All language subtitles for A.Christmas.of.Wonders.2024.1080p.WB-DL.HEVC.x265.5.1.BONE

(gentle uplifting music)

- [Eliza] I can divide my life
into "before" and "after."

Before the Christmas that
my parents got the book.

And after, when my life
would never be the same.

The book was called "The
100 Wonders of the World,"

and from the moment I cracked
it open for the first time

that Christmas
morning, I was obsessed.

Machu Picchu, Mostar Bridge,
the Terracotta Warriors.

Everything was exotic;
everything was fascinating.

I made a promise to myself
I would see them all,

and I started counting the days

when I'd break out of my
teeny tiny little town.

Because seeing pictures in
the book wasn't good enough.

After high school,
I had my chance.

I left Maryville
to see the world.

And I haven't looked back.

Stepping out to
experience the wonders

with my own eyes
was more incredible

than I had even imagined.

Eventually, I landed
my dream job,

allowing me to
share my adventures

with aspiring travelers
across the globe.

(uplifting music)

(uplifting music continues)

- Eliza, you're home!

- Hi.

- I thought you wouldn't
be back till next week.

- There's only so much you
can write about some places.

(sighs) I convinced my editor

that two months in the
Serengeti was enough.

- In the what?

- Serengeti.

Tanzania wildlife park.

- Oh, Africa.

Did you share an
Airbnb with the animals?

- No, but it smells like
they moved in here with you.

How big was the party?

- Well, let's see.

It was just Fran from work,

a couple of her friends,
and the newbies in 210.

Just your standard-size shindig.

- Charley, please tell me
tonight's a rare night off

from your social life.

- Oh, well, nothing's planned
yet, but the night is young.

When's your next assignment?

- In a couple of days.

I'm doing a piece on
European Christmas markets.

But right now I'm gonna work
on sleeping off this jet lag.

- Fine.

- See you in the morning.

- Good night.

Wait, did you see zebras?

(perky uplifting music)

♪ Mm, mm, mm, mm,
mm, mm, mm, mm ♪

♪ Mm, mm, mm, mm, mm ♪

- Oh, Mom called.

- [Nora] Hi, honey! It's Mom.

I thought this was
the perfect time for,

you guessed it, my
annual holiday voicemail

to officially invite
you home for Christmas.

Austin finished
the cafe remodel.

It would be great
if you came home

to see what he has
done with the place.

I love you. I'm so
proud of you every day.

- Ugh, I miss her. (sighs)

(gentle yearning music)

(car horn blaring)

(phone ringing)

Georgina, hi!

- [Georgina] Hey, Eliza!

Outline and proposal for the
Serengeti story look great,

consider them approved.

One more thing,

just got word
that we're pivoting

on the European
Christmas markets piece,

so you're off the hook.

- Oh, I was really
looking forward to that.

So what else do you have
for me for the holidays?

- [Georgina] Nothing, actually!

I don't think I've ever
said this to you before,

but enjoy the holidays.

Not for too long, though,

Greece is still a go
right after the new year.

Talk soon.

- Okay, yeah, I'll
talk to you later.

- [Georgina] Bye.

- Looks like I'm
not going to Europe

for Christmas after all.

- Oh, well, where
are you goin' then?

You're always somewhere
exotic for Christmas.

Hey, what about that
little hometown of yours?

Maybe you could go
there for the holidays.

- Yeah, right.

Wait, yeah, right. I could.

- You really could.
Imagine your mom's face.

After all these years

of turning down her
holiday invitations,

you could finally
take her up on it.

- You know what, I
think I'm gonna do it.

(upbeat music)

(upbeat music continues)

- [Colin] Colin Anderson, go.

- Hey, it's Eliza.

- Well, this is a nice surprise.

- Yeah, I'll make this quick.

I know you're busy with the
merger, and I just landed.

- Oh, you left already.

I thought you still had a
couple of days in the city.

- Yeah, the Christmas
markets thing got canceled,

so surprise again.

I am in the last place I
thought I'd be for the holidays.

- [Colin] Should I guess where?

- Don't laugh. It's Maryville.

- Wow. Really?

Please tell me it's
for an assignment.

- Nope, it's just the first time

I don't have
somewhere else to be.

- You mean that you get
to be somewhere else?

- Yeah, that's a
better way of putting it.

Anyways, I figured I have
no more excuses this time,

so I just thought I'd
go home for a few days,

and that would buy
me a few more years

of spending the holidays
anywhere but my hometown.

- Well, if only I weren't
buried in this merger,

I'd be able to save you.

- I think I can
manage a few days.

Let's just get together
in the new year

when I'm back in town, okay?

- It's a plan.

I'll have my assistant get
us a reservation somewhere.

- [Eliza] Talk
soon. Wish me luck.

- You're gonna need it. Bye-Bye.

- Bye.

(car horn blaring)

- Yes!

Hi!
- Hi, Mom! (laughs)

- I'm so excited to have you
finally home for the holidays!

I knew one day my
phone calls would work.

- It's good to see you, honey.

I love you.
- Hi, Dad.

It's good to see you too.
Retirement looks good on you.

- [Nora] Semi-retirement.

- Let's get your
luggage in the car.

- Okay.
- Let's go!

- Oh, wow! Looks cute.

- [Nora] I knew you
would love it. (laughs)

(uplifting music)

(uplifting music continues)

Wow. This town is a lot
smaller than I remembered.

- Really.

Well, with all of your globe
trotting and big city living.

You know what they say,

you can take the girl out
of the country, but you can-

- You can always guilt-trip
her into coming back.

Mom, we aren't even
country people anyway.

- Well, well, well,
look who decided

to finally grace us with
her presence. (laughs)

Hi, sis.
- Give her some space.

- Whoa, okay.

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

to see you guys.
- Oh my gosh, come on in.

Oh my goodness,
you look wonderful.

Oh, give me strength. (grunting)

- I can't wait to
just chill and relax.

Can't remember the
last time I didn't have

a jam-packed itinerary.

Does anyone wanna binge some
of those holiday rom-coms

while I sit here
and veg for a while?

- Eliza, we don't
have time for that;

you may not have
an itinerary but we do!

We have people
arriving here soon.

- Arriving for what?

- The Annual Gardiner Family
Ugly Sweater Christmas Party.

The AGFUSCP.
It's a family tradition.

- You guys still do that?

I thought that
fizzled out years ago.

- Heavens no! It is bigger
and better than ever before.

You'll like it, you'll love it,

I promise, I swear.

I asked Kate to pick out an
ugly sweater for you upstairs,

unless, of course, you
brought one of your own.

You didn't, okay. Okay.

Kate, ugly sweater 911. Jim.

- [Jim] Whoo!

(Eliza laughs)

- Ah, roomies again.

- Yep, just like
the good old days.

Here we have a small
collection of uglies

for you to choose from.

- Oh, boy. These
really are ugly.

(Kate laughs)

- So first things first,

tell me more about
your man, Carter?

Connor?

- It's Colin. Yeah.

Where do I start?

Well, first of all, he's
not really "my man."

We're just kind of, talking.

- Oh, you're "talking?"

Got news for you E, he's
definitely "your man."

- It's basically all we can do,

text, sometimes call.

He's busy, I'm hardly ever
even in the same ZIP code.

We're taking things slow.

- Is, is he? You're
quite the catch.

