Original subtitles

You are strong.

Capable.

A warrior.

There's no obstacle...

- Dad, hurry up!

...you can't overcome.

- I gotta go! I gotta go! Okay, okay, okay.

Happy birthday, Lucas James Brenner.

Luke, did you remember the garbage?

Wait, wait, wait, wait!!! Wait, wait!!!

Wait! This is not in the spirit of Christmas!!

Welcome back 99.8

The Star with Rich and Kathy in the mornings.

We're live with Stephan Brenner, author and pet therapist.

Uh... former pet therapist. I've evolved.

Oh, plot twist. I love that.

You're here to talk about

your new book, Calm, Cool, and Conquer.

That's right.

This time for humans.

Oh, I love this title because it lets me know

this is a book for me.

But well, that's right.

Kathy, actually, it's a book for everyone.

Believe it or not,

I used to suffer from pretty crippling anxiety.

With the methods outlined in this book,

I have been able to conquer mine

using something I've described in Chapter 3

as a conscious reframing when faced with adversity.

Oh, any tips on how to reframe an overbearing mother-in-law?

I'm kidding. I'm kidding.

Love you, Karen.

That's a fun noise.

No. It's more along the lines of, oh, I don't know,

you tell me my car is being towed,

I say nice day for a walk.

Basically, it's just look on the bright side.

Uh... yeah, it's...

No, it's... it's...

I mean, it's a little more involved than that.

Seventeen chapters and a glossary involved.

Okay. Snooze.

I'm kidding. I'm kidding. Come on.

Look, the holidays can be tough.

Financial stress, feelings of inadequacy, family drama.

But I hope... I... I know

that the methods in my book can help people

as much as they've helped me.

Stay with us.

Coming up next, why roasting chestnuts on an open fire

could actually kill you.

Ha, ha!!!

Yikes.

Good morning, Madison.

Terry, Trevor.

Another big day, Sid.

Every day is a big day.

Ain't that the truth?

Alright, Brian. This is it.

Moment of truth.

You're gonna be talking about this deal at dinner parties

for the rest of your life.

What's it gonna be?

No.

Come on. This is the future of gaming, Bri.

You have to love the game.

Oh, we love it. We do.

In fact, we wanna make you an offer.

Alright. How much are we talking?

Oh, not to invest. We wanna buy it.

Own your game, bring it in house,

and release it under a banner.

No. What? No, Brian. This is my legacy.

I can't just hand it over and sell out.

Sorry. We're just bringing everything in house these days.

Hope you change your mind.

I really hope I don't.

Thank you for your time, Brian. Appreciate it.

Merry Christmas.

Good morning.

Good morning, birthday boy. Made your favorite.

Dad, I made you a pencil holder.

Yeah. This is a pencil holder.

This is the coolest pencil holder I've ever seen.

Thanks, Buddy.

My ride share's here.

- Already? - Yeah.

I feel so awful leaving on your birthday.

It's so close to Christmas.

Are you sure you're gonna be okay?

Yes. I know you save lives for a living.

It's only for a week.

Your work's been planning this conference for over a year.

You need to be there, Soph.

Besides, it'll give me and the little man

some bonding time, right?

Alright.

You're the best.

No. No. You're the best.

The best.

Thomas, get your jacket on.

You're gonna be late for school.

Let's go.

- His lunch is packed. - Come on, let's go!

Oh, and don't forget, the cookies for rehearsal

are on the counter.

Cookies, I got it.

Thomas, I love you times a million.

Me too. Will you be back for my show?

Absolutely. You excited?

Yep. It's gonna be the best show ever.

Yes, it is.

What's your big line?

And Christmas was saved!!!

Wow!

Give that kid an award.

Alright. Bye. Love you both.

Love you, babe. Have a great trip.

Alright, kiddo.

It's just you and me for the whole week.

What do you say we do first?

I gotta go to the bathroom.

Okay. That sounds about right.

Mr. Patsky, my favorite landlord.

That's a lovely, lovely tie.

It brings out your unpleasant stare.

Eviction notice at Christmas

a little Ebenezer Scrooge, don't you think?

Scrooge was a very good businessman, unlike you.

Thank you. It's a nice thing to say.

Um... look, I'm on the brink of a seven-figure deal. Okay?

The money's coming.

Just gotta give me a few more months.

You said that a few months ago.

I didn't specify how few a few is.

Look, I know you got a heart of gold in that tense angry chest.

Can you really say no to this face?

Yes.

Yes. As in I can stay?

No.

No as in, no, don't go.

You have until Friday to move out.

Thank you, yeah.

Merry Christmas.

And to you.

There you are.

Oh. What are you doing here?

Well, you weren't at the house,

so I figured I might find you here.

Aw.

These are for you.

Oh...

Thank you.

And this is for you.

There you go.

Lucky boy. You're so sweet.

What's the occasion?

Oh, you know, just, just because.

How was work last night? I didn't hear you come in.

Well, the Nutcracker cracked his mask,

but I guess that's part of the life of being a costumer

during Christmas time and having three shows on the go.

Oh, I have Thomas's costume for the show.

It's... it's done, and it turned out great.

It's super cute.

Good.

How about you? How was the interview?

- Well... - You know, I've been telling everyone

how hard you're working

and how much you've changed this past year.

I know we've been together for five years and...

well, actually five years, eight months and three weeks,

- but who's counting. - Yeah.

And, you know, this past year, it's been really hard

with all the interviews and the lectures and the talk shows,

like, I mean, who even are you anymore?

Sus, you know exactly who I am.

I wrote a book about it.

Yeah. Yeah, you sure did.

You should have seen this interview.

It was incredible. This book is gonna be huge.

This is just the beginning of big things for us.

Many big things.

Oh, oh!!!!

What happened? You alright?

Everything okay?

Yeah. I just...

I also noticed that your shoelace is untied

and... and that's dangerous walking around like that.

You could... you could fall and hurt yourself.

So I'm... I'm... I'm glad you you've tied that up now.

And that's great.

I mean, why else would you get down on one knee in the park

after giving your girlfriend flowers?

It's in the lyrics, Hernandez.

When you think of any snowman, you think of a carrot.

But he's not just any snowman, is he?

Okay.

- Chief. - Chief.

Hey. Looking good.

Hey, Chief, what is Frosty the Snowman's nose made of?

Well, he's got a button nose.

Thank you.

Hernandez completely blew it last night at The Pine.

Okay.

At The Pine?

Yeah.

Is it Christmas trivia?

Yeah.

Why didn't anyone tell me?

I've been winning Christmas trivia since college.

Well, no offense, Chief, but you're so busy,

and we just didn't think it'd be your vibe this year.

Come on. I might be Chief now, and I'm raising a kid,

but I'm hip, I'm on the ball.

Is that your lunch, Chief?

Oh, and here are the files for the new recruits tomorrow.

Got a few good ones in there.

Great. Well, I'll put this stuff away

and I'll come out and help you. Okay?

We got this Chief. It's all under control.

Okay. Well, you know where to find me.

