All language subtitles for deck.the.heart.2021.720p

- Yes, I'll hold.

I'm on hold, Beth.

- But-

(phone ringing)

- Not now!

- Mr. Ackerman?

- I'm on the phone.

- [Beth] I know.

Your mother has called
11 times this morning.

- 11?

- 11.

She said it's an emergency and
she needs to speak with you.

- About?

- I don't know.

- Fine.

Pick up line one for me.

Reschedule that call whenever
they finally pick up.

- Yes, sir.

- Oh.

(light upbeat music)

(phone ringing)

Mom, what's wrong?

- (sighs) Is that any
way to greet your mother?

- Mom! Are you okay?

What's the emergency?

- The emergency is I haven't
heard from my only son

in nearly a week.

- Yeah, sorry, Ma, it's
just busy time of year.

- Never be too busy
for family, Christian.

- I know. You're right.

(sighs) It's nice to
hear your voice, Mom.

- That's more like it.

How are you, honey?

- Busy. Very busy.

We're going from Black Friday

right into our holiday campaign.

- That's not what I asked.

How are you?

(Chris sighing)

- I'm okay.

(sighs) I really miss Grandpa,

so I've just been throwing
myself into my work.

Keep picking up the
phone to call him.

- Yeah, me too, babe.

Which is why I'm calling.

- Really?

What's up?

- Well, the reading of
Grandpa's will was today.

- Oh, yeah, he's
splitting everything

between you, Aunt Jean,
and Uncle Jack, right?

- Almost.

He left some surprises
for the grandkids.

- Really?

- Emma got his pocket watch
and some of Grandma's jewelry.

Jack, Jr. got his car.

Clint got the boat.

And he opened some small trust
funds for the littler ones.

And you-

- It's okay, Mom, I
don't need anything.

- You were his favorite, Chris.

- Yeah, I know I was.

- He left you the Lake House.

- In Maine?

- [Renee] Yes.

- Really?

- Really.

His lawyers are gonna
get in touch with you.

- I can't believe this!

I love that house.

- (chuckles) Well,
there is a stipulation.

- Stipulation?

- Yes.

In order for you
to get the house,

you have to host Christmas
like Grandpa used to do.

Chris, are you there?

- Yeah, I'm here.

Just surprised is all.

- Yeah, I know you're
really busy, honey...

- Yeah, I'll find a way.

- Okay, are you sure?

- Absolutely.

Grandpa wanted it this way.

I will figure it out.

- Christmas is a month away.

- I know.

I'm on it.

- Okay, let me know
if you need any help.

- I will.

- I love you.

- Love you too, Mom.

- Bye.

- Goodbye.

(Chris sighs)

(Chris chuckles)

(upbeat guitar music)

Hey, Beth.

- Yes, Mr. Ackerman?

- Is Larry around?

- Yes, Mr. Link just
returned from lunch.

- Great.

Let him know I'm on
my way up, please.

- Yes, sir.
- Thanks.

(light knocking)

(light guitar music)

(loud knocking)

- Chris, come in!

- [Chris] Thanks.

- Have a seat.

Did you have a
nice Thanksgiving?

- I did, thank you.

I watched the parade,
I had some dinner.

You?

- Oh, it was great.

Thanksgiving is my
favorite holiday.

Being around the family
it's good for us.

- Yeah, it was
just me this year.

You know, we had my
grandfather's funeral
a few weeks ago

and I had a lot to catch up on.

- Well, you shoulda
joined me and Loretta.

There is nothing like a
Link family Thanksgiving

and you were the missing link.

(both chuckling)

- Thank you. I really
appreciate that.

But, you know, I just had too
much to do for Black Friday.

- And you did a
great job too, Chris.

I'm going through
the numbers right now

and our sales are up
17% from last year.

- That's all?

- That's all?

We set ourselves a
goal of a 5% increase.

You knocked that
one out of the park!

- Yeah.

Yeah, but I was hoping for 20.

- 20?

(laughing) You're a machine.

You need to take some time off.

- It's funny you
should say that, uh...

- Oh.

You're not going to leave me
for the holidays, are you?

- Not exactly.

My grandfather, he left
me his house in Maine

and I have to host
Christmas up there.

Do you mind if I work
remotely until the new year?

I will start the new
year fresh in my office.

- No, you don't
have to come back

exactly on New
Year's Day, Chris.

- Well, yeah, we'll see.

- Do whatever you
need to do, Chris.

Just keep up the good work.

- Thank you. Thanks, Larry,
I really appreciate it.

Merry Christmas.

- You too.

(gentle guitar music)

- Oh, Mr. Ackerman,
(phone ringing)

I have a few messages for you.

Mr. Carter called-

- Don't worry about it, Beth.

Do me a favor,
reschedule my phone calls

for today and tomorrow
till Wednesday.

- Yes, sir.

- Oh and get me a list of
the five best event planners

and decorators in
Christmas Cove, Maine.

- Christmas Cove?

- Well, South Bristol, actually.

My house is in Christmas Cove.

- I'm sorry, Mr. Ackerman,
you're confusing me.

You have a house in Maine?

- Apparently.

It's a long story.

Just get me that info,
reschedule my appointments.

You can have the
rest of the day off.

- Really?

- [Chris] Yes and come
in around 11 tomorrow.

I'll be telecommuting
until the new year.

- I, I don't know what
to say. (laughing)

- Well, neither do I, Beth.

This is all a bit sudden for me.

(Beth chuckles)

Just get me that
info, will you please?

- Yeah, yes, sir!
(upbeat music)

- Reschedule my calls.

- Absolutely.
(phone ringing)

- Thank you.
(Beth chuckles)

(lively holiday music)

(Chris sighs)

Ah.

- Yo, you sure you're
only going for a month?

It seems like you're moving
with all this stuff you got.

- I have to move my entire life

up to Maine for the
next month, Jordan.

I don't wanna chance
leaving anything behind.

- [Jordan] Why don't
you just fly up there?

- (sighs) 'Cause I need my car.

It's not like New York.
Can't just walk everywhere.

- [Jordan] Cabs?

- No, man. I am in
the middle of nowhere.

- (chuckles) Is the town
really called Christmas Cove?

- (sighs) Kind of.

It's on Rutherford
Island in South Bristol.

The story is that John Smith
harbored his boat there

during Christmas in the
1600s and gave it that name.

- John Smith?

(chuckles) The Pocahontas guy?
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.

The town is still South Bristol

but Christmas Cove
is a real place.

There's only a handful
of homes there.

- [Jordan] Oh, and
your grandfather owns
one of those homes.

- Exactly.

My grandma and grandpa lived
there their entire lives.

My grandpa bought
it from his father,

and now passed it down to me.

- No mortgage.

Sweet.

- Yeah, yeah, but it's
beyond that, Jordan.

All of my family's Christmas
memories are up there.

My mom grew up in that house.

Everybody goes to the
Lake House for Christmas

and we really didn't know
what we were gonna do

this year since Grandpa passed.

- Looks like he decided for you.

- Why don't you come and
join us with your folks?

- (chuckles) For Christmas?
(Chris chuckles)

- [Chris] Yeah, why not?

- I don't know, I mean,

my sister's gonna be
in Utah spending it

with her new in-laws.

I mean, would just be
the three of us anyway.

- Maybe it would be a
good distraction for them.

(horns honking)

Not such a bad
drive from Boston.

- (chuckles) Maybe.

I'll talk to them about it.

Who else is gonna be there?

- My entire family.

Mom and Dad, two
aunts and uncles,

at least three cousins-

- (chuckles) It sounds
like a full house.

Are you sure you
want three more?

- Absolutely.

It's Christmas.
It's a big house.

- How big?

- [Chris] Come for
Christmas and find out.

- I'll talk to my folks.

I promise.

- [Chris] Good.

- How are you gonna
pull this all together?

- I have my ways.

- [Jordan] (chuckles)
I know you do.

(both laughing)

- Well, I better hit the road.

Traffic's gonna start
getting heavy in a bit.

- [Jordan] Oh, how
long's the drive?

- About seven hours.

- [Jordan] Ah, that's not bad.

- You should make the drive.

- I get the hint, Chris.

Hey, but drive safe, all right?

- All right.

- Come on, bring it in.
(Chris grunts)

- Oh, yeah.
(upbeat music)

- Send me when you
make it, all right?

- I will, I will.

- All right, brother.

(gentle guitar music)

- And now for new business.

The South Bristol Chamber of
Commerce has a new member.

I'd like us all to give a warm
welcome to Meredith Block,

proud owner of Merry Events.

(group applauding)

Meredith, why don't
you come up here

and tell us a little
bit about your business?

- Me?

- Of course.
(gentle guitar music)

Small business owners
are their best advocates.

Oh now, don't be shy.

There might be one or two people

in this group that
could be clients.

- Yeah, I guess.

- You shouldn't guess.

You're a business owner.

You need to exude confidence.

Let's give her a
little encouragement!

(group applauding)

- Thank you, Felicia.

- You're welcome.

- (clears throat)
Hi! I'm Merry Block.

That's short for Meredith.

