.

- Oh well, if you don't want it...

- I didn't say that.

- You like?

Are you okay?

- Yeah.

I'm okay.

- You don't have to be nice.

If you don't like it, just spit it out.

- No, I love it.

It's really good.

It's just...

Chris, what's wrong?

- Every year, my grandfather

would make chocolate cream pie for dessert.

This reminds me of it, that's all.

It's almost exactly the way he used to make it.

Just missing the crust.

He used to call it Aunt Minnie's Chocolate Cream Pie.

- Aunt Minnie?

- Yeah, but I didn't have an Aunt Minnie.

- I did.

This is her recipe.

- You're joking.

- No, really.

My grandfather had a sister and her name was Aunt Minnie.

This is her chocolate cream pie recipe.

She was a baker.

She won a Christmas bake-off and they published her recipe

in the newspaper.

- I bet that's where he got it from.

- I would a made the pie, but I didn't have time

to make the crust.

- Please make this for Christmas, Merry.

Please. My family will be blown away.

But make it as a pie though.

- All right, I promise.

I'll make two so that everybody can have some.

- Thank you. You don't know what it means to me.

- I have an idea.

- Well, it's getting late.

- Oh, I'm sorry.

Did I overstay my welcome?

- No, no, no, not at all.

I appreciate dinner and dessert.

Especially dessert.

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

I just don't want you

To feel like you have to stay overtime, you know?

- No, I enjoy being here really.

You're my only client this month.

I wanna make you extra happy.

- Thank you.

I'll take it from here.

- You sure?

- Yes, thank you.

Oh!

Here.

- Key to the house?

- Yes.

- Great.

I'll walk you out. Let me get my shoes.

- No, no, don't worry about it.

I should get going.

Thaddeus is probably upset

That I haven't made him dinner yet.

Well, you don't wanna keep him waiting.

- Here you go.

Good night, Chris.

♪ It's freezing outside ♪

♪ But warm in my heart ♪

♪ The holiday trees ♪

♪ They wake up the dark ♪

♪ A walk in the crowds ♪

♪ A song in my step ♪

♪ Gonna buy you something ♪

♪ That you'll never forget ♪

♪ The best-loved time of year ♪

♪ Filling up with winter cheer ♪

♪ Moments of oohs and ahs ♪

♪ Then the hugs that follow along ♪

♪; My eyes light up at Christmas ♪

♪ I wanna make your eyes light up too ♪

♪ There's a magical scene ♪

♪ What I wanna see ♪

♪ Is your eyes light up ♪

♪ Your eyes light up at Christmas ♪

♪ Oh oh oh oh ♪

♪ Spring, summer, and fall ♪

♪ I listen so close ♪

♪ Hear every word

♪ What you're wanting the most ♪

♪ I've waited the days ♪

♪ Till the one in December ♪

♪ You'll be surprised ♪

♪; And always remember ♪

♪ The best-loved time of year ♪

♪ Filling up with winter cheer ♪

♪ Moments of oohs and ahs ♪

♪ Then the hugs that follow along ♪

♪ My eyes light up at Christmas ♪

♪ I wanna make your eyes light up too ♪

♪ There's a magical scene ♪

♪ What I wanna see ♪

♪ Is your eyes light up ♪

♪ You eyes light up ♪

♪ Eyes light up at Christmas ♪

♪ I wanna make your eyes light up too ♪

♪ There's a magical scene ♪

♪ What I wanna see ♪

♪ Is your eyes light up ♪

♪ Your eyes light up at Christmas ♪

♪ Oh Christmas ♪

♪ Oh oh ♪

♪ Oh oh oh ♪

Good morning.

- Good morning, Chris.

I didn't disturb you, did I?

- Oh no, not at all.

- I'm almost finished up here.

And then I have to move into your office.

- Yeah, I figured as much.

- I can start it over the weekend, if that's better for you.

- Merry, you've been spending every single day here

over the past two weeks.

Don't you want a break?

- I'm sorry. Am I getting in the way?

Oh no, not at all.

I love having you around.

- You do?

- Well, yeah.

The house is awfully quiet when you're not here.

- That's what happens when you live alone.

Part of the reason why I have Thaddeus.

- Yeah, about Thaddeus...

Do you wanna invite him for Christmas?

What?

- Well, you rush home every night to give him dinner.

Kinda feel guilty you've been having dinner with me.

Why?

- Doesn't he mind that you're here?

