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* We're ready. *

* Ready for the holiday. *

* We're ready. *

* Ready for the holiday. *

Official YIFY movies site:
YTS.MX

* Right now. *

* There's no better time
or place. *

* We're ready
for the holidays? *

* Spread the love. *

* the la la love *

* Friends and family
gonna call mine up. *

* Near and far. *

* Wherever you are. *

* You can feel it. *

* You can feel it. *

* Bells are ringing. *

*

* Choirs are singing. *

*

* We're ready, ready
for the holiday. *

* Get ready, ready
for the holiday. *

* Right now. *

* There's no better time
or place. *

* We're ready
for the holiday. *

* Ay, ay, ay, ay, ay... *

* Ay, ay, ay, ay, ay... *

* Right now there's no
better time or place *

*

* Get ready for the holiday *

* Ay, ay, ay, ay... *

* Ay, ay, ay, ay, ay... *

* Ay, ay, ay, ay... *

*

*

* We're ready for the holiday *

*

*

[camera shutter snaps]

Oh, finally!

Yoo-hoo!

I'm so thrilled to see you
finally moving in.

And just in time
for Christmas.

We like to really do things
up around here,

if you hadn't noticed.

Oh, I noticed all the houses
on the street are spectacular,

but mine's just
not ready yet.

Oh, such a shame.

I used to see you
around here quite a bit.

You've worked so hard
on this house.

Maybe it'll be ready
next year.

I hope so.

Good luck.

*

Looking good kid.

Thanks, Ron.

How'd Stacy do in her
game last night?

Oh. They won.

That's exciting.

There's nothing like watching
your kid win a game,

am I right?

Nothing like it.

Uh, Kevin, can I have
a quick word with you?

Sure, man. What's up?

You're still on the wagon,
right?

Yeah, yeah.
Best decision I ever made.

I've got so much
more energy now.

I'm fully present
with Charlie.

I think there might even
be abs in my future.

[laughing]

I'm proud of you.
Real proud of you.

Thanks.

And look, you... you
helped me make this bar

into something special.

Listen, Ron, we've already
talked about this man.

You don't have
to say anything.

No, you don't understand
what I'm trying to tell you.

I think it's time that
I let you go.

[laughs]

What are you talking about?

Christmas, New Year's,
lots of holiday parties.

It can be real hard
on folk this time of the year.

Ron... I messed up,
so I made a commitment,

and I'm going to stick to it.
I'm not worried.

Yeah, I'm sorry, kid,

but I couldn't bear the guilt
if you got off track.

And really, you shouldn't
be working at a bar.

How am I supposed
to tell my wife

that I got let go
of my job?

It's the holidays, Ron.

Serving drinks aren't
serving you anymore.

It's time to find out
what you're meant to do.

And this bar,
it ain't it.

[emotional music]

[sighs]

Well, Charlie, what about
the other one?

The outfit in
the white bag?

Um... No, thank you.
I like my Santa suit.

I know you do.
I like it, too.

But you've been wearing it
for two weeks in a row now.

Don't you think

you're gonna get tired
of it before Christmas?

Who could get sick
of Christmas?

[chuckles] Well, that's
a good point.

[phone rings]

* Jingle bells,
jingle bells. *

-* Jingle all the way.*
-[laughs]

Dad says in December it's
Christmas music or no music?

He does does he?

* Hey, Jingle Bells... *

Oh, Lauren.
Turn it down a little.

You're acting like
a teenager.

Charlie, my boy.

* Oh, what fun it is to ride
in a one-horse open sleigh. *

* Oh, what fun it is to ride.
In a one-horse open sleigh. *

* Hey! *

Wow. Your dad is already
putting up

his Christmas lights.

We can't help it.
We're McCaul's.

Yeah, we're a McCaul's.

Here, Charlie, why don't you
take your overnight bag inside,

and then you can come back
and say goodbye?

You want to come in
and say hi?

Um, no, I don't think
I should.

Well, my mom's asked you
if you're coming

every day this week.

I'm just glad we only have
your mom to worry about.

You still haven't
told your mom?

I just figured
I had time, you know?

She's not coming
for Christmas or anything.

Right.

It's getting cold enough
for snow out here, huh?

Are you going for the 'Baby
It's Cold Outside' routine?

No. What?
No, no, no, no, no.

I was just, uh, just
gonna offer

to put snow tires
on the car.

Oh, well, I did call
Doug and Bob, and, um,

they don't have any
appointments available

until the weekend.

I can do it.
I'd like to do it.

Snow's gonna be here
by Saturday.

Okay.

Oh. Um... I forgot.

I bought these

for Charlie to give
his grandma.

I knew it would go perfect
with the McCaul decorations.

You're always looking out
for us.

Thanks, Lauren.

[car honking]

Yup.

Kev-bo!

Oh, you shouldn't have.

You know, it's really nice
of you and your roommates

to host us tonight.

Easy, Bart.
I'm still their favorite son.

I can cancel your invite.

Lauren's here.

[laughs]
Oh!

Hi, Bart. [yelps]

I didn't know you were coming.

Yeah, well, I'm just here
to drop off.

Look at us. The band is
all back together again.

Well, uh, no one's
back together.

Tell me you are staying.

Well, I, um...

Is that Lauren?
Is she staying?

Mom. You're staying?

Uh, Charlie--

Wait a second.
Who is that?

That is not Charlie.

Uh-nah, that is Santa Claus.

Hey, buddy.

Oh, Joe.

So good to see you.

It's so nice to see you,
too.

Mom, can you please stay?

Yeah.

Yes. Of course.

Yeah. There we go.

Okay, that's enough
for Uncle Bart.

Hey, Ma!

We got the icing sugar
and the eggs.

Patricia!

I'm in the kitchen.

Go say hi to your grandma.

Come on, buddy.

Listen, I just, um,
I just need a minute, okay?

Yeah, I know we're a lot.

*

She's still in love
with you?

I can totally see it.

You guys back
in couples' counseling yet?

What? No.

It's not fair to keep
asking her

to fix something that I broke.

We're separated,

so we're trying to do
what's separated people do.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Which is what?

[sighs] Maybe start dating
other people.

Dude, not a chance.

Kev, you are the guy
that everyone wants

to take the last shot
at the buzzer.

Yeah, well, shot clock's
running out.

Ron, let me go
from the bar today.

What?

He said it's time for me
to go after what I really want.

He's not wrong.

Don't tell mom.

I won't.

No, he's not wrong.

But what I really want
is my family back,

and I don't know how
telling Lauren I lost my job.

It's going to--

[both] We see you, mom.

Well, I've barely seen
you all day.

I've been so busy
with all of this baking.

The house looks great.

And you're always trying
to get me to downsize.

Downsize? But where
would we put

all these mildly
creepy-looking elves?

Don't touch them!

They're special.

Very special.

Oh, look at
the beautiful flowers.

They're from Charlie.

Oh. Bart, your father's
probably still in the garage.

Can you go get him, please?

Get Kev to do it.

No, he brought me flowers.

[mocking] Get Kev to do it.

- Kevin.
- Yeah.

Doilies, please.

I love you, Mom.

- Bart.
- I love you, mom.

Did he eat the garland?

[Kevin] Bart did it.

[Bart] Stop it!

[Kevin] You got me bro!
Don't fall asleep tonight!

[sighs] I'll just do it later.

Kevin!

Sorry--

No. It's okay.
It's your room.

