Original subtitles

At some point,

we all ask ourselves

"What is the meaning of life?"

And at some point...

maybe when we fall in love,

maybe when we lose someone...

we find the sudden, fleeting answer to the question...

an answer that reminds us

of life's immense possibility for change.

And, sometimes, that change gets the better of us.

Sometimes, we lose ourselves in it.

Not this year, lights.

Hey...

untangling the lights used to be your favorite job.

What happened?

I don't know.

Guess I grew up.

But it's in those moments of change,

of love, of loss,

that we realize the real question isn't,

"What's the meaning of life?"

but rather, "How do I give my life more meaning?"

And then Christmas comes...

with all the answers.

It is an honor working with all of you,

and, as you know,

I'm so grateful

to be your colleague, your friend...

"Boss."

Yes. Thank you for that, Mia.

Definitely not the first time in my life

I've been called bossy.

But seriously, I'm grateful to each of you

and I wish you a holiday and year

filled with only the best things.

So, Lara.

First office holiday party as C.O.O..

How does it feel?

Well, now everyone's forced to laugh at my lame jokes,

so... amazing!

Then why are you sneaking off?

Oh, I'm not sneaking off. I'm...

I'm casually slipping away.

Are you okay?

Yes! Yes, I'm fine.

I am so grateful to you for this opportunity.

Hey, you've earned it.

Now enjoy.

I will. Yeah, I am!

Now let's all enjoy ourselves.

Okay.

I'm the "Sultan of Swing,"

former MLB MVP, Ben Winters...

here to tell you

that Winters Christmas Jerky

is a holiday home run.

'Cause nothing says "Christmas"

like beef.

Moo!

Guys, are we sure that that's accurate?

That "Nothing says 'Christmas' like beef"?

I mean, come on.

You know what? Maybe I should do a little adlibbing here.

Yeah? Okay.

♪ Have a holly, jolly ♪

♪ Jerky Christmas ♪

No, that sounds like a Christmas full of jerks.

That's not gonna work.

Winters Christmas Jerky...

Is this...

Is this jerky... fruitcake-flavored?

Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

Can I get my cozy coat?

Hi!

How are you?

I'm here!

Well, we are done.

Gin, ladies.

Good job, Mom.

I'm sure your friends

enjoyed your hypercompetitive card-sharking.

Well, if they didn't,

then next time, I can just pick on someone my own age.

And what age would that be?

Yes, please. Tell us.

Hi, honey.

You are late,

but you are just in time for cocoa. Come on.

Oh, careful. We got a leak.

That's the budget solution.

Oh.

You know, it's like It's A Wonderful Life,

but without the charm.

This place is as geriatric as we are.

The TV is so old it's a radio,

and the only time we can tell that the furnace is even on

is when we smell it.

Okay, Mom, I'm digging the stand-up routine,

but I get it... it's old.

I offered to donate money.

I know, but we need way more than what you can donate.

Luckily...

your mother has an idea.

Oh... now why am I scared?

You'll see

when we get to your house.

Hi! Marty Grayson here,

and I'm so excited to announce that Daytime Denver

will be hosting its first-ever Christmas Contest!

Five Denver locals...

along with help from their teams...

will compete on-air in four holiday-inspired events

for a chance to win $50,000 to the charity of their choice.

Okay, what exactly am I looking at here?

Honey, you are looking at

the way you are gonna win the girls and me

the money for the senior center.

Lara, this is Christmas meets competition.

It's the perfect Cottridge-style Venn diagram

if there ever was one.

Well, breaking news, Mom... you're also a Cottridge.

Yes, but I am already way too busy, honey.

I, too, am a tad busy.

With what?

Uh, hmm, let me think.

Maybe being the C.O.O. of a multi-national corporation?

And having no time for my friends?

And I've ignored a dating app for so long

my profile picture still has chunky highlights.

Noted.

But you are still my daughter,

and that means you can do it all

and will be the best at everything, honey.

Oh, thanks, Mom. No pressure there.

Plus, you know what's not even on your list?

Christmas spirit.

You know what? You're right.

I am gonna win this contest,

which will rejuvenate my Christmas cheer

and help me rediscover my purpose in life.

The Christmas spirit is in me!

It's time to burn my MBA

so I can start a Christmas-tree farm

in Klausville!

Just give the contest some thought, huh?

Ho, ho! There's the world's best personal assistant.

Why are you here so late? The gym's closed.

And are we redecorating?

If so, why isn't the staff doing it?

Just adding a little Christmas cheer for the baseball clinic.

What?

The clinic that starts on Monday?

The "Ben Winters Session" sports camp for at-risk youth?

Part of your effort to use your celebrity to give back?

Oh! Yes, that. Right. Of course.

Monday.

Oh, also, a booking agent from Daytime Denver called.

You never sent me your schedule,

so I just gave them your cell number.

Oh. Well, they probably just want me on

for a celebrity guest appearance.

Let's see.

Voicemail.

Uh...

Mm.

No, something about a "Christmas contest"

they want me to apply to.

It's, uh...

oh, five contestants...

everyone brings a team.

Four events.

Ooh! Winner gets 50k for the charity of their choice?

They can't guarantee me a...

They can't guarantee me a spot,

but they're looking for a "hometown hero" contestant.

Wow. I mean, this could be great, right?

Free press for the gym,

boost my social,

could get the word out about my charitable work

with the "Winters Session" kids.

And, oh, plus, I could plug the jerky.

And...

it's for a good cause.

Right.

I led with that.

Well, hey, wish this "hometown hero" some luck

'cause I am off to apply to a Christmas contest.

-Ho, ho! -Okay...

guess I'll just take care of everything on my own.

Again.

How? I just checked you an hour ago.

Hey! It's just me.

Whatcha doing?

Eating.

Mm.

Not that I'm not happy to see you again,

but what are you doing here?

Well, I just wanted to check

if you gave that contest more thought.

Mm.

They're gonna announce the contestants on Monday.

Oh, there's no harm

in just looking at the website, right?

Maybe it'll get that winning spark going?

I sent you the link.

Now, applying for the Christmas Contest

is as easy as two simple steps.

One, create an anonymous, holiday-inspired handle.

I see you as "Noel-It-All".

Get it?

Oh, I'd be... "Sleigh the Competition".

If I were doing it, but I'm not.

And, two, write a short essay

answering the question,

"What is Christmas?"

"What is Christmas?"

What does that even mean?

What's the problem?

That seems easy enough.

Are you joking?

Answering "What is Christmas?"...

I may as well answer "What is the meaning of life?"

So? Just figure out the meaning of life

and just work backwards to Christmas.

You are welcome.