- I mean, he probably would prefer if I was home,

but that has no bearing on my work hours.

- Well, I know I'd be pretty upset if my girlfriend

spent every waking hour with her boss

especially if he was single.

- Wait, your girlfriend?

- No, not my girlfriend.

I don't have a girlfriend.

Wait, Chris, I'm confused.

What does Thaddeus have to do with any of this?

- He's your boyfriend, isn't he?

My boyfriend?

- Yeah. Don't you live with him?

- Yeah, I live with him.

Thaddeus is my cat!

Your cat?

Yeah.

I can't believe you thought he was my boyfriend.

Wait until I tell Bella about this.

- No, no, no. Please don't tell anyone, please.

Chris, you're all I have for the holidays.

- Really?

- Really.

I spoke with my dad about spending the holidays with me

and he said that he and my mom are busy working

and they don't have the time.

- I'm so sorry.

- No, it's fine.

It's the same every year.

They're workaholics.

I get it. So am I.

- But you take time for your family.

I'm an only child,

And I wasn't planned.

So they kinda just live their life with me on the side.

- That can't be true.

- Unfortunately, it is.

And then when I started

my event planning business, forget it.

I didn't hear from them.

I even went to the Ivy League college that they wanted,

but I didn't follow in their footsteps.

- What do they do?

- My dad is a scientist, my mom is a neurosurgeon.

Oh, yeah, you were way

On the opposite end of the spectrum.

- And they remind me every chance they get.

But you're really good at what you do, Merry.

- Thank you. I really appreciate it.

But I hope you can see why I throw myself into my work.

It's not really work to me.

I get to plan the dream Christmas that I always wanted.

- I knew you were perfect.

- Excuse me?

- Perfect for the job.

Oh, yeah, right.

- Well, I have some work to get done.

Let me know when you wanna get into the game room.

- Will do.

- Hey!

Hey yourself.

- What are you doing?

- Setting lights up on the roof.

Why?

- Because it's my job.

- Merry, this is really high.

Don't be silly.

I'm not afraid of heights.

- Why don't you just go out the balcony?

- I don't wanna leave the door open.

I don't wanna track dirt in.

- Meredith, this is really dangerous.

- No, it's not.

I've strung lights on my house since I was 12 years old

and much higher than this.

- Can I at least hand you the lights from the inside?

Fine.

- But you can get onto the roof from the balcony, you know.

Yeah, I guess.

- Or we can just clean up whatever snow and dirt

you track in.

It's really no big deal.

- I'm not leaving the door open.

I don't want my decorations to blow down.

- Just leave it open a crack.

Come on.

Be careful.

- Chris, stop!

- What?

- You're doing my job.

- But I wanna help.

- I know, but it makes me feel bad.

- Don't forget to prop the door open

to get back in in case I'm not back yet.

- Where are you going?

An appointment in town.

Be an hour, maybe two.

- Okay. Thanks.

Great work today.

All right, thank you.

- Yep.

You must be Christian Ackerman.

Bella?

- It is so great

to finally meet you.

Merry has told me so much about you.

- I, all good, I hope.

- My god, I haven't heard her talk about how much

she loves a job since...

Ever!

- Oh, the job.

That's great.

Well, she speaks very highly of you too.

- Really?

- Yes.

I'm surprised we haven't met yet.

- Well, I never made it further than Christmas Cove

when I come and visit for holidays or summers.

My grandparents pretty much had everything

we really needed there, you know?

- Totally.

Family time, right?

- Exactly.

- So, what can I help you with?

- Can we sit for a little?

This might take longer than a couple minutes,

hence why I made an appointment.

- Sure. Let's have a seat.

- Meredith told me that she's been spending the holidays

with you and your family since she was 12.

- Oh, so she really has talked about me.

- Yeah, she has.

She loves you like a sister.

I feel the same.

- How about you coming to Christmas at my house?

- That's very sweet of you.

But I'm spending Christmas with my family.

- Invite them.

- All of them?

Yeah, why not?

- That's seven people and a baby.

It's me, Mom, Dad, my brother Brian, his wife Lauren,

their baby, my little sister Jessica.

- Can you talk to them and find out

if they're okay with it?

- Sure. But Christmas is three days away.

I mean, I'm sure they've already

started planning for dinner.

- So bring it.

The more food, the better, right?

Okay. I'll text you.

- But don't tell Merry, okay?

I want it to be a surprise.

