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So, here's the deal.

I've had the best Christmases ever,

and I owe it all

to my grandparents, who raised me.

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While most folks deck the halls,

we deck the hallways with all of our neighbors.

They made sure our Winter Wonderland

ate and left no crumbs.

It's been a few years since Granddad passed,

and so, I'm coming back to relive the celebration.

Everything is going to be perfect

just like back in the day.

I am so excited.

Nothing can kill the vibe.

Well...

Almost nothing.

Hey!

Hey...

Whoo! Ah-ha! Hut-hut-hut!

Whoo! We gonna party!

Whoo! Girl, you're looking good, you're looking good!

Whoo!

Twerk-twerkin' and hoo-hoo...

Ha! Oh!

Hi, sweetie! Okay, uh...

Party, move!

Everybody, go to 3B... Beverly... Beverly's place.

Yes!

Come on, let's roll it out.

I'll be with you in just a minute, baby.

Ah...

Go party like it's 1959!

Surprise...?

Yeah, and a little awkward!

Grams, what happened here?

Did your apartment get hijacked by hipsters?

No! I did a makeover.

Don't you just love it?

The designer, she told me

I needed to embrace my authentic self.

But don't you worry!

I didn't touch your room.

It's just like it always was.

Mm.

"Live your truth"?

Grams!

Your "truth" is ceramic cats and doilies.

Zoe, those cats

they were judging me.

I can see it in their little ceramic eyes,

when they would follow me all over the house.

Where's Granddad's rocking chair?

Gone!

The feng-shui consultant man... he just... he

he told me that it was blocking my emotional energy.

Oh, they were just weighing me down.

Why

do you have stripper shoes?

Oh, those are empowerment shoes

for my "Hip-Hop in Heels" class.

And,

and this?

My "Aerial Contortion" class.

It's great for the core!

Ha! Granny be bending, baby.

Oh-kay! Oh-kay.

Granny, I-I don't understand.

I thought I would come home and have Christmas

like, uh, we've always had.

But what we planned

was for me to come to you in San Francisco.

I know, but I thought,

why not relive the past holidays,

like back in the day, you know?

Why now?

Why this year?

Well, I just... I just felt like I needed to be here.

And you know what?

Quite frankly,

I am floored by all of this.

You have been a librarian for 40 years.

You collect thimbles.

When your granddaddy died,

I realized that we had been living our best life.

Now I'm living my best life.

So, are we gonna be here for Christmas, or not?

Okay, look, Granny, I have a... just a quick question.

Um, so, Christmases, Thanksgiving,

you know, baptisms

never once have you shown us this new you.

Why?

Because I didn't want to go through your reactions

and your judgement,

like you're doing right now.

So, you've been cosplaying as an old grandma

this entire time?

Mm-hmm.

Yup!

Now, listen.

Baby

this is your home,

and I am so happy that you are here, but...

Granny gotta make her rounds. Mm-hmm.

So...

I'll see you in a bit!

Buh-bye.

Agnes, a man on my Holiday Hookups app

says he's "420-friendly".

Is that some kind of time-zone thing?

Oh, no, honey.

That means

he enjoys the Devil's lettuce.

Oh.

He likes salad?

Smokable! Swipe left!

Girlfriend, swipe left,

unless you wanna spend the entire holiday

wondering why your potato chips taste like enlightenment.

"Enlightenment"?

Oh! Oh, everybody!

Look who's here to visit me for the holidays.

My grandbaby!

Hi, everyone.

Oh, yeah. Yeah, it's a long time...

Grams!

Grams...

What was all of that, back there?

Are you running some kinda hallway therapy ring?

I prefer "community wellness facilitator".

Follow me.

Let's go see the boys.

Look who it is!

Hey.

Zoe!

- Happy holidays. Welcome home. - She's so cute!

Isn't she?

Oh, hey, Zoe, we-we got the, um

baby shower gift you sent, thank you.

We took a picture of Claire in that onesie you bought us.

It's just fantastic.

How is our cute little angel doing?

Oh, advanced.

She transferred that rattle from her left hand to her right.

- Oh? - That's high-motor development.

She's three months!

She's a potato with reflexes.

She's happy, she's healthy,

and she has the two of you as parents, so,

what else does she need?

I'm sorry, Miss Agnes, did you call her a "potato"?

Oh! Gosh.

Oh, well, you know, Zoe,

just after so many years trying to adopt,

we finally got our blessing, but I gotta tell ya,

I just think we're a little over our heads, you know?

Well, there's been moments,

but I think we're really finally

getting the hang of this whole "dads" thing.

Only took 'em three months

to stop panicking every time she'd sneeze.

- Oh? - Yes, this is so true.

And I gotta tell ya, Agnes,

I don't know what we would have done without you,

- so, thank you, really. - Oh...

It really does take a village.

- Yeah. - We finally figured out

the paternity-leave schedule.

Yeah, and it means that one of us

is always with Claire, you know,

so there's no, like, stranger anxiety.

Just Daddy anxiety.

That's true.

Just call us if you need us!

Oh, thanks, Agnes.

We have one more stop to make.

Zoe?

Jace?

My, my, my... some things never change.

You and that young man

your timing has always been off.

Well, maybe things will be different this Christmas.

- Look, honey, it's Zoe! - Hi!

Zoe! You look fab.

Ho-ho!

We didn't know you were coming.

Wow, your place looks amazing, as per usual.

Let's party!

You just missed Jace.

He's heading back to Detroit for Christmas.

I'm sure he'd have loved to have seen you.

You two used to be inseparable.

And Leah, the world traveler

well, she just landed a new job in Mexico.

They wanted her to start right away,

so now, no kids!

Retirement, freedom.

Mm, to do what we wanna do, go where we wanna go,

live where we wanna live!

Live where you wanna live?

Well, I mean, yeah, if need be.

We can do anything now.

Anything!

Anything.

I think we should go now.

Let's get outta here.

Come on. Come on.

So, now that we've made your rounds,

can we talk about what's up

with the fifth-floor Christmas party?

Baby...

I loved your granddad with my whole heart.

Now, all those parties were his idea.

I've moved on.

So, the subject's closed.

- But, Grams, you... - Let's talk about

your ex-boyfriend, Knox.

I heard it was a sudden and painful breakup

after five long years.

Well, that was so six months ago.

I'm over Knox!

Completely, totally... 100% moved on.

You didn't keep any of the relics

of that relationship, huh?

Maybe, like, a book or a coffee mug?

Or a sweatshirt

that you liked to smell, hmm?

Okay,

so I kept a photo of us at the Louvre,

but it was half-mine anyway.

Zoe!

Now, you know

you cannot go off into the future,

dragging the past along.

Well, you can't erase the past no matter how hard you try.

