Original subtitles

Ah! One more.

Good job.

Okay. I m not a primate.

Put your hand down.

Hi!

We just hit a million total like on our post for the year!

Hey, a million likes.

Look at that.

I knew the BurgerBus tweets were good, but

I didn t expect them to go viral

And sales are up nineteen percent for the year.

We really crushed that one, didn't we?

You know, we make a pretty good team.

- Hmm. - What a great year.

You know, I've got a place with actual windows.

Windows are good.

- A million total likes. - Wow.

And, of course...

I met you.

Oh, yeah.

Right.

You know, we should probably get going to the...

Oh, wait, wait, wait. That s my mom.

Hold on. Don t go nowhere.

Hey, Sweets.

Hey, Mom.

Guess who hit a million total likes?

Good for you.

I knew that BurgerBus

talking hamburger was a winner.

What's going on over there?

Oh, your Dad is finishing up the Christmas lights,

and I'm baking up a storm.

I hope Dean likes gingerbread.

Uh, speaking of.

Still camera shy?

Um, doesn't matter.

You'll see him in person tomorrow anyways.

It's been a long time since you brought

someone home to meet us.

Well, it's been a long time

since I've had somebody worth bringing.

I got him his own stocking.

I just finished sewing it.

Thanks, Mom.

You know, I really think this could be the one.

Oh, both my girls with beaus for the holidays.

It's gonna be the perfect Christmas.

Speaking of, how is Julia?

Oh, you know her.

She's buzzing around

putting up decorations in between

snuggling up with Richard.

They're like newlyweds still those two.

Oh! My cookies.

I gotta run.

I'll see you tomorrow, sweetheart.

All right, bye.

So I don't think we should stay too long tonight.

I want to get home and pack.

Yeah, about that.

Everyone is so excited to meet you.

Well, I think we should talk about...

Mom is baking up a storm.

I hope you like gingerbread.

Who doesn't like gingerbread?

And of course, I can't forget my perfect sister

Julia, who has been home all week

helping her get ready.

Sorry.

I know I m talking a lot.

I'm just really excited to finally not be

the only single person at Christmas this year.

So, when do you want to hit the road?

Katie, I'm not gonna be able to make it.

By "“it" ” you mean...

I mean I can t come to Christmas at your

parents house.

Why not?

Because I'm transferring to San Francisco!

You're what?

When did this happen?

I've been talking about it for a couple of weeks,

but just got finalized today.

Start in January.

Okay, well, if it's in January,

we can still spend Christmas with my parents.

We can even come back the day after.

I can help you pack, find a place.

Actually, I think we should break up.

What?

I don't want to do the long distance thing.

Tried it before, it just doesn t work.

Or maybe I could get transferred too?

There s only one position open.

And you took it.

Without even talking to me.

I thought we were supposed to be partners.

We were...

Very successful partners.

And that means now we have new opportunities.

This ll be great. For both of us.

You'll see.

This was supposed to be my first Christmas

not being the single sister.

You know Julia and Richard are in their mid-twenties,

and their fourth wedding anniversary is coming up?

I feel so single just hearing all this.

I don't know what to do.

He's supposed to meet my whole family tomorrow.

I can't show up

single and alone again for Christmas.

They're your family.

They're not gonna care about that.

Yeah, you haven't met Julia.

She's been competitive with me since she could talk.

I mean, always a few years ahead in

school, and dating, and getting married.

I thought you were the older sister?

I am.

- Oh. - Sorry.

But, you didn t hear how excited my Mom was.

She said it's a mother's dream

that both of her kids have someone.

This is gonna crush her.

Don't worry about your mother's feelings.

Worry about your own.

You have to take care of yourself.

I am worried about my own feelings.

I'm worried about how I'm going to feel

when I show up without a Dean.

Breathe.

It's gonna be all right.

So what? You show up alone?

It's Christmas. It's gonna be fun.

Forget about him.

I can t, my Mom sewed him his own freaking stocking.

There's going to be a Dean stocking and no Dean.

How could he do this to me?

Have your parents or anyone in your family

ever seen a picture of Dean before?

You know I think posting your boyfriend

all over social media is cringe.

What, are you going to dress up as Dean

and come home with me for Christmas?

No, not me.

Work now dot com?

What is that?

It's this freelance website.

Sometimes I use it for extra cash.

People post odd jobs and you submit to them.

And so I literally just post,

"“Seeking a man to pretend to be my boyfriend

and come home with me for Christmas

so I don't look like a complete and total loser."”

- Yes. - No.

Wait, you're serious?

I see posts like that all the time!

Okay, not all the time, but still.

Urgently seeking fake boyfriend for family holiday.

After...

pathetically and unceremoniously

being dumped right before Christmas.

You, Katie, thirties,

social media exec, karaoke fiend.

Is that important?

It doesn't hurt.

Okay. Him.

Him. Thirties, handsome...

Mmm.

And available tomorrow night to drive to the countryside

and spend three days with me and my family.

Perfect.

Now we add a link to your socials and a picture

so people know you're real and not a total weirdo.

Submit ASAP.

We ll conduct interviews first thing tomorrow.

Anything else?

Did I mention that I am heartbroken

and will be in tears the whole way home?

I think that's implied.

Then no. That s everything.

Thanks for cheering me up.

I ma my head to bed.

Good idea. Big day tomorrow.

- Good night. - Good night.

Hello?

Who's this?

Dean? Um.

Where are you calling from?

It doesn't even matter. I m so glad that you called.

So I got the job?

You mean your promotion?

Promotion? I haven t even started yet.

Who is this?

I can be your Dean!

Oh, no. No, no, no.

Sarah.

Why did I just get a call

from someone claiming to be Dean?

What?

That doesn't make any sense.

I specifically said no calls in the post.

You posted it?

And the response has been amazing! Look.

What are you thinking?

This was as a joke.

What? Katie, you help me write it.

Look what I said. I said I'm pathetic.

Well, technically, you call getting dumped right

before Christmas pathetic, and it kind of is.

- Sarah - Okay.

Okay. I'm sorry.

Clearly, we had a little miscommunication.

Little?

But look, I've already started

sorting through top contenders.

Sarah.

Aren t you just a little bit curious?

