Leah's Perfect Gift (2024) Movie Script

1


[train whistle]
Hi, sweetie.
- Hey.
- Sorry I'm late.
How late am I?
You're not. I told you
12:00 instead of 12:30.
Just in case.
What would I do without you?
Oh, look at this display.
Oh, look at the train.
Wow.
It's so adorable.
You're adorable.
What? It's Christmas.
I mean, look at all the little
lights and the sparkling snow.
And the air is so crisp.
Take a deep breath.
Yeah?
Yeah. Do it.
[exhales]
Bus exhaust.
Okay, I get it, I do.
It's the most wonderful time
of the year.
Yeah.
Wait, since when are
you so into Christmas?
I mean, I guess I've always
been fascinated by Christmas.
Don't get me wrong,
Hanukkah is the best.
But, I guess, I'm just
like the nosy neighbor
peeking inside
the next door garden.
Christmas.
It's just so magical.
All the carols and the lights,
and I mean the tree.
It's all that and more.
Yeah.
Oh, you know what?
We should get going.
Maddie's always early.
All right.
Is it weird that I'm nervous
to meet your sister,
even though we've been
texting for weeks?
No, no.
- Yeah?
- Maddie's cool.
- Okay.
- You'll like her.
She was really annoying
as a kid, but...
like, really annoying.
But she's cool now.
Okay.
[cheerful music]
- Leah!!!!
- Hi!!!
Hi.
Leah, this is Maddie.
Maddie, this is Leah.
Obviously, this is Leah.
I already have
a table, so let's go.
- Okay.
- After you.
So I ordered fish heads.
Fish heads?
How do we feel about that?
You know, I've never
had it before.
I'm also not scared.
So I know an embarrassingly
little amount about you
because of Graham.
But the internet tells me
you made an app?
Yeah, it's called Veg Fleet.
So we're a food delivery
network,
and we partner with
eco-friendly restaurants
and transport options.
So cool.
Okay.
But enough about work.
Tell me the entire story
of how you two met.
And spare no details.
Well, we sort of met at work.
Well, we kind of met
more after work.
We got drinks with coworkers.
But I already knew who she was.
I'd seen her in the
third floor kitchen.
And what floor do you work on?
Six.
But the third floor kitchen
has one of those really cool
Italian latte machines.
Yeah, because that's
why he was going.
He was really just going
for the latte machines.
- Lattes, right.
- Yeah, of course.
But we were just like
adventure buddies at first.
And Graham would just
come with me
on all my fun expeditions.
And the best one was
New Year's Eve when we kissed.
Finally.
We did.
And then...
And then we shared locations.
This is serious.
So, has she met
the parental units yet?
Not yet.
Graham, what are
you waiting for? Hello?
It's not...
it's not Graham's fault.
They keep making plans to come
into the city
to see friends or a show, but
then they end up canceling.
Yeah, that sounds familiar.
I mean, I don't blame them.
It's a really big trek,
and I'm sure they're
very busy people.
I mean, my parents, they have
such crazy social lives,
I could never keep a schedule
like theirs.
Do you see them a lot?
I mean, I try to.
We're actually gonna
see them tonight.
First night of Hanukkah.
Can't wait.
I'm so excited for
your first Hanukkah.
Also, you can finally see
my mom's belief
that if you don't
go home with leftovers,
then there wasn't enough food.
[chuckles]
Don't look.
Guys, I said don't look!
You know, the human brain
can only respond
to a phrase like that
by looking, right?
Who is she?
A girl I dated in junior year.
Things didn't end well.
She's leaving, she's leaving.
She's gone.
She left.
How did she look?
So sad and lonely
and overall uninspired.
Thank you.
Leah...
Graham.
Would you like to come spend
Christmas with our family?
Are you serious?
I am.
Are you serious-serious?
Because you can't play with me
about Christmas, Graham.
I'm absolutely serious.
I want my parents to meet you.
Because I really, really am
in love with you.
I love you.
Leah? What have you done
to my brother?
Because he has never
expressed an outward emotion
in his entire life,
and now he's kissing
in a restaurant.
I'm speechless.
Guys, sorry.
Can I circle back to
the Christmas thing, though?
Like, are your parents
gonna be fine with it?
Of course.
It's just that they are...
they are...
Very specific.
Do you mean particular?
Sure.
Idiosyncratic.
Also good.
Mmhmm. Well I mean
I'm sure they're great,
you guys.
They made you.
Yeah.
They are something.
[notification alert]
Hold on.
Oh my mom's asking can we pick
up Challah on the way.
I thought Hanukkah was
all about the latkes.
Well every Jewish holiday
is kind of everything
except for Yom Kippur
which is nothing
and then everything.
[peaceful music]
[doorbell]
Oh, don't forget the napkin.
Mom.
Hi. We rang the bell
like, three times.
No one answered.
What, you think we're
gonna hear the doorbell?
Hello, sweetheart.
- Hi. Happy Hanukkah.
- Happy Hanukkah.
Happy Hanukkah.
Mrs. Goldberg.
Happy Hanukkah.
Cookie! You're here.
Hi, Dad.
You're just in time to help me
shred more potatoes.
My arm is going to fall off.
Dad, why do you always
do this to yourself?
Just use a food processor.
That's cheating.
Right, Graham?
Absolutely.
Graham knows the value of
doing hard work by hand.
[chuckles]
Your dad knows I'm a software
designer, right?
Soft is literally in the name.
I know, thank you
for playing along.
Um, Mom, is Sarah here yet?
Oh, yes she is and she has
some great news.
Well, cuz... what do you think?
Sarah, it's gorgeous.
Isn't it?
Yeah.
Zach did a great job.
I may have dropped
a subtle hint.
Not that subtle.
I love you.
I love you, too.
Oh, my gosh.
Look at my little mensch
shredding potatoes by hand.
He's so cute.
You think you and Graham
are next?
It would be so fun
to be engaged together.
- Sarah, shh... no.
- It's been a year.
It's been almost a year.
It was New Year's Eve.
And you love him.
He loves you.
What's the hold up?
We're kind of like a weird
match, if you think about it.
If by weird you mean perfect,
then yes.
Have you even talked about it?
Like, obliquely.
Okay, so...
I haven't even met
his parents yet.
Although...
He did ask me to come home
with him for Christmas.
- I know.
- Like Christmas, Christmas?
Like actual, real,
snow-covered, mulled cider,
stockings hung by the
fireplace with care Christmas.
What, Hanukkah isn't enough
for you anymore?
Sarah, stop.
I'm not converting.
I just, I don't know, I really
want to see Christmas
from the inside, you know,
like how it is in the movies.
Oh, I get that.
White Christmas paints
a real pretty picture.
Or the airport scene
from Love Actually.
Yes.
Can you believe Graham
doesn't like that movie?
Travesty.
I know.
- Okay. Let's focus.
- Okay.
What are you gonna wear?
I don't know.
What do people wear?
Plaid, Christmas sweaters?
Antlers and a red nose.
[laughs]
But you know what?
I'm not gonna be able
to go to family dinner
at Egg Foo Yum on Christmas Day.
Egg Foo Yum isn't
going anywhere.
What's important is that
you get to go have fun
and experience Christmas.
And when Graham's family
meets you,
they are gonna fall
instantly in love with you.
Just like Graham did.
Okay, let me see this ring
again, please.
Oh, my gosh,
it's really beautiful.
The key to Latkes is
to fry them very fast.
Otherwise the potatoes
turn gray.
Because of oxidation.
Yes, exactly.
Food is science.
Oh, Leah.
There you are.
I made you a plate.
