All language subtitles for Haul out the Holly (2022) (Haul.Out.The.Holly.2022.1080P.Webrip.X264.Aac5.1-[Yts) (ENGLISH)

I grew up in a
very special place.

Every December, our block was
transformed into a Christmas wonderland.

And my parents started it all.

It's Christmas!

It's Christmas!

Mom!

Dad!

Wake up!

It's by myself.

Here I come!

Oh, I hope Santa came.

He came!

Merry Christmas, sweetie!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Can I open my presents?

Oh, not just now, honey.

We have to go.

We have a lot to do before
the carnival this afternoon.

Yeah, but what about Christmas?

The Christmas carnival
is Christmas, sweetie.

We have put so much
work into it to make it special.

Yeah, but you've
done so much already.

But we have to salt the
sidewalk, light the lamps.

Check on the backup generator.

Good call.

Come on, sweetie.

Don't pout.

You know how
important the carnival is.

It's our responsibility.

Our duty.

Yes, our duty to
make it perfect.

Can I open at least one?

Of course.

Oh, I think I know just the one.

Here.

Open this one.

Wow!

A camera?

Maybe you'd like to take
pictures of everyone at all the

events today to keep a record
of how happy everyone is.

You'll be our official
Christmas photographer.

Like for fun or for my duty?

There's no reason
it can't be both, dear.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, honey.

Merry Christmas.

Let's go.

Okay.

Get bundled up, dear.

Come on, meet us outside.

My parents tried their very best to
instill their Christmas spirit into me.

But when you're seven, you
have other things on your mind.

Up on the housetop reindeer
paws out jumps good old Santa

Claus You'll never guess
what he brought me this year.

What?

I got the entire Frank
Gehry Lego collection.

Who's Frank Gehry?

And he's only the greatest
architect of the 20th century.

Well, that's cool.

What's wrong?

Didn't you get
anything good for me?

Just this.

A Polaroid?

Cool.

Yeah, wanna test it?

That's so cool.

Yeah, except my parents
are going to make me use it

to take pictures of
everyone else at the carnival.

That sounds awesome.

Can I help?

Um, sure.

Can I have this?

Well, I guess.

Let's go.

I'll help you get people together
and you can take the picture.

It'll be fun.

Thanks for there.

Every year I'm faced
with the same question.

Is Christmas merely the
longest to-do list of all time?

Or is all that
work actually fun?

Maybe this year I'll find out.

Call out the holly Put up the tree before
my spirit falls again Fill up the star

king Fill up the star king I may be
rushing things But the deck of hoes again

now Oh, we need a little Christmas
And right this very minute Candles in the

window Carols at the spinnet Yes,
we need a little Christmas And right this

very minute Haven't snowed a
single furry... We got guys coming left.

Coming left.

You gotta call
them out, you guys.

Come on, they're breaking in.

Dan?

Left, you guys.

Dan, what are you doing here?

Um, I live here.

Oh, I thought you'd be at work.

No, I took a personal day.

Isn't this the busy season?

Yeah, that's why I get so
stressed during the holidays.

Well, don't look, don't look.

Hold on, guys.

No, no, no, I said don't look.

That's like saying
don't think of tigers.

I mean, the first thing you're
gonna do is think of tigers.

Ugh, I wanted all
this to be a surprise.

Wait, this is for me?

Yeah.

Like all of it?

I'd be upset if you got
me something nice, but...

Truth be told, I'm not
that big into presents.

Getting them or
just giving them?

Giving, mostly.

You remember your birthday.

Oh, yeah.

No, no, I remember.

I was very disappointed and
I thought I made that point,

but it's clear we need to
have another discussion.

Well, we already did.

Remember, you
got really mad at me.

I said I have no idea what you like,
and you said I should figure it out.

And then I asked
you for a simple list.

I'm not making a list, Dan.

I'm not seven.

You said that same
thing last time, too.

And that didn't have
any impact on you?

Wait, wait, hold on.

Are we about to
have another fight?

Well, it depends.

Okay, can we just
skip it this time?

I'm not that big
into fights, either.

Okay, I'm gonna say it.

I have not been very happy
in this relationship lately, Dan.

Okay.

And that doesn't
seem to bother you.

Oh, well, I don't want to break up or
anything, if that's what you're saying.

Yeah, but you also
don't want to talk about it?

Not really, no.

Right, okay.

So then, yeah,
we're breaking up.

What, seriously?

Just like that?

Seriously.

I mean, what is there to discuss
if you won't even talk about it?

Well, I choose not to break up.

What about you?

No, this isn't working.

I mean, the first couple of
years were so great, and I swear,

it's like this last year, you
have literally stopped trying.

Fine, you know what?

I give up.

Case in point!

I can't believe this.

Well, it's your decision.

You used to be a lot nicer.

Sorry, that was the
craziest deja vu moment.

My ex used to say
that same thing.

It's weird.

I think you should move out.

What?

No.

No, no.

No, I'm gonna stay.

What do you mean, no?

No, I found this apartment.

I put the entire security
deposit down myself.

Technically, that's true.

But you remember that
family reunion that you

had last summer that I
just didn't want to go to?

Yeah, no, I'm still upset
that you bailed on me for that.

I mean, my Aunt Monica
doesn't even think you exist.

That's a fair complaint.

But my point is this.

You may recall that it was the
same week we had to renew the lease.

And so technically, my name is the
only one on any of that paperwork now.

You wouldn't.

I thought I was helping you out.

I...

Okay, guys, I'm back.

Sorry about that.

Oh, honey, I am so sorry.

It's okay.

I mean, it was bound to
happen sooner or later.

Honestly, I don't even know
why I stayed with them this long.

Well, then, I suppose
it's a good thing.

Yeah, except I have to move out.

Well, where will you go now?

I don't know.

I mean, I've been looking
at listings, but there

isn't much available
until after the new year.

No, I mean, for Christmas, I don't
suppose you're going to dance.

Why don't you
pack up and just go?

Just come home.

Mom, no offense, but
I really don't think I can

handle an Evergreen
Lane Christmas right now.

I'm just going to use
my freaking flyer miles.

I'll go somewhere
warm and just relax.

No, no, that can't...

Darling, you come on home.

You can relax with us.

Your father will be so happy.

He's not too busy remodeling
Santa's workshop again?

Oh, no, not this year.

Okay, that was
your nervous laugh.

Where are you hiding?

No, what are you
talking about, dear?

Mom, you just did it again.

I found out you got rid
of all my beanie babies.

Oh, no, it's nothing
like that, dear.

I'm just hoping that you're doing
okay with the breakup and everything.

It's got to be hard.

Sure, no, I'm okay.

You know what, I think it's going to
be good to come home for a while.

Reno, I'm off until New
Year's and I can just

relax and eat a million
cookies and get some TLC.

I couldn't agree more.

It's been a long time since
you've come home for the holidays.

It'll be so wonderful for you.

Just do me one favor.

Please don't pressure me too
much to do all the Christmas activities.

I really don't think I
have any right now.

Don't worry, dear.

Your father and I will not be
pressuring you at all this year.

I promise.

Alright, thanks, Mom.

I'm just going to finish
packing and then I

can probably be down
there by dinner time.

No!

Tomorrow!

Oh, darling, tomorrow.

Your father and I, we've got
plans with the Ingebrigtsens tonight.

So I think it'd just be better if
you came down in the morning.

Is that okay?

Yeah, no, it's totally fine.

I'll just lock the door and
make Dan sleep on the couch.

Probably going to be playing
some virtual ogre fighting thing.

I have no idea what
he does all night.

Oh, that's wonderful, dear.

Tell your father
he'll be so excited.

Alright.

Bye, Mom.

Bye!

Are you sure this
is a good idea?

This may be our only hope.

Alpha 9 and Team Kringle,
we have a code red and green.

I repeat, red and green.

All units assemble.

Over.

Okay, break it down.

It's red and green?

Yes, it is.

Get the tree.

I've got the tree!

You've reached Jess's phone.

Leave a message.

Hey, it's me.

So, believe it or not, I am
driving down Main Street.

Yep, I'm home.

Listen, we have so
much to catch up on.

But, uh, just call me or
come by whenever you can.

Alright, talk to you soon.