I just needed a minute.

I thought Bart was chasing me.

Oh, yeah.
I was, uh, sent up here for...

for doilies.

Well, has your mother moved
forward with her idea

of turning this into
a wrapping paper room?

Yeah. You know, she just wanted
to make sure that, uh,

that I knew she didn't plan
on having me move back in.

Right. Well, I guess plans
don't always work out

the way we want them to.

Right.

You look... amazing.

Thanks, Kevin.

You do too.
You look healthy.

Oh. Thank you.

I feel healthy.

I think all the walking to
and from work really helps.

I bet.

How's Ron and the bar?

Uh, great.

Yeah. Yeah. Work is...
work's so great.

Yeah, we're just setting up
the bar for the holidays.

You know, tips are so good this
time of year, which, you know.

I'm sorry you have to think
of that.

Uh, no, I and--

I can't believe I'm the one
who put our family

in financial distress.
I'm a business manager.

We're supposed to be
risk averse.

I thought the home
looked perfect, too. Okay?

I mean, who knew
that no contingencies

meant no inspections
at all?

No, I... that stairway--

Oh.

The insulation.

The roof alone.

I know. I mean,
I think I set a record

for buying a house
that lost value so fast.

Well, I mean, that's kind of
on both of us, right?

Lauren, I just, I...

I can't take back
what happened last year.

You know, me losing
my license and everything.

Everything.

Look, what I'm working on
is changing my future, okay?

Our future.

I know, Kev.

[exhales]

Uh, thanks for dropping off,
Charlie.

Of course.

You have to know that

that's what I'm thinking
about right now. Right?

Just making sure
this is still

the best time of
the year for him.

Even though--

I know. Me too.
We will. Okay?

We got this.

Okay, now we want to mix all
the dry ingredients together.

That's right, that's right.
Good job.

We found the doilies.

Oh, Lauren. You stayed.

Thanks for having me.

Oh, those go in there
on the charger.

Okay.

Here you go.

Psst.

Good job.
Keep stirring.

Joe, how's retirement?

It's so good
it should be illegal.

He's certainly keeping busy,
that's for sure.

- [doorbell
- Are we expecting
someone else?

Hey, Charlie.
Don't tell grandma.

-Hey.
-Shh.

Good to see you too.

- Hi.
- Hi.

- Hey.
- Hi, everyone.

Hi. Am I late?

Not at all.

You all remember Kimmy
from church?

Oh right. Hi.

Homemade eggnog.
McCaul family recipe.

Uh-huh.

- There you go.
- Thank you.

They're the ladies that made
Uncle Bart laugh so hard

chocolate milk came out of
his nose at the Easter fair.

[laughing]

Yes, that was mean.

And not only is she funny,

but she also sings
in the choir with me.

And she volunteers.
And she's single.

Wow. [laughs]

Left the brandy out of the nog
this year, Kev.

Thanks, Dad.

I'm a really big fan
of your mom's baking,

so she promised that
she would teach me

some of her famous recipes.

Oh, just making
the pieces tonight.

And Kimmy has signed up

for the gingerbread
house decorating contest.

Wow. You have no idea
what you got yourself into.

I see that.

Um, I'm really excited for it

because my whole family
is in Michigan,

so I'm just happy to be here.

If a family is
growing together,

it's doing something right.

Well, Kimmy has a bit of
an advantage in our contest.

She's a top realtor in town.

Wow.

Okay, everybody,
I want to say something.

Kevin, we are so proud of
you for overcoming adversity.

Ah.

Oh, I don't mean you, Lauren.
You're not an adversity.

I just mean well, now you'll
be looking for a new job.

It's not spying, Bart.
I just happened to overhear.

And I'm proud of you, Kevin,
for staying positive.

And I know with your resilience

you will find something
that truly brings you joy.

I love each
and every one of you.

- Cheers.
- Here, here.

- Cheers.
- Cheers.

Okay, let's get these
ingredients going here.

Lauren, get back here.
Help us roll this dough.

Yeah. I'm coming.

Oh!

Easy Dad.

I'm fine, I'm fine.

I can reach it
with the other stool.

This one's just--

Yeah. Okay. All right.

Hey, it's my album.

[sighs]

Would you look at that.

Oh, look at how young
you two were.

Look at that chest hair.

And that suit,
you stud-muffin.

[chuckles] Well, it
was the '70's.

Oh, gosh.
It seems like yesterday.

[knocking]

Hey, sorry to interrupt.
I just wanted to say goodbye.

Already?

I'm gonna go check on Kimmy.

Go for it.

I'll walk you out, Lauren.

Oh, no thanks.

Thanks for the nog though,
Joe.

Yeah. I'll see you at
the gingerbread competition.

Dad, just... just wait
for me, one second.

I can do it.

We're not gonna talk?

I have work. I have a job,
remember?

Okay, look, I'm sorry.
I was gonna tell you, okay?

I just asked you how
things were going at work,

and you lied to my face.

I was waiting
for the right moment.

I don't even get it.

You know, I didn't like
you working at that bar.

Yeah, well,
I kind of needed the cash.

Remember that?

I do. I remember
that everything is my fault.

No, that's not
what I'm saying.

And you know what?
I liked working at that bar.

Talking to all those people
made me realize

that not everyone's perfect,
and that's okay.

Just one second.

Oh, I... I'm....
I'm interrupting.

No, no, not at all.

I just... I got to take
some pictures in there.

Oh, you're having
too much fun, right?

This family is the best.

So are you going

to the gingerbread house
decorating competition?

Oh, I've had my fill
of houses.

Oh, why?

Uh, Lauren and I, we--

We bought our dream house,

and then it turned
into a nightmare.

Oh, I'm so sorry.
Was it not what you expected?

Well, it was, uh, it was pretty
impressive from the outside.

It's one of those homes
on Bayview Drive.

You got a Bayview home?
Those are gorgeous.

Yeah.

Well, we made
an all-cash offer.

No contingencies.

We were knee deep
in the Reno.

Building codes were
the least of our problems.

You're in real estate, right?

I am.
Are you thinking of selling?

-Oh, yeah, I mean we--
-No, I'm not quite--

*

Do you have a card?

I do, yes.

And you can call me
if you change your mind.

No pressure.

Because it's definitely a
seller's market right now.

- Is it?
- Really?

- Yes.
- Right now.

Right now. Buyers are
very motivated to close deals

before the end of
the calendar year

and... and just have a place
to call home for the holidays.

Well, don't we all, right?

Hey. Thanks, Kimmy.

Okay.

[phone rings]

[phone rings]

[clears throat] Mom. Hi.

Hi. I'm so sorry I wasn't able
to pick up earlier.

It's been such a busy day.

Oh, honey, I have
wonderful news.

Really? What's that?

I'm coming to visit
this week.

You are? Here?

Yes. You're never going
to believe it

but I won a Christmas cruise

going all the way down
the coast.

Isn't that exciting?

So I thought that I would
come a day before I set sail

and celebrate Christmas early
with you, Kevin and Charlie.

Won't that be fun?

Oh, it would be so good
to visit you and the boys.

- It's been too long.
- Yeah.

I really need a good--

- Boy, that does sound--
- For my next adventure.

--exciting.
I... I can't wait.

Um. Can I say good night
to Charlie?

Tell him the good news.

No, he's...

He's, um... he's sleeping.

He's already tucked in,
you know.

Oh. Okay, honey.
Good night, sweetheart.