- That's very sweet of you.

- But that's not all.

Okay...

- What's up with her parents?

- What do you mean?

- I feel bad for her.

- There's nothing to feel bad about.

- Well, you've seen her deal with the situation

her whole life.

She doesn't seem to have any sort of closure.

- Well, can you blame her?

She basically

Doesn't exist to them.

They're her parents.

- Well some people don't have a comfy, cozy relationship

with their parents.

Some people don't have a relationship at all.

- It just seems like Meredith really wants one.

- She does.

- I'd like to invite them for Christmas.

- They're going to say no.

I'm telling you right now, they're going to turn you down.

Plus you don't want Meredith around them

when she's hosting your Christmas dinner.

She'll be a mess.

- Fair enough.

How 'bout Christmas Eve dinner?

Maybe I can call them and invite them here.

- I'll give you their phone number,

but don't hold your breath.

- I can be very convincing.

- Yeah, I can see that.

Gimme your phone.

Thanks.

- All right, don't say I didn't warn you.

- I know. I appreciate it.

- How are you going to get her to cook for four people?

- I'm not.

I thought I'd set up a dinner at a restaurant,

pick her parents up

From the airport, meet her there.

That's very sweet.

Merry loves surprises.

That would make her Christmas.

- You think?

- Yes, but don't say anything to her about it.

I don't want her to get her hopes up.

- I won't.

- I'll text you about Christmas.

Thank you for the invitation.

- You're welcome.

- Is that everything?

- Yes.

Thank you. I really appreciate it, Bella.

- You're welcome.

Hey.

- Yeah?

Don't hurt her.

- I wouldn't dream of it.

- What's going on?

The bridge is closed.

- What?

Why?

- Bad accident on both sides.

We're just waiting on a tow truck.

- Any idea how long it could be?

- No idea.

But if you want, there's a strip mall over there.

You can wait at the coffee shop and wait for traffic.

- Thanks.

No, no, no!

Oh no!

Oh, fantastic.

Oh.

Hello?

Chris?

♪ Only love can decorate

- Hi! What can I get you?

- A hot chocolate would be great.

Marshmallow and whipped cream with that?

Sure.

- Okay, that's going to be 3.25.

Keep the change.

- Thanks, if you wanna grab a table,

I'll bring it over to you when it's ready.

- Thanks.

♪ Have it outside ♪

♪ Holiday cheer ♪

♪ They wake up the dark ♪

- Karl Block.

- Hello, Dr. Block.

My name is Christian Ackerman.

Who?

- Christian Ackerman?

- Do I know you?

- No, sir, not yet.

I know your daughter, Meredith.

- What? Is everything all right?

- Yes, of course.

No need for alarm.

I actually hired Meredith to work for me this month.

- Oh, so you're her boss.

How's that going?

- Very well, Dr. Block.

Your daughter is immensely talented.

- Well, thank you.

Her mother and I are very proud of her.

- Really?

- Well, of course.

She went to an Ivy League college

for her Bachelors in Business

and running her own company puts

it to excellent use.

- Do you ever told her that?

Excuse me?

- Dr. Block, I'll be frank with you.

Meredith misses you.

She wants a relationship with you,

but she doesn't know

how to go about having that relationship.

Dr. Block?

Are you still there?

- Please, call me Karl.

- She told me that your wife is working on Christmas?

- Yes, she is.

- Is she also working on Christmas Eve?

- No. Neither of us are working.

Why?

- How would you feel

about taking a quick trip to Maine for an early dinner?

- Need anything else?

- Nah, thanks.

Traffic's moving again.

- Be careful crossing that bridge.

- Will do. Thank you.

♪ Long enough ♪

♪ If we just start ♪

♪; Seems like it's flying, it's a-flying ♪

♪ Nobody said ♪

Merry, home.

Brought pizza.

Sorry it took longer than expected.

There was an accident on the bridge.

Merry?

Mer?

Meredith!

Merry!

Meredith!

Merry!

Merry!

Meredith.

Say something, Merry.

You gotta dry off, Merry.

You gotta get warm.

Come on, Merry.

Meredith.

Come on, Merry!

Meredith!

Say something, Merry.

Oh my, oh my god.

Oh, forget it.

Merry!

Merry!

Merry, I'm so sorry

Merry, I told you to prop the door open.

It'll be okay, Merry.

I'm trying to get you warm.

Merry.

Grandpa, you gotta help me out here.

