A Magical Christmas Village (2022) Movie Script

Light
Is shining in your eyes
And you come alive
It feels like Christmas
You
See it all around
In the sights and sounds
It feels like Christmas
Oh, oh, oh
A little bit of joy
Oh, oh, oh
A little bit of laughter
You
Is everything
you're wishing for
A little bit of Christmas
Bells are ringing
Choirs are singing
This must be the time
A little bit of Christmas
Hearts are glowing
Children smiling
The world is shining bright
A little bit of
Christmas time
Oh, oh, oh
Yeah
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh
A little bit of
Christmas time
Oh, oh, oh
A little bit of joy
Oh, oh, oh
A little bit of laughter
You
It's everything you're
wishing for
A little bit of Christmas
Bells are ringing
Choirs are singing
This must be the time
A little bit of
Christmas time
Oh, oh, oh
A little bit of
Christmas time
[Summer] I know it's hard
to see from the drawings.
[April] You're right,
I couldn't tell a thing
from your blueprints.
But, Summer...
this is amazing.
[sighs] Thank you.
I'm so glad the city
bought this place
instead of tearing it down.
I know, right?
We need to preserve
these gorgeous old buildings.
They just need a little update.
You know, the lease on my shop
isn't up for another six months
but after that,
if there's space, I'm in.
-Hmm.
-That's a deal.
You sure you're gonna be ready
to open the doors
by Christmas Eve?
Oh yeah, as long as
we stay on schedule.
Do you want me to hide your
kids' presents at my house?
Yes, please.
Would you mind picking up Chloe
from school for me today?
I have to go see Mom.
Sure.
She left me a cryptic
message saying
that it was urgent and that
I needed to bring the SUV.
Is it "five-alarm" Viv
or "eureka, I've found
the meaning of life" Viv?
I really have no idea.
I mean, it's Mom.
[radio] And if you're just
tuning in, welcome back
and Merry Christmas.
Hometown for the holidays
and we're bringing you another
half hour of Christmas tunes.
Still not seeing snow in
the forecast or on the slopes
so let's cross our fingers
and sing along.
Well hallelujah, salvation.
Oh darling, don't
you look wonderful?
Mom... have something
you wanna share?
Here. What's mine is yours.
I mean, what's going on?
Well, Merle moved back to
Arizona to be near his kids.
Didn't I tell you that?
No. You didn't tell me that.
You broke up?
Honestly the relationship
was going nowhere.
Just the universe's way of
telling us to move it along.
Yeah, but he just leaves
and you have to get out
of his house?
Oh, no, no, no.
I told him it was okay to put it
on the market.
I mean, who knew it was going
to sell so quickly?
So, you're going home?
No, that's gone.
Your home is gone?
Well, I know I told you that.
The Wilkes Mountain
Animal Rescue just took
the whole thing.
I thought you just rented it
to them.
No, no. Be careful
with that now.
The dreamcatchers
are in there.
Put it on the top.
It's very fragile.
So, you sold it to them,
all of it,
including the acreage.
Who helped you
with the valuation?
Well, they paid what they could.
I didn't need the money
and Merle said I got
a big tax deduction.
No, no, no, no, Mother.
Come on.
You have to take it back.
Oh, don't be silly.
The llamas have settled in.
And besides, I need to find
a place that's smaller.
I need a new start.
Okay. Okay.
So where are you going?
Well, there's a lot of B & B's
and there's no snow so
someone should have room.
It's Christmas.
It's the high season.
You can't just all of a sudden
start looking for a place now.
You should stay with me.
[laughs]
At your house?
Yeah. There's plenty of room.
For you and me
under the same roof?
Yeah. We'll find a way
to make it work, Mom.
And Chloe will love it.
Oh... Chloe.
Well... alright.
Let's give it a try.
Okay. I just need a moment.
I'll finish up.
You go on ahead,
I'll be right behind.
Well, this is it.
Thank you, house.
[bells chiming]
Merry Christmas.
Oh, there you are.
Hey Mom.
Thank you.
What's this?
Your grandma's coming
to live with us.
Yes!
Can she help me with my costume
for the Christmas carnival?
I'm sure she would love to.
Your grandma is an elf expert.
Where do I put the juicer?
Oh, no.
Listen Chloe, I promise you,
if your grandma makes
a shake darker green than...
I don't know, a Christmas tree,
you don't have to drink it.
-You promise?
-I swear.
Here it is.
I saved the best for last.
Oh Chloe, I've got a little
trolley outside.
Will you go get it, sweetie?
Trolley?
Now we need a nice,
empty surface.
Oh, this looks perfect.
Oh, your decor is lovely, dear.
Everything matches beautifully.
Thanks Mom.
Is that our old
Christmas village?
Yes. I haven't seen it
since I moved.
Oh, I just hope that all
the pieces are still intact.
We have a Christmas village?
We do indeed.
It's a big tradition in
Port Clark, Pennsylvania...
where your great-great-great
grandfather Todd came from.
But when he moved to Colorado,
and he couldn't bring his
family's village with him,
so he made one especially
for here.
This looks just like
our hardware store.
Well, of course.
He made a model exactly like
Bryson Falls
the way it looked
way back then.
And if you look in
some of these boxes
you'll find things that look
just the way it does now.
That's so cool.
Mom, is this really where
you wanna put it?
Oh, it's such a nice,
big surface.
Everyone can enjoy it.
Yeah, they won't miss it.
It's just like
the church downtown.
Yeah.
And look... Newlands.
Kind of beat up.
[laughs]
Yes.
Well, it has seen better days.
But thankfully your mom
is fixing it
so it'll be great again.
Mom can fix anything.
Okay. We can set it up here
on the table
but just let me lay down
some felt or something
so that we don't scratch
the surface.
Yeah. Okay. Okay.
I wanna see what it does.
It doesn't do anything.
It just sits there
and collects dust.
I'll be right back.
I'll get some rags
to clean it up.
Your mom never believed in it
but I think this village
is magic.
In fact, I know it is.
It's full of Christmas spirit
and possibility.
-Really?
-Mmhmm.
You just make a wish
and watch what happens.
But where do the people go?
Anywhere you want.
Oh Chloe... let your
imagination fly.
Oh, look, Mom, I cleared out
a drawer here
for all of your stuff.
Oh, oh, oh, oh...
No, no, no dear.
Here, let me have these.
It's easier for me
if they're handy.
You know, if I can see them
it inspires me to use them.
Well, you don't have to do
anything tonight.
I'll make dinner
and you relax.
Oh, don't be silly.
I can pull my own weight.
Of course you can, Mom,
but I've already started
prepping some chicken.
Oh... buckwheat pilaf would be
a perfect side dish.
Good thing I brought buckwheat
and mushrooms.
Chloe, how's math going
these days?
Still hate it.
Right. That's why you should
be doing that homework first.
Why don't you go get
your homework?
You just can't wait to get back
to that village.
You know, we never gave
kids homework
at the Spencer's School.
It's too... stifling.
You go on, sweetie.
Go on.
Chloe, I said you have to go
do your homework first.
So, please go get it.
Mom, we have rules in this house
and those rules are set in place
so that we can get what we need
done when we need it done
and that we get where
we need to be on time.
Oh, I see.
And everything will just crumble
if Chloe plays for a while.
Yes. Yes, they would crumble,
okay?
