Trading Christmas (2011) - full transcript

The Christmas season is approaching. In South Woodbourne, Washington, widowed second grade schoolteacher Emily Spengler loves the Christmas holidays, as do all the townsfolk, and the traditions she had built with her now deceased husband, Frank, who passed away almost three years ago, and her now grown daughter, Heather. As usual, she is expecting Heather to come home for the holidays from Boston, where she is going to school. In Boston, Massachusetts, novelist and English professor Charles Johnson is an unsentimental man, who, like his workaholic brother Ray, owner of his own lucrative business, doesn't celebrate the season. Emily and Charles meet on a house swapping website as they decide to do a one week swap with each other in the lead up to Christmas. Emily wants to go to Boston to be with Heather, who has told her that she isn't planning on coming home for the holidays. And Charles is having problems meeting deadlines for his latest novel and needs somewhere quiet and out of the way to complete his writing. Their house swap doesn't end up being anything as they expected, first and foremost because of the Christmas spirit either missing or overwhelming the other's house. In Boston, Emily learns upon her arrival that Heather has left town with her boyfriend, Jason, Heather who seems to be trying to test her adult wings without Emily's influence. But Emily meets Ray, the two who slowly fall for each other. They will have to determine both their professional and personal futures past this week, and if the other person factors into that future. And in South Woodbourne, divorced corporate events planner Faith Kerrigan, Emily's best friend from San Francisco, shows up on Emily's doorstep planning on keeping Emily company during the holidays in Heather's absence. Out of circumstance, Faith is forced to stay at the house with Charles for the better part of the week. The question with the two is whether they will both survive each other's company for the week, as it is hate at first sight, that perception based largely on the negative way their most recent respective relationship ended.

RIP-FIXES-SYNC

by VaVooM

Hello.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas.

Oh, you too.

Hi!

Merry Christmas!

Good morning!

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Hi, Stell!

Hey!

Hello.

Wow, that's quite a haul

you've got there.

Well, that time of year.

White flour, cinnamon, molasses,

brown sugar, gumdrops...

You know, Emily,

you can buy a kit

to make these things.

You don't have to make one

from scratch every year.

[Gasps in horror]

A pre-fab gingerbread house?

Stell, please!

My daughter would disown me.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Hi, Mrs. Spengler!

Hi, guys!

Look!

Whoa! [Giggling]

You need a bigger hill.

[Laughing]

[Sighs heavily]

Got my Christmas present

from aunt Miriam today,

a crate of pineapples.

I got grapefruit.

Well, at least

she switched it up this year.

Why does that woman do that?

She lives in Wisconsin.

Maybe she thinks

the cheese will melt.

Who knows?

[Chuckling]

[Clink]

So, you make

any sort of decision

about the company or what?

I don't know, Charles.

It's a nice deal.

They upped their offer.

I think you should take it.

Uh, no offense,

but you're the last person

I'm coming to

for business advice.

[Chuckles]

That's probably wise.

How's the book?

Final rewrite.

I've missed two deadlines.

Publisher's not happy.

Writer's block?

Big time.

What's the problem?

I don't know, it-it's finished,

it's just not right,

and I've got to fix it

over the break,

as soon as I finish

grading finals.

If I only knew what

was wrong with it.

Maybe you should go away.

Where?

I don't know, somewhere quiet.

No distractions.

Yeah.

Yeah, that might be a good idea.

Yeah, get a little work done,

not have to deal with Christmas.

You shouldn't tell anybody

where you're going...

especially your publisher.

You should go on

one of those house swap sites.

No, no, I'll just get a hotel.

No, you can't write in a hotel.

You pace too much.

You need room.

You're probably right.

I usually am.

Wait, what are you

going to do for Christmas?

Same thing I'd do

if you were here.

Chinese food and the Celtics.

And pineapples.

I hate pineapple.

Wanna trade?

No, I hate pineapple.

[Sighs]

I feel kind of bad leaving you.

Hey, you've got work to do.

So do I.

We're not a very

sentimental family, are we?

I've noticed that.

Yeah, Santa gets there

after dessert,

and then he distributes

the keychains, that's right.

Oh, he will be sober this year.

No, I promise.

What dancing elves?

[Snapping fingers]

No, no, no.

No, no, no, no. I've got

the invoice right here.

It doesn't say anything

about dancing elves.

Yeah, well, it's all listed.

I can resend it...

[shrieking in horror]

[Chuckling mirthlessly]

Hello?

No. I-I am so sorry.

No, it's not you,

it-it's my, uh...

My ex-husband.

Okay, out of which orifice

do you suggest I start pulling

dancing elves?

[Click]

Hello?

Hey.

Hey.

Can you give this

to Todd for me?

Thanks.

Whatcha doing?

Looking for a quiet

place to study.

What are you doing?

Just the opposite, actually.

So, have you told your mom yet?

Not yet.

Are you sure

you want to do this?

Yes.

Because you make it seem like

she's gonna go

all operatic on you.

Christmas and everything.

Look, it's not her fault.

The first couple Christmases

without dad were tough,

I understand that,

but, Jason, I've never,

not once, been away.

It's home or school.

Yeah.

I've never even had

a spring break

because she's alone,

but this year,

I'm doin' it.

Sometimes, I swear

she still thinks

I'm in second grade.

She calls me, like,

five times a day.

I've seen you call her,

like, 10 times a day.

So...

That's different.

It's the same.

[Cell phone rings]

See?

Perfect timing.

I'll call her later.

Well, study up.

I'll catch you later.

All right.

Okay, bye.

Are you avoiding me?

No, just busy.

Did you get my email?

Yes.

And thank you,

but I'm not interested in

an "over 40s singles" event.

Oh, it sounds like fun.

Come on, just take a chance.

Heather...

I just don't feel...

"Single", okay?

Look, I know

it's tough, mom, but...

How long's it gonna take?

I wish I knew, honey.

So, did you book your flight?

Mom, I'm totally

stressed out here,

and making a cross-country

flight for a couple of days...

it just doesn't make any sense.

This is not just

any couple of days, honey,

it's Christmas!

I know it's Christmas, but...

I know what this is about.

This is because I didn't get you

that pony you wanted, isn't it?

Mom...

You've got a million

friends out there.

Somebody will

invite you to dinner.

You know I bought everything

for the gingerbread house.

I'm 21, mom.

I got a new copy

of it's a wonderful life.

[Sighs]

Look, I'm there every break.

Just this one time,

let me do something on my own?

Let me have a life.

Please?

So...

What exactly will you be having

for Christmas dinner, hmm?

A microwave burrito?

I'm just going to

stay here and relax.

I'll be fine.

Okay.

You do what you feel

you have to do.

It's just this one year, mom.

I get it.

I'll talk to you later.

Good night.

Well, I told her.

[Chuckles]

Hey...

I told her.

Yeah?

How'd she take it?

With a large dose of guilt.

[Chuckles]

Did you tell her

you were going with me?

Uh, not exactly.

[Groans]

You gotta stand up

for yourself, Heather.

I know.

Hey, do me a favor?

Yes...

Leave this thing at home?

All right.

[Cell phone rings]

Hello?

I didn't wake you, did I?

Hey! No, I'm still

at the office.