Who do you think you're talking to?

Go on over there and sit down!

Sorry. I-I mean, I was just saying...

Coming here, acting like you grown.

You painted Al the mailman?

He's retired now, but

oh, his chest hairs

made such interesting texture work.

Ew! Grams.

Uh.

Are you happy?

Well, that's a better question for you, sweetheart.

Are you happy, Zoe?

Why wouldn't I be?

Let's see

the Knox of it all

your ex-boyfriend.

Grams, we have already covered that.

No.

You pivoted, and then, you gave me the Heisman.

Why did you two break up?

Were you having commitment problems?

Because if you are, I have a life coach,

and, ooh, she could help you.

I don't have commitment issues, Grams.

Well, I worry about you!

And I know why that is.

Why do I feel like a TED Talk is coming in three, two...

You didn't make any friends in the Bay,

and all your little job associates

and that little boyfriend

you cannot do that to yourself.

You have to have time for yourself!

But this isn't about me, Grams.

This is about you and... and...

I have questions about you and the Coat of Arms,

about the neighbors

things just aren't right!

Well, those questions will have to wait.

Where are you going?

Out!

And don't follow me!

Here's the deal.

I'll let you hang with me if you can be cool.

Can you do that? Can you be cool?

I can't believe my grandmother is asking me this.

Of course, I can "be cool".

All right. Let's go.

Give me a Christmas Cranberry Mule.

A double!

I'm breaking in my granddaughter.

Cheers.

"Rum, Rum, Rudolph."

One "Smokin' Hot Chocolate".

Yeah, that's me, all right!

Is that safe?

Probably not,

but neither is growing old quietly.

Whoo!

That's my grandbaby out there, everybody!

Whoo! Zoe!

♪ Comfort and joy

♪ We bring you comfort and joy ♪

♪ Yeah

♪ Comfort and... joy, joy, joy, joy! ♪

♪ Be a merry man make it swing ♪

♪ Let me want to be your girl ♪

♪ Make me wanna sing

♪ I know you love to love someone ♪

♪ That loves you like I do ♪

♪ Daddy!

♪ All right

♪ Have a good night

♪ Come on! Sing the blues, yeah! ♪

♪ Whoo!

♪ Comfort

♪ Comfort and joy, yeah

♪ Comfort, comfort and joy ♪

Well, that was fun.

You ready to find an after-party?

Afterparty?

Grams, it's 2:00 A.M.

Well, that's when all the late crowd starts.

Who are you?

And what have you done with my grandmother?

I'm here... new and improved.

Come on, let's get your coat.

I don't know who we are as a couple anymore,

without the kids.

What would our younger selves do?

Well, back when we were kids, growing up here

we would throw caution to the wind

especially at Christmas.

That was "our" time.

So, this holiday,

let's do what our younger selves would do.

What are you doing?

I am purchasing us a Christmas resort vacation.

Our first Christmas without the kids

in decades.

Very impulsive.

And sexy.

And I was also thinking

maybe a fresh start for us... away from all this.

For good.

What do you mean, moving away from the Coat of Arms?

Let's start with this vacay.

Just see where it goes.

Zoe?

Baby, you didn't make it to your bedroom?

After our night on the town, how could I?

And where are you off to?

Oh, to the Boughs of Holly Brunch,

where they have never-ending Merry Mimosas.

And why are you dressed like that?

Oh, this? It's my secret weapon.

What is that?

Bodies be body in' and curves be curvin'.

My dress, so tight

these killer hips don't lie...

I'm on the most-wanted list of the F... B... I!

Okay, Grams... you need a rest.

Oh, baby, my life coach,

she told me I am running my own ship,

and I am ready to set sail!

You know,

this is what Granddaddy would've wanted for me.

I'm gonna be back later. Taking you to lunch.

Okay? So, just get up.

Get up, get ready!

Thank you, baby!

- Of course. - Ah...

Ooh, coming here was such a great idea.

It reminds me

of when Miss Irene would invite us over for pizza

on Friday nights in the summer.

Oh, I loved that.

But she was just helping me, too,

because you and your granddad were always hungry

24-7, all day, every day.

True, true.

Wait, you said this place is new to the neighborhood?

Yeah, it's been here about a month.

- Oh, okay. - You know something?

I want to take a selfie.

I wanna post it

on the fifth-floor chat group, you know... proof of life.

You are in love with that group chat.

Will you just help me take a selfie?

- Okay, okay. - All right.

Oh, goodness.

Oh, I can help.

Zoe.

Jace.

Thought I saw you earlier. What are you doing here?

I-I mean, I can ask you the same thing.

Your parents said you were living in Detroit.

Yeah, I've been splitting my time between there and here.

I finally took my mom's recipes

and opened that pizza joint I used to dream about,

and this is our second location.

Oh, wow!

Yeah, your grams knew all about it.

I thought she might've told you.

Oh. She does, does she?

How about I show you ladies to a table?

Right this way.

Thank you.

- Uh-huh. - You said...

Zoe Irons... in the flesh.

To think, as kids, you... little Miss Emily Post

forced me to play "Restaurant" with proper etiquette.

Uh, well, and now, you run a restaurant,

or, actually, excuse me,

you own an entire restaurant chain?

Congratulations!

I am surprised the two of you lost touch.

I mean, you two were thick as thieves.

Coat of Arms besties!

Facts.

And after high school...

Life

happened, in a blink of an eye.

And here we are again.

Well...

I am going to just pop over to the ladies' room,

but take all the time you need to get reacquainted.

I think we've been set up.

You know how Grams is.

Yeah.

So... Jace.

How's life been treating you?

Let's see...

I've been divorced for two years now

the same year I opened my first restaurant in Detroit.

You know what?

I think I got you beat there.

Yeah, my ex and I didn't even make it to engagement rings,

let alone down an aisle, so...

Oh...

- Yeah. - Well, I'm sorry, Zoe.

I remember my first Christmas after the breakup.

Tough.

Yeah. I mean, it's hard to let go

of those holiday memories.

I'm sure you know,

but everything on the fifth floor has just

changed!

I know.

It's like the holiday spirit

just up and left from the fifth floor,

for some destination unknown,

and didn't even leave a return address.

Well, see...

I am gonna reverse that.

I'm going to bring the Christmas party back.

That's the one thing

that tied the floor together like a family.

- You're serious? - Mm-hmm.

I'd love to help.

You know, folks on the fifth have been good to me,

especially your grandparents.

I wanna give back to them, if I can.

Is your Grams in on it?

Uh, she knows, but, uh

she's over it,

for now.

And, with that,

we need to do better and stay in touch,

and not just on socials.

Agreed. Oh, give me your number,

and I don't mean your grandma's landline.

You still remember that?

Yeah! I-I dialed it enough times,

and hung up before anyone answered.