She has to do her homework.
She can't show up
at school tomorrow
and say she didn't do
her homework
because she felt stifled.
She has to get it done.
And she likes to do her homework
before dinner
so that she can play and have a
little screen time after dinner.
Please, let me be in charge
of the schedule.
Of course.
You're in charge.
Yes. I am.
Control is an illusion, Summer.
If I taught you nothing else
I thought you at least
learned that.
Mom, can we please
not do this?
Alright, alright.
I've released it.
This is your path.
It's not for me to change it.
But... for your own sake,
I wish you would just learn
to let go a little.
You know, learn to let some good
come into your life.
Who knows?
You might even have a love life.
[sighs]
My life is full.
My daughter is happy.
I'm happy, that's a lot.
Of course it is.
I don't need a love life,
I'm not greedy.
Love isn't greedy, sweetheart.
[magical music]
[upbeat holiday music]
Mom gave her house
to Buddhists?
Oh. No, four-legged llamas.
Oh.
But I don't know if she sold it
or if she just got a tax break.
The point is, she doesn't have
anywhere to live.
No. No, no, no, no, no.
Mom needs a home,
her roots in the ground,
her stuff on the walls.
You know how she is.
I do know.
How is she as a roommate?
We're both trying very hard
but she pushes my buttons.
She's already told me
that I need a love life.
Well...
Okay, no piling on.
I'm not exactly.
I mean, I would never say it
because that's just not me.
But now that Mom has said it
you feel free?
Look, I am dating, okay?
It's just there hasn't been a
spark or a, you know, whatever.
Uh-huh.
Ooh. This would be some nice
stuff for the wreaths.
Oh yeah, the wreaths.
Alright. So, are the kids
still into it?
The Todd family annual free
expression Christmas wreaths?
Um, yes, exactly.
Ooh.
"No rules, just let
your imagination fly."
Yeah, only I have one rule.
It's mandatory.
[Summer laughs]
I mean, Sam and Molly
still love it.
Wyatt is a bit too tween so who
knows what he will come up with.
-Wow.
-Really good.
Very good.
Well, it'll be fun.
You know, I could take Vivian
for a while.
Sam could bunk in with Wyatt.
But you like your marriage,
right?
And you wanna keep it?
Yeah, she doesn't set me off
like she does you.
That might be true
but Vivian had a little chat
with me last night after dinner
about how she wants
to talk to Matt
about his plumbing business
because she thinks that
it congests his chakras.
Okay. Well, never mind.
[laughs]
But I can take her for walks
away from the house.
I appreciate it but I'm okay.
Oh. We'll, um, keep her in tow
for the time being.
You know she's not a kid.
She acts like a kid and she has
all these opinions and no plan.
You know what?
I have a plan.
I've already talked
to a realtor...
we're gonna look
at houses later.
-Split it with you.
-Amazing.
[Chloe] I'm home.
You decide about that wall?
[Summer] I just don't
see it yet.
I don't know, maybe we should
just leave it raw.
For now anyway, we should focus
on moving the Christmas tree
over to the corner,
give us more room.
I'll have the crew move it.
Great. I'm gonna start
taking down
some of the breakable ornaments,
okay?
Thank you.
Oh, hey Cliff...
Can I help?
[gasps]
I make that catch 20 percent
of the time
so count yourself lucky.
I'm Ryan Scott.
Summer Ashby.
Hi.
What are you doing here?
I mean... can I help you?
Yeah. I'm, uh, volunteering
for the annual toy drive.
Oh. I don't run that anymore.
Uh, it just became too much.
Dealing with all of this,
getting it ready
before Christmas.
Right, I know. I mean that's...
that's why I'm here.
I'm running it now.
Oh.
Thought it'd be a good way
to get a feel for the town.
You're new in town?
Yeah, a couple months now.
Okay then. Well, I mean, sure is
a good way to meet people.
Yeah. Yeah.
I need some help,
I was wondering if you had
a corner of this space
we could use for
the toy drive?
We need a central
collecting point.
Oh yeah, yeah.
I can definitely have a space
cleared out for you.
You're the boss here?
Well, the city owns the building
but I'm the architect
and the designer,
so, I guess, I am for right now.
Really? Wow, you do
really great work.
Thank you.
Most architects wouldn't
take time to appreciate
the rafter joist
connection there.
It's really smart.
Well, my whole concept is
to accentuate and enhance
the original foundation,
so it...
You know architecture.
I do, yes. A little bit.
Well, I will definitely
make sure
something is set up
for the toys.
-Great.
-Okay.
-Thank you.
-Yeah, no problem.
Do you wanna get dinner
some time?
Um...
I mean, not tonight.
Tomorrow?
Yeah. Tomorrow that'd...
that'd be great.
[Ryan] Um, how about Lucia's?
I think you mean DeLuca's.
DeLuca's, yes.
I'm new in town.
-I love it.
-Great.
Um... 7:00? Is that too...
Perfect.
Okay.
Great. I'll see you there.
[Ryan] See you there.
Okay.
[Summer] How old is the roof?
It was replaced about
seven years ago.
Okay. Central air?
Water heater?
Also seven years old.
And yes, central air.
Okay. Uh, do you have
an inspection report
I could look at?
I can get it for you.
These rooms get a lot of light.
Oh yeah, it's beautiful.
Mom, what do you think?
The garden is nice but that room
right off the living room,
absolutely not.
The feng shui is terrible.
It's only been on the market
two days.
It won't last.
Maybe you could just put
some plants everywhere,
hang some pictures?
No. It won't work.
-This is not it.
-[Summer sighs]
So, is that in the ballpark?
What's your range?
Well, two bedrooms
are plenty.
That's not what I meant.
And I need a garden.
Well, the house doesn't have
to be huge but...
but I'll know it
when I see it.
See, like that house over there.
Now that'd be perfect
but it's not for sale.
But, we can find something
just like that, okay?
Okay. Thanks for this,
sweetie.
I think I'm gonna walk back.
I need to fill my lungs
with spruce.
See ya later.
Bye.
[sighs]
[playful music]
Okay. Here we go.
Got it?
That'll get it.
Hey, we decorate tonight.
Your niece and nephew
are baking cookies
especially for Uncle Ryan.
I will definitely be there.
We could get used to
having you around.
I could get used to it too.
It feels good.
-Yeah?
-Yeah.
What happened?
I don't know.
Maybe nothing.
We'll see.
Oh.
Hi, sweetie.
Hi, Mom.
-What are you doing?
-Homework.
Oh, what?
Uh... I have to write a report
about a Christmas tradition
and I'm doing it on
the Christmas village.
'Kay. Where's the homework part?
I'm visualizing.
[laughs]
Okay.
Um, has your grandma
come back yet?
Yeah, I think she's in the
garden preparing something
for a winter "solsteads."
-The winter solstice, right.
-Oh.
Well, your grandma has
the best garden in town,
so she knows what she's doing.
I'm gonna start making dinner.
Um, if you've finished with all
this really important homework,
maybe we can watch a show after.
Yeah.
[Summer] Great.
[magical music]
[upbeat holiday music]
...Yeah, I just asked her out.
[April] Just like that?
He asked me out two minutes
after we met.
That is sudden.
That's good, right?
Told you you'd like this place.
Yeah, it was
the weirdest thing.
I don't even know
if she's single,
it just flew outta my mouth.
