Original subtitles

♪ Jingle bells jingle bells jingle all the way ♪

♪ Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh ♪

♪ Jingle bells jingle bells jingle all the way ♪

♪ Oh what fun it is to ride ♪

♪ One horse open sleigh ♪

- Wow, you've been busy. - Yes.

And you look great.

- Thank you. - [laughs]

Oh, that's where that's been.

Yeah.

That part of my life is over.

Well, we can still eat the treats.

I mean, these are the literal fruits of your labor.

Oh, great.

My entire career summed up in apricot preserves.

Are you gonna be okay at the house?

I mean, I know you cleaned the place

from top to bottom last week,

and, you know, if you're bored--

No. I signed up to volunteer

with the Christmas committee at the Chamber of Commerce.

Our first meeting is this morning.

Sounds like a good time.

I'll see you after.

Love you.

Love you too.

♪ In a one horse open sleigh ♪

♪ Over the fields we go ♪

♪ Laughing all the way ♪

♪ Bells on bob-tails ring ♪

♪ Making spirits bright ♪

♪ What fun it is to ride and sing ♪

♪ A sleighing song tonight ♪

Huh!

The meeting started at 9:00.

Hm.

[quirky music]

Oh! Barb?

Hi, I'm Kath.

- It's Barbara, actually. - Oh.

You know, per your e-mail, it said

that the meeting started at 9:00.

Oh, well, it's a loose 9:00.

Oh. Okay.

Okay.

[instrumental music]

Welcome to my happy place.

- Ho, ho, ho, everybody. - Hi, Doug.

Start of another season.

Oh, I didn't get the memo about the ugly Christmas sweaters.

[Kath] Ugly?

Ugly. W-what do you mean?

Just that, you know,

people sometimes call them that when, you know,

because they're so festive.

Oh, well, we like to get into the spirit.

And I made mine.

And it's-it's-it's adorable.

Morning, Kath.

Hi, Jim.

- Hey, Doug. - Hey, buddy.

What's he doing?

Oh, Jim likes to get his steps in.

You'll get used to it.

Oh, you guys, this is Barb-ara.

She's a retired accountant.

Barbara Harrison. Hi.

Yolanda recruited her.

Although I don't know why because I think we're doing

a great job. But what do I know? [chuckling]

Oh, Barb-ara, this is our scrappy little family.

This is Doug and Jim.

And our motto is "We deploy Christmas joy."

And how do we do that, you might be asking.

Through Brooklyn's ABC's of Christmas.

Attract people downtown,

boost local business, support our charities.

[Doug] Now I spearhead general events.

That's Santa's village and the holiday market,

both going up this weekend.

A-and the holiday market, of course,

[taps] boosts businesses,

which as a former marketing guy, is my area of expertise.

And I head up charities which include

trolley caroling and our grand finale,

Brooklyn's Christmas Ball.

Anyway, I like to start off the season

with a team building activity

where we all volunteer as a group.

So, this year we're going to make turkey supper sandwiches

at a local nursing home.

I love turkey supper sandwiches, yum.

Me too, nothing kicks off the season

than a little bit of teamwork.

Okay, well, great.

I will be there.

So really, between the three of us,

there's nothing that we don't know about

Christmas in Brooklyn, and we really are...

Yolanda?

How is my favorite Christmas committee?

You must be Barbara Harrison.

- Guilty as charged. - Yolanda Sharp.

President of the Chamber of Commerce.

We are so lucky to have you

on the Christmas committee.

Oh, well, I am so happy to be here.

Barbara was head of accounting for Genesis, for how many years?

- Well, I'd prefer not to say. - [chuckles]

Oh, Kath, do you have the next year budget outline?

I was expecting it on my desk this morning.

Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you said that you...

- I will get it to you ASAP. - Thank you.

Maybe we could teach Kath a thing or two

about the business world.

[chuckles] Nice meeting you.

Kath, her e-mail said

that budgets weren't due until next week.

Yes, I know that, but I couldn't tell her that.

Why not?

Because she's the boss.

And now, I have to make a budget ASAP.

Well, I'd be happy to spearhead it,

it is my area of expertise.

All right, then.

- That'd be a big help. - What is this?

Those are my receipts from last year.

I've never met anyone

who keeps their business receipts

in an actual shoe box.

Well, they're in chronological order,

so try not to shake them.

Oh, no, I'll be very gentle.

Wouldn't want to disrupt the system.

[chuckles]

Really appreciate your help.

Really, you seem to need it.

- Hmm. [chuckles] - See you tomorrow.

[instrumental music]

[Barbara] Hey.

Hey, hon. How was your meeting?

[Barbara] You know, I was used to things running

in a pretty orderly fashion at the office.

And it turns out the world doesn't really work that way.

Some people operate in pure chaos.

Well, they're lucky they have you to set them straight.

Uh, new open house?

Yeah. Last one of the year.

And I'm adding a little extra...

[grunts]

Christmas magic to this one.

- Oh, that's so nice. Oh! - [clattering]

Uh, Shane is here.

Shane, honey, everything all right?

I'm okay. Yeah. Ugh...

I got some repairs to do at the theater,

so I figured I could look at some of granddad's old tools.

Do you know how to use any of those?

That's what YouTube is there for, mom.

You know, that's my fault. I mean, I sell houses.

I don't fix them. I never taught you and your brother.

It's okay. So, you guys have got it all figured out.

I mean, slow season in real estate,

can enjoy time with family.

But you know what?

I've got a staple gun and a dream.

[chuckles] But you could always get your real estate license.

- Mom, I'm not a businessy guy. - I know.

So, you think I need help moving more houses?

Couldn't hurt. You know that our son Shane is very charming.

Yeah, dad, The Sunday Times did say my charisma is infectious.

We'll never forget that review.

Well, you know, infectious can be a bad thing.

I mean, diseases are infectious.

- Ohh! - He's teasing you.

- Stop. You were wonderful. - Thank you.

Go staple whatever it is you staple.

I will see you both Friday for dinner.

Okay. Love you.

Looking forward to it.

[chuckles]

I think he's lonely.

Oh, no, not this again.

What, did you hear all that stuff about

family and Christmas?

I know you're retired

and you're itching for a project,

but Shane is not your project.

Who said anything about a project?

[man 1] Do you know someone who is unlucky in love?

Merry Matchmaker allows friends and families

to play matchmaker.

Here are today's matches.

Mom, hi, I'm so sorry I'm late. Works been crazy.

That's okay, honey.

- Thanks for coming to get me. - Hi.

I should get the van out of the shop next week

and then maybe we can go wrangle ourselves at Christmas tree.

Yeah, yeah, I just have to check my schedule,

but I'm sure I can make that work.

Oh, I have had such a day.

There's a new woman on the

Christmas committee, an accountant.

And she is such a piece of work. And you know me.

- I get along with everybody. - Mm-hmm.

But there's just something about her that

really busted my biscuits.

But you would have been very proud of me.

I stayed non-reactive and I killed her with kindness.

- I am proud of you. - [phone chimes]

Oh, you got a match?

A what? A match?

Honey, remember

I signed you up for that matchmaker app?

Well, I said I wasn't interested.

Sweetheart, wouldn't you like some holiday romance?

I don't want you to be lonely at Christmas.

I'm not lonely. I have friends. I have you.

Plus, it's okay to be by yourself sometimes.

- Okay. Mm-mm. - Okay, great. This yours?

You will not hear another word out of me.

- What about this guy? - No.

[instrumental music]

This committee has too many matching outfits.

[chuckles] Well, give them a chance.

They might surprise you.

Oh, what have you here?

