Looks Like Christmas (2016) - full transcript

We always love to do it,

but I am so, so grateful
that you all are here again,

so I just want to say
happy Thanksgiving.

- Happy Thanksgiving!
- Happy Thanksgiving!

- Cheers!
- Thank you all for being here.

You outdid yourself
again this year.

Looks good.

That Turkey is better
than last year,

and I don't even know
how that's possible.

I'll tell you.
The secret is in the brining.

Jill's not looking for a recipe.



She's just happy
we get to come here

every year so
she doesn't have to cook.

Ah-hah!

I love it.
The more, the merrier here.

I'm already planning
my Christmas menu.

It's true, it's true.

She starts planning the holidays
during, what, labor day?

Oh, come on.

Do you think I, uh...
Get a little carried away?

Maybe just a tad?

"A tad"?

Are you kidding me?
Come on!

Come December,
you are like Santa on steroids.

I love it, though. I do.



All the cooking
and the baking and...

The decorating, the shopping.

The caroling, the eggnogging.

Not to mention
single-handedly mounting

the school's
Christmas spectacular

every year.

- Mm-hmm. Every year.
- Thank you.

- Mm-hmm.
- Thank you!

Uh-oh...

Make your fun.

Make your fun.

We know you do, honey.
We love you for it.

Nobody does
Christmas like you do.

- Nobody!
- Mm-mm.

And that's how
you earned the nickname

of "Christmas Carol"
down at the school.

Okay.

Okay.

This is the last
of the lot. Whew!

You know what?

I actually think we set
a new speed record

this go-around unpacking.

Well, this isn't our first time

at the rodeo.

What's this,

the third time in two years?

Yeah.

And I know

it's not always easy, kiddo.

But, at least with

this hotel project
that I'm supervising,

we're gonna be here
for at least a year.

In that case,

let's hang a few pictures
on the wall.

- Good idea.
- Yeah.

What do you got there?

Oh, yeah...

Ahh.

You know, mom, she loved
a flocked Christmas tree.

You know what...

That's what we need
to do this year...

Put up a tree!

We need something

to warm up this
temporary-rental decor.

You... are
absolutely right.

We're gonna get
a tree this year.

And you know what else
is gonna happen this year?

We are gonna spend
some quality time

together, just me and you,

this holiday season.

That is a promise.

I'll believe it when I see it.

Well, you believe it, kiddo.

Oh! Dinner's
here, finally.

All right. I got it.

Hi. I got a...

"Thanksgiving special"
for Terry Evans.

Yeah, that's me.

- Here you go.
- Awesome. Thank you.

Happy Thanksgiving.

- Take care.
- Yeah.

Ooh... hey.

Here we go.
Here we go!

Ohh...

What's Thanksgiving
at the Evans' home

without a large veggie pizza
with Turkey sausage?

Hey!

Count your blessings, kiddo.

I had to call all over town

to find a pizza place
that was still open!

All right... who's ready
to carve the first slice?

Me!

I'm going in.

Okay. Mm!

Yum!

Who needs Turkey, right?

All right. I even
put the cranberry

in a separate dish,

so it won't spill.

Wow! Good.

Well, with any luck,

we will be eating

right through
to the end of February.

Isn't that a good thing?

Honey, do you think that maybe
you're still cooking

for your ex-husband
and your in-laws?

What...
What're you talking about?

I've been divorced four years.

I know.

Look, here's an idea.

How about just
cutting the recipes in half?

And, I don't know,
maybe think about

getting back out there?

We've already had
this conversation.

No thanks.

Oh, come on!

Why not?

Look, you have so much to offer!

There is more to life

than being a real estate agent
and "super mom."

Have you ever heard the phrase
"once bitten, twice shy"?

Yeah, and how about

"love is lovelier
the second time around"?

Oh... ugh!

I like my life
the way that it is.

Okay. Okay!

You know what?
Your b.F.F. Will m.Y.O.B.

For now.

- Thanks.
- Yeah.

Well, Carol, you did it again!

Well, well, that's my job!

Thank you so much
for a fantastic meal.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
You too, Bryan!

Thanks, principal Higgins.

Dude, you don't have
to call him that outside school.

Right!

Okay, so are we doing
the open house

at the MacKenzie place on elm?

What are you talking about?

It's gonna be looky-loos.

I'm gonna have a chance
to finish my Christmas cards.

- "Finish"? Honey!
- Goodnight!

Okay. Love ya.

- See ya.
- Thanks for dinner.

Thank you!

Wait, you do realize

it's still Thanksgiving, right?

Only for a few more hours.

Oh, boy.

It's beginning to look
a lot like Christmas.

I blame it on the elves.

Well, that's my story.
I'm sticking to it.

I've never seen it that busy.

Wow.

I'll get it!

- Black Friday...
- It's packed.

Amateurs.

I avoided
"black Friday" shopping

by doing mine online.

Yes!

She's good. Real good.

Yeah. I mean,

who'd want to be
out there in that?

This is ridiculous.

Come on, let's...!

Dad, it's not their fault.

There's nowhere to go.

Well... I mean,
look at this.

Should we, uh, just turn around,

and try this another day?
What do you think?

No, I need new clothes
for school on Monday.

It's bad enough starting
a new school mid-year.

Well, by the time

we get into this parking lot,

it may actually
be next year. I...

Then, um, why don't
you just drop me off here

and pick me up in a few hours?

What?

Come on, I thought we were
gonna spend some time together.

We did.
Sitting in traffic.

Oh...

Well, that's great,
that's great quality time there.

Come on, dad.

I need a new look.

You need a new look, huh?

Mm-hmm.

Of course you do.

You're gonna kill me,
you know that?

All right, just...

Go easy.

I'm still paying off
your last look.

Easy.

Okay.
I'll see you later.

All right.

Thanks. Love you.

Yeah, yeah, love you, too.

- Bye!
- Bye.

You know what the worst part
about long weekends is?

The Monday following.

Have you seen my keys?

We're going to be late,

which means I'll be
the new kid who walks into class

with every head turning around
and staring at her.

At least it'll give
everyone a chance

to admire your new outfit.

Relax! All right?

I'm gonna get you there
before the bell rings

because I have the keys!

All right, hair
and makeup on the way.

- Okay.
- Chop-chop.

Let's go.

Can you guess?

Can you guess
what we're doing here?

Come on. Let's go!

What're we doing here?
I'm gonna be late for school.

No, no, you're gonna be fine.

I left the house
a couple minutes early.

Are you taking them in?
Take them in.

Pick it out.
We gotta go fast!

No. I gotta be going
to school right now.

Honey...

You're gonna be so tickled
when you see what just came in.

Well, then you've got
the blue nobles? Oh!

Shipped in fresh this morning.

I'm not gonna put
these puppies out

until the older ones
sell, but...

You can have
the pick of the litter.

See that?

That's how you get
the best Christmas tree!

All right, just swing
your end over here.

All right.

And... one!
Two! Three!

Oh! Whoa,
whoa, whoa, whoa!

♪ we wish you
a merry Christmas... ♪

Please hurry.
I hate being late.

I know, I know.
I know. Me too.

We're fine.

Well, you know, honey,

it is your last year
at middle school,

so I was hoping
that you would grace the stage

with a little saxophone solo
for the Christmas spectacular.

Mm. Let me go with
my pat answer of years past...

No! No.
And I don't think so.

Perfect. I'll
take it as a yes.

You know I don't like being
the center of attention.

I know, but you're so good.

You're a member of the band.

Yeah, where I'm surrounded
by other instruments.

Strength in numbers.

Well...
I hope you'll reconsider.

I just hope
you lower your expectations.

Never.

Hold on.
I'll make the light.

Watch out!

There we go!
Made the light!

See, mom?

That's how you destroy
a Christmas tree.

Oh!

Don't forget your sax.

Thank you.

Have a good day.

You too.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Good morning.

Welcome to Brookswood, Amelia!

Home of the bobcats!

Now, I know mid-year transfers
can be a little difficult,

but we're gonna do
everything we can

to make the transition
as painless as possible.

Thank you.

