Original subtitles

(Emily): We were on our way to spend Christmas

in the mountains.

Dad had built a log cabin and this was the first time

any of us were going to see it.

Here we were, four hours into our vacation,

and things weren't going wel.

Surprise!

Can we make snow angels when we get to the cabin?

At the pace we're going

it'll be dark by the time we get there.

So no, idiot, we can't.

Alexander, why would you call her that?

Yeah.

Who's calling who an idiot, anyway?

Whom.

Who is calling whom an idiot?

Could you be more annoying?

Alexander!

Please!

Try to have some Christmas spirit.

Yeah, I'm just providing a public service.

Good grammar is on the verge of extinction.

If you really want to provide a public service,

put a bag over your head and shut up.

Alex!

Hey!

Dad, can I please put on my headphones

so I don't have to listen to him?

No, remember?

No headphones.

This is a family holiday,

we're just gonna enjoy each other's company.

Let's have pleasant conversation.

I haven't heard many pleasant conversations

coming from you and mom lately.

Ok, watch it.

You know what, the weather is getting worse.

Check the weather station.

Didn't you check it before we left?

[Radio] And weather continues to deteriorate

across the state as the storm moves in from the west.

Meteorologists believe this could be the fiercest storm

to hit in the past 15 years,

orcing officials to close downf all mountain passes

within the next hour.

Do you think maybe we should turn back?

Judith, you heard the report.

The storm is coming from behind us.

If we turn around we're gonna drive straight into it.

Great.

This is just great.

They said the pass is open for another hour,

we're gonna be half an hour.

We're gonna be fine.

Everything is gonna be fine, we're on our way there.

You're gonna love it!

Yes!

You guys, we're going on a Christmas vacation

and we don't have to turn back!

This is gonna be so much fun!

*

We're here, kids.

Yes!

Wow.

It can't be.

Only the finest materials were used.

This is awesome.

Woah, this is huge, daddy!

Come on, guys, come on!

Hurry up!

Hurry!

Hurry!

Ok, ok.

Woah.

Whew.

It's spectacular!

Sick!

So, uh, dad...

where's the TV?

Oh, there's no TV.

Daddy, daddy, daddy!

Look at the Christmas tree!

So, what do you think?

It's so grand.

Grand?

Well, I was expecting...

I don't know, you said "a cabin in the woods".

You don't like it?

No, I- no, no, I do.

It's gorgeous.

I've never seen anything so beautiful.

It's a wonderful surprise.

Thank you.

Well, I had the decorator stock it with absolutely everything

that we'd need,

from snowshoes to Aspirin,

so if you need anything, it's here.

I thought we were going to pick a tree from the woods

and cut it down ourselves?

With the storm coming in,

I don't think we'll be able to get one anyway.

Can we decorate the Christmas tree today?

I don't see why not, honey.

Let's unload the car.

Ok.

Ok.

Where are the boxes of ornaments?

I don't know.

Charles, where are the ornaments?

I don't know where they are, why would I know?

You put them in the car, didn't you?

Why would I put them in the car?

Because I asked you to.

They were all ready to go.

No.

No, I don't remember you saying anything about ornaments.

Yes, I did.

I absolutely did.

Mom, dad, it doesn't matter.

The lights look pretty enough all by themselves.

Don't you think?

We don't even need ornaments.

Yes, Emily.

And you're right.

The tree does look good all by itself.

Who needs ornaments?

Listen, why don't you go to your room

and go check it out, ok?

Was our family ever fun?

I have these dim memories,

I'm just not sure if I imagined them.

Well, yeah, I guess, when we were kids.

What happened?

You know what happened.

Whew.

That storm is really picking up.

It looks like the weatherman was right.

I could use a warm drink, how about you?

I'm gonna go unpack my stuff.

I'm gonna go unpack my stuff.

Mom, when the storm is over,

can we build a great big snowman?

Daddy can help you.

Yes, I can help you.

I love building snowmen.

[Giggles]

Mom, I'm gonna need a carrot for Frosty's nose.

And dad, don't worry if your black buttons are missing.

It's for a good cause.

Frosty's eyes.

Right.

[Laughs]

[Phone rings]

Oh, it's Ben.

I gotta take this.

It's Ben.

I thought you said no business calls while we were here?

I told him not to call me unless it was an emergency.

Excuse me, everyone.

I'll be right back.

No, explain it?

What?

No, no.

Well, that didn't take long at all.

It went well, thanks for asking.

Em?

Honey?

Can you turn off the game, please?

Alexander, turn off the tablet.

Jennifer, let's close the laptop.

Ok, new holiday rule.

From now on, no electronic devices

for the rest of the trip.

[Gasps]

What? Are you crazy?!

What else are we gonna do when we're stuck inside?

It's Christmas!

Read a book, tell a story.

Talk to each other.

Maybe you can bake something with your mother.

There are plenty of things you can do.

Are you gonna turn your phone off?

I need my phone for business purposes, son.

If I'm not on top of things, it can be catastrophic.

Sure it can.

You know, your attitude is getting very old very fast.

Charles, I need to talk to you.

What is it, Judith? Huh?

You don't like my plan?

These kids have absolutely no appreciation

for what they have.

Their heads are buried in those devices all the time.

What do you expect?

You're on your phone every five seconds!

I have important issues to deal with!

I know, of course you do.

I can't help it that all hell breaks loose

the moment I leave town.

Hell is always breaking loose in your office.

I'm surprised you don't rename it Brimstone Development.