You wouldn't happen to know

any dancing elves, would you?

Afraid not.

Hey, what's the matter?

Heather's not coming home

for Christmas.

Oh, you scared me.

I thought it was

something serious.

It is serious.

Emily, she is 21 years old.

I'm aware of that.

You sure? 'Cause sometimes,

I'm not so sure.

You weren't planning on

making a gingerbread house

with her,

were you?

I was... just surprised.

Oh, honey, she's just

got her own life.

Okay, that's exactly

what she said.

You're not coaching

her, are you?

You and I have had

this conversation before.

You know, you're the one friend

that I thought would understand.

Can't you just...

At least fake a little sympathy?

I'm sorry.

I'm just,

I am a little stressed out,

you know, with the holidays.

Ugh...

I'll talk to you later.

Hey, are you okay?

Yeah.

I'm fine.

Good night.

Good night.

Yes...

[♪]

[Charles]: "Dear Emily,

"saw your ad.

House looks great.

The dates work out

perfectly for me".

[Emily]: "Dear Charles,

"thanks for responding

so promptly.

"I think you'll find

the house itself

"very comfortable.

"There is a small studio

in the backyard

that might be very good

for a writing place.

[Charles]: "My condo

is centrally located,

"and since the students

will be on break,

"this end of town

should be quite peaceful,

otherwise it can get

a little rowdy on the weekends".

[Emily]: "Your references

have been glowing...

"Hope you have been able

to contact some of mine.

"I've been

a second grade teacher

"for almost 20 years,

so I'm really not in the habit

of throwing wild parties".

[Charles]: "I have

overnighted a key to you.

"Please confirm

that you received it.

"I will email directions

on the burglar alarm.

Just punch in the code,

and you should be fine".

[Emily]: "No burglar alarm

to worry about here.

"Key is under the mat

on the back porch,

"but to be honest,

nobody in South Woodbourne

locks the door".

[Charles]:

"You don't lock the doors?

"Wow, I thought

that only happened in movies.

"Old movies.

"Well, I'm glad this worked out.

I hope your daughter

enjoys her surprise".

[Emily]: "I'm sure she will.

"The neighbors will be

looking in on you

should you need anything".

[Elevator dings]

"Best of luck with your book".

Hi. This is Faith Kerrigan.

I need to book

a round-trip ticket to Seattle,

coming home

the day after Christmas.

Oh, and I need a rental car.

No, no, I don't need a hotel.

I'm going to go surprise

an old friend.

[Cell phone ringing]

Mom's calling.

We got a plane to catch.

Now.

[Charles]: Hey, Ray.

It's me,

the unsentimental brother.

Your cell phone's off again.

Look, I hope you get this.

I took your advice.

I'm at the airport now.

I'm getting

away from everything,

especially Christmas.

I'll call you in a few days.

[Answering machine beeps]

I'm in Whoville.

Santa?

[Alarm system beeps off]

[Sighs]

I should've done more research.

Hmm...

Well...

We'll have to do something

about this.

Why did we even bother to fly?

We could've just taken

a stagecoach.

[Laughs]

The pool's out back.

Come check it out.

[Cell phone rings]

Mom?

Surprise.

I'm here.

What?

I'm here.

Here where?

Boston.

Boston?

Well, I-I'm not there!

Where are you?

W-Well...

I'm kind of in Phoenix.

Phoenix!

Why are you in Phoenix?

[Brisk knocking on door]

Can I help you?

I'm Sarah. This is Joey.

He doesn't talk to strangers.

That's a very good habit.

Maybe you should try it.

Nice to meet you.

Mrs. Spengler told us

to keep an eye on you

in case you need anything.

Oh.

Well, that's very nice,

but I'm fine, thank you,

and I'm busy.

Very busy, so...

Good talk.

[Knocking]

Wanna build a snowman?

Not today, thanks.

Does that mean you might

want to tomorrow?

Probably not.

Probably never.

Thank you.

[Knocking on door]

I don't want to...

Hello!

Emily asked me to look in

and see if you needed anything.

I brought some cookies.

Some...

Come on.

Oh, cookies.

- How nice.

- [Man]: Merry Christmas.

Right, thank you.

Merry...

Christmas.

[Sighs heavily]

[Knocking on door]

You do know

I flew across the country.

You should have told me.

Then it wouldn't have been

a surprise.

I hate surprises.

Well, if you'd been

honest with me...

okay, mom, I'm sorry.

I just, I didn't want

a ton of guilt.

Heather, it's Christmas!

And I wanted to do

something different.

Just this one year,

something on my own.

[Takes a deep breath]

[Magnanimously]:

Okay...

Can't you just go home?

What home?

I did a house-swap thing

with a professor

named Charles Johnson.

Charles Johnson, I know him.

We just read his book

in American lit. Class.

Yes, well, I think

his interior decorator

worked in a mental hospital,

or something,

but I'll cope.

Where are you in Phoenix anyway?

Jason's grandparents

lent us their house.

It's very... nice.

Jason.

That's the young man

you've been seeing, right?

[Hesitantly]: Yes.

Ah.

Okay.

Don't start.

I'm not starting anything.

I'll call you tomorrow.

Bye.

I'll talk to you

later, mom. Bye.

[Alarm system beeps on]

[Emily sighs heavily]

Christmas...

[Telephone rings]

Hello?

Hello, sir.

Is this Ray Johnson?

Yes.

An alarm has been triggered

at 123 West Cordova.

An officer is on the way.

Um... okay, uh.

I-I'll be there in five minutes.

[Water running]

Okay... oh. Oh...

Uh... Ms. Kerrigan,

I'm afraid there's a problem.

Your driver's license

expired in November.

What?

You're kidding?

Sorry. I'm afraid

we can't rent you a car

without a valid license.

Oh, come on,

can't you just, you know,

overlook

this little technicality?

I mean, I know how to drive.

I'm sure you do.

Okay, then, so can you just

let this one slide through?

I'm sorry.

No one will rent you a car

without a valid license.

Okay. Okay, look,

this is the problem.

I have to get to a town

that's 150 miles from here.

There's nothing that I can do.

I'm sorry.

Can I help you

over here, please?

Yes...

[Sighs]

[Stereo blasting]

[Music stops abruptly]

I-I understand,

I'm asking you

to make an exception.

Look, I will send you

a photocopy

of my driver's license

once I renew it.

Please...

we're looking for a place

called Big Elk Lake.

Do you have any maps?

Hey, guys.

I can tell you how to get there.

Great.

As a matter of fact,

I was just on my way to a town

that's about

20 miles from there.

Tell you what,

how would you like

a free tank of gas?

Are you Mr. Johnson?

Uh, yes. Yes, I am.

My, um,

my brother's out of town,

so they called me.

Up on the sixth floor.

Freeze!

[Screaming in terror]

An intruder was reported

at these premises.

Identify yourself.

No, no, no, I'm not an intruder.

I'm a tenant.

I'll prove it.

We're "Santa and Friends'

Musical North Pole

Extravaganza".

Friends?

The other guy got a commercial.

Oh, great.

We do 12 malls in three days.

Hey, do you dance?

Three years tap, two ballet.

I went to Juilliard.

