Original subtitles

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MAN: Hey, hey!

Sure is cold here. I know.

If we're lucky, maybe we'll have a white Christmas.

That'd be kind of neat.

Hey, it was fun traveling with you.

You, too.

And thanks for listening to me.

(laughs)

What else was I going to do for 16 hours?

Thanks a lot.

(both laughing)

Good luck, Steve, and I-I hope that,

you know, you find her.

Well, everybody's got a real mom out there somewhere, right?

WOMAN: Harry, go get the car.

There's our baby. Hey, I got to go.

That's-that's my mom! WOMAN: Hey, honey!

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

How are you?

Great.

♪ O, little town of Bethlehem ♪

♪ How still we see you lie ♪

♪ Above your deep and dreamless sleep ♪

♪ The silent stars go by ♪

♪ Yet in thy dark streets shining ♪

♪ The everlasting light ♪

♪ The hopes and fears of all the years ♪

♪ Are met in you tonight ♪

♪ For Christ is born of Mary ♪

♪ And gathered up above ♪

♪ While mortals sleep the angels keep... ♪

So, over here is our entire skin care line.

Now the kits come pre-wrapped.

The customers like it that way.

Oh, and you remember what I told you

about filling out the invoices?

I think so.

I always add everything up on the calculator first,

just to make sure the figures match.

Okay.

Don't worry, you'll do fine.

(knocking)

Time to party.

Diedre?

Thanks for the opportunity.

What the hell, it's Christmas.

Good morning, ladies.

Laura, I have been waiting for you...

Brenda.

Hi, guys, what are you doing here?

What do you mean? I love this place.

Besides, you're the first one of my friends who's had a real job.

So, is there anything

that I can help you with today?

Oh, please, listen to you.

Come on, this is serious.

Okay, pretend like you're showing us this jewelry

so we can keep talking.

All right, I really think you should take a look at these.

Ooh, very nice.

You know, I'm really starting to get worried about Steve.

Yeah, he's been gone four days.

Nobody's talked to him.

His mom keeps calling my house.

She's totally freaked out.

Maybe we shouldn't have let him go.

Kelly, what could we have done?

I know.

This really sounds weird, but I miss him.

I do, I mean especially around Christmas, you know?

He'd always buy me something really nice,

even though we weren't going out.

What if he never comes back?

Look, guys, why don't you come over tonight?

Brandon and my dad are out buying a Christmas tree.

And we'll all get together

and do sort of a tree-trimming thing.

You guys haven't bought your tree yet?

There are only two days till Christmas.

We've had ours for a week.

It's a family tradition.

We always wait two days before Christmas,

that way you get the freshest tree.

I mean, it's a family tradition.

We always wait until two days before Christmas,

that way we always get the freshest tree.

Dad, these trees don't look too healthy.

You should have been here a week ago,

we had lots of healthy trees.

Look at this, the needles are brown.

We've had a long, hot dry spell.

Okay, we spray them with water every day,

but there's only so much you can do.

The sun just wilts 'em.

(sighing): Come on, Brandon.

We'll go somewhere else.

You're not going to do better then here.

It's the same all over.

We'll see.

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Don't worry, we'll get a great tree, you'll see.

("Jingle Bells" playing)

It's 90 degrees here.

Yes, that's right, you heard me. 9-0.

I mean, I'm sitting here in my shorts.

It is?

It's really snowing?

You're gonna have a white Christmas.

Oh, well, that's what I miss the most.

(horn beeping)

Mom, I got to go, that's Jim and Brandon with the tree.

Well, yes, of course we still have Christmas trees here.

I'll call you later. Listen, give my love to Dad.

Bye-bye.

Come on, Brandon, lift.

I am lifting, Dad.

Let me see. Let me see.

Oh, easy, easy.

Jim, what happened to the tree?

I mean, it's, it's, it's...

I think the word you're looking for is "dead," Mom.

Oh, it's not really dead... it's-it's just kind of wilted.

What do you mean, wilted?

I mean couldn't you find a green tree?

Well, not in this heat.

And not when you go to buy it two days before Christmas.

Come on, it's not really that bad.

(laughing): Oh, yes, it is, Jim, I'm sorry,

but yes it is that bad.

Well, what do you want me to do about it?

Oh, I knew we should have gone back to my mother's.

JIM: Oh, Cindy, we did that last year.

All of us crammed into your parents' house?

Well, at least the trees are green,

and there's snow on the ground.

Honey, we live here now.

We can't keep running back to Minneapolis every Christmas.

I mean, I can't even cook.

I mean, who wants to eat in this heat?

Let's not get crazy now, Mom, okay?

JIM: Now, come on.

It'll be a fine Christmas, you'll see.

We've got to do something about this tree.

Brandon, what are you doing?

Uh, Brenda, you weren't supposed to see this.

Why are you spray painting our Christmas tree?

Well...

Oh, that's looking much better.

Yeah, hang a little tinsel on it,

you won't be able to tell the difference.

Well, Christmas in Beverly Hills.

I mean, it's not natural.

I don't know, it seemed pretty natural

to the hordes of shoppers that were in the store today.

Oh, how was the job?

Exhausting, but I made some good sales.

I might be able to actually buy you guys

something nice this year.

Oh, well, honey,

it's the thought that counts.

You tell her, Mom.

Yes, but good presents never hurt.

Right, Mom? I'm sure you guys understand the importance

of the giving spirit of Christmastime.

Well, frankly, I'm having a hard time

thinking about Christmas at all.

It feels like the middle of August.

Next year, we'll get a fake one.

Was that Cindy Walsh or Ebenezer Scrooge?

Well, Mom's just having a little trouble adjusting to Christmas

here in sunny Southern California.