So I should dress casual,
right?
Wait. You said yes?
You think it's a bad idea?
No. No.
I'm just surprised.
I was too.
It just all happened so fast,
you know.
But maybe it's nothing.
Maybe he's just looking to meet
new people in town, you know?
But...
But she said yes.
Yeah, but I don't know.
That's the spirit.
There was a spark.
Mmhmm?
Maybe. I don't wanna make
a big deal out of this.
Alright, this should be
enough wood
to get me through a couple
cold nights.
Don't tell me you're
taking off then.
You just said you met someone.
Give it time.
I know. I got a house.
A rental.
For six months with an option.
And there's a pantry
and I'll fill it with food
and, you know, cook.
I know your divorce
was brutal but...
Chris, I am trying.
I know. I'll shut up.
Listen, have fun tonight.
Yeah. I will.
[peaceful music]
Okay. So lucky to have had
the chard and the kale.
Ah, perfect.
Sounds amazing.
Oh, good morning sweetheart.
Good morning, Mom.
[Vivian] Hi sweetie.
Thanks Gran.
Oh, I'm so glad you liked it.
I'm making more.
Look at that, a quote
on the refrigerator.
We used to do this when I was
a kid, Chloe.
"There's no such thing
in anyone's life
"as an unimportant day."
Oprah.
[laughs]
No.
Alexander Woollcott.
Okay, smart guy.
It could've been Oprah.
Yeah, it could've been.
Well, you're in a good mood.
Oh. We need a Christmas quote
very soon.
Oh, me. I'll do it.
Oh. Oh, here's the last
of this, sweetie,
because I know you liked it
so much.
[playful music]
All is going well.
I'm settled in.
[laughs]
Yeah.
It feels like freedom
and it's glorious.
Alright, we'll have lunch soon.
Bye-bye.
I'm sorry. I didn't mean
to eavesdrop,
but for what it's worth,
freedom is glorious.
[laughs]
And what is freedom really?
Oh, uh... freedom is being
your own boss
and freedom is not answering
to anyone.
Well, I've answered to people
most of my life
and I've always been free.
Are... are you stuck?
You wanna shop locally?
Here.
Roy and Stacy Chambers
grow these organically.
They are loaded with
beta carotene and great flavor.
-You don't want this.
-Oh!
-Here, take this.
-Um...
They're good for you.
Enjoy.
Thank you.
Okay... bye everyone.
Oh darling, you look wonderful.
Oh, thanks.
I won't be late.
It's a work thing.
Yeah, that dress just screams
construction site.
[Vivian] Chloe, come on, dinner.
[Chloe] Coming, Grandma.
[Ryan] ...But you didn't
come back right away?
No, I stayed out east.
I loved it there and there were
so many great job opportunities.
Thank you.
Um... it's only when
I decided to have Chloe
that I wanted to be closer
to family.
Ah... right.
That makes sense.
So what brings you
to Bryson Falls?
Well, my brother moved here
a couple years ago
with his family.
They fell in love
with the place,
he said it felt like home.
So I decided to give it a try.
Give it a try?
Is this a test?
-No, it's not a test.
-[Summer laughs]
-Exactly.
-Hmm.
-Although maybe it is.
-[Summer laughs]
Oh, thank you.
I, uh... I travel a lot
for work.
Hm. That must be tough.
Yeah, it can be.
But it's also good.
New experiences.
But then there's also
lots of hotel living.
It's a trade-off,
you weigh it out.
Do you make lists?
You know, pros and cons?
Yes. Totally make lists.
How else are you supposed
to make an informed decision?
Exactly!
Does your family give you
a hard time about it too?
All the time.
But when you engineer bridges
for a living...
Yeah, nobody wants you
to play it by ear.
No. No. No surprises.
Yeah, I'm not a fan.
Although surprises seem to be
working out for me this week.
So, tell me about
this winter carnival.
Well, it's a benefit for
the Bryson Falls Hospital.
Yes.
And everyone in town
helps decorate the booths.
There's a bake sale
and cookie contest.
Ah.
And that's when we give away
the toys from the drive.
Mmhmm.
Mm. There are games.
And there's gotta be a Santa,
right?
Uh, yeah, you'd think except
for that he was booked that day.
Oh.
So, um, all the volunteers
are just gonna help give away
the donated toys and I hope
someone warned you
that there is a costume
for you.
-Costume? Wait...
-Yeah.
You wear a costume?
Oh no, no, no.
I don't wear costumes.
I bribed to stand in.
You don't wear costumes, okay.
Noted.
Did you know that the town
was gonna tear down Newlands
and put in a box store?
They were gonna put
a box store down here?
That is so wrong.
Oh yeah, totally out of place.
I mean...
It's was crazy, but it took me
so long to convince them
that I could redesign
the old store
and fill it with
way more shops
than you could get in
one of those boxy messes.
Well you did some amazing work.
-And that hardware store...
-Mm.
It has a really old foundation
but I know if I could
shore it up,
I could turn it into...
Sorry. I ramble.
No, you're not rambling at all.
I like listening to you talk.
[laughs]
[romantic music]
That's beautiful.
Yeah.
[Summer] Let's look.
See, it's things
like this old gazebo.
Why do you have to tear down
things just 'cause they're old.
You could keep what's good
and fix the stuff
you need to fix.
I couldn't agree more.
You know, you should
run everything.
[laughs]
I think so too.
Yeah, there are definitely
a lot of possibilities here.
I agree.
So...
That was fun.
You sound surprised.
[laughs]
No, it's, it's okay.
I mean, I was too.
-I know what you mean.
-Yeah, it was unexpected.
-Exactly.
-A nice surprise.
-Yeah.
-Yeah.
Yeah.
Thank you.
Of course.
Yeah, thank you.
Um...
-Good night.
-Good night.
Good night.
Okay.
[magical music]
[cheerful music]
Oh, hey.
We have a Christmas quote
on the refrigerator.
"The best way of spreading
Christmas cheer
"is singing loud
for all to hear."
Who do you think that is?
Charles Dickens.
Santa?
It's Buddy the Elf.
Oh right, Buddy.
Yeah, that'd have been
my second guess.
Ladies, time to get going.
Okay.
[Vivian] What?
Oh, she loves this bow.
-[Chloe] I need to fix this.
-[Vivian] Okay.
Okay, well you both
are gonna help
Aunt April, Uncle Matt, right?
A lot of decorating left to do.
It looks great.
What have you got there, Molly?
Let's see.
Oh.
It should be a little more
scattered, don't you think?
I mean, they look like
they're marching in formation.
Yeah, but it's her vision,
right?
It's what Molly and April
had in mind
so we're gonna leave them
to it.
Well, alright. Alright April.
[laughs]
Okay. I have to go check
with the catering company
about tonight. Bye.
Let's add a few more,
just add a few more.
[Molly] You go first, Grandma.
[Vivian] Oh, thank you
sweetheart.
Oh. Hi.
Hi.
Um, wow, we've put you to work,
haven't we?
Ah, yeah.
In fact, I noticed that your
ticket booth was a little uneven
so I put some lateral struts
to really beef it up.
Oh.
If we ever get that snowstorm
you're gonna be fine.
I hope we do have
that snowstorm.
[chuckles]
[playful music]
-Are you seeing that?
-Yeah, I am.