Okay, you know what,

you need to call me,

because I may have

work for you next year.

Cool, thanks.

We're all set.

Okay, see?

Here are the emails.

And, uh, these are the keys

that he sent me.

Well, I just, uh,

spoke with my brother,

and he confirms everything.

Well, good night, then.

I'm sorry to have

startled you, Mrs. Spengler.

No problem.

Just doing your job.

Good night.

I am very, very sorry.

Your own brother

didn't tell you?

No, I told him

not to tell anybody.

I didn't think that included me.

Well, no harm done.

Well, that's

very understanding of you.

Most people wouldn't be...

Did you, uh...

Did you decorate?

Oh, yeah.

A couple of things.

I can leave them here

for your brother if he wants.

Oh, no.

I don't think

that's a good idea.

Charles isn't especially into

Christmas stuff.

Oh.

I didn't know that.

[Typing rapidly]

[Stops typing]

[Resumes typing]

[Stops again]

[Resumes rapid typing]

Again, I-I want to apologize.

Oh, please...

It was an adventure.

I have a story to tell

the folks back home.

It's good to see it that way,

I guess.

Um, can I ask you a question

before you go?

Sure.

[Sighs]

Do you know how to

turn on the television?

Are you sure she won't mind

us using her bathroom?

Are you kidding?

Knowing Emily she'll

send you home with cookies.

[Rattling doorknob]

[Knocking]

That's funny,

she never locks the door.

[Rattling doorknob]

You know what,

don't worry about it.

There's a key around back.

I will be right back.

What is it with this place?

Emily!

Hey!

[Yelps in shock]

[Together]: Who are you?

Where is Emily?

[Stammering] Emily...

D-Daughter... Boston...

Emily's in daughter

with her Boston...

[banging urgently on door]

Hey, leave her alone!

I can break this door down!

I'm fine, I'm fine!

Now I got a violent elf.

That's good...

What are you doing here?

What am I... what are...

I-I'm supposed to be here!

I'm supposed to be here.

Emily's in mine,

and I'm in hers.

That didn't come out right.

A house swap...

We're doing a house swap!

[Sighs in exasperation]

Okay.

[Chuckling] Gosh...

Who are you?

Wait, don't let those...

Hey, you okay, Faith?

He giving you trouble?

Back off, elf!

Back off...

Everybody settle down!

I can explain everything.

If you guys are going to

rob the place,

could you start with

the decorations?

It's around the corner

to your right.

Come on, chop chop.

[Footsteps retreating hastily]

Where are Santa

and the elf going?

Who are you?

What is going on here?

They need to use the bathroom,

and then I am going to make them

a cup of coffee for the road,

and you don't have to worry,

because I know

where everything is.

[Laughing] I'm sorry.

I am Faith Kerrigan.

Charles... Johnson.

Nutcracker...

Okay, Charles.

So, what do you like to go by,

Chuck? Charlie?

Charles.

Hmm, one of those.

Okay, I won't be a minute.

Do you want a cup of coffee?

No... what? No!

So you came across the country,

and she's in Phoenix?

Yeah.

I wanted to surprise her.

Didn't quite work out, though.

Okay, I wrote it all down.

This is the TV.

You press these two buttons.

This is the DVD,

and this is the stereo.

Maybe I'll just read.

[Chuckles]

And this is the fireplace.

Whoa.

We do things the old-fashioned

way back home.

We use matches.

I won't be needing this.

Oh, okay.

Do you need anything else?

No, that's it.

Thanks.

Okay, well, I left my card,

in case you have any questions

or need anything.

"Tech-sec".

What's that?

That's my company.

Software protection

and security.

Mm. Sounds mysterious.

[Chuckles]

Actually, it's, uh,

very technical and a little dull.

Well, at least

it sounds exciting.

That's something.

Do...

Do you, uh, know anyone here?

Oh. No.

Just...

Adrift.

Well, uh,

tell you what...

Would you...

Why don't...?

Why don't you let me

take you out for dinner

tomorrow night?

Dinner?

Yeah. Yeah, and I could write

down some places for you to go,

local tourist stuff?

Unless you have plans...

No, no.

No plans.

Dinner then.

Dinner then.

7:00?

7:00.

See you then.

Sure.

[Sighs]

[Murmurs] Dinner...

[♪]

Let me get this straight,

you just hopped on a plane,

drove out here to the middle of nowhere,

to surprise your friend?

Yes...

Well, surprise.

She's not here.

Ah! Ah!

Ooh, you okay?

[Grumbles in pain]

Yeah, I'm fine.

Oh, she made you cookies.

Yeah, everyone in this

burg made me cookies.

Do you mind?

I am starving.

No, go right ahead,

please help yourself.

She makes the best cookies.

Well, good for her.

So...

What are we going to do

about this?

I think you should try a cookie.

No, I...

No, thank you.

I-I'm fine.

So, what...

What are your plans? Are you...

Tea's in the tin.

Above the stove.

I could take you to a hotel.

There is no hotel

in South Woodbourne.

What about north woodbourne?

There is no north woodbourne.

Then why do they call this

South Woodbourne?

Listen, just let me crash

in Heather's room tonight.

I will take a bus

back to Seattle tomorrow.

Cups are on the right.

No, my right, my right.

In the cupboard.

So you're saying... stay here?

Yeah, just till tomorrow.

[Chuckling doubtfully]

Okay...

Yeah, here's the thing.

I'm a writer.

Oh.

And I'm here to write, okay?

So I'm on

a very strict deadline,

and I need to work.

Mm.

What do you write?

Well, it's...

It-it's not...

I'm rewriting my novel,

if you must know,

Miss Nosey-Parker, so what I'm...

- Anything I've heard of?

- Probably not.

I'm trying to tell you

I cannot have any distractions.

What distractions?

I'm going to bed,

and then I'm going to

get up in the morning,

come downstairs,

have a cup of coffee...

[kettle spluttering]

Your water's boiling,

by the way...

And get on a bus.

[Sighing]

I just don't think

it's a very good idea.

So...

Are you afraid of me?

No, I'm not...

because you know

you can lock your door.

That's not

what I'm worried about.

Then what are you worried about?

I'm not... who said

I was worried about anything?

You just did just now.

No, I... fine.

Look, I am not gonna murder you

in the middle of the night

and steal your cookies, okay?

I didn't think that you were.

- Then what is the problem?

- There is no problem!

Good.

Then I'm staying.

[Sighs]

Seriously, these cookies

are so delicious.

- One night?

- One night.

- Then the first bus.

- First bus.

Fine.

Close the drapes

and turn out the lights.

Night-night.

Nighty... [sighs]

He doesn't deserve

these cookies.

You're kidding me?

Oh... I don't believe this.

I wanted to surprise you.

Okay, new year's resolution

right now...

No more surprises.

They're just not

working out for us this year.

Yeah, tell me about it.

This Charles guy

is a total jerk.

Yeah, well, his brother

seems very nice.

You met him?

Yup.

In fact, he's taking me

to dinner tonight.

Dinner?

What, like, a date?

Like a real date?

I don't know about that.

I think he just feels guilty

for almost having me arrested.

What?

Long story.

Listen, I have to go.

[Whispering]

Hemingway approaches.

Hey.

