Feliz NaviDAD (2020) Movie Script
(festive orchestral music playing)
DAVID: This is where I grew up,
Pinestar, Arizona,
and it's where I still live.
Yeah, it's got its quirks.
The roof at the dry cleaner's
leaks when it rains.
The Desert Dessert boasts
the best breakfast panini in town,
but we all know not to order one.
It's the people who make this place.
They're genuine, kind,
and look out for one another.
Our town is small enough to be close
but big enough to have a big-box store.
MARISSA: Gretchen.
That's my sister, Marissa.
Happy holidays. I bought too many.
DAVID: A few years ago,
after I lost Isabella,
she moved in with us.
Oof. I don't know what I'd do without her.
Pinestar is a great place
to raise a family,
and everyone-, I mean everyone,
comes back home for the holidays.
-Hi.
-Welcome home.
(handbells playing "Jingle Bells")
DAVID: That's my daughter, Noel.
She says I'm the coolest dad in the world,
and she still thinks that, by the way,
even though she's a freshman
and has to call me Principal Morales.
All right!
Hey, that was pretty good.
Definitely better.
We're way ahead of schedule, you guys.
I thought by December,
we'd just be kind of adequate.
But sabes qu?
You guys believe in yourselves.
and that's what's up.
I really want us to be great this year
at the Frosty Festival.
My dad will be psyched. (chuckles)
(school bell rings)
All right, guys, get out of here.
See you tomorrow. Good job.
(indistinct chatter)
(school bell rings)
Principal Morales.
Finals next week, my man.
Let's be on time.
Work hard and...
BOTH: Take care of each other.
-Principal Morales.
-Coach Jesse.
I'm not Coach Jesse today.
Today I'm speaking
as Music Teacher Vargas,
-and he ain't happy, homes.
-Mm.
I like Coach Jesse better.
He doesn't hit me up for money
like that substitute music teacher.
Hey. Well, we need to
find me a replacement, right?
I'm a PE coach, homey.
You know, music ain't my thing.
I mean I like my oldies, you know,
but I'm not a music conductor.
So maybe today, after school,
we should have a fine arts
department meeting to discuss.
Sorry, can't.
I have to get Noel home after school.
Then I have to finish training
for my annual holiday gig.
(groans) You're not driving
that Southwest Secure Delivery truck
again this Christmas, are you?
Got to bank money for Noel's college fund.
Plus, I like staying busy. You know that.
More jobs equal more money, right?
Hey, hold on. Let's talk right here, then.
Look, I really want our music department
to win against Lakestone
at this year's Frosty Festival.
No one wins at the Frosty Festival.
Whoa, no, no, no, no, no. Hold on.
It depends on how you look at it, right?
And I like winning. I'm good at it.
It's motivating--you know, when everybody
comes up to you, "Hey, congratulations,"
or like, "Yeah, we did it together."
You know? And I want that for us,
for all of us, for Pinestar.
You know who wins?
Ciara, who sells that amazing funnel cake
with the little powdered sugar. She wins.
-Oh, yeah,
that powdered sugar, homey.
Hey, don't change the subject, all right?
We need to find me a replacement,
a real music teacher,
so we could full-on
monster-truck crush it.
You know...(imitates crunching)
Well, maybe not that aggressively,
but I want to be at least
as good as they are,
for once.
(sighs) Yeah, Noel's really into it.
She wants it to be great, too.
(gentle music playing)
All right, I'm gonna see what I can do.
I'm going to try
to find someone, all right?
Yeah, that's what's up.
That's why you're the principal.
Looking all good today, too.
Hold on, hold on.
-(whistles)
-(both laugh)
All right, I'll see you later.
(train whistle blows)
SOPHIE: Remind me why the first thing
you wanted to do
was put the train together?
Honey, it's just not Christmas
until the train is running.
True, but even before I unpack?
Well, yes, it's our--it's our thing.
The train and the poinsettias.
We got to go get those poinsettias.
(dramatic music playing)
I miss Mom.
Me too.
The winter poinsettias was her thing,
but over the years,
I've grown to love them.
Yeah, me too.
I will pick some up for us.
I just can't believe it's been over a year
since she's been gone.
I know, but we still have
all our wonderful memories.
And we have the hideous doorstep reindeer
to remember her by.
Honey, that reindeer is all me.
(laughs)
(laughs)
We're all helping
with the Christmas cookies, Noel.
Well, I'm helping.
I'm finding the right baking playlist.
-("Feliz Navidad" playing)
-See?
Maybe you should have a signal,
like arm raise or a little... (whistles)
To say, "Hey, I'm working,
not texting all my friends."
(laughs) The line between
dorky and hilarious
-is tricky, Dad.
-Mm.
He's been like that since we were kids.
Only guy in school who wore
sweater vests every day.
Vests are cool.
They show off the guns
and say I've got style.
Life vests protect you from drowning.
Sweater vests protect you
from ever getting a date.
-Ugh.
-(laughs)
Ooh, I like this version a lot.
Bell choir is using the arrangement
for the Frosty Fest.
Dad, you should stop by practice tomorrow.
To Jesse would let you watch.
I'm gonna see it fresh at the festival.
Isn't that more exciting?
Dad, I'm worried.
To Jesse doesn't know much about music.
Really?
I mean, he's trying really hard
at making us good and all,
but we need a pro.
Tomorrow's my first shift back at SSD
or else I would, I swear, mi'ja.
(scoffs) From now to New Year,
you're an exhausted space case.
Exactly.
Holiday deliveries are...whew!
Can't wait till January,
when this is all over.
That's my gift for me.
Well, don't be so busy
that you miss all the fun.
Hey, if you guys are having fun,
that's my fun.
Dad, are we poor?
Hmm? What?
We're rich...in family.
And love.
Eww. That sounds like we're poor.
Why are you asking me that?
Because you have a job,
and every Christmas
you take on another job.
(sighs)
Fine.
I wanted to surprise you,
but since I'm getting a third-degree,
all the money from my school job
is for all of this...
and all the money from my SSD job
is for your college fund.
Ta-da.
Seriously? That's amazing.
-Yeah, I'm pretty amazing.
-Don't ruin it.
I love to ruin it.
But, hey, it's not a gift. It's a loan.
You got to pay me back
once you're a Supreme Court justice.
They make $223,500 a year.
With housing costs in D.C.,
that's not a ton of money.
Well, I don't care how you do it,
but you got to pay me back.
Maybe get a second job,
be the first Supreme Court justice
that moonlights as an SSD driver.
(laughter)
Noel!
(sighs)
I know some people never find
their true love, but...
I did.
I just got to be thankful
that I had it once.
(gentle music playing)
I miss Isabella, too.
She was my best friend.
I know.
SINGER: Hark, the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn king
(indistinct chatter)
(singer vocalizing)
All right
Good, thank you. All right.
(singer vocalizing)
-All right, all right
-Bye!
-Bye, bye.
-(laughs)
SINGER: Echoing their joyous strains
Oh
(speaking indistinctly)
SINGER: Yeah, yeah-ah-ah
Whoo, ah!
(deep bass vocal)
Glo-ah-ah-ah-oh
Is it possible to have
too much Christmas spirit?
SINGER: Gloria
(engine revving)
Dad, you want more cookies?
No, thanks, this works.
Um, I baked these.
I was going for more than "this works."
They're Mom's Christmas recipe.
Sophie, this is not
the "Christmas Cookie Challenge."
-Good try.
-SOPHIE: Oh, please.
I only get to spoil you
when I'm visiting here.
Plus, the holidays
are just around the corner,
so you kind of have to have another one.
You can call it my gift.
Okay. Maybe just one.
And would cookie like a visit
from his friend...
2% Lactaid milk?
(laughs) Of course he would.
Fa la-la-la-la...
BOTH: La-la-la-la
(laughs)
You have officially put me
in the Christmas spirit.
Oh, look at this. Vintage 1950s.
Hard to find in mint condition
because of the tiny pole caps
and the skis.
Oh, you always said living with Mom
was like the holidays all year long.
It was like Christmas every day.
Well, we'll be lucky
if we can sell half of this
before you've got
to shuffle off to Buffalo.
Okay, Phoenix,
I'm shuffling off to Phoenix.
It's only three hours away.
Yeah, close enough for you
to get here if there's trouble,
but not close enough
for me to just drop by, right?
-(knocks on door)
-I never said that.
Well, I did just now,
because I could tell you were thinking it.
(light intriguing music playing)
Ah, thank goodness
someone's waiting to decorate.
Hi.
-Hi.
-You need to sign for this.
Oh, okay.
All righty.
-Here.
-Mm-hmm.
Oh, um, I actually have some questions.
Sure, I'm a bit of a mind reader,
so let me guess.
You're wondering why
I'm not wearing the mesh cap.
Not my best look.
Wow. Someone thinks
an awful lot of himself.
Oh, I bet you say that
to all the delivery men.
My question--
you scored zero
on mind-reading, by the way.
I'm selling a lot of items online,
and I'm worried that I'm
gonna run out of boxes,
so I was wondering
if maybe you could help.
With your whole life?
No, I'm not that guy, but I can do boxes.
Let me some from the truck.
Zero on the mind-reading, huh?
You know, it might be more efficient
if you brought boxes to the door.
You're, like, the first person
to ever ask me for a box.
That can't be true.
Why would I make that up?
To anecdotally prove me wrong
to keep a strong woman down.
Touch. Let me get you some boxes.
Besides, you probably want
to see the full uniform
in action.
(scoffs)
No one's looking at your uniform.
-He seems nice.
-(scoffs) What?
Oh, never mind.
I didn't hear a word you guys said.
Ah.
(handbells playing "O Tannenbaum")
All right.
Now, let's relax for a second, homeys.
Then we'll hit it again.
Sounding good, To Jesse?
To Jesse?
ALL: That's Mr. Vargas.
Hey, listen.
Noel's allowed
to call me Jesse, all right?
I've known her since
she was a little chamaca.
But as for the rest of you...
No, I'm just playing.
You could call me Jesse.
To, I know you want us to shine
at the holiday fest, and so do all of us,
but we need more than the bells.
We need an a cappella group
so we can really compete
against Lakestone at the fest.
She's right.
I know, Las Bocas Locas.
Yes.
I don't know what it means,
but it sounds fun.
And, Noel, you have such a great voice.
-So do you.
-(both laugh)
All right, perfect.
Now, let's get back in there.
Let's run the song again, but this time
with a little more cowbell.
Uh, we don't have a cowbell.
Oh, that's what's missing!
I got one right here.
Here, homey, take this.
-No way.
-JESSE: Yeah, for reals.
All right, Kevin, now count us in.
One, two, three.
(handbells playing "O Tannenbaum")
And then she sends me back to the truck
to get extra boxes.
-Hmm.
-Hmm, to mess with you?
Or to flirt.
See, that's what I thought.
And? Maybe you can invite her
to the Frosty Festival.
Anyways, your ta told me
that she heard practice was good today.
Well, all things you'd know
if you would have snuck into rehearsal.
Charlotte and I are gonna kill it.
I know you are, mi'ja,
and I'm gonna be there
front and center.
So you kind of maybe owe me one.
(mischievous music playing)
Oh, Dad, wow, look what Pedro
on the shelf brought out.
Look at that.
Little Pedro, all right.
(tender music playing)
Mom's ornaments.
You know what?
Let's put them out this year.
Yes.
(sighs) I want Noel to crush it so bad.
Every year, we're basically
the opening act for Lakestone.
(scoffs) Jesse's right.
It'd be great to get a little respect.
And some bragging rights.
We can do it, too,
if I can find a music teacher.
(sighs) Noel's working so hard.
It means so much to her.
The thing is, the Lakestone Vocal Locals
are like the
New England Patriots of choirs.
The way things are now,
we don't stand a chance.
Maybe there will be a Christmas miracle.
Mm.
Ahh.
You look exhausted, bro.
Are you ever gonna tell
Noel the real reason
you take up that delivery job
every Christmas?
College money.
The real truth.
I know the holidays
are hard without Isabella.
(somber music playing)
Noel comes first...
and then me if there's
any time left in the day.
Look, taking care of my family,
my students, my teachers--that's...
that's what gets me pumped now.
How can you take of everybody
if you don't even take care of you?
It's called being a parent.
And you parent Noel
by disappearing into your SSD job
and then showing up Christmas Eve
with some presents?
And a college fund.
Mom and Dad taught us
that Navidad is about family,
being together, being grateful.
That's what we should be passing on.
Noche Buena, remember?
Dad had three jobs, Marissa.
MARISSA: Dad had to do what he had to do,
but he never missed time
with us during Christmas.
Come on, we both know
Isabella's life insurance
is in a trust.
Noel can go to any college she wants.
When are you gonna tell her
the real reason
you take up that delivery job
every Christmas,
that you can't handle
all the sadness you feel
during the holidays?
Noel doesn't want
to talk about that stuff!
MARISSA:
No, no, you don't want to talk about it.
Um...
I forgot my phone.
Noel...
wait.
Here you go.
Happy holidays, guys.
Do you really think we'll be able to sing
by the festival?
Claro, absolutely.
Uh, guys?
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
'Tis the season to be jolly
Fa la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la
Troll the ancient Yuletide carol
Fa la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Fa-la-la
Fa-la-la
Fa-la-la
Deck the halls
Deck the halls
Deck the halls...
Hey, hey, you guys, come on.
Don't look so worried, all right?
It's just the Vocal Locals.
Did you hear them?
They sound like angels sent
from actual Heaven,
sent here to save mankind.
(sighs) You're right.
They do sound like angels.
I almost started reaching
out to them like, "Hey,
just take me there right now
because you have access."
-What?
-No, I'm just playing.
Come on, they're not real angels,
all right?
And you guys are just as good,
maybe even better.
CHARLOTTE: Mr. Vargas?
Can I go get Noel?
She hasn't come back from Walt's.
(melancholy music playing)
JESSE: (sighs) That's not why
she's slow getting back.
I know that look.
KEVIN: Looks like something's on her mind.
(dramatic music playing)
(door bells jingles)
-Evening, David.
-Hey.
Uh, the usual?
Mm, yeah, let's go with the usual.
You got it.
Noel, hey, I didn't see you there.
(sighs)
Mi'ja, I feel terrible.
Well, that's how you should feel.
You should have told me the truth
about your holiday job.
You're right, but, honestly,
I'm not sure I knew the truth
until I heard it out loud.
-Thanks.
-Why do you even like that?
Winter chip with gummy worms.
You're a grown-up.
Do you know this is
what your mom and I did
after dinner before you were born?
Yeah, you told me.