Hold my gun.
Hey, I, uh... had a really
fun time the other night.
-I did too.
-Great.
You're about to meet my sister.
Hi.
April this is Ryan Scott.
Ryan, this is my sister,
April Dutton.
Nice to meet you.
I heard you're in charge of
the toy drive this year.
You heard right.
Well, my husband,
he's not on the list
but he put a donation box out
at his office, 20 employees.
Wow, that's... that's great.
Uh, tell him to text me
and we'll set up a drop off.
Sounds perfect.
Um... did you say it was okay
for Mom to change all of
your decorations?
Oh, for five minutes.
Uh, let me go.
-Uh, nice to meet you, Ryan.
-Nice to meet you.
So that's your gang?
Oh, yes, yes.
I guess it is.
Um, my sister and her husband
and their kids.
And my Mom and that's
my daughter, Chloe.
That is my gang over there.
[Summer] Oh.
[Ryan] My brother Chris,
his wife, Melanie.
That's, uh, Jason their son
and, um, Emily is my niece.
-[Summer] Aww.
-[Ryan] Yeah.
Okay, well, um,
I am supposed to-
Yeah, I should get back to...
-But yeah, um...
-Paint.
Oh yeah, right, of course.
Okay.
-I'll, uh...
-See ya.
-See ya. Bye.
You love caroling.
I can't believe you didn't wanna
go with Mom and the kids.
Hey guys, one second.
You know, it's good for her
to have some alone time.
Some, some grandma moments,
you know?
Hey. Um... I almost forgot
to give you my business card.
You can tell your husband
to text me and, uh...
we'll arrange the toy drop.
Thank you.
Yeah. And, uh...
I'll see you around.
Oh... yeah.
Okay. Great.
Okay.
Bye.
Thank you.
Look at you.
No. No, no.
I approve.
Okay. Just, nothing
to see here.
Move along.
Move along.
I mean, it was great but...
There's just something...
What, you're waiting for the
anvil to fall out of the sky?
I am.
Okay, well, let's get you
a helmet.
Try and enjoy it.
[telephone ringing]
Sorry. She's still
not answering.
A text?
Oh, she doesn't believe
in them.
Um... you know what, why don't I
just look at it myself?
-Great.
-Okay.
Gran, what is this supposed
to be?
Oh, that's an ice skating pond.
But we don't have a pond
in Bryson Falls.
[laughs]
No, not anymore.
They drained it and built
an artificial skating rink
in the very same spot.
People thought it was
more practical.
Why is Chloe wearing a boa?
Because it's fabulous.
[laughs]
That it is.
I'm gonna make one for all of us
for our Christmas PJ's.
Not a costumes girl.
Mom doesn't do costumes.
[Summer] Mom, you
were supposed to meet me
and the realtor at 2:30.
[Vivian] Oh, I'm so sorry,
honey.
Yes, I forgot.
Here... okay,
I'll look this over.
Can you please...
But there's really great
features in this one.
[Summer] No long hallways.
Okay, I said I'll look it over.
There's no need to manage
everything, Summer.
Where do the batteries go?
[magical music]
Do you have any
with lines?
Uh... I have some.
Hold on.
Angie, I'm gonna need
a diary, please.
-Be right with you.
-Okay.
For all your secret thoughts?
Oh... [laughs]
No, for my daughter, Chloe.
What about you?
It's for my niece, Emily.
It was on her Christmas list.
Pro tip, get one with a lock.
Really? She's eight.
What could she possibly be
writing about that's...
you know what, I'm not gonna
finish that sentence.
It needs a lock.
-Yeah.
-Here's a bunch.
Wow. That's a lot of choices.
How do I choose?
Uh... does Emily have
a favorite color?
She does, magenta.
Mostly because I think she just
likes saying the word "magenta".
That's a good word.
I don't even think I know
what one is magenta.
Uh, that one.
Ah. Thank you.
I'll take it.
Oh, and I'll take this one
for Chloe. Thank you.
Perfect.
-There you go.
-Excellent, thanks.
And here, uh...
thank you so much.
[Angie] Thank you.
Thank you for making
that so easy.
Oh... sometimes it just is.
Yeah.
You, um, seem to be having
a lot of fun with your family.
I am. Being an uncle is great.
Being an aunt is great too.
All the fun, no tuition.
Yeah, I finally get to make
reindeer pancakes this year
for Christmas morning.
It's a family tradition.
Buttermilk?
What other kind is there?
Good point. And then?
In the afternoon we watch
"It's a Wonderful Life"
and we try to say
the next line,
and shout it out before
everyone else.
[laughs]
That sounds fun.
So what about you?
Oh... uh, well we spend all day
in our Christmas PJ's
and then we switch over to ugly
Christmas sweaters for dinner.
Mmhmm.
But I like the movie idea.
Oh, feel free to borrow it.
Ah, I will.
So, um... you and your brother
are close?
Yeah, we are.
We have some catching up to do.
There was a time when I needed
to put some distance
between me and my dad
and I didn't spend a lot
of time with Chris.
Oh. Why the distance?
Uh... Dad can be tough.
It's either his way
or the highway.
He knew exactly what I was
supposed to do with my life
and he wanted me to do
the same thing he did
and there was no way
I was gonna do that.
What did he want you to do?
Be a civil engineer.
But aren't you...?
A civil engineer, yes.
[laughs]
And the worst part is,
I love it.
Ah, well that is terrible.
[laughs]
Yeah.
I tried so many other
things first.
Did you, really?
Uh-huh.
I was a chef.
I was a ski instructor.
I even studied economics.
But it turns out I had
a talent for engineering
and he was right.
[laughs]
I hate it when that happens.
Yeah. Has that happened
with your mom, Vivian?
Oh yeah.
My mom has a direct line of
communication with the universe.
Sends her memos and then she
distributes the information.
Well, uh... I really enjoyed
chatting with you.
Oh. Yeah, me too.
I'll see you soon.
Soon?
Do you think Mom is okay?
Well, she definitely
called me out when I told her
she shouldn't have stairs
in her place.
[laughs]
April...
I can't believe
you said that.
Do you think maybe she
could be sick?
-No.
-Okay.
Definitely not.
No, she wakes up
at the crack of dawn
to make those
vile green juices.
[laughs]
She rearranges my kitchen
and then she's busy all day
with her friends or whatever.
Yeah, well that's why she
blew me off this afternoon.
There's definitely something
strange going on.
Wait...
[laughs]
Wait, like, stranger
than normal strange?
Stranger.
[laughs]
Definitely stranger.
Okay. I'm gonna suss out
what is going on with Mom.
-We'll figure it out.
-Okay.
Have you seen Ryan?
Gulp. Um, yeah.
I, uh, I ran into him today.
Oh. And no anvils
fell outta the sky.
No. No... no anvils yet.
Mmhmm.
This is a conversation
about Mom.
I... that's all I have to
announce at this moment in time.
Did the painters update
their schedule?
I mean, Christmas Eve
is only eight days away.
We're on track for that.
Hey Summer, do you have a place
where I can stash these gifts?
Yeah, I made a space
for you over there.
Thanks.
Okay. Are we gonna have time
to put art on the walls
after the paint dries?
[magical music]
[Cliff] Shouldn't be a problem.
[Summer] Cliff, you're
a lifesaver.