Look, you don t have to leave until this afternoon,

and a bunch of these guys are excited to meet you.

What can it hurt just to do some interviews?

No, no, absolutely not.

No, no.

You sure, about doing this?

I mean, we still have time to dip, so...

let's just.

How about we just get started?

- Katie? - How's it going?

You don't look anything like your photos.

- It's very nice to... - Oh, sorry.

The holiday seasons are primed for germs.

Sick job posting.

Oh. Oh, I feel like I know you already.

Have a seat.

Okay.

So, um, what made you apply to the post?

My girlfriend just dumped me, too.

A few years ago.

Well, I m like in between jobs right now.

And houses.

So, I kind of just,

like, need a place to crash for the next few days.

I, I really love Christmas a lot

And people, of course, and,

people at Christmas and,

you know, Christmas music.

We get that, right?

Do we have to leave tonight?

I'm still looking for someone to watch my iguana.

Can you tell me,

is your parents bedding hypoallergenic?

Your parents cool if like, a couple people come through?

Christmas candles and, Christmas trees and,

Christmas movies, of course.

I m allergic to most mattresses.

Also dogs, cats.

I do get carsick, so I will have to ride

in the back.

Penicillin and shellfish.

Moms love me.

You know, the whole, whole thing for...

Jolly old Saint Nick, you know.

Gluten, most gluten substitutes.

Dads, too.

Do they?

Pineapple, and dust.

Thank you so much.

We'll be in touch.

I think we can consider that a complete and total

humiliating bust.

Hey, we tried.

I don't know what I was thinking.

There's no way I'm going to be able

to find the perfect guy right before Christmas.

Are you Katie?

I'm Josh.

I'm here for the interview.

Sorry I'm late.

Late?

Uh. Please have a seat.

Thanks.

Hey.

- Hi. - Hi.

I'm Sarah.

I'm helping Katie weed out the psychos.

Mmm. Oh, good.

Gotcha.

You're not a psycho, are you?

Um. Not that I know of.

So, uh, what made you apply to my job post?

Honestly?

Yeah.

I don't want this to come off as, like,

a whole sob story, but I don't really have any family.

Um, usually Christmas is just me and my mom.

But she passed away this year.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Thanks.

She really loved Christmas,

and we had all these fun traditions

the two of us would do together.

So, I don't know.

I guess I just

didn't want to be alone this year.

I was browsing work now dot com

last night, and I saw your posts

and I thought it sounded kind of fun,

pretending to be someone else for a few days.

I thought I d at least check it out.

Make sure you're not a psycho.

Oh!

Okay. Um. Yeah, so.

So what else do you need to know about me?

Oh, right. Um.

Um, this.

Social media.

My ex and I, Dean,

work together at a social media company.

Are you familiar with social media?

Just in case my family asks.

Okay, you can't tell anybody this.

I'm a carpenter by trade,

but I run an account for an anthropomorphic

football during football season.

Fredrick Football?

- You know it? - Know it?

I had a whole conversation with it

as a talking hamburger.

Wait, are you Bus Burger?

Guilty as charged.

My ex and I are. Well, were.

Wow that, that s a great account.

You're very funny.

So are you.

How are you at charades?

Charades? Uh.

I guess I'm okay.

Why? Is that important?

Deadly important.

My family and I play

Christmas charades every year.

And it can get a little bit cutthroat.

- Cutthroat charades? - Mhmm.

I guess I might need to brush up a bit then.

Can I ask you a few questions?

Sure.

I'm just curious.

Why do you need someone to pose as your ex

to your family?

My ex broke up with me yesterday,

and I already told my entire family

that I was bringing him home for Christmas.

Right, I saw that in your post.

But wouldn't the normal thing be to just tell your family

that you broke up?

It would.

Um, but I just can't face telling them that.

I've been the single sister

my entire life.

My younger sister, she s been married for years now

and I've never

even brought a boyfriend home for Christmas.

Ah. I see.

That's quite the pressure.

Yeah. So, I just need to get through the holidays.

One Christmas not being the sad

single sibling.

And after that?

Dean and I will have a seasonally appropriate

break up mid-January.

You think I'm crazy, don't you?

Mmm.

But, hey, so am I.

I'm the weirdo who responded to your post

and has no plans on Christmas.

Well, I guess we're both a little psycho after all.

So, how fast can you pack?

You're picking me to be your Dean?

Wow. I've never been picked

to be anybody's Dean before.

Uh, I can be ready in an hour.

I'll pick you up at two?

Perfect.

I'll text you my address,

and um, I can brief you in the car on the way there.

We have a couple of hours ahead of us.

Not including holiday traffic, so. Yeah.

Looking forward to it.

Bye.

Oh, goodness.

Oh, shoot. Only have a hour to pack.

- Oh. - You gonna come help?

He's kind of perfect.

Maybe even better than the real Dean.

I think it's too soon to say that, but so far,

he hasn't taken a promotion across the country

and dumped me right before Christmas, so.

You've got to give it to me.

My whole work now plan was pretty genius.

Or you got lucky.

If Josh don't show up.

But he did.

I kind of feel bad for him though.

First Christmas without his mom.

Well, if you have to spend Christmas

without your mom,

there's no Christmas

like an Andrew's family Christmas.

Well, you know, you re always welcome

to come home with me.

I had a great time last year,

but I think you ve got your hands full right now.

Okay.

You sure you're gonna be okay here all by yourself?

Um, a week off with the place

to myself and a DVR full of reality shows?

I'll manage.

Aw.

All right.

- Hey, there. - Hey.

Let me get that for you.

Thank you.

Woo!

Ready to go?

- Let's do this. - Let s.

So your sister is Julia.

She's married to her high school

sweetheart, Richard.

Your parents are Mr. And Mrs. Andrews to start.

Your mom will probably say,

"“That's silly. Call me Mary.

But your Dad may just stick with Mr. Andrews.

Yes, but just in case, his name is Anthony.

Sorry for the rehearsal.

I just want to make sure that you're prepped.

It would be kind of weird if my boyfriend of six months

didn't know anything about my family.

So, what about us?

We met at the office.

Our first date was a Red Sox game.

You had too many hot dogs and got sick.

I don't think we have to share that part.

But other than that,

you're a pretty convincing Dean.

You've got nothing to worry about.

