Original subtitles

* Every city street *

* Would be celebrating *

* All the evergreens *

* Would be decorated *

* And there'd still be a million lights *

* There'd still be mistletoe *

* But it wouldn't feel the same *

* 'Cause all I know is... *

* Christmas isn't Christmas *

* If it's not with you *

* Red and green and silver bells *

* Would all be blue *

* 'Cause Christmas isn't Christmas *

* If it's not with you *

My father could lose his job here

if your grandmother ever found out.

I won't let that happen.

I'm, uh...

sorry I can't put this under the tree,

but, um...

Merry Christmas.

For eternity, right?

Like we promised.

I love it.

I got you a book.

It's perfect.

You and me...

...for eternity.

* Christmas isn't Christmas *

* If it's not with you *

We're the help, Austin.

Dad...

Yes, you two grew up together, but...

...we have to remember our place.

Come on.

I know you think that this is love,

but next year, when Charlotte goes away to college

and experiences the world...

that'll be the end of it.

You don't understand.

I do,

and there's no future for you two, son.

But, hey, in the Navy...

you'll have a chance, all right?

They'll pay for you to go to college--

the first in our family.

You'll get to see the world.

And-And then, you can come back here,

and continue with the horses--

if that's what you want.

Without Charlotte?

We'll all be in her rearview mirror by then.

I love her.

I know you do. But...

people like Charlotte Moorehouse,

they don't settle down with people like us.

Ever.

You understand?

Austin?

Austin?

Austin...?

Austin?

Yeah?

Any, uh...

Any updates?

Well, as you know,

we're in a bit of a holding pattern

since Mrs. Moorehouse's sudden passing,

but we should know more once her grandchildren arrive

and make some decisions about the estate.

Now, should they decide to cut and run,

you'll receive your severance and holiday bonus.

It's what Mrs. Moorehouse would've wanted.

Mm. Well, I'm thrilled to see them.

But do we know how long it will take?

Well, they need to unanimously decide

who'll take her seat on the board of H.C. Moorehouse

by 24:00 hours on December 25th,

so... it should be quick.

A "unanimous" decision,

with Henry, Benedict and Charlotte involved?

Now, you know I love them dearly, but..

I'm glad this home is insured.

Well, and, unfortunately,

I had to cancel the annual Moorehouse Christmas party,

so there's no need to finish decorating.

Okay.

But we do need to prepare the house for the family.

- Mm-hmm. - They will be arriving soon.

- Okay. - Now, look. I know

things were contentious between the siblings before,

but... maybe they'll surprise us.

Maybe!

Mom?

How will Santa find us, if we aren't home?

I've already sent an email to the North Pole, my love.

Santa knows we'll be at Moorehouse Manor.

- Okay. - Look, Cody--

I got you

an early Christmas present...

for our trip.

They are noise-reducing headphones.

No plane, right?

These are for the train

and they will help you stay nice and calm.

It's gonna be okay, honey.

He'll adapt just fine.

Yeah... he will.

Travel sometimes triggers his anxiety.

Yeah. How do you feel about going back?

I thought I'd have one last Christmas with her.

I didn't even get to say goodbye.

She was there for me and Cody when his dad left,

and I wasn't there for her in the end.

Not like Austin was.

Have you spoken to him at all?

No. When his father passed, last summer,

he went back to work for my grandmother,

but he always stayed away when I went home.

What about your brothers?

Well, I haven't spoken to them since Granny's 90th last year,

which, as you may remember,

ended with fists flying between them.

She tried to warn us about going into business together.

It was like a bad joke--

"a lawyer, a money man and a shady guy

walk into a bar--"

You're the lawyer,

and Benedict's the finance guy, so...

Okay, maybe "shady" is a bit harsh for Henry, but...

you are the company you keep.

Which is why I'm putting my foot down,

and I'm gonna be the one

to carry on our grandmother's legacy.

Her seat on the board?

I'm ready to get back to me.

This is where I show my brothers, my ex--

everyone--

what Charlotte Moorehouse is really made of.

Of course, you have to go pay your respects, darling,

and I'm sad to miss Christmas together.

Yeah.

Well, I won't be gone long, my dearest.

Don't forget to write.

You're not going off to war, Benedict.

Well, I'm gonna be with my siblings,

it's its own kind of war.

I imagine everyone will be

on their best behavior for the holidays,

in your grandmother's memory.

Well, I've been looking for something

to bring me back to the States--

this could be it.

You can't regret taking the job in London,

'cause then you never would have met me.

Ah, yeah.

Well, as my Granny said, everything has a purpose.

So...

I'm going to take her seat

on the board of my grandfather's company,

become a massive real estate tycoon--

...and then I'll send you a one-way ticket.

A lady requires a proper proposal.

One step at a time, Portia.

One step at a time.

All right, here we go.

And...

cheerio, guvnor.

Benedict.

Leo... I'm a Moorehouse.

Real estate's in my blood.

I started working for my grandfather's company

when I was 17.

Well, some people might say

you're not so hirable these days, Henry.

And others would say

that once I take my grandmother's place

as Chairman of the Board,

you're gonna get the most lucrative contracts

in our real estate empire.

You really think your siblings are gonna give you that seat?

You still owe us

a lot of money from that debacle with them.

Our patience is wearing thin, Henry.

Tch.

Which is why I can promise you,

that when I take over at Moorehouse, you--

the best concrete guy in Jersey--

...you're gonna be well taken care of.

I just--

I need you to hold off on those payments for...

a few minutes.

How many "few minutes"?

We have to name a successor by midnight, Christmas.

So, just... give me a week.

Tsk.

All right.

Make it happen, Henry.

And I hope this isn't just some...

holiday wish.

Let's go in, honey.

No! I wanna go home!

Hi, Charlotte.

Hi, Syl.

I don't want to go in.

It's okay. We'll only go in when you're ready, okay?

- Is everything okay here? - Yeah, he's fine.

Just a long day of travel.

Okay.

I got you. You're okay.

There you go.

Eyes to me.

There you go, honey.

You're gonna be okay.

I'll make his favorite cocoa with candy canes.

That'd be great. Thank you.

Yeah. Um...

I'll get your bags.

My parents had that exact car when we were little.

You're looking at the car?

Ha! They sure don't make 'em like this anymore.

Don't you just love antiques?

Every one has a story to tell.

