Original subtitles

♪ The tree's wrapped up in lights ♪

♪ You're close by my side

♪ You're all I need it's true ♪

♪ The greatest gift is you

♪ The fire's warm and bright ♪

Come on.

♪ So we'll stay in tonight

♪ You're all I need it's true ♪

I don't have time for this...

♪ The greatest gift is you

Ahh!

Do you like this Christmas playlist?

I'm trying to make it for work.

Whoa.

You're more lit up than the tree.

Are we gonna put presents under you this year?

I didn't notice.

Or the music.

I like it.

- It works. - Yeah.

I should take this playlist and lights

with me everywhere I go.

Well, you'd need a really long extension cord.

Yeah, maybe we should just keep it for the tree.

Oh, speaking of which, some...

Oh, Becca, Will, stop!

Should we cover you in tinsel, too?

I went with, "Are we gonna put the presents

under you this year?"

We're late.

Can we do the Larson Family Comedy Hour tonight?

No, because we're doing

the Larson Family Ice Skating Hour tonight,

but somebody has to decorate the tree

at some point.

Honey, I can't.

We have our office Christmas party today,

and I have to stay late to work. Sorry.

And, Mom, it's the last day of school before winter break.

I'm gonna celebrate with Sarah and Autumn.

Oh, I thought Autumn had to... leave.

You know that's why

she doesn't come over here anymore, right?

Oh, come on.

And I'm going over to Danny's.

We're gonna do our practice college applications.

You're 14.

Aren't you a little young

to be spending your Friday nights doing paperwork?

You're 16.

Aren't you a little old

to not have thought about college,

like, at all?

I'm taking a gap year.

- No, you're not. - No, you're not.

Guys...

Okay, what about ice-skating?

Guys?

I know everybody's busy.

I put this on the schedule.

How can you tell?

Everything pertaining to Christmas is in red.

Okay, we're going to the Arboretum

to see the holiday lights on Tuesday.

I have cheerleading practice.

Over Christmas break?

Cheer doesn't go on break.

Okay, Christmas tree lighting ceremony

downtown on Friday?

Client dinner.

Guys, you have to put this on the schedule!

Oh, okay. Hang on.

Here. Now we know.

Okay, I see that nobody has anything

on Sunday afternoon,

so we can go to the Christmas market

in Daley Plaza.

But you said you had a showing Sunday afternoon?

And I believe you're in purple?

I will figure this out.

I promise.

Well, If anybody can do it honey, it's you.

All right, kids.

Let's make like Santa's sleigh,

and fly.

Wait!

Would someone decorate the tree, at least?

Mom, it'll still be here tomorrow.

Right.

In fact, it'll be... pining for us.

That was good.

That was solid.

I'm gonna give everyone in my family

a secretary for Christmas

so I can schedule time to see them.

My kids aren't even 10 yet,

and they're busier than I am.

I mean, between the school and the Christmas pageant...

Oh!

The Christmas pageant! I'm making cookies.

How'd you get roped into that?

I ran into Pastor Tim at the market.

I felt kinda bad

that we haven't been to church in a while.

Oh, I'm sure he understands.

Everyone gets busy during the holidays.

Uh, you're there every week.

Well, I seem to get a boost of energy

this time of year.

I don't know. Call it the magic of Christmas.

Oh, well, could you bottle some of that for me, please?

Oh, you love Christmas as much as I do.

Yes, but I...

Lately, it seems like we spend time together,

but we...

I don't know.

Do you mean the kids or Eric?

Um, both.

Eric's working on this huge merger,

and well, you and I can't keep up

with these listings,

and between that and the kids,

Eric and I have put ourselves at the bottom of the to-do list.

You know, Pastor Tim

is great at helping couples reconnect.

Oh, what?

No! No, no. It's not that serious.

It... it's just the usual stuff

that, uh, you know... all married couples go through.

No, I... I just need 36 hours in every day

until the end of December to fix it.

It's like you're caught in a Christmas blizzard

but you're too busy

trying to keep your head above the snow

to make it to Santa's village.

Okay, that was a terrible metaphor.

It was.

It was accurate, but terrible.

Wow... good job on the Christmas playlist.

Yeah, well, it was either that or dress up like Santa,

so I took the easy way out.

Ooh, should we wish the partners.

Merry Christmas first,

then go get cookies,

or the other way around?

Noah, it's cookies first. Always.

Get your priorities straight, man.

This is why you're First Chair

on the Peterson merger.

Any, uh, any big plans for the holidays?

Oh, nothing too big.

Just every single relative on the planet

is coming to our house for Christmas dinner.

Better pick up some extra turkeys.

What about you?

No, my parents usually come in,

but they couldn't make it,

so it's just us and the kids.

Maggie's family isn't coming to town?

She's only got a brother, um, Paul, in Ohio,

but we're not gonna get together.

Weren't you guys just in Ohio a few months ago?

Yeah, Paul's wife passed away.

Oh, that's gotta be hard during Christmas.

So just you, and Maggie, and the kids?

What I'm hearing

is you got plenty of room at your dining table

for my wife's third cousin from Iowa

that she's apparently never met.

No, I do not.

No, I'm actually looking forward

to just a quiet Christmas finally.

Well, then you better turn off your phone

with this merger going on.

Yeah, no kidding.

All right, well, my 10-minute break is up.

Gotta go say hi to the partners.

You know what, Noah? It's Christmastime.

I want you to take an extra 10, okay, buddy?

Aw, and all I got you was socks.

I gotta make a quick call.

Hey!

Everything okay?

Yeah, yeah.

Um, hey, I was just thinking, um

what is Paul doing for Christmas?

Paul? I don't know.

I haven't talked to him. Why?

Well, it's just their first one since Amy died.

Yeah, I should call him.

Yeah.

I did a few times after the funeral, I just...

I haven't wanted to bother him.

Well, I'm sure he wouldn't think that, honey.

It's not like it was intentional.

We just got busy with our own lives.

Look, if you want to invite them over for Christmas,

we could make it work.

I... I should call him.

Thank you. I will.

Okay.

Maggie?

- I have to go. - Yeah, me too.

Yeah, I'll see you at home.

Bye.

Okay.

Hey, Paul!

Hi, Sherry. Thank you so, so much for...

You baked Christmas cookies?

Hi, Dad! I missed you, Dad.

School was great, Dad.

Right. All that stuff.

Cookies?

Yeah, there's more inside, but these are for Mrs. Lin

to say thank you so much

for taking an extra shift of school pickup today

so that I could work.

Thank you, Mrs. Lin.

You're welcome, Ashley,

and Paul, you didn't need to bake cookies.

But we're really happy he did!

Oh, Paul, may I ask what you're working on?

Is it your next novel?

Uh, yes, I...

I am working on a new one.

Did I tell you I got my husband to read your books?

I think he's more of a fan than I am now.

We just want to make sure you guys are doing okay.

Oh, well we're...

We're doing well. I appreciate it.

Anything you need.

Thank you, Sherry.

Bye, Mrs. Lin. Bye, Maya!

- They're in the kitchen. - Yes!

Ooh!

Hey, hey, just one!

Just one.

Okay, I was gonna open with three,

so why don't we meet in the middle

and agree on two?

Mm.

Are these the ones Mommy made every year?

It's her recipe, yeah.

I don't know if they taste as good as hers did.

Almost.