Uh, Merry is, not Block.

Block is my last name.

- Go on.

- (sighs) I just opened
my company, Merry Events.

I decorate and plan the event

and cook for small parties.

- Are you licensed?

- [Meredith] What?

- Are you licensed to work
food service in Maine?

- Oh! Yes, of course.

Licensed, bonded, and insured.

And trained!

Classically trained
in the culinary arts.

I spent some time abroad
in Paris, actually,

so I really do know
how to cook. (chuckles)

- So why events?

- Uh... well, I've always
enjoyed planning parties.

I'm the hostess with the
mostest, I guess! (laughing)

- Can I ask you why you
started your business now?

I mean, typically in the
winter is a very difficult time

to open a business.

- Well, I've always
planned parties.

My parents never really
got into birthdays

or the holidays or anything,

so I was always left up to
my own devices for them.

- [Audience] Aw.

- [Felicia] That's so sad.

- Oh, no, no, not at all.

My mom is a neurosurgeon
and my dad is a scientist.

They were just really busy

and didn't find the
holidays important.

I loved planning them so that
we could do things together,

even if it was only a couple
times out of the year.

- So you don't spend
holidays with them?

- No, not really.

I hosted Friendsgiving
at my house this year

and I hope to get
a Christmas client.

- A Christmas client?

- What's a Christmas client?

- A Christmas client is
someone who doesn't have time

to decorate for Christmas
and lets me plan the event,

decorate, and cook
for their small party.

- So where do you spend it?

- That's not really
about my business.

- [Felicia] You're
right. I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to get personal.

- It's fine!

It's fine. Really. (chuckles)

I have plenty of
friends in South Bristol

and no shortage of invitations
for Christmas. (chuckles)

- So in conclusion...

- Right.

In conclusion, I'm able to
help turn any celebration

into a Merry Event.

(Felicia chuckles)

Oh, okay.

(group applauding)

- Thank you, Meredith.

Thank you.

Okay, so onto the next
order of business.

This is the South Bristol
New Year's Eve Party,

sponsored by Don LaRue
at King Eider's Pub.

(group applauding)
Don.

(gentle guitar music)

(people chattering)

Good job tonight.

- Hardly!

- Oh no, you did great.

I really put you on the spot

and you handled it really well.

- You think?

- Yes.

You work on your confidence,

but that will come with time.

- (chuckles) I hate
speaking in front of crowds.

- [Felicia] Oh well, so do I.

- Really? You're
such a natural at it.

- (laughing) Oh, not really.

I really have to hype myself
up for these kinda things.

- [Meredith] But you have people

eating out of the
palm of your hand.

- Hardly.

(both chuckling)

I like you.

- Thanks.

You're not so bad
yourself. (chuckles)

- I'm gonna give you a lead.

- A lead?

- Yes. Here.
- What's that?

- Well, this woman
phoned this morning

and I guess her boss inherited
this house in Christmas Cove

and they want to host
this big Christmas party.

- Really?

- Mm-hm.

They need an event
planner to plan,

to decorate, to cook.

- [Meredith] That's
right up my alley!

- I know it is and I knew
you'd be here tonight,

so I wanted to see how
you handled things.

- You tested me?

- Well, you know,
I'm not in the habit

of suggesting people
that I don't know.

- You won't regret it,
Felicia. I promise.

- I know I won't.

Call her before 11

and Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas?

We've got a few weeks
until Christmas.

- (chuckles) Yes, I know
but there's gonna be

this whole dump of snow and
I am not good in the cold.

- But you live in
Maine. (chuckles)

- I know I do but that
was my husband's idea

so we have this deal.

We go to the Bahamas for a
month during the holidays.

- Oh, that is really nice.

- Yes, it is. (laughing)

- Thank you, Felicia. Really.

- Give us a hug.

You are gonna do great.

(people chattering)
(light guitar music)

(upbeat holiday music)

- Thaddeus! I'm home!

Where are you, Thad?

I'm sorry I'm late.

(Thaddeus meowing)

Thaddeus.

(Thaddeus meowing)

I know, I'm sorry!

(tongue clicking) Here you go.

Pss pss pss.

Come here. (tongue clicking)

Yeah, bud. (giggles)

(Thaddeus meowing)

What?

(phone ringing)

(phone vibrating)

- Hello?

- [Meredith] Hi, is
this Beth Reynolds?

- This is she. Can
I ask who's calling?

- My name is Meredith Block.

I own Merry Events
in South Bristol.

Felicia Johnson referred me.

- [Beth] Great! I'm so happy
to be speaking with you.

- You are?

- You're an event
planner, right?

- [Meredith] I sure am.

How can I help you?

- It's actually for my
boss, Chris Ackerman.

- I don't recognize the name.

- I didn't think you would.

He just inherited a
house in Christmas Cove.

His grandfather passed away.

- Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that.

Right around the holidays too.
(somber music)

- It was really sad.

He and his grandfather
were very close.

- I can imagine,
inheriting his house.

But how can I help you?

- There is a stipulation
to the inheritance.

- Oh?

- Yes.

He must host Christmas
for his family

and that includes food,
decorations, everything.

I'll be honest, I love my boss,

but he doesn't know the first
thing about entertaining.

- [Meredith] (chuckles)
Well, you're speaking

with the right person.

- I certainly hope so.

It's a lot of work,
but it pays well.

- [Meredith] How many
people will be there?

- 10 adults.

Some are teenagers.

- That's not so bad.

- You must decorate the entire
house from top to bottom,

interior and exterior.

- [Meredith] In one day?

- No, of course not.

Mr. Ackerman will
be there tonight

and he's looking to hire
someone by the weekend.

- Oh, that's plenty of time.

- They will need the
entire Christmas dinner

prepared by a private
chef on Christmas Day.

- I take care of
all the food myself.

What about Christmas Eve?

- Uh, there are no
plans for Christmas Eve,

so you could even
have the day off.

But Christmas is non-negotiable.

- Okay. Anything else?

- (chuckles) Anyone else
that I have talked to

has all but hung up on me

when they found out they
had to work Christmas.

Do you celebrate the holiday?

I mean, you are familiar
with Christmas. (chuckles)

- (chuckles) Of course I'm
familiar with Christmas.

I'm familiar with all holidays.

And I actually do
celebrate Christmas,

but my parents live in Baltimore

so I spend the
holidays with friends.

I'm sure they'll understand.

- That is wonderful
to hear. (chuckles)

- Great. So I have the job?

- I wish I could
hire you on the spot,

but Mr. Ackerman
actually wants to meet

all of the candidates in person
tomorrow at the Lake House.

- Oh, I thought you said
I was the only one left.

- You are.

Does 10 work?

- [Meredith] Absolutely!

What's the address?

- I'll text it to you.

Does this number work?

- [Meredith] Sure does.

- Great. (laughing)

- Thank you. Have a good night.

- You, too!

(Beth sighing)

(lock rattling)

(light upbeat guitar music)

- Hi, Grandpa.

♪ My train pulled
out the station ♪

♪ Rode along the Hudson coast

♪ It brought back the memories

♪ Of the ones I love the most

♪ There's holly on the mantel

♪ It's peaceful everywhere

♪ Thought of you like presents

♪ All the magic
through the air ♪

♪ And now I pray

♪ For all the joy and hope

♪ That I've been
given on this day ♪

♪ Brings back the love

♪ The strength

♪ That I've lost in yesterdays

♪ I was a tree with no roots

♪ No stars next to the moon

♪ But once again

♪ Feels like Christmas
here with you ♪

♪ Now it feels just
as warm inside ♪

♪ As baked cookies
on the stove ♪

♪ And it's time to
burn the candles ♪

♪ That we saved from years ago

♪ Oh I don't need a reason

♪ For that twinkle
in your eyes ♪

♪ To celebrate the season

♪ For standing in your light

♪ Now I pray

♪ For all the joy and hope

♪ That I've been
given on this day ♪

♪ It brings all the
love, the strength ♪

♪ That I've lost in yesterdays

♪ I was a tree with no roots

♪ And no stars
next to the moon ♪

♪ But once again

♪ Feels like Christmas
here with you ♪

(phone vibrating)

(head thudding)
(Chris groaning)

Oh.

Hello?

- Chris, is
everything all right?

- Yeah.

Hi, Mom. What time is it?

- It's 9:30. Are you sleeping?

- 9:30?

I gotta go, Mom. I
have a meeting at 10.

- [Renee] Wait, a meeting?

Are you in Maine?

- Yes. It's for...

It's fine. Don't worry about it.

- Is it the attorneys?

Because I know they
needed to meet with you.

- Text me his number and
I'll give him a call,

but I've really gotta go, Mom.

Love you.

- I love you, Chris... (scoffs)

(lively holiday music)

♪ If I could make
a list of wishes ♪

♪ That only could come
true on Christmas ♪

♪ There's only one I'd make

♪ To find you on this holiday

♪ I could light my
Christmas candle ♪

♪ Decorate the fire mantle

♪ Until you're in my arms

♪ Only love can
decorate my heart ♪

♪ Only good can come to those

♪ Who wait under the mistletoe

♪ I hope and pray
that Santa's sleigh ♪

♪ Will bring me
joy this holiday ♪

♪ And I could light
my Christmas candle ♪

♪ Decorate the fire mantle

♪ Until you're in my arms

♪ Only love can
decorate my heart ♪

(people chattering)
(holiday music continues)

- Good morning,
Merry. The usual?

