Original subtitles

[holiday jazz music]

There is a lot to read through and to sign,

but once you're finished, I will get them submitted.

And if they agree to our terms, your divorce will be finalized.

Oh, Miss Martin,

I know how hard this must be, especially around the holidays.

But try not to think about it so much as the end of something,

but the beginning.

You get a second chance at life.

Everyone deserves that.

Thank you again for meeting with me last minute.

If I had known I was interrupting

your Christmas party, I wouldn't have--

No, no, no, no, no, don't worry about that.

I mean, this is much more important to me than some party.

You really think we stand a chance?

You hired the best.

-Merry Christmas. -Mh-hm. Yep.

You too.

Is that it?

Yes. A formal letter from senior partner Terry Sadler

confirming you

an official partner of Sadler and Saunders LLC.

You don't know how long I have been waiting for this.

Are you going to frame it?

No. It's only the physical representation

of everything I have worked tireless decades to achieve.

Do you think I should frame it?

Yes. So, the firm Christmas party are coming, right?

Sorry, Spencer.

I have got too much work to do,

and I can't get distracted by some party.

But you, you go have fun.

Dare I ask what you'll be doing over Christmas?

I will be here working. You know what they say.

The law doesn't take a holiday.

Nobody says that.

Somebody says that.

Oh, before I forget.

[curious music]

-Oh. -Even though I don't celebrate

Christmas, I still thought that you deserved something

for all of your hard work.

Thank you, Lucy.

Hey, if you decide to not work over the holidays,

my boyfriend got a 10 pound ham, which is way too much ham

for two people. So we'd love to have you.

Nobody should be spending Christmas alone.

Okay, get out of here.

-Go have fun. -I'm on my way.

You did it, Lucy.

[computer chimes]

Hmm. Nadine Morris.

We used to be so close.

Oh my gosh.

Laid off, pipe burst, water damage.

Okay. How do I donate?

[phone ringing]

-Lucy Clark. -[Alexa] Are you ghosting Mom?

Hi, Alex.

No, I am not ghosting Mom.

I've just been swamped today.

That's what you say every Christmas.

Meanwhile, it's obvious that you're actively avoiding us.

I am not avoiding you, I just.

I really am busy.

I will call Mom back, I promise.

Or you could just come home for Christmas.

You know that I want to. I'm just--

Busy. Yep. Every year. Same story.

[Tina] Here, give me the phone.

Hi, Luce, it's Mom.

-Hi, Mom. -[Tina] Hi, sweetheart.

Listen, I know you're busy,

but I just want you to know

that I've got your room all made up,

and I've got plenty of treats here for you.

So if you change your mind, you know, just give it a little

think, okay?

Okay, I will Mom.

Okay. Well, I love you, Luce.

-I love you, too, Mom. -[Tina] Bye.

Hey, did you get the package I sent?

What package?

[Alexa] I sent you a box

with some of your old stuff in it.

Yeah, I got it.

Oh, heavy.

-[gentle music] -[tape screeches]

Wow. Aw.

Maxey.

Oh. Best dog ever.

Okay. Wow.

-Look at you in this photo. -[Alexa] Yeah, I know.

It's okay. You can say it. I was pretty cool.

Right.

This is the first Christmas without Dad, wasn't it?

Yes. You can tell by the look on your face how thrilled you were.

Oh, shoot.

I'm late for a date.

Just come home for Christmas.

Wait, you're going on a date tonight?

[Alexa] There's not a lot of options out there, Luce.

Dude, the last girl I went on

a date with thought asparagus started with an "H".

[laughs] No.

We used to be so close, Luce.

Double trouble. Remember?

Look, if you won't come home for Mom, just do it for me.

You're going to be late for your date.

Just think about it, okay?

-I love you. -I love you, too.

Have fun. Bye.

Okay. Get up. Let's go.

Spencer, I am not in the mood for a party.

Come on. Just one game.

Fine.

You're going down.

[cheerful music]

[balls clack]

* On the first day of Christmas*

* My true love gave to me*

Can we retire the

12 days of Christmas?

I mean, it has to be the worst Christmas song.

It's like 18 minutes long, and

the whole thing is about birds or people dancing.

It's actually one of the oldest Christmas songs ever made.

You know, some people think it's a memory test.

If you can remember all 12 items,

you are rewarded with your one true love.

Don't look at me like that.

Like you've never fallen down a Wikipedia rabbit hole before.

Or is it just that you don't like Christmas?

No. Christmas is great.

It's just a distraction from work.

Is that why you don't date either?

I date actually. Yes.

I have had a few boyfriends here

or there, but boyfriends take up too much time

and nobody gets hurt if I don't date.

Eight ball, side pocket, for the win.

Wow, this has been fun.

You know, why don't you just tell me how I lose

next time and I don't have to hang around?

[chuckles] My grandfather taught me.

He even bought me my own engraved pool cue.

So I've had a little practice.

Rack 'em.

You know, it's actually getting kind of late.

I gotta head home.

Yeah, you've got to start working on that ham.

That's okay. I've got some paperwork

for morning filings anyway.

You have work to do?

I'm shocked.

Yes. Lucy has to work.

[bright holiday music]

[holiday jazz music]

-Thanks. -Enjoy.

[phone chimes]

Lucy Clark?

It's Matt.

We lived next door to each other

when we were kids.

Oh, my gosh, Matt, how are you?

-Please sit. -I'm good.

I'm, I'm good. How are you?

You look great.

Thanks.

So sorry. What are you doing in Chicago?

I'm here for a work conference.

Although I'm headed back to Milwaukee for Christmas.

Yeah. What about you? What have you been up to?

Well, I am a lawyer now.

I actually just made partner at my firm today.

No way. Congratulations.

Wow. Lucy Clark,

district attorney, stopping crime one law at a time.

I don't know if lawyers have slogans,

but you can have that one if you want.

Seriously, partner. Wow. Awesome.

What are you doing to celebrate?

This.

Okay, well, that's great too.

I mean, you know, can't go wrong with pancakes.

So, tell me about you. You ever become a famous

-Broadway actor? -Uh, no.

It turns out you can't become

a famous Broadway actor if you don't act.

You stopped acting.

That is like all you ever dreamed of when we were kids.

Well, sometimes

people who dream of acting become insurance salesman.

Yeah, which is still exciting, too.

I mean, it's kind of like the rice cakes of careers.

I'm trying to remember the last time we saw each other.

I think it was my play.

No, it was the, the ice skating rink.

Right. Yeah, with the...

-Yeah. -Yeah.

So I heard that you married Jessi Bloorfield.

-That is wild. -Yes, I did. We're kind of

going through a separation right now, but...

-It'll be all right. -That that's,

terrible.

You know, if you ever need advice

or someone to talk to...

Oh. With you.

That would be a little, be a little weird, don't you think?

I mean, we haven't really been in touch in 25 years.

Yeah. No. You're right. That is, inappropriate.

I was kidding. [chuckles]

But are you going home for the holidays?

I mean, maybe we can catch up then.