You got to admit, it does take some getting used to.

(sighs)

So, what do you think?

It's the thought that counts.

("Joy to the World" plays)

You guys are so Christmassy.

What do you mean?

The lights on the house, the big tree,

all these old-fashioned ornaments

that have probably been in your family for generations.

Kelly, they were giving these away

last year at Jack-in-the-Box.

Oh.

Is there something wrong with this tree?

No, why do you say that?

I don't know, it's like a funky color.

It just got warped by the heat, that's all.

Spray paint.

McKay, shut up and keep trimming.

Still suffering a little geographic dislocation?

I guess so.

We'll get used to it.

I thought we had.

Listen, why don't we have

a Minneapolis Christmas right here?

Invite all the kids' friends over for Christmas Eve.

Start a new tradition.

We could do that.

Yeah, I bet a few of those kids out there

would love to be part of a real family Christmas.

Oh, my God, I don't believe it!

Oh, how cute.

Uh, those are from when we were little, guys.

I haven't seen those in years.

Oh! And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

in hopes that Saint Nick would soon be there.

Kelly, please put those away.

Cold apple cider.

Ah, I'll go for that, thanks, Mom.

Well, you guys just couldn't wait

to get up those stockings, huh?

DYLAN: Busted.

Well, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Listen, everybody.

You know, back in Minneapolis,

we always had these huge Christmas Eve dinners.

We'd invite our whole family and friends,

and we'd exchange gifts and sing carols

and they always ended up in this huge snowball fight

out in the backyard.

Well, anyway, um, we're going to skip the snowball

fight this year, but in honor of our first Beverly Hills Christmas,

I want to invite everyone to spend Christmas Eve here,

with your families,

and so we can begin a new tradition.

Hey, come on, it'll be fun.

Uh, well, I-I'd love to, Mrs. Walsh,

but we're all going skiing in Mammoth over Christmas.

Oh, well, that's terrific.

What about you, Kelly?

Well...

for the first time since I can ever remember,

my mom is going to make Christmas dinner at our house.

We're having it with David Silver and his dad.

Really? Your mother's cooking?

I'm afraid so.

But she's happy about it, I mean...

it's weird.

Oh, it's wonderful.

What about you, Dylan?

I assume you're gonna spend Christmas with us.

Actually, I'm gonna go and visit my dad.

You are? I thought you were having dinner with us.

Well, yeah, Bren, but I mean...

my dad's alone in jail and it is Christmas Eve.

Of course, Dylan. I mean, of course you have to be with him.

Thank you, though, for the invite.

Hey, wait a second, what about Steve?

I knew somebody

was missing.

Uh, you guys, Steve went to find his mother.

What?

I thought his mother lived here.

No...

supposedly she lives somewhere in New Mexico.

His real mother, that is.

Steve's adopted.

I didn't know that.

Yeah, she told him to go for it, if it's what he had to do.

Well, it's not as easy as it sounds. I mean...

most parents who give their kids up for adoption

don't necessarily want to be found.

Well, I guess that's just something Steve

will have to deal with,

that is, of course, assuming he can find her.

Brandon, I mean...

does he even know her name?

STEVE: All I know is that my mother's

name was Karen Brown and I was born May 15,

17 years ago.

Are you sure it was this hospital?

No... but it was this town.

Then it was probably here.

Can I see some identification, please?

Yeah, sure.

I don't know how I've gotten along this far

without having a copy of my birth certificate.

I'll be right back.

(sighs)

WOMAN (over P.A.): Dr. Rosen, Dr. Rosen,

please call your office.

Is that it?

It appears so.

Can I have it?

I didn't realize you were under 18.

Under the circumstances, I'm going to have to request

written permission from your mother

before I can relinquish the record.

Oh, you can't be serious.

I'm afraid so.

Look, Sister...

I've traveled a long way to be here... by bus, okay?

So why don't we make one little exception to the rule?

And it'll be our little secret, okay?

I'm sorry.

Come back after your parent has signed this form.

If I knew who my real parent was, I wouldn't be here.

Okay...

suppose I made a little donation to your favorite charity.

Yeah.

I should've known you guys

aren't the types to go for bribes.

WOMAN (over P.A): Dr. Morgan, please report to Emergency.

You can look at it.

WOMAN (over P.A.): Dr. Patrick, report to Reception Area 2.

But I can't let it leave this counter.

Thank you, Sister. Believe me, He'd be pleased.

(chuckles)

(papers rustling)

"Steven Brown. Born the 15 of May

in Albuquerque, New Mexico. to Karen Brown."

This is it.

Look, this is me!

I really was born here.

Mother's mailing address. You don't mind if I write this down, do you?

"5595 Navajo Trail."

Merry Christmas, Sister.

I won't forget you for this.

Merry Christmas.

Order's up, Brandon!

C'mon, Nat, give me a break.

Christmas spirit, huh?

It always goes south around cold burgers.

Come on, move, move. Yeah.

(sighs)

♪ You brought me joy at Christmastime ♪

♪ A world free of trouble... ♪

Well, sir, what can I get for you?

How about a nice cup of java... on the house?

On the house. That'd be nice.

I'm kinda busted.

Okay, sure.

I'm kinda hungry, too.

Let me see what I can do. Oh, okay.

Hey, Nat, um...

you think we can rustle something up for the old guy over there?

I think he's homeless, and...

you know, tomorrow's Christmas.

Geez, it's already starting.

What are you talking about?

Well, every Christmas I open up the Peach Pit

and serve free dinners.

But it looks like they're starting to flood in early.

Why didn't you tell me?

You spend Christmas with your family.

No, no way, forget it, I'll be here. What time?

Noon. But you don't have to.

Nat, what am I gonna do, abandon you on Christmas?

