Original subtitles

- In part one of this "Dear Christmas" episode,

we explored all the trappings of the Christmas season--

cutting down the tree,

drinking hot cocoa, putting up the lights,

decorating the house, the ugly sweater party.

It's the perfect backdrop to fall in love.

But is it love? Or is the season?

Are you really falling in love,

or are you just in love with Christmas?

Maybe when the snow melts, you'll fall out of love,

and it's over, like a seasonal allergy.

Holiday love is very complicated at Christmas.

You can't just crack it that easily.

That's why we're gonna continue this episode next week, live.

I'll be talking about the magical, elusive gift

true love.

So if you have a true love story

that you'd like to share for episode two

of "Dear Christmas," send it in.

I'll be livestreaming part two from a place

I truly love, my childhood home.

Until then, Dear Christmas, this is Natalie Morgan,

reminding you to enjoy the season,

and don't eat too many cookies.

- Merry Christmas. - Oh, Penny, merry Christmas.

I just finished episode one of "Dear Christmas."

It'll drop tomorrow.

How's the party going on out there?

- Missing its favorite guest. - Oh, I know.

But I really have to get on the road soon.

- I wanted to see you before you headed out.

I have a little Christmas bonus for you.

- Wow.

Oh, wow!

- I thought it might put you in a "wow" kind of mood.

- Is that right?

- Earmuffs had a great year, thanks to you.

Which means, as the owner of Earmuffs,

I had a great year too.

Natalie, you have the number one podcast in the country.

I want to keep you happy, so anything I can do

to make you even happier, let me know.

- Anything? - Anything.

- Well, I do have to wrap all these Christmas presents.

- Ah, ooh, okay. Ooh.

Let me help; I got the door. - Okay.

- Who's this for?

- Oh, it's for my dad. I had it special ordered.

- Does your dad love Lake Tahoe Books?

- Um, he better. He owns it.

Yeah, with my mom. They just bought it.

Yeah.

- Aww, who's this for?

- Oh, my sister. - Your sister's tiny.

- Yeah. Well, she's having a baby.

Actually, it's due on Christmas Eve.

- Oh.

Oh, I hate to think of who you're giving this to.

- Well, that is for me. - It's hideous.

- Well, my parents have

an ugly sweater party every year,

and there's a contest

for who wears the ugliest sweater.

- I think you're gonna definitely win this year.

- Aw, thanks. I'm trying.

Ah, I can't wait to go home for Christmas.

My parents go all out with the decorations,

and the house is so lit up

that you can probably see it from space.

- Well, I will look for it when I go out to space.

Oh, fancy.

Who'd you buy this for? A special someone?

- No, I didn't buy it. It's from one of our sponsors.

And it's for my brother-in-law.

- Oh, I thought maybe you had someone tucked away

in Lake Tahoe. A hometown honey?

- Uh, that's a big, fat no. - Really?

I've never seen you date anyone around here,

so I guess I figured you had someone there.

You've been in love before, right?

- Yeah, I've been in love a bunch of times.

I just--you know, never found my "true love."

- So you don't believe in true love?

- No, I do.

You know, for other people, just not really for me.

Are you gonna help me wrap or what?

- Ted and I broke up.

- Oh, I'm so sorry.

- He was a quintessential boyfriend till he wasn't.

- You know, I keep telling you you should give

Hank in HR a chance.

You know, nothing wrong with a workplace romance,

as long as the paperwork's signed.

- I thought I was in love.

- And you probably were.

You know, but maybe he just wasn't your true love.

- Well, what's the difference between love and true love?

Aren't they all the same?

- Of course not. Don't you listen to my podcast?

- No, I have million other people do that for me.

Well, you know, true love is

when two people find each other.

And those two worlds come together as one,

and all those people want is to be together,

you know, no matter how tough things get,

you just--you can't imagine your life without them.

- I should really start listening to your podcast.

- Yeah, you should. -

Hey, maybe this Christmas

it's your turn to find true love.

- Oh yeah, I can already feel my heart beating.

- I'm so excited to see you, sis.

Where are you now?

- Just leaving Chicago and on to the I-80.

- Where are you now? - Iowa?

No, Nebraska? - All right, just let me know

when you're getting into the mountains.

- Where are you now? - Getting close.

- Call me when you get into town.

- ♪ Favorite time, Christmas ♪

- Uh-oh.

- What's that sound? - I think it's my tire.

I'm gonna have to pull over and check it out.

- Okay, just be careful and keep me posted.

- So roadside assistance is on its way,

but it could take a while.

- You're so close.

Just call me-- - Emma?

Hello? Ugh, battery!

♪ ♪

- ♪ My favorite time of year ♪

♪ ♪

- You're not the only ones hanging around.

Funny meeting you here. Got any plans for Christmas?

No? Me neither.

Guess we're just a bunch of lonely hearts.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

- Ho-ho-ho.

- Ho-ho-hello.

- So, what's the problem?

- Well, it's really cold out,

I've been traveling for 12 hours,

I'm late to my parents' house, and, uh, oh yeah, I got a flat.

- Well, I can take care of the flat for you.

There's some hot cocoa in my truck.

Why don't you call your parents?

- Ah, I would, but my phone is dead.

- That's all right; there's a charging cable in there.

I just need the spare.

- The spare what?

- Tire?

It's usually in the trunk.

- ♪ Tell me what you want this year ♪

- ♪ I only want you ♪

- ♪ A Christmas gift to bring you cheer ♪

- ♪ I only want you ♪

- ♪ I'll wrap it up for you, my dear ♪

- "To Mr. Christmas, thanks for the jump."

- - Who is this guy?

- ♪ Fill your stocking to the brim ♪

- ♪ But I only want you ♪

♪ With lots of shiny things within ♪

- Ooh, marshmallows.

- ♪ A new car, let's go take a spin ♪

- ♪ Sounds great, I'd love to ♪

- Mmm.

Ooh, that is some good hot cocoa.

- ♪ How about a brand-new sweater? ♪

- Aww.

- ♪ I'm up for tea and chocolates ♪

- Hey, where are you? - Hey, sis.

I got in a little car trouble, but, um,

things are looking good.

Got some help from a gorgeous tow truck driver.

- Ah, he's got your motor roaring?

- I think he's finishing up. I'm less than 30 minutes away.

See you soon. Love you.

- You too. Drive safely.

She just had some car trouble.

- Did you say car trouble? Did she get in an accident?

- Natalie is fine.

Randy, honey, you worry too much!

- He should worry. Natalie can't drive, period.

Remember that time she ran over your Santa?

- It'll be okay.

- How do the cookies look?

- They're beautiful.

Ah, I think it's your best batch ever.

- They're delicious too.

- Emma, honey, they're for the party.

- I know, just stocking up.