1999.

Hey, Mom.

You're on mute.

I can't hear you.

Is my volume off or is she on mute again?

You... you gotta... you gotta push the button, Mom.

Alright.

It's the wrong button.

I mean, it's not a bad button.

Yo, yo.

Why is Mom in space?

Because she's an astronaut.

Mom, it's the microphone button.

Press the microphone.

Alright. Try this one. Can you hear me now?

- Oh, hooray. - Record time.

Nicely done.

Oh, I love doing these Zoomings.

We're not on Zoom, Mom. No one says Zoomings.

I just wanna confirm that you are all going to be here

for dinner tonight.

It's a very special evening, and I want everyone here.

We're gonna be there. I triple confirmed.

What's so special about it?

We'll all be there, Mom. Don't worry about that.

I gotta pick Thomas up from school and then we'll...

Oh, the cookies. The cook... I forgot the cookies.

Steph, can you pass by my place,

grab the cookies on the counter

and bring them to the school?

No. I got another interview.

I'll be lucky if I make it in time to drop off the costume.

Alright. That's fine. That's fine.

Tay. You can do it.

What? No. I'm busy.

You're busy?

Yeah. What are you what are you busy with?

What? I have a business. I have an office.

Sid, Sid. What are you doing?

Sorry, Taylor. I'm kicking you out.

Well, that doesn't look too good.

Is he in a new coffee shop?

What's happening?

It appears Taylor's getting escorted from his office.

Again.

So, you can pick up the cookies then?

And Christmas was saved!

Yes! Oh!

That was a fantastic rehearsal, Katie!

Very nice. And the rest of you,

remember, if you can't sing, you smile big, okay, yes?

Gary, you're a smiler.

T-mas.

Uncle Taylor, did you bring the cookies Mom made?

Even better.

Here.

- Cookies!!! - Yay!!!

Cookies!

You must be Thomas's father.

Uncle. One of his uncles. I'm the cool one.

Ha!

It's a Grump.

Isn't it supposed to be the Grinch?

Eh, eh, eh, eh!

No. We can't afford that word, so we...

It's how The Grump Ruined Christmas.

Did I miss it? Is it over?

Oh, rats!

You must be Thomas's father.

- His uncle. - Mhmm.

One of his uncles. I'm the cool one.

How was rehearsal?

Wonderful.

Considering I have no funding or resources to speak of.

Oh, well, you're lucky...

because we happen to have fixed all of Thomas' costumes.

That should help. You're welcome.

Oh, yes. Such a help.

I mean, last week, I spent 30 hours

building set pieces alone, unpaid.

And then I... I sewed all the costumes

until my fingers blistered.

But no, you resizing one pair of pants

is absolutely a big help.

I mean, people like you are the lifeblood of the theater.

So good rehearsal then?

Costumes go over here!

You know, I'm surprised more parents aren't pitching in.

Oh...

No. Parents at this school don't see the arts

as a form of self-expression.

They see me as a free babysitter.

Well...

The only one helping is Katie's dad, Ron.

Without Katie or Ron, we wouldn't have a show.

The only other volunteer is the piano player.

What's up?

You're playing Limitless Horizon, huh.

I happen to know the gentleman who designed that interface.

I have been told it's pretty revolutionary.

Maybe... in 1987

That hurts. Why do I like that?

Taylor.

Caroline.

So you go to school here?

No. No. I do not.

Yeah. Me neither.

Hm.

Hannah, she's my niece.

Thomas. Nephew.

Cute kid.

Want one?

A child? I mean I'm open.

Making friends?

Why?

What's in these cookies? Are there peanuts in these?

Gotta go.

I can't take this guy anywhere.

That's it! That's it!!

I played Hamlet for goodness sake,

but I will no longer be part of this tragedy!

Children, best of luck.

And to you... I bid you adieu.

- Oh, hey Mr. B. - Excuse me!

Hi, Dad.

Gigi!

Oh, look... Oh, a big boy.

How are you?

You couldn't just grab the cookies on the counter

like I asked you to?

All we ate was peanut butter growing up.

How am I supposed to know store-bought cookies are a hazard?

Everything's a hazard when you're a parent.

Everything is a hazard.

Hi. Hello. Hi. What's a hazard?

Taylor's a hazard.

Yep. He brought the wrong cookies.

Cookies?

Oh, my goodness. I bought cookies.

Guess who destroyed all the sets and costumes

in ten seconds flat? I'll give you a hint.

He's a giant and his name rhymes with muffin.

Destroyed all the sets?

Large structures need to be braced.

You can't have things that unstable around children.

You're unstable around children.

You're... children.

Okay enough.

Enough with the finger-pointing.

- You're both at fault. - Guys...

Sounds a lot like finger-pointing.

Guys, please, please.

Can we just calm...

I'm so sorry about this.

It's all right. Just...

- We are calm. - Have a seat.

We're calm. We're calm.

Good. Okay.

- Sorry, ma. - It's all right.

You wanna see finger-pointing?

This is finger-pointing.

Don't, don't, don't, don't, don't, don't.

Get your finger out of my face.

Boom.

- You started the point. - Do not point at me.

Where were you? You weren't even there.

Boys.

Boys, boys! Hey!

Hi. I'd like you to meet Pastor Roy.

Yeah.

He is... we're, uh... he's my...

I'm your mom's boyfriend.

Oh!

He'll be al right.

Ma, I got you some wine.

So... where did you two meet?

A dating app.

How did we not know you could use apps?

How do we not know you were dating?

Well...

I wanted to tell you,

but I mean, this isn't like it's a new thing.

I have been on quite a number of dates over the years.

Is Uncle Stephan gonna pass out again?

Yeah. Probably.

Stephan, you... you look... you okay?

I'm fine. And... and I didn't pass out.

It looked like you passed out.

I was... I was... I was resting my eyes.

On the hardwood floor.

What, am I on trial here?!

How long have you two been...

Well, it's been six very special months, huh?

- Mmhmm. - Right.

Does it... it's like half a year.

Nice math you did there.

I wanted to tell you, but you've all been so very busy,

and I wasn't sure how you would react.

So I thought that

this might be nicer if we were all together.

Is Roy gonna be my Grandpa?

Ah...

Buddy...

Thomas, I... I don't know what the future holds,

but, um, I really like your Gigi

and, I'd like to get to know you and your dad

and your uncles if that's okay.

Hey, you know, this is a change.

Change can be a really good thing.

Really good thing.

That's why Roy, I hope that...

we hope that we can welcome you into the family.

Thank you.

...traditions. The family traditions.

The traditional things we do as a family.

You saved it. Nice job.

And speaking of the things we do as a family, traditionally.

The lights, Mom.

I think we can set up the lights this week.

Oh, well, um...

Roy has already agreed to come over and put them up tomorrow.

He's already helped me decorate

a lot of the things around the house.

Oh.

Roy is very good with his hands.

Oh.

He has fixed so many things around here already.

Okay. I think I need some air.

No Stephan, what are you doing? Sit down.

