Trivia at St. Nick's (2024) Movie Script
Have a great break.
It really is the most
wonderful time of the year.
Finals?
You're funny, Ruby.
I meant Christmas.
I'm never funny, Celeste.
I know.
Hey, so remember, I like these
alphabetized and color-tabbed
by grade.
And can you get
these done before you
land on a beach
somewhere for Christmas?
Yes, I can.
And no beach.
I grew up two hours away
from here, so I'll just
drive home for the 25th.
Oh.
And what are you
doing for Christmas?
The Christmas trivia tournament!
- Hey.
- Hey.
Merry Christmas, Coach.
What are you doing for break?
I don't know.
Happy to play it by ear.
Sounds good.
Looking good already.
Since you'll be
around until Christmas,
you should join the
trivia tournament.
You just need five other
players and a team name.
Ours is the Quizmas Elves.
Get it?
The sign-up is
tonight at Nick's Bar.
So like bar trivia,
but make it Christmas?
Exactly.
You really want me to ask
you more about it, don't you?
It's a tradition
going back 45 years.
Faculty, residents, basically
anyone here for the break,
goes to Nick's Bar to compete
in a six-game tournament,
and the championship
game is on Christmas Eve.
It's joyous and competitive
and all the questions
are about Christmas.
I'd say I'm sorry I
asked, but I didn't.
Well, you might
actually like it.
I think rogue planets are
where our shared passions
begin and end.
But you must love factoids
and quizzes and right answers.
Are there prizes?
Yes.
The winner gets a year's
worth of bragging rights and...
the Stan.
It's named for Stan, the most
legendary player in Christmas
trivia tournament lore.
I'm going to go.
I hope you win your
tchotchke elf trophy thing.
The Stan.
Merry Christmas!
OK.
Richard!
Hi, Celeste.
In a bit of a rush.
Oh, I can...
I can walk with you.
Um, do you want to walk together
to the trivia tournament
sign-up tonight?
Sorry, I can't.
A meeting just came up with
the head of my department.
But you're still coming, right?
Yeah, I've just got
to go there first.
OK.
That's such a relief,
because I would
be so disappointed
if you decided not
to do the tournament after all.
I mean, we would.
The team would be disappointed.
I mean, we're really excited
to have you lead this year.
Thanks.
What would the
practice schedule be?
Right, the practice.
Um, I'm working on it.
I thought you took it seriously.
I do.
We do.
It's just that you can't
know the questions.
But, uh, we will practice.
Remember, studying
is how I won Jeopardy.
Right.
Twice.
Right.
I love studying.
And it's not just because
I like you... respect.
Respect you.
Great.
I'll see you at Nick's.
OK.
Bye.
Come on, Celeste.
Gedeon, hey!
Come on in.
Merry Christmas, Coach.
I wanted to give you this.
Oh, man.
To commemorate
our winning season.
Thank you.
So thoughtful.
But you players deserve
the credit, especially you.
I had a great coach.
You're going to, uh,
Hungary for Christmas, right?
Uh, no, it's...
it's too expensive.
I'll be at the
International House
with the other students
who can't make it home.
Listen, I went to
a boarding school,
so I know a thing or two about
spending a holiday on campus.
Can I tell you something?
- Mhm.
Sometimes when you don't have
a plan, you have the most fun.
Yeah.
Um, what are you doing
for the holidays?
Oh, I'm a Christmas
orphan this year too.
My parents are on a cruise
for their anniversary,
so I'm sticking around.
But, uh, you know, it's
my first year on campus,
so I'm up for the adventure.
OK.
Um, I'm off to make
Hungarian Christmas cabbage
fish soup for the house.
Sounds yummy.
Merry Christmas.
Boldog Karcsoynt.
Boldog Karcsoynt to you too.
Look out!
Close call!
Are you OK?
Like I always say...
Football is everything that's
wrong with this university.
There you go.
Thank you.
If I have to hear my Planets
and Stars course referred to
as "Space Rocks for Jocks"
one more time...
I get it.
But football does bring in a
lot of money for this school.
For whom?
Because I haven't seen anything
extra for my department.
You still haven't heard
anything from the provost
on your new telescope?
Nope.
I wish I could help.
But as a lowly
admissions counselor,
I really don't
have the provost's
ear on fund allocation.
Well, I bet you would if
you were in sports recruiting.
Well, let's talk about more
important things, like trivia.
This is our year.
It is, because we have Richard,
a two-time Jeopardy champion.
Not that he ever mentions it.
And we're going to be
spending a lot of time
together, you know?
Like, sign-up tonight,
the games, study sessions.
Richard might be
an acquired taste.
Like fruitcake.
Ashley, it's different for you.
You're married.
You know, it's just been
me and my mom at Christmas
these last few years,
and we never win.
I think we already had a really
good team that never wins.
But now we'll have Richard.
We finally have our chance.
Well, then let's get to Nick's
and sign up our winning team.
Let's do it!
Hi.
You're a beautiful sight.
We're happy tonight.
Aw.
Name that tune.
"Winter Wonderland."
Give us a challenge.
- OK.
Just for you.
Um, who was crowned emperor on
Christmas Day in the year 800?
Ooh.
Charlemagne.
Know your history.
Is, uh, Richard still coming?
Yeah, he's on his way.
Are you worried or excited?
Excited is a strong word, but we
need fancy-schmancy professors.
I mean, my only body of
knowledge is plants and dirt.
It's Christmas trivia.
You don't need a PhD.
Guys, I can feel it.
The Quizmas Elves are
going to win this year!
Ho, ho, ho!
Welcome to the 45th
annual Christmas
trivia tournament sign-ups!
It was started by my father,
Nick Sr. And as you all know,
we are playing for the Stan!
We'll have six games,
and every round
will be related to Christmas.
Six players to a team.
If you are caught using
your phone to cheat,
you will be disqualified
and only get coal.
Sign up and we will see you for
the first game tomorrow night!
Oh!
Hi, Richard.
We were just going over
the studying and the...
I'm going to Asia!
Uh, when?
Tomorrow.
A lecture tour.
The professor who was
supposed to go got sick,
so now they're sending me.
Well, congratulations
are in order.
Yeah, that's great, man.
Well, can't they
send someone else?
Uh, Celeste...
What about the tournament?
I mean, we will
miss you, is all.
And congratulations.
Thanks.
Yeah, I'm sorry I won't get
the tournament win for you.
But for you, my Trivia
Almanac includes
a robust Christmas section.
May it serve you as
well as it did me.
It's heavy.
You're welcome.
OK, got to go pack.
Good luck.
Anyone else won Jeopardy?
Twice?
Can I just, uh... pardon me.
Sorry.
That's so nice of you.
Thank you.
Ooh, ooh!
These are the potatoes?
Yeah, thank you.
Oh, yeah.
Uh, can I get by, please?
You got to keep moving.
Yeah, yeah, uh-huh.
Excuse me.
Hi.
You're doing the
buffet line wrong.
I was getting food.
Right.
You just can't... you have
to start at the beginning.
Oh, am I being graded?
You just can't cut in
the middle of the line.
I'm carb loading.
It's more strategic
for everyone,
really, if I just like,
get in and out, you know?
Right.
But it's a buffet, so there are
rules, and, uh, it's understood.
Well, I understand
this is delicious.
Can you please continue
this lover's spat elsewhere?
Or just kiss and make up.
You're standing
under the mistletoe.
That's it.
I'm just going to go
back to the beginning.
Nice to meet you.
Mhm.
Hi.
I just met the rudest
guy in the buffet line.
Oh, I saw that.
It's Max Robbins, the
new offensive coordinator
for the football team.
Well, offensive is right.
Football?
Well, that explains a lot.
Wasn't the team great this year?
They just won the New
England championship,
the first undefeated
season since '68.
Let's just drop it.
We have more important
business to discuss,
like who is going to
replace Richard on the team.
I think it's a little too late.
Everyone is either on
a team or traveling.
Fine, I will find
someone myself.
You get a year's worth of
bragging rights, and the Stan.
No.
Well, you can bring the baby.
No.
It's another
fun way to celebrate
the big guy's birthday.
No.
But I will pray for you.
Hard.
Hi, Ruby.
Good news... a spot just
opened up on my trivia team
and I was wondering if maybe
you would like to join.
No.
And before you say no...
I'm already on a team.
And sorry, we're full.
- What?
Some of the other
TAs convinced me
it wasn't totally lame, so
now we have our own team.
It's called We Came to Sleigh.
As in, sleigh ride?
As in, maybe we'll knock the
Quizmas Elves off the shelf.
Oh.
'Cause you
can be my Secret Santa
I am so sorry that
I let you guys down.
I couldn't find a team leader.
And most importantly, we
don't have six players,
so we can't compete
this year, guys.
It's OK.
We know how hard you tried.
And, um, there's
always next year.
Hey, I've been
looking for a seat.
Do you mind if I join you?
Please.
We do mind.
Oh, it's the buffet police.
Uh, this is Celeste.
And you're the famous Max
Robbins of the football team.
I know that you're new in town,
but this is the annual
Christmas trivia tournament,
and it is very serious.
Like, more or less
serious than Christmas
buffet line etiquette?
Well, we are short
a player, Celeste.
Are we?
I don't...
It's either Max or we
withdraw from the tournament.
Welcome to game one of the
Christmas trivia tournament!
Uh, as a little reminder,
every team does need six
players in order to compete.
As I said last night, I'm going
to be mixing some things up.
This year, we are starting
with a sports round
in honor of our football
team's winning season!
So prepare your hearts,
prepare your minds,
prepare your answer sheets.
Won't you please join our team?
I'm so sorry.
I apologize for my daughter.
Her mother taught
her no manners.
Welcome, Max.
Now, we may look unassuming,
but like when Washington crossed
the Delaware on that
fateful Christmas night,
the other teams are
in for a surprise.
This is Gary, history professor.
He does that, and
you'll get used to it.
And I'm Sherry.
I teach music in town.
Freddie.
I do landscaping
at the university.
Hi, I'm Ashley.
I work in admissions.
And clearly you've met
Celeste, astronomy professor.
Oh, astronomy!
Cool.
My players love Space
Rocks for Jocks.
And now for the first round.
I call this the, uh, Chris
Kringle sports round.
On the screen, you will see 12
players from various sports,
all with Chris in their names.
Please write down the first
and last names of every player.
Good luck.
OK, we have...
Chris Kamara,
Chris Henry, Chris...
ooh, tennis, that's tricky.
Chris Evert.
Uh, maybe we should just let
Max, you know, just write down...
Oh, yeah.
Sweet.
Yeah, just...
Thank you.
Chris... yeah.
Yes.
And done.
That was fun!
I'm going to go turn it in.
Hey, hey!
Come on.
Very good.
Yes, he's good.
Round three...
Christmas music.
Ooh!
Give the title and year
of the only Christmas album
to be released by
any of the Beatles.
Oh, what's a famous
Beatles Christmas album?
I Wanna Be Santa
Claus, released in 1999.
I know because Ringo sent
me the recording in 1998.
Whoa, you know Ringo Starr?
Uh, we met when he was on
tour and stayed in touch.
I taught music to his grandkids.
Such a cute family of
little drummer boys.
I want to hear all about that.
Yeah!
Round four...
Christmas history.
In what year did the tradition
of lighting a Christmas tree
in Rockefeller Center begin?
Have you all been?
It's beautiful.
Shh!
1931, the Great Depression.
The workers at
Rockefeller Center
bought a balsam fir,
which they decorated.
I gave an entire lecture
on it in my course,
Titans of Gotham City.
Ooh.
If you're interested, I'd
be happy to share my syllabus.
Oh!
Well, I'd love that.
Well, good.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yes.
Next round...
Christmas cocktails.
This round is a taste test.
Give the name, and at least
four ingredients, of our bar's
signature Christmas cocktails.
Sweet, free drinks.
This is Freddie's hero moment.
I'm detecting rum.
Rum.
Fruit punch.
Mhm.
A hint of lemonade.
Mm.
Lemonade.
One more ingredient.
Pineapple juice.
It's Nick's Jingle Juice.
Yes!
Yes!
In third place, with 73
points, the Quiz Kringles.
We have way more than that.
We sure do.
And in a very close
second, the Quizmas
Elves with 82 points!
Second?
And with 83 points, tonight's
winner is We Came to Sleigh!
Boom!
Sleigh, sleigh, sleigh!
Woo!
It's going to be a
very competitive tournament.
Remember, points are cumulative,
and we've got five games to go.
Wow.
All right.
Here's to Max being MVP.
Yeah.
Thanks for
pitching in, sub-hitting,
warming off the bench...
I don't know.
Are any of those accurate?
Almost.
It wasn't just about
the sports rounds.
We were the only team
that knew which snowflake
was a stellar dendrite.
True.
You got that one.
Yeah, but we would have
tanked that sports round
if it wasn't for you, Max.
Eh, it was nothing, guys.
I had fun.
You are going to join us on
the starting roster for the rest
of the tournament, right?
Because without you, we
kind of don't qualify.
Mom.
It's the holidays.
I'm sure Max is really busy.
I am actually 100% free.
Let's buy everyone a round
of celebratory Jingle Juices.
OK.
Oh, god.
Oh.
I will not celebrate second
place, and I hate Jingle Juice.
Can you stop hating things?
It's Christmas.
I don't hate things.
Just Jingle Juice... and losing.