You just need practice.

Is... Is that your subtle way of saying

that we need to bake more?

Mommy was really good at baking Christmas cookies.

You don't want her looking down from heaven

and seeing these "almost as good" cookies,

do you?

I think your mother would be proud

that I even know how to turn on the oven.

True, and it makes me a little nervous

about Christmas dinner.

Hey, I'm great at grilling, right?

You can grill a turkey, right?

Ooh! Grilled stuffing. Grilled pumpkin pie!

Dad!

No, I... I know that we get to eat dinner together,

so I know it's gonna be a wonderful Christmas dinner.

Me too.

But I'm still gonna ask God

to help you out a little bit extra, okay?

Okay.

Oh, Ashley, I need to take this.

I'll be right back,

and by the way,

I know exactly how many cookies

are on that plate.

Hi, Maggie.

Everything okay?

Yeah, everything's fine.

I'm just, uh, checking in.

Saying hi.

Oh. Okay.

Uh, okay, well... hi.

You sound surprised.

Well, yes, but pleasantly surprised.

So, how are you?

How's Ashley?

Uh, I'm good.

Uh, Ashley's good.

I just made Christmas cookies, so...

So, do you guys have any plans for Christmas?

We're gonna, uh, have a quiet one this year, I think.

Ashley's doing the Christmas pageant.

So, she's playing a wise man.

Oh, yeah, she was born for that role.

Tell me about it.

So, yeah, she

she's excited about that, um...

Yeah, so, well, we'll spend some time at church,

but other than that,

just mostly be here at home.

Decorate the tree.

Make ornaments.

Oh, I... I have all the ornaments.

Mom and Dad collected over the years.

I could send you some?

Oh, thank you, but making them

gives us a chance

to spend some good quality time together.

Oh, what about the

the Christmas-tree lighting in the town square?

And are they still doing that caroling again?

I don't know, uh... I haven't checked.

I just wanna stick close to home.

Yeah, but going out and doing the fun stuff

that's what Christmas is all about.

That's where you find the

the magic and the spirit of the holidays.

Well, I... I think we can find some joy and spirit

right in front of the fireplace, stringing popcorn.

Well, we're going to all the events

that you used to go to when you lived here.

The botanic garden, the Christmas market

a bunch more.

Yeah, that sounds great.

I'm sure Eric and the kids are

are very excited about it.

Yeah. Yeah, they are.

You know, it's just hard to

to fit it all in the schedule.

You wrote the Christmas activities in red,

didn't you?

Of course.

Listen, Mag, um,

all that sounds great for you and your family,

but, um, you know,

it's just not right for Ashley and me this year.

Well, you know, um,

if you guys wanted to come visit,

we would love to have you.

Well, thank you, um,

but I think it's important for Ashley to

well, and for me, uh, just to

to be close to home.

You know, you're, um, you're welcome

to come here if you want?

Uh, there's something kinda special

about spending Christmas in the house we grew up in.

Yeah, that's so...

That's so sweet, but um, we're just...

We're so busy. I don't even know how we'd...

Yeah, yeah. No, I understand.

But if you change your mind, just give me a call.

To pleasantly surprise you again?

Something like that, yeah.

Uh, well, look, I got to, uh...

Yeah, yeah, me too, um...

Well, Merry Christmas.

Send our love to Ashley.

Yeah, same to Eric and the kids,

and Merry Christmas, Mags.

You know, I think I should call him again.

What did I do with that tie?

Considering what happened to his family this year,

I'm worried that he isn't doing Christmas right.

There's a right way to do Christmas?

Yeah, of course!

You should be out with the family doing things.

Mm, thank you.

You know, like

like all the fun we're going to have.

Did you remember

to put the timer on the coffee machine?

Yes.

I mean, Christmas is a time when you should be open,

and full of joy, around people!

I just... I don't like the idea of the two of them,

sitting in that big old house alone,

stringing popcorn.

Popcorn sounds delicious right now,

but I'm just too tired.

You know, I'm worried

he's shutting out the world since Amy died.

You said that he sounded okay.

Yeah, but what if he's just putting on a brave face?

What if he isn't really dealing with things

as well as he says he is?

But what if he is, hmm?

I mean, there's no right way to deal with a loss like that,

is there?

Well, I guess not, no, but I stand by what I said.

There is a right way for him to do Christmas.

I should call him, right?

Eric?

The best thing you can do is probably give him some space.

Just let him handle it his way.

Let it go,

and see what happens.

How will letting it go make it better?

Well, you could try it and find out.

Night.

Tell him I said hi.

- Hey. - Paul?

- You okay? - No, everything's fine.

I know it's late, but listen...

About Christmas...

Whoa, what's all this?

Family breakfast.

Uh, Mom, I'm supposed to be...

You have time. Sit.

Maggie, I have to...

Have a nice meal with your family?

Everything looks delicious, Mom.

Yeah, eat up.

So, it turns out that we don't have to find time

to decorate the tree, because...

We are going to spend Christmas in Ohio

with your Uncle Paul and Ashley.

We're what?

Yeah, we leave tomorrow morning

and come back the day after Christmas.

Mom! That's like a week!

- Uh, more like ten days... - Maggie,

and we're going to need it,

because I have planned

an absolutely spectacular holiday itinerary

for the whole family.

Games, activities, excursions...

I have to work.

Well, your office is closed through Christmas,

and you were gonna work from home anyways.

So you can work from Paul's home in Ohio.

Okay, but I have cheer!

They'll be fine without you.

Tell that to the pyramid!

And I have my AP tutor. I'm supposed to do...

Okay, okay, guys.

Paul and Ashley need us, okay?

We're the only family they have,

and it's up to us to give them the best Christmas ever.

One that's full of fun, and magic, and... and joy.

It's up to us, okay?

Are you with me?

Of course, we are, honey.

Absolutely, Mom.

Ohio, here we come.

All right.

Can I have some fruit?

Yes, you can have some fruit.

Pass the syrup, please.

Yeah, sure. Here you go.

Thank you. Excuse me.

Oh, my goodness!

Merry Christmas!

You guys!

This is gonna be a great Christmas.

I think this is exactly what Paul and Ashley need.

I wish you would have talked to me about it.

What do you mean?

Well, you just kinda sprung it on me.

I have this merger in January.

It's just

it's just terrible timing.

I'm busy too, Eric.

You know, Danielle's handling

all the showings and open houses,

but I still have to write up

the contracts and offers,

and write up listings...

Exactly.

Not to mention we have Becca's college tuition

right around the corner, so...

I'm just trying to make sure we're ready for that.

Yeah, and I'm just trying to be there for my brother.

Okay, but 10 days?

I mean... I mean, I'm happy to be here for Paul,

but I think we could have done it in two or three, right?

Honey, I'm sorry.

You're right.

We do all really need this time.

And I think it's great what you did for Paul and Ashley.

Thank you, and I'm sorry, too.

I should have talked to you about it first.

Thanks.

Listen, we'll tag-team the kids while we're here.

That way, we both get our work done.

Yeah, and spend some time together, too.

Of course. It'll be bliss

mas. Blissmas.

- No! - It's Blissmas!

No, no, no!

Oh, yes, it's a keeper. It's a keeper.

Okay, let's go to bed

because we have a lot to do in the next 10 days.

You made a schedule, didn't you?

- I did. - Yeah.

