Original subtitles

♪ Rising up ♪

♪ The world is spinning ♪

♪ Reaching out For what I've always wanted ♪

♪ They'll believe me When they see me shining ♪

♪ When the world comes crashing down ♪

♪ I'll be the thing They never saw coming ♪

♪ Nothing ♪

♪ Nothing can stop me now ♪

♪ They'll be talking about me ♪

♪ I'll be the one to open their eyes ♪

♪ Lighting up the darkest nights ♪

♪ I'll be the brightest thing in the sky ♪

♪ Leading to show you how ♪

♪ Nothing can stop me ♪

[phone ringing]

[sighs]

Phillips' residence. This is Elisha.

Yes, one moment.

Jess. Jessica.

Hello. This is Jessica.

Um...

Well, thank you very much for the opportunity.

Yes, I will work even harder.

Okay.

Thank you.

- I made it. I made it! - [both exclaim excitedly]

I'm gonna beat you with this racket. You really made it?

- [singing] I made it. - [laughs]

We've got to go to the Bennigan's with girls to celebrate.

Come on. I'm already late for practice.

You're not gonna lose your scholarship.

Better not. Not for the Ohio State University.

You're gonna make it. I'm gonna make it.

[both] Together to the top, baby.

[chuckles] Come on.

I can't believe I made it this year.

The team is going for its third national title.

That's a record. This is so huge.

- Slow down, Earnhardt. - You're talking faster than I'm driving.

I hope Mrs. Elliott understands this girl will not be available.

Available for what?

Oh, come on. I'm gonna make this light. Hang on.

- [car honks] - [Jessica screams]

[crashing]

♪ I'm rising up ♪

♪ And the world is spinning ♪

♪ When the world comes crashing down ♪

You got this. I know it's hard.

[Granny] Don't let this stop you.

Come on, push through.

[therapist] Let me try this here for you.

♪ Nothing ♪

And what we actually have here is a...

♪ Nothing can stop me now ♪

[Jessica grunting]

- [Jessica panting] - Got it. You did it.

- You just got straighten... - [Jessica scoffs]

I got it.

♪ Stop me now ♪

♪ Nothing ♪

♪ Nothing's gonna stop me ♪

[dramatic music playing]

♪ We gather together To ask the Lord's blessing ♪

♪ He chastens and hastens ♪

♪ His will to make known ♪

♪ The wicked oppressing Now cease from distressing ♪

♪ Sing praises to His name ♪

♪ He forgets not His own ♪

[upbeat music playing]

Okay.

[grunts]

♪ To ask the Lord's blessing ♪

♪ He chastens and hastens ♪

Mm-mm. Pureed carrots. Oh, boy.

♪ We gather together ♪

[whirring]

♪ We gather together ♪

- Hmm. - [buzzing]

[sighs, mutters]

I like you. I like you. I like you.

But it's you... I don't like.

[Christmas hymn playing]

Honey, let's not overcomplicate it.

I'm sure you'll be perfect by Christmas.

And when you're done, I need your help peeling the potatoes.

Can't we just make boxed potatoes?

No, no, no. Your father loves my mashed potatoes,

and they will be on the table.

Okay.

- [rock music] - ♪ Gather together ♪

Mm.

♪ Gather together ♪

- Uh, Paul. Perfect timing. - Oh.

I need you to pull the turkey out of the oven so I can baste it.

Of course, mon amour.

Ah!

Wow!

Oh, that smells delicious.

[sighs]

♪ Praises to His name ♪

♪ He forgets not His own ♪

♪ Gather together ♪

♪ He forgets not His own ♪

♪ Gather together ♪

[country music playing]

♪ We gather together ♪

♪ To ask the Lord's blessing ♪

Oh, is that Nick Tannen?

Oh, can I please get your autograph?

Sorry, you got to talk to my agent first.

Marco!

Watch out, Nick!

- Do you know how much these cost? - Hi, Melody.

You're gonna buy me a new one if you break it.

- Hi. - Hi, Marco.

[turntable scratching]

♪ We gather together To ask the Lord's blessing ♪

♪ He chastens and hastens His will to make known ♪

♪ The wicked oppressing Now cease from distressing ♪

♪ Praises to His Name He forgets not His own ♪

♪ Gather together ♪

- [continues playing] - Hey, Gabe. Gabe! Gabe!

- [stops playing] - Can you put that thing away

and practice some different music?

♪ We gathered together To ask the Lord's blessing ♪

- [Marco] Glasses look good. - [Nick] Right.

[Marco] Nick, what kind of chicken is this?

- This is turkey. - Sure.

Hey, those are my shades.

Leave the poor bird alone.

Can... can one of you guys open this jar?

Oh, too slow! Let the muscles do the work.

Put on a nicer shirt for dinner, please.

Just a nice...? This is nice.

Okay, nicer sleeves.

- But sleeves cover the guns. - Sleeves.

Gabe, can you help me put this turkey in the oven?

- [Gabe] Sure. - [Jessica] Thank you.

[vibrating]

And Heavenly Father, thank you for our family,

for the love that's around this table,

and for my wife, who always goes above and beyond.

In your name, Amen.

[all] Amen.

Okay, everyone. Go ahead, pass counterclockwise.

[Melody] Marco, I thought you left.

Don't you wanna stay for dinner?

No, No. I'm... I'm okay.

Although you and I should eat together

sometime.

Yeah, we've got a lot going on at our house.

Big turkey party.

See you, guys.

- Is he here a lot? - Oh, yeah.

Hey, Gabe, Quick.

Can you take a photo, please?

No, of... of the centerpiece.

- [camera shutter clicks] - Gabe...

- [melancholy music playing] - [dog barking]

[cutlery clinking]

[exclaims in Spanish]

I didn't know you were here.

Um...

I'm sorry there's not a lot... We're not doing much this year.

Well, we're not done talking.

- I'm done talking. - [Alex scoffs]

Marco is here.

Alex, it's Thanksgiving.

Maybe we could...

[Alex speaking Spanish]

[Olivia] What?

Yeah.

- So much to give thanks for right now. - Honey, um...

Are you kidding me right now?

[Nick] My favorite. Save me more of that stuff.

- Mom, potatoes are great. - [Jessica speaks indistinctly]

I am thankful that I got all the brains in the family.

- [laughter] - Okay.

And I'm thankful for your wonderful mother.

For Gabe's photography,

for Melody being dedicated to mastering 300 instruments.

- [laughter] - Thank you.

[Paul] And that Nick will be moving out soon

- and paying for his own food. - [Melody] Whoo!

- Hey! - Don't worry about it.

I'll make you amazing meals forever, baby.

Thank you, Mommy.

Speaking of meals, this was a masterpiece.

Your mashed potatoes and gravy were exquisite.

- See? - [Nick] Yeah.

Okay. For the grand finale, we have my world famous pumpkin cheesecake.

We've got the pumpkin pies. And I tried something different this year.

- A festive fall pie... - [Melody] Mm-hmm.

It's, you know, good for you.

Full of polyphenols.

- [Nick] Mmm. - Mmm.

Anti-inflammatory.

Mm. Yummy.

- I'll try a piece. - [cell phone buzzes]

[Jessica] Thank you.

Hello, Elisha.

Hey, everybody, say hi.

- [all] Happy Thanksgiving. - Yo, yo, yo.

- Gobble, gobble. - [Elisha] Happy Thanksgiving.

I called you, like, three times today.

Are you enjoying your Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving?

Are you enjoying your dinner in front of the games?

What's the score, Walter?

Actually, it's been really chill here today.

We are trying our hand at Asian fusion this year.

Wow! That's an interesting choice.

- [Walter] Hey there, Tannens. - [Elisha] Big news.

Walter got the job at NASA.

- One small step... - One giant leap.

You know, they got me an office on the moon,

and it is a rough 72-hour commute.

But on the way home, there's nothing but space.

Okay, this is the third time you've told that joke.

Aria has a big update, too.

[speaking French]

I'm going to school in France next year.

I got into the exchange program.

Wow! Congratulations!

Wait, I want to go to France.

Can you curl up in a suitcase?

- [Melody] Yeah. - [Jessica] So... No, wait.

Aria, if you're gonna be in France next year,

well, that means this will be the last year

we'll all be together for Christmas.