Celeste, a Christmas trivia
sports angel just floated in
from the football
field, and, uh, we
got to help him get his wings.
Oh, that is unfair.
You know I can't resist It's
a Wonderful Life references.
Listen to me, he
represents everything
that is wrong with
everything around here.
Just like the rest of
the athletic department,
he thinks the rules
don't apply to him.
Mm.
Yeah, he doesn't respect
buffet line etiquette.
That's not a thing.
And, uh... football.
Do you like winning?
- Oh, I love winning.
- Good.
So does he.
He's joining our team.
Be Mr. Bailey, not Mr. Potter.
That movie is my Kryptonite.
Think of the Building and Loan.
Uh, could we get six
Jingle Juices, please?
Mom, let me
handle the town square.
I have a plan.
Well, let's just get
it done, all right?
Because they're going to be
here any minute for the show.
We're recording it.
Yes, but it's the New
England Holiday Baking Special.
You got to watch it live.
This made me laugh
every single year.
Oh, you and your dad used to
get so upset that this village
wasn't to scale.
Well, can you blame us?
It's a village of giants.
You and your father, always
wanting everything just right.
OK, who is for eggnog?
Hey, we can talk about him, Mom.
Each year I get a little more
used to him not being here,
but it still catches me.
Sometimes three years
feels like a long time,
and sometimes not at all.
Oh.
You and Dad were so
perfect for each other.
Just so complimentary.
You are going to find
your special person.
Well, I thought maybe I had,
but he up and left for Asia
before I could find out.
Richard?
You hardly know him.
Well, I know he would appreciate
accurate villager ratios.
Your person may not
be exactly like you.
Maybe he's the opposite.
A football star or something.
Very funny.
Hmm.
But I am actually
attracted to intelligence.
Mm.
Cute people who enjoy
sports can also be smart.
Turn the TV on!
We'll miss meeting the bakers.
Hi.
Hey, am I late?
I invited our newest elf.
Thought we'd get a
little team bonding in.
The more the merrier.
Cute village.
What's with the giants?
Uh, my father and I
used to build villages,
and one of the sets
apparently came with giants,
and we thought it
was funny, and...
anyway, everyone, can I
have your attention, please?
Good news.
The plan is to study
Richard's almanac
during the commercial breaks.
- The plan?
- Mm-hmm.
But we didn't study last year.
And we didn't win.
Richard studied trivia
when he won Jeopardy...
Twice.
Who's Richard?
He is a gentleman, a scholar,
a giant in the mathematics
department, and
the best all-round
trivia mind at the university.
Wow.
Where's he?
Asia.
Never mind.
I will prepare the
questions myself.
Hmm.
Help yourself.
Number one.
She deserved it!
Oh, yes!
OK, quick.
Elmo Shropshire wrote what
song about a Christmas accident
caused by too much eggnog?
Eggnog!
Egg!
Eggnog!
OK, guys.
Guys.
Hi.
Pay attention.
It is "Grandma Got Run
Over by a Reindeer."
Mm.
You said we'd all study.
No one actually agreed.
It's a Christmas
trivia tournament.
We're watching a
Christmas-themed show.
We are studying.
Well, suit yourselves.
Nobody's going to stop
me from doing my best.
Oh, I guess I'm the only
one who's going to know
about these Christmas worms.
Wow.
Did not know...
Settle down, Christmas campers.
It's about to get real.
Guys.
Guys.
Guys, the round's
about to start.
Can you please stop goofing
around and pay attention?
Shh, Mom's mad.
Sorry, Celeste.
It's just...
It is not funny.
I did the whole last
round by myself.
It was science.
We didn't know.
You are not taking
this seriously.
Um, Celeste, are you OK?
No!
I'm tired.
I stayed up all
last night studying,
and you guys are acting
like it's just a game.
It is.
Round two...
Santa Claus around the world.
Please list 10 variations
of the name Santa Claus.
OK.
Should we talk about it?
Who's the one that studied?
Me.
Are you sure you're sure?
Yes.
100%?
You're supposed to know
the history questions, Gary.
I just... don't
remember, Celeste.
Uh...
Oh, maybe it's...
Not your department, Freddie.
Shh!
I've got the answer.
No.
I need another Jingle
Juice to get through this.
I feel good about these.
Did you spell
everything correctly?
Do they deduct
points for spelling?
Well, let's not find out.
And in fourth place, the
Quizmas Elves with 49 points.
Ho, Ho, Here We Come
to Win with 58 points.
And we got the Quiz
Kringles with 72 points.
But in first place, with 89
points, We Came to Sleigh!
Sleigh, sleigh, sleigh!
Oh my goodness.
Well done, everybody.
Well done.
This might be the year
for the younger folks.
I don't know.
Guys.
I'm just... you know, I...
Hard night.
Our team just gels, I guess.
All right, team.
I think it's time for
a change of tactic.
As a very wise man once said,
the strength of the wolves
is the pack.
Meet me tomorrow for
the Christmas climb,
10:00 AM, the campus gym.
Woo!
Oh my god.
Yeah!
Yeah!
I think we can all agree last
night's game didn't go so well.
Mm.
Uh-uh.
So like I tell my players,
morale and momentum are crucial.
Let's have some fun.
Yeah!
Yeah.
Is this meant to
be the fun part?
Dangling from a wall,
hoping not to die, or...
We will have more fun when we
practice having fun together.
So we are trained professionals.
We have done this before.
It's completely safe, and
we'll walk you through it.
Here's how it works.
We pair off in teams to get
your star all the way up there
in your basket.
Team with the best time wins.
Losing team buys everyone
a round of hot cocoa.
Hmm.
Got it.
I'm pretty sure that
rock climbing never
resulted in a trivia win.
I'm not saying we climb a
wall and we'll win at trivia.
I'm saying if we
have fun together,
if we enjoy the holidays,
we'll be happier people,
and that may help us win.
But hey, even if it doesn't,
we won't really lose.
Joey will help you
get in your harness.
Let's do this!
I call first harness.
Yes!
We can keep up with
these kids, Sherry.
I'll be your, uh, belayer.
Ooh.
Is this some kind of protest?
I'm watching a how-to video.
You really like to study, huh?
I want to do it right.
As a coach, I know sometimes
you gotta wipe out to learn.
Wipe out?
OK.
I think I'm just going
to stick to my plan.
The only wrong way to
do it is to overthink it.
You're going to be OK.
Trust me.
Wait, why am I climbing?
You know physics, right?
On your marks, get set, go!
OK!
You got me?
Go, go, go, go!
You can do it!
Ashley, you have me?
I believe.
Belay.
You've gotta belay.
Come on, come on, come on.
There you go.
That's it.
Go, Sherry!
We can beat these guys.
Come on.
- Hello!
I got it!
You got to get it together.
Oh!
Go, go, go, go, go!
You can do it!
I can't!
It's too high!
Reach for the stars, Celeste.
You got this.
Yeah!
Woo-hoo!
Way to go, Celeste!
Woo!
Go, girl!
Woo!
I'm impressed.
You guys are amazing.
It was so great.
You had fun.
You know, peer pressure is
a very effective motivator.
Liar.
You had a great time.
I guess.
I'm proud of you anyway.
You didn't want any cocoa?
Didn't sound good to
me today for some reason.
Well, Freddie and I have to
get to his parents' house
for their Yankee swap.
And I have to run as well.
I need a Christmas
present for this one.
I could use a custom harness.
Oh, ha, ha, ha.
I'll see you later, OK?
I'm off too.
There's a four-part
series on Violet Jessop.
She's the only one to survive
the Titanic, the Britannic,
and the Olympic shipwrecks.
How Christmassy.
You jest,
but you'd be surprised.
You can learn a lot of things
about lots of different people.
Jessop...
I know rock climbing
probably wasn't
your first choice of
activities, so thank
you for going along with it.
Really.
It was pleasant.
A nice study break.
Planning on studying today?
Maybe.
Um, I'm going to text Richard
and see if he's up for it,
if the timing works out.
And I might go try
to find a tree, or...
You don't have a tree yet?
No.
OK, that's what
we're doing today.
Come on, studying can wait.
- Wait.
Now?
Yeah.
Uh, OK.
What about this one?
Uh, well, that's
not quite right.
I just want to see
my options first.
You like that word a lot...
"right."
That is correct.
You know, you don't
have to be here.
It's going to take a while,
and I want it to be, um, right.
I like savoring the
experience, you know.
Ah.
Well, that's the fun part.
You take your time, though.
I'm happy to help.
Christmas deserves to
be savored, you know.
It really is the
best time of year.
People are nicer, kinder,
focus on the things
that really matter.
It's like an annual
reminder for us
to slow down and just
enjoy being together.
I agree.
Check this one out.
Come on.
You are just like my mom.
Decisive.
Impulsive.
And your dad's more like you?
Uh, yeah, he...
he was.
He... he passed away.
Sorry.
Thank you.
My mom and I are still...
getting used to the change.
But she moved up
here to be closer
to me, which has been amazing.
I think that's why I like
the Christmas tournament.
Like you said, it
brings people I care
about together on Christmas.
Well, thank you
for including me.
I won't see my
family until January.
Well, everyone is very
happy that you joined.
Everyone?
Well, you're a little better
than the sports almanac, so.
Yes!
OK.
I don't mean to be pushy, but...
Yes.
Yes, this is the right one.
Oh.
Mm.
Now for some
more Christmas spirit.
So a few of my players live
at the International House,
and they're here
for the holidays.
It's too far to travel home,
so I thought we could bake them
some cookies, cheer them up.
Oh, that's so nice.
Wonderful.
Great!
This is my grandmother's
famous gingerbread men recipe.
Um, it says it's from
The Fannie Farmer Cookbook.
I said it was my grandmother's.
Didn't say it was original.
All right, let's go.
Hop in.
All right.
And here.
And surprise!
Oh!
Oh, oh, oh!
Joy joy joy
What are you doing?
All around us
Yes, very good.
Oof!
I heard that one year, the power
went out for one of
the trivia nights.
I was there.
Stan got candles so the
tournament could go on.
Who is Stan?
What?
You don't know all about Stan?
He's a legend.
A hero.
Do you think we just call
the trophy the Stan for fun?
He's the most famous player in
the history of the tournament.
He was undefeated for 10 years.
He was a professor?
No, a townie.
Eventually, he moved to LA to
become a writer for Jeopardy.
Oh.
Oh, here's some trivia...
all of Santa's reindeer
would actually be female.
Only the ladies still have
their antlers by Christmastime.
Are you being serious right now?
Yes.
This changes everything
we ever thought
we knew about Santa's reindeer.
How did you learn that?
Bruce Springsteen,
holiday concert, '03.
One for the ages.
When do the males shed theirs?
You would
have to read about that.
OK.
Huh.
Where can I read about it?
Hey, are you OK?
It's a secret.
Everybody's telling
secrets these days.
So what does that
mean about Rudolf?
I'm pregnant.
Shh!
I just found out.
Freddie doesn't know,
and I want it to be
a Christmas morning surprise.
I am so happy for you!
I promise not to
tell a soul, and I'm
here if you need anything.
Thank you.
And thanks goodness we
have trivia to distract us,
or I wouldn't be able
to keep it a secret.
Another good reason
to love trivia.
Oh, this was fun today.
You know, until all the smells.
Yeah.
Let's get back in there.
I don't want Freddie
to get suspicious.
OK.
Shh.
Shh, shh, shh.
Round four... famous
Christmas-themed TV episodes.
Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.
In the "Holly, Jolly"
episode of Stranger Things,
who sees the walls move
in the Byers house?
Didn't you binge
that in October?
Ooh, you know
I'm bad with names.
In Ted Lasso, what was Coach
Beard's plan for Christmas?
Oh, Higgins's
holiday party, right?
No, no, no, no, no.
He went off to do that
weird thing with, uh, Jane.
Oh, the pagan Christmas
ritual at Stonehenge!
Great teamwork, guys.
In Friends, who dressed
as an armadillo, and why?
Oh, it's got to be Joey, right?
No, Ross.
He did it to get his son to
appreciate Hanukkah more.
What?
Well, I may be a
Rhodes scholar, but I
can still appreciate the
greatest sitcom of all time.
We'll take it.
All right.
Going into the
final round tonight,
we have a tie for first place...
the Quizmas Elves and
We Came to Sleigh.
So whoever gets the most
points in our last round
will be tonight's winner.
And I only do this when the
Christmas spirit moves me...
who wants to go
double or nothing?
Uh... uh...
No risk, no gain.
Double or nothing!
OK.
One last question.
List the 12 ingredients
in the classic Fannie
Farmer gingerbread men recipe.
Woo!
Man!
Yeah!
Congrats to the Quizmas Elves
for that landslide win, which
puts them in second place.
We caught up so much!
I'll see you at game four.
And, uh, if you are
one who likes to study,
I'll have a round
with something old,
something new, something from
the paper, something you do.
See you next time.
Hey, if not for today's
baking, what are the chances we
would have known all
those ingredients?
Hey!
Oh, yes, very good.
Sherry, uh, I parked by you.
You want to walk together?
Well, sure.
Celeste, can I drop you off?
I actually think I'm
going to walk home.
I need to come down
after that win.
Oh, OK.
Well, get home safe.
Bye.
Bye.
Bye.
I think we're
headed the same way.
Can I walk you home?
Did you see the looks
on the other teams' faces
when we knew all the answers
to the last question?
Oh, yeah.
Nothing better than inspiring
fear in your opponents.