No, I haven't been home in years.

Same old Lucy.

What is that supposed to mean?

Oh, I don't know.

I mean, just the kind of...

You know, avoid the people closest to you.

Who have I ever done that with?

Are you serious? I mean, your family.

Your best friend, Nadine. Me?

I mean, we were really close, I thought,

and then you kind of just disappeared on me.

Do you ever think about

what could have been if life had gone differently?

Cause I know I have.

No, I mean,

-sorry, you have? -Yeah.

I mean, I think most people have.

[soft music]

What have you thought about

in this alternate life?

You know what?

Sorry. Forget I said anything.

It's late, and there's a storm coming in, so I got to go.

Merry Christmas, Luce.

Yeah. You too.

[soft music continues]

[curious music]

Do you always close down emotionally

when a moment gets too real?

Or is that just specific to him?

What? I'm sorry.

-Who are you? -Okay. Next question.

Do you have any really close connections with anyone?

I'm sorry. What is going on right now?

I'm gonna take that as a no.

No, I have close connections with people.

There's my assistant, Spencer, and then Spencer's boyfriend.

-Who's name is? -Brody?

You know, most people who have real connections

don't celebrate major life achievements alone.

Yes, they do.

-Probably. -Okay, okay. Last question.

And I promise I'm gonna leave you alone.

If you could do your life over,

would you do it differently?

No.

I have worked really hard for what I have,

and I couldn't give that up.

Can't have it all.

What if you could have it all?

Well, it doesn't really matter, because people

can't change the past.

But you can change the future.

But I mean, what do I know?

I just pour coffee.

I'll let you get back to your celebration.

I'm gonna take these. They're cold.

Okay.

[quirky music]

[couple laughing]

-Okay. Matt. -[keyboard clacking]

Olsen.

-[phone chimes] -[plate clatters]

No.

[bright holiday music]

Hey. For Lucy?

-I'm Grace. -You again.

How many jobs do you have?

In this economy? Several.

Hop in.

What's with the steering wheel?

-[door slams] -[radio plays holiday music]

So, where are you headed?

Home.

Okay, well, sit back, relax and I'll make sure you get to

where you need to be.

[car engine revs]

[radio host] If you're traveling on the I-94,

watch out for incoming flurries.

* On the first day of Christmas*

* My true love gave to me*

* A partridge in a pear tree*

* On the second day of Christmas*

* My true love gave to me*

* Two turtle doves, and a partridge in a--*

[car whirrs]

[gentle music]

[phone glitches]

[gentle music continues]

[phone glitches]

[Grace] Wake up, Lucy.

You're home.

[Lucy] Thanks.

[car door slams]

-[Lucy gasps] -[window knocking]

-Hi. -Hey.

Where did you take me?

You said you wanted to go home.

Not my childhood home in Milwaukee.

I meant my home.

My apartment in Chicago.

-Oh. -No. You got to take me back.

Yeah, that's not possible.

You don't understand. I can't. I can't do this.

You know, it's getting really cold out here.

I would get inside if I were you.

-Oh-- -Good night.

[quirky music]

My phone.

Oh, and my laptop bag.

Nothing ever changes.

Hey, I didn't know she got a new dog.

You look just like Maxey.

All right. See you later.

[floor creaks]

[Tina] Lucy, is that you?

Yeah Mom, it's me.

Decided to come home after all.

[Tina] It's after midnight.

We'll talk about this in the morning.

Okay. Night, Mom.

-[light clicks] -[gentle music]

Joshua Jackson.

Really Lucy?

[alarm radio plays]

It's a blast from the past

in ultimate 90s rom-com jam.

Oh, I love that song.

Shower's all yours.

Oh, hey, can I borrow your phone?

-I need to call the-- -It's hanging in the kitchen.

["Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer plays]

* Kiss me*

* Out of the bearded barley*

* Nightly, beside the green, green grass*

* Swing, swing*

Cute bangs?

That's weird.

I don't even need my--

[curious music]

[Lucy shrieks]

[dramatic music]

-[Lucy shrieks] -[Grace] Morning!

You.

This paper says it's 1999.

Why does this paper say it's 1999?

Oh, I get it.

Did my friends at the office set this up as

like a congratulations on your promotion kind of thing?

You don't have any friends at the office.

Well, then...

What's going on?

This is my Christmas gift to you.

Merry Christmas.

Your Christmas gift to me?

I brought you back to the last time that

you weren't alone and you had real connections with people.

1999.

So what? I'm 19?

You look good.

I still live at home.

It's the first Christmas without my Dad.

Okay,

okay.

It's 1999.

Now what?

Am I supposed to relive this Christmas

and fix all the mistakes I made so I can go back to my time

and cook Christmas goose for all the townsfolk?

No, no, no.

If you change anything about the past, it could have

some really serious consequences for your future.

You don't want to destroy everything

you've worked so hard to create, right?

All those really great friends you share your success with.

Okay. When I said that,

I didn't know you were an actual Christmas

wizard who was going to bring me back to my past.

Okay. Think of this more as, like a

glimpse into your past.

And then when you go back to your future,

you can change the thing

that helps you get everything you want.

I already have everything I want.

And what do you mean, "Get me back to my future?"

Who are you, Doc Brown?

The future's where you came from.

-Where am I at now? -Past. Present.

Now you're just talking in riddles.

You know what? There are a lot of

people who would never get to do this.

Okay, then,

can I at least have my phone and my computer back?

I still have a lot of work I have to do.

Sure. Your programs, they run on Windows 95, right?

This is 1999.

Everything you're used to hasn't been invented yet.

There is no Wi-Fi.

Oh. There's smartphones.

The cloud is just a cloud.

They had email in '99.

Could you at least check my emails?

Okay, fine.

I could maybe, maybe get you a Palm Pilot.

Oh, which is great now, because without your

glasses, you can still see tiny letters.

Look, why don't you just enjoy your time here?

And maybe your 20/20 vision.

I don't want to be here.

-Oh, yes you do. -[Lucy sighs]

Oh, good.

She can disappear, too.

How fun is that?

[curious music]

Hey. That means you are Maxey.

I never thought I would see you again.

-[Maxey whines] -You're still the best.

Hey, do you remember the trick? You do?

-[Maxey barks] -Say cheese.

Good job. Okay, spin around.

Spin around.

I really missed you lots.

[soft music]

-Hi, Dad. -[Tina] Lucy, is that you?

Yeah, Mom. It's me.

[Tina] Good morning.

-Good morning. -Come have some breakfast.

Okay. I'll be there in a second.

Guess I should go say hello to the rest of the family.

Morning, sunshine.

Hey, can you grab me that towel, please?

Sure.

Thank you.

So, how is everyone doing this morning?

Well, we are very, very busy.

Orange juice and cereal is over the for you.

Do you have any almond milk?

Almond milk?

You can milk an almond?

Alex, you look so young.

Ew, don't call me Alex, I hate that.

You told me to call you Alex.

I would never tell you to call me Alex.

Okay. I don't need any double trouble this morning.