Really?

Yeah. I was 13 and terrified.

And now?

And now I'm in my thirties,

and only slightly less terrified.

Oh, man.

Am I your Sports Illustrated model?

Oh, ho, ho... you're my Cover Girl!

I'm a groupie!

Oh, hi, Leah!

Hi. Guess what, Mom and Dad?

Jace and I are coming home for Christmas!

We can't let you suffer empty-nest syndrome

for the holidays.

We are the cure.

- We were just pack... - I talked to my job,

and I can start right after New Year's.

I told them that I can't miss

the last Christmas before I move.

And Jace cannot be alone for Christmas again,

so I talked him into staying, too.

We were

- just... - Okay, bye, Mom and Dad!

I will see you soon. Mwah!

Guess I'll... cancel our reservations.

We're not canceling us... just the location!

What? What...

What happened, Xander?

I just got a call from Child Services.

Oh... is everything all right?

Is... Is this about the adoption paperwork?

They said that I am, uh

a father, uh

to a 9-year-old boy... his name's Eli.

I'm sorry, what?

Yeah, his mother, Bella Perez, she passed away three weeks ago.

It was a cardiac event.

I guess it took a while to establish paternity.

I can't believe Bella kept this from me for a decade.

Hey, you're a wonderful father to Claire,

and you're gonna be a wonderful father to Eli.

You're right...

You're right.

All we wanted was a kid for Christmas,

and now we have two.

You did all of this since yesterday?

Operation: Christmas Revival.

Mm-hmm!

You've got

timelines and contingency plans.

Mm-hmm.

Budgets?

Come with me. I do my best thinking outside.

Let's go!

Zoe, I love that you wanna do this,

but your granddad had a way to him

that made planning Christmas parties... fun.

And you know, by now,

some of the neighbors can't be micromanaged.

Well, I tend to disagree.

All right.

Try managing Mr. Huang,

who still hangs his lucky red lanterns all over the place,

and the Gomez family

who play mariachi Christmas music until two A.M.

But you see? You are proving my point.

This is why we need structure and organization.

No, they-they march to the beat of their own drum.

You know this.

It's bad enough that we have to get

the neighbors to come out of their shells again,

and then we have to re-find the ties

that bound us together in the first place.

We have to find a new connection

to get everyone on the same page,

and spreadsheets won't do the trick.

Okay...

Well, then

are we in this together?

Absolutely.

The family's still there,

they just need us to remind them

which means we'll have to be a little flexible

and spontaneous.

Okay, but being spontaneous is easy for you.

Even as a kid.

My ex hated it

my spontaneity.

Called me "a hopeless romantic".

Were you?

Romantic? Yep.

Spontaneous? Sometimes.

Well, sometimes, I wonder if I've ever really been in love.

But... truly, madly in love.

I can only really think

of one other time that that might've been true.

With your ex-wife?

No, no. Not with her.

Okay, come on in.

Here we are.

So...

So, this is your new home.

What do you think?

Are you really my dad?

Well, yeah, I think I am. I mean, I... Yeah, yes.

Yes! Yes, I am.

I am your dad, Eli, yes.

My mom said

that you made terrible waffles and played guitar

also, terrible.

Well, yes, that... that is completely true.

I make terrible waffles, and I can barely play guitar.

I gotta tell you, though...

I wish that I knew about you earlier.

I-I could have been there for the both of you.

Your mom was a good person, Eli,

and I really cared about her a lot.

Hey. So... So, Eli, this is Vaughn.

Hey.

It's great... great to meet you.

I, uh, actually just finished making up Eli's new room.

Oh, hey. That's cool.

Is that my sister?

Yeah. This is Claire.

Hey.

Oh...

welcome to the family.

Do you think Santa will know I'm here?

Yes, he will.

Yeah, well, we-we called.

Yeah, we did... we wrote him.

Wrote... wrote, yeah, we-we wrote him

an email!

Really quick. Got it right away.

That's direct.

Yeah...

Also, it's Claire's first Christmas,

so, you know, we're already on the list.

Yeah. On the good list.

The "good" list, yeah... not the "naughty" list.

No.

I think she likes you.

Hey, Grams! Are you home?

I just got done shopping for Christmas decorations!

I'm going to get this building...

Where are you off to, looking like that?

Actually, you know what?

Don't tell me.

Is it, uh, "Christmas Coachella" or a Reindeer Rave?

Oh, I'm going to a EDM DJ session...

"Evergreen, Eggnog, and Techno Flow."

Um, and-and what's that on your head?

Oh...

This is my Bust-Down Barbie.

Baby, all I want for Christmas is a chocolate "Ken" doll

accessories included.

Oh.

So

you're going on with the Christmas party?

Well, yes,

and I know that the party is in your rearview,

but I oversee corporate takeovers,

and I can certainly do this.

Well

more power to you.

You're gonna have to get through Wade to do all of this.

What is the big deal with Wade?

Nope!

Nice try, Charlie Brown.

Hi, Mr. Wade.

Long time, no see.

Don't think so! Hmph!

I said, no decorations.

I think I'm gonna need some backup.

Zoe! Oh! A-ha. Come in.

Oh, don't mind the mess.

"Mess" is putting it kindly, Irene.

Hello, everyone.

I heard Leah was back in town.

Zoe! Ohh!

Yes, since I've been doing the overseas thing,

I've just been living out of my suitcases.

Hey, Zoe.

Welcome to the family reunion that ate our apartment.

Well, apparently, my room turned into a home gym,

so I will be out here for the holidays.

I got the study that used to be my room.

It is a subject of great contention,

as you can tell.

I see. I see.

So, I hear

that you are bringing back the Christmas party?

Jace has been asking me about decorating ideas.

Plus, the party is all the buzz on the floor,

so cheers to that.

Oh, well, thank you, but it's not just me.

Jace is helping me.

Well, as he should,

seeing as you were his childhood crush and all.

My little sister has a big mouth,

and a death wish.

Come on, now!

Jace used to practice asking you to Winter Formal

- in the mirror. - Oh, God.

It was adorable!

And tragic.

Winter Formal, huh?

Uh, yeah, uh... we were teenagers.

Plus, you went to that, uh, fancy tech school across town...

- Right. Yeah. - So, uh, it,

so, it was, you know, it was...

Anyways

back to the Christmas party.

Please, Leah?

Fine. Fine. You know, I remember,

I used to spend weeks deciding what to wear.

I am so glad that I get to spend

this Christmas with everyone before my big move.

I don't know if you know this, Zoe,

but I was a kid here

when your grandparents held their very first party.

Irene and I met in this building,

we fell in love here, we raised a family here,

spent many Christmases here,

but, sometimes, it feels like

the heart of the building is gone.