She's gotta be okay.

When I look at her,

I see what you and Grandma had together.

For the first time in my life,

I want something more than a successful career.

I want what you had.

I want family. I want love.

Grandpa, please, please wake her up.

Chris?

Chris?

What happened?

- Good morning, Larry.

Well, well, well.

Look who decided to answer his phone.

- I had an emergency last night.

- I don't care.

I called you nine times.

- Larry, your first call came in after eight.

- I'm your boss.

You answer anytime I call.

- No, I work from nine to five.

Last night was the first time in seven years

I didn't answer when you called.

- You listen to me, Ackerman.

You working remotely isn't working.

I need you back in the office today!

- Are you kidding me?

I've been putting in more hours working from here

than when I'm in the office.

- I need you to be accessible

and you clearly are not!

- That's ridiculous.

- Back in the office today, Ackerman!

- Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.

- So?

- I'm not coming in, Larry.

I said I'd be back the day after New Year's.

- If you don't come back in today,

don't come back at all!

I'm not coming back.

- What?

Being up here

has made me realize

that there's a lot more to life than work.

I quit, Larry.

If you quit,

Don't you dare come crawling back to me for a job.

- I quit.

Ackerman.

- Merry Christmas, Larry.

Ackerman!

- Hey. Taking a break?

- You could say that.

What are you making?

- Apple pie.

Oh!

Can I help?

- Really? You know how to make apple pie?

- No, can you teach me?

- Sure, but don't you have to work?

- I'm taking some time off to help, please.

Need to start learning to do this stuff on my own, right?

- Sure. Take your sweater off.

- Really?

You don't wanna get it dirty, do you?

Humor me.

- Okay.

Okay, you're too domestic-looking.

- Ah, all right, are you gonna teach me, or what?

- Yes, here we go.

- Hi, you're so handsome.

Yes, you are, Thaddeus.

We're gonna have a fun night together.

- What?

What are you looking at?

Oh!

Wow!

- You look fantastic.

You really think so?

- Absolutely!

- Not too over the top?

- No.

You look amazing.

- Thank you.

I'm sorry I'm skipping out on Christmas tomorrow.

Don't sweat it.

I feel awful.

I'm not spending Christmas with you and your family

for the first time in 16 years.

- It's okay, Mer. Really.

I'm coming over as soon

As they start eating dessert, okay?

- Fine.

It will all work out.

Stop being such a worry wart.

- Yeah, you're right.

- Come on, we'll walk you out.

No.

- Chris Ackerman?

- That's me.

Very nice to meet you, Dr. Block.

Karl, please.

This is my wife, Karen.

- Other Dr. Block.

It's a pleasure.

Thank you for flying us up for dinner.

That's very generous of you.

- Meredith is gonna be very surprised.

- It's been a long time

since we spent Christmas Eve with her.

- We haven't seen her in quite a while, either.

- So I've heard.

Shall we?

- Thank you.

- Merry Christmas.

Reservation?

- Yes, I'm meeting someone here.

Ackerman?

- Um, Ackerman.

They have not checked in yet.

Would you like to check your coat?

- Sure. - Okay, coat check

is right there.

- Thank you. - No problem.

Merry Christmas.

Reservation?

- Yes. Ackerman.

Oh, here it is.

The reservation's only for three though.

- That's correct.

- Well, a young woman just came over

and checked in on this reservation

so that would be four.

- No, I won't be dining with them.

- What?

- Why not?

- Oh, I don't wanna impose.

- Absolutely not.

I insist you join us.

- Mom?

Dad?

- Surprise!

What are you doing here?

- Merry Christmas, Meredith!

- But you hate surprises!

- Yes, but you love them, don't you?

I do.

- Merry Christmas, honey.

- I can't believe you're here.

It was all Chris's idea.

- Thank you.

- Well, I'll leave you three to dinner.

Wait, no!

You have to join us.

- That's what I said.

Are you sure?

- Absolutely. Yes.

- We insist, Chris.

- Can you make room for a fourth?

- Sure. No problem.

- Thank you.

- Check the coats over there.

- It's too bad you can't stay for Christmas.

- If I'd have known how much it meant to Meredith,

we would have been here.

- Maybe next year.

- Yeah, maybe.

- Meredith, honey, you really need to communicate

with us better.

- What do you mean?

I never knew how important

the holidays were to you.

- Neither did I.