No tests or pop quizzes?

Ha, ha.

Can't blame her
for trying, right?

I'm afraid that's out
of my jurisdiction.

Okay, homeroom is 215

and... it starts in
about three minutes,

so you better get a move-on.

All right, I'll walk you over.

And hold my hand?
Dad, I'm 14.

I think I'm good.

Really? Okay.
I'll see you after school, then.

Bye.

Have a good one.

What's, uh...
The meeting about?

Today is

the start of the holiday
kick-off here at Brookswood.

There is a lot to do.

But, lucky for me,

there is a "super mom"
here on campus

and she takes care of
a lot of the heavy-lifting.

I see.

Merry Christmas!

You're new here!

Uh, yes.

Amelia Evans.

Well, merry Christmas!

Thank you.
Merry Christmas.

You! You headed
to the PTA meeting?

What are you talking about?

That's my last
Christmas spectacular,

it's gonna be the best one ever!

Why do you put so much
pressure on yourself?

You're like
a category-five hurricane,

ooh, with candy canes.

Yeah.

These aren't just
for students, right?

Well...
I mean, why?

I didn't have breakfast.

Eat five.

A big round of applause
for Carol Montgomery

for helping revive

the Christmas
tree-lighting ceremony. Right?

It's been fun.

Thank you guys
for all if your help.

Great. I don't know where
you find such boundless energy

and enthusiasm,

but I'm glad you do.

As are the rest of us!

Always flattering me.
Please go on.

And now to discuss the upcoming

Christmas spectacular,

the very same Carol Montgomery.

It just gets boring, doesn't it?

Hey, you guys, I am so grateful

you're here again this year.

It's gonna be the best one ever.

Sorry! Door...
I didn't, uh...

Is, uh...

Is this the PTA?

It is, it is, come on in.

Okay. I'm sorry!

Hello. I'm sorry.

Welcome.
Do you want to grab a seat?

Yes. Okay.

You do have a child here?

Guilty as charged.

Have a seat.

Uh, thank you.
Sorry I'm late.

No problem, no problem.

We were talking about
the Christmas spectacular.

We do it here every year.

This one is gonna be
better than ever.

Okay.

I think we're just gonna go

with the traditional
that we always do,

the holiday classics sung by
our fantastic winter choir.

Does anybody object?

Yes? I'm sorry,
I missed your name.

Evans.

Evans.

Evans. Yes. Uh, well, I was
just listening to you there,

and it sounds, to me,

like maybe you're kind of doing
the same show

year after year,

and I just wondered

would it be fun
to try something different?

- Well...
- Try something new?

We've been getting better
year after year, of course.

I mean,
being that it's something

that we all look forward to,

that's been doing very well
for us,

I don't really see any need
to, you know, shake that tree.

Yeah, I mean,
don't get me wrong,

I love the Christmas classics
as much as the next person,

I just wondered,
since it is called

the "Christmas spectacular,"
you know, to an outsider,

it sounds like maybe it's
becoming a little "ho-ho-hum"?

"Ho-ho-hum"?

You haven't even seen it!

What'd you have in mind,
Mr. Evans?

Oh!

I don't know.

Let me think.

Uh, I mean,
just off the top of my head,

how about... hey!

How about a holiday talent show?

That would be something new

for our kids to throw themselves
into, right?

Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.

And break the hearts
of our beloved winter choir?

No, no, no!
Nobody would be excluded.

No, let's turn the spectacular

into a Christmas-themed
variety show.

Everybody's welcome!

You do know that Christmas
is about

honoring the traditions
of years past?

Says... who?

Says tradition.

And what about new traditions?

I-i-I'm sorry. I...

I so don't
mean to challenge you.

I'm just spit-balling here.

I don't know.
It's silly.

No, no, no,
we love a good spit-ball.

Glad you said that!

Because, um, I think

some of Mr. Evan's
ideas have merit.

Sure. Jugglers.

What do we get next?

Go-go dancers?
Rappers?

Mimes?

Look, if it would help,
I would be happy to volunteer.

I'd like to volunteer.

Carol, where's
your welcoming spirit?

No, like, uh... I mean,
we would love volunteers.

I don't know if you know
what's involved in it.

I mean there
are a lot of rehearsals first,

and then... well, you know,

you have the auditions,
of course,

leading up to those,

and, um...

You know what?

I promised my daughter

I'd get more involved
in school this year, so...

What the hey?
I'm in, if you'll have me!

All right!
That's settled!

This year's
Christmas spectacular

has found itself a new co-chair!

Yeah!

Oh, no, excuse me,
Mr. Evans?

Oh, no, please, call me Terry.

- Terry.
- Yeah.

I'm Carol Montgomery.

I have a son in
the eighth grade, Bryan.

Hi, Carol.

I've got a daughter,
Amelia, same grade.

Yes, yes, yes!

I met that beautiful
girl in the hallway.

I hope you don't think

I was too stiff back there.

I-I just... I'm not
used to fathers

being so eager to get involved.

Carol, I get it.
Believe me, okay?

I mean, I've been a backseat dad

most of my life,

and then that's kind of
why I'm getting involved,

to try and help out
here. Just...

Okay. I guess we have
our work cut out for us

to make something
really special.

I guess we'll be seeing
a lot of each another,

in that case.

Apparently.

Oh!

Yeah?
Is something the matter?

I just wish I knew

the joker who drove this car.

He cut me off this morning
on the way to school.

What?

Yeah.

That... that is...

That is terrible.

Uh...

I mean,
I'm sure whoever this joker is,

I mean, they...
It was unintentional.

Well, I'm sure
that's easy for you to say.

You weren't the one
that had to slam on the brakes,

while your perfect

Christmas tree
fly into the intersection,

get trampled by a semi.

Killed my noble!

That's not right.

No.

Out-of-state plates.

Yeah. Yeah.

This wouldn't happen
to be your car, would it?

Carol, Carol, I was running
late this morning.

We had to go through the thing,

and I had no idea
of what happened.

Just when we were

starting to have things

get a little less awkward
between us, Terry.

That's beautiful.

That's, uh...

What do you think?
He's married?

Well, he wasn't wearing a ring.

Yeah, but I don't really think

that means anything anymore.

You don't have to wear a ring.

Really? Everyone who's
married wears a ring, no?

Yeah, well, you and I do,

but I don't know
that everybody...

Let's get to work!

We have, what,
about a hundred programs

to fix for the Christmas
tree-lighting ceremony,

so that should go quickly.

What?

Oh, no.

I'm not gossiping, guys.

We have a task at hand.
Let's do it.

We're surprised
you held it together

for the PTA meeting
this morning.

Come on.

I don't own Christmas
around here.

Uh, well, not officially, okay?

But we all kind of assumed

that you had a lease
with an option to buy.

I'm sorry, are we gonna talk

about how good-looking he is?

Did you see those eyes?

Right?
And the jaw line.

And the height.
Perfect for...

Yes! For her! That's
what I was thinking.

He's volunteering so that
he can be with his daughter.

He said so himself.
I think it's a...

I think it's a super idea.

Okay, honey, you know what?

Let's just leave
this thing alone

for a little while.

We still have a lot
of programs to make.

I'm not even upset

that he's going
to join the festivities.

I'm more upset
that he cut me off this morning

with his car

and my tree
went into the intersection!

Think he's got a nice car?

Did you notice his style?

Do you think
he's got a good job?

Oh, and the way he talks
about his daughter.

Do you think he recycles?

Do you think he's single?

He wasn't wearing a ring!

Even though we don't start demo

of the old city library
until the first of the year,

I've got quotes on electrical
and plumbing

coming in before the holidays.

That's good to hear.

Yeah.

Because I do want
to give you the head's up...

We may have to move up
the timeline on construction.

Why? What's going on?

A possible legal snag.

I should have more news
by tomorrow.

But this could be
a working holiday.

Look...

I know you've been gunning
for that permanent position

at head office.

Yeah.

Only for
the last four years now.

Any word from your end?

Not yet, but I do know

that all eyes are on
the success of this hotel.

Right.

Well...