Mmm, you haven't met my family yet.

My sister's going to give you the third degree.

- Your sister, Julie? - No, Julia.

You knew that.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Ooh, this is a good one.

It's that one right there.

Okay.

Hello! Hello!

Oh, hi baby. Hey Dad.

- Hey! - Call me Mary!

So nice to meet you.

Mom! Oh, Katie baby!

- I missed you so much! - I missed you, too.

Nice to finally meet you, Dean.

Katie told us everything about you.

Well, not everything about me I m sure.

Come on in. Dinner will be ready in 15 minutes.

Yeah. Come on.

Hey, you guys made great time.

- You okay with that? - I m all set, thank you.

All right.

Come on young man, right here.

Come on! Okay.

All right.

Thank you, sir. Absolutely,

- absolutely. - Woo! It s cold.

Let me get that coat. Stay a while.

- Thank you. - Put that scarf there.

- There we go. - There we go, yes.

- Thank you. - Oh, of course.

Wow! Your house looks

straight out of a Christmas movie.

Oh, thank you.

Mom goes all out.

It's her favorite time of year.

It s all of our favorite time of the year.

Except for the electric bills.

Oh, stop it, you old Scrooge.

Ma!

Katie why don t you take Dean to his room,

you get settled and then come see Julia and Richard.

- Sounds good. - All right.

He's cuter than you said.

So, you get to crash in my old room.

You don't wanna sleep here?

No, I'll take the guest room upstairs.

It's, right next door to my parents,

and my dad snores like a freight train, so.

Man. You were really into Boy Bands, huh?

Yeah, they were cool back then.

Was the color pink pretty cool back then, too?

Are you done?

Actually, I think I m just getting started.

Who's this?

- That's me with Julia. - Aw.

Ooh, and what's this?

- Oh, careful that s... - Oh. I am so sorry.

It s okay, it s completely broken.

It has been since I was a kid.

It was a gift from my grandmother,

and I just can't bear to get rid of it.

Mmm.

Yep. I can see it.

This is 100% you.

Yeah, I don t know why my parents haven t

updated it yet.

By the way, I hope they're not being too much.

What? No, of course not.

They're great.

- Really? - Yeah.

And the decorations are out of this world.

Honestly,

I'm so excited to be here.

Oh, I just realized I didn't have time

to buy anyone gifts.

Don't worry about it.

I got it covered.

A photography coffee table book for Julia

and Richard. Hmm.

Ah.

A Christmas cookie cookbook for Mom.

- Wow. - And...

a bottle of whiskey for Dad.

Expensive enough

that you don't look cheap, but cheap enough

that you don't look like a show off.

Wow. You really thought of everything.

But what about your gift?

We ll just say that

you gave it to me before we came.

Hmm.

Katie, Dean. You two ready for dinner?

Ready for this, Dean?

Dean was born ready.

See what this Dean is all about.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

- Hi. - Merry Christmas, Richard.

This is J...

Dean, just Dean.

Dean, meet Julia and Richard.

So nice to meet you both.

It's nice to meet you too, Katie s been talking

nonstop about her big city boyfriend.

You know, I was starting to wonder

if you were even real.

Well at least for the next few days, I am.

So, you and Katie

work together, Dean?

- Yeah, we sure do. - How is that?

Oh, well, Katie's amazing.

Not that I'm telling you

anything you don't already know.

So you two met at work?

Yes, we did.

And our first date was a Red Sox game.

Though I'm not supposed to tell you about the hot dogs.

Oh, no.

Dinner's ready.

Hope you re all hungry!

So I walk into the conference room,

and there she is.

The most beautiful girl I d ever seen.

I walk up to her, and I ask,

"“Is this where the 10:30 meeting is?"”

And she says...

do you remember this?

It's a little hazy, actually.

She says, "“Yes.

The 10:30 meeting was in here...

at 10:30."”

I had forgotten to change my watch, so I missed it.

But Katie was so great.

She took me back to her office

and helped me get up to speed.

Wait, office?

Katie, you didn t tell us you have an office now.

Uh, I did, um...

it was when they were fumigating

the workspace.

- We had those pests. - Mmm.

Pests?

- Pests. - Yeah.

I think you guys are just perfect for each other.

Dean, did you know right away?

Oh, definitely.

It s amazing how time flies when you're in love.

I know it s been six months, but...

doesn t it sometimes feel like just hours, Katie?

We can just go ahead and start clearing the plates.

Do you want to give me a hand?

You might want to watch the embellishment there.

Sorry.

I was just getting into it.

Why? How did you and the real Dean meet?

He couldn't connect to the WiFi,

so I gave him the password.

Okay, my version is way more romantic.

Okay, I'll grant you that.

But you still need to be careful.

Careful about what?

- The using too much... - Black ice

Using too much salt on black ice.

You know, it only takes a little bit

- to melt it. - Right.

Well you can never be too cautious.

Why don't you two put on your pajamas?

We'll play charades in a minute.

- Okay. - Dean.

Do you know how to play charades?

Absolutely. I love charades.

Okay, good.

That may have been a bit of a fib.

I don't think I've played since I was, what,

ten years old?

Movie, TV show, book, song?

Okay, I've already memorized your whole

family and your dating history,

and now I have to learn this, too?

It's been a while,

but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it.

- Mhmm. - It s just charades, right?

Humpty Dumpty?

Shark?

Uh, bear?

Barrel of monkeys? Sharks?

E.T.?

- Shark? - Eiffel Tower?

Time! Oh, crap!

- What was it? - Elf.

You call that an elf?

Hey, it s not Dean s fault. You guys can t guess

to save your life.

This is really intense.

We like to think of charades as a contact sport.

Katie, you're up.

All right. Here we go.

Okay.

Ready?

Go!

Movie. Three words.

- A Christmas Story. - Yes! Yeah!

Uh.

Song. Three words.

O Christmas Tree. Keep it going.

Animal. Reindeer.

Okay. Uh.

Movie. Four words.

It s A Wonderful Life.

- Wow. - Conspiracy.

- And that s how it s done. - Really?

Don t worry. I have a lot more practice than you do.

Great game of charades out there, sis.

Don't get in the way of the Andrews women.

So, Dean seems great.

Not at charades but, generally.