I will make a
trivia fan of you yet.
I don't know, I think I'm
pretty well on my way already.
You know, if you got to
know me, you'd find out
I'm about more
than just football.
And I'm about more
than just studying.
OK, care to make it interesting?
Like a bet?
No, getting to know you trivia.
OK.
What's your favorite food?
Pizza, of course.
Really?
Wow.
See, I would have pegged you
for more of a highbrow cuisine,
like a souffl or a bone marrow.
Ew, no.
Why, what's yours?
Pizza.
How long have you
been at the university?
10 years.
I did my PhD and master's
in astronomy here,
and then postdoc.
And finally, professor and
Christmas trivia enthusiast.
Of course.
So why astronomy?
Well, it's so much more
peaceful to look to the stars
than the earth sometimes.
Hmm.
I mean, the firmament is our
future, infinite possibilities,
and that gives me hope.
So let me guess...
you've been a football
coach for 10 years?
Close.
Nine.
Nine.
I was analyst at a
Division II school,
then became assistant
offensive coordinator.
And then I got the
opportunity to come
here, which I'm glad I did.
And why football?
It was the sport I
was the greatest at,
ever since I was a kid.
I knew I was never
going to go pro,
but I could help
others get there.
The rush of winning a football
game, there's nothing like that.
Yeah.
Almost nothing.
I'll admit, even though I
usually have a good time,
I didn't expect to enjoy
the tournament this much.
I thought it'd be more academic.
Well, if we're being honest...
Mhm.
...I didn't think that just
focusing on having more fun
would result in a trivia win.
Oh.
OK, multiple choice.
Winning is... A,
fun, B, rewarding...
Mm-hmm.
C, the reason to get
out of bed in the morning.
D, all the above.
That was a trick question.
So this is me.
Goodnight, Max.
Goodnight, Celeste.
OK.
So I figured out what Nick
was talking about last night.
Something old, something
new, something borrowed,
something you do.
Let me guess...
we have to study.
No.
Way more fun than that.
A scavenger hunt!
I read about it on the
University Daily last week...
a Christmas-themed scavenger
hunt of the campus.
- You actually read the Daily?
- Of course she does.
Of course I do.
Nick always asks a few
questions about the school.
My theory is he might
have a whole round on it,
and that was a clue.
Hmm.
And you know what?
Even if it doesn't help
with trivia, so what?
It'll be fun, right?
Yes.
There you go.
Oh!
OK.
First clue... "I have
hands, but cannot clap.
What Christmas song do I sing?"
Wait, wait, wait.
Shouldn't... shouldn't
we split up?
Yeah, teams.
Well, I was planning
on us all going together.
Afraid you won't win?
It's not about winning, Gary.
It's about team-building.
Well, I'm just saying,
if we all stick together,
that's not the right way
to do a scavenger hunt.
Ooh.
So that settles it.
Whoever gets to the end of
the scavenger hunt first wins.
I've been on this campus longer
than these guys have been alive.
Let's go.
See you.
So, looks like
it's just us again.
- Yeah, let's go.
- Whoa!
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
On a one-horse open sleigh, yeah
Jingle bells
North Pole!
Oh, I know this!
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
On a one-horse open sleigh
Oh, yeah
Right there!
Yes, it is!
OK, we have that one.
OK, over...
The library.
Get it?
The building with
the most stories.
Clever.
I'm going to go check out the
new releases while we're here.
Wait, you've been here?
Hey.
Hey!
They issue library cards to
football staff too, you know.
I know.
I just... I didn't
think that, you know...
That I could read?
No, it's just...
I'm sorry.
What do you like to read?
Naval historical fiction.
Oh.
So like romance novels for bros.
Yeah, but instead
of love, it's war.
Oh.
My dad and I bond over it.
We are very different.
He doesn't get sports
and I don't get cars,
but we both geek out
over Jellicoe's tactics
at the Battle of Jutland.
That's really sweet.
You know, you should talk
to Gary about history.
Yeah, I already have.
Oh.
Well, that's cool.
Oh, scavenger hunt.
Um, how many trees do we have?
Four downstairs.
This is five... where did he go?
There you are.
I counted nine Christmas trees.
Check this out.
Christmas books.
That's cool.
But we can't linger, because
don't you want to win?
Don't you want to learn?
Yes, but not now.
So we got to go.
OK, OK.
You know what?
Why don't you check this out?
And also this book
on the Arctic.
Oh, I don't do nonfiction
unless there's explosions.
Give it a try.
It might answer some of those
reindeer questions that you had.
Oh, yeah, good call.
OK, can you just...
come on, please.
We did it!
We got them all!
A little late, I'm afraid.
We've been here 15 minutes.
We won!
Thought the old
timers couldn't beat you, huh?
We did it!
We did it.
We got it,
we got it, we got it, we...
Snow in his pants?
I think it's a victory dance.
This was so much fun.
I'm exhausted.
It really was.
Fun and educational.
Mm.
I'm sorry we didn't win.
I held us up in the library.
Forgive me?
For the sake of learning,
I will accept this loss.
Just this once.
Well, we only lost
because he couldn't stop
reading books about Christmas.
OK.
Baby Santa or baby elf?
It was really sweet, actually.
Celeste, focus.
This is what Freddie's going
to open on Christmas morning
to find out he's
going to be a father,
and I want it to be perfect.
Sorry.
Baby Santa, obviously.
Thank you.
You haven't mentioned
Richard in a while.
Oh, haven't I?
Nope.
It seems you and Max
are getting along well.
I guess you could
kind of say that.
Mm-hmm.
And your "he's everything
wrong with everything" talk?
Oh, that.
Yeah, I just think that, um, you
know, some of the time, I mean,
I may have been...
- Uh-huh.
- OK, I was wrong.
Do I have to say it?
Yep.
I still think that the school
overvalues the football team.
I do.
But he's not what I
expected, you know?
I thought he was
just going to be
some jock who couldn't
take anything seriously,
but he's actually deeper.
And he's fun.
You are growing.
I am a scientist.
I am willing to be
convinced by evidence.
That is so cute.
Are you sure Freddie doesn't
suspect your little secret?
No way.
He's so oblivious.
He's too focused on
trivia and Christmas
to notice anything else.
Ashley's got a secret.
Really?
What kind of secret?
Good one, I think.
Hmm.
Hand me that box.
Oh, my players at the
International House
are going to be
so surprised when
they see their house decorated.
What do you think it is?
What?
She's been acting weird.
She's kind of, like, sneaking
around and giddy and glowing.
Sounds like she has a
Christmas surprise for you.
Oh, yeah.
Yeah, maybe she's bought
a special gift for me
she's super excited about.
Whoever stored
these didn't do it right, man.
Didn't do it right?
You sound like Celeste.
No.
I mean, maybe.
Hey, we still need
to untangle these.
So, uh, help me out.
So Celeste, she's not dating
that Richard guy, is she?
No, thank goodness.
No, she's already worked up
enough about trivia without him.
Well, she's passionate.
Got to respect that.
Yeah, no.
I mean, don't get me
wrong, Celeste is the best.
But, uh, she's been a lot more
fun since you joined the team.
You've really noticed
a big difference?
Yeah.
She's always wanted
to win, but this year,
she's truly joyful about it.
I'm happy she's happy.
I know Ashley's secret.
She's finally going to go
shark cage diving with me
in Turks and Caicos.
Yes!
Woo!
Here we go!
Here we go.
Oh.
Hey.
I can't believe the haul
you got at the moving sale.
I know.
My parents are probably
finding a way to deck
out their cabin right now.
It's kind of what we do.
I... I just
don't know how.
To climb a ladder?
Is everything OK?
Yeah.
Freddie wants me to
climb this ladder,
and I am afraid of heights.
No, you're not.
And I am a klutz.
Right, Celeste?
I'm going to hold
it up and then...
I'll do it.
Because Ashley can't be
trusted with these things.
Mm-hmm.
True.
OK.
If you give me this one...
whoa, it is high.
See?
There we go.
Yeah, you shouldn't
have done that.
Thank you.
See?
It's really high.
I know.
Do the rest of them.
OK, so just because
this weighs nothing...
OK.
OK, you take it.
I know.
Max.
Max.
What's all this?
Oh!
Hey.
Merry Christmas, Gedeon.
Coach Robbins!
You did this?
With a little help
from my friends.
Meet the Quizmas Elves.
We wanted to spread
some Christmas cheer.
Thank you so much.
This is... this is just what
Christmas is all about.
Who wants cookies?
Oh, whoa!
OK, OK.
OK.
We will...
You want some?
Mm.
Oh, thank you.
Can I join you?
You're in need of a seat.
Reminds me of the first night
of the trivia tournament.
Ah, how the tables have turned.
If I didn't know you better,
I would say you're studying.
Reading.
This Arctic book is lit.
It's just getting
to the good part.
Really?
Tell me about it.
OK.
I'm not done yet, but reindeer
are the only animals that have
fur covering their whole nose.
Why?
I don't know.
That's what I'm
trying to figure out.
OK.
OK, I get it.
I get it.
I will read too.
What'd you bring?
Oh, A Christmas Carol.
That's the Christmas spirit.
My dad used to read it to
me every Christmas season.
No way.
My dad too.
Really?
Yeah.
Was there a submarine
battle that I missed?
Oh, you haven't got to
the chapter of the ghost
of the Christmas midshipman?
Oh, no.
Speaking of Christmas spirit,
it's time to bury the hatchet.
Hi, Ruby.
Did you come here to gloat?
No, no.
Listen, I know that the
only thing we have in common
is rogue planets, but I just
wanted to say that I'm really
glad you joined the tournament.
It's so nice to have
a great competitor.
OK.
If you don't mind,
I'm trying to study.
Not all of us have a sports
trivia ringer on our team.
Oh, yeah.
We really lucked
out on that one.
Doesn't matter.
With brains and
youth on our side,
we'll be back on top
like the angel on a tree.
After all, we came to sleigh.
Cool, cool.
Yeah.
Well, I tried.
She's got a bad case
of the bah humbugs.
Yes, with a
resting Scrooge face.
You know, I know this is
not in the Christmas spirit,
but I really want to
see that team lose.
I couldn't agree more.
Round three... a visit
from Saint Nicholas.
This next round is long,
but fun for the poetry
nerds in the house.
You'll now receive a handout
with the poem "'Twas the Night
Before Christmas" on it.
And yes, I did dress on
theme, thank you for noticing.
Oh, thank you, thank you.
Now, I'm going to read it and
you will fill in the blanks
on your paper when I pause.
Guys, come, come, come, come.
May the Christmas
magic be with you.
Come, come, come.
'Twas the night
before Christmas,
when all through the
house, not a creature
was stirring, not even a mouse.
The...
Stockings were hung by
the chimney with care.
...in hopes that Saint
Nicholas soon would be there.
With a little old driver
so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it
must be Saint Nick.
I know this one!
More rapid than eagles
his coursers they came.
Good one!
That memory was hidden deep.
Away they all flew like
the down of a thistle.
But I heard him...
Exclaim ere he drove out of
sight, happy Christmas to all...
And to all a good night!
Yes!
We got the whole thing right!
Yeah, we did!
Oh, I'm hot.
In first place so far
tonight, we have the Quizmas
Elves with 69 points.
Yes!
A perfect score.
If they can run clean
for this last round,
that will be the first perfect
game since the famous Stan
game of 2001!
Holy snowballs!
This last round is all
about campus Christmas trivia.
I based it off of a
scavenger hunt in the paper
last week, if any of you
lucky go-getters caught it.
I'm going to leave
this up to you,
but we are here if
you need any help.
Looks like your
fun studying worked.
Great win tonight.
Perfect game.
Just like Stan.
I think Gary should be in
the running for Quizmas Elf MVP
this year.
Oh, don't sell
yourself short, Sherry.
You were key to that round.
Yeah, that was the
best part about tonight.
Each one of us had
a shining moment.
Mm.
Of course We Came to Sleigh
did the scavenger hunt, too.
They are too close for comfort.
Yeah, but even if they were to
pass us in the last two nights,
there are only two
teams to ever play
a perfect game at Nick's Bar...
Stan and us.
Quizmas Elves!
Oh, I'm beat.
See you tomorrow?
Bye.
Bye.
Walk me to my car?
Sure.
OK.
Good night.
Night.
Night, Sherry.
Night.
So I guess we're
going the same way?
I guess we are.
I like walking home, slowly,
on a great night like this.
Looking up at the stars.
The football field is a
good place to look at them.
We could even go
there if you wanted.
Am I not walking you home?
I'm not tired.
Are you?
I have a better idea.
Come with me.
Trust me, it'll be fun.
Let's go.
OK, you have never
seen anything like this.
Take a look.
Take a look.
Oh, wow.
Yeah, we get a view of
those right around Christmas.
They look like just one star.
They're binary stars.
OK, so do you want to see...
Whoa, whoa.
Hold on, professor.
Teach me.
What's a binary star?
Binary stars are stars
in each other's gravity.
They orbit each
other, exchange mass,
and it gives them
properties that stars
can't achieve on their own.
That sounds pretty special.
Not really.
It's pretty common.
I mean, most stars
are two stars.
It's very rare for
a star to be alone.
So stars like to
be together, then.
Yeah.
Do you want to see a supernova?
An exploding star?
Yeah!
Yes.
OK, let me show you.
It is right... oh, right there.
It looks far away, but
you can actually see it.
Oh!