Well, can I remind you that you're the one that moved 800 miles away?

You really should call Mom and Dad.

Hey. Yeah, I already did.

Listen, we're still at the table.

Can I figure out a time next week to give you a call?

Sure. Let's talk soon.

Bye.

[Jessica] Who wants to take the first bite?

[indistinct chatter]

- [Nick] Ooh! - [Jessica] You love it.

[Gabe] Hey, save some for me.

- [Jessica] Mmm. - How's that festive fall pie?

I can't believe you're missing out on it.

It's great.

All the kids beg their parents for polyphenols.

I can't do it. [Laughs]

[all laugh]

- [Jessica grunts] - [Melody coughs]

Okay. I'll detox tomorrow.

So is there anyone here who can bring us up to speed

on our exciting December calendar?

[groans] Mom, please tell me you don't have a chart and easel this year.

No, I don't.

Dim the lights.

[magical music playing]

[Gabe] Ooh!

- Oh, my gosh. - [Jessica] The Christmas plan.

It all begins December 1st. Cyber Monday. We decorate the house.

December 2nd. Christmas cookie orders begin for Dough-Re-Mi,

the best cookie company in the western world.

- Gonna need some more pie. - [Jessica] December 10th.

We have the school concert,

so everybody needs to practice, practice, practice.

And cookies will be provided by Dough-Re-Mi.

- You don't say. - Yes.

December 12th. We're gonna make gingerbread houses.

And this year, no headless gingerbread men.

- Got it? - It was good.

[Jessica] December 19th is Paul's office party,

otherwise known as...

Jessica's Beauty Day.

And December 22nd.

[sighs] This is when everybody arrives from Ohio.

So we have Pop, and Gran, and Uncle Walter,

and Aunt Elisha, Aria, all under one roof.

- Whoo! - [Paul claps]

- Nice! - [Jessica] December 23rd.

We have the church program, and then Christmas Day,

the crown jewel of the season,

the 10th annual Tannen-Bomb Talent Show!

[Paul] Whoo-hoo!

[dramatic stinger]

That's when everyone cheers ecstatically!

- [dramatic stinger plays again] - [all cheer and whoop]

And the best part of Christmas.

Besides the birth of Jesus.

- Sustained. - So, is the show 100% necessary?

I mean, what if we posted a video or something?

[Jessica] Oh, you must participate.

Costumes are required,

and at least one musical instrument must be included.

Please, no accordions this year.

[Jessica] Oh, and for the Tannen family,

there's gonna be bonus points for anybody that can add

the lyrics from O Tannenbaum in their act,

[autotune] Oh, Tannenbaum.

[Jessica] Nice!

As for skits, if you're not ready, it's all right.

I have a bunch of them already written up.

Seriously?

And that is the perfect Christmas.

To the Tannens and another perfect Christmas.

All will be merry and all will be bright.

[glasses clink]

- [Jessica] Okay, here you go. - [Alex speaks indistinctly]

[Olivia] Where are you going?

Hi, Jessica. Um...

Happy Thanksgiving, Olivia.

Uh, Alex was just going to the market, 'cause I forgot the whipped cream.

Oh. Yeah, I've so been there.

Listen, I meant to give this to Marco earlier.

Oh. Thank you so much.

I'm sure he's already filled up on yours,

but I just, you know, wanted to spread the love.

- Thank you. - Mm-hmm.

[tires screeching]

So

either Alex and Olivia were arguing, or he really likes his whipped cream.

No one outdoes Jessica Tannen except Jessica Tannen.

[Jessica chuckles]

I am one lucky guy.

- It was a great day, wasn't it? - Mm-hmm.

And now we just settle into a nice, quiet, perfect Christmas.

[upbeat music playing]

Frosty the pancake.

December 1st is here.

Let Christmas commence.

Whoo! 'Tis the season! [Chuckles]

I'm melting!

- [door closes] - Oh, Paul, you're just in time

to witness my triumph.

All gifts ordered, cyber deals activated.

Victory!

I was even able to get some gifts for the kids

I've wanted to get for a long time.

This is the year.

That's great, honey.

What's wrong?

Oh, it's just been a day.

What kind of day?

So you lost a client?

It's just one client?

Not just any client.

The client. It's Brixton Hadley.

Is that a guy?

It's more like 50 guys, and they all walked out the door at the same time.

Apparently they've been planning to do this for months.

So now we're just trying to figure out where it all went wrong.

Brixton Hadley. Sounds like a rich kid in a teen movie.

It's 30% of our business.

So belts are gonna be tightened,

and it doesn't look like I'm gonna get my bonus this year.

Oh, no! I ordered all of those gifts.

It's okay. You know what? If I can cancel the big ones and if I do it by tonight...

No, no, no, no. Jess, don't cancel anything.

I'm not letting this ruin our Christmas.

We'll figure it out.

You know, God provides.

And besides, you have the cookie business, so we'll be fine.

Oh, yeah. We'll be fine.

[cell phone buzzing]

Oh, hey...

Hey, Elisha.

[Jessica] What's up?

Hey, just calling to check in and see how you're doing.

- [dog barks] - Ooh. [Smacks lips]

There you go, Oscar.

Uh, just jumping through flaming hoops, you know.

Promise me you're not making any life-sized

Victorian gingerbread houses or anything.

[gasps] My gingerbread houses are American Colonial.

Haven't been able to bake this weekend anyway.

My hands started getting stiff.

Do those stretches I showed you.

Didn't the doctor give you a prescription for pain?

Yeah, I'm trying to stay away from that.

You should see the list of the side effects.

Just take the pill, Jess.

- Nobody expects you to be a hero here. - [scoffs]

Hey, I... I ended up getting a notice

from Dr. Troia's office on your patient portal.

I guess you still have me listed as your physical therapist,

or proxy on your account.

- Oh! - Jess...

The doctor's report, it... it didn't look good.

Look, I'm trying to do my exercises,

and if I just start eating better, I'm gonna be fine.

Rheumatoid arthritis is serious.

I'm... I'm just really glad that Paul's there to help you.

Hey, listen.

Please do not talk to the kids or Walter about any of this, all right?

I don't need them worrying about me over the holidays.

Well, I worry.

Rest and start saying no to people,

or this is gonna turn into another surgery.

And a wheelchair is not in your future.

[upbeat music playing]

♪ A little bit bright ♪

Am I really supposed to just carry this myself?

That would be very helpful. Thank you.

- Whoa! - [Gabe exclaims]

Hey, Melody, I, um... I like what you did with your hair today.

It's just how I always wear it.

Uh... Yeah. Yeah, that's, um...

That's what I like about it.

Oh, no! The door wreath.

This thing was my favorite.

- That's your favorite? - Yeah.

- Don't worry about it. I'll fix it. - Sure.

- Yeah. - Okay.

Oh, I've been waiting for this.

I got this for 90% off last year.

He moves mysteriously through the house.

He'll tell the big boss when you've been naughty or nice.

It's Santa Snitch.

Oh, my gosh! What is that thing?

- [laughs] - Okay,

you keep that elf to yourself.

It's a war zone down there.

Zilla is decapitated.

What did you do?

He sees when you are sleeping.

A lifetime of nightmares.

Quick, take a photo, Gabe.

I don't think it'll show up on film, or in a mirror.

Sure you didn't buy that from the Halloween store?

Or a cave in middle Earth?

I think that he is festive.

And he'll turn up when you least expect him to.

I don't like the sound of that.

My room is off limits.

I don't want to wake up to it playing my violin or something.

Come here, I want to remind you how to tie tree bows versus door bows.

There's a difference?

[laughs] Yes, there is difference.

- Can you tell? - No.

And Nick, I want you to leave the Nativity to Melody and me.

I don't appreciate how you arranged them last year.

[inaudible conversation]

[Melody] You think this will be good for her?

Oh, Gran's been wanting one of those Danish wooden carousels for years.

Three tiers. The woodwork is so detailed.

[chuckles] Yeah.

- Wait. Aroma Cafe. - Huh?

Wait, Mom, do you want to go in and sit for a minute?

It'd be nice to hang out with you just for a little bit.

Yeah. Yeah, that'd be fun.

I mean, it's been a while since we've had some girl time.

Yeah.

Hey, here, come here.

Tell me about this orchestra concert that's at school.