You haven't eaten all night.
Wait, Mom, can I talk
to you for a sec?
Yeah. Of course.
Is everything okay?
- Mmhmm.
- Are you sick?
- No.
- Did you lose your job?
- No.
- Is it bedbugs?
It's bedbugs, isn't it?
I knew it, I never liked
that apartment building.
It is so dingy.
You can move back in
with your father and I
any time you need to.
Mom.
Wait. Do you have a fever?
No, Mom, I don't have a fever.
I don't have bedbugs.
I just wanna tell you
that, um...
Graham invited me to have
Christmas with his family.
Oh, you're finally gonna meet
the mysterious Westwood family.
I guess so.
Well, that is big news.
Mmhmm.
So you're not mad
that I'm not gonna be with
you guys for the holidays?
Mad?
I'm not mad.
I don't get mad.
Why would I be mad?
You're mad.
We don't even
celebrate Christmas.
We go to Egg Foo Yum every year.
I am sure they're
going to make you
a standing rib roast
with the little white
paper booties.
And the thing with
the little ladyfingers
that Martha Stewart makes.
Trifle.
Exactly.
They live in Connecticut,
not Downton Abbey.
I know.
Do you love him?
Mmhmm.
I do.
I really, really do.
I want what you and Dad have.
[whispering]
Well, then that's
all that matters.
I just hope that they like me.
Like you?
They're gonna love you.
And if they don't,
they have me to contend with.
Now, can you eat?
I have food.
[fire alarm buzzing]
[woman] Oh, so loud!
Broom.
Latkes aren't really latkes
unless you set off
the smoke detector.
Maimonides?
Julia Child.
[laughing]
Okay. Taste test.
Ooh. Okay.
Your dad made these.
Okay.
Mmm!
Gail Simmons from Top Chef
would say that those
eat really well.
Those are a good fry.
Okay, okay.
And I made these.
Okay.
Let's do it together.
All right. Cheers.
Mmm! Mmm!!!
Those are perfection!
You... you are Top Chef.
Do you have, um any other
hidden talents
I don't know about.
No. This is my only one.
- Flipping latkes.
- Mmhmm.
Also applies to pancakes,
French toast, grilled cheese.
Mm.
Question.
What were you and my dad
talking about over there?
Nosy lady.
What? You guys were having
a very intense conversation.
Well, he was answering
some questions I had about,
uh, blintzes.
Hmm. Right.
They're not dinner.
They're not dessert.
What are they?
Are you sure about me
going back for Christmas
to meet your folks?
Eleanor, you are not leaving
without taking some food.
Jonathan!
I mean, they can't be any
nuttier than my family.
Well, let's just say my family's
very different than... this.
Well, I'm really excited
to meet them.
[knocking] Hello.
Hi. Come in, come in.
Okay.
I have something for you.
I was gonna wait to give it
to you later for Hanukkah
but I just... I wanna
give it to you now.
Ta da!
Wow.
Isn't it amazing?
It's something.
I got myself a matching
one, too.
- Really?
- Yeah.
I mean, you said that your
parents like to dress up
for Christmas
at their house, so...
Yeah, I... I think I...
I kinda meant it's fancy.
Yeah.
Did I go overboard?
No, no, no.
I love that you're bringing
your A-game to Christmas,
I really do.
I just want to make sure that,
you know,
Christmas with my parents
lives up to your expectations.
No, I mean, I want to get
Christmas right.
You can't really get
Christmas right.
Yeah.
No, I know.
I'm just, I'm really excited
for my first Christmas.
And also to see where you
grew up and, you know,
get to know your family.
Okay.
Well, in that case,
do you want to know
one of my mom's favorite
holiday traditions?
Yeah.
Writing letters...
Mmhmm.
To Santa.
Oh, cute.
This was serious business
when we were kids.
We still do it
every year, actually.
Want to try one?
Yeah.
Um...
What does one write
in a letter to Santa?
Well, I'm sure there's
something you can think of.
No?
Sleep on it.
I'll get this to the big guy
in red tomorrow.
Okay.
Did you ever think
when we first met
that we would be here now...
in love and sharing
our family's traditions?
Only in my wildest dreams.
It's gonna be great, right?
Yeah. Yes. Yeah.
But that's a tomorrow adventure.
Okay.
First, we celebrate
the last night of Hanukkah.
Oh, yeah.
Should we light the menorah?
Yes. Let's do it.
What do you call this one again?
The shamash.
- The shamash.
- Mmhmm.
Okay.
[Jewish prayer]
Baruch atah Adonai,
Eloheinu Melech ha-olam,
asher kid'shanu b-mitzvotav,
v-tzivanu I'hadlik ner
shel Hanukkah.
Amen. Happy Hanukkah.
Happy Hanukkah.
Okay, so, Mitch and Barbara.
Yes, but don't call her Barb.
Noted. Any other topics
that are off-limits?
Um, just the usual.
Like politics, culture,
change, technology...
Sports.
Sports.
Yeah, she hates sports.
She kind of goes, like,
dead behind the eyes.
Copy that.
Oh, and maybe don't tell them
that you're not going
to business school,
even though you definitely
said that you were
going to buckle down
and get serious
after your year of backpacking
across Asia was finished.
Is that true? You're not going
to business school?
No, I am not.
But I am starting an artisanal
pickle company
with some of my friends.
That's pretty cool.
And I will wait
until they're both
in good moods to tell them.
In good moods at the same time?
Good luck with that.
Oh, Mom likes to talk
about gardening.
Oh, Graham mentioned
that, actually.
I actually said
she likes commenting
on other people's gardens.
I think the word you're
looking for is criticizing.
Okay, what about your dad?
What does he like to talk about?
[together] Apps.
Like appetizers?
No, more like applications.
Well, does he know that
I design apps for a living?
No, but I can't wait
for you to tell him.
Okay.
[cheerful music]
Looks nice, huh?
Nice? It's... it's beautiful.
Oh, my gosh, is this even real?
It looks like a postcard.
It's real.
I can assure you.
It's very, very pretty
on the outside.
Yoo-hoo! Over here!
But very, very weird
on the inside.
Hello!
The ornaments are not going
to hang themselves, you know.
Come on.
Did she just say ornaments?
Yep.
Am I dreaming?
Oh my gosh, look at this.
Look at this Graham.
This little goat.
Is it a goat or is it a lamb?
Yeah, I think that's a lamb.
Okay.
Mom, this is Leah.
Hello.
Hi, Mrs. Westwood.
It is so nice to meet you!
Oh, okay.
Welcome to our home. We are
thrilled to have you here.
Grahamlin.
Good to see you.
Oh, honey, I have missed you.
Now, I want you to go
put your bags down,
because we have to get this
big tree decorated by 3:00.
Okay.
And Madeline.
Mom.
Oh, that's new.
Mitchell!
I'm gonna put my stuff away.
Yeah.
Grahamlin?
Oh. Like gremlin.
Yeah. No, I got it.
Hey, what's happening at 3:00?
I don't know, but we're
about to find out.
- Oh.
- Dad!
Hello there.
[laughs]
Hey, this is my girlfriend,
Leah.
Leah, this is my dad.
Oh, hi.
Sorry, I'm a hugger.
It's okay.
Welcome, welcome.
Hey. So I hear you
two work together.
Yeah, kind of.
Well, he works
in software design,
and I'm app development.
App development?
That's fantastic.
Anything I would have heard of?
Uh, Veg Fleet?
Veg what?
[together] Fleet.
Yeah, it's efficient and
sustainable food delivery.
And we use biodiesel
converted vehicles
and partner with
eco-forward establishments.