This is a jolly julep.

- Hmm... - Uh, wait.

Forgot the garnish.

Oh, you cannot forget that.

[both chuckle]

- Mhm... - What do you think?

Delicious.

[chimes in laptop]

Oh, boy.

An e-mail from Kath.

"Hey committee fam,

this is an extra special reminder

for everyone to show up on time tomorrow

for turkey supper, sandwiches..."

Whatever those are.

"Wouldn't want anyone to stress out about punctuality."

So what exactly is a turkey supper sandwich?

Turkey supper in a sandwich.

It's a big hit with our local seniors.

Ahh...

Oh.

Just remembered.

I brought festive headbands

for you and for you and you.

Ah, no, I'm not wearing that.

Oh, don't be so uptight.

I am not uptight.

Oooh. Suit yourself.

Hm.

Oh, wow-wow-wow what are you doing? That's a family recipe.

- I made that. - It's just a bit of salt.

Are you trying to give everybody high blood pressure?

Or maybe make the food taste good.

Oh, it tastes good. Give me that.

- No. No. - Yes. Yes.

- No. - Yes.

[clinking]

That's a bad omen.

Do we really have to serve all these in less than an hour?

- That's not much time. - Oh, we'll get it done.

Oh, I have an idea.

What about a little friendly competition?

Me and Doug versus you and Jim?

Sure. Okay.

Whoever makes the most sandwiches before 5:00, wins.

You're on.

And go!

[instrumental music]

♪ Good King Wenceslas looked out ♪

♪ On the Feast of Stephen ♪

♪ Our sandwich are almost done ♪

♪ Then I will be even ♪

Okay, well, obviously those aren't the words.

That's not even how the song goes.

Oh, who cares?

Well, maybe the Good King.

The Good King Wencelas?

- Wenceslas. - Wenceslas.

[Barbara] We're going to win, Jim.

Benefit of an organized system.

That's the spirit.

[music continues]

- Time's up. - Oh.

We won.

Well, most importantly, we got all the sandwiches made.

Oh, people are probably getting seated by now.

- Everybody grab a tray. - Well, it's only 4:55.

Well, you, of all people I thought

would appreciate being early.

No, no way. Doug, you take it.

I got you some bubbly to celebrate your first big design.

Well, it's not done yet.

Oh, come on, honey, you gotta celebrate

the little wins along the way.

I don't want to get too ahead of myself.

Okay, well then I am celebrating you.

I am so proud of you for running your own firm.

Co-running.

Okay, can you just take a compliment?

And I'm, I'm sorry

that I tried to fix you up earlier.

Thanks.

I'm really overwhelmed with this project right now.

Though it would break my heart

if you missed out on meeting the right guy

because it wasn't the right time.

But I know that you are very busy with your work right now.

And even if I did find the most perfect handsome guy

who is exactly right for you,

then I know that you wouldn't be interested in meeting him.

You're still on the app?

He is so cute.

He's so handsome and he's funny

and he owns his own business and he's a Scorpio.

Checks all your boxes.

You think he's perfect for me and I have to meet him.

Yes. I think you're going to love him.

And if I do meet him and he's not perfect for me,

then we can agree that maybe you're not going to find

Mr. Right on this app

and we can stop talking about it forever?

Forever is a long time.

- Mom? - Okay. Yes.

If you meet him and he's not the right guy,

you will not hear a peep out of me.

Promise?

Ish. Prom-ish.

Mom, what are you doing?

Oh, just fluffing the tree.

We already fluffed it.

Well, not the way I like it.

Oh, I forgot, nothing is right until you do it yourself.

- That is not always true. - Mm-hmm.

You should have seen the dreadful receipt system

for the Christmas committee.

It was in an actual shoe box.

Thank goodness I've made them a clear, concise spreadsheet.

Thank goodness. However, do they survive without it?

You know, I could take over your payroll.

- It's, it's fine. - But I know you hate doing it.

Well, I don't think I would love you being all up in my finances.

- Why? Is everything okay? - Yes.

I'm glad you're keeping busy.

Speaking of...

I found your dream girl today.

Oh. Is she a retiree on the Christmas committee?

No, silly. She's your age, and she's very pretty.

- Okay, mom... - Just because you think...

we don't have the same taste.

I know we don't have the same taste.

Well, this one is different.

I don't... I just have a feeling.

Okay.

Where'd you meet her?

- I found her online. - Oh, we are done here.

Uh, uh, uh, uh, I'm just asking you to meet her.

But if you don't want to honor your

mother's wishes, I understand.

Okay, we don't have to go straight for the

guilt trip. Mom, please.

Look, I know I wasn't around as much

when you were a little kid. I was working all the time.

I, I just want to make it up to you.

Be more involved in your life.

Okay, mom.

No hard feelings, okay?

Meet her please...

for me.

[sighs]

- You know you want to. - I don't.

Hey, Danielle, I just emailed you

a couple mock ups of the design. Let me know what you think.

I have to go to a drinks thing

with some guy my mom set me up with.

Knowing her, he won't be my type

at all, but I'll suffer through it.

I don't think it'll last more than an hour.

Wish me luck.

You must be Lauren.

- You're Shane. - Yeah.

Only an hour, huh? I guess I better make it count.

I'm sorry. I didn't...

Don't worry about it.

[instrumental music]

Thank you.

Okay, so it was a sold out crowd

and we had tested this yellow brick road like,

I don't know, a dozen times.

But of course, on opening night,

it decides not to rotate.

So what did you do?

Pretend that was part of the plan.

Well, hiring an improv troupe comes in handy.

[laughs]

So, what show do you have next?

Uh, we're actually launching a holiday improv show.

But after that, I'm...

planning on selling the theater.

What? But it seems like you love performing.

Performing, yes. Payroll, building maintenance, sales...

- Hard no. - Yeah.

You own your own business, right?

I co-own it with my best friend,

but I'm definitely more of the details person.

She's the dreamer.

What brought you to architecture?

I love the permanence of it.

Some buildings have stood for thousands of years,

way outlasted the people who built them.

You want to leave your mark on the world?

Yeah. And a building sticks around,

which is more than I could say for some people in my life.

Oh.

Yeah, um... my dad left when I was little,

but I'm gonna need something stronger for that story.

[laughs]

You know, if you need any work done on the theater,

I could recommend some really good contractors.

Are you gonna try to solve all my problems

in the first hour we've met?

- I'm a people pleaser. - Hmm.

And let me guess, you also have a hard time saying

no to your mom.

Ugh! Yeah, this app thing.

I don't know why she thinks

she's going to find my dream guy on an app for parents.

No offense to present company.

- You seem cool. - I get it.

If you knew my mom, she thinks she always knows best.

Sounds like our moms have a lot in common.

And you know we're never gonna hear the end of it, right?

Ugh, you think so?

I have an insane couple of weeks before Christmas.

I cannot keep fending off suitors.

I have a crazy idea.

We both need our moms off our case until Christmas, right?

Yeah, if that's even possible.

Though my mom did promise

if this one didn't work out, she'd lay off.

[chuckles] You think that's gonna stick?

[laughs] Absolutely not.

Okay, hear me out.

What if we pretend to date?

At least until December 25th.

Look, it's up to you, okay?

I know we're almost at the end of our hour here,

but think about it, okay? We don't have to see each other.

We just tell people we're dating.

Though if you do have a holiday event you need to attend,

you have a built in date who's not terrible at dancing.

Not terrible at dancing.

Wow, your resume is really impressive.

[chuckles]

Then after Christmas,

we just tell everyone it didn't work out.

Go our separate ways.

What do you think?