- Yes please.

And a medium black coffee,
cream and sugar on the side.

And these.

- You have a coffee date?

- Oh, no, not at all.

An interview, actually.

- Hm, I never heard
of bringing coffee

to an interview before.

- Well, from what his
assistant told me,

he got in late last night

and he's staying in a place

that people haven't
been in in a while.

So I'm sure he'll appreciate
the coffee and donuts.

- [Casey] (chuckles) Good idea.

It'll make a good impression.

- That's the plan.

- [Casey] Total is 9.50.

- There you go.

- Your change.

- Thanks.

- And thank you.

I'll put the sugars and
creams in a bag for you.

- Great.

♪ I could light my
Christmas candle ♪

♪ Decorate the fire mantle

♪ As long as we're apart

♪ Only love can
decorate my heart ♪

♪ Only love can
decorate my heart ♪

- Great.

Ooh, hi.

- Good morning!

- Can I help you?

- [Meredith] Are
you Chris Ackerman?

- Depends who's asking.

- I'm Meredith Block

with Merry Events.
(light upbeat guitar music)

I spoke to Beth last night

and she told me
to be here at 10.

- I'm sorry, I accidentally
slept in this morning.

There's no coffee in the house,

so I am a bit slow today.

- Oh! Well, here you go.

- What's this?

- Coffee, black, cream
and sugars in the bag.

- Really?
- Well, when I spoke to Beth

she said you got
in late last night,

and I figured there wasn't
any coffee in the house.

There's also little
donuts in there as well.

- You're hired.

- Excuse me?

- You're hired.

Anyone this considerate is
exactly the kind of person

I'm looking for
(gentle piano music)

to handle Christmas
for my family.

- Really?

- Come on in and we can
work out the details.

(upbeat guitar music)

Have a seat.

- Don't you wanna interview
me before you hire me?

- No. Beth spoke with you.

She told me you're the
only decorator available.

- Event planner.

- [Chris] Excuse me?

- I'm an event planner.

I plan the event,
decorate, and cater.

- All by yourself?

- Well, if it's a big event,

I'll hire people
to work with me.

- What constitutes a big event?

- 50 people or more.
Like a wedding.

- Well, definitely not 50
people or a wedding. (chuckles)

- Beth told me 10
adults and a few kids.

That's easy.

- Great.

Does 12 work for you?

- 12 instead of 10? Sure.

- No, $12,000.

- $12,000? For what?

- Well, I budgeted
$12,000 for the...

Excuse me, event planner,

plus decorations, food, and
whatever else might be needed.

- That's a big budget.

(gentle guitar music)

- [Chris] Is it?

- Yes. It's very generous.

- Okay then. When can you start?

- Today, if that works for you.

- Sure.

I'll have Beth reach out
and give you the contract.

Oh, here.

- What's this?

- It's my credit card.

You can put all
your supplies on it.

- [Meredith] Okay,
great. Thanks.

- How about a tour of the house?

- Sure, that's a
great place to start.

- Obviously, this is the
kitchen and dining room.

- Obviously.

- I'd like an extra
table or two in here.

That's what
grandfather used to do.

- Sounds good.

- This is the living room.

I would like the
big tree in there.

- There's more than one tree?

- Yes. I'll show
you the other rooms.

- Okay.

Certainly sounds like you know

what you want.
(gentle music)

- I just remember how my
grandfather used to do it.

- I can tell you
really loved him.

- That I do, did.

Still do.

- I'm really sorry
for your loss.

- Yeah, me too.

- Look, Mr. Ackerman-

- Please, call me Chris.

- Okay. Chris.

If you show me pictures of how

your grandpa used to decorate,

I'll do my best to match it.

- Really?

- Yes.

You can even tell me
what he used to cook

and I'll do my
best to honor him.

- That would be really,
really special, Miss Block.

Thank you.

- Merry.

- [Chris] Yes, it
would be merry too.

- (laughing) No, my
name, it's Merry.

(Chris chuckling)

My friends call me Merry.

- Okay then, Merry it is.

Come on.
(upbeat guitar music)

I'll show you the
rest of the house.

- This is the foyer.

It's the main
entrance to the house.

Everybody comes and
goes through here,

except if it's snowing.

- What happens
when it's snowing?

- Enter through the
game room downstairs.

- Oh, you have a game room?

- Yes, and it's
my favorite room.

(Meredith chuckles)
I'll show you last.

- Sounds good.

- Follow me.

- Linen closet.

- With linens?

- Yep.

- Great.

- Full bathroom.

(gentle guitar music)

Let's go this way.

(Meredith chuckles)

This is one of the guest rooms.

- I take it you slept in
here last night? (chuckles)

- Yeah, my cousins
Jack, Clint, and I

used to stay in here.

- Where are the other bedrooms?

- Basement and second floor.

- Well, old habits are
hard to break, I guess.

- (sighs) Yeah,
you could say that.

No, I just got in
real late last night

and this was the first bedroom
I thought of sleeping in.

- Hey, you don't have to
explain yourself to me.

- Let's go downstairs.

Nope. (chuckles)

Watch your head.

(both chuckling)

(footsteps clacking)

- This is the big tree room.

- I take it the
big tree goes here?

- Exactly.

When I was a kid, this is where
the adults would hang out,

while we were in the game room.

- And now?

- Well, last year,
my cousins and I

were still in the game room
(Meredith chuckles)

while the older
adults were here.

- Sounds about right.

So you want this room
more elegant then?

- Yeah, maybe.

Something different than
the rest of the house.

We exchange Christmas
gifts in here.

And it's the first room
you see when you walked in

so it's a really special room.

- I can tell.

- And we take our family
photos in here too.

- I'll make it extra special.

- And you don't have to
worry about the bedrooms.

Maybe something little
like a wreath or candles.

That's what
grandfather used to do.

- Got it.

- Any questions about the
rooms you've seen so far?

- Nope. I might ask
some in the future.

- I'll be working from
home, so I'll be here.

- Great.

- Now, onto the game room.

Follow me.

(Chris sighs)

Welcome to the game room.

- Cozy. I like it.

- Some of my best family
memories were made here.

My Uncle Jack taught me to
play Hearts on this table.

- Are you any good?

- Good enough to win
a family championship

three years in a row.

- (chuckles) Impressive.

- This room has an
endless supply of snacks

during the holidays.

People get lost
down here for hours.

There's a bathroom over there.

We usually surface
when it's time to eat.

- So you want it decorated,

but not too fancy.
(light guitar music)

- [Chris] Yeah, basically.

- Great.

Pictures from past holidays
will definitely help.

- I'll get you the
photos by Friday.

- [Meredith] Great.

- That's the door we
use when it snows.

It's easier than climbing
the stairs to the front door.

And we leave shoes there.

That way we're not tracking
anything through the house.

- Smart.

What about a slipper station?

- Slipper station?

- Yes.

A bunch of slippers
and fuzzy socks

for people to change into when
they come in from the snow.

- I like that idea.

- I'll write out a
proposal for each room.

- No need. I trust you.

- But you don't even know me.

- Yeah, but I can tell
you understand me,

and how important
Christmas is to my family.

Are you sure you don't
mind spending Christmas

working for me?

- No, not at all.

- Well, I can let you go early

so you can get over to
your family's house.

- They live in Maryland.

- A friend maybe?

- Maybe. We'll see how it goes.

- Okay.

Well, I need to
get some work done.

I will be setting up
my office up down here,

so I would appreciate it if
you didn't come into this room

between the hours of 8 a.m
and 7 p.m. during the week.

- Got it.

What about outside?

- Grandpa did something
different every year

but each year had a theme.

One year it was nutcrackers.

One year was snowmen,
reindeer, candy canes.

(chuckles) He even made a
gingerbread house one year.

- (chuckles) Do you
have a theme in mind?

- No.

You have carte blanche.

- I like that.

- Thanks for coming by, Merry.

- And thank you for hiring me.

I look forward to
speaking to Beth

and I'll get on
my designs today.

- I'll walk you out.

(upbeat music)

- $12,000?

- Shh!

Do you want everyone to hear?

- [Bella] Where does he
get that kinda money?

(people chattering)

- He's some retail
bigwig in Manhattan.

He has a good-paying
job, I guess.

- Yeah, you think?

- He seems to really
wanna make his family

happy for Christmas.

- Christmas Cove, though,

that is a rough drive
(light guitar music)

in bad weather.

- [Meredith] I'll
watch the forecasts.

- Well, if you get
stuck there, call me.

I'll take care of Thaddeus.

- I'm not getting stuck there.

- You might wanna
get stuck there.

- Bella! It's strictly business.

Besides, I don't even
know if he's single.

- Well, if he wasn't,

wouldn't he have brought
his girlfriend with him?