Okay?

Okay. Sorry, Alexa.

Nice to see you, Mom.

Nice glasses.

Well, they're the gift that life gives you for getting older.

Oh come on.

Mom is a little stressed.

Yeah, I am a little stressed.

But it's because I have so much

to do before your grandparents get here.

It'd be different if your dad were still here.

We all need to pitch in. Okay?

I forgot how great of a baker you were.

Mom, I promise when Britney and I are done

band practice, I will come home and I'll help.

That's right. Britney, your friend.

[curious music]

Mom, can I get a ride?

I am sorry, sweetheart.

I have no extra time today.

-I'm sure you'll work it out. -Fine.

And you, for staying out all night

And not calling, you get the privilege

of taking out the garbage.

But--

What a mess.

[Lucy gasps]

Oh my gosh.

I am so sorry.

-Matt. -Good morning, Lobster.

-You look the same. -From yesterday?

I mean, yeah, I did change my clothes

so is that not good enough? You want me to go and try again?

Do you want me to,

I don't know, pierce my ear? What do you think?

Are you okay, Lobster?

Lobster? That's right. You used to call me that.

Why again?

Well, because, you didn't like when I called you Mambo

when you performed "Mambo No. 5" at the talent show.

-Oh, no. That happened? -Oh, yes. That did.

I'm really looking forward to his next album,

because I can't wait to see what song you do next.

[chuckles] Next album.

Oh, I got to finish shoveling before rehearsal.

If my parents ask, you did not see me.

They're still on that whole acting is a unrealistic career,

and you're banned from the play thing, so.

But we're still on for later, right?

Yeah. Later.

-Yeah. -Okay.

You are weird.

Yeah.

What's happening later?

[guitar strumming]

This might be weird, but do

you know what I'm supposed to do with Matt later?

No idea. Why don't you ask Nadine?

Nadine. Thanks.

[bright music]

[Nadine] What's up?

Okay. I'm just gonna lay it on you.

You're into sci-fi stuff, so, please keep an open mind.

I'm from the future.

I'm not actually the Lucy you see in front of you.

I was taken back to the year 1999, and I'm

19 again.

I'm sorry. What?

Okay, listen,

I already lived this Christmas 25 years ago, I grew up.

And then last night, a mystical ride-share driver picked me up.

But instead of taking me home in 2024,

she brought me back to 1999 at my mom's house.

And I'm,

I'm 19 again.

I have questions.

First, what is a mystical ride square driver?

Is that some sort of futuristic flying polygon?

Okay,

here,

here, look at this.

December 21st, 2024 I was made partner at this law firm.

You could fake this.

You're gonna have to tell me something that only future

-Lucy would know. -Oh! [fingers snap] I got it.

Last year, Donny Paxton took you to a Backstreet Boys concert,

and you kissed him.

[Nadine scoffs]

I don't like the Backstreet Boys.

Wait, I didn't tell you about that.

-Not yet. -[Nadine gasps]

You are from the future.

Yeah.

So what else is different in 2024?

Let's see. Oh, okay.

Well, phones do everything now.

They store your music and your pictures and the internet.

Pretty much the only thing that people don't

do with their phones is use them as phones.

The second you hear the word iPhone.

Buy as much stock as you can.

[Talking Robbie plays melody to "The 12 Days of Christmas"]

[Lucy] Ugh, that song again.

[Nadine] Huh. Must be broken.

So what is my job in the future?

[Lucy] What happened to the letterhead?

[Nadine] Am I working for NASA?

Discovering new lifeforms on distant planets?

Am I a lawyer?

I, don't know if I should keep discussing the future with you.

Mm. Space time continuum.

Got it.

There's got to be a reason you're back.

Maybe it has to do with Matt.

You guys end up together, right?

Seriously?

You've been in love with him

forever, and you never make a move.

Well, I mean, near Christmas, he,

he goes to kiss me at the ice rink under some mistletoe,

and I just panicked.

Our whole history flashes in front of my eyes, and I leave.

I move away, we drift apart and just...

That's got to be it then.

You were sent back to redo

that kiss and have a second chance with Matt.

-That can't be it. -Yeah.

You think that's it?

I'm telling you, in all future fiction,

the person brought back always has to figure out

why before they can go back home.

Redo that kiss, and this whole thing will be over.

You're meeting him at the diner today.

Do it there. Why wait?

Yes. The diner.

Okay.

I'm off to go back to the future.

-Thanks, Nads. -Dude.

You're like real life Marty McFly.

That's so rad.

I said almost the same thing.

Hey, do you think I'll remember

this conversation in 2024?

Obviously, we're still best friends, right?

We're not friends anymore?

Okay. Look, we kind of drift apart after this year, too.

But it's not your fault. It's mine.

You don't do anything wrong.

-Hey. -[soft music]

You never know.

Maybe things will change for us after I redo the kiss.

I hope so.

I can't imagine my life being amazing without you in it.

Yeah. [chuckles]

Hey, just be careful where you live in the future.

Like, just check all the pipes. Twice.

-Okay. -Wish me luck.

[door clicks]

I'm staring.

I just can't get over how youthful you looked--

Look, now and in the future, actually.

Sometimes I use my mom's anti-aging cream.

Kind of lock in my youthful vigor.

Have you given any more thought about what school

you're gonna go to?

You know, Chicago or New York?

Northwestern or Columbia?

I forgot all about that.

I had to choose because I--

Got into both schools.

I, actually, I haven't decided yet.

I got the full ride to Northwestern,

but I'd have to pay

for Columbia, so I'm still thinking it over.

Right. Yeah.

Well, I mean, not to push you either way, but,

the acting school I got into

is like a 15 minute subway ride from Columbia.

So, not that I researched it.

Just I think it'd be, you know,

pretty cool if we ended up there together.

I'm still going to have to think about it a little more.

Yeah. I mean, me, too.

I don't even know if I'd go.

My parents would flip if I told them

I was going to school for acting.

Well, I mean, you never know what could happen.

I mean, I could go to Chicago and you could be,

I don't know, an insurance salesman.

Yeah, yeah.

If I'm in insurance

then something went really wrong in my life.

Matt. As if.

-Hi, Jessi. -Hi, Lucy.

That's so weird.

I just saw you at rehearsal, and now you're here.

It's almost like fate or something.

Yeah, it's a coincidence, for sure.

I was looking for you but you left so fast.

Would you maybe want to, like,

go to a movie or something later?

[Matt] Um.

Well, I,

I am pretty busy, you know, because I got family in town

and the show, obviously, but maybe, like, after the holiday--

Yes. Okay. It's a date.

I'll see you later.

-See ya. -Come on.

Sorry.

I just have to try something.

-[rock music plays] -* On the third day of*

* Christmas my true love gave to me*

Would you just excuse me? One second.

Yeah, sure.

* On the fourth day of Christmas*

* My true love gave to me*

* Four calling birds*

Oh, no. I made it worse.

I actually forgot.

I am late for a prior engagement,

but thank you so much for the pancakes and the lovely chat.