So, if the Christmas party

can bring the heart of the building back,

anything you need... we got you.

Thank you.

- Hi! - Hey.

Ooh, busy house.

Well, I mean, I've been trying to gather support

for the Christmas party revival,

but I can come back.

What? No, no, no! We can help. We can help.

- We can? - No. Yes. No.

Everyone helped us out with our long adoption journey,

so we can help.

Yeah, but since your granddad passed,

the floor feels less like a family,

and more like strangers passing in the hall.

And it would be great for our kids

to see a Coat of Arms Christmas, you know?

We thought it was just gonna be small, with Claire,

but now with Eli...

- Yeah, it feels more important. - Yeah. Yeah, yeah.

How are the kids doing?

Oh, uh, well, Claire is refusing to sleep

for more than 40 minutes at a time,

which is lovely.

- And, um... - Maybe she has an ear infection?

I'm worried about Eli.

He hasn't eaten much.

He's only had, like, half a banana and some crackers.

That's it.

Well, that's actually pretty normal.

I refused to eat anything other than bread,

back when my parents passed

and I went to live with my grams.

Actually, she makes a pretty mean sourdough.

Uh... can I try something?

- Yeah. - Yeah?

Yeah? Yeah.

Hi.

I'm-I'm Zoe.

My grandmother Agnes told me you'd be here.

Hi.

Um...

You know, the Coat of Arms was my home

when I was a little girl,

and the holidays was everything.

Do you, maybe, wanna go for a walk with me?

I can show you all the cool spots,

and my friend, Jace,

is setting up some games in the rec room.

Sure.

Okay, come on.

All right, we will be back in a bit.

Yes. Okay.

See you in a bit.

Have fun.

We'll be here!

Yeah, I'm-I'm worried.

Eli hasn't unpacked his bag yet,

and I just don't want him to feel like he's

you know, like he's passing through.

Xander, it's been a day.

Yeah.

It's gonna take some time.

He's been processing a lot.

It's not so simple as just Googling,

"How to Parent a Grieving 4th-Grader: For Dummies."

Where's the computer?

No, I... I was kidding.

I...

Ooh...

Oh-oh, okay! Hey!

Nice return. You're a natural.

My mom taught me... at the park.

Well, sounds like she was pretty cool.

Yeah, she really was.

You know, Eli

the fifth floor has seen

some pretty amazing Christmas parties over the years.

Yeah, I can vouch for that.

Christmas parties?

Yeah, and you wanna know a secret?

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year,

but it's also the craziest, weirdest, funniest,

and the most challenging time of the year, too.

But what made the fifth floor so special

was the neighbors would come together

and take on those challenges,

and they would celebrate together, too.

Yeah, Christmastime on the fifth floor

was an amazing mix of traditions, languages,

food, music...

So... can I help with the party?

Uh...

I think that's the best idea we've heard all day.

I'm going Santa Spelunkin' at Cave-in-Rock Park.

I'll be gone all day.

Uh, uh, Grams?

Can you give me some time

out of your busy social calendar?

I didn't just come to town to revive the Christmas party.

I came here to... spend some time with you!

Heh!

I'm not sure you can handle the woman I am today.

Uh, Grams!

See, the thing about me and your granddad...

I was the planner, and he was the dreamer.

I remember.

I wanted everything to be perfect,

but he taught me

that perfection is not memorable.

You know why your granddad loved the snow so much?

It's because it didn't stick to a plan.

It falls where it wants,

and creates beauty in unexpected ways.

It's time

for me to be the snow.

Oh, I'm sorry!

I wasn't looking at...

I take my "sorry" back.

You can't take "sorry" back.

- Zoe? - Mm-hmm?

You remember Wade

our building Super

who moonlights

as the world's most psychologically-damaged

super-mall Santa?

I resent the characterization.

I resent that you resent it.

And I also resent

you banning all the Christmas decorations!

Yeah, I banned 'em

ever since Meyer's menorah

almost burnt down the building last Hanukkah!

Meyer's menorah?

The electric one?

It

could've been a fire hazard.

That thing is battery-operated!

The only fire hazard could've been

you standing next to it in that polyester Santa suit.

You run off of batteries... and they're dead!

What?

See? That is what you are going to have to deal with,

if you're gonna do the Christmas party.

I mean, I knew he was grumpy, but now he...

He's the Grinch!

And instead of stealing Christmas,

he's trying to regulate it to death!

Oh!

In conclusion,

by leveraging our community's core competencies,

we can achieve unprecedented scalability

in our festive programing initiative.

So.

This is what you're going to present to the neighbors?

Mm-hmm.

We wanna throw a party, not launch a rocket!

What...?

Uh... okay

then what do you suggest?

An easier translation.

Pitch that you wanna throw

the best Christmas party this building's ever seen,

just like your grandparents did,

and you want all of us to help with it,

like we used to

contributing our special talents to help make it happen.

I'll go first... I'll bring the pizzas.

Exactly!

Like in my charts!

See? Xander and Vaughn,

they can coordinate the rest of the food,

and each apartment can contribute a dish

like Mr. Hu and his dumplings

and Mrs. Ortega and her delicious Tres Leches cake.

Mm-hmm.

So, when should we have it?

Christmas Eve, like always.

That's only nine days away.

Can we pull it off by then?

We have been waiting years for this.

Nine days is nothing.

Okay.

Now the adventure begins.

Spreadsheets not allowed.

It'll be worth it.

Race you to the rec room?

Let's see if we can find any decorations

from the last party, huh?

- Okay. - On your mark,

get set...

You didn't even say "Go!"

That's cheating!

I win!

Yeah.

Oh, my gosh, Jace.

Remember this?

I remember you letting me win at Word Scrambler.

Let you...?

No, no, no! You were a Word Scrambler legend.

Mm...

Oh, my gosh.

Remember how you could enter another dimension,

just by looking through this toy?

Everything seemed possible then, didn't it?

The world was... huge and mysterious,

and waiting for us to discover it.

Uh... w-what's that, uh... box up there?

Just be careful.

Oh!

I got ya.

Thanks.

Oh, my gosh, Jace

Now we're talking!

Our favorite.

Look at you.

You still think, uh, chaos is charming?

It's just messy.

You used to love messy.

I did, but chasing the brass ring

doesn't make room for mess,

and I just kept chasing it.

Work, career, more work...

I mean, I haven't stopped moving in ten years.

Maybe it's time you stopped chasing

and start staying.

Yeah, if only it were that easy.

And since when did you get so wise, Jace?

Probably around that same time you got scared of being messy.

So.

Are we ever gonna talk about it?

I... I'm not sure that's a good idea, Jace.

Looking back and all...

Isn't that what this whole winter break

is all about... the past?

Yeah.

Um, I-I should go.