I'll be here, all right?

Okay. So what do I tell him?

Uh...

get him the special.

But that's it, no substitutions.

Okay, Nat. I got something to show you.

Here you go, sir. Oh, thanks.

I got some food coming for you, too.

Oh, that'll be nice.

Ta-da!

I wear it every year.

That's great. I bet you make a great Santa Claus.

What's that supposed to mean?

(ding) Saved by the bell. Order's up.

C'mon, enough of this Christmas cheer.

Let's go.

Get that table, please. BRANDON: Okay.

♪ Your heart, that's where the Christmas spirit is... ♪

This is it.

Wait a minute...

this can't be it!

DRIVER: 5595

Navajo Trail.

But I'm looking for a house.

Oh, there used to be

some houses there.

But that was a long time ago.

Could you just take me back to my hotel?

("The First Noel" plays)

(indistinct chatter)

Hey, chief.

Hi, Brandon. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

So, what can I do you for?

Maybe a slice of that peach pie.

Uh-oh. Sounds like trouble.

The only time you come in here and eat pie is when you're depressed.

What's the matter, Andrea, you miss school already?

Don't worry, we'll be back at school in a week

and the paper will still be there.

That's not it, Brandon.

Well, then what is it?

Oh, it's all this Christmas stuff.

Christmas is bumming you out?

We don't celebrate Christmas, Brandon.

We don't celebrate Hanukkah, either.

My parents think it's easier that way.

You know, just kind of ignore both,

as if that is remotely possible.

So don't feel left out. Why don't you come over to my house tonight?

My mom makes a killer Christmas dinner, she's dying for company.

I can't, I already promised my grandma

I'd go to the movies with her.

She loves going on Christmas Eve, there are never any lines.

So bring her with you.

I don't know.

Christmas isn't exactly her kind of thing.

(imitating Grandma's accent): You know what I mean?

NAT: Excuse me...

Brandon, have you seen my Santa outfit?

Yeah, you were just showing it to me over here a second ago.

I brought it out,

an order came up...

and I put it down... now it's gone.

Nat, be real, who would steal a Santa Claus outfit?

Merry Christmas, Miss!

Merry Christmas to you!

Merry, ho, ho, ho!

Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas!

Take one home for the little one. Merry Christmas.

Here, take!

Ho, Ho, Ho!

BRENDA: Okay, there you go.

How's that? Perfect.

Thank you. You're welcome.

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas to you.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Here Brenda, take care of this.

I gotta kick this nut out of here.

Be nice.

"Nice"?

After all, he is Santa Claus.

SANTA: Merry Christmas.

Oh, ho, ho.

I should send some of these designs home to my elves.

Very funny. Would you mind leaving, please?

Aren't you in need of some

Christmas cheer?

All I'm in need of is a security guard

to keep nutcases like you out of here.

Now, good-bye.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

("God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" plays

WOMAN: Hello.

Hello. I'm looking for Karen Brown,

or a relative of Karen Brown.

Who?

Yeah, she gave birth to a son...

a baby boy about 17 years ago and...

Sorry. Wrong number.

Hello?

Jerk.

WOMAN: Hello?

Yeah, hi. I'm looking for Karen Brown

or a relative of Karen Brown's, uh...

Yeah, she gave birth to a son, about 17 years ago...

A baby boy... Karen Brown... or a relative of

Karen Brown's...

MAN: Uh-huh. We'll think about that.

Yeah, she gave birth to a son about 17 years ago.

Uh, not around here.

No, I didn't think you would.

Well, you have yourself a Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you, too.

Here you go. Oh, great, thank you.

Dylan.

I thought you had left.

What, are you kidding? Without saying good-bye?

Hey, is it totally unprofessional

to kiss you at work? Yes, it is.

Who cares?

It's Christmas.

And where did you get this?

Some crazy old Santa Claus outside was handing them out.

Probably poison.

Oh, now that's the Christmas spirit.

Tell me, Bren, what is the "Christmas spirit," anyway?

Go outside. People are shoving each other on the sidewalk.

They're fighting for parking spaces

to go spend money that they don't even have.

For what?

Everybody's forgotten what it's all about,

if they even knew to begin with.

Well, I haven't.

No, I bet that you haven't.

So, Merry Christmas, Bren.

Should I open it now?

Yeah, whenever. Now.

Dylan, it's beautiful.

Where's the other half?

It's right here with me.

Dylan, I love it.

And I love you.

I know.

I love you, too, Bren.

I wish you didn't have to go.

Yeah, well...

I know we've had our differences and they have been major, but...

I just can't stand the thought of my dad

spending Christmas Eve alone in a jail.

I could go with you.

No.

You gotta spend Christmas with your family, Bren.

Besides, it's the first time I've seen him

since he's been in there and...

WOMAN: Excuse me, Miss?

Is this going to go on sale

the day after Christmas?

Well, I don't really know. Merry Christmas, Bren.

You know, last year, BRENDA: Merry Christmas.

I bought this gorgeous

but outrageously expensive leather jacket here

two days before Christmas.

I come back a few days later only to notice

that you have slashed all the prices 40 %.

Now, I don't think that's fair, do you?

I would like to buy the blouse now.

If I buy it now, I should get the sale price,

because after Christmas it's gonna be on sale.

Hello, uh, I'm looking for Karen Brown

or a relative of Karen Brown.

She gave birth to a baby boy 17 years ago.

MAN: Who is this?

What do you want?

Someone who needs to talk to her.

This is very important. Is she there?

(click)

Hello? Hello?

(dial tone)

Mom...

nothing's happening.

Trust me, they're going to get stiff.

When?

Patience.

Please. Who died and made you

Julia Child?

You haven't touched a spatula in ten years.