-I'll catch you later, okay? -Oh, okay.

Don't forget the Reindeer Games.

[dramatic music]

-Thank you. Merry Christmas. -[bell rings]

-Hey, Lucy. -Ugh. You.

How many jobs do you have?

Did you already forget the rules?

You can't change anything about the past.

Oh, I know, disastrous future consequences.

Is that why this keeps disappearing?

[Walkman plays rock version of "The 12 Days of Christmas"]

Okay, what happens if I

can't remember every little. thing I did back then?

But, like, what if I sneeze when I didn't sneeze before?

Does that create a ripple in time

and now the air fryer doesn't exist?

You don't have to remember exactly.

Just don't change anything significant

like giving Nadine tips about the future.

Okay, that is big.

That's something that could put your future

and your promotion in jeopardy.

Why did you bring me back here if I can't change anything?

Oh, there's still time for your future to be different.

-Well, yeah, but how-- -Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Good. She's gone again.

Great.

[curious music]

Whatcha doing up there?

Oh, I'm just getting the hard to reach places.

I see.

That's a lot of cleaning, Mom.

I am fine, honey.

Oh, and I meant to tell you, I still have so much

to do around here. I'm not going to be able

to watch you compete tonight.

I am so sorry.

That's okay. Don't worry about it.

Wait. Compete at what?

Hey. Ready to win this thing?

You know what? I'm actually not feeling so well. So, rain check?

Oh, come on, you can do great. We got this.

There's a reason I picked you to be my partner.

I'm so glad I said yes to.

Actually, you know, before we start the games.

Do you maybe want to talk about

what happened at the diner?

Oh, yeah. [chuckles]

That was just a joke.

Wasn't it so funny?

I mean, the look on your face.

You didn't see that one coming.

Yeah. Oh, yeah.

Totally. I didn't didn't see that coming.

For some reason, I thought maybe, like,

it meant something else.

Oh, I'll talk to you in a sec, okay?

Oh, okay.

-Hello. Hi. -Hi.

How could you not warn me about this?

Didn't seem important.

-It's the silly Reindeer Games. -Yeah, the silly Reindeer Games

I'm supposed to win.

What's the big deal? So you don't win this time?

I'm not allowed to change anything about the past.

Right. Space time continuum. That' s a big deal.

-Yeah. -Yeah. Okay, you can do this.

Just tossing wreathes and a three-legged race.

-How hard can that be? -Three. Two.

-One. Go! -[upbeat holiday music]

* There's frost on the window nipping at my nose*

* Fire up the fireplace, toast up my toes*

-You all right? -Yeah.

* I'm all wrapped up, cozy on the couch*

-Oh. -Oh.

* The best present being present*

* I'm the bow on top of it*

* It's just me and my homies hanging like an ornament*

* Warm smiles all around*

Wreathes away!

* The best things in life are free*

We practiced this. You got it. Just gentle

So like a frisbee, like you're doing, we need three.

That's all we need.

* It ain't just chestnuts we roasting*

-[Lucy yells] -[Matt] Hey!

We did it! [chuckles]

* Having a great time*

* Greatest of all time*

* Relax and unwind*

-[Lucy yells] -Hey!

[Matt] We did it!

We got a shot at this. We just have to win the final game.

What's the final game?

This is not good.

I haven't skated or held a hockey stick in over 20 years.

* There's a buzz in the air with the snowflakes falling*

[Nadine] Remember, it's like riding a bike.

[Lucy yells]

Okay. So it's much, much harder than riding a bike.

* Gather round for the countdown Christmas Eve*

* Star shining like a crown on the Christmas tree*

-Hey! You good? -I'm great.

Wanna take some practice shots?

* Oh, wait, that's the one that I'm crushing*

* Rosy cheeks from cold wind I'm blushing*

* Playing it off like it's nothing*

* I must have been a good boy*

[announcer] Okay contenders.

The final event is our breakaway challenge.

Each player for each team must score a goal.

And the team with the most goals wins.

Three.

Two. One. Go!

* Great time, the greatest of all time*

* Relax and unwind*

* Waiting for the jolly fellow in the red suit, you know who*

* Having a great time*

* Greatest of all time*

* Relax and unwind*

-* Friends old and new* -[crowd gasps]

You go first.

Oh, okay.

* Relax and unwind*

* Waiting for the jolly fellow in the red suit, you know who*

* Having a great time*

-* Greatest of all time* -[crowd cheers]

-Great work, Matty. -Thank you.

* Friends old and new, we got the whole crew*

-* Having a great time* -[crowd cheers]

* Greatest of all time*

* Relax and unwind*

* Waiting for the jolly fellow in the red suit, you know who*

[crowd cheers]

I can't do this.

You have to. Your entire future's at stake.

Trust yourself. And remember, you've already done this before.

Just do it again.

Okay contenders.

If Lucy from Jolly Team scores, they'll be crowned

the 1999 Reindeer Games Champions.

[crowd cheers]

Okay, Lucy.

Don't end the world.

-[uplifting music] -[crowd cheers]

Congratulations to the Jolly Team.

[uplifting music continues]

-[Lucy gasps] -[Nadine gasps]

-[Matt] Are you okay? -I'm good.

She's okay, she's okay.

We should do something to celebrate.

Do the Reindeer Games really call for celebration?

Excuse me? This is a historic achievement.

And if you cannot celebrate the golden antlers,

glittered chalice, what can you celebrate?

Good point.

Oh, I have an idea.

Hello.

Your largest waffle, please.

-Oh, yeah. -This is ridiculous.

To the winning team.

Cheers.

So, awkward transition.

Have you given any more thought to schools?

You know, maybe ones that are in or around New York?

Okay, here's the issue that I faced--

Face.

Currently facing.

I think that New York would be a lot of fun,

but I think that going somewhere new on my own

would just help me to heal from the pain of losing my dad.

I mean, I've already postponed

college a year because of it. So.

Well, I just want you to know

that you don't have to do any of that alone.

Because I will always, always be here for you.

[gentle music]

Thanks, Matty.

I really appreciate you saying that.

-I can't eat this. [laughs] -I can't either.

You are a great teammate, I must say.

And in fact, I think you deserve this.

I can't. The Reindeer Games trophy is sacred.

Oh, come one. You earned this. Take it.

Just do me a favor, okay? Promise me one thing.

You'll think about what I said when you make your decision,

Okay? And I'm here if you need anything.

I will.

Okay. Good night, Lobster.

Good night.

[Matt] Good night Mrs. Clark.

Oh. Good night. Thank you.

Mom, what are you doing?

Well, this ribbon is

not sitting right, and it needs to be perfect.

-Yeah, I don't know. -Okay. It's late.

We should go inside.

Well, honey. Christmas is a couple of days away.

There's no time for something silly like sleep.

[Lucy] Maybe it's less about the ribbon

and more about you trying to distract yourself.

We could go inside and have some hot cocoa.

[both chuckling]

Okay. Yeah. Okay.

-It looks great. Okay. -Okay.