He is.

It's nice to finally see you with someone.

Well, not everyone can find the love of their life

in high school.

Did I tell you that Richard got another promotion?

He s the youngest manager at his company now.

Well, Dean got promoted, too. He s moving to Sa...

Sandwiches.

No more burgers.

That's a promotion?

Yeah, you know, more prestigious.

Let me get these cookies in there.

Then like, he s looking at me side eyed

so I'm getting a little bit nervous,

but I think if I get in with a Mom here,

you know, Mom's,

cause I got some roses for, you know, women like roses.

- Of course. - Cookie delivery.

Hey, you interrupt my story there.

I was getting to the good part.

So, Dean.

Katie tells me congratulations are in order.

They are?

Your promotion?

Yup. Uh, Dean will be covering sandwiches now.

- Oh. - No more burgers.

- That's right. - That s a promotion?

It is. A really big one.

Yeah, I, I just wish I didn't have to move.

Move?

Yeah, he has to move up a floor.

I thought you already worked on the top floor?

Yes, just moving up the floor.

Down the hall, closer to Katie.

Oh, isn't that nice?

See I would think burgers and sandwiches are kind

of the same thing?

You know, a lot of people think that,

but there are actually some key differences

from a social media standpoint.

Really? Like what?

Oh, you know. Shape. Toppings.

I'm sure Dean doesn't want to talk about work

all night.

Let's talk about something else.

Well, tell us about your family, Dean.

Not that. Uh.

Dean is just, he's so sad.

This is his first Christmas without,

his mother Harriet.

Dad, Eugene.

Sisters Andrea and Carrie,

and older brother Oliver.

Yes. It's my first Christmas away from... them.

But I'm very happy to be here.

And we're really happy you're here, Dean.

- So promotion... - So what about another round

- of charades! - Yeah, woo!

Let s do it!

Thankfully, you're a little bit better at

coming up with stories

on the fly than you are playing charades.

That was something else.

She was really competitive.

She reminds me of you a little.

Really?

Yeah.

You both have a certain...

intensity.

Never noticed that.

This is my roommate. Do you mind if I take it?

- No, of course not. - Alright.

Girl.

Hey, how's it going?

They love him so much.

It's insane.

Honestly, I think they might

even like him more than they would have liked

the real Dean.

Hey Dean.

Hey, there.

I was just,

taking in all these decorations.

I just came to say good night and tell you

how glad I am that you're here.

You make Katie really happy,

and that makes me really happy.

Thank you.

I'm very happy, too.

I love being here.

We're glad you're here.

Shut up.

That's amazing.

Is it awkward all being there with him?

Surprisingly, no.

He's a really nice guy.

I'm actually having a lot of fun.

Fun?

How much fun?

I don't know. An appropriate amount of fun?

Stop!

What if you two start dating?

Mmm, I don't think I can afford

the long term version of this.

Anyways, I m not ready for another relationship.

You never know.

Um. Hey, I'll keep you posted.

- I got to go. - You better!

Bye.

What's so funny?

We were just talking about Dad s

"“A Christmas Carol" ” charade.

I, I still don't know how Dean guessed it.

I think it was

his Tiny Tim impression where it finally clicked.

Look at that.

Anyway, I just came to say good night.

You two have everything you need?

- Think so. - Think so.

If you get cold, there's extra blankets

- in the hall closet. - Mom, I think we're fine.

Thanks.

Good night, you two.

Good night. Good night.

Everything okay with your roommate?

Yeah, she just wanted to check

and see how things are going.

What d you tell her?

I said it's going perfectly.

I still can't believe all these decorations.

It's epic in here.

Well get ready.

- Ready for what? - For Christmas Eve.

That is when the Andrews family Christmas

- really begins. - Ooh.

I can't wait.

Really?

I mean it.

I'm having a great time here.

Seriously?

Yeah.

It's the best Christmas I've had since my mom passed.

Sorry, Josh. Oh, it s okay.

Honestly, this is a pretty amazing distraction.

And she would have loved all of this.

Though we did have one ironclad rule,

only homemade gifts.

- Really? - Mhmm.

We never had a lot of money growing up,

and she would always say that

giving someone a handmade gift

was a chance to give them a little piece of yourself.

That's really lovely.

So is she.

I really like your family.

You're really lucky.

I am.

I still like me. You do it!

Good morning.

Good morning sleepy head!

Morning.

We thought we d let you sleep in a bit.

Thank you.

Want some breakfast, sweetie?

Uh, I m good with just coffee.

Most important meal of the day.

Your parents were just telling me

all about you in kindergarten.

Not the paste story I hope.

Oh sorry, Kate. It s a classic.

More eggs, Dean?

Oh, I don't know. I m so full.

You're going to need the protein for football.

Football?

Yeah, we do

our annual Christmas game after breakfast.

- Oh. - Yeah, so you don t

want to eat too much.

You're playing, too?

Every year.

Mom and I just sit on the deck

and drink hot chocolate.

Spiked hot chocolate.

Ugh.

Two, forty-two, hike, hike, hike. Hike!

All right, here we go, all right, all right.

Here we go.

Right. Here we go. Here we go.

All right!

Hickory, dickory, dock!

The mouse ran out the clock and hike!

- Ow! Ow, ow, ow. - Dad? Dad, Dad, are you okay?

Really?

Score! You did it!

All right. Final score.

Dean and Katie. 35.

Dad and Richard. Six.

Good game. Good game, sir.

Oh! Sorry!

All right, come on, let s have hot chocolate.

All right let s get inside.

Richard, that was a

pretty impressive play you came up with out there.

I have a little experience of finding workarounds

for being terrible at sports.

Aw!

And Dad, your acting skills

really improved since last night s charades.

Yeah, I was really good, wasn t I?

Broadway s calling!

Oh, honey.

You can't even remember what you had for breakfast.

How re you going to remember all those lines?

Sneaking away from the madness for a minute?

Don't worry, I do it, too.

I was just admiring your family photos.

This is Julia's first Christmas.

Ah, Katie was so excited to be a big sister.

She started making presents for Julia

before she was even born.

I think that s supposed to be a boat.

Made out of an egg carton.

Well, Katie s not much of an engineer.

What's this?

That is Katie's first ballet recital.