And, believe me, if this car could talk,

it would probably say, "Get me to a mechanic, stat!"

I'm sorry, who are you?

Oh! Sorry. Hi!

I'm Annie Merkel. Hudson Estate Planning.

I am here to make everything easy for you.

So, don't worry for a second-- help has arrived.

Hi!

All right.

Let's get going.

Is-- Is--

Oh... look at this place!

Come on in!

So we do know you?

I'm sorry--

e-excuse me?

Hi. I'm sor-- Excuse me.

I'm the executor of Mrs. Moorehouse's will,

and I didn't hire any estate planner.

Oh, Vivian arranged for this, prior to her passing.

She wanted me to get of all her ducks--

and her swans-- in a row.

I have documentation,

so everything is on the up and up.

That's her signature.

This place is a real beaut.

Um...

well, is there anything that I can do to--

Good bones.

Not enough Christmas for my liking,

but that can be remedied, don't you think?

Can you feelthe energy?

So full of possibility!

- Um... no. - Not yet.

These things reveal themselves in time.

So, here is some information

about how we catalogue everything

and prepare it for sale. You too!

And here are contracts for the auction house.

Read, sign...

and we will get started ASAP.

I understand decisions need to be made

by the end of the company's fiscal year?

Yeah, December 25th.

Well, then-- tick-tock goes the clock!

So many hidden gems to be found in these old houses.

I can't wait to see what we're gonna discover.

I wasn't sure why I felt the need to pack this today,

but now I know.

It's a Christmas miracle.

chuckles]

Um... okay.

Wow! That was...

She's right, you know.

It's too empty in here.

Granny would hate

how barren the house looks this close to Christmas.

Oh, sorry.

W-We started decorating, and then...

Of course.

But...

we need to make the place festive--

for Cody.

And for all of us.

It's what Granny would want.

You're right.

It's been a long day. I think we should head up?

Okay.

Thank you, Austin.

The old homestead.

Okay.

Austin.

It's good to see you, Henry.

Working late, I see?

Yeah.

Well, there's a lot of loose ends to tie up,

and your sister asked we make things Christmassy

for your nephew.

Don't know what my grandmother would've done without you

over the past year.

Hmm.

Charlotte's in her room with Cody,

and Benedict's scheduled to arrive from London

in the morning.

Well, can't wait for the big reunion.

Better find my boxing gloves,

in case Ben takes another swing at me.

Well, I just saw them in the attic.

They're ready for action.

Have Sylvia send me up a drink and a sandwich.

The usual.

Got it.

I can assure you--

I am no thief.

I came up the walk, and found this person

snooping in the sculpture garden.

I was assessing.

I never "snoop".

Austin, call the police.

Ask for Officer Newell.

We sing in the church choir together.

He's such a gem. And a nice-- * baritone *.

She's an estate planner.

I can prove it-- if you give me my arm back.

And no need to apologize,

because I have another perfectly good arm right here.

I'm not here two minutes, Henry's already

roughing someone up-- how very on-brand for him.

Hey, little sis.

Hey, Ben.

I'm sorry,

but Granny's collection's a bit of a target for thieves.

Of which I am not.

Why don't I just have a look around,

and I will give you all a chance to talk about me,

behind my back?

Have fun!

How do we know this is real?

She had papers with Granny's signature on them.

Which can be forged.

Heh! And no one knows more about forging signatures

- than Henry, right, bro? - Okay, here we go.

That's how we're gonna start this?

- Okay! - I haven't seen you in a year,

and is first thing you're gonna say

- is forging sig-- - Okay!

Here's an idea.

Maybe let's try to act like adults.

Yes?

Yeah.

Ben?

Great to be back.

Great.

This... was your great-grandfather's

favorite car.

It looks just like the North Pole Railway.

I've been on it, you know...

twice!

It goes straight to Santa's workshop.

Toys as far as the eye can see-- it's spectacular.

I'm glad to see you feeling better than yesterday.

I never did get your name.

Don't take it personally.

He takes a little while with new people.

Oh, I never take anything personally.

Often, it's not about us at all.

I'm Cody. I'm eight.

Well, it is so nice to meet you, Cody!

I'm Annie.

I'm not telling you how old I am.

Whoo-whoo!

An ivory cinnabar vase!

You certainly don't see that every day.

And lookie here!

18th-century French brass.

Wowzah!

"Wowzah"?

A Royal Doulton? Paradise!

What a treasure trove.

So, you decide what you want to keep,

and the rest I will pack up and ship to the auction house.

You know, an Allerop these days can fetch up to six figures.

What's an "Allerop"?

Well, I did not know that.

If we can hold off on packing--

we're gonna decorate the house

the way our grandparents used to during the holidays.

How lovely!

If I can be of any assistance...

antiques are my game,

but Christmas...

that is where I thrive!

It's actually Cody's first Christmas

since his father left,

so we're trying to make it a happy one.

Which is why they're putting their stuff aside.

Right, 'cause that's what Granny would want.

Seems surreal.

Our first Christmas without her.

It's just not the same.

It is important to celebrate the milestones,

even while you're mourning the loss of a loved one.

I wrote a book about moving on after loss.

I brought you a copy.

Now, when it comes to her valuables,

I am here to do whatever you wish.

Oh, there's only one valuable that I'm really concerned with.

Ooh, I hope you're not talking about Granny's board seat--

because I think that should go to me.

I'm the only one who actually worked at the company.

You were fired from that company.

I was 22, and I was late a couple times.

Yeah, you showed up not at all, more than a few times.

It was an entire summer, actually.

When he went to Brazil with that fitness model.

Was she a fitness model?

Or did she just say she was a fitness model?

- Hard to tell. - Hey!

She was in one or two local catalogues, okay?

So, anyway, the board seat goes to me by, uh, default.

What is this, the 1800s?

Why is the only choice between the two of you?

I'm a lawyer,

with more corporate experience than any of us.

You haven't practiced law since before Cody was born.

It's like riding a bike.

You broke your collarbone riding a bike.

And your wrist.

Excuse me!

Um, not to interrupt, but if I may, I'm gonna just...

I'm gonna interrupt.

I have seen this sort of dispute over valuables in the past,

and I would love to share my two cents.

We must always consider--

"what were the previous owner's wishes?"

The only directive was,

you three

need to make a unanimous decision

about everything.

Isn't that just like Granny?

Trying to bring us together.

Even after the surprise party.