- I don't think there's any
other way we can take it.

Between my work
schedule and his,

it's like we're in a
long-distance relationship.

- Well, I think we should
"meet" him some time.

We could decide for you.

- Now there's an idea.

- Hey, Mom needs you to
get downstairs right now.

She needs you. Okay?

Okay. Dude, it's Christmas.

- Well, hurry up and get ready.

It's time for your
reintroduction

to Maryville society.

(gentle perky music)

(gentle perky music continues)

(upbeat music)

♪ 'Tis the season,
it's the time ♪

♪ When lights are bright,
and sidewalks shine ♪

♪ Trees are tied
to car rooftops ♪

♪ Snow is fallin',
hope it never stops ♪

♪ Wreath with
bows on every door ♪

- Eliza! Last time I saw
you, you were yea high.

Oh, you have really grown up.

Oh my gosh, how
long has it been?

- Years. Many years.

Ah, I see you still have
great taste in sweaters.

- Oh, (laughs) I wear it
once a year for this party.

I look forward to it all year.

- Where have you been?

Traveling all around
the world, I understand.

What is it you do again?

- I travel a lot,
write a little,

and take tons of pictures.

- And that's a job?

- Yep, they pay
me and everything.

- Wow. I need a job like that.

- Seriously.

(partygoers chattering)

Oh, Pinedale sounds
like a lovely city.

Town? Village.

I'll have to add
that to my list.

Yeah, how long has your
granddaughter been there?

- Oh, two years. Two years.

- Two.

- I see you escaped
the ugly wool party.

- Barely.

I've talked more about
myself in the last hour

than I have in the last decade.

- Mm, that's because you're
the most famous person

in all of Maryville.

- And the most interesting.
What do you think, Will?

- I mean, she has been somewhere
outside a 20-mile radius

of this town.

- [Austin] Oh, good point.

- Will?

- Oh, I see you're still
wearing my sweater.

- Oh my gosh, you're
still in love with him.

- I mean, everyone knows

if you wear a guy's sweater,
you're in love with him.

- True.

- You borrowed it the
last time you were in town

for the Christmas sweater party.

- Oh my gosh, was
it that long ago?

- Well, this is embarrassing.

I didn't realize it was
yours when I put it on,

and I just got here
and didn't have one,

so I'm just gonna go change
and give it back to you.

- It's okay.

Look, I'll let you hang
onto it for a while longer.

Plus I'm still waiting for you

to fix it like you promised.

(Eliza laughs)

- You okay, Eliza?

- [Nora] It's such an ugly
sweater. So much, dear.

- Okay, I'm gonna go.

- Already, Will?
You just got here.

And Eliza's here too.

You remember Eliza?

- Yes, I remember
Eliza very well.

In fact, she just promised
to fix my sweater. Again.

Okay, I gotta head out.
My pops is waiting for me.

I'll see you guys.

See you later, Willpower.
- Bye, Will.

- [Nora] See you tomorrow, Will.

- Take care, man.

- What was that?

- What?
- That was horrifying.

- [Kate] Will's right. You
are still in love with him.

- I am not.

I mean, I was. Used to be.

Everyone was.

- Didn't you and your
friends used to like?

- Used to walk back and forth

in front of the hardware
store pretending

to be interested in drills
and fasteners just to-

- Stop.
- maybe catch a glimpse

of him through the window.

Yeah, we did.

So embarrassing. But effective.

(Kate laughs)

I still can't believe
he pretended

like I didn't exist back then.

I walked back and
forth so many times.

- Why didn't you
just like, talk to him?

I mean, he was Austin's homeboy.

You could have
like, I don't know,

dialed it down and been friends.

- Yeah, that's
definitely far too logical

for the teenage mind to grasp.

Besides, I don't think

he ever could have
been interested in me.

I was always just his best
friend's little sister.

You know, off limits.

- Well, good thing
you don't have

to worry about that anymore.

You've got, um...

What's his name?

Carter. Corbin.

Wait, don't tell me. Colin.

- Yeah, I've got Colin.

You're right, I don't need
to worry about Will Matthews.

At all. Ever again.

(gentle hopeful music)

(crickets chirping)

- [Nora] Up and at 'em,
girls! Rise and shine.

We've got things to
do and people to see.

- I'm a grown woman, and my
mother still hollers at me

to get up like I'm five.

Why are we getting up already?

- Day after the ugly party,

it's Cookies and Carols
at the Care Center.

- We should be sleeping in.

- Come on! Mom's
not gonna give up.

Literally, it's the
same plan every year

since Grandma lived
there before she died.

- I forgot about that.

Those were some of the
best times of the holidays.

Are Bev and Harold still there?

- [Kate] Still there and
still a hoot and a holler.

♪ Wishes in all of truth ♪

♪ Everyone's
laughing and dashing ♪

- [Will] Well, looks
like we're about there.

- Okay, thank you and
here's your daily paycheck.

Best hot chocolate in town.

- I'll take it.

Okay, looks like the
last thing we have

is the light switch covers.

If you have them all, I'll
install them real quick.

- Uh, light switch covers,
light switch covers.

Shoot, I forgot them at home,

and I don't have time to go
grab them before we open.

Do you by any chance
have a few extra minutes

to go grab them for me?

- Yeah, for sure, for sure.

Is Eliza gonna be at the house?

- Yeah, yeah, she
should be. Why?

- No reason.

- Hmm, hmm?

- Look, she just,

she seems different.

- Okay, yeah. Different.

In what way?

- Like, she's just not
your little sister anymore.

- Technically she'll
always be my little sister.

- Come on, man, you
know what I'm saying.

- Listen, I can put in a
good word for you, you know.

- No!

- No, I can.
- No, don't do that.

I got this, okay?

- Okay. (sighs)

The boy's gonna need
all the help he can get.

(gentle upbeat music)

- Good morning, my loves.
- Hello.

- Come over, I need your help.

- Mom, it smells so good.

There's nothing in the world
like your sugar cookies.

You should open a
cafe or something.

(Kate laughs)

- Ha, ha, ha, ha.

I'm leaving the rest of this
for you two to finish up.

We have a very busy morning.

Now, if you gals wouldn't mind
doing your decorating magic,

just like the good old days.

We will be back
later this afternoon,

and we can go to the
care center together.

- [Kate] Okey dokey.

- Hey, honey, you ready to go?

- Ready. And I have
another family craft idea.

- Wonderful.

- Now, don't make a mess.

- Bye, Mom.

- Feels like the perfect
time for Mele Kalikimaka.

- What?

- Mele Kalikimaka!
Merry Christmas?

It's how they say it in Hawaii?

- I know what it means. I
just did not understand you.

- Oh, another
fun fact, in Ghana,

they have four Wisemen
in their nativity scene.

- Mm, interesting.

Here's my fun fact,

in this house, we eat
cookies and drink wassail.

- Ooh, a really
fun one is in Bali;

they light sparklers
and firecrackers.

- Now, that's what
I'm talking about.

I guess you learned
something out there.

We should put firecrackers
in the brownies.

(Eliza and Kate laugh)

Hey, Eliza.

- Yeah.

- [Kate] Mele
Kalikimaka! (laughs)

(Eliza coughs)

- Do you need help?

- Um, probably.
- Wait.

I'm sorry, here.

- I can't see a thing.