None of this would have happened if you had been

ready on time.

Are you kidding me?

If you had gotten in the cr on time...

you put us all in a bad mood.

It was off on the wrong foot.

You're yelling at everyone-

I wasn't yelling at anyone.

I didn't want to tell you...

we're this close.

This close to losing everything.

You are always on the verge of losing everything.

Don't you realize that?

Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing if we lost everything.

Then we could live in our house on Waverly,

and like when we were happy!

Oh, that's be- belittle my success!

Make it sound like a bad thing that I provide for everybody.

I've given you everything.

But you don't give me anything I need,

don't you understand that?

Mom? Dad?

Yeah, Em?

Yes?

Mom, I forgot to tell you, Benjamin at school said

you're the prettiest mother of all the mothers in our class.

Aw, that's...

really sweet of you to pass on all the nice compliments.

Listen, it's really late sweetheart,

I want you to get to bed, ok?

Ok.

Let's go.

Goodnight, Em.

I'm tired of the charade.

What charade is that?

It's like we're strangers living together.

We pass each other in the halls and we both pull back.

We're doing everything we can not to touch each other.

You said this Christmas was gonna be different.

You said this house was gonna be a sanctuary.

It was a chance for all of us

to get to know each other once again.

But now I realize that I'm a fool to think

that anything would be different.

Judith...

Do you want to keep living like this?

'Cause I don't.

Judith...

what- what are you saying?

I think you know what I'm saying.

I think you know what I'm saying.

I thought everything would be different

when we got to the cabin,

but everything was turning out to be the same.

I pray that my parents don't get a divorce.

[sobbing]

[sobbing]

[Banging sounds]

What is that?

I don't know.

[Muffled voices outside]

Please help us, anybody?

I'll check the security cameras.

There's people at our front door.

We've gotta let them in, they must be freezing.

[Knocking]

Hello?

Hello?

[Knocking]

Please, can you please open the door?

Come in!

You must be freezing!

Here, come by the fire.

Follow me.

Thank you.

Our van went off the road and hit a tree.

We had to abandon it.

We saw your lights and we've been walking against the wind

for the last hour.

We were headed to Whiteplane to go skiing.

We thought we could get over the pass.

We're the Tuckers, from Greensburg.

My name is Joe, my wife Amy.

I'm Emily, I'm 8.

My daughter Lucy,15, and Robbie, 16.

My brother, Alexander, is 15,

and my sister Jennifer is 14.

My mom Judith is 39 and my dad, Charles, is 50.

Liste, uh...

you need to get out of those ski clothes.

Ugh.

We were dressed to ski.

Unfortunately, the rest of our clothes are back at the van.

Oh, that's ok.

We have plenty of clothes, it'll work out.

It's not a problem.

Yeah.

That is so generous of you.

The guest rooms are down the hall on the right,

just make yourselves at home.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

I can show them to their rooms.

Oh, I'm going to get you some clothes.

Ok, Alexander and Jennifer,

help me get some clothes for the kids.

You don't expect me to share my clothes with a stranger,

do you?

I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that.

I suppose you're going to make us share our computers, too.

Yes, and our food and our beds and our towels

and anything else they might need.

Hurry up!

Your house is amazing.

Oh, thanks.

I'm glad you like it.

Joe.

Yeah.

Yeah, I built it as a surprise for my wife, but...

she doesn't like it.

Thinks it's too grand.

Wow.

Ok, here, I've got some clothes for you.

The bathrooms have shampoo and soap, anything you need.

Just help yourself, ok?

Yeah.

Thank you.

Uh huh.

And uh, sorry to inconvenience you,

especially during Christmas time.

Oh, it's fine.

I gave him your brown sweater, I hope that's ok.

Sure.

I'm gonna make some waffles.

Ok.

Oooh, breakfast is ready.

Perfect timing.

Well, you're feeling a bit better,

a little less frozen?

I can't tell you how much.

I couldn't feel my feet when we first arrived.

We only dressed and packed for a day of skiing,

so we threw on every blanket and rag we had in the van.

I had a towel around my neck under my hoodie.

A good look for you.

The brother and sister actually like each other.

I'd like you more if you looked like that.

Why don't the two of you join us at the table?

Thanks.

Why don't you have any decorations on your tree?

We forgot the ornaments at home.

But it looks pretty with just the lights.

Uh, no.

It looks naked, sad, lonely and depressed.

Then let's make some ornaments for the poor thing.

With what?

We could start with stringing these together.

Any chance you have popcorn?

Yeah, I can check the pantry.

Come on.

We could uh... we could make sugar cookie ornaments.

Yes! Yes!

Yes!

We're making Christmas ornaments!

[Christmas tunes]

* Snow problem,

* snow worries.

* In the forecast there'll be flurries. *

* We'll be surrounded by mountains of white. *

*

* Snow issue,

* snow reason.

* Snow question, 'tis the season. *

* When everything gets so festive and bright. *

*

* Let's get snowed in together, *

* let the cold winds blow.

* Let's blame it on the weather. *

* Bring on the snow...

After we finished making the decorations,

Jennifer, Alexander and I

agreed to share our s with the Tuckers

o they wouldn't feel left out.s

You guys, I have a great idea.

We should change the tags and give them to the Tuckers.

What do you think?

Yeah, ok.

Yeah, let's do it.

*

Mom helped us change the gift tags.

Robbie got the t-shirt Alexander asked for,

nd Lucie got the necklace thata matched Jennifer's earring.