Come on, guys.

If you put your backs into
it, you won't feel the cold.

Well, they should have layered.

Guys, please, watch
the tulip beds, please.

They are very delicate.

Did you hear the lady?

Ah, perennials.

So finicky, yet so delightful.

Yes.

Okay.

Alright, go.

Whoa!

Whoa!

Okay.

Sir.

It's there.

Okay.

Thank you.

Welcome home.

Proceed with phase two.

Repeat phase two.

Over.

Oh, look.

Here comes Emily.

She's on schedule.

She hasn't been home
for the holidays in years.

She doesn't have
any idea, does she?

Not a clue.

Buckle up.

What's with the get-ups?

You're moving to Florida?

That's the plan.

But why?

Well, because it's warm there.

Uncle Dino lives there.

We can golf around.

A bunch of my college
friends are still there.

Oh, I cannot believe this.

Oh, honey.

It's not like we're dying.

We're just moving to Florida.

We're taking our
talents to South Beach.

But when?

As soon as we find a place.

You mean, like, online or what?

That must be our
cab to the airport.

Airport?

You're literally leaving today?

Yes, sweetie.

Our flight leaves
in three hours.

I know how your
mother needs to be early.

What's wrong with
being a little early?

Nothing.

The airport is 40
minutes from here.

If there's no traffic.

When is there ever any traffic?

Mom, you didn't think it was
important to mention to me

that you were moving to Florida
when we spoke on the phone?

Honey, we weren't
talking about us.

We were focused on you.

And you said you wanted to
come home for the holidays.

Well, here you are.

No, I wanted to come
home to be with you guys.

Remember the
cookies and the TLC?

We'll be back by New Year's.

And in the meantime,
you can bake cookies.

You can bake all
the cookies you want.

And the neighbors will
be so happy to see you.

You'll get so much TLC,
you won't know what to do.

You know what?

I'm already packed.

I'll come with you.

Honey, we want you to be here.

You need to decompress
and take some time to

yourself to get over
the breakup with David.

Dan.

Dan.

Right.

And to do it right here at
the home that you grew up in.

Yeah, but this isn't
home without you two.

Sweetie, I know it's hard, but
you'll have everything here you need.

What about the neighborhood?

I mean, the
neighborhood needs you.

You guys created the HOA
rules for Christmas, after all.

You can't just move to Florida
and leave everything behind.

That is ridiculous.

Your mother and I believe that Florida
is the place that needs us the most.

Some lucky HOA has a hurricane
of Christmas coming their way.

They won't know what hit them.

Well, that's for certain.

Oh, come on, honey.

Do it for us.

It would mean so much to us if we
knew you were taking care of the house.

And we don't want to
let the neighbors down.

She's right.

Just think of it as your
Christmas present to us.

Fine.

Just promise me you'll
be back by New Year's.

You have our word.

Okay, try to enjoy one last
Christmas in the neighborhood.

Oh, I thought I told you that's
exactly what I was trying to avoid.

It'll be just what
the doctor ordered.

Really?

I think I'd like a
second opinion.

Wait, where are
all the decorations?

In the garage, waiting for you.

Yeah, but why
aren't they up yet?

We got a late start.

Bye, honey.

Have fun.

Oh, almost forgot.

See ya.

Hey!

You wanna ride the lightning?

No, I'm good.

Party pooper.

Good evening, ma'am.

My name is Jared Farnsworth.

I'm looking for Emily Melrose.

Is she, uh...

Is she here?

I'm standing right here.

No.

Do you actually
not recognize me?

Well, see, that's impossible.

I know you have her
unforgettable smile, but, I

mean, the Emily Melrose
I know would be about...

hmm, could be...

5'7", 5'8", by now?

You know what, it's really interesting,
because I recognize the freckles and the

steel-blue eyes, but the Jared Farnsworth
I remembered had, oh, legs that were as

skinny as his arms, so
he clearly can't be him.

He went.

Welcome home.

It's good to see you.

Me too.

Hey.

So, how'd you know I was here?

Well, that's the evergreen way.

It hasn't been on you since you
passed the point of the mountain.

Wait, really?

I'll never tell.

Oh, okay.

So, are you here
visiting your mom?

I live here now,
just up the block.

Oh, you have got
to tell me the truth.

How do you do it?

How do I do what?

How do you deal with everyone,
including my parents, being so

over-the-top with the
whole Christmas thing?

I mean, everyone is
just so gung-ho with the

decorations and the activities
and the HOA is so strict.

To be honest, I love it.

And your dad has been such a
mentor to me from my first year in office.

Wait, office?

I promise I'm not
gonna let it go this way.

But as a newly elected
president of the HOA, I want to

formally invite you to the kick-off
to the Christmas countdown.

Is that the overly massive
tree-lighting ceremony, really?

When's that?

Tonight.

Oh, it's a little late in the season
to be lighting the tree, isn't it?

I mean, Christmas is in a week.

Rest assured I have my reasons.

Scheduling this many board
members is no easy feat.

In fact, I still don't know how
your dad did it with such...

perfect balance.

Anyway, can you come?

You know what, I just
remembered I have plans.

I married Kevin Van Orden, and
they have this adorable little girl now.

Yeah, Jess.

80s retro, always wears
a beanie, cool mom.

That's oddly specific.

Oh, and her daughter
loves that Darla Duguid doll.

You're scaring me.

How do you know all this?

I call it the Santa sense.

That, and they're
heading up the walkway.

Hey!

Jared Farnsworth?

Hey!

Hi, Darla.

Good to see you.

What is going on here?

Emily just informed me
that you guys won't be

able to attend the
Christmas tree-lighting.

I want to go!

Okay.

I guess we'll be seeing
you there after all.

I sensed that was coming.

See you guys tonight.

Is that an invitation
to the tree-lighting?

No.

It's a notice for insufficient
Christmas decor.

Oh!

Welcome back to Evergreen Lane.

I still can't believe you
live on Evergreen Lane.

Well, I don't live here,
but I grew up here.

Hey, are you sure you're
okay staying here by yourself?

You can always crash with us.

I'm fine.

Besides, my parents want me
to look after the house anyway.

I think it'll be good to spend some time
by myself and try and figure out why I

spent the last three
years of my life with Dan

knowing that our
relationship had no future.

Because he was
nice at the beginning.

But honestly, I think the jerk in
him was just waiting to come out.

I know.

You really dodged a bolt there.

And yet I still got wounded.

You know what I need?

I need to just take
a bunch of hot baths.

I need to sleep in until 10 o'clock every
morning and sit in front of that fireplace

in my cozy pajamas and watch
Christmas movies on repeat.

Yes.

That sounds perfect.

I think they're about to start.

You guys want to go?

Let's go.

Emily Melrose?

What a wonderful surprise!

Hi, Melinda, Mary Louise, Bob.

You guys remember my best friend,
Jess, and this is her daughter, Nicole.

We're so glad you could make it.

Well, Jared invited us.

He's an architect.

And a darn good one.

And handsome, too.

Stop, you two.

The last thing Emily needs
is a couple of matchmakers.

I thought she just got dumped
by that loser boyfriend of hers.

She dumped him, Bob.

And second of all,
how did you hear that?

Belinda, of course.

She always spills the tea.

I'm so sorry.

Your mother made it
seem like it wasn't a secret.

Oh, that checks out.

You know what?

She's right.

I don't have anything to hide.

But I do want to just
kind of fly a little under

the radar this Christmas,
if you know what I mean.

Good luck with that.

Oh.

Well, we'll see you at the tree.

Come on.

Let's go see that tree.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome.

It is December, and as you all know,
we gather to light the neighborhood tree.

And I am very sorry to say
that we're a little late this year.

A little?

A couple weeks?

Stop.

We talked about this, Ned.

It was the best time for
everyone, so thank you for that.

I've been free for
the last two weeks.

You've been free
since the 80s, okay?

Go ahead, Jared, please.

Anyway, I want to thank all of you
for your efforts, your energy this year.

One announcement that
I have to make, though.

It's the first time in the
history of the HOA's 30-year

existence we will not see
Gail and Albert Melrose.

Aww.

But their daughter, Emily, has
come home for the holidays.

So everyone say hi to Emily.