I'm just gonna sit down.

You know how much I love having you here.

All of my boys here on the table at Christmas time,

you know how much it means to me.

You were absolutely right.

- Why didn't I think of that? - Think of what?

That's what we should be doing.

Let's get all the guys back together under one roof.

You know, a gift for Mom.

We'll stay a week, maybe even longer,

because what kind of sons would we be

if we denied our beautiful mother

such a wonderful Christmas present?

Oh, I would love that.

It's very sweet.

I would love that.

There wouldn't be anything I would love more

than having you all under the same roof

especially at Christmastime.

Can we, daddy?

I think we can, Daddy.

Last I checked, your son is a genius,

and he can do his coloring homework right here

under a grateful Gigi's roof.

And speaking of school,

Gigi tells me that you're in a play, Thomas.

It's canceled.

It's not canceled.

It's just seen some better days.

Oh.

I... I have work stuff, Buddy.

Work stuff, other stuff, stuff, stuff.

Sounds like a lot of vague stuff.

- Okay. Okay. - Yay!

Let's do it.

Let's do one week, five days.

Christmas here at home.

That is fantastic.

Settled. Done.

Yes. Who wants some fruitcake?

Me.

Oh, it's about time.

The sun's been up for eight minutes, man.

You sent me 15 text messages.

Is this kind of reckless behavior really necessary?

Yeah. You couldn't just let handsy Roy put up the lights?

Sure. Why don't we have some stranger

take over our family traditions?

In fact, why don't we start new ones altogether

and move back in, Tay? That's a great idea!

That sounds kinda nice.

Nice?

Well, I thought we'd do this nice thing for Mom

and then go take Thomas for a nice walk down to school

because apparently his principal

wants to have a nice little chat.

Oh, it's an ambush.

Chat about what?

His mom's vegetable garden.

What do you think he wants to chat about?

You know, I... I... I'm sure with some glue...

You and you are coming with me to apologize for what you did.

And you better hope that he has something stronger than glue

because your nephew is not gonna have a Christmas play

to perform this year.

What's stronger than glue?

Okay.

- The lights. - Alright, alright, alright...

Take the lights.

Feel familiar?

Like, I never left.

He never did.

Principal Decker...

He's still alive?

Fifty-three years at this school.

Fifty-two consecutive Christmas shows... fifty-two.

Principal Decker...

Didn't mind you. Don't even remember you.

I'm Stephan.

I didn't like you one bit.

You still living in your mother's basement?

Not sure that's relevant.

I have a music teacher on indefinite stress leave.

I have... a mob of angry parents.

Do you know the one thing I don't have?

Enough money to retire?

A Christmas show.

Sir, we really want to apologize, okay?

And in in light of yesterday's mishaps,

we are going to make a donation.

A donation?

Yes, we are.

Why didn't you say so?

You're free to go.

- Really? - No!!!

Okay. We're back here.

I'll tell you how it's gonna go.

One of our teacher volunteers provided a solution,

and the solution is with us right now!

Hi, boys.

- Roy? - Oh, dear Lord.

Pastor Roy is an honorary substitute in our shop class.

He's great with his hands.

And he's offered to supervise.

- Supervise? - Supervise what?

I thought that was clear.

You're taking over the show.

- You broke it. - No.

You bought it

See you after school.

Let's just get out of here, please.

Okay.

No. One, two, three. Let's go.

Okay.

You guys ready to do this?

No.

This is bringing back terrible suppressed memories.

I got this.

Alright. Let's bring it in! Let's bring it in!

- Come on in everybody! - Come on guys, bring it in!

- Come on in, everybody! - Everybody, bring it in.

Where's everyone else?

Their parents don't want them to be in the show anymore.

What?

They're afraid of your poison cookies.

They were not poison, okay?

- Now, look... - I mean...

Hey. Thank you guys for sticking with the show.

We're excited.

This is our first kindergarten pageant.

It's not a kindergarten pageant.

It's K through 5.

Alright. Yeah. No. Okay.

Yeah. I'm Coach Luke.

This is Coach Taylor, and this is Coach Stephan.

Hello!

So let's see, we're, we're doing The Grump.

Who here had a singing role?

Cool.

Alright.

Who here had a dancing role?

Okay.

That's okay. That's okay.

We don't need singing or dancing.

What are you talking about?

It's a musical. All it is... is singing and dancing.

We should probably give up like everybody else.

I like this kid.

What's up, cookie boy?

Hi.

Okay. Nobody's quitting, alright? We're not quitters.

Coaches, huddle up. One second.

Give us a minute.

Don't go anywhere. Don't go anywhere.

Alright. First things first, 40-year-old kid's right.

Show's a dud.

Second of all, I'm gonna go get that girl's number.

And then we're gonna get into a car,

and we're gonna drive south until we run out of gas.

Alright. Come on. Come on.

It's not that we don't have a show.

More we're gonna showcase kids

that otherwise wouldn't be featured.

Nice reframe.

Guys, hey, this is about Thomas, alright?

We've pulled together last-minute stunts before.

We can do this again.

We only have like a week to get it together.

We got this!

- Okay. - Alright!

- Break. - Okay.

Coach Taylor is right. No quitting.

That's right.

It's always bad to be a quitter.

Well, my brother quit the soccer team

to focus on his grades.

Alright. Never gonna make the pros, but...

My dad quit his job

because he suspected acts of corporate malfeasance.

How old is this kid?

That's impressive vocabulary.

Okay. Okay. Sometimes it's okay.

But right now is not the time to quit.

It's the time to shine.

Mhmm.

So we're gonna make some changes.

- That's right. - Yeah.

We're going to build some new sets.

Build some sets.

- We're gonna sing some songs. - Sing some songs.

- We're gonna do some dances. - We're gonna do some dances.

And we're going to make this Grump better

and more Christmassy than any play ever!

Don't oversell it here.

Take it down a little bit.

Who's excited?

- Hooray! - Charge!

I love her.

Why did I say charge?

Hey, ma. I'm home.

Alright.

My room.

My lair.

My...

last resort.

What the...

Ma!!!

Ma!!!

What did you do?

Well...

Roy, started making some Christmas decorations,

and I took up some hobbies, so I needed the extra space.

Ma?

Mhmm.

You doilied my man cave.

So you turned his room into a... a quilting den,

and my guest house is a warehouse of Christmas horrors.

Mm.

Can't even imagine what you did to Luke's room.

Well...

Oh, come on.

Stations stand down. Stations stand down.

Hey. Hey. What's going on?

It was just a false alarm, but I think I'll take

a couple of the recruits out, show them the ropes anyway.

Okay. Well, I... I got some time on my hands.

Why don't I come with you?

Chief, we got this.

Alright.

Be safe.

Always.

Chad, hustle up.

- Take care, Chief. - Yeah.

Roy, we're going to introduce you

to another family Christmas tradition.

Christmas Pictionary.

Pictionary!

I'm on Gigi's and Roy's team.

You're gonna regret that, Buddy.

