Original subtitles

. .

Safe travels, everyone.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Kwanzaa. Happy Hanukkah.

Bye. So long.

What? Hey.

Allie. Hi.

What's going on?

Come on.

Wow.

What are you doing here?

I just thought I'd come by and say hello.

And maybe see if you needed any help here at the community center.

No, what happened to your job at the middle school?

Budget cuts.

The arts always gets it first.

They said they might rehire people after the new year, but you could really use

a job during the holidays.

You know, I really wish I could help out, but of course I'm all staffed up by

volunteers here. Plus all the other folk just left on that bus to go to the

Bahamas. So there's no one left here to look after.

Tony, can you help me with the decorations for the Christmas tree?

Connie, I thought you were on that bus to the Bahamas. What's going on?

What? And leave you here all alone for Christmas? Don't be silly.

And here I thought I had a week off.

Well, can you keep the center open just for one person?

What?

Tony, the TV in the great room's on the fritz again.

I'll deal with that in a minute there, Bill.

Okay. Make that two persons.

Yeah. Okay,

you're hired. I'm wondering if you could start today.

Do you know how to fix TVs?

What's wrong? You look upset.

Of course I am.

This isn't supposed to be an angel with wings and it looks like a pigeon

exploded. It kind of does.

Well, I'm Connie. Nice to meet you. I'm Allie.

Are you Tony's girlfriend?

Oh, no, we're just friends. We went to school together.

Oh, okay.

So no farting or anything? No, not really.

Okay.

Allie, sit down. Take a load off. Talk to me.

So, you didn't want to go on the Christmas cruise, Connie?

What, leave poor old Bill all by himself?

You see, he told me that he gets seasick, so a cruise is out of the

And I just thought I'd stay behind and see if I could help him, the poor dear.

Oh, so you and Bill are a couple?

Well, Allie, that's awfully personal.

Oh. Mm -hmm.

Good movie.

Nah, there's nothing on.

Bill, wouldn't you prefer to be at home, you know, where you could put your feet

up and crack a beer open?

Well, to be honest, I didn't want to leave Connie all by herself.

She doesn't have any family.

And when I found out she wasn't going to go on the cruise, I thought to myself,

I can't let her spend Christmas all alone.

I told her I got seasick.

Seasick?

Yeah.

Bill, weren't you a captain in the Navy?

Well, yeah, a commander to cruiser in the Pacific.

I had dreams of being an architect when I was a young pup.

My dad and my grandpa were in the Navy, and I just followed in their footsteps.

Well, you know, that's something we could take care of. In the new year, we

could arrange for you to take architecture classes or something. Oh,

too old to get involved in that kind of thing anymore.

I don't know. Maybe there's ways for you to stay young.

Huh? Sorry. Oh, yeah, sure. Yeah, yeah, of course.

Well, why don't you let me know if you need anything?

Sure, sure, Tony. Yeah, yeah, thank you.

Listen, we are going to have all the activities that we plan to have this

aren't we?

Yeah, looks that way, Bill.

Seasick.

Well, let's cut to the chase. Who goes to search for Mr.

Wright? My search?

Oh, I'm not looking for Mr. Right.

Oh, honey, don't kid a kidder. A good -looking gal like you?

Not in the market for a sweetheart?

Well, actually, I just got out of a relationship, so I'm kind of putting all

that on hold. Yeah.

Besides, it's hard finding the right person.

What? What are you kidding? With all the snaps and apps and tubes and tweeties?

I bet you I can find you a good catch in two minutes. Here, give me your phone.

Oh, no.

Well,

would you like to meet my grandson, Ms. Daniel?

Very handsome, lovely smile.

Nice boy.

Aw. No, thank you, Connie.

I could find my own date, but I'm not really in the dating frame of mind right

now. Really?

Yeah.

Yeah.

Oh, well, I guess love can wait while we finish our decorations.

But just remember, keep your eyes open. You never know when you'll find Mr.

Right.

You were just missing the angel's head.

Beautiful. Thank you. My pleasure.

Allie, wait up, wait up.

Thank you for all your help today.

Oh, it was my pleasure.

Bill and Connie were very entertaining.

Yes, if by entertaining you mean a handful, absolutely.

I'd hate to lose you after just one day, but something that might interest you.

What is it?

Looks like a Help Wanted poster. It's on the community bulletin board.

The Santa quad can help make your Christmas dreams come true.

Do you need someone to help shop for you, decorate your tree, wrap presents?

Santa Squad offers a ho -ho -whole range of services to help make your spirits

bright all season long.

I'd be perfect for this job. Right? I mean, first of all, I love Christmas. I

can vouch for that. I've heard you sing Jingle Bells in July. I can shop.

Christmas shopping is so much fun.

I decorate.

I've decorated numerous times. I could almost call myself a decorator. Too far,

I think.

Well, I'll call them and see how much they pay.

Great. You know, they'll probably make you wear one of those elf costumes,

right? Oh, no way.

Oh, no, that's too corny. Is it?

Um, could you point me to the hiring office?

Um, hello.

Oh, hi. Hi. Did you bring the patrami sandwich?

Uh, no, I'm here about a job.

Oh, well, that's too bad.

So you're not hiring?

Oh, no, no. I meant too bad about the pastrami.

Oh, right.

Okay, but you are hiring. Oh, yes, yes. We always need out.

Tell me, what kind of elf work have you done? Up until recently, I was an art

teacher at a middle school, so we had to do a lot of artsy things that required

artistic skill. Oh, and I'm in charge of decorating the community center for the

holidays. Six big rooms with a Christmas tree in each one, plus handmade.

Streamers, lifetime reindeer, made out of chicken wire and paper mache.

Oh, I love them.

Would you look at that?

Oh, um... There you go.

Oh, nicely done.

Yes, good instinct.

Excellent problem -solving skills.

Oh, yes, I have those as well.

All right, I'm going to give you a hypothetical.

It's Christmas Eve, and you get a call from a guy saying he forgot to get his

wife a Christmas present.

What do you tell him to do?

Oh, uh... Tick -tock, tick -tock, Christmas Eve. I would tell him to clean

bathroom.

Excuse me?

Make that bathroom shine like a diamond, that's what I'd say.

All right.