So I know that you
are super busy
but if you can take an hour
one of the donations
gave me an idea.
Um...
Trust me, it'll be fun.
-[Ryan] Got it?
-[Summer] Yeah.
-[Ryan] I'm right here.
-[Summer] Yeah, sure.
No problem.
-[Ryan] Whoa.
-[Summer] I'm just gonna
sit down.
Okay. Good idea.
I can't believe I'm doing this,
I haven't been on skates
since I was 12 years old.
Well, I'm sure it's just like
riding a bicycle.
That's easy for you to say.
You were a hockey player, right?
Yup. A little bit.
But that was a long time ago.
I can't remember the last time
I was on the ice.
And you just suddenly thought
this was a good idea?
Yeah, it surprised me too.
Okay. I'm ready.
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
Sorry, sorry, sorry...
Now, I'm ready.
-Okay.
-Okay. Okay.
I might need to hold onto you.
Is that okay?
Of course. You're gonna find
your edges in no time flat.
[magical music]
[Vivian] Chloe, come on, dinner.
[Chloe] Coming Grandma.
Ahh! Ahhhh!!!
Whoa!!!
[both laugh]
I'm so sorry.
That's okay, I got you.
Oh!
Here, let me help you.
Okay. Alright.
-I'll just...
-Yeah, give me your hand.
-Okay.
-Okay.
-Oh.
-Oh.
Wow, that was really graceful.
Yeah, yeah.
Do you need to take a break?
No.
It is a challenge now and
I'm going to figure this out.
Okay. I will not stand
in your way.
-Okay. Thank you.
-Okay.
Well, maybe if you could
stand in my way,
like, you know,
just a little bit.
I'm here for you.
Don't leave me on my own.
Okay.
-Oh.
-No. Thank you.
Oh, this house.
This house has been here
since before I was born.
Grandma, how does magic work?
Well, that's a mystery
for the ages.
How will I know
if it's working?
Well, will you know when
your wish comes true?
I think so.
There you go.
Have you finished your homework?
You used to be fun.
[Vivian chuckles]
[magical music]
This was a wonderful surprise.
Are you surprised by that fact?
Totally.
Well I hope you get
used to it
because that is just
the beginning.
I, uh... found plans for
the old hardware store,
and you're right,
the foundation is a mess.
But I just made this quick
digital rendering
of how we could use
precast concrete to
retrofit the foundation.
I've never worked
with this before.
Could you do it?
Mmhmm.
I mean, will you be around?
-Oh.
-Uh.
-I didn't... see I...
-No, I...
What I meant was...
-No, not at all.
-I didn't mean...
I have time between jobs,
so, yeah.
But the city owns
the building, right?
You think you could sell them
on this idea?
-Oh, I will.
-Okay.
You know, you are way better
at surprises than you thought.
I'll take that as a compliment.
You should.
Most guys would've just come up
with flowers or something.
That would've been
very disappointing.
Nah, roses. They have nothing
on a good schematic.
-Hey.
-Yeah.
What do you think of that?
I saw that too.
-Do you think that we...
-Absolutely.
I mean, if we just blew
out this wall...
-Exactly.
-We could just really expand.
And we could put reinforcements
right here and here.
Oh.
Chloe, what are you
still doing awake?
It's past your bedtime.
In my defense,
this is for school.
[sighs] Okay.
How was your day?
[sighs] I know what's happening
here but thank you for asking.
I had a good day.
In fact, I went skating today.
You went skating,
like ice skating?
Mmhmm. It was super fun too.
I fell but only one time
which was pretty impressive.
I think we should go again
this weekend before the wreaths.
Who'd you go with?
Uh... well, I went
with a friend.
And as it turns out
he's a good skater.
So, is this a work friend
or a "friend" friend?
A bit of both, I guess.
Anyway, uh, we have to wrap
this conversation up.
How much longer
is your homework?
Ten minutes?
Okay. Ten more minutes
and that's it.
[Muah] Love you.
[magical music]
[fire crackling]
[peaceful music]
[sighs]
But I don't have...
Wait, I have more...
Oh, these are Mom's.
She's in trouble.
No wonder.
[cheerful music]
Ooh, these are perfect.
-They smell delicious, Grandma.
-Mmhmm.
-Good morning.
-Isn't it, though?
"Everything you can imagine
is real."
I guess, Walt Disney.
Doctor Seuss.
No. Pablo Picasso.
That one's especially for you,
Chloe.
Imagine it and you can
create it.
[whispers] It's not
that dark green, okay?
Just down the hatch.
[whispers] Not bad?
I put some more apples in it
so you wouldn't throw it out.
Now you finish that
and you can have a gluten-free
Christmas cookie.
Hey, that's not a bad deal.
Mom. I need to talk to you
for a minute.
Mmm. This is so good.
Not right now, sweetie,
I'm late.
Have a good day.
Uh, no. We really do need
to talk though, later.
Hello.
Hi.
Wow. This is...
Creative chaos.
You know, not the kind of thing
that freaks me out so much
I can hardly breathe.
Well, since you put it
that way,
is it okay if people drop off
presents today?
We can set up out front.
That is a great idea.
Basically I'm doing nothing
except watch paint dry
for the next 48 hours so
I would love to help you.
How about that?
-Okay.
-Good idea, huh?
Okay.
-So good.
-Yeah.
[Summer laughs]
Oh, my gosh.
-Hey, you two.
-Hey.
My car is full of toys.
Would you mind unloading?
I'll be right back.
Great.
Um, can you come over later?
It's Viv.
"Eureka" Viv or
"five-alarm" Viv?
At least five alarms.
Okay, I'll text you.
Yeah, thanks.
So what's "five-alarm Viv"?
A crisis but we'll be able
to fix it.
-Hmm.
-What?
Do you realize how much you do?
What do you mean?
Well, I mean...
between your business,
your daughter Chloe,
your family,
fixing what's broken
in this town...
Uh, I guess I just like
to be in charge.
Ask anyone.
I mean, you don't have
to downplay it.
It's good.
I mean, you have skill.
You have a real skill.
What about you?
You do a lot.
Your career, all that
traveling you do.
Yeah, but it's just me.
You do a lot.
Your life is a lot.
I don't think it's that much.
I mean, you know...
I make it work.
Yeah. Oh, sure.
Thanks. Oh, hi.
Hey. So, everyone wanted
to contribute.
Some of the kids in the hospital
love to draw.
-Aw, that's perfect.
-Great, thank you so much.
-Here, I'll take this.
-No, no I'm okay.
-You got it?
-Yeah, I got it.
Bye.
[cheerful music]
It's like a giant toy
Jenga thing.
Yeah, or a piata.
Now all we have to do
is wrap them.
Oh. Do you have the paper?
We could get started.
Oh, that's okay.
You don't need to help
with that,
I got a bunch of volunteers
coming on the 23rd
and they need a job.
Right. Of course.
Uh, well, I'm starved.
Do you wanna get some lunch?
Oh. I, uh, I have a thing,
so...
Oh. Okay.
Actually, do you wanna
have dinner?
On Tuesday?
-Next week?
-Yeah.
Sure.
Great.
-Okay.
-Great.
[magical music]
[reading] "For he'd been fast
asleep all the year
"and he'd polished up his
pretty wings really shiny.
"And then they went off...
Mom...
Get out of the way.
"He showed his pretty
wings and then they went
off into the...