(sizzling) Oh, my God!

What?

Damn.

There goes the cream of carrot soup.

(chuckles)

You know, Kel,

it makes me a little nervous to say this,

but the way things are going with Mel,

I may even start cooking more often.

Good.

I think you need the practice.

Ha ha ha.

But seriously,

I think it's important that you realize

how, well, important Mel is becoming to me.

And vice versa, I hope.

I think after six months, I'm beginning to get the idea.

You know, it's really the first

totally healthy relationship I can ever remember.

And on top of everything else,

there is still that passion.

About life, I mean.

I'm happy if you're happy.

Thank you, sweetie.

Mom, look!

They're getting stiff.

I told you.

How weird.

(doorbell ringing) Oh.

Keep beating.

Coming!

Merry Christmas.

Mel! How sweet.

I'm not expecting you for another few hours.

I know, I know.

I just came early to drop those off.

Mmm, they're gorgeous.

Come on, I want to put them in some water.

Uh, Jackie, wait.

What is it?

I can't...

Uh, I mean, David and I can't come tonight.

What?!

Why?!

Well, it's hard to explain.

No, it's not really.

Sheila, David's mom...

Your wife.

My soon to be ex-wife.

Anyway, it's the first Christmas we've been apart.

She doesn't want David to come here, she wants him home.

Well, that's understandable.

But what about you?

She wants me home, too.

Just for Christmas, because she's depressed.

Well, I can understand how she feels.

Pretty terrible, really.

You should have heard her on the phone.

I'm a little worried.

Frankly, Mel, I'm finding it

a little hard right now to sympathize with Sheila.

I'm not asking you to.

Good.

Because not only have I been knocking myself out here

trying to figure out how to make a Christmas dinner

for all of us to enjoy together,

but it also appears that I've been making

a total fool of myself for the last six months!

Jackie, that's not true.

Now, we're talking about one night.

Yeah, sure, one night that just happens to be Christmas Eve!

Mel,

I took you seriously.

I let down walls that have been up longer than I can remember.

I talked to my daughter about us.

I made up silly plans for us.

I...

Oh, forget it. Here. No.

What do you want, me to stare at these

all night and think about you?

MEL: Jackie, you're overreacting.

JACKIE: I don't think so!

Merry Christmas.

My best to your family.

Merry Christmas.

(door closes)

Oh, God, Kel.

(groans)

I feel so stupid!

Excuse me?

Yeah?

Is this your place?

Well, yes, it is.

I'm the guy who called a little while ago.

Oh, yeah?

Well, I don't want to talk to you.

Please, I need your help.

I need to find Karen Brown.

Just what are you after, kid?

Do you know her or not?

Yes, I know her! I'm her father!

I'm her son.

Well, then...

why don't we go

and sit down?

Hi, Brenda.

Kelly. What's wrong?

Everything is a mess.

You know that big dinner my mom and I were making

for David and his dad?

Your mom forgot to defrost the turkey.

No.

You're not gonna believe this.

But David's dad came over and told my mom

that he wants to spend Christmas with his wife.

Oh, your poor mom.

She likes him so much.

I'm not sure why, but she does.

She doesn't even want to talk to him now.

Maybe if I buy her another present,

she'll feel better, you think?

Can I use your discount?

Sure.

But do you really think that's gonna help?

I just, I hate the thought of us

spending Christmas Eve alone.

I'm afraid she'll get all depressed

and start drinking or something.

Why don't you two come over?

Are you sure?

I mean, it's such short notice.

Who cares?

We'd love to have you.

Thanks.

Hey, what are friends for at Christmastime?

See you later.

Be there at 7:00.

Okay. We'll bring dessert.

My mom made this incredible chocolate mousse.

You will not believe it.

Ho ho ho.

Hi. Merry Christmas.

Been a good girl this year?

Unfortunately. Have you?

Definitely.

Can't fool Santa.

I thought I asked you to stay out of here.

We were just having some fun.

These young ladies were in need of some Christmas cheer.

Oh, well, I'm sure you know just how to give it to them.

Listen, why don't you take your big white beard

and your little red suit right across the street

and cheer up the security guards over at Tiffany's, hmm?

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Creep.

Hi. I'm here to see Emily Valentine.

And your name? Brandon Walsh.

All right, sign here,

and I'll see if she's in her room. Thanks.

Brandon!

Hi, Em.

What are you doing here?

I look a mess.

No, you don't.

You look great.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Well, if you had any ideas I was crazy,

I guess they're confirmed now, huh?

I tried calling, you know.

I know.

My doctor thought it was best

I stay out of touch for a while.

Should I leave?

No.

It's nice to see you.

Look, I just want to say I'm sorry for all the stuff...

Emily, I didn't come here for that.

This place has been really good for me.

Some people have a lot of stuff going on in their heads

they spend their whole lives not dealing with.

I'm gonna know myself really well

by the time I leave this place.

When's that gonna be?

Soon.

I may actually even go home tomorrow

for Christmas dinner.

It's going back to school

that's gonna be the real challenge.

Maybe Andrea can write an article,

"Nutcase Returns to West Beverly."

(chuckles)

No, I don't think so.

Open it.

Come on.

Oh, my God.

Your favorite shirt.

Finally, it's mine!

I figured if you wanted it that badly...

(chuckles)

You're not getting it back, you know.

Read the card.

"Merry Christmas from all of your good friends

"at West Beverly: Brandon, Brenda, Dylan, Kelly,

Steve, Andrea, Donna and David."

They all would have been here, except you have

this ridiculously restrictive visitors policy.

Thank you, Brandon.

Hey.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

(doorbell ringing)

I'll get it.

What are you doing here?

Uh, since I'm not gonna see you tonight,

I just wanted to give you your gift.