- Okay. - Yeah?

- Yeah, let's fake date. - Okay.

[clinks]

Look at all the fun we have when we work as a team.

Hey!

Watch where you point that thing.

Oh, sorry, sorry.

Really great work everybody.

I will be back later to check on your progress.

The line for Santa goes in this direction.

Okay, well you never gave me the layout that I asked you for

because you keep saying it's all in your head.

But what if you get hit by a bus?

Are you manifesting?

It makes more sense for it to go in that direction.

Well, it's going to go

in this direction.

Fourteen years,

never been a problem.

That doesn't mean it's right.

Okay, Miss Bossy Pants.

- I am not. - Are too.

- I am not. I am not. - Are too. Are too.

Just because I had a real job in the real world.

Excuse me?

Being an administrator at the Chamber of Commerce

is a real job. You know what?

If this committee is not for you, why don't you just quit?

I will not quit this committee until after the Christmas season

because I am not a quitter. Only quitters quit.

But after that, if I never see you again, it'll be too soon.

Not if I don't see you first.

That doesn't make any sense.

- Does too. - Does not.

- Does too. - Ugh!

Quitter.

[Danielle] So you're not really dating this guy,

but you're telling your mom that you are?

Yes.

But you said he was cute.

That's not the point.

I think that's relevant information.

You know what's relevant information

that we have three weeks left to submit this project

to the architectural review board.

Yes. Uh, speaking of,

I spoke with the team at Apres and they want to remove

the coffee shop and put in a restaurant.

How are we supposed to fit that in the square footage?

I did a mock up.

It could fit if we removed the gift shop.

- See. - Yeah.

And we'd have to adjust the check in desk.

We could build the kitchen out through here.

We can still submit it to the review board in the new year.

Yeah, except new zoning goes into effect January 1st,

and that would mean a massive square one redesign.

I'm sure it'll all work out.

Well, things don't just work out.

They're the result of careful planning.

And this is our first major client.

If we don't get this right--

I'll happily set expectations.

No, I can get this done before we close for the holidays.

- You sure? - Mm-hmm.

[soft chuckle] All right.

- Just have to start now. - Okay.

- Good luck. - Thank you.

[instrumental music]

I think I got enough mini trinkets

to decorate the model hotel.

Honey, you got enough to decorate several hotel models.

I want it to look festive.

With all the changes to the design,

I haven't had time to make any

of the little figures I normally would.

Are you gonna be able to see Shane again or are you too busy?

Ha?

Oh, yeah, definitely.

Honey, if he's not your type,

I will just go back on that app

and rustle you up a new guy.

Not necessary. Shane's great.

We're gonna see each other again, and we don't

need to keep talking about it.

All right, I'll back off.

But if you're really into Shane, I need to meet him.

[instrumental music]

You don't have to do all this volunteering.

- Well, what else would I do? - I don't know.

I, I just want to make sure you're okay,

that this committee is something you want to do

and not just filling some void.

It is what I want to do.

Okay. I will take your word for it.

- Hmm. - Hm.

And I want to get some old wine.

- Okay. Love you. - I love you.

[exhales]

Thank you.

I'm here for my shift.

Well, that means it's time for me to go

check out the candy cane selection.

- Okay, bye. - See ya.

Just so you know, I'm not quitting the committee.

Somebody needs to be here to hold some people accountable.

Since when was Christmas about accountability?

We create all of these events

so people can experience spontaneous moments of joy.

When was the last time you had a spontaneous moment of joy?

If you're going to be rude, we don't have to talk.

Oh, we don't even need to sit here together.

One of us can man the table,

and the other one can take photos.

Oh, this camera is extremely technical.

- So I should probably-- - Yeah, yes.

I'm very familiar with it.

I worked in a dark room in college.

- It's digital. - Smile.

Mm-hmm.

See ya.

Thanks for doing this.

Of course.

What's the use of having a fake boyfriend

if you can't use them to fake out your mom.

Yeah, I don't think she'd buy it otherwise.

Here, try this.

Okay.

Hmm...

It's delicious. What is it?

Hokifli.

My grandma used to make them every Christmas.

Now my mom and I have taken over the tradition.

Well, mostly my mom.

I'm a terrible baker.

Bad at baking. Deal breaker.

Guess we should call off our fake dating.

[both laugh]

Ready to sell this?

Let's do it.

- Lauren. - Mom.

Oh, hi. This must be Shane.

- Hello. - Hi.

Shane.

You know Shane?

Um, Kath,

Lauren, this is my mother, Barbara.

Oh, Lauren is your...

Oh, no.

"Goodtimegal." I should have known. Such a silly handle.

Oh, really? "BNumbers99."

Oh, Barbara is the new member of the Chamber of Commerce.

And you didn't realize...

- Oh... - Could you excuse us?

We have some official Chamber of Commerce business.

- Yes. - Hot chocolate?

- Oh, I'd love one. - I'd love one.

- Great. - Right.

[chuckles]

You must be very proud of yourself.

What are you talking about?

Oh, that your son landed my daughter.

You're the one that swiped on him.

Now, that was before I knew this...

Knew what? That he comes from a good, solid family?

As opposed to what?

It doesn't really matter now.

[sighs] The damage is done.

- Uh! - Argh!

[banging]

Hey, honey.

I brought you some lunch.

Thanks.

You were just in the area?

Yeah, I just thought I'd

stop by, see how you're doing.

[chuckles] Thanks.

So, uh, how's Lauren?

- Good. - Good, good.

There's not like a, you know, like

any kind of a serious commitment thing

or anything. Is it? Right?

Why do you ask?

Oh, no reason, you know,

commitment's never really been your thing.

But if you like this Lauren,

then I am... truly overjoyed for you.

Hmm.

Having your support means a lot.

Hmm.

Love you.

Love you too.

- Hey, hey, Barbara. - Oh, hi.

We always do a Secret Santa gift exchange

at the last Chamber of Commerce meeting.

We have a little potluck and do a little gift swap.

Oh, well, that sounds like fun.

- Thanks, Doug. - No problem.

Ugh!

Well, you have to see this.

Shane posted a photo with Lauren.

[Kath] This is bad. Very bad.

Well, I guess we have to let this relationship run its course

unless we want to go, you know,

full sabotage and try to break them up.

[instrumental music]

What if we did try to break them up?

I mean, they barely know each other.

Huh!

I mean, if Shane knew I wanted

him to break up with Lauren, he'd

probably double down and marry her.

But let's think this through.

I mean, there is no way that

my son is compatible with your daughter.

[chuckles] Well, there's no way that my daughter

is actually compatible with your son.

I mean, this relationship is going to end

in a heartbreak. It's just a matter of when.

So if we do break them up, it's like

we're doing them a favor.

A huge favor.

They will thank us.

They'll be so happy.

Okay.

Good morning. You want to see?

That's actually, hm, not terrible.

I'm full of surprises.

Oh, you know, I used to buy my boys a new ornament

every year at Christmas.

Well, then the tree got too full and I had to stop.

Not that they ever noticed.

I used to get Lauren a new Santa doll every year.

And of course she didn't like them anymore, so they're all

at my house and it looks like a Christmas convention.

[laughs] I'll bet.

Have you talked to her about Shane?

She didn't have one bad thing to say about him.

Uh, well, it's the beginning of a relationship.

You know, when everything is magical,

the other person can do no wrong.

True, but then they will

really get to know each other,

and they're gonna see how different they are.

- And then it'll be over. - Yeah.

You and I could not be more different.

Oh, agreed.

All right, well, tell me about Shane.

What makes him tick?

Well, he's very passionate.