That's a lot of Christmas.

Oh, I did a ton of research,

and there is so much happening here these days!

Yeah, in... in Clearlake,

they have a tree lighting and caroling,

and over in Bluffton,

they have ice-skating and sleigh rides,

and over in Dayton...

Oh, Dayton! Dayton?

That's, uh

that's an hour away. Uh...

Yeah, we can play games in the car!

Right.

Maggie, this all looks fun.

I just wanna make sure

that we're spending enough time together,

um... as a family.

Yes, all of these activities are for the whole family.

Right, right, I just mean, um

how much time are we actually gonna get to spend together

as a family doing the activities?

For instance, uh

decorating the tree?

Or, uh, making Christmas cookies?

Yeah, well, I... I think

there's plenty of time in the schedule

for things like that.

There is?

Guys, I promise we are going to have a fantastic Christmas.

We're gonna have a blast!

Together!

Family Christmas fun time.

In fact, if we do not head out soon,

we're gonna be late for our first big adventure.

Which is?

A Christmas escape room!

What's that?

Oh, it's this really cool thing

where you get locked in a room,

and you have to solve all of these puzzles

to try to figure out how to escape,

only the whole thing is Christmas-themed!

It's awesome!

You're gonna love it. We're gonna have fun.

We should go, though.

Let's head out.

Right behind ya.

But Dad, I don't wanna be locked in a room,

even if it's a Christmas one.

Well, they... they don't really lock the room.

Then why do you have to solve puzzles to get out?

Well, it's supposed to be fun, but hey, listen,

this is really important to your Aunt Maggie,

so we don't want to disappoint her, right?

No,

but Dad?

I don't see any of our Christmas stuff

on here.

Well, we'll make sure

that, um, she puts some things in

just for... just for us, okay?

Now, the important thing is

you and I are together,

and we're going to have an amazing Christmas, right?

- Right. - Right.

All right.

Let's hit it.

Escape room!

It's Christmas Eve at the North Pole,

and the reindeer need some holiday magic

to pull the sleigh around the world

so Santa can make all of his deliveries,

but there's a problem.

The jar full of holiday magic

is locked here

in Santa's safe,

and he can't find the combination.

Why doesn't Santa know the combination by heart?

Good question.

He's very busy with his list of good little boys and girls.

That's a lot to remember.

Yeah.

But the list is written down.

He doesn't have to remember it.

But, Ashley... it's...

Anyway, the combination is hidden

somewhere in this workshop.

You have 60 minutes to find it

by solving a series of puzzles and Christmas games.

Oh, like, Tic-Tac-Ho-Ho-Ho?

Or Duck, Duck, Christmas Goose?

Santa Says!

Teamwork is important,

so don't forget to work together.

See?

I told you we would have a family adventure.

Yeah, yeah, together.

- Yeah. - It's good.

Here's your first clue...

Santa's reindeer like to play games,

but they need to wear tags with all of their names.

Find them all and you'll know what to do.

Put them together to get your next clue,

and...

Go!

Go! Okay, what are we...

So, we have to find nametags with all of Santa's reindeer.

Okay. What are... what are the reindeer names?

Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen,

Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen.

And Rudolph. Don't forget Rudolph.

Oh, yeah, yeah. Rudolph.

Okay. Well, let's split up and go.

We've got 59 minutes now.

- Okay, go! - Come on, guys!

- Yeah! - So...

Oh, you got one!

Okay, are they...

Good job, Ashley.

I'm sorry, sir.

There are no phones allowed in Santa's Workshop.

Oh, it's okay. I'm an attorney.

There you go.

I may need to call you as a witness

when I tell my client that an elf just took my phone.

I'm sure they'll understand.

Now, come on.

Go try to fix that toy train set.

- Toy train. - Mm-hmm.

I think I figured it out!

Yeah, yeah...

Okay, so, Santa has 100 houses to visit

with two kids in each house,

and each kid gets...

Hey, will you help me with this?

No, nobody said there would be math.

You get straight "A" s in math!

Yeah, in school.

This is the real world.

Nobody does math in the real world.

We're in Santa's workshop

and I'm wearing reindeer antlers.

How is this the real world?

25.

Yes.

You have to hurry!

There are only 60 seconds left!

Oh, okay.

What do we have? What do we have?

Uh, the answer to Santa's toy math problem was 25.

Okay, we... we found nine candy canes.

Yeah, well, we have 12 ornaments.

Okay, so what does that mean?

It's like our lockers at school!

It's the combination to the safe!

Oh, okay. The safe!

The safe!

- Okay, okay, okay. - The safe!

12-9-25.

Oh, okay, uh

9... 9... 9-20... 9-25-12!

Try it, try it, try it.

No, no, no, no, wait!

It's December 25th,

so 12-25, and you found nine candy canes,

so try 9-12-25!

Yes, yes, yes!

12...

25!

We got it! We got it!

Ho, ho, ho!

Congratulations!

You saved Christmas!

We saved Christmas! Yes, we did!

Yes, we did!

Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho!

Cool. And I have...

Come on, now.

You have to admit that was pretty fun, right?

Yes, it was.

So, a family togetherness Christmas

is off to a good start.

Okay, but except for that last minute or so,

the whole time, we were mostly all off working separately.

Yeah, but separately together.

Right?

I just wanna go over the schedule

and make sure that we put in some things

that Ashley and I planned on doing.

Like what?

Um, well, the holiday pageant, for one,

and we volunteered to make meals at church for people in need.

Oh, well, of course.

Yes, we will make room for that.

We can do the small things and the big fun ones.

I guess what I'm saying is that I just...

I don't want to get distracted

from the true spirit of Christmas.

Oh, well, Maggie's great at distractions.

Especially if she can color-code it

and put it on the schedule.

No, no, no, I meant that in a nice way.

Look, I promise that everything I have planned

will be perfectly in line with the spirit of Christmas.

Great. Thanks.

Hey, Dad! Uncle Paul!

Come help us with this.

Duty calls.

Hey! Need a little help?

I need a lot of help.

Oh, there's nothing quite as intimidating

as a blank page, huh?

I tell ya, I am having trouble

getting started on the new novel.

Oh, what's it about?

Well, when I know, I'll let you know.

Well, it's... it's understandable.

It's... it's hard when you're... when you're sad.

Oh, except we're not.

You know, there's this Bible verse

that I think about

every time Ashley says something

that I know would've made Amy smile,

or I'll hear something

that I know Amy would've thought was funny...

First Corinthians 13:8.

"Love never ends."

Amy is

all around us.

And we're going to see her again.

Yeah, but losing someone is...

Oh, it is hard.

It is the hardest thing that I have ever done,

but, Maggie, we knew it was coming,

so we made the most out of every moment,

we said everything that needed to be said,

and, and

when the end came,

we were as ready as you could possibly be,

and I thank God for that every single day.

Paul, I... I know that your

your faith is important to you, and,

and I don't question that at all.

I just... I think that...

I think you and I

have a different relationship with God,

with... with belief.

Yeah, it... It wasn't always this way.

I guess things changed for me when I met Amy.

You know, since she was the church secretary,

I... I wound up spending a lot of time at the church.

At first, it was just to be with her,

but then

they helped me.

She helped me.

She helped me

see God's light.

That's one of God's greatest gifts,

and it doesn't require wrapping.

Yeah, Amy's area of expertise.