Huh.
You know, some
historians and astronomers
actually think that the
Christmas star was a supernova.
No way.
As we say in astronomy, way.
You know everything
about this stuff, huh?
Oh, no.
No, not at all.
Like... like dark matter.
It makes up most
of the universe.
We know it's there, but
we don't know what it is.
Kind of like Santa?
Kind of like Santa.
But it might mean that
everything we think we know
is wrong.
That's terrifying.
No, it is so exciting.
It's the reason I love space.
I mean, all the
questions, right?
What is everything made of?
Why?
There is so much
left to discover,
and so many answers
we don't have yet.
So you think it's exciting
to not have the right answer?
For truly extraordinary
things, yeah.
Hmm.
Provisions.
You bring
a lot of people up here?
There is a communal closet
stash of wine at all times.
So astronomers do know
how to have fun, then.
If you give us a little space.
I wanted to say...
I owe you an apology.
You do?
I misjudged you.
I thought...
Wait.
Did you prepare a speech?
Did you really think I'd come
into this moment unprepared?
No.
Oh.
OK.
I thought you were just a
jock who couldn't take trivia
seriously, but you have
made it more fun than I
ever realized it could be.
That was a really good speech.
I think it went a little fast.
No, it was perfect.
Thank you.
Can I go now?
No.
One more thing.
I took it out on
you because I hate
the way the school prioritizes
football over academics.
Do they ignore the
astronomy department?
Well, we're
definitely underfunded.
I have written to
the provost three
times for an updated telescope
and he hasn't even responded.
I'm sorry.
I had no idea.
I'm usually stuck in
my football bubble.
But it's been nice to
connect with other parts
of the university, meet people
with different interests
who like learning new things.
So people like you.
Do you really
think I'm like that?
Yes.
I mean, you know more about the
science of the Arctic tundra
than I do at this point.
That's thanks to you.
I misjudged you too, by the way.
I thought you were too
tightly wound at first.
But actually, you
just care a lot.
I know what that's like.
You seem pretty carefree.
All competitive people care.
You and I want the same outcome.
We just have
different approaches.
I think we butted heads not
because we're so different,
but because we're similar.
Cheers.
Cheers.
You're calling early
for being up so late.
You thinking about me?
No.
I was thinking about what
Christmas gifts I need to buy.
Me too.
You know, I want to check
out this maple syrup farm.
It's supposed to be
the best in Vermont.
Oh.
I've never been to one.
Great.
We should go.
Pick you up after lunch?
It's only an hour away.
OK.
Will we be back for
the game at 6:30?
Because we have to be
on the road by 5:00.
No problem.
Trust me, you're
going to love it.
OK.
Bye.
Mr. Robbins?
Mm-hmm.
Welcome to the
Christmas Craft Barn.
All of the supplies
you requested
to build your own Christmas
village are right this way.
I guess we're not
getting maple syrup today?
No.
Thank you for this.
I know how special
creating this village
was for you and your dad.
Thought you might like
continuing the tradition.
I'm really happy that I met you.
Me too.
I almost forgot.
You didn't.
I kind of did.
Kind of had to.
They are so big.
OK.
There we go.
So sorry to interrupt what
looks like a magical moment,
but we're closing
in a few minutes.
What time is it?
Um...
We have to go.
Nick always starts trivia
late, and I'm a fast driver.
But you shouldn't speed.
We will be fine even at a
very boring 45 miles an hour.
There's a reindeer in the road!
Apparently some reindeer
from a farm got out.
I can't believe
this is happening.
Where is that mechanic?
I hope none of them get hurt.
Poor girls.
Remember, girls?
The... the antlers.
Round one... sports round.
Name the eight NFL
teams that will
be playing this Christmas Day.
Um...
Football is played
on Christmas Day?
What about their families?
Um, the Packers.
Wait, are they on Christmas
Day or New Year's Day?
Football is played
on New Year's Day too?
The mechanic's
obviously not coming,
so do you have a car jack?
- Maybe.
Do you have a spare?
Have you ever changed
a tire before?
Have you?
I was absent the day they taught
tires in my astrophysics class.
Didn't your dad love cars?
I'm a football coach,
not a wheel magician.
Two rounds left, and this
next one is going to be a doozy.
Good news... he's just
finishing up some paperwork.
We'll be back on
the road any minute.
I'm sorry I took us
so far from town.
We still might make
the end of the game.
Maybe we'll get a
Christmas miracle.
Can you stop that?
Celeste...
This is reality, Max.
Actions have consequences.
It's a flat tire.
These things happen.
They wouldn't have if I wasn't
sidetracked by distractions.
And for what?
Arts and crafts?
Here you go.
Thanks.
Neither of us knew how to do it.
Did you try reading the manual?
Hey, are you OK?
We're OK.
What happened?
Well, after a lot of groveling,
Nick graciously let us play
with just four players,
but we're third now overall.
So our lead's completely erased.
I should have been here.
I am so sorry that
I let you down.
No, I let you down.
We know you guys
wanted to be here.
It was my fault.
It was my idea to go.
You were right.
- Hey, you OK?
- Yeah, I'm good.
I'm good.
Mm-hmm.
Candy cane mocha
frappe, extra whip.
It's 9:00 in the morning.
True, but after
last night, I thought
you could use a pick-me-up.
Are you plying me with
sugar to try to soften
the blow you're about to land?
That's what friends are for!
Well, I'll save you the trouble.
I am terrible.
I'm the worst.
I don't deserve the
Stan, or you, or anyone.
That it?
I wish I was never born.
That's the George Bailey I know.
So scold me.
I can take it.
It might actually surprise you
to know that I'm here to make
you feel better, not worse.
Even that makes me feel worse.
I don't deserve you.
You are the pregnant one, and
you're here taking care of me
when I'm the one that
missed the trivia game
and treated Max horribly.
So you blamed him
for the flat tire?
I was so frustrated.
I tried to let go, and it just...
it backfired.
Well, another way to look
at it... except for last night,
maybe things have been better
because you've been letting go.
I see the way you look at Max.
It... I haven't seen you
that happy in a while.
You're right.
I cannot believe I
overreacted like that.
Aw, you're human.
You can fix it.
What if he doesn't want
to hear from me, Ashley?
I don't even know the right way
to take back all that I said.
There's no right way.
There's just a wrong way,
and that's to not try.
We all make mistakes.
Just apologize,
and from the heart.
You know, the worst part is
I had the best time yesterday,
and I wouldn't
take it back for...
for anything.
Well, that's a
good place to start.
Besides, it's Christmas Eve.
It might go better
than you think.
Hi, Max.
It's me again.
Can you call me back?
I just want to talk
about last night.
I just... please call me back.
OK, bye.
He's not returning my calls.
Yeah, he's not
texting me back either.
You don't think
he's so upset that he
won't come tonight, right?
I mean, not that
I blame him, but...
One thing at a time.
Just find him and apologize.
Well, if you see
him, can you tell
him that I want to apologize?
It's Christmas Eve.
Everyone should
be in happy mood.
All forgiven.
I hope you're right.
We've been rooting for you all.
Thanks.
But, uh, we're in
third place, so...
No, no, no, no.
Not... not trivia.
For you and Max.
Hey, Dad.
Merry Christmas.
Mom and I miss you.
So our need to get everything
right has burned me once again.
Thanks, genetics.
So I met someone, and he is
fun, and he goes with the flow,
and he's been rubbing off
on me in the best way.
And I've been
having so much fun,
and life has been so much
better since I met him.
Trying to make
everything right is...
what made it all go wrong.
There you go again,
speaking in absolutes.
Max, what are you doing here?
I... I've been trying
to reach you all day.
Yeah, I can see that.
And I appreciate
the persistence,
not that I'm surprised.
I understand you
wanting to ignore me
after what I said last night.
I wasn't ignoring you.
My phone stopped working.
I dropped it when I was trying
to figure out the flat tire,
so I had to get a new phone.
Turns out, that's not easy
to do on Christmas Eve.
I was just heading to trivia
when I saw your missed calls.
How did you know I'd be here?
I didn't know.
It just felt right.
So you're still going
to go to trivia night?
There's no way I was
going to let the team
down two nights in a row.
Max, I am so sorry about
everything I said last night.
I was so frustrated that I
wasn't in control, and I...
I took it out on you.
I know you were just upset
about missing the game.
And I get it.
I was too.
So I accept your apology.
And I'm sorry.
I probably tried to
squeeze a little bit
too much fun into the day.
It was a great day.
It was a great day.
And I wouldn't take it back
for a hundred trivia wins.
Isn't the game about to start?
But the right answer
is to be here with you.
As much as I would love to
stay here all night with you,
the competitor in me is dying to
go win that trivia tournament.
I am so relieved you said it.
Let's go.
Come on!
Ho, ho, ho!
Merry Christmas, folks.
Just kidding, it's me.
Welcome to the trivia
tournament finale!
Guys!
Yes!
Oh, thank you!
Let's do this.
Quizmas Elves!
Round one... name that tune.
The carolers will hum a small
portion of a Christmas song,
and when they stop, each team
must write down the song title.
You'll have 10 seconds before
they hum the next song.
Let's begin.
O'er the fields we go,
laughing all the way.
Ha, ha, ha!
It's "Jingle Bells."
That's it.
Good job, guys.
Doot!
Round three...
Christmas plants.
Each team has five minutes to
write down the name of each
of these Christmas plants.
OK.
On the left is
scarlet firethorn.
On the right is a
waxed amaryllis bulb...
a surprisingly finicky
plant, by the way.
And in the middle is a
traditional Christmas cactus.
Come on.
Where's the challenge?
Round six...
Hallmark Christmas movies.
I watch them all.
I've seen all of
them more than once.
I will give you the premise
of eight beloved Hallmark
Christmas movies.
Your job is to write down the
title for each movie as we go.
I got this.
Ooh, you like
Hallmark Christmas movies too?
Even more than I like Friends.
In this sequel, Emily
and Jared are looking forward
to celebrating the
holidays together
again, this time as a couple.
When the soon-to-be neighbors
turn out to be holiday royalty,
it looks like this year's
competition is about to heat up.
Oh, Hauling the Holly...
Part Two.
Actually, it's
Haul Out the Holly...
Lit Up.
Oh, you are good.
Yes, I am.
In this holiday classic, Angie
is determined to
spend Christmas alone,
but her usual
commuter ride turns
into a Christmas
train that drops her
off in her hometown in 2011.
Next Stop, Christmas.
Jinx!
I could do this all night.
Please do.
OK.
Ladies and gentlemen, this
has been an unprecedented night.
But for the first time
since I've reigned over
this tournament, we have a
tie between the Quizmas Elves
and We Came to Sleigh.
Whoa!
What does that even mean?
Which means we go
to a tiebreaker question.
OK.
We got this.
The answer is a number.
The team to get
the closest answer
will be our tournament winners.
No matter what happens,
guys, I am so proud of us.
Please write down your answer
to the following question.
Are we all ready?
Santa's reindeer
reportedly travel
3,720,000 miles per
hour in order to reach
the children of the world.
What's the maximum
recorded speed
of a reindeer that has not been
given Santa's Christmas magic?
Mm.
I don't know.
I think I know the answer.
I actually think
I know the answer.
What?
Well, write it down!
Studying trivia paid off!
If you hadn't
encouraged me to pick up
that reindeer book
from the library,
I wouldn't know the answer.
And Sherry.
Sherry, if you hadn't
piqued my interest in...
That's really great, Max, but...
Write it down!
Pencils down, folks.
Oh, OK.
Bring me your answer sheets.
Oh, OK.
We Came to Sleigh wrote
down 50 miles per hour.
But, in what must be some
kind of Christmas miracle,
the Quizmas Elves wrote 48 miles
per hour, the correct answer,
which means the Quizmas Elves
are this year's Christmas
trivia tournament winners!
Huh?
Oh, wow.
Freddie.
Freddie, I'm pregnant.
Best Christmas present ever!
Rogue planets and
Christmas trivia tournaments.
Well played.
Yeah.
But I just thought I should
say, the trivia tournament
made this time of year...
good.
So, you know, yeah.
And maybe next year
we could even be
on the same team or something.
Whatever.
We'll see.
But Merry Christmas.
OK.
I mean, Merry Christmas.
Celeste?
I'm Herbert Lang.
Mr. Provost!
I mean, Mr. Lang.
I know who you are.
I just... I didn't know
that you knew who I was.
Hi.
Hi.
I, uh, enjoyed watching
your team play tonight.
Congratulations on your win.
Thank you so much.
I wanted to let you know I,
uh, have gotten your letters
requesting the new telescope.
Mhm.
It will be approved
in the new year.
Really?
With the uptick
of alumni donations our winning
football team has
helped bring in, we
can finally make it happen.
Thank you so much.
That means a lot to me.
Thank you.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
So do you still think
football is everything that's
wrong with the university?
Well, experimentation
disproved my theory.
Oh.
Oh.
Think we'll be able
to defend our Christmas
trivia title next year?
You're already
planning for next year?
I thought you were all
about living in the moment.
What can I say?
Thanks to you, I think
I got trivia fever.
Well, I don't know the
answer to your question.
Oh.
But I know that if I'm with
you, then I'm fine with it.
Way to go, Coach.
Thank you, Professor.
Call, I'll be there
I know it's cold
out this December
My only wish to
have you near
I'll drive those miles
till we're together
Through the snow,
one thing's clear
The sleigh bells ring
Oh, that's guiding me home
It really is the most
wonderful time of the year.