A bit of a free spirit.

He loves his art. The business side, not so much.

And his theater is in need of a lot of repairs,

which, between you and me, it's not his strong suit.

I haven't been able to get a Christmas tree yet

because my van is in the shop.

Well, I'm sorry to hear that,

but concentrate, we have a relationship to break up.

No, no, go with me. I'm working on a plan.

Does Shane have a big car?

Yes, an SUV. Why?

I am going to ask him and Lauren

to help me come and get a tree.

That's your plan?

Because my son is fully capable

of tying a dead plant to a car.

Just trust me. Okay?

Okay.

Thank you guys so much for inviting me today.

I've never been Christmas tree shopping.

We always had a fake tree growing up.

Of course, Barbara had a fake tree.

- Mom! - What?

I-I meant it seemed very put together of her.

Oh, this is it. This is the one.

It's a bit big, isn't it?

No, it's perfect. It's a real beaut.

Okay, well, I'll go get someone to help us--

No, no, no, no. Shane can do that.

He can trim it for us, can't you, Shane?

We got this "big, strong guy."

You don't need another person to help me carry that, do you?

No, no, I guess...

I guess not.

Okay, here you go.

Oh, um...

These are...

- What's gotten into you? - What?

This big, strong guy thing.

We don't need a man to help us do anything. We never have.

I mean, you always say, it's us against the world.

I was just trying to make him feel included.

By the way, a man will love it

when you talk to them like this. Okay.

No, no, no, no, no. You're doing it wrong.

- I am? - Yes.

- Yeah, I guess I'm-- - Okay.

That's enough trimming. I think it looks great.

- It looks great like that. - No, you're right.

Whoa. Is there anything else in there I should know about?

Well, I'm sorry I came prepared.

- [Kath] Here you go, champ. - Um...

- Wrap it up. - Thank you. Um...

Great. Um...

Yeah.

[quirky music]

- Haven't got all day. - Okay.

Um, there.

[grunts]

Try that again.

Okay. Shane, just move it away.

- Bring it forward. - Oww! Oww!

Why is it so sticky in here?

[Lauren] Okay, stop. Um...

How about we just bring it forward

and then work together to wrap it?

That would make a lot more sense.

I'm so sorry. This is my first time.

I have no idea what I'm doing.

It's okay.

[laughs]

[Shane] Um... [Lauren] All right.

Okay. All right.

Oh, um...

Sorry, I just, um...

Well, no, that doesn't work.

I'm so sorry.

[both laugh]

- Ah! Sorry. - Oh! No, yeah, nope.

- Good. - [both laugh]

[Lauren] Are we done?

- Uh, sure. - All right.

- Yeah. - Wow.

We're terrible at this, aren't we?

Yeah, we should probably call somebody to come help.

[both laugh]

Good thing I'm an architect.

[Shane] It's not too tall, right?

It's perfect.

All right. Perfect's a bit much.

We'll trim it a little.

- What was that? - I don't know.

The tree was just settling, right?

- Trees do that. - Uh, I don't--

- [gasps] - No, no, no! No, no, no.

- Oh... - Oh. Oh.

Look, it's a little Christmas rat.

- What do you mean Christmas rat? - Go, get it.

Me?

Yeah. Go and get it.

- Macho thing. Go. - Okay.

No, don't...

Oh my... Okay.

- He's kind of cute. - Just stop it.

He's not that cute. He's kind of the size of...

- You got this. - Okay, it's not a bull.

I know it's not a bull.

[yells]

I can do this.

Come here, you oversized

oversized domino.

Oh, God! Oh. Oh. Oh, yep, yep, yep.

Oh, oh, oh. Oh, oh, he's crawling on my arm. Oh, no.

Go, go, go, go, go. Go, door.

Bye-bye forever. Bye forever.

- Ugh! Yeah. - You okay?

You're a regular Snow White.

Yeah, well, just wait 'til you hear me sing and clean.

[laughs] Oh.

[Shane] I would like to shower now.

Well, I guess your plan flopped spectacularly.

Well, have you got a better idea?

I do.

The overbearing mother.

I've invited Lauren to come see Shane's play.

And what did Shane say about that?

He doesn't know.

He's gonna hate it if he thinks

I'm forcing them together.

- Not bad, not bad. - Mm-hmm.

So what should I know about Lauren?

- She's shy. - Ahh...

Then I could get Shane to invite her up on stage.

Oh. And she's also stubborn. She won't go.

Then he'll think that she doesn't go with the flow.

And he hates it when people...

Namely me.

- Don't go with the flow. - Hm.

Sounds like you have an A+ relationship with your son.

My son and I are fine.

We can't all be mother-daughter chummy besties.

Well, I wouldn't say besties.

She's been work, work, work lately.

Hmm. Except she did carve out a night to attend the theater.

Hey, thank you for coming.

Of course, honey.

- You look very festive. - Thank you.

I've only got a few minutes, so...

Oh, Lauren. Hi, you came.

I want you to meet my husband Mark

and my adorable son Aiden,

his precious husband Jeff.

Hi. Lovely to meet you all.

This is Lauren, everyone.

She's Shane's friend. Are we saying friend?

We-we don't have to label anything.

- Hi. - Hi.

Oh.

I didn't realize you were coming.

Oh, well, I invited her.

I might be a little bit of a meddling mom.

I love my son so much. I'm just sort of...

What do they say? I'm just always up in their grills.

Mom, nobody says that.

I have to go backstage.

Jeff, do me a favor. Make sure they don't scare her off.

It's a tall order, but I'll do my best.

- Hey! - We'll be nice.

Break a leg.

Oh, hey, honey.

I had an idea.

You know how you sometimes bring...

- people up from the audience? - Uh-huh.

What if you ask Lauren to join you?

[instrumental music]

[applause]

Good evening, everyone.

Welcome to Brooklyn City Troupe presents,

A Christmas Carol.

To start, I need a couple of suggestions from the audience.

Number one, a job that is not an accountant.

- Santa Claus. - Okay, Santa Claus.

And now I need a method for delivering information.

- A carrier pigeon. - I heard carrier pigeon.

[laughs]

[clears throat]

'Twas the night before Christmas

and all through the room,

Scrooge was counting his money,

cashing checks with his plume.

He grouched everybody on his naughty list

because, surprise,

Scrooge is Santa

and he ain't giving gifts.

These confounded elves keep adding people to the nice list.

Don't they know it's impossible for anyone to be completely nice

Now that nights after Scrooge was tucked safe in his bed,

visions of sugar plums...

[tongue clicks]

Knocked out of his head

and who should appear right in front of his eyes...

but his old friend Jay Marley

in ghostly surprise.

Oh, no. No, no, no, no, no.

Oh, no, honey, maybe she'd just rather not.

Hey.

It'll be fun, I promise.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have our Marley.

Now, Santa Scrooge was knocked from his miserly dreams

with a scare from Ole Marley that made the bloke scream.

- Scream. - Oh.

- Boo! - [screams]

[audience laughs]

Now, Scrooge,

Marley has a message for you via carrier pigeon.

[squeaks]

[audience laughs]

Ah, a ghost who only communicates via pigeon.

Classic.

Well, ghosts of Marley,

you don't scare me.

- [rumbling] - [screams]

Give it up for Marley.

[audience applauds]

[mouthing] Thank you.

- [sighs] - You did great.

[indistinct chatter]

What's going on? Where is Santa?

Doug said, he couldn't take it anymore

and ran into the break room and locked the door behind him.

Yolanda is going to flip out

if she finds out Santa has gone AWOL.

I don't get it. This Yolanda...