When Robbie opened his gif,

Alexander was actually happy for him,

even though he really wanted that t-shirt.

I consider this a Christmas miracle.

*

It's so pretty!

Aww.

Look at the Christmas tree!

Look!

Mom, mom!

I forgot something!

I'll be right back.

Ok.

Did she really bring it?

I'm afraid she did.

[Text message alert]

Either way, it's... you know...

It looks good.

[Chorus of agreement]

How am I going to get the angel on top of the tree?

Oh, don't look at me, I can't get up there.

You know what?

I think I can help you.

Oh, thank you.

There it goes.

[Applause]

It's beautiful!

So pretty.

Good job.

Ok. Alright, well it is a tradition in our family

that on Christmas Eve,

each kid gets to open one gift.

And I'd like to share that tradition with you.

Alright?

For me?

Yes.

It was during that cold, snowy night

that I finally started to understand

what the spirit of giving is all about.

[Christmas music]

* Santa bringing Christmas wishes *

* to all children...

So cute!

*

Our gift exchange was the most fun ever.

*

[Piano music]

[Piano music]

[Piano music]

That was beautiful.

I wish I could play an instrument.

It's not that hard.

Here, let me show you.

Really, two chords.

This-

Ok.

And this.

Alright.

[piano playing]

See?

It's not that hard.

How'd you learn how to play?

I was in music class at school.

Maybe I should have taken music or singing

instead of public speaking.

Please, you hurt my ears enough as it is,

thank you very much.

Ha ha, very funny.

Alexander, I've heard Jennifer sing in the shower.

She sings good.

Well.

I sing well.

For a seminar we had to pick a topic for independent study,

so I chose common grammar mistakes.

I made a blog about it.

Yeah, she's got three whole followers.

One of them is our mom.

I have 38 followers and I only started last week.

That's awesome, Jennifer.

I'll follow you.

So make that 39 followers.

Did you know that correct grammar can save lives?

For example, "let's eat grandma" basically

means let's cannibalize grandma, can be changed

with the addition of a single comma to "let's eat, grandma".

Now it means that grandma is invited

to share a meal with them.

Yeah, I had Mrs. Donnelly for english, too.

She's been using the same example for about 50 years now.

Why are you always trying to put me down?

That's what big brothers are for.

Not in my house.

Thanks, sis.

Hey, Robbie!

What's up?

Who wants to play Monopoly?

Who wants to play Monopoly?

(All): I do!

Me!

Yeah, ok.

Dad, when we played last week we took all your money

and hotels, leaving you dirt poor.

That's because I love you kids and I let you win.

[Scoffs] Yeah, right, dad.

Teach these kids some respect.

Game on.

I get to be the car.

You can be the cat and you can be the thimble.

I'll be the race car.

Let's do it.

Ok, I'm ready.

Yeah.

We're gonna have so much fun.

I hate to brag, but I have a knack for Monopoly.

I'm really good at collecting rent,

so basically I dominated.

Whenever I asked my dad why e's not paying attention to ush

he says he's multi-tasking.

Dad was multi-tasking a lot this Christmas.

No, no.

That's not what we agreed on.

Woah!

Hey, there.

Hmm?

Oh.

I thought you could use some company.

Yeah, sure.

Oh, thank you.

Have a seat.

Thanks.

You know, Joe, he's so good with the kids.

Yes, he is.

Joe was a high school teacher with a passion for US history.

He believed kids should have one eye open to the past

and one eye open to the future.

What about you?

I was a nurse.

I loved my patients.

Was?

Hmm.

I said "was", didn't I?

Interesting.

Making some life changes?

Let's just say some changes have recently been made.

Hmm.

How about you?

Oh, I was a fashion editor before I got married.

Oh.

Yeah.

I had this great job in New York.

It didn't pay well, I was poorer than a church mouse,

but I really loved my work.

And then Charles came along and swept me off my feet

and I gave it all up for him.

Oh.

I used to say it was the best decision I ever made.

Used to say?

Don't get me wrong, I love my kids, it's just that...

just things haven't been very good between us

for a very long time.

I understand he designed this house

and had it built as a surprise for you and the kids.

I wouldn't say it was a surprise.

It certainly isn't for me and the kids.

It's all for business.

He's going to bring clients here and impress them and...

it's all for show.

Sorry.

I'm sorry, I'm venting all my personal problems on you.

I'm happy to listen.

I'm... I'm here for you.

Thank you.

Thanks for the tea.

So tell me more about you.

Where should I begin?

Um...

Joe and I met in college, and then after that

we traveled and finally settled down...

Take John Adams and his son, for example.

They would write these long, beautifully composed letters

to one another.

Even though they knew letters

may take months to be delivered,

as when happened when Adams was in Europe.

But nowadays,

how do fathers and sons communicate?

Well, sure, a father can get a text in lightening speed,

but all it will say is something like "hey dad, what's up?"

It probably wouldn't even have the "hey, dad".

It'd probably just say "what's up?"

Yeah, so dad makes me write him letters now.

Mmmhmm.

And he writes beautiful letters.

Mmmhmm.

I just copy them out of the John Adams files.

I never thought I'd see the day where our kids were

having about John Adams.

Maybe we should start having more conversations

with our children.

And now, he composes

these thoughtful letters about issues in his life.

Like how to get his female fans to give him some space.

She's making it up.

I'm not.

Girls text him day and night.

He puts a picture on Instagram

and he gets 400 likes in half an hour.

Definitely not true.

I bet it is.

You're so hot.