- Come on, she's eating for two.

- Is it good?

- Oops.

- Mmm.

This is the best hot cocoa I've ever had.

- It's the cinnamon.

Most people don't put in enough cinnamon.

- No, it's something else.

Mm.

Hot pepper flake.

- Hey, you got it.

Don't tell anyone, though. It's my secret ingredient.

- Well, it's not that secret. I can taste it.

- You're all set here.

- You know, you look familiar.

- Eh, I got one of those faces.

- Well, thanks for everything.

- You're welcome, Natalie Morgan.

- How'd you know my name?

- It's on your AAA account.

I'll see you tomorrow.

- You sound pretty sure about that.

- Pretty sure.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

Mr. Christmas?

Are you kidding me?

♪ ♪

Hello?

- Oh, ho-ho-ho! Natalie, oh!

- So nice to have you home. Mwah!

- I drove right past the house! Where's the inflatable Santa?

Where are the candy cane lights?

And where is our Christmas tree?

- We've been real busy with the bookstore, honey.

- Don't worry.

We have someone coming

to put up the lights.

- Let me take your suitcases. - Ooh, thank you.

Ah! There's my baby sister with the baby.

- Hi. It's so good to see you, aw.

- How are you are feeling? - I'm fine.

Now tell me more about this gorgeous tow truck driver.

- Ooh, did I use the word "gorgeous"?

- You did. Now spill.

- Oh, he had the best hot chocolate.

- In his truck? - Yeah.

And he was playing Christmas music

and had this little wreath.

It was all just as cute as he was.

Ooh, Dad's Christmas cookies!

- No, no. Those are for the party.

- Oh, come on. just one.

- Oh, okay.

- They're so good. - Mmm.

Emma, you are glowing.

- Maybe on the outside.

But on the inside, this baby is kicking hard.

I can't sleep, and I'm awake every hour

going to the bathroom.

Other than that, I'm great.

- Well, where's Billy?

- Oh, he had a big audit in Chicago.

He knows to get back here soon

in case the Santa stork comes early.

- Oh, no, no, grandbaby, not till the day after Christmas.

This is your Grandma Jenny,

and I can't wait to meet you on the day after Christmas.

- Always listen to your grandma.

- I can't believe we're all together.

- Aww, the Fab Four-- Dad and his girls.

- Yeah. Mm, the best.

- So how's the bookstore doing?

- Well, business is good. - Yeah.

- Jimmy Fallon was just in for a book signing.

- He was quite specific about what kind of pen he would use,

but otherwise, quite down-to-earth.

- And very good-looking. - Uh-oh.

Hey, we've got a lot of orders to fill tomorrow.

- Oh, well, if you need any help with the Christmas stuff

around here, I'm happy to pitch in.

- Don't you have to produce your podcast?

- Well, yeah, but I choose Christmas decorating

over work any day.

I mean, you know I like to procrastinate.

So what do you need?

- Uh, cut down a tree.

- Decorate the tree.

- Make gumdrop trees.

- Oh, well, they're a must in the candy cane forest.

- Thank you.

- Oh, I need you to come by the bookstore tomorrow

and sign copies of your book.

- Oh, you're in the front window.

- Oh, I almost forgot. I loved "Dear Thanksgiving."

That story about the turkey drop, is that real?

- It is. - Wow.

- "Dear Halloween" was the best,

where the angel and the devil fall in love.

- They invited me to their wedding.

- Did you go with a date?

- I did.

- Wonderful. Who was it?

- I brought Penny, my boss.

- Huh, okay.

- Mm, well that sounds fun. - Yeah.

- Look, I know you guys are worried about me,

but I'm really happy with my career.

I'm really happy with my life,

and I'm really happy to be home.

- Us too, honey.

- Aww.

- So what's the new special episode gonna be about?

- Oh, true love at Christmas.

- Ah, true love.

I remember the first time I saw your mother.

- Oh yeah, you saw a shooting star.

- I did.

I also saw a galaxy of possibilities before me.

It was an outdoor concert under the stars for music camp.

I was first violin,

Looked over and saw

your mother. She was the first oboe.

- I was the only oboe.

- You were the only oboe for me.

It was true love. - Yes, it was.

You know, Mom and Dad are still so happy with each other.

Is that how you feel about Billy?

- At this very moment,

with Billy and his travel plans, no.

But when he gets here, yes.

- Hey, um, when did the treadmill get in here?

- Oh, your room is turning into a gym.

Mine's a nursery.

I had to clean out all my stuff.

So do you.

You have so much junk.

- Um, it's not junk. These are precious memories.

Natalie's first grade diary.

- Uh, excuse me, that is private.

- Uh, statute of limitations on first grade

ran out a long time ago.

- Oh.

Ooh, I got one.

- Got one what?

- I have been asking all my listeners

to send in testimonials about true love.

- Ooh, can I see?

- Sure.

- I'm the kind of person who's always looking for signs.

- She does.

- Okay, so I was on my way home from a business trip.

- She was offered a job

that would move us away from each other.

- I wasn't sure if we were going to stay together

or break up.

We hadn't even said "I love you" yet.

- And then her plane was delayed.

She arrived in the middle of the night.

- And there he was, at the arrival gate,

holding a sign, but it didn't say my name.

All it said was "the love of my life."

And in that moment right there,

I knew it was true love.

♪ ♪

- That was so good.

- I know. It was.

- You know, you should tell the story about Billy and I.

You can use it if you want.

- Oh, I don't think so. - Why not?

It was really cute. He was doing my taxes.

- I remember.

- I knew he liked me when he asked me if I was single.

- That's his job.

He has to ask you,

"Are you filing married or single?"

- Don't poke fun.

I'm peeking in your diary.

Who's Kevin Curtis? - I have no idea.

- Big old heart around his name.

Oh, no, you crossed it out the next day.

- See, my complicated history with love goes way back,

and here it is in crayon.

You know I have one of these diaries for each grade.

- Oh, I want to see them. Did you write about me?

- No, you can't read them.

And you weren't even born yet.

Now help me unpack.

- Okay. - All right.

You are on pajama duty. These go over there.

- Cute.

♪ ♪

- Ugh.

♪ ♪

"Dear first grade, my name is Natalie Morgan.

"Christmas.

'Up on the Housetop.'"

♪ ♪

- Hey! Morning.

- Hey. - Hey.

Told you I'd be seeing you today.

- What are you doing?

- Oh, I'm hanging Christmas lights.

I wanna border every window, so when it's lit up,

it looks like the house is smiling.

- Oh.

- Nice pajamas.

- Oh. Oh.

- Still here.

- Can you... ? - Yeah.

- Thanks. -

- Good morning, Daddy. Good morning, Mom.

- Oh, hi, honey. - Mwah.

