A Mrs. Miracle Christmas (2021) - full transcript

♪ dashing through the snow ♪

♪ in a one-horse open sleigh ♪

♪ o'er the fields we go ♪

♪ laughing all the way ♪

♪ ha, ha, ha!
Bells on dog's tails ring ♪

♪ making spirits bright ♪

♪ what fun it is ♪

♪ to ride and sing
a sleighing song tonight ♪

♪ oh! Jingle bells
jingle bells ♪

♪ dreidel, dreidel, dreidel ♪

♪ I made it out of clay ♪



♪ and when
it's dry and ready ♪

♪ then dreidel I will play ♪

yes! Spin, spin, spin...
And fall. Whoo!

That was great
for our first full run-through!

Okay. Come on down.
Amazing job!

Come on, guys.
You guys are gonna go

back to the classroom
with Mrs. Lozano here

for some reading, okay?

High-five!

You were fabulous, Tasha!

Good. So good!

I'll see you guys later!

Bye! Wow.

The dreidels were taking that
very seriously.



That was, like, method acting
right there.

I was just hoping they weren't
gonna "spin up" their lunch.

Uh, now, do you want to tell
Tasha the correct lyrics,

or should I?

no, I will. I will.

I just didn't want
to embarrass her

in front of everyone.

But it was so cute!

It's great that you volunteered

to bring back
the holiday performance.

It's good to see you
jumping back in again.

Well, like Nana says,

"a good distraction
is never a bad idea."

right?

Especially at Christmas.

And how's she doing?

Well, her wrist isn't broken,

which is good, but...

You know, she-she gets
dressed every morning

and puts on lipstick
and a smile, but...

No, she's not herself.

It must be hard, you know,

being all alone all day
in that big house,

with you and will working,

and with a sprained wrist,
to boot.

Yeah.

You know,

we hired a caregiver
for my great-grandma,

and it was a...
It was a game-changer.

I don't think
we could afford it.

Honestly.

Will and I are still
under a mountain of debt

from all the ivf treatments.

Well, it wouldn't
have to be long-term.

You've got enough on your plate,
looking out for her,

and, hopefully,
taking good care of you, too.

I'm fine, mo.
I'm fine.

But you're right.

You shouldn't put
a price tag on happiness.

So, send me the info
for that caregiver place.

I'll look into it.

- Okay.
- All right. See you later.

see you soon.

♪ Ready for the holidays! ♪

♪ Joy and cheer ♪

♪ it's that time of year ♪

♪ light up the season ♪

♪ let's find the feeling ♪

♪ ready for the holidays ♪

♪ Whoo-hoo
hoo-hoo-ooh-ooh ♪

♪ Whoo-hoo
hoo-hoo-ooh-ooh... ♪

♪ light up the season ♪

♪ let's find the feeling ♪

♪ ready for the holidays ♪

♪ ready for the holidays ♪

Nana?

Will?

You should've seen
how cute these kids were today!

Aw, this little girl, Tasha,
she melts your heart!

Nana?

Oh, Laurel!

Hello, darling.

I didn't hear you come in.

You shouldn't sneak up
on an old lady like that.

Who are you calling old, huh?

How was your day?

You didn't stay
in this chair all day, did ya?

Of course not.

I did lots of things.

You know, the doctor says

you can still do
your embroidery,

even with the brace on.

Ah, and I will.

okay.

What'd you have to eat?

I wasn't hungry.

Mm.

Well, I have all the ingredients
for a nice Marsala.

I think I'm gonna
make that for dinner.

Don't fuss over me.

I know you've had a long day
with a gaggle of six-year-olds.

You think
I'm making this for you?

Well, then, I must help you.

As much as I can, anyway.

Oh, and it's night and day

between
the fifth-grade rehearsal

and my first-graders.

I mean,
these kids do not sit still.

Talk about wiggle worms!

You were quite the same
as a child.

I gave you a run
for your money, didn't I?

You think this is my karma?

Not even close.

Your rebellious phase
still haunts me at night.

Oh, yeah.

It helps,
being around these kids, though.

It really brightens the mood.

I hope you'll come
to the performance next week.

Hello.

- Hi!
- Hi.

Making Marsala.

Mm! My favorite.

Hey. How's the wrist?

Uh, still attached.

here's a little
company Christmas gift...

A candy basket,

and a small,
but very welcome bonus.

Well, every little bit helps.

That basket's festive.

Maybe we should decorate.

Bring some Christmas cheer
into the house.

Perhaps.

well, how was your day, will?

And about those candies...

Any caramels in the bunch?

Oh, you'll have to wait
until after dinner to find out.

I just worry about her.

You know? She's not herself
since pop's been gone,

and what if she falls again?

I don't really know
what can we do.

I mean, assisted living
isn't an option.

Oh, no. Of course not.

I mean, that woman
took me in twice,

and the second time,
I had a husband and...

Ahem.

Jonathan.

I wasn't even suggesting that.

I was just thinking out loud.

You know,

Monique mentioned
this caregiver agency.

They hired somebody to take care
of her great-grandmother.

But, I mean, I don't know
how we could afford it.

Maybe I should
just tell the school

that I'm not gonna
do winter camp,

and just stay with her
over the break.

You can't cancel on them
a week before.

You made a commitment to them.

yeah.

Well, there's always the money
that your grandfather left.

We promised him
we'd take care of her.

That's what it's there for.

It would be nice to see her
get out with her friends again.

Yeah, they had
such an active life together.

I know, no one could keep up.

They exhausted me!

well, it could
just be temporary,

while her wrist heals,

and just to get her
over this hump.

Exactly. Just until
she's herself again,

then you won't worry so much.

We won't worry so much.

I love you.

I love you, too.

good afternoon.
Caring heart angels.

You call, we care.

I just made that up.

Oh! Clever. Um...

Hi. I'm Laurel,

and I'm looking to hire

a caregiver for my grandmother.

We lost my grandfather
in August,

and then, a few weeks ago,
she fell

and injured her wrist, so, um,

we were just looking for someone
that could help out

while my husband and I
were at work...

Cook,
do some light housekeeping,

take her to see her friends...

That's exactly what we do here.

Okay, great.

Let me look in the system

and see what we've got for you.

sorry, I'm a holiday temp.

Oh, no, that's okay.

Take your time.
Type away.

Okay, I found it.

- There it is.
- Great!

So, no. It looks like

we don't currently
have anyone available,

but maybe in January?

Um...

We have some short-term
assignments ending.

Okay, well,
do you have a waitlist,

in case someone does

- become available?
- That we do!

Well, you come
highly recommended

from someone that I trust,

which is everything to me
when it comes to my Nana.

Aren't you just a peach?

Very well, then.

Fill out the online application

and we'll call you as soon
as anyone becomes available,

at this number?

Yes, yes.
That would be great. Thanks.

Bye-bye!

Bye.

"peach," huh?

Okay.

hey.

- Hi.
- How was your day?

Oh, I got roped
into making snickerdoodles

for the faculty
holiday lunch tomorrow,

but other than that, good.

how was yours?

It was really nice, actually.

Jeff from marketing
brought in his new baby.

Are you okay?

Yeah.

Yeah, it was
really nice, actually.