Oh! I do love a good surprise party!

This wasn't a "good" surprise party.

It was a ruse by her and Aunt Eloise,

just to get us in the same room together.

Eloise would love to see you all.

Blood wasn't shed,

but Ben did try to take a swing at me.

It wasn't a swing, it was a tap-- at best.

Yeah... a love tap.

What my dear brother fails to mention

are the shady characters he brought into our company.

Everybody's shady in Jersey.

Well...

Meryl Streep's from New Jersey. She's all class.

That's true, she's pretty good.

- All the accents-- - She's pretty great.

Out of Africa.

- She's great. - You know...

Christmas is the perfect time for forgiveness.

And how wonderful

that it's when you'll be honoring your grandmother,

right here,

in this house, where you grew up.

Well, I'll go see

Paul Worley at H.C. Moorehouse in the morning,

and see if I can get any more info on her wishes.

Not without me, you won't.

We can all go-- together.

Excellent!

"Teamwork makes the dream work!"

Up top!

Hey, Rocket.

Hey.

Got you something.

There you go, bud.

Haven't lost your touch.

Thank you.

You were a great teacher.

Hmm.

It's nice, riding Sunset again.

Hey, look, Charlotte.

About when I left--

We don't have to do this, Austin.

We don't have to rehash anything.

I'm not trying to rehash. I want to apologize.

I should've told you.

Look, if you hadn't joined the Navy,

I wouldn't have met Matt,

and I wouldn't have Cody--

and he's all that matters.

Well, you're great with him.

And I'm sorry to hear how messy things got with Matt.

As Grandmother would say,

"Everything has a purpose, which shows itself in due time."

Well, she said it right until the end.

So...

in due time, I guess.

Come on.

Come on.

Good boy.

So much baggage up here!

You don't know the half of it.

- Oh-- - But you were talking about--

You were talking about

a whole different kind of baggage!

That is not unusual after a loss.

Uh, believe me--

this has been going on

well before Mrs. Moorehouse passed away.

You and Charlotte were once a thing?

Uh... we were kids.

Age doesn't lessen the pain of heartbreak.

Yeah, but time does.

And Scotch.

After she left for college, I joined the Navy,

and got my teaching credentials.

And, by the time I was done,

Charlotte was well into her new life with Matt.

Service to others is the most noble of endeavors.

Well, Mrs. Moorehouse took care of my dad

when he was sick and couldn't work anymore.

She let him stay in the apartment,

paid for his medical bills.

The least I could do was come back here and help out.

She was an exceptional woman.

Yeah, she was.

And yet, all anyone can talk about

is that board seat.

Sometimes, the way people mourn

is not to mourn at all.

At least, that's how they'd let on.

But try to have faith.

Unfinished business

has a way of kicking things up in the most fortuitous of ways,

especially around the holidays.

Well, I'm not sure we should be kicking up anything around here.

I'll help you carry these down.

Okay. Thank you.

I hope they sing.

I'm no electrician, Cody,

but I think this one's dead as a doornail.

Let me... have a crack at it.

Whoa! Did you see that, Mom?

I did.

My trusty tool belt.

Is there anything you can't do?

I don't know.

Hey, guys! There you are!

Can you help me untangle these Christmas lights?

Uh, don't we have staff that can do this?

Making things beautiful is the joy of the holiday.

And, Henry, I found someone

who can rate your baseball-card collection.

It could be worth a lot.

Did you happen to find

a Ted Williams rookie card up there?

Oh... Ted Williams! A fine gentleman.

Excellent dancer.

That card is long gone!

That's right, yeah,

'cause Henry flushed it down the toilet when I was 12.

That seems like a bad idea, from a plumbing perspective.

It fell!

It was an accident.

So you say.

How many times are we gonna have this argument?

Because I think we're on 14, 15.

- 42. - 106.

The aim of any argument should be progress over victory.

Exactly!

So... put on these festive hats.

* Oh, what fun it is to ride *

It's alive!

And it does sing!

* Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way *

* Oh, what fun it is to ride *

- That's it! - * In a one-horse open sleigh *

We'll all miss her dearly.

She was quite a force.

Yes, she was.

Your grandfather put in the bylaws

that a Moorehouse should always serve as chairman,

but, as you know, we are on a clock.

Did our grandmother tell anyone of her intentions for the seat?

We were told

that she was having papers drawn up

after she got sick,

but we never saw anything.

But... there is some sort of document?

That was her intention.

But did it happen? I can't say.

We'll find it, Paul.

I must reiterate,

if this isn't settled by the 25th,

the board will be forced

to vote an existing member into that seat.

So, there was nothing else in the office

related to the estate or the company?

Nothing but the will.

Wait, Henry.

Could you grab the other end of that garland for me?

Okay...

Henry's side's crooked.

Yeah, I--

So... we called her lawyer's office.

Frank Penny?

Died six years ago,

so he certainly hasn't drawn up any new papers,

and she hasn't used that firm since.

What's going on?

There seems to be an addendum,

regarding who would take over the board seat.

Henry's side is crooked.

Yeah, I-I know. I'm...

Why don't we check the safe? I saw one upstairs.

Yeah, no, that's definitely gonna be empty.

Granny didn't believe in using safes.

She always said, "A safe--"

"...is the first place criminals will look."

Well, then, it seems like, somewhere in this house,

is a buried treasure, courtesy of your grandma.

Who's up for a hunt?

Okay.

Okay.

Well, I think this is a perfect home for your horse.

See? He fits right in there.

Now we gotta just feed him some gumdrops.

Wow!

Hi!

Wow.

I never could resist a gingerbread house,

but, don't you worry, I am getting my work done.

So did you call off the search for the addendum?

Yeah. It was a disaster.

Henry brought up

Benedict taking Anna Yen to the winter formal.

Mm. I remember.

Yeah, Henry hated that.

Yeah.

It's a wonder that you three ever got into business together.

Cody... do you know what horses love?

Carrots!

And I just happened to bring some from my garden.

Shall we bring them to the stables?

Can I go?

Here you go.

Let's go feed the horsies.

So I've been meaning to ask--

why didn't you continue with law, Char?

I mean, at one point,

you wanted to argue in front of the Supreme Court.

Matt had plans, so I let him take the wheel.

Then, with the real estate business,

it felt like a chance to prove

the we were more than just trust-fund babies.

- Mm. - I brokered a deal

for six low-income housing projects.