- It's probably a good thing,
'cause you look ridiculous.

- (laughs) Thanks.

This is so embarrassing.

- Um, Austin's not
here, by the way.

- Oh, yeah, I know.
He's at the cafe.

He sent me over here
to pick up a package.

- Oh, yeah! I
can't wait to see it.

I know he's been working
nearly 24/7 on it.

Has he roped you
into helping out?

- I mean, a little.
Well, a lot, actually.

But you should
come by and see it.

You know, we could uh,

go together before
you leave town.

- Yeah. That sounds fun.

- Well, it's uh, it's a date.

Okay. Well, I better
go get that package.

- Okay, yeah. See ya.

Wait, did he just
say date? (sighs)

- Clara. Hey!

- [Clara] Oh hey, you made it.

- Yeah. Sorry.
- We almost had a riot

on our hands.

- Oh boy.
- Can I help you with these?

- Hold on.

Clara, you've met everybody in
the family except for Eliza.

Eliza, this is Clara.

- Oh, Eliza, it is so
nice to meet you.

- [Eliza] Hi.

- I've heard so much about you.

- Really?
- Mm-hmm.

- Yikes. Good things, I hope?

- Oh! Only good things,
I promise. (laughs)

You must be so happy to be home.

Austin tells me it's
been quite some time.

Well, there is no place
quite like Maryville.

I've only been
here a few months,

but it's already starting
to feel like home to me too.

- Well, hopefully this
guy is helping with that.

- Dad.

- He definitely is. He's
quite charming, this guy.

- [Austin] Thanks.

- Charming? Austin?

This Austin?

- Yeah, that's me.

I can be charming. Sometimes.

Okay, okay, okay.

Let's just get these
cookies over to the table.

Is that all right?
- Okay.

- So, what's the
story with those two?

I haven't heard
anything about her.

- Clara's an interior designer,

and she moved here
to live with her aunt.

Austin needed help
with the cafe's remodel

and she was the one.

They hit it off immediately,
we all love her.

- Aw. Who would've thought?

Our little Austin.

I'm happy for him,

but it is weird to
see him like this.

- Oh, believe me, for us too.

But we're getting used to it.

- Thank you so much for
bringing the cookies.

- Of course.

- Oh, what time is it?

Okay, it's showtime.
Should we get ready?

- Yep.
- Okay.

(audience chattering)

Hello, everyone.

If we could please take
a seat and turn this way.

It is my privilege to introduce,

for the 15th year
in a row, one of

our Maryville Care Center
favorite Christmas traditions,

the Gardiner Family Singers.

- We didn't even practice.

- We never do,
and they never care.

(audience applauds)

(Austin humming)

- Okay. Ahem.

One, two, three.

♪ Dashing through the snow ♪

♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪

♪ O'er the fields we go ♪

♪ Laughing all the
way, ha, ha, ha ♪

♪ Bells on bobtails ring ♪

♪ Making spirits bright ♪

♪ What fun it is
to ride and sing ♪

♪ A sleighing song tonight ♪

♪ Oh! Jingle
bells, jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle all the way ♪

♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪

♪ In a one-horse
open sleigh, hey ♪

(audience cheers and applauds)

♪ Up on the house
top, reindeer pause ♪

♪ Out jumps good
old Santa Claus ♪

♪ Up on the house top ♪

♪ Down through the chimney
with good St. Nick ♪

♪ Sleep in heavenly peace ♪

♪ Sleep in heavenly peace ♪

(audience cheers and applauds)

- Your performance
was lovely. Thank you.

- Oh, thank you.

- Oh, Christmas carols
always remind me

of my late wife, Margaret.

Oh, she could
sing like an angel.

- [Eliza] Sounds like
you loved her very much.

- Hey, Pops. I got you a...

Eliza? I see you've met my pops.

Pops, this is Eliza,
Austin's little sister.

- Pleasure to make
your acquaintance.

Is she the one you
were telling me about?

- Um, yeah, I was telling you
about all of the Gardiners.

All of them.

- Now, as I recall, you
said, how did you put that?

She has a very nice frame.

- Um, yeah, I said that.
Thanks for that reminder, Pops.

- Anything for you, Will.

- Pops, it's been a
pleasure. Later, Will.

(upbeat music)

- Up and at 'em,
girls! Rise and shine.

We have got things to
do and people to see!

(upbeat music)

- Does this still
happen every morning?

- Yep, every morning.

She's especially chipper
during the holidays.

- We can't have
Christmas without a tree.

That's why we waited
until you came home,

so we could pick
it out together.

Come on; time's awastin'.

(Kate laughs)

Hey, see you downstairs in
a few. Bus leaves in 10.

(mischievous music)

- Hey.

- Oh, hey, you missed breakfast.

Well, there's fruit in the
bowl. Where's Will and Clara?

- Wait, Will's coming?

- Oh, so Clara had a
last-minute client consultation,

but she'll be back over to
help with some decorations.

And Will's gonna be meeting
us over at the tree lot.

Yeah, he'll be looking
for one for Pops.

Are you okay there, E?

- I need a minute.
Where's my lip gloss?

- I didn't touch it.

- Lip gloss?

- [Austin] It's a
city thing, Mom.

(uplifting music)

- I still can't believe they
waited so long to get the tree.

- What? I mean,
this is tradition.

The Gardiner family always
picks out a tree together.

- I mean, I understand doing
them all when you were kids.

It was, you know, to
make Christmas magical.

And it always was.

But now that we're adults,
why still do them all?

Some of them seem kind of silly.

- Silly?

I mean, it may be silly to you,

but, I mean, for your mom?

Probably reminds her of
all the past Christmases,

you know, all the magic, love.

I don't know, I just always
felt lucky to be included.

- So have you decided which
one's perfect for Pops?

- Ah, this one's a
strong contender.

I don't know, I just...

It's his first year
in the care center.

I really wanna make it special.

- It won't matter
which one you choose,

if I know you, you'll
make it look amazing.

He's lucky to have you.

- Thanks.

But, I mean, you should really
lower your expectations.

No one can match your
mom's decorating skills.

- You're 100% right, no one can.

- [Nora] Eliza, over
here. We need your vote.

- Oh. Duty calls.

(gentle music)

(uplifting music)

- Perfecto.

All right, Mom, I think my
decorating duties are complete.

- Wow. Great job
on the wreath, Austin.

Wow. Now it smells
like Christmas.

- Thanks, Mom.

- Will, you can fill this box up

with anything you like
to decorate Pops' tree.

- [Will] Are you sure?

- Of course, we have plenty.

- [Will] Wow, thank you.

- Okay, I'm going to resume
my position on the couch.

Kate, I'm gonna
supervise from here.

Keep up the good work, you two.

- Nice try, buddy,

but you have to put the
star on top of the tree.

- Mm-mm.

- Yes, you are the
tallest one here,

so you need to do it.

- Hey.

- Plus, it's not gonna
pass Mom's tree test

till all the ornaments
are evenly distributed.

- Or mine. You can do this.

- I was about nine
when I made these.

I'd forgotten all about them.

- (laughs) You know,

there might be some of
my masterpieces in here.

- I think you're right.

Mom never passed up a chance

to have someone make an
ornament for her tree.

- Oh, yeah, yeah. I
remember this one.

This one's one of mine.

- Well, that's the thing about
them. They all had meaning.