She was so cute.

You know, Laurel, it...

Will, we're not gonna have
this conversation again.

All right?

It's been almost a year, Laurel.

I know.

I'm not ready.

And right now, our focus
needs to be on Nana, anyway,

okay?

all right, so put this
in the microwave

for maybe 45 seconds,

and you should be good.

Cookies! I was supposed
to bring snickerdoodles

to the faculty lunch,

and I totally forgot.

I don't know where my head's at.

ugh, these kids
and their muscle cars.

It's just cookies.

Not the end of the world.

No, you underestimate

how much everybody
loves my snickerdoodles.

It's your recipe, Nana.
You created this monster.

hmm. Maybe a package?

Laurel and will McCullough?

I'm Gloria Merkel.
Caring heart angels sent me.

- I made cookies.
- Oh!

Thank you.

sorry, I just talked
to caring hearts yesterday,

and they told me

that they didn't have
any availability until January.

They didn't realize
until late last night,

that my current assignment
was complete.

They said
they were gonna call me.

I don't know anything
about the administration hooey,

I just go where I'm told.

This is where Helen atwater
lives, yes?

It is.

Oh, good! So I didn't just walk
into the wrong home.

now, where is my charge?

I can't wait to meet her.

Um... Well, uh, sorry.

Nana?

This is...
Mrs. Merkel, was it?

"Mrs. Miracle"?

Merkel. M-e-r-k-e-l.

Although my last charge
did call me "Mrs. Miracle".

Now, he was only six,

but I like to think
that I earned that nickname.

but you can call me Gloria.

Oh. Well, Gloria comes
from an agency.

Um, I was thinking
that she could stay with you

while will and I are at work,

and just help keep the house
and...

I don't need a babysitter.

Oh, I'm not here
to watch you, Helen.

My only goal

is to make your life easier,

so you can relax
and enjoy the holiday.

Now, how about a cup of tea?

Oh, yeah, that's just...

how about some references?

How do we know
you're not some con artist,

trying to take advantage
of an elderly woman

and her very trusting
granddaughter?

referrals.

Recommendations.

And reviews.

Read them at your leisure.

Wow.

My mother always said,
"there's no problem too big

that can't be solved
over a hot cup of tea."

you say that, Nana.

I used to.

Well, let's get you
back there, then.

Um... Laurel,
can I speak with you

in the next room?

Yeah.

I know what
you're gonna say,

but this agency
comes highly recommended.

There's not a bad review.

Anywhere! You know me...

I check reviews before
I'd let someone hem my pants.

Yeah. I know.

It's just not exactly
what I expected

when you said "caregiver".

Same.

But Monique swears by them.

So, maybe we should just
try it out for a day,

see how it goes?

Yeah. Yeah,
I guess it can't hurt.

I mean, it's not like

they would send someone
with a criminal record, right?

No, of course not!

I think... I hope.

Well, look,
if she's not the right fit,

we can ask for someone else.

They had one sudden opening,
they could have another.

Yeah, you're right.

All right.
Let's give it a shot.

Let's see how her cookies are,
though, first.

Honey?

don't call me that!

Oh, I wouldn't dream of it.

I meant, for your tea?

Oh. Uh... No. Thank you.

Nana, will you try it out
for a bit?

That way, will and I

won't worry so much
while we're at work.

We just want you to be okay.

You know I never wanted
to be a burden on you.

You couldn't possibly be.

Not ever.

You cared for me,
practically my whole life.

Now I just get
to return the favor.

It's my privilege.

all right.
We'll give it a shot.

Okay.

But make sure
the safe is locked.

- Okay.
- Well, very well, then.

Shall we... Have a tour?

yeah.

Okay. Nana's room
is right in here

and will and I are just
in that room over there.

Oh! You live here as well?

Yeah, we moved in...

To take care of her?
How lovely!

Actually, it was the opposite.

We took a bit of a financial hit
a few years back,

so my Nana and pop took us in.

And now that
we're getting back on our feet,

we didn't want
to leave her all alone.

That is even more lovely of you.

So, um...

What are her likes and dislikes?

Besides me, of course.

Oh, no.
She just needs some time.

Oh, well, it's quite invasive,
having a stranger in your home.

Perhaps her hobbies
can give us some common ground.

Well, she used to love
quilting and dancing

and Christmas.

Yeah, she loves Christmas,

but since this is the first
holiday without my grandfather,

she doesn't seem
to want to celebrate at all.

Sometimes people
don't know what they want

until you place it
right in front of them.

and what's in there?

We keep that door closed.

Very well, then.

I, for one, am always thankful
for the closed doors,

as they tend to point us
towards the open ones.

Hmm.

if I'm in class, I won't
be able to answer my phone,

so, in the event
of an emergency,

just get in touch
with the office,

and they'll get a message to me.
Okay.

Yes, and my office and cell
number are on the fridge.

Oh.

Care for a cookie for the road?

Snickerdoodles.
Old family recipe.

mm!

Nana.

Wow.

They taste kind of
like yours, Nana.

Right?

Ahem.

They're fine.

Hey, Laur. Why don't you

take those to school
for your faculty lunch?

You know what?
I think I might,

if you don't mind?

You're kind of
saving me here, Mrs...

Gloria.

Well, isn't that fortuitous?

So, you two, go on, off to work.

We're going to be fine.

Okay.

I think we're going
to be fast friends.

Do you now?

Okay.

Well, I'll, uh,
leave you guys to it, then.

Have fun.

Don't get into any trouble.

let's just keep an open mind.

I mean, her name
is "Mrs. Miracle," after all.

Maybe that's what
we all need right now.

Yeah, maybe.

We need to bring some Christmas
into this house, Helen.

Nothing brightens a home more
than lights and tinsel

and an angel atop the tree.

We haven't gotten
around to it yet.

Oh! Well, then
I've arrived just in time.

what's your angle?

I beg your pardon?

Why are you here?

I was sent here

at the request of people
who love you very much.

But just to keep you company.

Oh, I can keep myself company
just fine.

Of course you can.

So let's just sit
in the silence, then,

and we'll take things slow.

do they pay you well at least?

I would hope that

keeping an old lady alive
would be lucrative for you.

I have never been
motivated by money.

Service to others has
always been my driving force.

that,

and chocolate-covered
strawberries. Oh!

Very well, then.

All right, mom, so,
we'll call you on Christmas eve.

Yeah, we'll do a video chat
with the whole crew.

Okay. Love you, too.
Bye-bye.

lunch today?

hey.

Hey, are you okay, buddy?

Oh! Yeah, we're just

trying to make sure
Laurel's grandmother is okay.

You are a keeper, will.

You take such good care
of your wife's family.

Well, her family's always
been there for me,

so I'm happy
to return the favor.

Especially since I don't get
to see mine very often.

Oh, you're not heading there
for Christmas this year?

We can't really leave Nana.

We were hoping my parents
would come out here,

but holiday airfares...

We'll get back east
when Laurel's on spring break.

Sounds like a good
and marginally inexpensive plan.

Yeah.

Hey, lunch today,
not at our desks?

Let's get some fresh air
and maybe do

some holiday shopping?

Yes! Great idea.
See you then.

All right.

hey, dad. I'm at school.