You go away. You're gonna
get me sacked.
Now where were we
with that little Spice?
[Summer] Okay.
"He danced along.
"The magic dream man
had found his dream."
[April] You're sure she's broke?
[Summer] And that's why she took
a job at the daycare.
Bingo. Do we just...
dig in?
I don't know.
I'm starting to feel weird
about it.
Maybe we should only look at
papers that seem financial.
It's just a lot of colors.
No labels or anything.
But maybe that is her filing
system, you know, the colors.
Which color's finance, green?
No, she would use
chakra colors.
Mm. Mmhmm.
'Kay.
Well, there's gotta be something
in here that's useful.
No, not that.
So frustrating.
I mean, I had Mom all setup
on auto pay,
I don't know what happened.
After Dad died I got it
all worked out.
You were 16.
There was no auto pay.
No, of course not.
But you remember when
the power went out?
What was that, like six months
after Dad died?
Yup.
She forgot to pay the bills
and so I went to the bank
and I helped work with them
to figure something out
so they'd pay it automatically
and Mom approved it
and that was that.
Wait, why didn't I know
any of that?
You were young
and it was handled.
Then she gets involved with
Merle and moves in with him
and then she sells the house.
I mean, she didn't sell it.
She practically gave it away.
Yeah, I still can't
believe that.
She said she didn't need
the money.
Well, in her mind, she didn't
need the money.
She had everything she needed.
[sighs]
Okay. Okay.
So when I looked
at that statement,
it did show that
she was receiving
that retirement money
every month.
And then she also
has that job, right,
so that's a little bit
of money.
Yeah.
[sighs]
You know, it was really generous
of her with the house.
Yeah.
Remember Christmas there?
Of course, the best.
She would put wreaths on each
of our doors every year.
Yeah, yeah.
She always did Christmas well.
Yeah. She said it's okay.
She said she's ready
for something new.
Yeah, well, she needs
a home.
I know.
What do we do?
I don't know.
[April sighs]
I just don't know.
[cheerful music]
Hi.
[laughs]
Hey. Hello.
Hi.
Shopping locally?
[laughs]
I actually just told my brother
I'd come look at this house.
You had to be talked into it?
Well, I'm... I'm not really
in the market.
You?
I'm window shopping.
And then I'm going off
for a glorious day
with my grandchildren.
We're gonna do our favorite
Christmas project.
That does sound glorious.
Does it really?
Does it to you?
Oh yeah. Sure.
But it is hard for me to imagine
my life going that way.
You know, that happening.
I had my shot.
It didn't work out.
You know things do come
in their perfect time.
I tell you what...
for now I'm gonna hold
that vision for you
until you can see it
for yourself.
Does that really work?
All the time.
Especially at Christmas.
Oh, she's a beauty,
isn't she?
Yeah.
[upbeat holiday music]
[April] Ugh, I've been thinking
about it all night.
[summer] Ugh, me too.
We have an attached garage,
we could turn it into
an apartment for her.
Wait. Slow down, April.
You're skating too fast.
Sorry.
I... don't think that's
a good idea.
It would be so expensive.
We just need to find a place
for Mom to rent.
Yeah, but can she even
afford that?
I don't know but she can
stay with us
until we figure something out.
Or not if you want anything
to happen with Ryan.
-[gasps] April!
-What?
[Chloe] Mom! Mom, look.
Oh yeah.
Get it, Chloe.
[Chloe] Wanna see it again?
[both] Yes.
[laughs]
[Summer] Yes!
Sorry, sorry.
I'm good, I'm good.
You obviously did not get
your ice skating skills from me.
No. She clearly got them
from me.
[laughs] Yeah.
Alright. I think I have
everything on the table
but if you need anything else
just holler.
Okay Wyatt, time's up.
Let's see some Christmas spirit
if you want screen time later.
I'm totally full of
Christmas cheer.
Ugh.
Can I put some black ribbon
on mine?
No.
Well, of course you can.
If that's what you feel.
The rules in this house are,
there are no rules.
So whatever you feel about
Christmas, go on, express it.
It's all good.
Just start expressing
with the rest of us, Wyatt.
You got a Christmas village?
[Chloe] Yeah, Grandma
brought it.
Wow. Is this Grandpa Todd's
old village?
I haven't seen this in years.
What does it do?
Oh, nothing.
[Chloe] Nothing we know of.
Does it play music
or light up?
-[Summer] No.
-[April] Sometimes.
[Vivian & Chloe] Yes.
Let's plug it in.
Oh, there are no plugs.
There are no lights or anything.
Well, there must be batteries.
I know I saw it lit up.
What did you wish for?
Did I wish for anything?
I don't remember.
It was Christmas.
You must've wished something.
[April] You're right.
[Summer] Hey, everyone.
Our song is on.
[all singing] On the first day
of Christmas,
my true love gave to me
a partridge in a pear tree
On the second day
of Christmas...
Okay everyone, get upstairs
and brush your teeth.
Come on.
Go, go, go.
Come on, Chloe.
[children laughing]
Oh, thank you so much.
"The great thing
about getting older
"is that you don't lose all the
other ages that you have been."
Do you know?
I remember that one.
It was the "Wrinkle in Time"
author.
Madeleine L'Engle
and that was one of my favorite
all-time books.
That's because the heroine
is just like you.
Aww.
Here's to a perfect day.
-Cheers.
-Cheers.
Okay, so Mom...
we need to talk about
your situation.
[laughs]
I don't have a situation.
I've worn out my welcome?
-No.
-No.
-No, not at all.
-No, Mom.
Mom, it's just that
I'm worried...
[children chattering
in the distance]
Ah... I will handle this.
Thank you so much.
Kids...
You're supposed to be brushing
your teeth.
You worry enough for everyone.
You took a job at the daycare
and you didn't even tell us.
Of course I'm worried.
Why do I have to tell you?
I was a teacher for 30 years.
Right.
Every time you say worry,
I think I failed
to teach you anything
about how to live a life.
April and I just
wanna understand
your financial situation.
So you can, what,
worry more?
No. So that we can
help you.
We're trying to help you find
the perfect house.
You don't wanna miss out
because you weren't checking
out the right opportunity,
you weren't looking
at every house.
That is not gonna happen.
This is all gonna come together
in its own perfection.
Yeah sure, okay.
If you could just give me
some guidance,
some limits, how much
can you afford?
Will you please stop worrying
about me?
This need you have to manage.
It's exhausting, Summer.
You spend so much time
fixing things,
you don't have any time
to just look, to see.
The universe fixes things
for you?
You know how it does that?
I do it.
Ever since Dad died I have been
the one cleaning up after you.
You like to talk about how life
is this big, beautiful buffet.
And yeah, I guess maybe it is,
but someone has to make sure
that the check gets paid.
You think I wouldn't have loved
to have been a normal teenager
who just thinks about school
and prom and boys
and I didn't have to worry?
No.
No, I don't think you would've
loved it.
I may not pay every bill
on time
but I am responsible
for my life
and I believe in a little
Christmas magic too.
I'm sorry, my sweet darling,
that you aren't capable
of believing.
Nobody asked you
to be my keeper.
Summer? Are you okay?
Yeah, I'm fine.
Just... just... here.
Please, just give me a minute.
Merry Christmas.
[peaceful music]
[Chloe] Mom, you did a quote?