[laughs]

You must have that problem too, Alexander.

Too many female admirers?

Well...

No, he doesn't have any girl admirers.

He's socially awkward.

Shut up!

Ow!

[Laughs]

You sure use a lot of big words for a little girl.

I do.

I'm gifted.

I try to add a new word to my vocabulary every day.

Yesterday I learned the word "iatrogenic".

It means when the side effects of the cure are worse

than the symptoms of the disease.

Wow.

You're the kind of girls I like.

Brains and beauty.

Stop.

Look, man, I'm sorry my sisters have glommed to you all day.

You don't have to be so nice to them, you know.

You're just going to encourage them.

What're you talking about?

They're cool.

[Crashing noise outside]

The storm is knocking trees down.

One of them almost hit the house.

Is our house gonna rip apart?

I'm scared.

Don't you worry, honey.

They way your dad built this house,

it'll handle anything that storm will throw at us.

Really?

I promise.

[wind howling]

Ok, come on up here.

[text sound]

Look at that.

So we're not allowed to be online or on the cell phones,

and look at him down there, just glued to it.

It's ridiculous.

Come on, let's go over here.

Ok, this is what I've chosen for my seminar project.

Ok, this guy right here is the infamous Humboldt squid,

also known as "diablo rojo",

which in Spanish means "the red devil".

They have dozens of tentacles with these

tiny little teeth coming out the end.

There have been tales of Mexican fishermen

being pulled from their boats to the bottom of the ocean

and ripped apart by a gang of these beasts.

Could you imagine that?

One minute you're a fisherman sitting in your boat,

minding your own business,

and the next minute you're at the bottom of the ocean.

You are being ripped apart

by those tiny little teeth right there.

How can you be obsessed by such horrible creatures?

No, no, no.

I'm not obsessed,

I had to pick a topic for my research project.

You know the deal,

it was the deadline and I had nothing to show for it

so I pick up a random nature book,

flip to a page, and there it is.

The Humboldt squid.

Not so different from us, though.

Those fishermen.

What, that we don't get eaten by squid?

No, I mean the "one minute you're here,

one minute you're not" part.

Um... so what's your thing?

My thing?

Yeah.

Yeah, your thing.

If you had to pick a seminar topic, what would it be?

Well, I'd never make it to a seminar,

but if I did I think I'd have to say... cookies.

Cookies?

I bake everything.

Cakes, pies, brownies.

Pretty much anything where the main ingredients are

sugar and butter.

[Laughs] Cool.

Can you think of a better subject worthy of research?

No, no.

Actually, no I can't, that sounds pretty awesome.

Here, let me show you a couple more of these guys.

Malaise.

M-A-L-A-I-S-E.

M is a double letter, plus the triple word score.

That's 36 points.

I win.

I've never heard of that word before,

but I'm gonna take your word for it.

It's a real word.

It means a vague sense of things not being right.

Like how we feel when we look out the window at the storm?

Yeah, you could say that.

So how old are you again?

I'm almost 15.

Yeah.

You act way older.

Robbie!

Guess what.

I can name all the presidents in order.

You can?

Yes, I can.

Robbie, I wouldn't do that if I were you.

Next she's gonna name all the rivers in North America.

Can I recite them for you?

Sure.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe,

John Quincey Adams, Jackson, Van Buren, Harrison, Tyler,

Polk, Taylor, Fillmore, Pierce, Buchanan,

Lincoln, Johnson, Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Chester A. Arthur,

Cleveland, Harrison Cleveland,

Harrison, McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt,

Taft, Wilson, Harding, Coolidge, Hoover,

Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy,

Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush,

Clinton, Bush, Obama.

Good job!

Daddy, daddy!

Did you see that?

I got them all right, and in order!

Good for you, honey.

Just- just a minute.

[sighs]

Emily.

Smile!

I want one of you this time!

Look this way! Smile!

Three, two, one!

Alright, Lucie!

[Camera shutter]

[Camera shutter]

[wind howling]

[Laughing]

Come on, everybody!

It's time!

Time for what?

Time to put our Christmas stockings up, of course.

Oh, come on, everyone.

Let's go.

Come on, hurry, hurry, hurry!

We're coming!

Putting up the Christmas stockings

is a Montgomery family tradition every Christmas Eve.

I'll share mine with you, Robbie.

Alexander, you share yours with Lucie.

Ok.

Oh, we better put in a note

so that Santa doesn't get confused.

Good idea.

Let's do it.

Ok.

Those look great.

Wow.

So pretty.

It looks great.

Good job, guys.

I have one more thing in the bag.

I made this one for baby Bella.

Oh, honey.

Thank you for remembering Bella this Christmas.

Such a sweet stocking.

Baby Bella?

She's my little sister.

She's in heaven now.

We lost her three years ago.

I'm so sorry.

She had blonde hair and blue eyes and rosy cheeks.

She looked like Cinderella.

I'm sure she was very beautiful.

I have pictures of her if you want to see them.

Sure, we'd love to.

This is her when she was only one month old.

And this is her first bath.

Oh, and this is when Alexandr made her taste a pickle.

She hated it.

And this is Emily hog her.

She was a really good baby.

She hardly ever cried.

As opposed to Emily, who cried non-stop.

I was a diva baby.

Oh, and this was just after Bella was born

and mom was carrying her out of the hospital.

You weren't in any of the photos, dad.

How come?

He was probably at work.

No, I wasn't at work.

I wasn't in the photos because I took most of the photos.

I wasn't in the photos because I took most of the photos.