Guess I'll just
have to make sure

we deliver at my end, won't I?

Good to hear.

Talk to you soon.

Sorry.

What's this?

"Christmas tree-lighting
ceremony."

Yeah.

Thanks.
Just helping my mom.

Oh, so you must be
Christmas Carol's son?

Yep. Bryan Montgomery.

And you really don't
have to call her that.

Amelia Evans,

a.k.a. The new kid
at Brookswood.

So how are you finding it?

So far, it feels like

I'm sinking into
a quicksand of midterms.

You know,
my friend, Nelson,

he just started a study group,
if you want to come join us.

A study group is exactly
what I need right now.

And a new member

to keep our noses
out of the game box

and in our books is exactly
what we need right now.

Okay. I'll see you later.

Great. See you.

So? How was
your first day?

It fell somewhere between

buffalo and Pittsburgh.

But Pittsburgh was
definitely the worst.

What was so wrong
with Pittsburgh?

Don't you remember?

I had "mean Mrs. Matheson"
for homeroom

and got stuck sitting between

the tussling Taylor twins
for the whole year.

Right! I forgot about that.

Well, in that case,
today was definitely

a very Pittsburgh-
worthy day for me.

Oh, what?
What did you do?

Tell me you didn't embarrass me.

Why do you immediately go
to the "embarrass me" place?

Huh? I could've
had a flat tire,

a parking ticket.
You don't know.

Because I've never once

seen you get a flat
or a parking ticket.

Smarty-pants.

No, I just, uh...

I had a little bit of a run-in

with the queen bee
of the PTA, that's all.

Wait a minute.
That was us

that cut Mrs. Montgomery off
this morning?

You heard about that
today at school?

Some of the kids were talking
about it at lunch.

Everyone calls her
"Christmas Carol,"

so, basically, you made enemies

with the nicest mom
at Brookswood.

So I guess this means

you'll be downgrading
your day even further?

Not yet.

I just met her son

and he let me join
his study group

for upcoming midterms.

Oh, yeah?

Yeah, another fun part

about always having
to move on the fly.

I'm sorry, kiddo. I know.

No, it's okay.
It's all right.

Once I get
this promotion, though,

we're going to have

that permanent home
we've always wanted.

"Senior construction
supervisor."

Huh? I can feel it.

Me too.

And, until then,

maybe you can help me memorize

all of the symbols
of the periodic table.

Do I have to?

Do I have to?
I don't want to.

Of course. Of course.
But you know what?

Before we do that,

I think, you and I,

we need a little
stress reliever.

Get in.

Okay.

Ooh! Time flies.

Feels like we were just here.

Very funny.

Where's Clyde?

Oh, hey,
I forgot to tell you...

I volunteered

for the school
Christmas spectacular

this morning.

Seriously?

Yeah.

Your idea of
school participation

is usually dropping me off
in the morning.

Hey, I'll tell ya,
this dad just got an upgrade.

In fact, it's a whole new

operating system,
what do you think of that?

Okay.

All right. Let's see
if this tree is ready for us.

What happened to the nobles?

This morning,
there was a whole truck full!

What happened
to the one I sold you?

W-Well...

It sort of blew off.

Yeah, yeah.

And now it's roadkill.

A bit of an incident.

Why don't we just
buy that one there?

Looks the exact same.

Are you kidding?
That's a Scottish pine!

What's the difference?

The difference?
A noble is far superior.

It keeps its fragrance,
its color,

and i-i-i-it lasts...

Okay, okay, let's
forget I asked!

Forget I asked.

Sure you don't have another one?

No, I'm sorry,
I just sold the last one...

To him.

Hey, Carol!

Terry.

You flocked my noble?

Uh... I don't know about that,
but isn't this a beauty?

Hey, Clyde, thanks so much,
this is exactly what I wanted.

This flocking looks amazing.

Well, merry Christmas, everyone!

I hope you get
what you're after. Okay.

Bye.

A little to the left.

Perfect!

Yeah?

Yeah.

Okay.

Oh, yeah!

That was a great idea, kiddo.

That really warms up the room.

Just wait until we decorate it.

You'll need to pick up
some ornaments

since our things are in storage.

Right. Will do.

Okay, so have you
thought about dinner?

I don't know.
Have you thought about

how you're gonna make up
with Christmas Carol?

Ohh!

How was I supposed to know

that she had a special
arrangement with the owner?

Huh? I mean, I was just
trying to be nice.

Don't get me wrong, dad,
I love you to bits,

but sometimes, you can be
a bull in a China shop.

Oh, really?

Well, you shouldn't
underestimate me,

because this dad knows
how to extend an olive branch...

And in this case,

one with lots and lots
of pine needles.

Clyde?

What are you doing here?

You know that guy
that flocked your tree?

He came back to the lot
and he got you this.

Said he felt guilty about
buying the last blue noble.

He left this card.

I tried telling him
you're the kind of lady

that likes to pick out
her own tree,

but he was mighty insistent.

That's, uh, kind.

Want me to haul it inside?

No, no. No, no. Um...

Just leave it there.

I think I have an idea for it.

You want me

to give you a call when the next
batch of blue nobles come in?

Oh, I'd love it.

I'll give you

some pumpkin-nut bread
in exchange.

Bribes are always appreciated.

Um, uh, wait.
Wait, wait, wait.

You wouldn't happen
to have his address, would you?

Honey,
can you get that?

Yeah. For sure.

Mrs. Montgomery!
Come in.

Thank you.

Oh, I just wanted to welcome you
and your father to woodside

with one of my famous
pumpkin-nut breads.

Oh, my gosh, that
smells incredible!

Thank you.

Carol.

Terry.

Why don't you two talk?

I just... I-I wanted to,

um, thank you

for your generous gesture
of the Christmas tree.

Very, very, very sweet.

No, no. That is the least
that I can do, believe me.

Have you had a chance
to decorate it yet?

No, I was actually going
to donate it

to the stage
for the Christmas spectacular.

You repurposed
my Christmas tree?

Mm-hmm!

The production so needs it.

And my son and I really like
to get our own Christmas tree

each Christmas.

You really are all about
your traditions, aren't you?

Right, I really think
it's important for families.

I'm beginning to see
how you got your nickname.

Well, thank you
for the pumpkin bread.

That's very kind.

Thank you
for the Christmas tree.

Which you gave to the school.

A gift that keeps on giving.

Apparently.

Have a super night.

Good night, Christmas Carol.

Yeah.

Save the library!
Thank you!

The tree-lighting ceremony,
the Christmas spectacular,

and now trying to save
the old town library.

Yeah, you know what?

You either need to run for mayor
or get a new hobby.

Mayor!

Oh, come on. An active mind
cannot live in an inactive body.

More quotes, huh?

- Yeah.
- How about...

all work and no play
makes Carol a dull girl?

How can I be dull?
I sell houses, save libraries,

gossip with my friends,
thank you.

Hey, by the way, I got the 411
on the new guy in town.

What? Terry?

- Yeah...
- oh!

Sorry, so you two are already

on first-name basis?

Oh!

So Terry is a widower.

Wife passed away two years ago.

Works as
a construction supervisor

for this huge development firm.

Travels from town to town,

starts a project, finishes,
then moves on.

Where do you get all your Intel?

Town gossip
never reveals her sources.

Uh-huh.

But I am married
to the school principal.

A-ha!

That's got to be a lonely life,
don't you think?

Being nomadic, traveling around
with your daughter?

Can't be easy.

Well, maybe he's just never
met the right person

to want to settle down with.

Yeah, maybe he hasn't.

You know?

Oh, shut up.

Save the library!
Save the library!

You're no fun!
You know that?

We have a bit of a fire
we need you to put out, Terry.

The preservation society
is up in arms

over our decimating
a hundred-year-old library.

A structure that we legally own

and have permits to tear down?

After the first of the year.

But if the preservation society

manages to get the courts
to hear their plea before then,

we are looking at
a costly delay in construction.

Which is where you come in.

The courts can't stop us
from building

if the structure
no longer exists.

So we need that library
torn down by Christmas.