I didn't understand a single
word you said,
but it sounds amazing.
She's smarter than you,
I can tell.
It's true, it's true.
You know, I've got a couple
ideas myself
that I would love
to share with you.
- Oh yeah?
- Yeah.
I would love to hear them.
- Fantastic.
- Mitchell!
Ooh. Duty calls.
Okay.
See you.
Okay.
Oh my gosh.
Okay.
- Up the stairs we go.
- Okay.
Let's go.
Oh, my gosh, there's another
Christmas tree.
Just back here.
Okay.
Here it is.
Oh, my gosh, it's so cute.
Oh, apologies Leah,
my gift wrapping has overtaken
the guest room.
No, no.
It's okay.
It's wonderful.
Oh, it's wonderful.
I'm so happy you're here.
Me too.
Hey, are you hungry?
We didn't get lunch.
Yeah, I could, uh...
[Mrs. Westwood] Where
is everybody?
I guess we got to go.
You, uh...
you take a minute
and come down
when you're ready, okay?
Okay.
[exhales]
Now here is everyone's
Christmas schedule.
Oh.
My gosh.
This is amazing.
Okay, what do we have?
Decorate tree.
Gingerbread house contest.
This sounds so great.
Well, I'm delighted
that you think so.
And just so you know,
we do things a little
differently here
regarding presents.
We each just do one present
on Christmas Eve
and then the rest
on Christmas Day.
It's tradition.
Great.
Uh, Mom, there is, like,
no down time in here.
Oh, no.
That's where you're wrong.
Last page.
You will have a whole eight
hours to sleep every night.
Oh.
Great.
Okay.
Oh, and speaking of sleeping,
here are this year's
Christmas pajamas.
Oh, nice.
Christmas pajamas.
For you.
Stop. Oh my gosh.
Oh!
Uh...
Mom doesn't like it when
you rip the wrapping paper.
Oh!
That's my bad.
I should have told you.
Sorry. Beautiful paper.
Oh, I love... them.
They're beautiful.
Mom, these are huge.
- No.
- I said medium.
They're... they're perfect.
Thank you so much.
We wear them on Christmas Eve
and also again together
on Christmas morning.
Got it.
Well, all righty then.
Shall we start decorating?
[laughing]
Oh, my gosh, a sugarplum fairy.
I have had visions of this
dancing in my head all week.
Looks like you.
Oh, and I almost forgot.
I also ordered us personalized
Santa hats
for snowman making
with The Hempsteds.
Yay!
Oh.
Who are the Hempsteds?
Oh, our dear, dear friends.
Right, Graham?
Oh, boy.
Yeah.
They're, uh, good friends.
Oh.
The bunny, my favorite.
You remember when Bunny
gave me this bunny?
Every year about the bunny.
It's just an ornament, Mother.
It's special.
Oh, I forgot,
I have something for you.
Oh, Leah.
Why thank you.
Is this mold?
No. It's moss.
It's a terrarium.
It's a terrarium.
- Oh, a terrarium.
- Yeah.
Graham mentioned that
you're an avid gardener.
I am.
Yeah, it's actually
also an ornament.
So you can hang it on the tree.
And it's a self-contained
ecosystem
so it doesn't even need water.
You can... you know what?
You can put it wherever you want
because you know, it's...
it's, uh... it's your tree.
I think it's really cool, Mom.
It's unique.
Thank you, Leah.
Mmhmm. You're welcome.
It's nice.
Does she hate it?
She loves it.
You know what would be
a really cool idea?
-Huh?
Is an app that could
help you map out
how to hang ornaments on a tree.
- Mitchell.
- Yeah.
How can an app do that
any better than I can?
Leah. Come here.
I am going to teach you
our ornament hanging system.
Okay.
That's a good idea.
Thank you.
Go get 'em.
Voila.
Now imagine the tree
is divided into quadrants.
- Yeah.
- Yes.
Here we go with the quadrant.
And each quadrant should contain
an equal number of types
of ornaments,
all hung in exactly
four-inch intervals.
Okay, I got it, I got it.
Four inches. Okay.
I have jingle balls.
Here. Ha, ha, ha!
This is so fun.
Um, okay.
What time is dinner?
Are you hungry?
No.
Would you like some seaweed?
Oh, yeah.
Do you have sushi?
Ah, even better.
Oh.
I live on this stuff.
You do?
Cheers.
Mmm.
It's delicious.
Thank you.
Where's the restroom?
Just up the stairs
and to the left.
[Sarah] Hey, how's it going?
Is it everything you hoped for?
Is it like a real
live Christmas carol?
Yes. It's beyond.
Does it smell like freshly cut
pine trees and mulled wine
like you're inside
a Williams-Sonoma?
Yes. All of the above.
I'm in the bathroom right now,
and there is literally
Santa Claus toilet paper.
Leah, are you hiding
in the powder room?
No! Yes.
No.
Mrs. Westwood didn't like
my hostess gift.
[Sarah] The terrarium!
It was so cute.
[Leah] That's what I thought.
Also, this is so weird.
There's no food.
What?
Like, just snackies and chips
and stuff.
No, no. Like nothing.
I mean, other than a really
upsetting bite of seaweed.
But we got here at 1:00,
right?
Dinner isn't until 6:00,
and we have been decorating
the tree the entire time.
Not one person has offered
a bowl of pretzels
or nuts or anything.
There's been no snacks, Sarah.
No nosh.
[Sarah] I'm sure there will
eventually be some kind of meal,
but for now, can you sneak out
and grab something to eat?
There's gotta be a gas station
or something close by.
I mean, you're still in America.
And of course they like you.
Just give them a chance
to get to know you.
After all, you might be
a permanent fixture
at their table.
Sarah.
[Sarah] What? I bet he's going
to pop the question
before the holiday is over.
Okay, I'm calling you later.
- Oh!
- Oh.
Hi.
- Hello.
- Hi.
I was just, uh, seeing a man
about a horse.
Of course.
Well, we thought we
were done decorating,
but Mitchell just found the box
of porcelain snowflakes.
Can you believe that?
I cannot.
No.
Come down and join us
when you're ready, hm.
Okay.
Yeah.
Oh, we'll be having dinner
soon, dear,
if you want to change
your clothes.
Right. Of course.
[Mrs. Westwood] Okay.
This is upper quadrant...
Psst! Graham.
[Mitchell] This is...
this is good.
[Mrs. Westwood] Yeah.
Hey.
Does your mom hate me?
What?
No, of course not.
Did something happen?
I mean, she told me to change
my sweater for dinner.
Is this is not a good
Christmas sweater?
This is a terrific
Christmas sweater.
It's very festive.
Thank you.
I mean, it's baby's
first Christmas.
I know, hey, you're doing great.
Come here.
You're doing great.
Thank you.
Hey, is dinner soon?
Oh, I hope so.
I'm starving.
I think my mom said
she's making roast beef,
all the fixin's.
Oh, yum.
Cheer up, little elf.
Santa's coming so soon.
Let's go.
Okay, you go first.
Ah!
Ah.
Right there my darling.
Thank you.
I didn't know everybody was
going to be so dressed up.
I said it was going to be fancy.
I thought you meant
fancy like this.
No, I just meant, like,
the regular kind of fancy.
Oh.
Can I help you with the rest?
Oh, no.
That's everything.
Oh, I forgot the rolls.
I'll be right back.
Leah.
Mm. Yeah.
I forgot to mention
Mom's a terrible cook,
but we make sure she doesn't
know we think that.
Okay.
Thank you.
Food looks delicious, Mom.
- So good.
- As usual.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
Can I have some salt?