What's up?

Ah! The time-change.
That's right. I'm in Cleveland.

Um, so I got to come out there
next week to meet a client,

and I, um, was hoping

we could have dinner,
maybe, you and I?

Next week's Christmas.

Aren't you gonna be
with Annie and the kids?

I'll be back in time.

Elina and Tim
are coming home from school.

He's bringing
his new girlfriend.

They met in the dorms

and, uh, you know,
I think it's getting serious.

That sounds like
a wonderful family celebration.

I know it's not a lot of notice,

but I'd really like
to see you, Laurel,

if you can find the time.

Yeah. Okay. Well, let me

check my schedule
and I'll, uh, get back to you.

Okay. Uh, great. Yeah.
Just... just let me know.

- Okay. Will do.
- Bye.

this might be
your best batch yet.

They're not that good.

Are they?

If, uh, everybody
could raise your juice...

I'd like to make a few toasts.

First of all, to Laurel...

Oh?

Thank you for stepping up
to run the holiday performance.

I've been hearing from parents
who are thrilled that...

Despite the budget cuts...

We finally have
a volunteer who's willing

to make this wonderful tradition
possible again.

Cheers, Laurel!
Thank you!

Okay, here's to
managing expectations. Okay?

I'm not a music teacher,

so don't expect the same quality
as an old ms. Malloy show.

And I am here to say
that it's gonna be even better

than one of the old
ms. Malloy shows.

Wow.

But, um, please don't
tell her I said that.

'cause I know a lot of us
still talk to her.

Which, uh, brings me to you...

Monique lozano,

everyone's favorite
teacher's aide,

who, sadly, will be leaving us
at the end of the school year,

since she's having twins
in June!

Cheers!

Congratulations!

wow.

Oh, thank you!

what?

Uh, I didn't know
that she was gonna say that.

I-I just told her this morning.

Okay.

And I was waiting for
the right time to tell you.

No, you can tell me
these things.

I'm so happy for you.

um...

You and will...

Y-you can try fostering again.

Um, there is a forever-baby...

That ship has sailed for us.

I am going to be

the best auntie to these babies.

I'm going to spoil them rotten.

I'm so happy for you.

Thank you.

Laurel!

I tried you on your cell.

You have an urgent phone call
from home.

Oh. Thank you.

Mrs. Gloria? Hello?

No! It's me.

Nana! What's wrong?

I caught her
riffling through your drawers.

looking for a spatula!

She was snooping!

Snooping for a spatula!

I thought it best
not to flip the grilled cheese

with my bare hands.

Um... Okay, Nana,
this isn't exactly an emergency.

Right?

She is a complete stranger

and she's cooking and cleaning
like she owns the place!

Because that's what
we're paying her to do!

We don't know
anything about her!

Except that she doesn't make
such a great grilled cheese.

Okay, listen, if it will
make you feel any better,

I can run
my own background check

to find out if she's wanted
by the FBI or something.

I'm clean!

fine.

but we're counting the silver
after she leaves.

You have 112 pieces.
I already counted it.

Okay. Sounds good. Bye.

We're...
We're having a bit of a day.

bye.

sounds like it.

Now, don't you tell anyone

what I got
for the white elephant party.

It's supposed to be funny,
and you buy a neck pillow.

I mean, how boring can you be?

Tell me
what wrapping paper's yours,

so I don't pick it.

Hey, you roll the dice,
you take your chances,

my friend, that's how it works.

Will?

Hi. It's Nancy, from d.C.Y.F.

I was your social worker
with Jonathan.

Yes! Of course.
Hi, Nancy. How are you?

I'll see you back up there?

Yeah. Of course. Yeah.

I'm-I'm good. I'm good.

How are you and Laurel?

It's been a tough year,
but, uh, we're doing all right.

Thank you, yeah.

I'm actually glad
to run into you.

I've been meaning to reach out.

So, we are currently
experiencing

a lack of qualified
licensed foster families,

and...

I wanted to know if you two
might be ready to try again.

Oh, I don't know, Nancy.

You were so good with Jonathan,

and, look,

I want you to know
it doesn't always end that way.

Is he okay? Jonathan?

I know you probably
can't tell me anything,

but we think about him
all the time.

He and his mother
are both doing quite well.

look, why don't you
talk about it with Laurel,

and you can
give me a call later?

I do think
that there is a child out there

that would be so lucky
to be placed in your home.

You know what, Nancy?

Put us back on the list.

Same as before.

Newborn.
Any ethnicity. Any gender.

I'll get Laurel onboard.

Really?

Yes. Yes.

that's so great to hear, will.

uh, well, um, we'll be in touch.

Okay.

- Bye!
- Good to see you.

You too!

Ne gorillas,

during fire
at central park zoo."

I've done that before.
Big deal.

No, will, I'm serious.
Look at this.

"hostage situation
defused by passerby."

what? Come on.
Those can't all be her.

I mean, the hair is different,
but that's definitely her.

Yes, this woman seems
to have a knack

for being at the right place
at the right time, huh?

I guess we should
consider ourselves lucky

she found her way to us.

wait a second.

This hostage thing was in 2001.

She looks exactly the same.

She does.

Whoever her plastic surgeon is,
is worth every penny.

oh, and here are the results
of the background check.

See?
No felonies, lawsuits, liens.

Not so much
as an unpaid parking ticket.

Well, hopefully, that'll give
Nana some peace of mind then.

So, um...

- Laurel...
- hmm?

Today, I saw...

What?

I saw a spark of the old Nana.

You know? Even if it was
in the form of suspicion.

I thought so, too.

And maybe Gloria
is an acquired taste.

what is that ruckus?

oh, good!
You heard me.

I think they heard you in Guam!

Here. Let me help you.

- who was that?
- My friend, Gabe.

He helped me tie
the tree to the car,

then followed me home,
so it wouldn't go flying off.

Sorry he couldn't stop
to say hello.

He had an urgent matter
to attend to.

You two in a car club
or something?

"or something."

coming in.

Lovely morning, isn't it, Helen?

Oh, it's morning,
so you're half-right.

All right, well, we'll have
to clear... Some space.

Oh, no need.
It's already done.

That's so strange.

I-I didn't notice
that you had done this

when I got home yesterday.

Well, I figured you'd both
be tired from work,

so I went ahead
and did it myself.

Oh, when did you do this?

Oh, I think it was
when you were in the den,

watching your shows.

a family should trim
a Christmas tree together,

so we'll get it ready
for this evening.

Okay, I'll, uh, show her
where we keep everything.

we've got tons,

because my grandfather
used to decorate

from top to bottom,

which is probably why

this year's been so hard
for Nana.

I find cherishing the memories

provides so much more comfort
than ignoring them.

Yeah.

But I have plans
for me and Helen,

to get her back
out into the world.

I hope you have more luck
than I did.

She's just not
herself right now.

Well, we never are,
after a loss.

We find our way back
to ourselves in due time.

Why do you look
so doubtful, Laurel?

Miracles happen every day.

Well, if you find one,
send it my way.

It's been a while
since I've seen any.

Hence the question...

Do miracles happen
because we believe,

or do we believe
because miracles happen?

Perhaps neither.
In the absence of evidence...