Okay, I love you, but goodnight.

Okay.

It's just kind of sad

that you're not doing this contest.

You used to love Christmas.

It meant everything to you.

I should let you get back to work.

Love ya.

Love you.

"What is Christmas?"

What is Christmas?

Well...

"like life...

it's a time to find meaning..."

"What is the meaning of Christmas?"

What is the meaning of Christmas...

Come on. You gotta spitball with me here, Grandma.

Just a little help?

It's your essay contest, Benjy.

Figure it out for yourself.

Whatever.

All right, well, on to the next order of business...

Chuck's Grandma is coming to town for the holidays,

and I thought that maybe you two could be ladies who lunch.

You know I don't eat lunch, honey.

Grandma. Listen.

I know that you miss Grandpa,

but, you know, making some new friends

could help that.

Let's get you out of the house and change up your routine.

Your Grandpa's and my routine worked all these years.

Why change it now?

Okay, well, then...

in one final act of futility and exasperation...

what do you want for Christmas?

I don't want anything.

I have everything I need!

Really.

All I want for Christmas is for us to be together.

That's it!

That is the answer to the essay question.

"Christmas is a time to be together."

Mm! Thank you!

Hey!

You're late. The kids are waiting.

Kids?

Oh! The baseball camp.

Yes, but the Christmas Contest finalists

are being announced right now.

You know what?

Two birds, one ball.

I could use this as a great opportunity

for a teachable moment.

'Kay.

That good?

You're late!

Oh, yeah,

because, obviously, I was getting my nails done.

Hi.

Oh, look, it's starting.

I just know you're gonna win.

Okay, Mom, I love the confidence,

but let's not get too competitive.

-This is just a little contest. -Mm. Right.

I just wanted to say

that this contest was inspired by my love for Christmas,

my love for Denver,

and my desire to create

an event that brings this great city together.

And with a thousand essays submitted,

it was nearly impossible

to choose only five contestants.

-But here goes. -You're gonna get picked

-for sure. -Oh, I'm not so sure,

but we can't let fear of striking out

keep us from playing the game.

Babe Ruth said that, right?

No, I just made that up right now.

I'm pretty sure Babe Ruth said that.

Agree to disagree, but the point is,

not every run can be a home run.

Our first contestant is...

"Winters Wonderland."

Oh! But this one is

'cause that's me!

Yes! "Home run, Winters!"

Oh, ho, ho!

Yeah!

Next...

"Rebel Without a Claus."

It's okay.

Next contestant...

"Special Snowflake."

-Okay. -Up next...

"Santa's Little Health."

And our final contestant is...

..."Sleigh the Competition".

Yay! That's my girl.

Join me tomorrow as we meet our contestants

right here on this stage

for the first event...

a Christmas trivia quiz.

Which contestant has...

Nobody knows more trivia than you do.

-This event is yours! -...going ho-ho-home?

We'll find out right here, tomorrow!

Hi. I'm Lara.

Otherwise known as "Sleigh the Competition".

I'm Lindsay... "Santa's Little Health".

-Hi. -Bill.

"Rebel Without a Claus."

-Oh. -I'm Zoey.

♪ "The Special Snowflake." ♪

Hi. I'm Ben. "Winters Wonderland."

-Wow. -Hi.

Excuse us.

So...

we're both here.

Yeah, both, uh, Christmas Contest competitors.

So, Ben, How've you been?

Great.

Yeah. Just so busy.

Yeah, you seem busy shilling your celebrity.

You mean lending my good name to worthy causes?

Worthy causes like

"the Ben Winters Spray Tan Salon"?

To combat Seasonal Affective Disorder.

It's a spray tan, Ben.

Well, I guess lucky you knew me.

I mean, because you only learned Christmas trivia

because I learned it for you.

But you only learned it because you learned it for me,

so I guess, lucky you knew me, Ben.

So is this gonna be awkward

with us both in the contest together?

Probably for this round,

but once you're eliminated today,

it'll be totally fine.

Ha. Okay, well,

I can see you are just... mm!

...as competitive as ever.

Not at all.

This is a fun contest to inspire holiday cheer.

Mm.

Everyone on stage to get miked, please.

It's showtime!

All right. Well, hey, high-fives all around. Huh?

Yeah.

Except for Lara, who leaves me hanging.

Oh, no, Ben.

You're the one who leaves people hanging.

Welcome to our first event... the Christmas trivia quiz!

Okay...

Let's get started

with our first question, shall we?

What's Ben doing there?

First question...

which country has a festive legend

about a giant cat?

Iceland!

All right.

You both buzzed in at the same time,

so I'll give this point to Lara and Ben.

And, uh, Lara, Ben?

You're miked, so no need to shout.

Next question.

Come on.

What is the symbol of Christmas

in New Zealand?

The Pohutukawa tree!

All right!

Once again...

point to a very loud and enthusiastic Lara and Ben,

who should really both wait until I call on 'em to answer.

Next question.

What is Santa's zip code?

Rebel Without a Klaus?

Santa's zip code is HO-OOOO.

Point, Rebel.

Yeah.

Next question.

What is Frosty the Snowman's nose made out of?

Special Snowflake?

A button?

-That is correct! -Yes!

-Easy. -Next question.

The catchy carol "Jingle Bells"

was originally written for...

Thanksgiving!

To commemorate the Medford Sleigh Race!

But was originally entitled "One-Horse Open Sleigh."

And was the first song broadcast from space.

Wow! That's a lot of info.

Final question.

How far does Santa travel

each Christmas?

220 million miles.

Giving him, with the time zones,

36 hours to deliver gifts.

At 650 miles per second!

Breaking the speed of light!

Consuming roughly 150 billion calories of cookies and milk.

60,000 times his daily recommended intake!

Wow.

And with that, our trivia portion is over.

And I'm sorry to say, but Santa's Little Health,

you'll be heading home.

But not empty-handed,

as you'll be receiving $1,000 to the charity of your choice.

Thank you.

One down.

Now let's spend some time with our remaining contestants.

First up,

local celeb... Ben Winters... who needs no introduction.

You might have a pot holder or an energy bar

with his face on it.

And if you don't, you should.

Next up, we have Denver native

and McLeeds Consulting C.O.O. Lara Cottridge,

a.k.a. "Sleigh the Competition."

So, Lara, off your handle,

should we assume that you're competitive?

Oh... no, Marty.

I don't believe in competition.

Rather, I believe in challenging myself and others

to reach our full potential.

Tell that to the Great Christmas Scrabble War of 2012.

Yeah, I will tell that, because "aecia" is still a common noun.

Proper noun.

Uh... do you two know each other?

We used to...

kind of somewhat date.