I wasn't in the photos because I took most of the photos.

Dad?

Yeah, Jen?

The Tuckers want us to do something that they do.

A Christmas tradition.

Ok, honey.

I'll uh... I'll be right there.

Ok.

Ok.

Now that we're all here...

It's called "Passing the Christmas Candle".

It's a tradition passed down by my great grandmother and we-

well, we do it every Christmas.

How do you play?

Well, it's not a game, Emily.

It's a chance for you to say what it is you're grateful for.

We pass around the candle and when it's your turn

you say a little something.

You know, what your goals are,

what you're thankful for.

Something like that.

Yeah.

Ok?

I'll go first.

You know, they say that the best gift

a father can give to his children

is to love their mother.

Well, I want to thank you, Amy, for making that so easy.

And every day I've spent with you

has been a little bit of heaven.

I'm sure there are days that I haven't treasured

as much as I should have, though.

You know, if I could give you all one bit of advice,

it would be to treasure each moment that life gives you,

because each moment is just so precious.

Alright.

I want to say that I'm thankful for the Montgomery family

for taking us in.

For making it so much fun to be snowbound.

Alexander, Jennifer, Emily.

I've only known you guys for a short time

but it already feels like we're best friends.

I'll never forget you.

Mom?

I, too, am thankful we had the chance

to meet the Montgomerys.

Not just because they gave us shelter,

but I do feel like we're already old friends

because you gave us the opportunity

to feel the Christmas spirit.

I want to thank them for being so good to us.

Their generosity is something you don't see very often.

Life goes quickly but kindness lasts forever.

Ok, well um...

I'm not really used to doing things like this

so I guess I'll just say that I'm grateful

the blizzard hasn't killed us all yet.

I am thankful for the Humboldt squid.

Well, I am thankful for the delicious cookies

Lucie's going to bake for us tomorrow.

I wanna help bake them!

You can also go next.

I am thankful that my mommy made

her homemade buttermilk waffles this morning,

and I'm also thankful that the Tuckers came

so we could see what a family

that really loves each other is like.

Daddy, your turn.

Ok, uh...

I'm thankful for...

Ok, I'm thankful

for the fact that business has been good this year

and if things continue in a positive direction,

and that's a big if, we'll get through this

and I'll have a successful year.

Excuse me, I'm going to go lay down.

Excuse me, I'm going to go lay down.

[Knock at the door]

Judith?

May I come in?

I just wanted to make sure you were ok.

[Sighs]

He grew up in a family where there was no communication.

You know, his mother went to his father

and asked him if he loved her.

And he said "I told you I loved you the day we got married.

If anything changes I'll let you know."

That's no excuse, is it?

To shut out your family?

To talk about business

when he had a perfect opportunity

to say something nice about me and the kids?

He thinks the way to make me happy is to throw things at me,

like jewelry and houses... cars.

I don't want any of that.

None of that makes me happy.

All I want

is for him to look at me the same way Joe looks at you.

This may sound sappy, so I apologize ahead of time,

but sometimes it's the hardest roads

that lead to the best places.

That does sound sappy.

[Gasps]

What- what happened?

I don't know. Hold on.

Ok, alright.

Come on.

Charles, what happened?

The storm has knocked out the power,

the power,

but don't worry, we have a back-up generator.

How are we gonna bake cookies tomorrow

if the electricity is off?

Well, when the electricity comes back on you can make

all the cookies you want.

How long until the generator turns on?

The guy that put it in told me it should take five seconds.

Five elephants, four elephants, three elephants,

two elephants, one elephant.

I don't understand.

It should have been on right away.

That's way more than five elephants.

It's ok, honey.

It's alright.

It's out in the shed.

Alright, let's go take a look, ok?

Ok.

Come here.

Don't worry, hun.

I'm going with you guys.

Jennifer, stay with your sister.

I'm gonna go get some flashlights.

I'll go find more candles.

[dramatic music]

Woah.

Help him up.

Joe?

Joe!

[dramatic music]

Straight ahead.

[dramatic music]

[dramatic music]

Alright, check the fuel.

It's full, Joe.

It's full.

Alright, so we got fuel, we have air, we got a spark.

There's no reason it shouldn't work.

That's right, Joe.

There's no reason.

There's no reason AT ALL!

Woah, Charles.

Charles?

Charles!

[dramatic music]

[dramatic music]

I'm gonna sue.

That was a waste of money, that generator.

If they find us all dead, frozen on this floor,

I'm suing that company.

It'll be pretty hard to sue them when you're dead.

Are we gonna freeze to death?

Oh, no, honey.

Don't worry.

Everything's gonna be fine.

Don't worry.

No one's gonna freeze to death, ok?

We'll all camp around the fireplace and stay warm.

Like a big slumber party!

Yeah. Kids, why don't you go to your rooms

and get some pillows and blankets and stuffed animals,

whatever you want, alright?

Go get it now.

Ok.

Unbelievable.

[Loud thumping noise]

[Gasps]

What was that?!

Sounds like the shingles are blowing off your roof.

[Door crashes open]

[Gasps]

Joe! Joe!

[Grunting]

[wind fiercely howling]

Thanks, Joe.

Sometimes my friends and I,

we play this game when we meet new people.

We ask them to describe themselves with one word.

So let me ask you,

what one word would you use to describe yourself?

Oh, um... you go first.

Chill.

Like laid-back chill?

Yeah.

Ok.

Um, I got three words coming to mind,

I can't figure out which one to use.