She sprained her ankle the night before,

but insisted on going on.

She's tough, Katie.

One of a kind.

Yeah, I think I'm beginning to see that.

I hoped you might.

You re good for her, I think.

You do?

Usually at Christmas,

she's so...

stressed...

worrying about making sure everything's perfect.

I hadn't seen her this happy and relaxed...

since...

well.

We re happy you re here, Dean.

Thank you.

I'm happy to be here.

Actually,

I was wondering if I might ask you a favor?

Dean and your dad seem to be getting along.

Another day or two

he ll be asking him to call him Anthony.

What? I don t even call him Anthony.

Oh.

Speaking of Dean and Dad, um.

Where are they?

Uh, in the garage.

Your Dad said they had a project.

Maybe I should go see if they need a hand?

I'm sure they're fine, Katie.

What, are you scared Dean s gonna spill all your secrets?

It's a good sign they re spending time together.

I still remember that

first Christmas with your dad's family.

Oh, I was so nervous.

Why? Dad's family loves you.

They may now,

but that first Christmas was rough.

I was so anxious

to make a good impression, I couldn't

even be myself.

I forgot all my Christmas gifts.

I sang off key in the Christmas carols,

and I broke one of Grandma Trudy s

antique Christmas ornaments.

What d she do?

She sat down with me with a bottle of super glue,

and the pieces of the ornament

and told me something I have never forgotten.

"“Mary"” she said, "“in this house,

we don't throw things out just because they're broken.

Every crack is just a piece

of the story of something we love."”

- Hmm. - That's beautiful.

I was finally able to relax.

I, I realized things don't

have to be perfect to be beautiful.

And if I was a little imperfect,

it didn't mean I didn't belong.

Still burnt the dinner rolls, though.

What are you doing in there?

Just helping your dad or something.

Come on. It's freezing out here.

Thank you for dinner, Mary.

I can't remember the last time I had food

- this good. - Nonsense.

I'm sure Katie cooks for you all the time.

Well, I wouldn't say all the time.

So what now?

Oh, how about dessert circle?

- Oh, yeah. - What's dessert circle?

Oh, it's this little tradition

we picked up from Richard's family.

Everybody goes around

and says what they're most grateful for today.

Oh, that sounds lovely.

- Richard, you start. - Well,

the best part of my every day

is waking up next to Julia.

- Aw. - And the best part of

my night is going to bed next to Richard.

How about you, Mom?

I am just so grateful

to have both my girls home for Christmas.

And that you're both with someone you care about

so much.

I second that.

What about you, Dean?

Well, I'm very grateful

that you've all opened your home to me.

I know that I don't know

you all very well yet, but

I'm grateful that um,

you've just made me feel

like a part of your family.

My first Christmas on my own.

And I'm especially grateful that I met Katie.

She's the best.

Oh, I um.

- Cheers! - Cheers.

Sounds like peanut brittle to me.

May I?

Yep. Definitely peanut brittle.

- I'm just... - Trying to

guess what's under the tree?

Like a five year old?

Guilty.

I'm just trying to figure out what Julia got me.

I want to make sure that it's not

better than my gift for her.

Which is?

An engraved calligraphy set for her

new side hustle.

Wow. That's very thoughtful.

Yeah, but she always manages to do better.

Like last year, I got her this designer purse

that I knew she really wanted.

Guess what she got me?

A designer purse with a matching wallet.

Impressive.

Sounds like she really goes the extra mile.

When it comes to being the golden child,

she always does.

Thank you for letting me be a part

of this Christmas with your family.

I probably should be the one thanking you.

It s just,

It's nice to have somewhere to belong, you know?

- Good night, Katie. - Good night.

Katie?

There you are.

- Ready for breakfast? - Just about!

Oh, uh.

Did you see a ring fall out?

It was my Mom's.

I was taking it to get it cleaned.

Sorry.

Oh!

I, I saw it, and it was just so beautiful.

I just wanted to try it on, that s it.

As long as it's safe.

- But it won't come off now. - Oh.

Um, here. Let me see that.

Oof, it s on there all right.

Katie, will you...

I knew it! Oh, um.

Mom, wait.

Uh.

Welcome to the family, son!

Your sister s engaged!

What?

Uh.

Well.

Congratulations!

Let me see!

Oh, it's beautiful.

- Aw. - Vintage?

It's a family heirloom.

- Aw. - Well, do you have a date?

Not yet, no.

We'll have to reserve a venue right away.

Oh, I have to call Martha. She'll be over the moon!

Come here.

So, do I get hazard pay for

faking an engagement?

I have to figure out a way to stop this.

What are you two lovebirds whispering about?

- Nothing! - Nothing!

Ah-ha!

I found them!

I still have these from your sister's wedding.

I mean, the fashion changes a bit

but it'll get us started.

Oh.

Oh, Katie. Wouldn t you look lovely in a mermaid

gown?

Actually, we re thinking about eloping.

But then we decided that we definitely wanted

the full wedding experience

with all our family there.

Katie, we had no idea.

Neither did I.

When did you decide you were were going to propose, Dean?

Oh, it was pretty last minute.

My mom always said to me,

she said, "“Josh" ”...

Josh?

Uh, that was her nickname for me.

Josh.

Anyway, "“Josh" ” she said,

"“when you know you've found the one, don't wait.

Because you never know what tomorrow brings."”

And when I saw Katie this morning,

the sunlight shining on her in her pajamas,

I just knew that I couldn't

wait one more second.

Then here we are.

Oh, this is the best Christmas ever!

Aw.

I'm so happy for the two of you.

Some things are just meant to be.

Surprised you don't already have these

on the tree.

Well, we always decorate the tree together.

You couldn't come till right before Christmas

this year, but I wanted to save at least

a few ornaments for you.

Thanks.

I can't believe you're engaged.

It feels so sudden.

Yep, it does.

Does he make you happy?

I think so.

Good.

I hope you find what Richard and I have.

He's a good guy.

I'm glad you found him.

Well, now we both have something

to celebrate this Christmas.

- Hey. - Where were you?

- It's a secret. - Keeping secrets?

Just a few.

So, what's the plan for the afternoon?

Well, I will be cooking all day

since we have Christmas

and an engagement to celebrate.

Do you need any help?