Walk up to Walt's and get a scoop.
Then we'd run all the way home.
To work off the carbs.
Yeah, I've heard this a million times.
But what you don't know is,
this isn't even my favorite flavor.
As a matter of fact,
I don't even really like it.
My favorite is
Granny Smith Apple Pandowdy.
And you're right, with gummy worms,
it's pretty gross.
(tender music playing)
DAVID: Winter Chip was
your mom's holiday favorite.
Really?
So why the gummy worms?
Gross on top of gross?
Ah, see, those got added later.
After you were born, we'd come up here,
and I'd have you on my chest
in this little baby carrier,
and the ice cream was too cold for you,
so I'd give you these worms,
and you'd chew on them
and start to giggle.
I miss her, too, Dad.
I know, mi'ja.
I'm okay most of the time.
It's just the holidays kick my butt.
You're doing so much
better at this than I am.
Ms. Valentino told us in science that...
energy cannot be created or destroyed.
It can only be changed.
Okay.
So, when I think about Mom,
I remember what Ms. Valentino said.
Mom's not gone.
She's always around.
But now she's in a different form.
Part of her is here, her favorite place.
The other part of her is at home with us.
And all the parts of her
want us to create new memories.
Wow. When did you get so smart?
(scoffs) I've always been.
You just aren't smart enough
to see how smart I am.
Well, I'll come to your rehearsal.
No, no, no, no,
you're not getting off that easy.
You're going to start putting
yourself out there,
like ta Marissa.
Dating? No, no, no, no.
I'm not ready for all that.
Besides, it's the holidays.
People are busy with their own families.
Who's got time for dating?
Well, then you have
nothing to worry about.
Come on, let's put you out there.
What did you tell me
when you taught me to swim?
You'll never be ready.
You just got to jump in.
(laughs)
All right. A few dates.
Good.
I may or may have not started
making you a profile
when ta Marissa
signed up for a dating app.
What?
Look, I'm sorry I wasn't
up-front with you, mi'ja,
-but a dating profile, come on.
-You're gonna do it.
Oh, gosh.
(cheerful music playing)
WILLARD:
Well, we finally have enough boxes,
but they're big, and the toys are small.
I know. I messed that up. I can own it.
Well, we're solving it by stuffing them
with old newspapers.
It was your idea--
it was a good idea, Sophie,
and you're not letting it set you back.
Oh, wow.
"The Beatles live at Sun Devil Stadium."
I wonder whatever happened to those guys.
Okay, Dad, we have work to do.
Excuse me for going slow
so my daughter might stay
through the holidays.
-(knocks on door)
-Oh.
All right.
(intriguing music playing)
-Hi.
-Hi.
I was in the neighborhood 'cause, well,
that's literally my job,
and I thought I'd check.
Need any more boxes?
WILLARD: You better believe it.
She got the wrong size last time.
We need smaller.
I need small boxes.
And you're probably gonna think
it's because I want to watch you run,
and I'm gonna tell you that I don't.
Let's just skip to the part
where I fully admit
you are rocking the uniform...
you take the compliment
and go and get me boxes?
-Merry Christmas to me.
-(laughs)
Mmm. Ms. Helen, these are delicious.
Oh, thank you. Make yourself comfortable.
Oh, thank you. Oh, thank you.
Moonlighting another
holiday season, principal.
Don't they pay you enough
at Pinestar High?
I like to keep busy. (chuckles)
How's the bell choir coming along?
Great, and thank you again
for lending the school the bells.
We're so grateful.
I promise we'll take good care of them.
It's my pleasure, David.
I heard Ms. Baron retired.
Who's replacing her?
Jesse Vargas, for now.
Baseball Coach Vargas?
I know. I'm working on it.
Ah, the kids are so good, too.
I just really need a legit music teacher.
All you can do is your best
and maybe a little bit extra.
You know, my mother used to say
something like that.
You remind me of her, Ms. Helen.
So positive.
Something special you ordered here?
Oh, who knows?
I have a glass of wine at night.
That way, when I shop online,
I don't remember.
It's kind of like
someone else got me a present.
Very sweet. A bit different but clever.
That's me in a nutshell. Shall we?
Hey, we shall.
(salsa music playing)
Okay. Hello.
-Eh.
-Oh!
-A little salsa.
-All right.
Oh, yeah. Let's open it up.
-Open up.
-Ha!
-Come in for the dip.
-Whoa.
BOTH: Hey!
Now we go behind the back,
and then we get a spin.
-Spin.
-Spin here.
Please help me welcome
Pinestar High's grupo nuevo
Las Bocas Locas.
-Pass these out.
-Thank you.
All right, now let's hit
that big mama bell, see what we got.
(mouthing) And two
and three and four and...
ALL: Joy to the world
The Lord has come
Let Earth receive her king
Let every heart
Prepare him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and Heaven
And nature sing
(applause)
(choir giggling excitedly)
(mischievous music playing)
Mr. Morales? (gasps) That is you.
Hi.
Why are you in an SSD uniform?
I like to stay busy during the holidays.
I'm Charlotte's mom,
and she is so excited
to be at Pinestar this year.
-David.
-Of course, David.
Heidi. You want...
No? No? Okay.
Oh, oh, incoming. (chuckles)
Sorry, I'm just--I'm really, really fun.
Uh, that's what my friends say,
each of them separately.
So it's true. (laughs)
Anyways, you look like
the type of principal I wish I had.
(laughs)
Qualified?
Yes, that too.
(awkward laughter)
Hey, girls, that was great. Nice.
How do you know?
I was watching through
the music room window there.
Well, bell choir's getting better,
but the new vocal group is kind of rugged.
Well, I better help her with her bell.
(laughs)
It's not insured, so Mom carries it.
No. That's right.
Well, it was so nice
to meet you, Mr. Morales.
David.
Heidi.
Got it. (laughs)
Ah...yes.
Ah...
(chuckles)
Are you trying to set me up
with Charlotte's mom?
What? Absolutely not.
What did you think of her?
I think she's the parent
of one of my students,
so not a possible date.
Right.
We need to find someone
outside of Pinestar High.
Or how about we just focus
on the holiday performance, huh?
Yes, thank you.
(goofy voice) "Oh, no, David's
too busy to help decorate."
And Noel's rehearsing,
so I guess it's all up to me.
(deep voice) "Oh, well, good thing
you're a water-ski instructor
with plenty of time
on your hands in the winter."
You, you're working hard.
Noel's working hard trying
to make her music group better.
Man, I hope she can find a way
to take that group
to the next level
like I'm about to do with this garland.
(normal voice) Hey, can I borrow this?
Yeah.
(jazzy Christmas music playing)
And we got Rudolph's Red Cherry Delight,
for his nose, you see,
and True North Pole.
That's an extra-rich vanilla flavor
with a whole candy cane on top.
(laughs)
Yeah.
Mm?
Merry Christmas.
(door bells jingles)
(music stops)
(early rock music playing)
Helen?
Oh, my. Hello, Willard.
I thought you moved.
Nope, just staying inside more.
Oh, I see.
I'm so sorry to hear about Mary.
WILLARD: It's hard to believe
that it's been a year.
But Sophie's here helping me.
I'm doing okay.
I'm so glad to hear that.
I'm used to being by myself.
But I'm glad your little girl's
visiting you.
Having Sophie here,
I'm remembering to enjoy my moments.
Here you are, a nice moment,
and life's full of them.
You just have to watch for them.
Hmm.
-Can I get you another egg cream?
-Oh.
-Hi.
-Hello, and sorry.
It got returned. The letter fell out.
-I didn't read anything.
-Because that would be wrong.
There may have been some glancing.
Oh.
I'm guessing that's not a mint-condition
atomics with lasso, but what do I know?
WILLARD: Hold on, I need a favor.
No, I'm just joking,
but, seriously, we could use your help.
First of all, who made him
an expert on mailing stuff?
Uh, SSD?
(both laughs)
Oh, I have a package I need you to send.
She's great.
-She is.
-SOPHIE: Where's the box with the X on it?
Now, that's her system, which isn't great.
She could be a while. (chuckles)
SOPHIE: Not funny, Dad.
WILLARD: Oh...
She sounds fun,
and I wish I could stay, but...
Well, I wish she could stay forever.
-SOPHIE: Dad!
-I'm just kidding.
See you.
Wait, wait, I found it. Ah! Ah!
-Oh.
-It's fine, I got it.
-Are you okay?
-Yeah, I'm fine.
A little bruised, a lot embarrassed.
(tender music playing)
I got it.
It's safe with me.
Yeah, okay.
-Yeah.
-(van door closes)
How about responsible, kind,
loves mistletoe and Christmas movies?
Mm, it's kind of boring
for a dating profile.
(scoffs) Believe me,
at a certain point in life,
responsible and kind aren't so boring.
Okay, I'd go like handsome,
cries at Christmas movies,
and loves huevos rancheros.
He shouldn't call himself handsome.
Remember, women think
he's writing it, not us.
True. Uh...
Better?
"Hello. I'm a normal guy.
"If you think that's cool, let's meet.
"If you don't, all good, no worries.
Normal is underrated."
That's a good start, Noel.
-I took out the word goofy.
-MARISSA: It kind of captures the charm
and a bit of the horror that is your dad.
-(both laugh)
-Profile pic?
-I was thinking the navy shirt?
-Or the Pendleton?
Or does that say that
I'm a hipster cholo type?
Yeah, it does. (laughs)
Yeah, he looks really nice
in the navy shirt.
You know, one day,
when I have a boyfriend,
I hope he wears
a nice navy shirt like that.
-Okay, navy shirt works.
-It does.
-(both laugh)
-Okay, ready?
(both laugh)
(upbeat music playing)
(laughter)
-NOEL: He got a match!
-(Marissa squeals)
-NOEL: He got a match.
-(laughter)
-He got a match.
-Finally!
-Oh, my God.
-MARISSA: What?
(laughter)
Ooh!
What's going on?
You got a match.
You! You got a match!
Hey, wait.
You're celebrating like you thought
I wouldn't get a match.
(both cheering)
All right, that's good. Take it easy.
Eat this before you go on your lunch date.
Before.
You never eat on a lunch date.
Say that slower and really hear it.
Oof, fail. I'm so glad you have us.
"I had a late breakfast.
I'll just have some coffee, thanks."
Rehearse that.
Here are the options for your date outfit.
You go with this shirt.
He can't wear the same shirt
as his profile pic.
It'll look like
he only has one nice shirt.
Hello, do I get a vote?
Sure.
Red sweater vest.
You don't get a vote.
This is your power shirt.
The navy does make your eyes glow.
-Women like glowy eyes.
-(giggles)
All right, I'll wear this shirt.
-Thank you, girls.
-Yes.
Can I see a pic?
If you saw it, that's one more thing
for you to trip out on.
(sighs) All right.
And you swear she's not a parent
of one of my students?
Yes, we checked.
Text when you're done, okay?
Have fun.
Bye.
Oh, they grow up so fast.
(both giggle)
Okay, kiddo, I'm on it.
(chuckles) Thanks, Dad.
It's just a quick errand.
I'll be right back.
Where to?
Oh, just a few places,
stupid little things.
Oh, it's always
the little things, isn't it?
Don't get me started.
Well, how long until you get back?
Probably a few hours.
Be prepared to help
with my famous Christmas fudge
-upon my return.
-Mm.
(chuckles) Love you.
-BOTH: Mwah.
-Bye.
-Toy man.
-WILLARD: Come on.
Sophie had to head out for a minute,
and all these are going to one collector
-who loves anything with robots.
-Okay.
Uh, can I ask you something?
And I hope I'm not being too forward,
but you seem pretty thrilled
to be selling all these toys.
I don't know how I'd feel
if my daughter came into town
and started selling all my stuff.
What's your secret to staying so happy?
My wife passed away.
(chuckles) That doesn't sound right,
does it?
These are not my toys. They're Mary's.
She loved them.
Oh, and they remind you of her,
so it's okay to let them go?
Well, the whole house reminds me of her.
What I'm happy about is that
Sophie's spending time with me.
But when you're done, Sophie goes home.
Yes, but I don't know
if you're keeping track,
but she's not great at this.
The wrong addresses, mixed-up boxes.
Lucky me. It could take a while.
(laughs) Got it.
Uh, would it be weird
if I use your bathroom real quick?
Of course you can.
I'll bet you delivery guys
have to go constantly.
I just need to change.
I'm meeting someone for coffee.
Let me get the clothes from the truck.
-Thank you very much.
-Okay.
Ah, studying for finals is intense.
After lunch, I need a break.
-Sure, I get it.
-(chuckles)
I mean, it's so hard to focus
when Christmas is almost here.
Who thought of exams
right before Christmas?
I know, right? It's not cool.
We should be wrapping gifts
and eating treats
and eating more treats.
Exactly.
Maybe you should talk to your principal
about changing exams
-until after Christmas.
-Right?
Ta, remember Las Posadas?
You and Mom would put out
those candlelit paper bags.
Luminarias? Yes.
And we would eat posole,
and on Christmas Eve,
Dad would bring out the reindeer piata.
(laughs)
It never ended well
for the reindeer piata.
-(laughing)
-No.
That was fun.
It was fun.
Maybe we can bring out
the reindeer piata this year?
-Hmm.
-Yeah.
Maybe we can bring back
that part of the tradition.
-(soft music playing)
-Thank you, ta.
Go. Go see Charlotte for a break.
Studying will still be here,
and so will my traditional borrowing
of your index finger
for all the gift wrapping.
Come here.
(mischievous music playing)
Hey, there, not-so-stranger.
Toy lady.
Wow.
Oh, you clean up good.
I'll order us something.
You want to grab a table?
Oh, I'm sorry.
I'd love to hang out,
but I sort of got a date.
Okay...
Yeah, My daughter set up
this dating profile for me,
and I promised I'd give it a try.
She also made me promise
not to tell the date I have a daughter
because it might scare her off
before it even gets started.
Oh.
Mm, you are terrible at this. (chuckles)
But I get why you're confused.
Um, I'm the date.
-You?
-Mm-hmm.
Yes, and I'm scared of children, so bye.
(both chuckle)
I got you on that one. I did. Yeah, I did.
Look, I had a late breakfast.
I'm just going to get coffee.
You want something else?
Hey, I was supposed to say that.
Oh, well, now you don't have to.
So you picked me, huh?
Mm-hmm. Swiped right on my SSD guy.
You do like Christmas movies,
though, right?
Yes.
And do you love Harry Styles
and boy bands in general,
or am I on a date with your daughter?
Eh, I'm a little more
into classical music.