They were all special and
beautiful in their own way.

- Even this one?

- (laughs) Especially that one.

(gentle uplifting music)

All these little things
are flooding back to me.

It was out of sight,
out of mind for so long,

I didn't even really miss it.

But the more I'm
here, the more I realize,

I don't know, I
do kind of miss it.

It's weird.

- Yeah, I get that.

I remember it was
kind of the same

for me when I
moved back for Pops.

I mean, the big
things are important,

but really, I think the small
things are what anchor us

to our past.

Remind us of who we are.

You know, no matter
where we've been.

- I'm so glad to have
Eliza home for Christmas.

- Me too. This house hasn't
felt this full in years.

(Nora chuckles)

(Jim and Nora cough)

- Who's up for some wassail?

- [Kate] Wait, but first?
For the big moment.

- All right. Ready.

(uplifting music)

I think that's my best one yet.

- It's definitely the best one.

(uplifting music)

(uplifting music continues)

- Morning, Dad.

- Well, you're up early.
Any big plans today?

- No, nothing planned.

Just thought I'd go into
town, see what's new.

You know, like I
do when I travel.

After all, this is an exotic
and distant location for me.

- (laughs) Hey, listen,

before you head out on
this grand local adventure,

I wanted to talk to you
about this Colin fellow.

Would I like him?

- Dad, you never like anyone.

- That's true.

I just wanna make sure

whoever it is
deserves my little girl.

And let's be honest,

there are very few
who measure up to you.

- Well, there might be
someone who comes close.

I'm still getting to know Colin,

but so far he might
be a good candidate,

he's successful, hardworking.

- As long as you're happy,
that's what matters.

And whoever makes you
happy makes me happy.

- Oh, Dad.

- Listen, kiddo,
you better head out

before your mom
has you making angels

out of toilet paper rolls.

- Thanks for the heads up.
You better watch out too.

No one's safe.

- Have fun out there.

- [Eliza] I will. Love you, Dad.

- Love you.

- Great news, I found
more toilet paper rolls.

(upbeat music)

♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh ♪

- Ooh, yeah.

♪ Oh, oh, oh, yeah ♪

♪ If it don't put a twinkle
in both of your eyes ♪

♪ Light you up and
make you shine ♪

♪ No baby ♪

♪ It ain't Christmas ♪

♪ If it don't make your
jingle bells ring-a-ling ♪

♪ Or give your heart
a reason to sing ♪

♪ No baby ♪

- Oh. I'm so sorry,
I didn't see you.

Eliza. Hi.

- Hi. (laughs)

- I'm sorry, I
didn't see you. I-

- It's okay, I didn't
see you there, either.

Sorry that my frame
got in your way.

- (sighs) Oh. I'm sorry.

I was talking to Pops,

and he's kind of old fashioned,

and it just kind of came out.
- It's really okay.

Oh, what is that?
That smells really good.

- Well, it was hot chocolate,

but it's the best in town,

but of course you
know that already.

- Why would I know that?

- It's from your family's cafe.

Have you still not been?

- I, I, well, is
now an okay time

to take you up on that
offer to show me around?

If you have a minute, we
could go over together.

- Yeah, I have a few minutes.

- Okay.
- Let's go. Here.

- Yeah.
- Yeah, okay.

- [Austin] Here you are.
Can I get you anything else?

- Oh, no, we're good.

- [Austin] All right. Let me
know if you need anything.

Thanks for coming in.

- Thank you.

- Hey, welcome,
welcome, welcome!

- Austin! I'm impressed.

The pictures
don't do it justice.

This is amazing!

- Yes.

Well, that's really
high praise coming

from somebody who's
been all over the world

and seen every
charming little cafe.

Thank you. Yeah.

I did it myself.

- Ahem.

- Well, I may have had
a little bit of help.

Clara may have pitched
in an idea or two, but-

- Or 100.

- Okay, she did everything.
I'm gonna be honest.

But I was really good at
supervising. And writing checks.

And that's about it.

Will here, on the other
hand, got in on the action.

- Hey, I mean,
when your best friend

is remodeling the
family business,

an architecture
degree comes in handy.

Clara here, hardest project
manager I've ever worked for.

- Oh, I think they did okay.

- So you two walked
in together, huh?

- Uh.
- Uh.

- No, we-
- Yeah, we, we did.

We didn't like, plan
to come together.

We just sort of
ran into each other-

- No, literally we-

- outside the bookshop

and decided to come
check out the new place

and try some of the famous,

fancy hot chocolate I've been
hearing about all over town.

- Wait, really?
Like, all over town?

- Yeah, Will just told me
about it on the way over.

That's basically all over town.

- Okay, good enough for me.

Two Cafe on Main's Famous Hot
Chocolates comin' right up.

- An architect, huh?

That seems so
professional and mature.

- Why do you sound so surprised?

- I just remember a guy
hanging out with my brother

and getting into trouble.

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

(laughs) Okay, we were
pretty good at that.

Look at you, though.
Big shot travel writer?

I mean, that's everyone's
dream job. And you have it.

- I still can't believe
it actually happened.

I dreamed about it, and worked
really hard, and here I am.

I know I'm lucky.

But it's not as glamorous
as it sounds. It is work.

- I mean, sounds and
looks pretty amazing.

- Looks.

- I may follow you. (laughs)

- Really?

- Look, you're quite popular.
People love your work.

- Well, so what about you?
Why are you still here?

- Well, I left right
after high school.

I moved out to Chicago
and got my degree

and actually got my dream firm.

But later that year, Grams
wasn't doing so well.

She got sick, and
so I moved back

and then she passed.

So yeah.

- I didn't realize all
that was going on.

I'm really sorry about Grams.

I know she meant a lot to you.

- Yeah, she did. Pops does too.

He tried living on
his own for a bit,

but, you know,

even with my help,
it's not enough.

So we decided
on the care center.

But, you know, my
firm's been great.

They are allowing
me to work remotely,

and they say
they're ready for me

to come back whenever I am.

- So you are the
adventurous type after all.

- Okay. A little bit.

Not as much as you.

- And voila! This
is on the house.

- So generous.

- Thank you.

- You're welcome. All right.

Okay, well, this has been
a great conversation.

Really thrilling.

But I've gotta get to
the more important matter

of wooing a lady.

- Doesn't seem like
much wooing is needed.

Austin, she's into you.

All you have to do
now is not screw it up.

- Oh, but for some reason
that's the hard part, isn't it?

But she's cool, though, right?

- She's very cool.

Not that my opinion
matters or anything,

but so far I approve.

- Now, listen, your
opinion matters more to me

than you think.

- Aw, are we having a
moment here, Austin?

- [Austin] We sure are.

- (laughs) Yours
matters to me too.

- Okay, well, if
that's the case,

then I approve of this.

I approve.

- It's nothing.

- It's nothing.

- Right. Okay.

Well, hope you enjoy
the hot chocolate.

And please leave a five-star
review on the website.

- Website?

- Yeah, the website. You're
not the only one in the family

with an online presence.

I'm modern.

- Hey.

- Hey.

- Now that you've had the famous
Cafe on Main hot chocolate,

what do you think?

You think you're up for
another family tradition?

- Ah, I might be. What is it?

- Gingerbread houses with Pops.

- Oh, one of yours!