Good night.

[chuckles]

I know how you feel, Tommy.

I'm just your business manager,
but if you could just--

No, you're right,
you're right.

You have almost reached
your saving goals for the year.

Almost, just doing a lot
of work in that sentence.

I understand. You got to go.
Merry Christmas, Tommy.

[notification alert]

So let me... let me get
this straight.

You're asking me to lie.

Well, I mean, it's more like
just play pretend, you know?

That's what we'll explain to
Charlie that his Grandma J

is not going to be here
for the actual holidays,

So we're gonna play
pretend Christmas early.

[scoffs]

I thought you wanted me
to stop lying?

Well, I do want you
to stop lying to me.

But lying for me
is totally different.

Could you pass me
the torque wrench, please?

-Torque wrench?
-Yeah, that right there.

Thank you.

-Yes.
-Yeah.

You know what, maybe...

Maybe we should
just tell her, huh?

No. I mean, yes, yes,
I'm going to tell her,

but I'm just not ready.

So it'll be a, uh, a practice,
a rehearsal Christmas?

Yes. Great.
Call it whatever you want.

But you'll help me? Please?

Okay. Yeah, I can do that.

Thank you.

Under two conditions.

One, we get back
into couples therapy

so we can stay ahead of
anything should anything arise.

And two...

Um, you let me take you
for a date on the 22nd.

We missed making it happen
last year

because of everything
and it's totally my fault.

So please let me make
that up to you, okay?

Our annual Christmas date.

Yeah.

[sighs]

You have a deal, McCaul.

All right.
Double the Christmas.

Double the fun.

[chuckles]

I'll have you out of here
in a couple of minutes.

Right.

*

Oh, great. Okay.

Do you think Grandma
J's gonna like my Santa suit?

Of course she is.
It's perfect.

Good choice.

Okay, now it's important
to remember

Grandma J is not going to be
with us on the actual day

so it's up to us
to act like it's Christmas.

Right?

Two Christmases!

Yes! And your dad's going
to be here

but only for tonight

for our pretend Christmas
for grandma.

-Okay?
-Okay.

[car honking outside]

Oh. Um...
Okay. Grandma's here.

So you keep putting up
the decorations,

and I'll go get her.

Okay.

Mom, how long is this cruise?

Oh, darling, how could I
possibly know

what I'm going to want
to wear?

I have to have options,
you know.

Well, you always look perfect.

Sorry to say my house
is a bit messy.

I mean, we weren't
expecting you.

I have known you
your whole life.

You don't have to make
excuses for me.

So where is Kevin?
Is he still at that bar?

Um, yeah. He should be home
any minute.

[grunts]

*

We're here.
No more games.

I'm not playing a game.
I'm job searching.

Oh, yeah. Any leads?

Why are you whispering?

Stealth.

Okay. Well, there's nothing
that's jumping out at me here.

Well, don't get discouraged.

Well, if there's one thing
I can do

while it's Christmas, right?

That is the one thing.

Yeah. Great.

Go get 'em, champ.

Thanks. Really.

I should be getting
my license back any day.

Don't mention it.

[car engine starts]

Honey, I'm home.

Okay, let's do this.

[whispers] She's here.

Sorry I wasn't around
earlier to help out.

What do you mean?
I'm doing fine on my own.

I don't need help.

It's a little bare.

Whispering about my Christmas
present, I presume.

Oh. Hi, honey.

No, no, no, no.
We were just, uh...

we were just whispering, um...

whispering sweet nothings.

Wonderful to see you.
You must be so busy.

You haven't even begun
your holiday decorating.

Usually you have your
lights up by now.

It's almost like he hasn't
been here.

[nervous laugh]
What?

I mean, we've been waiting
for you.

Right.

I can't wait to hear all about
your Christmas cruise, Janet.

[Janet] I must be
on a lucky streak.

I don't even remember entering
the contest.

[Kevin] What? How is that
even possible?

Thanks, Mom.

I'm sorry that we couldn't get
a reservation somewhere else.

Oh, not at all.

I never allow myself
a cheat day like this.

Oh, yeah.
We don't come here very often.

Yeah, we do. [whispers]
I always get the cheese.

Uh, hey pal, what do you
say we each open

one present tonight, huh?

That way, we can celebrate
properly with Grandma J.

Is that okay with you, babe?

Um, yes.
Of... of course.

Yes!

[laughing]

Except, um, you have to wake up
so early tomorrow, don't you?

Oh, nonsense, dear.

I can sleep when I'm dead,
right?

[chuckles]

Right. Yeah.

Of course.

- There you go.
- Mm.

Woo, your mother.

Don't say it.

I was just gonna say
that she has more energy

than you and I put together.

Well, no surprise there.
Here, you can wear this.

You're still wearing this?

Yeah. It's from the concert
where we met.

You can keep it
if you want.

It's not that big a deal.

You know, I'd never seen anyone
wear combat boots

with a lace dress before.

Yeah, I was pretty cool
back then.

You still are.

And those songs, they
still bring me right back.

-[humming a Christmas tune]
-[laughing]

I will never forget
the looks on their faces

when you introduced
the church

to your alternative rock
version of 'First Noel'.

Hey, that was our song.

And you used to say
that's when you knew

you wanted to marry me.

Well, I couldn't let
a catch like you

slip through my fingers.

I feel the exact same way.

It can be like this for real.

We can make things
right again.

You say that because
everything always works out

the way you want it to.

But it's not like that for me.

I can't just wave a magic wand.

I know, but it is Christmas.

And that's exactly
when magic happens.

Goodnight, Lauren.

*

Oh, sounds like life has been
eventful since we last spoke.

Yeah, to say the least.

What was it like being
together again, Lauren?

With your mother,
no less.

Yeah, it was nice, fun.

Awkward.

Mm. Tell me about the fun.

It's nothing
we don't already know.

Kevin is handsome and funny
and entertaining,

and he's always easy
to be around.

You know, it's...
it's great.

And yet you make it sound
like an accusation.

I don't mean to.
It's just...

That's not the problem.

Right. But were you able
to spend the whole evening

without thinking
about everything that
happened last year.

Yeah. Uh, yeah,
I... um... was,

except for I was worried about
my mom finding out the truth.

What do you think would
happen if she had found out?

I had a nickname
when I was little.

She called me Miss Mess

because I would always have
these big ideas, projects,

and then I wouldn't see
them through.

And I guess I just left
a big mess everywhere.

When I became an adult,

I realized I didn't want
my life to look like that.

So make sure that you leave
Miss Mess in the past.

Yeah, right.

Exactly.

We had to borrow money.

My mom helped us pay
for the Bayview house,

and I promised her that
I would see it through.

And if she finds out
that we're separated,

I'm gonna have to explain
why and--

I just think
it's for the best

if we put the Bayview house
on the market.

I thought that place
was your dream.

-A family dream--
-It was, but...

now everything's a mess,

and I just don't think
we can fix it.

But you're here... trying.

I thought that's what
we were doing

until Kevin lied to me again.

Just like he did last year
about his driver's license.

Kevin, why did he think
you had to lie?

Because I had just lost
my job,

and I hadn't seen her
for a while,

and we were having
a nice moment.

I wanted to tell her,

but I just didn't feel
like the right time.

[scoffs] Right. It wasn't
convenient for Kevin.

Just like last Christmas

wasn't convenient for him
to tell the truth.

Except it becomes extremely
inconvenient for everyone else.