Yeah, definitely.

It's... it's the corners.

I just don't understand...

But you know what?

I can... I can practically hear her laughing at me.

"Love never ends."

Oh, you know, I have to go pick up the Christmas tree.

It'll be ready at two o'clock.

Oh, Eric and I can do that.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, let us do that.

We're here to help. Let us help.

Okay. All right.

Uh... take this.

- Okay. - Thank you.

Yeah.

- Really? - Yeah.

- All right. - Okay.

That's a Christmas tree. It goes over there.

And... this reindeer goes

over there, yeah.

Inflatable reindeer?

Hey, maybe if we fill them with helium,

they'll like Santa's do.

No, they're better on the ground,

because when they're all blown-up

and there's a breeze,

they sort of move around like they're dancing.

You do this every year?

Uh-huh. Mommy and me would always set up like this

and Dad would come out

and hook up the thingy that fills them with the air.

It's one of my favorite things to do at Christmas-time.

Well, I hope it's okay

that we're helping out this year.

Ta-dah!

What is that?

That's not our tree.

I know.

We weren't going to be able to fit

all the ornaments

your grandma and grandpa collected on that one,

so we brought a bigger one.

Dad, that's not our tree.

Okay, okay.

What Ashley means to say

is that is a lovely and thoughtful gift

and we thank you for it.

You're welcome!

All right, let's get this bad boy inside.

It's almost time to head out for Santa selfies.

Oh! Santa selfies.

Okay, guys, this is it!

Isn't this great?

Look, you can take a selfie with snowmen,

or with Santa's sleigh,

or one that is inside a snow globe.

This is all my Christmas wishes

all rolled into one,

and I won't have enough storage on my phone.

- Hey, Maggie... - Yeah?

This is

this is really cool.

But remember we talked about maybe doing some simpler things?

Like, I thought we would be at home tonight,

maybe decorating the tree,

just the whole family together?

This is all about togetherness.

I mean, think about all the pictures

we're going to take of all of us.

And then we can put it into a photo album,

old-school style,

and then we're gonna be looking at it

for years to come.

We are creating Christmas memories.

Okay, guys.

What should we do first?

Um.

The snowmen are hysterical.

Do you wanna go make silly faces?

- Yes. - Okay.

I gotta do the elves.

The science club is gonna love it.

Dad

giant snowmen!

- Come on, come on. - All right, all right.

Um...

- Let's do rock star first. - Rockstar.

Rockstar.

- Let's go. - Okay.

It's time for a family selfie.

Okay, are you ready?

Family, family.

I love it, I love it.

Guys? Hold on, hold on.

I'll be right back. Right back.

Okay, go ahead. Go ahead.

Danielle, I'll take care of it as soon as I get back to Paul's.

They'll have an offer in an hour, tops.

Okay.

Call me if you need anything else.

Bye.

That one's good.

Hey, guys! It's only a week until Christmas.

At this rate,

we're not gonna get it done until January.

Can I get a little help, please?

Maggie?

- I just have to... - What?

Decorate the tree, of course.

The top, the top.

The high ones for me!

That's right.

Oh, this one's cracked.

I don't even remember where we got it.

Albuquerque.

The Santa Claus?

Oh!

Oh, I should've buried this in the backyard

when I had a chance.

What's so funny?

Your grandma and grandpa would

used to buy Christmas ornaments anytime we went anywhere,

and there's this one time on a road trip,

we stopped in Albuquerque...

Right, but don't... Don't tell the story!

It's really embarrassing.

Then definitely tell the story, Mom.

You want to hear this.

You're gonna want to hear this.

All right. So, we're in Albuquerque,

we stop at a mall,

and there's a Santa Claus,

and we're in line,

and I'm 10 maybe, at this point?

So, you're 6?

Yeah, okay, but I had never seen Santa in person!

And as we started to get closer,

your mom gets scared.

Yeah, because he told me that if I said anything wrong,

that one of Santa's elves

was gonna come

and take every toy that Santa ever gave me.

Daddy! That's so mean!

I was just having fun.

So, then it's my turn,

and, like, I'm terrified!

I can't go up there.

So, someone comes out to see what's holding up the line,

and he was dressed like an elf!

So, your mom screams

runs away,

and knocks over the Christmas tree as she goes!

And then your grandma and grandpa,

they had to

they had to buy

all the broken ornaments from the tree.

We used to do stuff like this to each other all the time.

But you don't anymore?

No, sweetheart.

We grew up.

Yeah, so I think maybe front and center.

Where's this one from?

Hey, Noah. What's going on?

Oh, that... That one's a...

That's a good Uncle Paul story!

Eric?

Eric, come back! You have to hear this one.

One second. Uh-huh?

Hey, let's get this tree decorated, all right?

- Yes. - Here you go.

Well, they don't get to decide.

Remember this?

You used to love this Christmas carol

when you were little.

Can you hear it?

Oh, yeah.

I didn't... I didn't hear it.

I...

I was off in my own little world.

You and Eric both work really hard.

We do.

Eric and I...

Do you wanna talk about it?

Oh, there's...

There's nothing to really talk about.

We're busy,

and we don't seem to connect as much as we used to, but,

but we both know it, so...

That's half the battle right there.

Yeah.

Of course, the hard half

is actually doing something about it.

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

I... I should not be complaining about all of this stuff to you.

It's just...

It's so minor

compared to everything that you're going through.

Oh, no. No, no, it's not minor at all.

Trust me, I know.

Amy and I went through something very similar

a few years back.

- You did? - Yeah. Oh, yeah.

I had gotten very busy

with book tours and

speaking engagements,

Amy had taken on

extra responsibility at the church,

and Ashley was starting school, and

we just started to drift away from each other.

How did you fix it?

Amy got sick,

and we had to make it a priority to make time for each other.

To make time for our family.

But honestly

faith saved us.

Amy and I realized

that we couldn't do it on our own.

So, we turned to God and we asked Him to lead us.

Yeah, I understand that.

But I think it's easier said than done.

Well, nothing good is easy.

That's what makes it so valuable.

It's cold out here.

Okay, it's time for our Christmas scavenger hunt!

We're gonna divide up into teams

and you get points

for everything you get done on Santa's list.

A candy cane.

A pinecone.

Santa's autograph.

Mom?

Are you going to be too scared to do that one?

Oh, ha, ha, ha, ha.

But there are three teams.

Why don't we just do all together as one big group?

Oh, well, then the points don't mean anything.

A little healthy competition never hurt anyone.

Okay,

but how about this?

How about two teams?

Me and the kids against...

Oh, you two.

Unless you think you and Eric,

together by yourselves for a while,

can't beat us?

Oh, okay.

Eric? What do you think?

Yeah, challenge is accepted, honey. Sure.

Okay. All right.

Well, I guess we will see you all back here

in three hours!

Ready, set, go!

Go, go!

Let's go, let's go!

Hey, hey, what's our strategy here?

Okay, I think we should do

a bunch of the small, little things first.

That way, we can rack up a bunch of points.

Okay, or we could just go for the big-ticket items

and only have to do a couple.

Yeah, but, I mean,

do you really want to sing Christmas carols

on a street corner in front of a bunch of people?

No, I don't, but these were all your ideas!

Yeah, it doesn't mean I wanna do them!

Okay.

All right. All right...