- I think it's gonna be really good. - Yeah?

- [cell phone ringing] - Oh, sorry. Just...

Hello?

Yes, this is Dough-Re-Mi, the cookie company.

Yeah. Yeah. Yes, Dough.

Dough, like a cookie dough.

Yes. Thank you.

Who?

Oh.

Oh, I'm honored. Thank...

Yes, absolutely. We can... we can fulfill that request. Uh-huh.

Yes.

Why don't you go ahead and text all the details to this number?

Okay. Thank you.

That was the governor.

She just ordered 200 of my cookies for her Christmas Eve bash.

What? Mom, that's great.

- Yeah. - When are you gonna do all that?

I'm just gonna do it.

I'm gonna gather all the things up for 200 cookies.

I can't believe it.

The governor picked my cookies.

I've already shifted everything around on the calendar.

And I think if I can just sew the costumes

for the church program three days early, I'll be fine.

- Sure. - Mm-hmm.

I'm really nervous.

I mean, this is my biggest order ever.

Honey, it's a testament to your hard work.

The prestige alone.

I mean, the extra money is gonna be good, you know, with your work situation.

And not to mention planning for college next year.

Honey, I know you're doing all this for people,

but don't forget to enjoy time with people.

I will.

December 25th.

How about right now?

[in French accent] I will light the fire.

- Mm. - [laughs]

[in French accent] Francois, I like your accent.

Are you going to be doing that for the talent show?

Mademoiselle, you want to rehearse our number?

- Is that it? - [mock gasps]

Learn this,

and wear that.

[upbeat music playing]

Come here.

[spring turning]

♪ Oh, you beautiful doll ♪

♪ You great, big, beautiful doll ♪

♪ Come here ♪

♪ Let me put my arms around you ♪

♪ I could never live without you ♪

- ♪ Oh ♪ - ♪ You beautiful doll ♪

- Aw! - ♪ You great, big, beautiful doll ♪

♪ If you ever leave me How my heart will ache ♪

♪ I wanna hug you ♪

♪ But I fear you'd break ♪

♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh ♪

♪ Oh, you beautiful doll ♪

- That is how French... ma cherie. - Oh!

[Jessica laughs]

[speaking French]

[in French accent] I will now light the fire.

- Voila! - Ooh!

My beautiful chocolate croissant.

[both laughing]

- Croissant? - We were the bomb.

[laughing]

[gentle music playing]

[dramatic, urgent music playing]

[oven timer dings]

[grunts]

Oh!

Yeah.

Great. Yes.

[oven timer dings]

[ding]

When's that grocery delivery getting here?

[doorbell rings]

Oh, right now.

You're not groceries.

No, Groceries was my father's name.

I'm Doug. Sign here, please.

Doug.

Why, it's on my jacket.

And what is that?

I think it's a box.

Excuse me. I need to take this.

Hello?

Yeah, this is Doug.

Oh, the wreath!

[oven timer dings]

[cell phone dings]

"Arthritis relief.

Tips to cutting out sugar and stress during the holidays."

Perfect.

Mm-hmm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

Mmm-hmm. Okay.

Bye. See you. [Kisses]

[oven timer dings]

[Christmassy music playing]

[Jessica] Hey, isn't it Nick's day?

No.

- [oven timer dings] - [sighs wearily]

You can do this.

Okay.

Mm-mm-mm.

Oh, that smells so good.

I know those teachers look forward to your spicy coffee cake every year.

Well, I'm sorry, hardworking, dedicated teachers,

but

the governor called.

Time to microwave some goodies from the store.

[mom 1] Jessica. Wow.

I didn't know we were supposed to do all this.

It smells so good.

Did you bake all this?

You put us to shame.

Seriously, to shame.

When did you have the time?

It's no problem, really.

I mean, these teachers, they do so much for us.

It's the least we can do.

[receptionist] Jackson Physical Therapy.

Hi. I'm gonna need to cancel my appointment today.

Ah, Mrs. Tannen! Rescheduling again.

- I can get you in Friday at 2:30. - Mm-hmm.

[stuffed] Okay, great.

Whoa!

What is that?

Another box?

[sighs] Just leave it.

Really, woman with a cane, or me,

a lanky yet surprisingly strong delivery guy?

- I'll just set this inside. - You can't just...

[singing] But I can just...

See? Look, done.

That wasn't so hard now, was it?

[school bell ringing]

[Nick] Marco, what are you still doing here, man?

What are you still doing here?

Had to pick up all my mom's stuff from the teacher's lounge.

Always a big production to appreciate our tormentors.

What's going on?

Well, my mom and dad finally stopped fighting.

- Man, that's great. - It's because my dad left last week.

I don't think he's coming back.

I didn't know it was that bad.

Yeah. So now it looks like I'm moving back to Texas with my mom in January.

I didn't know it was possible to see my dad even less.

I'm sorry, man. Hey, come hang out for a while.

You know you can visit anytime.

How about all the time?

Hey, I'm glad you're still here.

Can I get a ride home?

I guess.

Hey, can I get a ride, too?

Okay.

[pleasant music playing]

Baby, we are gonna be "da bomb" in the Tannen-Bomb show.

[Jessica] Wow.

Ten years. Can you believe that our family's

been doing this little talent show for a decade?

We need to make sure that this one is really special,

because we don't know what it's gonna be like next year.

I mean, with Nick and Aria going off to college and everything.

- I just... I want this Christmas to be... - Perfect. I know.

And your whole family is gonna be here in four days.

Phew!

Are you ready?

I think so. I think I'm mostly on schedule.

I have my Jessica day scheduled for tomorrow.

I'm gonna get a mani-pedi.

I'm gonna have a special hand massage. I'm gonna go to the salon.

I need to look fantastic for your office's big shindig.

Well, you always look fantastic while you run circles around the rest of us.

Speaking of which, how's your hip doing?

It's frustrating.

How is it that some people with this injury heal so normally?

I... I don't know that they all do.

I mean, God could just snap his fingers and all of this would be gone.

[melancholy music playing]

It's gonna be okay.

[cheerful music playing]

Hey, Jess. Have you seen my travel mug?

[Jessica] Uh, yeah. Sorry.

I think I put it in with my cookbooks yesterday.

Cookbooks?

Huh.

[gasps, groans]

[Jessica laughing]

Yeah. Very funny. Ha ha.

Oh, Snitchy-Snitch.

I am gonna drive you out into the middle of the woods somewhere

where no one will ever find ya.

Hello, Jessica Day.

[cell phone vibrating]

Mom?

Hey, is everything okay?

Hello?

To whom am I speaking?

Jessica.

You called me.

Oh! [Laughs]

I didn't mean to.

I was trying to call and get our departure time,

but our flight doesn't leave for a couple of hours.

Flight? Where are you going?

We're coming to you today.

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

You're not coming today. You're coming in four days.

[Granny laughs]

Surprise!

[gasps]

I'm surprised.

Who are you talking to?

Oh, just Jessica calling.

You called me.

Why are you coming today?

Oh. Well, I spoke to Elisha, and she told us how

you're getting so overextended this year.

- Did she? - You know, you've got a lot of people

descending on your house four days from now,

so we thought we'd come in early and help you out.

Well, I don't need you to do that, okay?

Mom, we kind of have a plan in motion here.

And your room is not ready.

I still need to paint over a patch in the wall.

- You got a cat in the wall? - Patch.

These are teenagers. It's a... It's a long story.

- So when are you getting in? - Three o'clock.

So we'll need someone to pick us up.

That would be me.

What about Paul?

No, he's got a deposition all day.

Demolition? How much work do you plan on doing to that house?

Goodbye, Jessica Day.

[Christmassy music]

[dramatic music playing]

[sighs]

You're not going to slow me down.

[sighs wearily]

Hey, Nick. Can you pick up Gabe after school?

Thank you.

[airplane whirring]

- Ooh! - Yep. There she is. Hello.

Here we are. [Chuckles]

- Look at that. - Looks like a new car.

Looks shiny enough we can see ourselves.

[both laugh]

- Hey! - [Granny] Aw!

- Oh! - How was the flight?

Oh, those airline snacks taste like sawdust.

That's true. So why don't we stop for a bite on the way?

Just trying to beat that traffic.

Well, you gotta eat. Our treat.

You know, there's a lot to do, Mom.