-Oh. Like Bach, Beethoven?
-Stones, Eagles--
-What?
-Who?
I mean, you said classical,
so I thought you meant...
Oh, no, I'm sorry. I meant classic music,
not elevator music.
Elevator music, uh-huh.
You know, songs you hear, like,
in an elevator, right?
Yeah, okay.
Hi. Can we get two black coffees, please?
-Sure.
-Thank you.
(light music playing)
(sighs) All right, so...
-you like men in uniform.
-Yeah.
Well, typically the uniform
comes with polite and well-mannered.
Lucky you, because you got
charming and funny as a bonus.
Oh, yeah, uh-huh. (chuckles)
Look, here's the deal.
You're my first date in...
a while.
We can tell.
Me too. I mean, I downloaded the app,
because once I get back to Phoenix,
I finally got to put myself
out there again.
Ooh, great. (chuckles)
That takes the pressure off
for both of us.
-Oh, definitely.
-Good.
I mean, we get points for just showing up.
-DAVID: Mm-hmm.
-I saw your picture online.
Same shirt, right? Cute.
I was like, "He'd be good for a dry run."
I see.
So, a daughter.
I did not picture my SSD guy
with a family.
Yeah?
So you were picturing me.
Maybe.
I'm a bit of a mind reader myself.
You deliver by day.
By night, you dedicate yourself
to a midnight rec center b-ball league
for at-risk youth.
-Am I good at it?
-SOPHIE: Oh, you're the best.
I mean, you know all the kids' names,
plus the parents', it's a whole thing.
That's actually not too far
from the truth.
Wait, really?
I'm a high-school principal,
and I deliver during the holidays.
Oh, well, you're better than my principal.
He smelled like BENGAY
and wore a back brace.
Mr. Carruthers from Lakestone, yes.
He's retired. You ever hear from him?
No, but I don't really keep track
of school administrators
who barred me from jazz band
because I played the French horn.
Ah, lady French horn player
who lives in Phoenix.
Tell me more.
All right, after Mr. Carruthers
derailed your music career,
what happened next?
Well, plot-twist time.
I'm first chair horn
for the Phoenix Symphony.
Ah, classical music, right?
Not just...
What did you call it, elevator music?
I like a good elevator jam now and then.
No, you're right.
I mean, classical music
is pretty old-school.
Hey, vintage, antique.
I just don't know too much about it,
but I'm willing to learn.
Favorite Christmas song?
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town,
Bruce Springsteen.
Didn't expect that. Okay.
You?
Blue Christmas by Elvis.
-Classic.
-Yeah.
-Impression?
-Oh, no, that wasn't good.
No? Come on.
-A little bit?
-No, not very good. No.
(cheerful music playing)
I wasn't hungry.
Now I'm thinking the coffee
might need a little company.
Yeah, I'm feeling pretty wired, too.
Are you sure it's not
just the amazing conversation
giving you butterflies?
I have that effect on people.
I'm pretty sure it's just the coffee.
Besides, this is just
a practice date, right?
-Right.
-You know, we could've gone to Walt's.
My dad loves that ice cream shop.
Oh, every December,
he comes up
with these special holiday flavors
like Graham Cracker Truffle
and White Chocolate Irish Cream.
Okay, you're making me hungry.
All right, last year,
he did this Christmas Churro
with condensed milk and,
wait for it, real cinnamon.
-Oh.
-Hmm.
Yeah, they have one that I love this year
-called Granny Smith...
-BOTH: Apple Pandowdy.
Come on, that's my favorite, too.
Walt's is the best, huh?
Noel?
Dad. Wow.
Uh, Charlotte and I were just
mailing the Christmas cards.
Hi, I'm Sophie.
Sophie, this is my daughter, Noel,
and her best friend, Charlotte.
Nice to meet you.
Sophie is a professional musician,
and when Noel isn't spying on people,
she also enjoys music.
Really? What, do you sing, play?
Singing is my jam,
but I also play on bell choir.
But now she's late
for something I like to call,
"I know what you're doing. Now go home."
We've actually formed an a cappella group
for our high school for the Frosty Fest,
las Bocas Locas.
-Noel is super good.
-Stop.
Well, it's time to study something
you're not super good at, ladies.
Bye, mi'ja. Adis, Charlotte.
SOPHIE: Well, Noel,
if you ever want to pick my brain,
I'm actually here visiting my dad.
We could all use a break
from our dads, right?
-NOEL: Yeah.
-(laughter)
Should I leave you two alone for a while?
NOEL: No, no, I'll see you at home.
Bye, Sophie.
-Bye.
-Bye.
(laughing)
(chuckles) They're cute.
Well, David,
after a good practice date like that,
we're gonna be very prepared
for our real ones.
More first dates with other people.
Sounds scary.
Yeah, which is why I want to thank you
for being such a good first one.
Oh, okay.
Uh...
I'll see you on my route, I guess.
You will. Bring boxes.
(gentle guitar music playing)
-Sophie.
-Yeah?
Maybe we can practice more, too.
More practice? I'm in.
Oh, Sophie! Um...
you know how you said Noel
can pick your brain anytime?
Can I ask you an incredibly big favor?
So?
And? What's the date feedback?
Well, he agreed to go on more dates,
which is great.
My mom thinks your dad's cute.
She also says that I have to write
all my thank-you notes
for my birthday,
or I don't get any Christmas presents.
Your birthday was in June.
Yeah.
All right, guys, let's hit it again.
(handbells playing Joy to the World)
What's going on, ese?
I did it.
I got something
that's gonna make this better,
and like you wanted,
I got a real musician.
-What?
-Yep.
Yes. Thank you.
That's what I'm saying. Thank you.
Take care of my people, man.
Excuse me, Pinestars.
Hey, mi'ja, how's it going?
It's getting there, I think.
Well, I have a surprise
that I think will help.
-Sophie?
-(gentle music playing)
Hey, Noel.
-Hey, teach.
-Hello, toy lady.
Dad, what's going on?
I called in a little backup.
Because he likes her.
Because she's a pro.
I play for the Phoenix Philharmonic,
-and Principal David...
-ALL: It's Principal Morales.
Principal Morales said
you guys could use my help.
And she accepted.
And I quit, but to go be you guys'
number-one fan, right?
So let's go. Pinestar, you guys got this.
S, se puede! S, se puede!
I'm all excited. (whistles)
Okay, so no one knows that the Bocas Locas
are performing yet, right?
Right.
Well, I had an idea.
What if we surprise the crowd
and the Vocal Locals
in the bell stop mid-song,
and then the Bocas Locas
emerge from the bells, huh?
Okay, so, like, a mash-up
but the same song.
-Yeah.
-That could work.
Yeah, that's great. Um...
-and you said we have one week?
-Uh-huh.
Okay, we have one week.
(chuckles) Let's go.
Let's go, Pinestars.
Hi, I'm Sophie. You met me.
-I brought cookies.
-Mmm.
Ooh, Sophie, from the date.
That's a good sign.
Well, I asked her to help out
for the festival
for Noel and the kids.
For Noel.
And the kids, yes.
Son, you are sweet.
Oh, knock it off.
Well, you are good at taking care of Noel,
and that's great conversation
for your next date.
(scoffs) Fine.
I get to see a picture this time, though.
Let me have one of these.
Did you see they're selling
hand-decorated Christmas mugs?
I made the one with the butterflies on it.
-That's very cool.
-Yeah.
All proceeds go to the Frosty Fest.
Nice. The Frosty Fest is a good cause.
Now, your profile says
you're originally from Sedona,
so what brought you out here to Pinestar?
Oof. Energy.
I'm guided by energy.
Mm. (chuckles)
Are you spiritual, David?
I go to church.
Mother Earth?
Mother Mary?
Yep, that is what the stones say.
Uh, okay, you're a Libra.
Um, your lucky number is four.
Scales, air, strong but sensitive.
Ooh, that's too bad.
What's too bad?
Those rocks told you all that?
Do they know if the Cardinals
are gonna cover the spread this weekend?
Unfortunately, I'm a Cancer,
so this just isn't gonna work between us.
Sorry.
You're home early.
Eh, it was fine.
What? Did you make this?
No, Sophie made that.
Interesting.
Mm, seriously, it's a relief
to go on practice dates.
You can eat all you want during them.
Maybe you should slow down.
This is only our second one.
You should pretend
to be too nervous to eat,
and then on the next one
totally go for it.
-Nah.
-(laughter)
-Gracias.
-De nada.
Oh, my God. -Mmm.
Mmm! This is amazing.
The food or the company?
The food. Maybe the company.
(both chuckle)
(tender music playing)
David, are we...
I know. Is this...
(groans) I don't even live here.
It's ridiculous to think.
-I know, right?
-Right?
(tender music playing)
Gah! (laughs)
Okay, we do have fun together.
I will give you that.
Yeah, we do, a lot. (chuckles)
It's really too bad now.
I mean, I can't move.
Noel and her school, my job,
it would never work.
Never, I mean, not in a million years.
I love my job and my friends and my condo.
I mean, I'm not moving, so...
-To just--to just practice.
-Fun practice.
Yes, to fun.
-Salud.
-Salud.
(guitar strumming gently)
I always liked clown on a motorcycle,
constantly trying not to fall down.
-It's classic Americana.
-(chuckles)
Solid work, Dad.
You know, I was waiting
for the perfect moment.
(soft music playing)
Oh, honey.
I saved some of the toys I know you liked.
Oh, Sophie, that's sweet, dear.
Um, here's, um...
Duck on a trike,
checking out the townsfolk.
And who can forget circus boy on a horse?
Yeah, that one always weirds me out.
Honey, I don't need any of these.
The only thing I ever wanted
that was your mother's
was the piano.
You don't even play.
But my daughter does,
and if she promised
to visit and play it for me,
well, it would make me a lot more happy
than circus boy on a horse.
She promises.
I love visiting, Dad.
And, um, when you visit,
you could see David.
He seems like a nice guy.
Yeah, actually, he is.
What was that, buddy?
Is he her new boyfriend?
Oh, that's kind of forward.
You know circus boys, they love to gossip.
-Yeah, okay.
-(knock at door)
Hey, sorry, I'm early.
Hi. No worries. Come on in.
Right this way.
Dad, this is David's daughter, Noel.
We did music theory
at las Bocas Locas rehearsals.
She coerced me into private lessons.
For harmonies. Listen.
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
BOTH: Prspero ao y felicidad
-Yes!
-Bravo.
Bravo. Wow.
Oh, my gosh, you picked that up so fast.
Okay, come here, come here. Sit down.
Try this.
(plays piano chord)
(scatting)
(cheerful music playing)
So, Laurel-Ann,
when you're not a ski instructor,
-what are you into?
-David, I like to do anything
where I can go fast but, you know,
I still compete and all,
but I love to train.
I mean, you look sporty.
(laughs) Well,
I'm just a high-school principal
with a very active
15-year-old daughter, but,
yeah, I try to train.
Wait, you compete, like, in the Olympics?
Yeah, gold medal, baby.
Just kidding with you, David.
But I'm completely obsessed.
I mean, you know, it's a passion.
That's great.
I've recently gotten into music.
-Oh.
-Classical music, actually.
Been studying the French horn as of late.
Why the horn?
A friend of mine got me into it.
That's cool. Here's what I'm thinking.
Check your clock,
we go for a little 5K run,
get the juices flowing,
little chitchat. You in?
-I don't think so.
-Ugh.
Principal David,
with your cute French horn,
I really like you,
but this doesn't seem like a...
No, it doesn't,
but it was really nice to meet you.
You too. Up top, principal.
Stay golden.
(dramatic music playing)
Oh. Hey.
-(chuckles)
-Mm.
Noel, hi. (chuckles)
How are you? Nice to see you.
You're making a little ice cream run?
A surprise for my dad.
I'm between Mexican
Hot Chocolate Cookie Dough
and Sugarplum Fairy Horchata.
Both have cinnamon,
and my dad always says,
"Everything's better with cinnamon," so...
(giggles)
Well, I might have a solution for you.
Get both.
I like it.
(both laugh)
Hey, Noel...
could I ask you a personal question?
Yeah.
Are you okay with your dad dating?
I asked him to.
No, I know. I mean,
now that he is,
are you still okay with it?
Sophie, no one can replace my mom.
(tender music playing)
It would be impossible.
That's how great she was.
That's exactly how I feel about my mom.
Yeah, I kind of feel like life
is about moments, you know?
Like--and we're, uh...
We're lucky. (chuckles)
We get to remember
all of the amazing moments
we've had with our moms.
Yeah.
So I guess I feel okay
about the dating thing because...
my dad is that great, too.
He deserves someone as amazing as my mom,
not to replace her,
but to love him as much as she did.
Wow. Well, you're remarkable, aren't you?
(choked) It's, uh...
on the house.
Merry Christmas.
Here, you too.
Free ice cream is even more delicious
and has fewer calories.
-(laughs)
-Thank you, Mr. Walt.
Thank you.
(tender music playing)
I know my dad has fun with you.
How?
Because his dates with you
are the only ones
he doesn't tell me about.
(Joy to the World playing briskly)
Um, bells, you guys can rest for a second.
Bocas Locas, come with me. Vmonos.
(piano playing softly)
(all humming)
I want to wish you
a Merry Christmas...
You know what, man?
I don't think my dates are going so well
'cause I can't stop thinking about Sophie.
What do you mean?
That means they're going great.
If anything, you need to stop
going on those other dates.
That'll get you in trouble. Man, t sabes.
You're right,
but she doesn't even live here, man.
That's the problem.
-What?
-Yeah.
All our dates are practice dates,
not even real ones.
She's good, though, huh?
Yeah, she's looking great right now.
Music, bro.
Hey, that's what I meant.
All right? She's giving us a chance.
ALL: I want to wish you
a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart
Feliz Navidad
Prspero ao y felicidad
Feliz Navidad...
(Mexican music playing)
Um, you said come for dinner,
not come make dinner.
-Smarter than I look, huh?
-Mm...
These are for Christmas Eve.
We do this every year.
So, Sophie, it's our family tradition
to make and share tamales,
but it's extra special
when we have guests.
(Sophie chuckles)
Oh, my mug.
DAVID: Oh, yeah?
I bought that to support the festival.
Nice.
All right, so here's the deal.
This is the masa,
these are the fillings,
and these are the husks.
And it's like a little assembly line,
and we each do a part.
Awesome. Well, I love food.
So I will do the masa.
Are you sure?
It's kind of the hardest part.
Oh, well, now I kind of have to do it,
because I love a challenge.
You'll be fine.