Reminds me, quick announcement,
there will be an HOA meeting at 8 a.m.

Can you fill in for your folks?

What?

Me?

We'll call at 745.

Yeah.

Perfect.

Emily Melrose,
ladies and gentlemen.

Lovely.

So much for sleeping in.

All right, everybody.

You know what this is.

Without further ado, five...

Four...

Three...

Two... One...

Jared.

Come on.

Ned, you said this worked.

It worked when I did it.

Okay.

Ned, let it... It's going
to be fine, everybody.

I'm sure it'll be fine.

This never happened when
your parents were in charge.

I don't want to
blame you, but I am.

Do

I?

Merry Christmas everybody!

Merry Christmas to everybody!

My fair Iceman.

My fair Iceman.

No one makes him fast
as I can, la la la la la la la.

Heard the head and then
the shoulders, la la la la la...

Hi, 911, yes.

Oh, I'm not strange.

And you're not on
the phone with 911.

No, but I will be if you don't
tell me what you're doing here.

I'm just checking
out some stuff.

What kind of stuff?

HOA stuff?

Yeah.

How'd you guess?

Because my dad
used to sneak around

people's houses
looking for violations, too.

Such a legend.

What does the HOA think
about noise levels in the morning?

It's actually a
very strict policy.

Nothing above 90
decibels before 9 a.m.

Okay, so it's 7.30.

Oh, every week except
the week before Christmas.

Oh, well, that figures.

All right, so what'd you find?

Everything is very detailed in
that notice I left you last night.

You mean the notice that was
intended for my parents to handle?

They're out of town, so
everything kind of falls on you.

Jared, are you serious?

Bylaw 25.12.

If the owners are not present or otherwise
incapacitated, they may nominate a

surrogate or next of kin to
fulfill all holiday obligations.

Read up on that buttercup.

This one's for you.

Okay, now see, that's the thing.

I came here to get away
from any and all obligations.

That puts me in
quite the pickle.

See, everyone takes their time.

It's Christmas very, very
seriously around here.

Maybe you can tell them
at the meeting because, you

know, I told them you
would be there, so... Yep.

Because I was pressured to
say yes in front of the whole town.

Not cool.

Emily.

Emily.

Wait, wait.

I'm sorry.

You're right.

I shouldn't have done that.

Can we just talk about it?

What do you mean, talk about it?

That thing that two people do when
they want to solve a problem, right?

Okay.

You know what?

Great.

Let's talk about it.

I think Christmas should
be about having fun.

I don't think it should be about attending
HOA meetings or writing citations.

In fact, I think the
word bylaw itself should

be banned for the entire
month of December.

So can you please just let me
enjoy the holiday in my own way?

You're right.

You're right.

It's Christmas time.

It's hardly the time to think about
the wants and needs of others.

On the first day of Christmas, my true
love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree.

Could you just go away?

There's no bylaw against early
caroling here on Evergreen Lane.

In fact, it's encouraged.

Well, can you make
an exception, please?

On the second day of
Christmas, my true love gave to

me two turtle doves and
a partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas, my
true love gave to me three French hens,

two turtle doves and a
partridge in a pear tree.

Fine.

You win.

I'll go to the meeting.

If you promise to not
sing that song for the

rest of the week or
the rest of my life ever.

Okay.

So the word on the street
is you're an architect.

That's right.

What kind?

House remodels, mostly.

Did you remodel your house?

I did, for absolute
optimal holiday cheer.

Even put in the
extra-wide fireplace.

Why extra-wide?

Santa, of course.

I know.

What do you do?

I am a freelance copy editor.

That makes sense.

You were always a great writer.

In fact, do you remember, in fifth grade,
you wrote a story about a little girl who

asked Santa for it to
be Christmas every day?

Wait, you remember that?

Pick up the pace,
you lollygaggers!

Come on!

T-minus two minutes of counting.

Let's do it!

Let's do it!

Let's do it!

Kind of love his enthusiasm.

Yeah.

His aim isn't bad either.

Let's just stop.

All right.

Team, listen up.

We have six days until Christmas, and as
you can see, lots of fun still to be had.

Now, I just want to make
sure our event managers

are up to speed on
what they need to do.

Now, first off, let's see.

Christmas cookie
contest this afternoon.

Check.

Check.

Thank you, Mom.

Uh, hot chocolate
prepped for the visitors.

You know this.

Mm.

Uh, trophy for the winner.

Locked and loaded.

But I don't know why we
don't just give it to her now.

Don't be hasty, Ned.

It's anyone's game.

Lastly, we have the
illustrious snowmen tableau.

Now, we know that Gail
and Albert are down in

Florida, so we may need
someone to fill in for them.

Why don't we have Emily do it?

That way, it can
stay in the family.

Oh, that's a wonderful idea.

No, no, no, no, no.

Well, hold on.

Let's see what Emily has to say.

Emily, what do you think?

I'm just a little confused.

It's an exhibition of frozen humanity
followed by a no-rule snowball fight.

What's to explain?

You know, I'm well aware
of what the event entails.

I still have slight hearing loss from the
time I took a shot to the eardrum in 2012.

You said you forgave me.

Say it louder, Ned.

That might be the ear.

You said you forgave me.

Right.

What I'm confused about is why
my parents didn't find someone

to cover this if they knew
they were going out of town.

Yeah, well, um... Why...

You know what?

I'm sure they could
walk you through it.

You have plenty of time.

How much?

36 hours.

Plenty of time?

That sounds like
slight hyperbole.

You do have to enter the cookie
contest, and your house still

needs to be decorated to code,
so, yeah, maybe you're right.

I actually don't have
to do any of this.

Oh, okay.

Is it me, or did it just
get really hot in here?

We don't want you to miss
out on any of the fun, Emily.

Wait a minute.

Why don't Pamela and
Emily co-manage the event?

You know what?

I'll just do it by myself.

That'll be so much easier.

Oh, I'm totally fine with that.

That's a great idea.

No, then Emily wouldn't have
the satisfaction of participating.

I think co-managers
is a great idea.

I feel like I finally know
what the FOMO feels like.

Yeah.

You guys are gonna have a blast.

You know what?

Can you define FOMO?

Fear of making out.

Sorry about that, Bob.

Please let it be the one where she finds
out her boyfriend's actually a prince.

Hi, Mom.

Hi, sweetie.

Hiya, sweetie.

Are you guys on a golf cart?

Your father's driving.

We're between holes.

Ooh, who's winning?

I don't wanna talk about it.

How are you?

I'm okay.

But why didn't you tell the HOA to have
someone else run the snowman tableau?

It must have slipped my mind.

Uh-huh.

Well, they've assigned
it to me, and they also

want me to decorate the
house and bake cookies.

That sounds like a
perfect Christmas.

Yeah, maybe in some
alternate universe where I

wasn't ditched by my
parents for the Sunshine State.

Oh, come on, honey.

It sounds so harsh
when you say it like that.

Well, how do you think I feel?

I mean, I feel like I'm in Home
Alone 4, stuck in the suburbs.

Don't be so dramatic.

I'm sorry about the decorating, but
you did say you wanted to bake cookies.

No, I said I wanted to
eat cookies, a lot of them.

Then make extra.

Please, Emily, at least try to get a
baseline of decorations up at the house.

Our family has a
reputation to uphold.

All right, fine.

I'll do it.

I'll do my best for you guys.

There's my girl.

All right.

I'm just a little worried that my
best is not gonna be up to par.

Don't worry.

Neither is your
father's golf score.

Ooh.

I told you I would turn it
around on the back nine.

Sure you will.

That's what you said yesterday.

We agree.

No put-downs.

You guys, I need help, remember?

Me, help, please.

There's a checklist on my desk.

That should get
you right on track.

Have fun, honey.

Don't you dare go further.

Hi.

I am the wolf still.

Wolf, schmolf.

Come on.

Oh, goodness.

Oh, it's the one in Vienna.

I love this guy.

Hold

up.

Is this another warning?

No.

Absolutely not.

It's not a warning.

That's a full-on citation.

For what?

Violation of the
Nutcracker Code.

It's in your handbook.

Section 1-5-9-4.

Oh, yeah.

I must have skimmed that part.

Every front porch must
have a Nutcracker Procedure.