Okay. Um...

In order for me
to make that happen,

I'm gonna have to pull
some extra permits,

plus, uh, I'm gonna
have to find a crew

willing to work
through the holidays.

Then I guess
you need to start

working your magic.

Now.

Uh, yeah, I'm gonna start

making some calls
right now, guys.

I'm on it.

Okay, first major
civil war battle?

You guys?

Sorry.

It's just hard to study

when all I can think about
is Christmas break.

Did I hear
"Christmas break"?

Can't come soon enough,
right, guys?

Oh, well, on that note,
I bid you all adios.

That's French for "goodbye".

My mom texted
that dinner is ready.

One step ahead of you.

Oh, I'm afraid my dad's

a little slow
on the text return.

Um, that's okay.

She can stay for
dinner, right, mom?

Oh, we're only having
chicken piccata.

Considering the fanciest thing
at my house

comes out of a frozen block,
I would love to stay for dinner,

Mrs. Montgomery.

I might allow it...

If you agree to call me Carol.

Okay. "Carol."

Thank you.

Napkins, guys.
Where are your manners?

Carol, this is delicious.

Oh, thank you.

Step up from TV dinners, I bet.

Yeah, my dad has no problem
building a designer kitchen,

but his cooking chops
pretty much stop there.

So, do you get to spend time
with your dad over the holidays?

Uh, not so much.

More in the summer.

Well, his dad travels...
Internationally.

Oh, yeah, I know the drill.

My, um...
When my mom was alive,

my dad would fly home
for weekends

when he was out on location,
at building sites.

Must have been hard.

Yeah, it was. Um...

I can't think of
one dance recital,

one softball game,

one parent-teacher conference

that my dad didn't miss
because of work.

But I know he's trying
to make up for it now.

That's why he volunteered
to help with the spectacular.

Of course, he wants
to spend time with you.

Yeah.

Oh, that's probably him now.

I'll get it.

So, is your mom
twisting your arm

to be a part of the spectacular?

Uh, no, actually,
she's twisting both my arms.

Wow! Look at this place!

I feel like
I'm entering Santa's lounge.

What, you think
it's over-the-top?

No! No, it's...
It's beautiful.

And yet, it feels like
something is missing.

What? What are
you talking about?

I don't know...

Maybe something

about a very special
Christmas tree...

Oh, a Christmas tree!

That you like
to pick out. Yeah.

My mom's got bigger fish to fry.

She's doing the Christmas tree
lighting in the town square.

You guys should come.

Yeah!

It only took two years,

five bake sales,
two rummage sales,

and then a couple of car washes

to pull it off.

It's a shame you haven't learned

how to get more involved.

And we'll be there.
Right, dad?

Oh, no. Absolutely!
Absolutely, we will.

Great.

And, by the way,

thank you for letting
her stay for dinner.

I mean, whatever you guys had,

it smells incredible.

Well, she might've mentioned

that you didn't
get to cook tonight,

so we made you
a little take-out.

Could you get it, please?

Carol, that's very kind of you.
You didn't need to do that.

I enjoy it.

Yeah.

Well, I'm sorry also

that I'm a little late
picking up this one,

but, uh, I am being pulled into

this quagmire at work.

You know the hotel project
that I'm supervising

at the town square,

where the current library
resides...

That's... that's your project?

Yeah.

Uh-huh.

Yeah, well, it turns out

that the preservation society

is trying to stand
in the way of progress

and they've actually... get this.

They have filed a petition
to prevent us

from tearing down
that decrepit old building.

I mean, some people.

They just don't understand
what progress is, do they?

Right?

Dad, I think that Carol may be
on the preservation society.

Oh, no.
No, no, no.

I'm actually not
on the preservation...

Oh, thank goodness.
You had me scared for a minute.

But I'm just personally, um,
responsible

for the petition
to keep the library.

Of course you are.

You do know that the library
was the first building erected

since woodside was founded?

- I sure do now.
- Yes.

Well, bon appetit.

Yeah, it's a funny thing.

I've suddenly lost my appetite.

Yeah.

But we've already got approval

to start tear-down
on the library

after the first of January.

So what's the holdup?

The city commission

has returned your request.

They require further explanation

on your amended date
of demolition.

Our completion date
has been pushed up,

so we need
to break ground immediately

in order to make our deadline.

State that here,

and I will hand it back
to the planning commission.

Okay.

Any way to put a rush on this?

I can't make any promises
this time of year,

but I'll try my best.

Okay. Thank you.

Okay, so what
is going on with you?

Nothing.
I'm excited

for the Christmas
tree-lighting ceremony.

Then why does your face
look like

you just swallowed
a Christmas tree?

Oh, how was I supposed
to know that Terry

was responsible for
the hotel going up?

You couldn't have!

Just like he couldn't have known

that he was gonna cut you off

and send your
Christmas tree sailing.

You two cannot seem to get
out of each other's way.

Maybe it's kismet.

Maybe it's Karma.

So what did I do?

I don't know why

you're being so hard
on yourself about this.

I don't know.

Maybe I was getting used
to being frenemies with him.

- Really?
- Mm-hmm.

Because I actually thought

it was a nice gesture
on your part

to let Terry hold open auditions

for the Christmas
spectacular without you.

Wait, what?

What?

Open...

Auditions?

Ohh! Darn it!

That's great, guys, thank you.

We'll be in touch, all right?

Okay! Who's up?
Come on in!

I'm up.

What?

You're gonna hold open auditions
without even telling me, Terry?

Carol, relax, okay?

I'm not cutting
you out of the process,

I'm just getting a leg up.

Oh, a leg up, with
what, a 10-foot, uh...

What is that, anyway?

I thought
that was a fresher take

on the old, traditional Santa.

We've seen it a million times.
Right? Just something new.

I don't understand why

you just want to throw away
traditions, Terry.

What is your objection
to anything that's modern

and forward-thinking, like...

Like the old, forgotten library?

It's not forgotten!
The old library...

The old library

has a very dear place
in my heart.

I don't understand why you want

to put a big
concrete-like eyesore...

Eyesore?
No, let me tell you.

That is actually a hotel
that your town, this town,

desperately needs.

Well, just because it's new
doesn't make it better.

And just because it's old
doesn't make it right.

Are we talking about
the Christmas spectacular,

or are we talking about
your hotel?

What is the difference?

Guys!

See you for a sec in my office?

You did this.

Look at that.
That's not my fault.

Go to the principal's office.

Really? That's my fault?

All right. We can
talk about that.

- Excuse me, guys.
- Let the lady through.

Thank you, thank you.

You don't like me
very much, do you?

I don't... I don't
know you well enough

to like you.

What else can I tell you

to help push you over the edge?

You having fun?
You think this is funny?

I love Christmas,
it's important to me.

Trust me, I know, okay?

I got the memo,

I got the minutes
to the PTA meeting,

I even got the newsletter.

Believe me, I'm up
to speed on this.

Oh, by the way,

I got your empty food
containers in the car.

So, someone got
his appetite back.

Well, I had to eat
something, didn't I?

It was actually
really delicious.

Of course it was!

I know.
It was very good.

Okay, so which one of you

has a difficulty
playing well with others?

Obviously not me.
I'm a walk in the park.

Uh, more like
a walk off a cliff.

Well, if you didn't swoop in
like "hurricane Terry".

What?

Okay, let's not go down
this road again.

I think the key to making this
work with you two kids

is compromise.

I could not agree more.

And I could not agree more-er!

See?
That's what I'm talking about.

It's not a competition.

Now, obviously, Carol,

you want
a more traditional theme

and you want to do something
a little more modern.

"And never the twain
shall meet."

Hopefully.

Hang on!

What if you combine
the two, hmm?

What if you worked on the theme

of "Christmas past, present,
and future"?

I like it.

Really?

Don't look so surprised!

That is literally
the first thing

we've ever agreed on.

What are the odds
that's gonna happen again?

Probably never.

Right.

We can always pray
for a Christmas miracle!

Relax! I didn't embarrass you.
I promise.

If you just give her a chance,

you'll actually see
Carol's really nice,

once you get to know her.