That is...
please pass the salt.
Please pass the salt.
Remember your manners.
[chuckles]
Thanks.
Mmm. Amazing. Thank you.
Anyone want to hear a joke?
Yes.
Yeah, sure.
Yeah, sure.
- Yeah.
- Sure.
So, um, there's this
older couple,
and they go to London
for a trip,
and they come home
and they have their
friends over for dinner,
and they're telling them,
you know
how great the trip was
and how much fun they had.
And the friend asks
the older guy,
where did you
guys stay in London?
And the older guy stops
and, you know,
he thinks for a moment
and he says,
what's the name of that flower,
the one that's really beautiful,
smells amazing, has thorns.
And the guy says, a rose.
And the older guy says, right.
Rose, what's the name
of that hotel
we stayed at in London?
[all laugh]
So how old was
this older couple?
Um, old.
Just really old.
Like, um, one hundred...
and ten, 110 years old.
This marinade is so good.
Thank you.
Delicious.
Mmhmm.
Mmm.
It's A1 sauce.
Oh.
So, Leah, um... what does your
family do for the holidays?
Oh, um, well, the whole family,
we all get together
and we have this big
Hanukkah celebration.
We have latkes, which
are just potato pancakes.
- They're amazing, by the way.
- Yeah.
I made them.
Graham ate so many of them.
And then we have sufganiyot,
which is just jelly donuts.
And all the kids, they play
dreidel and they get gelt,
which are these little
chocolate coins.
Um, yeah.
And then we usually just all get
Chinese food on Christmas Day.
That sounds cool.
You... you what?
Uh, Chinese restaurants are
usually open on Christmas day.
So...
Leah's actually been to China.
Yeah, I went to
the World Conference
on applied engineering.
Um, and, you know, I never
thought that I would try
a blowfish, but I did
and it was delicious.
Wow, that does sound exciting.
I thought blowfish
was poisonous.
Oh, only the ovaries, Dad.
Oh.
[laughs]
Well, well...
you learn something new every
day, don't you?
You know, that is the kind of
global knowledge
that we could use down
at the bank, you know.
Let me tell you.
[Mrs. Westwood] Mmhmm.
I'm just saying that the option
is always there for you
to join the old family biz,
as they say.
Yep, that's what they say.
Oh, you know what would be
a clever idea?
Is an app that would tell you
where all the mailboxes
are in the entire world,
and they don't have that,
you know.
Don't you just hate having
to drive around
looking for mailboxes? Crazy.
Billion dollar idea, Dad.
Thank you, son.
Meat, broccoli and rolls.
[Sarah] That was
the whole dinner?
The whole thing.
[Sarah] That is violent.
Does Graham know
you left the house?
No.
Everyone went to sleep
at like 7:30,
so I slipped out the back
like a thief.
Why is nothing open?
[Sarah] Where are you?
Oh, you know what?
Hold on a second.
I think I found something.
I'll call you back.
[Sarah] Good luck.
Hi.
Hi.
Oh.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Just these please.
Thanks.
Oh. Hungry?
Mmm.
Those are my favorite too.
Right?
Mmm. So good.
Mmm.
I'm spending Christmas
with my boyfriend's family
and there's no food.
Like no snackies
or no food at all?
Like very little.
In my family,
snacking at Christmas
is like an Olympic sport.
Right.
What's wrong with these people?
I do not know.
Maybe they're
one of those families
who only shops for and
cooks one meal at a time.
Sorry. What is that
sweet, sweet aroma?
Gingerbread loaf.
Freshly baked.
Want a slice?
Yes, I absolutely do.
Mmm.
This is the first time that
I'm meeting Graham's family.
My cousin thinks that he's
gonna propose on Christmas,
but I'm not really sure.
I don't really think
his mom likes me.
And what if he's like,
I can't marry someone
that my mom doesn't like?
And, I mean, I can't change
who I am.
I don't think you have to.
You just have to be you
and trust that it's enough.
Mmm. Thanks.
I'm Leah, by the way.
Tricia.
Nice to meet you, Tricia.
This is the best thing
I've ever eaten in my life.
I always say there isn't much in
life that can't be solved
with a little something to eat.
You get it.
All right.
I should probably go before
they realize that I'm gone.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Leah.
[peaceful music]
[door opens]
Graham, what are you doing?
I'm starving.
Me too!
Shh!
Come with me.
Okay. So what... what is it
that you're making?
My emergency mac and cheese.
Oh. Okay.
I always keep a stash
for moments like these.
Can you pass me the can opener?
I think it's in that drawer.
Yes.
Thank you.
Mmhmm.
You okay?
Your mom took my ornament
off the tree.
She's finicky about the tree.
Don't read too much into it.
Okay.
But do admit that it's strange?
Okay. It's strange.
But has your mom
never done anything strange?
Well, yeah. Of course.
See, moms are strange.
Look, Christmas has a funny way
of bringing out
everyone's quirks.
And my parents have
a lot of them,
especially my mom.
She thrives on routine.
Having you here
has shaken things up.
Not in a bad way,
not in a bad way.
But it takes some
adjusting for her.
I mean, I get it, I'm kind of
like that too.
Kinda?
Okay, here's the thing.
Can't forget the panko crust.
Look at that.
Don't be shy.
She's gonna love you.
She's gonna love me.
And you're gonna love this.
She's gonna love me.
She's gonna love me.
[oven timer dings]
This will make
everything better.
Thank you.
Of course.
Much better.
Shall we dig in?
Absolutely.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
Welcome to my video on how
to decorate gingerbread houses.
Follow along and you'll look
like an expert overnight.
[peaceful music]
Morning.
Oh! Leah.
I'm sorry,
but you missed breakfast.
Oh. No problem.
I already sent Graham
and Madeline out
to do some last-minute
Christmas prep
for our gingerbread house
activity,
and I have to do some things
for the Christmas pageant
and I cannot find my phone.
Well, do you... do you
want me to call it?
Oh, honey, now, how
is that going to help?
I don't have it.
Well, um...
It would ring.
Oh.
Yes. Please.
[telephone ringing]
[telephone ringing nearby]
Hello?
Oh.
This is embarrassing.
No. It's not.
I'm... I'm always like,
where are my sunglasses?
And then they're
on top of my head.
Right.
Hey, can I do anything else
to help you?
No. Thank you.
You have solved my biggest
problem of the day.
And later tonight,
we are going to make
some gingerbread houses.
Okay. Yay!
- Okay. Bye.
- Bye.
Actually...
Yeah.
If you don't mind,
could you please drive me
into town
so I can type out
a list on the way?
Yes, for sure.
Well hurry, please.
I am so late.
Come on.
Yeah.
Oh my goodness,
what am I thinking?
Thank you, Leah.
This is so helpful.
Yeah.
I'll just be at the hall
for about 20 minutes.
Uh-huh.
I guess you won't be going
into any stores
in your pajamas.
Well, it's actually
a lounge set, but...
I shall meet you
right back here.
Oh. I'm not...?
Well, okay.
Oh.
How fun.
Hi.
Hi!
Welcome into
Mrs. Rabbit's Hutch.
It's a pop up from our main
store a few blocks down.
It's all so beautiful.
I know.
Can I offer you a warm
cinnamon beverage?
Yes, please.
Thank you.
Oh, my gosh, these are so cute.
You know I actually think
I'm gonna get this mug.
[both gasp]
[glass smashing]
Not sure I like
the sound of that.
I'm so sorry...
Mrs. Rabbit?
I, of course, I will
pay for everything.
If you insist.
They're $150.
Total?
Each.
Wow.
Plus the mug.
Right. Sure.