Hey, um, why is Mr. Christmas outside my window?

- Oh, he hangs a lot of the Christmas lights here in town.

- I thought he was a tow truck driver.

- Well, he's lots of things,

including a very nice young man.

I'm gonna take him this cup of coffee.

- Mm, I'll do that. - Okay.

- And bring him a Christmas doughnut.

I picked them up at Glazed and Confused

this morning. - Oh, you remembered.

These are the best Christmas doughnuts.

- I went early, when you were asleep.

- Oh, honey, thank you.

- I'll be outside.

Hey, I brought you a doughnut and a coffee.

- Aww, thanks. I can't wait to try those.

Hey, would you do me a favor and hand me the end

of that extension cord over there by the bushes?

- Sure. - Thanks.

- Hey, thanks again for helping me with my car yesterday.

- Sure.

You really don't remember me, do you?

- Should I?

- We were in eighth grade band together.

- Will. - Strike one.

- Luke. - Strike two.

- Johnny. - Mm, swing and a miss.

Strike three. -

Ooh.

Here you go.

- Chris Massey. Nice to see you.

- Chris Massey--we were in eighth grade band together.

- That's what I said.

- Yeah. You look really different.

Wait, you were one of the guys in the back.

Uh, trumpet.

- Bingo. And you were first flute.

- Yeah.

So how'd you wind up back here?

I don't remember you being around in high school.

- We moved away during eighth grade,

right after Christmas.

- Yeah, I don't remember us hanging out a lot.

- We didn't. I wasn't one of the cool kids.

We don't have a connection.

We might,

if we can find the other end of this extension cord.

I think it's just behind those trees.

Will you help me look for it?

- Sure.

- It's gotta be in here somewhere.

Take a look.

- Oh, I found it! Oh!

- Now we're connected.

- Oh.

- Hey, off we go.

- We're headed over to the bookstore.

Your sister's still asleep.

- Honey, come meet us when you're done hanging the lights.

- Well, I'm not hanging the lights.

He's hanging the lights.

- Well...

You've both done a wonderful job.

- Everything looks very "Chris-Massey."

- Oh, Randy. - See what I did?

- I bet you hear that all the time.

- Yeah, pretty much.

Come on, we got work to do. Plus, Santa awaits.

- ♪ It's a wonder ♪

♪ The spell I'm under ♪

♪ Because of the chill in the air ♪

♪ Snow is falling, and folks are calling ♪

♪ To bring in some Christmas cheer ♪

♪ What a feeling of yuletide season ♪

♪ Nothing else can compare ♪

♪ When together, we'll be 'round the Christmas tree ♪

♪ What a wonderful time of the year ♪

- Like this?

Is that good? - ♪ We'll be singing ♪

♪ Songs of old ♪

- Any tips on this one?

- Ugh, giant Santa is a beast, especially on a windy day.

The first year my dad put it up, the wind took it,

it flew into that tree and got stuck.

All the neighborhood kids thought

Santa had arrived early.

- I love it.

Maybe we should just stick it in that tree.

- ♪ Each December ♪

♪ The heart grows tender ♪

♪ For those we long to be near ♪

- So where'd you end up moving?

- My dad got transferred back East.

We moved to Boston.

- I went to college in Boston. BU.

- I went to BC.

- Oh, I thought this was going so well.

- Ooh, watch the belt.

Whoa, careful.

♪ ♪

No disrespect to my dad, but we are better at this.

- I am Mr. Christmas.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

Wow.

Just...wow.

I mean, you guys always talked about owning a bookstore.

- Honey, best investment we ever made.

- Well, considering you're both investment bankers,

that's saying a lot.

- What do you think of our window display?

When you said I was in the window,

I thought you meant my books.

- Let me show you around.

Nonfiction here, right?

Best sellers there. And staff pick here.

- Lake Tahoe Books. -

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

- Aw, your favorite. - You remembered.

- Oh, and sweetie, thank you for helping Chris

with the lights.

- You know, it turns out we went to school together.

Eighth grade.

- That's funny. I never made the connection.

- Yeah. We were in band together.

- Was he a boyfriend?

- Mom, no.

- Customer. - Mm.

So what are you working on, Dad?

- Gift baskets, each one includes

one of your books, which I'm gonna need you to sign.

- Oh, hey, you know, I just saw one of these hearts

in the window at Ella's Clothing Store.

- They're everywhere this Christmas.

- Why?

- They were made to thank the healthcare workers

and the first responders. - That's so sweet.

- Isn't it? - Yeah.

- Oh, when you're done signing, I was hoping you could drop

one of these gift baskets for me, just down the street.

- Yep. You got it, Daddy. - Thank you, baby.

- Here you go.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

Hello? Anybody here?

I have a delivery from the bookstore.

Ooh.

I got a new video.

- We were running a marathon.

- We're both very competitive people.

We'd been training for a year.

- We were on our way to getting our best time,

when I pulled a hamstring.

- She wanted me to finish without her.

I said "no."

- Then he picked me up in his arms,

and he carried me the rest of the way to the finish line.

- Our times were terrible, but I didn't mind.

- I knew then it was true love.

- Aw.

- I just wanted to see how you were doing.

- I'm good.

I'm really glad I came home for the holidays.

- Why? What's going on?

Who is he? - There's no "he."

Okay, well there is a "he," but I don't know what to think.

It's strange,

I keep running into this guy I went to middle school with.

- Hmm, and now you're both all grown up.

- Yes.

And I know what you're thinking.

He's very attractive.

He just keeps showing places I don't expect to see him.

- Romantic. - Random.

- Destiny. - Distraction.

- So what do you want?

- You called me.

- Oh, right. Oh, talk soon.

- ♪ Up on the housetop, reindeer paws ♪

♪ Out jumps good old Santa Claus ♪

♪ Down through the chimney with lots of toys ♪

♪ All for the little ones, Christmas joys, ho-ho-ho ♪

- Are you kidding me? - ♪ Who wouldn't go? ♪

♪ Ho-ho-ho, who wouldn't go? ♪

♪ Up on the housetop, click-click-click ♪

♪ Down through the chimney, good St. Nick ♪

♪ Down through the chimney, good St. Nick ♪

So am I following you or are you following me?

- Neither--I just came by to drop off the gift basket.

And the door was unlocked, so I just walked in.

- Yeah, Sheila left it open for me

to check the sound.

I'm hosting a holiday sing-along tonight.

- Oh, cool. - Mm-hmm.

So what's in the gift basket?

- Uh ...am. - Oh.

You know, I heard this is a really good book.

- Oh, it's just a compilation of my "Holiday Love" podcasts.

My parents are putting it in all the gift baskets this year.

- Do you ever get tired of standing

outside that bookstore all day?

- Oh, you saw my giant cutout? - Uh-huh.