That's why we must have faith.

ah, you don't have that either?

I used to,
which sounds so cynical, I know.

I just...
You know, life happens.

that's unfortunate.

Well, life certainly happened
to those lights.

I hope it was a good one.

that's okay,
I'll send will out to get some.

There's a place
right by his office.

Nonsense.
We'll get them,

since Helen and I
are venturing out.

She's due for some fun
and so am I.

Okay.

One thing I've learned, Laurel...

Our hardest times often lead
to our greatest moments.

I thought we could also
go by the senior center

and pay a visit
to the quilting club.

I made a quilt once. Oh!
It was horrible.

It was crooked

and it wouldn't fit
over a dog bed.

But I completed it,

and my mother always said,

"never leave
a project unfinished."

Helen, are you all right?

This is your car?

It's quite safe.
I keep it in mint condition.

I've always had an affinity
for things from this era.

They just don't make things
like this anymore.

- I can't...
- of course you can!

I have a perfect driving record.

No! I mean,

this is the exact car

Robert drove
when I met him in 1956.

He had just gotten it!

Saved up for two years,

working in
his father's pharmacy. Oh!

I used to stick my head
out the window

and look in the mirror

as the breeze blew in my face.

Oh! Well,
isn't that fortuitous?

Hop in.

and all
of these crafts are made

from groups
in the senior center?

- Uh-huh.
- Oh!

I just adore a handmade craft.

- Don't you?
- Yep.

I believe, when a person pours

their heart and soul
into their art,

they're gifting you
with a piece of themselves.

My daughter, Kelly,
used to make her own ornaments

when Laurel was little.

They were terrible,
but we absolutely loved them.

Somehow, they were lost
when she passed away.

Ah. Well, these things have
a way of turning up.

Nah, I don't think so.
Not after so long.

So Laurel came to live with you
twice, is that right?

The first time,
she was just a teenager.

Her father remarried,
had a new family,

and Laurel never felt like
she belonged,

so it was her choice.

Our home has
always been her home.

Perhaps because her mother
also grew up there.

You all take such beautiful
care of each other.

Always.

Helen, what is the story

behind the closed bedroom door
on the second level?

Laurel doesn't seem to want
to so much as look inside.

That was Jonathan's room.

Jonathan?

We brought him home
at three days old,

and he was ours
for 18 glorious months.

They were fostering

and in the final stages
of adoption

when the mother
changed her mind.

She cleaned herself up...

Did the work,

and he went back with her.

That was just before Christmas
last year.

Oh, my.

Well,

I don't think
Laurel's gotten over it yet.

And then, losing pop...

I only wish
there was something I could do

to make it better for her.

You know, Helen,
I think we can help her...

Together.

Sometimes,

people don't know what they need

until you place it
right in front of them.

Who are you?

Gloria merkel.

Capricorn.

Because I don't need you here,
Mrs. Merkel.

I'm fine.

But...

If you want to help Laurel
to move forward,

that's a plan I can get behind.

Very well, then.

If that's what the plan
needs to be in order to heal...

do you think

they have chocolate-covered
strawberries here?

♪ Jingle bells
jingle bells ♪

♪ jingle all the way ♪

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

Whoo!

You guys are great!
You are ready.

I sang it right this time,
Mrs. M!

You sure did,
and it was perfect!

Now, you guys remember to bring
your costumes tomorrow

for our final run-through, okay?

Did you hear that, parents?

You're about to be blown away
by your kids' talents. Really.

Thank you again for doing this.

Oh, of course.

My older ones
got to participate,

but we didn't think Tasha was
gonna have the opportunity.

It's so much fun.

She's a real talent, this kid.

Really, she takes direction

and she brings her a-game
every time, like a pro.

Then I must be
doing something right.

I'll see you guys tomorrow.

Bye!

Okay. So, parents

who are bringing snacks
for the performance

- are confirmed.
- Okay, great.

Oh, and would you save
an extra seat

for nana's caregiver?

I'm gonna try
to convince Nana to come.

I'm hoping all the cuteness
will cheer her up.

Done. How's it going
with the new caregiver?

It's been... Rough, yeah.

Let's just say their chemistry
isn't instant, no.

Oh.

♪ glo-o-o-o
o-o-o ♪

♪ ...O-o-o-oria ♪

♪ in excelsis deo ♪

do you know
that was written for me?

- Laurel!
- Laurel.

What's going on in here?

Well, you can't have
a tree-trimming party

without freshly-baked goodies.

- Can you?
- Of course. She knows that.

Quite the change
from this morning, huh?

Ohh...

Oh, my goodness.

Look how cute you were!

Aww. With your braces?

that is from the first year
she came to live with us.

Yeah.

Pop had it made
because he wanted her

to feel like it was her tree.

There was always a place for me
with Nana and pop.

Yeah, pop was the best.

I know.

I wish we had
all those old ornaments

I used to make with mom.

They were the worst.

Do you remember?

That angel that we had
for top of the tree?

That crazy, lopsided thing,
with the googly eyes?

And then, eventually,
the googly eyes fell off,

so she had no eyes.

She was very funky
and off-kilter,

and just fell off the tree
constantly,

but she never broke.

Well, your mother said

it was because
it was your guardian angel.

Perhaps she was right.

What happened to it?

Uh, well, when my dad
met Annie, his wife,

and we all moved in together,

a lot of my mom's stuff
was just lost, donated...

I-I don't know.

And then you came to live here,
surrounded by love.

Yeah. Nana and pop made sure
I didn't miss a beat.

Not your typical nuclear family,
but whose family is, right?

Well, except for maybe will's.

um, how about some cocoa?

Will?

- Would you help me?
- Of course!

Anything for your cocoa.

things were different...

Just more normal,

when my mom was alive.

From what I can remember.

I was only six when she passed.

That must've been
very difficult.

That's a huge loss
for a young child.

I think that's maybe why
I always wanted so badly to be...

Ah. There is no greater love
than a mother to her child.

Yeah. I...
Wouldn't really know.

Of course you would.

Your grandmother
told me all about Jonathan.

How he came into the world
alone,

his birth mother
couldn't take care of him,

and you gave him
a loving, nurturing home

to start him off right.

That's what a mother does,
Laurel...

No matter how long it lasts.

Do you have any children?

I did.

A daughter. Mercy.

She was a spunky one.

She passed fairly young.

I'm so sorry.

Sometimes, it feels
like a century ago,

and other times, it feels like
it was just yesterday.

How do you look at the world
with such optimism,

when you've been through
so much?

The wound never fully heals,

but the aching subsides

when we're ready
to focus on the joy again.

Something's on your mind, will.

Oh. No, no.

It's just work and life...

Spill it.

You know me too well, Nana.

Um...

I...

Put us back on the foster list.

Oh, that's wonderful!

Laurel doesn't know.

Oh, that's not wonderful, will.

You know, in the moment,

it just so felt so much like
the right thing to do,

I couldn't say no.

I literally tried

and I couldn't
get the words out.

Laurel is still saying
that she's not ready.

Sometimes,
we don't know what we need

until it's placed
right in front of us.

Tell her what it means to you,

because it means
the same thing to her.

She just can't see it yet,
through her pain.

hey, Laurel...