Julia can help me out.

- I don t mind. - Oh, no. We got it.

You and Dean go celebrate your engagement.

We've got this.

Richard and I are going Christmas shopping.

But it's Christmas Eve.

Hey, no minute, like the last minute.

Besides, I didn't want to get Dean

a gift before I met him.

Katie, why don t you take Dean for a drive?

Show him around town?

Mom, I'm sure he doesn't want to do that.

Actually, I'd love to.

You guys sure you don't need any help?

We're fine. Go.

Come on.

Have fun.

Wanna help me with these?

Well, you sure enjoyed that.

You know what?

I really did.

Sorry again, that it stuck.

Guess that means you re stuck with me.

So my old high school is down there.

And this coffee shop is where I had my first job.

Wow. A whole bunch of new pieces of the puzzle

that is Katie Andrews,

my fiancee.

Sounds pretty great.

I guess.

What do you mean, you guess?

I don't know.

Coming back here.

I moved away ten years ago for school,

and I guess I just thought

I would have made it by now.

Made it?

You know, uh.

A big job, uh.

My own place.

A real boyfriend that I didn't hire off

the Internet.

Hmmm.

What?

I don't know.

Maybe you have more than you realize.

What do you mean?

Well, your job for starters.

I thought you said you loved it?

I do, but I...

There s your problem right there.

Where?

But, you love your job.

But, you have a great roommate.

But, you have a family that loves you.

But. Why is it so hard for you to just say

you have a lot of great things in your life?

Not to mention a handsome fiancee.

Look, all I'm saying is,

I'm alone for the first time this Christmas.

Do you have any idea how much I wish

I had a family to go home to?

Even if they're not perfect?

Wow. I knew I was paying for a boyfriend...

Fiancee.

Fiancee.

I didn't know

I was getting a personal

coaching session thrown in, too.

Sorry.

So what about you?

What about me?

I mean, this whole time we've talked about me

and my family.

Barely know anything about yours.

What did you and your mom like to do for Christmas?

Oh, my Mom loved everything about Christmas.

Caroling, baking, just sitting in front of

the tree, looking at the lights.

Why don't we do something?

Something that she would have liked.

In her honor.

How do you feel about eggnog?

I think I might know a spot.

Ooh.

I can t believe you got me to come to Dudley s.

I have not been here since college.

I'm honestly surprised they're open on Christmas Eve.

What with business booming like this?

Actually, my mom would have really liked this place.

- Really? - Yeah.

She loved the fun little hole in the wall

places where only the locals go.

She said it was the only way

to truly get to know a town.

Well, I'm glad we're here then.

So, why don't you tell me

more about your childhood?

Were you a rebellious teenager?

Mmm, nothing too much, you know.

Usual teenage antics.

But there was this one time

Julia and I got in trouble for throwing a party.

You did?

Yeah.

My parents were out of town overnight,

and Julia knew how bad I wanted to have friends over,

so she promised not to tell.

Unfortunately,

the neighbors didn't feel the same.

Oh, no.

Oh, yeah. Yeah.

My parents were so mad.

They grounded us for a whole month.

Julia, too?

Yeah.

She could have thrown me

under the bus, but she didn't.

So she got a month, too.

Huh.

What?

It's just the way you talk about your sister.

I wouldn't have expected that.

What do you mean?

Well, you make it seem like

things are always competitive between the two of you, but,

maybe that's not always the case.

Okay, enough about me.

What about you?

What kind of teenager were you?

Well, my mom got sick while I was in high school,

so I actually spent a lot of time taking care of her.

Not a lot of time left for partying.

But we always had a lot of fun at Christmas.

- Best time of year. - Mhmm.

- I'll be right back. - Sure.

Hey, what's up? Hi.

Hi! What's up with me? Nothing.

What's going on with you?

I need the tea on Dean, I m obsessed.

Is it still going well?

I would say so.

Uh, we're engaged.

What?!

It s a long story.

I knew you were sad about being over Christmas,

but I had no idea you were going to take it this far.

It's a huge misunderstanding, um.

But my mom's already planning the wedding

and calling all of the relatives.

So what are you gonna do?

I mean, what can I do?

Just wait it out a couple more days.

Try to get this ring off my finger

and figure it out from there.

What if you two work out?

You have such an iconic story of how you met.

Sarah, I don't think I would call that iconic.

I think I would call that desperate.

Don't say that!

I mean,

look,

even if he did like me, it would never work.

What do I tell my family?

Ah-ha, just kidding.

This is not Dean.

This is actually Josh and I hired him to pretend

to be Dean and pretend to be my boyfriend.

Come home with me for Christmas

so I don't look like a lonely loser.

Oh, yeah, and by the way, we accidentally

got engaged.

Hey, let me, I ll call you back.

Don't leave me hanging!

Dean.

Katie!

Hey, I, I've been trying to call ya.

Yeah, maybe you should have taken the hint.

Listen, we need to talk.

Yeah, I'm, I'm busy right now.

We can talk when I see you.

Okay, because...

Bye, Dean.

I'm in town.

Hello? Hey, oh.

So, what did I miss?

Well, Bernie here was telling me how he had to work

on Christmas Eve.

And unfortunately, he s missing out

on watching Christmas movies with his family.

Bummer.

It is.

You know,

one of the things my mom and I loved to do on Christmas Eve

was find somebody

having a tough time

and try to bring them

a little Christmas cheer.

So what do you have in mind?

No. No way.

- Oh, come on. - No.

What happened to that karaoke fiend from your ad?

She only comes out on Fridays

after a long night at the bar.

For my mom.

You are wearing her ring.

For your mom.

Yeah!

Let s do this.

This goes out to anyone who wishes

they were somewhere else this Christmas.

Hear, hear!