Like the stamp said to the Christmas card,

"You stick with me kid, and we'll go places!"

Thanks, Santa! Merry Christmas!

Come here!

Did you get it? Did you get it?

I got it!

Oh, yes!

What's next? Let's go!

- Thank you! - Thanks!

Okay, a menu with a Christmas dinner item.

50 points!

Yes! What's next?

Okay, guys, calm down.

A hundred points!

Are we gonna get in trouble for taking that?

Not if we don't get caught.

I'm kidding.

They let us borrow it.

This is our church.

This is the church

that your mom and I went to growing up.

They trust me.

What was Mom like back then?

You know, the main thing, I think,

about your mom back then

is she was a very free spirit.

You're talking about our mother?

Oh, yeah.

We would come to youth group events over here,

and your mom would lead

these absolutely epic games of Hide and Seek

with all the kids,

and they would go on for hours.

You're allowed to do that in the church?

Yeah. The best one, actually, was Capture the Flag.

Guys, it's not all sermons and Bible study in there.

We have fun, and your mom?

She was the queen of fun.

Oh, come on. Wow, that's harsh, no?

Listen,

she came up with this scavenger hunt game, right?

Yeah, but I think it's only

'cause it had something involving a to-do list.

Yeah, yeah

she does like her to-do lists.

But you know what?

She got that from your grandma.

Speaking of lists, what's next?

We gotta get going!

- Yes, we do! - Let's make snow angels!

That's not worth a lot of points.

But it's fun!

- You can't argue with that. - Yeah, exactly.

Let's go!

Okay!

You've gotta warm us up.

♪ Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go? ♪

♪ Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn't go?

♪ Up on the housetop click, click, click ♪

♪ Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick ♪

Thanks, everyone.

I can't believe we just did that!

Well, we're clearly gonna be invited to perform

at the Chicago tree lighting next year.

Oh, absolutely!

We should make a Christmas album,

or a TV show.

I don't remember the last time

I sewed a Christmas pageant costume.

Yeah, well, my manger repair skills

are just a tad rusty.

Ashley's just impossible to say no to.

Oh, that face!

"Please, Aunt Maggie?

The show's tonight!"

Do you remember

when Becca and Will used to use the "cute kid" face

to get us to do things?

Used to? They still do.

Only now it's about borrowing the car,

or getting an advance on their allowance.

Boy, I can't think

of the last time that we went to our Christmas pageant.

Yeah, I don't know.

Probably the last time Becca and Will were in it?

That's probably not a good look.

Well, we're busy. People understand that.

We say that a lot, you know?

"We're busy."

You said it about church,

I say it to our friends,

we say it to each other...

Why do you think?

Can we not talk about it right now, or analyze it?

I... I'm sorry, honey.

I want to.

I...

We're just enjoying each other right now.

Yeah, we don't have to talk about it.

The scavenger hunt was fun, huh?

It was so fun.

Even though we lost.

Well, it's because they got 10 points per pinecone.

Yeah, we gotta let it go.

You know, it did...

It did kinda remind me

of the Christmas things that we used to do

when we were dating.

You remember?

We would challenge anyone to anything.

I mean, whether it was the sledding,

ice-skating,

the cookie-eating one time...

Yeah, but we never ever challenged anyone

to singing Christmas carols on a street corner.

For good reason, love.

Yeah, or we'd just take walks in the snow.

When was the last time

you and I just took a walk together?

- It's Danielle. - Yeah, go, go.

- Hi! - Almost done with this thing.

Paul! Ashley! Merry Christmas!

- Pastor Mike! - Hi, Pastor Mike.

- Merry Christmas. - I'm gonna be a wise man.

I know!

I think it's one of

the best casting decisions we've ever made.

Hey, Elizabeth is taking everyone to the back

to get ready.

Have fun! Let's get you straightened out.

I will!

- Bye, guys. - See you out there!

Pastor Mike, you remember my sister, Maggie?

And my brother-in-law, Eric.

Hey, Pastor Mike.

My niece, Becca.

My nephew, Will.

Yeah, welcome!

It's so good to see you!

Hey, Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas.

We're very happy to be here.

We didn't get much of a chance to talk

the last time you were here,

but I've heard some stories

about your epic games of Hide and Seek

in this church when you were kids.

We just heard about that, too.

Yeah, well, you know, I have some stories, too.

Which you never finished telling.

Oh, I'd like to hear them, too.

Oh, you know what?

I think it's about time we find our seats...

All right, all right.

Come on this way.

I just...

I love how everyone treats you and Ashley here.

What do you mean?

Well, just that they're

they're so happy, trying to cheer you up.

Oh, they're like that all the time.

They know they don't need to try to cheer us up.

Pastor Mike?

His brother just passed away a few weeks ago.

But knowing God,

knowing God has a plan,

being surrounded by all this love

it doesn't take the pain away,

but it

it reminds you that the loss isn't final.

I know I'm gonna

be with Amy again someday,

and that gives me peace.

I'm gonna go say hello to some people.

♪ Away in a manger no crib for His bed ♪

♪ The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head ♪

♪ Bless all the dear children In Thy tender care ♪

♪ And take us to heaven To live with Thee there ♪

Our kids are gonna be amazing when they grow up,

but we're all gonna wind up working for Ashley.

Oh, 100%.

Does our church have this?

Yeah, but they're not nearly as good!

No, not the cookies.

Just this.

It's so lively.

I don't remember it being like this.

The church after-parties?

Yeah.

Yeah, our church does 'em, we just...

We just stopped going to them.

Why?

Do we really need to have

the "we're too busy" conversation again?

- No. - Thank you.

But maybe this is

one of the things we should be busy with.

Hey, look, honey, I'm happy to do it,

but if we add something to that schedule,

you are going to have to take something off.

Well, Danielle and I have been talking about

hiring someone for the agency.

Yeah.

I know, and then we get too busy to interview anyone.

Hey, Eric!

Over here.

You have to break a tie. We've got a question for ya.

You can be the tiebreaker.

Okay, guys, it's time for bed.

Good night!

Good night.

Good night. Sweet dreams.

Well, I'm clearly going to have to translate

what we said into teenager.

"It's late. Go to bed."

Come on.

Love you.

- Good night, Mom. - Good night.

- Love you. - Love you, too.

Good night. Love you, too.

Hey, did you guys have a good time tonight?

Yeah, absolutely.

The pageant was a lot better than I expected it to be.

Ashley was great.

Yeah, she's gonna be a star, that one.

I'd buy a ticket.

Would you be open

to maybe doing more things like that at our church?

Yeah, sure.

Yeah.

Really? Just like that?

Well, I mean,

you know I've always wanted

to spend more time in a "room with a pew"!

And I've been feeling like

my practice college applications

have been light

on community service and activities,

so this could help fix that problem.

So, yeah. We're down.

- Good night! - Good night.

- Love you! - Good night.

That was way too easy.

Well, it's almost Christmas.

Maybe they were filled with holiday spirit?

"Room with a pew"?

He's fixing his practice college applications?

They're just like us.

Attention, attention!

Ta-dah!

- No. - Yes!

There's an ugly Christmas sweater competition

in Bluffton.

I got one for everybody!

Maggie, actually

these are great,

but we were hoping

that we could do one of our traditions tonight.

The Christmas fire pit!

Oh, what's that?