And what makes you so sure I'd want a present from you?

It's not my fault, Kelly.

Don't you think this is as bad for me as it is for you?

What do you mean?

Being caught in the middle like this.

My mom using me as an excuse to get my dad

over for Christmas.

Oh, and how do you think we feel, David,

being dumped on Christmas Eve?

Look, I'm sorry.

I like your mom.

And I really wanted to spend Christmas with you guys.

I thought you wanted your parents to get back together.

Well, I do.

But I just didn't want to see any...

I didn't want to see you and your mom get hurt.

I'm not my dad, you know.

I know.

Still friends?

I guess.

Wait a second.

I have something for you.

Uh, don't open that

in front of your mom. Why?

It vibrates.

David, you...!

I'm just kidding! It's a joke, it's a joke!

I swear, I'm just kidding.

My name's Al.

I'm Steve.

I know your name. I helped name you.

You did?

I did.

So, does Karen, my mom, does she live around here?

Not anymore.

Is she married?

She was.

You think she'd be happy to meet me?

I think she'd be, yes.

Why did she give me up?

Well, your mother was very young when you were born, Steve.

Still in high school.

Didn't have a husband.

She wanted a home for her baby,

a family to love him and take care of him.

I tended to agree with her.

So, what'd she do after high school?

She went to college in Albuquerque.

Met a nice young man, got married.

That's why I couldn't find her name in the book--

she's changed it.

That's it. To Mulligan.

Does she ever talk about me, or think about me?

I'm sure, in her private moments she did.

But not around her family.

Can I have her number, Al?

I don't know why,

but I've got this strong feeling

that I should be with her at Christmas.

I've got to meet her.

I've got to know who my real mother is.

Well, that's gonna be kind of tough.

You see in the first place, when she gave you up,

she made it pretty final.

That's why she picked a good home.

Has it been a good home, Steve?

Well, yeah.

Good.

That's the way it looks to me.

But if I could talk to her, Al,

like I'm talking to you here now...

I'm sure she could handle it.

I'm her son.

She died, Steve.

Karen's dead.

What?!

A real bad auto accident, not far from here.

Oh, my God.

I'm sorry.

I'm sure she would have liked to have seen you.

But she's gone.

("Silent Night" playing)

Hey, Dad.

Hey, Brandon.

All right, the surprise is all in place.

I'm just worried that it's gonna make Mom

more homesick than anything.

Oh, don't worry about your mother, she's gonna be fine.

Especially after she sees what I got her for Christmas. (doorbell ringing)

I'll get it.

I hope you guys like turkey,

there's gonna be leftovers for months.

Hi. I'm Samantha Sanders.

Steve's mom.

Oh, oh, yes, of course.

I'm sorry.

Please come in.

Oh, merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

I'm sorry, but you look just like you do on TV.

Oh, God, I hope not.

Oh, no, I mean you look wonderful.

Thank you.

I'm sorry to disturb you.

I wondered if you had heard anything from Steve.

No, I haven't.

Uh, Brandon, have you heard anything from Steve?

Uh, no.

I haven't heard a word for four days.

Finally, today I just couldn't stand it anymore.

I called the police.

They're going to file a missing persons report in a few hours.

I suppose he told you where he was going.

Yeah, he did.

I never should have let him go.

But he was so adamant, so insistent

on finding his real mother,

that I thought standing in his way

would only make things worse.

What an idiot.

I'm sure he'll call tonight,

or tomorrow at the latest.

It's not like Steve to not call you

on Christmas.

I can't believe it, either.

Nobody celebrates Christmas like I do.

When Steve was little, he used to have so many presents to open

that by the time he got through them all

he was too exhausted to play with anything.

Maybe that's it.

Maybe I gave him too many presents.

Because whatever I did, it just backfired.

That's not true.

I know Steve-- he's a wonderful boy.

He's funny and warm.

You had everything to do with that.

Maybe.

Look, I don't want to burden you with this on Christmas Eve.

You'll let me know if he calls, won't you?

I'll just be at home. CAROL: No you won't.

You're staying right here for Christmas.

No, I couldn't.

I really should be there in case he calls.

Please. I insist.

Just for dinner.

All right.

It'll be nice to be with a friend of my son's.

You bet.

I always thought if I met my real mom,

maybe things would be different,

that I'd figure out where I fit in.

It was a tough decision she made, giving up her baby.

I just wish I would have known her, or at least met her.

Well, she's part of you.

She's in you.

So maybe in 50 years I'll look like you, huh?

If you're lucky.

You know, I never did have a grandfather.

Would you be my grandfather, Al?

It'll be my pleasure.

And we'll keep in touch.

I'll send you cards

and maybe someday you'll come visit me in L.A.

Sure thing.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you.

Do you think you can give me a ride to the airport?

I think I better be getting home now.

I'll be glad to.

("Deck the Halls" playing)

You did great today, Brenda, just great.

Well, merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Okay, we'll see you, bye. Bye.

Come on, let me see some I. D.

I don't have any I.D.

Where do you live? North Pole.

OFFICER: Smart. You got a place to live, pal?

Why don't you take a bus to the shelter downtown?

You can get a free meal there tonight.

'Cause you can't be hangin' around here.

Merry Christmas.

Look, jerk, we're not fooling around here.

What's going on here?

Don't worry about it.

I know this guy.

You do?

Yeah, he's Santa Claus.

We have a complaint from a store over here

that he's been hassling shoppers.

Has he been bothering you?

No, in fact, I work there and that's not true at all.

Look, I didn't know the police were in the habit

of hassling Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.

Look, it's not that way at all.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Do you have anywhere to go tonight?

Oh, I have many houses to visit.

Well, would you like to visit mine?