You have no trouble pushing back on me

or pushing your daughter around, but you're terrified of her.

She's the boss.

Do you have a problem with authority figures?

Oh, my God. What are you, my therapist now?

I'm sorry, just asking you a question.

Here. Let me.

[knocking]

Doug, open this door right now.

[Doug] Go away.

[knocking]

Doug, we just wanna talk to you.

We're not gonna go away.

Remember, we deploy Christmas joy.

[Doug] Well, I don't want to talk to you.

Hey, there are a lot of children out here

and you are making some of them cry.

So I want you to come out of there right now.

[Doug] No, I'm not coming out. And that's final.

Should we call security?

No. Oh, I have an idea. Yep.

- Help me. - Where are we going with this?

Just tip this. Just put it down on the ground.

- Got it. - All right. Here we go.

Oh. Okay.

[screams]

- Oh. - [Kath screams]

Merry Christmas.

All right, stop. Okay.

I just remembered. I'm not crazy.

- You do it. - Okay. This one.

- Okay. - That one.

- All right, here we go. - Okay, here we go.

Oh.

Oh, Oh.

Oh. Ohh!

What the...

Oooh!

Okay.

Who are you? Catwoman?

Pilates.

I said, go away.

When someone acts like you are,

sometimes they're in need of a big hug.

- I'm not in the mood, Kath. - Look, I get it.

When you're having a hard time,

it's not a good idea to push everyone away.

I-I-I-I can't-I can't do this.

I-it's too much pressure.

What if they asked for something,

Christmas morning comes and they don't get it?

One year when I was a kid,

I asked Santa for a Commander Storm action figure

because all of my friends had one.

And then Christmas morning came

and I got light logs.

I-I-I-I was, I was so devastated.

I-I-I-I-I just, I-I can't,

I can't handle this kind of responsibility, Kath.

- I can't. I can't-- - Okay, okay.

You can, you can, you can. Deep breath.

[sharply inhales]

Yes, you can. Oh, I hear you, buddy.

When I was six years old,

I wrote Santa a letter every week.

All I wanted was a little baker's oven.

And that Christmas morning,

I scoured under the tree

for the exact size box.

It wasn't there. Oh, I was heartbroken.

But you know what I eventually realized?

Christmas joy comes from giving, not receiving.

She's right.

And life throws us all curveballs.

What matters is how you react.

Now, if you can't see these kids, I understand.

But if that's the case,

I'm gonna need to get inside that suit.

And what a terrible idea that would be.

- I can do it. I can do it. - You can do it.

- Thank you, both of you. - Okay, deep breath.

- [Doug breathes deeply] - Go deploy Christmas joy.

Go get 'em, Santa.

[soft music]

Jim is gonna be Santa next year.

- For sure. - Good idea.

[holiday music]

What is that expression? "Teamwork makes the dream work."

You know, maybe we've been going about this all wrong.

What are you talking about? We just solved the problem.

No, not this problem. The Lauren and Shane problem.

I mean, you tried, I tried. Maybe we need to work together.

They're a united front, so we need to be a united front.

Uh-huh. Could work.

[phone ringing]

[clanks]

- [Danielle] Hello. - Hey, Danielle.

[Danielle] Hey, What's going on?

So I adjusted the clearance of the

walkways in the restaurant,

but I wanted to go through the numbers with you.

[Danielle] Um, sure I just need to cancel my date.

What time is it?

- Oh, gosh, it's getting late. - [Danielle] Let me cancel.

- Um. No, no, no, no, no. - [Danielle] Are you sure?

Yeah. You enjoy your date night.

[Danielle] Okay. Don't stay too late.

Okay. Bye.

[Danielle] Bye.

[soft music]

[chuckles]

[softly] Okay.

[phone ringtone chiming]

[Shane] Hey, Aiden.

Their offer on the building is garbage.

- Do you wanna counter again? - What are we countering?

Nothing. Small side thing.

Okay. Uh, I have the company Christmas cards for you to sign.

[clears throat]

[Shane] Does dad know I'm selling?

Because if he knows then mom knows, and if mom knows

[inhales] she's either gonna throw me a party

or I'm getting a lecture for no follow through.

Nobody knows anything. What number do you feel good with?

[sighs]

[chuckles]

No, you know what,

if they're givin' a lowball offer, then sale's off.

Maybe this is the universe trying to tell me

I'm not supposed to sell yet.

Great.

Except for the part where you

hate repairing the building.

I'll figure it out.

[soft music]

I gotta go.

[scoffs]

- Hey. - Hey.

I was hoping to use my charm to score a ticket.

Hmm. Oh, sorry me lady.

Tonight's show is all sold out.

[Shane laughs]

But I'm not in tonight's show anyway,

so maybe we could take a walk if you're game.

I am.

As long as hot coco's involved.

I think that could be arranged.

[Shane] So has your coco fixation been filled?

So filled. This is exactly what I was craving.

- Thank you. - [both laugh]

You know anything about the Chamber of Commerce grants?

Yeah, sure. What about 'em?

I think I might apply for one.

Use the money to fix up the theater.

That's great. I'd be happy to help.

Oh, I know you got a lot in your plate.

It's Okay. I don't mind. You're fun to hang out with.

You are not too shabby yourself.

[chuckles]

Is this weird? Us hanging out just because?

It's not weird for me, is it weird for you?

Well, it's just that we have this arrangement,

so I don't know.

We can... we can hang.

[Lauren] Yeah.

Just friends hanging out. [chuckles]

Just friends.

- Mmm. - [glassware clinking]

Did you know that Shane is thinking of selling his theater?

Really?!

And Aiden is helping him.

Yeah, they thought they were being sneaky,

but I saw some paperwork at the office.

Well, when is it going to go through?

Hmm. Well, he changed his mind.

Maybe he wants to stick around for Lauren.

Oh, this Lauren.

Do you think they're good together?

I do, yeah.

She's nice. He's happy.

[inhales] What more can we ask for?

Hmm, I just worry

they're from such different backgrounds

and he doesn't always know what's best for him.

Like, why is he holding on to this dysfunctional theatre?

[sighs] Well, you got to trust he knows what he wants, hmm?

Does he, though?

Barbara, what is this about?

I just want him to be happy.

[quirky music]

[phone ringing]

- Hello. - Oh. Are you home?

Yes.

Time for Operation Besties.

Roger that.

[Barbara] Oh, is this the Christmas Committee scrapbook?

Yes. I make one every year to commemorate what we did.

Oh, it's just great.

You really are the perfect person to run that committee.

Oh, start.

[chuckles]

Oh. Poor little Shane.

Oh, yeah,

that was the first time that I took him to see Santa Claus.

Might have been the beginning of our trust issues.

[gasps] Oh, the first time I took Lauren

to see Santa, she had just eaten a chocolate bar

and I thought that I had cleaned her up,

but she smeared it all over Santa's suit.

Oh, it was a very expensive dry cleaning bill.

Plus, I had to send it all the way back to the North Pole.

[quirky music]

I'm kidding.

- Oh. - [Kath laughs]

Wait a minute. I have an app. It's a babyface generator.

It shows what it would look like if the two of them had a child.

Oh, good golly.

What kind of nightmare is that gonna dream up?

Oh, look.

[Kath] Oh, actually, they're so cute.

So cute.

- Shane's gonna hate it, though. - Oh, Lauren too.

This could work.

I'm just worried that they're gonna smell

something fishy a mile away.

We've got this.

Shane is terrified of commitment, and if he thinks

that we're trying to push the two of them together,

he will run in the opposite direction.