- I don't know.

- Is he cute?

- Very.

But he's very polished.

- [Bella] Nothing wrong
with a little polish.

- Bella, it's just business.

- Yeah, yeah. You
said that already.

Okay, so why don't you
introduce him to me?

- No way!

- Ooh, I knew
there was interest.

- Of course not.

I just don't want you
getting me into any trouble.

Wait until after Christmas
and I'll introduce you.

- Deal.

So are you gonna take the job?

- I'm 90% I'm gonna take it.

- Don't do this to yourself.

- [Meredith] Do what?

- You know what, Mer.

Not everyone has a close
relationship with their parents.

- I don't know what
you're talking about.

- Meredith Block.

We have been best friends
since we were 12 years old.

You have spent every
holiday with me since then.

- [Meredith] So?

- So it's okay that your parents

don't celebrate the holidays.

And it's okay that you
don't see them all the time.

- Or any time at all.

- See? I knew it was that.

Okay, look, call them

if you think it'll
make you feel better.

- What for?

- In case they have special
plans for the holidays?

You never know.

- Right, I guess.

- Okay, let me ask
you a question.

If you know your parents
aren't doing anything

for the holidays,
would you take the job?

- Absolutely.

- So call them.

Just see.

And plus, this guy's
probably sending you

the contract now so
you should sign that

and get it right back to him.

- Why?

I mean, his assistant said
that I was the only one

interested in the job.

- You never know
who might turn up.

- True.

- [Bella] Call 'em.

- What, now?

- Yes, now, call them.

- Okay. Fine.

(gentle music)

(phone ringing)

- Dr. Karl Block.

- I don't know why you
answer the phone like that

when you know it's me, Dad.

- Well, hello there, Meredith.

How are you?

- Doing well, thanks.

How are you?

- Just great.

Is everything all right?

- Yeah, of course.

Just calling to chat.

How's Mom?

- She's fine.

She's working a lot.

Doing a lot of overtime
over the holidays

so that other doctors can
spend them with their families.

- That's really nice of her.

I'm glad you brought
up the holidays, Dad.

- Oh?

Did you have a nice
Thanksgiving with the Franzes?

- Yeah, it was wonderful.

I really missed you guys.

- Oh, that's sweet of you.

- Do you have any
plans for the holidays?

- Plans for what?

- I don't know, Dad.

Spending Christmas
with someone special?

- Like who?

I'm sure your mother
is probably working.

- Me, Dad, me.

You know, your only daughter?

The one that lives in
your old house in Maine?

The one that you haven't
seen you in three years?

- I'm not sure why you're
getting so upset, Meredith.

You're always welcome to
come down and visit us

here in Baltimore.

Our door is always open to you.

- I have spent every holiday

since I was 12 years old
with the Franz family.

- Oh, remind me to send
them a gift basket.

- Dad, come on.

- What, Meredith?

I don't know what you are
trying to get from me, honey.

I thought you and Isabella
were best friends.

- Dad, we are.

- Do you want some money so you
can go on a cruise with her?

- No, Bella doesn't wanna go
on a cruise for Christmas.

- Well, then what is it?

You're 29 years old.

Things haven't changed.

Your mother and I have
very important work to do.

We are saving lives.

- I'm 28, Dad.

I just thought this year
was gonna be different.

I was offered a really
terrific opportunity

and I have to work on Christmas

and I just wanted to see

if maybe you had a
surprise planned.

- Honey, you know how
I feel about surprises.

Take the job.

It'll be good for you.

- Good for me?

- Sure. A little hard
work never hurt anyone.

And I'm sure you'll make
(light somber music)

a nice paycheck since you're
working over the holidays.

You can save it for a rainy day.

- Okay, thanks, Dad.

I'll talk to you later.

- I'll tell your
mother you called.

Good bye.

- Happy?

- Are you taking the job?

- Yes.

- Then, yes, I'm happy.
(upbeat guitar music)

Also did he offer us a cruise?

- I don't wanna talk about it.

- Look, don't let
this get you down.

You got an amazing
job for Christmas.

It's your favorite holiday!

- [Meredith] I know.

- And you're gonna
do a great job at it.

- I know.

- And afterwards, Mr. Megabucks

is gonna sweep your
best friend of her feet,

take her to New York City,
live happily ever after.

(Meredith laughing)

- Bell, stop. Let me sulk.

- No! This is a
sulk-free zone, okay?

You know what you're gonna do?

You're gonna go home,
sign that contract,

and you're gonna
make his Lake House

a winter wonderland.
(bells jingling)

(both chuckling)

- What would I do without you?

- The world will never know.

Go!

(Meredith giggling)

Thanks.

(light cymbals music)

(doorbell ringing)

- Coming!

(lighthearted music)

Oh, great.

You can put all these away
in the kitchen back there.

- Put them away?

- Yeah, the fridge
and freezer are empty

so wherever you
put them is fine.

- Um, we don't do that.

I can put them on
the table for you,

but we don't put
groceries away for people.

- Why not?

- I don't know, dude, I'm just
dropping the groceries off.

- Yeah, let me help you.
- Thanks.

- Straight ahead.

You can just put
everything on the table.

- Sure.

- Here you go.
- Thanks. Happy holidays.

- You too.

(doorbell ringing)

Oh, hi.

- (chuckles) Were you
expecting someone else?

- I just had a grocery delivery.

I thought she had forgotten
a bag or something.

Can I help you?
(Artie chuckles)

- Hi, I'm Artie Stein.

I was Joseph
Pasquarella's attorney.

- Please. Come in.
- Thank you.

- I'm handling the execution
(somber music)

of his will.

All right.

And I assume that you
are Christian Ackerman,

Joseph's grandson, right?

- I am.

- Well, it's really
good to meet you.

Your grandfather, he was
a great man, a great man.

- Thank you. He certainly was.

Would you like a drink?

- No, thank you.

This is gonna be very quick.
(light upbeat music)

I just wanted to
introduce myself.

- Nice to meet you as well.

- Good, and I assume your
mom explained the stipulation

of your inheritance, right?

- To host Christmas?

- [Both] Yes.

- Well, it doesn't look like
you've started decorating yet.

- No, no I haven't, but
I did just hire someone

to help me with that.

- All right, great.

Okay look, so I'll pop
(gentle jingling music)

by Christmas and I'll make sure

everything is as your
grandfather wanted, okay?

- Oh, why don't you join us?

- That's very nice of you,

but I don't think I
could leave my family.

See, we're Jewish.

We always have Chinese
food every Christmas.

- Come see what a Pasquarella
Christmas is all about.

Bring your family.

It's a big house.

- Really, you wouldn't mind?

I mean, it would be me,
my wife, my daughter.

- Oh no, not at all.

- Gosh, that's very nice of you.

You know, Hanukkah
came early this year,

I've we've never been
to a family Christmas,

and I really loved
your grandfather,

so I think it might be fun.

- Trust me, it is.

Please, I insist.

- You know what?
(upbeat guitar music)

The Stein family gratefully
accepts your invitation.

That'll be wonderful. Thank you.

- Great. I'll have Merry
reach out with the details.

- Merry? Merry Block?

- Yeah, she's the one

that's gonna be helping
me with Christmas.

- Oh, that's very good.

- You know her?

- Yes, yes. Merry planned
our daughter's bat mitzvah.

She is a good girl.
- Ah.

- She's very good
at what she does.

You made a good choice.

- Well, that's great to hear.

Thanks for coming by, Artie.

- My pleasure.

Oh, and you know what?

I'll bring the papers so
you can sign them Christmas.

- Papers? What papers?

- So you'd assume the deed
for the house, of course.

- Ah, right, of course.

- All right, it's a pleasure.

I'll see you at Christmas.

- You, too.
- Thanks for the invitation.

- Hm.
(gentle guitar music)

(water splashing)

(birds chirping)

(doorbell ringing)

- Good morning!

- Morning.

You can just come
on in, you know.

- Oh thanks. I don't
have a key though.

- I'll get you the
spare before you leave.

Coffee?

- Oh, you went grocery shopping.

- I did indeed.

- I would love a cup

but I'm gonna bring
in the boxes first.

- Boxes?

- Decorations.

I'm gonna start upstairs.

- Very nice.

Do you need help
bringing anything in?

- No, thanks. You're busy.

I got it.

- Well, if you're sure...

- I am.

Oh and here you go.

- What's this?

- Our contract.

You have me until the
day after Christmas.

- I have you?

- My services. (chuckles)

Planning and decorating,
and cleaning, you know.

- Yeah, I know.

Well, I have some work to do,

so I'll be in the game room.

Coffee's in the
kitchen. Help yourself.

- Will do. Thanks!

- And you know what,
it might be easier

if you just in come
through the game room.

- No, I don't wanna disturb you.

- It's no big deal.

Plus, less steps to climb.
(Meredith chuckles)

- Great.

- Are you sure you don't need
help bringing anything in?

- Mm-hm, yeah, no, you're
busy. I got it. (chuckles)

- Okay.

- Mm-hm. (chuckles)

Be right back.

(light upbeat music)

- Ah.