Oh... I mean, I'm sure my mother wouldn't mind.

Actually, she might, but she'll get over it.

I just hate to see a Santa Claus alone on Christmas Eve.

Could my reindeer wait for me on your roof?

Absolutely, just try and use the door.

My dad has this thing about strange men

sliding down our chimney.

(laughing)

What can I do?

Oh, why don't you just go in the living room and relax?

No, really. I'd like to help.

Merry Christmas.

Merry... Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Jim Walsh.

Saint Nick.

Saint Nick?

Dad, uh, do you guys mind if he stays for dinner?

Brenda, who is he?

Well, I sort of found him outside the store.

I felt really bad for him.

He's this really sweet guy and he has nowhere to go tonight.

Excuse us.

Uh, me, too.

Oh, hi.

Merry Christmas.

Brenda, you can't just bring

some strange guy off the street home for dinner.

Why not?

Look, it is Christmas. And he is Santa Claus.

Well, who knows who's lurking under that beard?

My instincts tell me that he's harmless.

Oh, that makes me feel a lot better.

(doorbell ringing)

Oh, I'll get it.

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!

Why, Jackie, Kelly, what a surprise.

Brenda, you didn't tell your mom we were coming?

I haven't gotten around to it yet.

Is it all right?

Oh, of course, of course.

I just thought you were having Christmas dinner with Mel.

Mel? Mel who?

What happened?

Mel decided to spend Christmas Eve

with his ex at the last minute.

I'm sorry.

I have survived worse.

Oh! Okay, two more for dinner.

Three.

All right, three.

All right.

Oh, it's beginning to feel like a real Christmas.

Hey.

Hey.

Merry Christmas.

I need to charter a plane.

Oh, sorry. I'm just closing up here.

I've checked all the airlines.

Every flight to L.A. is booked solid through tomorrow.

I've got to get home tonight.

This is an emergency.

Wish I could help you, but uh, this is Christmas Eve.

Obviously, I've got places to go.

Come on, look, it's a quick hop to L.A.

You'll be home before you know it.

Uh... I'd like to, but, uh...

Please, you've got to help me.

I'm desperate. I'll pay anything.

Look, if this isn't enough, I'll mail you a check

for more.

Whoa... whoa... hold

on there now. (clearing throat)

Let me think, uh...

um...

PILOT: Now, Dasher, now, Dancer, now, Prancer and Vixen...

STEVE: Could you take it easy with the reindeer stuff, huh?

You're beginning to make me nervous.

PILOT: On, Comet, on, Cupid, on, Donner and Blitzen...

("Deck the Halls" playing)

(indistinct chatter)

Help yourself, everybody.

There's more than plenty.

Oh my, God, Cindy, this all looks incredible.

You mean tastes incredible.

I haven't seen a Christmas dinner like this in a long time.

Can I take your sack?

Oh, no, no, no, no.

I'll just hang on to it, if it's all the same to you.

(doorbell rings) Oh, I'll get it. I mean...

Oh, well, let's both get it.

(laughs)

Merry Christmas.

Andrea, how nice to see you.

Well, I told Brandon I might drop by.

Oh! Here.

My grandmother made you a brisket.

Oh, thank you.

Oh, I'm sorry, Andrea.

This is Mrs. Sanders.

Steve's mom.

I've heard a lot about you.

You have?

Excuse me.

Andrea! Hi, Brandon.

I'm glad you could make it.

Well, I've never been

to a real Christmas dinner before

and I'm dying to try some of that plum pudding.

Ugh!

I hate plum pudding!

Hey, everybody, look who's here!

Merry Christmas.

(all talking at once)

(cell door slams)

Merry Christmas.

And merry Christmas to you!

Ho, ho, ho!

Merry Christmas.

Yeah, Merry Christmas.

And who are you here to visit?

My father.

Ah, well, good luck, son.

And Merry Christmas.

Dylan...

What a great surprise.

Here, I, uh, I got you some stuff.

It's not a lot.

I thought it would keep you entertained in here.

Thanks for coming.

I just guess I never expected to see you here.

Why?

Well, because I just figured that, uh,

that you kind of hated me right about now.

No.

No, I don't hate you, Dad.

But when I think about all

the Christmases that I spent alone with the maid

while you were off in the Bahamas

or skiing or somewhere with one of your girlfriends...

I guess I finally wanted you to know what it was like

to be lonely at Christmas.

And I remembered how much it hurt

as much as I wanted to.

I just couldn't leave you

hanging on Christmas Eve.

Yeah.

Well, you know something, son,

I, you know, sometimes I think of this place like a, a monastery

and I'm this monk because all I do is

think and read

and eat bad food.

I always used to hate people who meditated.

Yeah, like Mom.

Yes, yes, it always drove me crazy.

I thought it was weak.

But I guess that's

what I do now. I meditate.

And I think about you, Dylan, and what a strong son I have,

who's out there in the world all alone

just like I was.

And here I thought it was supposed to get better,

you know, the next generation.

Yeah, I thought so, too.

Yeah.

You'll make things better, Dylan.

You are already making things better.

There's some food in there.

It's nothing fancy.

Maybe we could, uh, have dinner.

Do you still have

that girlfriend?

Brenda.

Yes, I do.

Well, you go have Christmas with her, Dylan.

Why?

Because you have given me

probably the greatest Christmas present

that I could ever ask for.

More than I deserve.

Now you go make yourself happy.

Dad, I'm here for you.

Bren's got her own family.

I don't want you to be alone.

Hey...

I'm not alone anymore.

Merry Christmas, son.

Merry Christmas, Dad.

So, Andrea, Hmm?

what'd you think of your first Christmas dinner?

Now you have to try Hanukah.

Did you make this? Yes.