We just thought you wanted to spend the holidays

with Isabella because she had a bigger family than we did.

- What? No, never!

- We didn't want you to feel

like you had to spend the holidays with us.

We just wanted you

To have fun.

- We wanted you to enjoy the holidays.

- I always enjoy spending time with you, Daddy.

I didn't think you guys

wanted to be around me.

I didn't think you wanted me.

- Didn't want you?

Don't be absurd!

- But all those years of me decorating alone...

- We thought you wanted it that way.

We didn't want to bother you.

You never asked!

Meredith, neither did you.

We just thought...

We thought you were ashamed of us.

- Ashamed of you? Why?

- You never brought any friends to the house.

What does that have to do with anything?

You never once invited us

to visit you during college.

- I just thought you were too busy.

- If you don't mind me stepping in here,

I think a good New Year's resolution for all of you

would be to open up more to one another.

Agreed.

- Definitely.

- To new beginnings.

- Are you sure you wanna drive them to the airport?

I don't mind.

- Yes.

I wanna spend as much time with them as I can.

- Okay.

- Thank you for this, Chris.

I'll never forget it.

Are you sure you can't make it to Christmas?

- No, I have to work.

- Maybe next year.

That would be great.

- Come on, you two. You don't wanna miss your flight.

- Well, thank you, Chris.

This was really, really special.

- You're welcome.

- And if you ever decide to come to Baltimore,

you're always welcome at our home.

- Thanks.

- Thanks you again.

- Good night and drive safe.

- Good night, Chris.

Hey, when does everybody arrive?

- Well, my parents should get here around one.

- Okay, and everybody else is at three?

That's what I told them.

Great.

- Are you okay?

You seem nervous.

- I am nervous.

Why?

I don't know, I just...

I want everything to be perfect.

- Merry, it will be.

- I hope so.

- Come on.

You're a professional.

Isn't this just another event you've planned?

- No. I wouldn't say that.

- Why not?

- It just...

It means a lot to me.

- Why?

- Because... you mean a lot to me.

- I'll get it.

- Christian!

- Mom, Dad, hi! - Mm!

- Merry Christmas, son!

- You guys are early.

- We made great time.

- I couldn't wait to get here.

This place look amazing!

- Yeah, Merry did a great job.

- When do we get to meet her?

- She's in the kitchen.

- Great!

- Mom, wait!

Oh!

- You must be Meredith.

- I am. Hi.

You are?

- Renee.

I'm Chris's mom.

Oh, I'm so glad to finally meet you.

Mom, come on.

- What, I can't hug the woman

who's responsible for all of this?

- Oh, I'm just doing my job.

It's no big deal.

- Your job?

Chris, you're not supposed to hire anybody.

- Oh, that's not what I meant.

I just meant it's my job because I love Christmas so much.

You know?

I feel a responsibility for making sure

that Chris and his whole family

have the best Christmas ever.

- Oh, that is so sweet.

I'm so glad Chris met somebody like you.

- Mom.

- What?

- Hi, Meredith.

I'm Chris's dad, Jeff.

- Please, call me Merry.

- Here. Renee made cornbread.

- Great! Thank you.

- I'll help you bring your bags in.

Go check out what Merry did with the great room.

- Oh, I can't wait.

- Thank you.

- The house looks marvelous.

I can't believe how much

It reminds me of how my dad used to decorate.

- I'm so glad.

Chris showed me pictures

and I did my best to replicate them.

- Well, you did a great job.

- Thank you.

So, how long have you known Chris?

- About a month.

I met him when he got here.

- Are you from Christmas Cove?

- No, I live in South Bristol.

- Oh. How'd you meet?

- Through his assistant, Beth.

- Blind date?

You could say that.

- Well, he seems really happy.

You think so?

- Yes.

You know, Chris hasn't been himself

since his grandpa died about a month ago.

- I can tell they were very close.

- Yeah, they were very close.

And my dad always wanted to see Chris

with someone around this time of year,

but he never brought any girls home.

Really?

Really.

You must be very special, Meredith.

I'll get it!

- Well, Chris is very special to me.

I'm glad.

Mom, the Steins are here!

- Oh, do you know Artie Stein?

- I do and his wife Elaine

and daughter Shira.

- Really?

- Yeah, Shira just made her bat mitzvah.

Ma!

- Okay, we gotta go.

Okay.

- Good okay.

- Hi, Merry!

- Hey, Shira, gimme a hug.