This is our song.

This doesn't sound

like guns n' roses,
"sweet child o' mine."

all right,
so it's not our song per se,

but it's still a good one.

May I?

You may.

I have a wonderful idea.

Date night!

Who are you going
on a date with, Nana?

Not me.
For you two.

It is a fabulous idea.

I will stay here with Helen
and get everything finished.

No, no, no, no, no.

We couldn't ask you
to stay late.

- No.
- You didn't ask, and I insist.

Besides,

there're some other things
around the house I'd like to do.

They say
that I have "the touch".

what do you say?

It has been a while.

go!

Even if only
to walk along the waterfront.

There's that holiday
food festival down there.

Oh, yeah.

It will do you good.

All right, let's do it.

gosh,
it feels like forever

since we've been down here.

how did we let that happen?

We've got a lot on our plate.

Yeah.

We need to make time for
this sort of thing, you know?

To connect.

Maybe bring back the old picnic?

on the bench where we met?

I don't know if you could say
that "we met" there.

you tripped me.

Okay, well,
not a proper introduction,

but, in my defense,
I was just stretching my legs,

so you should've been
watching where you were jogging.

Well, I'm glad I wasn't,

because you had to make sure
that I didn't break my face,

and the rest... Is history.

And that was the moment
I understood why people say,

"there are no accidents."

mm.

Back when we had
the whole world ahead of us.

The whole world
is still ahead of us, Laurel.

We just got to believe it.

You know, there's something
I wanted to talk to you about...

wait.

Could be Nana.

Nope. Just my dad, checking
on dinner plans tomorrow night.

You're still angry.

I don't know.

You know, all I needed
was him to talk about my mom,

and then he met Annie

and it was like
she never existed.

Maybe he wants
to apologize for that.

Oh, I don't think apologizing
is in that man's DNA.

Maybe he's had
some kind of epiphany.

Wow, look at you, giving him
the benefit of the doubt.

Looks like Mrs. Miracle's
rubbing off on you, huh?

Yeah, I think we could

all stand to be a little bit
more like Mrs. Miracle.

I guess I'm just
not ready to forgive him.

And you can't
force people to move on.

They have to do it
in their own time.

Why don't you go
meet up with him

and say what you need to say?

Yeah. I could do that,

and just tell him how I feel
one last time,

and if he doesn't get it,
then...

- Yeah.
- Yeah.

What were you gonna say?

Um...

I just...

I wanted to say how nice it was
to see you smiling again,

when we were
decorating the tree.

- Really?
- Yeah.

let's go find our bench.

People-watch.

Okay. But no tripping anyone
this time.

I don't need to trip anyone.
I already have my catch.

what... In the world?

I mean... How?

how long were we even gone?

Like, a couple of hours, max.

I didn't even know
we had this much stuff.

Well, they did say
that they were gonna

go to the store
to get some more lights,

but, boy, did they ever!

Yeah.

well?

What do you think?

You two didn't do this
by yourselves?

oh, heavens, no!
We had help!

- "Gabe"?
- Among others.

We did the inside, too.

Come see!

wow.

are you okay, darling?

I'm fine.

I do that
from time to time, too.

Take in the memories.

I wish it helped.

come!

We haven't
watched jeopardy in a while,

and I need
to keep this brain sharp.

Ha! Please.

You're the sharpest
of all of us.

Ah. Hi.

So, who won?

Well, Nana got more right,

but I got all the daily doubles,

so I'll call it a draw.

tonight was really nice.

It was.

Having some alone time.

Yeah.

Being down on the waterfront.

Yeah.

The house just feels
alive again.

And man, these cookies are good.

Do not tell Nana
I said that, please.

No! You can tell her.

They made them together,
like the best of friends.

I know, I have no idea
what happened

since this morning,

to make such a turn.

All Nana said
was that they realized

how much they had in common

and they
"came to an arrangement".

Hey, it's a good thing.
It'll take it.

Yeah!

I feel like nana's starting
to wake up a bit.

And obviously, Gloria's got her
to embrace the holidays again.

Yeah, and then some.

You know...

Maybe we're all coming out

the other side
of this dark period.

Yeah. Maybe.

you know, Laurel...

Will.

We're just starting
to feel good again, you know?

Let's not do anything
that would disrupt that.

good morning.
Come on in!

Good morning.

Hello, Helen!

We're going
ballroom dancing today.

wow!

Nana?

I'm going to change.

I certainly can't wear this
to go dancing.

So is there anyone else
we need to get gifts for?

Do you want me to pick up
something for your father,

since you're gonna
see him tonight?

Oh, no. No, we stopped
doing gifts a long time ago.

That would just be weird.

Got it. And what do you want
for Christmas, Mrs. McCullough?

Assuming
you're on the "nice" list.

do not spend
a lot of money on me.

What if I want
to get you something special?

All I need for Christmas

is for Nana to be okay again.

Yeah.

She's on her way.

Don't worry.

I won't go too crazy
on your gift this year.

Nothing with a comma
in the price tag, I swear.

Okay.

Love you. Bye.

they're so pretty.

Yes, they are.
And my wife

would kill me
if I spent that much.

Can't put
a price tag on happiness.

Can I help you
find something else?

No, thanks.
I think I'm good.

There are sales going on
in every section.

Very exciting stuff
for everyone on your list.

Well, if I have any questions,
I'll come and find you.

You should check out
the children's section.

It'll blow your mind.

They're practically
giving things away.

It's like... Pow!

I don't have children, so...

You don't?

No.

Are you sure?

So...

I didn't see you in here with
your daughter the other day?

I don't have a daughter.
Wasn't me.

You will.

I'm sorry,
what was that you said?

I just said, if you need
any help, come find me.

The name's mercy.

Okay.

Helen atwater!
I can't believe my eyes!

And, contrary
to popular opinion,

I'm still at 20/20 vision.

look at you.

And in a dress!

Who is this miracle worker
that brought miss Havisham

out of the house?

This is Gloria, my...

Temporary helper!

Helen said that she wanted
to come and see her friends

and I was all too happy
to oblige.

So, let me guess.
You're grace...

And you're Shirley.

And you must be art.

I am art!

And it is a pleasure
to meet you.

Any friend of Helen's...

Shall we go in?
I brought my dancing shoes.

how did you know their names?
I don't recall mentioning them.

Didn't you? Come on.

Let's go bust a move, Helen.

Let's go.

shall we dance?

I'm afraid I'm a bit rusty.

I'll be gentle.

All right.

It comes back to you.
It's like riding a bike.

Which I haven't done since '89,

so maybe
it's not the best example.

I'm sorry I haven't
been by since the funeral.

Oh. It's okay, art.

I know how important
Robert was to you.

After Margie passed...

I didn't want to see anyone.

I couldn't take those people
giving me that look anymore.

I know that exact look.

It's mixture
of pity and sympathy.

I don't need
anyone fussing over me.

Oh, I hated the fuss.

I can get my own plate of food,
thank you.

exactly.

It gets easier.

With time.

I'm counting on it.

hi, dad.

Hi.

Oh.

Oh, thanks.

This is nice.

Yeah. Um, I'm glad you like it.

So...

How are you? How's will?