Hey.

Oh.

I'll give you a ride.

No, really, it's fine.

I know the way.

I can spare five minutes.

Do you need a hand?

I-I can help.

No, I'm fine.

I think I figured it out.

What bothers me about the house,

besides, like,

the skulls on the wall.

Yeah, what's that?

Well, there's no Christmas tree.

We have to have

a Christmas tree!

[Laughing]

Why is that?

Well, because it's

Christmas, that's why.

Yeah, but we're in the desert.

I mean, I guess we could

decorate a cactus or something.

Aw... please?

[Laughing]

All right,

I'll get you a little one.

[Grunting with effort]

Okay, so I'll, uh,

I'll just leave it

right by the door here.

Okay, great.

Thanks.

Right.

Okay. Good.

Have a nice trip.

You too.

Oh, you've got to be kidding me!

Charles!

What's up?

There's only

one bus a week to Seattle.

Is that right?

And is that today?

No, not until Thursday.

Christmas.

Oh.

That...

That would...

That's tough.

Tough break, tough break.

What are you going to do?

Let's go back to Emily's

and discuss it.

What?

Discuss...

Emily's?

Charles, can you

open this, please?

Are you sure?

Okay, uh-huh.

All right, thank you.

Well?

All four inns within 50 miles

are booked for the holidays.

I don't believe this.

Hey, I know!

Lookit, you drive me to Seattle

and I will pay you for the gas.

300-mile round trip,

let me think about that.

No thanks, I have to work!

What do you suggest I do?

Mm, hitchhike?

Oh, come on,

this is just until Christmas.

Which is an eternity...

[knocking on door]

That's it, I'm buying a gun.

No, you know what,

I am gonna take care of this.

Those kids are trouble.

Those kids are...

Hey, guys!

I'm Sarah.

This is Joey.

He doesn't talk to strangers.

[Faith chuckles]:

Okay...

Nice to meet you,

Sarah and Joey.

I'm Faith.

Wanna build a snowman?

You know what,

that sounds like a ton of fun.

I would love to.

Is the grouchy man inside?

Does he want to help?

[Faith chuckles]

One second,

I'll be right back, okay?

[Whistling nonchalantly]

Okay, so they're not

going to bother you again today

because I promised to help

with a snowman.

Good.

And Sarah mentioned you were

kind of grouchy yesterday.

I wasn't grouchy.

I think you probably were.

I think I probably wasn't.

I think you were.

Anyway, look,

I'm going to run interference

with the neighbors.

No one will interrupt you,

including myself.

You will not even know

that I'm here.

So, go.

Write.

You go.

- No, you go.

- No, you go.

I am gonna go.

So am I.

- Fine.

- Fine.

[♪]

Ooh, it's a wonderful life

is playing tomorrow night!

What's that?

You've never seen

it's a wonderful life?

With Jimmy Stewart

and the angel, and...

No.

It's a great movie.

Mom and I watch it every year.

Yeah, but mom is not here.

Remember?

Oops.

Old habits.

Hey.

I'm glad we did this.

Yeah, me too.

[Chatting quietly]

Whoo!

Hey, Jase! Hey, Heather!

I thought you guys

were in Las Vegas. Hey.

Yeah, we got asked to leave.

You got asked

to leave Las Vegas?

Long story.

So Phoenix is, like,

two hours away.

We thought

we'd surprise you guys.

Right.

Uh, how did you find us?

It's your grandparents'

place, dude.

The same last name.

We looked it up in phone book.

Come here.

Come here.

[Quietly] Dude, I don't know

if this is such a good idea.

I sort of promised Heather that

we would hang out together over...

Dude, dude...

Look what I brought.

[Chuckles in disbelief]

Come on.

It's only for

a couple days, right?

You spent how much?

It was a Christmas

present to myself.

Yeah, but you're not even sure

if this is an actual date.

I know.

But I just looked at the women

around here, and I felt...

Frumpy.

Oh, yeah, and

how do you look now?

I look kind of...

Different.

Good different or bad different?

Good different.

Good.

[Door buzzer rings]

Oh, he's here.

Gotta go.

Okay, have fun.

[♪]

[Knocking on door]

[Sighs nervously]

- Hi...

- hi.

You look great.

Oh...

Thank you.

You ready?

Sure.

Okay.

[Crumpling paper]

[Knocking gently]

I thought you said

you weren't

going to interrupt...

...me.

You know, this is the first time

in my entire life

I'm not spending Christmas

in South Woodbourne.

Every Christmas?

Yeah, every one.

I was raised there.

Went to college nearby.

Married Frank.

I teach in the same classroom

where I was a student

in second grade.

Well, what's it like

being someplace else?

A little... weird.

My last Christmas, I was in...

Messina.

[Gasps in wonder]

Sicily?

Mm-hmm.

[Sighing in awe]

The Piazza Del Duomo

with the fountain,

and the San Ranieri lighthouse,

did you see that?

Afraid not.

When were you there?

Oh, I've never been there.

I mean...

I like to read about places.

See, Frank and I...

Down the road when we retired...

Talked about, you know,

visiting all the places that

I had only seen pictures of,

and we had it all planned, too.

And then...

You know, Frank...

One phone call...

Your entire life...

All those plans...

Things change.

Last few Christmases

must have been tough.

[Sighs]

Yes.

They were.

So...

How did you spend

Christmas growing up?

Well, um, actually,

Christmas wasn't a big deal

for us.

We moved around a lot...

A lot...

And sometimes, we didn't even

have a Christmas tree.

What? You're kidding.

No.

That's terrible.

We got over it.

Wow, I don't know,

I have trouble

even picturing Christmas

without the whole thing.

I mean, stockings, the tree.

Cookies laid out for Santa,

although Frank used to say,

"Santa would prefer a beer".

[Chuckling]

But I mean, no tree?

I mean, for little kids,

that's pretty...

It's none of my business.

I'm just a traditionalist,

I guess.

That's not a problem.

[Emily's cell phone rings]

Sorry.

It's Heather.

I'll call her back.

She's not answering.

I don't know, maybe she's busy.

Come on, Jase, busy doing what?

[Laughing]

Here's to Charles.

Mm!

[Chatting pleasantly]

[Sighing wearily]

Hey.

There's another plate of cookies

and fruitcake

on the table for you.

That's terrible.

I didn't hear anybody come by.

I intercepted them on the lawn.

Ah-hah, well,

thank you for that.

And thank you for the snack,

but you didn't have to do that.

Ah, I gotta earn my keep.

Just be the doorman,

that's all I ask.

Hey, listen, do you happen

to know of a restaurant in town

where I wouldn't be besieged

by happy people

wishing me "Merry Christmas?"

Do you have a problem with that?

Yeah, kind of.

Total strangers

waving at me on the street.

"Merry Christmas!"

It's not normal.

Look, you don't have to

go for dinner.

I made a chicken.

A chicken?

Oh, now, look,

I wouldn't want to...

I wouldn't want to burden you...

A whole chicken.

Oh.

It's probably a little bit dry.

I am a terrible cook.

But I also made salad.

That way, you can, you know,

work and eat if you want.

Well, I...

[Sniffs]

Is that your aftershave?

Yes.

Hmm.