Sometimes anger
can be healthy.

It can mean that you are
moving through the issue

rather than going around it.

Okay. See you next time.

Thanks.

All right. Come on in.

Thanks again for doing this.

A deal's a deal, remember?

Okay. So, uh, you're calling
Kimmy about selling Bayview?

I think it's for the best
for everyone.

I gotta get going.

I gotta meet Bart at
the Christmas tree lot.

You're walking?

It's no biggie.
It's only a couple miles.

I'm happy to give you
a ride.

No, I've been walking
everywhere, remember?

Besides, I wouldn't
want to inconvenience you.

*

[sighs]

My business partner
will be here in a minute.

We can't wait to take
a look around.

You've told him
that we haven't decided yet.

- I filled him in.
- Right?

You should have seen the
plans I have for this place.

I'd still love to hear them.

Just the perfect number
of bedrooms for a family.

- Yeah, I...
- [knocking]

That'll be him.

- Hi.
- How are you?

- Good. How are you?
- Wonderful.

Hi.

You must be Lauren.

Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you as well.

Um, lovely home you have here.

Thanks, thanks.

Yeah, it's more of a house
than a home, unfortunately,

Places like this do not
come up that often.

I understand you haven't
decided for sure yet

if you're going
to sell it.

Right.

I really think with
some Christmas decor,

some homey touches,

buyers could be very
motivated to snap up this piece

of the town's history.

Wait, this is
my favorite room.

The second I saw
the wallpaper in here,

oh, I fell in love
with the whole house.

-Just to increase curb appeal.
-Yeah.

At this time
of the year,

compared to some of the other
places on the block.

We could have a staging
company do it.

They would decorate it,
furnish it.

You don't have to do anything.
It just takes a day.

Wow.

That sounds like a lot.

Um, I don't know.
I'd have to think about it.

I'm not sure that's
in my price range.

It could be as simple
as putting

a few garlands down
the front stairs,

possibly a wreath
on the front door.

A personal touch could
help potential buyers

see themselves living here.

I really think we could have

the ink dry on a deal
by Christmas

if you're motivated to sell.

It's as simple as putting
this on the front lawn.

Right, right.

As soon as you're ready...
we are.

[exhales]

*

So how's it going with Lauren?

Mom said you spent
the night last night.

It wasn't like that.

No, we just had to pretend
to be together

so she doesn't have to tell
her mom we're separated.

Janet doesn't know?!
How long has it been?

Uh, ten months
since I moved out.

You're going to spend
the night again?

No, no. It was just
one night only.

One wonderful night.

Janet, uh, heads off on
a holiday cruise today, so.

Well, it must've been nice to
be back with your family again.

Like you wouldn't believe.

We were almost like
we used to be.

I mean, that was the plan,
right?

Get my family back
by Christmas.

What do you think of
this one?

Uh, looks like
it needs therapy.

It's perfect.

Great. 'Cause this is gonna be
a little bit of a trade.

Oh, I knew there had
to be more.

What do you want, Bart?

Uh, advice on... Kimmy?

You've never needed my advice
about women before.

Yeah, but I really
like Kimmy.

She's smart, she's funny.

I think she's out of my league.

No, there's no such thing.

You've literally been MVP
on every single team

- you've ever played for.
- Yeah.

All right. Think of it
like being

on the team's reserve list.

Oh.

I know you're gonna have
to use your imagination.

Okay, you want to get on
the main roster?

What do you got to do?

Make mom and dad proud

so I didn't get taken out
of the will?

No, the other thing.

Work harder.

Make sure I'm better than every
other player on the bench.

I can't hear you.

Work harder.

Make sure I'm better than
any other player on the bench.

Exactly.

Step up your game.

Yeah.

[telephone ringing]

Hello?

Great.

Oh!

My cruise is not real.

You said that on the phone.

I still don't know
what you mean.

I have been conned.

What?

You know that invitation?
The winning prize cruise?

Well, it's all fake.

There is no Christmas cruise.

I have nowhere to go.

My Christmas adventure
has been ruined... oh.

Oh.

Oh, no.

Not again!

I'm coming, Mother.
I'll bring all your stuff.

Okay.

[exhales]

I can't believe
we're doing this again.

[hammering]

Why is this so hard for some
people to just ask for help?

Dad really needs to find
a hobby

that doesn't include
climbing ladders.

Ooh. How'd the interview go?

Yeah, not really a work
from home type.

Your dad is.
He won't stop working.

Whoa!!!

Okay, big fella,
time to get down!

Yeah, just a minute.
I'll be right there.

What do you need to hear?
Do you need to hear good job.

Fine.
-[both] Good job.

It looks great. Beautiful.

Dad, just come on down.

[Dad] Go get me
an extension cord.

Okay. Go help him.

Can you see him?

On it.

Oh.

You said you needed to talk.
What about? Bayview?

My mom.

Your mom?

Yes. I guess her cruise
was canceled.

Or maybe it never really
happened, I'm not sure.

But the point is,
she's at my house

for I don't know how long.

And things went really well,
you know, she had a good time,

but if she stays, she's going
to find out about us,

and she's not going
to understand.

Okay, well, I'll come back.
We can get back together.

We'll pretend to be back
together like we did yesterday.

Just until Christmas or until
you're ready to tell her.

What about Charlie?

I don't want him 40 years
from now talking about

that weird fake Christmas
we had.

Come on.
You know Charlie.

He loves make believe,
and he's a great kid.

Plus, you're the world's
best mom. Okay?

If he turns out half
as amazing as you.

He's gonna be just fine.

I'm a McCaul.

[both] And who does Christmas--

better than a McCaul?

Even make-believe ones, huh?

Can we start decorating now?

Oh, easy on the tinsel.
Makes such a mess.

Mom, I made some cocoa.

Yeah, buddy, I got everything
right here.

Easy on the tinsel,
I think not.

You know, Charlie, I couldn't
get him out of that Santa suit.

Oh, yeah, I had to give up.

He said he wants to wear it
till Christmas.

I wonder what
that's all about?

[whispers] More?

Oh. When was this?

Oh, that's from our honeymoon
in Hawaii.

Lauren gets me an ornament

from every city that
we travel to.

Oh.

I remember this one.

Here's some tea.

-Thank you.
-Yeah.

Why is Charlie the only
one smiling?

Oh, I think we weren't feeling
well that day.

That's why Christmas ornaments
are so
special, Charlie.

They hold all our
cherished memories.

And then once a year,

we get to bring them
out of their boxes

and relive them
all over again.

This was mine when I was
little girl.

She's been with me
for every Christmas.

My grandfather
used to give me a boost

so I could put her up somewhere
special to watch over us.

Maybe your father
can help you with it, huh?

Maybe right...

Careful with that, Charlie.

Here.

Sure.

Perfect.

Now it's beginning to feel
like Christmas [laughs].

But we still don't have
our outside lights up.

Oh, uh, well, I know
a couple of elves

who can help out with that.

But first, all little boys
have to be fast asleep

so they can get ready

for their big day of
skating tomorrow. Okay?

Don't worry about
the tinsel.

I'll take it down
when they're in bed.

- Dad.
- Mmhmm.

Will you still be here
when I wake up?

I sure will be.

I guess we'd better get
to work.

Oh, no! Where do we--

How did this happen?

Okay, well, we should start
with, like,

an end piece, right?
And then work our way back.

I do these every year,
you know.

