Original subtitles

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

♪ Are you ready to fall in love this Christmas? ♪

♪ Under the mistletoe ♪

♪ There’s a kiss on the top of your wish list ♪

♪ Well I know a girl you should know ♪

♪ She is sugar and spice naughty and nice ♪

♪ Waiting under that evergreen ♪

♪ If you’re ready to fall in love this Christmas ♪

♪ Fall in love with me ♪

♪ If you’re ready to fall in love this Christmas ♪

♪ Don’t wait for Christmas Eve ♪

♪ Take a chance on romance ’cause this is ♪

♪ The time to trust your heart and believe ♪

♪ There’s no mystery it’s chemistry... ♪

[chuckles]

I had a feeling you’d be here.

It was an uneventful Thanksgiving in Santa Barbara,

that’s for sure.

You mean your mom didn’t beg you to stay

and go shopping with her at 5 a. m.

for the Black Friday sales?

Oh, she did, I just couldn’t bear the thought

of listening to her decide between rose gold

or a shiny champagne wrapping paper.

But let’s be honest, there is a distinction

between a shiny rose gold and a sparkly, shiny champagne.

An hour‐long distinction?

The answer is always rose gold.

Unless the champagne is dusty.

Like mother, like daughter.

No. I am finally committing.

How’s this for a delicately stacked holiday dessert spread?

Nice. Five sketches in, you finally figured it out.

‐Good for you, Ame. ‐Don’t tease.

Do you really like it?

Of course. It’s great. They all were.

Anyway, you had the cat in the bag with these arrangements.

I know, I just think a client literally named

after the holiday, we couldn’t go light on the florals.

Amy, you’re the only event designer in the entire city

who could love Christmas as much as Tiffany Christmas

is gonna love what you’ve created

for her family’s reunion.

Well, we don’t have the job yet.

Come Monday morning, we will.

Well, what if Frankie pushes for Greta instead?

Her idea seemed to really pique his interest, too.

Look, yours were clearly way better.

You can’t just assume Frankie will have it out for you.

Plus, Tiffany’s gonna wanna see options,

so really it’s up to her, anyway.

I don’t know, Kayleigh.

After Frankie’s aunt promoted him,

I kinda feel like he does.

Well, if that’s the case, it’s only because you’re amazing

and he is threatened by all your amazingness.

‐You think he’s threatened? ‐Hello.

He wishes he could design like you. You’re like Christmas.

Warm apple cider and holiday cookies, and he’s more like,

I don’t know, the worst of Halloween,

a tasty piece of candy with a razor in it.

[chuckles] His aesthetic is the worst. Seriously.

Well, he’s running the show now, so...

So you just need to prove to Tiffany you have what it takes.

This year’s ten‐year Christmas family reunion, it’s all yours.

You know what? You’re right.

Frankie Diaz liking my stuff or not, it is my time to shine.

That a girl. I think you’re done.

[Amy sighs]

[instrumental music]

Amy, can I see you in my office, please?

I gotta say, these are even better

than your initial sketches.

Really did an amazing job here.

Really? Thank you.

Do you think it’s gonna be enough for Tiffany to hire us?

Well, I only spoke with her manager once,

but she did say she loved your original sketches

and said she might be leaning towards us, so we’ll see.

Really? That’s so exciting!

But look, Ames, I’ve also gotta be totally transparent with you.

You know you’re an incredible event designer

and we will use your designs, but I think I’m gonna be

taking on the majority of the legwork here myself.

I’m sorry, wait.

Why would you implement my designs instead of me?

Because this is a massive gig for us, Ames.

Tiffany Christmas is an exploding pop star,

and I simply have more client experience than you.

Or are you just threatened by me?

What? No, that’s not it at all.

What do you even mean threatened?

Oh, come on, ever since your aunt promoted you,

you’ve had it out for me.

She loves my designs. And you don’t like that, do you?

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Amy.

My auntie totally trusts my judgment

and she loves my designs.