- That was my dad's idea. -

I guess I should go pick one up.

The book, not the cutout.

You know, my sister-in-law

and all the teachers she works with,

they love your podcast.

Actually, I've downloaded a few.

- You listen to "Holiday Love"? - Yeah, it's really good.

You're really good.

- Thank you.

You know, on Christmas Eve, we're gonna livestream it.

- Oh. - And, um,

I actually have a lot of prep work I need to get done.

So I should probably get going.

- Yeah, me too.

- So where did you go after Boston College?

- I joined the Merchant Marines,

got to see the world. - I love that.

- Yeah, it was a good thing to do in my 20s.

- Yeah, in my 20s, I wrote for "WorldView,"

and they sent me all around the globe.

- Huh, we have a lot in common.

- We do, yeah.

I got to see places I never dreamed I would see

and write articles I never thought I would write.

I wrote about different hostels and cheap ways to travel

and top things to see in Norway.

- You know, my first port was in Bergen.

- When? - Two months after college.

- Well, that's when I was there.

- Huh.

Then I went to Japan.

- I was there in '99. - '98--just missed you.

- So where'd you go after that? - Bondi Bay.

- I spent a month in Australia.

- Wow. -

Okay, what about Spain?

- I planned a trip to Spain

right before I had to stop traveling.

I booked a New Year's Eve celebration.

It was 2010.

I was headed to the Marbella Beach Resort.

- I was at that same celebration!

So what happened?

- I got a phone call. My brother died unexpectedly.

He left a wife, two small children.

- Oh, I'm so sorry.

Are those the cuties in the photo in your truck?

- Yeah, they were cuties,

but that was ten years ago.

They're teenagers now. Look at them.

Anyway, I moved back here

so I could be a better uncle to them.

My sister-in-law lives nearby.

- I'm sure you're a great uncle.

- I do dress up as Santa every year.

- Even now?

Aren't they a little old for Santa?

- You're never too old for Santa.

So what about your sister-in-law?

Did she ever remarry?

- No, she says she doesn't want to settle

unless it's true love, and she says

that finding true love is like finding a unicorn.

- That would be my experience. - Hmm.

So we haven't talked about this,

but, um, I need to ask you something.

Are you dating anyone?

- Why do you ask?

- Just curious.

- Well, last year I was dating this guy, but,

you know, he wanted it to be more than it was.

And it just wasn't gonna be that, so...

What about you?

- I was seeing a woman until recently,

but every time I was with her it just felt like

I was in the wrong place, you know?

- Mm. That's not good.

- Yeah.

- What do you think the problem was?

- You're gonna talk about that on your next podcast.

True love.

- A unicorn. - Exactly.

- Hmm.

Well, have you ever seen a unicorn?

- No, not yet, but I am hopeful.

- Me too.

Hey, what are you doing right now?

- Hanging out with you.

- And do you have your truck here?

- Maybe.

- Well, you feel like taking a drive to the pine forest?

I mean, I gotta cut down a tree for my parents,

and I need someone that's like, you know--

- Love to.

- Really?

- They don't call me Mr. Christmas for nothing.

- So tell me the story of your name.

Did an elf come along and knight thee Mr. Christmas?

- Christopher is a family name.

I'm named for my grandfather on my mother's side.

- And Massey? - Scottish.

But if I'm perfectly honest,

I don't think my parents really thought it through

when they named me Christopher.

- Thought what through? - High school.

Christopher became Chris. Massey became Mass.

Before I knew it, everybody was calling me "Christmas."

- Your nickname is Christmas.

- I added the "Mr." to show some maturity.

- I like it. You know, it suits you.

- Hmm. - Hmm.

- So what about your name?

- Well, Natalie is

because my parents go overboard at Christmas.

And Morgan was shortened from the German Morganstern.

And no, we're not related to J.P. Morgan.

We are not rich, and we do not own a railroad.

- That's too bad. I really like trains.

- Isn't this place amazing?

- Yeah, I got a great tree here

a couple of weeks ago for my niece and nephew.

Speaking of. Hi, Julia.

16 years old, boy trouble, mom won't let her date.

- Ooh.

- Yeah, I'm still here.

You know what?

I'm standing with a love expert right now.

Natalie Morgan.

All she does is talk about love,

professionally, on her podcast, "Holiday Love."

Julia, meet Natalie. Natalie, meet Julia.

- Hi, Julia. Can you hold on a minute?

If I'm gonna talk to your niece, you're gonna go

find my family the perfect tree and cut it down.

- Wasn't I always gonna do that?

- Just go.

Hi.

So what's the boyfriend problem?

♪ ♪

Uh-huh.

Mm-hmm. Yeah.

♪ ♪

Yeah. Okay, uh-huh.

Well, it sounds like you've been looking

a little too hard for love.

You know, finding love is like picking out

a beautiful Christmas tree.

You have to let it find you.

When you find the perfect one, you'll know.

♪ ♪

- Hey, thanks for talking to my niece.

She's been a bit of a handful for my sister-in-law lately.

You're really good with kids.

- Well, I kind of was that kid,

you know, falling in love with every boy you meet,

staying out past curfew, climbing in the bedroom window.

- Wait, my niece did that? - No, no, no, no, no.

I was talking about myself. - Oh, good.

Well, not for your parents. - No.

- Okay. - Oh. It's a big one.

♪ ♪

- Well, ho-ho-ho. What is this?

- We got a tree. - Uh, you got more than a tree.

Who is that?

- Mom. - Stop it.

- You know I can hear and see you two?

- This is my sister, Emma. Just ignore her.

- Nice to meet you, Emma.

- Nice to meet you, Mr. Christmas.

You gonna bring my sister a present this year?

- Okay, goodbye, Emma.

Sorry about her. - Eh, it's all right.

My sister-in-law would do the same thing if she met you.

All right. I'll see you tomorrow.

- You sound pretty sure of that.

- Pretty sure.

♪ ♪

- You can come out now. I can see your bump.

- Wait, that's Chris Massey? - Yeah.

- Well ho-ho-hello.

- That's what I said. - Well...

- Right? - Mm-hmm.

♪ ♪

- I might be pregnant,

but I can still notice a hot guy,

and Chris Massey is hot.

- He's just an old friend.

- Maybe an old friendship

that needs to be rekindled into something new,

something borrowed, something blue.

- When is Billy coming back?

- Not soon enough.

I miss him so much.

Oh, I never ended up telling you

the rest of the accounting story.

It would be great for your podcast.

- Sure.

- So Billy calls me up

and tells me that I forgot to sign some paperwork,

and instead of going into his office,

he says to meet him at my favorite cafe.

- Oh, that was thoughtful. - Right?

So I get some old receipts, and I put them in a shoebox,

and Billy says that he can deduct them too.