Let me get a little... Oh,

hello, doll, it's me. Let me ask you, what would you think if I...

cleaned the bathroom by myself.

Really?

Oh, really.

Well, thank you, my love.

Oh, yes. All right. Well, you just got my wife to say sweet things I haven't

heard in years.

All right.

I'm going to give you a shot at the church file.

The church file? Yes. It's a very important job. One of the biggest.

Talk to Holly.

Holly at the counter, and she'll get you all squared away. Oh, and thanks for

the gumballs.

Church file.

This

isn't

a church.

This is bigger than a cathedral.

You're in my way!

Oh, sorry!

Sorry!

Ow,

you're in my spot.

Alrighty, then.

Yes? Hi, I'm Allie from the Santa Squad, the personal holiday service. I'm

Daniel Hyde. I'm Mr. Church's personal assistant.

Come. Come, come.

Oh, I... I'm so sorry.

the driveway and i oh wow met kimmy that's mr church's lady friend mr

oh oh church is the family name for some reason i thought i was going to an

actual church but then i thought why would they gift her up it's a church but

then i thought what the heck i mean maybe they have some gifts they want to

to the people you'll be assisting mr gordon church and his daughters iris and

rose did you bring a resume oh yes i did

And you've been alerted to your responsibilities and your obligations

church household?

I mean, they told me that I was responsible for taking care of setting

Christmas. You know, the presents, decorations, etc.

Any outstanding warrants?

Outstanding? No.

Liens on your personal property?

No. Speeding tickets, unpaid or otherwise?

No. Excuse me, I'm sorry, but Mr. Carl at the Santa Squad already went over a

little bit. One moment. Yes, sir. Yes, you sir.

I will, sir. Oh, and you asked me to remind you about the Tokyo call. The

paperwork is on your desk.

Never a dull moment. One moment.

What other kinds of guidance did you receive from the Santa Squad group?

Oh, they gave me a list of do's and don'ts. Just general stuff.

Job's a job, right?

The church residence is not like other jobs.

There are very specific rules we like to follow. Rules that have been put into

place for very specific reasons.

Oh, okay.

Like what?

I beg your pardon?

What are the specific reasons for the specific rules? Well, that's not your

concern. I just thought if I knew the why, it would help with the how.

Charming.

These are the interior decorations. Garland for the mantle, holiday candles,

etc., etc.

One box for the whole house?

Is that a problem?

No, not at all. I'm just...

I'm sure there's a very specific reason. Please continue.

These are the tree ornaments.

Each one handmade.

Each one quite expensive.

That's really impressive.

So be quite careful with those.

The tree is in the family room. Oh.

Yes, sir. Yes, I'll be right there.

Familiarize yourself with the contents, then come to the family room. I'll meet

you there.

Arigato, Gozama Sato -san.

Okay.

How's it look?

I told them, okay, but no, it needs to go back.

How's the new employee from the Santa squad? Did you see him up to the task?

That remains to be seen. How so?

She's a little chatty, but not obnoxiously so. Did you see that?

scattered, but perhaps it's the adrenaline of starting a new position.

Well, as long as she gets the job done.

If I may ask, how did your call with the Japanese CEO go?

Well, he's not on board yet.

I feel like they're waiting for us to try something new, something that'll

their socks off, but I'm just not sure what that is yet.

Are smoothies healthy in direct relation to how awful they taste?

Eugene will have the jet ready to roll at six.

They're meeting the football team owner in his private box.

And the girls?

Iris is practicing her flute.

Good girl. And Rose is studying for her last test before the holiday break.

Good.

You know, I just wish that she'd make some time to have some fun while she's

still young.

Are you still having some fun?

No.

No, it's just the idea of Rose having fun would be so unusual.

She's so studious most of the time.

No offense.

I know that she's Daniel, and that's on me. I'm... I've been neglecting him.

You'll have more time after the holidays.

Yeah, of course.

Thank you, Daniel.

Allie, I'm pleased to meet you.

Do you work here now?

Um, looks like it.

Are you a gardener?

Nope.

Missy? Chef?

Artwork restoration technician?

I'm here to help out for Christmas.

The Santa Squad?

That's right.

Do you think it would be okay if we did a little more decorating than we did

last year?

Well, I wasn't here last year, but sure, we can have some fun decorating.

But I'd like to speak to your father first. Make sure it's okay.

You can do that right now.

Oh.

Hi, Mr. Church. I'm Allie. Gordon. Church.

The folder, sir?

Right, right. Oh, yeah.

Everything you need is in the Christmas folder.

Oh, perfect.

When should I start?

How do you feel about starting right now?

Oh.

Sure.

Okay, just let Daniel know what you need. And meanwhile, we need to think of

something to impress the Japanese deal. We need something bold.

Can you write it backwards?

Come again?

The Japanese, they read right to left.

That's why their books seem like they're backwards to us. We read left to right.

If you don't mind. No, no, hang on, hang on.

Go on.

Oh, I'm just thinking. I teach art to middle schoolers, and we like to show

how different cultures do things.

Maybe the Japanese would appreciate it if your presentation matched their

cultural style?

That's a great idea.

Allie.

That's a great idea, Allie. Thank you.

Bye, sweetheart.

Are you going somewhere, Daddy?

Yes, I am going to a football game in Florida.

Why can't you just watch it here on TV?

Because I'm not really going to watch the game, Pumpkin.

But you just said... I know it's kind of confusing, but I will be back in the

morning, okay?

Okay.

Okay? Okay.

All right.

You can get yourself squared away?

Sure.

Okay, then.

Kimmy. Gordon.

Kimmy. Hi.

Uh... I was just getting Allie set up.

She's with the fan squad, the people that come to your house to do the...

we met outside.

Allie, is it?

Yes, I'm Allie.

Allie, in the future, you can park in the back by the servant's entrance.

Would that be okay?

Oh, fine.

I'm sorry about earlier.

Is the Florida trip still on, or do you need to help Allie some more?

Let's go.

Hi. You must be Rose.

I don't know if I must be.

Who are you?

I'm Allie.

I'm here with the Santa Squad.

I'll be helping out around Christmas.

Gift wrapping, decorating, all that stuff.

Did you know that some sharks can live up to five centuries?

No, I didn't know that.

Did you know that the heart of the shrimp can be found in its head?