Oh, that's why we're here. Just put us to work.

But we could probably stop for a sandwich first at a drive-through.

I told the new girl I like it the way I like it,

so don't make it too curly.

You know, you would look great with some curls in your hair, Jessica.

It would soften your face.

File that away for the next time I can

get to a salon.

- Oh, I love this bacon. - Mm.

This is not the kind of bacon that you get at a drive-through.

This is sit down bacon.

- Would you look at all this traffic? - [cars honking]

Omaha never used to be this crowded.

[laughs] Where's your wreath?

I'm working on it.

Oh, okay. Oh, Melody.

- Oh! - How was your flight?

There's Gabe.

[all chattering]

Listen, I know that we normally make caramel popcorn

to celebrate for Christmas break, but Gran and Pop are here,

so maybe they can do that with you.

I have 20 minutes to get ready for this party. So visit, visit, visit.

Gabe! You're taller than I am, too. Everybody's taller than I am.

What instrument are you learning now, Mel?

The Irish bouzouki.

Everything in its place.

[exhales]

[singing] There she is, the most beautiful girl in the world.

- You're good to go? - You're way too excited.

Well, Jack's not only my boss, he's my mentor.

He's the guy I want to be when I grow up.

- Please don't ever grow up. Okay. - Deal.

[Christmassy music playing]

[doorbell ringing]

Wait. Where's your suit jacket? I swear I dry cleaned it.

No. The invitation this year said wear your comfiest sweater.

- I remember giving it to you. - Oh, yes. Yeah, you did.

You said that.

- [Janie laughs] - Hi, Janie.

Merry Christmas.

Welcome. Come in. Come in. Come in.

Jessica, it's always wonderful to see you.

And you look stunning.

- She does, doesn't she? - Yes, she does.

Hi.

[lively chatter]

- Jack. Hi. - Hi, Paul.

You remember my beautiful wife, Jessica?

Of course. This must be your famous creation?

The best cookies I've ever had.

Oh, actually, I wasn't able to bring any this year.

I love what you've done with your hair. It's so festive.

Yeah, the the green is a fun touch.

Oh, uh...

Yeah. Guilty as charged.

Don't say that in a room full of attorneys.

I want to thank you all for coming tonight.

We took a real hit this week,

but the firm we've grown over the last 50 years

has seen tough times before, so I know we can handle it.

And I have all of you to thank for that.

With the cuts we're having to make, it didn't seem responsible

to throw the fancy soirée that we usually do.

And then I realized no one really liked 'em anyway.

It seemed like they couldn't wait to get home and into pajamas or a comfy sweater.

So here we are. Maybe next year will be pajamas.

This also reminded me that life's too short to worry about the packaging.

I wasted a considerable amount of time in my life

distracted by the right car or suit,

the shiny paper that inevitably gets tossed aside.

I would like to see this firm head back to the foundation on which it was founded.

That the true gift in life

is quality relationships and loving others well.

So no, there are no ridiculously

lavish centerpieces and crudités, and the bonuses will be small.

But as you may know, Janie and I have a lake house rental property.

And this year we're blocking it off so that each of you can have a week there.

I want to see each and every one of you enjoying time away with your family.

There is no greater investment.

Here you go. Have a seat.

Thank you.

Why don't you slip off your shoes and just rest a minute?

Oh, okay. Thank you.

Made you some ginger-turmeric tea.

It's anti-inflammatory.

I must not be hiding my arthritis very well tonight.

- Good? - Oh, delicious.

Good. And I love these cashmere slippers.

It's like walking on bunnies.

Those are amazing.

And try this on your hands.

It works wonders on mine when they hurt. Eucalyptus, clove, wintergreen.

Spa Gilbert.

Yeah.

Taking care of yourself should be a little decadent.

Well...

You know, I've been that person,

there for everyone else without fail.

But always being the hero is a hard act to keep up.

Give others a chance to be the hero.

I don't want to see a gifted young woman like you get burned out.

Too late.

Thank you. Thank you for all of this

just all of your kind hospitality.

Of course.

Why don't you just stay in here and rest as long as you'd like, all right?

Tell Janie thank you. It was a wonderful night.

I will do. And listen, don't lose sleep over this, okay?

It'll be fine.

- Hey. - Hey. You doing okay?

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow. It's my one day to sleep in.

[Jessica's parents rehearsing a tune]

- Good morning. - We're trying to get a jump on you.

We wanted to rehearse early so that we could help you today.

We're going back to bed.

Well, suit yourself.

Are you ready to take this baby for a ride?

Yes. Play.

Ready? Here we go, Gran.

♪ Won't you play a simple melody? ♪

♪ Like my mother sang to me? ♪

What say we leave your mother out of this?

♪ One with a good old-fashioned harmony ♪

Great voice this morning. Yeah.

♪ Play a simple melody ♪

Clear the way. Clear the way. Here I come.

♪ Make it supreme And set your honey a dreamin' ♪

♪ Won't you play me some rag ♪

Some "rag"?

♪ Just change that classical nag ♪

Me, "nag"?

- ♪ To some sweet, beautiful drag ♪ - I'll try.

♪ If you will play from a copy of a tune That is choppy ♪

♪ You'll get all my applause ♪

Oh, I live for that.

♪ And that is simply because I want to listen to some rag ♪

- All right, let's switch it up. - Here we go.

♪ Make it supreme And set your honey a dreamin' ♪

♪ Won't you play me some rag ♪

♪ And change that classical nag ♪

♪ Like my mother sang to me ♪

♪ To some sweet beautiful drag ♪

♪ If you will play from a copy of a tune That is choppy ♪

♪ You'll get all my applause ♪

♪ And that is simply because ♪

♪ I wanna listen to some rag ♪

We still got it.

Oh, I love this. It says this is not a toy.

Well, they got that right.

Oh, good morning. Did you get enough sleep?

Nope.

What happened to my sewing machine?

Well, I was going to start with your church costumes,

but then I thought, "No, I'm gonna work on the Tannen-Bomb outfits."

But there were just so many buttons on this new-fangled thing.

I think Pop has fixed it.

That looks super not fixed.

How am I gonna finish all these costumes?

Well, you just let me at it.

There's nothing I can't do with a needle and thread.

Can you do 25 collars with 60 yards of fake fur edging, 50 bell appliques,

30 yards of 3-inch double satin ribbon, and 50 individually embroidered

holly sprigs that my new-fangled sewing machine now cannot do?

Well, that might take me a little longer than I...

Hot glue it is!

But it says I'm only missing one screw.

It's just this is not the kind of help that I needed, Elisha.

Dad is fixing things that don't need fixing.

The porch light is on a dimmer. Faucet handles are on backwards.

I did not tell them to come out there.

- Right. - Listen, we can come out early

to run interference with Mom and Dad and give you a break.

No, no, do not do that. All right?

You told me to start saying no to people,

so no!

No, not to the people who are helping you.

You say yes to those people.

It's just a day earlier. It's settled.

We'll be there tomorrow by dinner.

It was so nice to finally sleep in. Hi!

- Ooh, muffin. - No...

- Yum. Is this chocolate. - Marco?

Have you been here all night?

No more school, guys.

What should we do with our newfound, hard-won freedom?

- Thanks. - Well done, mom.

Gabe, sweep the patio.

Melody, dust the living room.

Nick, vacuum.

And, Marco, come help me with this hot glue gun.

It's not the only thing that's hot in this house.

- What? - What?

Who... Who said... what?

I have a wreath delivery for Jessica Tannen.

Finally. Our door has looked ridiculous.

I'm not sure this is gonna help.

Did someone shoot that with a shrink ray?

That's not what I ordered.

This puts the "Teenie" in "Teenie weenie!"

[postman] Less is more.

More is more!

Dude...

No, I don't even know what I'm doing.

I just need finesse.

I got finesse.

- What are you doing? - Nothing?

Okay.

Jessica.

- Oh, hi, Olivia. - Hi.

I'm sorry it took me so long to return this.

Can you believe it's December 21st?

I am not ready.

Listen, I know it's nothing for you to bake like a thousand pies,

but it really meant a lot that you thought of us.

That's no problem.

Do you need help?

- No, I'm good. - Okay.

- Well, Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

All right, I added more bricks to the Great Pyramid.

Can I help wrap some of them or help with anything?