Oh, yeah, and every
year something goes wrong.

They get tangled or the lights
don't turn on.

Okay. Hang on. You know what,
I think you just have to go.

Okay. Hold on.

Okay. Under here.
Under here. Under here.

Under here.
Under here.

Okay. That did not
help me.

No, no! Go back,
go back, go back, go back.

Okay.

Yeah, over me.
Yeah, perfect.

You have that one here.

Oh.

Everything all right
out here?

-Perfect
-Fine.

Charlie wants to read
the last book altogether.

Mom! Dad!

We have to finish this.

Okay, uh...
you know what it is?

-No.
-I think I got it.

You do not.

I think I do.
Wait for it.

Oh!

Nailed it.

Oh.

[chuckles]

Well, you know.

[laughing]
Is this how you wanted it?

We'll figure
that out later.

Oh, uh, you know what,
you're almost free.

Let's go there.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.
I got you.

Thank you.
It does look really nice.

My pleasure.

* Dashing through the snow *

* on a one-horse open sleigh. *

* O'er the fields
we go. *

* Laughing all the way. *

* Bells on bobtail ring. *

* Making spirits bright. *

* What fun it is
to laugh and sing *

* a sleighing song tonight. *

* Jingle bells,
jingle bells. *

* Jingle all the way. *

* Oh, what fun
it is to ride... *

[Lauren] Go Charlie!

Didn't Kevin say he was going
to skate with Charlie?

He did.

Well, that's
odd that he's not here.

So I see you didn't get
Charlie out of the Santa suit.

I didn't try.

Is Kevin gonna meet us here?

Yeah, I'm sure he'll make it
here any time.

There he is.

Sorry, I'm late.
My skates are at our place.

I didn't...
I didn't want to walk that far.

So I went to my parents place
to look for Bart's skates,

but couldn't find
them anywhere.

They must have sold them.
Can you believe that?

No. I don't.
I mean, that sounds crazy.

They are Bart's state
championship hockey skates.

And now, after
20 plus years,

you think his parents
sold them?

Hey, guys.

Hey, Bart.

You're all here.

Hi.

Bart?

Wow, that's... that's great.

Nice skates.

Thank you. Thanks.

Uh, Kimmy, he won
three state championships

with those hockey skates.

- Really?
- Yeah.

Wow.

Three times.
Right, Kevin?

Yeah, three.

Hey, Kimmy brought her
skates, where are yours?

Uh, it's a...
it's a long story.

I gotta run so.

I'll help you out.

-Janet! Hi!
-Bart.

- Nice to see you.
- Good to see you.

Kimmy, Janet.
Janet, Kimmy.

I will be right back.

Okay.

Let's go. Yeah.

Grandma J, I'm Lauren's mom.

Oh, nice. Hi.

Hi.

I'm gonna put my skates on.

Lauren's the best.

We just started
working together,

but I'm so impressed.

You must be so proud
of her.

Oh, I am.

I never thought she'd outgrow
that disaster phase,

but she really has become

a wonderful woman,
mother and wife.

I am very proud.

You shouldn't be.

I have to come clean, Mom.
About a lot of things.

I'll give you a minute.

We should sit down.

Alright, here he comes.

One. Two. Three.

- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.

I didn't raise a fibber,
Lauren.

I know.

I know and I should
have told you months ago.

Why didn't you?

Because telling
you makes it... real.

And you would have been
disappointed in me.

Disappointed?

Look at me, Mom.

You look great, Charlie.

You better explain everything.

I knew it was a risk
buying the Bayview house.

Kevin kept warning me.

I didn't want to believe
we had bought a money pit.

I just wanted it to work out.
I didn't want to rent anymore.

I thought we could fix
everything ourselves.

You bit off more
than you can chew.

It was really hard.

Kevin started avoiding
the house and avoiding me,

and taking more shifts
at the bar

to pay for everything
and we started fighting a lot.

And then last December,
we had this big blowout fight

where we both said things
we shouldn't have,

and he stormed off
and he lost his license,

and he kept it from me
for weeks.

And when I found out,

I told him I needed some time
apart and he left.

Where did he go?

We don't even have
an occupancy permit

at the Bayview House,

so we have to keep
a sign on the door.

So he had to move in
with his parents.

It's just that everything
fell to pieces,

and I've been trying
to put it back together, but...

but it's not the same.

Maybe I should head home.

You and Kevin obviously have
things to work through.

You don't need your mother--

- No.
- ...in the middle.

No, mom, you have to stay.
I need you more than ever.

Please, please say
you'll stay.

Of course.

I'm sorry I haven't been around

that you couldn't
confide in me.

I'm so sorry that
I didn't tell you the truth.

Everything good?

I told my mom everything.

If I'm being honest, I sensed
something was off.

We're sorry, Janet. We--

I'm just glad you two
are better parents

than you are actors.

[laughs]

I just couldn't
pretend anymore.

You did the right thing.

Sorry.

*

*

Kevin, Santa's meeting
me here, you're kid?

- Yeah.

Charlie, say hi
to Dax.

Hello?

Cute kid.

Yeah, he gets it
from his mom.

Hey. I didn't think I'd be
seeing you this holiday season.

Yeah. You know,
I decided to stay.

Really Dax?

That's great.

My sister and I worked
through a lot of stuff.

Those old family dynamics,
past disagreements.

It's like he told me, though.
The only way out is through.

It wasn't easy, but taking
your advice was worth it.

I owe you.

It's nothing, Dax.

You did that.
Proud of you.

So you're not working
at Ron's anymore?

Where are people
supposed to go

for their Kevin's
Corner therapy sessions?

Yeah, that's a good question.

You know, when I figure out
where I land,

I'll be sure to let you know.
All right?

Sounds good.
Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

-[camera shutter snaps]
-Got it.

Okay, Dad, I'm ready
to go.

Hey, hey, what'd you ask
Santa for?

I can't tell you.
That's between me and him.

Hey, how's it coming?

Oh, I'm, you know,
making progress.

Hey, Lauren. I just wanted
to apologize

for what I said at the ice rink
the other day, I--

Oh, no no, no, no,
don't apologize.

It was me.

I needed to say something
to my mom and... and I did.

And I'm glad.

You know, selling your home
is never an easy decision,

whether you lived in it
or not.

And I know we have
this great plan of action,

but we'll only use it
if you want to.

The ball's in your court.

Nice sports metaphor.

You and Bart have a lot
in common.

You think?

Yes, I do think.

The question is,
what do you think?

I... uh... I mean,
I like him.

I like them, I like
them... them.

McCauls are all great.

Oh, great.

They are.

They're a great family.

Hey, help me
get this to the garage.

So back to Bart.

Oh, gosh.

[both laugh]

It looks amazing,
Mrs. McCaul.

Thanks Kimmy.

Oh, there you are.

Charlie, hooray!
My good luck charm is here. Oh!

So mom's biggest competition
is herself.

She outdoes herself every year.

Well, you miss 100 percent
of the shots you don't take.

Did you just quote--

Wayne Gretzky is my idol.
I played hockey in high school.

Hmm. Competitive too.

And just so you know,

this is a ferocious,
decades old,

community-wide battle for
the best gingerbread house.

Patricia and her choir ladies,

they argue about
the results all year long.

Lauren!

Oh. Hi.

Lauren. Oh, so glad you
came, sweetheart.

As winners last year, tradition
has you building over here.

But I don't want to put
any pressure on you.