I need to get on top

of the Christmas party planning and all.

Oh, wait. Hold on.

Zoe.

I'm glad we're back here again,

even if everything's different now.

Okay, give me the details.

How was it, being the spokesperson,

going door to door for the party?

Folks were a little hesitant at first.

But did you convince them

to give the Christmas party revival a go?

You know I did.

Okay, see?

That's why I knew you were the right man for the job.

They've seen you a lot the last few years.

Unlike me.

Well, I've checked in with everyone.

All of the assignments are locked in.

It's like riding a bike,

they've done this party so many times.

Which brings us to the main hurdle.

Wade.

Yep.

Before the folks shell out cash and sweat equity,

they wanna know what we're gonna do about him.

Oh, well, actually, I have a plan.

'Course you do. Of course you do.

Mr. Wade,

I'm hoping we can come to some understanding

about the decorations.

There's nothing to understand.

It's a fire hazard,

insurance liability, and, frankly, a nuisance.

The answer is no.

Mr. Wade?

I'm still here!

Mr. Wade.

Oh, looking for this?

How did you...?

I have an inside man.

Your petition never made it past the mail room.

Well, I have digital copies.

I can email them directly.

Good luck with that.

The owners left for their holiday in the Hamptons.

By the time they see your petition,

Christmas will be over.

Better luck next year, Ms. Irons.

We are live

to expose this man

who destroyed a Chicago-based holiday tradition.

Get that camera out of my face now!

Not until you face the music.

We won't let you strip our joy! We won't let you strip our joy!

Joy doesn't come from tinsel and lights!

You want to recreate festive spirits

that don't exist anymore.

Wh-What's wrong with wanting to feel the holiday spirit?

Are you that bitter and joyless?

What are you gonna do about it? Knucklehead!

Okay, kids?

I'm not saying I wanna join in on the party,

but I refuse to see you get treated like that

by a broke-down wannabe-Santa.

Holiday slumlord!

I'm gonna take care of some business.

Watch me.

Wade!

Wade!

Wouldn't want to be Wade.

Wade! Don't you hear me, Wade?

Let's see how you like a little sparkle in your life,

Mr. Grumpy.

Huh, Mr. Grumpy? There you go!

Mr. Grum-Grum-Grumpy!

Ohh

namaste, stress.

Namaste away!

Ooh... hot steamy shower!

Oh...

"Zen, begin."

Oh, my home spa.

I love it!

Time to freeze you out, Agnes.

So cold!

It was freezing!

Hello?

Hey there, Agnes.

How's that spa day treating you?

- Wade? - Feeling refreshed?

You son-of-a-biscuit-eater!

Language, Agnes.

Wouldn't want to disturb your Zen.

Oh, I got some Zen for you!

Oh, you just wait!

Ooh! Wade!

Grams, I've been thinking about the holiday wars going on,

and have you ever tried, maybe, some kindness towards Wade?

Kindness?

For that son-of-a-biscuit-eater?

Ooh...

But... you catch more bees with honey...

But you get more satisfaction

when you squash 'em...

with a newspaper or a magazine.

Right.

Oh, I've seen that look before.

What?

The way you look

every time you come home for winter break

and Jace is making

those ridiculously elaborate snow forts.

I don't know what you're talking about, Grams.

Now, you are gonna sit there and tell me

that, with all the time you've been spending with Jace,

you haven't rekindled

any deep, old, meaningful feelings?

I plead the fifth.

You can plead the sixth, seventh, eighth,

ninth, and tenth,

but I see signs!

You two are sending signals

like lovestruck teenagers at their first school dance.

Okay, even if I did agree with your assessment

which I don't...

I'm only in town for a few more days,

and Jace is in Illinois.

Oh, baby, every love story has hurdles to leap.

What's wrong with a few sky miles

between eager young lovers?

All right, Grams.

Young happy lovers?

Okay.

Horny young lovers?

Okay, bye, Grams!

Ooh.

She's so easy to get rid of.

It's so good to see Jace and Zoe reconnected.

Just like old times!

Ohh, I just hope it lasts longer than Christmas.

You know, turn into something more.

They have that spark for each other!

I've seen it, too.

I've always wanted them together,

but I was afraid it was just my imagination.

And I was using him as a distraction

to keep Zoe off my heels!

But then I began to see that they had the potential

to create something beautiful together.

And Jace, oh

well, Jace needs that after his divorce.

Ooh.

He is so close to getting everything he ever wanted.

Zoe's the same.

After the breakup with that "Knox" man,

she has become so focused on planning her life,

she's forgotten about her own happiness.

Wouldn't it be nice

if we didn't have to worry about them so much?

Zoe and Jace! Oh...

They remind me so much of Ossie and me.

You know... the Yin and the Yang.

I want that kind of love for Zoe.

Well, let's see!

Everything's possible!

Jace! Okay, let's be serious.

- Okay. - Okay.

This is the decorations spreadsheet,

and...

What the...?

Well, this is weird.

If that don't get them in the mood,

I don't know what will.

Must be on a timer or something.

Um, Jace, thank you

for making this Christmas mission more fun.

It could have easily been way more stressful,

if it wasn't for you,

so, thank you.

Well, I'm just happy

you stopped turning the party into a corporate merger.

I turn chaos into a workable system

there is a difference.

Oh! Speaking of systems

are you still using

that formula you made up in high school

to rate potential boyfriends?

Uh, the "Spreadsheet of Love".

Oh, my God! You still use that?

Okay, what is wrong with having standards?

What was the metrics again?

Uh, shared values,

availability...

Mm-hmm.

Future goals

it's dating, Zoe, not a tax audit.

Okay.

I have a question for you.

Where does love fit into that equation?

Um, y-yeah, Jace...

I'm sorry.

Uh...

I guess some things never change.

There's no version of me that fits into your checklist.

That has nothing to do with it.

It has everything to do with it.

Just like that last Christmas.

We made a promise, didn't we?

That we'd meet back up that next Christmas,

after our first year in college to see if

to restore what we'd started.

I came back.

I waited for you.

Jace, I-I was terrified.

Of what?

Of how you made me feel.

I didn't like feeling out of control,

and I knew,

if I saw you again...

I'd follow you everywhere.

And that scared me more than anything.

Um, I'm sorry. I-I...

I never wanted to make you feel like you had to choose.

I'm sorry, too,

for running.

For hurting you.

For hurting us both.

Hey...

Hey.

- How was the night? - Oh...

Tough?

Honestly, Xander, lately,

I feel like a single parent, half the time.

What are you talking about?

I am doing everything in my power,

on my own.

I'm working doubles,

trying to make more money for this family.

Nobody asked you to do that.

Your family needs you here, Xander.

This is our first Christmas together.

I'm just, uh...