I wouldn't count on it because, you know,

after all as a pastor, Christmas is my business.

Oh. Yes, it is.

Wanna raise the stakes a little bit?

What do you have in mind?

The outfits you bought us last year

for the Christmas photos, Mom?

Losing team wears them for the next 24 hours.

I didn't agree to that.

I'm not usually a betting man,

but this does sound interesting.

You got this.

Go ahead. Circle.

- I'd say... - It's a circle.

It's Christmas time.

It's Christmas circle.

Oh. Oh. Snow, snow...

Christmas time.

Yeah, Christmas clock. Christmas clock.

I'm saying it. Christmas tree ornaments.

Time's up.

Aargh! Honestly, snow globe!

Why are you drawing a tree?

Stand back.

Golden rings.

What?

Tiny Tim!

Yes, Buddy.

Did you guys have a meeting before this game?

Mrs. Claus.

Yeah!!!

- What? - Yay!!!

Yay! We win!

So about those outfits.

Proud of yourself?

It's set building time, boys.

Wow.

It's like Christmas came early.

And this wasn't even on my wish list.

Well, Merry Christmas, Buddy. Let's get you to class.

Hey.

Show them we lost today, okay?

- So? - You like what you see.

It's so bad, but so, so, so good.

What are you doing here?

Just working on a little something.

Oh.

You?

New sets for the show.

Hm. You're actually gonna do that?

I thought you were just gonna bail.

Well... thought about it.

But, you know, kids and stuff.

Huh?

What's huh?

So I've been staying in my parents' basement

the last few months.

You don't say.

Mhmm. Yeah.

I mean, just until the studios come around and sign me.

I mean, I was in a band.

Why'd you quit?

No, no, no. They kicked me out.

They thought that I thought that I was better than them,

which I did because I am.

Understandably.

So I've got this solo jazz album

and I'm shopping it around

and it's only a matter of time, really.

I just feel like like I'm on the brink of a...

A seven-figure deal.

I was gonna say major deal,

but I would not say no to seven figures.

I mean, they'd be getting a bargain.

Really?

It's alright, T. No need to help.

Hey. That's where I know you from.

You're that pet detective. Right?

My step-mom, she's got... she's got your book.

It's holding up her coffee table.

Hey, now...

It's my brother you're talking to.

What are you doing tomorrow night?

Alright!

Okay. Go. Come on. Let's go.

Good conversation. Let's go, Romeo.

Back okay, Chief?

Yeah. It's all good. It's just the weather,

you know, it's cold and it freezes up.

How about that Caroline, huh?

Something about her. She's so cool.

She's you, dude.

What?

She's a female you.

No.

Yeah. She's you, but, like, a better version.

No.

Hey.

Hi.

Well, we had a productive day.

Tell me all about it.

We made a cool mountain set as big as the house.

That sounds wonderful. Wonderful.

- So... - Yeah.

You know how I bring you a tree every year.

This year, I was thinking after dinner,

maybe we go out as a family and get the absolute biggest tree

that will fit in this house.

Whoa!

Can we decorate it tonight?

Yeah. Of course we can, kiddo.

- That is a lovely idea. - Of course.

That's wonderful.

Alright.

No Roy?

- What? - Nope.

It's a shame.

Knock, knock, knock.

Incoming.

- Whoa! - What?

It's huge!

Yeah. You better believe it.

We don't do small at Christmas.

Let me guess.

Cut it down with your own two hands?

Yeah. I did, actually.

She's a beauty, huh? Noble fir.

What do you think there, Master Thomas?

A noble fir is noble for sure.

You have to stop teaching him things.

This is the best tree ever.

Looks like we don't need your tree, Dad.

Yeah.

Did I overstep a little here?

You didn't know.

I was just planning on...

Never mind, no.

I'll set it up. I'm gonna set it up.

Alright. You need a hand?

No. No. It's all good. I got it.

Are you sure? Because it's pretty heavy.

Yeah. No.

Why don't you let him help you, honey?

Let Roy help you.

No. It's okay. I got it.

I... I... I set up the tree every year, right?

Why would this year be any different?

Yeah. It's good. It's all good.

- Okay. - Yeah.

Just be mindful of your back.

- Let the man live. - You're not getting any younger.

He's got it.

Whoa.

- I gotta put it in the stand. - Mmhmm.

- Oh, oh. - Watch it!

Whoa!

I'm okay.

And Christmas was saved.

Being able to understand fire behavior is one of the most

important tools in keeping you and your team safe.

So review chapters six to nine tonight.

Okay? Let's take a 20-minute break.

Team.

Hey, hey.

How are you?

You alright, Chief?

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Just, got into a little fight with a fir tree last night.

Looks like you're falling behind on decorating

for the charity event. It's only in a couple days.

Yeah. It looks like we're gonna have

to postpone the fundraiser till Friday night.

Friday? No, that that's impossible. Why?

Well, I spoke to the caterers

and the entertainment this morning.

Apparently, there was an error on the paperwork.

I did the paperwork.

Man, I... I must have been in a rush

and missed a couple things.

Is... is... is Friday the only day?

It's Thomas's play?

It's the only day that works for them

and everyone else is booked.

We have a lot of support from the new recruits.

I mean, I don't think they'll bring in Brenner money, but...

Maybe Chad.

Oh, yeah.

Yeah. Maybe it's worth sitting this one out, Chief.

This is my big event.

I've been running this for 10 years.

I'm the top donation driver.

You know what?

Don't worry about it. Okay?

I'll figure something out.

Yeah.

Hernandez, Jones...

Thank you both for doing what you're doing.

I really appreciate it.

Susie's here. You are just in time.

I had to sneak out of work.

I hope you don't miss me too much,

but I don't wanna miss this.

Gingerbread day.

- Hi. Hi. Hi. - Hi.

- I'm glad you made it. - All good.

How was...

- So you must be Susie? - Oh, yeah.

Oh, he's coming right in.

I'm a hugger. Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you too. I've heard so much about you.

Hopefully good things. Yeah?

Yep.

Alright. Who's ready to build?

So ready.

Gingerbread turned out great. You're gonna love it.

Wee!

Why won't it... just... just...

You having trouble there, Stephan?

I happen to know a few things about construction if you...

You don't say.

Roy even patched a leak in the roof last weekend.

I don't think there's anything he can't do.

Well, there's one thing I can't do, and that's saying no

to lending a helping hand to people in need.

You know what? It's gonna be okay.

No, it's fine. I think it needs a little more frosting.

I think you've got enough frosting there, hon.

Oh, you can't have too much frosting.

Is that right, T?

Keep working on it, Stephan.

Let Roy take a look at it.

I'm fine! It's fine.

Why does everyone keep asking if I'm fine? I'm...

Alright. Here we go.

Ooooh! Wow!

Is that a tire swing?

Yeah. Yeah. It's made of licorice.

Bravo.

So you thought that playing video games

on a first date was a good idea?

I'll have you know I lost sleep over this.

No, you didn't.

Yes. I did.

I want it to be special.