By December 19th.

Which was yesterday.

And I'm giving you a
bit of wiggle room here.

And I don't want to say
it's getting ridiculous.

Okay.

I didn't even know about
the Nutcracker Code.

It's in your handbook.

One second.

I'll wait.

Yeah.

Just...

Just a sec.

We good?

It is illegal to
rip up a citation.

Also, your Nutcracker needs to
be 36 inches from chute to chapeau.

Oh, from chute to chapeau.

Is that in the handbook, too?

No.

Just my own little flourish.

Okay.

So, what is the penalty
for these citations?

Well, that's up to
the HOA President.

And it should be
proportional to the offense.

So, what do I get
for no Nutcracker?

Well, that's known
as a Fix-It Ticket.

And you get a tall Nutcracker,
and I will personally tear that up.

And what about the
one that I ripped up?

About two hours
community service.

You can start by helping Mary
Louise and Bob with their lawn display.

Hey there, Bob.

Okay.

Okay.

All righty then.

So, what was wrong with this
spot for Dasher and Dancer?

Nothing.

I just wanted a second opinion.

Oh, okay.

Well, would it be all
right if I maybe staked

down the rest of the
reindeer in the meantime?

Well, if Dasher and Dancer
move, everything's going to change.

Oh, excellent point.

Well, okay.

The cookies are in the oven.

And where were we, Bob?

Dasher and Dancer.

Ah, okay.

Hi.

A little to the right.

Okay.

And a little forward.

Yeah.

And then a little to the right.

Yeah.

And now to the left.

Okay.

To the left.

To the left.

Oh, boy.

To the left.

Sorry.

Just a sec.

What do you think, Bob?

About what?

Well, what do you think?

Oh.

It's perfect.

Thank you.

Oh.

Happy to help.

Really?

I thought Jared sighted
you with community service.

True.

But, you know what?

It was a pleasure.

We'll thank Jared later.

He's an architect, you know.

That has been mentioned.

Yes.

And you let us know if you need
any help with your decorations.

You know what?

I had a question.

Did my parents really not
put up any decorations?

Well, as a matter of fact... Bob
doesn't remember, do you, Bob?

She's right.

I don't remember.

Neither of us do.

Okay.

All right.

Well, I got to go
bake some cookies.

So, see you later.

Stop mentioning me.

I'm sorry, Jared.

You're going to jinx it.

I can't believe we have less
than two hours to finish these.

I should have started this
before you guys came over.

What is it now?

Go on.

We can mix the batter.

Okay.

The sugar is right there
in the medium canister.

Got it.

Ready to make some cookies?

Yeah.

Pamela!

What's up?

I was wondering when you'd like to
meet to plan the snowman parade.

Right.

Right.

How about later tonight?

No.

No.

I never plan anything
after the cookie contest.

Oh, okay.

Why not?

If I lose, I will be in no
condition to do anything.

Good for you for being honest.

But I've never lost.

Right, no, of course.

Okay, so if you win... If?

If I win?

Sorry, sorry, sorry.

No, I mean, when?

Okay, don't jinx me.

Right.

Please.

I was just gonna...

How about when the
whole thing's over?

You know, we'll just
check in with each other.

Uh-huh.

Right?

And we'll see if you're
in a happy place.

And if you are, then
we can meet up.

How does that sound?

It's fine.

Okay.

Whew.

Good.

Okay.

I'll see you there.

Great.

Your nutcracker is too short!

I'm aware.

So what are you gonna
do after the holiday?

I don't know.

I'll probably just camp
out here until I find a place.

I'm sure my
parents will like it.

My parents would
love having me around.

Mmm.

Well, so would a certain H.O.A.

president.

What?

Give me a break.

What?

I saw the way he was looking
at you at the tree lighting.

What?

Come on.

Like you were the only
woman on Evergreen Lake.

She's right.

I noticed it, too.

Wow.

I didn't even know
you were listening.

She is always listening.

I'm

out of my league.

How could you know it was
gonna be the Great British Bake Off?

It's always this crazy.

These folks don't understand
the meaning of the word amateur.

Well, don't feel bad.

I'm sure that these hold up.

Yuck!

It's cold.

I'm sure that it's mine.

Mmm.

Are you sure that it was
sugar in the medium canister?

My mom doesn't
leave all the jars.

Is that a Salt Lake specialty?

Aha!

The classic.

Did you know that
English shortbread is the

forerunner of the modern
American sugar cookie?

There is another school
that says it goes back

to Platches in Mesopotamia
2,000 years ago.

But I am not of that school.

This was originally formulated in Sussex by
the chef de cuisine of the Archduke of...

Sorry.

Are you allergic to nuts?

No.

Milk?

No.

Shellfish?

No.

What are you allergic to?

Sulfites.

Bummer.

Sulfites are the
secret ingredient.

And a lot of salt.

Cold.

Thanks.

Mom, can I have a real cookie?

Yes, please do.

You should.

Mmm.

Divine.

Can I have a bite?

Thank you.

It looks really good.

Sorry.

But we do have to crown a winner
for this year's Christmas cookie contest.

Ring-a-ding-ding, baby.

It's game time.

Third place goes
to Ned Broadhead.

Oh, me!

Oh!

Me!

Oh!

Oh!

Oh!

I did it!

I did it!

Third place.

That seems right.

Third.

Spicy ginger snaps
were a first for me.

What was the secret ingredient?

Nepalese ghost peppers, baby.

That'd do it.

All right.

Second place...

We never won second.

Missy Cartwright!

For her sumptuous
and rich eggnog truffles.

But the winner, first
place, once again, for

her perfect pecan
stockings, is Pamela Bevan!

I can't do it!

Would you like to
say a few words?

Yeah.

Let's keep her
hydrated, shall we?

Okay, um, thanks
for coming, everyone.

I hope you saved some Christmas cookies for
Santa, because he'll be here in six days!

I've never seen
anything like that.

Oh, look.

Oh, wow.

Oh, wow.

I never stood a chance, did I?

No.

Oh, hi.

Pamela, hi.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

I am now prepared to confirm
our planning meeting for later today.

Oh, good.

Are you sure
you're okay, though?

Because you seemed
kind of emotional.

I have no idea what
you're talking about.

Besides, victory
gives me purpose.

Okay, then.

All right, how about, um, I don't know,
what time works for you this evening?

Well, I feel it's best to take
advantage of the daylight hours.

We don't want to appear like a
couple of lackadaisical Leslies, do we?

Oh, quite the contrary.

You know, I had some, uh,
Christmas stuff that I was gonna do,

Christmas activities, but, uh,
why don't we say around four?

Okay.

I'll put around four
in my calendar.

Helen, we're leaving.

Yes, Mom.

Now, Mommy's gotta be
somewhere around four.

Why does she make me so nervous?

Because she's a
bona fide ice queen.

Elsa's got nothing on her.

Hey.

As long as I can't
talk to you in private.

Sure.

Yeah, I'll go find Nicole.

Oh, boy.

Oh, no.

I'm not really sure how
to tell you this, but, uh,

it seems like you've
caused quite the scuttlebutt.

Oh, scuttlebutt?

What kind of scuttlebutt?

Big ol' scuttlebutt.

But, see, the thing is, it's like after
the Christmas tree lighting and then the

cookie contest, um, visitors that are
outside the lane, they've been a little

disappointed at your
lack of decorations.

Outside the lane?

Mm.

Really?

Mm-hmm.

Fine.

You know what?

I don't want to be a sore thumb.

Mm-mm.

And I promised my parents
I would do the minimum.

So when can you start?

As soon as I can get the bins
off the shelves in the garage.

That's all it takes?

Yeah.

Attention all available units.

Rendezvous at Melrose Manor.

Stats, Operation
Deck the Halls is a go.

Over.

What is happening?

Oh,

deck the halls with
boughs of holly.

Fa la la la.

Tis the season to be jolly.

Fa la la la.

That is a snowflake.

They're heavy.

Fa la la la.

The bells!

Ha ha.

They're ringing.

I don't see any smiles here.

We're working.

We're having fun.

What is going on here?

This is classic
storage configuration.

We'll have you
sorted out in no time.

Nice.

Last one.

Great job.

I got it.