- Merry, it's so wonderful to see you.

- It's nice to see you, Elaine.

Thank you. Hi, Artie.

Hello, Merry.

Muah, Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

- Elaine, Artie, Shira,

meet my mother Renee Ackerman.

- Mom, the Stein family.

- Artie, it's so good to meet you in person finally,

all of you.

- Likewise. I'm so sorry about your dad.

He was great man.

- Thank you. He was.

We certainly miss him.

- So what are you doing here, Merry?

- Oh, celebrating Christmas, of course.

- Oh, she's being humble.

She's dating my son.

- Mom.

- Is that so?

Oh, Merry, I'm so glad.

You're such a lovely young woman.

It's about time you found a nice man.

- Mom!

- Elaine, come on now.

It's none of your business.

You can say that again.

- What? I was gonna introduce her to your cousin Joshua

at Shira's bat mitzvah.

I just ran out of time.

- Mom, you're embarrassing her and me.

- Well, why don't I take your coats upstairs.

- Thank you.

And I'll take the wine.

Okay, thank you.

And I'll take my wife.

- Meredith!

Surprise!

- Merry Christmas.

♪ Have yourself a merry little Christmas ♪

♪ Let your heart be light ♪

♪ From now on our troubles will be out of sight ♪

- Oh my god.

Do you want me to take the cookies?

- Yes, please.

Take your coats off.

♪ Have yourself a merry little Christmas ♪

♪ Make the Yuletide gay ♪ - How you doing?

♪ From now on our troubles ♪ - Merry!

♪ Will be miles away ♪

He likes to talk to us.

♪ Here we are as in olden days ♪

♪ Happy golden days of yore ♪

♪ Faithful friends who are dear to us ♪

♪ Gather near to us once more ♪

♪ Through the years we all will be together ♪

♪ If the fates allow ♪

♪ Hang a shining star upon the highest bough ♪

♪ And have yourself ♪

♪ A merry little Christmas now ♪

- May I have your attention please?

- Hey, great meal, Merry.

Oh, thank you.

Thank you.

I one more surprise

For Chris and his family.

I'm not one for public speaking,

so if you wanna put on their coats and shoes

and come with me outside through the game room,

I'd love to show you.

All right.

- What's all this about?

- You'll see.

This sounds interesting.

It's only 10 degrees out.

- Chris told me that his grandpa used to have a theme

when it came to decorating

the outside of his house every year.

I wanted to stick with doing a theme,

but I wanted to make it really special.

Chris, when we found out that your grandpa

used to make my Aunt Minnie's chocolate cream pie

every year, I knew that he was smiling down on you,

on your family, on this house,

maybe even on us.

That night, I knew what I wanted the theme to be.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Oh!

- Look, an angel, Daddy,

just like Poppi's here with us.

- It sure is, honey.

- There you are.

- Hi.

- Hi.

- I was hoping you'd come in before everyone else.

Yeah.

They're walking around outside checking out the lights.

It really is a winter wonderland out there.

You did a great job.

- Oh, I don't know.

- Merry, what's wrong?

- I feel like I made a fool out of myself, you know?

- No, not at all.

My mom totally believes you're my girlfriend.

You really saved my skin there.

- Oh, yeah, I'm a great actress.

- Oh, this reminds me...

- What's this?

- It's your paycheck.

You certainly earned it.

- Oh.

- Is something wrong?

- No.

That's what this is, right?

You're my boss, I'm your employee.

- Oh well, I guess it is then.

- I... I think I should go home.

I have to feed Thaddeus.

Are you sure?

- Yeah.

- Okay.

What's this?

- It's a little gift.

You don't have to open it right now if you don't want to.

- Well, good night.

- Meredith, wait.

- What?

- Please don't leave.

I don't know how it happened,

but somewhere along the way, you became

more than an event planner.

You made your way into my heart.

I'm not about to let you go.

- It's not gonna work, Chris.

You're gonna go back to New York-

- I'm not.

- What?

- I'm not. I quit my job.

I'm moving here permanently.

- I don't understand.

- I'll tell you all about it tomorrow.

But for tonight, please don't leave.

- I don't know. I don't belong.

Merry, this past month

has been magical.

I have never been so sure about something

or someone, for that matter, in my entire life.

You made me see how important family is.

You rearranged the priorities in my life.

You made me wanna be a better person.

- Really?

- You belong here, Meredith.

You belong with me.

- Merry Christmas, Chris.