I've been so caught
up in my family stuff,

I haven't even stopped to think
about what anyone else does.

Has the Matthews family
always done gingerbread houses

for Christmas?

- Yep.

Grams and Pops have always
made sure that we've done it.

- I love that.

Maybe that explains why you're
such a successful architect.

- Hmm. You know what, I
never thought about it,

but you might be right.

Anyways, I should get going.

But pick you up in
a couple of hours?

- Can't wait.

(perky upbeat music)

(gentle music)

- Are you okay?

- I'm fine, I'm
fine. Fine, fine.

- 'Cause you're acting weird.

- I'm not acting weird.
I'm just in a hurry.

- Hurry? For what?

This is the one night Mom
has nothing on the calendar.

Well, my calendar has
the care center on it.

I'm going to decorate
gingerbread houses with Pops.

- Oh. And anyone else?

- And Will.

- What is going on
with you and Will?

- We're just friends,

and I am having a good time
getting to know him again.

- Apparently he
is too. And Colin?

Remember him?

- Yeah, I remember him.

And as far as I know,
we're friends too.

(bell rings)

(upbeat music)

Okay, gotta go. Don't wait up.

- You're telling me everything
the second you get home.

- Bye.

(upbeat music)

I have to say, I did
not quite expect this.

You've got blueprints.

I've only ever made gingerbread
houses with graham crackers.

- Oh, this is serious business.

- Pops and I are the Christmas
Festival reigning champs.

- Yeah.

- [Will] We're hoping
for a repeat this year.

- Well, you've got a
professional architect

on your team.

Of course you'll win.

- You'd be surprised. The
competition is fierce.

- But I like our chances. I
think Eliza's our lucky charm.

- I'm just following your lead.

I think the, um-

- The millwork.

- Yep, the millwork. Yes.

I think is what's
gonna give us the edge.

- I think you might be right.

Pops, months of
planning might pay off.

(Pops laughs)

- So how close is
gingerbread design

and construction
to your real job?

- Oh, it's pretty
much the exact same.

Lots of frosting, long
hours. You know.

- Okay, better question.

What do you love about your job?

Because if it's anything
like this gingerbread house,

I can only imagine
how much heart

and soul you put
into your actual work.

- I mean, I'd like to think so.

I don't know, I kind
of like everything.

You know, the
creativity, the challenge.

I mean, even the budget.

But if I had to
pick my favorite,

maybe the end result.

Just 'cause I love creating
something, you know,

a space that people love.

- That's kind of beautiful.

And, I mean, you have quite
the portfolio already,

between the gingerbread
house and the cafe remodel,

I think I've seen enough.

Next time I build a real
house or gingerbread house,

you're my architect.

- Well, I would be honored.

(perky music)

- I think we're
gonna have a winner.

- Yeah, me too.

- You need more frosting.

- I've never done this before.

(gentle uplifting music)

I just love what Austen's
done with the place.

It's so modern and homey.

Ooh, and the hot
chocolate is amazing.

- A little hungry today?

- (laughs) Let her be. Come on.

- This is so good!

I can't remember the last
time I had homemade waffles.

- Oh, don't forget,

tonight is the Maryville
Christmas Festival.

It's the biggest show in town.
We're all going together.

Kate's trio is gonna
be performing. It's-

- We know.

- [Both] Tradition!

- How did they know
I was gonna say that?

- It's a mystery.

- Ahem. It's not
really your style, is it?

- Oh, no, not for me.

My mom has a
shelf full of these.

I just thought it'd be nice
to add to the collection.

- Well, I mean,

the shape and
the size, the finish,

it's really just immaculate.

It's also really pricey
for such a little thing.

- Yeah, it's kind
of a makeup gift

for all the years I've missed.

- Well, in that case, maybe
you should get three or four.

Okay, I'm kidding. Just two.

Let's see what we got.
We got My Fair Lady.

We got Wing Golden Baby.

(Eliza laughs)

That's a front runner, for sure.

- Tree head gnome.

- Valid.

- There's a mini.

- That's adorable.

(Eliza laughs)

But what about this one?

- Yeah, 'cause you
know her so well.

(gentle music)

Well, it's not a bad idea.

Yeah, I'll take it.

And I fell in love
with the world

and found the
perfect job to see it.

Well, most of it, anyway.

- You know, most people only
dream of traveling the world.

You've done it.

So how does a small-town girl
dream up all these big ideas?

- Well, it started with
a book I got one year

for Christmas when I was nine.

"The 100 Wonders of the World."

- That's right.

That's the one you always
carried around with you.

- Yeah, I...

Wait. You remember
me doing that?

- Yeah, of course.

I mean, you barely came up
for air from that thing.

Come on.

So when you're not out in
the world, where are you?

- Oh, I'm a big-city girl.
That's where the magazine is.

And I live with my roommate,

who is a classic social
butterfly, knows everyone,

and is always down for a party.

- Partier. Huh.

I mean, I kind of thought
that, after all that travel,

you might want
some peace and quiet.

- I don't mind it, really.

I'm hardly ever there,

and I meet a lot of interesting
people because of Charley.

- Charley?

- My roommate.

- Oh.

(tense music)

- Oh, no, no, no.

Charley is short for Charlotte,

who's my best friend and a girl.

She's just trying to find
herself in this world.

- Well, she sounds
like a lot of fun.

- Oh.

- Oh, we gotta.

Hey, it's Christmas Festival
time. Let's get down there.

- Already?

- Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Clara's just helping me close.

So we'll meet you
up front. Okay?

Let's do this.

All right, you ready?

- Oh, hey.

- [Austin] What?
- Gotta hang this on the tree.

- [Austin] Ooh.

(Clara laughs)

- This has been great.

You know, I don't usually
get the opportunity

to shop for
figurines, so thanks.

- Yeah, it was fun.

I didn't think that was
how my day was gonna go.

But I'm glad it did.

And I'm glad it's not over yet.

(gentle uplifting music)

- Oh, hey. You
guys are still here.

You waiting for us?

- Yeah. Waiting for you guys.

- Well, let's get going.

Miss.

(Clara laughs)

(upbeat music)

♪ There's a jingle in air ♪

♪ A fa la la la
feeling everywhere ♪

- Hey, do you guys wanna
go see Santa really quick?

We have a few minutes
before Kate's trio performs.

See who's been
naughty or nice, yeah?

- Yeah.
- Yeah.

- I think I've been pretty nice.

- [Austin] I think so.

Eliza, come on.

- What? What's happening?
- This way.

- [Eliza] Where are we going?

- We're going to the North Pole.

- Ready? Over
here. One, two, three.

Perfect. Merry
Christmas, you guys.

Let's go get your mom.

- Merry Christmas, kiddos.

- [Helper] Hey, there
we go. My Santa photo.

- Hi, Santa.
- Santa!

- You've been on the nice list.

- [Austin] Santa!

- [Clara] They look perfect.

- [Austin] Oh my goodness,
they look so cute, don't they?

- [Helper] Snuggle a
little bit tight. Yeah.

- Wait, I want a selfie.

Thanks, Santa.

- Thank you. Have a
merry Christmas, you two.

- Santa!

- [Santa] Oh, good to see you.

- [Helper] All right,
one, two, three.

(Austin laughs)

- Hey.

- Oh.