Finals?
You're funny, Ruby.
I meant Christmas.
I'm never funny, Celeste.
I know.
Hey, so remember, I like these
alphabetized and color-tabbed
by grade.
And can you get
these done before you
land on a beach
somewhere for Christmas?
Yes, I can.
And no beach.
I grew up two hours away
from here, so I'll just
drive home for the 25th.
Oh.
And what are you
doing for Christmas?
The Christmas trivia tournament!
- Hey.
- Hey.
Merry Christmas, Coach.
What are you doing for break?
I don't know.
Happy to play it by ear.
Sounds good.
Looking good already.
Since you'll be
around until Christmas,
you should join the
trivia tournament.
You just need five other
players and a team name.
Ours is the Quizmas Elves.
Get it?
The sign-up is
tonight at Nick's Bar.
So like bar trivia,
but make it Christmas?
Exactly.
You really want me to ask
you more about it, don't you?
It's a tradition
going back 45 years.
Faculty, residents, basically
anyone here for the break,
goes to Nick's Bar to compete
in a six-game tournament,
and the championship
game is on Christmas Eve.
It's joyous and competitive
and all the questions
are about Christmas.
I'd say I'm sorry I
asked, but I didn't.
Well, you might
actually like it.
I think rogue planets are
where our shared passions
begin and end.
But you must love factoids
and quizzes and right answers.
Are there prizes?
Yes.
The winner gets a year's
worth of bragging rights and...
the Stan.
It's named for Stan, the most
legendary player in Christmas
trivia tournament lore.
I'm going to go.
I hope you win your
tchotchke elf trophy thing.
The Stan.
Merry Christmas!
OK.
Richard!
Hi, Celeste.
In a bit of a rush.
Oh, I can...
I can walk with you.
Um, do you want to walk together
to the trivia tournament
sign-up tonight?
Sorry, I can't.
A meeting just came up with
the head of my department.
But you're still coming, right?
Yeah, I've just got
to go there first.
OK.
That's such a relief,
because I would
be so disappointed
if you decided not
to do the tournament after all.
I mean, we would.
The team would be disappointed.
I mean, we're really excited
to have you lead this year.
Thanks.
What would the
practice schedule be?
Right, the practice.
Um, I'm working on it.
I thought you took it seriously.
I do.
We do.
It's just that you can't
know the questions.
But, uh, we will practice.
Remember, studying
is how I won Jeopardy.
Right.
Twice.
Right.
I love studying.
And it's not just because
I like you... respect.
Respect you.
Great.
I'll see you at Nick's.
OK.
Bye.
Come on, Celeste.
Gedeon, hey!
Come on in.
Merry Christmas, Coach.
I wanted to give you this.
Oh, man.
To commemorate
our winning season.
Thank you.
So thoughtful.
But you players deserve
the credit, especially you.
I had a great coach.
You're going to, uh,
Hungary for Christmas, right?
Uh, no, it's...
it's too expensive.
I'll be at the
International House
with the other students
who can't make it home.
Listen, I went to
a boarding school,
so I know a thing or two about
spending a holiday on campus.
Can I tell you something?
- Mhm.
Sometimes when you don't have
a plan, you have the most fun.
Yeah.
Um, what are you doing
for the holidays?
Oh, I'm a Christmas
orphan this year too.
My parents are on a cruise
for their anniversary,
so I'm sticking around.
But, uh, you know, it's
my first year on campus,
so I'm up for the adventure.
OK.
Um, I'm off to make
Hungarian Christmas cabbage
fish soup for the house.
Sounds yummy.
Merry Christmas.
Boldog Karcsoynt.
Boldog Karcsoynt to you too.
Look out!
Close call!
Are you OK?
Like I always say...
Football is everything that's
wrong with this university.
There you go.
Thank you.
If I have to hear my Planets
and Stars course referred to
as "Space Rocks for Jocks"
one more time...
I get it.
But football does bring in a
lot of money for this school.
For whom?
Because I haven't seen anything
extra for my department.
You still haven't heard
anything from the provost
on your new telescope?
Nope.
I wish I could help.
But as a lowly
admissions counselor,
I really don't
have the provost's
ear on fund allocation.
Well, I bet you would if
you were in sports recruiting.
Well, let's talk about more
important things, like trivia.
This is our year.
It is, because we have Richard,
a two-time Jeopardy champion.
Not that he ever mentions it.
And we're going to be
spending a lot of time
together, you know?
Like, sign-up tonight,
the games, study sessions.
Richard might be
an acquired taste.
Like fruitcake.
Ashley, it's different for you.
You're married.
You know, it's just been
me and my mom at Christmas
these last few years,
and we never win.
I think we already had a really
good team that never wins.
But now we'll have Richard.
We finally have our chance.
Well, then let's get to Nick's
and sign up our winning team.
Let's do it!
Hi.
You're a beautiful sight.
We're happy tonight.
Aw.
Name that tune.
"Winter Wonderland."
Give us a challenge.
- OK.
Just for you.
Um, who was crowned emperor on
Christmas Day in the year 800?
Ooh.
Charlemagne.
Know your history.
Is, uh, Richard still coming?
Yeah, he's on his way.
Are you worried or excited?
Excited is a strong word, but we
need fancy-schmancy professors.
I mean, my only body of
knowledge is plants and dirt.
It's Christmas trivia.
You don't need a PhD.
Guys, I can feel it.
The Quizmas Elves are
going to win this year!
Ho, ho, ho!
Welcome to the 45th
annual Christmas
trivia tournament sign-ups!
It was started by my father,
Nick Sr. And as you all know,
we are playing for the Stan!
We'll have six games,
and every round
will be related to Christmas.
Six players to a team.
If you are caught using
your phone to cheat,
you will be disqualified
and only get coal.
Sign up and we will see you for
the first game tomorrow night!
Oh!
Hi, Richard.
We were just going over
the studying and the...
I'm going to Asia!
Uh, when?
Tomorrow.
A lecture tour.
The professor who was
supposed to go got sick,
so now they're sending me.
Well, congratulations
are in order.
Yeah, that's great, man.
Well, can't they
send someone else?
Uh, Celeste...
What about the tournament?
I mean, we will
miss you, is all.
And congratulations.
Thanks.
Yeah, I'm sorry I won't get
the tournament win for you.
But for you, my Trivia
Almanac includes
a robust Christmas section.
May it serve you as
well as it did me.
It's heavy.
You're welcome.
OK, got to go pack.
Good luck.
Anyone else won Jeopardy?
Twice?
Can I just, uh... pardon me.
Sorry.
That's so nice of you.
Thank you.
Ooh, ooh!
These are the potatoes?
Yeah, thank you.
Oh, yeah.
Uh, can I get by, please?
You got to keep moving.
Yeah, yeah, uh-huh.
Excuse me.
Hi.
You're doing the
buffet line wrong.
I was getting food.
Right.
You just can't... you have
to start at the beginning.
Oh, am I being graded?
You just can't cut in
the middle of the line.
I'm carb loading.
It's more strategic
for everyone,
really, if I just like,
get in and out, you know?
Right.
But it's a buffet, so there are
rules, and, uh, it's understood.
Well, I understand
this is delicious.
Can you please continue
this lover's spat elsewhere?
Or just kiss and make up.
You're standing
under the mistletoe.
That's it.
I'm just going to go
back to the beginning.
Nice to meet you.
Mhm.
Hi.
I just met the rudest
guy in the buffet line.
Oh, I saw that.
It's Max Robbins, the
new offensive coordinator
for the football team.
Well, offensive is right.
Football?
Well, that explains a lot.
Wasn't the team great this year?
They just won the New
England championship,
the first undefeated
season since '68.
Let's just drop it.
We have more important
business to discuss,
like who is going to
replace Richard on the team.
I think it's a little too late.
Everyone is either on
a team or traveling.
Fine, I will find
someone myself.
You get a year's worth of
bragging rights, and the Stan.
No.
Well, you can bring the baby.
No.
It's another
fun way to celebrate
the big guy's birthday.
No.
But I will pray for you.
Hard.
Hi, Ruby.
Good news... a spot just
opened up on my trivia team
and I was wondering if maybe
you would like to join.
No.
And before you say no...
I'm already on a team.
And sorry, we're full.
- What?
Some of the other
TAs convinced me
it wasn't totally lame, so
now we have our own team.
It's called We Came to Sleigh.
As in, sleigh ride?
As in, maybe we'll knock the
Quizmas Elves off the shelf.
Oh.
'Cause you
can be my Secret Santa
I am so sorry that
I let you guys down.
I couldn't find a team leader.
And most importantly, we
don't have six players,
so we can't compete
this year, guys.
It's OK.
We know how hard you tried.
And, um, there's
always next year.
Hey, I've been
looking for a seat.
Do you mind if I join you?
Please.
We do mind.
Oh, it's the buffet police.
Uh, this is Celeste.
And you're the famous Max
Robbins of the football team.
I know that you're new in town,
but this is the annual
Christmas trivia tournament,
and it is very serious.
Like, more or less
serious than Christmas
buffet line etiquette?
Well, we are short
a player, Celeste.
Are we?
I don't...
It's either Max or we
withdraw from the tournament.
Welcome to game one of the
Christmas trivia tournament!
Uh, as a little reminder,
every team does need six
players in order to compete.
As I said last night, I'm going
to be mixing some things up.
This year, we are starting
with a sports round
in honor of our football
team's winning season!
So prepare your hearts,
prepare your minds,
prepare your answer sheets.
Won't you please join our team?
I'm so sorry.
I apologize for my daughter.
Her mother taught
her no manners.
Welcome, Max.
Now, we may look unassuming,
but like when Washington crossed
the Delaware on that
fateful Christmas night,
the other teams are
in for a surprise.
This is Gary, history professor.
He does that, and
you'll get used to it.
And I'm Sherry.
I teach music in town.
Freddie.
I do landscaping
at the university.
Hi, I'm Ashley.
I work in admissions.
And clearly you've met
Celeste, astronomy professor.
Oh, astronomy!
Cool.
My players love Space
Rocks for Jocks.
And now for the first round.
I call this the, uh, Chris
Kringle sports round.
On the screen, you will see 12
players from various sports,
all with Chris in their names.
Please write down the first
and last names of every player.
Good luck.
OK, we have...
Chris Kamara,
Chris Henry, Chris...
ooh, tennis, that's tricky.
Chris Evert.
Uh, maybe we should just let
Max, you know, just write down...
Oh, yeah.
Sweet.
Yeah, just...
Thank you.
Chris... yeah.
Yes.
And done.
That was fun!
I'm going to go turn it in.
Hey, hey!
Come on.
Very good.
Yes, he's good.
Round three...
Christmas music.
Ooh!
Give the title and year
of the only Christmas album
to be released by
any of the Beatles.
Oh, what's a famous
Beatles Christmas album?
I Wanna Be Santa
Claus, released in 1999.
I know because Ringo sent
me the recording in 1998.
Whoa, you know Ringo Starr?
Uh, we met when he was on
tour and stayed in touch.
I taught music to his grandkids.
Such a cute family of
little drummer boys.
I want to hear all about that.
Yeah!
Round four...
Christmas history.
In what year did the tradition
of lighting a Christmas tree
in Rockefeller Center begin?
Have you all been?
It's beautiful.
Shh!
1931, the Great Depression.
The workers at
Rockefeller Center
bought a balsam fir,
which they decorated.
I gave an entire lecture
on it in my course,
Titans of Gotham City.
Ooh.
If you're interested, I'd
be happy to share my syllabus.
Oh!
Well, I'd love that.
Well, good.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yes.
Next round...
Christmas cocktails.
This round is a taste test.
Give the name, and at least
four ingredients, of our bar's
signature Christmas cocktails.
Sweet, free drinks.
This is Freddie's hero moment.
I'm detecting rum.
Rum.
Fruit punch.
Mhm.
A hint of lemonade.
Mm.
Lemonade.
One more ingredient.
Pineapple juice.
It's Nick's Jingle Juice.
Yes!
Yes!
In third place, with 73
points, the Quiz Kringles.
We have way more than that.
We sure do.
And in a very close
second, the Quizmas
Elves with 82 points!
Second?
And with 83 points, tonight's
winner is We Came to Sleigh!
Boom!
Sleigh, sleigh, sleigh!
Woo!
It's going to be a
very competitive tournament.
Remember, points are cumulative,
and we've got five games to go.
Wow.
All right.
Here's to Max being MVP.
Yeah.
Thanks for
pitching in, sub-hitting,
warming off the bench...
I don't know.
Are any of those accurate?
Almost.
It wasn't just about
the sports rounds.
We were the only team
that knew which snowflake
was a stellar dendrite.
True.
You got that one.
Yeah, but we would have
tanked that sports round
if it wasn't for you, Max.
Eh, it was nothing, guys.
I had fun.
You are going to join us on
the starting roster for the rest
of the tournament, right?
Because without you, we
kind of don't qualify.
Mom.
It's the holidays.
I'm sure Max is really busy.
I am actually 100% free.
Let's buy everyone a round
of celebratory Jingle Juices.
OK.
Oh, god.
Oh.
I will not celebrate second
place, and I hate Jingle Juice.
Can you stop hating things?
It's Christmas.
I don't hate things.
Just Jingle Juice... and losing.
Celeste, a Christmas trivia
sports angel just floated in
from the football
field, and, uh, we
got to help him get his wings.