What are the three?

Ok, uh, well there's fantastic,

there's magnificent,

unbelievable is one.

[Laughs]

Robbie! Robbie!

I have a question.

What's your question?

Will you take me to my prom?

[Laughs]

What?

I'm serious.

That's at least seven years away.

So?

So I doubt you'll still want me to take you in seven years.

I have a feeling you will have changed your mind by then.

I'll never change my mind.

I know I won't.

Please, please promise me?

The thing is,

I can't make promises I might not be able to keep.

Why won't you be able to keep it?

Why?

Let me put it this way.

I would if I could.

I mean that.

You mean you will if you can?

[Laughs]

Ok, I will if I can.

Well, then I want you to take me to my prom, too.

[Laughs]

Alright.

I never want this blizzard to end.

Why?

'Cause I don't want the Tuckers to leave.

I don't want them to leave, either.

Aww, she's even more adorable when she's asleep.

Thank you.

So um... can you tell us how you two met?

[Laughs]

Wow.

Well, I remember that like it was yesterday.

[Laughs]

It was fall semester my senior year.

I saw this vision walking across the quad and she was wearing

a white dress, and the sun was setting

and there was this soft light around her.

And as she walked by I said "hey, beautiful.

What are you doing for the rest of your life?"

What'd you say back?

Oh, well, I turned to him

and I looked over my shoulder and I said

"spending it with you, obviously."

Just like that.

I bet you wouldn't remember what I was wearing

the first day we met, not in a million years.

[Loud cracking]

What's that?

What's that?

It looks big and scary.

It looks like the trees are gonna break in two.

[wind howling]

Oh my gosh.

Don't worry.

They said it was the worst storm in years.

They said it was the worst storm in years.

They said it was the worst storm in years.

Judith?

What?

Are you ok?

I have a horrible headache and you said there's Aspirin.

Where is it?

I'm sorry about Christmas and the way this is all going.

It's not what I had planned.

This storm and the power.

Honey, you have to understand,

I am under so much pressure right now

and every time I speak to Ben about business-

Oh, Charles.

Do you know where the Aspirin is, or not?

Can we talk?

About business?

No thank you.

No, no.

About us.

Every time I talk to you, you don't listen.

And when you do listen, you don't hear anything I say.

Well, just- ok, what am I not hearing?

Where do I begin?

Just be- just begin.

[Phone vibrating]

Are you kidding me?

It's the middle of the night!

Ben is- Ben is dealing with the Japanese,

it's morning there.

I just need to run a few numbers before the negotiation and-

No!

It'll take one minute.

I said no.

The only talking I want to do is right now.

I want you to listen to me.

As soon as this blizzard is over and the Tuckers leave,

I'm hiring a car

and I'm taking the kids home without you.

I mean it.

So where should I go?

Why don't you ask Ben?

Why don't you ask Ben?

[sobbing softly]

[sobbing softly]

[sobbing softly]

[sobbing softly]

[Wind howling]

[Wind howling]

[Wind howling]

[Wind howling]

[Wind howling]

[Cracking]

[intense dramatic music]

Wake up!

Finally, we've got power.

Way to go, dad.

Dad?

Hey mom, where's dad?

I don't know.

I want to make chocolate chi, how about you?

Well, let's look for him.

Check upstairs, ok?

I'll go this way.

I think that sounds like a good plan.

Yeah, I couldn't find him up here.

Yeah, I know.

I couldn't find him, either.

Let's go down this way.

Ok.

Ok.

[fierce wind]

Oh my god, dad!

Come on, guys! Come quick!

Dad's had an accident!

What?

Where is he?!

Where?!

Go!

Stay in here.

Stay in here.

Dad!

Charles!

Dad, are you ok?

Charles!

Oh my gosh, someone help!

Charles!

Help me!

Lift!

Get it off!

I can't lift it!

Get him out!

Here, help me.

*

Come on.

We gotta get him inside.

*

Come on.

That's it.

I got you.

Help me out.

Get him in!

*

Come on, get him to the couch.

We've got to get some blankets.

Come on!

Come on, careful.

On the couch, on the couch.

Let him down gentle.

Gently, gently.

I got him, I got him.

Easy with his neck.

Got him.

Daddy!

Daddy, wake up!

Daddy!

Pupils aren't dilated, that's a good sign.

I'm not feeling any swelling,

his breathing isn't obstructed.

I think his neck is fine.

Is he going to be ok?

There's a chance that he may have a concussion,

but we won't know until he's fully awake.

Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness

and difficulty concentrating.

We should get him to a hospital.

No, no, not in these conditions.

The hospital is twenty miles away, we'll never get there.

The roads will be closed.

We should move him to your bedroom.

Ok, alright.

[Sobbing]

Emily?

Are you ok?

Kinda scared about your dad, aren't you?

I'm afraid he's gonna die.

Your dad is gonna be fine.

How do you know?

I said a prayer for him.

And my mom's a nurse, she'll take good care of him.

I wish you could be my sister.

I can be.

We can be soul sisters.

Here, give me your pinky.

Soul sisters forever.

Soul sisters forever.

[Knocking]

How is he?

Oh, I just wish he'd wake up.

I'm just going to check on him.

Still not dilated.

That's good.

People can be unconscious for hours,

then wake up and be perfectly fine.

Don't worry.

Joe and I are here for you.

Shout if you need anything.

Ok.

[Sobbing]

[Sobbing]

It's ok.

Your dad's gonna be fine.

How do you know that?

I just know.