- Nana?
- Good. Yeah.

You know, everybody's... Good.

Just hanging in there.

Good.

That's, uh, good.

Let's not beat
around the bush, dad.

Why don't we just address
the elephant in the room?

Why am I here?
That's what you want to know.

Well, I mean,
you're here to see clients.

There's no client, Laurel.

I wanted to see you.

You know, that's the first time
that you've ever come to see me,

without piggy-backing
on a business trip?

I don't think that's true.

I mean, we've spent plenty of
time together over the years.

One week, during the summer.

And I came to you every time.

Elina started therapy,

and told me I wasn't present
during her childhood.

You want me to tell you
you were a great father?

No. No. No, no. I'm...

I'm here to say
I'm sorry I wasn't.

I mean, I was for elina.

I'm not quite sure
what she's talking about,

but I... I didn't
do right by you, Laurel.

No. You did not.

You made me feel replaceable.

Like mom was replaceable.

Ahem. Here.

Open it.

I thought this was lost
or given away or something.

I thought so, too,

but I was cleaning out
the attic last week,

and there it was,
behind some boxes in the corner,

just sitting there,
looking at me.

You know, its wonky head,
cocked to one side...

your mother loved
making those things with you.

they were... Awful...

But there's nothing
she loved more.

I know. Me too.

It's one of my absolute
favorite memories of her.

I don't have many.

It's the strangest thing.

I saw it

and I just felt like
I needed to get it to you.

And to apologize

for not taking better care
with it.

With all her things...

Her memory.

Wow. I just... I feel like

I have a part of her
that was lost.

This means so much to me.
Thank you.

I'm sorry I didn't know
how to be what you needed.

I didn't know how to get
through the grief myself...

How could I possibly know
what a six-year-old needed?

Nana and pop did.

And I'm grateful to them
for that.

How can I make it up to you?

Why don't we start with dinner?

Oh, yes.
That would be good.

and one more thing...

If elina thinks
that you weren't there for her,

hear her out.

Her feelings are real.

what are you guys doing in here?

We're going
to the quilting club tomorrow

and Helen is going to teach me

how to make a proper quilt
with these.

Among other things,

but you'll have to wait
till Christmas

till you see it.

Well, Christmas
is only five days away.

Oh, well, you know me.

That's all I need
when I get the gang together.

I love that you're getting
the gang together again.

Hey. How was dinner?

It was actually really good.

He did want to apologize.

- Hmm.
- And...

He brought me this.

No way!

The long-lost angel
returns home?

You're kidding me.

These things have
a way of turning up.

He said that he found it

in some far corner of the attic,

like it was taunting him,

and it helped show him
the error of his ways...

So maybe mom was right,
maybe it is my guardian angel,

even without its googly eyes.

Let's put her on the tree!

Let's do it!

Great idea.

allow me...

- Thank you.
- My lady.

Kind sir.

There we go.

An angel in your house,
they say,

will guide your family
night and day.

I feel like I read that
on a poster in Sunday school.

Gloria, will you come
to candlelight mass with us

on Christmas eve?

Nana.

Gloria probably doesn't want
to be working on Christmas eve.

She probably wants to spend it
with family or friends? Gabe?

There's plenty of time
for loved ones.

A candlelight mass

is an invitation
I couldn't possibly refuse.

What about you?
Will you come?

I just... well, I need
to just concentrate

on the kids' performance,

and then I'll worry
about Christmas eve.

I'm gonna, um, make some tea.

Do you guys want any?

Uh, I'll help.

Okay.

Good!

Now that I have you alone...

I think Gloria...

"Mrs. Miracle"...

Yeah?

Is an angel.

Oh! Good.
I think she's an angel, too.

No, Laurel!

I mean, a real live angel...
Come to earth.

Wow. Think about
what you're saying. 'kay?

Well, you cannot deny

that strange things have
happened since she arrived.

What things?

For one thing,
snickerdoodles on the first day?

Coincidence?
I think not.

And she knew all about
grace and Shirley and art,

and I have never mentioned them
to her. Have you?

I... No, I don't think so.

Maybe will has?

And her car!
A '56 fairlane?

I know, she does have
really good taste.

Pop's taste!

And now your mother's angel
has suddenly resurfaced!

She called that days ago.

Nana. Nana, none of this
means what you're saying.

She always knows
just what we need.

Yeah, because
she's good at her job.

Laurel, open your mind
for just a moment.

You used to believe.

I don't believe in angels
anymore, Nana.

That's okay.

Because I think
they still believe in you.

so what if
your grandmother believes it?

I mean, look at her.
She's come alive.

What's the harm in thinking

something a little out there,
you know?

I just hope that, in her grief,

she hasn't lost
her grip on reality.

No, I think
it's actually the opposite.

She's getting it back.

I mean, she's thinking
to the future.

Maybe you could do
some of that, too?

That's not fair, will.

it was
the most vivid dream.

It was like Robert was
right there in the room with me.

Because he was.

In your heart.

After mercy passed,

I used to talk to her
all the time,

and I'd like to think
she heard all of it.

"mercy"? That...
That was your daughter's name?

That's a...
That's a very pretty name.

All right, well,

I gotta dash off
and prep for tonight,

and get my classroom ready
for winter camp,

but it's gonna be
quite the show.

I'll see you there?

If only so I can say
"I knew you back when,"

before the show
went to Broadway.

See ya.

We should get her flowers.

You know, even better,

I saw this pair of earrings
I know she'd love,

but I promised
I wouldn't spend too much

on her Christmas present.

Technically,
it's not a Christmas present,

so it's actually
not against the rules.

Semantics, but I like it.

Why don't we split it?

Well, she does so much
for everyone else.

I would like to do
something nice for her.

Deal.

I'd like to see
her smiling again.

Sure does look good on you.

oh!

"a quilt is bits and pieces,

joy and sorrow,

stitched with loving care."

I like mine to tell a story.

And what story
are we telling here?

A story of love.

Well, Christmas was always
our happiest time,

so I'll add that in,

while honoring
those no longer with us.

This is

a piece of my daughter Kelly's
baby blanket.

this is from a pair
of Jonathan's footie pajamas.

Oh, a scarf I wore,

when I rode
in Robert's Fairlane.

oh, this is
his favorite flannel shirt.

Mm.

it still smells like him.

I think it's beautiful...
The quilt and the sentiment.

And I'll add in...

This holiday embroidery.

I mean, um...

You'll be going back
at some point,

to wherever it is you came from.

Where did you say that was from?

Cleveland. And I suppose
you're not wrong.

Then we'll always remember you
with this quilt.

Mrs. Merkel,

who came into our lives
one Christmas

and helped us find
our way back to ourselves.

And I believe Laurel
is on the cusp of this also.

It's always darkest
before the dawn.

hi.

Did you want to see something
in the case?

Actually, I'd like to buy
those earrings right there,

but is mercy around?
She helped me the other day.

I'd love to get her
the commission.

I'm sorry. We don't have anyone
named "mercy" working here.

Are you sure?
I was just here.

I'm the floor manager,

and I don't have anyone
by that name on my staff.

I could've sworn she said mercy,

but maybe I got it wrong.

Is it Marcy?

Murray?
I don't know, Myrna?