I didn't know that either.

Can you guess which animal features prominently in the Christmas song, The

Twelve Days of Christmas?

Um, let me think.

Birds. French hens, turtle doves, geese, swan, and the infamous partridge.

You're right.

No, I never thought of it as a song about birds.

There are those who theorize that five golden rings relate to the ring -necked

pheasant.

I'm not so sure.

I see.

Well, you have to be sure.

It's vital.

Well, maybe Jingle Bells is really a song about birds that, I don't know,

jingle sound.

Birds don't jingle.

Nice to meet you.

Do you like that one?

Well, yes.

It's amazing.

Iris, do you want to help decorate the tree?

We can ask Rose, too.

I'm not allowed to touch those decorations.

Well, that's too bad.

Decorating the tree is one of the most fun things you can do at Christmas time.

Not around here.

Does your family have any ornaments that aren't so expensive?

I mean, these are incredible, but do you have some personal ones you girls made

in school?

They don't do stuff like that at the kinds of schools we go to.

Now, the Christmas gifts have been ordered and should be arriving within

next few days.

So, all the gifts are being delivered from online stores?

Yes, of course.

Would there be any opportunity for me to do any private shopping?

I'm very good in a mall.

Be that as it may, this is how we sort the Christmas gifts. Now, most of them

will come wrapped, but you'll be responsible for taking care of the ones

aren't. I'll be expecting perfectly creased corners, nothing gaudy.

Conservative bows, classic colors.

Oh, about that. I thought the most amazing cellophane shells, you just

over the gift boxes and you top it with shredded bows.

No. Oh, but... No.

Are we clear?

Yes, we are.

The girls are adorable.

And the dad, you know, he seems nice, but the house feels empty, lifeless.

I mean, well, the way you describe that big old mansion, it sounds like it'll

take a hundred people or more to fill it up.

So the dad, Mr. Church, he's dating this woman.

I think she wants to scratch my eyes out.

I'm sure you just imagined it. No, she looks at me like... Oh, my goodness.

I'm sure it's nothing.

I just want to loosen the girl's life, you know, find the joy of Christmas.

All they need is a little guidance.

I don't know, Allie.

Don't get involved.

I think you should just walk through these next few weeks, put a little

something in your bank account, hit the ground running for the new year.

Maybe I can bring some creativity to the job.

Change things up in the church household.

Uh -oh.

You're getting that Lucille Ball look in your eyes. There it is. That's it. I

don't like it. What are you thinking?

Well, first of all, can I use some of the community center's leftover

decorations? Of course. We've got enough to last us a few years at least.

What are you thinking?

We've heard of the Christmas presents list.

We've heard of the naughty and nice list.

Sure. And now, ladies and gentlemen, we introduce to you the master list of

fun. Christmas activities.

You look underwhelmed.

Oh, well, that's because you forgot to fill it with, uh... Ta -da!

Ah! Ta -da!

Hey! Wow, okay, that's a really good idea, yeah.

Good, right?

Yeah. I think it'll work.

Iris! Rose!

What is it, Allie?

You guys busy?

I'm studying for my big biology test.

She's been studying for a month. She's going to get an A+++++. There is

no such grade. Is to, is not.

Ladies, come on, it's Christmas.

And I've come up with the master list of Christmas activities.

Ta -da!

No? Okay.

Anyway, how would you like to help me decorate the house?

Isn't that your job? Well, yes, but it's so much fun to do it together.

We've never decorated before.

Well, that's the beauty of Christmas activities.

You don't need to experience this little elbow grease.

Come on, give it a try.

Come on.

Come on.

Oh, no.

No, no, no.

Yes, Kimmy, I didn't see you there.

What is all this?

I look away for one second and the house is overrun by whimsy and merriment. I

mean, that is not what Christmas is about.

No, no, no, that Christmas is about luxury and elegance and artistry and the

exquisite refinement of the tasteful and chic.

I'll see what I can do.

Yes, you go do that.

No. Hey, Rose.

I just read an interesting article.

Did you know that snails could sleep for three years?

Yes. And frogs can have four noses.

Huh. Well, it actually reminded me that sometimes we can get stuck for a long

time doing the same things over and over when there might be a fun way to break

the routine.

How so?

Well, maybe you could take a break from your studies and help Iris and me make

homemade Christmas tree decorations.

It's next on the master list of Christmas activities.

Oh, that's not a real thing, is it?

Well, no.

But it sounds like it can be fun. Yeah? Yes.

Great. Is that a glue gun?

Yes. And I have pipe cleaners and sparkles and scissors and construction

Because, um... I thought it would be fun for the girls to make their own

ornaments. You know, kind of... Get in the spirit of the season. Surely not on

this table.

It's an antique.

We'll be so careful, won't we, Allie?

Yeah, we could put a newspaper down.

Oh, that's so pretty.

There, now isn't that better?

Now you can make all your little art things in the bright light of the day.

It's sort of cold out here, Daniel.

Yes, well, it's a good thing you're wearing your gloves.

I trust this is the final decorating activity for the season?

More or less.

Tell me a little bit about what you guys usually do for Christmas.

Do you guys get your dad a present just from the two of you?

I can help you do that if you want.

I can't think of anything he doesn't already have.

All the Christmas gifts for us have been picked out.

They're in the folder Daniel gave you. Right.

Yes, I did see that.

What about getting him something a little more personal, like a handmade

a poem or a photo album?

Something from the heart.

We don't really do those kind of things.

Daddy travels so much, we just got used to picking out our presents from

catalogs.

Don't you guys ever want to be surprised?

And receive something you didn't ask for?

Yeah, maybe get a present you didn't know you needed.

Like?

Like a bicycle.

You already have those.

A puppy?

I'm allergic.

Okay.

You look like a Christmas tree.

Perfect.

Good

morning,

Ellie. Hi.

Sorry about this. I don't usually wear glitter on my face.

I hear you're missing.

Oh.

Can I offer you a coffee?

Oh, um, no thanks.

So, the, uh, decorations look nice.

I don't think we've ever had this much Christmas in our house before.

Oh, I hope that's okay.

Well, of course.

I heard you persuaded the girls to help you.

Oh, it didn't take much persuading. They were really excited to pitch in.