When you think about it,

yesterday we were all just strangers.

yesterday we were all just strangers.

Charles?

What happened to me?

You had a little accident.

The lights are on.

Yeah.

I guess the generator must have kicked in.

Amy thinks you have a concussion, so be careful.

I just remember lying out there,

thinking about you and the kids.

Why were you out in the storm?

Because of what you said earlier.

I was thinking about you leaving.

Nothing's changed.

Judith...

the real-

[Knocking]

Daddy, daddy, daddy!

You're awake!

Be careful, honey.

Hi.

We're glad you're not dead.

So am I.

Alexander was actually the one that noticed

you were missing and he found you.

He saved your life.

Then I owe you, son.

It was nothing.

No, I'd say it's about as big a deal as they come.

I'm gonna go get some water.

Oh.

We're really glad that you're gonna be ok.

Thanks.

Hey, sit down.

Come on.

Now listen to me.

I realize I have not been very good at communicating

with you kids.

That means telling you how I feel.

And I should be telling you every single day

just how much I love you.

Each one of you.

So I'm going to make you a promise.

I promise to change.

To be a better dad.

You haven't been horrible.

I mean, you've given us a feeling of malaise

once in a while, but that's not so bad.

Well, I'm promising you that I will change,

and I'm going to start today.

Now come in here and give your dad a hug.

Oh no!

Oooh!

[Giggling]

Get off me!

*

*

Guys, it's sunny and it's Christmas!

Come on, come on!

The sun's out!

Come on, come on!

It's Christmas!

Hurry up!

Look, look, look, look!!!!!

Come on!

*

You're right, Emily.

The storm is over.

Finally.

Well, what are you kids doing just standing here?

Go put on your snow clothes and get out there

and have some fun.

Alright!

*

Oh, mom!

Mom!

Aww.

Merry Christmas, mommy!

Merry Christmas!

Mommy, I've been thinking.

I don't think we should open our presents

in front of the Tuckers, do you?

Aww, that's so thoughtful of you, sweetheart.

Yeah, I don't think so either.

Let's wait 'till after they leave.

Plus, it doesn't look like anybody

wants to open any presents right now, anyway.

Aww, I love you.

Mommy, I'm going to go get dressed

and play with the other kids outside.

[Laughing]

*

Hey, hey Robbie!

Hey, hey Robbie!

[Squeals]

Hey, guys.

I have made hot chocolate and lots of snacks,

they'll be on the counter in the kitchen

when you're ready to come and get them.

Whoo!

Come on, join us!

Snow angels!

Snow angels, everybody!

*

One, two, three!

*

You're up.

It looks like Emily finally got to make her snow angels.

Yes.

Hey, Robbie.

Let's take a selfie.

Alright, let's do it.

Just give me a second.

There we go.

Wow, they're beautiful snow angels.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven.

Yeah, I like yours.

I like yours.

[Squeals]

Nice.

Got it.

Alright.

Awesome.

Ok, you know what guys?

I don't know about you, but I'm cold.

I'm going inside to get warm.

No, no, no!

Oh my gosh!

[laughter]

[laughter]

What are you doing out of bed?

Excuse me.

Your wife gave me the all clear.

Alright.

[Squealing]

I just wanted to thank you for helping out

with my family while I was down.

Yeah, well, you know, I'm glad I could do it.

But you're looking good, so we should probably get going.

Robbie.

Lucie.

Time for us to go, kids.

No!

Don't go!

No, no, no!

Don't go!

Don't leave us!

Were you planning on having us live with you forever?

Yes, if you could.

You know what, it's time for us

to get out of your parent's hair.

My parents love you in their hair.

Don't you, dad?

Listen.

See, the thing is, Emily,

you know what they say about fish and visitors?

No, what?

Em, I think the Tuckers want to go skiing

and the conditions are perfect today.

Yeah.

Dad, do we have to go?

We've imposed on the Montgomerys long enough.

Just-

Daddy, daddy, no.

I don't want them to go.

It's time for us to move on, kids.

You know what I mean, right?

Ok.

Joe?

Can I see you for a sec?

Honey, go play with the kids.

Hey, it's ok.

Joe, I wondered if I could ask a favour.

Yeah, go ahead.

You name it.

I wondered if uh...

you might consider staying one more day.

It would be a great help to me.

How would that help?

Judith has told me that once you and the family go,

she's leaving.

With the kids, and she doesn't want me to come.

I just think if you could stay one more day

I might have a chance to change things.

Just one day, Joe.

What do you say?

Yeah.

Yeah, I think I can help you with that.

Thank you, Joe.

Robbie, Lucie.

Never mind, we're gonna stay another day.

Yeah!

Yes!

Yay!

Ok!

Thank you, Joe.

I'm gonna take a walk.

Just uh, not to far, huh?

Alright.

I'll keep my head up.

Hey, Charles?

Yeah, Joe?

Enjoy your life.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Where were you?

I was starting to get worried.

I just took a walk up to the road.

I had to think.

Judith...

did you really mean it the other night?

When you said that you wished

we could live in our little house on Waverly again?

Yes.

You know, I've always worked so hard to try to provide

you and the kids with everything.

Everything you need.

Everything you deserve.

When are you gonna get it?

I don't want money,

I don't want big houses,

I don't want fancy cars.

I didn't marry you for what you had.

I married you for who you were.

Who was I?

A guy that made me laugh so hard my stomach hurt.

I haven't seen that guy for a long time.

Neither have I.

There's something that I have to tell you.