I'm worried

that we aren't prepared to raise two kids on our own.

You know, we need help with Eli, we need help with Claire.

Everything that they need

is right here.

What the...?

♪ Da-da!

Grams, is that a snow fort?

Just like the ones when you were kids!

Oh, and letters from Santa.

Held for good keeping.

I mean...

I'm down, if you are.

See ya in there!

Grams!

What's the catch?

You're being wishy-washy.

You keep saying, "Leave my past behind!"

But this is clearly a ploy using the past.

Well, just because I'm done with the past,

doesn't mean

that I can't see that your childhood memories

are bringing you and Jace closer together.

So, what is this?

A gentle nudge?

Well, you said it, I didn't.

But if you're planning a party,

you might as well be cozy.

Get in there!

Fine.

Oh, my gosh

look at my handwriting!

I was serious about my penmanship.

I apparently thought

Santa needed detailed diagrams to find me.

Aw!

Reading all these childhood wishes

is enlightening and sobering.

- You know what strikes me? - Mm?

In almost every single letter,

we include wishes for each other.

Actually, like this one...

"P.S. Santa

please make sure Jace knows he's special,

even if other people don't see it yet."

You've always seen me clearly, Zoe

even when I was the weirdo no one understood.

You were never weird.

Oh, I love looking through these memories, I do,

but I could use for some new ones.

How about we do that, then?

Make some new memories, right here, right now.

Jace, I mean, you're making me rethink things,

but Gram's right out there.

Let's give her something to talk about.

♪ Here we are

♪ Dancing to life

♪ Takin' all in our stride

♪ Without a doubt...

How was it?

Give me all the dirt!

Grams!

Okay, he was...

I don't know, he was a complete gentleman.

Oh, boring!

I guess everything would be boring,

compared to you and your epic love story

with Granddad.

Jace, he reminds me of Granddad.

You need to find someone that knows all of you

all your flaws... and loves you anyway.

And you're thinking that's Jace?

Child, this is your love story!

It is not mine.

If it was my love story, honey,

it would already be about home runs,

touchdowns, slam dunks!

Okay, okay!

I can't with you, Grams.

I just... I don't have time to figure me and Jace out.

I have a party to plan.

Well, baby, you better learn how to multitask, girlfriend.

This is your second chance with Jace.

Most chances come around only once.

"Notice of termination"?

Oh, no...

The new management company takes over in January.

They're bringing their own people.

40 years...

40 years, I've kept this place running.

I don't know what I'm gonna do without this place.

Yeah, I can have everything packed up by... New Year's.

The apartment came with the job, so it's gone, too.

You said I could use your basement, right?

Nephew, I'm grateful... really.

Grams!

I think I just discovered why Wade is being such a Grinch.

What happened to Wade?

You seem really concerned,

uh, for him being your mortal enemy and all.

If I didn't know any better, I'd think you kind of liked him.

Oh, girl, please!

Well, bickering is your love language.

You two don't even realize it.

Just admit it.

♪ You both enjoy it

I just wanna know, why is the man such a meanie?

Hoo!

One

two

three... four...

Would you mind if I came in for a second?

I have never taken the time to look around in here.

Oh, it looks like a museum!

It's disposable.

I'm disposable.

I've heard the rumors.

Is it true?

Are they trying to fire you?

I never thought I'd be starting over in my 60s.

It's just a job to them,

but to me, these memories, they mean something.

Ossie nicknamed me "Deck the Halls"

'cause the way I ran this place.

He always did love a good pun.

You two had a special bond, right?

Yeah, I miss that.

Let's take a walk.

I'd love that.

Your positive vibes really help.

Well, I am kind of positive.

Leah, I'm gonna show you how to pack for travel,

so that you can downsize

and streamline your luggage situation.

Jace. I changed your sheets.

Cleaned and pressed your clothes,

including underwear and socks.

Graham, next,

we need to make the homemade ornaments

for the Christmas party,

and prep our talent for the talent show.

We are gonna outdo everything we've done from years past.

I thought we were gonna sneak out and get breakfast,

just us two?

What have they done to you?

You're like a helicopter mom on steroids!

I tried to fight it,

but the holiday spirit took me over.

Well, what, do I need to get an exorcist?

Because what about us?

What about our whirlwind romance?

The whirlwind can wait!

Oh, come on, babe. Please?

With Leah's move,

and Jace walking around

lovestruck and heartbroken all at the same time,

the one thing I can give them is a great Christmas.

Why can't we have both?

So... after much deliberation.

I have decided to lift the decoration ban.

Your Christmas party can proceed.

Yes!

Thank you so much, Mr. Wade!

And I gotta say, romance looks good on you.

Romance? Who said anything about romance?

Well, I'm just saying!

Jace?

Wade lifted the ban!

Yeah, the party is all the way on!

I need to work on my dance moves!

I hear an intervention is in order.

Right when our romance returned,

after an endless dry spell,

the kids just snuffed it out.

Irene caved.

The mommy in me took over. I'm sorry!

You have to fight for the spark!

We have candles.

Oh, yeah!

Oh!

Vaughn and I are still getting over our rocky patch.

I am still having a hard time connecting with Eli.

We can't spend our first Christmas like this.

Please, Agnes, you gotta help.

You have to find some way

to tie the bonds of all of you together.

Right.

Okay, what... w-what do you have in mind?

A family that eats together,

prays together, stays together!

Oh, that's dinner?

I-I can barely boil water!

I have an idea, Xander.

You do?

I knew you would.

See, this is why I came to 5B.

Agnes, thank you so much!

Thank you. Um, do me a favor?

Don't tell anyone I didn't cook this.

Your secret's safe with me.

Thank you.

You stole the master key from Wade's office?

You haven't been a bad boy since we were teenagers.

What can I say?

You bring it out of me.

Put me on the naughty list.

It's so beautiful.

It's perfect.

I feel like we're having an affair.

An affair with each other.

Sometimes, I look in the mirror,

and I wonder, when did I start to look like my mother?

I worry, too,

about the way this gut won't go away,

no matter how many sit-ups I do,

about how my back creaks when I get out of bed

about if you still find me...

Graham. Look at me.

Our best chapter is just beginning.

Hey!

- Hey. - Well, you're up early.

It's barely 5:00 A.M.

Yeah, I could hardly sleep.

Zoe asked for help with some Christmas decorations.

Oh? Yeah.

Since I knew you were getting off work soon...

Yeah, um, so, I have to tell ya that Christmas is looking up.

I...

well, I got a promotion.

Xander... that's fantastic!

It is fantastic.

It-It's so good.

It... the only thing is that, um,

we would have to transfer cities.

Transfer cities

you mean, move out of the Coat of Arms?

Yeah. We-We would, but here's the thing, though.