And if I was a smart man, I would guess that you like music

as well as video games, so... I came up with this.

You want a dance battle?

You don't?

Thank you.

Yes, ma'am.

You ever played this before?

No.

You?

- I've seen a few videos. - Cool.

You're the weirdest guy I've ever met.

Don't ever change.

So Roy is nice.

Yeah. Yeah. He's nice. Oh, Roy's perfect.

Pastor, preacher, builder, teacher.

Maybe we should dedicate a wing to the hospital

to the guy, you know?

Okay. You seem like a little on edge.

Yeah. Just, you know, the whole... the whole Roy thing.

It's been a surprise and I'm just working through it.

Well, do you wanna talk about it?

We just did.

Okay.

I should get back to work. Duty calls.

- Mhmm. - Uh-huh.

- Okay. - Okay.

Don't work too hard.

You too.

Okay.

Later Sus.

You okay?

Yeah.

Good.

Something Roy just said gave me an idea.

I know what we need for the show.

You wanna get out of here?

Like you wouldn't believe.

Okay. Let's go.

I must say, you really surprised me.

Oh, yeah.

Mhmm. For someone who spends

most of his time trying so hard to be cool,

you really put yourself out there.

Thank you.

No one's ever really um...

You think I'm cool?

I said trying to be cool.

Let me tell you how cool I am.

I'm homeless, jobless, penniless.

Whew.

My mother thinks I'm home to visit,

but I'm pretty sure I just moved back into her basement.

So? I love living in my parents' basement.

No, you don't.

When you dream big, sometimes you gotta live small.

Yeah, okay, but I'm not a kid anymore.

You don't ever look around and feel less than everybody else?

Nope. No way.

I just... I mean, I look at this point in life,

it's like, um...

it's like visiting Mars.

Like, when-when you're shooting for the stars,

you still have to take and make a little time

to visit the planets along the way. Right?

You gotta enjoy the journey.

The... the little successes. Right?

Or you could miss out on everything.

'Cause here's the thing, when you go all in,

you gotta be willing to risk it all.

And I... I am risking it all.

I'm... also keeping my eyes open

for someone to share the adventure with.

Because life... it's too much fun to do it alone.

Where did you come from?

Right?

Making friends?

Hi.

Were you gonna kiss?

Probably.

Trying. Mhmm.

We're doing a team-building exercise.

Wanna join us?

Yeah.

Kids versus coaches. Here we go.

Who's ready to laser?

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!!!

Agent Big Bird, stand down.

What's wrong? You okay?

Now!

Wow, that's how we're playing?

I'm going to get you!

Those kids are savage.

Yeah. I can't feel my trigger finger.

I can't feel anything from the neck down.

When was the last time we had this much fun?

It's been a minute.

I forgot what it was like to be a kid again.

I think we all needed this.

Man, those kids rose to the occasion.

And that's what we have to do for the play.

So we're down a few kids.

Reassign roles.

- Can't sing? - Teach them.

- Can't dance? - Show them.

You can't...

stay up past 8:30?

No. They're gonna go to bed.

Yep. Alright.

Alright guys, bring it in.

Come on. Bring it in.

Bring it in. Bring it in.

Yeah. Make a circle.

Triple up, guys. Huddle up.

Wow. Hey. Hey.

Guess what, guys?

I think we're ready.

Yeah. Ye Jun, lead us off.

Go team on three. Hands in.

One, two, three.

Go.

Team!

Woo!

Gentlemen, revised scripts arriveth.

Look at this.

As discussed, due to a diminished cast size,

I have reassigned the roles

and made a few small refinements to the dialogue.

Now the big question is

how to distribute the adult roles, obviously.

I'm directing.

- Fine. Then I'm playing... - The Grump.

Well, why do you get to be the Grump?

I'm Grumpy.

But what if I wanna be the Grump?

You're not.

- I wanna be Grumpy. - Well, you're not.

It's an important role, Steph. Okay?

It requires Grump being up high on Grump mountain.

Yeah?

And performing in front of a bunch of Grump people

So?

You get vertigo... on mall escalators.

Oh. I was eight.

And sometimes when you're overwhelmed, you tend to...

What?

Rest your eyes on the hardwood floor.

Yeah.

I... I was dehydrated.

- Maybe. - Guys, come on.

This person you're describing, that's not me.

I'm a new man.

Alright. Rock, paper, scissors. Best of three.

Best of five.

Best of seven.

How do you keep doing that?

It's just who I am. I'm not proud of it.

Tay's the Grump. Steph, you're narrating.

I'm directing.

Morning, boys.

- Good morning, Mom. - Good morning.

I just love seeing you guys together like this.

Mhmm.

Reminds me of when you were little.

Oh, yeah.

Christmas caroling, and what?

The-the sugar plum dance? Now you're doing it for Thomas.

Yeah.

That's so sweet. I love you.

Oh, stop, Mom.

- It's okay. - Oh, stop.

So is this is this the play, huh?

This is the play.

- Wow. - Thanks to Steph.

Yeah.

You know, maybe I should invite Roy to help

because he won an award for theater in college,

and... and I'm sure he'd be happy to pitch in.

I think Luke would absolutely love that.

- Good. - No.

No. It-he's already done so much, Mom, you know?

Don't overwhelm the guy.

Suit yourself.

- Thanks though, Ma. - Love you, Mom.

Love you, Mom. Thank you.

Yeah.

Theater awards? Are you buying that?

No. Like, honestly and, like, he's so nice.

Oh, he's a pastor.

Nobody is that nice.

They met online.

- Have you met the Internet? - Thank you.

- Everything's a lie. - Everybody lies.

Enough about Roy. Okay?

- We have a play to do. - A good play.

A great play.

I got a few notes.

You haven't even read it yet.

Great job last night. Great job.

You all really showed up for each other.

Why don't we bring that winning spirit into today. Okay?

Alright. We might be down, but we're not out.

No, no, no. So new game plan.

Yeah. I think you're really gonna like

where we're headed here.

Wait. I have new lines?

Yes. Uh, actually, new lines for everyone.

We had to compensate for a few missing performers,

but we have new lines, new roles,

some songs, and a very special dance.

I don't want more lines.

What what do you mean, Buddy?

I thought you enjoyed being in the play so much

you'd want a bigger part.

I'm not good enough for more lines.

- Why would you say that? - Yeah.

What do you mean, Bud? What do you mean?

Well, there was someone who was in the play

that would make fun of us when we'd mess up.

Was that someone allergic to peanuts?

Okay. Hey, look. Hey, Thomas.

If you don't want more lines, that's fine.

I just wanted to do my line, okay?

Okay.

Okay, uh, show of hands. Who doesn't want more lines?

- Not me. - Not really.

Why don't we... why don't we get right to the dance?

Let's dance.

And five, six, seven, eight.

Ok, ok. Wow, that was um... a good start.

Why don't-why don't we-we try the Grump song? Right?

Because you all remember the Grump song.

Grump.

The Grump song?

You guys are killing it. Well done.

Alright. That's it.