(Chris chuckles)

It started snowing.

- Yeah, it did.

- Do you have a lot
more to bring in?

- No, not really.

- Let me know if I can help you.

- Oh no, I'm good.

- Okay.
- Anyways.

(phone vibrating)

- This is Chris.

- Chris! It's Larry.

- [Chris] Oh, hey, Larry.

How's everything in the office?

- Terrible.

- Terrible?

I've only been gone a day.
(somber guitar music)

- Did you see the email about
the strollers being recalled?

- What?

No! When did you send it?

- Five minutes ago.

I thought you said
that working remotely

wasn't going to affect
your performance.

- It won't. It's not.

Okay, I just found it.

- So?

- This is the stroller we based

our new moms'
marketing campaign on.

- I know.

- [Chris] It's gonna be
released at midnight.

- I'm aware.

- (sighs) All right.

I need to fix this.

- Get on it, Chris.

(Chris breathes heavily)
(light tense music)

(door rattling)

(loud knocking)

- Chris?

(loud knocking)

Chris.

Hey, Chris?

(loud knocking)

- Hello?

(loud knocking)

Hello, Merry?

(loud knocking)

Meredith!
(light tense music)

(loud knocking)

(loud knocking)

What are you doing out there?

- Just hanging some lights.

- You need to prop
the door open.

It slides closed and locks.

- So I noticed.

- Are you okay?

- Yeah. I'm sorry to
have bothered you.

You looked like you
were really busy.

- Just a little crisis at work.

- Is it fixed?

- No, not yet.

Just a few more
phone calls to make.

- Listen, I was gonna do
a tasting for you tonight,

but I got a little
carried away out here.

What if I make a meal that
I might potentially make

for Christmas dinner?

- That sounds terrific.

You don't mind?

- No, not at all.

- Will you join me?

- For, for dinner?

- Yes. I mean, if you'd like to.

Strictly business, of course

so I can provide feedback.

- Of course.

- Great.

- I'll finish up out here

and I'll let you
know when it's ready.

- Perfect.

Thank you.

(bar clanging)

(Chris groans)

(phone vibrating)

Hello, Mother dear. (sighs)

- Hi, Chris.

I was just finishing work
and I was thinking about you.

- I just finished work myself.
(light upbeat music)

- Not working too hard, I hope.

- Probably as hard as you, Mom.

- Touche.

(chuckles) I hear you invited

Artie Stein and his
family for Christmas.

- Shoot, I forgot
to tell Meredith.

- [Renee] Meredith?
Who's Meredith?

- You'll meet her, Mom.

She's helping me with Christmas.

- Oh, honey, please
tell me you didn't hire

an event planner.

- [Chris] Mom.

- That was not
Grandpa's intention.

- What do you mean?

- He wants you to
connect the family,

to carry on the
Pasquarella tradition.

You know, Grandpa
did all the cooking

and all the decorating himself,

even when Grandma
was still alive.

- Yeah, I know. I've
heard the stories.

I just thought it would
be a nice tradition

to decorate with someone else.

- Okay, but did you
hire this person?

You didn't pay her, did you?

- What's the difference?

- Christian, did you
pay someone to do this?

- No!

She's upstairs cooking
dinner right now.

- Oh, so it's a
romantic interest?

- Mom, come on.
(upbeat music)

- Is she coming for Christmas?

- Yes, and she loves
cooking and decorating.

- Why have I not heard
about this person before?

- [Meredith] Dinner's ready!

- Mom, gotta go, dinner's ready.

- Wait (stammers) Chris!

Oh. Oh.

- Mm. Smells delicious.

- I hope you like it.

Have a seat.

- Do you want wine?

- Do you have wine?

- I sure do.

Is red okay?

- That's perfect.

I made chicken.

- My attorney brought me wine.

- Attorney?

- Well, my grandfather's
attorney, actually.

Just checking to see if
I'm hosting Christmas

as per my grandfather's wishes.

- I see.

- Which reminds me, I actually
invited him and his family

to Christmas dinner.

- How many people?

- [Chris] Three.

Two adults and one child.

You know them, actually.

- I do?

- Yes. Artie Stein.

He said you planned his
daughter's bat mitzvah.

- (gasps) The Steins!

Of course!

They're terrific people.

- He pretty much said
the same about you.

And that you're really
terrific at your job.

- That's great to know.

It'll be nice having them here.

- So, what are we eating?

- Orange chicken, broccoli,
and a simple salad.

- It looks delicious.

- But...

- I didn't say but.

- I can see it in your eyes.
(Chris chuckles)

You're disappointed
in something.

- Am I that transparent?

- Maybe a little.

(gentle guitar music)

- No chicken.

- No chicken?

- It's too basic, I think.

My grandfather went way over
the top with his cooking.

- What about the broccoli?

- Gimme a second.

I haven't even swallowed
my chicken yet.

- [Meredith] (laughing)
Right. Sorry.

(gentle music)

- Mm. Mm.

Definitely make this.

- Yeah?

- Definitely.

The salad's fine too.

- Not too basic?

- Isn't all salad basic?

(both laughing)

- I'll make plenty of options.

We have a lot of time before
you have to make any decisions.

- But I definitely
want the broccoli.

- Yeah? Okay, you got it.

- Great.
(gentle music)

- I'll do the dishes, Merry.

You don't have to wait on me.

Go on home.

- Okay. I'll leave
them in the sink.

Don't you wanna try dessert?

- Dessert?

- Mm-hm.

I made a little something.

Just wanna gauge
your sweet tooth.

- Oh.

I like sweets in moderation.

- Okay.

Tell me what you
think about this.

- What is this?

- Homemade chocolate cream pie

with vanilla whipped cream.

- It looks too pretty to eat.

- Oh well, if you
don't want it...

- I didn't say that.

(Meredith giggles)

(gentle guitar music)

- You like?

Are you okay?

- Yeah.

I'm okay.

- You don't have to be nice.

If you don't like
it, just spit it out.

- No, I love it.

It's really good.

It's just...

- [Meredith] Chris,
what's wrong?

- Every year, my grandfather

would make chocolate
cream pie for dessert.

This reminds me
of it, that's all.

It's almost exactly the
way he used to make it.

Just missing the crust.

He used to call it Aunt
Minnie's Chocolate Cream Pie.

- Aunt Minnie?

- Yeah, but I didn't
have an Aunt Minnie.

- I did.

This is her recipe.

(gentle music)

- You're joking.

- No, really.

My grandfather had a sister
and her name was Aunt Minnie.

This is her chocolate
cream pie recipe.

She was a baker.

She won a Christmas bake-off
and they published her recipe

in the newspaper.

- I bet that's where
he got it from.

- I woulda made the pie,
but I didn't have time

to make the crust.

- Please make this
for Christmas, Merry.

Please. My family
will be blown away.

But make it as a pie though.

- All right, I promise.

I'll make two so that
everybody can have some.

- Thank you. You don't
know what it means to me.

- I have an idea.

- Well, it's getting late.

- Oh, I'm sorry.

Did I overstay my welcome?

- No, no, no, not at all.

I appreciate dinner and dessert.

Especially dessert. (chuckles)

- [Meredith] I'm
glad you enjoyed it.

- I just don't want you
(gentle music)

to feel like you have to
stay overtime, you know?

- No, I enjoy being here really.

You're my only
client this month.

I wanna make you extra happy.

- Thank you.

I'll take it from here.

- You sure?

- Yes, thank you.

Oh!

Here.

- Key to the house?

- Yes.

- Great.

I'll walk you out.
Let me get my shoes.

- No, no, don't worry about it.

I should get going.

Thaddeus is probably upset
(gentle music)

that I haven't made
him dinner yet.

- Well, you don't wanna
keep him waiting. (sighs)

- Here you go.

Good night, Chris.

(lively holiday music)

♪ It's freezing outside

♪ But warm in my heart

♪ The holiday trees

♪ They wake up the dark

♪ A walk in the crowds

♪ A song in my step

♪ Gonna buy you something

♪ That you'll never forget

♪ The best-loved time of year

♪ Filling up with winter cheer

♪ Moments of oohs and ahs

♪ Then the hugs
that follow along ♪

♪ My eyes light
up at Christmas ♪

♪ I wanna make your
eyes light up too ♪

♪ There's a magical scene

♪ What I wanna see

♪ Is your eyes light up

♪ Your eyes light
up at Christmas ♪

♪ Oh oh oh oh

♪ Spring, summer, and fall

♪ I listen so close

♪ Hear every word

♪ What you're wanting the most

♪ I've waited the days

♪ Till the one in December

♪ You'll be surprised

♪ And always remember

♪ The best-loved time of year

♪ Filling up with winter cheer

♪ Moments of oohs and ahs

♪ Then the hugs
that follow along ♪

♪ My eyes light
up at Christmas ♪

♪ I wanna make your
eyes light up too ♪

♪ There's a magical scene

♪ What I wanna see

♪ Is your eyes light up

♪ You eyes light up

♪ Eyes light up at Christmas

♪ I wanna make your
eyes light up too ♪

♪ There's a magical scene

♪ What I wanna see

♪ Is your eyes light up

♪ Your eyes light
up at Christmas ♪

♪ Oh Christmas

♪ Oh oh

♪ Oh oh oh

- [Chris] Good morning.