We would move out of the Coat of Arms,

but we would be closer to my parents,

and they could help out with Claire and Eli,

solve a bunch of problems.

Yeah, it's just that we've, you know, built a life here.

You said yourself

that the Coat of Arms isn't what it used to be.

- I... - Are we moving?

Eli?

E... No, no. No, no.

Eli?

- Eli? - Go away.

Come on, buddy. We need to talk.

I don't wanna move again!

Santa won't be able to find me,

and Zoe said...

that, at the Coat of Arms, Christmas is important.

Yes, Christmas is important.

She's right.

Just, please, please, unlock the door

and come out, would ya?

I-I have to tell you something.

Come here. Listen to me. Listen to me.

You and Claire are the most important things

that's ever happened to us.

I'm your father, Eli, and I love you very much,

and no matter where we spend Christmas,

it's gonna be fantastic, all right?

Yes.

All right.

We're starting

with just a touch of olive oil in the pan,

enough to coat the bottom...

Mind if I sit?

...rich, fresh flavor.

And while that warms up,

I'm finely chopping some fresh...

Having a rough day?

Xander and Vaughn were arguing.

They say it's "all good," but...

I really don't know.

Arguing is scary,

especially when it's with people you love.

Do you like to cook?

Mm-hmm.

I like watching these, especially when I'm sad.

Me and my mom used to watch these together

before it, uh

before it all happened.

I remember, we even used to recreate the meals.

Well, you mind if I watch with you?

Sure.

What are they making?

Uh, I'm pretty sure

they're making a Margherita pizza.

Oh...

Some weird stuff has been going on,

and we need you to be honest with us.

Dad

are you

cheating on mom?

What?

What? No! I...

He is cheating on me

with me!

Better yet

we've been cheating on you two,

with us.

We're trying to rekindle our romance,

but you kids keep getting in the way!

So, thanks a lot!

Maybe we do need to move away from here

in order to get a new lease on life?

Why does "new" mean leaving here?

It's just a notion, sweetheart.

Nothing's etched in stone.

Since we're retiring,

we just wanna keep our options open.

Are you saying this could be our last Christmas

here together?

Since Grams is babysitting, give me all the tea

how are you two now?

I am making this family, and our first Christmas,

a priority.

I've already gone up and down the hall

to see what the neighbors are bringing to the party.

Oh, uh, be prepared for a dish that Mrs. Davilla calls.

"Christmas Dinner Soup".

Sounds weird,

but Eli was super-excited about it.

Okay, well, that's actually great,

because I discovered something

that might help you both connect with Eli.

Hey, Eli, do you mind if I, uh, sit down here?

Uh...

Uh, you wanna watch some cooking shows?

Uh... sure! I guess.

Yeah? Okay.

Check this out.

I think you might like this one.

Hey! Hola!

My mom used to make those.

Except hers were different.

She'd have this green sauce that was...

A verde sauce? With tomatillos?

You remember that?

Yeah.

Yeah, your mom used to make it for me when, uh...

She had this way

of making even leftover rice taste amazing.

Mm.

She would fry it

with these little bits of chorizo and scrambled eggs.

On Sunday mornings.

You really do remember.

I really do remember.

Maybe you can show me

how to make some of her dishes sometime.

You know, it could be something we do together.

- Yeah. - Yeah?

I'd like that.

Well, that's good.

Oh, I'm so glad Mrs. Rojas in 5D

had all the ingredients for this.

- Mm-hmm. - Ooh, that looks good.

Yeah.

There we go.

Okay. Moment of truth.

Uh-huh.

And...?

Whoa! That is crazy good.

Right?

Everyone should get a taste of that.

Can we make some of my mom's meals for the Christmas party?

I told Zoe I would help.

Well, Zoe helped us. I think we can help Zoe.

- Yeah. - Zoe said

that Grandma Agnes could teach me how to cook anything,

and she also said

that Aunt Irene taught her how to make pizza,

and that she could teach me, too!

And that I could teach Claire when she gets older.

"Grandma Agnes" and "Aunt Irene," huh?

I guess all that we need is here.

Yup.

It really is.

Try one, Xander.

Yeah, I would.

Grams!

Going to a holiday honky-tonk!

Fold it, fold it, fold it.

Okay, of course you are. Have fun.

Oh, I will. Later!

Okay, now back to my party planning.

I need Post-Its.

Granddad's star?

Zoe, I left my chaps.

What... What...?

Are you going through my things?

You have no right.

Take and put all of this back.

Why wouldn't you wanna have this around, Grams?

It's too hard to explain.

Just trust me.

These aren't just your memories!

These are mine, too.

This is our family history, Grams.

No, these things are private,

and I'm getting tired

of you thinking you know what's best for me.

Well, I know what Granddad would have wanted.

He loved Christmas,

and he would be heartbroken...

Don't you dare!

You have no idea what I've been

No! No... No.

He made this with his own hands.

One of the first decorations he ever made.

53 years of Christmases,

and we put this star on top of our tree.

You don't know what it's like to love someone for 53 years,

and then try to live without them.

I'm so sorry, Grams.

Everything reminded me of him.

Every ornament, every tradition, every

song on the radio.

Everything reminded me of him.

And the pain

the pain is unbearable.

So...

I changed everything.

I changed it!

I have to, baby,

because the old way

the old way is killing me.

I'm not trying to erase him, Zoe.

I'm trying...

I'm trying to survive without him.

I can't... I don't know how. I...

Oh...

What brings you down here?

It's the quietest place in the building,

and I just... I just needed to get away.

Yeah, me too.

It's a lot of pressure all around.

With my folks talking about moving out of here,

it's been... sad, to say the least.

Sorry to hear that.

You got to be kidding me!

What?

I've never noticed this before.

"G.R. plus I.S."?

Yeah. Graham Robinson and Irene Shaw

my parents.

Oh, uh, Mom's maiden name.

Oh.

They were here just like we are now.

History repeating itself.

Jace, um...

I wanna cancel the party,

but I can't.

You know, the neighbors, they're counting on me.

There's plans, and decor, and food,

and everyone's invested, and I just...

I feel like it's too late.

And I don't know... with Grams, it just...

Maybe things are just... too broken?

No matter how broken things are

you can turn it into something special.

Thanks.

I think it's time I tell you

why I didn't want the party to go on.

Okay, Grams.

I want to preserve the last great memory I had

with your Granddad,

and I don't want

any of the memories of the party without him.

So, the very thought of resuming the party

brought you pain?

Yes. That's right.

It was just too much.

But...

I didn't wanna get in the way of what you wanted,

or needed.

I am so sorry.

Oh...

I-I forced the party on you.

I get it now.

I can't let you relive something that brings you pain,

or destroy the one thing you have left of him

your memories.