I got it.

Oh!

It's a nutcracker.

Oh!

Thank you.

Oh!

One of the best in
the neighborhood.

Oh.

It's coming with me.

That looks great.

I think that's a good job.

I know.

I know.

I know.

I know.

I know.

This should bring me up to code.

We'll see about that.

Go ahead.

Forty-two inches.

Someone's been
reading their handbook.

Well, not exactly, but it
does make a good doorstop.

Care to do the honors?

Nice work.

You too.

You three.

This is amazing.

Thank you so much, everyone.

Now all you need
is a lawn display.

You know, I have an extremely rare
taxidermy set of nine adult reindeer.

They're beautiful.

You just say the word,
and I will just wrangle

those puppies out of
that parking garage ASAP.

Well, as lovely as that sounds, I
think you've really done enough already.

What?

Oh, no, no, no.

I am so grateful for your help.

Really so grateful.

It's just, um, you know, I
kind of need to decompress.

That was a lot.

You sure?

Yeah.

Second wind here.

Uh, I'm totally sure.

You know how to find us.

Yes, I do.

This is just incredible.

Really.

You know, it just reminds me of exactly
what it looked like when I was little.

You know what, I'd love to
have you all inside, and I can

make you a cup of cocoa
as a token of my appreciation.

What just happened?

I think it's a
Christmas miracle.

I'll take you up on that cocoa.

But, but, people just...

It's great.

Very strange.

Santa, I am your father.

Got the hot cocoa.

Oh, great!

Hey, that was really fun.

Thank you for getting
everyone to help out.

Oh, yeah.

Are you kidding me?

They wanted to do this.

Yeah, gotta chill out there.

Yeah, yeah.

This chair's free, so you know,
I'm gonna come and join you.

Yeah.

Oh, man.

You know, I always thought
my parents were just so pushy.

Making everyone follow all of these
rules and do all of these activities.

But I'm starting to realize I
think people always wanted to.

They lived for this.

Like, think about how many
lives your parents changed

by giving them these amazing
memories all these years.

Yeah.

Speaking of which, do you
still have those old Polaroids

from me and you together
at the Christmas carnival?

Oh, they have to
be here somewhere.

I mean, my parents
threw everything out that

was old unless it
was Christmas related.

Right.

But, uh, I bet they're
stored away somewhere.

Okay.

I'll have to look for them.

Yeah.

I've gotten pretty close with your
parents since I moved back here.

And you know what they talk
about more than anything else?

Easy.

Christmas.

No, it's, uh, it's you.

Every time I see them it's,
oh, did you see that new

article that Emily edited
for that amazing magazine?

Or, oh, Emily took us to
this fantastic restaurant.

Or she's taking kickboxing
now and she's a blue belt.

Purple belt?

Purple belt.

And they really shouldn't
have told you that.

That is my secret superpower.

Hmm.

Well, that's just the angel
on top of the Christmas tree.

I know all the dirt.

Really?

For instance, your favorite sandwich
is a frozen peanut butter and jelly.

That's gross.

You have to try it.

No.

You are afraid of
basements but not attics.

I have my reasons.

Okay.

Um, you are shamelessly,
unapologetically in love with Nickelback.

Chad Kroger was my everything.

I mean, that hair.

You good?

Did I lose you?

No, I'm good.

But this is kind
of a little strange.

You kind of know a lot about me.

Well, your parents go on and
on and on and on about you so...

Honestly, they go
on and on about you.

The whole neighborhood does.

That's nice.

Yeah.

When I moved here, they did
welcome me with arms wide open.

That's creed.

You would know.

Oh, no.

I can't stay here.

Yeah.

I'm on fire.

So... No, no.

I have to go.

I totally forgot about
my meeting with Pamela.

Oh.

Oh, go.

I'll let myself out.

Really?

Are you sure?

Yeah.

I'm sorry, but I'll
see you soon, right?

Absolutely.

Well, I hope so.

Very soon.

Yeah, soon.

Soon.

Oh.

Sorry about that.

Pamela, hi.

I am so sorry.

I was decorating the house with Santa's
helpers and I just lost track of time.

I'll say.

It's 523.

I know.

I'm sorry.

We agreed on four.

We did say around four.

Is 523 around four?

Well, it's better
than 623, isn't it?

Is this the lighting that
made you fill up this red rock?

Oh.

You know what, sweetie?

Why don't you just go on inside
and play with your dolls, okay?

I brought my dad's checklist.

He used this checklist
for the event for years.

Then you already have a roadmap.

Yeah.

Yeah, yeah.

It's just that, um, I don't
know if you can see this part.

It's three feet long.

Yeah.

But I really think we
could do it all if we

just, like, divvy it up
and we do this together.

You know what?

That is a great idea.

How about you do everything on the list
and then you tell me when you're done?

Okay.

You're still mad.

I can tell.

I am so, so sorry.

But the entire neighborhood,
they all came out.

The neighborhood came out to
help me and I just got carried away.

But I was carried away
with the Christmas spirit.

You know?

Okay.

Nice try.

But I'll make it up to you.

How?

I don't know.

Do you have any ideas?

Actually, yes.

You've got tiny,
dexterous hands.

Come on in.

I need you and your cute little
baby hands to thread popcorn.

Okay.

Oh.

My.

That's a lot of popcorn.

Yeah.

I need the hot glue stockings
for my daughter's Girl Scout troop.

We can go over the list while
you thread all that popcorn.

Okay.

Don't move a muscle.

I'll be right back
with my hot glue gun.

Don't eat it!

Okay.

You know, if I'm being
completely honest, I've

always wanted to take
a crack at your dad's list.

I've just always admired
his organizational skills.

Look at this.

Okay.

Get required permit from HOA.

We can do that.

You know what?

I'm going to talk to Oscar
Parcell about the parking.

He gets... He
likes to be courted.

You know, I'll bring
over my cookies.

He'll be great.

Okay.

Pick up extra gloves from
Community Donation Center.

We can do that.

Ow!

Ow!

Stop.

Go through it.

Push through the pain.

Sorry.

Good morning.

Look who's right on time.

How you feeling?

You know what?

I woke up with a bit
of a crick in my neck.

I think I must have
slept wrong or something.

I think it's the way you were
stringing the popcorn last night.

Really?

What do you mean?

Correct posture and regular
chiropractic adjustments are a must.

I wrote my dissertation on it.

Wait.

You have a Ph.D.?

Wow.

In what?

Arts and crafts.

Huh.

With a minor in scrapbooking.

Wow.

Easy.

Now don't you break on me.

I mean it.

There you go.

Ah.

Oh, that is amazing.

And a few days late.

Perfection is
worth the citation.

Okay.

Good morning, Ned.

Good morning.

We're just going around
the neighborhood trying

to get donations for
the snowman tableau.

Of course.

Of course.

Ah.

What you need?

Really anything.

Buttons, carrots, beanies, you know,
old clothing, anything you can think of.

Oh.

Oh.

I've got 12 hazmat suits.

You can make a post-apocalyptic
gang of snow people.

Okay.

You know what?

Just get us a few carrots
and an old beanie, Ned.

Okay?

Your loss.

You don't know
what you're missing.

Yeah, I do.

Okay.

You know what?

That's just dangerous.

How?

Well, some poor kid is going
to get his tongue stuck on that.

Why would he be licking it?

I don't know what... I
don't know how kids think.

I don't know.

They like to lick stuff
and eat stuff off the floor.

Is that coal?

Yep.

Do you actually burn it?

No.

I'm more of a green energy guy.

Then why do you have coal?

It's stocking stuffers.

You mean, like, for
the naughty kids?

Yeah, but I don't want the
heart to put them in anyone's

stocking, so I mainly just use
them as, uh, snowman eyes.

And we wonder why we're single.

Okay.

Don't.

No one... Have you
been on the naughty list?

No.

I have never been
on a naughty list ever.

Santa says otherwise.

He would never say.

Are you sure?

Okay.

Stop it.

Not you.

She seems frustrated.

You know what?

Fine.

We'll take it.

Just put it in the wagon.

Why is she yelling at me?

Stop that!

She yells a lot.

Don't do that!

So how long have you lived here?

Five years in November.

Where did you live before?

In Highland.