And by "kind of somewhat date,"

she means we were together for four years.

Huh!

Well... Lara, Ben.

I'm sure there's a lot of history here.

Seeing as the contest is all about

fostering community spirit and holiday cheer,

I hope that you two can put the past behind you

and be good sports, yeah?

-Of course we can. -Definitely.

Well... Lara.

Best of luck to you.

And best of luck to you, too, Ben.

You're gonna need it.

Yeah, Ben and I once dated, but...

it is not gonna be a problem.

I am totally chill with him.

I would never describe Lara as "chill."

That girl is so competitive.

Yeah, I-I can be a little competitive,

but I mean, that's how I was raised...

to be ambitious.

Oh, this one year, she came up with this whole dance routine

just so we could win

her holiday talent contest for her work.

♪ We wish you ♪

♪ A Merry Christmas We wish... ♪

It's stuck in my head, all these years later.

My grandparents were immigrants.

My mom worked two jobs to put herself through school.

My mother left when I was young and, um...

my grandma raised me.

She wanted me to have everything she never could,

so she taught me the value of hard work

and wanted me to make something of myself.

I was set on making something of myself.

'Cause unless you're the lead dog,

the scenery never changes, right?

So who will be the lead dog in the contest's second event...

the bake-off?

We'll find out tomorrow.

And remember...

this isn't your run-of-the-mill baking competition.

These folks will be baking

holiday-inspired treats of epic proportions.

But our contestants won't be baking alone.

Throughout the contest,

they'll be helped by teams of three friends or family.

Because remember, this is about community.

-Lara. Hi. -Hi.

Oh. Did some Christmas shopping?

Oh, just some stuff for the bake-off.

This is a very nice dress to be baking in.

Oh, and look.

Designer heels to match.

I bake in heels all the time.

Sometimes.

Never.

Is this about your ex?

This is about being camera-ready.

Oh, Lara, come on.

I remember you and Ben.

You two were twin flames... a real power couple.

You were great together, but also...

intense.

"Intense"?

Intense!

Okay.

I have to go.

I know we're trying to wrap up the year,

but I will be back online tonight,

and I will pull an all-nighter,

but for now, I have to wrangle my Christmas Contest team.

Here are the blueprints for the yule-log cake.

This is very complicated.

Think perhaps you've gone a bit overboard?

What happened to "It's just a little contest"?

Ben happened!

Yep, Ben happened.

So this contest has gone

from "community spirit" and "spreading holiday cheer"

to "long-awaited moment of liberating personal catharsis."

Mm.

Girls, Lara dating Ben

was four years of her being treated

like she was never good enough.

This is her chance to prove

that she's not just good enough,

she is better.

Just...

...this seems a tad

petty.

You wouldn't want Santa to skip you.

Oh, Lara has been good this year.

Santa will forgive

one tiny Vesuvian act of revenge.

Ooh.

Girls, this contest is ours to lose,

because when Lara sets her mind on something,

it's hers.

My girl is a winner.

Again, no pressure.

Okay, Team Sleigh the Competition...

Mm.

All hands on deck?

Yes!

Oh, yeah!

Break!

Perfect! I'll get back to you.

Hey. Thanks for covering. I was on with Daytime Denver.

Oh, yeah?

Hey, what's his story?

Oh, that's Jayce.

He can be very focused, very determined.

Not the best social skills.

He's got a lot to prove.

Reminds me of myself at that age.

Anyway, so I just pitched Daytime Denver

a brilliant idea.

You know how we need a team for the Christmas Contest?

Well, I was thinking,

what if the team was made up of a few of these kids?

I mean, imagine...

me, and the kids, Yuletide cheer?

It's adorable-overload.

What's that I hear... a sure win?

And do I smell the sweet scent of endorsements?

It would also be a great experience for the boys.

Yes, I just said that.

Liam and Ellis are natural hams.

-I'm sure they'd love it. -But I need three.

What about Jayce?

Sure, Jayce. Yeah.

Good.

So can you call the parents and see what they think?

-Yeah. -Great.

-One more thing. -Mm-hmm?

Using the kids as your team wouldn't have anything to do

with you trying to get back at your ex-fiancée, would it?

Oh... Pfft. 'Course not.

No, actually, me competing against Lara

is a great opportunity for me to show

how much I've matured.

Because this contest is not about my ego.

Nope.

It's about me doing good in the world.

Which could also benefit your ego.

Sure. Maybe.

But no time for self-awareness now.

I've got places to be.

All right, my man.

Hey. Just keep your back elbow up.

Square up your shoulders. Lead leg out in front.

Step into it. Throw your hips.

Nice.

Thanks.

Okay, so anyways, I gotta do a recon of the bake-off site.

You good here?

Well...

Sure!

Lara.

Wow.

Come here often?

Or you just popped by to do a little recon?

Happened to be walking by.

Strange. Me too.

Mm.

I guess great minds think alike.

Great minds and... exes.

You know, Ben, it's good we bumped into each other

so we can get a handle on this sitch,

because, while the banter is fun...

It is, right?

...It's also incredibly immature.

And we can be adults, right? We can be civil.

So, Ben, are you ready

to bake a giant Christmas dessert tomorrow?

Of course.

What, are you suggesting

that baking a giant Christmas dessert

is hard?

Only as a rule, yes.

So I suggest you get yourself a recipe.

Oh, but I forgot.

You hate recipes

and anything related to instructions or directions.

So is this you being civil, or...

and I don't hate them, I just don't need them.

My bookshelf?

Which I built without instructions?

That collapsed the first time I put a book on it?

We couldn't prove that was an assembly issue.

Well, good luck with your baking.

And good luck with your baking.

Just make sure to ask the judges

if they prefer raw or undercooked.

Har, har, har.

Well, historically,

my baking may have leaned towards the less-well-done,

but you, undoubtedly,

will burn your bake-off creation.

-Ah. -And from the burnt crumbs

of your giant dessert,

my dessert will emerge

like a Phoenix rising from your sugary ashes!

Wow! Are you really gonna be this competitive

about a bake-off?

Oh, this is about more than a bake-off, Ben,

and you know it!

Okay. Being civil is obviously too ambitious.

How about, instead,

we are just competitors on-camera

and mature adults off-camera?

Okay?

Lara, you look beaut

Oh, thank you.

Honey, are you gonna bake for four hours in stilettos?

Oh. They're not stilettos. They're... pumps.

Besides, I brought sneakers.

Oh! Shoot! I forgot my sneakers.

Hi, Donna.

It's so nice to see you again.

Hello, Ben.

Oh, wow, that was the most terrifying "hello" of my life.