It's not bad.

Whenever I have a serious

decision to make,

I make a list

of the pros and the cons.

Selling your business

sounds like a pretty full

"pro" column to me.

No cons.

I wish it were that simple.

What's complicating it?

You'll consult.

The rest of the time is yours.

Well, that's what I'm scared of.

What will I do with that time?

What would you want to do?

You know what,

I never really thought about it.

You should try.

Go back to some of those places

you've already been to,

and see something besides

the corporate center, or the gym.

That's easy for you to say.

Emily, you have summers off.

You read these books

about places.

You should hop on a plane

and see them.

I don't know...

What's stopping you?

There's Heather.

She's 21.

And, well...

[Sighs heavily]

Okay, maybe I'm scared.

Scared of what?

I'm not sure.

You know what I think?

I think you should

go have some fun.

Take a chance,

go on an adventure.

Hah! This from a man

who was in India four times

before he left his hotel

and saw the Taj Mahal.

Ah, you know what,

I'm going to go back,

I'm going to play the tourist.

You know, there's no rush.

There's plenty of time for it.

That's what Frank used to say.

Ah, look.

Isn't that pretty?

Yes, you are.

Charles...

Mm?

Would you mind

a little suggestion?

About what?

Well, I hope you don't mind,

but I read

your first few chapters.

What?

They were just laying out.

[Stammering]

You... they... they were just...

"they were just laying out"?

If I left my wallet out,

would you-would you

rifle through that, too?

Well, I didn't think

it was top secret.

It's a work-in-progress.

Which is why I have

some thoughts that may help.

Okay?

[Blustering]

What are you...

Ha, ha, ha! Ho!

I didn't want to ruin

your pages.

Unbelievable.

I really like the story.

Oh, thank you.

I do, I'm totally caught up.

It's just...

Just what?

Samantha.

The girlfriend.

What about Samantha

the girlfriend?

She is a total witch.

Please feel free

to respell that if you want.

Bi...

She's the antagonist!

Yeah, but she's evil.

I keep expecting her

to kick a puppy

or foreclose on an orphanage.

Unbelievable...

You know, and-

and if Edward is in love

with a woman like that,

it just makes him

look like an idiot.

Well, maybe that's what I want!

A witch and an idiot?

Okay, you know what,

who are you?

Do you have a job?

How do you make a living?

Yes, I do.

I'm in corporate event planning,

Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.

It's very fulfilling.

I want to be challenged.

I am looking for a change...

yeah, don't care.

Know why?

You're not a writer...

I'm a writer!

Yes, but I am a reader,

and if I bought this book

I would have thrown it out

after the third chapter

because, clearly, the author

does not understand women...

Well, who does?

Oh, excuse me?

Okay, you know what,

that is exactly the attitude

that all men have...

"all men!"

O-Kay, "all men".

Great.

Now I know

what I'm dealing with, okay.

Excuse me?

- You heard me.

- Excuse me?

I'd love to see

your notes on some Shakespeare.

Yeah, Macbeth,

"oh, yeah, William,

"the wife's

a bit nasty, isn't she?

Could she please not suggest

any more murders?"

Oh, that is so ridiculous.

You know that is

not what I meant.

Samantha is exactly the way

I want her, okay?

And your prejudiced,

gender-specific female views aside,

let me inform you

that she happens to be based on

someone that I know.

No.

No, she's based on

someone you hate.

Oh!

Big difference.

Yeah, okay, you know what,

I am under a very serious,

very serious,

gun-at-my-head deadline here,

and the last thing I need

are some thoughts and notes

from some non-writing, man-loathing,

corporate event party planner!

[Gasps in outrage]

Thank you for dinner!

You're welcome!

[Door slams]

Um, I have a question for you.

Sure.

Dinner tonight...

Did you ask me out

because you felt guilty

about almost having me arrested?

Well, uh, yeah.

[Laughs]

Honest man.

I thought if I was nice,

you wouldn't sue me or anything.

Well, you can relax.

I'm not going to sue you.

It was nice meeting you.

I had a lovely evening.

Thanks.

You're quite welcome.

Bye.

[Sighs]

[Knock on door]

Now that we got

the lawsuit out of the way,

are you busy tomorrow?

[Giggles]

Well, I'm glad

it was a real date

after all the money you spent.

[Laughs]

At first, I was scared to death,

but then...

I don't know, I just...

He was just easy to talk to.

He's pleasant, intelligent...

[Sighs]

Very good-looking.

How's the brother?

Opposite in every way.

Well, I mean,

except for the looks.

You know, he's not bad

to look at.

Plus, he smells good.

What, you were sniffing him?

So are you going to

go out again?

Yup. Tomorrow.

I'm not sure what

we're doing yet, but...

Emily...

Can you believe,

he didn't even have

a Christmas tree

when he was younger.

Emily, I...

And you know, I know it was

just one dinner, but...

I just felt so...

Comfortable with him.

Good. Emily...

I know, I know,

I'm running on at the mouth.

No, it's not that.

Can I give you

a piece of advice?

What?

Listen, I am really glad

that you're having a good time,

I just want you to

protect yourself,

because you're not going

to be there very long.

You're coming home soon.

You know, don't forget that.

I won't.

Good.

Bye.

Bye.

So, what do you know about her?

Her references were good.

No criminal record

if that's what you're wondering.

What's her place like?

Like a Hallmark store

without the cards.

- What do you care?

- I'm just curious.

No, something's going on.

You sound weird.

What's going on?

Nothing is going on.

It's just, uh,

we had dinner, and she's nice.

Everyone in this town is nice.

There must be

something in the water.

She's different, I guess, uh...

Most of the women I meet,

they're MBAs with a dagger

between their teeth.

That sounds like her friend.

How's that going?

On the plus side, she's good

at running interference.

And on the down side?

Everything else.

Is she attractive?

She's obnoxious.

Pushiest woman I ever met...

Has an opinion

on absolutely everything...

in an obnoxious, pushy,

opinionated sort of way,

she's... okay, I guess.

Now you're the one

who's sounding weird.

I don't sound weird.

You sound weird.

Gotta go.

What? Ray!

Hey.

Hello.

I hope you're wearing

comfortable shoes.

So, what do you

want to see first?

Everything.

All right.

♪ If I was

a snowflake falling ♪

♪ I would follow you

♪ the world so loud

a big great cloud ♪

♪ but we would drift

right through ♪

♪ I would settle

on your shoulder ♪

♪ to see how it felt

♪ listen to you

singing softly ♪

♪ till I'd finally melt

♪ come on

and string the lights up ♪

♪ come on outside

♪ let's go and sing

our promise ♪

♪ raise our voices up

See, now, Boston is

one of the finest dining

cities in the country.

I felt like a hot dog.

Well, we could go someplace warm

and eat it if you want.

No, no, I'm fine.

I love it out here.

I hope this touristy thing

isn't boring you.

No, no, actually,

I haven't been

to most of these places.

- How long have you lived here?

- 20 years.

And you haven't been

the least bit curious?

Well, you know, look, it's what happens

when you live someplace.

It is a known fact

that most people

who live in New York

have never been to the top

of the empire state building.

Well, that is,

until relatives come to

visit them from out of town.

What are you looking for?