-But this part is not. -No. [laughs]

[bright music]

-Good morning. -[chainsaw grinds]

Whoa, Steve.

Steve, stop! What are you doing?

Hey, Tina. I'm just trimming the tree up.

Berries drop everywhere.

Steve, you can't just cut these trees. They're Rick's trees.

-Be right back, Maxey. -But these are our trees.

They are on our side.

[Steve] I know, but the trees, maybe.

But the branches are falling on to my side.

-So what? -That's the issue.

-They're making quite a mess. -That's, that's great.

What's going on?

He wants to cut down your father's trees.

Lucy, please tell your mom I just want them off my side.

Okay. Legally, Mr. Olsen, land ordinances.

You have the right to cut the branches,

but only on your side of the property line.

And only as long as it, it doesn't kill the trees.

It's law. Look it up.

-[quirky music] -In what?

I don't have any law books.

-Google it. -Sorry?

On the internet.

Oh right. The, the internet.

We'll do that.

[dial up internet tone]

How did anyone wait

this long for the internet?

Okay. Milwaukee property line and fence laws.

Do I smell Alice's famous Christmas gingersnaps?

You do.

She's baking up our neighbourhood batch right now.

Oh, they smell amazing as usual.

Oh, okay.

Just trim your side.

But please don't kill them. Okay?

Rick planted those trees when we first moved here.

He loved them.

I promise, Tina, I just want them off my side.

And I realize this

has been a rough year for you and your family.

And I really didn't mean to add to that.

Hey, look, why don't we go see if Alice

has some extra gingersnaps?

That sounds great.

[gentle music]

-[Mr. Olsen] Okay. -Thanks for your help.

You know how my dad can get.

Not a problem.

Somehow mediation is my area of expertise.

Hey, you wouldn't want to, help me run lines would you?

-Yeah. Okay. -Yes. Okay.

You know, that was actually pretty great.

-What was? -I don't know.

Mediating a legal dispute

where both parties end up happy with the result?

Been handling a lot of land ordinance legal disputes

-these days? -I'm actually more

into divorce law.

Ew. Why would you want to be

the last stop before the end of a marriage?

I guess it just sounds safe.

Yeah. You can be any type of lawyer you'd want.

You choose divorce lawyer?

People need divorce lawyers,

and it's an actual, achievable goal.

Okay, but you do realize that you could choose a career

that's less, I don't know, emotionally devastating.

[scoffs]

Did you tape every episode of "Friends"?

Duh.

Greatest show in the world.

How so?

Well, it's funny and it's sweet.

And the whole,

will they, won't they thing with Ross and Rachel.

-I mean, it's the best. -Yeah, I don't know.

When Ross and Rachel had a baby together.

I was out.

[curious music]

Did that not happen yet?

I must have been thinking of a different show.

You really love acting, don't you?

I mean, it's like kind of my whole life.

The Milwaukee Shakespeare Company

is casting for their touring play.

I've always wanted to die dramatically on stage.

[Matt groans]

[Lucy clapping]

[Lucy chuckles]

You know, if you love it so much, why don't you

just tell your parents? If they see your passion

maybe they'll change their minds.

Because according to them, acting

is not a sensible career path.

And I should be looking at more realistic options like sales.

Then explain what acting means to you.

They could at least understand that.

Well, it would be nice not to have to do

community theatre in secret.

You know, it's okay to have a backup plan, too,

in case things don't pan out.

Okay. [chuckles]

See, this is why I need you to come with me.

Because I need that, you know, encouragement and moral support.

And I promise I will give it right back to you

when you're studying for the law exam.

It's the bar exam.

Aren't I supposed to be helping you run lines?

Oh, you know the play's tomorrow night.

So, I'll be fine.

[soft music]

How are you,

by the way?

First Christmas without my dad, so.

It seems like your mom's having a tough time.

Have you talked to her about it?

She's keeping herself distracted.

But we're holding

it together as best as we can.

Well, if you need anybody to talk to

or you want your own distraction,

I'm here.

Whatever you need.

[soft music continues]

* On the fifth day of Christmas*

-* My true love* -[MAtt] That is weird.

I don't remember setting an alarm.

* Five golden rings*

* Four calling birds--*

I--

Actually, gotta get going.

Busy, busy holidays.

[Matt] Again?

Morning, Lucy.

You. Why do you

keep popping up like the Ghost of Christmas

Emotional Turmoil?

Well, I wouldn't have to keep popping up

if you would stop trying to

-change the past. -It's this glimpse.

It's like, I know I've already lived this,

but I'm feeling things I didn't feel the last time.

That's good.

Feel those feelings.

Why couldn't you have brought me back

one Christmas earlier, when my dad was still here?

Look, nobody said this was going to be easy, okay?

But you can't let one tragic event dictate

-the rest of your life choices. -It was a big moment.

Of course it was.

And you can't change it.

So why don't you just try to be here now

and appreciate the people that you do have?

You're right.

I can't lose my career after working so hard for it.

Exactly. See?

You're stronger than you think.

Thanks.

Hey, I haven't already ruined it, have I?

Well, whatever you've done,

it's not too late to change it.

[curious music]

[gentle music]

Lucy.

Have you seen the wrapping paper?

All I could find was newspaper.

-No idea. Did you ask mom? -No.

Probably busy spackling the bathroom or something.

What is going on with her? She's driving me crazy.

Hey, go easy on Mom, okay?

I mean, she is handling the holidays

the best way she knows how.

Forgot all about your band.

"She-Z Top."

-It's actually pretty clever. -Thanks.

It's just Britney and I right now, but we're

trying to get a band together.

Well, when you do, I'd love

to see you play, so let me know. Okay?

[doorbell rings]

Why don't you just wrap your presents in newspaper?

It's edgier. It fits you.

-[Betty] Hello. -[Howard] Hey.

Where is everyone?

Hi, Dad. I'm so glad you're here.

How was the drive? Honey, look!

Here. Oh, sorry.

[gentle music]

-Sweetheart, what's the matter? -Nothing, nothing I just.

I haven't seen you in a long time.

We were just here for Thanksgiving.

Right.

-Come on, how're you doing? -Hi!

Just really missed you.

I missed you, too.

Oh, here. I can take that.

Come on. There's hors d'oeuvres in the living room.

I'm starving.

-[Betty] You're always starving. -[Howard] Yeah.

So, are you kids all set for Y2K?

-[scoffs] Y2K. -Y2K's nothing to laugh at Lucy.

I read in the papers that these machines could take over.

Have you got supplies at least? Water, canned food?

Grandma. Nothing is going to happen.

The clocks are going to roll over to double

zero and life will go on.

Well, I think you should at least fill your bathtubs.

[both laughing]

Weird not seeing a teenager on their phone.

-What? -Nothing.

Just forgot you had to sit there and be present.

Well, I'm going to get my Game Boy.

Listen, what can I do to help?

Nothing.

You just, you just enjoy.

Okay? I'll be right back.

[curious music]

I know it's been hard for you since Rick passed so suddenly,

but it's okay to grieve and to let other

people just be here for you.