Really? Even Rose?

Yeah. You know, I think when kids are young, they don't realize the fun that

be had with simple activities.

They're also...

fixated by their devices and screens.

They forget there's a big world just waiting to be experienced.

I'm afraid I fit into that category. No matter how many phone calls I make, I'm

always five calls behind.

So, what's on the agenda today?

Oh, um, Iris and I were just making some homemade ornaments for the tree.

Really? Has Daniel not shown you the ones we use?

Oh, oh, yes.

And they are so beautiful. I just thought, you know, why not add a

touch to the tree?

How about you?

Me? I'm sure it's been years since you bedazzled a styrofoam ball.

Oh, I don't think I can.

What's on my schedule this morning?

You're expecting a call with the arbitration team.

Right.

That...

Can't wait till after the holidays, though, right?

Let's make an ornament.

Okay.

Good Irish.

Hey.

Glitter's not really sticking.

I think you have a little too much glue.

Okay, well, let me just wipe some of it off here.

Uh -oh.

I need help. Oh, this will be interesting.

Thank you. Okay, let's try this from the top again.

Here we go.

I think I did it again. I need some more help. Yeah, thanks.

Oh, no.

Stuck to it, too.

I think we're really stuck here.

Well, isn't this a cozy picture?

Hey, Kimmy, I didn't know you were coming over today.

Clearly. I thought I'd surprise you with a lunch date.

That's a great idea. Let me just get cleaned up and we can get going.

Guys, we'll see you a little bit later, okay?

Excuse me, guys?

Homemade ornament?

I thought it would be a fun Christmas activity.

For the girl.

Yeah.

Did they tell you that I personally selected the ornaments we already have?

No. But they are very beautiful.

Thank you so much, Allie.

I can't tell you what your compliment means to me. Honestly.

I can't.

What's your favorite part about Christmas, Rose?

Is it the songs on the radio?

Seeing your favorite movies on the TV?

I like it when Christmas Day falls on a Monday.

How come?

Because Mondays are hard.

And Mondays mean I have to go to school and find out if the work I've done, if

it's good enough.

Oh, Rose, that's a lot of pressure to put on yourself.

Honey, all you can do, all any of us can do is try our best.

You can't beat yourself up every time you don't get an Aeon attached.

But I do.

Rose, what's the bump in your pocket?

My ornament.

Wow, that's amazing.

It's the eye of a dragonfly.

Each of their eyes is made of 30 ,000 facets, resulting in 360 -degree vision.

Well, that is a gorgeous ornament, and it deserves a place on the tree.

Come on.

How about this one, too?

The one your dad made.

Yeah. Yeah.

There we go.

Oh.

Daniel, I was just wondering if... Sorry, Allie, I don't have time.

Oh, I was just wondering if I could take the girls on a little skill trip?

Take the girls?

Yeah, this afternoon?

Fine. Where did I put this itinerary?

Iris! Rose!

Allie, you don't have to keep coming in here to hang out with us. There's really

not that much going on.

Well, we don't need a lot of people for the next item on our master list of

Christmas activities.

Visiting loved ones.

I see.

And who do we have here?

I'm Iris. I'm eight.

My name is Tony. I'm 32. That's four times that.

And who are you, pretty little lady?

My name is Rose.

Nice to meet you, Rose.

Rose, you're so good at making ornaments, I thought you could help. And

you look like you'd be pretty good with a paintbrush.

I'm not allowed to draw at home, but...

Can you keep a secret?

Cross my heart.

Well, sometimes when I'm supposed to be practicing playing the flute, I draw and

I paint instead, and I hide my pictures under the bed.

Well, today you can paint out in the open in front of everybody.

Deal?

Deal.

Come on. I think you'll like this. Come here.

Once the circles are finished, we're going to string them all together and

them all around the room.

Oh, that's going to look so nice. It'll look like Christmas lights. Yeah. Yeah.

So, um, does this little one here come with a single father by any chance?

Hi, Red.

Would you mind going and filling up my water glass for me in the kitchen?

Sure. Thank you.

She's a nice kid.

Connie. It's a job, not an opportunity for a date.

Allie. Everything's an opportunity to find a date. No, he has a... I guess you

could call her his girlfriend.

Really? I take it you're not too thrilled with her.

Well, she just doesn't seem like his type.

She doesn't connect at all with his daughters.

It's like she thinks they're in her way or something.

Anyway, it's none of my business.

No, none of your business.

What is it?

Is it?

Oh, hey, the clothes are great.

You know, we should bring kids around here more often. They make old folks,

well, happy.

They're having a great time.

I don't think they get out much. Their lives are kind of regimented.

Would you get a load of this?

I tried to get Bill to open up for a week.

Ten minutes with this kid, and she has him gabbing away like they're old Navy

buddies.

This is ready to drink now and serve.

Table two.

What is that, a Christmas cow?

It's a reindeer.

Oh, yeah.

Yeah. Did you know that reindeer's eyes turn blue in the winter?

I did know that.

Did you know that cows sleep standing up when they dream lying down?

Oh, that's a good one. You are really something.

That woman is staring at you.

Uh, what woman's that?

Over there.

Uh, she's probably looking at the clock on the wall.

I don't think so.

She's wearing a watch.

So she is.

Did you girls have fun?

I did. Me too.

Okay, wait. There's one more activity tonight.

What is it? The next item on the master list of Christmas activities, holiday

lights.

real it's like looking at a fairy tale when i was a girl we used to drive

neighborhoods with lots of christmas lights it was magical did your family

christmas lights yeah we sure did we used to get a big dusty box of

down from the attic and the whole family would pitch it

So happy.

Yeah.

Christmas can do that to people.

Why don't we do things like that?

Like what?

Eat dinner?

We do.

I mean like play board games.

And we hardly ever go to see a movie together.

Well, you know how busy father can be.

I think we should do more things together.

As a family.

That could be nice.

Time to get you girls home for dinner.

Come on.

Where on earth have you been?

What did you do to them?

Nothing. I just took them to the community center, like I said. You never

me that you were going to the... No, yes, maybe you did.

Just now we went through the neighborhood looking at Christmas

I thought they would enjoy it.

Lights wouldn't upset either.

I think she thought of the families through their living room window.