Yeah, Lauren's gonna hate the surprise of it

and not being in control of the situation.

- Plus, embarrassing photos. - Mmm.

[chuckles] It's totally gonna throw off her game.

[cups clink]

[Lauren] This is us.

[Shane] Thanks for the walk.

Thanks for taking me to get my car.

My mom borrowed it for some kind of Santa emergency.

It's not Christmas without a Santa emergency.

[laughs] Yep.

So is your mom's van ever gonna get out of the shop?

Who knows? [chuckles]

That's my mom's car.

What's she doing here?

Uh.

[car doors shut]

♪ Up on the housetop, the reindeer pause ♪

♪ Out jumps good old Santa Clause ♪

♪ Down through the chimney with lots of toys ♪

♪ All for the little ones, Christmas joys ♪

♪ Ho-ho-ho, who wouldn't go? ♪

♪ Ho-ho-ho, who-- ♪

[both gasp] Oh!

You two are hanging out?

Yeah, well, Kath was telling me about how she and Lauren have

this tradition of Christmas karaoke.

She's never done Christmas karaoke.

[Barbara] And since you two are getting so close,

I thought we'd better exchange Christmas traditions since

someday we're gonna be one big happy family.

- I love Christmas traditions. - [chuckles]

[Kath] You know what else you're gonna love?

Baby photos.

Barb and I made you a scrapbook

because you look so cute together.

That was really not necessary.

Oh, you're gonna have some darn cute kids.

[Lauren] Okay, mom!

[awkward laughter]

[Shane] I think I'm gonna leave now.

Wait, I meant to give you my business card.

- Yes. - Uh...

You can include it in your grant application.

Direct them to me if they have any questions

about your renovations.

Grant applications? Renovations?

Oh, well, Lauren inspired me.

If I really loved the theatre,

I had to put my whole heart into it.

Go all in to make it work.

That's wonderful, honey. It really is.

[soft music]

You know what I brought?

For us to watch

your junior high performance of "The Nutcracker."

Actually, we maybe should partake

in some of the Christmas karaoke action.

Oh, Lauren doesn't like singing in front of other people.

I could maybe try a duet.

- Yeah, great, great. - Oh.

[Shane] That's good. [Lauren] Um.

Oh, uh, wait, microphones.

Okay, what do we got?

[exhales]

♪ Jingle Bells jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle all the way ♪

♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh ♪

♪ Hey! ♪

[both laughing]

[Lauren] You're a natural.

[Aiden] Thank you for coming to help.

No problem.

Dad always wants to help with the toy drive,

but his gifts look like they were wrapped

by a crazy raccoon.

Deranged woodland creatures aren't the wrapping vibe

you were going for?

- I'll see myself out. - Ha-ha.

So I hear you had fun last night.

- With Lauren. - Wow!

The gossip train never ends in this family.

So is it serious?

I...I-I don't know.

No, no, don't do this.

Do not sabotage a good thing because you are

commitment-phobic, okay?

Hey, it's not that. It's just...

[gift wrap rustling]

Can I tell you a secret?

Of course.

It's not real.

Lauren and I have been pretending to date

over the holidays to keep our moms off our backs.

What?!

So you're saying you don't really like her?

I-I mean, that's the problem.

I think I kinda do.

I just don't know if she feels the same way.

Well, um, call me crazy,

but there's a way that you could find out.

You could ask her.

Oh. [groans]

Look, for somebody who makes himself vulnerable on stage

every night, it wouldn't kill you to channel a little bit

of that into your personal life.

What if I come on too strong?

Just start small.

Something to let her know that you're thinking about her.

[gift wrap rustling]

[soft music]

[knocking]

- Hey. Um. - Hey.

I know you're busy, but I brought you some of those

cookies you like from the holiday market.

The ones my grandma used to make?

Yeah.

Thank you. Wow. I needed this.

- I'll let you get back to it. - No. Stay for a minute.

- Have one with me. - Sure.

Here.

How's the building coming along?

Uh, I don't know.

Honestly, I'm... trying to give them what they want,

but they keep changing their minds.

Sounds like they don't know what they want.

Yeah, sounds like it.

Well, then you decide.

Show them something they didn't even know they needed.

- You did all this? - Yeah.

This is amazing. [chuckles]

Thank you.

How's your grant coming along?

Uh... You know, it's a lot of paperwork. [chuckles]

Yeah, but it'll be worth it.

It's kinda like when you go on a really tough hike,

but then you reach the view at the top.

The effort is part of the experience.

You have a knack for making the mundane and boring

sound almost magical.

- Almost. - [both chuckle]

Well, it's the life of an architect.

It's kinda how all that turns into that

and then turns into this.

[soft music]

To your business.

To your theater.

- Oh, wow. [laughs] - The sugars.

Why, it's delicious.

Mmm. Mm. So good.

All right. [chuckles]

[Kath sighs] Really? Ugh!

What's going on?

They don't have a record of us reserving the hall

for the dance, but I know we paid for it.

- Give me a minute. - Um, could you hold, please?

Got it.

Hello. To whom am I speaking?

Hi, Gerald. Yes, we paid for the reservation in June.

June 13th to be exact.

Yes, the reference number is 1-8-3-5-0.

Uh-huh. Might wanna straighten out those books.

Well, no worries. We'll see you then. Thank you.

That was all in your spreadsheet?

Mm-hmm.

I digitized and uploaded all of the receipts

and then I hyperlinked them to the budget line items.

- It's like magic. Thank you. - You're welcome.

- [Aiden] Hey, mom. - Oh, hi, honey.

Oh, you are my savior. Thank you for bringing this.

- I can't believe I forgot it. - Well, you have a lot going on.

Have you talked to your brother?

Yes.

About Lauren?

Mother, you have to stop

with all of this meddling. He is a grown man.

I know that. I just want my sons to be happy.

Listen, I know that retirement

may not be the easiest thing for you.

Why does everybody keep saying that? I am just fine.

Okay, great, but you're making Shane do crazy things

like this thing with Lauren.

What are you talking about?

Forget I said anything.

No, you said something, so I can't forget you said anything.

What about him and Lauren? Come on, spill the beans.

Okay, well, um, Shane told me

that he is just pretending to date Lauren

to get you off of his back.

It's not real, mom.

But you didn't hear that from me.

- I'll see you tonight. - Okay.

[tense music]

♪ Jolly old St. Nicholas lean your ear this way ♪

♪ Don't you tell a single soul what I'm going to say ♪

♪ Christmas Eve is... ♪

Love trolley caroling.

I think this is the best event you guys do.

- We'll save you some seats. - Okay.

See you guys.

Kath, it is time to go.

Our events can't all start as late

as your Christmas Committee meetings.

- Oh, sorry about that. - It's okay. Chop-chop.

Lauren isn't here yet.

Well, we just have to tell Yolanda to wait.

I can't do that.

One of these days, you're gonna have to stand up

to her, or she'll never take you seriously.

Oh, gosh.

[instrumental music]

[Lauren] Wait!

[bright music]

- Hey. - Hey.

[revving]

♪ O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree ♪

♪ How lovely are your branches! ♪

Tell me. Truly.

Why can't you stand up to Yolanda?

After I got divorced, I really needed

a job, and she gave me one.

I guess I'm just afraid that I'm gonna say something that will

upset her and then she can fire me.

It's not good to live in fear.

And you're such a tremendous asset to the chamber.

I think she might surprise you, and you might surprise yourself.

Okay, right now we have to focus on Lauren and Shane.

Okay, I put off telling you this

because I don't know how to say it,

but... my son Aiden told me

that Shane is just pretending to date Lauren

to get me off his back.