Well, every year,

Ashley, and Amy, and I

would sit out in the backyard, around the fire pit,

and sing carols,

talk about our favorite Christmas memories,

share Christmas wishes...

Don't forget about the snowman s'mores!

We roast marshmallows

and then we put them on top of the graham crackers,

so they look like snowmen.

That sounds great, but,

but I got these sweaters?

Well, it's only a few days before Christmas,

and this is...

It's kinda important to us.

I mean, we're talking about s'mores here, so...

What do you guys think?

I could go for a s'more.

We don't do a Christmas fire pit in Chicago.

Well, it sounds like the vote is in.

Christmas fire pit it is.

Under one condition.

Whatever happens...

I love you guys.

Marshmallows ready!

- And... roast! - Roast!

Oh, yes.

All right, we're off. Yeah.

Okay, all right.

Who wants to do theirs first?

Their first favorite Christmas memory?

What kind of memory?

It can be anything.

A favorite tradition.

A favorite present that you've ever gotten.

You name yours

and then you choose the person to go next.

Okay, uh...

My favorite present was

the chemistry set I got when I was eight.

I loved making slime.

Yeah, the living-room carpet didn't love you making slime.

Yeah, still sorry about that one.

Okay, Mom, you go.

Oh, okay...

Oh, probably, my... my first bike.

It was pink

and it had white streamers on the handlebars.

You made Dad clear out

a path in the snow in front of the house

so you could go back and forth and back and forth

all day long.

Yes! Oh, that was a great day.

Ashley?

The pony I always wanted.

You never got a pony for Christmas.

There's still time, Dad.

I stepped right into that.

Uncle Eric goes next.

Mm, okay...

Um...

The, um, the tie

that you guys made me that one year

that had the little painted gavels on it?

Really?

It was so ugly!

No, no, no, I loved that tie!

And I'd wear it to court.

Um... Paul.

Oh, my favorite memory? Well, that's easy.

It was the Christmas morning

that Amy and I found out

that we were gonna have Ashley.

Aw!

I was your Christmas present?

Best one ever.

Cute.

So, that leaves...

I guess, Becca?

No contest.

My first phone.

Come on.

Can't you pick something a little more personal?

Like, you know,

something more in the Christmas spirit?

Okay, my phone is!

When I got my first one,

I remember thinking,

now I can stay in touch with my family and friends!

I can take pictures and save all my memories.

It was like

I was suddenly connected to this whole community

like the whole world.

What's more Christmas than that?

- Okay... - Touché.

- Okay. - Gotcha!

Didn't see that coming.

She's like you in the courtroom.

Good argument.

♪ Joy to the world

♪ The Lord has come

♪ Let Earth receive Her King ♪

♪ Let every heart prepare Him room ♪

♪ And Heaven and Nature sing... ♪

♪ While shepherds watched their flocks by night ♪

♪ All seated on the ground

♪ The Angel of the Lord came down ♪

♪ And glory shone around

Everything okay?

Yeah.

Yeah, just enjoying the view.

It's a good one.

Something about a fire that...

Yeah, makes you reflect.

Brings you closer to the people you're with.

Yeah.

Ashley and I needed this.

You're preaching to the choir there.

Yeah, Maggie mentioned that

you guys have been going through a rough patch.

I mean, she mentioned it

in between all the activities and events

that she's been pitching us.

- Hall of fame pitcher, that one. - Yeah, she is. Really is.

Every couple I know goes through this kind of thing.

You know, a while back,

Amy and I were stuck in the mud.

Just trying so hard to get free,

but just spinning our wheels and going nowhere.

What'd you do?

I answered the phone.

What?

Her doctor called with the diagnosis.

Oh, man...

You know, people say

try to live like every day could be your last.

Suddenly, that was our reality.

It's easy to get distracted

from the things that really matter.

Sure is.

I'll tell you this.

Don't... Don't wait for a phone call like that

to be the thing

that brings you guys back together.

Okay, I'm gonna go get my third s'more.

Hey, Paul?

I'm glad we're here.

♪ Oh, glory be to God on high ♪

♪ And to the Earth be peace ♪

♪ Good will henceforth...

What's my Christmas wish?

Did I mention the pony?

Okay, just to clarify, we're talking about a wish.

Not a present.

Preferably one that doesn't require a barn.

You...

You wanna take that walk in the snow

we've been talking about?

Yeah.

Come on.

We'll be back in a bit.

Okay.

They didn't say their wish yet?

Well, maybe they'll tell us when they come back.

Okay.

You look like a Christmas tree again.

Oh, yeah.

So do you!

We need to do this more often.

I agree.

But you know taking more walks in the snow

isn't going to fix everything.

It might.

A little Christmas magic fixes everything.

Eric, I'm serious.

There are things we need to talk about.

I know.

We just don't get this very often,

so it's nice to enjoy it.

Or avoid it.

Sweep it under the rug.

No...

Honey, look around.

It's just the two of us,

it's snowing,

it's Christmas...

Can't we please just appreciate the moment?

But that's what I'm saying.

It's just a moment,

and then we get back home to our jobs and the kids

and putting everything else ahead of you and me.

So, it would be nice

to actually talk about it right now.

Right, but when you don't want to talk about it, it's okay,

but if I don't want to talk about it,

then we just...

We just keep going because it's gotta...

It's gotta be on Maggie's schedule.

Well, if I don't make the schedule,

nothing will get done.

I know. Okay...

Okay, fine. Well, let's talk.

- Just forget it. - No, no. No, no. Let's talk.

No, let's not.

We still love each other, right?

Of course.

It shouldn't be this hard.

Then why is it?

It's snowing a little harder.

Yeah, maybe we should get back.

Yeah, that's probably a good idea.

All right, who's ready for Christmas trivia?

I wrote the questions myself.

Everyone gets a silver bell.

Get it?

Okay, whoever rings in first and answers the question right

gets five points. Eric!

All right, Becca, Will...

Okay.

Ashley, grab your bell.

I'm not done with my angel yet.

It's okay, sweetheart.

You can finish up after we're done playing.

Okay.

Okay, question number one.

What other name does Santa Claus go by?

- Will! - Saint Nick.

Correct!

I would've also accepted Kris Kringle.

Okay.

All right, Will is on the board with five points.

- Okay. - You can keep score.

All right, question number two.

Which of Santa's reindeer

has the same name as a mascot for another holiday?

Cupid. For Valentine's Day.

Yes! Correct!

Five points for Becca!

Okay, question number three.

Ashley, are you ready?

I wanna finish the angel for Mommy.

Oh, you're... You're making that for your mom?

Uh-huh.

It reminds me that she's always watching me.

Isn't that cool?

That's very cool, Ashley.

That is cool.

Do you mind if I help?

Sure!

You can put the glitter on the wings.

I'll supervise.

Becca always puts too much glitter.

No such thing as too much glitter.

Hey, I... I'm sorry.

I didn't know who she was making that for.

No, no, it's okay.

We'll... We'll pick this up after

after they finish.

It's great.

Of course. Yeah, that's way more important.

Yeah.

You okay?

I know you worked hard on that game.

It's not about the game. It's about...

I've been running myself ragged

trying to come up with

all these fun Christmas activities

to bring the family together,

and none of it's working.

What are you talking about? The family's all together.

I didn't do that.

I did this.

Maggie, that's what I was trying to say to you last night.

You don't need to run yourself ragged all the time.