No. No,

I have a vision for the gift tableau under the tree this year.

In other words, we wouldn't do it right.

Your mom's a rock star, Melody. If she says she can do it, she will.

I stayed up so late last night prepping a special meal for everyone.

Well, nothing says I care about you like a home-cooked meal.

When are they getting here, anyway?

- I don't know. - [doorbell rings]

That must be now.

[Walter] Who's hungry for some pizza?

[sighs]

[Elisha] Hey, what's up with that doughnut wreath?

- Hey, there they are. - Oh, hi.

How you doing?

Hi.

[Walter] There she is. The hostess with the mostest.

Hi.

We were starving after driving all day

and we didn't want you to have to worry about anything with us.

Aria? What is that?

Oscar.

He didn't want to miss out on Christmas either.

The dog won't be any trouble, Jess.

We'll keep him in our room with us.

Yeah.

I'll pay for that.

She brought the dog.

Oh, God, I am stuffed.

Boy, that hit the spot.

It's so good to have you guys here.

So, Nick, you're a senior now.

Have you picked a college yet?

I think I'll just go to clown college.

Get the rubber nose, a little horn.

I don't know, son. Those are some pretty big shoes to fill.

- No shame. - That was good.

I picked a school where I can get my vocational and business degree

so I can start my own Body Shop one day.

That is a good plan. How about you, Gabe?

What you been up to?

Not much.

I like your stuff.

Merci beaucoup.

We'll have to talk later, mon pet it dude.

Melody is writing a song.

She's... really talented.

Well, not for the talent show.

It's... won't be ready yet.

Anyways. So, Mom, we know you said that you didn't need any help,

but we have a very special surprise for you.

While you've been out all day helping so many people with so many things...

We baked you three dozen cookies for the governor's bash.

So now you can just sit back and relax and hang out.

Oh, wow, you shouldn't have.

- Yeah. - And you did.

- Yep. - All from your recipe book.

Just the way you make it.

- Try one. - Okay.

- All right. - Dad, Try one. Yep.

One. I'm gonna try.

Here we go.

All right?

I have no words.

I'm stunned.

Yeah, you kids,

I cannot believe you did all of this on your own

without any supervision at all.

- Thank you. - That bad, huh?

Worse. I think they swapped the sugar with the salt.

So is everybody ready for the Tannen-Bomb show?

Can that wait until tomorrow? We've been driving all day today.

Yeah. Let's all go do something fun tonight.

Yeah. Who brought the cards?

No. Let's do a movie.

We'll never be able to pick a movie. Not this group.

Yes, we will. We just need the basics.

Car chases, superheroes, aliens.

With a big, long kiss at the end.

Y'all can watch some sappy, romantic thing upstairs

and we'll watch something mindless and destructive

in the basement.

So that's all you think that women watch?

[Jessica] We like sophisticated stories.

Yes, we do. Like mysteries and thrillers.

We're not just gonna put on something to make us cry.

He never forgot her.

He was on a mission to go get her.

He never stopped looking.

Dude never forgot her.

He was on a mission to go get her.

He never stopped looking.

I mean, he just went after her.

Like how do you... How do you even do that?

You just... you just see a girl and go get her?

Are you talking about the movie?

I know what this is about.

She wants beauty.

Poetry.

"What light from yonder window breaks."

Romeo and Juliet? Those two die in the end.

Yeah.

Who's gonna go after me like that?

What about Marco?

No. No!

We're just, like, really good friends.

Really?

Listen, girls like a funny guy. You know, a little witty banter.

What if she doesn't laugh?

Ouch! [Grunts]

I think Pop and Walter would agree.

You need to find out what she's interested in, and then just listen.

Do that.

- Listen. - That's it.

- That's it. He's got it. - Listen.

- There you go. - No, no, no.

I mean, listen.

♪ Peace on earth, and mercy mild ♪

♪ God and sinners reconciled ♪

♪ Joyful, all ye nations rise ♪

♪ Join the triumph of the skies ♪

♪ With the angelic host proclaim ♪

♪ Christ is born in Bethlehem ♪

♪ Hark the herald angels sing ♪

♪ Glory to the... ♪

♪ Glory to the newborn King ♪

We good.

Kids? Kids?

- Hey, don't stay up too late, all right? - Okay.

But if you do, here's the script changes.

They're great.

More to memorize? Why the big production, Mom?

And, Gabe, I want you to wear that wig from the Seussical number last year.

Okay?

I hate this show.

Wow, your family takes this way more seriously than mine.

You have no idea.

I mean, but the Seussical number was pretty good, though.

Elle, is that your shoe?

Oscar, no!

Your Aunt Jessica's gonna put you behind bars.

Okay.

Jessica!

Oscar, get the other shoe.

No! You take it. I don't want it.

No, no, no. You take it.

No, no, no.

What's really going on with you two?

Well, I know we're here to help, but it always feels

like I'm the one giving and she's the one taking.

She didn't even say thanks to us for the pizza

or for me rubbing her feet for an hour.

Do you think she still blames you for the accident?

I guess I just hope that I wouldn't pay penance for life.

You know, I know in my head that she loves me,

but my heart, it isn't feeling it.

Maybe you two should talk.

But first

we need to hide this somewhere.

I've seen way too many horror movies, and I know this don't end well for me.

- She brought a pizza. - Pizza?

And totally ruined my dinner.

- Who... - Who does that?

I know, right?

Maybe you two should talk.

[water running]

[screams]

Snitchy.

You evil thing.

♪ A drum, a flute, my own toy horn ♪

♪ A princess dress... ♪

No, don't stop. I like it.

It's really good.

This is the one you wrote? I want to hear it.

It's just not ready yet.

Dad!

[grunts]

This took so much longer than I thought.

There's nothing to eat.

When I finish this order, we can start rehearsing

and all of my baking will be done.

- Done. - Hallelujah!

Yes. And I can finally enjoy my Christmas.

Hey, Gabe, why don't you go see if your sister wants you to join her on her song?

Yeah, like a duet.

She sent me down here.

Guess who I ran into in the bathroom?

Who?

Funny.

- Is this your card? - No.

That's right. It's my card.

- Nice xylophone. - Technically, it's a glockenspiel.

- Hey, Doug. - Marco.

How's it going with the chiropractor? You making any progress?

Well, you tell me.

Oh, God.

So not good.

[sighs]

You did it.

Yeah.

[Paul and Walter] Payback!

[groans]

[Nick] Okay. Hey, guys. On me from the top. Let's go.

Do it like this.

♪ Go tell it on the mountain ♪

♪ Go tell it on the mountain ♪

♪ Go tell it on the mountain ♪

♪ That Jesus Christ is born ♪

♪ The shepherds they were watching Over f locks up on the hill ♪

♪ There was a holy messenger His name was Gabriel ♪

♪ Down in a lowly manger The humble Christ was born ♪

♪ Salvation came to everyone That blessed Christmas morn ♪

♪ Go tell it on the mountain ♪

♪ Go tell it on the mountain ♪

♪ Go tell it on the mountain ♪

♪ Go tell it That Jesus Christ is born ♪

Bacon?

- Rehearsal called on account of bacon? - Agreed.

- Ooh, bacon. - Bacon, bacon, bacon.

- Yeah. - Oh, yeah.

Hey, Mom.

I usually cook the bacon in the oven so it doesn't spatter.

Oh, well, it's already done.

So excited.

We have an entire day to work on the show.

- The entire day? - The show...

I know. Look, if it's important to your mom, it's important to us.

Walter and Paul, you're the emcees.

Have you already figured out all your costumes?

We'll probably go thrifting this year.

- Yes. - I've got a $35 budget.

I'm gonna blow it all.

Great.

I'm just gonna go check on the cookies in the dining room.

The cookies. The cookies!

This can't be happening!

Where's the dog?

I'm so sorry, Jessica.

- We can all make more. - No...

I will make them.

Because these cookies were for the governor's party

and they were the most important cookies of all the cookies.

Do I really need to make them the way that I make them

again?

Just tell us what we can do to help.

- You can get out. - Honey.

Please, just get out of the house.

Leave me alone to work. Just go somewhere else today.

At least let me help you get all of the ingredients together.

- There's something... - Please. Just go.

I think maybe the kids could use some time out of the house.