-Oh! My team! -Hey, Coach Ben.

What? No! No, no, no.

You can't have kids on your team.

Oh, really, and why not?

Because you're just using them for their adorable factor.

You think it's gonna work?

I'm not using them. How cynical of you.

I'm merely trying to offer these kids

a once-in-a-lifetime holiday experience.

Oh, hey, Marty, question for you.

Um... can we have whomever we want on our team?

-Yep. -Thanks.

My guys! Get in here.

Hey, coach.

I'm sorry, were you complaining about something?

Oh!

Who's ready to bake?

Oh, ho. Thank you.

And vanilla.

Ben's team is all kids!

How am I supposed to beat children?

Oh... wow.

Listen to the words coming out of my mouth.

No. No stress. It's all good.

Kids or no kids, our dessert is still a winner.

Uh, except that Beth just called.

It seems that her granddaughter just went into labor early,

so Beth is off to Fort Collins.

Till New Year's.

So we're down a team member?

Looks like luck is on our side!

Bernie! Hi! It's nice to see you.

And you, Lara!

I've missed you!

Oh. Me too, really.

So are you on Ben's team for the bake-off?

No, I'm just here for moral support.

Oh, good.

Well, then, question...

What's going on?

Uh, actually, I was just about

to ask Bernie if she'd like to join my team.

-What? -What?

After all, our team can be whomever we want, right?

I want Bernie.

Well, thank you, but I couldn't.

Wouldn't want to "Et tu, Grandma?"

No, Grandma...

you should do it.

What? R... Really?

Yeah, really. Definitely.

It'll be fun and, uh,

Lara could use your help.

Okay, fine.

But just for today.

Thank you!

What?

Grandma, this will be good.

You can make some new friends.

Change up your routine.

Okay?

Okay...

Hi, Donna.

Hi!

Do you remember who I am?

Of course.

Why, did you forget?

Get over here!

Oh, hey.

Oh, it's been way too long.

It looks like I'm on your team.

Really? Well, then let's get you an apron!

Come on.

So what do you think?

It's a "gym-gerbread" house.

It's clever, right?

A gym made of cookies?

-Mm-hmm. -Sure makes sense to me.

Oh, and your dessert is better?

Behold...

Operation: "Yule Be Sorry."

Whoa.

In honor of the stalwart reindeer,

we're doing a magical "Christmas forest" theme.

Oh... be careful.

My reindeer's very fragile.

I thought he was stalwart?

All right, we had two days to prepare.

How did you pull this off?

I called in a few favors from friends.

Bakers, architects, project managers.

-Oh! -But don't worry.

Since you can't beat me,

just make sure you don't come in last.

Now, please, may I have my reindeer?

See? All you had to do was ask nicely.

Okay, folks!

We're gonna start rolling soon.

Okay.

Ah! Have you guys ever baked before?

...So there I was, retired,

with no idea what to do with myself,

then I caught wind of a poker game

over at the senior center...

and the rest is history!

Oh, but enough about me.

How about you? How is Charlie?

Actually, he passed last year.

Oh, Bernie.

Oh, honey, I'm so sorry.

Would you two mind trying this for us?

Mm...

So, what do you think?

Delicious!

Heaven in butter form.

Ooh! Yes.

So good.

-Camera. -Camera!

What happened?

I turned my back on them for three seconds and...

Guys, we are supposed to have our eyes on the prize.

I know, but Ellis started it.

Only after Liam spilled on me.

-Guys. Guys! -Stop!

We are a team, all right?

So go with Chuck, make up, get cleaned up,

and get back to work.

There's less than an hour to go!

Let's go.

Oh, my goodness.

Dude! You're a really good baker.

Well, I live with my grandma, so I bake with her a lot.

You know, I was raised by my grandma, too.

Yeah, I know.

I've heard you talk about it in interviews.

Oh.

Great minds again.

Go ahead.

-No, you. -No, you.

Just use scissors.

No. That's why God invented hands.

Oh, I can assure you, God did not invent hands

to open up packages of candy.

And you know you're just gonna

burst open that bag and gumdrops are gonna

-fly everywhere. -No, I'm not!

It looks amazing!

Well done, ladies!

Just one more thing.

I slipped on a gumdrop.

This is the most humiliating moment of my life.

The most humiliating moment of your life so far.

Come on, honey. We'll get you cleaned up.

Oh, honey...

Sabotage. Just sabotage!

Ben did this.

Oh...

I'm sorry. I'll leave.

Oh, no, Bernie, it's fine.

And, of course, Ben didn't do this.

Mom. You have to stop.

I know you have your feelings about Ben

and I know you want me to win,

and I know what the center means to you.

Sweetheart, this whole contest is about you.

I've been watching your magic start to fade

and I just thought you could use a little fun,

otherwise, I would've entered the contest myself.

I'm sorry.

Oh!

Well, despite being covered in yule log and blisters

and awaiting a humiliating elimination...

...it has been kinda fun.

I just wish I'd spent more time enjoying it

instead of bickering with Ben.

I'm sure he feels the same way.

Now, let's finish cleaning you up

and get you back to set.

Oh...

It's now time to reveal

which of our bake-off contestants

will be leaving us now.

You've all performed admirably.

Lara, your yule log notably suffered in appearances,

but the cake was moist, the frosting rich,

and the flavors incredible,

which makes this decision...

...especially difficult.

So, the Christmas Contestant

who will be receiving $1,000 for the charity of their choice,

but, sadly, heading home is...

...Special Snowflake.

Aww.

But we'll be excited

to see our three remaining contestants

back on-air in two days,

for Christmas caroling.

I'm playing for my best friend and mother, Donna.

I'm playing for the kids on my team.

If I win, the money will go

to the senior center where my mom socializes.

When I win...

...uh, I'm gonna donate the money

to sports scholarships to help the kids on my team

with clinics and summer camps and equipment.

I know, people think senior centers

are just shuffleboard and applesauce, but...

really, they're centerpieces of the community.

I know people say that sports are just a game,

but they're so much more than that.

It's about, you know, finding a sense of self,

about work ethic.

They bring connection

to people who might otherwise feel isolated.

I know it's given my mom a sense of... belonging.

It's about a place where you belong.

Is it true...

Ben keeps jerky in his pocket?

You know what else goes good with sports?

Winters Christmas Jerky!

Mom! What are you doing?

I am teaching Martha...

...the Dougie.

But I don't know who Dougie is.

It's our Christmas carol choreography.

Oh! Well,

I appreciate the initiative,

but I don't think we're gonna Dougie.

Oh...

Where's Bernie?

Oh. She was a no-show.

We haven't even heard from her.

Oh, ho! Great.