Oh, yeah. Your grandmother told me.

Yeah.

Hey.

The book she gave you...

...have you read any of this yet?

Not yet.

Look at her.

She looks

exactly the same as she did

when she wrote this book 20 years ago.

Yeah, she really does.

Look, are you sure you're okay?

I know being here at Christmas without her,

it's rough, but...

I mean, you-- you seem...

I don't have the luxury

of falling apart in front of my kid.

After everything he's been through...

I'm sorry.

I just wanted to make sure that you're doing okay.

I'm fine.

I'm a survivor.

And I got that from Vivian Moorehouse.

Yes, you did.

I'm gonna go check on Cody.

Yeah.

You okay, Henry?

Um--

Yeah, no, I'm...

I'm okay, yeah.

What are you looking at?

Uh, I was looking for the addendum,

and then, um... came across these.

Nobody built a snowman

like the inimitable Parker Moorehouse.

And Dad and I used to name them after literary characters.

- Atticus Finch. - Obviously!

Mm. And...

...Elinor Dashwood.

A snow woman? How progressive!

Yeah. He was, um...

He was an incredible man.

I'm so sorry.

It must have been really hard

to lose them at such a young age.

Um...

I'll clean this, uh, this mess up

before you hit this room.

Ahem.

Why are things always in the last place you look?

Because once you find them, you stop looking.

Never thought of it that way.

Often,

the search for something

proves just as interesting as finding it.

- Yeah. - Goodnight.

Hey, Porsh.

I hadn't heard from you.

I wanted to check in.

Yeah, yeah. I'm okay.

You sound rather pensive.

Oh, it's the house. You know, it's-it's weird.

Every inch of it is her, but she's not here.

Oh.

I mean, even the stables look beautiful, but...

the whole place feels a little... empty.

You never got to say a proper goodbye.

Yeah, I guess I figured she'd be around forever.

I miss you.

Like, a lot.

Well, you know what they say about absence--

it's a cure for the commitment-phobe.

Yeah, my favorite literary quote.

Ooh!

What on Earth?

Oh, it's the, uh-- it's the estate planner.

She has a classic car like my parents used to drive.

Oh, man, we used to have

some good times in that before--

Well, that's it. I'm coming.

What about your family?

You need me, Benedict.

Hey, Porsh...

I know I don't say it enough, but...

I'm really lucky.

And don't you forget it.

Good morning!

Sorry about the exhaust.

Not at all. No, that's a great car.

You okay, Benedict?

Yeah. That...

brings back a lot of memories, that's all.

Oh, memories...

are the timeless treasures of the heart.

Cherish them!

Hmm.

Sounds like that car

might be your grandmother's presence in action.

Yeah. You know, I--

...I think you might be right.

Good morning!

What are you drawing?

It's you.

It's perfect.

You know, I hear you love to build snowmen,

and that just happens to be my favorite pastime.

- I do! - Well, then...

excellent!

I brought everything we'll need.

His hat.

A scarf!

And his nose.

So, I'll get some work done this morning,

and we'll build him later.

I just love my angel!

Oh, good!

You're both here.

To get you in the spirit--

- No. Absolutely not. - Seriously?

- Dude, come on! - Yeah, dude.

Just while we're decorating.

Look at that face.

Okay. So, Cody.

We need the red bows from the dining room.

- I'll get them! - Okay.

A little help here, please?

Thank you!

I just heard back from that lawyer--

uh, Aidan Cucher?

He said he met with your grandmother once,

but never hired him.

Another dead end.

At this rate,

we'll be flipping a coin, pulling names out of a hat.

* Yoo-hoo! *

Does anyone know what this key goes to?

Because someone went to a lot of trouble

to hide it in this vase.

No. None of the doors in this house have locks like this.

Well, maybe it's a secret door we didn't know about.

We grew up in this house.

If there was a mystery door, I would've found it.

You were sneaky that way, Hen.

So, the key was taped inside the vase?

Whoever put it in there

did not want it to jingle-jangle.

Could be a Galbon--

a French Victorian-era lockbox.

Very hard to break into.

That seems to be something she would have opted for,

over a safe.

She felt, if things were easy to find--

...Then they weren't worth finding!

Well, whatever is in that lockbox--

it's a part of you.

It's your legacy.

I'm gonna check the room again.

I'm gonna go with him.

I love this "happy sweater" day.

Come here.

I wanna show you something.

Ooh. He looks--

...Just like your toy horse, doesn't he?

Do you wanna go say hi?

I don't think so.

There is nothing to be afraid of.

Horses-- they're very gentle creatures.

Hey, Cody.

You, uh...

...wanna give me a hand with ol' Rocket over here?

No, thank you.

You know, horses seem scary,

but they're actually more afraid of us

than we are of them.

Would you like to take a closer look?

Yeah? Okay, come on.

So, when you approach your horse,

you always wanna come from the left,

and the front,

never from behind.

Because if you're standing there and they kick,

take it from me--

you're gonna be a 15-year-old boy

crying like a baby in front of the girl you like.

Would you like to pet him?

I'm not sure.

Hey, Cody.

I know we just met,

but I can tell

that you are a strong, confident young man.

And Rocket can see that, too.

Hello, Rocket.

I'm a friend.

Hey.

Yeah, you see that?

He's letting you touch him.

His ears are up, his mouth is relaxed...

that means he trusts you.

You're good at this,

and you're a good person.

No one's been able to get him to open up

until we got here.

I think Austin, he truly understands--

we rise by lifting others.

And now...

...we reward him.

Here.

We reward him...

with an apple.

Would you like to feed him?

Okay, there you go.

Just lay your hand flat.

Yeah, just like that.

With a flat hand.

Good boy!

Great job, my love.

Ah, he's a natural!

And now, we reward ourselves for a job well done.

How about a hot cup of cocoa, from the holiday market on Main?

It's the best I've ever had.

Ooh. I've been craving the candy cane cocoa

since we got back.

You guys have fun!

- You're not coming with us? - Oh, no.

I mean, I-I just have a lot going on--

with the decorating and the antiques.

Can I help you?

Instead of cocoa?

Is that okay?

Of course! You guys go along.

Have a great time.

Cody and I, we've got-- we got Christmas decorating covered.

Right? Have fun!

So, I was thinking.

We could put some of...

I could use a cocoa.

Cocoa would be lovely.