- What do you think, kiddo? - Pretty cool, huh?

It's okay.

I got this.

Just give me five.

Okay.

- Just give me five. - Alright.

Where did you find this truck, man?

That was my truck. Did you know that?

- No. - Yeah.

No.

- It's yours now, huh? - Yeah.

You wanna talk to me? Tell me what's going on?

I just don't think I'm good enough.

Well, first of all... you are.

And secondly...

- Can I tell you something? - Yeah.

It's a secret though.

What?

Kids used to say a lot of mean things to me.

- Really? - Yes.

Why? You're awesome.

Well, you're a man of exquisite taste, T.

I love you for it.

I already know that.

My man.

Let me tell you.

People are gonna try to stop you from doing your thing

for reasons that have absolutely nothing

to do with you.

Maybe they're going through something.

Maybe they're sad. Maybe they're angry.

Maybe they're jealous

that you have perfect hair like your uncle.

But whatever the reason, you can't let him win.

You gotta be brave.

I don't feel very brave right now.

Me neither.

But I have learned a thing or two about running,

and let me tell you, it doesn't fix much.

So let me ask you something.

Do you wanna run from this thing?

If you do, we'll get out of here.

Or do you wanna tell people that Christmas is...

saved.

Yes.

I want to do that one.

Good. Why you got me all stressed out over here?

I didn't.

- Yeah. - No, I didn't.

You're looking all like you're in some type of mood and stuff.

Let's get out of here.

Our baby's not our baby anymore, huh?

- Nope. - Sure isn't.

I wanna thank you guys

for always being there for him.

Yeah. Of course.

You kidding? He's perfect.

The idea that anyone would think any different.

I thought having a baby was hard.

Hah. Way easier.

- Easy. - So much easier.

Diaper, feed, sleep, repeat.

- That's it. - Yeah.

Now they got big emotions, and they're smart.

Smarter than us.

It's a constant mental and emotional battle

just trying to keep up.

Suddenly, you're worrying about their sense of self,

whether or not they're gonna be okay.

Kid makes fun of you one time,

you'll carry it for the rest of your life.

Bunch of kids make make fun of you a bunch of times,

suddenly you're half a person eating lunch

in the faculty lounge with the guidance counselor.

I mean, hypothetically.

Yeah.

If we let those kids go out there

and do what they did today...

- Never gonna live it down. - No.

We need a new plan.

I think...

We need to call in the big guns.

What's up ding-dongs?

The Grump That Ruined Christmas.

I love it. It's genius.

Why pay for the rights when you can parody it for free?

Okay. Uh, what kind of talent are we working with?

We got kids with...

terrific personalities.

Say no more.

Okay. It's a whitewash situation.

Confuse, conceal.

We need lights, we need props, we need glitter.

We need real snow, real sleighs, real elves.

- Real elves? - Shh.

He's rolling.

Okay. You guys certainly brought the right guy in here.

I mean, who better to make this kid shine than Mark LeClark,

nine-time Channel Seven spirit Christmas decorating champion.

Last year, they could see my house from the space station.

Yeah, the government thought it was a nuclear power plant.

What kind of timeframe are we working on?

Two days.

Two days.

Okay. That changes things.

All good. All good. All good.

Mark. Mark. Mark. Mark. Mark.

Okay, Plan C.

If you boys wanna save the show,

we need all hands on deck.

Yeah? Question.

What's the school board's policy

on black market penguins?

Where's the hustle?

The thespians are on their way.

Dress rehearsal is t-minus 34 minutes.

No pain, no gain, no candy cane.

Let's move. Move.

I'm looking at you.

Where do these people come from?

Mark's crew, apparently.

Hey! Pastor Roy!

- Hey! - What's shaking, Bacon?

- How are you? - You know Roy?

Oh yeah. The good pastor here

baptized the newest Le Clark last summer.

Yeah. Mark, I believe, was the first man to yell booyah

during a baptism.

People were very uncomfortable.

Yep. It's true. Thanks for bringing the back-up.

For sure. Happy to lend a hand.

Hey, Mark.

You sure there's enough room up there for kids to move around?

Good point.

We could probably lose a couple of kids.

I don't think they're all off book.

Alright. Well, we wanna make sure

there's still heart to the story.

Relax, Slim. You guys nailed the script.

Carolyn's working on some new music,

and your boy LaClark here brings the razzle-dazzle.

Okay? Trust me, these kids are gonna remember this

for the rest of their lives.

Alright. Could I have a quick word with you gentlemen?

Uh, there seems to be a lot going on here.

This is still a show about Christmas, right?

What's it look like?

Well...

Uh, I'd say we're looking at a warehouse sale on inflatables.

Uh... no.

- Hey, Roy? - Yeah?

Can you give me a hand with the robot?

The manual's in Chinese, so we're gonna have to improvise.

There's no robot in the script.

I know. Good thing I caught that.

Also, after that, I need you to build a flying rig,

blow torches in the back.

Let's make some Xmas magic, people.

Love the energy. Love the energy.

Good work.

Look, Boys, I-I don't mean to tell you how to run things here,

but as a supervisor and a pastor at Christmas,

maybe a little fatherly advice.

Roy, look at this. It's perfect.

I just worry this is a mistake.

It feels like we're losing the spirit of Christmas.

- What're you talking about? - There's seven Santa Clauses...

- Snowmen... - Merry Christmas right there.

- Snow... - Alright, okay. Yep. Yep.

All good. All good. Just had to say my piece. Okay?

- Good. - Yeah.

You think he might have a bit of a point.

- No. - No.

He's been messing with us all week.

We don't know what his angle is.

- Hey. - Hi.

Heard you're working on new songs for the kids.

Oh, yeah.

That is not happening.

I mean, they're kids.

They're not gonna learn a new musical in 24 hours.

They don't even know their times tables.

Just gonna have them sing some Christmas carols.

And honestly, that Mark guy, he's a little intense.

He's a special guy, yeah.

We're just trying to make a great show for the kids.

Oh. Is that what this is?

Yeah.

Of course. That's what this is.

Honestly, there's a lot going on.

We could really use your help.

Honestly, I'm just- I'm not feeling this.

It's like-it's like the North Pole and Vegas had a baby.

So you're just gonna walk away and quit on these kids?

No. I didn't say that,

but I'm also not down to hijack

a kindergarten Christmas pageant.

It's not a kindergarten pageant.

It's K through 5.

What...? Oh.

Stephan?

Sus, hey. Oh, you made it. Oh, you are a saint

for taking care of these costumes at the last minute.

What is all this?

Oh, uh... we enlisted the help of Mark.

Mark LaClark?

Yeah. Brought him in to save the show.

Save it from what?

You have a group of adorable kids.

I know.

You know, we just didn't want it to be embarrassing for them.

For them or for you?

No one is expecting perfection.

If the kids mess up or drop a line or...

or bump into each other, that's what makes it charming.

Well, there's nothing charming

about looking foolish, is there?

No, Stephan.

Charming is when you may look foolish, but you do it anyway.