I have to defend my title,
don't I?

Hey, Charlie.

You know, after all
these years,

I figured I'd find
a way to win.

Well... can't win them all,
Bart.

I'm gonna try.

I heard you talked to Santa.

Yep. I told him all
about my plan.

He's cool with it.

Your plan?

Oh, I'm wearing this
until Christmas.

Since it's just me
and mom this year,

I want to make it
extra special.

Can we start yet?

Oh. Of course.

Not yet.

I think we should have
a reading of the rules

for our new participant.

Okay, everyone, I'd like
to welcome the newest member

to the competition,
Miss Kimmy Andrews.

Woohoo! [applause]

And at your stations,

you will find identical
homemade gingerbread houses

courtesy of mom,
aka Patricia.

All decorations and
embellishments must be edible

and created during the time of
the competition which starts--

Oh, it starts now!

*

* Christmas time is
the very best time *

* to take my baby dancing. *

* Sing along now let
the church bells ring. *

That's great.

* Ding dong, sing along *

* dance around the mistletoe. *

* Covered by the amber glow. *

* underneath the
sugarplum sky *

* Sing along now *

* let the church bells ring.

* Ding dong, sing along. *

* We all need somebody
to hold. *

*

*

[buzzer]

Oh. Time's up.
Frosting down.

* Ding dong sing along... *

* Ding dong, sing along, *

* ding dong, sing along. *

Did you spend all year coming
up with the pretzel fence idea?

'Cause that's really good.

Thank you.
Sweet and salty.

You cannot go wrong.

Yeah.

Oh, and, Kimmy, I love
the black licorice

framing your windows.

It's a real trend I've been
seeing on the market lately.

Yeah.

Maybe whoever buys Bayview
will do the same.

The house is on the market?

No, no. Not yet.

Well, there's lots of steps
till we get to that point.

Not until you
and I talk about it.

Lots of steps.

*

How's the job hunt going?

Oh, they're hiring a recovery
counselor at Grace Road.

Really?

Yeah, I'd probably have
to take a couple courses

to finish my degree,

but I think that could be
pretty good at it.

So do I.

Oh, I don't have it yet.

Oh, right.

Okay, next, we got
to start taking down all the...

So, uh...

This is real.

Listen, only
if we want it to be.

Ah.

Kimmy and Jason think they
could get it sold by Christmas?

Right.

Who's Jason?

Kimmy's business partner.

Oh, I, uh, I like the wreath
you put on the front door.

Yeah. Jason suggested
some Christmas decorations,

and if I just clean it up
a little,

it'll help generate interest.

Mm. Um, I gotta get going.

I gotta get ready for
my job interview on Thursday.

Oh, yeah. No.
Of course. Of course.

I would like to give you
a ride

to your appointment
on Thursday, if you want.

Uh, no, you don't have
to do that, Lauren.

I want to.

Yeah.

Okay. It's a plan then.
Thanks.

And, Kevin...

Any other plans you should be
making me aware of?

You know, for Friday?

- Um, no, no.
- [knocking]

Lauren, how are you?

Hi.

How are you?
Nice to see you again.

I'm great. Thank you.

Jason, this is...
this is Kevin.

Kevin. Jason.

Hello, Kevin.

Hey. Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you.

So a photographer friend agreed
to take some shots this week.

If you two are ready
to pull the trigger.

Yeah, great. I was
just saying

that I'm going to get
more Christmas decorations,

and I'm going to clean
it all up.

I cannot wait to see
what you do with this place.

You know what?
I can take lead on that.

My parents have all sorts

of Christmas baubles
laying around we can use.

Amazing.

Next, I guess, we should do
a full tour of the house.

Sounds great.

Yeah. Great.
Let's get to it.

First of all, we started
with the staircase.

All of the flooring
are original.

And then we moved on
to the attic.

I did all the
insulation myself.

And then we... we moved on
to the fixtures,

and we're still working
on that.

Fantastic job you've done.

Ultimately, I'm glad
she knows the truth.

It did feel wrong
what we were doing,

and I felt like
a little kid again,

trying to hide my messes
from her.

You told her everything?

Yeah. Yeah, I did, and...

And she forgave me for
keeping the truth from her
for so long.

Oh, forgiveness is a wonderful
thing to receive from others.

Bear in mind,
it's also something

we can offer to ourselves.

Now, before we took a break
in our sessions,

dating other people
was put on the table.

Where are you with that?

Hearing Lauren say that

it only made me want
to work harder

to earn back her trust,
earn back my family.

That's great, Kevin.

But, um, I've realized
if that doesn't happen,

I need to be okay with me.

I gotta do the work to be happy
with myself first.

Uh...

No, I haven't been on a date,
but there have been offers.

It's on both partners
to decide for themselves

how they want to proceed.
Is that what you want?

Honestly, I don't know
the answer to that question.

Do you think dating
other people

is going to help you
find it?

I don't know.

I wish more than anything

someone could just tell me
what to do.

You know, like, should
we stay together

or should we split up
completely?

Well, unfortunately, no one
can figure that out except you.

You have to find the
answers you're looking
for within yourself.

Right.

Great.

*

You know, what's a great
idea, if you help.

Mom said we have to do
this together. Come on.

She's crazy if she thinks

dad isn't gonna notice
his Blitzen is missing.

Is this Blitzen?

It's giving me more
Comet vibes.

Whatever keeps Dad
from going up the ladder again.

Oh, he'll find another reason.

Hey, the job market's
a little dry.

I can always set you up
with Jimbo doing day calls
at the site.

I've had a job for a long time.
I need a career now.

Sounds like you got
something cooking.

Mhm. Recovery counselor.

I'm actually just registering
for the last course.

I need to finish my degree.

You've always been good at,
you know, listening,

and that's what you want
to do in school.

Sounds like a home run,
buddy.

Oh, which reminds me,

I'm thinking about asking
Kimmy to Christmas.

Oh, good for you.
Bart's got a girlfriend.

Girlfriend is such
a strong word.

You're the one that said
you really liked her.

I do.

Bro, you don't just invite
someone home for Christmas

if it's a casual fling.
It means something.

Christmas is sacred.

Says the guy who just faked
an entire Christmas.

Maybe I won't ask her.

You know what?
I'll make a game-time decision.

Does Kimmy know everything
is a sports metaphor with you?

Maybe it's time to pack away
the high school hero bit, huh?

Well, I'm not really
the type of guy to sit
on the sidelines, Kev.

Unlike somebody I know.

What does that mean?

You and Lauren, Kev?
It's been almost a year,

and you've actually
done nothing

to try and get
your wife to take you back.

What are you talking about?
It's all I think about.

Yeah, I know, and thinking
is what you do on the bench.

Dude, it's time to get back
in the game.

You're down, bro.
You have no time-outs left.

It is time for
the Hail Mary.

[mocking] It is time
for the Hail Mary.

[phone ringing]

-[phone ringing]
-Hey, mom.

Huh? Is he okay?

No, no, no, no, we're here.
We're in the garage.

What do you mean,
you already left?

Okay, we'll meet you there.

What happened?

Dad's going to the hospital.

Okay, okay.

-You okay, Dad?
-What happened?

I'm so good
it should be illegal.

Joseph McCaul and
his entire family.

People call me Joe.

Well, Joe, you're a lucky man.

Looks like you don't have
any fractures.

Just some bumps and cuts
from the bushes, I presume.

How are you feeling?