Maybe you could try to just sit back

and let things happen naturally.

I am not great at that.

Okay.

Well, look...

I'm not great

at talking about things without cracking jokes.

Look, I know we need to talk, and I've been thinking.

We work best when we meet each other halfway.

Agreed,

and then we figure out what needs to be fixed.

Exactly.

Like the Christmas we lost power, you remember?

- Oh, my gosh. - Right?

We loaded up the tree, lights and all, into your car...

Yeah, and then took all the presents,

and Becca and Will,

into your car...

We went out, and we drove around,

and we found a hotel room.

Got everything set up,

got the kids down...

And you and I were watching a movie together by 9:00.

You were feeding me popcorn and rubbing my feet.

Yeah.

I'm worried that when we get home,

all this time together is only because of Christmas.

That it's not real.

It all goes away.

Yeah.

Well, then let's talk tonight,

after everyone goes to bed.

Just me and you.

12 rounds. We hash it out.

Okay.

Thank you.

You don't have to thank me.

I love you.

I love you, too.

Wanna get back?

- Mm-hmm. - Okay. I'm gonna get food.

Okay.

You guys are making your own angels?

Yeah. I'm doing one for Grandpa

and Becca's doing one for Grandma.

It was Uncle Paul's idea.

We can always use

a few more angels watching over us, right?

We can.

Can I help?

Yeah, sure.

Join us.

Christmas-tree ornaments.

Mom and Dad would've loved this.

Yeah.

We would've had to make so many of these

that we would've needed a second tree to hang them on.

What was Grandma like?

She was...

She was great.

She was, especially at Christmastime.

She was always singing or baking or...

Watching Christmas movies.

Yes! She loved Christmas movies.

They were on non-stop

from Thanksgiving 'til New Year's Eve.

Yeah...

Halloween to New Year's Eve.

Like, dedicated.

Yeah, right?

Dad would grumble...

Why? Did he not like Christmas movies?

No, no, it was a part of their routine.

He would pretend that he didn't want to watch,

but he always would

every single one of 'em,

and then he would get

all choked up at the happy endings.

And... And...

And he'd blame

blame it on the pollen, just a...

What's pollen?

Well, it's something

that's not around at Christmastime.

Like picnics?

Oh...

Picnics!

What's so funny?

One year,

our parents decided to try

a Christmas picnic in the backyard for some reason.

It was freezing.

It was freezing out, and the blanket was all wet,

and the food?

- Frozen. - Frozen!

- Completely frozen. - It was a Christmas dinner.

Why were we even outside?

What?

You're just like her.

She never would've tolerated

a crooked Christmas-tree ornament.

Oh, she wasn't like that.

She was always smiling and laughing.

Yeah, but she also

always had to have a plan, too, right?

You remember our family vacations.

Dad always loved to take the side roads

and "See what we might find."

Mom held the map, made sure to keep us on track.

I held the map after she passed.

Hey, thank you for coming to be with us this Christmas.

It's been great to have you here.

I feel like I should be thanking you.

If you had told me

that my kids would be making Christmas-tree ornaments

two weeks ago,

I wouldn't have believed it.

It's the little things, I guess.

Jesus says, "Whoever's faithful in the little things

will also be faithful in much."

I find God gives me what I need,

I just don't always know what it is.

Isn't there a Bible verse

that talks about being self-sufficient?

Sure. God doesn't want us to be lazy,

but for me,

the balance is when He says,

"My grace is sufficient for you,

for my power is made perfect in weakness."

So, I have to be weak for God to be great?

No. No, no.

It's more just that God understands our weakness,

and it's then that we see His greatness.

We don't have to be perfect, because He is.

Well, I don't claim to be perfect,

but I...

I do think it's better to

rely on yourself

than hope that God will provide.

How's that working for you?

You should probably

write your next novel about our family.

You'd probably have enough material

for a seven-book series.

Eric's waiting for me.

- Good night. - Good night.

- Does your stomach hurt? - Yes, my stomach hurts.

Too many s'mores.

Good job on the angel thing, though.

It almost looked like you were really enjoying it.

I was using the arc of the angel's wings

to calculate the distance between the body and the tip.

There is no way we are related.

But it made Mom and Dad happy,

so that's all that matters.

They do seem to be relaxing a little bit, so yeah.

Pretending like we're actually into all this stuff

is exhausting,

but it's worth it.

We just have to make it through Christmas,

then we can get back to our real lives.

Two more days.

But, actually,

you know

the angels were kinda cool.

Yeah. I guess not everything has been a bust on this trip.

I liked the Santa Selfies.

And the escape room was fun.

Yeah, and I loved Ashley in the Christmas pageant.

You know, I think we have to go tobogganing

when we get home.

I get to ride up front.

Not if I call it first.

Don't. Don't test me.

I'm older than you.

Oh, Mom...

How do I fix this?

What did the pie

say to his wife?

I will never dessert you.

I am so sorry that I fell asleep.

I really thought

I was just closing my eyes for a minute.

It's okay.

Candy-cane pie?

I mean, did you get the recipe straight from Mrs. Claus?

There's a fellowship gathering after Christmas Eve service,

and I... I found Paul in here earlier

staring at the recipe

with a look of horror on his face,

so I took pity on him.

You're a good sister.

Can I help?

Sure.

Yeah, you can finish mixing the filling.

Well, when can we talk today?

Spend a little time.

What's on the Maggie schedule?

Well, as soon as this is done,

we're taking the kids ice-skating

and then Christmas Eve dinner,

and then church, and the gathering...

Which will go late,

and then tomorrow is Christmas.

Exactly, so...

What about now?

What?

- Now. - No.

Why? If not now, then when?

Because we...

We don't have that much time, and... and I... I...

I still don't know what to say,

and I don't even know where to start.

I don't either.

Yeah, exactly.

Well, hey, look...

Well, honey, we'll figure it out, okay?

Hey...

We will figure it out.

Yeah, I hope so.

Hey, those are pretty dresses.

Yeah, I'm trying to figure out

which one to wear to church tonight.

The green and the red one are Christmassy colors,

but everyone is going to be wearing that,

so maybe I should be different and wear the blue one?

Hmm.

Well, I think you're gonna look beautiful

in anything you wear,

but, hmm

if it were up to me...

I'd go for the green one.

It'll bring out your eyes.

Good point. Green it is.

Now, shoes.

You know, this was my room when I was a little girl.

- It was? - Mm-hmm.

Yeah, I had my bed right here,

and a little desk right there,

and I had a...

I had wallpaper

flowers.

- Sounds pretty. - It was.

And every year on Christmas Eve,

I would put

a mountain of pillows by the window

and try to stay up all night

so I could see Santa coming in to deliver his presents,

and every year,

I fell asleep 20 minutes later.

I never did catch him.

Does he really see you when you're sleeping?

I think he waits until you are.

Mm, probably.

Did Becca and Will do stuff like that?

Oh, yeah. Yeah.

Becca, she would

she would sneak down the stairs after we fell asleep

and she would set up camp by the fireplace,

and Will

well, he would drag a chair into the laundry room.

Why the laundry room?

I don't know.

Something about the trajectory of the flight path and

something.

He thought that was the best room

to see the sleigh and the reindeer

coming in for a landing on the rooftop.

Of course, they don't do any of that anymore.

Now they just want to get their presents

and get through Christmas.