- Good morning, Chris.

I didn't disturb you, did I?

- Oh no, not at all.

- I'm almost finished up here.

And then I have to
move into your office.

- Yeah, I figured as much.

- I can start it
over the weekend, if
that's better for you.

- Merry, you've been spending
every single day here

over the past two weeks.

Don't you want a break?

- I'm sorry. Am I
getting in the way?

- [Chris] Oh no, not at all.

I love having you around.

- You do?

- Well, yeah.

The house is awfully quiet
when you're not here.

- That's what happens
when you live alone.

Part of the reason
why I have Thaddeus.

- Yeah, about Thaddeus...

Do you wanna invite
him for Christmas?

- (chuckles) What?

- Well, you rush home every
night to give him dinner.

Kinda feel guilty you've
been having dinner with me.

- [Meredith] Why?

- Doesn't he mind
that you're here?

- I mean, he probably
would prefer if I was home,

but that has no bearing
on my work hours.

- Well, I know I'd be pretty
upset if my girlfriend

spent every waking
hour with her boss

especially if he was single.

- Wait, your girlfriend?

- No, not my girlfriend.

I don't have a girlfriend.

- (chuckles) Wait,
Chris, I'm confused.

What does Thaddeus have
to do with any of this?

- He's your boyfriend, isn't he?

- (laughing) My boyfriend?

- Yeah. Don't you live with him?

- Yeah, I live with him.

Thaddeus is my cat!

- (gasps) Your cat?

- (laughing) Yeah.

I can't believe you thought
he was my boyfriend.

Wait until I tell
Bella about this.

- No, no, no. Please
don't tell anyone, please.

- [Meredith] Chris, you're
all I have for the holidays.

- Really?

- Really.

I spoke with my dad about
spending the holidays with me

and he said that he and
my mom are busy working

and they don't have the time.

- I'm so sorry.

- No, it's fine.

It's the same every year.

They're workaholics.

- I get it. So am I. (sighs)

- But you take time
for your family.

I'm an only child,
(gentle music)

and I wasn't planned.

So they kinda just live their
life with me on the side.

- That can't be true.

- Unfortunately, it is.

And then when I started

my event planning
business, forget it.

I didn't hear from them.

I even went to the Ivy League
college that they wanted,

but I didn't follow
in their footsteps.

- What do they do?

- My dad is a scientist,
my mom is a neurosurgeon.

- Oh, yeah, you were way
(light upbeat music)

on the opposite end
of the spectrum.

- And they remind me
every chance they get.

- [Chris] But you're really
good at what you do, Merry.

- Thank you. I
really appreciate it.

But I hope you can see why
I throw myself into my work.

It's not really work to me.

I get to plan the dream
Christmas that I always wanted.

- I knew you were perfect.

- Excuse me?

- Perfect for the job.

- Oh, yeah, right. (chuckles)

- Well, I have some
work to get done.

Let me know when you wanna
get into the game room.

- Will do.

(gentle guitar strumming)

- Hey!

- Hey yourself.
(light upbeat music)

- What are you doing?

- Setting lights up on the roof.

- [Chris] Why?

- Because it's my job.

- Merry, this is really high.

- [Meredith] Don't be silly.

I'm not afraid of heights.

- Why don't you just
go out the balcony?

- I don't wanna
leave the door open.

I don't wanna track dirt in.

- Meredith, this is
really dangerous.

- No, it's not.

I've strung lights on my
house since I was 12 years old

and much higher than this.

- Can I at least hand you
the lights from the inside?

- (sighs) Fine.

- But you can get onto the roof
from the balcony, you know.

- [Meredith] Yeah, I guess.

- Or we can just clean
up whatever snow and dirt

you track in.

It's really no big deal.

- I'm not leaving the door open.

I don't want my
decorations to blow down.

- Just leave it open a crack.

Come on.

Be careful.

- Chris, stop!

- What?

- You're doing my job.

- But I wanna help.

- I know, but it
makes me feel bad.

(Chris sighs)

- Don't forget to
prop the door open

to get back in in
case I'm not back yet.

- Where are you going?

- An appointment in town.
(gentle music)

Be an hour, maybe two.

- Okay. Thanks.

(gentle music)

(lively holiday music)

(people chattering)

(upbeat music)

- [Bella] Great work today.

- [Girl] All right, thank you.

- Yep.

You must be Christian Ackerman.

- [Chris] Bella?

- It is so great

to finally meet you.
(upbeat music)

Merry has told me
so much about you.

- I, all good, I hope.

- I haven't heard her
talk about how much

she loves a job since...

Ever!

- Oh, the job.

That's great.

- [Bella] Well, she speaks
very highly of you too.

- Really?

- Yes.

I'm surprised we
haven't met yet.

- Well, I never made it
further than Christmas Cove

when I come and visit
for holidays or summers.

My grandparents pretty
much had everything

we really needed
there, you know?

- Totally.

Family time, right?

- Exactly.

- So, what can I help you with?

- Can we sit for a little?

This might take longer
than a couple minutes,

hence why I made an appointment.

- Sure. Let's have a seat.

(gentle music)

(Bella sighs)

- Meredith told me that she's
been spending the holidays

with you and your
family since she was 12.

- Oh, so she really
has talked about me.

- Yeah, she has.

She loves you like a sister.

- [Bella] I feel the same.

- How about you coming
to Christmas at my house?

- That's very sweet of you.

But I'm spending
Christmas with my family.

- Invite them.

- All of them?

- [Chris] Yeah, why not?

- That's seven
people and a baby.

It's me, Mom, Dad, my brother
Brian, his wife Lauren,

their baby, my little
sister Jessica.

- Can you talk to
them and find out

if they're okay with it?

- Sure. But Christmas
is three days away.

I mean, I'm sure they've already

started planning for dinner.

- So bring it.

The more food,
the better, right?

(lighthearted music)

- Okay. (chuckles)
I'll text you.

- But don't tell Merry, okay?

I want it to be a surprise.

(Bella chuckles)

- That's very sweet of you.

- But that's not all.

- [Bella] Okay...

- What's up with her parents?

- What do you mean?

- I feel bad for her.

- There's nothing
to feel bad about.

(gentle music)

- Well, you've seen her
deal with the situation

her whole life.

She doesn't seem to have
any sort of closure.

- Well, can you blame her?

She basically
(tense cymbals music)

doesn't exist to them.

- [Chris] They're her parents.

- Well some people don't have
a comfy, cozy relationship

with their parents.

Some people don't have
a relationship at all.

- It just seems like
Meredith really wants one.

- She does.

- I'd like to invite
them for Christmas.

(Bella groans)

- They're going to say no.

I'm telling you right now,
they're going to turn you down.

Plus you don't want
Meredith around them

when she's hosting
your Christmas dinner.

She'll be a mess.

- Fair enough.

How 'bout Christmas Eve dinner?

Maybe I can call them
and invite them here.

(Bella sighs)

- I'll give you
their phone number,

but don't hold your breath.

- I can be very convincing.

- Yeah, I can see that.

Gimme your phone.

- [Chris] Thanks.

(tense music)

- All right, don't
say I didn't warn you.

- I know. I appreciate it.

- How are you going to get
her to cook for four people?

- I'm not.

I thought I'd set up a
dinner at a restaurant,

pick her parents up
(gentle music)

from the airport,
meet her there.

- (inhales deeply)
That's very sweet.

Merry loves surprises.

That would make her Christmas.

- You think?

- Yes, but don't say
anything to her about it.

I don't want her to
get her hopes up.

- I won't.

- I'll text you about Christmas.

Thank you for the invitation.

- You're welcome.

- Is that everything?

- Yes.

Thank you. I really
appreciate it, Bella.

- You're welcome.

Hey.

- Yeah?

- [Bella] Don't hurt her.

- I wouldn't dream of it.

(lively music)

(police radio chattering)

- What's going on?

- The bridge is closed.
(siren blaring)

- What?

Why?

- Bad accident on both sides.

We're just waiting
on a tow truck.

- Any idea how long it could be?

- No idea.

But if you want, there's
a strip mall over there.

You can wait at the coffee
shop and wait for traffic.

- Thanks.

(lively holiday music)

(door thuds)
- No, no, no!

Oh no!

(gentle music)
Oh, fantastic.

(door rattling)

Oh.

Hello?

Chris?

♪ Only love can decorate

- Hi! What can I get you?

- A hot chocolate
would be great.

- [Casey] Marshmallow and
whipped cream with that?

- Sure.
(upbeat music continues)

- Okay, that's going to be 3.25.

(people chattering)

- [Chris] Keep the change.

- Thanks, if you
wanna grab a table,

I'll bring it over to
you when it's ready.

- Thanks.

(Chris sighs)

(Chris sighs)
(light orchestral music)

(light jingling music)

(light orchestral music)

(people chattering)

♪ Have it outside

(faint singing)

♪ Holiday cheer

♪ They wake up the dark

(phone ringing)

- Karl Block.