I'm trying, honey.

Believe me, I'm trying.

You got called
into the principal's office?

Yeah. What about it?

You know, it wouldn't kill you

to keep your mind
open to new ideas.

I'll do it if you do it.

You having fun?

- Yeah.
- Hi!

I'm Jill.
Carol's best friend.

I have heard a lot about you.

I am sure you have!

I, uh, hope you don't
hold it against me.

Ha! Yeah, I guess

you got a little more
than you bargained for

when you and your daughter
moved to woodside, huh?

It would appear so, yeah.

But you know what?

I really think
we're gonna be able iron out

our wrinkles, you know?

Glad to hear it.

Truth is, you're good
for our Christmas Carol.

And how do you figure that?

Ah, you give her
a run for her money.

I think life's much
more interesting

when we meet a few challenges.

I guess you're right.

You know, I've never really
though of it that way.

Ladies and gentlemen,

please welcome
the mayor of woodside.

The first official
Christmas tree-lighting ceremony

began in 1945...

To welcome our troops
back to their families

after the end of world war ii.

In the ongoing six decades,
it became a city tradition

until budget cuts
forced its closure.

But, luckily for us,

one very determined resident
made it her mission

to bring this time-honored event
back to woodside.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Carol Montgomery!

Thank you.

You're welcome, miss.

We love you, Christmas Carol!

And I love you.

My friends, my family,
our family, our woodside family.

I think people make fun of me

because I often talk about
how much I love tradition,

and this ceremony
is a part of my affection

for this particular holiday,

because we get to take a moment,

stop, reflect,
be with our families,

sit by the fire, make cookies,

and remember
how much we love each other,

and how much
we care for each other.

This tree is for our families

and this beautiful community.

Merry Christmas,
woodside family...

For you.

All right!

Merry Christmas!

Okay, uh...

Merry Christmas!

Okay...

Little glitch!

Um...

A little, um...

Okay, why don't we...
Bring up

my favorite caroler?

Where are you?

Come on!

♪ o, Christmas tree
o, Christmas tree ♪

dad, you need to do something.

I'm not so sure, kiddo,

I think maybe I should
stay out of this one.

But you know how to fix it.

♪ Thy leaves
are so unchanging ♪

come on! Go! Go.

All right.

Carol, do you want some help?

Do you...

Maybe.

Isn't this fun?

Ah-hah...

Yeah, you got a loose wire here.

Yeah.

I-I-I don't know if this is it.

Way to go, dad!

I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Hey, Carol!

Hi, Nina.

How are you?

Um, terrific.
How are you?

Not too bad.

Hey, Terry!

Epic save!

Bye, Carol.

Appreciate it.

Well, well, well.

Hi, Carol.

If it isn't the town hero...

Yeah.

Mm-hmm.

Yeah.

Mm-hmm.

Everything okay?

Yeah. Yeah, yeah.
Yeah. Sure. Why?

Are you sure?

Yes, I'm sure.
I'm sure.

I'm just... I'm just being...

I have some silly
thoughts in my head.

You know that?

I love that you came in

and just totally saved the day
last night,

it's fantastic.

I'm very appreciative.

I worked so hard
on that project...

And then, with one fell swoop,
you just came in and...

became the hometown hero.

No, no, Carol...
Carol, I am so sorry.

I didn't mean
to steal your thunder.

No, no, no. Never mind.

You didn't steal my thunder.
That's not...

Are you sure?

I said I was being silly, okay?

No, no, no, no.
This is not being silly.

I mean, quite
the contrary, actually.

Okay.

Listen, Carol.

When you're not busy
trying to always be perfect,

you're actually
really endearing, okay?

Wow. Is that
a compliment?

Yes! It's a compliment.

Thank you, I think.

You think I'm always
trying to be perfect, huh?

No, no, no, no, no.
Not "try". You are.

I mean, seriously, Carol,

I have no idea how you get
half the things

done in a day that you do.

I mean, you're like

some kind of whirling dervish
with Christmas ornaments.

- Thank you.
- Yeah.

I think.

I have
no time-management skills.

I'm in awe of you.

I mean, I'm always borrowing
from Monday

what I didn't...
Get done on Friday.

It's ridiculous.

Case in point.
This is work.

Uh...

Carol, I-I am so sorry.

I'm gonna have to cut
this short.

I have to run.

Okay.

Uh...

We didn't really even,
you know, talk about the show.

No, I know.
I know.

Hey, hey, here's an idea.

Why don't you bring Amelia over
to my place after study group,

we'll do all of this
at my place over dinner.

What do you say?

Well, it's a date.

I mean...

A work dinner.

Yeah, it's a working
dinner date.

You'll cook?

I'll even cook.

Huh.

There you go!

Uh, I have to go. Okay?

I think...

This Christmas past,
present, and future,

it really has potential!

Yeah, yeah, I like it.

Okay! I'll see
you tonight!

Okay.
It's a date. Dinner.

And you put a pan
and then you put the oil

and then turn up to high,
and then you...

"Brown meat".

Where am I supposed
to find brown meat?

If you're asking that question,
you're already in trouble.

Well, I'm kind of
a work in progress here, folks.

That's a bit
of an understatement.

And besides making a mess,
what are you making?

It's kind of a sloppy Joe-
meets-beef stroganoff...

Thingie.

Good combo!

Well, I hope they meet quick,

because I'm starving.

Yeah.

I think you might be burning.

Oh, shoot! I'm sorry, guys.

I am kind of cooking-impaired
here, if you haven't noticed.

We've noticed.
Why do you think Carol's here?

Maybe you could teach my dad
to cook something, anything?

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

My mom can make a gourmet meal

with, like, two ingredients.

There you go!

That's pushing it.

Two? Two?

I mean, I can probably
even swing three,

if we're pushing it.

You know, ahem.

I don't want to miss out
on that "sloppy stroganoff".

Actually, you do.

You definitely do.

This is for you.

Oh, Carol,

you didn't
have to bring dessert.

Oh, we didn't, we didn't.

Ornaments!

We just had a few extra.

Thought you might want to get
a jumpstart on your empty tree.

You really do think
of everything, don't you?

Duh.

Well, I know how to put these
to good use.

Care to help?

Yeah, sure, just
work up my appetite.

Okay, should we, um,
take another look in here?

Okay, let's see what we've got.

All right.

It ain't pretty.

Hmm... no, it ain't.

No.

The key to a good chef
is always keeping

one key ingredient on-hand

that can turn any dish
from "yucky" into "yummy."

Garlic?

Tsk.

Looking good here!

Carol, this smells so good
already. What do you call it?

"Cooking."

Very funny.

All right.

I think I've got
these all chopped up.

What do you want?

Nice job. Now, you're gonna
bring 'em over here.

Gonna gradually add them in
with the garlic.

Okay, I can do that.

Ooh, sizzle.

Great. Nicely done.
Okay. And, um...

A little bit of salt.

Salt. A little more?

More is better
with salt, usually.

Yeah?

Okay. Yeah.
Dash of pepper.

Say when.

When.

Okay, now you're going
to let it, um...

Are you ready for this word?

Well, now I'm actually
a little scared.

- You should be.
- What?

Simmer.

You know, I've actually
heard of that word.

Yeah, I have.
It's a...

It's a good word.

You know. Simmer.

Well, that was quite
a turnout today

at the auditions.

I'm telling you, Carol,

if we get
all these kids together,

and can really nail down
that theme we're talking about,

"Christmas past, present,
and future,"

I'm telling you, this is gonna
be one great show.

Oh, because you mean all
of the kids that auditioned

are going to be in the recital?

Well, it's a little thing
called "Christmas spirit,"

Christmas Carol.

You know, I think you are
a little familiar with that,

concept...

Okay, okay, okay.

This looks so good!

Can I try this?

You want to? Voila.

You have just made
your first meal.

Mm!

That is so good!

So what'd I make ya?

Escargot.

And you said I couldn't cook!

What if, for
the "present" section,

we combine the modern-day take

on the dance of
the sugarplum fairies

with your very beloved
Santa on stilts?