♪ On the first day of Christmas ♪

♪ my friend Katie gave to me ♪

♪ a partner in karaoke ♪

♪ On the second day ♪

♪ of Christmas, my fake Dean gave to me ♪

♪ Two eggnog ♪

♪ [Josh] And a partner in karaoke ♪

♪ On the third day of Christmas ♪

♪ my mean boss gave to me ♪

♪ [Bernie] Three lame shifts ♪

♪ Two eggnog ♪

♪ And a partner in karao ke ♪

♪ On the twelfth day of Christmas ♪

♪ my true love gave to me ♪

♪ Twelve congratulations ♪

♪ Eleven Christmas cookies ♪

♪ Ten empty bar stools ♪

♪ Nine Bus Burger tweets ♪

♪ Eight perfect pancakes ♪

♪ Seven dollars in tips ♪

♪ Six bad charade clues ♪

♪ Five other things! ♪

♪ Four Christmas presents ♪

♪ [Bernie] Three lame shifts ♪

♪ Two eggnogs ♪

♪ And a partner in karaoke ♪

Thanks, guys. That really made my day.

Hey, Bernie.

Here you go.

No one should only make seven dollars in tips

on Christmas Eve.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

So, that's

how you and your mom like to spend Christmas?

Well, part of it.

Mom always said,

"“The best way to stop feeling sorry for yourself

is to make someone else's day better."”

She sounds great.

I would have loved to meet her.

I think she would have loved to meet you too.

Oh, I didn't realize how late it's getting.

We should head back home.

- Everyone will be waiting. - Okay.

Mom s baking. I can smell it from here.

Me, too.

It smells like.

Dean?

Uh, that s not what I was gonna say, but, okay.

What are you doing here?

Katie, I made a huge mistake.

Yeah, you did. Showing up here.

Dean, what were you thinking?

Oh. So this is Dean.

Who s this?

- Uh. - Everything okay?

Oh, uh.

Yeah, yeah, uh.

Who s that?

Uh, she just ran into an old friend.

All right. Well, don't stand out there

- in the cold too long. - All right.

You'll turn into an icicle.

I have to get you out of here now.

- Who, me? - What?

Wait, you can't leave.

What am I supposed to do?

Uh.

Just, just stall for time.

Okay.

Where's Katie?

Um.

Something came up.

What are you doing here?

I told you, Katie.

I made a mistake.

I miss you.

- You miss me? - Mhmm.

You dumped me 48 hours ago.

I thought you might bring that up.

Classic Katie. Listen.

Breaking up with you was the worst decision I ever made.

I recognize that now.

So you thought crashing my family's

Christmas was a good time to tell me that?

You invited me.

Dean,

you cannot stay here.

Well, I'm not leaving until

we've had a chance to talk! Stop!

Fine.

There's a, there s a hotel downtown.

Starlight Inn.

Just go there and wait for me.

- Katie... - Just go.

I will call you.

I'll be waiting.

Uh, so she just

dropped me off while she went...

There she is!

I was just telling

Julia how you had to pick up

a last minute present.

That s right, um.

Just got back with it.

Wait.

So where is it?

Hmm?

The gift that you just picked up.

- Uh, it s in my pocket. - In the car.

In my pocket, in the car, the car pocket.

For safekeeping.

You're a little weird since you got engaged.

So what happened?

Nothing, I just sent him to a hotel.

- What are you gonna do? - I don t know.

But, this is a disaster.

I have to talk to Sarah.

- Maybe I should leave. - No.

Just, give me a chance to get rid of Dean.

Last minute Christmas emergency?

You could say that.

Hey, engaged girl.

Admit it, my plan was genius.

Yeah, genius, except for one part.

Dean's here.

Wasn't that the whole point?

To make your family think Dean was there.

No, not Josh Dean, Dean Dean.

Oh, no.

Oh yes, and now he's saying it was all a mistake,

and now he wants to get back together.

Is that what you want?

No. Yes.

Maybe. I don't know.

All I know is, I can not let him meet my family.

Well, just tell him to go back home

and wait for you.

Yeah, right.

That's a good idea. I'll just, I'll send him back home.

And we can just talk when I get back.

This is, this just keeps

getting more complicated.

Just breathe, Katie.

It s gonna be okay.

Yeah, easy for you to say,

Katie?

What are you doing?

Nothing, um.

I'm just going out for a little bit.

But, you just got back.

Right, I forgot my, um.

Something.

Katie.

- Katie! - Woo!

So cold outside.

Aren't you gonna answer that?

That? No, no, it's probably just carolers.

We have great Christmas music playing anyway, so.

Woo.

Katie, what earth is going on he

Hello!

Katie.

Who's this?

This?

Um, this is a colleague from work.

Thought I told you to wait for me.

Well, I had to see you.

A work colleague, well.

You must know Dean.

I am Dean.

And you must be Mom.

Come here. So good to finally meet you.

Storm of the century out there.

Mmm. I smell cookies!

There you go. Woo!

So.

You re Dean?

Mhmm.

These cookies are excellent.

Is that nutmeg? Excellent.

And you're not?

I knew it.

This is too much to wrap

our heads around right now.

I know! I just found out there s another me.

Half-off version.

Katie.

I'm sorry.

Dean and I broke up,

and I didn't want to come home alone for Christmas.

I hired someone.

So you hired someone

to propose to you?

Wait. You're engaged?

No, we're not engaged.

It wasn't even a real proposal.

It was all just a misunderstanding.

Oh, good.

That s a relief, because, actually,

I got a question for ya.

You can have that back.

Will you marry me?

Sorry, I need some air. Excuse me.

Well.

Katie.

What are you doing out here?

It's freezing.

Just, trying to escape the mess I made.

I still don't understand.

If you and,

Dean broke up.

Why didn't you just come home alone?

Why did you go through all the trouble

to hire a stranger?

Because you were so excited to meet Dean.

I just didn't want to ruin Christmas for you.

How could you ruin Christmas?

But you said it was a Mother's

dream for both of your kids

to have someone at the holidays.

It is.

I want both of

my children have someone to share their lives with.

But I don't want you to feel

like you have to find someone to make me proud.

You should find someone

cause he makes you happy.

The way your father makes me happy.

And the way you do.

But Julia has somebody and you're,

you're so proud of her

that she found the right

guy and got married.

Yes. She found the right guy.

That's what I want for you, Katie.

I don't want you to just find someone, but the one.

That's what I have with your Dad.

That's what Julia has with Richard.

And that's all I want for you.

I'm sorry if I made you feel differently.

But what do I do now?

Everything is a mess.

How do I fix that?

Well.

If there's one thing I've learned in my life,

Katie, there s only one way to fix a mess.

You just start cleaning up.

Now, can we go inside?