Oh, sweetheart.

No. No-no-no. The party is over.

What are you doing here?

I had to see you.

You know, when you canceled the party like that,

with no definitive reason why,

other than protecting your grandma

it threw everyone for a loop.

I know, and I'm going to pay everyone back

for all their time and expenses...

It's not about that!

The fifth floor is like family,

and if your Grams is hurting, then we're all hurting,

but we need to be read in on it.

I know, but if I tell you all the reasons,

then I break somebody's confidence.

No, we all figured it was about your granddad.

We miss him, we miss her with him,

so we wanted to honor them both in some way.

Did you know he lent me the money

to start my business?

No, I had no idea.

He didn't even get to see me open a restaurant in Chicago.

So, I thought the best way to pay him back

was to keep his tradition going.

I know Granddad wouldn't want his tradition to die with him,

and Grams needs this more than she knows, but...

"But"?

But I was being selfish.

Then, when my ex dumped me,

I just wanted to go back to a time

where I knew I was happy.

I was so lonely, Jace.

I have no one. Not really!

I'm so sorry, Zoe.

And I didn't realize what I was missing,

and I saw that Grams was doing the same.

And your mom... your mom was so happy,

having a big party before Leah leaves.

And Eli needs this

just like I needed it when my parents passed.

You saw how it all fit together.

I just tried to fix everything.

Fix my neighbors, fix me,

fix Grams,

and I just...

I guess I just made everything worse.

Look.

You can't "fix" people,

and you can't run away from your problems

by trying to recreate the past.

But I wasn't trying...

You... you came back here

looking for some magical solution,

instead of dealing

with why you were lonely in the Bay.

Right.

Come with me.

Come on.

I love being in the kitchen.

It reminds me of a simpler time.

Kneading the dough,

with my mom at the stove, making the sauce.

- I can see that. - Mm.

Everyone on the fifth floor fighting for a piece.

Yeah, back when the hardest decision

was what to ask Santa for, for Christmas.

Everything seemed possible then.

Before the mortgages, and the breakups,

and the adult disappointments.

Sometimes, I wish we could've just

stayed in simpler times.

Outside of the real world

in this moment.

Do you think, um...

I mean...

I hope we can continue what we started here.

Um...

I think you first need to get good with yourself

before you can open your heart to someone else

um... to me.

Old man, what you doing?

It's my last week, Agnes.

Figured I'd get a head start.

Thing is...

I don't know who I am,

outside of a building manager.

It's all I've done for so long.

Everyone here feels like family.

I know the feeling.

When Ossie passed,

hardest part wasn't the grief

it was figuring out who you are

when what defines you is gone.

But this is an opportunity, Wade

a chance to discover a lot of new things.

Speaking of discovery...

I heard the Christmas party got canceled,

by Zoe.

What's that about?

I had something to do with it.

I know you miss Ossie.

I do, too.

But people are already forgetting

what this place can be.

Some are even considering leaving.

Zoe's fighting for this party to live on,

long after we're gone.

Help her to the finish line

just like you did Ossie.

You're right, Wade. You're right.

I will.

Look at that.

Oh...

Do you remember those people?

Zoe!

The party is back on!

What's going on?

We are gonna honor your Granddad right.

And you were right...

I talked to every neighbor about the party.

I saw Ossie in their willingness to help.

I know, Grams.

Oh.

But where is everybody?

Oh, they're out, getting ready for the party!

Oh, well, then

there is no time like the presents.

What?

The neighbors and I

wanted to give you something back.

- Oh... - You know

something from all of us.

I just got it back from Mr. McCaskill's workshop.

He added the finishing touches.

- Oh, it's wonderful. - Mm-hmm.

It wasn't just about fixing it.

It was about making something new.

Each neighbor added something to it.

Oh, the fifth floor?

Mm-hmm.

Irene and Graham

they added their wedding china,

representing their enduring love,

and, um, right here...

Xander and Vaughn

they added the baby blanket,

representing their new family,

and Eli helped put it all together.

And right here...

Wade added a brass button from his Santa suit.

Oh! Now I really don't know what to say!

Oh, it is beautiful!

You honored it, by letting it just grow.

Granddad would have loved it.

Oh! And we know how much you like Christmas surprises,

so.

Baby, we are gonna take it to the next level!

Whoo, yes!

This is the most perfect place

to have a Christmas party, Grams.

I mean, Granddad helped build it,

but he never got to see it,

and now we can celebrate him... together!

Oh, baby.

So good.

Oh! Mr. Wade.

I have a surprise for you

it's something that the fifth-floor tenants,

and a few other residents, have been working on.

If this is about my retirement party,

I already told everyone...

Mm-mm, no.

The building owners want to offer you a maintenance job.

It is reduced hours,

but it's less physical stress,

and you get to keep your apartment.

You... all did this for me?

Well, we couldn't imagine this place without you

gruff exterior and all.

Thank you, kiddo.

Thank you.

Ahem.

Merry Christmas, old man.

- I like this place. - Yeah.

Maybe we should come here some time.

Wade!

You're asking me out on a date?

Only if you're saying yes?

I don't think you're ready for this jelly!

Shake and let's see.

Oh, wow! Those enchiladas look amazing.

Good job, Eli.

We all did it. It was a team effort.

A family thing.

Thanks for an awesome Christmas party, Zoe.

Oh, well, thank you for letting me see Christmas

through your eyes.

Well, you're gonna see

a lot more Christmases through his eyes because

we're not going anywhere!

That's right.

We're here to stay.

- What? - Yeah!

Merry Christmas, Leah!

Merry Christmas, Zoe.

Look at them.

More in love than ever.

Gross!

Do you know where Jace is?

I saw him around here somewhere.

Oh, yeah, you'll find him.

Baby, we didn't have to escape to find romance.

We had it here all along.

The Coat of Arms brought us together

helped us re-find the passion we thought we'd lost.

Kept us together.

Graham, wherever you are, my heart is.

Right back at ya, baby.

We did it, Zoe.

No, you all did this,

and it is more amazing than I thought it would be.

And I have been thinking about what you said

the fifth floor can be wherever I am,

and I don't have to keep running.

I can build community.

And...?

And maybe community

doesn't have to be limited to geography.

Maybe it can stretch

from Chicago to San Fran.

Really?

Mm-hmm.

♪ Baby, it's Christmas

♪ So let's spend the day together ♪

♪ Baby, this Christmas...

Do you think the Bay would like deep-dish pizza?

Because I just came up with a great idea

for a Christmas-themed pizza named...

"The Ossie".

Here's what I think about that.

Whoo! Lordy!

The last time I experienced something that steamy,

found out I was having hot flashes!

Whoo! After a kiss like that,

all I can say is,

Merry Christmas to all,

and to all a good, good night!