I don't even know who you are right now.

Yes, you do. This is me.

No.

The Stephan I love

is vulnerable, sensitive, and honest.

This version is just hiding behind a book

he thinks will make him better.

I think you've lost the point.

Sus...

Hey, hey, hey.

How about this, huh? It's pretty good, isn't it?

There's... so much stuff.

Yeah.

I'm feeling very claustrophobic.

So... are we still gonna sing?

Of course you're gonna sing.

What about our costumes?

Of course, yeah, the costumes.

The cos-yes, there's tons of costumes,

and everything is going to be great.

Well...

part of your set's extra crispy,

but other than that, everything's fine.

- Oh, thank goodness. - Good.

Do we even know how the fire started?

And... where's Mark?

Not sure what started it.

There was a blow torch and an iron nearby.

There was also a majorly overloaded circuit board.

Is that the Grump costume?

Uh... Chief?

Yeah. Look.

Unfortunately, we have to cordon off the area

until an electrical inspector can come through

and make sure that circuit's safe.

I just can't believe this, you know?

Thanks. I'll see you back at the station.

Yeah.

Who wants to see the fire truck?

Well, there it is. Show's off.

- No. - What?

- Yeah. - Come on.

Really?

You wanna explain what happened?

Me?

Yeah, you.

Don't look at me, look at Roy.

Me?

Yeah, Roy, you had a blow torch backstage.

So you think I intentionally

tried to burn down an elementary school?

Well, I guess we don't

really know you all that well, do we Roy?

Okay. Let's just slow down, son.

- Don't call him son, alright? - Don't do that.

You're... you're not our dad.

No. I am not.

I am just a guy that is in love with your mom.

And I am really starting to regret getting involved

in trying to help you boys out. Excuse me.

Okay, you both know he wouldn't have done that.

Well, I mean, what?

The costume light itself on fire?

I don't know.

I do know if you would have put it on

like you were supposed to that wouldn't have happened.

And that area wouldn't be cordoned off

and we'd still have a show to do.

Okay. Sure, let's do that. Um, it's on me.

This kind of stuff only happens when you're around.

Oh, hey. Alright...

No. Am I not right?

No, no, no. He's right.

Guys, easy fix. I'm gonna walk away.

Good luck with the show.

- Tay, come on. - Have a good walk.

Have a good walk, Tay.

- Yeah. - Luke, come on!

Stephan, don't. Okay? Stop.

Really?

I'm so sorry, Buddy.

I- I know how much you wanted to do the show.

It's okay.

I still had so much fun this week.

That's all I care about.

I'm here thinking about what could have been,

and you're thinking about what was.

You're a really special kid. You know that?

Yeah. I know that.

I'm so lucky you came into my life.

I'm lucky too.

Have a good sleep, okay?

- Okay. - Alright.

Where are you even going?

I do not know. That's not your problem.

Okay. It's not my problem.

That's not your problem either.

Nobody's going anywhere. Sit down.

Please sit down!

Yep. Okay.

- Yeah. - Is Thomas asleep?

- Yes. - Yeah, he is.

I just got off the phone with Roy,

and it didn't go very well.

Ma...

You seriously think that he tried to set fire

to the school to sabotage your play?

It's just that he inserts himself

into everything, Mom.

Like, he's-he's family.

You all feel that way?

We don't not, you know, feel-

You're our Mom. We need to look out for you.

We just wanna protect you.

Yeah.

I love you boys more than you will ever know.

Not having your father here was hard.

I know it.

But I was always on your side. I always championed you.

I was on your team.

There's nothing in the world

that I wouldn't have done for you.

I need you to hear this. I mean-I mean, really hear it.

I am more than just a mom.

I'm a person.

I- I have given you my all since the moment you were born,

but now I need to do some things just for me.

I wanna learn.

I wanna-I wanna travel,

I- I wanna love and- and-and be loved back.

Don't I deserve that?

- Yeah. - Yeah.

I mean, I... I know that change is hard.

I get it. I-I know it, but... don't punish Roy

because it's hard to trust another man in our lives.

He's good.

He supports me.

He's helping me to find myself again.

And he's around because I asked him to be.

I want him to get to know

the most important people in my life.

And... I love him. I do.

I didn't think I was going to be able to do that again,

but here I am,

and he loves me.

I need you to let him.

If it's not too late.

That's quite the week we're having.

That was...

Now, this is on all of us.

No. It's on me.

No. Tay, no.

This whole week was because I needed a place to stay.

I got kicked out of my apartment and I'm broke.

And no one will back me on the game unless I sell out,

which I'm seriously considering.

- Why didn't you say anything? - Yeah, why not?

Because look at you two.

You guys have accomplished so much.

You're incredible. What have I done?

I don't want to be the guy living in the basement anymore.

That's not who you are.

You're not that guy, man.

You're an author. You're a fire chief.

Both of you are beautiful women in your lives.

You have a spectacular kid.

You have it all.

Honestly...

I don't know who I am anymore.

No longer Mr. January, that's for sure.

I'm just a dad now.

And my back is on fire.

I wanted so badly to convince myself I beat anxiety.

I wrote a whole book on it.

It's a lie.

I'm just the same old Stephan.

Well, we're a bang-up squad. I'll give us that.

Mom had it figured out.

No. She didn't.

She was just really good at pretending... for our sake.

Maybe that's why it's so hard to picture her with Roy.

It's hard to picture as anything other than Mom.

No one will ever be good enough for her.

- No way. - No.

We need to let her be happy.

We need to let her be her.

And we've gotta be okay with who we are.

I love you boys.

I love you boys.

Yeah. Yeah, yeah. I love you guys, too.

What is with this van?

Like a gas leak? What's going on in here?

No idea.

Take it back to the dealership.

What I do know is...

You guys gonna sit around and cry all night

or do you wanna talk about how to save the show?

Is that even still possible?

Well, while you guys are in here holding hands,

talking about your feelings,

Pastor Roy called it a miracle and got an inspector in.

Show's back on.

You owe that man some capital G, gratitude.

Rock and roll.

Okay. I think we got a show to do.

I think we got a show to do.

If you're looking for a room to rent,

we don't really have any vacancies right now.

That's good.

I'm not letting you bail on this.

I'm not bailing on the play. I told you that.

I'm not talking about the play.

What makes you think that I'm...

bailing on this?

Because that's what I would do.

I've never met anyone like you.

You are me?

Or like a much, much better version of me.

So much so that it's made me believe that maybe

with some serious work,

I might be able to be better too.

And maybe we can be better together.

Chase the dream while living the dream.

I might even visit Mars with you.

That was really cheesy. You know that, right?

I do. I heard it and I felt it.

Alright. Let's try this.

Welcome everyone to another amazing evening.

This year's Decorate Your Home auction with help

from Balsam Hill is lining up to be the best one ever.

Oh, looks like we have a surprise guest this evening.

Fan favorite Chief Luke Brenner,

who we didn't think was able to join us tonight.

Thanks, guys. Thank you, everyone.