Oh, that is unfair.
You know I can't resist It's
a Wonderful Life references.
Listen to me, he
represents everything
that is wrong with
everything around here.
Just like the rest of
the athletic department,
he thinks the rules
don't apply to him.
Mm.
Yeah, he doesn't respect
buffet line etiquette.
That's not a thing.
And, uh... football.
Do you like winning?
- Oh, I love winning.
- Good.
So does he.
He's joining our team.
Be Mr. Bailey, not Mr. Potter.
That movie is my Kryptonite.
Think of the Building and Loan.
Uh, could we get six
Jingle Juices, please?
Mom, let me
handle the town square.
I have a plan.
Well, let's just get
it done, all right?
Because they're going to be
here any minute for the show.
We're recording it.
Yes, but it's the New
England Holiday Baking Special.
You got to watch it live.
This made me laugh
every single year.
Oh, you and your dad used to
get so upset that this village
wasn't to scale.
Well, can you blame us?
It's a village of giants.
You and your father, always
wanting everything just right.
OK, who is for eggnog?
Hey, we can talk about him, Mom.
Each year I get a little more
used to him not being here,
but it still catches me.
Sometimes three years
feels like a long time,
and sometimes not at all.
Oh.
You and Dad were so
perfect for each other.
Just so complimentary.
You are going to find
your special person.
Well, I thought maybe I had,
but he up and left for Asia
before I could find out.
Richard?
You hardly know him.
Well, I know he would appreciate
accurate villager ratios.
Your person may not
be exactly like you.
Maybe he's the opposite.
A football star or something.
Very funny.
Hmm.
But I am actually
attracted to intelligence.
Mm.
Cute people who enjoy
sports can also be smart.
Turn the TV on!
We'll miss meeting the bakers.
Hi.
Hey, am I late?
I invited our newest elf.
Thought we'd get a
little team bonding in.
The more the merrier.
Cute village.
What's with the giants?
Uh, my father and I
used to build villages,
and one of the sets
apparently came with giants,
and we thought it
was funny, and...
anyway, everyone, can I
have your attention, please?
Good news.
The plan is to study
Richard's almanac
during the commercial breaks.
- The plan?
- Mm-hmm.
But we didn't study last year.
And we didn't win.
Richard studied trivia
when he won Jeopardy...
Twice.
Who's Richard?
He is a gentleman, a scholar,
a giant in the mathematics
department, and
the best all-round
trivia mind at the university.
Wow.
Where's he?
Asia.
Never mind.
I will prepare the
questions myself.
Hmm.
Help yourself.
Number one.
She deserved it!
Oh, yes!
OK, quick.
Elmo Shropshire wrote what
song about a Christmas accident
caused by too much eggnog?
Eggnog!
Egg!
Eggnog!
OK, guys.
Guys.
Hi.
Pay attention.
It is "Grandma Got Run
Over by a Reindeer."
Mm.
You said we'd all study.
No one actually agreed.
It's a Christmas
trivia tournament.
We're watching a
Christmas-themed show.
We are studying.
Well, suit yourselves.
Nobody's going to stop
me from doing my best.
Oh, I guess I'm the only
one who's going to know
about these Christmas worms.
Wow.
Did not know...
Settle down, Christmas campers.
It's about to get real.
Guys.
Guys.
Guys, the round's
about to start.
Can you please stop goofing
around and pay attention?
Shh, Mom's mad.
Sorry, Celeste.
It's just...
It is not funny.
I did the whole last
round by myself.
It was science.
We didn't know.
You are not taking
this seriously.
Um, Celeste, are you OK?
No!
I'm tired.
I stayed up all
last night studying,
and you guys are acting
like it's just a game.
It is.
Round two...
Santa Claus around the world.
Please list 10 variations
of the name Santa Claus.
OK.
Should we talk about it?
Who's the one that studied?
Me.
Are you sure you're sure?
Yes.
100%?
You're supposed to know
the history questions, Gary.
I just... don't
remember, Celeste.
Uh...
Oh, maybe it's...
Not your department, Freddie.
Shh!
I've got the answer.
No.
I need another Jingle
Juice to get through this.
I feel good about these.
Did you spell
everything correctly?
Do they deduct
points for spelling?
Well, let's not find out.
And in fourth place, the
Quizmas Elves with 49 points.
Ho, Ho, Here We Come
to Win with 58 points.
And we got the Quiz
Kringles with 72 points.
But in first place, with 89
points, We Came to Sleigh!
Sleigh, sleigh, sleigh!
Oh my goodness.
Well done, everybody.
Well done.
This might be the year
for the younger folks.
I don't know.
Guys.
I'm just... you know, I...
Hard night.
Our team just gels, I guess.
All right, team.
I think it's time for
a change of tactic.
As a very wise man once said,
the strength of the wolves
is the pack.
Meet me tomorrow for
the Christmas climb,
10:00 AM, the campus gym.
Woo!
Oh my god.
Yeah!
Yeah!
I think we can all agree last
night's game didn't go so well.
Mm.
Uh-uh.
So like I tell my players,
morale and momentum are crucial.
Let's have some fun.
Yeah!
Yeah.
Is this meant to
be the fun part?
Dangling from a wall,
hoping not to die, or...
We will have more fun when we
practice having fun together.
So we are trained professionals.
We have done this before.
It's completely safe, and
we'll walk you through it.
Here's how it works.
We pair off in teams to get
your star all the way up there
in your basket.
Team with the best time wins.
Losing team buys everyone
a round of hot cocoa.
Hmm.
Got it.
I'm pretty sure that
rock climbing never
resulted in a trivia win.
I'm not saying we climb a
wall and we'll win at trivia.
I'm saying if we
have fun together,
if we enjoy the holidays,
we'll be happier people,
and that may help us win.
But hey, even if it doesn't,
we won't really lose.
Joey will help you
get in your harness.
Let's do this!
I call first harness.
Yes!
We can keep up with
these kids, Sherry.
I'll be your, uh, belayer.
Ooh.
Is this some kind of protest?
I'm watching a how-to video.
You really like to study, huh?
I want to do it right.
As a coach, I know sometimes
you gotta wipe out to learn.
Wipe out?
OK.
I think I'm just going
to stick to my plan.
The only wrong way to
do it is to overthink it.
You're going to be OK.
Trust me.
Wait, why am I climbing?
You know physics, right?
On your marks, get set, go!
OK!
You got me?
Go, go, go, go!
You can do it!
Ashley, you have me?
I believe.
Belay.
You've gotta belay.
Come on, come on, come on.
There you go.
That's it.
Go, Sherry!
We can beat these guys.
Come on.
- Hello!
I got it!
You got to get it together.
Oh!
Go, go, go, go, go!
You can do it!
I can't!
It's too high!
Reach for the stars, Celeste.
You got this.
Yeah!
Woo-hoo!
Way to go, Celeste!
Woo!
Go, girl!
Woo!
I'm impressed.
You guys are amazing.
It was so great.
You had fun.
You know, peer pressure is
a very effective motivator.
Liar.
You had a great time.
I guess.
I'm proud of you anyway.
You didn't want any cocoa?
Didn't sound good to
me today for some reason.
Well, Freddie and I have to
get to his parents' house
for their Yankee swap.
And I have to run as well.
I need a Christmas
present for this one.
I could use a custom harness.
Oh, ha, ha, ha.
I'll see you later, OK?
I'm off too.
There's a four-part
series on Violet Jessop.
She's the only one to survive
the Titanic, the Britannic,
and the Olympic shipwrecks.
How Christmassy.
You jest,
but you'd be surprised.
You can learn a lot of things
about lots of different people.
Jessop...
I know rock climbing
probably wasn't
your first choice of
activities, so thank
you for going along with it.
Really.
It was pleasant.
A nice study break.
Planning on studying today?
Maybe.
Um, I'm going to text Richard
and see if he's up for it,
if the timing works out.
And I might go try
to find a tree, or...
You don't have a tree yet?
No.
OK, that's what
we're doing today.
Come on, studying can wait.
- Wait.
Now?
Yeah.
Uh, OK.
What about this one?
Uh, well, that's
not quite right.
I just want to see
my options first.
You like that word a lot...
"right."
That is correct.
You know, you don't
have to be here.
It's going to take a while,
and I want it to be, um, right.
I like savoring the
experience, you know.
Ah.
Well, that's the fun part.
You take your time, though.
I'm happy to help.
Christmas deserves to
be savored, you know.
It really is the
best time of year.
People are nicer, kinder,
focus on the things
that really matter.
It's like an annual
reminder for us
to slow down and just
enjoy being together.
I agree.
Check this one out.
Come on.
You are just like my mom.
Decisive.
Impulsive.
And your dad's more like you?
Uh, yeah, he...
he was.
He... he passed away.
Sorry.
Thank you.
My mom and I are still...
getting used to the change.
But she moved up
here to be closer
to me, which has been amazing.
I think that's why I like
the Christmas tournament.
Like you said, it
brings people I care
about together on Christmas.
Well, thank you
for including me.
I won't see my
family until January.
Well, everyone is very
happy that you joined.
Everyone?
Well, you're a little better
than the sports almanac, so.
Yes!
OK.
I don't mean to be pushy, but...
Yes.
Yes, this is the right one.
Oh.
Mm.
Now for some
more Christmas spirit.
So a few of my players live
at the International House,
and they're here
for the holidays.
It's too far to travel home,
so I thought we could bake them
some cookies, cheer them up.
Oh, that's so nice.
Wonderful.
Great!
This is my grandmother's
famous gingerbread men recipe.
Um, it says it's from
The Fannie Farmer Cookbook.
I said it was my grandmother's.
Didn't say it was original.
All right, let's go.
Hop in.
All right.
And here.
And surprise!
Oh!
Oh, oh, oh!
Joy joy joy
What are you doing?
All around us
Yes, very good.
Oof!
I heard that one year, the power
went out for one of
the trivia nights.
I was there.
Stan got candles so the
tournament could go on.
Who is Stan?
What?
You don't know all about Stan?
He's a legend.
A hero.
Do you think we just call
the trophy the Stan for fun?
He's the most famous player in
the history of the tournament.
He was undefeated for 10 years.
He was a professor?
No, a townie.
Eventually, he moved to LA to
become a writer for Jeopardy.
Oh.
Oh, here's some trivia...
all of Santa's reindeer
would actually be female.
Only the ladies still have
their antlers by Christmastime.
Are you being serious right now?
Yes.
This changes everything
we ever thought
we knew about Santa's reindeer.
How did you learn that?
Bruce Springsteen,
holiday concert, '03.
One for the ages.
When do the males shed theirs?
You would
have to read about that.
OK.
Huh.
Where can I read about it?
Hey, are you OK?
It's a secret.
Everybody's telling
secrets these days.
So what does that
mean about Rudolf?
I'm pregnant.
Shh!
I just found out.
Freddie doesn't know,
and I want it to be
a Christmas morning surprise.
I am so happy for you!
I promise not to
tell a soul, and I'm
here if you need anything.
Thank you.
And thanks goodness we
have trivia to distract us,
or I wouldn't be able
to keep it a secret.
Another good reason
to love trivia.
Oh, this was fun today.
You know, until all the smells.
Yeah.
Let's get back in there.
I don't want Freddie
to get suspicious.
OK.
Shh.
Shh, shh, shh.
Round four... famous
Christmas-themed TV episodes.
Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.
In the "Holly, Jolly"
episode of Stranger Things,
who sees the walls move
in the Byers house?
Didn't you binge
that in October?
Ooh, you know
I'm bad with names.
In Ted Lasso, what was Coach
Beard's plan for Christmas?
Oh, Higgins's
holiday party, right?
No, no, no, no, no.
He went off to do that
weird thing with, uh, Jane.
Oh, the pagan Christmas
ritual at Stonehenge!
Great teamwork, guys.
In Friends, who dressed
as an armadillo, and why?
Oh, it's got to be Joey, right?
No, Ross.
He did it to get his son to
appreciate Hanukkah more.
What?
Well, I may be a
Rhodes scholar, but I
can still appreciate the
greatest sitcom of all time.
We'll take it.
All right.
Going into the
final round tonight,
we have a tie for first place...
the Quizmas Elves and
We Came to Sleigh.
So whoever gets the most
points in our last round
will be tonight's winner.
And I only do this when the
Christmas spirit moves me...
who wants to go
double or nothing?
Uh... uh...
No risk, no gain.
Double or nothing!
OK.
One last question.
List the 12 ingredients
in the classic Fannie
Farmer gingerbread men recipe.
Woo!
Man!
Yeah!
Congrats to the Quizmas Elves
for that landslide win, which
puts them in second place.
We caught up so much!
I'll see you at game four.
And, uh, if you are
one who likes to study,
I'll have a round
with something old,
something new, something from
the paper, something you do.
See you next time.
Hey, if not for today's
baking, what are the chances we
would have known all
those ingredients?
Hey!
Oh, yes, very good.
Sherry, uh, I parked by you.
You want to walk together?
Well, sure.
Celeste, can I drop you off?
I actually think I'm
going to walk home.
I need to come down
after that win.
Oh, OK.
Well, get home safe.
Bye.
Bye.
Bye.
I think we're
headed the same way.
Can I walk you home?
Did you see the looks
on the other teams' faces
when we knew all the answers
to the last question?
Oh, yeah.
Nothing better than inspiring
fear in your opponents.
I will make a
trivia fan of you yet.