You're alive.

So why did the principal call,

telling me you're playing hooky, huh?

Lara called, asking why you didn't show up

to carol practice.

Oh, that? No.

Joining her team was a one-time thing.

Why?

You had fun baking!

I saw you chatting it up with Donna,

so go get caroling.

Go hang out at the senior center.

Make some friends.

Why? What's the point?

I don't know. Human connection?

I have heard it makes the world go round,

but who knows?

Grandma, the point is, I worry about you,

here alone, all day, you know?

And Grandpa would've wanted it.

Well, just to keep the frustration going...

there's ten days till Christmas.

I'm out of ideas for gifts for you,

and so can you please just tell me what you want?

What?

It's just you're reminding me so much of your grandpa.

I used to have this exact conversation with him

every Christmas.

He'd never know what to get me

and threaten that if I didn't tell him,

he'd buy me a diamond tennis bracelet.

Not such a bad threat.

So did he ever get it for you?

No.

He wanted to...

but I would never let him.

So back to joining Lara's team...

listen, I'm on my way over to Santa's Grotto,

and I could easily drop you off on the way.

And if you say no,

I'm just gonna have to buy you a diamond tennis bracelet.

No tennis bracelet. Promise me!

I promise I won't buy you a diamond tennis bracelet,

if you join Lara's team.

Wow! What a great deal for you!

Get your coat.

Hi.

You're like a whack-a-mole.

Why? Because you want to hit me repeatedly with a giant mallet?

That, and you're everywhere.

Oh. Well, I saw you eyeing these chimney cakes.

I've always loved 'em.

I know.

I could get you one.

Ooh! What is she gonna decide?

Cake? Or no cake?

It's a real nail-biter, folks.

Fine, Winters. Buy me a chimney cake.

What was that?

Was that a... "Thank you"?

Sorry.

Old habits die hard.

No worries.

I still don't like whipped cream

and you still obviously like extra.

Know what? Fill me in on the last decade.

I saw you're the C.O.O. of McLeeds now?

I mean, congratulations.

How's it feel to have everything you ever wanted?

Yeah. It's a dream come true.

It's been an honor to help lead such a great company.

Wow! I sound like a bad press release.

I don't know, I've worked my butt off to get here.

I have everything I've wanted,

and I have nothing to complain about.

But I don't know, I just...

I work a lot.

Ahh.

And sometimes because I have to,

but sometimes because, um,

I don't know what else to do with myself.

And if I'm being totally honest...

it's not just work.

It's like sometimes my life...

feels a little empty,

a little flat.

No, I get it, really, you know.

I mean, shilling my celebrity to the milk-processing board

is about as fulfilling as I thought it would be.

"Got eggnog?"

I know.

Sometimes, I feel like my best days are behind me,

that I...

I don't mean anything anymore,

or that...

that I never meant anything.

It's...

Well...

these chimney cakes

aren't gonna eat themselves, so.

Mm!

You know what?

It's easy to remember the bad between us,

but chatting back there reminded me of the good.

How you could always see right through me,

get me talking,

how comfortable you could make me feel.

Well, I won't tell, if you don't.

But, yeah...

we had something special.

Eek!

Is that Lara and Ben?

It's the Christmas Contest couple!

O.M.G.

Would you both take a photo with Santa

for the Grotto's social?

-Oh... -Oh!

-Sure. -Yeah.

Hi, Santa.

A pic where you're both pecking Santa on the cheek?

-Oh. Uh... -Yeah.

Ho, ho.

Perfect!

Oh! Please don't post that!

Oh, I wouldn't worry about it.

I mean, how many people

are actually looking at that account?

No offense, Santa.

Pull up the Daytime Denver website.

Really, Mom? You texted "911."

Pull... up... the website.

"Looks like the King and Queen of Christmas

are an item again.

These two obviously make music together,

but do they make music apart?

Tune in to the carol-off tomorrow."

Mom.

Don't worry, it'll blow over by tonight.

Yeah, well, maybe it would've,

if the tabloids hadn't just picked it up.

I'll send you the link.

We didn't kiss!

Yeah, we kissed!

It was just a Santa staging mishap.

It was just... amazing.

Like always.

Something between us?

No!

Definitely not.

There'll always be something between me and Lara.

Ben has always had the power to turn my world upside-down,

but you can't live upside-down.

Losing her was the biggest regret of my life.

Why did we call it off?

Why did we call it off...?

"We" didn't.

Well, I guess, despite a life of team sports...

I'm a lone wolf at heart.

Come on.

Oh! You're here. I was worried. Any trouble?

Nothing easier than wrangling elves, Ben.

Ah. Great.

Ooh. My man, Liam.

Hi, Coach Ben.

Ooh! Ellis in the house!

My mom made us cookies.

Victory cookies. Digging it! Thanks, Mom.

There he is.

My MVP.

You ready, Jayce?

Yeah.

Yeah, you are.

Adorable overload.

Yeah. The kids are cute, too, right?

They definitely have hero worship.

I'd just call it being honest.

Hey, you'd better be bringing it today, Cottridge,

because Winters Wonderland definitely is.

Uh, well, get ready for a challenge.

You know I love a challenge.

All right, Ben. You're up next, Ben.

All right, boys. Let's do it. Come on.

We got this.

What?

"You know I love a challenge," huh?

I get it.

That boy is your great white buffalo.

My "great white buffalo"?

Ma, are you quoting Ted Nugent on the dangers of overhunting?

It means "the one who got away."

Mom, Ben is not "the one who got awa..."

I have more regret

over ordering pizza instead of calzone for lunch yesterday.

Right.

Okay, fine.

Maybe there's a smidge of residual emotion,

but not regret.

And Ben didn't "get away,"

Ben pushed me away.

And if we can be civil, then that's a win.

'Cause I don't want to spend another ten years

harboring a grudge against him.

Agree.

I'm just saying...

please, be careful with him.

Yeah, I get it.

You were never a fan.

Oh, Ben Winters has enough fans.

I just don't want him to hurt you again.

Okay?

Now, let's get this scrunched up.

Mom.

Okay, guys.

Let's do it.

Hi. Ready?

Yeah.

What's up? You nervous?

I don't know.

Maybe a little.

I mean, what if I make us lose?

Oh. Uh...

One, you won't, okay?

And, two...

winning, it isn't everything.

Of course, it is,

because if you win, then people like you.

What do you mean by that?

Like, if I get a baseball scholarship

and go pro,

then I'll be famous

and everyone will know me.

I'll be someone.

Like you.

Let's welcome Winters Wonderland

and his team of elves to the stage.

You got this. Okay?

Let's go.