Okay, just make sure you spread the masa
on the smooth side of the husk,
not the rough side.
Smooth side, not the rough side.
-You feel it right there.
-Smooth side--okay.
Smooth side, not the rough side, got it.
(bright music playing)
DAVID: And these are special, too.
These are carne asada tamales.
-SOPHIE: Oh.
-DAVID: Next level.
(laughing)
-It is a lot of meat.
-DAVID: You got to spread the masa.
SOPIE: Well, wait, I can't.
-NOEL: All right, go.
-DAVID: Okay.
(laughter)
This was a little harder than it looked.
You are a natural.
Hey, I bet you're a good cook.
SOPHIE: Well, I work nights,
so I don't get a lot of practice
for dinner,
-but I make a mean brunch.
-Okay. (laughs)
(gentle music playing)
What? What's up?
Nothing. It's just...
this is fun.
Yeah.
And the other night at dinner...
We got carried away, right?
Right.
Wow. Oblivious.
-What?
-Nothing.
I'm really glad you came.
Yeah, I am, too.
So all of this has led me here
to good old Pinestar, Arizona.
I'm actually in a really good place
in my life overall.
I'm excited about what's next,
and I'm excited to meet new people,
and I'm excited
to be here with you, David.
David? Did you get any of that?
Hmm? Yes, yes, of course.
Good for you. You sound great.
(chuckles awkwardly)
Are you okay?
(sighs) Honestly, Stacy, I'm not great.
I shouldn't even be here.
I probably shouldn't be dating at all.
They have killer cornbread and chili here,
and it's my treat, seriously.
I have been doing all the cooking.
-Yes, you have.
-(both chuckle)
This whole thing is my daughter's idea.
Noel thinks it's time
for me to get out there,
and I do, too, but it's not easy,
not for me, anyway.
(scoffs)
I didn't plan on being a single dad.
Raising a teenage daughter
is tough enough.
They grow up so fast.
I also drive
for Southwest Secured Delivery
'cause I got to stay busy
during the holidays
'cause the holidays are rough for me,
but Noel said, "No, Dad,
you got to get out there,"
so I did, and then I met
this incredible, amazing woman
who lives in Phoenix,
and she plays the French horn
and loves classical music, and...
I'm so sorry for this.
It's okay. Check, please.
(gentle music playing)
Oh, Stacy, I'm flattered, but...
Oh, David, that's not my number.
That's actually the number
to my therapist.
You're gonna be okay.
Just follow your heart.
You'll figure it out.
(ominous music playing)
NOEL: (humming "Feliz Navidad")
Oh. Dad.
Hey, those robe changes are sick.
-Yeah.
-Maybe next time, a little Velcro
-inside the robes, though.
-Yeah.
-(chuckles)
-I brought you something.
Aw, metallic origami.
Dad, you shouldn't have.
You know, I think I may be
done dating for a while.
There's got to be someone out there.
Ah, maybe you're right, but...
maybe we should just take our time, huh?
Yeah.
Okay, so pop quiz.
Tomorrow?
Tomorrow?
Ooh, there's this cool thing called
the Pinestar-Lakestone Frosty Festival
that could be fun.
Huh? Want to check that out?
Stop. Be serious.
Fine, I'm responsible for picking up
the choir concert gloves
at the dry cleaner's,
and I'm gonna have plenty of time to do it
-after my last shift.
-Cool.
You're gonna be great tomorrow, mi'ja.
(sighs)
Sophie really helped, huh?
Yeah, she's awesome.
She really is.
(tender music playing)
Hey, there, teach.
Principal, and hello.
Yeah, "hey, there, principal"
just doesn't have the same ring to it.
(chuckles) So Noel told me
you're giving her private lessons.
For the show. Yeah, she's really good.
You should think about private lessons.
She could get a music scholarship.
Well, maybe she can study with you.
Are you planning on staying longer?
Um, actually,
here are the last of the boxes.
Ah, yeah, look, uh...
I saw you last night, Sophie, and...
I just want you to know,
that was my last date.
Let me explain.
My sister and my daughter...
I didn't know you saw me last night,
but it's cool.
I mean, we're not dating, so...
Oh, I know, I know. We're practice dating.
But the thing is,
I kind of have grown fond
of our practice dates.
Yeah, I mean...
Admit it, we've had
some pretty good dates.
Maybe.
Trust me, compared to some
of the dates I've been on,
ours have been great, but I'm sure
you've been going through
the same thing, too, right?
Like what?
Well, you know,
nothing to talk about, no chemistry.
That sounds awful.
Right?
What about you, any hall of shame moments?
Well, I only went on the dates with you,
but from the report you're giving,
you're not really making
a good case for me
to start dating
when I get back home next week.
Next week?
David, my work here is done, right?
The kids are ready to perform tonight,
and all of Mom's stuff is gone, so...
So...
I guess it's Merry Christmas
and see you around?
Maybe?
Merry Christmas, David.
(melancholy music playing)
How about a coffee or a walk
or coffee and a walk?
-Now?
-Yeah.
I just got one more package to deliver,
and I can meet you at the trailhead
in, say, like, 20 minutes?
Yeah. Yeah, okay, yeah.
-All right.
-(sighs)
(engine turning over)
Oh.
You know what this looks like?
Like nature is the most perfect
giant Christmas tree lot?
No, that '80s gymnastics movie
American Anthem,
you know, where the bad-boy gymnast
comes out in the woods, he's all upset,
he lost his girl, his focus.
I think Nationals were right around
the corner,
or maybe it was the Olympics.
Never saw it. I bet he dug deep.
Oh, yeah. It was raining.
And for some reason,
there was a bar between trees
that's at regulation Olympic height,
and he just nails it.
Yes! Go, bad-boy gymnast.
(both chuckling)
Oh, is that why you brought me here?
-For inspiration, a little...
-Oh.
Take that, Lakestone.
Look at those little moves, okay, musical.
Yeah, sliding on the pine straw.
You know what? You're pretty funny.
(chuckles)
(sighs) You were so great
with the kids, and...
you and I are...
Great?
(sighs)
Sophie, I can't help
how I feel when I'm with you.
(tender music playing)
Even though I'm leaving?
Especially because you have to leave.
Me too.
What you said.
You're amazing, David.
You're kind, funny. (chuckles)
I'm gonna miss you...
terribly because you're
so ridiculously wonderful,
and I blame you.
All right, that's on me.
(chuckles)
Oh.
(both laugh)
Oh, Christmas Eve is always so magical.
Especially this one.
It's only 6:00 p.m.
I know.
6:00 p.m.?
What?
6:00 p.m.
It's 6:00 p.m. I got to go.
What, what? David.
-Noel!
-What's wrong?
David, what's wrong?
Noel's never going to forgive me.
Dry cleaner's, white gloves.
(energetic music playing)
I put myself first, and I screwed up.
-(engine turning over)
-This is a mistake.
(scoffs) I don't think this is a mistake.
(energetic music playing)
Ugh!
No!
Man.
Sophie came in...
(whispering indistinctly)
It's 6:30. Where is he?
(sighs) Don't worry.
This isn't weird, all right?
Principal Morales knows what he's doing.
He's just pumping us up by being late,
you know, like, "Ooh, where is he?"
He's making it more fun
by keeping us waiting
till the last minute.
How is this fun?
Because I'm a teacher and I said so.
Look, I'm sorry, but worst-case scenario,
the bell choir just performs barehanded.
Ah, no way in Heaven's
basement, Mr. Vargas.
No gloves, no bells. They're antiques.
And sweat and skin oil
corrodes the brass and ruins the sound.
(sighs)
(cell phone ringing)
Oh. Dad, are you close?
No, I am not.
I screwed up big-time. I'm sorry, mi'ja.
I didn't get to the dry cleaner's in time.
Can you play them without the gloves?
-That's a no-go.
-DAVID: All right, don't worry.
I'm gonna figure something out.
I'll see you there.
(energetic music playing)
I'm here! I'm here!
Okay, these are a little different,
but they should work.
All good.
Everything's going to be great.
Here you go. Here you go.
They're dishwashing gloves.
Will they work?
I don't know. Maybe.
What happened?
I wasn't thinking about you.
I was thinking about me.
And I forgot what was important
long enough to screw it all up.
I'm so sorry, mi'ja.
(melancholy music playing)
Even if we could use them,
they're way too big.
Oh, come on. Please?
Sorry.
Uh-oh. Uh-oh.
(gasps)
He didn't make it
to the dry cleaner's on time.
Okay.
Okay, we get a rock,
and we break some dry cleaner glass.
No one will know it's us.
What about when they find
all that's missing
is eight pairs of white gloves?
Ugh. I'd be a terrible criminal.
(sighs) High school is hard.
So is being a dad. (sighs)
Hey, mi'ja.
(sighs) I'm sorry again.
I'm thinking, what's the big deal really?
What?
We can't get so down about bells or gloves
or Vocal Locals.
Vocal Locals will always be in our lives.
Yeah, but I let you down.
You're my dad. You can never let me down.
(scoffs) Well, I did this time.
Remember when I was little
and you and Mom would sing Feliz Navidad?
You're still little.
(chuckles) I used to sing Feliz Navi-Dad.
Yeah.
You used to think it was about me.
I was your Feliz Navi-Dad.
You still are.
So what's the big deal?
We wanted one thing,
and we got a different thing instead.
What does that sound like to you?
Energy.
Yep.
You can't destroy anything.
It just changes into something else.
Pinestar does not need those bells
to go up on that stage.
Promise it will be great.
One way or another.
All right.
That's my girl.
Come on, let's go get ready.
(laughing)
(cheers and applause)
Feliz Navidad, everyone,
and welcome to our very special
Frosty Festival.
You know, we got a lot of fun
in store for you.
We got lots of music, lots of cookies,
and, of course, lots of ice cream.
So, if you keep your ticket stub,
you get a free scoop
of ice cream at Walt's.
Walt's, your friendly
neighborhood ice cream store.
Now, it's Christmas Eve,
so let's get this party started.
(laughing)
Maybe we should decide on a signal
or some sort of bird call.
(whistles)
What are you talking about, Dad?
What if I get disoriented
and lost in the crowd?
I'm pretty sure
once you're an Eagle Scout,
you never forget your training.
I think that's the Marines.
Okay, Dad. See you in a minute.
(indistinct chatter)
Hi.
Hi. Raffle tickets are $2 each.
Okay, we'll take two.
Sophie, hey.
Oh, hi.
Look, I know it's almost showtime.
I have something I think will help.
-Come with me.
-Okay.
(whispering) At this point,
I think we just got to pray,
like, a lot of Hail Marys.
Oh, Sophie.
Sophie, look, I have to apologize.
I know I ran off,
but I had to get to these kids,
'cause they were..
Why did you say I was a mistake?
What? No, you're not the mistake.
I'm the mistake.
And then I ruined it
by not getting the gloves,
and now Pinestar is doomed.
Oh.
Well, maybe Pinestar's chances
just got a little bit better.
A gift? I don't know what to say.
Just open it, funny guy.
You know, If you let someone
help you every once in a while,
maybe you wouldn't have to
do everything all by yourself.
After you left,
after I got over being hurt,
I remembered my mom
used to have these for people
at her conventions
when they were handling the toys.
This is amazing. Helen!
(gasps) Perfect.
(warm music playing)
Yes! (laughing)
I don't know
how I'm ever going to repay you.
Oh, well, Helen mentioned
you're quite the dancer.
Maybe a lesson or two here or there.
Right, come on. Everybody get a pair.
Let's go. Let's get ready.
You know you saved Christmas.
I got lucky.
What about Phoenix or...
here, driving, practice?
Okay, one thing at a time, teach.
Come on.
MAN: Everybody got a pair?
This is what you've been working towards.
You guys got this!
Let's bring it in the middle.
Let's bring it in the middle.
Here we go. On three, "Pinestars."
One, two, three.
ALL: Pinestars!
Okay, now for our
time-honored musical finale.
Up first, Lakestone's
High School's Vocal Locals.
(cheers and applause)
(all vocalizing)
Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way
Bells on bobtail ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing
A sleighing song tonight
Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh
Jingle bells, jingle bells...
They're good.
I know, but don't worry, mi'ja,
we got this.
...to ride and sing
a sleighing song tonight
ALL: Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
(cheers and applause)
(laughs) Wow.
(laughs) Okay, calm down.
Calm down, now.
All right, we got more, folks.
We got lots of acts for you tonight.
Just sit down. Come on, kids, let's move.
Let's move. That's good. Tremendous show.
We got more acts for you.
Come on, let's go. Let's go.
I can't quiet them.
(whistles)
Please enjoy Pinestar's version
of Feliz Navidad.
Dedicated to Noel's Feliz Navi-Dad.
(cheers and applause)
(handbells playing "Feliz Navidad")
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prspero ao y felicidad
It worked.
Yeah, it did.
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prspero ao y felicidad
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart
Feliz, Feliz Navidad
Feliz, Feliz Navidad
Ooh
Feliz Navidad
-Ooh
-Feliz, Feliz Navidad
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart
-(cheers and applause)
-Yeah!
(tender music playing)
No, no, no, no, no, no. Oh, no.
(cheers and applause)
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
ALL: Feliz Navidad
Prspero ao y felicidad
-Feliz Navidad
-(laughter)
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prspero ao y felicidad
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart
I love you, Dad.
I love you, too, mi'ja.
ALL: Feliz Navidad
Prspero ao y felicidad
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart
(all talking indistinctly)
It was so good.
You were absolutely amazing.
So proud. (chuckles)
So good. (chuckles)
Ah, Dad, let's go.
(sighs) I'd like to, mi'ja,
but I got one last delivery I got to make.
What?
No, you are not working on Christmas Eve.
You're right. I'm not.
Today was my last day ever
working during Christmas break.
I'll be the delivery. (chuckles)
(warm music playing)
Oh, Willard.
-Oh.-
Oh.
Dad?
It's Christmas Eve. Let's go home.
("We Wish You a Merry Christmas" playing)
DAVID: All right, you ready?
If we move too fast,
we can miss life's most special moments.
I'm so glad my daughter taught me
to slow down and enjoy them all.
Merry Christmas.
You're kidding.
-Hey. Let's check it out.
-Wow.
(giggles)
(strums guitar)
DAVID: And Marisa was right.
I just needed to figure out
how to take care of my family
and myself.
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prspero ao
Y felicidad
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
DAVID: I love my life. Sophie loves hers.
And now we love each other,
and we don't mind driving back and forth
from here to Phoenix making it all work.
NOEL: Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prspero ao y felicidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
DAVID: I'm going to remember
this Christmas
as one of the most magical of my life.