It is true.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to join in on the fun

of this year's auction.

But I've been called away for the most important duty.

Dad duty.

I wanted to be here to honor and welcome

some new members of the team.

These recruits are the future of Spruce Grove,

and they're gonna help decorate your houses

like you have never seen before.

So please welcome to the stage,

Chad, Leticia, Travis, and Spencer.

Now take out your wallets and don't be stingy.

Every dollar goes to a great cause

and you're gonna help a family in need, alright?

Don't miss me too much, okay?

Have fun.

Thanks, Chief.

Yep, yep, yep, yep, yep...

Hey, what did I miss? What did I miss?

Oh, you know, just a full, full, full, very full house.

We're breathing. We're breathing.

In. Out. One more time.

And we're breathing out.

Where'd all these people come from?

I don't know.

I made an announcement at my church.

I hope that's okay.

- Yeah. - Yeah. Yeah, it's ok.

Roy, we owe you a huge apology.

Alright. You've been nothing but kind and helpful.

We did nothing but push you away.

We're sorry. We are.

Look, I am not trying to change things for you boys.

And as for being kind, I don't know how to be any other way.

But I really do care about your mom.

She's... an amazing person.

And you make her really happy, Roy.

That's the most important thing.

And she's got some great sons.

Yeah? Mhmm.

Good man.

Brenner Boys, eh? Okay. Too soon.

Good luck.

See you out there.

Alright, boys. We got a show to do.

We got a show to do!

Hey. Robes are for narrators. You, my brother...

are a Grump.

I thought the costume burned up.

Sus came through. She just dropped it off.

- Susie's here? She... she- - No time.

Hey. Put this on.

- Tay, I... - Should've been you this whole time.

I just didn't wanna admit it.

Just admit that your brother is right.

Sucks.

I'll narrate.

You go be the star that you're meant to be.

Wait.

I- I don't even know the Grump's lines.

That's okay.

Neither did I.

Hey, Ye-jun. You nervous?

Yeah. Talking was not really my thing either, but...

Well, you know, you could look at this as an opportunity to...

You know what? Forget it.

Can I tell you something?

I'm scared. I'm terrified.

But you're not gonna be out there alone. Okay?

I'm gonna be out there with you.

And... if we can be nervous together,

maybe we could be brave together.

What do you say?

Yeah?

Let's get out there.

Come on.

Come on. We got this. We got this.

The Whats down in What-Town liked Christmas a lot.

Christmas, more Christmas, as much as you've got.

And whenever Christmas would give them a chance,

the Whats down in What-Town would dance, dance, dance.

While the Whats mingled and jingled around,

a cantankerous Grump on the outskirts of town

was planning and plotting and said with a frown.

I must find a way to take Christmas down.

The reason that wicked old Grump was so whiny

was because his Grump heart...

Was so super tiny.

Now, boo hoo.

As the Whats all grew sleepy and tucked in for the night,

said the Grump.

Well, alright.

I must ruin Christmas, ruin Christmas tonight.

To come down from my mountain, I must go into... flight.

You got this.

Engage your core.

I'm stuck! I'm stuck!!!

Somebody do something!

I'm stuck!

- What are you doing that? - I can't move!

Why are you swimming?

What else am I supposed to do? Flap my wings?

Shh.

- Would you stop squirming? - I'm not squirming.

- Stop that! - Come on!

That's not helping. That's just chafing my neck.

Okay. Let's stop.

Say some poetry or something.

Yeah.

Hang tight.

Oh, sure. I'll just hang around.

Somebody please do something!

Alright. You got this. Here we go.

Loosen it a bit! Loosen it!

And Christmas was saved!

Bravo!

Stephen!

I'm so proud of you. You saved the whole show.

How do you feel?

Good.

- Grump! - Ye-jun, great job!

Brian, what are you doing here? Is Ye-jun your daughter?

Yes, she is. Great job tonight.

Thank you.

Look, I don't know how you guys did it.

She hasn't sung in years.

Spirit of Christmas, I guess.

Any chance I can convince you to reconsider our offer?

Any chance you'd reconsider mine?

Good luck with the game. I hope it all works out.

I think it will.

I got big dreams to chase.

- Merry Christmas, Brian. - Merry Christmas.

Good hustle out there.

You showed them.

Dad, you are awesome!

Oh, thanks, Buddy.

We were awesome!

We were pretty good.

Come here. What are we, chopped liver?

And you...

I don't think I tell you enough how much I appreciate you.

And I love that you went away,

but can you please never leave me like that again?

What a show!

Doctor McLaren... what're you doing here?

Uh, what can I say? I'm a patron of the arts.

You know, I was a little worried

because last year's show was so good.

It's hard to follow-up a hit with another hit.

You know what I mean?

Almost impossible, really.

Tell me about it.

But you did it.

That was very sweet and charming.

Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

I'm so glad I introduced you to the theater.

Well done. You knew all your lines.

I love you, you did great. Oh, a big family hug.

Sus.

Susie. Wait.

Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait.

You were right.

I'm sorry. I was scared.

Scared about what?

Everything. All of it.

The book's not selling.

That I'm a fraud. That-

That you would realize one day how much better than me

you can do and then all the things

that you love about me would be overshadowed

by the parts of me that are broken.

And there's so many parts of me that are broken.

And I wanted so desperately to fix myself

and I'm so worried that I just broke

the one good thing in my life and I'm so sorry.

You don't have to fix anything

because there was nothing broken in the first place.

We all have the stuff that just that makes us human,

and there's nothing wrong with that.

There's nothing wrong with you.

I just want you to love yourself

as much as I love you.

I love you.

This is when you're supposed to kiss me.

I know.

I should have done this a long time ago.

Oh!

Atta boy.

My goodness.

My man.

Oh, I'm sorry. Continue.

For me, there's only ever been one person

and that's you.

Ah!

Susie, Faye, Eloise, Marguerite, Cunningham.

Um...

Um...

Grump.

I'm gonna get you a better ring, I promise.

But in the meantime, will you marry me?

Yes! Yes.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Of course!

Yes!

How's that for foolish?

Charming.

I love you.

I love you.

- We're getting married. - We're getting married!

- Santa's here! - Santa.

Santa came, look at that.

Let me see this.

- Here you go, Mom. - Thank you.

Here you go.

Gentlemen.

Merry Christmas.

Are you sure I'm not interrupting?

You're not interrupting a thing.

Come on in.

Okay.

Those better be peanut butter cookies.

Oh, yeah. Of course.

My man. Let's go.

Well, it seems Santa has one more gift, Ma.

Hey!

Roy!

Hopefully, this will be the first of many Christmases

we'll spend together.

Mom, we we also owe you a huge apology.

Yeah. We're really sorry, Ma.

That's enough of that, huh? Okay?

It's Christmas.

I'm the happiest mom in the whole world.

Hug. Hug, hug, hug!

What did you do?

- What did you do? - What's happening?

Awesome!

Oh, yes!

And Christmas was saved!

- That was a good time! - Yeah!!!