What?!

Oh, she's gonna be devastated.

- I'm gonna kill him. - No, no, no.

Before we commit any felonies,

what if you can get Lauren to end it?

So if she walks away, there's no heartbreak.

I'm going to talk to Lauren.

Good.

I'm really glad you came.

Me too. Sorry I was almost late.

I have a hard time taking a break from work.

You know you can set boundaries. Say no.

That terrifies me.

[chuckles] Why?

I don't know, I guess ever since I was a little kid,

I... always wanted to be the best at everything,

so I got into this habit of trying to be perfect

at the expense of everything else.

- Call me a perfectionist. - [Shane laughs]

I promise you all that stress isn't worth it.

Otherwise one day you might wake up and find

your whole life has passed you by.

[soft music]

You're right.

And in the spirit of that...

what do you think about going to the Christmas ball together?

- I will be honored, me lady. - [chuckles]

I know it's not really in line with our whole

fake date arrangement, but I, uh...

I-I don't know, I just think...

I'm gonna level with you.

[music continues]

I've had more fun pretending to date you than I ever have

actually dating anyone for real.

And I know that it's not a part of our agreement,

but what if we just stop the whole fake part

of this fake dating arrangement and... actually did it for real?

I don't know.

I mean, my work is crazy

and I... I'm really bad at boundaries

and prioritizing my social life.

I-I, I mean, you'd go crazy trying to date me.

- [Lauren] I don't-- - Forget I said anything.

[lament music]

But... every part of me wants to... try.

So that's a...

Yes.

[feel-good music]

♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells jingle all the way ♪

♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh ♪

♪ Hey! ♪

I don't think you should see Shane anymore.

What are you talking about?

Well, Barbara told me some things about him and--

Barbara. Who you hate?

I don't hate her, but he's not a good guy.

Why?

Honey, can you please just trust me?

I don't want you to get hurt.

You've been all about me dating,

and now that I am, you don't want me to get hurt.

Well, well, I don't think he's being upfront with you.

Mom, I love you, but I've been trying to tell you

this whole time. It's my life, I can handle it.

Well, excuse me for wanting to be a part of it.

I mean, can't a mom want her daughter to be happy?

Of course. But maybe one way for me to be happy

is to not have you on my case all the time.

Stop using me as an excuse to ignore your own life.

I am not.

Then how about you live

your very fulfilled life and I'll live mine.

And you can please stay out of my business.

Wait... mom, I...

[door shuts]

[instrumental music playing]

[clanks]

Please, have a cinnamon roll.

I'm trying out new recipes for Christmas morning.

Carbs are the last thing that I need right now.

Carbs are exactly what I need right now.

- Oh. - I completely understand.

Lauren is so mad at me.

She says that I put too much effort into her

and not enough to myself.

Well, she's not wrong.

Okay, well, it doesn't make it easy to hear.

Well, you don't have to listen to me.

I'm not exactly the queen of parenting advice.

Maybe if you were, like, tad more vulnerable.

Hmm, it's just not my style.

Okay, but that still doesn't solve the problem.

Shane is gonna break Lauren's heart.

I mean, I tried telling her, but she wouldn't listen to me.

Well... it's time for me to talk to her.

Coming from me, she'll have to believe it.

[phone ringing]

- Hey. - Hey. I just emailed you.

They came back with a fair offer.

Yeah, I saw it. That is a lot of... oh, money.

Yeah. You could buy a house,

travel the world twice over, or you could stay and fix it up.

[scoffs] I don't know anything about construction,

and I don't think this grant is gonna cover hiring someone.

Okay, is this about your handyman skills

or about staying for Lauren?

[soft music]

I have to sell it, right?

I can't change my plans for a girl I just met.

But do you want to?

[indistinct office chatter]

- Hey. - Hey.

So the client wants to have the coffee shop

back in the lobby with the restaurant.

- Seriously? - Yes.

But tell me if it's too much to do before the pitch,

I can push back. Tell them it's not possible for the timeline.

Look, think about it and let me know.

[soft music]

[holiday music]

Gang, we did it again.

We deployed Christmas Joy.

Another successful season.

We couldn't have done it without you, Barbara.

Oh, oh, no, I'm sure you could have.

Ah, you're part of us now.

- Group hug. - Oh. Oh.

[indistinct chatter in the back]

[soft music]

How are you?

- How are you? - I'm good.

[laughs] Hey, cut loose.

Have some fun. This is a great party.

Uh-huh.

[sighs sharply] Is this about Shane?

Honey, you have gotta stop worrying about him.

Without my job what am I?

A wife? A mom?

I just wanna make sure that my children are okay.

- Is that so wrong? - No, it's not wrong. I...

Your job does not define you. Okay?

And neither does being a wife or a mom.

You are all those things and the person you are.

- Mmm. - Hmm.

- Oh, excuse me. - Mmm.

[music playing]

- Barbara. Hi. - Hi.

- I need to talk to you. - Okay.

I'm afraid that Shane might be using you to get back at me.

- Using me? - Pretending to date you.

Oh, yeah.

- About that-- - Wait.

- You knew? - Yes.

We were both pretending to date each other.

- Both of you? - Well...

we knew you and my mom wanted to set us up,

so we decided to pretend to date until Christmas.

Just buy some time.

But... I don't know, I guess then we...

we really fell for each other.

So, we're gonna try to make it work.

I see. Do you really think it can work?

I mean, you're both so different.

And now that Shane's selling his theater, it's--

Wait, he's selling his theater.

Hey, everything okay?

Hey. Yeah. Uh, um...

Your mom just told me you decided to sell your theater.

[tense music]

I was gonna tell you.

- Oh, gosh. I assumed you knew. - Mom, can you not?

I'm sorry. I was worried. I was trying to help.

Well, just stop. Just stop trying to help.

- [Shane] You are unbelievable. - Sweetheart, you must be upset.

I mean, we were just trying to end it before it went too far.

- What?! - You tried to what?

Well, honey, we knew it was never gonna work.

I mean, you're so driven.

And he's an actor.

- Excuse me? - You set us up.

Well, that was before I knew he was playing you.

- I'm not. - He wasn't.

We...

[breathes heavily] You know what?

I can't with this right now.

Um, Shane, it's been fun, really.

But this is just too much.

I... I can't date right now,

pretend or otherwise, not with all this drama.

You and your mom clearly can't communicate.

And it's pretty obvious I can't trust mine.

Good luck with everything. I have to get back to work.

- Lauren. - No, seriously.

I have a lot to do, Shane.

Why did you get involved?

I thought it was the right thing to do.

Contrary to popular belief,

you don't always know the right thing to do.

Wait... he wasn't playing her?

Lauren was in on the ruse.

So they actually like each other.

I guess so, it seems like it.

Oh, why did I ever listen to you?

- You started it. - What?

Lauren and I had a great relationship before this.

Oh, really? 'Cause it seems to me like she's got her own thing

going and you are clinging on for dear life.

What, unlike you, who forces yourself

into Shane's life because you have got nothing else to do.

Nothing else to do except rescue this Christmas Committee

from utter chaos and disorganization.

We were doing just fine before you.

You think so because you have no idea

how anything in the real world works.

[clears throat] Kath, what's going on here?

Yolanda, you know that I love the Christmas Committee.

Would do anything for the Chamber of Commerce.

But I cannot continue working with Barbara.

If she stays, I go.

Are you seriously gonna make her choose between us?

Yeah, obviously we can't lose you,

but I couldn't possibly choose--

Oh, no, you, you don't have to. I quit.

- You wanted to see me? - Yes.