Whoo!
(jazz music playing)
DAVID: This is where I grew up,
Pinestar, Arizona,
and it's where I still live.
Yeah, it's got its quirks.
The roof at the dry cleaner's
leaks when it rains.
The Desert Dessert boasts
the best breakfast panini in town,
but we all know not to order one.
It's the people who make this place.
They're genuine, kind,
and look out for one another.
Our town is small enough to be close
but big enough to have a big-box store.
MARISSA: Gretchen.
That's my sister, Marissa.
Happy holidays. I bought too many.
DAVID: A few years ago,
after I lost Isabella,
she moved in with us.
Oof. I don't know what I'd do without her.
Pinestar is a great place
to raise a family,
and everyone-, I mean everyone,
comes back home for the holidays.
-Hi.
-Welcome home.
(handbells playing "Jingle Bells")
DAVID: That's my daughter, Noel.
She says I'm the coolest dad in the world,
and she still thinks that, by the way,
even though she's a freshman
and has to call me Principal Morales.
All right!
Hey, that was pretty good.
Definitely better.
We're way ahead of schedule, you guys.
I thought by December,
we'd just be kind of adequate.
But sabes qu?
You guys believe in yourselves.
and that's what's up.
I really want us to be great this year
at the Frosty Festival.
My dad will be psyched. (chuckles)
(school bell rings)
All right, guys, get out of here.
See you tomorrow. Good job.
(indistinct chatter)
(school bell rings)
Principal Morales.
Finals next week, my man.
Let's be on time.
Work hard and...
BOTH: Take care of each other.
-Principal Morales.
-Coach Jesse.
I'm not Coach Jesse today.
Today I'm speaking
as Music Teacher Vargas,
-and he ain't happy, homes.
-Mm.
I like Coach Jesse better.
He doesn't hit me up for money
like that substitute music teacher.
Hey. Well, we need to
find me a replacement, right?
I'm a PE coach, homey.
You know, music ain't my thing.
I mean I like my oldies, you know,
but I'm not a music conductor.
So maybe today, after school,
we should have a fine arts
department meeting to discuss.
Sorry, can't.
I have to get Noel home after school.
Then I have to finish training
for my annual holiday gig.
(groans) You're not driving
that Southwest Secure Delivery truck
again this Christmas, are you?
Got to bank money for Noel's college fund.
Plus, I like staying busy. You know that.
More jobs equal more money, right?
Hey, hold on. Let's talk right here, then.
Look, I really want our music department
to win against Lakestone
at this year's Frosty Festival.
No one wins at the Frosty Festival.
Whoa, no, no, no, no, no. Hold on.
It depends on how you look at it, right?
And I like winning. I'm good at it.
It's motivating--you know, when everybody
comes up to you, "Hey, congratulations,"
or like, "Yeah, we did it together."
You know? And I want that for us,
for all of us, for Pinestar.
You know who wins?
Ciara, who sells that amazing funnel cake
with the little powdered sugar. She wins.
-Oh, yeah,
that powdered sugar, homey.
Hey, don't change the subject, all right?
We need to find me a replacement,
a real music teacher,
so we could full-on
monster-truck crush it.
You know...(imitates crunching)
Well, maybe not that aggressively,
but I want to be at least
as good as they are,
for once.
(sighs) Yeah, Noel's really into it.
She wants it to be great, too.
(gentle music playing)
All right, I'm gonna see what I can do.
I'm going to try
to find someone, all right?
Yeah, that's what's up.
That's why you're the principal.
Looking all good today, too.
Hold on, hold on.
-(whistles)
-(both laugh)
All right, I'll see you later.
(train whistle blows)
SOPHIE: Remind me why the first thing
you wanted to do
was put the train together?
Honey, it's just not Christmas
until the train is running.
True, but even before I unpack?
Well, yes, it's our--it's our thing.
The train and the poinsettias.
We got to go get those poinsettias.
(dramatic music playing)
I miss Mom.
Me too.
The winter poinsettias was her thing,
but over the years,
I've grown to love them.
Yeah, me too.
I will pick some up for us.
I just can't believe it's been over a year
since she's been gone.
I know, but we still have
all our wonderful memories.
And we have the hideous doorstep reindeer
to remember her by.
Honey, that reindeer is all me.
(laughs)
(laughs)
We're all helping
with the Christmas cookies, Noel.
Well, I'm helping.
I'm finding the right baking playlist.
-("Feliz Navidad" playing)
-See?
Maybe you should have a signal,
like arm raise or a little... (whistles)
To say, "Hey, I'm working,
not texting all my friends."
(laughs) The line between
dorky and hilarious
-is tricky, Dad.
-Mm.
He's been like that since we were kids.
Only guy in school who wore
sweater vests every day.
Vests are cool.
They show off the guns
and say I've got style.
Life vests protect you from drowning.
Sweater vests protect you
from ever getting a date.
-Ugh.
-(laughs)
Ooh, I like this version a lot.
Bell choir is using the arrangement
for the Frosty Fest.
Dad, you should stop by practice tomorrow.
To Jesse would let you watch.
I'm gonna see it fresh at the festival.
Isn't that more exciting?
Dad, I'm worried.
To Jesse doesn't know much about music.
Really?
I mean, he's trying really hard
at making us good and all,
but we need a pro.
Tomorrow's my first shift back at SSD
or else I would, I swear, mi'ja.
(scoffs) From now to New Year,
you're an exhausted space case.
Exactly.
Holiday deliveries are...whew!
Can't wait till January,
when this is all over.
That's my gift for me.
Well, don't be so busy
that you miss all the fun.
Hey, if you guys are having fun,
that's my fun.
Dad, are we poor?
Hmm? What?
We're rich...in family.
And love.
Eww. That sounds like we're poor.
Why are you asking me that?
Because you have a job,
and every Christmas
you take on another job.
(sighs)
Fine.
I wanted to surprise you,
but since I'm getting a third-degree,
all the money from my school job
is for all of this...
and all the money from my SSD job
is for your college fund.
Ta-da.
Seriously? That's amazing.
-Yeah, I'm pretty amazing.
-Don't ruin it.
I love to ruin it.
But, hey, it's not a gift. It's a loan.
You got to pay me back
once you're a Supreme Court justice.
They make $223,500 a year.
With housing costs in D.C.,
that's not a ton of money.
Well, I don't care how you do it,
but you got to pay me back.
Maybe get a second job,
be the first Supreme Court justice
that moonlights as an SSD driver.
(laughter)
Noel!
(sighs)
I know some people never find
their true love, but...
I did.
I just got to be thankful
that I had it once.
(gentle music playing)
I miss Isabella, too.
She was my best friend.
I know.
SINGER: Hark, the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn king
(indistinct chatter)
(singer vocalizing)
All right
Good, thank you. All right.
(singer vocalizing)
-All right, all right
-Bye!
-Bye, bye.
-(laughs)
SINGER: Echoing their joyous strains
Oh
(speaking indistinctly)
SINGER: Yeah, yeah-ah-ah
Whoo, ah!
(deep bass vocal)
Glo-ah-ah-ah-oh
Is it possible to have
too much Christmas spirit?
SINGER: Gloria
(engine revving)
Dad, you want more cookies?
No, thanks, this works.
Um, I baked these.
I was going for more than "this works."
They're Mom's Christmas recipe.
Sophie, this is not
the "Christmas Cookie Challenge."
-Good try.
-SOPHIE: Oh, please.
I only get to spoil you
when I'm visiting here.
Plus, the holidays
are just around the corner,
so you kind of have to have another one.
You can call it my gift.
Okay. Maybe just one.
And would cookie like a visit
from his friend...
2% Lactaid milk?
(laughs) Of course he would.
Fa la-la-la-la...
BOTH: La-la-la-la
(laughs)
You have officially put me
in the Christmas spirit.
Oh, look at this. Vintage 1950s.
Hard to find in mint condition
because of the tiny pole caps
and the skis.
Oh, you always said living with Mom
was like the holidays all year long.
It was like Christmas every day.
Well, we'll be lucky
if we can sell half of this
before you've got
to shuffle off to Buffalo.
Okay, Phoenix,
I'm shuffling off to Phoenix.
It's only three hours away.
Yeah, close enough for you
to get here if there's trouble,
but not close enough
for me to just drop by, right?
-(knocks on door)
-I never said that.
Well, I did just now,
because I could tell you were thinking it.
(light intriguing music playing)
Ah, thank goodness
someone's waiting to decorate.
Hi.
-Hi.
-You need to sign for this.
Oh, okay.
All righty.
-Here.
-Mm-hmm.
Oh, um, I actually have some questions.
Sure, I'm a bit of a mind reader,
so let me guess.
You're wondering why
I'm not wearing the mesh cap.
Not my best look.
Wow. Someone thinks
an awful lot of himself.
Oh, I bet you say that
to all the delivery men.
My question--
you scored zero
on mind-reading, by the way.
I'm selling a lot of items online,
and I'm worried that I'm
gonna run out of boxes,
so I was wondering
if maybe you could help.
With your whole life?
No, I'm not that guy, but I can do boxes.
Let me some from the truck.
Zero on the mind-reading, huh?
You know, it might be more efficient
if you brought boxes to the door.
You're, like, the first person
to ever ask me for a box.
That can't be true.
Why would I make that up?
To anecdotally prove me wrong
to keep a strong woman down.
Touch. Let me get you some boxes.
Besides, you probably want
to see the full uniform
in action.
(scoffs)
No one's looking at your uniform.
-He seems nice.
-(scoffs) What?
Oh, never mind.
I didn't hear a word you guys said.
Ah.
(handbells playing "O Tannenbaum")
All right.
Now, let's relax for a second, homeys.
Then we'll hit it again.
Sounding good, To Jesse?
To Jesse?
ALL: That's Mr. Vargas.
Hey, listen.
Noel's allowed
to call me Jesse, all right?
I've known her since
she was a little chamaca.
But as for the rest of you...
No, I'm just playing.
You could call me Jesse.
To, I know you want us to shine
at the holiday fest, and so do all of us,
but we need more than the bells.
We need an a cappella group
so we can really compete
against Lakestone at the fest.
She's right.
I know, Las Bocas Locas.
Yes.
I don't know what it means,
but it sounds fun.
And, Noel, you have such a great voice.
-So do you.
-(both laugh)
All right, perfect.
Now, let's get back in there.
Let's run the song again, but this time
with a little more cowbell.
Uh, we don't have a cowbell.
Oh, that's what's missing!
I got one right here.
Here, homey, take this.
-No way.
-JESSE: Yeah, for reals.
All right, Kevin, now count us in.
One, two, three.
(handbells playing "O Tannenbaum")
And then she sends me back to the truck
to get extra boxes.
-Hmm.
-Hmm, to mess with you?
Or to flirt.
See, that's what I thought.
And? Maybe you can invite her
to the Frosty Festival.
Anyways, your ta told me
that she heard practice was good today.
Well, all things you'd know
if you would have snuck into rehearsal.
Charlotte and I are gonna kill it.
I know you are, mi'ja,
and I'm gonna be there
front and center.
So you kind of maybe owe me one.
(mischievous music playing)
Oh, Dad, wow, look what Pedro
on the shelf brought out.
Look at that.
Little Pedro, all right.
(tender music playing)
Mom's ornaments.
You know what?
Let's put them out this year.
Yes.
(sighs) I want Noel to crush it so bad.
Every year, we're basically
the opening act for Lakestone.
(scoffs) Jesse's right.
It'd be great to get a little respect.
And some bragging rights.
We can do it, too,
if I can find a music teacher.
(sighs) Noel's working so hard.
It means so much to her.
The thing is, the Lakestone Vocal Locals
are like the
New England Patriots of choirs.
The way things are now,
we don't stand a chance.
Maybe there will be a Christmas miracle.
Mm.
Ahh.
You look exhausted, bro.
Are you ever gonna tell
Noel the real reason
you take up that delivery job
every Christmas?
College money.
The real truth.
I know the holidays
are hard without Isabella.
(somber music playing)
Noel comes first...
and then me if there's
any time left in the day.
Look, taking care of my family,
my students, my teachers--that's...
that's what gets me pumped now.
How can you take of everybody
if you don't even take care of you?
It's called being a parent.
And you parent Noel
by disappearing into your SSD job
and then showing up Christmas Eve
with some presents?
And a college fund.
Mom and Dad taught us
that Navidad is about family,
being together, being grateful.
That's what we should be passing on.
Noche Buena, remember?
Dad had three jobs, Marissa.
MARISSA: Dad had to do what he had to do,
but he never missed time
with us during Christmas.
Come on, we both know
Isabella's life insurance
is in a trust.
Noel can go to any college she wants.
When are you gonna tell her
the real reason
you take up that delivery job
every Christmas,
that you can't handle
all the sadness you feel
during the holidays?
Noel doesn't want
to talk about that stuff!
MARISSA:
No, no, you don't want to talk about it.
Um...
I forgot my phone.
Noel...
wait.
Here you go.
Happy holidays, guys.
Do you really think we'll be able to sing
by the festival?
Claro, absolutely.
Uh, guys?
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
'Tis the season to be jolly
Fa la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la
Troll the ancient Yuletide carol
Fa la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Fa-la-la
Fa-la-la
Fa-la-la
Deck the halls
Deck the halls
Deck the halls...
Hey, hey, you guys, come on.
Don't look so worried, all right?
It's just the Vocal Locals.
Did you hear them?
They sound like angels sent
from actual Heaven,
sent here to save mankind.
(sighs) You're right.
They do sound like angels.
I almost started reaching
out to them like, "Hey,
just take me there right now
because you have access."
-What?
-No, I'm just playing.
Come on, they're not real angels,
all right?
And you guys are just as good,
maybe even better.
CHARLOTTE: Mr. Vargas?
Can I go get Noel?
She hasn't come back from Walt's.
(melancholy music playing)
JESSE: (sighs) That's not why
she's slow getting back.
I know that look.
KEVIN: Looks like something's on her mind.
(dramatic music playing)
(door bells jingles)
-Evening, David.
-Hey.
Uh, the usual?
Mm, yeah, let's go with the usual.
You got it.
Noel, hey, I didn't see you there.
(sighs)
Mi'ja, I feel terrible.
Well, that's how you should feel.
You should have told me the truth
about your holiday job.
You're right, but, honestly,
I'm not sure I knew the truth
until I heard it out loud.
-Thanks.
-Why do you even like that?
Winter chip with gummy worms.
You're a grown-up.
Do you know this is
what your mom and I did
after dinner before you were born?
Yeah, you told me.
Walk up to Walt's and get a scoop.