Thank you for being so sweet with him.

With Cody? Yeah.

I mean, he really responds to the horses.

More than I've seen him respond to anything lately.

I mean, since we got here,

his anxiety is almost non-existent.

Have you ever heard of horse therapy?

I think I saw a news segment on it once.

I think it would be good for Cody.

You know, they use horses

to treat all kinds of different issues.

Like anxiety, depression, ADHD, troubled teens.

It's really fascinating.

It sounds like something you would be good at.

- Me? - Yeah.

People have always responded to you

once you put them on a horse.

Well, that's the one place I always felt like I belonged.

You know, in the stables.

Wait. You didn't feel like you belonged in the military?

I liked the structure,

and I had the benefit of the G.I. Bill,

but it always felt temporary.

If only the good things could last forever, right?

Hello! Anyone home?

Cody found it, Char!

Yep, we got the lockbox.

It was in the old toy box!

What? Great job, kiddo.

Come on!

Now to see what's inside.

This isn't treasure--

it's just a bunch of papers and stuff!

Let's have a look...

What do we got here?

Emergency cash. Lots of it.

Aw!

Joe and Eloise at the Christmas party.

Granny was stunning!

She sure was.

Hey!

Some of my old rookie cards!

Oh, my-- if you knew what I went through to--

I-I mowed 37 lawns to get these!

Maybe she hid them so Henry wouldn't

flush 'em down the toilet.

Okay. It was an accident, as previously stated.

Oh...

it's Mom and Dad's rings.

Uh, would anyone mind if I hold on

to the engagement ring?

Someone has tied down

the most infamous bachelor we know?

Yeah-yeah-yeah. Okay, let's not get too excited.

Just...

well...

Portia and I have become very close.

And, um...

I don't know, being here...

I miss being part of something, I guess.

That's the feeling of family.

She'd want you to have her ring.

Well, I'm not getting married again

any time soon, so have at it.

Yeah...

Wait.

Wait! "Again"?

What?

Um...

yeah, I, uh, got married last year.

Annulled.

Did you know about this?

I didn't know.

I didn't even know.

It was in Vegas.

If I get married again-- which I won't--

I'll call you.

Please do.

Oh.

It's Gramps's old Bible.

He used to bring this to church every Sunday.

Oh, I had one just like that in seminary.

I mean, I-I studied at a... seminary.

Just-- it was "once upon a time."

You could say I've lived nine lives.

More like 99 lives.

- Yeah. - You know...

these memories

are a second chance at happiness.

Unfortunately,

there is no addendum.

It's five days until Christmas,

and we are no closer to making a decision

than we were before.

I believe, if you keep searching,

the answers will come.

And I think your grandmother

would be thrilled to see you all working together,

making this home so beautiful.

There's just onething missing.

A tree!

Oh, no, I brought one down from the attic.

Real! Large!

Pine!

Tick-tock.

Five days till Christmas!

She's right.

I know.

I know. Yes, uh, I just, um...

I need a little more time.

Of course, I-- I wanna keep all my fingers.

I'm gonna, uh, meet some of my grandfather's associates

today, at the club later,

and I'm sure I can get them to grease the wheels

with the... with-- with the board.

So, uh, trust me-- heh-- this is happening.

It's just-- It's just paperwork that's left, really.

Hi!

Ben.

Didn't, uh, see you there.

Where are you going?

Uh, we need a tree, so...

got the tools.

Henry Moorehouse is gonna chop down a tree all by himself?

How adorable.

Stranger things have happened.

No, they haven't.

All right, give me a few minutes.

I'll change.

We don't want you losing a limb right before Christmas.

Ha!

So, this is the one?

Think so. It's good.

Good height, good size.

Yeah... first one to quit gives up the board seat?

Yeah, dream on.

Even though your flimsy arms have got 50 saws in them, max.

Child's play.

Why do you want the seat so badly, Ben?

I only took the job in London

because no one would touch me here

after our company folded.

That seat is my shot at redemption.

I could start a new life back here.

With Portia?

Well...

London was always supposed to be temporary.

Yeah, maybe I wanna... come home to Moorehouse Manor.

Huh. I mean, if that's what you--

Whoa!

Aw, man.

You all right?

You did quit first, though.

Hey, Annie?

Do you know who that man is, down in the stables?

I just saw a strange guy go in there.

Yes! I have representatives from the auction house

here today,

and they prefer residents not be home

during the initial assessment,

so I have arranged for you

to take Charlotte and Cody out to lunch.

Hmm. Wait. Where are the boys?

They are cutting down a nice, fresh Christmas tree.

Together? With tools?

Annie, this will not go well.

Maybe they'll surprise you!

Anyway, you should get going.

Wait, where am I going?

- I drew up a map. - You drew up a map?

Lunch is waiting here.

Charlotte and Cody are getting bundled up now.

So, go. Grab your jacket.

And don't hurry back!

You have fun!

You just take the whole day.

All right, I'll tie these guys up right here.

In case you need to tend to 'em. All right?

Wow.

This is...

When-- When did she have the time--

The... The barn? How could she have known?

Well, she seems to know a lot of things.

This is where Mommy and Austin's high-school dances

were held.

Cool.

Of course, we never got to dance,

'cause we were always a secret.

Hey, I didn't dance with anyone.

I'll dance with you, Mommy.

Will you really?

Come on.

Oh, hey, here, let me get the music.

Some tunes.

Ready?

We'll have a dance party.

- Yeah! - Wanna do a spin for me?

Here you go. And all the way back.

Whoo!

You can come dance, too.

Yeah? Okay.

* ...And now it's time to celebrate with friends *

* 'Cause the Christmas bells are ringing... *

Can I go pet the horses?

Yeah. Have at it.

Just make sure you stay in that doorway

where I can see you, okay?

I can't remember the last time I've seen him so at ease.

Thank you, for all you've done for him.

I should be thanking him for all he's done for me.

Ever since you two got here...

my next step seems to be coming into focus.

What you said the other night...

I did some research,

and there's a school in Maine

with a great horse-therapy program.

I'm trying to get an interview with the director,

and I haven't heard back,

but... I don't know.

They'd be lucky to have you.

Hmm.

And I'm glad you found something that intrigues you.

You...

You deserve the world.

So do you.

And maybe it's the board seat.

I'm not sure all of this is really about the board seat.

I just want something for me.