- Hello, Dr. Block.

My name is Christian Ackerman.

- [Karl] Who?

- Christian Ackerman?

- Do I know you?

- No, sir, not yet.

I know your daughter, Meredith.

- What? Is everything all right?

- Yes, of course.

No need for alarm.

I actually hired Meredith
to work for me this month.

- Oh, so you're her boss.

How's that going?

- Very well, Dr. Block.

Your daughter is
immensely talented.

- Well, thank you.

Her mother and I are
very proud of her.

- Really?

- Well, of course.

She went to an
Ivy League college

for her Bachelors in Business

and running her own company puts

it to excellent use.
(gentle guitar music)

- Do you ever told her that?

- (scoffs) Excuse me?

- Dr. Block, I'll
be frank with you.

Meredith misses you.

She wants a
relationship with you,

but she doesn't know

how to go about having
that relationship.

(Karl clears throat)

Dr. Block?

Are you still there?
(gentle guitar music)

- Please, call me Karl.

- She told me that your wife
is working on Christmas?

- Yes, she is.

- Is she also working
on Christmas Eve?

- No. Neither of us are working.

Why?

- How would you feel

about taking a quick trip to
Maine for an early dinner?

(lively music)

(people chattering)

- Need anything else?

- Nah, thanks.

Traffic's moving again.

- Be careful
crossing that bridge.

- Will do. Thank you.

♪ Long enough

♪ If we just start

(upbeat guitar music)
(faint singing)

♪ Seems like it's
flying, it's a-flying ♪

♪ Nobody said

(gentle guitar music)

Merry, home.

Brought pizza.

Sorry it took longer
than expected.

There was an accident
on the bridge.

(light music)

Merry?

Mer?

Meredith!

(light tense music)

Merry!

Meredith!

Merry!

(light guitar music)

Merry!

Meredith.

Say something, Merry.

You gotta dry off, Merry.

You gotta get warm.

Come on, Merry. (panting)

Meredith.

Come on, Merry!

Meredith!
(tense music)

Say something, Merry.

(phone vibrating)

Oh my, oh my god. (panting)

Oh, forget it.

Merry!

Merry!

(tense music)

Merry, I'm so sorry
(gentle music)

Merry, I told you to
prop the door open.

It'll be okay, Merry.
(light upbeat music)

I'm trying to get you warm.

Merry.

(tense music)

(Chris breathing heavily)

Grandpa, you gotta
help me out here.

She's gotta be okay.

(chuckles) When I look at her,

I see what you and
Grandma had together.

For the first time in my life,

I want something more
than a successful career.

I want what you had.

I want family. I want love.

Grandpa, please,
please wake her up.

(Chris sighs)

- [Meredith] Chris?

Chris?

(upbeat guitar music)

What happened?

(Chris panting)

(phone vibrating)

- Good morning, Larry.

- Well, well, well.
(light tense music)

Look who decided to
answer his phone.

- I had an emergency last night.

- I don't care.

I called you nine times.

- Larry, your first call
came in after eight.

- I'm your boss.

You answer anytime I call.

- No, I work from nine to five.

Last night was the first
time in seven years

I didn't answer when you called.

- You listen to me, Ackerman.

You working remotely
isn't working.

I need you back in
the office today!

- Are you kidding me?

I've been putting in more
hours working from here

than when I'm in the office.

- I need you to be accessible

and you clearly are not!

- That's ridiculous.

- Back in the office
today, Ackerman!

- Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.

- So?

- I'm not coming in, Larry.

I said I'd be back the
day after New Year's.

- If you don't
come back in today,

don't come back at all!

- I'm not coming back.
(gentle upbeat music)

- What?

- (sighs) Being up here

has made me realize

that there's a lot
more to life than work.

I quit, Larry.

- (scoffs) If you quit,
(gentle guitar music)

don't you dare come crawling
back to me for a job.

- I quit.

- [Larry] Ackerman.

- Merry Christmas, Larry.

- [Larry] Ackerman!

(gentle upbeat music)

- Hey. Taking a break?

- You could say that.

What are you making?

- Apple pie.

- Oh!
(Meredith laughing)

Can I help?

- Really? You know
how to make apple pie?

- No, can you teach me?

- Sure, but don't
you have to work?

- I'm taking some time
off to help, please.

Need to start learning to do
this stuff on my own, right?

- Sure. Take your sweater off.

- Really?

- [Meredith] You don't
wanna get it dirty, do you?

Humor me.

- Okay.

(both laughing)

- Okay, you're too
domestic-looking. (giggling)

- Ah, all right, are you
gonna teach me, or what?

- Yes, here we go.

- Hi, you're so handsome.

Yes, you are, Thaddeus.

We're gonna have a
fun night together.

- What?

What are you looking at?

Oh!
(Meredith giggles)

Wow!

- You look fantastic.

- You really think so?
(upbeat music)

- Absolutely!

- Not too over the top?

- No.

You look amazing.

- Thank you.

(both chuckling)

I'm sorry I'm skipping
out on Christmas tomorrow.

- [Bella] Don't sweat it.

- I feel awful.
(gentle emotional music)

I'm not spending Christmas
with you and your family

for the first time in 16 years.

- It's okay, Mer. Really.

- I'm coming over as soon
(light upbeat music)

as they start eating
dessert, okay?

- Fine.

It will all work out.

(Meredith laughing)

Stop being such a worry wart.

- Yeah, you're right.

- Come on, we'll walk you out.

(Thaddeus grumbling)

No.
(Meredith laughing)

(helicopter whirring)

- Chris Ackerman?

- That's me.

Very nice to meet
you, Dr. Block.

(light upbeat music)
- Karl, please.

This is my wife, Karen.

- Other Dr. Block.

- (chuckles) It's a pleasure.

Thank you for flying
us up for dinner.

That's very generous of you.

- Meredith is gonna
be very surprised.

- It's been a long time

since we spent
Christmas Eve with her.

- We haven't seen her in
quite a while, either.

- So I've heard.

(upbeat guitar music)

Shall we?

- Thank you.

(people chattering)

(light music)

- Merry Christmas.

Reservation?

- Yes, I'm meeting someone here.

Ackerman?

- Um, Ackerman.

They have not checked in yet.

Would you like to
check your coat?

- Sure.
- Okay, coat check

is right there.

- Thank you.
- No problem.

Merry Christmas.

Reservation?

- Yes. Ackerman.

- Oh, (chuckles) here it is.

The reservation's
only for three though.

- That's correct.

- Well, a young
woman just came over

and checked in on
this reservation

so that would be
four. (chuckles)

- No, I won't be
dining with them.

- What?

- Why not?

- Oh, I don't wanna impose.

- Absolutely not.

I insist you join us.

- Mom?

Dad?

- Surprise!

- [Meredith] What
are you doing here?

- Merry Christmas, Meredith!

- But you hate surprises!

- Yes, but you love
them, don't you?

- [Meredith] I do.

- Merry Christmas, honey.

- I can't believe you're here.

- [Karl] It was
all Chris's idea.

- Thank you.

- Well, I'll leave
you three to dinner.

- [Meredith] Wait, no!

You have to join us.

- That's what I said.

- [Chris] Are you sure?

- Absolutely. Yes.

- We insist, Chris.

- Can you make
room for a fourth?

- Sure. No problem.

- Thank you.

(light holiday music)

- Check the coats over there.

- It's too bad you can't
stay for Christmas.

- If I'd have known how
much it meant to Meredith,

we would have been here.

- Maybe next year.

- Yeah, maybe.

(gentle guitar music)

- Meredith, honey, you
really need to communicate

with us better.

- What do you mean?

- [Karen] I never
knew how important

the holidays were to you.

- Neither did I.

We just thought you wanted
to spend the holidays

with Isabella because she had
a bigger family than we did.

- What? No, never!

- We didn't want you to feel

like you had to spend
the holidays with us.

We just wanted you (tense music)

to have fun.

- We wanted you to
enjoy the holidays.

- I always enjoy spending
time with you, Daddy.

I didn't think you guys

wanted to be around me.
(gentle guitar music)

I didn't think you wanted me.

- Didn't want you?

Don't be absurd!

- But all those years of
me decorating alone...

- We thought you
wanted it that way.

We didn't want to bother you.

- [Meredith] You never asked!

- Meredith, neither
did you. (sighs)

We just thought...

- [Karl] (sighs) We thought
you were ashamed of us.

- Ashamed of you? Why?

- You never brought any
friends to the house.

- [Karen] What does that
have to do with anything?

- [Karen] You never
once invited us

to visit you during college.

- I just thought
you were too busy.

- If you don't mind
me stepping in here,

I think a good New Year's
resolution for all of you

would be to open up
more to one another.

- Agreed.
(light upbeat music)

- Definitely.

- To new beginnings.

(Chris chuckles)

(glasses clinking)

(Karl chuckles)

- Are you sure you wanna
drive them to the airport?

I don't mind.

- Yes.

I wanna spend as much
time with them as I can.

- Okay.

- Thank you for this, Chris.