Then we'd run all the way home.
To work off the carbs.
Yeah, I've heard this a million times.
But what you don't know is,
this isn't even my favorite flavor.
As a matter of fact,
I don't even really like it.
My favorite is
Granny Smith Apple Pandowdy.
And you're right, with gummy worms,
it's pretty gross.
(tender music playing)
DAVID: Winter Chip was
your mom's holiday favorite.
Really?
So why the gummy worms?
Gross on top of gross?
Ah, see, those got added later.
After you were born, we'd come up here,
and I'd have you on my chest
in this little baby carrier,
and the ice cream was too cold for you,
so I'd give you these worms,
and you'd chew on them
and start to giggle.
I miss her, too, Dad.
I know, mi'ja.
I'm okay most of the time.
It's just the holidays kick my butt.
You're doing so much
better at this than I am.
Ms. Valentino told us in science that...
energy cannot be created or destroyed.
It can only be changed.
Okay.
So, when I think about Mom,
I remember what Ms. Valentino said.
Mom's not gone.
She's always around.
But now she's in a different form.
Part of her is here, her favorite place.
The other part of her is at home with us.
And all the parts of her
want us to create new memories.
Wow. When did you get so smart?
(scoffs) I've always been.
You just aren't smart enough
to see how smart I am.
Well, I'll come to your rehearsal.
No, no, no, no,
you're not getting off that easy.
You're going to start putting
yourself out there,
like ta Marissa.
Dating? No, no, no, no.
I'm not ready for all that.
Besides, it's the holidays.
People are busy with their own families.
Who's got time for dating?
Well, then you have
nothing to worry about.
Come on, let's put you out there.
What did you tell me
when you taught me to swim?
You'll never be ready.
You just got to jump in.
(laughs)
All right. A few dates.
Good.
I may or may have not started
making you a profile
when ta Marissa
signed up for a dating app.
What?
Look, I'm sorry I wasn't
up-front with you, mi'ja,
-but a dating profile, come on.
-You're gonna do it.
Oh, gosh.
(cheerful music playing)
WILLARD:
Well, we finally have enough boxes,
but they're big, and the toys are small.
I know. I messed that up. I can own it.
Well, we're solving it by stuffing them
with old newspapers.
It was your idea--
it was a good idea, Sophie,
and you're not letting it set you back.
Oh, wow.
"The Beatles live at Sun Devil Stadium."
I wonder whatever happened to those guys.
Okay, Dad, we have work to do.
Excuse me for going slow
so my daughter might stay
through the holidays.
-(knocks on door)
-Oh.
All right.
(intriguing music playing)
-Hi.
-Hi.
I was in the neighborhood 'cause, well,
that's literally my job,
and I thought I'd check.
Need any more boxes?
WILLARD: You better believe it.
She got the wrong size last time.
We need smaller.
I need small boxes.
And you're probably gonna think
it's because I want to watch you run,
and I'm gonna tell you that I don't.
Let's just skip to the part
where I fully admit
you are rocking the uniform...
you take the compliment
and go and get me boxes?
-Merry Christmas to me.
-(laughs)
Mmm. Ms. Helen, these are delicious.
Oh, thank you. Make yourself comfortable.
Oh, thank you. Oh, thank you.
Moonlighting another
holiday season, principal.
Don't they pay you enough
at Pinestar High?
I like to keep busy. (chuckles)
How's the bell choir coming along?
Great, and thank you again
for lending the school the bells.
We're so grateful.
I promise we'll take good care of them.
It's my pleasure, David.
I heard Ms. Baron retired.
Who's replacing her?
Jesse Vargas, for now.
Baseball Coach Vargas?
I know. I'm working on it.
Ah, the kids are so good, too.
I just really need a legit music teacher.
All you can do is your best
and maybe a little bit extra.
You know, my mother used to say
something like that.
You remind me of her, Ms. Helen.
So positive.
Something special you ordered here?
Oh, who knows?
I have a glass of wine at night.
That way, when I shop online,
I don't remember.
It's kind of like
someone else got me a present.
Very sweet. A bit different but clever.
That's me in a nutshell. Shall we?
Hey, we shall.
(salsa music playing)
Okay. Hello.
-Eh.
-Oh!
-A little salsa.
-All right.
Oh, yeah. Let's open it up.
-Open up.
-Ha!
-Come in for the dip.
-Whoa.
BOTH: Hey!
Now we go behind the back,
and then we get a spin.
-Spin.
-Spin here.
Please help me welcome
Pinestar High's grupo nuevo
Las Bocas Locas.
-Pass these out.
-Thank you.
All right, now let's hit
that big mama bell, see what we got.
(mouthing) And two
and three and four and...
ALL: Joy to the world
The Lord has come
Let Earth receive her king
Let every heart
Prepare him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and Heaven
And nature sing
(applause)
(choir giggling excitedly)
(mischievous music playing)
Mr. Morales? (gasps) That is you.
Hi.
Why are you in an SSD uniform?
I like to stay busy during the holidays.
I'm Charlotte's mom,
and she is so excited
to be at Pinestar this year.
-David.
-Of course, David.
Heidi. You want...
No? No? Okay.
Oh, oh, incoming. (chuckles)
Sorry, I'm just--I'm really, really fun.
Uh, that's what my friends say,
each of them separately.
So it's true. (laughs)
Anyways, you look like
the type of principal I wish I had.
(laughs)
Qualified?
Yes, that too.
(awkward laughter)
Hey, girls, that was great. Nice.
How do you know?
I was watching through
the music room window there.
Well, bell choir's getting better,
but the new vocal group is kind of rugged.
Well, I better help her with her bell.
(laughs)
It's not insured, so Mom carries it.
No. That's right.
Well, it was so nice
to meet you, Mr. Morales.
David.
Heidi.
Got it. (laughs)
Ah...yes.
Ah...
(chuckles)
Are you trying to set me up
with Charlotte's mom?
What? Absolutely not.
What did you think of her?
I think she's the parent
of one of my students,
so not a possible date.
Right.
We need to find someone
outside of Pinestar High.
Or how about we just focus
on the holiday performance, huh?
Yes, thank you.
(goofy voice) "Oh, no, David's
too busy to help decorate."
And Noel's rehearsing,
so I guess it's all up to me.
(deep voice) "Oh, well, good thing
you're a water-ski instructor
with plenty of time
on your hands in the winter."
You, you're working hard.
Noel's working hard trying
to make her music group better.
Man, I hope she can find a way
to take that group
to the next level
like I'm about to do with this garland.
(normal voice) Hey, can I borrow this?
Yeah.
(jazzy Christmas music playing)
And we got Rudolph's Red Cherry Delight,
for his nose, you see,
and True North Pole.
That's an extra-rich vanilla flavor
with a whole candy cane on top.
(laughs)
Yeah.
Mm?
Merry Christmas.
(door bells jingles)
(music stops)
(early rock music playing)
Helen?
Oh, my. Hello, Willard.
I thought you moved.
Nope, just staying inside more.
Oh, I see.
I'm so sorry to hear about Mary.
WILLARD: It's hard to believe
that it's been a year.
But Sophie's here helping me.
I'm doing okay.
I'm so glad to hear that.
I'm used to being by myself.
But I'm glad your little girl's
visiting you.
Having Sophie here,
I'm remembering to enjoy my moments.
Here you are, a nice moment,
and life's full of them.
You just have to watch for them.
Hmm.
-Can I get you another egg cream?
-Oh.
-Hi.
-Hello, and sorry.
It got returned. The letter fell out.
-I didn't read anything.
-Because that would be wrong.
There may have been some glancing.
Oh.
I'm guessing that's not a mint-condition
atomics with lasso, but what do I know?
WILLARD: Hold on, I need a favor.
No, I'm just joking,
but, seriously, we could use your help.
First of all, who made him
an expert on mailing stuff?
Uh, SSD?
(both laughs)
Oh, I have a package I need you to send.
She's great.
-She is.
-SOPHIE: Where's the box with the X on it?
Now, that's her system, which isn't great.
She could be a while. (chuckles)
SOPHIE: Not funny, Dad.
WILLARD: Oh...
She sounds fun,
and I wish I could stay, but...
Well, I wish she could stay forever.
-SOPHIE: Dad!
-I'm just kidding.
See you.
Wait, wait, I found it. Ah! Ah!
-Oh.
-It's fine, I got it.
-Are you okay?
-Yeah, I'm fine.
A little bruised, a lot embarrassed.
(tender music playing)
I got it.
It's safe with me.
Yeah, okay.
-Yeah.
-(van door closes)
How about responsible, kind,
loves mistletoe and Christmas movies?
Mm, it's kind of boring
for a dating profile.
(scoffs) Believe me,
at a certain point in life,
responsible and kind aren't so boring.
Okay, I'd go like handsome,
cries at Christmas movies,
and loves huevos rancheros.
He shouldn't call himself handsome.
Remember, women think
he's writing it, not us.
True. Uh...
Better?
"Hello. I'm a normal guy.
"If you think that's cool, let's meet.
"If you don't, all good, no worries.
Normal is underrated."
That's a good start, Noel.
-I took out the word goofy.
-MARISSA: It kind of captures the charm
and a bit of the horror that is your dad.
-(both laugh)
-Profile pic?
-I was thinking the navy shirt?
-Or the Pendleton?
Or does that say that
I'm a hipster cholo type?
Yeah, it does. (laughs)
Yeah, he looks really nice
in the navy shirt.
You know, one day,
when I have a boyfriend,
I hope he wears
a nice navy shirt like that.
-Okay, navy shirt works.
-It does.
-(both laugh)
-Okay, ready?
(both laugh)
(upbeat music playing)
(laughter)
-NOEL: He got a match!
-(Marissa squeals)
-NOEL: He got a match.
-(laughter)
-He got a match.
-Finally!
-Oh, my God.
-MARISSA: What?
(laughter)
Ooh!
What's going on?
You got a match.
You! You got a match!
Hey, wait.
You're celebrating like you thought
I wouldn't get a match.
(both cheering)
All right, that's good. Take it easy.
Eat this before you go on your lunch date.
Before.
You never eat on a lunch date.
Say that slower and really hear it.
Oof, fail. I'm so glad you have us.
"I had a late breakfast.
I'll just have some coffee, thanks."
Rehearse that.
Here are the options for your date outfit.
You go with this shirt.
He can't wear the same shirt
as his profile pic.
It'll look like
he only has one nice shirt.
Hello, do I get a vote?
Sure.
Red sweater vest.
You don't get a vote.
This is your power shirt.
The navy does make your eyes glow.
-Women like glowy eyes.
-(giggles)
All right, I'll wear this shirt.
-Thank you, girls.
-Yes.
Can I see a pic?
If you saw it, that's one more thing
for you to trip out on.
(sighs) All right.
And you swear she's not a parent
of one of my students?
Yes, we checked.
Text when you're done, okay?
Have fun.
Bye.
Oh, they grow up so fast.
(both giggle)
Okay, kiddo, I'm on it.
(chuckles) Thanks, Dad.
It's just a quick errand.
I'll be right back.
Where to?
Oh, just a few places,
stupid little things.
Oh, it's always
the little things, isn't it?
Don't get me started.
Well, how long until you get back?
Probably a few hours.
Be prepared to help
with my famous Christmas fudge
-upon my return.
-Mm.
(chuckles) Love you.
-BOTH: Mwah.
-Bye.
-Toy man.
-WILLARD: Come on.
Sophie had to head out for a minute,
and all these are going to one collector
-who loves anything with robots.
-Okay.
Uh, can I ask you something?
And I hope I'm not being too forward,
but you seem pretty thrilled
to be selling all these toys.
I don't know how I'd feel
if my daughter came into town
and started selling all my stuff.
What's your secret to staying so happy?
My wife passed away.
(chuckles) That doesn't sound right,
does it?
These are not my toys. They're Mary's.
She loved them.
Oh, and they remind you of her,
so it's okay to let them go?
Well, the whole house reminds me of her.
What I'm happy about is that
Sophie's spending time with me.
But when you're done, Sophie goes home.
Yes, but I don't know
if you're keeping track,
but she's not great at this.
The wrong addresses, mixed-up boxes.
Lucky me. It could take a while.
(laughs) Got it.
Uh, would it be weird
if I use your bathroom real quick?
Of course you can.
I'll bet you delivery guys
have to go constantly.
I just need to change.
I'm meeting someone for coffee.
Let me get the clothes from the truck.
-Thank you very much.
-Okay.
Ah, studying for finals is intense.
After lunch, I need a break.
-Sure, I get it.
-(chuckles)
I mean, it's so hard to focus
when Christmas is almost here.
Who thought of exams
right before Christmas?
I know, right? It's not cool.
We should be wrapping gifts
and eating treats
and eating more treats.
Exactly.
Maybe you should talk to your principal
about changing exams
-until after Christmas.
-Right?
Ta, remember Las Posadas?
You and Mom would put out
those candlelit paper bags.
Luminarias? Yes.
And we would eat posole,
and on Christmas Eve,
Dad would bring out the reindeer piata.
(laughs)
It never ended well
for the reindeer piata.
-(laughing)
-No.
That was fun.
It was fun.
Maybe we can bring out
the reindeer piata this year?
-Hmm.
-Yeah.
Maybe we can bring back
that part of the tradition.
-(soft music playing)
-Thank you, ta.
Go. Go see Charlotte for a break.
Studying will still be here,
and so will my traditional borrowing
of your index finger
for all the gift wrapping.
Come here.
(mischievous music playing)
Hey, there, not-so-stranger.
Toy lady.
Wow.
Oh, you clean up good.
I'll order us something.
You want to grab a table?
Oh, I'm sorry.
I'd love to hang out,
but I sort of got a date.
Okay...
Yeah, My daughter set up
this dating profile for me,
and I promised I'd give it a try.
She also made me promise
not to tell the date I have a daughter
because it might scare her off
before it even gets started.
Oh.
Mm, you are terrible at this. (chuckles)
But I get why you're confused.
Um, I'm the date.
-You?
-Mm-hmm.
Yes, and I'm scared of children, so bye.
(both chuckle)
I got you on that one. I did. Yeah, I did.
Look, I had a late breakfast.
I'm just going to get coffee.
You want something else?
Hey, I was supposed to say that.
Oh, well, now you don't have to.
So you picked me, huh?
Mm-hmm. Swiped right on my SSD guy.
You do like Christmas movies,
though, right?
Yes.
And do you love Harry Styles
and boy bands in general,
or am I on a date with your daughter?
Eh, I'm a little more
into classical music.
-Oh. Like Bach, Beethoven?