Shall I pack up
the pieces for you?
Um... I'm okay.
But thank you.
We appreciate your business.
Yeah, well,
merry Christmas, I guess.
So, wait, where is
all this candy from?
Oh, I wouldn't eat it.
Oh...
Mom's been collecting it
since, like, the late '90s.
All right, all right.
It's time we explain
the parameters
of gingerbread house
building to Leah.
Oh, well, I actually
have a master's
in fluid engineering, so.
Well, Mr. Westwood was
referring to the parameters
of the contest.
It's a what now?
Contest.
It's a contest?
That's what makes it fun.
Hm.
Hm.
I mean, it is intrinsically fun
to build houses out
of cookies, but.
You're gonna do great.
All right. Everyone
will have one hour
from the time that
I start this clock.
And I will be the roving
assistant and also the judge.
And in keeping with tradition,
the winning design
will be displayed
at the Christmas pageant,
Christmas Eve.
And the time starts... now.
Madeline. Piping.

- Hey.
- [Maddie laughs]
I'm gonna need more glue.
I'm gonna need more glue.
Big ball!
So what are we going with here?
Swiss chalet.
Austrian gasthaus.
So I was going for
a Jingle Bells theme,
but now I'm pivoting
to Santa's workshop.
How are we on timing?
Oh, 24 minutes
and 30 seconds to go.
Twenty-four minutes
and 30 seconds, people!
Don't crowd me.
That's time.
Oh!
All right.
Icing bags down.
Hands up!
Ohhh!!!!
Good effort, son. Yeah.
Whoa!
Leah, this is... incredible.
Thank you.
Like, Dad. Look at this.
Like the chimney is smoking,
like individual shingles.
The attention to detail
is just...
There's like breeze
and the shingles are...
Oh my gosh, it's Santa
and Mrs. Claus.
Did you travel
with your own dry ice?
I have my ways.
Pretzels, Marshmallows.
Pretzels for the walkway.
That's ingenious.
Nicely done. That's a 5.5.
You know what I think?
I think it's better
if we don't judge
the gingerbread houses.
What? Why not?
You did such a good job.
No, no, no.
I think it's...
I think it's a four-way tie.
No.
We always judge
the gingerbread houses,
and the best one goes
to the pageant.
That is our tradition.
Well, if we're going on merit.
Just judge them as if you did
not know who made which one.
But, uh... I do know.
Mitchell.
Okay. Scoring all across
the categories.
Design. Precision.
Imaginative candy usage.
Color story.
Uh... yeah.
Leah has scored...
Um... pretty... pretty top mark.
- Okay.
- In all.
So... her's wins?
I... I... I think
that's obvious.
Mmm. Well then...
that's that.
[applause]
No. We don't... we don't...
we don't need to clap.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Where did you learn such
sophisticated technique?
Just watched some
YouTube videos.
Oh.
YouTube?
Well you will have to show me
those videos sometime.
Okay.
Well, I think I shall
go to bed early.
We have a big day tomorrow.
Good night everyone.
- Good night.
- Good night.
- 'Night, mom.
- Good night.
Oh! App idea.
Glue tube.
Mitchell!
Right.
I'll be joining her.
Excuse me.
- Goodnight Dad.
- Good night.
Good night.
Good night guys.
'Night Madd.
Why didn't you tell me?
Tell you what?
To throw the contest.
First of all, it's so weird
it's a contest.
Second of all,
it was not fun to win.
But your house turned out great.
I know it did because I studied.
I'm someone who likes to study
and you know this about me.
So again, I ask you,
why didn't you tell me
to let your mom win?
Maybe I didn't want her to win.
I don't know.
Oh, I didn't realize
you were an agent of chaos.
I didn't know you were a
gingerbread house savant.
Okay, so tell me, what are we...
What are we doing tomorrow?
Oh, right.
Um, we are building
snowmen with the Hempsteds.
Oh, fun.
Who are they again?
They're family friends.
Uh-huh.
Yeah, we've known them forever.
They have a daughter
who, uh, was...
Was she your girlfriend?
Uh, we were kids, you know.
We went out, but, uh,
it's nothing.
Okay, well, I mean,
I'm sure they're great,
and I look forward
to meeting them.
Yeah.
- Hey, you know what?
- Huh.
This whole thing has been a lot.
Mmhmm.
You've been such a good sport
about all this crazy family
activity stuff.
Mmhmm.
I was thinking maybe you and me
could go for
a little walk tomorrow.
Yeah.
Just me and you.
We can exchange those
oversize pajamas.
Mmhmm.
Check out some Christmas stuff.
Yeah, that sounds really fun.
It's a date.
It's a date.
[Instrumental "Joy
to the World"]
Yeah.
I love this place.

Ooh!
Wow, that's stunning.
Look how cute these are!
Wow.
Oh my God!
These could be like earrings.
[Santa chuckles]
[camera clicks]
All right. Any other rules
I should know about?
Uh, yes.
You're never fully dressed
without a smile.
So don't leave home without one.
Okay, Annie.
I'm serious.
No, no, it's smooth
sailing from here.
Just keep being your
wonderful self.
Okay.
My sister and I, we used to be
obsessed with this thing.
We used to say it was
the Polar Express
and play train conductor
and passengers.
Oh, you guys must have been
such cute little kids.
I was 14.
Oh, not as cute.
Wow. Oh.
Oh.
[toots horn]
Okay, so... what was...
what was your favorite
Christmas memory growing up?
I don't know. I guess
it was the anticipation.
Like, it was almost better
not knowing
what the gifts were than
opening the gifts themselves.
Right.
Like it could be anything.
The possibilities were endless.
Right.
And then every so often,
you'd get something that
was just exactly perfect.
The perfect thing.
Mmhmm.
And you wouldn't think about
any of the other possibilities
because it was
just exactly right.
Mmm.
Hold on a sec.
Last piece.
Gum?
No, thanks.
You sure?
Yeah.
We should go.
Yeah.
I don't want to be late
for snowman building.
Hope you got coal in your
stocking, Mrs. Rabbit.
What was that?
What? No, nothing.
[doorbell]
Well, hello there, Graham.
Who is it?
Say it's carol singers.
Love Actually. Nice.
- Yeah.
- It's carol singers.
What?
Never mind.
See, I told you, it's a classic.
Come in, come in.
Thank you.
Make yourselves at home.
Thanks so much.
Wow.
Graham.
Mrs. Hempsted,
lovely to see you.
Oh. You too.
This is Leah.
Leah, this is Mrs. Hempsted.
[in unison] So nice to meet you.
Thank you for having us.
No problem.
Graham, there's someone here
who's very anxious to see you.
- Oh.
- Graham?
[gasps]
[under her breath]
Oh, my.
Graham cracker.
Oh, I'm so happy to see you!
Hi.
Hi, I'm Leah.
Julia Hempsted.
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you.
Wait, I know you.
Yeah.
You broke my vases.
Or your vases broke
when they hit my arm.
Hard to say.
It was an accident.
When I took your mom into town,
I stopped at a pop-up store
and there were a couple
of vases.
Is it vases or...
it's vases?
Vases?
There were a couple of vases
that were, some might say,
precariously placed on
the edge of a table.
And I... I broke them.
Oh, I'm sorry about that.
Well, we don't get many bulls
running around our china shop.
[laughing awkwardly]
Well, let's let bygones
be bygones, right?
It's Christmas.
'Tis the season.
Oh, I'm so happy
to see you, Grammy.
Yeah.
Graham was my first love.
Yeah.
I'm sure he's told you about me.
- Yeah.
- It was a long time ago.
Not that long ago.