I'll never forget it.

(gentle music)

- [Chris] Are you sure you
can't make it to Christmas?

- No, I have to work.

- Maybe next year.

- That would be great.
(gentle upbeat music)

- Come on, you two. You
don't wanna miss your flight.

- Well, thank you, Chris.

This was really, really special.

- You're welcome.

- And if you ever decide
to come to Baltimore,

you're always welcome
at our home. (chuckles)

- Thanks.

(upbeat guitar music)

- Thanks you again.

- Good night and drive safe.

- Good night, Chris.

Hey, when does everybody arrive?

- Well, my parents should
get here around one.

- Okay, and everybody
else is at three?

- [Chris] That's
what I told them.

- Great.
(light upbeat music)

- Are you okay?

You seem nervous.

- I am nervous.

- [Chris] Why?

- I don't know, I just...
(gentle music)

I want everything to be perfect.

- Merry, it will be.

- I hope so.

- Come on.

You're a professional.
(light upbeat music)

Isn't this just another
event you've planned?

- No. I wouldn't say that.

- Why not?

- It just...

It means a lot to me.

- Why?

- Because... you
mean a lot to me.

(light cymbals music)

(doorbell ringing)

(Chris sighs)

- I'll get it.

(Meredith exhales heavily)

(Meredith exhales heavily)

("Deck the Halls")

- Christian!

- Mom, Dad, hi!
- Mm!

(light upbeat music)

- Merry Christmas, son!

- You guys are early.

- We made great time.

- I couldn't wait to get here.

This place look amazing!

- Yeah, Merry did a great job.

- When do we get to meet her?

- She's in the kitchen.

- Great!

- Mom, wait!

Oh!

- You must be Meredith.

- I am. Hi.

You are?

- Renee.

I'm Chris's mom.

Oh, I'm so glad to
finally meet you.

- Mom, come on. (chuckles)

- What, I can't hug the woman

who's responsible
for all of this?

- Oh, I'm just doing my job.

It's no big deal.

- Your job?

Chris, you're not
supposed to hire anybody.

- Oh, that's not what I meant.

I just meant it's my job because
I love Christmas so much.

You know?

I feel a responsibility
for making sure

that Chris and his whole family

have the best Christmas ever.

- Oh, that is so sweet.

I'm so glad Chris met
somebody like you.

- Mom.

- What?

- Hi, Meredith.

I'm Chris's dad, Jeff.

- Please, call me Merry.

- Here. Renee made cornbread.

- Great! Thank you.

- I'll help you
bring your bags in.

Go check out what Merry
did with the great room.

- Oh, I can't wait.

- Thank you.

- The house looks marvelous.

I can't believe how much
(gentle music)

it reminds me of how my
dad used to decorate.

- I'm so glad.

Chris showed me pictures

and I did my best
to replicate them.

- Well, you did a great job.

- Thank you.

(light patting)

- (sighs) So, how long
have you known Chris?

- About a month.

I met him when he got here.

- Are you from Christmas Cove?

- No, I live in South Bristol.

- Oh. How'd you meet?

- Through his assistant, Beth.

- Blind date?

- (chuckles) You could say that.

- Well, he seems really happy.

- You think so?
(light upbeat music)

- Yes.

You know, Chris
hasn't been himself

since his grandpa died
about a month ago.

- I can tell they
were very close.

- Yeah, they were very close.

And my dad always
wanted to see Chris

with someone around
this time of year,

but he never brought
any girls home.

- [Meredith] Really?

- Really.
(doorbell ringing)

You must be very
special, Meredith.

- [Chris] I'll get it!

- Well, Chris is
very special to me.

- I'm glad.
(light upbeat music)

- [Chris] Mom, the
Steins are here!

- Oh, do you know Artie Stein?

- I do and his wife Elaine

and daughter Shira.

- Really?

- Yeah, Shira just
made her bat mitzvah.

- [Chris] Ma!

- Okay, we gotta go.

(both chuckling)
- Okay.

- Good okay.

(lighthearted music)

- Hi, Merry!

- Hey, Shira, gimme a hug.

- Merry, it's so
wonderful to see you.

- It's nice to see you, Elaine.

Thank you. Hi, Artie.

- Hello, Merry.
(Meredith giggling)

Muah, Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

- Elaine, Artie, Shira,

meet my mother Renee Ackerman.
(light upbeat guitar music)

- Mom, the Stein family.

- Artie, it's so good to
meet you in person finally,

all of you.

- Likewise. I'm so
sorry about your dad.

He was great man.

- Thank you. He was.

We certainly miss him.

- So what are you
doing here, Merry?

- Oh, celebrating
Christmas, of course.

- Oh, she's being humble.

She's dating my son.

- Mom.

- Is that so?

Oh, Merry, I'm so glad.

You're such a
lovely young woman.

It's about time you
found a nice man.

- Mom!

- Elaine, come on now.

It's none of your business.

- [Shira] You can
say that again.

- What? I was gonna introduce
her to your cousin Joshua

at Shira's bat mitzvah.

I just ran out of time.

- Mom, you're
embarrassing her and me.

(Artie chuckles)

(Renee chuckles)

- Well, why don't I take
your coats upstairs.

- Thank you.

- And I'll take the
wine. (chuckles)

- [Artie] Okay, thank you.

- And I'll take my wife.
(light upbeat guitar music)

- Meredith!

- [All] Surprise!

- Merry Christmas.

♪ Have yourself a merry
little Christmas ♪

♪ Let your heart be light

♪ From now on our troubles
will be out of sight ♪

- Oh my god.

- [Chris] Do you want
me to take the cookies?

- Yes, please.

- [Renee] Take your coats off.

♪ Have yourself a merry
little Christmas ♪

♪ Make the Yuletide gay
- How you doing?

♪ From now on our troubles
- Merry!

♪ Will be miles away

- [Renee] He likes
to talk to us.

♪ Here we are as in olden days

♪ Happy golden days of yore

♪ Faithful friends
who are dear to us ♪

♪ Gather near to us once more

♪ Through the years we
all will be together ♪

♪ If the fates allow

♪ Hang a shining star
upon the highest bough ♪

♪ And have yourself

♪ A merry little Christmas now

(upbeat guitar music)

(people chattering)

- May I have your
attention please?

- Hey, great meal, Merry.

- Oh, thank you.
(all cheering)

Thank you.

- I one more surprise
(upbeat guitar music)

for Chris and his family.

I'm not one for public speaking,

so if you wanna put on
their coats and shoes

and come with me outside
through the game room,

I'd love to show you.

- All right.
(people chattering)

- What's all this about?

- You'll see.

(people chattering)

- [Karen] This
sounds interesting.

- [Man] It's only
10 degrees out.

(insects chirping)
(gentle music)

- Chris told me that his
grandpa used to have a theme

when it came to decorating

the outside of his
house every year.

I wanted to stick
with doing a theme,

but I wanted to make
it really special.

Chris, when we found
out that your grandpa

used to make my Aunt
Minnie's chocolate cream pie

every year, I knew that he
was smiling down on you,

on your family, on this house,

maybe even on us.

That night, I knew what
I wanted the theme to be.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

- [All] Oh!

- Look, an angel, Daddy,

just like Poppi's here with us.

- It sure is, honey.

(light holiday music)

- There you are.

- Hi.

- Hi.

- I was hoping you'd come
in before everyone else.

- Yeah.
(gentle guitar music)

They're walking around outside
checking out the lights.

It really is a winter
wonderland out there.

You did a great job.

- Oh, I don't know.

- Merry, what's wrong?

- I feel like I made a fool
out of myself, you know?

- No, not at all.

My mom totally believes
you're my girlfriend.

You really saved my skin there.

- Oh, yeah, I'm a great actress.

- Oh, this reminds me...

- What's this?

- It's your paycheck.

You certainly earned it.

- Oh.

- Is something wrong?

- No.

That's what this is, right?
(gentle guitar music)

You're my boss,
I'm your employee.

- Oh well, I guess it is then.

- I... I think I should go home.

I have to feed Thaddeus.

- [Chris] Are you sure?

- Yeah.

- Okay.

What's this?

- It's a little gift.

You don't have to open it
right now if you don't want to.

(light upbeat music)

(gentle emotional music)

(Chris gasps)

- Well, good night.

- Meredith, wait.

- What?

- Please don't leave.

I don't know how it happened,

but somewhere along
the way, you became

more than an event planner.
(gentle emotional music)

You made your way into my heart.

I'm not about to let you go.

- It's not gonna work, Chris.

You're gonna go
back to New York-

- I'm not.

(gentle music)

- What?

- I'm not. I quit my job.

I'm moving here permanently.

- I don't understand.

- I'll tell you all
about it tomorrow.

But for tonight,
please don't leave.

- I don't know. I don't belong.

(gentle emotional music)
- Merry, this past month

has been magical.

I have never been so
sure about something

or someone, for that
matter, in my entire life.

You made me see how
important family is.

You rearranged the
priorities in my life.

You made me wanna
be a better person.

- Really?

- You belong here, Meredith.

You belong with me.

- Merry Christmas, Chris.