Any better, I'd be twins.

There you are.

Oh, oh. I'm sorry.
I don't mean to interrupt.

No, Lauren.
Please stay.

Lauren, honey
you're family.

So I think we just want to keep
you overnight for observation

and make sure you don't
have a concussion.

Really? That's it?
I mean...

- Kev.
- Well...

You know, I do think it would
be good for you to discuss

with your family who's
climbing ladders from now on.

To me, it looks like you have
three very capable people

that can help you with
your Christmas decorations.

Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.

Hey, guys.

Would you guys give me
a minute alone with Dad?

-Oh, sure.
-Sure, sure.

Yeah.

Come on, Bart.

Who are you texting?

-Nunya.
-Who?

Nunya business.

[chuckles]

Listen, Dad, um...

I know it's not our thing,

but I wish I'd asked for help
last year when I needed it.

You have always stepped
in for me

when I've needed help,
no matter what.

So let me return the favor.

You got a lot
on your plate right now.

The last thing you need--

No, Dad. It's the main
thing I need...

to be helpful.

It's just that it's taken me
a while to figure that out.

I love you, Dad.

I love you, too.

What bushes
did you take out?

[laughs]

- Oh.
- Sorry.

[laughing]

[pleasant music]

What am I even doing here?

Oh!

No. You're being ridiculous.

Hey, have you been out here
the whole time

I've been in there?

Um...

well, yeah, but I was just
waiting because, you know,

you had that look
on your face like Charlie did

on his first day of school,

and I figured I should
stick around,

you know, in case you
needed a quick exit.

I have been offered
an administrative position.

That's great.

And as soon as I complete
the required course,

I'll be a counselor here.

Kevin congratulations!

Yeah, um... thank you.

What's in the bag?

I got us some fuel.

Thanks.

Pick up two reindeer and
reverse to the North Pole.

Again?

How many cookie cards
do you have anyway, huh?

[laughs]

If you keep taking down decor,

you leave me no choice
but to go shopping again.

Oh, I have something you
can use, Mom?

Sorry, Mom.

It's just that if I can make
the Bayview house

look more like a home
at Christmas,

it'll be easier to sell it.

Well, you should have
said something.

Here.

She'll do the trick.

No, Mom, there's no way
I can take your angel.

That is your most treasured
Christmas decoration.

Well, for good reason.

She provides
peace and protection.

So whoever comes to your open
house is going to feel that.

Let me get the box.

Thank you for watching,
Charlie tomorrow.

I have no idea what Kevin
is planning

for our annual Christmas date.

Well, I'm sure it's going
to be fun.

It's going to be
a long day

of Charlie beating me
at Christmas cards,

but I'm gonna love
every second of it.

*

[exhales]

[sighs]

*

-[knocking]
-Good morning.

I just came to see how
much room I have for presents.

[groggy] Good morning,
mom.

I start hiding them
in the car.

How many cars you got?

Oh, this came
for you in the mail.

Oh, it's too much.
It's just too much.

But I can't help myself.
I love spoiling my kids.

Well, I know how you feel.

How are the decorations
at the Bayview house?

Eh...

Ah! [chuckles]

Got my license back, Mom.

You know, honey, there comes
a time in life

when you have to take
a chance.

And with that risk comes the
possibility of disappointment.

You can build all the train
tracks you like,

lay it all out.

But at some point, you got
to get the locomotive moving.

Right? And Christmas
is right around the bend.

Is that what you were
going for?

December 22nd seems like
a better time than any.

The 22nd? That's today?

All day.

Choo, choo!

How could I forget?

I'll get this train in gear.

Hey, don't worry about
those sounds.

It looks like the paparazzi
I hired attracted a crowd.

Just make sure they get
my good side.

Oh, of course.

Oh, but seriously, though,

they did say the lions can get
a little restless at night,

- So try not--
- No! Stop it, Kevin.

Okay, here we go.

The Bayview house.

Kevin.

Watch your step.

Wow.

Here, let me get this.

Thank you.

Yeah.

Wow. Kevin.

You know, this is how I
imagined this house could look.

How I knew it could feel.

Me too.

Which is why I thought of this
as the perfect start

to my plan for our
annual Christmas date.

Honestly, I thought you had
forgotten about it.

Uh, yeah, I did.

I forgot
with everything going on.

Oh.

My mom mentioned the date
this morning,

and I realized that I couldn't
let you down.

I'm not going to let you
down again, Lauren.

You ready for the best part?

There's more.

Oh, yeah.

Oh...

Kevin... wow.

Kevin, this is beautiful.

You arranged
and did all this today?

Well, I rallied a lot
on my friends from Ron's.

Everyone I called,
they wanted to help out.

You said you want to have
this house sold by Christmas.

And I want to make
your dream come true.

Oh, um, there's
one more thing.

It's your favorite,
"A Christmas Carol". The OG.

I love this movie.

-[laughs]
-I know.

Thanks for telling me
the truth.

*

*

Oh, oh!

I got you.

- Look at you.
- Oh, sure, I do?

On my nose? Really?

Cheers.

Do you remember
the looks on their faces?

Yeah.

[laughs] Yes! Yes!!

That is exactly
what they look like.

And then I had to explain to
them that their surprise Santa

he hadn't actually
shocked me.

My hair... my hair was just
that bad. Remember that?

[laughs] I do.

Those frosted tips.

[laughing]

[exhales]

*

- * The first... *
- Our song.

* Noel *

* The angels did say
was to... *

It's so amazing, Kevin.

The truth is, there should
have been lots of nights

like this along the way.

No, I don't expect or need big,
fancy grand gestures.

I know, and that's
what makes it so fun.

You don't expect it
but you definitely deserve it.

* On a cold winter's night
that was so deep. *

* Noel, Noel *

* Noel *

* Noel *

* Born is the King
of Israel. *

This has been the most humbling
year in my life.

I'm making it through

because I know you're there
cheering me on.

* shining in the East ... *

Even if it has to be
from the sidelines.

I'll take it.

But here's the thing,
Lauren, I, um...

Maybe...

[gasps]

[laughs]

*

Oh, no!

Oh!

Be careful.
It's really sharp.

I had no idea
that this was here.

The guys, they must
have knocked this down

when they were moving
everything in.

My mom had this since
she was a little girl.

What am I gonna tell her?

Oh, I'm so sorry.

You don't have to tell
her anything.

It's my fault.
I'll tell her.

No, you didn't do this,
Kevin.

I know that,
but neither did you. Okay?

But she entrusted it to me,
and...

I'm so sorry.
I have to go.

Charlie is a lucky
little boy.

Kevin's coming by
in a little bit.

He and Charlie are gonna wrap
presents for the McCauls.

Oh, that's the best stage
at Christmas.

I remember you
when you were a little girl

at this time of year.

I even remember myself--

Mom, I don't know
how to tell you this.

Your angel is broken.
I'm so sorry.

It was an accident,

but I should have taken
better care of it.

And I'm... I cannot tell you
how sorry I am.

[doorbell]

[doorbell]

You should probably
get that.

Mom?

Yeah.

Here she is.

Thanks, Charlie.

Hi.

Cute Santa outfit.

Oh, yeah. Right.

You look fantastic, Lauren.

Merry Christmas,
by the way.

Oh. Thank you.

I have some wonderful news.

There's been an offer
on your Bayview house.

Unconditional.
We could close tomorrow.

That's great... I guess.