They can. You know, the arcade is in the mall, right next to the thrift store.

- So. - Yeah. Please. Yes.

Enjoy. Okay?

And then I can just work in peace, and we can

[sighs] reset.

- Let's go. - Okay.

Okay.

♪ Deck the halls ♪

♪ Deck the halls ♪

♪ Time to get checked out ♪

♪ Ladies will be decked out ♪

♪ Check your polyester slacks and turtlenecks out ♪

♪ Nine dollars And it's straight off the rack ♪

♪ All sales are final On the bottle in the back ♪

♪ At the party Wearing that ugly sweater ♪

♪ I got a crochet vest Someone knitted together ♪

♪ Wide-brimmed church lady hat Covered in feathers ♪

♪ And a letter man jacket There's not much better ♪

Jessica really should be here.

She just needs some space.

Yeah, well.

♪ Come on. Get up ♪

Sorry, kids, love the stickers, not the cookies.

So cool driving a motorcycle.

♪ Red and green like you've never seen A string of white lights on my limousine ♪

♪ All right, it's a minivan ♪

♪ Know what I mean? Misel tov ♪

♪ Because you're my queen ♪

♪ Deck the hall ♪

♪ Deck the hall Come on, deck the hall ♪

[Paul] We had a great time. Cleared out the store.

Spent every dime.

So, how'd it go with the cookies?

Crisis averted. I have a fresh batch to deliver tomorrow.

How about you guys? Any success out there?

Did we succeed?

We are gonna look dapper.

We even found some very fancy Christmas shawls.

Yeah!

Oh, no. Wait, Paul.

Those are Christmas tree skirts.

We'll move over Fashion Week.

Okay. Okay.

All right. I think that's my... my cue to leave.

Hey, Mom, can I just ask you

about something I've been working on really quick?

Melody, I'm sorry. I was just about to go lay down.

- It'll just take a second. - Yeah, I know, I really...

I have to do it later, okay?

- Yeah. - Yeah.

I'm sorry. Oh, God.

Now, Francois, I hear you have become popular

with home cooks due to your new invention.

[in French accent] Oui, madame, I make machine called The Tornado by Francois.

And I make a meal in my Tornado.

Frenchy toast, croque monsieur, and steak with hamburger-naise sauce.

Is this mustache too big?

I don't think it's big enough.

Wow.

I hate to interrupt, but could we talk for a minute?

Yeah, I'm nailing this anyway.

So what is happening?

Well, while we're here, I wanted to have a frank conversation with you

about Jessica's medical plan moving forward.

Okay.

Well, I mean, she... she exercises.

She's eating healthier. Does PT twice a week.

Okay, but have you discussed surgical options?

You know, in case she loses the use of her hands for everyday tasks.

I mean, I think we can keep her out of the wheelchair.

Wait, wait, wait. Lose the the use of her hands?

Wheelchair? What are you talking about?

She hasn't told you.

Oh, boy.

So you haven't read Dr Troia's report?

No.

I cannot believe you.

I could say the same.

- What? - You told me Paul knew.

No, I just didn't correct your assumption.

I was very clear that I didn't want anyone worrying about me over the holidays.

He is your husband.

What's going on, Jessica?

You know what? I don't want to talk to you right now.

Listen, you cannot continue to avoid me.

Come on. Just say it.

You brought your dog?

Are you serious? That's what you're gonna bring up?

Yes, Elisha, I'm bringing it up.

That mutt stole an entire day from me with my family and our show,

and future orders with the governor.

And you, of all people, should know how dangerous it is

for that unpredictable little small creature

to be running around my feet.

It's like you wanted me to fall, like you wanted to be in charge of me again.

You think I like being your PT instead of your sister?

That way we don't ever have to get real and talk about what happened to us.

Us! Oh, I'm sorry. I must have missed the us part.

Us didn't lose her dance career.

Us didn't lose a normal life without pain.

Us doesn't have to worry about a life with rheumatoid arthritis,

or what life might be like in a wheelchair.

Well, you wanted 'em to talk.

You think I didn't lose anything?

Did you ever wonder why I didn't go to the Ohio State?

Why I gave up tennis to go into PT?

Or why I didn't pursue what I love?

Because it was my fault.

That you couldn't.

I gave up everything so you could have everything.

And then what do you do? You pick up and you move 800 miles away

like it meant nothing.

I was tired of being your burden, Elisha. Or your project.

You just power trip about planning my life,

about what I should and shouldn't do every moment of every day.

And you know what? You still do.

And I wanted my life back.

I was desperate to give you your life back.

And then you got pregnant.

What... What does Aria have to do with this?

Okay, okay. Look, guys, let's... let's go upstairs. Gabe...

Too hard watching you and Walter be so happy

when Paul and I, we couldn't even have any...

Are you serious?

No. You are so, so unbelievably selfish.

Excuse me!

Do you have any idea how long it took for Walt and I to have Aria?

- What are you talking about? - And why she's our only child?

But you never even told me.

No. You know what?

There are so many things that I've never told you, Jessica.

Because I can't ever be the one who needs something.

I can't ever be the one who's in pain.

I'm sorry that my devastating injury has been so hard on you.

You know what? No matter how many times I say I'm sorry,

or I try to make it up to you, it is never enough.

I just want my sister back.

There is so much that I want back, Elisha.

You know what, I can't figure out why you keep killing your body.

You're trying to measure up to everyone else or one up everyone else.

You're so strong to rise above adversity.

I am in constant pain, Elisha.

God forbid that you show the real you.

The real me? The real me would be a downer to most people.

So, what, it's just... it's just me who gets that privilege?

I'm so honored.

This conversation is over.

I already let you ruin my life, and I am not going

to let you ruin my perfect Christmas.

Hey there, neighbor.

Everything okay?

Yeah.

Absolutely.

That would have been believable before you assaulted the shrubbery.

Wanna come in?

It's been a while since we actually hung out.

I know. Too long.

- Xanax? - No.

I don't even take my prescription medicine.

- Why not? - Oh, it just feels like defeat.

I think I need to be able to manage this on my own.

I think the pain is just a reminder to do the right thing,

make the right choice.

That's messed up.

No. Like eating healthy, doing my stretches, minimizing stress.

That's not what you meant.

You know you're an amazing person, right?

If you didn't do another good deed in your life,

you would still be an amazing person.

I'm fine. I'm fine.

We're all fine.

No, I shouldn't.

Yeah. I'll take the whole box.

And everyone's got their thing.

Plaster on that smile, right?

You know, you shouldn't mix those two.

It's okay, Marco's in your house.

- That's not what I meant. - Marco is always in your house.

You must be doing something right.

Nick has been a really good friend to him through all this.

Through what?

I know you've heard us fighting...

Alex left.

Like left.

Wow. Weird to admit this to you.

Saying it out loud makes it feel so real.

Like, now, I actually have to deal with it.

I'm so sorry, Olivia.

I can't imagine.

You're lucky.

Your pain is obvious.

If I needed a day in bed, I'm either being dramatic or selfish.

You get a free pass.

I wouldn't say it's a free pass.

I don't want pity, and I won't use it as a pass.

That's a fine line between compassion and pity.

You know, I told my sister about Alex, but she's 800 miles away in Laredo.

You're so lucky your family is visiting, Jessica.

Family is everything.

So... who are you fighting with?

[Paul] Come on, Melody, you ate one yesterday.

[synth music playing]

[Paul] Hey.

I was really worried about you last night when you left the house,

and I don't really understand why you didn't come talk to me.

I don't share everything with you, Paul.

You'll just be worried or disappointed in me.

What?

I could never be disappointed in you.

You're constantly reminding me to be the dynamo that you married.

And I just... I can't.

Dynamo? [Chuckles] What are you talking about?

- What am I talking about? - Yeah.

If there's anybody that can do it, it's you, Jessica Tannen.

Don't worry, honey, you'll figure it out.

You've run circles around us all day.

It's just, it's a constant reminder that I'm this close to failing you.

I thought you wanted me to help you stay strong in your fight to...

Stay strong. I was trying to encourage you not tear you down.

Jess...

When you hear from a doctor, I need to know. I can't read your mind.

I didn't want to ruin your Christmas.

I didn't want to ruin my Christmas.

This may be the last

year that I can cook or bake,

or sew those costumes.