[Tina] You're absolutely right.

Which is why I'm staying busy.

-Because that is helping me. -[doorbell rings]

I'll get it.

I know, I know.

-Cookie delivery. -[Betty] Oh, Matt.

-Nice to see you. -Nice to see you.

-Happy Christmas. -Happy Christmas.

Got some of these for you from my mom.

You know, we love her annual cookie delivery.

And I may have put a couple extra in there for the whole,

tree debacle.

[Tina] That's very sweet.

You're staying for dinner, right?

Oh, sure.

Yeah. This glaze looks exquisite.

It was Rick's recipe.

[soft music]

Mom? You okay?

Yeah. I just.

I need to sit for a second.

Matt, ould you mind taking the vegetables into the dining room?

-Yeah, sure. -Great.

You know Grandma's right.

You have an army of support to help you get through this.

And take it from me.

A distraction is only going to work for a little bit.

And eventually everyone has to face the grief head on.

Or it's just going to swallow you, and it's gonna

become your whole life.

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

[Alexa] What about you?

We've lost one of the most important people in the world.

But Dad was your best friend.

-You did everything together. -[Lucy] Yeah.

Mom, we should be catering to you.

[Tina laughs]

-What would I do? -What about what you've done?

You have put so

much energy into just making this Christmas perfect.

Yeah. I mean, look at all the treats you made.

It looks like a Pinterest board in here.

What's a Pinterest board?

It's not important.

Mom, you can do anything.

You just have to let us help.

What do I do about tomorrow?

Tomorrow?

The Christmas portrait that we do every year.

Your dad started that tradition.

He loved getting the family together

to take a picture to commemorate the holidays.

Dad would want us to keep it going.

Just because he's not here

doesn't mean that he won't be with us.

Unfortunately, grief doesn't take a day to solve.

[Tina chuckles]

Okay,

I can do that.

-Oh, I love you so much. -[Lucy] Thank you.

[Alexa] Does anyone want stuffing?

-Yes, I will definitely. -Pass that down.

-Please. -[Alexa laughing]

-Not food. -The food is good.

[all laughing]

[Howard] Save some for me, please.

-[Betty] Here you go, dear. -Thank you.

There you go.

Don't even think about that.

[all chattering]

I am super thankful that you are all here.

Oh, actually, I think I missed a spot, Lobster.

-Oh. -Oh.

-Thank you. Very helpful. -You're welcome.

Okay, I can not remember the origin of the lobster nickname.

Is it from when I got super sunburned at camp?

When we were, like, 12?

Yes. Yeah, you got it.

[water running]

Okay. I got a confession to make.

I'm not here to deliver cookies.

I'm here because I took your advice,

and I talked to my parents about acting.

Okay, and?

And it went pretty good.

I mean, I told them how passionate

I was about it, and, I,

and that I will regret it forever if I didn't try.

And then life's too short not to take risks.

And it was like the first time, that my dad seemed kind of okay

with the idea.

-That's great. -Yeah.

I mean, who knows how long it'll last,

but, I mean, it's a start.

[water running]

Well, I guess

you did kind of help me talk to my mom too. So.

I kind of noticed that.

-Yeah. -I wasn't gonna say anything.

I mean, who knew healthy communication

was so important in a family?

Now I want to take credit for all of this.

But I feel like you had the idea first, so.

I could not have done it without you.

[gentle music]

[whispers] How did I ever leave you?

What?

[Howard] Hey, punk.

We're about to play cards.

You guys want in?

Yeah. Sure, Grandpa. Be there in a sec.

Okay.

I would love to, but

I gotta go because I got more cookie deliveries to make.

Right.

My work here is done.

Well, thanks for all of your help tonight.

Anytime, Lobster.

-Bye. -Bye.

-[cards smack] -I'm out.

Hey, Mom, I've got to get going to Britney's house.

Okay, well, don't be too late.

-Okay? Have a good time. -Okay.

Alexa, you're leaving us?

Yeah. Sorry.

I got band practice.

Oh, neat.

Would you play us a song before you go?

That, like a song?

Hit us with a Christmas song.

Oh, I don't know.

Oh, come on, just one, please.

Okay.

-[guitar strums] -I'm sorry.

I can't do this.

Did I say something wrong?

No. She's just going through a hard time right now.

I forgot about you.

Excuse me. I'll go check on her. Okay?

Yeah. Okay.

[door knocking]

Hey, maybe

the ear of a lousy sister would help.

You're not a lousy sister.

No, I am.

I mean, I got so wrapped up in my own feelings after Dad

passed, I didn't even bother to ask you how you were doing.

-I'm fine. -You know, you don't have to say

that just to make us feel better.

It's totally okay if you're not fine.

I mean, has anyone even asked about you?

Mom has a few times

in between sanding the back deck and rotating the tires

on the car.

You don't have to ignore your

own feelings just to appear stronger for everyone else.

It's okay to not be okay.

Everyone grieves differently. I'll be fine.

Yeah, but you never know how long it's going to affect you.

I mean, when you have to stick by Mom

and make sure she's okay and

pretend to be at full strength, it takes a toll.

It's hard to do this on your own.

I know, okay?

-[soft music] -Know what?

You and Britney.

You and girls.

I mean, I think I've

always known, and honestly, it's great.

How do you know that?

Because I'm your sister.

And as your sister,

trust me when I say I know

that you want to wait to tell people,

but you would

be making a mistake that could impact

your life in the long run.

I'm just nervous about what people will say.

You are going to get support

in the best and most unexpected places,

and Mom is going to be your strongest ally.

I promise you.

I just don't think it's the right time. With,

with Dad being gone and, and Mom handling it like she is.

Okay, well, come out on your own time when you're ready.

Just don't put yourself on the backburner

because you don't want to affect

our family's already delicate ecosystem.

I'm just scared.

Hey, I get it.

I mean, not everything is going to be easy.

Your teenage years are going to be rough because

you already know who you are.

You figured it out, and no one else has.

Just don't let other people's judgment dictate your life.

I don't know how you know all this, but I'm relieved.

I am so sorry that I was not there for you

when you needed me.

I just, I got so wrapped up

in my own bubble, I forgot that you were hurting too.

I mean, we are supposed to support each other.

Double trouble.

Promise me that you will always do

what is right for you and not what is right

for everyone else.

I love you so much and I am very proud of you.

I love you too, Lucy.

[soft music continues]

[music box plays melody to "The 12 Days of Christmas"]

What's up with this music box?

Now go have fun at band practice with Britney.

And make sure you spend

a little extra time with Grandpa this Christmas, okay?

Hey, I know you too.

What are you talking about?

I know that you're in love with Matt,

and I know that he loves you, too.

What happens to you if you never say anything?

[Tina] Girls, I need one of you to help

get the presents out of your grandparents car.

Don't worry,

I got it.

Thanks.

[curious music]

Taking in the night air?

Actually, I heard some kids talking about

how rad hypothermia is,

so I thought I'd, you know, try it out.