So he adds them to my returns,

and we end up having this amazing lunch.

Now, remember when I told you Billy asked me if I was single?

- How could I forget? - Get this.

He was already thinking about us filing jointly next year,

even with the marriage penalty.

He was ready to do that for me.

You can use that if you want.

- On my podcast about true love?

- Yeah.

- Wow, what a wonderful tree!

Now I think we are finally ready for the party tomorrow.

- Does Santa know his best tree is missing?

- Yeah, Chris and I snuck up to North Pole and got it.

- Well, tell Chris thank you.

- You should have seen Mr. Christmas

and his muscles carrying it in here.

- Hey, I helped carry the tree too.

- I wasn't looking at you.

- Natalie, honey, put that on the tree.

- I've been seeing these glass hearts everywhere.

♪ ♪

Perfect.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

- So we met, actually, at our friend's Christmas party.

- And the truth is,

I fell in love with her the moment I met her.

- No, you didn't.

I gave you my number. You never called me.

- No, what happened was, I got deployed the following day.

I was rushing, and I accidentally

lost your number. - Uh-huh.

Well, I went to the same Christmas party the next year,

and there you were, in your cute little uniform,

looking handsome, so it was pretty hard

to stay mad at you.

We had, like, two very romantic weeks

before you took off.

- Yeah, but this time I made sure I memorized that number.

And this Christmas, it'll be our one-year anniversary.

- I miss you.

I was really hoping we were gonna be together.

Somebody's at the door.

Hi!

- Yeah, what she doesn't know is, in a few days,

we'll be at that same friend's Christmas party.

Except this year, it'll be an engagement party...for us.

- Okay, um, did you send me a present?

- I don't know. Open it.

- What is it?

Is this a flight confirmation?

Are you coming home?

- Just in time for Christmas, baby.

- Babe!

- I will see you in a few days.

- I love you so much.

- I love you too. - I'm so excited!

-

♪ ♪

- Okay. Love you too.

That was Billy. His flight was just canceled.

- Oh, no, he's gonna miss the ugly sweater party.

- He better not miss anything else.

- Party time. - Oh, don't you two look cute.

- They always look cute.

- Oh, you are so gonna win the ugliest sweater.

- - Where's the food?

It was supposed to be delivered by now.

- Oh, they called.

They said they had a little fire to put out.

They'd get here when they could.

Oh, there they are. Natalie, honey.

Can you let them in?

- Who'd you get to cater this shindig?

- Oh, the firehouse.

You've always loved their fried chicken.

- You've gotta be kidding me.

Come on.

That chicken smells amazing. Of course you made it.

- I did. - Hi, Chris.

- Hey. - I'll take that.

Oh, Natalie, did you start making the Christmas drinks?

The guests will be here any minute.

- What kind of Christmas drinks?

- Follow me. I'll show you.

Oh, but first, we've got to get you an ugly sweater.

Come on.

- ♪ Don't you know that Christmas ♪

♪ Would be incomplete if you're not here with me? ♪

♪ Sugar plums ain't half as sweet as you ♪

♪ Someone go tell Santa I don't need no gifts ♪

♪ Got nothing on my list ♪

♪ Don't you know my only wish ♪

♪ Is to hold you on the 25th? ♪

♪ Fa, la, la, la ♪

♪ Fa, la, la, la ♪

♪ Oh ♪

♪ Yeah, yeah, hold you on the 25th ♪

♪ Sexy black Cadillacs, none of that ♪

♪ Keep the tags, I can do without ♪

♪ I just want one thing ♪

♪ Fireside, burning bright ♪

♪ Mistletoe hanging high, my only desire ♪

♪ If you're listening ♪

♪ Catch the midnight flight ♪

♪ No more silent nights ♪

♪ It's been the longest time ♪

♪ Oh, yeah ♪

♪ Don't you know that Christmas ♪

♪ Would be incomplete ♪

♪ If you're not here with me? ♪

♪ Sugar plums ♪

- Nice to get out of that kitchen

now that drinks are served.

- Perfect time to get away for s'mores.

- When you walked in with all that food, I almost lost it.

- Yeah.

I thought about telling you in the pine forest yesterday,

but I wanted it to be a surprise.

- So how many jobs do you have? - A few.

How do you think I afford my luxurious lifestyle

of blue jeans and flannel shirts?

- Okay, tow drunk driver, Christmas decorator, singer...

- Yeah, that's not a job. I did that for fun.

- Fireman? - Volunteer.

But what about you?

How'd you get your podcast started?

- Oh, well, when the job ended at "WorldView,"

I was going article-to-article, you know, paycheck-to-paycheck,

so when everything went online, I started a blog.

"How to Get Through Valentine's Day,"

you know, if you're in love, if you're not in love.

What does it all mean? - Oh.

Sounds interesting.

- It made a little noise. So I did another one.

And my biggest fan was this woman named Penny.

And Penny used to leave comments

and write me emails of encouragement.

Little did I know she had a startup podcast company

called Earmuffs.

So pretty soon I had a podcast called "Holiday Love."

- Wow, it's amazing how things work out sometimes.

- Right?

Yeah, I never thought I'd be a podcaster.

You know, when I was a kid, I thought I'd be a novelist.

- Really?

When I was a kid, I thought I'd be an astronomer.

♪ ♪

Right up there, if it was a clear night,

you'd be able to see a really bright constellation.

And that constellation would be Queen Cassiopeia.

- Oh, like, right there?

- No, like right there.

♪ ♪

And, uh, over here would be another constellation

called Monoceros.

That's Latin. It means unicorn.

Too bad we can't see that one.

- Typical unicorn, doesn't want to be found.

- I know.

♪ ♪

- I should probably get back to the party.

- Yeah, I should get back

to one of my many places of employment.

- Well, thank you for helping me out tonight

and for making this Christmas party

a little more fun.

- Yeah.

- Natalie, you won the ugly sweater contest!

- Okay, I better get going.

Someone's probably been looking for the fire truck.

I'll see you tomorrow.

- You sound pretty sure of that.

- Pretty sure. - I look forward to it.

♪ ♪

- Natalie, you won the prize.

- Yeah.

I'm starting to feel like I might have.

- All right, you want one of these?

Oh, careful now. Careful.

Here you go. One for you.

- Yum. - It's gooey, careful.

And one for the baby. Here you go.

Just kidding. I'm gonna eat it.

♪ ♪

- Hey. Ooh, what's going on here?

I asked you to go through this stuff, not unpack it.

- Trying to find my eighth grade diary.

I found my sixth and my seventh and I have my ninth,

but I can't find my eighth. Have you seen my diary?

- I have no idea where it is.

So what makes this diary so special?

- Well, I want to see if I wrote about Chris in it.

- He's such a great guy.