And...

maybe I wanted my grandmother to think I could do it.

I just feel like I've been underestimated my whole life.

Char...

you're exceptional.

The only one that's ever doubted that is you.

You know, Matt was enamored with my family.

To him, I was a Moorehouse first,

and his wife second.

But you always saw me.

I still do.

I see you, too.

For everything you are.

And always have been.

Henry just texted.

They're on their way back with, quote,

"a monster of a tree."

Cool!

That is exactly what this house needs.

I hope you have your decorating pants on.

They're my jammies!

- They are perfect. - How did it go

with the auction people today?

They were very impressed with the collection.

It's gonna be quite lucrative for you all.

How was the outing?

Oh, it was amazing.

Thank you so much for setting that up.

Yes. Thank you, Mrs. Miracle.

It's "Merkel," honey.

You can call me "Mrs. Miracle".

It wouldn't be the first time.

Can I have a snack, Mommy?

Another snack? Of course.

Sylvia's in the kitchen.

Um, but be quick.

Your uncles are on their way back with the tree.

He is a lovely boy, your son.

A bit reserved,

but I was like that as a child, too,

and I grew out of it.

Is that why you're able to reach him so easily?

I just meet him at his level.

As do you.

You help him more than you know.

When you become a mother, you relinquish all selfishness.

It's our children's universe, and we're just orbiting it.

They're all that matters.

One of the greatest gifts

we can give our children

is our own happiness.

It's not always black-and-white.

It's not "his happiness or yours."

There's a gray area...

and that's where you both get to be happy.

Thank you.

Take it away, Austin!

Three, two,

one--

Yay!

Okay!

This tree is not gonna decorate itself.

That's true.

Clock is ticking.

We need to hash this out like adults.

"Tick-tock goes the clock."

Well, Granny brought us all here to, uh...

make a unanimous decision, so...

Knowing it would be impossible for us.

Or...

maybe she thought you could.

She picked something

that was important to all of you.

So, try looking at it from a different angle.

Annie is right.

We've been focusing on her board seat,

when this should be about her.

How we felt about her

is the only area we've never disagreed.

Bingo.

We weren't there for her in the end.

We were off, living our own lives,

which is why we don't know what she wanted

for the board seat.

But... we were coming back

for one last Moorehouse Christmas party,

and even though she didn't make it...

I think we should have it anyway.

You know, that's not a bad idea.

I agree, but that doesn't get us any closer

to making a decision.

No, but it gets us back to what's important.

Us, together, on her favorite night of the year.

Mm. Well, we could invite her closest family and friends

to, you know, tell funny stories, say goodbye.

Reverend Kane could say a few words, too.

Maybe even read from your grandfather's Bible?

How do you know about Reverend Kane?

Hmm? Oh. But does-- doesn't everybody

know about Reverend Kane around here?

No.

Oh, well, that was just-- that was a really lucky guess.

Yay for me!

We should contact Eloise's son,

see if she can make it.

I mean, I know she's not well, but...

she was Granny's best friend,

and she would never miss a party.

Her and Granny did talk about everything.

Maybe...

that is where this is all leading--

to the woman who knows everything.

Go! Take my car.

Hip-hop! Onward!

All right. Okay, but-- Wait. Ooh! Shotgun!

No way.

We got the tree, right?

It's so weird being in this car.

It's the exact same as Mom and Dad's.

Even the seats feel the same with these old-school seatbelts.

Do you remember that cassette Dad had?

The one with all the opera versions

of every Christmas song imaginable?

Oh, it was so cheesy!

He played that thing till it snapped.

And then Mom bought him another one.

What happened to us?

We used to get along.

I guess life happened.

* Dashing through the snow *

* In a one-horse open sleigh... *

* O'er the fields we go *

* Laughing all the way *

* Ha, ha, ha! *

* Bells on bobtail ring *

* Making spirits bright *

* What fun it is to ride and sing *

* A sleighing song tonight *

* Oh! *

* Jingle bells Jingle bells *

* Jingle all the way... *

Contracts are signed.

The siblings are in agreement--

the art collection will go to the auction house

right after the party.

Nice to have some agreement around here.

Right?

Oh, hey, Annie.

Thanks again... for today.

What you did with the barn, that was incredible.

You and Charlotte seem to be reconnecting.

Yeah, I'm like a teenager again--

who wants to chuck it all away to be with her.

Why would you feel like you have to chuck anything away?

Well, for starters,

our lives are in different places.

I just got an interview

for that horse-therapy school in Maine.

Well, that seems like your calling!

And geography can be tricky, but it's not insurmountable.

You never get over your first love, do you?

I believe people come into our lives

as a blessing or a lesson...

and it's up to us to figure out which is which.

- Cheers! - Cheers.

Mm!

Mm-mm-mm.

So, Eloise, we've decided

to throw the annual Christmas party

in celebration of Granny.

Oh! She'd love that.

We had some times, Vivian and I.

Oh...

Which I'm taking to the grave with me,

so don't even think of asking!

She loved you kids so much.

Uh, Eloise...

did she ever mention

who she wanted on the board in her place?

Oh, she agonized over it!

Oh. It had to be Henry.

"He has the most experience, and so much moxie."

And then, five minutes later,

"No, it's gotta be Benedict.

He's so organized-- and what a charmer!"

And then, it was, "No, no, no, it's gotta be Charlotte.

She's the strongest of the three.

Boy, that girl can hold her own."

She said that about me?

Oh...

she used to go on

about all the things life threw your way,

and how you'd always get right back up on your feet again.

So...

where did she finally land?

Nowhere.

Nothing.

You three have to decide.

That was her last and final wish.

But one last party in her honor--

that was her second-to-last wish.

So good on ya!

Wow. What is all of this?

I figured,

since the Christmas party is so last-minute,

I could just help out with some desserts.

Let me guess-- you used to be a pastry chef?

Oh, heavens no!

But I almost married one once, when I lived in France.

Of course you did.

Thank you so much for this.

Granny would be so pleased.

Like I said, Christmas-- this is where I thrive.

Do you have a family, Annie?

I guess you could say I'm married to my work.

Doing good. Helping others.

The world-- that's my family.

Doesn't it get lonely?

Loneliness is not a lack of company,

it's a lack of purpose.

And, thankfully, I-I found mine long ago.

The deadline is approaching

and we still don't have a decision.

Those answers will come.

But, for tomorrow, we think about your grandma.