Okay, now that's
just crazy talk.

Oh!

No, I like it!

I think it's entertaining,
it's visually surprising,

and yet...
Very traditional.

All right!

Right?

Okay, you two.

You haven't offered anything
for the festivities.

What are you gonna contribute?

Right, I mean,

it's very unchristmas
of you, I'd say.

Yes, it really is.
Almost scrooge-like.

Mm-hmm.

I was thinking about
maybe doing a recital

of 'twas the night
before Christmas?

- Oh, that's good.
- Oh, I like that.

Yeah.

- We could put that where...
- in the past.

Christmas past.

I'm in.

All right.

Great.

And what's your hidden talent?

My superpower?

Well, it's hidden, even to me.

He plays a mean saxophone.

Get out! Really?

That's why I volunteered
to help decorate.

I like to decorate things,

and then just stand
as far away as I possibly can.

Okay.

I see.

Tonight was really
good, you guys.

Yeah, I mean, this was
very productive.

Well, I think so.
And we decorated.

We decorated... we have covered
a lot of territory here!

This was good.

Work dinners,
they might be a good idea.

Kind of a good idea.

In fact, I bet we could
even do this again...

Ooh.

If we wanted to do that.

Hey, I have an idea.

If you two are willing
to do a little clean-up,

I was gonna invite your mom out

for a little Christmas surprise.

Sure!

- Yeah. We can do that.
- Yes. Definitely.

Wait. No.
I don't know.

I'm... what kind of surprise?

Well, if I were to tell you...

It wouldn't be a surprise!

Thank you! Ahem!

So, you said
that you like fresh, right?

Well, you're not gonna get
any fresher than these,

and, by the way, may I add,
these are all blue noble.

- You know, I noticed that!
- Your favorite.

- Did you?
- Mm-hmm.

So what do you do?

You actually take
the tree out of the pot,

and you plant it in the ground?

All right, living trees
are an environmentally-friendly

alternative
to cutting down trees.

They're meant to be replanted.

And who knows,

you might even find
a new tradition out of this.

Well, let's not push it!

Right.

Anything here
catch your attention?

Um...

That's a winner.

Mm-hmm. Yeah.

Let me get you that tree.

I need to get you that tree.

I don't believe it!

What?

The Christmas tree
isn't decorated.

It isn't?

Sure you're feeling all right?

I just thought
you would be surprised

if you came downstairs

and saw that I didn't decorate
the Christmas tree last night.

Yeah, well, I am!

Seems like you're putting a dial

on your Christmas enthusiasm.

Never! I just thought
we would have a little party,

maybe invite
a couple of people over,

see if they wanted to help us
decorate the tree tonight.

Yeah, that sounds like a plan.

♪ ...Sing a song for you

♪ a song of Christmas cheer
to a neighbor good and true ♪

♪ love and joy come to you ♪

♪ and a merry Christmas, too

♪ and god bless you
and send you ♪

♪ a happy new year

♪ and god send you
a happy new year ♪

that is so good!
Great job.

That's great!
That's terrific!

Go off stage-right, please.

And we're gonna have
Amelia come on.

Amelia!
Come on out!

Hey, honey.

Um... should I start?

- Yeah, start, honey.
- Yeah, start.

Okay.

'Twas the night before Christmas

when, all through the house,

not a creature was stirring,
not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung
by the chimney with care...

You know what we could do
to make this more lively?

Hmm? What?

If we bring out the characters
and have them onstage with her,

would that be a good idea?

I would love to see
Nelson as a mouse.

Or maybe we could...
What, bad idea?

No! No, no.

I was just about to say
the exact same thing.

- Oh, you were not.
- No, I was. I promise.

- Get out of here.
- Mm-hmm.

This is getting annoying.

- What is?
- Agreeing all the time.

Oh, the agreeing, yeah.

I'm beginning to think

that you put something in the
pasta primavera last night.

- Maybe I did.
- What did you do?

"Tore open the shutters

and three up the sash..."

I was kind of hoping that, um,

we could return the favor

and have you over for dinner,

maybe a little tree-
trimming party tonight?

That would be really nice.

Yeah, yeah,
that's definitely yes.

"dash away, dash away,
dash away all!"

Uh, Carol, do you mind?

No, no, no.

Yeah, Penelope,
I'm on it as we speak.

Yeah, I've got it.

"But I heard him exclaim,
as he drove out of sight...

"'Merry Christmas to all,

and to all a good night.'"

that was great.
So terrific.

You're gonna go
off stage-right again...

And now...
You know what I want to see?

I want to see the carolers
come out

for "hark,
the herald angels sing,"

and let's try it with
the unicycling juggler

and the hula-hooping elf.

Come on, guys,
all come out on stage at once.

♪ Hark, the herald...

Yeah. The planning commission
approved the permits

and we can begin
demolition immediately.

That is Christmas
music to my ears.

I'm sure the folks

over at the preservation society
won't be pleased,

but that's no longer
our problem, thanks to you.

Now all you need to do

is find a crew
to tear down that library

by Christmas,

before a judge
can hear their petition.

You can't save
what doesn't exist.

Terry? Are you still there?

Uh, yeah.
Yeah, I'm right here.

Good job.
Talk to you soon.

A living Christmas tree?
How very progressive of you.

Well, I thought it was
time for a change.

Well, somebody
convinced her to switch

from the old tradition
of buying a Pre-cut tree

from the corner lot.

Yeah, somebody.

As long as you don't
change the recipe

for your famous pumpkin bread,

I'm thrilled.

Never. Never!

Boy, you made fast work
of this, guys.

It looks great!

Yeah, well, I guess eight hands
are faster than one, huh?

Mm-hmm. I bet.

This is the last
of the decorations.

Figured you should
do the honors.

Okay. What
do you think?

Here? Here?

- Yeah, that looks good.
- Great.

Looks great, you guys.

- Gorgeous tree.
- Gorgeous!

Good job.

Honey. Hey. Your dad's
gonna come, okay?

He just probably got...

Held up at work.

I know.

Okay, people.

I just want to dedicate
this little ceremony

to everyone
who helped make it possible.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

I am so sorry I'm late.

Come in. Come in.
You're not late.

- No?
- Well, maybe a little.

- A little?
- She's on the steps.

All right, thank you.

Hey.

Hey, kiddo.
I'm sorry I'm late.

That took a lot
longer than I expected.

And I see
you're still mad at me.

Yeah. And...

By the way,

you missed a really fun
tree-trimming party.

Oh, honey, i...

Amelia,

I could use some help
in the kitchen,

if you don't mind, honey?

Right there.

Oh, hey, guys.

It's none of my business,
but your dad really is trying.

You don't know.
He does this all the time.

Some parents don't
have flexibility

when it comes
to their work commitments.

I understand, but with my dad,

this seems to always happen.

"Always"?
That's a big word.

You told me he was volunteering

so he could spend
more time with you.

Yeah, well, now see
what he's doing?

Well...

Don't judge us on
a pass-or-fail scale.

None of us would
leave unscathed.

Yeah, present company excluded.

Don't Polish my halo.

♪ fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la ♪

♪ troll the ancient
yuletide Carol ♪

♪ fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la ♪

that is great, guys.

Thank you!

Uh, everyone, that's gonna be
a wrap for today, okay?

Check the website
for your schedule tomorrow,

and let's do it all again then.

All right?
Good job, guys.

Hey, Terry.
Have you seen Carol?

Uh, Carol, let's see.

She is out shopping

for period costumes
for our carolers.

She really wants them
to look very authentic,

as you can expect
no less from Carol.

Uh, true. You know,
I don't think

that Carol's really
the phone-it-in type

when it comes to pretty much...

Anything.

Yeah, yeah. Listen.
On that note, tell me.

Has Carol always
been this gung-ho

about the Christmas holiday?

She would probably say yes,

but the truth is,

she's been kind of
dialing it up a notch

since her husband left.

Oh?

Four years ago.

She didn't see it coming.

Broke the news to her
right after Halloween.

That was the year

that she barely got out of bed

the whole month of November.