That was a wonderful dinner, Cindy.

Thank you.

Santa never goes anywhere

without generously rewarding his host.

Well, no, that's really not necessary.

No, no, no, I insist.

Where did you get this?

From my little elves, of course.

Go on, open it.

("Joy to the World" plays)

Oh, it's, it's beautiful.

(chuckles)

What's this?

A gift from Santa.

Ah.

And this one's for you.

For me? Mm-hmm.

They're beautiful.

Mom, Dad, look.

Wow. Tiffany.

I don't know if we can accept this gift.

Of course we can.

And, uh, let me see here, this one's for you.

Oh, I, I couldn't.

Well, of course you could!

Santa has something for everybody.

I don't know what to say. Oh...

We sell those in my store.

You know, I hate to say this,

but Brenda finds this homeless man on the street...

With a bag full of expensive merchandise.

(doorbell rings)

Excuse me.

I'm going to go count the silver.

(indistinct voices)

Hi, I'm Mel Silver.

I think you know my son.

Yes, of course.

Come on in. Hi, David.

Hi, Mrs. Walsh.

Uh, is Jackie here?

Hello, Mel.

Could I talk to you alone?

Excuse me.

MEL: I'm really sorry, Jackie.

I screwed up, I really blew it.

You sure did.

I made a stupid, stupid mistake.

I just want to...

I thought she was in trouble,

that I owed it to her to be there.

But you can't hold on forever.

There's a point where when you separate,

you just gotta really separate.

I'm sorry it didn't work out for you.

I never went.

I just drove around,

torturing myself, feeling like a jerk

until it hit me.

You're the one I want to be with, Jackie.

I love you.

I'm really in love with you, Jackie.

("Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" plays)

What happened?

Uh, well, he thought my mom was in trouble

and he owed it to her to be there,

but he can't hold on forever.

There's a point where when you separate,

you just gotta separate.

So he never went.

He drove around for a little while

torturing himself, feeling like a jerk.

And then it hit him.

MEL: Okay, David. That's enough.

Merry Christmas, Kelly.

Merry Christmas, David.

(doorbell rings)

I'll get it.

Wha... what are you doing here?

What are you doing here?

Well, there was no snow in Mammoth, so we came home.

Oh, my goodness.

And I thought we were just going

to have a quiet little Christmas.

Oh, well, I can leave if you want.

Oh, don't be ridiculous, Donna.

Just go on in and join the party.

I've just gotta go upstairs

and check on something.

Hi.

Hi.

Excuse me.

I don't believe this!

Vintage World War I dog tags.

Outstanding!

Thank you.

You're welcome.

BOTH: Merry Christmas.

ALL: Merry Christmas!

What are you guys doing here?

Uh, no snow and they're back together.

Donna, you'd better watch

where you're standing there. Why?

Merry Christmas.

Well... (all chuckling)

Merry Christmas.

Look, everyone,

I hate to be the first to leave a really good party,

but I should be going home.

I understand.

Good night, everyone.

ALL: Good night. Bye, Mrs. Sanders. Merry Christmas.

SANTA: Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas.

Are you sure that there's nothing we can do?

Just pray that he's okay.

Say good night to Cindy for me.

And thank you for being there.

My son has some wonderful friends.

CINDY: Jim, come up here quick!

Excuse me.

What is it?

Well, he didn't touch the silver,

but he's taken my engagement ring!

Are, are you sure? I'm positive!

I came up here to check the jewelry, and it's gone.

Well, is anything else missing?

No!

Brenda brings some eccentric street person into our home

carrying a bag full of, of presents

from the most expensive stores in Beverly Hills.

And well, I'm sorry, as much as I would love

to believe in Santa Claus,

I'm beginning to find it all very suspicious.

What are you doing?

I'm calling the police.

I'm sorry, Jim, but it's our own fault, really.

I mean we're just too generous, too trusting, too naive.

I mean, we've got to learn to be a little street smart.

What are you doing?

What's this?

Well, open it.

I was going to wait till tomorrow.

But, uh, under the circumstances...

My ring!

But, but, when did you...?

I took it to the jeweler to have it reset over a week ago.

(laughing): I didn't even notice it was gone.

I only took it off 'cause the stone was loose.

I hardly recognize it.

It's just gorgeous!

Well, when I asked you to marry me, I couldn't afford much,

so I always promised myself that if I ever had the money,

I'd make up for it and give you something special.

Oh, Jim, you didn't have to.

But I love it.

And I love you.

And I love you, too.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, sweetheart.

Oh, I feel like such a grinch.

Why?

Suspecting that poor, sweet man of stealing my jewelry.

I don't blame you.

He is a little hard to figure out.

Let's not try.

I mean just for tonight,

I'm going to stay naive and pretend

that people are honest and it's a safe world we live in.

And there really is a Santa Claus.

And he's sitting in our living room right now.

Why not?

I mean, he's got to spend Christmas Eve somewhere.

(TV playing in distance)

Steve?

Steve?

Steve.

Mom! Where have you been?

Where have I been?

I've been waiting an hour for you to come home.

You don't know what it took for me to get here.

And I don't think you're going to be too happy

when you find out how much it cost.

Oh, hush up and hug me.

I'm sorry, Mom.

I know.

But you're here now.

I had to do it.

I had to find out who my real mom was.

And... was she everything you expected?

Everything and more.

I see.

Let me tell you about her.

She's... she's beautiful.

And she's caring.

And she created me out of her love.

17 years of it.

And with her busy life,

she always made sure I was as happy as I could be.

She always tried to show me to do the right thing.

(sighs)

She was always there for me when I didn't.

Gave me everything I ever wanted,

probably more than I deserved.

And no matter what,

she always let me know how much she loved me.