This may be the last year that I walk, Paul.

And I just wasn't ready to face that.

It's too much for you to carry by yourself.

I want you to lean on me.

Literally.

Okay.

All right.

I'll... I'll work harder to be honest

and tell you what I can and cannot do. And,

and I will start saying what I need.

And I promise to be less

- encouraging? - [both chuckle]

And a better listener.

Look,

no matter what the future holds,

you and I are in this together, all right?

I love you.

I love you.

Hey, you really want to go to Christmas Eve service tonight?

- I mean, you don't have to. - Absolutely.

- Okay. Sure. - Yeah.

Just stay in bed. I'll go get you some breakfast.

- Some Frenchie toast. - Yeah.

- Stop with the French. - Okay. No more French.

[playful children voices]

So, do they sell popcorn here?

No.

I'm glad they have an early service. Maybe Pop will fall asleep.

Yeah. I'll be able to get the governor and her goodies.

I think it's all gonna time out perfectly.

["Away In A Manger" playing]

♪ Away in a manger ♪

♪ No crib for a bed ♪

♪ The little Lord Jesus ♪

♪ Lay down his sweet head ♪

♪ The stars in the sky ♪

♪ Look down where he lay ♪

♪ The little Lord Jesus ♪

♪ Asleep on the hay ♪

[vocalizing]

It was a silent night.

[cellphone ringing]

- Turn off your phone. - Not me.

- A hush had fallen over Bethlehem. - [ringing continues]

- Ahem. - Ahem.

Oh! Oh, my God.

- [cellphone beeps] - Hello?

- [priest] Well... - Sorry.

Oh, yes. Just a second.

[priest] I just want to welcome you to our Christmas Eve celebration.

You said that I needed to drop them off an hour before the event, right?

The party's at seven.

Oh! You needed them at five.

Yeah. [Chuckles nervously]

Okay. Yeah. No, I'm sorry. I'll be right there.

I'll be right there.

♪ It came upon a midnight clear ♪

- ♪ That glorious song of old ♪ - Ow!

Hey, I need you to drive me.

- Where? - The next party.

- The country club. Like we need to go now. - I thought that was at seven.

That was at five! It's okay. Nick will drive me.

- I'll just meet you at home. - What about the service?

- I know! Get up! - Okay.

[people murmuring]

Nick.

Sorry.

- [clears throat] - [hymn continues]

[priest] The birth of Jesus.

Christmas in its most perfect form.

A messy crying baby tucked away in the darkness of some stable.

God showing his love for us.

His goodwill, not his condemnation.

Offering us a relationship with him.

- [Jessica] Is that all of them? - That is all of them.

Okay. Great.

All right, let's go. Can you...

- Move! - stop doing that!

Okay. Okay. All right.

This is so big!

[engine starts]

[tires screech]

Some of you are here because you think it's gonna make God love you more.

But you know, that's just Santa's stuff, right?

You better watch out,

better not do anything bad, because if you do,

he's not gonna give you anything.

[engine revving]

And some of you are here because it's just part of the bigger picture

of what Christmas is supposed to look like.

The lights, the parties, the decorations.

And those are all well and good, I suppose.

[engine revving]

Okay, slow down, Nick.

This is all in the name of Christmas, right?

But when all is said and done, no matter what you were trying for,

it's all right there.

That's what the perfect Christmas looks like.

Loving God and loving people.

That's it.

[tires screech]

- [engine revving] - [tires screech]

[Jessica] Okay. Okay.

We're just... we're dropping off.

Okay, Nick, grab the cart.

I'm gonna go find her. Yep. There she is.

We're here.

The best desserts that any public official has ever had.

We're right here. You know what, We'll just load in through that

side door right there.

Okay, well, please watch the ice on the walkway.

- It's very slippery. - Okay, great.

No problem.

The d'oeuvres... the d'oeuvres are out!

Mom, you're being really intense.

Well, the stakes are high, Nick!

Move those cookies.

Thank you, Mrs. Tannen. We hear we're in for a real treat.

There's some decorative plates [yelps] in there, too.

- We've got it. Thank you. - Okay.

See, we did it.

[gasps] Mission accomplished.

Accomplished.

Blue stickers!

No, no, no, no, no, no!

We gave them your cookies.

So?

[distorted] No

- No! [Screams] - Mom!

[high pitched ringing]

[sighs]

Am I dead?

[distant] Mom, stay still.

Hello, 911?

Yeah, I've got a slip and fall here.

[ambulance siren wailing]

Hey, Jessica. We're gonna need to take

a few more X-rays and tests, especially with your history.

You've also had a concussion.

I know you wanted to go home, but I have to keep you overnight.

You're kidding me.

- But tomorrow is Christmas. - And today you took a pretty nasty fall.

Your body's telling you to slow down.

[somber music]

[phone chimes]

[chuckles]

- [sighs] - [knock at door]

May I come in?

Sure. Yeah.

What do you need?

Hi, Jessica.

I'm Anna. I was wondering if I could pray with you.

Oh.

Is somebody praying with you?

Yeah, they are.

You know, here's the thing.

The praying thing hasn't really, you know, it hasn't worked out for me.

You'll understand more when you reach my age.

I don't think that's going to happen for me.

Some people I've prayed for have been healed.

It's been pretty cool.

I mean, doesn't that make you mad?

You pray for people and they get healed,

and you pray for yourself, and [scoffs]

nothing.

God doesn't owe me anything.

Yeah, just wait till he takes away everything.

I don't believe God is the reason I have a terminal illness.

But it is the reason I'm in here.

And I don't think God wastes anything.

I'm getting to bring so much joy to people in here

in the time I have left,

and then I get to be with Him.

That's not a consolation prize.

I actually think that's kind of a win-win.

I know God is totally able to heal me,

but if he doesn't, it doesn't change how good and giving He is.

So,

would it be okay if I prayed for you?

Okay. Yeah, sure, yeah. It's fine for me.

[Anna exhales softly]

Lord,

please heal Jessica.

Amen.

That's it?

Do you have something else you want me to pray...?

- That's short. Yeah, okay. - Yeah.

No, thank you.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

[quiet, calming and reflective music]

Hello?

[yelps]

Merry Christmas.

What is happening?

That's our old house.

No. Oh, no, you don't.

No! You don't get to Christmas Carol me.

What, is the Ghost of Christmas Past in this box? Yeah. [Sarcastically]

Not opening it.

No. You know. You know what?

I don't need some sappy, sentimental life lesson.

I need answers!

What do you want from me?

What do you want from me!

Haven't I given enough?

Haven't I sacrificed enough?

Haven't I lost enough?

I work so hard to keep everyone else happy.

I work so hard to do the right thing.

And for what?

Everything that I care about just gets taken away.

My dancing,

my... my sister, my health.

I can't even have a successful cookie company.

When am I gonna have the good stuff?

Huh?

When is all this hard work going to pay off?

Just...

Just...

I'm so tired.

I'm so tired of never being enough.

You know, I just wanted this Christmas to be perfect,

so that when I can't walk anymore,

my kids will remember the good times.

They'll remember their

their awesome mom who did everything

everything so perfect, so that when they leave,

they'll want to come back.

God...

[sighs]

I give up.

I can't want what I don't have anymore.

It's too painful. [Sniffles]

Give me the life that you want me to have.

[sniffles]

[tires screech, car honking]

- [gasps] - [horn blaring]

You're crazy!

It's your dream. [Chuckles]

[Paul] Hey! Okay, we about to take this show on the road.

There we go.

- Good job. - [all cheering]

[Paul] There you go. Melody. That's great.

[people cheering]

- Atta boy, Nicky. - [chuckles]

Oh, I think he's gonna need another cookie first.

Mama's cookies.

Yeah, we handed a lot of these out yesterday, didn't we?

Yes, we did.

[happy chatter]

- There he goes. - There he is.

We had so little.

[all cheering]

[Jesica] Good job.

Oh, yes!

Okay, hard to top that.

Oh, did somebody say

top hat? [Chuckles]

♪ God rest ye merry gentlemen... ♪

You know what, we we need to make this show an annual tradition.

That's a good idea.

♪ To save us all from Satan's power We were gone astray ♪

♪ O tidings of comfort and joy ♪

♪ C omfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy ♪

We had so much.