I would bring my daughter
here every Christmas season.

It was her favorite thing to do.

My husband, he travels a lot for work
and sometimes during the holidays,

so we would come here
to be part of a community.

I told Ned to cut these.

That's really sweet.

Is he traveling this
holiday season?

Yes and no.

What do you mean?

He had an unexpected trip come up
and before he could figure out his work

schedule, all the flights back
to Salt Lake were booked solid.

It's the busiest time of the year,
you know, holidays and ski season.

So the earliest he can get back
is the afternoon of Christmas Day.

Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry.

It is what it is.

And at least we've
got Evergreen Lane.

Hey, what?

No, no, no.

No, no, no, no, no.

What are you doing?

Is that...

Is that another citation?

No, no.

No, no citation.

Invitation to my annual
White Elsin party.

Be warned.

It can get pretty competitive.

A couple of years ago, the
police had to come break it up.

Yeah.

If Ned's there, just
don't bring power tools.

Still gives me night terrors.

How you doing?

Comes and goes.

Did I say great
on the donations?

Yeah, people were
really happy to help.

And it was nice.

Pamela and I had some
really nice quality neighbor time.

Oh, actually, we're
not neighbors.

It's your parents' house.

Oh, true.

Yeah.

But you know what?

I didn't hate it.

Oh, that's good.

That's good.

Yeah.

So, you know, I'll just go through all
the stuff and organize it in the bins.

That way you can go
be home with Helen.

That's really nice.

Okay.

Please keep the carrots away
from the hats and the mittens.

Absolutely.

That's a vegetable.

They're fabric.

Yes.

Okay.

100%.

Got it.

Great.

Okay.

What a 180, huh?

Yeah.

Please don't jinx it.

No, no, no.

I didn't want to say this when she
was around, but there's your citation.

For what?

No lawn display.

I don't know if you noticed, but I was
kind of busy fulfilling my obligation to

the HOA by collecting things
for the snowman tableau.

Actually, I did notice.

That's why the
penalty's been reduced to

mandatory attendance
to my white elephant party.

Oh, okay.

So it's a party I
literally can't miss.

That's an excellent
way of putting it.

Yes.

I'll help you.

Okay.

Oh, honey, no.

We don't have any.

If we kept all the lawn
displays from every year, we

wouldn't have any room
in the house for furniture.

So what did you do with them?

Your father donated
them to charity.

And you bought
new ones every year?

Yep.

And we always had
the best ones, didn't we?

Remember that
10-foot tall polar bear?

Do I remember it?

That thing still
gives me nightmares.

It was a classic.

Is that Jared?

Uh, yeah.

He's helping me out today.

Hey, Mr. and Mrs. Melrose.

Oh, hi, Jared.

Oh, honey.

They're hanging out together.

Isn't that wonderful?

Hello.

He's just lovely.

Okay.

Thank you.

Thank you anyway.

We're going to go now.

Bye.

Have fun.

Okay.

Turn it off.

It's off.

No, all the way off, Albert.

It's still green.

It is off.

Green is off.

Honey, are you sure?

What if they can hear us?

It's the last time
they can hear us.

They can't hear
us because it's off.

Is that the tea kettle boiling?

Did I make tea?

You did.

Emily, I still have
all the lawn displays.

What?

Are you kidding me?

I can't part with those.

They're my most
prized possessions.

So where are they?

In the storage locker
just outside the town.

I'll text you the information.

The key is in an empty shoe polish
can in the top drawer of my desk.

But whatever you do,
don't tell your mother.

Okay.

No, no.

Don't worry.

It's partially insane.

The secret is safe with us.

I'm taking it to my grave, sir.

Okay.

Take anything you want, and if anyone asks,
you've found them at the Salvation Army.

Got it.

Who are you talking to?

And those are my parents.

Legends.

It's like an episode of
Hoarders, holiday edition.

It's like a dream.

You know, my dad said the lawn display
was the crowning piece of decoration.

Yeah.

It's gotta be just right.

Anything inspire you?

Yeah.

You know what?

Yes.

So this guy is Ned, obviously.

Of course.

And here we have
Mary, Louise, and Bob.

Adorable.

And the elf is Pamela.

Always hard at work.

And a little intense.

And then here, I'm Rudolph.

The new kid on the blocks.

He's trying to
figure everything out.

And where am I?

Give me that citation pad.

I'm Santa.

Of course you are.

Who else would you be?

Santa Claus.

Do you know, when I
was a little kid, I actually

wanted to be Santa
Claus when I grew up.

Aw.

Were you just heartbroken when
you found out that wasn't possible?

I have studied and researched
the Santa Claus 1, 2, and 3.

I am convinced
it is still possible.

Ho, ho, ho!

Everybody.

What happened here?

Did a Christmas Comet
land on your house?

Well, I guess you could
say I got into the spirit a bit.

A bit?

This is Clark Griswold,
the whole decoration.

Did you do this all by yourself?

Jared, help.

Are you her boyfriend now?

Oh.

Um.

No.

Do you want to?

Nicole Bridges.

Bridges' friends.

Yeah.

Friends.

That's what Hannah said when
I asked her if she liked Jayden.

Then Braxton saw them holding
hands under the lunch table.

Have you guys held hands yet?

Nope.

Mm-mm.

Don't let her make
you feel uncomfortable.

We encourage her
to speak her mind.

You know, you see
something, you say something.

Okay.

Well, this isn't
the airport, Kevin.

I'm sorry.

You don't have to answer
that if you don't want to.

Um.

We made you cookies.

We used sugar this time.

I hope you don't mind.

Oh.

Nice.

Good call.

Well, we could, uh,
we should head inside.

Do you want to join us?

Oh, yes.

It's the, it's against the HOA
rules for me to say no to cookies.

So, yes.

Okay.

Hello.

You know Dasher and Dancer?

Comment.

Dancer!

Vixen.

You're skipping
literally the only one.

Dancer.

Shut up.

All right, big guy.

Let's see what you got.

Oh, the Christmas Carlton.

Uh.

Uh.

Um.

Uh.

My turn, finally.

Guys, ready for this?

You want the moon,
just say the word and I'll

throw a lasso around
it and I'll pull it down.

Oh, Bing Crosby!

Are you kidding?

Okay everyone, welcome to
the annual Snowman Tableau.

Pamela and I are so excited
you could all make it and

we cannot wait to see what
awesome snow people you make.

So listen up, we have some carrot for
noses, hats, scarves, clothes, buttons.

Coal for eyes.

What kind of coal is it?

Uh, the kind that
comes from the ground?

No need to be childish, all
coal comes from the ground.

Is that anthracite
or bituminous?

It's for snowman eyes, Ned.

Does it make a difference?

Well, maybe not to you.

Anywho, does anyone
else have any questions?

No.

Yes, Ned?

Can we use rebar to
ensure structural integrity?

Rebar?

Yeah.

Currently it is 41 degrees
Fahrenheit, 5 degrees centigrade.

Without adequate internal
support, my design will not work.

It will not be able
to... You know what?

Go nuts.

All right, everybody,
let the fun begin!

Candles burning low.

Hanging mistletoe.

Lots of snow and ice.

Everywhere we go.

Choir singing carols.

Right outside my door.

All these things and more.

All these things and more.

That's what Christmas
means to me, my love.

That's what Christmas
means to me, my love.

How about tonight's party?

There is a dress code.

I brought everything I own when I
moved out, so I should be covered.

Is it formal or semi-formal
or Christmas casual?

Ugly sweater.

Oh, nice.

Classy.

Your parents always had
the most hideous sweaters.

I have no idea
where they got them.

Yeah, those were just
their regular sweaters.

Do you know what this means?

What?

Snowball fight!

Snowball fight?

Every man for himself,
no rules, no mercy!

Fall back!

Fall back!

Regroup!

Fall back!

You won't live to regret that!

Yes!

I've been waiting
all year for this!

Well, I've got
one for you, sister!

Cheap shot!

Cheap shot!

I turned my top around!

Come on!

You too!

Aw, I remember that one.

A little much.

Uh, let's see.

Oh, just right.

Mm-hmm.

Uh, thank you.

Watch this guy.

Hey, I've only had two.

Is that what I think it is?

I have no idea how
I found it, but yes.