"I have not failed.
"I just found 10,000 ways
that don't work."
Elon Musk?
Oh. That is a really
good guess.
Thomas Edison.
And then he invented
the lightbulb.
Is Gran coming back?
She's just visiting your
Aunt April and your cousins.
Mom, it's been four days.
Yeah, well there are
a lot of them.
Listen...
Chloe, would you be okay if
Grandma came to live with us?
Yes, of course.
Aren't you sad
that she's gone too?
Yeah. I am.
I could make one of her
famous shakes for us
to make us feel better.
No, thank you.
[phone ringing]
Oh, just a second.
Hello?
[Ryan] Hi. Morning.
I hope it's not too early
to call.
No. Not at all.
Um, we still on
for tonight?
Yeah. Yeah, I think...
I think so.
Good. Um, DeLuca's okay again?
Sure. Whatever you want.
[Ryan] I mean, we could try
something else,
um... whatever you want.
Well, why don't you
surprise me?
You're better at it
than you think.
Yeah. Yeah.
Yeah, I am.
-Um, hey, uh...
-[Chloe clears throat]
[Ryan] There's actually
something that...
Uh, I'm so sorry.
I, um, I have to get going.
Okay. I'll, uh,
I'll see you tonight.
I'll talk to you later.
Bye.
Okay. Nothing to see here.
Turn around.
Move along.
[app] Your anger
is in formation.
Every mistake is an opportunity.
So breathe into that.
Go back to that moment you'd
most like to take back.
Hey!
[app] See yourself...
Oh!
I'm sorry, I had to say hi.
-Oh hi, good morning.
-Good morning.
I didn't mean to interrupt
your... meditation?
No, that, that's fine.
I'm just waiting for
a shopping date.
And my meditation is such
a challenge today.
Oh, not the vision for you.
No, that's easy.
You're gonna be fine.
I'm certain of that.
Well, that's good to hear
'cause the jury is still out
on it, um...
[Vivian] Ah-ah-ah-ah...
So, what's the challenge
with your...?
Me?
Forgiveness.
I'm not sure I can find it.
Huh. Well, how about I, uh...
hold onto that for you
like you did for me.
[laughs]
That's a deal.
I'll take all the help
I can get.
Well, we all could.
Good to see you.
You too.
[app] From there,
you want to forgive.
[app] Can you forgive
yourself?
[app] Settle in. Feel your feet
on the ground.
-Mom.
-Ooh. There you are.
-Sorry I'm late.
-Oh you're not, it's fine.
Have you called Summer back?
No. I think she needs
some space.
That's not what I hear,
but...
Well, then maybe it's me.
-Oh.
-What?
It's both of you.
I get whiplash sometimes.
You are so much alike
and neither of you gets it.
You think Summer tries
to control everything?
No wonder I couldn't
meditate today.
And shopping isn't gonna help.
No. I've gotta clear out
all the bad energy first.
Oh, I'm sorry sweetie.
We'll take a little rain check.
Oh... muah.
I love that house.
The whole thing was ugly and
then I ugly cried afterwards.
My mother took all of her stuff
and went to April's
and I haven't heard
from her since.
Hm.
That was a lot.
I hear that now.
It's possible that I don't know
how dating works.
Don't worry about it,
I'm a... I'm a good listener.
I'm so sorry.
No, no. I think we skipped
all the dating protocol
the first time we met.
Right, but even still,
I should not unload my entire
family drama on you.
It's okay.
For at least a month, right?
First we have to know each
other's favorite movies
and what books changed
your life.
The worst breakup ever.
Okay. Well, worst breakup.
There's actually only one,
one major one.
Really?
Yup. My divorce.
It was rough.
How long ago?
If you don't mind my asking.
No, it's okay.
It was a few years ago.
No one was to blame.
We got married too young
and I actually think we...
we both knew right away.
It was still hard
to let go though.
I'm sorry.
Don't be. I... I learned
a lot from it.
We don't have to do this.
Trade secrets, you know?
We can just enjoy
spending time together
for as long as it lasts.
Yeah.
[laughs]
You do look relieved.
I am relieved.
I really am.
I'm sorry I've been all over
the map with you.
I, um... I guess, I just got
offered a job,
a really good job.
-Oh.
-Full time.
But it's in California.
Wow.
Congratulations.
Thanks.
Boy, I wish you worked.
[cheerful music]
Well, look who it is.
I was just thinking about you.
Funny, you don't look like
a stalker.
Well neither do you.
Wow. What army
are you feeding?
My daughter and her family.
-Ah.
-And you?
Oh, my brother and his family
are doing Christmas this year.
I'm just a guest.
That's nice.
And after that you're nuking
for one?
Well, I'm only in town
for one more week.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Oh, I'm uh, I'm sure I'll pass
through again at some point.
So, uh, giving up
on the vision, eh?
No, uh... I'm...
I'm not giving up.
I'm... I guess
I'm just accepting.
Not all of us can have
a cart full of food.
My life is good,
I've been lucky enough,
but I guess you just...
well, I don't know.
You get to a point and well
that's it, life is set.
There are worse things.
Well, hallelujah, it must
finally be snowing.
Because that is the biggest
snow job I've heard in years.
You are not done.
Things can change.
You can change.
Nothing is set
unless you want it to be.
At any age.
Forgetting that...
that's the worst thing.
Second worst thing?
Skipping greens.
Here. At least put a salad with
those pathetic little things.
Well, if I don't see you again,
safe travels.
Merry Christmas.
Yeah.
Merry Christmas.
[magical music]
[Summer] Are we ready
to check the sound?
Hit it.
[Christmas jazz music playing]
That's great.
Maybe it needs to come down
a little.
We should maybe check
the level in the corners.
Good idea.
-Hey.
-Hi.
Having fun yet?
Ask me tomorrow. You?
Yeah, we've found presents
for all the kids on the list.
Well, that is a Christmas
miracle.
Do you need any help?
No, no I am all set.
Hey, it's gonna be fine.
-Hey. don't worry.
-I'm not worried.
I'm sorry.
That wasn't for you.
They told me you were in here.
I'm working.
You should take a break.
All you need is 10 deep,
cleansing breaths-
Mom. I'm sorry. Okay?
I know that I was
outta line.
Don't. Don't.
I've thought a lot in the last
couple of days
about you and me.
And how very lucky I've been
to have you in my life
especially after
your father died.
Oh, you were so strong.
And I was... spinning.
Well, Mom...
You know I was never gonna
let you fall.
Because that's who you are.
The thing is, is that...
I really haven't really been
scared like that since then.
But I know I put myself
in this position and, so...
the only way out is through.
I've decided to take
the plunge.
Here.
Here's all my financial stuff.
Stuff.
Well, papers and documents
and things.
It's okay, Mom.
It's not my business.
I made it your business so you
have every right to look at it.
It's all there.
I'm an open book.
It's not enough.
Well... I'll be fine.
It just grieves me to think
that you lost one moment of joy
in your beautiful life
because you thought you had
to take care of me.
I don't want that anymore,
Summer.
No, that's why I wanted you
to see this,
and to know that I will be
just fine.
And you do not have to worry
about me anymore.
Okay? I want that to be
your mantra.
Okay. Okay.
Does this mean
you'll come home now?
Your Christmas wreath is still
hanging from your bedroom door.