A tissue?

Why didn't you say something?

Let's see what I have

in my handy-dandy bag here...

So, uh, if I were a tourist

in South Woodbourne,

where would you take me?

Uh, North Woodbourne?

Oh, there is no

North Woodbourne.

Then why do they call it

South Woodbourne?

I don't know,

it never really came up.

We'd go hiking in the mountains.

Canoeing definitely.

Berry-picking in the summer,

apple-picking in the fall.

Oh, and Christmas...

It's huge there.

Christmas...

The concerts,

the parties, it's...

You miss it, huh?

Yeah.

A bit.

Oh, here you go.

Thanks.

So, it's...

That's quite an inventory

you have there.

Well, what can I say,

I'm a second grade teacher.

You'd be amazed

at what I have in this bag.

Oh, wait.

Check this one out.

Oh.

Boys favorite.

That's fantastic.

[Chuckling]

[Footsteps approach]

I didn't want to bother you.

Here's the review.

Hmm.

Yay. I'm so glad

we get to watch this together.

Okay, maybe

I don't want to know,

but how did you

get rid of your friends?

I gave them two-for-one-coupons

to a bar with a Christmas

wet t-shirt contest.

Ugh, sounds festive.

[Laughing]

Okay, I really hope

you like this,

'cause mom and I watch it

every year, without fail,

and we turn off all the lights

except for the Christmas tree,

and have popcorn and cocoa...

- Hey, um, Heather?

- Mm-hmm?

- Do you want to go home?

- No.

'Cause, like,

for the last few weeks,

you've been talking about

how you wanted to get away

from your mom for Christmas,

but ever since we got here...

it'd be one thing

if she stayed home,

but she's all alone

in a strange city.

I just...

I understand

if you want to go back.

I don't want to go back.

Okay.

Yay!

Wait, it's black and white?

You'll get over it.

That beginning

is so much better.

Thank you.

And I'm not just being nice.

I really mean it.

Trust me, that never

entered my thinking.

When we meet Samantha now,

she's smart, and interesting,

and so much more complex.

Thank you.

I would've thought

a woman wrote it.

What?

Oh, that's a compliment.

Well, excuse me for missing it.

Is white okay?

Because I have a red...

What does that mean,

"I would've thought

a woman wrote it"?

Oh, come on, Charles,

most men do not know

how to write

strong female characters.

Is that right?

Yeah, it is right.

You guys don't know

how to deal with this stuff.

You either see women as

sex objects or mother figures.

Whatever you say, mom.

Okay, see, that's

what I'm talking about.

Total immaturity...

I love the way you generalize.

You just group us

all together, right?

If you don't believe me,

I speak from experience.

Yes, I know, and that's

why you hate men...

I don't hate men!

I love men.

[Chuckles]

I just don't like them

all the time.

Yeah, good talk.

I gotta work.

Did my notes help?

Because you did a complete 180,

and the book is better.

Is that a coincidence?

I don't think so.

I think my notes helped,

didn't they?

Yes...

[Chuckles]

Are those the new pages?

Yes.

I'll get back to you

when I'm finished.

What just...

Hi.

Hey, good morning.

So, what's on the agenda today?

Actually, I have a little

favor to ask you.

Sure.

Yeah, yeah. All right.

Gotta go. Bye-bye.

Sorry.

The business?

Yeah, yeah.

They're a little anxious.

End of the fiscal year.

So, you find one you like?

Oh, I found mine 10 minutes ago.

I'm just wandering.

A little homesick, I guess.

Every year, my father and I,

we'd go out to the woods,

he'd cut down a fresh tree.

Your childhood was something

out of Norman Rockwell, wasn't it?

[Chuckles] Yep.

And then when Heather

was a little girl,

Frank decided he was going to

continue on with the tradition.

So, they got to the woods,

and he starts to saw down the tree,

she begins to cry.

Aw.

She thought he was

hurting the tree.

From then on,

we just picked one out,

had it delivered.

I don't see a lot of

writing going on.

Well, I'm thinking.

You blocked?

No, I'm not blocked.

I'm thinking.

You look a little blocked.

Okay, I don't look blocked

because I'm not blocked,

and how does one

look blocked anyway?

I just understand being blocked.

Okay, I'm not blocked.

I'm going to tell you what

I do when I'm blocked.

I'm not blocked...

Sometimes, I will be doing,

like, five events

for the same client,

so I want to do something

different, right,

and I get completely stumped.

The worst thing I can do

is walk around my office thinking,

so I go out.

I go to the gym, or I go shopping,

or you know, whatever.

Just to get my mind off it,

and then bang!

A great new idea happens.

Trust me, you should try it.

Just go, do something

to get your mind off it.

[Knocking on door]

That's it.

I'm going to buy that gun.

- No...

- It's those kids...

I'm on it, I'm on it.

[Chuckles]

Merry Christmas!

She forgot to cancel

the Christmas tree delivery.

No...

Know what, I think we should put

it in the corner.

No.

I beg your pardon?

I'm not having

a Christmas tree in this house.

Oh, no, do you have allergies?

I don't have allergies.

Is this a religious thing?

It's not

a religious thing, okay?

What on earth do you have

against Christmas trees?

Okay, look, blondie,

I'm not debating it

with you, okay?

I-I'm the landlord here.

I have a contract, all right?

You're the-the-the interloper.

I prefer "guest".

Okay, you know what,

let me just move

your Christmas tree.

Excuse me, thank you.

Okay? Ow.

Ow.

It's prickly.

Ow.

It's really spiky...

[Crash]

There.

Finished.

Crude,

but economical.

Hmm?

Trust me,

this is much easier

with grown-up scissors.

One week before Christmas,

seven-year-olds

are bouncing off the walls.

You have to do something

to keep them active.

Show me a second grade teacher

who can't decorate a tree

for under $3.00,

and I'll show you an amateur.

[Chuckling]

What?

What's so funny?

You.

Oh?

In a good way.

In a good way.

So, how do you manage...

Just hook it on that branch,

and just wrap it around.

Funny how?

Well, look, you got to

understand that, well,

Christmas has always been

just another day.

I haven't decorated

a tree since...

Since I was a little kid,

and that was at an aunt's house.

Most Christmases,

I'm in a hotel or something.

For a couple years,

Charles and I got together

with his fiancée,

and we'd do a family sort of...

Charles was engaged?

Yeah, for a couple years.

It didn't work out,

but it was fun for a while.

Turkey, presents,

the whole nine yards,

but after they broke up,

it sort of went back

to the way it's always been.

Basketball and Chinese food?

Right.

But this year...

I don't know, it's weird.

For the first time

in I don't know how long,

it feels like Christmas.

[Laughing]

Okay. Start

your engines.

[Counting together]:

One, two, three!

[Laughing]

Nice one!

[Giggling]

Blocked, huh?

[Chuckles ruefully] Yeah.

Let me have one of them saucers.

Okay, he's there.

Give it your best shot.

What are you...

Oh, do you want a shot

at the champ?

Go ahead, go ahead,

go on, try it.

Ugh! That's right,

I come from a long line of...

Mowing down children

with snowball...

Come on, do your worst...

[thud]

Okay.

All right,

small humans, you'll see.