Oh, wow, this is
very impressive.

This whole thing?

Internet's a wonderful place.

I see you found
your parents' stash.

Yes, it's a 1987
classic, I believe.

87, a fine year indeed.

And this is for you.

This is amazing.

But what we really
need to do is this.

Ready?

One, two, Santa.

All right, this will go perfectly
right next to the other one.

Let me see.

I haven't shared this
with anyone, but I've been

thinking about installing a
retractable roof on my house.

Why?

So I could plant a 60-foot old
growth tree in my living room.

Ned, have you ever
thought about therapy?

I've been in therapy for years.

Have you ever thought about
getting a different therapist?

Look what I found.

There.

Almost a perfect recreation.

You still have it.

Yeah.

I love that photo.

Ooh, it's almost singing time.

Oh, Oh, Oh, who would go, Oh,
Oh, Oh, Who would go, Up on the top,

click, click, click, Down through
the chin with gold Saint Nick.

Fall on your knees, Oh
hear the angels voices.

Oh, jingle bells, jingle
bells, Jingle all the way,

I'm so glad you found these.

That's you, Pam, right?

Yeah.

That was during my poncho phase.

Woo!

Look, 19 in that one.

Oh, wow!

You'd never know it, but
Jared's actually very stressed out.

About what?

The Christmas carnival.

The Santa he
booked had to cancel.

Apparently he sprained his lap.

Oh, no!

Well, can't he find
a replacement?

No, it's three
days till Christmas.

Everybody's booked.

He's already so busy with everything else,
I'm worried he's not going to find anyone.

Maybe I could help find someone.

That would be wonderful.

I'll tell him you'll
take it off his plate.

He'll be so relieved.

Maybe Ned could do it.

My record is two
minutes and 13 seconds.

Pain is all in the mind.

Keep thinking.

Ned, stop.

All right, everyone.

It's time.

Oh, yeah.

Yes.

It is time.

It's time.

On your turn, you can
either take a wrapped

present or you can
steal from someone else.

But there's a twist.

Pay attention, Ned.

The lightning round where you
have 10 seconds for one final swap.

Ready?

Who has number one?

I do.

Take it away, Mom.

Okay.

I didn't want that one anyway.

Drum roll.

Here we go.

Ready?

Ready?

What is it?

It's a top-of-the-line
condensation monitor.

Well, sorry, Belinda.

No one's trading you.

What's wrong with you people?

Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all
the way Okay, don't... Too attached!

Don't anybody think
about trading that.

Oh, what fun it is to ride On a wild
horse on a sleigh Yeah, jingle bells Jingle

bells Jingle all the way Oh, what fun it
is to ride On a wild horse on a sleigh Hey.

Hello.

How's the checklist coming?

Hey, uh, well, other than about a
dozen boxes being empty, it's great.

Well, you can check the Santa box,
because I found someone to do it.

What?

Yeah, your mom said you were so
stressed and asked if I could help.

Why would she do it?

She did?

Yeah, so it took a few hours, but I think
I've... I've convinced Kevin to volunteer.

Who's Kevin?

Hello, Jessica's husband.

Now, I don't have a Santa suit,
but I'm thinking that Pam can help us.

I mean, the woman has a Ph.D.

in arts and crafts.

She can probably whip something
up in an afternoon blindfolded.

She sure could.

Yeah, Kevin.

All holds for applause.

Do you have any idea how hard it is
to find a Santa on Christmas Eve Eve?

Yeah.

It's like finding
the actual Santa.

Yeah, thank you.

Thank you.

Well, you don't look happy.

I thought you'd be happy.

Yeah, I'm happy.

Don't I look happy?

No, you look like I put
coal in your stocking.

Oh, it's Christmas time.

Of course I'm happy.

I'm just a little
stressed right now.

My mom's right.

I have a lot on my plate.

But good luck with Kevin.

Or Pam.

Or Kevin.

Good luck.

Are you sure about this?

Oh, don't be ridiculous.

I can make a Santa
suit with my eyes shut.

See, I had a hunch
you would say that.

Just give me his measurements
stem to stern in about 60 to 90 minutes.

I'll have him looking exactly
like Miracle on 34th Street.

Oh, you are a magician.

Thank you so much.

It's an advanced
degree, not magic.

Right.

It sounds like you're
having a wonderful time.

Honestly, I am.

I mean, everyone's working so hard,
but this time it doesn't feel like work.

It's kind of magical.

I think I finally understand
why you and Dad

made service such a
priority over the holidays.

Your father will be
so glad to hear it.

He's in a Thai massage right now,
but he'll be so pleased to hear that.

Tell me, how's it
going with Jared?

I don't know, Mom.

I mean, he's such a special
guy, even though he's

extremely quirky and
downright goofy sometimes.

He's just so sweet.

You know, he's so charming.

I meant how's it going with
his HOA duties, but go on.

Oh.

Oh, right.

No, no, no.

He's an excellent president.

Very good president.

Everyone is really
happy with him.

I just wish he
wasn't so stressed.

Uh-oh.

What's he worried about?

Well, the Santa he hired
canceled last minute, and

he was too busy to deal
with it, so I took over.

And...

I don't think he really
appreciated that.

Why not?

Well, when I told him I found
someone to do it, he acted kind of... cold.

It's like I offended
him or something.

Maybe because
you did offend him.

What?

By trying to help?

By not asking the one person it
would mean the most to, sweetie.

Right.

Of course.

How did I not
think of that, Mom?

I guess I've still got some of
those mom skills lying around.

Mad mom skills.

Right, I gotta go.

I have to go fix this.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Hello.

No more ho-ho-ho chime?

I disconnected it.

How come?

Just, uh... wasn't feeling it.

Well, maybe this will help
put you back in the spirit.

What's that?

It's a little nutcracker.

Hmm.

It's still too small.

I know.

It's too small for your porch, but
it's not too small for your mantle.

And that right there
has sentimental value.

Him?

Yes.

Hmm.

That right there is the
beginning of how you got

me into the Christmas
spirit on Evergreen Lane.

Really?

Yes.

And since then, I have
had the best week.

And that's because of you.

I... you're so devoted to making everyone
happy that I foolishly assumed you were

too busy to fulfill your
true calling this year.

What are you saying
to me right now?

That I think you would
make the best Santa ever.

And I am so sorry
I didn't ask before.

But I'm here now.

Just a girl.

Standing in front of a boy.

Asking him to be the
most perfect Santa Claus.

I thought you'd never ask.

So happy you're happy.

Thank you.

Sir, we actually have to get to
Pamela's list so we can give you her sizes.

Okay.

Okay.

Thank you.

Kevin has short
arms and tiny hands.

It's not my fault.

The suit was constructed on
the measurements I was given.

I know.

I am so sorry, Pamela.

We rushed over as
soon as we could.

I didn't think you'd
finish it so fast.

Hey, what can I say?

I was in the zone.

Well, do you think you
could let it out a little?

Oh, sure.

But it is a Santa
suit after all.

I'll just magically
add fabric to it.

No, no, no.

Sorry, sorry.

I was just brainstorming.

Ned has a spare Santa suit.

What do you guys think?

Hey, it's no threat
out of my Bobbin.

Go.

Go!

I have several, actually.

You never know when
one will come in handy.

Yeah.

Here is the, uh,
Barry Manilow Santa.

Beautiful.

This is the traditional
Norwegian Laplander Santa.

Darth Vader Santa.

Very popular.

Okay, what about just
a classic mall Santa?

If you must.

Yes, yes.

You, sir, are a lifesaver.

Right.

Sign here and
return in 48 hours.

That's across the street, Ned.

Right.

That's why I'm
waiving the deposit.

How kind of you.

Sign for the boots as well.

Separate entry.

Grazie.

This is time.

It's time.

Time for what?

I hereby nominate Emily
Melrose to be officially

named to Team Kringle
as one of Santa's helpers.

I second the nomination,
put the motion to a vote.

All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

The motion has passed.

It is with great pride that I bestow upon
you, Emily Melrose, the great honor...

And responsibility.

And responsibility of officially
becoming one of Santa's helpers.

That is the order.

Huzzah.

Huzzah.

Huzzah.

This is not a toy.