Seemed to make her, I don't know, wonder about her own life.

Come with me.

Sensitive girl.

And despite Mr. Church's efforts, his schedule doesn't often allow him to

the kinds of family scenes that she apparently saw in that window.

But kids need those moments.

Well, the girls do have those moments.

Mr. Church loves his daughters, but he also runs an international organization.

My sister said, you know, the girls won't be young forever.

And every day that slips past without a meaningful relationship with their

father... It's a lost opportunity.

David, would you mind if I went up and talked to her?

Please do.

Mr.

Church, we were just... Daniel, it's okay.

Allie's right.

Kids do need moments like those.

I've been leaving it up to somebody else to do something that I should have been

doing myself.

Come in.

Iris, I'm sorry if I did anything to make you feel sad.

You didn't.

You were... I was just being silly.

Iris, no you weren't.

You were just saying what you were feeling, and there's nothing silly about

that.

Okay.

Right now, I feel like I have a circus tummy.

What does that mean?

I mean, when I'm sad, my tummy feels like it's doing flips.

Iris, can you maybe show me some of the pictures you've drawn?

No, they're silly, too.

Incredible. Iris, please never stop drawing.

You have a genuine gift.

Are you crying?

Do my pictures make you feel sad?

No. They make me very happy.

Iris, you are an artist.

An ornament is worth a fortune.

I was just looking at how pretty it is.

Look, but don't touch.

Wait, where are the ornaments that we made?

Oh, Iris, they really clash with the aesthetic of the tree. I mean, you don't

want to ruin the organic wholeness of the decor, right?

Where are they?

Hmm.

Where did they go?

Yeah, I don't seem to recall.

threw them away.

That's what I was... I rest.

Everything changed when that woman walked into our lives, Gordon.

I mean, she has filled your house with cheap decorations, and she has

no respect.

For the amount of hours that I put into decorating this magnificent tree.

Oh, and worst of all, worst of all, she has completely taken over the affections

of the girls.

Kimmy, the Santa Squad thing was your idea.

You didn't want to have anything to do with decorating the house or shopping

presents. You said so yourself.

I was planning our trip to the islands.

And the girls respond to her because she makes the effort.

I came to their nails once.

Give me I have two daughters and nothing's gonna change that fact and

honest spending time with them It hasn't been your highest priority Is it yours

Gordon?

No, no, it hasn't been yes, exactly Okay, and that's why I thought it might

be a good idea to consider boarding school for the girls What I mean don't

me wrong. I know the transition is gonna be rough, but I thought I could help

you with the transition by moving in.

So you want my girls to move out so you can move in?

Yeah, it sounds like a win -win, doesn't it?

Actually, no.

It doesn't.

What are you... Gordon, what are you... Gordon!

Gordon!

He just... threw them away.

It's horrible.

Why can't you just leave?

We need a Christmas miracle for that to happen.

Hey, girls.

Uh, I just wanted to let you know that Kimmy and I, we've ended our

relationship.

Nothing else is going to change. I'm still here.

My family's going to stay together, and Christmas is going to go on as planned,

okay?

Just let me know if you have any questions, all right?

Oh, uh, and tomorrow, we're going to go find another tree.

One that we can decorate ourselves.

Really? Yeah.

Make sure to tell Allie.

Good night, you two.

Good night, Daddy. Good night, Daddy.

Kimmy's gone.

Best Christmas ever.

I know.

We should get a big tree. We already have a big tree.

Then we should get a bigger tree.

Well, if it's too tall, we're going to be making decorations for months trying

to fill it.

Whoa, that sounds like a lot of glitter.

Would it be against the rules if we maybe bought a few decorations?

Yeah. Okay, okay.

Rose and I are going to look over there for Christmas trees.

But there's lots of trees right here.

But I like the ones over there best.

Oh, right.

Yes. Iris and I will be at the opposite end of the lot.

Way over there, in case you were wondering.

Duly noted.

I think my girls are having some big ideas.

Seems that way.

You know, when I was a kid, my father, he used to shake the trees, and if the

pine needles fell off, it meant that they were old and that it was probably

going to dry out. So it's almost like a science.

Give it a good shake.

Work it out.

You want to be a savvy consumer, right?

Yeah.

Uh, sir?

Huh? Would you mind not shaking the tree?

Oh, sorry. Yeah, I was just being a thief.

Yeah, I know. It's an old wives' tale about the pine needles dropping.

Oh, trees become pre -treated nowadays.

Really? Well, um, thank you very much.

As you were.

Carry on.

You learn something new every day.

Yep.

I'm about to get us kicked out of this place.

They're smiling.

That's a good sign.

Are you sure they're not grimacing?

It's hard to tell the difference from this far away.

Who grimaces in a tree lot?

Good point.

They're probably smiling.

Allie, I just want to say thank you for spending so much time with the girls. I

know it's not in the job description.

I love being with them. They're so interesting and sweet.

They make the job a real pleasure.

I'm not sure if you heard, but Kimmy and I, we no longer see each other.

Yes, I heard.

Sorry. No, it's fine, really.

It's been a long time coming.

We haven't been in a good place for months. You know, I think that she was a

little bit jealous of the way that you and the girls hit it off.

Oh, I hope I didn't cause any problems.

No, no, actually you helped me see a problem that was there from the very

beginning.

Excuse me.

Good news?

We closed the deal with the Japanese.

They love that we revised the presentation based on your suggestion.

Thank you, Allie.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

I got a little carried away there. No, it's perfectly fine.

I'm just glad I could help.

You know, it's funny.

Sometimes the thing that you need is right in front of you, but you just

see it.

Yeah, and then when you do see it, you can't believe you didn't realize it all

along.

We found a tree!

It's the perfect size!

And we did that shaky thing you taught us.

I hope nobody saw you. They might have us arrested.

Show us! Show us!

Next up on the master list of Christmas activities is tree decoration.

I never knew you could decorate a tree with food.

Okay, so you take your needle and thread, and you stick it in

the middle of each pop kernel, like this.

Wow.

I'm having trouble getting my thread through a needle.

I believe this is mathematically impossible.

Actually, if I remember an old trick my mother taught me, take the needle, rub

the needle, thread back and forth like so.

Wow. Yay, Daddy.

Well, it came in handy when I was away at college.