You're right.

I'm so glad we're having the party.

Me too! I have been wanting to pull out these recipes

since the 1860s.

1860s?

I mean, the-the recipes. They're from... the 1860s.

Here, have a cookie.

What do you think?

Mm... mm!

These are so good!

1860s.

You know, since being back here,

I feel like myself again.

Like... whatever happens,

I'm back on track.

That's how you know you're on the right path,

when you have no desire to look backwards.

- Oh... - Oh!

Now we are talking.

Oh, my goodness! Chestnuts!

- Chestnuts? - Chestnuts!

For... my... trifles.

Austin, can you take Charlotte to the Christmas market

to get me some chestnuts before it closes?

She needs chestnuts.

Back to the Christmas market!

Mm. Oh, Annie! These are good.

All right, let's go.

- Aww... - One for the road.

The old "chestnut" trick-- works every time.

I loved Tuba Christmas.

I loved everything about Christmas

when we were younger.

Do you remember

when Henry brought home that girl with the face tattoos?

Yeah!

I thought your grandmother was gonna have a heart attack.

Me too.

And then she embraced her, like she did with everyone.

Well, that was her greatest gift.

Making everyone feel like they mattered.

Yeah.

You know... towards the end,

she told me that she always knew about us.

What?

Why didn't she ever say anything?

Well, she didn't see the point.

You had moved on, and I had...

Did you ever fall in love again?

I fell "in like" a few times, but...

How'd it go with Eloise today?

It was great.

You know, a week ago,

we were fighting over the board seat,

and there was none of that on the drive.

That sounds like progress.

You know the feeling... like nothing can rattle you?

No. You know me--

I'm constantly rattled about everything.

That's how I feel when I'm here...

when I'm with you.

You always made me feel that way.

And now I know what I want.

And what's that?

I hate Tuba Christmas.

Come on.

She could probably figure it out, right?

Is Cody with you?

No. We just got back.

He's not in his bed, and I've looked everywhere.

I can't find him.

Okay, let's just look for him.

- Okay. - Cody? Cody!

- Cody? - Cody!

- Cody? - Cody! Cody!

Nothing.

Did someone check the stables?

He would never go outside alone.

He's terrified of the dark!

I'll have a look down there, just in case.

We'll find him.

Okay.

Cody?

- Leo. - Hello, Henry.

Look, I-- I can't do this right now, okay?

I'm in the middle of a family thing.

You said I have until Christmas.

Yes, I did, and then you hung up on me.

Look, you can take my fingers, you can take my toes--

whatever you want-- just not this second!

Right now, I need to find my nephew.

Ben, go back inside.

Leo?

Benny-boy.

Look, uh...

you'll have your money by Friday.

All of it.

Plus interest, of course.

Ben-- Charlotte?

Sticking up for each other. I like it.

All right, Friday.

No more extensions, Henry.

Don't ruin my Christmas spirit.

All right, wh-what are you doing?

We'll figure this out.

Because that's what family does.

We'll figure it out later. Okay?

Look, we're not gonna sleep till we find him.

Okay.

- Okay, come on. - All right. Let's go.

We'll find him, come on.

Cody? Where are you?

Cody.

I found him!

He's in the stables!

Hey...

Cody...

buddy, what are you doing here all alone?

Hey...

Taking care of the horses makes you feel calm, doesn't it?

Where are your wings?

I'm sorry?

Don't angels have wings?

I believe they do.

At least, that's what I've heard.

But I like to keep mine locked up, safe and sound.

So no one steals them?

They're top-secret. Like a hidden treasure.

I know how to find treasure.

I know!

You do.

Oh, Cody! You're okay.

Oh, I was so scared when I couldn't find you.

I had a bad dream.

You know you can't leave the house

without telling anyone.

But Rocket is my friend.

I know, and we'll find you a place

to take care of horses at home.

But you can't just run away, okay?

Okay.

Just go ahead and put that just right over there.

Hi.

Wow.

You look incredible.

"This old thing"?

Um, I should probably get changed soon.

Hmm. Maybe shower first?

Y-Yeah, that's, um, ahem, probably a good idea!

You know...

I was thinking--

it's the Moorehouse Christmas party...

no better place for us to finally get that dance.

In front of everyone?

People will talk.

Yeah.

Well... let them. Let 'em.

And I can't think of a better place

to finally get to hold you in my arms.

I got it!

Hi!

You're here!

Yeah.

Oh...

I'm so sorry it took so long.

You're a sight for sore eyes.

Oh, Benedict.

I'm really glad you're here.

Uh, guys?

Hi, my fellow siblings.

Please allow me to introduce you to the love of my life,

Ms. Portia Stanbury.

Hi.

So lovely to meet you.

So nice to finally meet you, too.

Hey, we should get ready.

Uh, people will be here soon, I think.

I'll come give you a hand.

Okay.

Um, I just wanted to say one thing first.

I-- I'll give you a minute.

Okay, thanks.

Look, I got us into this mess with the loans,

and I'm gonna get us out.

When we started the company,

we were "in for a penny, in for a pound."

Not when it comes to keeping your limbs intact.

These guys, they... they mean business.

Yeah.

We should've figured it out together.

We were partners.

I'm gonna come up with the money.

Somehow.

Your grandmother's art collection

already has buyers at the auction house.

I'm sure they could advance the money

to pay off the debt.

I think that's what she would have wanted.

- Yeah. - Us working together...

with a little help from her.

I'm sorry, guys.

It's okay. Come here.

Come here, bro.

Love you, buddy.

We love you.

Group hug!

- Hey! - Oh...

Now, let's go give her a proper send-off

on her favorite night of the year.

Go get dressed.

- Yes. - Please.

Thank you.

I've actually seen this kind of horse therapy

foster progress in a young child

at the estate where I work.

Well, your experience is solid,

and the references from your senior officers

are impeccable.

I appreciate you saying that.

Why don't you come up here?

You can tour the facility,

see if you think it would be a fit.

Uh, I already know it would be.

Um, this is exactly what I've been looking for.

Excellent!

Now, I know tomorrow's Christmas Eve,

but, uh, our new semester starts on the 2nd,

and we'd love to have you,

so, as soon as you can get here--

I'll be there as soon as possible.

We look forward to seeing you.

Thank you.

I thought you might want this for Reverend Kane.

Uh... yeah, about that.