♪ I've got the nice ♪

♪ I'll hang a mistletoe,
you bring the kisses ♪

♪ Baby, you're the merry
in every Christmas ♪

- That was good. Thank you.

♪ Hey, hey, hey ♪

♪ You're the happy
in my holiday ♪

- Thank you.

- Thank you so much.

Oh, hot.

(upbeat music)

There it is.

And look! You won first place.

- We won. Pops is
gonna be so proud.

- I think a speech is in order.

- Right. Ahem.

Maryville, this is the
highest of honors.

None of which would be
possible without one person.

Eliza Gardiner, your
understanding of millwork

and weightbearing
structures is unparalleled.

Well done.

- I'm so flattered.

(upbeat music)

- All right, let's go.

- What's the verdict?

- Well,

I give my first Maryville
Christmas Festival five stars.

- Wow, wow, wow.
Well, it's not over yet.

The grand finale's
just about to start.

You ready?

Let's go see.

(phone ringing)

- Be right there.

- Come on, Will.
- Hey, Charley.

- Still alive?

I haven't heard from
you in a few days;

I thought maybe you fell

into a deep Christmas movie
marathon or something.

- Alive and well, I think.

Oh, I'm gonna
send you something.

(phone buzzes)

- All right, girl,
details, spill.

Hat guy is a hot guy.

- It's too many. I'll
tell you when I get back.

- Oh, can't wait.

Sure miss your
face, get back soon.

- Oh, I miss your face too,

and your more-than-a-month's
rent miracle face serum.

- (gasps) I knew
you were using it!

- I gotta go.

- Wait, we need
to talk about this.

- (mimics static crackling)
You're breaking up.

It must be a bad-

- (gasps) There's only one of us

who can actually
afford this stuff.

And it's not me.

(uplifting music)

- As your mayor, I wanna
officially welcome you

to the annual Maryville
Christmas Festival.

(audience applauds and cheers)

As we all know, Maryville
is a magical place

where we never lose
our small-town charm,

where neighbors help neighbors,

and where everyone
you meet is a friend.

Let's get this show started.

We have a wonderful night,

and our first number
is "Joy to the World."

- Go, Kate! Yeah!

Sorry, that's my sister.

♪ Joy to the world,
the Lord is come ♪

♪ Let earth receive her King ♪

♪ Let every heart
prepare him room ♪

♪ And saints and angels sing ♪

♪ And saints and angels sing ♪

♪ And saints, and
saints, and angels sing ♪

(audience applauds and cheers)

- Kate's performance
was amazing!

- Well, on behalf of
Kate and her estate,

I'd like to say thank
you very much.

(Eliza laughs)

- Hey, babe.

(tense music)

- What are you doing here?

- Surprise.

- This is a big surprise.

Everyone, this is Colin.

Colin, this is my dad, Jim.

- Good to meet you, Colin.
- Nice to meet you.

- [Eliza] My mom, Nora.

- Hello.
- My big brother, Austin.

- Hi.

- His girlfriend, Clara.

And this, this is-

- I'm Will. Sorry, I'm
an old family friend.

Who are you?

- Colin.

- Right.

You know what?
I better get going.

I should go check on Pops.

- We'll see you tomorrow
at the house, right?

You're coming over,
Will, for Christmas Eve?

- Yeah, yeah. Maybe.

- [Jim] See you, Will.

- Bye, Will.

- Well, I bet you two
have a lot to catch up on.

It was such a pleasure
to meet you, Colin.

- You as well.

- See ya.

- See ya. (laughs)

- So what are you doing here?

- Just drove into town

and followed the sounds
of the hoots and hollers.

This is a small town.

Like, an incredibly small town.

- What happened to the big
deal you were working on?

I thought it was gonna take
you the rest of the holiday.

- Out of nowhere,

the bigwigs decided to
take a couple of days off.

So, inspired by the
lovely Eliza, that's you,

I thought I'd drop
in on my family

for a spontaneous hometown
holiday celebration.

It had been a while for me too.

And since I was going
to be traveling anyway,

I worked in a little
layover here with you.

- A layover in Maryville, huh?

- It was right on my way.

Do you wanna go see
if somewhere's open?

Could get a late dinner.

- I better not. I got
plans and, um...

But tomorrow, you
should come tomorrow

and spend the
day with the family.

- And what exactly does one do

at the Gardiner Family
Estate on Christmas Eve?

- You'll just have
to wait and see.

- Uh, yeah, so I'll
see you tomorrow. Okay?

(mischievous music)

(upbeat music)

- Up and at 'em,
girls! Rise and shine.

We have got things to
do and people to see.

And I need your
help with brunch.

- Her secret weapon.
Cinnamon rolls.

- Ah, that woman is evil.

I'd literally do anything
for her cinnamon rolls.

- Give up state secrets?

- Yep.

- Give up 10 years of your life?

- 1,000%.

- Give Austin a foot massage?

- I have my limits.

(Kate laughs)

(Kate sighs)

What?

- So I guess I'll address
the elephant in the room.

Colin. Here?

Out of nowhere?

- Oh, elephants.
I love elephants.

Have I told you about the
herd I saw on Tanzania?

- I'm sure they were amazing.

And I'd love to hear
about them later.

But the elephant I wanna
talk about now is Colin.

- I think he'd be
pretty offended

that you just called
him an elephant.

- Ha, ha. Come on.

Spill the tea. Why didn't
you tell us he was coming?

- 'Cause I didn't know he was
coming. He just showed up.

- That seems pretty romantic.

That's big-gesture,

I'm-in-this-for-real
kind of stuff.

- Yeah, he's a
go-big kind of guy.

Especially when it's
something that he wants.

- Which brings me to
elephant number two.

Will. What about Will?

- What about Will?

He's cool, amazing,
and we're friends.

Oh, I'm his best
friend's little sister.

- Eliza, I think we can all
tell it's a lot more than that.

- Really?

Looks like I have two
really big elephants.

- Yep, two very handsome,
very eligible elephants.

Sounds like a problem only
a cinnamon roll could fix.

- Or a dozen.

- All right, everyone,
we are here.

Let's get this party
started, shall we? Yeah.

- Ooh, not so fast. We
still have people coming.

And you're ruining
the arrangement.

- How can I help?

- Can you finish up
with the cinnamon rolls

and keep this guy,
Austin, out of trouble?

- Thanks, Mom.

(bell dings)

(tense music)

- I'll get it.

(tense music)

Merry Christmas Eve, you two.

- Thanks, babe.
Lovely to see you today.

- Yeah, thanks. Babe.

(tense music)

- [Nora] Hello, hello.

- May I?

- Hey. Hey.
- Hi.

Everything looks
and smells amazing.

- [Nora] So glad you came.

- Thanks.

- Please take a seat, Carter.

- It's Colin.

- [Nora] Colin.

- Before we dig into
this amazing meal,

can I just say how great it is

to have you all here in our
beautiful, festive home?

Thank you, Nora.

I'm so happy to have
my sweet Eliza home.

It's not often that we get
to be together as a family.

And when we do,
it just feels good.

Dear Lord, as we gather together

to celebrate the
birth of thy Son,

may we have
gratitude in our hearts

for the wonderful
blessings we enjoy.

We thank thee for
this bounteous meal

and ask that those
that have traveled

to be with us today may
be safe in their journeys.

Amen.

- Amen.
- Amen.

- [Austin] Sure hope there's
more for everybody else.