Whew. Huh.

She was really blindsided, huh?

Yeah, pretty much.

But Carol's not really
the feel-sorry-for-me type,

so, she took a month or so
to bounce back,

right in time for the holidays.

Just a month or so?
Are you serious?

Oh, you don't know our Carol.

Well, maybe not totally, but...

I mean, I think I'm starting to.

Hmm!

See you.

Hey, you.

Hey. What's that smell?

It's called "cooking."

Look who's turning
into a born-again chef.

Yeah! Carol has
told me all about

the magic of the crockpot.

You just pour
everything in there

in the morning,

and then, six hours later...

Work again?

Listen...

I know I haven't managed

to strike the right balance

between work
and personal life just yet,

but, um...

I want you to know

I am really trying here, kiddo.

I know.

I've seen how hard
you've been struggling.

It's just, um...
I don't know.

Lately, I always seem
to find myself caught

just trying to do
what I think is right.

You know...

Maybe instead of

trying to do what's
right all the time,

you should try
doing what's best.

When'd you get so smart?

Hmm?

Come here, you.

I love you.

I love you, too.

Hey.

Did you call me down here

'cause you're having
a crisis of conscience,

or do you want a fight?

Hmm... well, maybe
a little bit of both,

after you hear what
I have to say. Um...

My boss has forced me
to find a loophole

around the preservation
society's petition

all together.

What, do you want me
to tell you something

to make you feel better?

No, I don't. No.

I want you to tell me

why saving this old library

is so important to you
and the society.

It's not the building.

It's the...
It's the past.

It's what it represents,
it's the history...

It's what it means to woodside.

It's tradition.

It's tradition.

What about the future
and where we're headed?

What about that?

Both can exist at
the same time, can't they?

They're both important, right?

I...

Uh... it's Amelia,
wondering when I'm coming home.

How are things
going with you two?

It's, uh...
Actually getting better,

thanks to you.

No...

She just, uh, needed an ear.

You've been a good influence,

and I'm not just
talking about Amelia.

You know, when my wife passed,
I got into this weird place

where I was always
just worrying about tomorrow,

and, I'm telling you,

being around you for
the last couple of weeks has...

Given me
this whole new perspective.

How so?

Showing me
that the little things in life

really matter.

You know, like cooking dinner
for my daughter, for one.

I think we're all doing
the best we can.

Yeah, I think you're right.
I think we do.

I got so stuck thinking

that I didn't need anyone...

I started to believe
it was true,

until you.

That sounds like
a really lonely existence.

It was.

Yeah?

Can we change it?

I don't know.

I'm trying
to figure that out myself,

to tell you the truth.

But...

I think that, um...

sometimes, it just takes
a leap of faith.

Oh, no, you don't!

Okay, okay! You watch...

You interrupt a kiss, buddy?

I thought I was only dreaming
I smelled bacon cooking.

Well, since it's midterms day,

I figured you could
use a good breakfast.

Looks like I wasn't the only one

pulling an all-nighter.

What are you trying to build?
Rome, in a day?

Something like that. Yeah.

The preservation society?

I thought they were the enemy?

Maybe not.

I got to thinking
what you said...

Maybe I should, um,

stop doing
what I think is right,

and start doing
what I think is best.

What?

Nothing.
Dads...

They grow up so quickly.

We bring to you
gifts of frankincense and myrrh.

No, but seriously,

what is the deal with her?

Yeah!
You know what?

You've been painting
the same brick

for the last 20 minutes.

Have I?

Oh, golly. I'm a little
distracted, I guess.

I saw Terry again
last night, guys.

Okay, and?

We almost kissed.

Almost?

Oh, yeah.

I don't know, I think we're both
still a little gun shy,

but I can't stop
thinking about him.

I don't know.

Well, it sounds to me
like you are falling for him.

Right.

Look, if you are worried
about getting hurt again,

I hate to break the news to you,

but that's always
gonna be a possibility.

That was not a part of your
first sales pitch, you know.

Look, all that stuff,

it's just buried
in the fine print.

All right?

No risk comes with no reward.

Yeah, Sarah is right.
You know what?

Stop overthinking your feelings

and maybe start learning
to trust them instead.

Maybe just one kiss.

Oh, hallelujah.

You have the proper permits,

you had a crew willing
to work over the holidays,

so explain to me exactly why

this library is still standing?

Because it would've been
an underhanded move

on our part, that's why.

And all it would've done

was create ill will
and negative press

within the community.

Maybe, but that wasn't
your decision to make.

Now we're looking
at a costly legal battle.

Or not.

I actually drew some inspiration
from a similar battle

that I was having with a mother
at my daughter's school,

around the theme of this year's
"Christmas spectacular."

She was a, uh...

A hard-core traditionalist

and I wanted

something more progressive,
so what w...

Terry.

I don't see how any of this...

So we came up with a compromise,

and it's the same compromise

that I proposed
to the preservation society.

I beg your pardon?

Penelope,
just do me a favor, okay?

And look at the drawings

that I've just sent over to you,
all right?

Now, look.

By not demolishing the library,

I figured out a way to maintain
the building's integrity,

by incorporating
its main architectural features

into a brand-new hotel design

that combines elements of
the past, present, and future.

This new plan

will give the city of woodside

a true landmark

that everybody will be proud of.

And they signed off on this?

Pending our approval.

And the good news is

that, by not demolishing
the original structure,

we'll be able
to finish construction

two months ahead of schedule.

This is a pretty bold move,
you know that?

You do realize this all could've
all exploded in your face?

Well...

No risk, no gain. Right?

So...

What do you say?

I think I'm suffering

from post-midterm test
stress disorder.

Oh, ho!
I have the cure for that!

Who doesn't like
Christmas cookies?

- Oh, yum.
- How does the saying go again?

Feed a cold, starve a failure?

You didn't fail
any of your midterms.

I know.

I just like to set the bar low
so I'm never disappointed.

I'm just glad they're over.

Right?
Two weeks to relax.

So what are
your Christmas plans?

Actually, I was hoping

that you could take me shopping
this weekend

to find a Christmas gift
for my dad.

He's impossible
to shop for, though.

Well, that's my specialty.

Good, because I need
all the help I can get.

Plus, maybe my dad could
take Bryan shopping for you.

Deal.

Um...

Amelia, it's your dad.

No, I already texted him
that we were here.

That's probably for you.

Oh.

Well, it says here
he's celebrating something.

What do you think it could be?

Well, you'd better go find out.

Champagne?

Well, this must be
very exciting news.

Yes, well,

that little dilemma at work
has been solved, thanks to you.

- To me?
- Yes.

Okay.
What did I do?

Well, you inspired me

to come up with a compromise,

so rather than
level the library,

we are now going to restore
the old structure

and incorporate it

into a major feature
of the hotel.

You're kidding me?

No.

Congratulations!

Wow!

- Yeah!
- Thank you!

No, thank you.

I mean that.

Here. Here.

Uh, to...

Many, many tomorrows.

I wouldn't mind
a few more todays.

I thought about
what you said last night...

Yeah?

I want to take a leap of faith.

I really do.

But you have to be
careful with me,

because I'm going
into uncharted territory.

Yeah.

You and me both.

We have so much...

We have so much to celebrate.

Yeah, we do.

And the kids.
Oh! The kids.

And the... and the...

The...

The spectacular
is going so well!

- The show, the library.
- I know, I know.

I've got, officially,

a start date in January,

which means I can spend

so much more time with Amelia
over the holidays.

Nothing is gonna make
her happier, you know that?

Yeah.

Well, i...

I mean, how long
is construction?

Uh, let's see, well,

it's gonna take
a little over a year,

barring any
unexpected surprises.

Mm. And then what?

Uh, well, that's the thing.

I never know
what happens after that

I'm always on the road.

And that's why I've been pushing
for this promotion,

to move to headquarters,

so that Amelia and I can finally

put down some roots,
but, you know.

Wh-where's headquarters?

You know what?
It so doesn't matter.

Because I am far too valuable
on the road for the company.

They're never gonna
give me that promotion.

It doesn't really matter.