Um, good news-- Reverend Kane just had a grandchild.

- Oh! - Oh, that's wonderful!

Yeah, but he's not gonna be able to make it.

I just spoke to his wife.

Right.

So, um... who's gonna speak?

I can't. I'm an ugly crier.

I passed out at debate club when I was 12.

Just-- pfft!

What about Eloise?

Oh, I would,

but I can't promise to watch my language.

Not when speaking about Vivian Moorehouse.

Char?

I wouldn't know what to say.

One thing I've noticed, spending time with all of you--

your grandmother was very motivated by love.

So speak from your heart.

Find strength in her love.

Are you up for it?

Yeah.

Um, if I could have all your attention.

My sister would like to say a few things,

on behalf of us all,

about our grandmother.

"A man travels the world over, in search of what he needs,

and returns home to find it."

This home,

lovingly built by our grandparents,

became a refuge for three small children

who were suddenly faced with the unthinkable.

But Vivian Moorehouse made sure we knew,

every time we set foot in that door,

that we were loved completely and unconditionally.

I truly hope she knew the feeling was mutual.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve...

and I want to make her a promise.

Whatever happens... or where we end up...

we'll meet here every year,

on this day,

to celebrate Christmas,

and to celebrate her.

Because love...

...is the one thing that always remains.

To Vivian.

To Vivian!

To Vivian.

Excuse me.

Could I steal her?

You sure can.

And never let her go!

It's time for that dance.

I thought you'd never ask.

Are you okay?

I'm good.

Just...

enjoying the feeling of holding you in my arms.

Hey!

Hey.

For my brothers.

I actually bought them gifts this time.

And they don't explode.

Who'd have thought?

Um...

We need to talk.

Worst conversation starter ever.

Yeah.

Um...

You're going to Maine.

Yeah.

I knew it last night.

It's your calling, Austin.

I truly believe that.

Yeah.

And I'm going back to New York...

where I'll find a new school for Cody,

and start a dream life for my son.

Oh, and for you.

Yeah, and for me.

I don't want to say goodbye, again.

But at least this time, we get to do it right.

Yeah.

Good luck, Austin.

You'll do great.

It was a lovely tribute to your grandmother.

Yeah.

Yeah, she would've loved it.

You know what?

I want to give you your Christmas present early.

How intriguing.

Benedict...

Is that what I think it is? Benedict...

I can't believe it.

It was my mother's.

Are you certain?

Of course, I'm certain.

But, um--

Oh! Right. A proper proposal.

Bear with me.

So you do listen?

Okay.

Portia...

You're the light of my life.

Would you do me the great honor...

...of becoming my wife?

The answer is yes.

It always will be yes.

Oh, I love you.

I love you.

She said yes!

Oh!

Congratulations!

Welcome to the family, Portia.

Well, um...

not to spoil the moment,

but we need to talk business.

We are so sorry, Portia.

We only have until midnight to decide.

Char and I were talking, and we think

that each of us should state our case, right now,

as to why it should be you.

Yeah, I can get behind that.

Great.

I'll go first.

I think it should be between the two of you.

I've shown

that not only do I not play well with others,

but that I don't know what I don't know.

And that's not a great trait for a leader.

Well, this sort of self-reflection's

all we've been waiting to hear from you.

Thanks.

I think it should be Charlotte.

I'm getting married.

We're going to have a family... soon.

It think it should be me.

But it should also be you, Benedict, and you, Henry.

We all deserve a seat at the table.

If only there was more than one seat!

I couldn't help but overhear.

I'm very invested now!

I believe your grandma is looking down,

and she's very proud.

And miracles always do happen at Christmas. Right?

Yeah, they do.

Why couldn't we all be on the board?

I mean, only one could be chairman, but...

maybe there's a way to expand it beyond eight members?

Well then, we need to talk to Paul now.

Let's go. Come on!

Okay. Let's do it.

All right. Um, sorry.

Okay. Mwah! Bye.

- Love you, bye. - Okay.

Congratulations.

Oh, thank you!

Oh! I'm a hugger!

Oh! I'm so happy for you.

We'll take it to a vote.

All in favor of expanding the board of directors

say "aye."

Aye.

Opposed?

The "ayes" have it.

But with who serving as chairman?

Charlotte.

You have...

the passion and the vision for this.

Thank you.

And so it is.

Oh!

- Hey. - Aw.

Hey, guys!

I gotta go.

Love you guys, but I gotta go.

Ah.

That's great.

Thank you so much!

I'm very excited about this.

Okay.

Merry Christmas.

- Hi. - Hi!

Is Austin still here?

Well, I was going to drive him to the train station,

but it seems my car has... broken down.

He's out back, working on it.

I'm just gonna go talk to him.

Your car "broke down"?

Mm-hmm.

Austin?

I've checked everything.

There's literally nothing wrong with this car.

It just-- It still won't start.

Hey.

All right, so...

Um, how did the meeting go?

I left early.

Seeing as I'm now

Chairman of the Board at H.C. Moorehouse,

I can do that.

You got it.

We all did.

We expanded the board.

A unanimous executive decision made between three siblings.

I'm chair,

but we all have a seat at the table.

Your grandmother would love this.

I think so, too.

But that's not what I want to talk about.

I've been looking at things all wrong.

Like, having what I want requires some big sacrifice,

but I know that's not true.

What-What do you mean?

I spoke to the Equine Academy,

and they have a spot for Cody.

Hmm.

I'd like to come with you...

if that's okay?

That would be amazing.

But, uh, what about the job and the company?

I'll travel back for board meetings,

and do the rest from there.

I might even start practicing law again.

Are you sure?

It's what I want.

So we're doing this?

And we're going to do it right this time.

Not like before.

We're older.

Wiser.

And much better-looking.

* ...If you open up your arms *

* Keep the hope inside your heart *

* Love will find you this Christmas *

* Like a star across the sky *

* Let it take you by surprise *

* Love will find you... *

* This Christmas... *

* Heaven's bounds are near *

* Crystal halos shine *

* Could we try believing *

* Love is within you *

* Perfect desires *

* Snow falling down *

* Reminds me of home *

* But the magic is here *

* If you just look around *

* Love will find you this Christmas *

* If you open up your arms *

* Keep the hope inside your heart *

* Love will find you this Christmas *

* Like a star across the sky *

* Let it take you by surprise *

* Love will find you... *

* This Christmas... *