-Weird plan. -Yeah. Forgot my key.

And my parents are still out delivering cookies. Need a hand?

Yeah.

-[Matt] I got it. -[Lucy] Yeah, I got it.

-There we go. -[trunk slams]

Hey, after we drop these.

You want to go do something

and get out of here for a little bit?

Yeah,

I do.

-Okay, cool. -[bright music]

You know, this time last week, you could skate better than me.

And now you're like a cartoon character running in place.

Hey, don't worry about me, okay?

I'll get it.

Thanks for asking me to come.

Of course. Yeah.

I don't want to be the weird person here alone.

[Lucy laughing]

I don't want to be a broken record.

And I know Northwestern

is a great school and you have a full ride.

I just don't see how...

How what?

How I'm going to leave without you.

Plus, you know, I heard that Columbia is, like, ten times

nicer than Northwestern.

Don't ask me how I know that, but I do.

Don't worry. I won't fact check you on that.

I don't want to pressure you, and I want you to be happy.

But I...

I want to be in your life.

And I want that, too.

But Northwestern just seems like the easier path.

And I've heard that it can take some lawyers

up to 20 years to make partner at a big firm.

And what if going to Columbia means

it takes even longer or it doesn't happen at all?

Well, it, it will happen.

I mean, come on, do we not

bring out the best in each other?

-[laughs] That is true. -It's true.

And you can help me with my law exam.

Oh, absolutely.

I'd help you ace that thing.

What is, what is that?

[gentle music]

* On the seventh day of Christmas*

* My true love gave to me*

I'm sorry.

* Five golden rings*

Here for a ride home?

Yeah, that'd be nice.

Let me be the first to congratulate you on finally

not giving in to the temptation to change the past.

Why do I feel worse than ever?

Sometimes that's what doing the right thing feels like.

Can I ask you a question?

Did I already mess up my life telling Matt to stand up

to his parents? Talking with Alexa?

What am I going back to now?

Well, I'm not going to lie.

You've changed some serious things,

but your future is salvageable.

As long as you stay the course, commit to going to Chicago

and leaving everyone behind.

Then your future should remain intact.

Then I'm done.

I'm going to start living exactly as I did originally.

I will focus on myself and my career,

and then I'll just make sure that when I get back to

work harder on

being less lonely.

Well, you'll be back on Christmas Eve.

That was always your return date.

Are you sure that's what you want?

What other choice do I have?

[Alexa] Where's Grandpa?

-Oh. -Starting without me?

[gentle music]

Did you check on Mom? I think she needs some comfort.

Yeah. Mom.

Okay. Almost ready.

Smile and say, "Merry Christmas."

[all] Merry Christmas.

[camera shutters]

[Nadine] Wazzup?

-Hey. -How's it going?

I am living my best life.

-As they say. -Uh-huh. So.

Did you kiss him?

I did not, and I'm not going to.

You're not? How come?

I have decided

I am going to live my life exactly as I did the first time.

But didn't you say doing it like that

led to everything going wrong?

Everything didn't go wrong.

The day that I was brought back here,

I had just made partner at my law firm.

It took me decades of hard work to get there, and

every time I do something

to alter the past, I put that in jeopardy.

That's why you're not going to try to change anything anymore,

because you don't want to mess up your promotion?

That and everyone else's future.

Every time I change something, I put everyone's future at risk.

What was the point of sending you back in time only

to have you live it exactly the way it was before?

You are preaching to the choir.

But, it's my only option at this point.

If I focus on doing what I did before, taking the money

that my dad gave me.

Moving to Chicago, starting fresh, I should be okay.

What about us?

Won't doing it that way mean we aren't friends anymore?

I can't even begin to say how sorry I am for ghosting you

and for letting our friendship dissolve.

Ghosting me?

But if we are as good of friends as we know we are,

as soon as I get back,

I can look you up and begin to mend things.

-Oh. -I figured it out.

That's the point to all of this.

I definitely don't think the answer is shutting down, pushing

everyone away again, and hoping you might be able

to fix it in the future.

[bright music]

You think I'm making this up?

I don't know.

It might be real.

All I know is that you have been hurting for a while now, and

when you showed up telling me all this future stuff,

I got excited

because I would do anything to help my best friend.

And let's be honest.

It's like the first time

you've ever shown any interest in sci-fi.

But if it is real,

then I'm just sad that you're giving up.

You have this amazing second chance

to be reminded of all the wonderful people

in your life who love you.

They're all worth fighting for.

If I was in your situation,

I don't think I would give up that easy.

But that's just me.

Anyway, I hope it all works out for you, Luce.

Merry Christmas.

Nadine.

Nadine, wait.

Surely your nature intercedes for me and pities me.

Assure me that I may yet change these shadows

you've shown me of my changed life.

I will honor Christmas at my heart.

I will keep it all the year.

I will remember the lessons of the past.

I will live in the present.

And I will live toward the future.

The spirits of all three shall reside within me.

I will not shut out the lessons that they teach.

Oh, spirit!

Tell me I may sponge away the writing on this stone.

Ooh, ooh.

[audience chuckles]

[audience clapping and cheering]

Oh, Matt! You were amazing tonight.

That scene where you were like,

"I was not the man I was." I had chills.

Thank you, Jess.

A bunch of us are going to the diner to celebrate.

You want to come?

I got to go.

Sorry. You were great today.

Thank you.

Hey, Dad.

Thank you for coming.

Are you kidding? We wouldn't have missed it.

You were fantastic.

Thank you.

[curious music]

I'm so sorry. Can you,

can you just wait here? I'll be right back.

-I'm so sorry. -Oh, okay.

[gentle music]

Hey, Lucy.

Hey, Matty.

You were awesome up there.

You really have a gift.

My parents actually seemed to like it.

I know, I saw your Dad. Yeah.

Do you want to go do something?

The cast is going to celebrate, but I'd rather hang

-out with you. -Yeah.

I'd rather hang out with you too,

but I actually have to get going.

All right. Seems to be the the phrase of the week.

Well, it's Christmas.

-It's busy time. -Right. Is that it though?

I feel like every time we get close you kind of panic.

Or if I try to open up to you, mostly you pull away, so.

-Is it me? -No, no, it's not you.

It's just I have to get home to start

preparing to move to Chicago.

So you're you're going to Northwestern, then?

I'm happy. If you're happy, I'm happy.

I just hope that you know you're not doing it to escape.

Maybe I am.

And maybe,

you know, if my dad hadn't passed away,

things might have been different.

But I have been here

dealing with it for almost a year now. And,

it's just too hard.

And if I take the full ride to Northwestern and I move away,

it will just be easier for everybody.

I don't think that running away from everyone

is the answer that you think it is.

I mean, will it, provide a distraction? Sure.

What happens when you buy a house?

Or you get a big promotion

and you don't have anyone to share that success with?

I mean, if I could be a successful actor

and be completely alone

then yeah, I probably would go into sales

because that doesn't sound like a good life.

You know, I said I'd be supportive and I'm trying,

but I can't support you

leaving us behind.