Not the question I asked.

San Francisco.

Yeah, we both...

I guess decided to go
to the next step.

Uh, yeah!

You kissed.

I'd say that pretty much
qualifies as a big step.

Yeah, but it's already
gotten complicated.

What?

He might...

He might take this promotion...

Promotion.

It's all the way in California.

- And?
- What?

Well, you don't know what's
gonna happen in the future.

I know, but it's looming.

I don't like
the "looming" things.

Honey, will you stop?

You just had your first kiss.

My god, just relax
and enjoy the moment.

Enjoy it?

Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

Mm-hmm.

Hey, just trust this, okay?

And just follow that thing

that's finally started beating
inside your chest.

Okay?

Mm-hmm.

So, we've already
ruled out perfume.

Yes, she's too particular.

Picture frame?

Boring.

Scarf?

Bland.

Gift certificate?

Nothing more than that says

we didn't put enough
thought into this.

Yeah, I told you this
wasn't going to be easy.

All right, well,

let's just think here a minute.

What present from your past

made the most impact
with your mom?

Truthfully, I think I'd have
to go back to kindergarten,

when Mrs. Lefford,

she got us to make
these paper-plate snowflakes

with spray-painted
and glued-on macaroni.

Really?

That was a big hit
with her, huh?

Oh, yeah.

So, if we're going
for that type of reaction,

we've got our work
cut out for us.

I see. Well...

In that case...

We may be going about this
all the wrong way.

Oh, careful, I always
burn my mouth on this.

Yeah, I've got a baby mouth.

I need to wait 10 minutes.

10 minutes?
Yeah.

Ahh, where's the clock?

How is it you have a way

of making Christmas shopping

not only fun, but easy?

Oh, honey, it's my dream
to be a personal shopper.

'Cause I look into the minds

of the people I love
to buy gifts for,

and I think,

"yes! I know
what they want."

For me, it's usually
the other way around.

"What do I want?"

Really? And you
think that's unique?

You're a typical teenager.

Yeah.

In that case,

I should probably search
for a giant thank-you card

to get you for Christmas.

For what?

Well, for the turnaround
with my dad.

He seems to finally
be getting it.

Honey, sometimes,

people just need a little nudge
in the right direction.

I just hope it sticks.

I think it will.

Don't get me wrong,

I believe that old habits
die hard sometimes,

but I suppose people
can change, right?

I know they can.

At least I believe they can!

People can do anything
with the proper motivation.

Well, in that case,

I have a feeling

that this is going to be
the best Christmas ever.

I think you're right.

Mm. Too hot!

It's hot! Oh, no!

That's very good!

I'm very rusty!

Here.

- It looks good!
- You got it?

Right?

You guys excited?

Oh! I mean,
of course!

I'm very excited to see

what the both of you
are gonna bring for us tonight!

There are gonna be
a couple of surprises.

Yeah, yeah.
I'm just kind of happy

we pulled it all together
in time.

We'll see.

Principal Higgins,

will you please tell your son

that he needs to glue
the Santa beard on for the show?

Well, it itches!

Nelson, you got
two options, buddy.

I can ground you, as your dad,

or give you detention,
as your principal.

Well, isn't that
double jeopardy?

Okay, fine,
I'll put on the beard.

Oh! Thank you, god.

Uh, I gotta take
this call, guys.

I'll be right back.

- It's you.
- It's me?

Yes, Penelope?

Come here, you.
Let me take a look at this.

Henry ballista,

the head of
the board of directors,

is making a stop in woodside
on his way to New York.

Why? What's up?

He heard about that magic act

you pulled
with the hotel project

and he wants to meet you.

The firm is making
an announcement

about that executive position
you've been gunning

for the start of January.

January?

Well...

I mean, that's when we're
breaking ground on the hotel.

Well, I guess they felt

that your talents would be
better utilized elsewhere.

He's having dinner tonight
with the investors

at petit menage.

He wants you to come.

Well, I can't come tonight.

I mean, my daughter's
Christmas pageant

starts in 45 minutes.
I can't do that.

Just go in, shake hands,
and be on your way.

Then you and your daughter

can spend the rest
of your Christmas holiday

planning your big move
to California

come the new year.

Penelope, I c...

All right. Look.

Tell them, uh,
I can give them five minutes.

- I'm on my way right now.
- Good.

What are you doing?

I, uh...

I have to shake hands
with my senior boss.

- You're going to work?
- No, I can do both.

Okay? I can be in and out,
and I'll be back in time.

You're gonna miss
Amelia's performance.

No, I'm not gonna miss it.
I'm gonna make it back in time.

- I promise.
- She's first on!

Carol, I don't have a choice!

You always have a choice.

- I don't have a choice.
- You always have a choice.

I have to do this.

Are you really going to do this?

I will be back.

You're going to walk out?

I will be back in time.

Where's he running off to?

Come here.

You okay?

No.

Are you gonna be okay?
Is he coming back?

I don't know
if he's coming back.

I hope he gets what he wants.

Honey, you can't make
that decision for him.

He's gotta do
what he's gotta do,

if it's right for him.

You're gonna be okay,
either way.

You believe that?

- Yeah, I do.
- You do?

And we got a show.

We got a show.

I love you.

Come on.

Hi. I'm Terry Evans.

I'm here
to meet with Henry ballista.

You're the first to arrive.

Would you like me to seat you?

No, no.
I'm just gonna wait.

Thank you.

Nelson, sweetheart,

scratching will
only make it worse.

Plus, you're the first to go on!

Santa!
I need you onstage!

Ho-ho-ho-Kay!

Terry's not back yet, hey?

I don't think
we can wait any longer.

Well, you know what they say...

The show must go on.

Yeah, I guess it must.

You guys wait backstage.

I'm gonna go video.

Of course.
We got you covered.

Okay.
It's not part of the show.

Merry Christmas
to all the parents here tonight,

students, and family.

Welcome to this year's

Brookswood
"Christmas spectacular."

Let's hear it!

This year's theme

is Christmas
past, present, and future,

so without further ado,

on with the show.

'Twas the night before Christmas

when, all through the house,
not a creature was stirring,

not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung
by the chimney with care

in hopes that Saint Nicholas
soon would be there.

How was the meeting?

I'll tell you later.

And mama in her kerchief
and I, in my cap,

had just settled our brains
for a long winter's nap,

when, out on the lawn,

there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my bed
to see what was the matter.

Away to the window
I flew like a flash,

tore open the shutters
and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast
of the new-fallen snow

gave a luster of midday
to objects below...

The tiny little driver
so lively and quick,

I knew, in a moment,
it must be Saint Nick.

As I pulled in my head
and was turning around,

down the chimney

Saint Nicholas came
with a bound.

But I heard him exclaim
as he drove out of sight,

Merry Christmas to all,

and to all a good night!

♪ ...Glory to
the newborn king ♪

Oh, you were so amazing, kiddo.

I am so proud of you.

- Really?
- Are you kidding me?

Thanks, but I almost thought
you weren't going to come.

Well, I wasn't sure there
myself for a second,

but you know what?

I decided I'm never going
to let that happen again.

You know what?

Mm?

I really believe you.

You better.

Come here.

I love you, kiddo.

Go.

I'll see you later.

Great job, guys, great job.

Great job.

You saw her.

I did.

- I'm so glad.
- Yes.

Now tell me about your meeting.

Uh, we'll get to that,
all right?

You're avoiding me.

No, there's something
more important first.

- Follow me.
- Why aren't you telling me?

Follow me.

I don't want you to miss
your Christmas present.

Hmm? Hmm?

You convinced him to do that?

Maybe a little.

Time's up.

Did you get the promotion?

I don't know, I blew it off.

Why would you do that?

I have been so busy
chasing my tomorrows,

that I forgot to live for today.

I thought this was
the permanence

you wanted for you and Amelia.

I'm hoping we already have it.

Does this look good?

Yeah, it looks great.

Got that plugged in?

Oh, there it is.
There it is!

The missing piece.

There we go.

What do you think, huh?

No, dad! Don't!

Oh, my god. You guys!