We dated for three years.
- Oh.
- Off and on.
Mostly on.
Yeah, very much off
in between the ons.
Oh.
Oh, Bonnie.
Oh.
Oh, Mrs. Westwood,
merry Christmas.
Oh, Bunny, Bunny.
Oh. It's good to see you.
Let's talk.
Okay.
[laughing]
Good ol' Mrs. Rabbit.
I'll take your coat.

You didn't tell me you guys
were together for three years.
Off and on, I said.
Hey, we're just friends now.
I promise.
You know what?
They have a lot more food here
than at my parents' house.
Nice.
You want to ransack the pantry?
Yeah.
[Mrs. Westwood]...exactly.
Graham, come and look
at our old yearbook.
It's a scream.
Do you remember that kid Angus,
who, like, never went to class?
He's a literal
brain surgeon now.
Come and see. Please.
Oh, I don't know.
No, no, no.
It's fine.
I'm gonna get some
food and... [coughs] a drink.
Can I get you that drink?
No, no, I'm good.
Thrilling opportunity.
Clever Julia. You must be
so proud, Bitsy.
She did it all herself.
We were just talking about
Julia opening her boutique
on Main Street
right here in town.
Oh, Mrs. Rabbit.
Yeah, it's adorable.
It is so adorable.
I get all my hostess
gifts there.
Oh.
Retail, it's such
an exciting business.
Risky, though,
because, you know,
you can really lose it all,
but exciting.
Good luck to her.
This is her third location.
Is it now?
She has two stores in Boston
where she lives, for the moment.
She's been enormously
successful.
Now all she needs is a husband.
[coughs and clears throat]
- Sorry.
- Are you okay?
Yeah.
Yeah. I'm okay.
I just went down the wrong pipe.
- Okay.
- Oh.
Would you...
No. I'm okay.
Guys, are we gonna do
that snowman building thing?
I'm so excited for it.
Yes, let's do it, shall we?
I am just gonna go upstairs
and change,
and then we can get to it.
Great.
Yeah. Let's go.
Now, as always,
there is a theme to our snowman
making extravaganza.
Since Julia has opened
her new store,
we thought it would be fun
if the snowmen were
an homage to
the classic elegance,
that is Mrs. Rabbit.
Classic elegance.
Thank you, Mitchell.
You may use any of
the supplies provided here.
As well as the snow.
Of course.
That's so funny, Bitsy.
Now break into teams of two.
You have exactly one hour,
starting... now.
Mitchell! Come here.
[Mrs. Westwood] Bring
the boxes.
Come on, Grammy,
for old time's sake.
Oh, I don't know.
No, no, no.
It's okay.
Go on. Have fun.
[Mrs. Westwood]
I want that one.
Don't worry, we will have
much more fun without him.
Yeah.
May I offer you
some snow, madame?
Sure.
Okay, let's get started.
You got it?
Yeah.
Last one.
Oh, perfect.
Oh, you are so strong.
- Me?
- Yeah.
Yeah.
Thanks.
[laughs]
She is in fine form today.
I didn't realize they dated
for three years.
Hey, I know this is a lot,
but I've really never
seen Graham so happy
as he is with you.
Thanks.
Can't make it too good,
because then I don't
wanna risk beating
your mom again.
Well, no, it's a
little bit different.
Fifteen, fifteen minutes!
Thank you.
Okay. Fifteen minutes.
I'm gonna go get the ears.
No...
Okay.
And snow down.
Hands up!
Oh!
Oh, well done, everyone.
[all clap]
Oh, girls, you, uh,
didn't quite hit the mark.
Nope. I guess we didn't.
But yours, Mrs. Westwood,
yours looks... amazing.
So beautiful.
And I feel like
we can all agree,
clear winner over here.
Right?
It's not a contest, honey.
It's an exhibition.
They're all part of a display.
A display of our families
coming together through art.
This one...
Doesn't fit in.
I tried to tell you.
You guys, you guys.
Come on.
You know what this snowman
is just perfect for?
A snowball fight.
Oh, no.
Stop it.
Graham!
No.
Mitchell!
- No.
- Game on.
- Oh!
- Stop it!
- No!
- Stop it!
Okay.
- Come on, Maddie.
- You're getting in there.
Come on.
[laughs]
Oh!
Oh!
[gasps]
I am so sorry, Barb.
Ara.
Ara.
Mitchell, I think this is
a very good moment
to go inside, don't you?
Yeah, sure.
I have to go.
Leah.
Leah, wait!
Leah!
Leah, where are you going?
I don't know, I don't know.
Easy, slugger.
Is something wrong?
Is something wrong?
I just assaulted your mom
with a snowball.
Your ex is in love with you.
And I'm clearly just bad
at Christmas.
Leah, you're
not bad at Christmas.
It's not even a thing.
My mother, she'll be fine.
She's a lot tougher
than she looks.
And I told you, I don't have
feelings for Julia.
I never really did.
It's just something my parents
pushed on me.
Yeah, because your mom
loves her.
She didn't take her ornament
off the tree.
Graham, I feel like an outsider
around your family.
I feel like everything I do
is the wrong thing.
Okay, okay, I hear you.
I feel like an outsider
almost anywhere I go,
unless I'm with you.
And for the record,
I did just start a snowball
fight in your honor.
True, true sacrilege.
I did appreciate that.
Did you know that she charged me
$300 for those vases?
Sorry, vases.
It actually is vases.
That's what I thought.
Hey, guys.
Um, everyone's about to go home,
and I think I'm going
to tell them about business
school tonight.
Really?
Now, after all that?
Yeah.
Okay, well, I mean,
we support you.
Whatever you want.
Okay.
[laughs]
[both singing]
Christmas is coming.
The goose is getting fat.
Please to put a penny
In the old man's hat.
If you haven't got a penny,
A ha'penny will do.
If you haven't got
a ha'penny,
Then God bless you.
[laughs]
Bravo.
So is this...
is this turkey?
Goose for Christmas Eve eve.
And turkey for Christmas Day.
Yeah, tradition.
Mmhmm.
- Oh, Mitchell.
- Yeah.
Did you bring up the carving
set from the basement?
Oh, well, was I supposed to?
Oh... well, I distinctly
remember asking.
Maybe someone could
invent an app
that would remind someone
to bring in the carving set.
[Maddie] Yeah, that'd
be a good one.
You know what?
I'm gonna get the carving set.
Thank you.
The carving set
is coming.
Our son will be right back.
When he brings it to me
Then I will hack.
Oh, no.
No, no.
Okay.
You know, it's funny.
Ebenezer Scrooge always
makes goose sound like
it would be so
rich and delicious,
but really, it's quite lean
with its own distinct odor.
[small laugh]
Is something wrong, Madeline?
She might be nervous starting
the MBA program.
You know how she gets.
Oh, yes, I do.
Well, someone better figure
out a way to perk up
a little bit,
or she'll get coal
in her stocking.
[laughter]
I'm not going to
business school.
Yet.
Ever.
[cutlery drops]
What are you saying?
I'm saying I don't need an MBA
because I am starting
my own artisanal pickle
company in Brooklyn.
None of those words
make any sense to me.
I think that's awesome, Mads.
Hmm.
What?
I love pickles.
Well, at least I can
count on my Grahamlin
to stick to the plan.
What?
What plan is that?
Oh, to come back to Connecticut
and work for me at the bank.
Oh, right.
Yeah. That plan.
You know, it's okay, Mom,
if Maddie wants to take
a couple more years
to figure out
what she wants to
do with her life,
power to her.
Let's just enjoy Christmas,
okay?
- Mmhmm.