[vocalizing]

- Somebody stop me. - [all laughing]

[all cheering]

- [bell dings] - [gasps]

Hey, sis.

- How long have you been here? - Jessica, I am so sorry.

I have been sitting here waiting and praying for you to wake up, and

everything just

came flooding back from that day.

You know, what if you never woke up?

I don't think that I hit my head that hard.

But can we just start over, please?

I'll do whatever it takes, okay? I just I really want my sister back.

- Yeah, me, too. - What?

I know this sounds crazy, but I was just in,

- It's a Wonderful Life. - Okay.

But I was seeing myself, so maybe I was Scrooge.

Or maybe I was a ghost.

They only gave you morphine, right?

I'm so sorry. Will you forgive me?

- Okay. I'm gonna go get the doctor. - No. Hey... No, you stop.

You're not getting it.

I've gotten more than I lost and I didn't have to be perfect.

I was loved before I was perfect.

I mean, I'm not saying that I'm perfect because nobody is perfect, but...

[laughing]

Nobody is perfect.

Nobody's perfect.

I can never be enough, because... because it's just, it's not possible.

Okay, I'm not sure I know what's happening right now,

- but... - Alicia, something happened to me.

I can't tell you how amazing it is to know that I'm loved.

No matter what I do.

Hmm.

I need to tell you something that I've never told anyone before.

- Wait, wait, wait. - The day before the accident,

Miss Elliot, she asked me to choreograph

a performance for her third graders.

That is so sweet.

I said no.

I thought that it was beneath me,

that I'd be wasting my talent on these third graders.

I was just so arrogant.

[chuckles softly]

Wait a minute. So this whole time

you've been thinking your talent was taken away because you didn't deserve it?

Yeah.

God doesn't work that way, Jess.

[Jessica sighs]

I have been working so hard

to prove myself to Paul and the kids,

- to God, to everyone. - [sighs]

Hey...

I'm really sorry that I took my anger out on you every time I fell short.

That wasn't right.

[sighs]

I'm so sorry you've been carrying all this around.

Can we just take our guilt baggage

[laughing] and throw it over a cliff?

Yeah.

I forgive you.

Will you forgive me?

Yeah.

I have missed you so much, sis.

You have no idea how long I have been praying for this moment.

[Jessica] Hey.

[laughing]

[both] Together to the top.

I never thought...

Wow!

Miracles still happen, man.

Aunt Alicia, what's taking so long?

You're supposed to bring my mom down, like forever ago.

Nick.

Marco?

Wait, what is Marco doing here? What are you doing here?

Everybody's downstairs.

We have a surprise for you.

You know, I'm feeling really good this morning.

It's probably the meds talking.

How are you...

Wait, is that... is that our Christmas tree?

- [all cheering] - [people applauding]

I can't believe you all are here.

This is Christmas.

This is your Christmas morning. What!

Okay, look, everyone... everyone wanted to be here.

And actually, this was Melody's idea.

She coordinated the whole thing with the hospital.

And, honey, look, I know this isn't exactly

- the Christmas morning you envisioned. - No.

It is.

I don't need anything else.

Everything I could ever want is right here in this room.

I am so glad to hear you say that.

Everyone, on behalf of our family, I want to thank you again for,

well, giving up your expectations of Christmas morning to be here.

And we all know Jessica goes the extra mile for everyone else,

so it's kind of nice to do something for her.

So, to make this more like Christmas morning, we got everybody gifts.

[all cheering]

We pretty much wrapped everything delivered to our house in the past month.

We were a little pressed on time,

so your present might not be what you were expecting.

But we prayed that somehow, It'll be just what you wanted.

Sorry. We actually need that.

How about this one?

No, no, please. Really. Give it to someone who really needs it.

But it's for you.

"Sometimes neighbors are angels in disguise."

Yes, they are.

Man, I really wanted that.

Don't worry, I...

I listened.

[both chuckle]

I'm... I'm really, I'm sad that you're gonna be moving.

Well, I might not be.

My

my mom and dad are gonna try to figure things out.

Yeah, that... [stutters] that's good. That's great.

Yeah. It's great when people

work things out.

Yeah.

- [chuckles] - Yeah, it is.

Okay, everybody.

The time has come.

Some of you may know that the famous

Tannen-Bomb family talent show is having its 10th anniversary.

After my mom's tap dance on the ice,

there were some rumors that it might be canceled, but

we cannot let that happen.

It turns out I don't hate this show.

I need this show, Mom.

So what better place to share it than right here

with an audience who can't leave.

- [laughter] - Dad, take it away.

[applause]

[mimics announcer] From Television City in Omaha wood, Nebraska.

Welcome to the 10th annual Tannen-Bomb Talent Show.

And we use the word "talent" very loosely.

[laughter]

Now I need you guys to help me. So sing along.

Marco.

♪ Hark the herald angels sing ♪

[Melody] Hey, Mom.

I hope you're enjoying this.

I know it's not as good as being at home.

Hey, no, I love it.

I love it, Melody. How did you know that this was exactly what I needed?

["Hark The Herald" continues]

You know what I want?

I want to hear your song.

- Really? - Yes.

Melody, I am so proud of the woman that you've become.

I think that all these people need to experience your gifts.

Thanks, Mom.

♪ Glory to the newborn king ♪

[cheering and applause]

[singing in French]

All the way from Lake Lily Pad Church of Disunity,

is the almost synchronized Angels Amphibious swim Choir.

♪ Joy to the world, the lord has come ♪

♪ Let Earth receive our King ♪

[all laughing]

Snitchy, why are you always winking?

[Snitchy] I lost an eye at the workshop.

Tornado... Voila!

[blender whirring]

[hooting]

[all laughing]

[rock tune playing]

♪ Naughty or nice I'm on your top 10 list ♪

♪ Don't need to check it twice ♪

♪ I'm giving the gift of the shivering rhythms [continues indistinctly] ♪

♪ So jingle all the way The way I rhyme the beat ♪

♪ Like it's a one-horse open sleigh Hey, I bring the heat ♪

♪ Like a hot chocolate on a winter's day ♪

♪ Came to play Call me Saint Nick the way I slay ♪

♪ On the mic cause my rhymes Got that peppermint flavor ♪

♪ But my bars are cold, hard cash Cause I rap in paper ♪

♪ Sooner rather than later I'm celebrating the season ♪

♪ The lights on the trees and the ice and a reason ♪

♪ To wish you a Merry Christmas ♪

[all cheering]

Thanks, everyone.

Hi.

I wasn't really expecting to be up here today,

but I guess none of us were really expecting to be here.

But God probably knew that when he gave me the lyrics to this song.

[piano playing]

♪ Gifts I wanted when I was three ♪

♪ A doll, a ring, a bear to squeeze ♪

♪ A drum, a flute, my own toy horn ♪

♪ A princess dress, a unicorn ♪

♪ Now I'm older ♪

♪ Thought it through ♪

♪ I don't want stuff ♪

♪ I just want you ♪

♪ A snowy walk to hear what's new ♪

♪ Holding hands and praying too ♪

♪ All I want now ♪

♪ Is your Christmas presence ♪

♪ Around the table ♪

♪ Talking, laughing, glowing hearts ♪

♪ Telling stories and being thankful ♪

♪ Christmas presence, Chats by the fire ♪

♪ About dreams, desires ♪

♪ Love from you is all I need ♪

♪ Your Christmas presence here for me ♪

♪ I know a sweet and constant friend ♪

♪ All broken hearts are His to mend ♪

♪ Ask him now and He will listen ♪

♪ Our first resort, our great physician ♪

♪ Christmas presence always available ♪

♪ Whispering to my troubled heart ♪

♪ Smiling down, ever faithful ♪

♪ Christmas presence when I'm hurting ♪

♪ When I'm lonely, Love from you is all I need ♪

♪ Your Christmas presence here for me ♪

Mom!

What's happening?

I think God might have healed me.

But even if he didn't,

it doesn't change how good and how giving he is.

Right?

[all rejoice]

♪ Joy to the world ♪

♪ Joy, joy, joy, joy, Joy to the world ♪

♪ Joy to the world ♪

♪ Joy to the world ♪

♪ Joy, joy, joy, joy, joy, Joy to the world ♪

[closing rap song continues]

What?

Good boy, Oscar.

[Melody's song playing]