Nicely done.

Thank you.

Okay, now we see who can thread the most amount of popcorn in one minute.

Ready, set, go.

Go.

This is dangerous.

I'm on one. Me too.

Not so fast.

Not by the hair of my shitty chin skin.

Oh, look at you. Oh, man, am I ever slow at this.

Okay, stop.

Oh, my God.

Allie, you win.

I think we all win, Iris.

And we had fun doing it.

So, who wants to do the honors?

Why don't you?

Why, thank you.

Wow.

Wow.

It's so beautiful.

Isn't it, Daddy?

It is, isn't it?

A competent addition to the Yule ritual.

Now we just need some presents to put under the tree.

They've all been ordered. They should be coming by delivery this week.

I know, but I have something a little different in mind.

Really? Like what?

The next item on the master list of Christmas activities, shopping for

But I'm sorry, you're not allowed to participate.

What? Girls only, Daddy.

Okay, fine.

Then I will just stay here and popcorn by myself.

Father's becoming quite silly. I know, and I love that.

All right.

So, your mission today is to find and buy Christmas presents for your father.

We're just going to have to find him a gift that surprises him. Can we do that?

Yes. Okay, let's do it.

What is it, Iris?

$2 for four photos.

A nice frame costs $30 plus tax.

Nice!

Okay, how about a big smile?

Oh, come on, Rose. Can't you do better than that?

Smiling is a zygomatic response involving multiple muscle systems.

It would be obvious if I only pretend to smile.

Okay, well, what if I told you I failed high school algebra and biology?

That's nearly impossible.

Allie, one picture left.

Come in and join us. Oh, no, I shouldn't. This is your gift.

I would like to have one of the three of us, please.

Okay.

Gosh, look at that one. Look at you.

Oh, he's going to love this, guys. Look.

Hey, girls, look. It's snowing.

Let's build snowmen. And snowwomen.

Hey, so you take a little snowball like this.

And you roll it on the ground little by little.

I'm going to get my knee on the plush.

It's getting so big.

The heat of the rolling motion burns the ice crystals.

That's so cool.

I wish Daddy could see me.

I do see you, Iris.

You didn't think I was going to let you make snowmen without me, did you?

Here, give this a roll.

Okay, thank you very much.

You guys are doing a good job.

Okay, so do you think you guys, we can put this thing together?

Yeah. Okay, yeah, it looks like you get the head. I have the body.

Roll it on over.

It's cold out here.

Okay, so there we go.

Ready? Yeah.

pack it in there okay on the count of three let's let this guy go and see if

stands okay you ready one two three

we're gonna yeah we have to work on that a little bit

It's a snow family.

Not quite.

Who's that?

Dolly.

May I?

You may.

Want this?

Here you go.

Okay, you guys, maybe.

Help me make it look good. There.

Sort of just straighten this out a little bit.

There you go.

Does that look like Ellie?

A little bit? A little bit, yeah.

Right. Now it's a snow family.

Well, hang on.

We need snow angels to keep watch over the snow family.

a medical incident?

No, silly.

See?

No, Angel.

How about you, Gordon?

Oh, no, this is cashmere. I got it in London and it costs like... Oh, no.

You know, who cares how much it costs?

I still, Angel, is.

You know what would go great with hot cocoa?

I'm not sure, but I'll bet it's next to the master list of Christmas activities.

You are correct.

Making Christmas cookies.

Do you have cinnamon and sprinkles?

I'm going to go on a limb and say no.

Okay, you know what? That's okay. I have everything we need back at my place, so

I'll just pop on over and come right back.

Great.

It's so funny when you made your snow angels.

Yeah, but wasn't it so cold?

My bottom is so frozen.

Me too.

We had a problem.

My car battery died.

So, no cookies?

Three not.

Wait, Dad, you have a car?

Yeah, but I don't think that that's... Why don't you drive Allie to her

apartment and you can pick up the ingredients and we can start baking in

morning. No, girls, that's okay. I can just call someone to jumpstart my car.

It'll only take a few hours.

Father, the chivalrous thing would be to offer to drive Allie. Oh, phone.

We insist.

In fact, Daniel was just going to watch a movie with us.

I was?

Oh, oh, yes, of course.

Santa something or other. Mm -hmm.

Why don't you both go have dinner somewhere together?

Girls. We don't mind.

You're going to get the ingredients anyway, right?

Well, I once heard that you should never get ingredients for baking cookies on

an empty stomach.

Really? I don't think I've ever heard that one before. I think I read it in a

medical magazine.

Oh.

I think we're outnumbered.

Allie, may I please escort you to your apartment where we can locate many

delicious ingredients?

And dinner?

I'll see what I can whip up.

I had no idea that my girls could be so conniving.

Yeah. Well, kids have skills that would put carnival con men to shame.

Well, here's to them.

To the girls.

Oh, I'm so sorry. I have no idea how old that boy is. Oh, fine.

Totally fine. Thank you. Okay.

Here you go. Thank you.

Actually, you know, this gives me a chance to thank you again for letting me

work with the girls.

I know it wasn't exactly on the Santa Squad to -do list, but they're really

great. I've really enjoyed spending time with them.

Well, they like being around you, too.

Ali, my wife has been gone for most of the girls' lives.

She died a long time ago.

I'm so sorry.

This week, I've seen a spark.

And the girls that I have not seen in a very, very long time.

Yeah, they're just getting excited for Christmas.

That's part of it.

But mostly it's because of you.

Gordon, please don't take this personally, but have you put any thought

spending some more time with the girls?

I mean, after Christmas is over?

Of course, it's on my mind all the time.

I think it's on theirs, too.

Really? Did they say something to you?

Not in so many words, but I can tell.

It's just my schedule, you know? It's impossible.

You have the ability to say yes or no to meetings and trips, though, right?

Yeah.

When I was a kid, my family, we had nothing.

When Christmas came around, as a kid, all I wanted was this one bike.

They called them spider bikes. They had these really long seats that were

amazing, these high handlebars, and every other kid in the neighborhood had

but not me.

And I told myself that when I grew up, I'd be able to buy myself one of those

bikes.

So I set out to create my business, my company, and I worked very, very hard,

and eventually I became CEO.

Did you ever get that bike?

No, no.