No.

But whoever it was,

she clearly gave you
great service,

and I love to hear that
about my employees.

Hmm.

♪ Dashing through the snow ♪

♪ in a one-horse open sleigh ♪

♪ o'er the fields we go ♪

♪ laughing all the way
ha, ha, ha! ♪

♪ Bells on bobtails ring ♪

♪ making spirits bright ♪

♪ what fun it is to ride ♪

♪ and sing a sleighing song
tonight ♪

♪ oh! Jingle bells
jingle bells ♪

♪ jingle all the way ♪

♪ oh, what fun it is to ride ♪

♪ in a one-horse open sleigh ♪

Whoo!

Oh.

♪ ...Six geese a-laying ♪

♪ five balls of string ♪

♪ four calling birds
three french hens ♪

♪ two turtle doves ♪

♪ and a partridge
in a pear tree ♪

bravo! Bravo!

take a bow!

Thank you!

And that's our show!

Thank you so much for coming

and baking
and supporting these guys

and all their hard work.

Thank you so much.

Hold up!

Uh, not so fast!
We have something for you...

- Aww!
- Mrs. McCullough.

A "thank you" for bringing back
the holiday show.

When did you do this?

You spent a lot of time

rehearsing
with the other classes.

Oh! Thank you, guys.
I love it. I love it.

And I love all of you.
You did such a great job.

she was meant
to be a parent, will.

you don't have to tell me that.

Don't despair.

The child that's meant for you
will find you,

when you're meant
to be together.

Well, very well, then.

Let's go congratulate her
and give her those earrings.

Oh.

now, that's a neck pillow.

"I can't be held responsible

for what my face does
when you talk."

I'm gonna walk around
the office like this.

all right. Who's next? Will?

Okay, here I go. Ready?

Yeah, hot. Hot.
That one. That one.

Ah-hah.

Cigars?

Tara didn't want to know
the gender in advance

when Tyler was born,
so I bought both,

and this was
the perfect opportunity

to get rid of it.

Hey, those might
come in handy soon. Hmm?

You never know.

hey. You all alone in here?

Helen is napping.
Busy day.

We went shopping.

And that zumba is no joke.

Every inch of my body
is hurting.

Well, I appreciate you enduring
all that pain for her.

Thank you for today, Gloria.

Are you all right, will?

You believe in signs, right?

Absolutely!

They're all around us,
if our eyes are open to them.

This is from the office
white elephant party today.

And then there was
this-this salesgirl I had...

I-I don't know.

I swear, it's like the universe
is taunting me.

I don't think the universe
is capable of that,

but there can be messages
in our experiences.

All the messages I'm receiving
are reinforcing all that I want,

but can't have.

It just feels so unfair.

You know, with Jonathan,
we were a family.

There was
so much joy in this house

and I am so ready
to bring that joy back in.

Does Laurel know how you feel?

I think I've been
pretty vocal about it,

and she's been pretty vocal
about her feelings.

Hey.

There's some people
caroling down our street

and they don't seem
to know any of the words,

I think we need to join them
and rescue them.

Very well, then.
I'll go get Helen.

All right, I'll go get a jacket.

Yeah.

♪ o come let us adore him ♪

♪ Christ the lord ♪

hey.

Are you okay?

Yeah. Yeah, I'm good, will.

Okay.

How about the next one
is a little bit more upbeat?

Uh, "joy to the world!"

joy is so infectious.
- ♪ joy to the world... ♪

that's why
it's my preferred emotion.

♪ The lord is come ♪

♪ let earth receive her king ♪

♪ let ev'ry heart ♪

♪ prepare him room ♪

Laurel!

Hi!

Getting something stronger
than you have at home?

Yeah, I've got
some last-minute shopping to do,

so I figured
I'd caffeinate myself first.

I was just picking up

some treats for your grandmother
this morning.

That's nice of you.

Thank you for all that
you're doing for her, really.

It's my pleasure.

In service to others,

we're always
personally rewarded.

Come and sit with me
for a moment.

Okay. Sure.

your seemed to have
a very heavy heart

the other night during caroling.

Oh, I'm fine.
I'm fine.

As long as nana's good,
I'm good.

I overheard you and will talking

before we went
outside that night.

You heard him, Gloria.

I can't give him what he wants

and I wonder
if I'm wasting his life.

You don't really believe that?

We tried so hard, Gloria,
for years,

and I can't help

but feel like there's
something wrong with me,

like somehow I failed him.

None of this is your fault.

You say to focus
on the joy, right?

Look to the future.
See the good.

I want to do that.

I just don't know
how to do that.

How do you do that?

Well, I've only been around
for a week or so,

but it doesn't take long to see

that you take on
everyone's burdens...

Helen's, will's, your own.

You don't have to shoulder
the responsibility

of everything that goes wrong.

That's what family
is all about...

Weathering the storm together.

It seems that will and Helen

may be moving into the sunshine.

Perhaps you could consider
joining them there.

I think I have mastered it,
and I'll show it to art today.

Helen, you've mastered
everything,

and I can't continue
to take your money.

You don't need me.

You're taking care of yourself.

Your wrist is healing.

You've got your friends.

So, I'll be leaving
after Christmas

for a new assignment.

But what about Laurel?

I think she's still
a work in progress.

I suspect she's on the verge
of a major breakthrough.

Well... You would know.

What does that mean?

hello?

Laurel.
Hi. It's Nancy Swindoll.

Hi. Hi. Nancy.

How are you?

Is everything okay
with Jonathan?

Yeah!

Oh, yeah, um, I'm not
actually calling

about Jonathan.

Look, I'm sorry to bother you,

I know it's difficult for you
to talk when you're at work,

but I tried will
and I got his voicemail.

No, no, no.
I'm actually off today.

What's going on?

There's a newborn

at Seattle general
that's ready to be placed.

You'd need
to pick him up tonight.

I'm sorry, Nancy.

There must be
some sort of mistake.

We-we...
We aren't fostering again.

Oh.

Oh, wow.
I'm so sorry, Laurel.

When I spoke to will
last week, he...

Um...

you know what? My bad.

I am so sorry
for any misunderstanding

and we will just move on
to the next family.

Yeah. Thanks, Nancy.

Sorry to waste your time.

Take care.

hey.

You heard from Nancy?

She left me a voicemail, too.

Are you angry?

I don't know how I feel.

It's a baby, Laurel.

We have so much love
to give that child.

I cannot believe that you would
put me in that position,

to make me choose on the spot
like that?

Why wouldn't you tell me?

I wanted to,

but very time I brought it up,
you just shut me down.

It's like I don't get
to have a say in our life.

I know.

And that's not fair to you
at all.

But I can't go through
that kind of loss again.

I just can't do it.

I feel like I lose
everyone that I love.

Babe, you still have me.

Always. I'm not going anywhere.

I know how much
you want to be a father,

and I'm so sorry
that I can't give that to you.

I'm so...

Very sorry.

Hey. That isn't on you.

Maybe not,

but the last thing
I would want to do

is hold you back
from having the family

that you so desperately want.

You are my family, Laurel.

But that's not enough.

And you should find someone

that can give you everything
that you deserve.

What are you saying?