- [Partaker] Oh, thank you.

- You think you're so funny.
- Can I have at least two,

please?
- Yeah, absolutely.

So Carlos, big-city guy.

- It's actually Colin.

- [Austin] Oh, so sorry.

- What do you do out there?

- [Colin] Banking.

- Baking?

- No, banking.

- Banking.
- Oh.

- Like, investment banking.

- [Austin and Clara] Oh.

(upbeat music)

♪ I'm crazy about Christmas ♪

♪ It's the best
time of the year ♪

♪ I love toasting
marshmallows in the fire ♪

♪ And jolly cups of cheer ♪

♪ I'm crazy about Christmas ♪

♪ Let those bells
ring loud and clear ♪

♪ Oh, I can't wait for
Christmas, I can't wait ♪

♪ Santa in my windows ♪

♪ I can't wait for
Christmas this year ♪

♪ I love gifts to wrap,
making ginger snacks ♪

♪ And building
angels in the snow ♪

♪ Writing letter
to Santa Claus ♪

♪ Everybody knows I'm
crazy about Christmas ♪

♪ About Christmas, bells
ring loud and clear ♪

♪ Oh, I can't wait
for Christmas ♪

♪ Santa in my windows ♪

♪ I can't wait for
Christmas this year ♪

- "Footloose."
- "Singin' in the Rain."

- [Austin] "Singin'
in the Rain."

"I Think You Should Leave."
- "Die Hard."

- [Jim] "Rudolph the Red-Nosed
Reindeer." The musical.

- "While You Were Sleeping."
- Oh, oh.

- "Alison in Wonderland." Ooh.

- [Austin] "Brother Bear."

- "Doctor Who."
- "Silence."

- [Clara] "Quantum Leap."

- "It's a Wonderful Life."

- Oh.
- Oh.

- Oh man.
- "Black & White."

That was close.

- Good job, Kate.

Okay, Colin, it's your turn.

- [Everyone] Colin! Colin!

Colin! Colin!

Colin! Colin!

- I really must get going.

- Oh.
- Early flight in the morning.

- Oh.
- But thank you so much

for your kindness
and hospitality.

- It was delightful
to have you here.

- Thank you.

- Nice meeting you.
- Yeah, thanks for coming.

- Yeah, thanks for coming.
- Yeah, nice to meet you.

- [Austin] Merry Christmas.

- [Clara] Have a
good time in New York.

- Thank you.

(soft emotional music)

I didn't tell you before,
but this is a rescue mission.

- A what?

- A rescue mission.

I'm busting you out
of this nightmare.

You said you'd rather
be anywhere else

but here for Christmas.

So here I am.

Like a wee little elf,
granting your Christmas wish.

- You can't be serious. Are you?

- Very. We'll be at my parents'
house in Boston by noon.

Having a proper
Christmas. Together.

- But.

- I am glad I took
this little detour

to get a look here for myself

instead of taking
your word for it.

It really is as
awful as you said.

- I never said "awful."

- Maybe you never said "awful,"

but over the past year,

I believe I've heard you
describe it as, ahem:

backwater, podunk, uninspiring,

unrefined, and pedestrian.

And I think you also said:

just stringing up a few strands

of twinkle lights in the middle

of Nowhere, USA
doesn't make it charming.

It's still Nowhere.
You're absolutely right.

Go get your stuff packed.

I'll be back here bright
and early to get you.

Flight leaves at 7:00.

(gentle music)

(gentle music continues)

- Okay, now what?
Time for another game.

The door was open.

- I'm gonna leave.

- Sounds good. See you, Will.

(somber music)

- You heard?

- Everything. Loud and clear.

Sorry to embarrass you.

- Good night, guys.

(somber music)

- Love you, kiddo.

- Mom, I.

- You could have
told us the truth

about why you never came home.

It would've hurt.

But it would've hurt
a lot less than you...

You lied to us all these years.

We've been nothing
but supportive

of you and your dreams.

Our lives and dreams are here.

The least you could have
done was return the favor.

(somber music)

(somber music continues)

(phone dings)

(gentle music)

(blankets rustling)

(gentle music)

- Hey, babe. Where's your bag?

- I'm not going.

- What's that?

- I'm staying.

I am choosing to
spend Christmas here

in this wonderful, magical,

heartwarming, teensy, tiny,

middle of nowhere town.

- You sure?

- Positive.

- Alrighty, suit yourself.

Give me a call
when you get home.

When you've gotten all
this out of your system.

- I am home, and I don't
think I'm gonna be calling you

or getting anything out of
my system, for that matter.

- What are you saying?

- I'm saying, I think
you're a great guy.

I just, I don't think
this is gonna work.

The girl you've been
talking to, it was me,

it just wasn't the complete me.

This here in Maryville,
this is the real me.

And I don't think it's
what you're looking for.

- If you really
mean that, Eliza,

I can't believe I'm saying this,

but I agree?

- I think we're best as friends.

- The friend zone. Ouch.

Not where I thought I'd end up,

but I appreciate the honesty.

If you do ever decide to
leave here, give me a call.

I still owe you the insider info

on the best French pastries
in the city, like I promised.

- Deal.

- Goodbye, Eliza Gardiner.

Good luck.

(gentle uplifting music)

(gentle uplifting
music continues)

- Hey, Kate.

(gentle music)

(gentle music continues)

(upbeat perky music)

(upbeat perky music continues)

- Hey, wait until you
open that one up.

I wanna see you do it.

♪ Mm, mm, mm ♪

Oh. Kate, when are
you gonna learn?

- [Eliza] Sorry, it's mine.

- My stars, you scared me!

- I'm sorry.

- What are you doing here?

We all thought you left.

Up and at 'em,
girl. Rise and shine!

- Please don't say it, Mom.

I've literally got
nothing to do.

And I know people do not
want to see me right now,

after everything that
happened last night.

- Oh, sweetie.

- Mom, I really
messed up. Everything.

- You certainly
made some mistakes,

but it's pretty hard to
mess up "everything."

- I broke things off with
Colin, whatever that was.

I hurt and betrayed the most
important people in my life

by saying some
really stupid things.

And Will,

I think what I did
was the worst to Will.

Mom, I am at a loss, honestly.

I've traveled everywhere.

I've lived on my own
thinking it's made me mature.

But now I realize
I know so little.

When did you
learn to do all this?

How to be good at life?

- Never. You never
really figure it out.

You never feel like you
know what you're doing.

- That's reassuring.

- Welcome to adulting.

It's the secret no
one ever tells you.

- I've been so confused
ever since I've been back.

It's like there's
two versions of me.

The world traveler, big-city me.

And the me that grew up
here and left here behind.

Maybe I've been
running away for so long

that I just don't even
know who I am anymore.

Maybe I shouldn't
have come back.

- That's exactly what
I've been afraid of.

That you would never
come back home again.

When you left here,

you made it quite
clear that this house,

this town, this place
was too small for you.

And I agree. It was.

I'm so proud of you for
leaving the nest, flying.

Soaring. You're amazing.

But it's really hard
not to see you.

I miss you terribly.

It's been so great for
all of us to be together.

It's been magical.

And maybe I've been trying
to bottle all this magic up

in cookies and carols
and Christmas trees.

- And toilet paper rolls.

- We never got to
that. You're right.