Okay. We got this. Let's go, guys. Come on.

Let's do it. All right. Here we go.

Are you good? You ready? You guys ready?

Okay. Here we go.

Five, six, seven, eight...

♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪

♪ Fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la, la ♪

♪ 'Tis the season To be jolly ♪

♪ Fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la, la ♪

♪ Don we now Our gay apparel ♪

♪ Fa-la-la, la-la, la la-la, la ♪

♪ Troll the ancient yuletide carol ♪

♪ Fa-la-la, la-la, la la-la, la ♪

♪ La! La! La! La! ♪

Yes!

Yes! Yes. Aw, dude.

We have been scooped by the Bad News Bears!

What are we gonna do? "Deck the Halls" was our song.

-We could perform it as well. -Oh, are you kidding?

Did you hear them?

Those kids are ringers from Star Search.

Oh, Mom, you're dating yourself.

Oh, why did Ben have to pick that song?

He knows it's my second favorite.

Well, maybe he picked it because he was hoping

you'd perform your first-favorite carol.

Oh, no. No, no, no, no. Not gonna happen.

Where else are you gonna find a fully-choreographed,

holiday-inspired song-and-dance routine

in the next five minutes?

Our next carolers are Sleigh the Competition...

Lara Cottridge and her team, the Jingle Ladies!

♪ We ♪

♪ Wish you ♪

♪ A Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you ♪

♪ A Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you ♪

♪ A Merry Christmas ♪

♪ And a Happy New Year ♪

♪ Good tidings we bring ♪

♪ To you and your kin ♪

♪ We wish ♪

♪ You ♪

♪ A Merry Christmas ♪

♪ And a happy ♪

♪ New Ye-ee-ear ♪

Wow! Sleigh the Competition sleighs!

We'll be back after these messages

to reveal which of our contestants

is eliminated

and which two will be our finalists.

Yay!

You remembered our routine.

I did.

Actually, I remembered a lot of things.

Yeah?

Well, not "remembered," but realized.

I suddenly understand how much of my life

I've spent trying to be the best.

Trying to win, trying to...

win people over to prove that I was good enough,

but I-I realize

I was just trying to prove it to myself,

because I didn't believe it.

I know that tune well.

I also realize

I've spent all of these years blaming you

for what went wrong between us,

but it was my fault, too.

Our inability to be a partnership...

that was half me,

so I need to take responsibility.

Wow.

That's a... a big realization.

I guess forget therapy... everyone should just carol.

Lara, I am so sorry I hurt you.

But I guess we always hurt the ones that we...

...are civil to?

Are, uh...

mature adults with?

Are newly strangers?

Mm, I think we always hurt the ones we...

...tolerate?

Ahh.

Well, all three performances were wonderful,

but sadly...

Rebel...

you will not be advancing to the final round.

But congratulations...

you've won $1,000 for Bikes for Tikes.

Thank you.

It's been a real honor.

We now move on to our fourth and final event.

In four days,

our two finalists, Lara and Ben,

will be co-hosting a Christmas party

with a theme of their joint choosing

at Denver's historic Santa's Grotto.

At the party, Lara and Ben

will each unveil

a Christmas tree they've decorated

as they read their answers

to the contest application question...

"What is Christmas?"

So, Lara, Ben...

in four days, the contest will be over

and one of you will be crowned

the King or Queen of Christmas.

Are you ready for that?

Well, um...

No.

No.

I'm not quite ready for this to end.

Okay, Cottridge,

we got to make this the most rocking Christmas party

in Denver's history.

Oh, easy.

I've got the party theme on lock.

Oh, no need. I've got that part figured out.

Oh, and you're sure your idea is better than mine?

Yeah.

On a count of three. Three, two, one...

-Elf-a-palooza! -Elf-a-palooza!

Great minds.

So we're gonna rock and elf-themed Christmas party

together?

Those are the rules.

Well, guess if I have to.

Let's get to work.

Yeah! Looking good.

Just fill it up.

You know what? Hang on a second.

Hey. Why don't you go join your friends?

Liam and Ellis aren't my friends.

Well, I mean, maybe not yet,

but they would be if you tried, right?

I've tried,

and kids don't want to be my friend.

You mean Liam and Ellis?

No, other kids.

At school.

Well...

dude.

Well, listen.

First, I'm no expert, but...

I think making friends is...

it's kind of like a box of chocolates, right?

You gotta just keep eating 'em

until you find that delicious caramel one.

Do you get what I mean?

No.

Uh...

Let me see.

All right.

I mean, you said you wanted to be famous, right?

You wanted to "be someone" so people would like you.

Unfortunately, it doesn't really work like that.

There's no amount of people liking you

that's gonna make you like yourself,

that's gonna make you feel like you mean something.

That...

that's gotta come from you.

Is this is a bit mature?

I don't really speak 12-year-old.

No. It's good.

You did good.

Oh, you left this in the car.

It's ringing non-stop.

Oh, that's work. Let me take care of that.

What? You don't want to check in with the office?

No, I don't.

These past few weeks have felt like such a needed break,

and I'm really not looking forward

to going back to how things were.

Maybe I'm beginning to wonder if I want a change.

No, sweetheart,

you're just burnt-out.

What if it's more than that?

What if I want something different?

You have always pushed me to work my hardest,

do my best,

be the best.

And sometimes, I feel like

I'm just constantly chasing more,

and for what? What's the point?

Where's the meaning?

What if I want to stop for a while

and try to find what gives my life meaning?

Then I'd be proud of you.

Would you really?

You know, I'm...

gonna go take these back to the girls.

What are you doing?

Proving Camus wrong.

Here. Let me. I'm good at this.

Okay.

What's going on?

Oh, come on. I see you, Cottridge.

I guess everything

just kind of feels off-kilter.

Hmm.

Like this was supposed to be just a fun little contest,

and somehow, it's turned into way more than that.

Yeah.

And soon, it'll be over,

and I don't know what comes next.

Well, I get it.

The last two weeks have just been...

they've been amazing,

and you know, I never thought I'd say this,

but I actually love working with kids.

Turns out, feeling like you're making a difference

actually helps you get out of bed in the morning.

Who would've thunk?

Okay. Wow, miracle-worker.

Well, it was always my favorite job.

Hon'?

Oh.

The girls are exhausted

and want to head back to the center.

Want to ride back with us?

Unwind with a round of gin rummy?

Or better yet, some poker?

I'm behind at work.

I should crunch.

But, hey, Donna, um...

if, uh, if you're looking for an extra poker player,

well...

I'd be down.

Sure. If you're in the mood to get crushed.

Come on.

"Full House" Winters!

F.G.W.!