I think they like it more than you think they do.

- Really? - Uh-huh.

I think they like it more than they think they do, too.

I hope you're right.

Oh, I am.

I have faith.

Maggie, come on, we're gonna be late!

Yes, let's go.

Hey, guys?

Uh, Mom, you're wearing that to church?

Why do we have to dress up?

Yeah, I... I'm sorry,

but I... I'm just not feeling very well.

What do you mean?

Well, I...

I think I ate

a little too much stuffing at dinner, and now I'm...

I'm stuffed, so I'm gonna stay home.

You want me to stay with you?

No, no, it's fine.

I'm sure I'll feel better as soon as you guys get back.

Have fun!

Why don't you guys head to the car?

You can start the car? I'll be out in just a minute.

Oh, yeah, come on, guys. Let's go.

Let's go.

What?

I'm just counting up in my head

the number of times you used the "I'm not feeling well" thing

to get out of doing stuff you didn't want to do.

No, I have a delicate constitution.

Mm-hmm.

Maggie, come to church with us.

The Christmas Eve service is really special.

It'll do you good.

No, I don't think...

Everyone keeps telling me to have faith,

and...

I just feel like if I went to church tonight,

of all nights,

I... I would feel like a hypocrite.

What's the old saying?

"Hypocrites, they honor with their lips,

but their hearts are far away."

Okay, well...

Just so you know,

you just paraphrased a passage from the Bible.

Mark 7:6, so...

Maybe your heart's not as far away as you think?

Michael, does this mean my back's getting too strong?

Well, it's no violet.

Well, I'll be darned.

Well, I suppose this means I'm getting decrepit!

No! I tried to find the black one for you,

but I had to take that instead.

When you're not shaking that over...

They forgot the pie!

♪ The choir sings

♪ Let every heart prepare Him room ♪

♪ But all I think about is all I have to do ♪

♪ It's Christmas-time

♪ But in my mind

♪ I feel a million miles away

Excuse me?

Could you please take this pie in?

Sure.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

♪ All the families here enjoying cheer are in the air ♪

♪ But I can't seem to find the spirit anywhere ♪

♪ So busy working

♪ Trying to make it perfect

♪ There's so much that I'm missing ♪

♪ What if I could do it different? ♪

♪ I want to soak up every second ♪

♪ Be fully in the moment

♪ I want to really see this season ♪

♪ With my eyes and heart wide open ♪

♪ For the first time in a long time ♪

♪ It's the first thing on my list ♪

♪ I want to be present

♪ I want to be present this Christmas ♪

♪ Silent night

♪ Holy night

♪ Son of God

♪ Love's pure light

♪ Radiant beams from Thy holy face ♪

♪ With the dawn of redeeming grace ♪

♪ Jesus Lord at Thy birth ♪

♪ Jesus Lord at Thy birth

♪ Silent night

♪ Holy night

Thank you.

What a wonderful way to receive the Christmas spirit.

Thank you, Pastor Mike.

Those are my favorite five minutes of the year.

You all have a Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you.

As you know,

my brother died a few weeks ago.

Next to my wife,

he was my best friend.

I miss laughing with him.

Arguing about whose fault it was

when we would get into trouble as kids.

I even miss arguing with him

about who loved Christmas the most.

Stephen loved everything about Christmas.

He would put so many lights on his house

that people thought

he was trying to warn ships away from nearby rocks.

We even argued about

who gave the best Christmas gift each year,

but eventually, we settled that argument.

The One who loves Christmas the most...

The One who gives the best gift of all,

every Christmas,

is God himself.

This gift of hope,

joy,

peace,

forgiveness,

eternal life,

came wrapped in swaddling clothes,

lying in a manger,

waiting to be opened by faith.

♪ Oh, come all ye faithful

♪ Joyful and triumphant

♪ Oh, come ye...

Where are the cookies?

- We're gonna go get cookies. - Okay.

Hey

what changed your mind?

I guess I finally heard the music.

It's hard to explain.

Most good things are.

Hey, um...

I'm really sorry.

For what?

I felt so guilty that I haven't been there for you...

No, no, Maggie,

and it's created a distance between us, and...

It wasn't just you.

I shut everybody out from that time, and...

I just don't want it to be that way anymore.

Well, it can't be that way

because I need your help.

With what?

You know how you told me

that you thought

my next novel should be about our family?

Well, I prayed about it,

and, uh...

I think you're right.

You're going to write your next book about our family?

Yeah.

About Mom and Dad,

you and me...

Christmas-tree ornaments bought on road trips.

Santa Claus at the mall.

Tobogganing injuries.

And, uh...

Amy

helping me find God,

and the kids,

and escape rooms,

and Santa Selfies,

but mostly about

our connection as a family,

and, uh,

and how that connection just keeps growing,

and changing.

I'd read that book.

Yeah?

Yeah.

I love you, 'Lil Sis.

I love you, too, Bro.

I'm so hungry.

Oh, I would love to chat,

but I need to go get a cookie.

Ready to go?

Uh, not quite.

Listen, when we get back to Chicago,

I'm gonna get more involved in our church,

and I'm not gonna force anyone

to do anything that they don't want to do,

but my hope is that you'll join me.

Well, we're gonna need some new color-coded pens

for the schedule.

Nope.

I'm throwing away the schedule.

- Oh, yeah. - What?

You love that schedule, Mom.

Isn't it bolted to the wall?

I will get a crowbar.

Listen, guys, I...

I love you so much

more than anything in the world,

and I don't wanna have to rely on a schedule

for us to spend time together.

I want us to put each other first

because that's what family's all about.

And I think church

is a good place to start doing that.

We can have this all the time,

not just on December 25th.

- I think you're right, Mom. - Me, too.

I'm in.

Becca, will you drive the car home, please?

- Carefully. - Yes, ma'am.

- It's parked out front. - I'm not riding with her.

You can find your Uncle Paul

and drive home with him and Ashley.

- Okay. - I'm a good driver.

What about you guys?

We are gonna take a walk

in the snow.

Oh, yeah, that's what we're doing.

- Have fun. - Bye!

See ya!

Careful.

It's so quiet.

Yeah, it is.

I was sure you were gonna make

a "not a creature was stirring" joke.

It was right there.

Hey, if you can get rid of the schedule,

then I can lay off the jokes.

Please don't, Eric.

It's... It's who you are.

I know what I want to say.

Here it is.

We do spend time together.

We...

We eat together,

we parent together,

we talk every day,

and there's nobody in the world that I trust,

and love with all my heart,

the way I love you,

but despite being in each other's lives,

we haven't been "present" in each other's lives.

It's like...

It's like we see each other every day, but...

But we stopped seeing each other.

Exactly.

Yeah.

So, that's it for me.

You?

Listen, we can talk about

what we did or what we didn't do,

what we can do,

or what we need to do better,

and I think that we should,

but at the end of the day, I just miss you.

I miss my wife.

I miss you, too.

I even miss rubbing your feet and feeding you popcorn.

Let's not miss each other anymore, okay?

And let's promise to be present for each other.

Where did that come from?

A little Christmas magic.

Thank you, God.

♪ Want to marvel

♪ At the story of how love came down ♪

♪ To be present here with me tonight ♪

♪ Right here and now

♪ I won't forget

♪ The greatest gift

♪ Is to be present...

♪ Here in His presence

♪ This Christmas