You know, I noticed the two of you spending a lot of time

together last night at the sweater party.

Are you gonna see him again?

- I hope so.

- You're gonna pack this stuff back up when you're done.

Right? - Sure.

Of course. - All right.

I'm headed to the bookstore.

Your dad's downstairs.

Can you look after your sister, please?

- Mom, I'm too busy to babysit Emma.

I've got to find my diary. - Try the study.

And be a good big sister. Miss me.

- Always.

♪ ♪

Huh.

♪ ♪

- What are you doing? - It's a surprise.

- Okay, well I'm headed out.

By the way, we have a lovestruck teenager upstairs.

- Really? - Really.

- "Next week, on 'Holiday Love,'

the woman who always talks about love finally finds it."

- Well, she's been spending a lot of time with him.

- Who?

Oh, I know who you're talking about.

Mr. Christmas. You think that's serious?

- I don't know.

Ask her. - I'm not gonna ask her.

You ask her.

- Why don't we get Emma to ask her?

- It's only been a couple of days.

- We'd only known each other a few days when...

- We knew it was forever.

- I love you too. - Love you, baby.

- Carry on. - Be safe.

What are you doing?

- Looking for my eighth grade diary.

It's not here.

Oh, that's a cute picture of you two.

- I'm gonna surprise your mother

and upload it to the bookstore's website.

- How old were you there?

- It's when we first met, at music camp.

- Oh, I remember that story.

You snuck on the football field and you held her hand

and then you saw a shooting star.

I've never seen a shooting star.

- You will.

- You and Mom make it look so easy.

- I think if you truly love someone, it is.

- True love.

- Mm.

♪ ♪

- Hey.

You busy? - Oh, um,

I'm just working on my podcast. What's up?

- Mom said that you might be able to take me

Christmas shopping, but I don't want to interrupt you.

I know you have a big podcast.

- Well, I have no idea what I'm gonna say

or how I'm gonna say it,

so I should probably stay here and get some work done.

But hey, let's go shopping.

- Billy's train made it to Denver,

but then they had to stop because there was ice

on the tracks, and now he has to figure out

another way to get here. I just miss him so much.

- Aw, he's gonna make it.

- So, Mom and Dad

want me to ask you if you like Chris Massey.

- Like we're back in high school?

Well, you know, I keep running into him,

and I don't know if it's coincidence

or la forza del destina.

- Huh? - Uh, the power of fate.

- Oh.

♪ ♪

- "Home of the glass hearts," these are the first things

I saw when I came back into town.

- Wait, it looks like they make them out of the back.

♪ ♪

- Oh, here they are. Look, look.

- They're so cute. - Look at the little one.

- Can I help you?

- Are you kidding me?

All these red hearts I've been following...

- Lead you to him.

La forza del whatever you said.

I'm gonna go to the bookstore.

- Are you sure? - Yeah, it's two blocks away.

I'll get a ride home with Mom and Dad.

Go.

- So am I following you or are you following me?

- This one's all on you. I work here.

- What about all your other jobs?

- I only do those side gigs to support my art.

- Well, I've been seeing these all over town.

- I make them.

- Of course you do.

They're really beautiful.

- Yeah, my mom is a nurse in New York City,

so I made one for her.

The other nurses loved it so much, I had to make more.

And then I just kept making them,

and they became a way to say thank you

to all the nurses and first responders.

- That's amazing.

How did you get into this?

- I saw a guy do it once in Slovenia,

and it just spoke to me.

It's really fun. You want to try it?

- Sure.

- All right, put your right hand in here.

- Okay.

Okay.

- Put those on.

- Safety first. - Safety first.

♪ ♪

♪

♪

♪

- Here you go. - Thanks.

- I'll see you tomorrow.

- You sound pretty sure of that.

- I'm pretty sure.

There's a Fireman's Holiday Ball,

7:00, tomorrow night.

Would you go with me?

- I'd love to.

- You made this?

- Yeah, Chris showed me how. He's an artist.

All those other jobs are just to support his art.

Isn't that cool? - This is nice.

- Oh, he also asked me to go to the Fireman's Holiday Ball

with him tonight. Do we have any plans?

- Well, your father and I were supposed to go

to the holiday mixer for the Chamber of Commerce.

I was kind of hoping you would

stay home and keep an eye on your sister.

- No, I'm fine. I can take care of myself.

And Billy's on his way.

- Okay, you can go to the ball.

you clean your room.

- And have a great time with Chris.

- Aw, thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad.

- Honey.

- Come on, you got to help me.

- Okay, just help me up.

- Okay, come here. I got you.

Ready? Oh, geez.

- How much money does a glass blower make?

- You can't put a price on love.

- You got that right.

♪ ♪

- No, it's not festive enough.

No, too casual.

- None of these dresses are gonna work.

- Why don't you wear the dress you wore to my wedding?

- The bridesmaid's dress? - Yeah.

- That was a great dress. Where is it?

- Mom! - Ah!

What? Are you okay?

Are you in labor? Is the baby coming?

- No, Mom, I'm fine.

Where's the dress that Natalie wore to my wedding?

- Oh. Uh...

♪ ♪

Yes!

♪ ♪

- Honey, we're gonna be late.

- We're trying on dresses.

You look beautiful, honey.

- Thank you, Mom.

- Can't believe I got married over a year ago.

Oh.

- Well, have a wonderful time, Natalie.

I'm gonna run, before your father loses it.

Bye, gals.

- Here.

So what time is Chris picking you up?

- Oh, he's not. I'm meeting him there.

What? It's not my prom.

- Okay.

♪ ♪

That was Billy. He's only two hours away.

Yes! What are you doing?

- I'm not gonna leave you here alone.

I'm gonna wait until Billy gets here.

- I'm fine.

I'm not going into labor tonight.

The baby's not due for two days.

Please go.

- Okay.

♪ ♪

- Ooh!

Ooh.

- Was that a contraction? - Maybe.

♪ ♪

- Hey. - Hey, I'm still at home.

- You okay?

- I'm fine, but Emma's in labor.

I don't know how long this is gonna be.

I'm so sorry.

- No need to apologize.

I'll just have to dance with my chief.

- I'll try not to be too jealous.

- You should be. He's a real keeper.

- Oh, well, now I better get there.

Okay, I'll be there as soon as I can.

- All right.

♪ ♪

- Ooh, here comes another one!

Ah!

- Should I call 911?

- No...not yet.

Not until we get a five-one-one.

- Okay, what is that?

- Contractions every five minutes,

lasting up to one minute, for at least an hour.

- I don't know what that means.

But I'm just gonna stay here until Billy gets here.

- You've got to get to the dance.

- No, it's okay.

- What if it's true love?

- Well, if it is,

it's moving awfully fast.

- Look how fast it was Billy and I.