I don't know, I think I'm
pretty well on my way already.
You know, if you got to
know me, you'd find out
I'm about more
than just football.
And I'm about more
than just studying.
OK, care to make it interesting?
Like a bet?
No, getting to know you trivia.
OK.
What's your favorite food?
Pizza, of course.
Really?
Wow.
See, I would have pegged you
for more of a highbrow cuisine,
like a souffl or a bone marrow.
Ew, no.
Why, what's yours?
Pizza.
How long have you
been at the university?
10 years.
I did my PhD and master's
in astronomy here,
and then postdoc.
And finally, professor and
Christmas trivia enthusiast.
Of course.
So why astronomy?
Well, it's so much more
peaceful to look to the stars
than the earth sometimes.
Hmm.
I mean, the firmament is our
future, infinite possibilities,
and that gives me hope.
So let me guess...
you've been a football
coach for 10 years?
Close.
Nine.
Nine.
I was analyst at a
Division II school,
then became assistant
offensive coordinator.
And then I got the
opportunity to come
here, which I'm glad I did.
And why football?
It was the sport I
was the greatest at,
ever since I was a kid.
I knew I was never
going to go pro,
but I could help
others get there.
The rush of winning a football
game, there's nothing like that.
Yeah.
Almost nothing.
I'll admit, even though I
usually have a good time,
I didn't expect to enjoy
the tournament this much.
I thought it'd be more academic.
Well, if we're being honest...
Mhm.
...I didn't think that just
focusing on having more fun
would result in a trivia win.
Oh.
OK, multiple choice.
Winning is... A,
fun, B, rewarding...
Mm-hmm.
C, the reason to get
out of bed in the morning.
D, all the above.
That was a trick question.
So this is me.
Goodnight, Max.
Goodnight, Celeste.
OK.
So I figured out what Nick
was talking about last night.
Something old, something
new, something borrowed,
something you do.
Let me guess...
we have to study.
No.
Way more fun than that.
A scavenger hunt!
I read about it on the
University Daily last week...
a Christmas-themed scavenger
hunt of the campus.
- You actually read the Daily?
- Of course she does.
Of course I do.
Nick always asks a few
questions about the school.
My theory is he might
have a whole round on it,
and that was a clue.
Hmm.
And you know what?
Even if it doesn't help
with trivia, so what?
It'll be fun, right?
Yes.
There you go.
Oh!
OK.
First clue... "I have
hands, but cannot clap.
What Christmas song do I sing?"
Wait, wait, wait.
Shouldn't... shouldn't
we split up?
Yeah, teams.
Well, I was planning
on us all going together.
Afraid you won't win?
It's not about winning, Gary.
It's about team-building.
Well, I'm just saying,
if we all stick together,
that's not the right way
to do a scavenger hunt.
Ooh.
So that settles it.
Whoever gets to the end of
the scavenger hunt first wins.
I've been on this campus longer
than these guys have been alive.
Let's go.
See you.
So, looks like
it's just us again.
- Yeah, let's go.
- Whoa!
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
On a one-horse open sleigh, yeah
Jingle bells
North Pole!
Oh, I know this!
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
On a one-horse open sleigh
Oh, yeah
Right there!
Yes, it is!
OK, we have that one.
OK, over...
The library.
Get it?
The building with
the most stories.
Clever.
I'm going to go check out the
new releases while we're here.
Wait, you've been here?
Hey.
Hey!
They issue library cards to
football staff too, you know.
I know.
I just... I didn't
think that, you know...
That I could read?
No, it's just...
I'm sorry.
What do you like to read?
Naval historical fiction.
Oh.
So like romance novels for bros.
Yeah, but instead
of love, it's war.
Oh.
My dad and I bond over it.
We are very different.
He doesn't get sports
and I don't get cars,
but we both geek out
over Jellicoe's tactics
at the Battle of Jutland.
That's really sweet.
You know, you should talk
to Gary about history.
Yeah, I already have.
Oh.
Well, that's cool.
Oh, scavenger hunt.
Um, how many trees do we have?
Four downstairs.
This is five... where did he go?
There you are.
I counted nine Christmas trees.
Check this out.
Christmas books.
That's cool.
But we can't linger, because
don't you want to win?
Don't you want to learn?
Yes, but not now.
So we got to go.
OK, OK.
You know what?
Why don't you check this out?
And also this book
on the Arctic.
Oh, I don't do nonfiction
unless there's explosions.
Give it a try.
It might answer some of those
reindeer questions that you had.
Oh, yeah, good call.
OK, can you just...
come on, please.
We did it!
We got them all!
A little late, I'm afraid.
We've been here 15 minutes.
We won!
Thought the old
timers couldn't beat you, huh?
We did it!
We did it.
We got it,
we got it, we got it, we...
Snow in his pants?
I think it's a victory dance.
This was so much fun.
I'm exhausted.
It really was.
Fun and educational.
Mm.
I'm sorry we didn't win.
I held us up in the library.
Forgive me?
For the sake of learning,
I will accept this loss.
Just this once.
Well, we only lost
because he couldn't stop
reading books about Christmas.
OK.
Baby Santa or baby elf?
It was really sweet, actually.
Celeste, focus.
This is what Freddie's going
to open on Christmas morning
to find out he's
going to be a father,
and I want it to be perfect.
Sorry.
Baby Santa, obviously.
Thank you.
You haven't mentioned
Richard in a while.
Oh, haven't I?
Nope.
It seems you and Max
are getting along well.
I guess you could
kind of say that.
Mm-hmm.
And your "he's everything
wrong with everything" talk?
Oh, that.
Yeah, I just think that, um, you
know, some of the time, I mean,
I may have been...
- Uh-huh.
- OK, I was wrong.
Do I have to say it?
Yep.
I still think that the school
overvalues the football team.
I do.
But he's not what I
expected, you know?
I thought he was
just going to be
some jock who couldn't
take anything seriously,
but he's actually deeper.
And he's fun.
You are growing.
I am a scientist.
I am willing to be
convinced by evidence.
That is so cute.
Are you sure Freddie doesn't
suspect your little secret?
No way.
He's so oblivious.
He's too focused on
trivia and Christmas
to notice anything else.
Ashley's got a secret.
Really?
What kind of secret?
Good one, I think.
Hmm.
Hand me that box.
Oh, my players at the
International House
are going to be
so surprised when
they see their house decorated.
What do you think it is?
What?
She's been acting weird.
She's kind of, like, sneaking
around and giddy and glowing.
Sounds like she has a
Christmas surprise for you.
Oh, yeah.
Yeah, maybe she's bought
a special gift for me
she's super excited about.
Whoever stored
these didn't do it right, man.
Didn't do it right?
You sound like Celeste.
No.
I mean, maybe.
Hey, we still need
to untangle these.
So, uh, help me out.
So Celeste, she's not dating
that Richard guy, is she?
No, thank goodness.
No, she's already worked up
enough about trivia without him.
Well, she's passionate.
Got to respect that.
Yeah, no.
I mean, don't get me
wrong, Celeste is the best.
But, uh, she's been a lot more
fun since you joined the team.
You've really noticed
a big difference?
Yeah.
She's always wanted
to win, but this year,
she's truly joyful about it.
I'm happy she's happy.
I know Ashley's secret.
She's finally going to go
shark cage diving with me
in Turks and Caicos.
Yes!
Woo!
Here we go!
Here we go.
Oh.
Hey.
I can't believe the haul
you got at the moving sale.
I know.
My parents are probably
finding a way to deck
out their cabin right now.
It's kind of what we do.
I... I just
don't know how.
To climb a ladder?
Is everything OK?
Yeah.
Freddie wants me to
climb this ladder,
and I am afraid of heights.
No, you're not.
And I am a klutz.
Right, Celeste?
I'm going to hold
it up and then...
I'll do it.
Because Ashley can't be
trusted with these things.
Mm-hmm.
True.
OK.
If you give me this one...
whoa, it is high.
See?
There we go.
Yeah, you shouldn't
have done that.
Thank you.
See?
It's really high.
I know.
Do the rest of them.
OK, so just because
this weighs nothing...
OK.
OK, you take it.
I know.
Max.
Max.
What's all this?
Oh!
Hey.
Merry Christmas, Gedeon.
Coach Robbins!
You did this?
With a little help
from my friends.
Meet the Quizmas Elves.
We wanted to spread
some Christmas cheer.
Thank you so much.
This is... this is just what
Christmas is all about.
Who wants cookies?
Oh, whoa!
OK, OK.
OK.
We will...
You want some?
Mm.
Oh, thank you.
Can I join you?
You're in need of a seat.
Reminds me of the first night
of the trivia tournament.
Ah, how the tables have turned.
If I didn't know you better,
I would say you're studying.
Reading.
This Arctic book is lit.
It's just getting
to the good part.
Really?
Tell me about it.
OK.
I'm not done yet, but reindeer
are the only animals that have
fur covering their whole nose.
Why?
I don't know.
That's what I'm
trying to figure out.
OK.
OK, I get it.
I get it.
I will read too.
What'd you bring?
Oh, A Christmas Carol.
That's the Christmas spirit.
My dad used to read it to
me every Christmas season.
No way.
My dad too.
Really?
Yeah.
Was there a submarine
battle that I missed?
Oh, you haven't got to
the chapter of the ghost
of the Christmas midshipman?
Oh, no.
Speaking of Christmas spirit,
it's time to bury the hatchet.
Hi, Ruby.
Did you come here to gloat?
No, no.
Listen, I know that the
only thing we have in common
is rogue planets, but I just
wanted to say that I'm really
glad you joined the tournament.
It's so nice to have
a great competitor.
OK.
If you don't mind,
I'm trying to study.
Not all of us have a sports
trivia ringer on our team.
Oh, yeah.
We really lucked
out on that one.
Doesn't matter.
With brains and
youth on our side,
we'll be back on top
like the angel on a tree.
After all, we came to sleigh.
Cool, cool.
Yeah.
Well, I tried.
She's got a bad case
of the bah humbugs.
Yes, with a
resting Scrooge face.
You know, I know this is
not in the Christmas spirit,
but I really want to
see that team lose.
I couldn't agree more.
Round three... a visit
from Saint Nicholas.
This next round is long,
but fun for the poetry
nerds in the house.
You'll now receive a handout
with the poem "'Twas the Night
Before Christmas" on it.
And yes, I did dress on
theme, thank you for noticing.
Oh, thank you, thank you.
Now, I'm going to read it and
you will fill in the blanks
on your paper when I pause.
Guys, come, come, come, come.
May the Christmas
magic be with you.
Come, come, come.
'Twas the night
before Christmas,
when all through the
house, not a creature
was stirring, not even a mouse.
The...
Stockings were hung by
the chimney with care.
...in hopes that Saint
Nicholas soon would be there.
With a little old driver
so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it
must be Saint Nick.
I know this one!
More rapid than eagles
his coursers they came.
Good one!
That memory was hidden deep.
Away they all flew like
the down of a thistle.
But I heard him...
Exclaim ere he drove out of
sight, happy Christmas to all...
And to all a good night!
Yes!
We got the whole thing right!
Yeah, we did!
Oh, I'm hot.
In first place so far
tonight, we have the Quizmas
Elves with 69 points.
Yes!
A perfect score.
If they can run clean
for this last round,
that will be the first perfect
game since the famous Stan
game of 2001!
Holy snowballs!
This last round is all
about campus Christmas trivia.
I based it off of a
scavenger hunt in the paper
last week, if any of you
lucky go-getters caught it.
I'm going to leave
this up to you,
but we are here if
you need any help.
Looks like your
fun studying worked.
Great win tonight.
Perfect game.
Just like Stan.
I think Gary should be in
the running for Quizmas Elf MVP
this year.
Oh, don't sell
yourself short, Sherry.
You were key to that round.
Yeah, that was the
best part about tonight.
Each one of us had
a shining moment.
Mm.
Of course We Came to Sleigh
did the scavenger hunt, too.
They are too close for comfort.
Yeah, but even if they were to
pass us in the last two nights,
there are only two
teams to ever play
a perfect game at Nick's Bar...
Stan and us.
Quizmas Elves!
Oh, I'm beat.
See you tomorrow?
Bye.
Bye.
Walk me to my car?
Sure.
OK.
Good night.
Night.
Night, Sherry.
Night.
So I guess we're
going the same way?
I guess we are.
I like walking home, slowly,
on a great night like this.
Looking up at the stars.
The football field is a
good place to look at them.
We could even go
there if you wanted.
Am I not walking you home?
I'm not tired.
Are you?
I have a better idea.
Come with me.
Trust me, it'll be fun.
Let's go.
OK, you have never
seen anything like this.
Take a look.
Take a look.
Oh, wow.
Yeah, we get a view of
those right around Christmas.
They look like just one star.
They're binary stars.
OK, so do you want to see...
Whoa, whoa.
Hold on, professor.
Teach me.
What's a binary star?
Binary stars are stars
in each other's gravity.
They orbit each
other, exchange mass,
and it gives them
properties that stars
can't achieve on their own.
That sounds pretty special.
Not really.
It's pretty common.
I mean, most stars
are two stars.
It's very rare for
a star to be alone.
So stars like to
be together, then.
Yeah.
Do you want to see a supernova?
An exploding star?
Yeah!
Yes.
OK, let me show you.
It is right... oh, right there.
It looks far away, but
you can actually see it.
Oh!
Huh.