Martha, how about we scrounge up some cider?

So are you just upset with my impressive poker skills

or me in general?

Donna, I know you don't like me.

It's not that I don't like you, Ben.

You know, I haven't been a perfect mother.

And I may have unwittingly led by example

and taught Lara to guard her heart.

But you proved me right.

You broke her heart.

I know.

And I can tell you I'm never gonna forgive myself for that...

...but...

...maybe this is my chance to prove you wrong.

Guess what, Jingle Ladies?

Ben here just offered

to use his poker winnings to buy us all dinner.

Whoo-hoo!

Please prove me wrong, Ben.

Hi. Come in.

What are you doing here?

Your mom wanted me to bring this to you.

Something about a calzone you let get away?

How's the work crunch going?

Oh, it's not.

Honestly, I'd rather be doing literally anything else.

Or nothing at all,

just lie on the floor and stare at the ceiling.

Well, let's lie on the floor and stare at the ceiling.

See? It's a reindeer.

It really does look like a reindeer.

Oh, how do I get by in life, you may wonder?

On charm, mainly.

What?

I just forgot...

or I wanted to forget...

what a force of nature you are.

You know what I always said about you?

You have the power to turn my world upside-down.

But can you live upside-down?

Lara, I've never stopped thinking about you.

I've thought about you all these years

and I still think about you.

I'm just scared I'm never gonna stop thinking about you.

You know, just... sharing.

You can take that with a grain of salt.

I take it with more than a grain of salt, Ben.

But you loved me...

you dumped me,

so...

you can't expect me

to once again run breathless into your arms.

I should get home.

There's still enough time to waste the entire night

trying to figure out what to get my grandma for Christmas.

Massage gun.

I did that last year. She used it as a plunger.

Ew!

Ew.

Man, I wish I could go back in time.

You know, not just to set some things right...

...but to feel some things twice.

I'm gonna go.

Ben.

Know what my mom said about you?

No, and I probably don't want to.

She told me

you're my great white buffalo...

...the one who got away.

You're awesome.

Hey.

Oh.

Shouldn't you be working on your tree, Benjy?

Ahh! I have tree-block.

Grandma, I could use some inspo.

You gotta tell me... what's Lara's tree theme?

Oh!

You are such a traitor!

Well, I got you a little something.

It's an early Christmas present.

It's a spa package for you and your team.

Oh...

But you hate it.

I don't hate it, it's just...

I'm not sure I'll keep seeing the gals.

Why not? You obviously like them.

Yeah, but...

I'm old and I'm settled in my ways.

Well, you don't have to be.

Grandma, can you excuse me?

Oh. Hi.

Hi.

Wow.

Wherever you were right there

must be almost as beautiful as you look right now.

So you happy with the party prep?

Very happy.

I think this is gonna be the best Christmas party...

actually...

best Christmas ever.

Mm.

Best Christmas ever so far.

Mm.

I stand corrected.

Can I have this dance?

They're playing a slow song.

There's no music.

Oh, there is in my daydream.

Oh, so smooth.

Amongst other things.

Definitely charming.

Oh, well, when you're through being charmed by me,

I'll make sure to remind you to find me annoying again.

But what if

you're never through being charmed by me?

So you think you're gonna win?

You think you're gonna win?

I asked you first.

Honestly?

I truly don't care about winning anymore.

-Mm. -What about you?

I already won.

As preciously stated,

so smooth.

Oh, I have some big news I wanna share with you.

So you know how I've been doing this "Winters Session" camp?

I have decided to turn it

into a year-round sports non-profit for kids.

Wow... really?

Yeah, really. I mean, it's a good idea, right?

Uh... I...

Yes, i-it's amazing,

it's wonderful, noble.

But it's a huge undertaking.

There's a massive difference between

a ten-day program

and running a year-round nonprofit.

Yeah, but different is good, right?

I mean, isn't this what we said?

That we want our lives to be different?

-Yes. -Okay.

Well, then we've got to take a leap.

I mean, you said that you're not fulfilled

in your life and job,

and you want meaning,

so do it,

and do it with me.

Together or separate... w-whatever.

Just find something that fulfills you.

You could even work with me at the nonprofit,

if you wanted to,

but let's just burn some bridges

and let the flames light the way.

What... What's that look?

It's just I have heard this all before.

"Let's take the leap, let's interweave our lives."

And then you come off your high

and remember you're just a "lone wolf at heart."

I don't know. Maybe I've changed.

I got to go meet my team.

Maybe I'm the one who's changed.

Working at McLeeds has been an honor,

but I've been here for 12 years,

and I want a change.

And I don't know exactly what that change is,

but I know I need to make a first step...

...so I'm resigning as C.O.O.,

but I'd like to move into a consulting position,

if you'll have me.

Well, of course, we'll have you, but...

Lara, are you really sure?

Maybe you should take some time to think this over.

I know things have been hectic,

but we could put a pin in this until after the holidays,

when things return to status quo.

That's the problem.

I don't want to return to status quo.

But what are you gonna do?

I don't know.

I think...

I'm gonna burn some bridges

and let the flames light the way.

Oh, you're late!

The girls are inside, waiting to start on the tree.

Yeah, sorry, I was held up at work.

Mm.

Um... actually, some news.

I stepped down as C.O.O..

I'm moving into a consulting position at McLeeds.

Okay.

And I might help

Ben turn his sports camp into a year-round nonprofit.

Lara!

You quit your job for Ben?

I quit it for me.

I don't want that life anymore.

And you could at least try

to veil your blatant disapproval.

I just want you to have what I couldn't.

But have you ever asked if that's what I want, Mom?

To be a winner? To be "the best"?

And if I can't be who you want me to be...

if you can't live through me...

can you still love me?

How could you even think that?

I'm gonna head in.

The girls are waiting.

You finish your tree?

Uh, just about.

Mom and the girls left a little while ago.

-You? -Yeah.

Yeah, the boys were tired. Chuck took 'em home.

So, obviously, we need to talk.

Yes, we do.

I know I kind of shut down yesterday,

but I've been thinking a lot more about what you said...

just taking the leap,

separately, together...

building something with meaning.

And yes, I am scared but I'm also...

What's that expression?

I-I don't know.

I've also been thinking about what you said yesterday,

and you know, maybe you're right.

I mean, what happens if, when I come off my high,

and I am still just a lone wolf,

and I hurt you?

So I'm thinking that maybe

we slow our roll a little

and we hold steady a while.

and I stick with endorsements and you stay at McLeeds,

and then we see what shakes out.

Ben, that would be a great option

if I hadn't just quit my job this morning.

What? You quit your job?

Ben, come on. I know you're scared, but...