And I got to go back to my parents.

So Merry Christmas, Lobster.

I'm going to miss you.

[soft music]

It's all back.

[Tina] Dad.

Mom. Okay, okay.

Wait, wait, wait, wait.

Alexa, Maxey,

and Lucy.

-Okay. Yes! -[Alexa] Ready?

-[Betty] Oh, sweetheart. -[Tina] You like it?

[Betty] I saw it in the window.

[balls clack]

[Howard] Hey, punk.

Everything okay?

Everything's perfect.

-You're missing presents. -It's okay, Grandpa.

I'll open them later.

How about opening one?

Right now.

Okay.

[Howard] You like it?

I love it.

You want to test it out?

[chuckles] Sure.

[Howard] Your break, kid.

[balls clack]

Heck of a break, kid.

-My grandpa taught me. -[Howard chuckles]

Oh, you're a sharpshooter.

[Lucy laughs]

You're not going to let me play, are you?

That is the plan.

So, how's the cue feel?

It's great. I always loved this thing.

I mean, I will always love it.

You know what I think about a lot?

When me and Alexa were kids, you used to take us

to the pool hall to shoot pool with your friends.

I couldn't wait until I was old enough to shoot pool with you.

I kept begging Dad to get us a pool table.

And then one Christmas, he bought one.

And you'd come over and teach me your skills.

I miss him a lot.

I miss him to. Everybody does.

Sometimes life just isn't fair.

No, it's not.

Have you had a good life?

Well, you know, it's had its ups and downs

but overall,

I've had an amazing life.

Nothing that you would change if you could?

Why would I? Everything I've done

up to now has led to this moment here with you.

I wouldn't want to change that.

What if, if what you did, it didn't lead you to this moment?

What if you made a lot of mistakes

and it led you to moments that you wish had never happened?

Oh, don't kid yourself. I've made a lot of mistakes.

Everybody has.

But learning from those mistakes,

taking risks and adapting.

That's,

that's what makes life worth while.

The universe has a way of working itself out.

Yeah. I was starting to think that the universe

was giving me a chance to change something, but,

I don't know.

Well, I'd listen to the universe.

Just don't take the easy routes.

You know, the real good stuff requires risks.

It's never too late to change your life.

I love you, Grandpa.

Thank you.

I love you, too.

But that doesn't mean I'm going to let you win.

Eight ball, corner pocket.

You want to play again?

Hey, sweetheart. Where'd you go?

Oh, was just talking to Grandpa.

You doing okay?

Yeah. I'm good.

I was just thinking about eating this cupcake.

It's actually the first thing that I baked for

just myself since your dad passed.

It's the perfect cupcake.

[soft music]

[Lucy laughs]

-[Tina mumbles] -[Lucy] I've got you.

-Thank you. -For what?

For helping me realize I can get another shot at living.

Your dad would've said the same thing.

I'm sorry for pushing you away.

I'm sorry too, sweetheart. At least

now we know what we need to work on in order to heal.

Hey, are you guys all right?

Yeah.

I was

just telling Mom how proud of her I am,

of both of you.

And how we're not going to distance ourselves

from each other anymore.

We're going to stick together,

all of us, and get through this as a family.

[music box plays muffled melody of "The 12 Days of Christmas"]

[Tina chuckles]

Would you excuse me just one second?

I'll be right back, I promise.

[bright music]

Wait, Mom,

since you're already here.

There's something I want to talk to you about.

[gentle music]

I love this song because of you.

[uplifting music]

Dear Nadine.

[Lucy] You guys good?

Yeah. We're great.

Alexa, I have to go do something right

now, and I'm not sure how it's going to go.

So no matter what happens, please

promise me you will give this to Nadine.

Okay.

I love you both very much.

Okay, well, honey, wait.

Where are you going?

To make a change.

[uplifting music]

[Grace] It's time to go, Lucy.

I'm not listening to you anymore, Grace.

You're not thinking about the ramifications of your actions.

I don't care if there are ramifications to my future.

If I have to start over from scratch, that's fine.

I'm not going to play this last part out wrong again.

-There you go. -[door knocking]

-Lucy? -Can I talk to you

-for a minute? -Tonight? It's Christmas Eve.

Can we talk tomorrow?

-Can't wait until tomorrow. -Okay.

What's up?

This is your Christmas gift.

I made this to tell you how I felt.

But I never gave it to you

because the truth is, losing my dad was the hardest thing

I have ever had to go through, and I,

I think that I thought if I could lose him,

then I could lose anyone that I care about.

So I pushed everyone away.

I thought that I could do it all alone, but I,

I am alone now, and I don't want that.

* On the ninth day of Christmas*

* My true love gave to me*

[dramatic music]

I so wanted to kiss you at the ice rink.

I have wanted to kiss you since we were 12.

Jumping on your trampoline, eating mystery Airheads

trying to guess what the flavor was.

But I never said anything because I was scared.

Okay. I just need a second--

I don't think I have a second, so just listen.

I know that I haven't been myself lately,

but I want you to know that that is not me.

Or at least that is not who I want to be anymore.

And I understand if you don't want to talk to me again.

But you need to promise me that you will not quit acting.

You are a great actor

and you shouldn't quit something you love.

* On the tenth day of Christmas*

* My true love gave to me*

Okay. I won't quit acting.

I have made a lot of mistakes, Matty.

But the biggest mistake I ever made

was not telling you how I felt.

* On the eleventh day of Christmas*

I love you, Matty Olsen, I always have.

If I could do it all over again,

I would go to New York with you in a second.

I want to be with you.

Say something.

Do you know why I call you Lobster?

It's not because of the sunburn from camp.

It's from "Friends." In season two

Phoebe says that the group needs to find their lobster.

Because when a lobster finds

the one, they stay together for life.

And she says that Ross is Rachel's lobster.

And that's what you are to me.

You are my lobster.

And I know that's dorky, but I just,

what I'm trying to say is, I love you.

I love you, too.

You do?

Yes. I always have.

[uplifting music]

[electricity glitches]

I'm back.

And you're still here.

-I'm still here. -It's you.

You're really here?

Yeah. Hon, are you feeling okay?

Look at that.

Oh, I'm not a divorce lawyer.

I'm a state law attorney.

I even do pro-bono law.

Nadine's house didn't flood.

Alexa's married.

My mom is happy and

we have a family.

You didn't quit acting.

You told me not to.

Wait.

Are you happy?

-Yes. -But like, actually happy.

You're not just trying to make the best of it,

but you'd rather be married to Jessi Bloorfield instead?

Jessi Bloorfield?

No, I am happy, I promise.

-Are you happy? -Yes.

Very happy.

Good.

Where are the kids?

At your mom's waiting for us.

And probably dying to open their presents.

This is the best Christmas ever.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

["The 12 Days of Christmas" plays]

I know you hate this song.

You know what?

Not so much anymore.

* On the second day of Christmas*

* My true love gave to me*

[child] Mom, Dad! Let's open presents!

[bright music]

[bright music continues]