It's a little overwhelming.

I m sure she ll be right back.

Cookie anyone?

Dean.

Sorry. Real Dean.

- Can we talk, please? - Yeah.

So good.

So, how much does

freelancing pay for a gig like this?

I'm beginning to think not enough.

You're right, Katie.

Your family loves me.

So, I work things out with the promotion,

and they're gonna let me work remotely,

so we don't have to break up.

You know, I realized something, Katie.

We are partners.

I don t know what I'm doing without you.

We re meant to be together.

Dean.

You were right.

Not about us being meant to be together.

Before, about us breaking up.

What?

I think I was just so excited

to find somebody that I was blinded to

who that somebody was.

Wait, who are you talking about?

You, Dean.

Us.

I mean, you proposed to me

without us ever even talking about it.

Yeah, but I spent a lot of money on the ring.

You took a job across the country

without talking to me about it?

Yes, but I did talk to you about it after.

You took a promotion for yourself.

Without even thinking about me.

And we're supposed to be partners.

I know.

And that was a mistake.

This is the mistake.

But for the past

two days, I got to spend time

with somebody who actually

likes spending with me.

Not because he needs me for work,

but because he likes me.

He asks me questions about myself.

Like where I'm from and what I like.

But I think...

I already know what you think, Kit-Kat.

Stop calling me that.

I can't stand that nickname.

And if that was true, you wouldn t be here today.

Alright Katie, I don't know about this Josh guy.

But I know about us.

We make sense together.

I want more from our relationship

than it just to make sense.

I want the one.

The one what?

Goodbye, Dean.

But what about us?

There is no us anymore.

Is Dean coming back in?

He seems lovely.

Actually we broke up.

Oh, thank goodness.

Oh, he was so awful.

He was really awful.

I know.

Where s Josh?

He, he didn t tell you? He left.

And he didn't say where he was going?

He seemed really down.

He could be anywhere.

Should we all go out and look for him?

Maybe he's close.

No, I don't blame him for leaving.

This is my fault.

All of this is.

Katie.

Your Dad let me use his tools.

It's not exactly handmade,

but I hope it counts.

Merry Christmas.

Hey.

Put another one in the

the record books for Katie Andrews.

The colossal mess.

I'm sure it's not that bad.

No, it's worse.

Not only did I humiliate myself,

dumped my boyfriend,

faked an engagement,

and ruined my entire Christmas Eve with my family.

I chased off the first

nice guy I met in years.

Do you want me to come up?

Do you have a time machine?

Not on me.

I know.

No point in disrupting your Christmas plans, too.

Hang in there, Katie.

Things will turn around.

I promise.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas,

Julia.

Sorry Katie, I m not interrupting anything, am I?

I thought carbs might help the situation.

Did you come to gloat?

What are you talking about?

I came up here to check on my big sister.

You think I came up here to gloat?

Why not?

Once again, you're the golden child.

And I am an embarrassment

to the Andrews family.

Is that how you think I see you?

Katie, I don't look down on you.

I've always looked up to you.

What?

You ve always been the cool sister.

You moved to the big city.

You got your own place.

The amazing job.

You're living your dreams.

What about Richard?

Richard s my dream, Katie.

Getting married and settling down.

That's what we wanted.

That doesn't make me the golden child.

- Last Christmas. The gift. - That bag.

I just got you that because I don t know what else

to give you.

You got me exactly what I wanted.

So, I gave you something just like that.

If this is how you really feel then.

Why is it always so competitive between us?

I don't know, I guess I ve just...

I ve always tried to keep up with you.

It's not easy being the younger

sister to your hero.

Can we make a Christmas promise?

No more competition.

No more black sheep

or golden child.

Just sisters.

Okay, deal.

But I have to warn you my present is still gonna

to blow yours out of the water.

I know.

Okay, so now what are we gonna do about Josh?

What do you mean?

Come on.

Katie, I see the way you look at him.

Even if you ve only known the guy a

few days, you're crazy about him.

You got fake engaged to him!

Okay.

Still not answering his phone, huh?

No.

I really think I brought him down.

I don't know where he could be.

Um, I'll be right back.

Tell Mom and Dad I'll be right back.

What? Katie.

It's Christmas Eve.

Nothing's open.

I know a place that is.

Ah.

Hit me again, Bernie.

Are you sure?

That's a lot of eggnog.

You do know it's nonalcoholic?

Yeah.

- Thanks. - Yeah.

One fake fiancee.

Was really, really really sorry.

Katie, what are you doing here?

I came to apologize.

I should have never pulled you into all of this.

And, I've realized

that I probably should have just told the truth.

Well.

If we re telling the truth now,

it's okay.

For what it's worth,

I actually had a really nice time.

Sorry I came between you and Dean.

Congratulations, by the way.

Josh, there is no more me and Dean.

I, I thought all you wanted

was your perfect Christmas, at home

with your perfect boyfriend

or fiancee or whatever.

I did want all of that.

I mean, I still do.

But I realized that,

I think I had it all wrong.

Dean wasn't the perfect boyfriend.

I mean, he wasn't the perfect anything.

And...

Josh, for the last few days,

I got to spend it with somebody who I actually like

and who actually likes me back.

And I think I might have gotten a glimpse

of what perfect actually looks like.

Look, I know I've embarrassed myself,

not to mention you,

and I don't expect you to just forgive me like that.

But I do know that you don't

deserve to spend Christmas alone.

And I know that my family

would never forgive me

if I didn't invite you

to spend Christmas with us.

They really like you.

I really like them.

Really?

Yeah.

Your family s the best.

They really made me feel like I belong.

But, I m not gonna stay here for them.

I would stay here for you.

Look, Katie.

I don't care that you hired me.

And I don't care that your awful ex showed up.

Or if your family thinks you're crazy.

You are the most amazing

person that I've ever met.

You're funny, you're smart,

you're thoughtful.

I mean, look at you,

you're beautiful.

I just have to keep seeing you.

So either I'm gonna need a long term

extension on my contract or.

Or we just make this official.

Best Christmas Eve ever.

And last.

But certainly not least.

Aw. Thank you.

Oh, wow.

I didn't even notice you taking this.

Mom, I'm impressed.

There was just something about you two

standing there that seemed real.

I think it is.