You'll get yours.

This arm is registered

with the American

Snowball Association.

[Laughing]

Hey! Whoa!

Ugh!

That's it.

Yes, yes, yes!

Yes!

What's wrong with him?

He is a writer.

So tell me something.

Sure.

How have you managed it?

Managed what?

Well, successful businessman.

Very bright.

Pleasant company.

All those things,

and you don't mind doing dishes.

How did you manage to avoid...

Marriage?

Mm-hmm.

I know it's none of my business.

I'm just curious.

Oh, no, it's okay.

It's an old cliché.

Married to the business.

I didn't think I was

trying to avoid it.

There has been, well, say,

a woman I liked.

And then, bang,

I got to go to Asia

for a couple of months.

It's not exactly conducive

to sustaining a relationship.

Well, if you liked her,

why didn't you just

take her with you?

Well, maybe...

I didn't like her

as much as I thought.

[Emily's cell phone rings]

Sorry.

Heather?

Hi, mom.

Hi, honey, listen,

I'm going to have to call you back.

I'm a little busy right now.

Love you. Bye.

Okay, something is really wrong.

Okay, look...

[Sighs]

Listen, I got to

slow down, um...

You okay?

Yeah, I am...

[Sighs]

I just...

I'm leaving in a couple of days.

Wish you weren't.

Well...

I am.

Is that all

that's bothering you?

Yeah.

No.

Okay, look, this is going

to sound really crazy, but, um...

I feel a little guilty.

Makes no sense, right?

Frank's been gone

for almost three years now.

But it's still very tough

to get over something like that.

I mean, sure, we got

on each other's nerves...

that's marriage, you know,

but, um...

For the most part,

it was really great,

and we were very lucky,

and Christmas was just...

Well, it was special.

I'm sorry

I'm so...

I don't know.

[Sighs]

Ray, meeting you...

I just wasn't expecting this.

I should be at home

decorating gingerbread

houses right now...

And here you are.

Yeah.

I'm a little...

I'm a little confused.

A little confused,

what am I saying?

I'm very confused.

Hey...

Emily,

I wish I could say that...

I know how you're feeling,

but I can't.

I've never felt like that

about anybody before.

Well, you should try,

because you're really missin'

out on somethin' special.

What I'm trying to say,

Emily, is that...

Well, I think I'm starting

to feel that way right now.

I should go.

I'm so sorry.

Don't be.

I'll, uh, see you tomorrow?

I hope so.

[Sighs heavily]

Okay, okay, calm down.

I can't calm down.

I feel...

I feel I...

I don't know how I feel,

like I'm a teenager or something.

Did you get lucky?

No. Stop that.

Okay...

oh, hold for a sec.

I have another call.

Hello?

Hey, Faith.

It's Heather.

Have you talked to mom?

Hey, Heather.

Hold for a sec.

Okay, it's Heather.

She wants to know

if I've talked to you.

Okay, tell her no.

And-and tell her I'm fine.

Okay.

Hey, Heather...

Oh, you know what,

hold for a sec.

Okay, which is it?

"No" or "I'm fine?"

I'm fine!

Okay, you know, I really hate

being caught in the middle like this.

Okay, just tell her I'm fine.

I gotta go. I'll

talk to you later.

Okay, bye.

Hi, Heather.

You know...

you know what, honey,

I'm going to call you

right back.

Hey.

You.

If you are stalking me,

I'm going to call the cops.

[Mirthlessly]:

Ha... ha, ha.

Lookit, no post-its.

Well, isn't that

better than a Pulitzer.

I am dying to know how it ends.

He doesn't kill her

painfully, does he?

Well...

Painfully...

No, that's the first draft.

Listen, can we just call a truce

for tonight?

Why don't you come and join me?

I was actually

very happy living here.

You know, I thought it would be

a great place to raise a family.

Then, one day, my husband

came home

and said that we were moving,

and he...

He just took me

to this strange city,

and three months later,

he walked out.

Men, huh?

Yeah.

So, I want to know,

is, um, Samantha

based on your fiancée?

How do you...

We said we weren't going to...

How do you know about that?

Ray told Emily,

and then Emily told me.

Unbelievable.

You know, I think there's

something going on with those two.

- What have you heard?

- I've just heard things.

- What have you heard?

- Nothing specific, but Ray...

Ray's normally...

He's a...

Very serious.

But now he's...

Now he sounds like...

He sounds like...

I don't know

what he sounds like,

but he doesn't sound like Ray.

Okay, you know what,

that is the same with Emily.

This is weird.

I know, right?

Yeah...

You are avoiding the subject.

I want to know, is Samantha

based on your fiancée?

Yes!

Yes...

Samantha is based on

my fiancée...

My ex -fiancée.

And you used her

in "long weekend", too, right?

How do you know about "long..."

I-I ordered a couple

of your novels the other night.

- Really?

- Really.

Well... thank you.

It's a beautiful book.

Was that when

you guys first met?

Your honeymoon phase?

Yeah. I guess.

[Sighs heavily]

Honeymoon phase...

I think they want us to leave.

Okay.

Will you finish

the book on time?

Maybe tomorrow.

- Ah, I can't wait to buy one.

- Oh, I can send you a copy.

- Autographed?

- Of course.

And I want something

personal, too.

None of this

"best wishes" stuff.

You know, I'd like to

impress my friends.

[Chuckling]

Well, I'll see what I can do.

Look, I have to...

I have to tell you,

you have been extremely helpful,

and I don't mean

just answering doors.

Well, it's

a good story, Charles.

You just had to soften Samantha,

that's all.

That wasn't easy.

How long has it been

since you guys broke up?

It'll be two years

tomorrow night.

Tomorrow night is Christmas Eve.

Oh.

Yeah, I...

[Sighs heavily]

I came home,

and I saw her decorating the tree,

and I thought, "well, that's odd

because we've already

decorated the tree",

then I realized she was

un-decorating the tree.

She was moving out

and taking all

the decorations with her.

She left me some tinsel.

Not the good kind either,

the cheap stringy stuff.

Ah...

So is this why

you hate Christmas?

I don't hate Christmas, Faith.

I just don't want to be

reminded of...

Things.

That's all.

That is the problem

with the holidays.

The good stuff is always

so much better than it really is,

and the depressing stuff

is always so much worse.

Well, maybe it'll

get good one day soon.

Hey.

We've got a flight

this afternoon.

What do you mean?

Well, you are miserable

without your mom,

and I can't stand

seeing you miserable, so...

Jase, you don't have to.

I mean, it makes no sense

for both of us to go.

You can stay.

[Sighs]

I'm not staying here

without you.

Okay?

So just, uh, don't give me

a hard time about this one.

I still can't figure you out.

What?

Well, one minute,

you're this total fratboy clown,

and then the next,

you do something really sweet, and...

Okay, I'll say it, mature.

Oh, "mature".

Well, uh...

Just don't expect it

all the time.

Please.

[Chuckling]

Let's get packing.

Okay.

Hello!

Hey...

Hey, where were you?

I went to get stuff for dinner,

and I figured

you being from Boston,

you might find this

kind of traditional.

- Finished?

- Finished.

Finished!

Whoo-hoo!

Lobster...

Ah, perfect.