I just think

that we've reached
a fork in the road,

where you go one way
and I go another.

No, you... You don't get
to make that decision

for me, for us.

It has to be this way, will,

because I can't feel
like this anymore.

Ahem.

I'm gonna give you some space...

But this isn't over.

I love you, will.

I hope you know that.

and I love you.

Forever.

You're the only one
for me, Laurel.

I'm gonna give her some time,

but I'm not giving up on her.

Love you.

love you.

I'll see you soon.

Laurel?

Are you okay?

I'm fine.

We can make some tea.

Gloria is going to stay
and help me

with prep
for Christmas eve dinner.

Maybe in a little.

Well...

You know what I always say...

There is no problem
that can't be solved

over a cup of hot tea.

I think that tea might be out
of its league this time, Nana.

we'll be right downstairs.

Okay.

sorry about the couch,

but Britta can't sleep
in the baby's room

or we'd all be up all night.

Hey, no, the couch is fine.

I really appreciate
you letting me crash, man.

Mi couch-a es su couch-a.

Stay as long as you want, buddy.

Thank you, Neil.

Hey, you know, the holidays...

They have a way
of kicking everything up...

Good and bad.

This is gonna blow over.

Yeah. Yeah, you're right.

You know what?

I'm gonna get you
some of the good pillows.

Thanks.

hi.

Mommy says
that your wife is mad at you,

that's why you're sleeping over.

Something like that, yeah.

Do you want to have a tea party?

I would love
to have a tea party.

Oh...

There you go.

Mommy says

that things always seem worse
at night,

but then the sun comes up.

And a cup of hot tea
makes everything better, too.

You know what, Britta?

I think you're right about that.

Thank you.

Mm! Oh, my goodness,
that's good stuff.

I know.

cheers.

hi.

Oh, I'm so glad you came down.

Are you feeling better?

Mm-mm.

I just wish I understood
why it has to be this way.

What way is that?

Why do bad things
have to happen at all?

Why does a child
lose their mother

at six years old?

Why does a mother lose
their child, like you did?

Why were we given Jonathan,
only to have him taken away?

Maybe Jonathan
wasn't given to you

as much as you
were given to Jonathan.

He's with his mother now.

He's okay,

and you get to be okay,
too, Laurel.

But if he's taking up
all the space in your heart,

another child can't.

It's okay to love him
and let go of him.

I realized that the best way

to honor pop's memory

is to keep going,

to live a full and happy life
for him.

After mercy passed,
someone asked me,

if you would've known

that you only would have
your daughter for 19 years...

Would you do it all over again?

In a heartbeat.

Me too. Yeah.

We don't always
get to understand the why.

It's useless to dwell.

But, Laurel,
your miracles are out there...

For you and will both,

in the form of an open door,

waiting for you
to walk through it.

Do miracles happen
because we believe,

or do we believe
because miracles happen?

Maybe a little bit of both.

thank you.

Oh.

I'm so lucky
I got to be your mommy...

sugar?

One can never
have too much sugar.

too true, kind sir. Too true.

excuse me?

Is this a private tea party
or can anyone join?

All are welcome.

Please. Come join us.

Hi, Britta.

This is our third tea party
in 12 hours.

I am completely wired.

Sweetie, why don't you

come help your mom and I
in the kitchen?

Make sure you say you're sorry.

That's what daddy does.

ahem.

You look very nice.

thank you.

I'm so sorry, will.

No, I'm sorry, Laurel.

You have nothing
to apologize for.

I do, actually.

I was dwelling on the pain,

and I shouldn't have asked you
to live in that place with me.

I only wanted to show you

that there were possibilities
out there for us.

I know.

And I love you so much for that.

And for your patience with me

and for never giving up on me.

Never.

I'm ready to see the joy again.

It's out there for us, Laurel.

I hope so.

Will you come
to candlelight mass

with me tonight?

Of course.

Hey, look.

No matter what our future holds,

it's you and me.

Even if it's just you and me
forever...

That's okay.

You are my family, Laurel.

let's go home.

Yeah.

My tea's cold anyway.

hi!

Merry Christmas, Mrs. M.

Merry Christmas, Tasha.

go on inside with
your brothers and sisters

and get us some seats.

oh...

I know those two!

They were in my class
once upon a time.

I didn't realize
you had so many other children.

yeah!

Those two
are our latest fosters.

They've only been with us
a couple of months.

They're all great kids.

They just need
a chance, you know?

Look how Tasha's thriving!

Especially being in your class.

Tasha was in foster care?

She came to us
when she was four,

and the adoption
just went through in may.

Wow. Congratulations.

I-I had no idea.

Um...

We were foster parents
a while back, yeah,

it's so rewarding, isn't it?

I mean, the boys eat
everything in sight

and the grocery bills
are astronomical.

If the two of you ever decide
to take in an older one,

we have hand-me-downs
in every size.

Well, we should
probably head inside.

- Yeah.
- Get a seat?

- Yeah.
- Okay.

Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.

Do you feel it?

The wheels are in motion.

♪ hark
the herald angels sing ♪

♪ glory to the newborn king ♪

♪ peace on earth ♪

♪ and mercy mild ♪

- mercy!
- ♪ god and sinners ♪

♪ reconciled... ♪

so...

I have a thought I want
to run by you after the service.

I'm all ears.

♪ With angelic hosts
proclaim ♪

♪ Christ is born
in Bethlehem ♪

♪ hark the herald angels sing ♪

♪ glory to the newborn king ♪

one more gift, before I go,

for the family...

From me and Helen.

oh!

- oh, it's beautiful!
- oh, my gosh.

You made that?

So you'll never forget me.

And those
who've touched your lives.

We could never forget you,
"Mrs. Miracle".

No, definitely not.

oh.

Honey, look.

already?

Hi, Nancy.
I have Laurel here with me.

Hi. I got your message
last night

and there is a six-year-old girl

that needs placement.

She just lost her mother.

That's how old I was when I...

She is adorable and so sweet.

Would you like to meet her?

Um, I don't think
we need to meet her, Nancy.

No.

but we do need to buy her a bed,
'cause we only

have a crib.

I hope something's
open on Christmas!

That is wonderful.
Her name is Kelly.

Kelly!

I think
she'll fit right in here.

I think so, too.

Happy holidays.

mom! Dad! Santa came!

- He did?
- He did!

Well, that must mean you were
a very good girl this year.

Aw! Let's go
wake up your brother.

- Yeah.
- Let's go get him.

I'm gonna come get you!

Are you excited?

Ee-ee!

Hello, baby.

look at all these presents
for Kelly and bobby.

Let's open them!

You know what?

I don't think
that's such a good idea.

Oh, you're mean.

Yes! Yes! Yes!

- Please?
- Okay...

what is all this ruckus?

Nana! Santa came!

- No!
- Yes!

Well, I hope there's something
in that pile for me.

There's something for everyone!

Oh!

Look at Nana.

Why don't you go
grab something, Kelly?

What do you think
is a good-looking one?

- Mm-mm-mm!
- Merry Christmas!

let's find
the biggest one.

you have
to guess what it is.

I'm gonna guess
that one.

good morning

I'm Gloria merkel.

Caring heart angels sent me.

I made cookies.

Ooh!