-Stones, Eagles--
-What?
-Who?
I mean, you said classical,
so I thought you meant...
Oh, no, I'm sorry. I meant classic music,
not elevator music.
Elevator music, uh-huh.
You know, songs you hear, like,
in an elevator, right?
Yeah, okay.
Hi. Can we get two black coffees, please?
-Sure.
-Thank you.
(light music playing)
(sighs) All right, so...
-you like men in uniform.
-Yeah.
Well, typically the uniform
comes with polite and well-mannered.
Lucky you, because you got
charming and funny as a bonus.
Oh, yeah, uh-huh. (chuckles)
Look, here's the deal.
You're my first date in...
a while.
We can tell.
Me too. I mean, I downloaded the app,
because once I get back to Phoenix,
I finally got to put myself
out there again.
Ooh, great. (chuckles)
That takes the pressure off
for both of us.
-Oh, definitely.
-Good.
I mean, we get points for just showing up.
-DAVID: Mm-hmm.
-I saw your picture online.
Same shirt, right? Cute.
I was like, "He'd be good for a dry run."
I see.
So, a daughter.
I did not picture my SSD guy
with a family.
Yeah?
So you were picturing me.
Maybe.
I'm a bit of a mind reader myself.
You deliver by day.
By night, you dedicate yourself
to a midnight rec center b-ball league
for at-risk youth.
-Am I good at it?
-SOPHIE: Oh, you're the best.
I mean, you know all the kids' names,
plus the parents', it's a whole thing.
That's actually not too far
from the truth.
Wait, really?
I'm a high-school principal,
and I deliver during the holidays.
Oh, well, you're better than my principal.
He smelled like BENGAY
and wore a back brace.
Mr. Carruthers from Lakestone, yes.
He's retired. You ever hear from him?
No, but I don't really keep track
of school administrators
who barred me from jazz band
because I played the French horn.
Ah, lady French horn player
who lives in Phoenix.
Tell me more.
All right, after Mr. Carruthers
derailed your music career,
what happened next?
Well, plot-twist time.
I'm first chair horn
for the Phoenix Symphony.
Ah, classical music, right?
Not just...
What did you call it, elevator music?
I like a good elevator jam now and then.
No, you're right.
I mean, classical music
is pretty old-school.
Hey, vintage, antique.
I just don't know too much about it,
but I'm willing to learn.
Favorite Christmas song?
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town,
Bruce Springsteen.
Didn't expect that. Okay.
You?
Blue Christmas by Elvis.
-Classic.
-Yeah.
-Impression?
-Oh, no, that wasn't good.
No? Come on.
-A little bit?
-No, not very good. No.
(cheerful music playing)
I wasn't hungry.
Now I'm thinking the coffee
might need a little company.
Yeah, I'm feeling pretty wired, too.
Are you sure it's not
just the amazing conversation
giving you butterflies?
I have that effect on people.
I'm pretty sure it's just the coffee.
Besides, this is just
a practice date, right?
-Right.
-You know, we could've gone to Walt's.
My dad loves that ice cream shop.
Oh, every December,
he comes up
with these special holiday flavors
like Graham Cracker Truffle
and White Chocolate Irish Cream.
Okay, you're making me hungry.
All right, last year,
he did this Christmas Churro
with condensed milk and,
wait for it, real cinnamon.
-Oh.
-Hmm.
Yeah, they have one that I love this year
-called Granny Smith...
-BOTH: Apple Pandowdy.
Come on, that's my favorite, too.
Walt's is the best, huh?
Noel?
Dad. Wow.
Uh, Charlotte and I were just
mailing the Christmas cards.
Hi, I'm Sophie.
Sophie, this is my daughter, Noel,
and her best friend, Charlotte.
Nice to meet you.
Sophie is a professional musician,
and when Noel isn't spying on people,
she also enjoys music.
Really? What, do you sing, play?
Singing is my jam,
but I also play on bell choir.
But now she's late
for something I like to call,
"I know what you're doing. Now go home."
We've actually formed an a cappella group
for our high school for the Frosty Fest,
las Bocas Locas.
-Noel is super good.
-Stop.
Well, it's time to study something
you're not super good at, ladies.
Bye, mi'ja. Adis, Charlotte.
SOPHIE: Well, Noel,
if you ever want to pick my brain,
I'm actually here visiting my dad.
We could all use a break
from our dads, right?
-NOEL: Yeah.
-(laughter)
Should I leave you two alone for a while?
NOEL: No, no, I'll see you at home.
Bye, Sophie.
-Bye.
-Bye.
(laughing)
(chuckles) They're cute.
Well, David,
after a good practice date like that,
we're gonna be very prepared
for our real ones.
More first dates with other people.
Sounds scary.
Yeah, which is why I want to thank you
for being such a good first one.
Oh, okay.
Uh...
I'll see you on my route, I guess.
You will. Bring boxes.
(gentle guitar music playing)
-Sophie.
-Yeah?
Maybe we can practice more, too.
More practice? I'm in.
Oh, Sophie! Um...
you know how you said Noel
can pick your brain anytime?
Can I ask you an incredibly big favor?
So?
And? What's the date feedback?
Well, he agreed to go on more dates,
which is great.
My mom thinks your dad's cute.
She also says that I have to write
all my thank-you notes
for my birthday,
or I don't get any Christmas presents.
Your birthday was in June.
Yeah.
All right, guys, let's hit it again.
(handbells playing Joy to the World)
What's going on, ese?
I did it.
I got something
that's gonna make this better,
and like you wanted,
I got a real musician.
-What?
-Yep.
Yes. Thank you.
That's what I'm saying. Thank you.
Take care of my people, man.
Excuse me, Pinestars.
Hey, mi'ja, how's it going?
It's getting there, I think.
Well, I have a surprise
that I think will help.
-Sophie?
-(gentle music playing)
Hey, Noel.
-Hey, teach.
-Hello, toy lady.
Dad, what's going on?
I called in a little backup.
Because he likes her.
Because she's a pro.
I play for the Phoenix Philharmonic,
-and Principal David...
-ALL: It's Principal Morales.
Principal Morales said
you guys could use my help.
And she accepted.
And I quit, but to go be you guys'
number-one fan, right?
So let's go. Pinestar, you guys got this.
S, se puede! S, se puede!
I'm all excited. (whistles)
Okay, so no one knows that the Bocas Locas
are performing yet, right?
Right.
Well, I had an idea.
What if we surprise the crowd
and the Vocal Locals
in the bell stop mid-song,
and then the Bocas Locas
emerge from the bells, huh?
Okay, so, like, a mash-up
but the same song.
-Yeah.
-That could work.
Yeah, that's great. Um...
-and you said we have one week?
-Uh-huh.
Okay, we have one week.
(chuckles) Let's go.
Let's go, Pinestars.
Hi, I'm Sophie. You met me.
-I brought cookies.
-Mmm.
Ooh, Sophie, from the date.
That's a good sign.
Well, I asked her to help out
for the festival
for Noel and the kids.
For Noel.
And the kids, yes.
Son, you are sweet.
Oh, knock it off.
Well, you are good at taking care of Noel,
and that's great conversation
for your next date.
(scoffs) Fine.
I get to see a picture this time, though.
Let me have one of these.
Did you see they're selling
hand-decorated Christmas mugs?
I made the one with the butterflies on it.
-That's very cool.
-Yeah.
All proceeds go to the Frosty Fest.
Nice. The Frosty Fest is a good cause.
Now, your profile says
you're originally from Sedona,
so what brought you out here to Pinestar?
Oof. Energy.
I'm guided by energy.
Mm. (chuckles)
Are you spiritual, David?
I go to church.
Mother Earth?
Mother Mary?
Yep, that is what the stones say.
Uh, okay, you're a Libra.
Um, your lucky number is four.
Scales, air, strong but sensitive.
Ooh, that's too bad.
What's too bad?
Those rocks told you all that?
Do they know if the Cardinals
are gonna cover the spread this weekend?
Unfortunately, I'm a Cancer,
so this just isn't gonna work between us.
Sorry.
You're home early.
Eh, it was fine.
What? Did you make this?
No, Sophie made that.
Interesting.
Mm, seriously, it's a relief
to go on practice dates.
You can eat all you want during them.
Maybe you should slow down.
This is only our second one.
You should pretend
to be too nervous to eat,
and then on the next one
totally go for it.
-Nah.
-(laughter)
-Gracias.
-De nada.
Oh, my God. -Mmm.
Mmm! This is amazing.
The food or the company?
The food. Maybe the company.
(both chuckle)
(tender music playing)
David, are we...
I know. Is this...
(groans) I don't even live here.
It's ridiculous to think.
-I know, right?
-Right?
(tender music playing)
Gah! (laughs)
Okay, we do have fun together.
I will give you that.
Yeah, we do, a lot. (chuckles)
It's really too bad now.
I mean, I can't move.
Noel and her school, my job,
it would never work.
Never, I mean, not in a million years.
I love my job and my friends and my condo.
I mean, I'm not moving, so...
-To just--to just practice.
-Fun practice.
Yes, to fun.
-Salud.
-Salud.
(guitar strumming gently)
I always liked clown on a motorcycle,
constantly trying not to fall down.
-It's classic Americana.
-(chuckles)
Solid work, Dad.
You know, I was waiting
for the perfect moment.
(soft music playing)
Oh, honey.
I saved some of the toys I know you liked.
Oh, Sophie, that's sweet, dear.
Um, here's, um...
Duck on a trike,
checking out the townsfolk.
And who can forget circus boy on a horse?
Yeah, that one always weirds me out.
Honey, I don't need any of these.
The only thing I ever wanted
that was your mother's
was the piano.
You don't even play.
But my daughter does,
and if she promised
to visit and play it for me,
well, it would make me a lot more happy
than circus boy on a horse.
She promises.
I love visiting, Dad.
And, um, when you visit,
you could see David.
He seems like a nice guy.
Yeah, actually, he is.
What was that, buddy?
Is he her new boyfriend?
Oh, that's kind of forward.
You know circus boys, they love to gossip.
-Yeah, okay.
-(knock at door)
Hey, sorry, I'm early.
Hi. No worries. Come on in.
Right this way.
Dad, this is David's daughter, Noel.
We did music theory
at las Bocas Locas rehearsals.
She coerced me into private lessons.
For harmonies. Listen.
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
BOTH: Prspero ao y felicidad
-Yes!
-Bravo.
Bravo. Wow.
Oh, my gosh, you picked that up so fast.
Okay, come here, come here. Sit down.
Try this.
(plays piano chord)
(scatting)
(cheerful music playing)
So, Laurel-Ann,
when you're not a ski instructor,
-what are you into?
-David, I like to do anything
where I can go fast but, you know,
I still compete and all,
but I love to train.
I mean, you look sporty.
(laughs) Well,
I'm just a high-school principal
with a very active
15-year-old daughter, but,
yeah, I try to train.
Wait, you compete, like, in the Olympics?
Yeah, gold medal, baby.
Just kidding with you, David.
But I'm completely obsessed.
I mean, you know, it's a passion.
That's great.
I've recently gotten into music.
-Oh.
-Classical music, actually.
Been studying the French horn as of late.
Why the horn?
A friend of mine got me into it.
That's cool. Here's what I'm thinking.
Check your clock,
we go for a little 5K run,
get the juices flowing,
little chitchat. You in?
-I don't think so.
-Ugh.
Principal David,
with your cute French horn,
I really like you,
but this doesn't seem like a...
No, it doesn't,
but it was really nice to meet you.
You too. Up top, principal.
Stay golden.
(dramatic music playing)
Oh. Hey.
-(chuckles)
-Mm.
Noel, hi. (chuckles)
How are you? Nice to see you.
You're making a little ice cream run?
A surprise for my dad.
I'm between Mexican
Hot Chocolate Cookie Dough
and Sugarplum Fairy Horchata.
Both have cinnamon,
and my dad always says,
"Everything's better with cinnamon," so...
(giggles)
Well, I might have a solution for you.
Get both.
I like it.
(both laugh)
Hey, Noel...
could I ask you a personal question?
Yeah.
Are you okay with your dad dating?
I asked him to.
No, I know. I mean,
now that he is,
are you still okay with it?
Sophie, no one can replace my mom.
(tender music playing)
It would be impossible.
That's how great she was.
That's exactly how I feel about my mom.
Yeah, I kind of feel like life
is about moments, you know?
Like--and we're, uh...
We're lucky. (chuckles)
We get to remember
all of the amazing moments
we've had with our moms.
Yeah.
So I guess I feel okay
about the dating thing because...
my dad is that great, too.
He deserves someone as amazing as my mom,
not to replace her,
but to love him as much as she did.
Wow. Well, you're remarkable, aren't you?
(choked) It's, uh...
on the house.
Merry Christmas.
Here, you too.
Free ice cream is even more delicious
and has fewer calories.
-(laughs)
-Thank you, Mr. Walt.
Thank you.
(tender music playing)
I know my dad has fun with you.
How?
Because his dates with you
are the only ones
he doesn't tell me about.
(Joy to the World playing briskly)
Um, bells, you guys can rest for a second.
Bocas Locas, come with me. Vmonos.
(piano playing softly)
(all humming)
I want to wish you
a Merry Christmas...
You know what, man?
I don't think my dates are going so well
'cause I can't stop thinking about Sophie.
What do you mean?
That means they're going great.
If anything, you need to stop
going on those other dates.
That'll get you in trouble. Man, t sabes.
You're right,
but she doesn't even live here, man.
That's the problem.
-What?
-Yeah.
All our dates are practice dates,
not even real ones.
She's good, though, huh?
Yeah, she's looking great right now.
Music, bro.
Hey, that's what I meant.
All right? She's giving us a chance.
ALL: I want to wish you
a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart
Feliz Navidad
Prspero ao y felicidad
Feliz Navidad...
(Mexican music playing)
Um, you said come for dinner,
not come make dinner.
-Smarter than I look, huh?
-Mm...
These are for Christmas Eve.
We do this every year.
So, Sophie, it's our family tradition
to make and share tamales,
but it's extra special
when we have guests.
(Sophie chuckles)
Oh, my mug.
DAVID: Oh, yeah?
I bought that to support the festival.
Nice.
All right, so here's the deal.
This is the masa,
these are the fillings,
and these are the husks.
And it's like a little assembly line,
and we each do a part.
Awesome. Well, I love food.
So I will do the masa.
Are you sure?
It's kind of the hardest part.
Oh, well, now I kind of have to do it,
because I love a challenge.
You'll be fine.
Okay, just make sure you spread the masa
on the smooth side of the husk,
not the rough side.