- Yep.
This is, um... this is
delicious, Mrs. Westwood.
Well, thank you.
I'm so glad that someone
appreciates all the hard work
that went into this.
Yeah, and you know what
would be great with this?
Artisanal pickles.
Mmm!
Right?
Gen Z.
Did you know?
[whispering] Mom, I think
Grandma would be really happy.
Oh, Leah.
Oh, you don't need
to clear the table.
- It's fine.
- No, please.
You're our guest.
I'll get it.
Okay.
What was that about?
What? Am I not allowed
to talk to my mom?
No, no.
Of course. I...
Never mind.
You know, you never told me
that your plan
was to move back here
and work with your dad
and lead this,
like, perfect life.
Well, they're not perfect.
They're my family and I...
But they are perfect, okay?
And everything
has to be perfect.
It's why she took
down my ornament
because it didn't fit.
Okay. I don't fit.
I'm like Alice in Wonderland.
Too big, too small.
Except at least she had cake.
All I had were little
shreds of goose.
Okay, I understand.
I do.
Graham.
Um, will you come help me,
please?
Yes, Mother.
I'll be right there.
Just so you know, this... this
whole thing with my dad,
the whole thing he does,
trying to get me to come back
and work for him at his bank.
He does it every single time
I see him.
It's... it's nothing.
Oh, we're hanging the stockings.
- With care.
- [sarcastic laugh]
I got one for you, too, Leah.
Oh.
With your name on it.
Oh, that's so... cute.
All they had left at the store
were novelty stockings.
Well, you know, they say
the best gifts
come in small packages, so.
Like diamonds.
Oh, no, I didn't...
I didn't mean it like that.
I just meant, um...
I don't... I don't know
what I meant.
[yawns] I am tired.
Are you tired?
Yeah, I think I could
go to sleep, too.
Thank you so much
for today, Mrs. Westwood.
'Night.
Don't forget about your
Christmas Eve gift.
And the PJs!
Really?
Sorry.
Thank you for
standing up for me.
I really appreciate it.
Of course.
And they'll come around.
Well, that's what I asked
Santa for this year,
so we'll see.
And they're gonna come around
to you, too.
Thank you.
Oh, I know it.
Hey, guys.
Well, good night.
Good night.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Sorry about downstairs.
Look, I play along with my dad
because it's easier than
telling him
I'm not coming back here
to work at his bank.
Let's just say it's not
always them
canceling plans to see me.
Got it.
Well, I'm sorry,
because I didn't...
I didn't realize that...
That I was protecting
you from my family?
No, that you were protecting
yourself from your family.
It's not just you that feels
like you can't measure up.
Well, I see you measuring up,
and maybe it's time for you
to give them the chance
to see it, too.
Yeah.
You're right.
Good night.
Good night.
[sighs]
[Instrumental "O
Christmas Tree"]
All right, everybody, remember,
just one special gift.
And no peeking for tomorrow.
Let's get started.
Madeline.
Pencils.
Big ice cubes.
I love them.
Those are gonna
look so good on you, Mom.
And I got something
from me to Leah.
What?
Here, have a seat.
I got you something small
for tomorrow, too.
What did you do?
Oh, wow.
Yum. Thank you.
It's, um, a gift basket.
It's from a catalog.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
Thank you.
Open it.
There's something special
in there.
Here, let me help.
Ta da!
Some candied violets.
Yeah, remember you always
said you loved them
when you were little.
Yeah, yeah.
Yes, yes, I did say that.
Um, when I was little.
Thank you.
Oh, Graham, sweetheart,
you haven't opened a gift yet.
I guess not.
What about this one from Leah.
Oh, no.
You know what, you don't have to
because I didn't... I didn't
know about the tradition,
and it's the only one
that I brought.
That's okay. I can open it
tomorrow, if you want.
No. You know, it's fine.
Yeah, you can open it.
- Sure?
- Yeah.
Okay.
You can rip it.
Oh, right.
[emotional music]
Wow.
Leah, this is...
this is beautiful.
It's, um, it's every date
we've ever been on.
Um, chronologically.
I mean, it's...
I don't really...
It's...
You know, it's...
it's silly.
Um, I'm gonna go
change into, um... not this.
[Sarah] Merry Christmas Eve,
sugarplum.
- Sar...
- What?
He got me a food basket.
Like a Harry and David
fruit with
the cute little jackets on?
No, the kind of food basket
with summer sausage
and aged cheddar.
The kind of food basket
that you send to the person
who does your taxes.
Well, at least it's food.
Mmm. That's true.
But I got him a photo album
of every date we have
ever been on.
And he looked at
it like, like...
I don't know,
like he was scared.
And Sarah, you know how people
are always like,
the signs were there,
I just didn't notice them.
What if this is the sign
that I should have noticed?
What... what if he's trying
to tell me something
without actually having
to tell me?
Summer sausage is a
weird way to say it.
Do you need me to come get you?
Oh, no.
No, you know what, I'll be okay.
Oh, Leah.
I just... I didn't know
Christmas would be this hard.
I know.
It's so weird,
it's like suddenly
Graham and I don't know
each other at all.
Ugh!
Ooh! Taffy.
Are you eating in the bathroom?
Yeah.
We have to go to this
Christmas pageant, too.
The theme is dress
as your favorite
Christmas movie character.
Well, maybe he's just really
bad at buying gifts.
Ehh. Could be.
Look, if you and Graham
aren't in it
for the long haul, it's better
to know now, right?
[upbeat music]
Oh ho ho ho!
It's Mitchell.
Pretty good, right?
Yeah, let's go see.
This was constructed by
Graham's girlfriend, Leah.
She's kind of a genius.
Okay, you're embarrassing me.
You know what, don't even...
don't even listen to her.
I'm just saying,
she's really good.
Stop.
Well, if you weren't
so... don't look!
- What?
- Ex-Girlfriend.
10th grade.
Cute.
She looks like she's straight
out of a Christmas Carol.
I'd love to be the ghost
of her Christmas future.
Well, can I ask why
we're avoiding her?
I don't have a reason.
Well, that's your reason.
Okay...
- Go, go.
- Okay.
I just don't understand
those people
in grimy tank tops.
Well, at least they're not
in bare feet.
Mom, I can't argue with you
about this anymore.
Die Hard is a Christmas movie.
This is all just not
what I had in mind.
I know, I know.
Maybe it's not.
And maybe that's a good thing.
Change can be a good thing, Mom.
What are you saying?
Leah.
Leah's good for me.
I just...
I want you to try to be
a little more...
flexible with her, okay?
Of course.
Hm... hm.
We can be more flexible, son.
It's great to hear Dad,
because I've been meaning
to tell you...
Mmhmm.
I can't come back
and work at the bank.
I know. I've always known.
But you can't fault a guy
for trying, right?
I appreciate you saying that.
I know you love me, son.
Listen, I got to say
hi to some people,
but, uh, I want to run
some ideas by you later.
Can't wait.
Oh. Well, then I was
thinking I could...
Oh. Not now.
All right.
Hey.
Hey.
-Hey.
Hey.
Hey.
Hey.
Whoa!
What are you?
An angel.
Can't you just see me
on top of a tree?
Who's Carol Singer?
No, it's, um... it's from
Love Actually.
Oh, I don't watch reality TV.
No. It's not...
You know what?
I've had a very long day
and the summer sausage
was very distressing.
So I'm just going to go
check out some decorations.
Leah, wait.
Actually, Graham, um, some
friends from high school
wanted to say hi.
Yeah. Go, go say hi.
It'll be fun. Go.
[woman] Julia!
Hi.