Yolanda, I wanna talk to you about my role moving forward.

You're not trying to quit again, are you?

- No. I love working here. - Okay.

But I'm not your assistant anymore,

and I have my own way of doing things.

[sighs] Of course you do.

Kath, you are extremely valuable to the Chamber of Commerce,

and I'm sorry I keep treating you like my assistant.

You were my right hand for forever and...

I forget sometimes, but of course,

you should run the committee however you see fit.

I-I couldn't do this without you.

- I know. - [laughter]

Happy Secret Santa Day.

- Hi! - Who's been nice?

Barbara wanted me to drop off the Secret Santa gift.

It's for you. Is she not joining us?

- Uh, no, she's not. - Open it.

[rustling]

[soft music]

[sighs] Oh.

Here, honey.

Have you talked to Shane?

No.

Go ahead and say it. You were right.

I should never have meddled in his life.

Well, I want everyone to be happy, especially you.

And... it seems like

after the stress of you being newly retired,

hanging out with Kath made you happy.

Oh, please.

I was pretty happy before

I ever laid eyes on that woman.

[door closes]

Oh.

What are you doing here?

Mark said you wanted to talk to me.

It was the only way I was gonna get

the two of you in the same room.

Okay, well, I don't wanna waste your time.

Kath, hang on.

[instrumental music]

Okay, so maybe I don't know much,

but... it seemed to me that

Shane and Lauren were good together.

A-and maybe, just maybe,

you two liked hanging out with each other,

so you kept plotting even though

maybe there wasn't so much to plot about.

We're their mothers, we know them better than anyone else.

- She's right. - Yeah.

Or maybe you just think you do.

Look, whatever happens with the two of you...

you need to make things better between Shane and Lauren.

I mean, I think you owe them that.

I'm sorry. I was so upset.

But I never meant for it to be a me or you situation.

Oh, I'm sorry too.

And you're not terrible at your job.

Oh, well, if you're trying to make me feel better--

No, I'm not. I mean it.

Everyone on that committee loves you.

I wish our kids felt the same way about us.

I don't think they're even speaking to each other.

I think that we can fix this.

- One last meddle? - Mm-hmm.

Uh, uh, this is not what I meant.

Ladies, please, no more meddling.

[door opens]

We pride ourselves on giving the client

what they've asked for, but having designed

this lobby multiple ways, I believe adding

a coffee shop in addition to a restaurant

will leave the space feeling cluttered.

Now we're supposed to submit to the city's

Architectural Review Board later today.

We'd like to submit this design as is, but if you feel strongly

about the coffee shop, we can postpone until the New Year.

We agree.

We love the restaurant and this design.

So, um, let's present it today.

We appreciate all the work you've done to get here.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Hopefully it hasn't ruined your Christmas.

No, not at all. It's been great.

[chuckles]

[feel-good music]

- We did it. - We did it.

[giggling]

[relief sighs] Oh.

I wanted to say thank you.

For what? You gave the presentation.

I know, but you really helped me

see that we are better when we put our minds together.

[laughter]

- Good news? - Mom, why are you here?

Well, honey, it's your big presentation day

and I wanted to support you.

You haven't returned any of my phone calls.

Yeah, I've been busy--

Uh, the e-mail to the review board is

written and ready to go.

I'll go send that. Nice seeing you.

Honey, I want to apologize.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I meddled.

I'm sorry that I tried to fix you up.

I'm sorry that I tried to break you up.

I'm sorry because at the end of the day,

the only thing I want is for you to be happy.

[soft music]

Mom.

I know. You're my best friend.

I just need to figure out the whole life thing for myself.

I know. You're right.

I love you.

I love you too.

Do you have time to come with me right now?

There's somewhere that we have to be.

Where are we going? Mom? But I thought we said no more...

Okay. Hey, can you check the wiring and the light up there?

It's been flipping for a while. Oh, and can you walk the stage?

There's a few cracks that need filling in with black paint.

Thank you so much.

[lament music]

- Hey. - Hey.

Aiden told me you decided not to sell.

Yeah.

After a lot of back and forth, maybe...

too much back and forth...

I wanna see it through.

After all that... you decided to stay.

I feel like I've been running from things my whole life.

Mom, and yeah, this place needs...

[chuckles] a lot of work.

But some friends offered to help me with the construction.

Well, I think it's the right choice.

[soft music]

- You do? - Yes, I do.

Because you made it.

You've always taken risks, made the adventurous choices.

I... I truly am impressed.

You know, you impressed me, too.

Me?

- I do? - Yeah.

You're so sure of your job, your goals...

and now watching you navigate the unknowns of retirement...

it's inspiring.

I'm sorry I've been so hard on you.

You tackle life in a way that scares me.

But I am learning

that sometimes it is good to be scared

because it's taking me out of my comfort zone.

[chuckles]

[music continues]

Thank you.

Now I know you didn't come all the way down

here just to tell me that.

Oh, you know me too well.

- I need you to do me a favor. - Always.

Mom, what's...

[Kath] Just trust your mother.

And... here.

What's going on?

We know we got way too involved.

- From setting you up... - To breaking you up.

And we're very, very sorry.

Only you know what's right for your lives.

Are you hearing what I'm hearing?

I think I just heard my mom apologize.

We're done meddling and, uh, we're gonna go.

- I should have-- - I wanted to--

You go.

I'm not selling the theater.

I was tempted for a moment because it's gonna be

a lot of work to fix it.

But some things are worth fighting for.

Look, I-I've always gravitated towards the fun things in work

in-in relationships, and every time it gets hard, I-I...

I move on to something new.

But seeing how much dedication you put into your work,

pushing through difficulties because you love something,

it... it made me realize that maybe

I'm missing out on some things by cutting and running.

[soft music]

Some things like...?

Square dancing. Obviously.

[chuckling]

Obviously.

You know... there is such a thing as working too hard.

Oh, is there?

Yeah.

This guy I fake dated made me realize I might have been using

work as an excuse to ignore other important things in life.

Well, he sounds really smart.

Oh, he's so smart.

I might keep him around if he's interested.

I think he might be.

[music continues]

[chuckles]

I guess your spreadsheets are out

of my hair till next Christmas.

Uh, except that I did volunteer for the Valentine's Committee.

Are you trying to be the death of me, Barbara Harrison?

I just can't stand the idea of you filling yet another

shoe box with receipts.

I thought you liked a challenge.

Well, maybe I do.

You know, if you and Lauren don't have plans for Christmas,

you should come over.

I'll check our very busy schedule.

- Ah. - Oh, I think we're free.

[Barbara laughs] Excellent.

[jolly music]

This is fake?

It actually doesn't look horrible.

Well, there's a whole fluffing process

that makes it look more natural.

Oh... a fluffing process?

Mm-hmm.

I told Yolanda that we will be

back the first week of January starting up again.

- You told her? - Yeah.

Absolutely no pushback.

Ah. Oh, I'm gonna miss the first meeting.

I'm going to a silent retreat.

She's finally easing into retirement.

I'm dipping a toe in, love.

Well, where's this place? I hope it's somewhere sunny.

Oh, no, I don't do sun.

- What are you, a witch? - Catwoman, remember.

[laughing]

Okay, who is ready to sing?

Heard a lot about this Christmas Karaoke.

[soft music]

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you too.

♪ 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 ♪

♪ The snow is falling ♪

♪ Christmas shopping ♪

♪ There's hardly a mistletoe ♪

♪ The lights are shining ♪

♪ The perfect timing, but you don't hold me from the cold ♪

♪ It's Christmas time again ♪

♪ You can stop... ♪