Actually, no.

No, I am not doing this again.

I'm not gonna beg you to be with me.

I'm freaking amazing!

But I want you to know that I believe you can change.

I believe you can be better.

Because I know who you really are,

and I can't even believe

you're not trying to be that person,

because I am trying.

Lara, we both know that you're better than me.

-Oh! -You're too good for me and...

Oh, wow. We are right back to where we were.

But of course we are, because how could I think

that anything would be different when we'd always be the same?

We will never be a partnership.

We'll never be a team.

We'll always be a zero-sum game,

where someone will win and someone will lose,

except we both lose.

-Lara. -No.

We have to get through tomorrow.

Lara, I'm sorry, I...

No. Go.

I have to finish my tree.

Hey... it's just me.

Honey?

Are you okay?

Just tell me you told me so.

You were right about Ben, as always.

Okay, first of all,

I don't want to be right.

And second, I am not right, I'm wrong,

and I have been so wrong.

All I ever wanted

was to teach you to be strong, and independent,

and prepared for this world,

like I wasn't.

But in doing that,

I forgot to teach you the importance

of also being soft and vulnerable.

And I am sorry.

I'm not perfect.

And being your mom has been some work.

But you also blew my heart wide open

and you've taught me a better person.

Thank you, Lara, for this work.

Thank you for teaching me.

And I know that things need to change...

we need some boundaries.

I know that I cannot keep living my life through you.

So please just be patient with me, huh?

Okay.

Now, what are we gonna do about Ben?

Oh...

There's nothing to do.

But these past few weeks, I have been...

shown something I've needed to realize for years...

that I want things to be different.

I want my relationships to be different

with... with work and love, with you.

And most importantly, with myself.

But as for me and Ben?

We will always be the same,

so there's nothing to do.

But I am grateful I re-met him,

'cause he's always had

the power to turn my world upside-down and...

my world needed an upside-downing.

Hey, Grandma.

What happened?

Oh, I guess she remembered who I really am

and realized that people don't actually change.

Benjy.

Remember how I told you about Grandpa Charlie

and the tennis bracelet he wanted to buy?

Of course.

The truth is,

it was more than just a bracelet to him.

It was a symbol.

It was Charlie's way of saying

he wanted a grow-together kind of love.

And now, not a day goes by

that I don't wish I could've given him that time,

that growth...

And he would've wanted me to grow,

even after he's gone.

And he would've been so grateful to you

for pushing me out of my comfort zone.

Ah.

Hey, Bernie.

Well, if you're here to tell me that I proved you right...

you are right.

Lara's better off without me.

So? What are you gonna do about it?

What should I do about it?

Well, fight for her!

Ben, listen.

Life is a hand each of wonder and loss.

We search for meaning

and we find it...

we lose it.

And we search again...

not realizing

that the answer is right there, in front of us the whole time.

So... you know the meaning of life?

Of course we do!

And so do you.

Oh, and Ben, um, I checked out your tree.

It is so cute!

But we need way more than cute here, okay?

-I... -So, luckily,

I called in reinforcements.

Come on, Bernie.

Look, I appreciate you being here,

but you shouldn't have to pick up my slack.

Hey, man, this time, it's my pleasure.

You are a good employee.

No, you're a good friend.

There you go.

You bet I am.

All right, what's the game plan?

Let's follow those ladies' lead.

All right.

The party is wonderful, Lara.

It's such a success!

And honey.

you are such a success.

In every way. I'm just so proud of you.

Oh, thanks, Mom. You inspire me.

-Mm. -You all do.

You are amazing ladies.

Amazing "Jingle Ladies," you mean!

Here's to Team "Sleigh the Competition"!

And...

Give me a jingle!

Hello, Denver,

and welcome to the most anticipated event

of the holiday season...

the Christmas Contest finale!

Today, our contestants will read their application essay

and then unveil their trees.

So... take it away, Lara.

Uh...

my original essay said something like,

"What is Christmas?

Like life, it's a time to find meaning."

But I'm not gonna read my essay,

because while I managed to wax philosophical on the topic,

I-I really didn't know what I wanted to say,

but now I do.

At some point, we all ask ourselves,

"What is the meaning of life?"

And at some point,

maybe when we fall in love...

...maybe when we lose someone...

we learn the sudden, fleeting answer to the question...

an answer that reminds us

of life's immense possibility for change.

Sometimes, that change gets the better of us.

Sometimes, we lose ourselves in it.

But it's during those moments of change,

of love, of loss...

that we realize the real question isn't,

"What is the meaning of life?"

but rather, "How do I give my life more meaning?"

And then...

Christmas comes with all the answers.

Oh.

And as for my tree...

I didn't decorate it,

I'm not competing anymore,

because life isn't a competition.

Christmas isn't a competition.

I'm also not competing anymore

and I'm not gonna read my essay because, well,

frankly, I didn't mean it when I wrote it...

...but I mean it now.

See, I said that, "Christmas is a time to be together."

And that's true.

Because I learned

that connection is all that matters,

and I... second Lara.

You know, we spend so much of our lives

searching for meaning,

but all I know now

is that whatever the meaning of life...

...we don't find it alone.

But I did decorate my tree...

just not for the contest, but...

for Lara.

Let's take a quick break.

Why is your tree upside-down?

You know why.

Because, Lara, you turn my world upside-down.

I know that I messed up,

and I know that I hurt you,

and I know that I have a lot of work to do on myself,

but I just really hope that you give me a third chance,

because I have spent so much of my life

trying to prove that I mean something,

not knowing what that something is.

With you, I know.

We're each other's great white buffalo.

Are you ready?

Well, despite neither contestant following the rules,

the Christmas Contest winner is...

...Lara and Ben!

It's a tie!

So Lara and Ben will split the money.

Half will go to the senior center

and half will go to Ben's sports program.

This is perfect!

So this means we can keep training with you?

Always, dude. I'm your coach!

Yes!

So are we in this together?

Are you talking about the sports program, or...

I'm talking about everything.

Well, then, I guess you could say...

...I am finally ready to fall breathlessly into your arms.

Come on, let's celebrate, guys.

Aw, thank you so much.

Definitely not

the best Cottridge Christmas Eve dinner ever.

I think it's perfect.

Oh.

Here, Grandma.

Thank you.

Hon'. I told you not to get me anything.

This one's not from me.

Oh!

Hi. I need to talk to you about something.

I think I discovered the meaning of life.

Oh, yeah?

-Yeah. -You gonna tell me?

Well, I can't tell you...

but, um...

I can show you.

Best kiss ever?

It's not a contest, Winters.

But...

...best kiss ever so far.

Oh. Well, then...