[sighs]
Mrs. Westwood.
Oh. Hello, Leah.
Hi. Are you... are you okay?
Do you need anything?
No, thanks.
I'm fine.
You're hiding in a coat check.
You don't really seem fine.
Yeah, well, that's just it,
isn't it?
Sometimes everything looks fine
and underneath all
the trappings,
is just not fine at all, is it?
Oh, I'm so sorry, I...
Oh, honey, it's not your fault.
It's not?
No.
I thought that I ruined
your Christmas.
Ruined?
How?
Well, you have this whole
perfect system
of the way you like
to do things.
And then I came in like
a fly in the ointment
and just made everything messy.
Oh, Leah.
I like you.
But more than that,
I admire you.
You are accomplished
and you are independent.
And Graham is absolutely gaga
for you.
You may have noticed that I am
just not the best with change.
I thrive on consistency
and predictability and rules.
I cling to tradition.
You know, I even make
the same meals
my mother used to make.
Although, to be honest,
I don't even like cooking.
I just do it because my kids
rave about my food.
Yeah, I mean, of course.
- Mmhmm.
- [Leah chuckles]
But maybe I've been clinging
a little too hard.
I should have been more
welcoming to you.
I'm sorry.
I just put so much pressure
on these small windows
of time with my kids.
You're bringing something new
and fresh to our family.
I'm just afraid
of losing my son.
No, no, I...
I really understand,
but you don't have
to worry about that.
I mean, he's... he's always
going to be your son.
I'm just trying to figure out
how I can fit into
all of this, and...
look, I know that change
is really hard,
but I'd really like
to get to know you better.
Oh.
Well, I would really like to get
to know you better, too.
Oh.
Can I ask one thing?
Mmhmm.
How come you took my ornament
off the tree?
Hmm?
Sorry. The terrarium.
Oh, it was so beautiful,
I just...
Can I be honest with you?
- Please.
- Okay.
I appreciate it, but, honey,
it's just not my style.
[both laugh]
But I do love that you
thought of me, though.
Yeah.
It's not very
Christmassy, is it?
Well. Ehh.
Call it even for the PJs.
Even.
Leah, you make my son
very happy.
And that is the best Christmas
gift I could ever get.
Oh, sweetheart.
I'm gonna, um...
I'm gonna go find Graham.
Okay. Okay.
Leah...
I overstepped.
I've made a fool of myself,
and it's just really
hitting me now.
As I have a halo
circling my head.
Look, you know, you and Graham,
you have a history,
and I... I get it.
It's in the past,
way in the past.
Okay, well, for the record,
I think that the halo
is very cute.
Merry Christmas, Leah.
Merry Christmas, Julia.
Hey, you haven't seen
Graham, have you?
Uh, yeah, I think
he went outside.
Okay. Thank you.
Oh, look, it's Carol Singers.
Finally. Thank you.
Hey Tricia,
have you seen my boyfriend?
He's about like, yay high
dressed like Scrooge.
This is the only
general store in town.
How can you be so sure?
Mom? Dad?
Cookie, what are you doing here?
What am I doing here?
What are you doing here?
We came to ask for directions.
To where?
Sorry. Tricia,
these are my parents.
Guys, this is Tricia.
Hi.
Hey. Hi.
Leah, what are you doing here?
Well, I was coming...
I was looking for you.
But how did you know I...
Well, I have your location.
Oh.
Why weren't you more
surprised to see them?
Oh. What?
What are you guys doing here?
Um, Sarah called us,
and she said that Leah
was very hungry.
Naturally, we panicked.
So we just jumped in
the car right away
to head over to the Westwoods.
And then we got lost
because your father doesn't
like that lady's tone.
She is so condescending,
that GPS person.
Honestly, who does
she think she is?
So we just stopped
to ask for directions
and look who we ran into.
[both] You.
It's a two-hour drive.
Oh, there's no traffic
on Christmas Eve.
We made very good time.
Hour and a half without
traffic, they always say.
They say that?
You know what?
Now that you guys are here,
why don't we go back
to the house?
That is a great idea!
Super idea.
Oh my goodness.
What is going on?
This is weird.
You're being weird.
No, everything's totally cool.
Everything's totally normal.
What is going on, you guys?
Okay, well, um, first off,
let me just say
I loved the photo album.
I feel like I didn't express
the appropriate level
of enthusiasm because, well...
I was thinking about how I was
going to pull this off.
Secondly, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry for not standing up
for you in the right moments.
But I promise you,
from here on out,
I will be your rock.
'Cause you never gave up.
Not on them, not on us,
or on the magic of Christmas.
You're my adventure buddy,
my teammate... my love.
That is the most words he has
said his entire life.
Shh!
And thirdly, I didn't get you
a food basket for Christmas.
I mean, technically,
I guess I did,
But that wasn't
the main present.
Th...
Hang on.
- Oops.
- My bad.
Okay.
I'm sorry.
[gasps]
Leah Bernadette Goldberg.
I want to spend the rest
of my life with you.
Rain or shine.
Christmas and Hanukkah.
I'm in it for the long haul,
if you are.
It's so beautiful.
It was my grandmother's.
My mom gave it to me
to give to you.
She did?
Well, he did ask very nicely.
[laughs]
Oh, no the letter.
[laughter]
"Dear Mom and Santa.
"You always said I could have
grandma's ring
"to give to the person
I fell in love with"
"and wanted to marry."
Well...
"I love Leah Goldberg very much,
"and I want to ask her
to marry me."
"Can I please have grandma's
ring to give to her?"
"Love, Grahamlin."
The ring, right.
Fits perfect.
Leah...
let's make Christmas
even more special
by making it our
engagement anniversary.
Will you marry me?
Yes, yes, yes, of course,
a thousand times yes.
[clapping]
I love you so much.
I love you so much.
Oh, look.
[Mitchell sobbing]
Oh, honey.
It is a very emotional time.
You did good, honey.
Oh, we're gonna be mishpocha.
What?
Family.
Oh.
Let me see the ring.
Yeah.
I can't wait for my first
Christmas turkey tomorrow.
Oh.
I forgot the turkey.
I... I forgot the turkey.
I am so sorry.
Don't worry.
We have a very good idea.
It's a bit of a drive,
but it's worth it.
Well...
This is a perfect mistake.
Perfect.
Thank you.
Welcome to the family,
sweetheart.
Thank you.
Merry Christmas.
[both] Shh!
[whispering] Merry Christmas.
Why are we whispering?
We're supposed to be in our
rooms until they're ready.
Hey, what would happen
if we just went downstairs?
Like, would... would
Christmas be canceled?
Or is Santa really down there?
[together] We don't know.
It's over here.
Kids. We're ready.
[all] Okay.
Oh, my gosh, where did you guys
get those cute Hanukkah PJs?
Barbara got them for us.
Overnight delivery.
Well, kids, come on.
It is Christmas!
Let's go!
Okay. Come on.
Whoo!
When the snowflakes
start to fall.
It's the family decorations
Making memories for all.
It's a mistletoe
in winter blizzard.
Perfect place to
share a kiss.
It's the greatest
time of year.
Oh, joy. Oh, joy.
You're a smile and a gift.
Oh, joy. Oh, joy.
You're on
everybody's list.
So... your evaluation
of Christmas.
Is it everything you
wanted it to be?
You know, I was trying so hard
to get it right.
But I realized that Christmas
will always be perfect.
As long as I'm with you.
It's the songs that
we're all singing.
And how we all know
every word.
It's the staying up
for nothing more
Than to hear the stories
we've heard before.
You're the reason
we're all here.
You're my only
Christmas wish.