[laughs]
That's one of the best ones
I've done in a while.
I mean, the ombre
and the holly leaves.
Boy, they just popped.
I love you, Mom.
I love you more, my baby.
[Summer] Keep that safe, okay?
I am. I am so proud of you.
My daughter is a gifted
and extraordinary woman.
Yes, she is.
Oh, hello.
You're... Vivian.
Is this the man you've been kept
so busy with lately?
Why am I behind in
this conversation?
Ryan Scott, this is my mother,
Vivian Todd.
Well, how do you do.
It is a pleasure.
[laughs]
This is remarkable.
Isn't the universe grand?
[laughs]
Merry Christmas.
[laughs]
Um...
I cannot believe
that is your mother.
No, no, no.
You have to explain to me
what just happened.
Let's just say your mom
is a trip.
Oh boy.
No, no. I mean nothing bad,
all good.
But she got you to tell her
all your secrets?
'Cause that is her superpower.
Not exactly but she definitely
has a vision for me.
Of course she does.
Hey everyone, thank you so much
for your help.
I'll see you tomorrow?
I'll be there with the costumes.
Great.
You do good work.
Aw, thanks Cliff.
You probably need to get
some sleep.
I'm gonna take you and the crew
out next week to say thank you.
You've been great.
It's been a pleasure.
We're all happy to see
this place come back.
-Good night.
-Good night.
So, what would you say if I
asked you to go on a walk?
[magical music]
She's just this bigger
than life person, you know?
And, uh, I guess it was
just really something.
But you and Vivian
are good now?
She's gonna be her fabulous
bossy self by tomorrow
and hopefully I'll just worry
a little less.
That sounds like a good start.
Of course she still doesn't have
a place to live.
Right.
And she doesn't have enough
money to live on.
Actually, I don't even
know that.
'Cause you know what?
I'm not in control anymore.
Do you really believe that?
Yeah. And you know what?
I'm okay with it.
Let those chips fall
where they may.
[laughs]
-I'm just gonna let 'em.
-Yeah.
We're gonna see what happens.
Yeah, I can relate.
My brother always says
I'm so busy.
Too busy to stop
and take it all in.
-I get that too.
-Yeah.
Makes me wonder
what I'm missing.
Yeah.
Yeah, me too.
-Yeah.
-Yeah.
Okay.
Good night.
Good night.
[cheerful music]
[Chloe] I wish for...
The best Christmas ever.
I mean, I wouldn't be caught
dead in a costume
but it does look adorable
on you.
And I can't believe you
made this all yourselves.
Hey. What's up?
Wyatt's in charge over
at the hot chocolate bar.
And where are April
and Vivian?
They should be here soon.
Love the boa.
Thanks.
What are they up to?
-You look great.
-Thanks.
Mom...
[Ryan] I wouldn't know.
It's him.
[Summer] You know everything.
Mom.
What?
Who is that?
Oh. Uh, that's the guy who's
running the toy drive this year.
Sorry. Just one sec.
You know him?
Yeah. He's a nice man.
Chloe, what is going on
with you?
-Hi, Summer.
-Oh, hi.
-Hi
-Uh, wow, it fits you great.
Thanks. Thanks.
Uh, you must be Matt Dutton?
Ryan Scott, pleasure
to meet you.
I know your brother, Chris.
Welcome to town.
Thank you.
And who is this pretty
little elf?
This is my daughter, Chloe.
Chloe, say hi.
-Hi.
-Hi.
I need chocolate.
-Now?
-Right now.
It's early.
Mom, please.
You have no idea.
Okay.
What was that?
I'll go with her.
What?
I hope it was okay meeting
Chloe like that.
Of course, it's fine.
She knows you're a friend.
She doesn't have any...
expectations.
Summer, I feel badly about
the conversation
we had the other day.
Oh, you shouldn't.
No, not at all.
It's just there's some things
to say.
It's okay, believe me. I...
Ryan?
Ryan, it's time to start.
Oh...
Have you seen Bridget?
No, I haven't.
I haven't.
Great. Just great.
She's supposed to be
dressed already.
The kids are getting restless.
Right. I'll, um, I...
You should go.
-Yeah. I...
-Yeah, the kids.
-Um...
-It's Christmas.
Maybe we can talk later?
Okay.
Summer, I found it!
The realtor came by this morning
and we had the best bid.
Your father had a pension
at the university.
I didn't know I could
take that.
What? I didn't even think
of that.
And we had some money
for the down payment,
which we will take out
in babysitting.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Slow down.
And you'll be happy to know,
I figured it out myself.
I can cover the monthly
mortgage payments.
So we grabbed it.
Her dream home.
The one you showed me.
The one on the corner?
Yes, and it's perfect.
I could just see all
of my things in it.
You did it yourself, Mom.
I did it.
I did it myself and
without you worrying.
[laughs]
Wow. Congratulations.
Oh, you see, my darling.
You can see what happens when
we let go of our comfort zone.
Own what you want, Summer,
and then let the universe
bring it to you.
I will.
That's right.
I... I have to go.
[inspirational music]
[Ryan] Hey everybody.
Santa left me in charge
because he is a very busy guy.
Summer, what's going on?
...but he has some presents
and I'm going to hand them out.
So Claudia, if you could
give me a hand?
[Summer] I can't believe
I'm doing this.
Come on.
This is Kelly.
Hi Kelly.
I heard you were a very
good girl this Christmas
and I have something
special for you.
[playful music]
I'm gonna need your help.
Merry Christmas.
Alright. Come here.
I know I said it didn't matter.
And, um... I meant it.
That I would just enjoy whatever
we had for as long as it lasted.
Except for...
except for that I lied.
[children gasp]
I know. Lying is really bad
and I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
And maybe it's just me.
And if it is, that's okay.
Never mind.
But I sorta thought that maybe
you thought
that we had something special
happening here too.
Oh, hi.
Merry Christmas, sweetheart.
Uh, hold on.
Um, I have something special
for you.
Uh... uh...
Here you go.
Merry Christmas.
Okay.
Summer, you don't
have to...
Because it's scary.
It, it is, by the way.
But my life is in order.
It's all set.
But what scares me now
is you leaving
without me ever saying,
please stay.
Because that is what I want.
And Mark is here.
Summer. I, uh...
Here you go little buddy.
Summer. Listen, I...
I want us.
And I know it's hard for you
because of everything
that you've been through but
it'll be different this time
because you're different.
And I'm definitely different.
And I think it could
be spectacular
and fun and quiet and loud.
And I think it could be like
a little bit of Christmas magic
every single day.
Or maybe just...
a lot of fun.
I just... I really wanna
take that chance.
[romantic music]
[camera shutters snap]
I wanna give it a chance too.
[laughs]
You know, people make long
distance relationships work
all the time and I...
I called them and I turned down
the job in California.
I was trying to tell you
but between the presents
and the kids, I didn't...
And me bursting out on stage
in this outfit.
You know you didn't have
to wear a costume
but I'm glad you did.
[applause]
[Chloe] One more
Christmas wish.
Best Christmas ever.
[gasps]
[sighs]
[Ryan] Here we are.
[Summer] So...
[Ryan] Wow.
-This is the village.
-It's big.
Yeah, it's nice,
isn't it?
[gasps]
[Summer] Wow.
[magical music]
[Ryan] Here.
Yeah.