You have a lot of
ground to cover out there,

keeping constant
communicato, capiche?

Never leave a
helper without a hand.

Congratulations.

Congratulations.

Attention, Team Kringle.

Moon up.

Yeah, let's move, move, move.

Watch out for the steps.

They sneak up on you.

Yeah, let's go,
let's go, let's go.

Get the lead out.

North Pole!

Christmas tree!

Move, move, move, move, move!

I'll take cinnamon buns!

Let's go!

You okay?

Got it.

I'm sure you got it.

On Dasher.

On Dancer.

Everything looks great.

Looks so great.

Wanna take it for a test spin?

Oh, come on.

It's just a chair.

It's not just a chair.

This is where
reality is suspended.

Where children
still believe in magic.

Hmm.

It is really special.

Let's give it a try.

You were made for this.

Hope I do it justice.

I'm sure you will.

Wow, it's just...
just beautiful.

Couldn't agree more.

Alright, we have a busy day tomorrow,
so I should... I should head home.

Ooh, I caught that.

Caught what?

That right there was the
first time since you've been

back that you referred to
your parents' place as home.

Huh.

I guess I did.

Night.

Goodnight.

Pamela,

I am so sorry about the
whole Santa suit debacle.

I...

Are you okay?

No.

So I just got off
the phone with Alan.

Looks like there's a winter
storm system moving into

the east coast and it's
supposed to hit on the 25th.

Good news is my Nan in Pittsburgh
will have a white Christmas.

Bad news is that his flight
will... most definitely be cancelled.

And I have to tell Helen...

again... that she's not gonna
see her father on Christmas.

I'm so sorry.

It's fine.

That's why we have
Evergreen Lane.

Please, don't tell the others.

Last thing I want to do
is dampen their spirits.

I won't say a word.

I really didn't want to
be alone this Christmas.

Usually when someone
hugs you, you hug them.

Okay.

Okay.

Hey.

Dan, hi.

Hi, hi, hi, it's me.

Um...

Listen, we need to talk.

Here you go, sweetheart.

Extra marshmallows.

Thank you.

What time should
I take over, Mayor?

One o'clock.

Okay, I'll be back then.

Can we go see Santa now?

Yes, of course, honey.

Ooh, you know what?

Let's go now.

Yeah, we'll beat the line.

Santa, we're coming for you!

Well, you really seem to
be fitting in around here.

You know what?

Strange as it seems,
I think you're right.

I'm glad to hear it.

Does that mean you're
thinking of moving back?

I don't know, but we
have a place for Ren.

I mean, I'd take a look at it.

Ooh!

I'll keep my ear to the ground.

I know one girl who'd be
very happy to have me back.

It's so nice to be
close to Nicole again.

I meant me!

Thank you, London.

Merry Christmas to you.

Merry Christmas.

Okay, Trixie, who
do we have next?

Well, Santa, you
remember Nicole.

Nicole, of course.

Merry Christmas to you.

Do you want to
sit in Santa's lap?

No, thank you.

Okay, a little girl who
knows what she wants.

Santa loves that.

Why do you refer to
yourself in the third person?

That's a great question.

More important question is,
have you been naughty or nice?

A little bit of both.

Like everyone, right?

I suppose.

Look, I know you're
not the real Santa.

It's okay.

We should pretend for
all the grown-ups' sake.

I'm picking up what
you're putting down.

Okay, what do you
want for Christmas?

Two sandwiches.

Hit me.

I'd like some new
furniture for my dollhouse.

Ideally, Bauhaus
or Danish Modern.

What else?

I'd like that handsome architect
to take my Aunt Emily on a date.

I told you.

She's always listening.

See, that is what I call highly
effective communication.

Uh-huh.

What makes you think
your Aunt Emily wants that

handsome architect to
take her out on a date?

Well, she said she didn't like
him, but you know what that means.

Thanks for the tip, kiddo.

Merry Christmas.

You, too.

Thank you.

Ho, ho.

Oh, Trixie!

Who do we have next?

Trixie doesn't care.

Alan!

Pamela.

The storm!

How did you get here?

None of that matters now.

We're together.

That's all that's important.

What's the story there?

Christmas beer?

A miracle.

Don't stay out
too late, you two.

We're waiting up for Santa.

And looking at my favorite star.

Oh.

Mom says I'm the official
photographer this year.

And you are doing
an excellent job.

Thanks, Emily.

You're a true Melrose, Emily.

Your parents would be proud.

Merry Christmas.

How'd you do it?

Do what?

There are no secrets from Santa.

How did you get Alan
home in time for Christmas?

My ex-boyfriend happens to work for
an airline, so I called in a huge favor and

got him on the last
flight before the storm hit.

Your ex?

I thought you said
that guy was a jerk.

Oh, he is.

Totally.

But even the biggest jerk is no
match for the Christmas spirits.

That gave me goosebumps.

Is that strange?

Coming from you?

No.

So how was it?

Greatest night of my life.

Aww.

And it's not over.

I have a lot of presents
to deliver, so no.

In fact, do you know where I can pick
up some... it's Bauhaus doll furniture.

I feel like the elves could
help with that, probably.

That's a good idea.

I do have one more
request, though.

Yeah?

What's that?

How would you feel about
going on a date with an architect?

Oh, it depends.

Hmm.

Is he handsome?

I know someone who has a framed photo of
him I can show you tomorrow and you decide.

All right.

Walk me home.

I got to get back to the sleigh.

Reindeer are a handful
this time of night.

Yes, honey!

Mom?

Dad?

What are you doing here?

Well, Florida was fun, but we
couldn't be away for the big day.

Oh, I am so happy
to see both of you.

The house looks terrific.

You did a great job outside.

Yes, the lawn
display is very eclectic.

Thank you.

That's exactly
what I was going for.

It's all very familiar somehow.

Really?

Hmm.

I don't know.

Like father, like
daughter, I guess.

Did you remember to put the key to the
storage unit back in the shoe polish tin?

Wait.

You knew?

I think it's funny how
after all these years

you still think you can
keep a secret from me.

How was your week, honey?

You know what?

It was exactly what I needed.

Really?

How so?

I just realized how amazing it
is what you guys started here.

And I was so proud to be a part of it
for one more year, even if it was the last.

Is that it?

You're heading back?

I haven't decided yet, but I am
thinking about looking for a place in town.

I mean, I can work from
anywhere and I miss home.

That's the best news
we've heard in a long time.

Indeed.

How about you guys?

Did you find a place in Florida?

The good news is we found a
condo right next to my brother's.

The bad news is their HOA
holiday regulations are a total mess.

But don't you worry.

Your father and I are
already drafting amendments.

Gail and Albert Melrose just saving
Christmas one suburb at a time.

Uh-huh.

And thank you so much
for looking out for the place.

It was the best Christmas gift
you could have ever given us.

And now we want to give you
the best gift we can think of.

It's your keychain.

I... I don't get it.

Those are the keys to your
new home on Evergreen Lane.

Are you serious?

If you want the
house, it's yours.

We can't imagine
it any other way.

I... I mean, yes.

Yes!

I... I love you guys so much.

Merry Christmas, all of you.

Happy Christmas.

Right on cue.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

We've got a big day ahead of
us, but come on in for some cocoa.

We wish you a merry Christmas.

We wish you a merry Christmas.

We wish you a merry
Christmas and a happy new year.

Barely 36.

Well, merry
Christmas to you, too.

So, thinking about
taking their offer?

Well, I mean, the
house is amazing.

But, uh, kind of on the
fence about the neighborhood.

Yeah, yes, a lot of characters.

Yeah, the HOA is very strict.

Well, if you get in good with their
president, he might cut you some slack.

I highly doubt that.

I took an oath to protect this
neighborhood, and I'm gonna honor it.

That just gave me goosebumps.

Is that strange?

Not at all.

You had a pen?

Always.

I have a citation for
you, Mr. President.

I'm sorry, is there some rule
I broke that I'm unaware of?

It's my own little flourish.

That's not how that works.

Punishment isn't too bad.

I'll let you judge of that.

This I think I can handle.

So, in the end, Christmas didn't
quite turn out like I thought it would.

It was better.

And I know one new resident who has
some ideas for next year's celebration.

The countdown is on.