I'm sorry I had to go so far away to find you, Mom.

Oh, gorgeous.

I'm just so glad you're back.

And I promise you one thing.

What's that?

I'll never leave you on Christmas again.

(laughs)

Well, I think I've been a pretty good girl.

Wouldn't you say, Bren?

More or less.

But, I, uh... I'm really not into Christmas.

I mean, I like it.

It just... it kind of bums me out.

Why is that?

Well, you know how Christmas

is always everybody's favorite holiday

except their own birthday?

Well, my birthday is on Christmas,

and nobody ever remembers.

I mean, they always give me Christmas presents

and call them birthday presents, or give me birthday presents

and call them Christmas presents.

And I never get a cake or my own party. Oh...

ALL: Aw!

♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

♪ Happy birthday, dear Donna ♪

♪ Happy birthday to you. ♪

(Andrea sings high note)

(doorbell chimes)

I'll get it.

Who's next?

Andrea. Andrea.

Come on, Andrea. Come on.

Santa's a nice man.

Merry Christmas, Bren.

Dylan, I can't believe you're here!

How's your dad?

Um...

he's good.

He's doing real good.

It's nice to see the Christmas spirit

finally penetrate a McKay.

Mom, Dad, guess who's here!

JIM: We see.

Oh... Merry Christmas, Dylan.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, sir.

Merry Christmas, Dylan.

Even when I was a little girl, I didn't believe in Santa Claus.

You know, I thought it was pointless to ask for anything.

We didn't have a chimney or Christmas tree,

but I don't know, somehow sitting here makes me...

What the hell? You know what I really want?

I want a computer date book, I want bubble bath...

Hey, everybody, look who's here.

Hi, Dylan! Merry Christmas

BRANDON: Merry Christmas, man. How's the old man?

Didn't I see you somewhere earlier today, Santa?

I don't think so-- I've been here the whole evening.

Just who are you, anyway?

What's wrong?

Doesn't anybody believe in Santa anymore?

Oh, come on. This is Beverly Hills.

There's a Santa lurking around every corner.

You just have to know where to find him.

Kelly.

I wanted to know what happened to the magic of Christmas.

I didn't believe it existed anymore.

You see, for over 40 years,

Mrs. Claus and I lived in a big house high up on the hill,

and she made the most wonderful

Christmas dinner.

We had a big tree, with loads of presents

for lots of little elves.

But the elves grew up,

and they moved away-- some of them far away--

and had elves of their own.

Santa used to visit them UPS,

and Mrs. Claus always always made sure

they got their gifts on time.

And even though it was only she and Santa

left in this big house,

she still made the most splendid Christmas

dinners.

But last year, Mrs. Claus died.

And as far as I was concerned,

Christmas died with her.

I wanted to pretend that Christmas didn't exist anymore,

but something inside of me

told me to go looking for it anyway.

I was beginning to believe the only place Santa belonged

in this town was in jail...

until that girl

took in a lonely old man for dinner.

Thank you, Brenda,

for making me believe again in the spirit of Christmas.

You're welcome.

(doorbell chimes)

I don't know who it could be.

Everybody we know is already here.

♪ We wish you a merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a merry Christmas ♪

♪ And a happy new year ♪

♪ Good tidings we bring to you and your kin ♪

♪ Good tidings for Christmas and a happy new year ♪

♪ We all know that Santa's coming ♪

♪ We all know that Santa's coming ♪

♪ We all know that Santa's coming ♪

♪ And soon will be here ♪

Aw, that's great.

Yeah. Happy now?

♪ Good tidings for Christmas and a happy new year ♪

♪ We wish you a merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a merry Christmas ♪

♪ And a happy new year. ♪

Hey, why don't you all come in for drink.

Uh, we have a lot of places to cover down the street.

BRANDON: Oh, hey, come on, Nat.

You guys go, and then I'll catch up with you down the street.

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.

Oh, I like that.

Merry Christmas, Nat.

Merry Christmas.

That reminds me.

I found my Santa outfit.

The busboy moved it and put it under the counter.

Cool.

Hey, come on, everyone, let's go in the living room

and sing some carols of our own.

Oh, Jim, you're not going to play the organ, are you?

As a matter of fact, I am.

(all groaning)

Give him a break, Mom.

It is the holiday season, after all.

Okay, come on, come on, come on.

All right, come on in, everyone.

Gather around.

Here we go.

All right, now, we all know this one.

(plays organ chord)

♪ I'm dreaming of a white Christmas ♪

♪ Just like the ones I used to know ♪

♪ Where the treetops glisten and children listen ♪

♪ To hear sleigh bells in the snow... ♪

Oh my God, Jim!

It's snowing!

♪ I'm dreaming of a white Christmas ♪

♪ With every ♪

♪ Christmas card I write ♪ (snowblower whirring)

♪ ...Be merry and bright ♪

♪ And may all your Christmases be white ♪

Brandon, what's going on here?

BRANDON: I don't know, man,

you tell me.

He was waiting for me when I got home,

wondering where I had been-- can you imagine?

Merry Christmas, buddy.

It's good to see you.

Good to see you, too, man.

It's great to be home, it really is.

You know what else?

What? I'm starving.

Well, come on. You came to the right place.

♪ To hear sleigh bells in the snow ♪

♪ I'm dreaming of a white Christmas ♪

♪ Just like the ones I used to know ♪

♪ Where the treetops glisten ♪

♪ And children listen ♪

♪ To hear sleigh bells in the snow ♪

♪ I'm dreaming of a white Christmas ♪

With every Christmas card I write

May your days be merry and bright

And may all your Christmases

♪ Be white. ♪

JIM: Merry Christmas, everybody!

ALL (overlapping): Merry Christmas!