Continuing on with my love story.

It turns out my accountant messed up everything,

and I end up getting audited.

So I call Billy, and he shows up

in this super cute suit, and he takes me to my audit.

Not only does he wind up

getting me out of all the trouble,

instead of me owing them $3,000,

they owe me $3,000.

- That's it? That's your true love story?

- Yeah.

I finally found someone who has my best interests at heart.

- Huh.

I never thought if that way.

- You can use it if you want.

- Maybe.

- Oh.

- Okay.

Okay, that was less than five minutes.

We've got to go. - Okay, okay, okay.

- Okay. I got you.

- Emma, I'm here!

- Billy, you made it! - I got you, my love.

- We got to get her to the hospital.

- No, we're going; you're not. You're going to the dance.

- What? Are you sure?

- Yes, I'm sure. Go and find true love.

- Okay. Okay, good luck.

- We got this.

- We'll call your parents on the way to the hospital.

♪ ♪

- Merry Christmas.

- You waited.

- I was hoping you'd show up.

You look very nice.

- So do you. -

What do you got there?

- A little something I got for you.

And now that you're here,

the party can really get started.

Shall we?

♪ ♪

- ♪ My heart beats ♪

♪ So that it must be ♪

♪ Near Christmastime ♪

♪ There is mistletoe ♪

♪ And New Year's wine ♪

♪ Every woman, man, and child ♪

♪ Has Santa on their mind ♪

♪ We love the most ♪

♪ When it's Christmastime ♪

♪ The trees all glow with ornaments ♪

♪ And tiny lights ♪

♪ There are stockings hung ♪

♪ And there's candlelight ♪

- It's not that. It's--oh, shoot.

- Did Christmas come early this year?

- It did when baby Oliver arrived.

- Oh, I can't wait to meet him.

Emma texted me a photo, and he's so cute.

- I'm looking for all the clothes I bought him.

Your father forgot to put the gift labels on.

Meanwhile, he's child-proofing the house.

- I'm child-proofing the house. - It's way too soon.

Baby Oliver can't even hold his head up yet.

- Better safe than sorry.

- Honey, one of these is a onesie.

The other one's for you.

- Uh, the green bow is the onesie.

Thanks. I love 'em.

- Well, I got to head out.

I've got a few errands to take care of.

- Okay, honey. - Bye.

- Give me that.

- She is running off to see him, isn't she?

- Of course, she is. - Yeah.

♪ ♪

- Merry Almost Christmas Eve. - Hey.

I was just thinking about you. Are those balloons for me?

- Baby Oliver. He finally arrived.

- Oh, congratulations.

- So let's go back to the part

where you were thinking about me.

- Yeah? - What were you thinking?

- I was thinking I wish I didn't have so many

last-minute orders to fill before Christmas.

I kind of got behind.

- Oh, why do you think that happened?

- You see, I met someone.

We've been spending a lot of time together.

- You know what, it's funny. I met someone too.

- Really?

- Yeah. - Is he nice?

- He's really nice.

Yeah, what about her? Is she nice?

- Oh, she's very nice.

- So maybe you should spend the day with her.

- You know, I wish I could, but I really can't.

- Yeah, I've actually got some work I got to get to.

- And a new nephew to hang out with.

- Yeah, maybe you should come by tomorrow and meet him.

- I don't think I can wait that long.

- To meet my nephew?

- No, to see you.

- Well, I'll see you tomorrow.

- You seem pretty sure of that.

- Pretty sure.

♪ ♪

- Hey, sis.

Merry Almost Christmas Eve to you too.

Yes, I'm still coming over.

Yes, I have the suit.

Do you have a sec?

I want to talk to you about something.

I, um--I met somebody,

and I think I'm falling in love with her.

♪ ♪

- This ought to be good.

- Okay.

Hi. Dear Christmas.

My name is Penny, and I'd like to tell you

my true love story.

I have a friend that for years has been telling me

to give this guy Hank a chance.

For the last five years,

Hank has worked for me

as my human resources director.

He's the guy that puts down the rules that there can be

no office romances without consent.

Well this week, I went to Hank,

and I asked him for consent

to have an office romance...

with him.

It turns out that my good friend

was right about me and Hank.

And just to be honest, I have to admit,

meetings with Hank were always a lot more fun.

He's well-dressed, and he's got a great physique.

It turns out that me and Hank have been crushing

on each other for the last five years.

I learned this Christmas that true love

doesn't happen fast.

And also--

I learned this Christmas

that true love doesn't happen fast.

♪ ♪

- One star. Just give me one star.

Hey. - Hey.

- What are you doing up so late?

- Oh, I'm just making these gift boxes for the neighbors.

What's your excuse?

- Can't sleep.

- You know, you never could this close to Christmas.

You'd wake up each morning and ask

if it was Christmas yet.

- I remember that. - One time, you went downstairs

before everyone else woke up

and you opened up all the Christmas presents,

thinking they were all for you.

- Oh, come on. What was I, like, three?

- Six. - Oh, my bad.

- So what's really bothering you?

- Do you think things are moving too fast?

- With Chris? - Yeah.

- Things happen at different times

for different people.

- Well, how will I know when it's the right time?

- You don't.

You never do.

You just make a decision,

and you hope it's the right one.

So what are you gonna do?

- I'm gonna eat a cookie. - Okay.

Don't stay up too late.

And don't open everyone's presents.

♪ ♪

- Shh. Billy, stop snoring.

- Aw, he's beautiful.

- He's a good one.

- Chris.

- Happy to see you.

- Shh, can you speak quietly?

- I didn't want to ring the bell

in case the baby was asleep.

Hey, Natalie.

- Hi, Chris.

- Hey, I hope you don't mind. I brought cigars.

- Oh, get those cigars away from my grandson.

- Thank you. We'll have 'em later.

- Well, he sure is cute. - Oh, thank you.

And that sleeping man over there is my husband.

- He's exhausted.

He stayed up with the baby all night.

- Did he have the baby or did I?

- Chris, would you like to hold baby Oliver?

- Yeah. - Uh...um...

I-I-I--sure.

- Ooh, you're a natural.

Natalie,

move in closer so I can get a picture

of the two of you with the baby.

- Oh, we don't have to do all that.

- Of course, we do.

Ooh, I didn't mean to take a video.

- Swipe. - Okay, okay.

Wow. What a great photo.

The two of you make a great-looking couple.

- Look. - Oh.

♪ ♪

- It is such a beautiful picture.

I'll send it to you, Natalie.

- Well, that was embarrassing.

- Not really.

- Just ignore her. She's just euphoric

from having the baby and whatever drugs they gave her.

- Did it really bother you that much?

- Well, it did make me wonder.

What is all this?

- All this what? - This--us.

I'm just worried that everything's happening so fast.