And every other celebration
tradition I can think of.

'Cause I'm so afraid
it won't happen again.

I want you to chase your
dreams and live your life.

But I also want you to
come home, sometimes.

- I will, Mom. Of course I will.

- I better get back down there.

I wanna give this gift
to your dad. (laughs)

They're gonna think
that I got lost up here.

It's a ratchet set.

It's been on your dad's
wishlist for months.

- Oh, how romantic.

- It's another secret
about adulting.

The older you get,

the increasingly more
practical the gifts become.

(Eliza laughs)

- Now come on, get
up. Come on down.

- Mom, I don't think
I can go down here.

I wouldn't know what to say.

And I think my being there
would just ruin Christmas

for everyone.

No one knows I'm here, right?

- Yeah, they all
think that you left

with Colin this morning.

You've missed so many
Christmas mornings already.

It would be a shame
to miss another one.

- [Kate] Mom! Today,
Dad's losing his mind.

Did you forget where you put it?

- I just found it.
I'll be right down.

All right, well, we'll
see you down there. Okay.

(gentle uplifting music)

Merry Christmas.

(gentle uplifting music)

(gentle uplifting
music continues)

(upbeat music)

(phone ringing)

- Merry Christmas, roomie!

- Merry Christmas!
Opened my gift yet?

- Just did.
"Costs-more-than-a-month's-rent"
face serum.

You shouldn't have.

Oh wait, you
totally should have.

You used half of mine.
How's Smallville, anyway?

- Merryville has been
unexpectedly action-packed.

And the plot's still unfolding.

- Hmm, I'm intrigued. Hope
it involves "hat guy."

- I bet you do.

I just wanted to
call and let you know

that I'll be staying
here a little bit longer.

I have to see how
this all plays out.

- Okay, but don't be too long;

it's not the same without
you occasionally here.

- Okay, talk to you later.

Wish me luck. I think I
need a Christmas miracle.

- Good luck.

(upbeat music)

(Kata and Clara laugh)

- [Clara] Here's a scarf.

- That's a good
one. I like that one.

Hey, you guys.

Eliza's new article
just got posted.

Listen to this.

"Wonder. It's a good theme
for a Christmas Day post.

Especially since it's
what I write about."

- [Eliza] Usually, when
you read these articles,

you're seeing overwater
bungalows in the Maldives

or the northern
lights in Iceland.

This one looks
a little different,

but I promise it's still me.

It's the new improved me.

For as long as I can remember,

I've wanted to see the world.

To break free. To go everywhere.

To do everything.

As long as it was anywhere
but my small hometown.

- Luckily for me,

I've been able to live
out my wildest dreams

with all of you
along for the ride

as my faithful
travel companions.

But while I was
expanding my vision

of the exotic and far-flung,

I lost sight of the
wonders in my own world.

- [Eliza] My family.

My old friends. My new friends.

My roots.

The past few days have shown
me how much I've missed

and how much I need those
wonders to be part of my life,

my dreams, and my checklist too.

I will always be a wanderer.

I will keep exploring

and discovering the wonders
of this big, beautiful world.

But now I know that you don't
always have to travel far

and wide to find them.

They're all around you
and most of the time,

have been right in
front of you all along.

Maybe even where
you least expect.

I'll keep chasing the big ones

until I get to all
100 and far beyond.

- But from now on,

I'm not gonna miss the
little wonders along the way.

(gentle uplifting music)

- Eliza! What are
you doing here?

We thought you'd left.

- I couldn't miss Christmas
with the family again.

I've done that enough already.

Have you guys done
the "Christmas mornings

at the top of the stairs" pic?

Did I miss it?

- Oh, we haven't
done that in years.

- Well, come on, Mom,
time to start it up again.

Up and at 'em. It's tradition.

- [Nora] Okay.

(upbeat music)

(upbeat music continues)

- Wow.
- Whoa.

- Clara.

- Oh, thank you.

- [Eliza] Yeah. Austin.

- Thanks, sis.

- Do you have mine?

- Yeah.

For you.
- This is a long party list.

Wow.
- So, so cool.

- Oh. Ooh.

- I love it.

- Oh.

- Eliza. Oh.

- How did you get this?
- Now I love you.

- [Kate] Open this one first.

- Oh, it's so pretty.

Thank you.

(Kate laughs)

(gentle music)

- What are you working on, E?

- Oh, just a project that's
been years in the making.

It's something I should
have done a long time ago.

- Hmm, I'm intrigued. I can't
wait to see how it turns out.

- Yeah, I can't either.

(upbeat music)

(residents chattering)

Pops.

- Oh, Eliza, it's a
pleasure seeing you again.

Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas. Sorry
to barge in on you.

- No apology necessary.
What brings you here today?

Are you singing again?

- No, not today. I was
hoping to run into Will.

I checked by his place, and
I thought I'd come here too.

Just trying to track him down.

- Well, he was here.

We opened some presents
together. But he left.

He said he had
somewhere he needed to go.

I can tell him you stopped by.

- Would you please?

- You bet. You wanna play
some Christmas bingo?

It starts in five minutes.

- I wish I could, but there's
something I really have to do.

- Oh. Well, Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

- Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't
see where I was going,

and I just...

Uh, you.

- It's for you, actually.

- Really?

Well, it's a good thing we
bumped into each other again.

Seem to be getting good at that.

(tense music)

I was actually looking for you.

- You were?

- Yeah, I was.

- Well, you found me.

Are you gonna open it?

- Yeah.

(gentle uplifting music)

(laughs) I love it.

You never cease to surprise me.

And you fixed it.

I read your article, by the way.

- Oh yeah, what'd you think?

- It's your best one yet.

- And I meant every word.

I'm really sorry
about everything

that happened the
last couple of days.

I just got so caught up with
everything in my family,

and then it was also
unexpectedly magical,

and then I fell in love

with this town.

I realized you were right about
what you said at the party.

I am still in love

with you.

(gentle uplifting music)

- Wow, that's
really good to hear.

'Cause I've always been in
love with you, Eliza Gardiner.

Wait. Wait, wait, wait.

Am I still competing with Chris?

Clide? Clark?

- (laughs) It's Colin. No.

- Oh, Colin.

- We realized that we weren't
quite right for each other.

'Cause I think there's
someone else who might be.

- Oh. Do I know him, or?

(uplifting music)

(uplifting music continues)

(uplifting music)

(uplifting music continues)

(uplifting music continues)

(uplifting music continues)

(upbeat music)

♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh ♪

♪ Oh, oh, oh, yeah ♪

♪ If it don't put a twinkle
in both of your eyes ♪

♪ Light you up and
make you shine ♪

♪ No baby ♪

♪ It ain't Christmas ♪

♪ If it don't make your
jingle bells ring-a-ling ♪

♪ Or give your heart
a reason to sing ♪

♪ No baby ♪

♪ It ain't Christmas ♪

♪ If it doesn't fill your mind ♪

♪ With gold and memories ♪

♪ If you don't wake up to find ♪

♪ The world's at harmony ♪

♪ If the love's underflowin'
and the smiles aren't showin' ♪

♪ And nobody's
gettin' no kisses ♪

♪ Then you know ♪

♪ It ain't Christmas ♪

♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh ♪

♪ Oh, oh, oh, yeah ♪

♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh ♪

♪ Oh, oh, oh, yeah ♪