The reason I went out in that storm last night

was to get something out of the car.

Something I just had to have.

And hold in my hand.

I don't know why, it was as if my life depended on it.

What are you talking about?

That's the only picture that I have of just Bella and me,

and I keep it with me.

And I take it wherever I go.

Judith, the night Bella died, I didn't check on her.

It's my fault.

No-

It was my turn that night and I didn't go in, Judith.

What?

No- I think-

I didn't go in and I think her blanket was too high

or she turned-

Come here.

Or something.

And I know if I had gone in I would have seen it.

Don't you remember what the doctor said?

She died early in the morning.

It doesn't matter-

No, I could have saved her-

It wouldn't have changed anything-

I could have saved her.

You can't talk like that.

I miss her so much.

You have no idea how much you mean to me.

And it's not your fault because I never tell you.

A red dress, a silver belt, and long silver earrings.

What?

A red dress, a silver belt, and long silver earrings.

That's what you were wearing the night that we met.

That's what you were wearing the night that we met.

I love you.

I love you, too.

Mom, dad, thanks for letting the Christmas tree

have dinner with us.

[Laughing]

That's so cute.

Judith, this has been one of the nicest Christmas dinners

I can remember.

Thank you so much.

Aww, we have loved having you here.

We sure have.

And listen, I- Joe, I was wondering...

can I have a second chance

at the passing of the Christmas Candle?

Dad, it's "may I have a second chance?"

Absolutely, Charles.

You may have a second chance.

Alright, now pay close attention everyone,

because I know that this is gonna be really good.

No pressure, Charles.

[Laughs]

Well, first of all, I'm thankful that we met the Tucker family,

who came to our door needing our help

but showed us, through their love and respect for each other,

that it might have just been our family that needed their help.

And I'm especially thankful

that they agreed to stay an extra day.

I'm thankful for my children.

My magnificent, marvelous kids,

who ask nothing more from me for their unconditional love

and that I offer them some guidance

and pay some attention to their lives.

I love you.

I appreciate you.

Each of you.

And Judith, you are the love of my life.

I've always loved you and I always will

and I'm going to try very hard

to be the guy that makes you laugh,

like you said, so hard your stomach hurt.

I love you.

That's what I'm thankful for.

That, and whoever invented dessert.

[Laughs]

Dad's toast was perfect.

It made us all fl really good.

And as I looked around the table

at everyone laughing and talking,

I started thinking that maybe we were going to be

like the Tuckers after all.

A family that really loved each other.

Well, so we're all set.

The kids are waiting outside, so I guess...

I guess that's it.

If you just wait a couple hours

the ploughs will have the roads cleared, and...

Charles, we'll be fine.

Really.

You sure he knows which way to go?

Why don't you lead?

[Laughs]

Thank you so much again for taking us in.

Aww, thank you for bringing the Christmas spirit

into our home.

I hope we see you again.

[Simultaneous] Absolutely.

Aww.

Thanks, Joe.

Thank you.

Alright.

Bye, Amy.

We'll walk you out.

Bye.

Bye.

I'm going to miss you guys!

We're gonna miss you, too.

We're gonna miss you.

*

*

Bye, guys.

Bye.

*

Bye.

Come on.

*

Judith, what were we thinking?

We should have never let them go.

I've got to check on them.

I'm coming with you!

Yeah, me too!

Can I come, daddy?

If you're going, we're all going!

Alright, let's grab our snow gear.

Alright, let's grab our snow gear.

What is that?

I don't know.

I don't know.

What's going on?

A family we all knew around here died in the blizzard.

We're having a memorial in their favourite spot.

Oh.

What happened?

Their van went off the road.

They didn't stand a chance.

The Tuckers.

They visited our community so often,

they really became part of the local family.

Probably one of the best families that I ever had

the privilege of knowing.

Daddy, that's the Tuckers.

No.

No, no, wait, wait, there's been a mistake.

The Tuckers were with us an hour ago.

If that were only the case.

It is the case.

This is crazy!

They were with us through the whole blizzard.

They're fine.

They told us that their van went off the road,

they came to our door.

That's not possible, I helped pull the bodies

out of the wreckage.

I've known the Tuckers for 15 years.

It was them.

There's no mistake.

There is a mistake.

We were with them just an hour ago.

Look, no.

I can prove it to you.

I took a picture with Robbie myself just yesterday.

What's the matter, honey?

He's not there.

Robbie's not there.

This can't be happening.

Kids, let's go home.

Let's go home.

Thank you.

Yeah. No problem.

Take care.

Mommy, is it possible that that was the Tuckers?

No.

Not at all.

Not at all.

There you go, sweetie.

Judith, you ok?

It just doesn't make sense.

They were with us the whole time.

We weren't imagining it.

You guys, look.

What?

There are only three snow angels.

Jennifer's, mine, and Alexander's.

The ones that the Tuckers made aren't there.

And I know why.

Why, Emily?

Because they were real angels.

I prayed that you and daddy wouldn't get a divorce

and they came.

It all made sense.

The Tuckers arriving after I prayed for help.

Lucie saying we could be soul sisters.

Robbie not wanting to make promises he couldn't keep.

Robbie missing from the photo.

And the Tuckers' snow anges disappearing.

[Phone rings]

I don't need this.

Yes, daddy!

*

Thank you.

Wow.

This was the best Christmas anyone could ask for.

*

*

And my little sister, Baby Bella,

we could feel she was here with us.

*

I will remember this Christms for ever and ever.

And ever.