Smooth side, not the rough side.
-You feel it right there.
-Smooth side--okay.
Smooth side, not the rough side, got it.
(bright music playing)
DAVID: And these are special, too.
These are carne asada tamales.
-SOPHIE: Oh.
-DAVID: Next level.
(laughing)
-It is a lot of meat.
-DAVID: You got to spread the masa.
SOPIE: Well, wait, I can't.
-NOEL: All right, go.
-DAVID: Okay.
(laughter)
This was a little harder than it looked.
You are a natural.
Hey, I bet you're a good cook.
SOPHIE: Well, I work nights,
so I don't get a lot of practice
for dinner,
-but I make a mean brunch.
-Okay. (laughs)
(gentle music playing)
What? What's up?
Nothing. It's just...
this is fun.
Yeah.
And the other night at dinner...
We got carried away, right?
Right.
Wow. Oblivious.
-What?
-Nothing.
I'm really glad you came.
Yeah, I am, too.
So all of this has led me here
to good old Pinestar, Arizona.
I'm actually in a really good place
in my life overall.
I'm excited about what's next,
and I'm excited to meet new people,
and I'm excited
to be here with you, David.
David? Did you get any of that?
Hmm? Yes, yes, of course.
Good for you. You sound great.
(chuckles awkwardly)
Are you okay?
(sighs) Honestly, Stacy, I'm not great.
I shouldn't even be here.
I probably shouldn't be dating at all.
They have killer cornbread and chili here,
and it's my treat, seriously.
I have been doing all the cooking.
-Yes, you have.
-(both chuckle)
This whole thing is my daughter's idea.
Noel thinks it's time
for me to get out there,
and I do, too, but it's not easy,
not for me, anyway.
(scoffs)
I didn't plan on being a single dad.
Raising a teenage daughter
is tough enough.
They grow up so fast.
I also drive
for Southwest Secured Delivery
'cause I got to stay busy
during the holidays
'cause the holidays are rough for me,
but Noel said, "No, Dad,
you got to get out there,"
so I did, and then I met
this incredible, amazing woman
who lives in Phoenix,
and she plays the French horn
and loves classical music, and...
I'm so sorry for this.
It's okay. Check, please.
(gentle music playing)
Oh, Stacy, I'm flattered, but...
Oh, David, that's not my number.
That's actually the number
to my therapist.
You're gonna be okay.
Just follow your heart.
You'll figure it out.
(ominous music playing)
NOEL: (humming "Feliz Navidad")
Oh. Dad.
Hey, those robe changes are sick.
-Yeah.
-Maybe next time, a little Velcro
-inside the robes, though.
-Yeah.
-(chuckles)
-I brought you something.
Aw, metallic origami.
Dad, you shouldn't have.
You know, I think I may be
done dating for a while.
There's got to be someone out there.
Ah, maybe you're right, but...
maybe we should just take our time, huh?
Yeah.
Okay, so pop quiz.
Tomorrow?
Tomorrow?
Ooh, there's this cool thing called
the Pinestar-Lakestone Frosty Festival
that could be fun.
Huh? Want to check that out?
Stop. Be serious.
Fine, I'm responsible for picking up
the choir concert gloves
at the dry cleaner's,
and I'm gonna have plenty of time to do it
-after my last shift.
-Cool.
You're gonna be great tomorrow, mi'ja.
(sighs)
Sophie really helped, huh?
Yeah, she's awesome.
She really is.
(tender music playing)
Hey, there, teach.
Principal, and hello.
Yeah, "hey, there, principal"
just doesn't have the same ring to it.
(chuckles) So Noel told me
you're giving her private lessons.
For the show. Yeah, she's really good.
You should think about private lessons.
She could get a music scholarship.
Well, maybe she can study with you.
Are you planning on staying longer?
Um, actually,
here are the last of the boxes.
Ah, yeah, look, uh...
I saw you last night, Sophie, and...
I just want you to know,
that was my last date.
Let me explain.
My sister and my daughter...
I didn't know you saw me last night,
but it's cool.
I mean, we're not dating, so...
Oh, I know, I know. We're practice dating.
But the thing is,
I kind of have grown fond
of our practice dates.
Yeah, I mean...
Admit it, we've had
some pretty good dates.
Maybe.
Trust me, compared to some
of the dates I've been on,
ours have been great, but I'm sure
you've been going through
the same thing, too, right?
Like what?
Well, you know,
nothing to talk about, no chemistry.
That sounds awful.
Right?
What about you, any hall of shame moments?
Well, I only went on the dates with you,
but from the report you're giving,
you're not really making
a good case for me
to start dating
when I get back home next week.
Next week?
David, my work here is done, right?
The kids are ready to perform tonight,
and all of Mom's stuff is gone, so...
So...
I guess it's Merry Christmas
and see you around?
Maybe?
Merry Christmas, David.
(melancholy music playing)
How about a coffee or a walk
or coffee and a walk?
-Now?
-Yeah.
I just got one more package to deliver,
and I can meet you at the trailhead
in, say, like, 20 minutes?
Yeah. Yeah, okay, yeah.
-All right.
-(sighs)
(engine turning over)
Oh.
You know what this looks like?
Like nature is the most perfect
giant Christmas tree lot?
No, that '80s gymnastics movie
American Anthem,
you know, where the bad-boy gymnast
comes out in the woods, he's all upset,
he lost his girl, his focus.
I think Nationals were right around
the corner,
or maybe it was the Olympics.
Never saw it. I bet he dug deep.
Oh, yeah. It was raining.
And for some reason,
there was a bar between trees
that's at regulation Olympic height,
and he just nails it.
Yes! Go, bad-boy gymnast.
(both chuckling)
Oh, is that why you brought me here?
-For inspiration, a little...
-Oh.
Take that, Lakestone.
Look at those little moves, okay, musical.
Yeah, sliding on the pine straw.
You know what? You're pretty funny.
(chuckles)
(sighs) You were so great
with the kids, and...
you and I are...
Great?
(sighs)
Sophie, I can't help
how I feel when I'm with you.
(tender music playing)
Even though I'm leaving?
Especially because you have to leave.
Me too.
What you said.
You're amazing, David.
You're kind, funny. (chuckles)
I'm gonna miss you...
terribly because you're
so ridiculously wonderful,
and I blame you.
All right, that's on me.
(chuckles)
Oh.
(both laugh)
Oh, Christmas Eve is always so magical.
Especially this one.
It's only 6:00 p.m.
I know.
6:00 p.m.?
What?
6:00 p.m.
It's 6:00 p.m. I got to go.
What, what? David.
-Noel!
-What's wrong?
David, what's wrong?
Noel's never going to forgive me.
Dry cleaner's, white gloves.
(energetic music playing)
I put myself first, and I screwed up.
-(engine turning over)
-This is a mistake.
(scoffs) I don't think this is a mistake.
(energetic music playing)
Ugh!
No!
Man.
Sophie came in...
(whispering indistinctly)
It's 6:30. Where is he?
(sighs) Don't worry.
This isn't weird, all right?
Principal Morales knows what he's doing.
He's just pumping us up by being late,
you know, like, "Ooh, where is he?"
He's making it more fun
by keeping us waiting
till the last minute.
How is this fun?
Because I'm a teacher and I said so.
Look, I'm sorry, but worst-case scenario,
the bell choir just performs barehanded.
Ah, no way in Heaven's
basement, Mr. Vargas.
No gloves, no bells. They're antiques.
And sweat and skin oil
corrodes the brass and ruins the sound.
(sighs)
(cell phone ringing)
Oh. Dad, are you close?
No, I am not.
I screwed up big-time. I'm sorry, mi'ja.
I didn't get to the dry cleaner's in time.
Can you play them without the gloves?
-That's a no-go.
-DAVID: All right, don't worry.
I'm gonna figure something out.
I'll see you there.
(energetic music playing)
I'm here! I'm here!
Okay, these are a little different,
but they should work.
All good.
Everything's going to be great.
Here you go. Here you go.
They're dishwashing gloves.
Will they work?
I don't know. Maybe.
What happened?
I wasn't thinking about you.
I was thinking about me.
And I forgot what was important
long enough to screw it all up.
I'm so sorry, mi'ja.
(melancholy music playing)
Even if we could use them,
they're way too big.
Oh, come on. Please?
Sorry.
Uh-oh. Uh-oh.
(gasps)
He didn't make it
to the dry cleaner's on time.
Okay.
Okay, we get a rock,
and we break some dry cleaner glass.
No one will know it's us.
What about when they find
all that's missing
is eight pairs of white gloves?
Ugh. I'd be a terrible criminal.
(sighs) High school is hard.
So is being a dad. (sighs)
Hey, mi'ja.
(sighs) I'm sorry again.
I'm thinking, what's the big deal really?
What?
We can't get so down about bells or gloves
or Vocal Locals.
Vocal Locals will always be in our lives.
Yeah, but I let you down.
You're my dad. You can never let me down.
(scoffs) Well, I did this time.
Remember when I was little
and you and Mom would sing Feliz Navidad?
You're still little.
(chuckles) I used to sing Feliz Navi-Dad.
Yeah.
You used to think it was about me.
I was your Feliz Navi-Dad.
You still are.
So what's the big deal?
We wanted one thing,
and we got a different thing instead.
What does that sound like to you?
Energy.
Yep.
You can't destroy anything.
It just changes into something else.
Pinestar does not need those bells
to go up on that stage.
Promise it will be great.
One way or another.
All right.
That's my girl.
Come on, let's go get ready.
(laughing)
(cheers and applause)
Feliz Navidad, everyone,
and welcome to our very special
Frosty Festival.
You know, we got a lot of fun
in store for you.
We got lots of music, lots of cookies,
and, of course, lots of ice cream.
So, if you keep your ticket stub,
you get a free scoop
of ice cream at Walt's.
Walt's, your friendly
neighborhood ice cream store.
Now, it's Christmas Eve,
so let's get this party started.
(laughing)
Maybe we should decide on a signal
or some sort of bird call.
(whistles)
What are you talking about, Dad?
What if I get disoriented
and lost in the crowd?
I'm pretty sure
once you're an Eagle Scout,
you never forget your training.
I think that's the Marines.
Okay, Dad. See you in a minute.
(indistinct chatter)
Hi.
Hi. Raffle tickets are $2 each.
Okay, we'll take two.
Sophie, hey.
Oh, hi.
Look, I know it's almost showtime.
I have something I think will help.
-Come with me.
-Okay.
(whispering) At this point,
I think we just got to pray,
like, a lot of Hail Marys.
Oh, Sophie.
Sophie, look, I have to apologize.
I know I ran off,
but I had to get to these kids,
'cause they were..
Why did you say I was a mistake?
What? No, you're not the mistake.
I'm the mistake.
And then I ruined it
by not getting the gloves,
and now Pinestar is doomed.
Oh.
Well, maybe Pinestar's chances
just got a little bit better.
A gift? I don't know what to say.
Just open it, funny guy.
You know, If you let someone
help you every once in a while,
maybe you wouldn't have to
do everything all by yourself.
After you left,
after I got over being hurt,
I remembered my mom
used to have these for people
at her conventions
when they were handling the toys.
This is amazing. Helen!
(gasps) Perfect.
(warm music playing)
Yes! (laughing)
I don't know
how I'm ever going to repay you.
Oh, well, Helen mentioned
you're quite the dancer.
Maybe a lesson or two here or there.
Right, come on. Everybody get a pair.
Let's go. Let's get ready.
You know you saved Christmas.
I got lucky.
What about Phoenix or...
here, driving, practice?
Okay, one thing at a time, teach.
Come on.
MAN: Everybody got a pair?
This is what you've been working towards.
You guys got this!
Let's bring it in the middle.
Let's bring it in the middle.
Here we go. On three, "Pinestars."
One, two, three.
ALL: Pinestars!
Okay, now for our
time-honored musical finale.
Up first, Lakestone's
High School's Vocal Locals.
(cheers and applause)
(all vocalizing)
Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way
Bells on bobtail ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing
A sleighing song tonight
Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh
Jingle bells, jingle bells...
They're good.
I know, but don't worry, mi'ja,
we got this.
...to ride and sing
a sleighing song tonight
ALL: Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
(cheers and applause)
(laughs) Wow.
(laughs) Okay, calm down.
Calm down, now.
All right, we got more, folks.
We got lots of acts for you tonight.
Just sit down. Come on, kids, let's move.
Let's move. That's good. Tremendous show.
We got more acts for you.
Come on, let's go. Let's go.
I can't quiet them.
(whistles)
Please enjoy Pinestar's version
of Feliz Navidad.
Dedicated to Noel's Feliz Navi-Dad.
(cheers and applause)
(handbells playing "Feliz Navidad")
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prspero ao y felicidad
It worked.
Yeah, it did.
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prspero ao y felicidad
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart
Feliz, Feliz Navidad
Feliz, Feliz Navidad
Ooh
Feliz Navidad
-Ooh
-Feliz, Feliz Navidad
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart
-(cheers and applause)
-Yeah!
(tender music playing)
No, no, no, no, no, no. Oh, no.
(cheers and applause)
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
ALL: Feliz Navidad
Prspero ao y felicidad
-Feliz Navidad
-(laughter)
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prspero ao y felicidad
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart
I love you, Dad.
I love you, too, mi'ja.
ALL: Feliz Navidad
Prspero ao y felicidad
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart
(all talking indistinctly)
It was so good.
You were absolutely amazing.
So proud. (chuckles)
So good. (chuckles)
Ah, Dad, let's go.
(sighs) I'd like to, mi'ja,
but I got one last delivery I got to make.
What?
No, you are not working on Christmas Eve.
You're right. I'm not.
Today was my last day ever
working during Christmas break.
I'll be the delivery. (chuckles)
(warm music playing)
Oh, Willard.
-Oh.-
Oh.
Dad?
It's Christmas Eve. Let's go home.
("We Wish You a Merry Christmas" playing)
DAVID: All right, you ready?
If we move too fast,
we can miss life's most special moments.
I'm so glad my daughter taught me
to slow down and enjoy them all.
Merry Christmas.
You're kidding.
-Hey. Let's check it out.
-Wow.
(giggles)
(strums guitar)
DAVID: And Marisa was right.
I just needed to figure out
how to take care of my family
and myself.
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prspero ao
Y felicidad
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas
DAVID: I love my life. Sophie loves hers.
And now we love each other,
and we don't mind driving back and forth
from here to Phoenix making it all work.
NOEL: Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prspero ao y felicidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
DAVID: I'm going to remember
this Christmas
as one of the most magical of my life.
Whoo!
(jazz music playing)