You know, some
historians and astronomers
actually think that the
Christmas star was a supernova.
No way.
As we say in astronomy, way.
You know everything
about this stuff, huh?
Oh, no.
No, not at all.
Like... like dark matter.
It makes up most
of the universe.
We know it's there, but
we don't know what it is.
Kind of like Santa?
Kind of like Santa.
But it might mean that
everything we think we know
is wrong.
That's terrifying.
No, it is so exciting.
It's the reason I love space.
I mean, all the
questions, right?
What is everything made of?
Why?
There is so much
left to discover,
and so many answers
we don't have yet.
So you think it's exciting
to not have the right answer?
For truly extraordinary
things, yeah.
Hmm.
Provisions.
You bring
a lot of people up here?
There is a communal closet
stash of wine at all times.
So astronomers do know
how to have fun, then.
If you give us a little space.
I wanted to say...
I owe you an apology.
You do?
I misjudged you.
I thought...
Wait.
Did you prepare a speech?
Did you really think I'd come
into this moment unprepared?
No.
Oh.
OK.
I thought you were just a
jock who couldn't take trivia
seriously, but you have
made it more fun than I
ever realized it could be.
That was a really good speech.
I think it went a little fast.
No, it was perfect.
Thank you.
Can I go now?
No.
One more thing.
I took it out on
you because I hate
the way the school prioritizes
football over academics.
Do they ignore the
astronomy department?
Well, we're
definitely underfunded.
I have written to
the provost three
times for an updated telescope
and he hasn't even responded.
I'm sorry.
I had no idea.
I'm usually stuck in
my football bubble.
But it's been nice to
connect with other parts
of the university, meet people
with different interests
who like learning new things.
So people like you.
Do you really
think I'm like that?
Yes.
I mean, you know more about the
science of the Arctic tundra
than I do at this point.
That's thanks to you.
I misjudged you too, by the way.
I thought you were too
tightly wound at first.
But actually, you
just care a lot.
I know what that's like.
You seem pretty carefree.
All competitive people care.
You and I want the same outcome.
We just have
different approaches.
I think we butted heads not
because we're so different,
but because we're similar.
Cheers.
Cheers.
You're calling early
for being up so late.
You thinking about me?
No.
I was thinking about what
Christmas gifts I need to buy.
Me too.
You know, I want to check
out this maple syrup farm.
It's supposed to be
the best in Vermont.
Oh.
I've never been to one.
Great.
We should go.
Pick you up after lunch?
It's only an hour away.
OK.
Will we be back for
the game at 6:30?
Because we have to be
on the road by 5:00.
No problem.
Trust me, you're
going to love it.
OK.
Bye.
Mr. Robbins?
Mm-hmm.
Welcome to the
Christmas Craft Barn.
All of the supplies
you requested
to build your own Christmas
village are right this way.
I guess we're not
getting maple syrup today?
No.
Thank you for this.
I know how special
creating this village
was for you and your dad.
Thought you might like
continuing the tradition.
I'm really happy that I met you.
Me too.
I almost forgot.
You didn't.
I kind of did.
Kind of had to.
They are so big.
OK.
There we go.
So sorry to interrupt what
looks like a magical moment,
but we're closing
in a few minutes.
What time is it?
Um...
We have to go.
Nick always starts trivia
late, and I'm a fast driver.
But you shouldn't speed.
We will be fine even at a
very boring 45 miles an hour.
There's a reindeer in the road!
Apparently some reindeer
from a farm got out.
I can't believe
this is happening.
Where is that mechanic?
I hope none of them get hurt.
Poor girls.
Remember, girls?
The... the antlers.
Round one... sports round.
Name the eight NFL
teams that will
be playing this Christmas Day.
Um...
Football is played
on Christmas Day?
What about their families?
Um, the Packers.
Wait, are they on Christmas
Day or New Year's Day?
Football is played
on New Year's Day too?
The mechanic's
obviously not coming,
so do you have a car jack?
- Maybe.
Do you have a spare?
Have you ever changed
a tire before?
Have you?
I was absent the day they taught
tires in my astrophysics class.
Didn't your dad love cars?
I'm a football coach,
not a wheel magician.
Two rounds left, and this
next one is going to be a doozy.
Good news... he's just
finishing up some paperwork.
We'll be back on
the road any minute.
I'm sorry I took us
so far from town.
We still might make
the end of the game.
Maybe we'll get a
Christmas miracle.
Can you stop that?
Celeste...
This is reality, Max.
Actions have consequences.
It's a flat tire.
These things happen.
They wouldn't have if I wasn't
sidetracked by distractions.
And for what?
Arts and crafts?
Here you go.
Thanks.
Neither of us knew how to do it.
Did you try reading the manual?
Hey, are you OK?
We're OK.
What happened?
Well, after a lot of groveling,
Nick graciously let us play
with just four players,
but we're third now overall.
So our lead's completely erased.
I should have been here.
I am so sorry that
I let you down.
No, I let you down.
We know you guys
wanted to be here.
It was my fault.
It was my idea to go.
You were right.
- Hey, you OK?
- Yeah, I'm good.
I'm good.
Mm-hmm.
Candy cane mocha
frappe, extra whip.
It's 9:00 in the morning.
True, but after
last night, I thought
you could use a pick-me-up.
Are you plying me with
sugar to try to soften
the blow you're about to land?
That's what friends are for!
Well, I'll save you the trouble.
I am terrible.
I'm the worst.
I don't deserve the
Stan, or you, or anyone.
That it?
I wish I was never born.
That's the George Bailey I know.
So scold me.
I can take it.
It might actually surprise you
to know that I'm here to make
you feel better, not worse.
Even that makes me feel worse.
I don't deserve you.
You are the pregnant one, and
you're here taking care of me
when I'm the one that
missed the trivia game
and treated Max horribly.
So you blamed him
for the flat tire?
I was so frustrated.
I tried to let go, and it just...
it backfired.
Well, another way to look
at it... except for last night,
maybe things have been better
because you've been letting go.
I see the way you look at Max.
It... I haven't seen you
that happy in a while.
You're right.
I cannot believe I
overreacted like that.
Aw, you're human.
You can fix it.
What if he doesn't want
to hear from me, Ashley?
I don't even know the right way
to take back all that I said.
There's no right way.
There's just a wrong way,
and that's to not try.
We all make mistakes.
Just apologize,
and from the heart.
You know, the worst part is
I had the best time yesterday,
and I wouldn't
take it back for...
for anything.
Well, that's a
good place to start.
Besides, it's Christmas Eve.
It might go better
than you think.
Hi, Max.
It's me again.
Can you call me back?
I just want to talk
about last night.
I just... please call me back.
OK, bye.
He's not returning my calls.
Yeah, he's not
texting me back either.
You don't think
he's so upset that he
won't come tonight, right?
I mean, not that
I blame him, but...
One thing at a time.
Just find him and apologize.
Well, if you see
him, can you tell
him that I want to apologize?
It's Christmas Eve.
Everyone should
be in happy mood.
All forgiven.
I hope you're right.
We've been rooting for you all.
Thanks.
But, uh, we're in
third place, so...
No, no, no, no.
Not... not trivia.
For you and Max.
Hey, Dad.
Merry Christmas.
Mom and I miss you.
So our need to get everything
right has burned me once again.
Thanks, genetics.
So I met someone, and he is
fun, and he goes with the flow,
and he's been rubbing off
on me in the best way.
And I've been
having so much fun,
and life has been so much
better since I met him.
Trying to make
everything right is...
what made it all go wrong.
There you go again,
speaking in absolutes.
Max, what are you doing here?
I... I've been trying
to reach you all day.
Yeah, I can see that.
And I appreciate
the persistence,
not that I'm surprised.
I understand you
wanting to ignore me
after what I said last night.
I wasn't ignoring you.
My phone stopped working.
I dropped it when I was trying
to figure out the flat tire,
so I had to get a new phone.
Turns out, that's not easy
to do on Christmas Eve.
I was just heading to trivia
when I saw your missed calls.
How did you know I'd be here?
I didn't know.
It just felt right.
So you're still going
to go to trivia night?
There's no way I was
going to let the team
down two nights in a row.
Max, I am so sorry about
everything I said last night.
I was so frustrated that I
wasn't in control, and I...
I took it out on you.
I know you were just upset
about missing the game.
And I get it.
I was too.
So I accept your apology.
And I'm sorry.
I probably tried to
squeeze a little bit
too much fun into the day.
It was a great day.
It was a great day.
And I wouldn't take it back
for a hundred trivia wins.
Isn't the game about to start?
But the right answer
is to be here with you.
As much as I would love to
stay here all night with you,
the competitor in me is dying to
go win that trivia tournament.
I am so relieved you said it.
Let's go.
Come on!
Ho, ho, ho!
Merry Christmas, folks.
Just kidding, it's me.
Welcome to the trivia
tournament finale!
Guys!
Yes!
Oh, thank you!
Let's do this.
Quizmas Elves!
Round one... name that tune.
The carolers will hum a small
portion of a Christmas song,
and when they stop, each team
must write down the song title.
You'll have 10 seconds before
they hum the next song.
Let's begin.
O'er the fields we go,
laughing all the way.
Ha, ha, ha!
It's "Jingle Bells."
That's it.
Good job, guys.
Doot!
Round three...
Christmas plants.
Each team has five minutes to
write down the name of each
of these Christmas plants.
OK.
On the left is
scarlet firethorn.
On the right is a
waxed amaryllis bulb...
a surprisingly finicky
plant, by the way.
And in the middle is a
traditional Christmas cactus.
Come on.
Where's the challenge?
Round six...
Hallmark Christmas movies.
I watch them all.
I've seen all of
them more than once.
I will give you the premise
of eight beloved Hallmark
Christmas movies.
Your job is to write down the
title for each movie as we go.
I got this.
Ooh, you like
Hallmark Christmas movies too?
Even more than I like Friends.
In this sequel, Emily
and Jared are looking forward
to celebrating the
holidays together
again, this time as a couple.
When the soon-to-be neighbors
turn out to be holiday royalty,
it looks like this year's
competition is about to heat up.
Oh, Hauling the Holly...
Part Two.
Actually, it's
Haul Out the Holly...
Lit Up.
Oh, you are good.
Yes, I am.
In this holiday classic, Angie
is determined to
spend Christmas alone,
but her usual
commuter ride turns
into a Christmas
train that drops her
off in her hometown in 2011.
Next Stop, Christmas.
Jinx!
I could do this all night.
Please do.
OK.
Ladies and gentlemen, this
has been an unprecedented night.
But for the first time
since I've reigned over
this tournament, we have a
tie between the Quizmas Elves
and We Came to Sleigh.
Whoa!
What does that even mean?
Which means we go
to a tiebreaker question.
OK.
We got this.
The answer is a number.
The team to get
the closest answer
will be our tournament winners.
No matter what happens,
guys, I am so proud of us.
Please write down your answer
to the following question.
Are we all ready?
Santa's reindeer
reportedly travel
3,720,000 miles per
hour in order to reach
the children of the world.
What's the maximum
recorded speed
of a reindeer that has not been
given Santa's Christmas magic?
Mm.
I don't know.
I think I know the answer.
I actually think
I know the answer.
What?
Well, write it down!
Studying trivia paid off!
If you hadn't
encouraged me to pick up
that reindeer book
from the library,
I wouldn't know the answer.
And Sherry.
Sherry, if you hadn't
piqued my interest in...
That's really great, Max, but...
Write it down!
Pencils down, folks.
Oh, OK.
Bring me your answer sheets.
Oh, OK.
We Came to Sleigh wrote
down 50 miles per hour.
But, in what must be some
kind of Christmas miracle,
the Quizmas Elves wrote 48 miles
per hour, the correct answer,
which means the Quizmas Elves
are this year's Christmas
trivia tournament winners!
Huh?
Oh, wow.
Freddie.
Freddie, I'm pregnant.
Best Christmas present ever!
Rogue planets and
Christmas trivia tournaments.
Well played.
Yeah.
But I just thought I should
say, the trivia tournament
made this time of year...
good.
So, you know, yeah.
And maybe next year
we could even be
on the same team or something.
Whatever.
We'll see.
But Merry Christmas.
OK.
I mean, Merry Christmas.
Celeste?
I'm Herbert Lang.
Mr. Provost!
I mean, Mr. Lang.
I know who you are.
I just... I didn't know
that you knew who I was.
Hi.
Hi.
I, uh, enjoyed watching
your team play tonight.
Congratulations on your win.
Thank you so much.
I wanted to let you know I,
uh, have gotten your letters
requesting the new telescope.
Mhm.
It will be approved
in the new year.
Really?
With the uptick
of alumni donations our winning
football team has
helped bring in, we
can finally make it happen.
Thank you so much.
That means a lot to me.
Thank you.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
So do you still think
football is everything that's
wrong with the university?
Well, experimentation
disproved my theory.
Oh.
Oh.
Think we'll be able
to defend our Christmas
trivia title next year?
You're already
planning for next year?
I thought you were all
about living in the moment.
What can I say?
Thanks to you, I think
I got trivia fever.
Well, I don't know the
answer to your question.
Oh.
But I know that if I'm with
you, then I'm fine with it.
Way to go, Coach.
Thank you, Professor.
Call, I'll be there
I know it's cold
out this December
My only wish to
have you near
I'll drive those miles
till we're together
Through the snow,
one thing's clear
The sleigh bells ring
Oh, that's guiding me home