Champagne.

It's like we're at a wedding.

Well, we are celebrating,

but not just Christmas.

I made a big decision today.

Oh?

I am selling my company.

[Glasses clink]

What made you decide that?

Well, I decided I can't

be scared about the future.

I've played it safe

my whole life.

I'm going to take a chance,

and if I get bored,

I'll find something else to do,

and, in the meantime,

I'm going to have some fun.

Well, that sound like

an excellent idea.

Oh, you want to see

your present?

Wait, you didn't have to

get me anything.

Why do people always say that?

Of course, I had to

get you something.

No, but, see,

I didn't get you anything.

I-I went to look

a couple of times, but I...

Do you want to see your present?

No.

Not until Christmas.

After midnight.

Okay.

You sure?

Mm-hmm.

All right.

Doubly sure?

Very sure.

[Scraping and clattering]

She paid the delivery, so...

Yeah, right.

Okay, well, the decorations

are under the stairs.

- Okay.

- Okay, good.

[♪]

One hour until Christmas.

[Elevator dings]

[Door opens]

Mom!

Surprise!

Honey!

How did you get in here?

The door was open.

Hey, uh...

You must be Heather.

Ray, I am so sorry.

No, Emily, your daughter

came across the country

to be with you.

I'd say

you're a very lucky woman.

I know, I know, it's just...

It wasn't exactly

what I had planned.

Well, maybe it's for the best.

What do you mean?

Your life is 3,000 miles

away from here,

and you're leaving

in a couple of days.

Maybe it's better

if we don't make things

any more complicated

than they are.

Yeah. Maybe...

Maybe you're right.

But...

That doesn't mean

you couldn't spend tomorrow...

I'd... feel funny.

You should spend Christmas

with your daughter.

Your gift.

Ray...

They're beautiful.

I left the receipt in there

in case you want to

exchange them...

No, I don't want to

exchange them.

I love them.

I just still feel kind of bad

that I didn't get you anything.

Hey, Emily,

you gave me

the best Christmas I've had

in a very, very long time.

Thank you.

I can't believe it's finished.

You just had to work

on her character.

Everything else was good.

I've been banging my head

against the wall for months.

You just needed

a fresh set of eyes.

Yup.

Female eyes.

To female eyes...

Whoa.

[Stammering]

No, I... yup.

[Dishes clattering]

Look, Faith... I...

What?

I don't know.

I mean...

This is kind of...

We're...

You leave tomorrow, and...

And...

I don't know.

Well, look, okay, here we are...

Right?

I mean, we're sharing

this big house together,

and-and I just don't want to

make you feel...

Uncomfortable.

[Giggles]

Charles?

Yeah?

I think you should just

go ahead and kiss me.

I agree.

[♪]

[Groans groggily]

Hey.

Why didn't you wake me?

Honey, you did

all that traveling yesterday.

I thought

you'd want to sleep in.

I always help

with the Christmas pancakes.

Pancakes, um...

No griddle.

I have cereal, though,

and fruit.

You love fruit.

Huh?

Morning.

Good morning.

Why didn't you wake me?

Oh, I...

Well, I wanted...

I wanted to surprise you.

I'm, uh...

[Spatula clattering]

I'm making...

I'm attempting

to make you breakfast.

[Chuckles in delight]

Well, you better make it to go

'cause I have a bus to catch.

Did you forget?

Yeah.

I guess I did.

Okay, well, um...

So...

Right.

[Claps]

Your bus.

Uh...

Would you...

do you want to...

Are you sure can't stay,

have a few...

No, I-I think

I'd better just go.

Okay. Right, yeah.

I'll get my keys.

I will get my bag.

I can't believe

you brought these.

Creature of habit.

Ooh, I have pictures of the Christmas

we made these on my phone.

I scanned all the old Christmas

pictures I gave you a disk, right?

Yeah.

Wait till you see these.

I was looking at them

the other day.

Yeah, I saw them back home.

I love this picture.

And I remember when we took it,

you me and dad...

Honey...

Honey, I...

I don't want to

look at them right now.

Oh, mom...

I'm sorry, I didn't mean

to upset you.

No, no, no, no, no, you didn't.

I love that you look at them.

It's important that...

It's important not to forget.

These last few days

have made me realize

that as nice as it was,

it's just never going to

be the same again,

and when I look at

those pictures, honey...

[Sighs heavily]

I just feel alone.

Maybe this whole

crazy Christmas thing

has been good for me, huh?

It's made me accept

that things change,

and that I may have been

holding onto my past

a little too much.

So...

It's time to take a chance.

Looks like you have

your choice of seats.

Yeah, I guess it's not

a very big travel day.

I guess not.

Faith?

Mm-hmm.

Thank you.

No problem.

[Door hisses open]

Just don't forget

to send me a copy, okay?

Absolutely not.

Okay.

[Door hisses closed]

[Engine starts]

[Banging]

Hey, excuse me?

Open up.

[Laughs]

Faith...

Charles, what are you doing?

You don't really

want to spend Christmas

on a bus, do you?

Of course not.

They why are you getting on one?

Because I...

I thought you wanted me to.

No, I don't want you to.

[Laughs]

Well, then, why didn't you

say something?

I was waiting

for you to say something.

Well, I-I didn't really think

that it was my place

to say something.

May I say something?

I'd really like to

get home for Christmas.

[♪]

Mom.

You know what I want for Christmas,

more than anything else?

You're not angling

for that pony, are you?

Because I can't get a pony...

No.

What I want...

Is for you to get dressed up.

I want you to put on

those earrings Ray gave you,

I want you to look fabulous,

and then...

I want you to go his place

for dinner.

[Laughs]

No.

Why not?

Well, because it's Christmas.

Yeah, and this one Christmas,

we're going to do

something different.

Heather, I am not leaving you

alone for Christmas.

Okay.

Then how about this...

[Sports game plays

on television]

[Door buzzer sounds]

♪ ...to lie on the floor

♪ by the light

of the Christmas tree ♪

♪ and do you remember...

Hey.

It just isn't Christmas

without a tree.

How right you are.

- And we brought Chinese food.

- "We?"

Mm-hmm.

This is Jason.

[Chuckling]

Well, hey, come on in!

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

I got the tree.

Got it?

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

[Together]:

Merry Christmas

♪ Making angels

in the snow ♪

♪ Sun goes down

and the streetlights... ♪

♪ Begin to glow

Hey!

Hi, guys!

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

We made it.

How are you feeling?

I feel good.

The baby's been

kicking up a storm.

[Chatting and laughing]

Let me look at it.

See, I told you we wouldn't be

in the house 30 seconds,

and she'd have

her hand on my stomach.

- Hey...

- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas!

- Merry Christmas.

I was decorating the tree

if you can believe it.

I kind of can't believe it.

Doesn't really

run in the family...

[All chatting merrily]

RIP-FIXES-SYNC

by VaVooM

♪ Do you remember...

♪ Do you remember

remember... ♪

♪ How it used to be?

♪ Come on

and string the lights up ♪

♪ come on outside

♪ let's go

and build the snowman ♪

♪ his winter bride

♪ oh, won't you take a sip...

♪ Raise our voices up

♪ Raise our voices up ♪