I don't know what to think.

- You're the expert in holiday love.

- Is that what this is?

- Judging by the giant Santa Claus, maybe.

Look, I don't know what's going on here,

but, um, how 'bout this?

I'll pretend to call in to your podcast

and ask for advice.

- I'm not gonna do that. - Just try it.

- All right. - Okay.

I'll pretend to be a random caller.

Here.

- This is Natalie Morgan. Welcome to "Holiday Love."

Today we have a special guest calling in, Chris.

- Random. - Random.

Hello, Random.

- Hi, Natalie.

Thanks for having you on your "Dear Christmas" podcast.

I recently met a very nice woman.

- Okay, so what's the problem?

- She thinks what we have is happening too fast.

- Well, when did you meet? - A week ago.

- That does sound a little too fast to me.

You know, love takes time, especially true love.

- I've heard her say that.

I think maybe she's just scared.

- Well, I don't think you should do her thinking for her.

Maybe you both just need some space.

- Soon, there's gonna be a lot of space.

After Christmas, she'll be 2,000 miles away.

- Well, you aren't expecting her to stay here...

Are you?

Look, Chris, be practical.

You know, it's easy to fall in love during the holidays.

- But not true love, right?

- We're making an adult decision.

We're not teenagers.

We didn't fall in love at the prom.

- No, it wasn't a prom.

It was the Fireman's Ball.

And for the record,

my crush on you started in the eighth grade.

So maybe you're right. Maybe true love does take time.

Just think about it.

♪ ♪

Merry Christmas, Natalie.

- Merry Christmas.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

- Go. Go, go, go.

♪ ♪

- Really, guys?

Dad, the newspaper's upside-down.

Billy, you can't always be sleeping.

Look, I know you guys were watching,

and I know you're worried about me.

But I'm an adult. I'm fine.

Let's go make some cookies!

♪ ♪

I'm fine.

♪ ♪

I'm fine.

♪ ♪

I'm fine.

Really, I'm fine. - Okay, I'm just checking.

- Thanks for lending me your office, Daddy.

- You're welcome.

After this, you're done until...

- New Year's Eve.

But that one should be easy compared to this one.

- Why do you say that?

- Because there's a lot going on.

- Is that a good thing?

- It was, but now it's not.

- We are talking about Chris, right?

- Yeah.

- Well, if you want, you can invite him over

for Christmas Eve dinner.

- That's not gonna be happening.

And there are a lot of other things

that are not gonna be happening between us either.

- Well, I'm sorry to hear that. I liked him.

- Yeah, I did too.

But in the end, it was all happening so fast,

you know, and I didn't see any stars.

- Open the desk drawer. It's an early Christmas gift.

For you.

Go ahead. You can unwrap it.

♪ ♪

- My eighth grade diary.

I've been looking everywhere for this one.

- I found it in a box of old photos.

Don't worry. I didn't read it.

- Thanks, Dad. I'll take a look

right after the podcast.

- Okay, honey. I'll clear the studio here.

- Okay. - You have a great show.

- Thank you.

♪ ♪

Hmm.

True love does take time.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

- This is Mr. Christmas. Leave a message.

- Chris, it's me. I really need to talk to you.

Please call me back.

I'm about to go live on my podcast.

Okay. Bye.

♪ ♪

Dear Christmas. Hello again.

This is Natalie Morgan, and Merry Christmas Eve.

I'm doing a live podcast tonight

from my parents' lovely home in Lake Tahoe.

You know, Christmas is a holiday, more than most,

when love is expressed in so many ways

and shared by so many people.

It's the one holiday where most people love to say

"I love you" to that one special person.

You know, I've always wondered how people know

when they've found true love.

For some, it's seeing signs at the airport.

For others, it's doing your taxes

and being there when you get audited.

- We made the podcast. Sorry.

- Oh, Dear Christmas, you are so beautiful and sweet.

New memories are made. New love appears.

Old memories celebrated. Old love endures.

You know, we--we cut down cookies,

we bake trees, we stuff wreaths

and wrap stockings.

All these things and so many more are why

we love the Christmas season, and, you know, the music,

all those--all those Christmas songs, right?

Everybody--everybody loves Christmas.

I mean, it gives everyone hope and joy,

but, you know, it can be depressing for some people,

but really, Christmas is, like, the best time...

- Is she rambling? - She is so rambling.

- I mean that's what people say.

- What's going on? I should go talk to her.

- No, wait, Mom, I got this.

- Christmas is, like, just joy and hope.

And, you know...

- Why is she breathing like that?

This Christmas Eve, I would like to share with you

a very personal story about holiday love.

Because Dear Christmas,

I'm gonna let you in on a little secret.

Your so-called expert on holiday love

had never found true love...

until now.

You know, I've been so busy asking everyone else

about true love that I had stopped looking,

But then it found me.

And I'm dedicating this podcast to the one I love,

the one I regrettably pushed away.

Dear Mr. Christmas...

this year, you stole my heart.

from the moment you turned a flat tire

into something very romantic,

to a wonderful Christmas sing-along

in an empty pub,

to making drinks at our family Christmas party,

to setting my heart on fire.

So who is this Mr. Christmas?

His name is Chris Massey.

I was too scared to realize it.

But here it is, Mr. Christmas,

for the whole podcast nation and the whole world to hear.

♪ ♪

Eighth grade band, faith, destiny,

firehouse chicken, glass hearts--

whatever brought us together,

I am so, so eternally grateful.

I finally know what true love is like.

True love is when two people find each other

and their two worlds become one.

And all they ever want is to be together,

melting into each other, becoming something new,

becoming one.

Yes, I'll say it, Mr. Christmas.

I love you.

And I knew it was true love from the moment

I saw the stars.

I fell for you.

I fell for all of it.

♪ ♪

- Eh, he just cried a little,

and then he went right to sleep.

- Okay. - Penny called.

The podcast has already gone viral.

- Ah, fantastic!

- Congratulations.

Have you heard from Chris?

- No. - Anyone want a cookie?

- Oh, those look wonderful, honey.

- Right? Check this out.

- Mmm. Thank you.

- Yum!

- Hi. - Hi.

♪ ♪

I, um--I heard your podcast.

- And?

- I loved it.

- I meant every word.

I love you.

- This is the best Christmas ever.

- Look.

You and I have both been all around the world.

But you're the only world I want to live in.

And it doesn't matter where that is.

I just want to be with you.

All I know is, at the end of the day,

when I say "I'll see you tomorrow,"

I just want to know,

on that next day, that that's gonna happen.

♪ ♪

- Are you kidding me?

A unicorn.

♪ ♪

- Don't worry. It's not an engagement ring.

It's just to show you how I feel about you

and to let you know I think we have a future together.

♪ ♪

- It's the best Christmas present ever.