It is. Kimmy's drawing up
the deal right now,

and there's a few points
I wanted to go over with you.

I was hoping I could steal
you away for a few hours.

Oh. Hi, Kevin

Hi, Janet. I would
have knock but uh...

That's all right.

Is, uh, Lauren here?

She's out.

Oh, she told me
about the angel.

Oh. Uh, yeah.
Look, I'm sorry.

The guys had plenty
of excuses, but--

What guys?

She made it sound like
she broke it.

No, no, no, no, no.

She was devastated,
but it wasn't her fault.

She puts so much weight
on her shoulders.

She was never like that
as a child.

Wait, what?

What was it you used
to call her?

Little Miss Mess?

I can't believe she even
remembers that.

Well, she does.

Oh.

Dad, you have the stuff!

Hey, buddy. Yeah, you ready
to get wrapping?

Yeah.

Okay. Where should we do
all this, huh?

Um... my room!

Okay, you lead the way?

*

Oh! Kevin. Hi.

Hi.

Sorry. Um, Charlie and I,

we finished up
our gifts tonight.

Oh, well, I bet you're
an expert now, right?

You live in a wrapping room.

Funny.

It's, uh... it's late.
Hot date or--

It was just dinner.

Oh. Right.

Jason says there's
an offer on Bayview.

Jason?

He thinks they can close
the deal tomorrow.

I'm happy to hear
and I'm happy for you.

And it's just like
I told you.

You got a trust
in Christmas magic, right?

-Exactly.
-Yeah.

That's right.

Well, I got a lot of work
to do still.

Mom's church choir,

they need candles
for mass tomorrow.

And you can imagine who she
volunteered to pick them up.

Well, I'll see you tomorrow.

Merry Christmas, Lauren.

Merry Christmas.

*

Well?

Well what?

How was dinner with Jason?

Oh, it was good.

He thinks it's
a great offer,

and he thinks
we should take it.

Oh. Kevin stopped by
while you were out.

Yeah, he was here
when I got back.

He didn't seem like himself.

You know, he did
seem different.

How do you mean?

How does he feel about you
selling the Bayview house?

I don't know.

We didn't have a chance
to talk about it.

He rushed out of the house as
soon as I got back last night.

Well, honey, it had to have
been awkward for him to be here

when you came home from a date
with a tall, handsome realtor.

It's not a date, Mom.

[laughs] Right. Sure?

I am pretty sure the realtor
thought it was a date.

I'm pretty sure everybody
thought it was a date.

Oh, no.

Everything's all packed
and ready to go.

Kimmy said she'll steam the
sashes as soon as we get there.

Thank you, love.

You're being
very helpful today.

Yeah, well, just trying
to keep busy.

Sorry, honey.

It won't always be this way,
I promise.

Thanks, Mom.

I'll go let Dad
know we're all set.

Ow!

Ow.

Charlie's tucked away.

I told him Santa won't
come until he's sleeping.

What is going on
with that garland?

I can't do it.

McCaul's make these
every year.

I don't know how they make
it look so easy.

Patience, my dear.

I am failing at making
popcorn garland.

Oh, let me have the popcorn.

Sometimes when
we lose everything,

we appreciate what we had.

All I want is what you had.

You and dad...

you had a perfect family,
a perfect house.

-You had a perfect--
-Separation.

- What?
- Yeah.

That summer you went
to sleep-away camp.

Your father and I lived
separate lives.

You never told me that.

Well, honey, that was
grown-up stuff.

We didn't want to involve
you until we were sure.

Little Miss Mess.

Honey, that
was just a nickname.

Your room was always
such a pigsty.

I just wish I realized how much
our teasing you took to heart.

But you're right.
I am a mess.

My life's a mess.
My marriage is a mess.

-You lent me that angel and--
-Honey...

How did you--

Isn't she gorgeous?

It's a Japanese method.
It's called Kintsugi.

It means repairing
what's broken with gold.

It's somehow more
beautiful than before.

Rather than hiding
the imperfections, the mess,

Kintsugi highlights them.

Celebrates them.

Kevin helped me find
the person who did this.

Yeah.

And I really noticed
how much he has grown.

He's a good man.

I love you, Mom.

I love you, too.

Oh.

Thank you.

You sure you can handle
all the midnight mass pickups?

Yeah. It's just some
little old church ladies.

I'm sure I can handle them.

And, Kev.
I got your back, bro.

We all do.

You want a hug?

It's in the pews.

Yeah.

I think you brought
too much hay for the manger.

Yeah, I'm gonna
put some back.

Okay.

Lauren.

Is Kevin here?

Oh, he left.
I'm so sorry.

I gotta run.

Merry Christmas, Lauren.

Merry Christmas.

[vocalizing]

* The first Noel *

* the angel did say *

* was to certain
poor shepherds *

* in fields as they lay *

* in fields where they *

* lay, keeping their sheep *

* on a cold winter's
night that was so deep. *

* Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel *

* born is the King of Israel. *

Pat! Kimmy!
That was beautiful.

Lauren, what a surprise.

Oh. You sounded like angels.

Oh. Thanks, Lauren.

It took a lot of
practice to get us here.

It certainly has.

We rehearse, we practice,

and then we let
the Christmas magic take over.

Now I know where Kevin gets it.

Listen, I was wondering

if you both would help me
out after church tonight.

I'm planning a little
Christmas magic of my own.

*

* Deck the halls
with boughs of holly. *

* Fa la la la la
la la la la. *

* Fa la la la la
la la la la. *

Bayview? What are we--

Oh, right.
Here we go.

Time to go, buddy.

It's after 1:00 am
on Christmas Eve.

Let's go.

Guys, what is going on?

Lauren, what are you doing?

I thought you accepted
an offer.

This is my home.

Being here with you
the other night,

it just reminded
me of what I want most.

How much I want this life.

I know.

You love this house, Lauren.
I know that.

It was a little cold
for the lace dress.

Oh, I dig it.

I just thought our
family was perfect.

And when we lost that,

I thought we had
lost everything.

And I didn't think
we could fix it.

But I get it.

I get it now that things
that are broken can be fixed,

they can be better than ever.

Our family is more beautiful
than ever.

And that's what I want.

I want you.

I want you to come home
for Christmas.

You're supposed to wait

until Christmas morning
for presents, Lauren.

I know you're
such a rule follower.

I'll have to work on that.

Well, I guess we're both
a work in progress, so.

I don't mind
if you don't mind.

No, I don't mind.

[all] Kiss her.

- Kiss her!
- Kiss her!!

[laughing]

[cheering]

I love you.

I love you too.

- Kiss her again.
- Again.

[cheering]

*

Mom! Wake up,
it's Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

-Merry Christmas!
-Merry Christmas!

Let's go!

What about me?

Dad!

Merry Christmas, buddy.

*

* ...we're making cupcakes. *

Santa was here.

-[laughs]
-*

Merry Christmas.

* ...kiss under
the mistletoe. *

- Come on!
- We're coming.

* Tis the season *

* Boy, I've been wishing
there's somebody special *

* wrapped up under my tree. *

*

* I just want my baby
coming home back to me *

* Santa, it's on me. *

*

* But since that is Christmas *

* I just want my baby
coming home *

* back to me. *

* It's all I need. *

Everybody say Merry Christmas.

[all] Merry Christmas.

*

* It's all I need. *

* Noel,*

* Noel,*

* Noel, Noel*

* Born is the King of Israel.*

**