No, by the time I was successful, I was too old to care about it anymore. But my

point is that my girls will never go without.

And they will know that I cared enough about them to help them become self

-sufficient.

And loved.

Yes.

And loved.

The ingredients are up here in the top shelf. Okay, we should definitely grab

those. Here, I can get those. Oh, no, no, no. I can reach. It's fine.

Oh. Oh.

It's okay.

Yeah.

Um, I think my car battery's probably replaced by now.

Yeah, we should probably get back to the house.

I'll put these ingredients in a bag.

I will meet you downstairs.

Thank you.

Put the groceries away, and tomorrow morning we can make cookies.

Okay. Sounds good.

Good night.

Good night.

I'll be heading home, sir, if there's nothing else.

Yeah, that's fine, Daniel. You have an early morning meeting downtown, so

I send the car? No, no, no, I'll just drive myself.

Was the dinner productive?

Yeah, yeah.

Got what we needed.

I see.

What's that supposed to mean?

Well, I've known you for quite a long time, sir.

Well, not to speak out of time, but it does seem to me that she has caught your

attention.

She is.

It's nice to see you happy, sir.

Hey, sailor.

Buy a lady a cup of coffee?

Oh, how do you take it?

Hot?

One hot cup of coffee coming up.

Thanks.

Say, did you know that in Taiwan, the rhesus monkeys get all the sweetest,

coffee beans and they shoot them up and they spit them out?

Is that right?

Yeah, and then the humans come along and they gather up all those seeds and they

roast them for maximum flavor.

Well, that's absolutely fascinating.

Tell me more.

Okay, the successful creation of Christmas cookies is all about timing

preparation. Some common mistakes, making your dough but forgetting to

your pan, or icing the cookies when they're still too warm.

Go ahead and mix this up.

With this?

No, with your hands. It's important to get the mixture just right.

Oh, it feels like primordial goo.

Okay, that's good. We want to keep rolling it until the goo feels more like

glop. Glop?

Then they're ready to be dipped in the cinnamon sugar.

Rose, you're making them too big.

How do you know I'm not making a gigantic cookie pie?

Are you?

No.

Rose,

that is so clever.

It's a cookie pyramid. If my hypothesis is correct, the weight displacement of

the foundation will support at least six levels.

That's so cool.

Whoa, it's so big.

Okay, that should just about do it.

Time to pop that pyramid in the oven. Rose, why don't you do it since it's

creation. Just make sure you get the oven mixed because the shelf will be

Don't forget the top.

I will.

Okay, 15 minutes and we will have a cookie pyramid.

Okay. Come on.

So what was your favorite Christmas when you were little, Allie?

Oh, my gosh.

I've always loved this time of year.

I guess one of my favorites was when I was a little younger than you.

I woke up early on Christmas morning and I crept downstairs to find my dad

asleep on the floor, snoring like a jet engine.

He had stayed up all night to put together this Victorian dollhouse I'd

for.

He was all thumbs. He couldn't replace a light bulb without hurting himself.

But it didn't matter.

Somehow he built this dollhouse and it, oh, it was so beautiful.

Every little detail.

Fire! What's that?

What's that?

Fire!

Fire!

Now,

here's your culprit.

Somebody forgot to take the oven mitt out.

I'm positive I didn't leave that in there.

Girls?

Oh, you're okay.

Dad, you're squeezing me.

Gordon, I... There's mostly smoke damage, but if that fire had gotten any

larger, the gas line would have caught, and then we'd have had a really serious

problem. I don't know how this happened. Ellie, how could you?

Did you even stop to think how dangerous a fire could be to my girls? How could

you be so careless?

You could have burnt down the whole house.

But I... Look, I'm sorry.

This is unacceptable.

You don't hear it.

guess, guess who might be possibly having a potential date. Maybe.

Well, don't get yourself too excited. You might pass out.

I'm sorry, Connie. I'm just, I'm in a mood.

Did you get bad news?

You could say that.

I'm sorry. Here I am running off at my mouth about myself and your suffering.

Would you like to talk about it or?

There you are.

I was wondering if you want to go catch a movie.

No, thank you. I'm busy.

Really? Because I think they're playing that funny Christmas one, the one with

the snowman who comes to life.

I have to finish my drawing.

Okay.

You want to string some more popcorn for the tree?

I'm tired. I'm going to have to turn in early tonight.

And I'm also tired. I'm going to turn in early for the night.

Look, this can be a rough time of year.

I'll say.

Say, do you want to hit the town just us two single ladies? I do a mean cha

-cha.

Oh, I don't feel like dancing.

I hardly feel like walking.

You really are low, aren't you?

I'm feeling sorry for myself.

Because you care about someone and you're afraid they don't feel the same

No, they do. He does.

I think.

Really? Then why are you here instead of there?

It's complicated.

You know, people get their heart set on something and they hang on to it with

both hands.

Even if they know it just might not come true. Because it gives them a feeling

of hope.

So, I should let go of my dreams?

No, no, no, not at all. Hang on to your dreams.

I mean, hopes and dreams and wishes are the...

The ingredients you need to still have faith in something.

But what if people don't have the same faith you do?

Well, miracles have been known to happen this time of year.

Anyway, do you want to stick around for the caroling? Tony's dressing up as

Santa. I can't wait to see him.

Thank you, but I have to get back to the house. I have to pick up my last

paycheck.

Okay.

Hang in there, Allie. You'll figure it out, honey.

You will.

Okay.

I miss Allie.

It isn't fair that we don't get to see her.

Grown -ups can make as many rules as they want, and kids have to follow them.

When I grow up, I'm never going to tell my kids that they can't see anyone they

love. Everybody thinks when they grow up they remember what it's like to be

young.

But they never do.

Just because Ellie made one mistake doesn't mean that we get punishment.

I think I'm the one who left the oven mitt in the oven.

Really?

Yes. I've thought about it a hundred times and... I'm pretty sure that was my

oven mitt.

I should say something to Father.

Okay, let's go tell Daddy now.

Father?

What is it, girls?

We have something to tell you.

I know, I know, I know.

I was just coming to get my paycheck.

I see.

Well, if you don't mind waiting here, I'll go and get it. I'm Daniel.

How are the girls?

Well, of course, they're both sad over this recent turn in events.

And, um, Gordon?

Well, I don't usually talk about my employer behind his back.

But in my opinion, Mr. Church is not entirely pleased with the way things

turned out.

I know, I feel...

terrible about the fire i completely understand why he reacted the way he did

would you just let him know i would never do anything to harm those girls

sorry that something happened while they were in my care i'm sure he knows all

that but i will let him know anyway

Thank you for telling me that, girls.

I think you should go talk to her.

You know, sometimes you need to think about the bigger picture, not just the

things that you want.

But this thing makes all of us happy.

Yeah.

Oh, good evening, sir.

Daniel, are you going somewhere?

Uh, just out for a breath of fresh air.

Ah.

But it's freezing outside.

And you don't even have a coat on.

Well, you know me.

Like a polar bear.

You're going outside?

Yes.

I knew you'd come back.

I'm not back. I'm just here to pick up my last paycheck.

But we miss you.

I'm so sorry. I just came to get my check. I didn't want to disturb you.

not disturbing us, Allie. We want you to come back.

I'm sorry, sweetie. I can't come back.

I know it's complicated, but I have to go now.

That's not true.

Yes, it is, Rose.

And I...

Oh, no.

What's the matter?

Oh, my friend Bill is in the hospital.

That's the old man I sat with.

He's my friend, too.

Girls, we can't just go barging into an emergency scenario with someone we

barely know.

He's over 80 years old. He served on a cruiser in the war.

Then he drove a bus for 30 years.

Okay, come on. Let's go get our coats.

Um, excuse me. I'm here to see Bill McCullough. Ali!

Thanks for coming.

How is he?

When I found him, he was just lying there. I couldn't wake him up. They

it's something to do with his heart?

Allie!

They insisted.

Is he going to be okay?

You don't know yet, honey.

It's okay.

I'm so dumb.

I just sat there and made eyes at him all that time, and I could have just

up to him and told him how I felt.

Sometimes telling someone how you feel is the hardest thing to do.

Now it might be too late.

Hey, don't say that.

Bill's a strong guy. He's not going to let anything knock him down.

Oh, Gordon, you should take the girls home.

It's officially Christmas Eve.

I tried.

I didn't get anywhere.

I'm not going anywhere until I know he's okay.

Rose, that could take days.

I'm young. I have time.

Allie, about yesterday... Excuse me, that's my cue.

You don't have to say anything.

Yes, I do. I overreacted and I feel terrible about it.

You're right, though. They're your girls. They mean everything to you. You

a lot to me, too.

I know this is not the right time or place, obviously.

But you've come to mean more to me than just someone to decorate the house, to

wrap presents.

You've brought light into our lives, Allie.

I don't know what to say.

You've shown me things that are right in front of me.

Things that I haven't paid enough attention to until now.

Iris, I didn't know that you could draw like that.

I thought if I told you, you wouldn't let me anymore.

No, this is amazing.

Hey,

what's wrong?

I lied about being able to play the flute.

Well, that's okay.

It's okay.

Hello.

Good morning.

Is he okay?

Are you family?

Yeah, yeah, yes we are.

There's my little encyclopedia.

Oh, you're okay.

Yeah, just a little mixed up with my meds. I have to remember to keep my

cheaters on when I'm looking at those bottles.

Bill, I...

So worried about you. Don't ever do that to me again.

The girls insist that we stay the night.

Really? Oh, that's about the nicest Christmas present I ever got.

Aside from you.

Well, the nurses said they were discharging you today. I was wondering

and everyone would care to join us at our house tomorrow for Christmas dinner.

Oh, I'll have to think about that for a minute. Yes.

Okay, whoa, whoa, whoa.

Say that again.

House flies buzz in the key of F. Thumb sharks glow in the dark. Bats turn left

when they leave a cave.

Butterflies taste with their feet.

She's pretty amazing, isn't she? Yeah, you can say that again.

Sorry, are you connected to Wi -Fi?

No.

She might be at Google.

I've got to get a library card.

Ho,

ho, ho, ho.

Merry Christmas!

Thank you for the suit, by the way. Hey, no problem.

I have got some presents for you guys.

This is for you.

And that's for you. Thank you.

have heard that everybody in this room has been very good this year so

gets a present bill i believe that this is the cruiser that you sailed on

oh my goodness that's mad

again it's my cruiser look at that thank

you you're welcome

And Connie, from what Allie has told me, you love life and you like trying new

things. So this is for you.

Thank you.

What's this?

Cha -cha lessons for two.

He's good.

It's going to be fun.

Thank you. You're welcome.

Tony, I understand the community center is always in need of funding.

So I've got my company to sponsor.

The arts program for the coming year.

Supplies, museum trips, everything.

Gordon, that's really generous. Wow. Thank you.

I don't believe it. Thanks.

My pleasure.

Now, Daniel, you are the best right -hand man ever.

You've helped me more than I can say and certainly more than I've thanked you

for. So, three weeks.

All expenses paid, luxury resort in... Tahiti.

Oh, you wanted to go to Tahiti?

Yes, Tahiti.

Oh, the soothing silence, the calming caress of the trade winds.

Thank you, sir.

You're welcome.

Girls, I'm going to take a leave of absence from work.

For the next few months, we're going to get to know each other again. We're

going to...

bake cookies, watch movies, build snowmen.

But most importantly, we're going to spend time together because I don't want

you two growing up not knowing how much I love you both.

Okay?

Merry

Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

I'm so happy you could be here.

Well, I had to... to give you this.

Spider bicycle.

Yeah, sorry, it's not the same size as the real one.

I don't know what to say.

The acceptable social response ritual would be to say thank you.

You're right, Rose.

Thank you.

Got a little something for you, too. Oh.

Somewhere.

Ah, bottom of the bag here.

It's beautiful.

Now it's beautiful.

I believe there's one last masterless Christmas activity that has to happen.

Which one? I thought we did everything.

Kissing under the mistletoe!

Oh, my.

Hmm.

So does this mean you'll let the Santa Squad come back next year?

Maybe we can just... Make it simpler and you can just stay all year round.

Merry

Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you.

When the snow lay round

about Deep and crisp and even Brightly shone the moon that night Though

the frost was cruel When a full man came at night That great winter's due

them for

Thank you.