That’s why she promoted me, clearly.

But I’m on the line now. I’m only doing what’s best.

Or maybe you got promoted

because you threw a fit to your mom.

Ames, the only one who seems to be throwing a fit here is you.

I’m throwing a fit? Ha‐ha‐ha... No.

This is throwing a fit. I quit.

‐Ames, don’t be brash. ‐And I will have...

All of my stuff out by the end of the day, and that includes

Kayleigh, if she’ll come with me.

[scoffs] What are you gonna do? Start your own business?

‐Maybe I will. ‐Okay.

Well, we still own your designs, you know?

‐You made them on our clock. ‐Uh‐huh. Wrong.

You don’t pay me overtime, so, technically,

I made them off the clock.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Diaz,

and a very happy New Year.

‐Ames! ‐[Amy] And don’t call me Ames!

You know I hate that name.

[elevator bell dings]

[sighs]

[sighs] You’re gonna be all right?

I think so. I’m gonna miss this work table, though.

We’ll get an all new work table.

Thanks, and thank you for joining me

on the fun‐employment front lines.

[inhales sharply] You know what we need?

‐A spa day. ‐A spa day?

I don’t think that’s the wisest investment

considering it’s the holidays

and we have no income.

I think it depends on where you go.

[instrumental music]

Well, you were certainly right. Always go with the rose gold.

Aw, it looks so cute. I love it.

Let me see yours.

I went with, um, snowflake sparkle.

Although I don’t feel very sparkly right now.

Oh, you will, though. Just wait.

What are you talking about?

‐Thank you. ‐Thank you.

[door opens]

[indistinct chatter]

And here’s our reason to celebrate.

What are you talking about?

[clears throat]

[indistinct chatter]

Wait, is that...

That’s your shot right there. Go.

‐Excuse me. ‐Yeah.

[indistinct chatter]

‐Yeah. ‐Hi.

Sorry, are you Tiffany Christmas?

Yes, I’m Tiffany. And you are?

Amy. Amy Kessler.

I would shake your hand, but‐‐

[gasps] Oh, my gosh, that is so cute!

‐What color is that? ‐Snowflake sparkle.

Oh. Aw, I already had my heart set on Rudolph Red.

But I’m gonna remember that for next time.

Oh. Well, Rudolph Red is an excellent color.

And a perfect color for, I don’t know,

a, um, upcoming family reunion?

Um, you’re not some, like, crazy stalker fan, are you?

’Cause I really can’t deal with that right now.

No, actually, I was the one who created your designs

for Diaz Events Design, you know, the one

with the snowflake‐falling photo booth?

Yes! I absolutely loved all of your designs.

But wait, I thought Frankie said that you weren’t available.

He, he said that he was just gonna do it himself, I thought.

‐Well, I actually am. ‐Oh! Okay, well, perfect!

I’ll just let Frankie know that I prefer you instead.

Okay, well, um‐‐

Yup. We most certainly are available.

‐I’m Kayleigh, Amy’s assistant. ‐Hi.

We’re such fans of your new holiday album.

It’s so nice to meet you, we were listening to it

the whole time we were designing, and I mean, like,

Amy refused to turn it off.

Aww, that’s so sweet. Thank you.

Well, and actually we were thinking it would be great

if you sang Love Me Like Christmas at the reunion.

I was thinking of putting, like, a little stage

in front of the tree. What do you think?

Yes! I love that idea!

Okay, I’m excited now. Um, can we meet tomorrow?

Tomorrow? Uh, yeah. That sounds good. Yeah.

Okay, so I’ll pick a time and place.

Here, put your number in my phone.

‐[Amy] Okay. ‐Yay.

Don’t worry. I’ll take care of Frankie.

Just go with it. Your time to shine, remember?

‐Okay. ‐Mm‐hmm.

‐Here. ‐Okay. Perfect.

Um, well, cheers, ladies.

‐Cheers to... ‐A Christmas family reunion.

‐Yes! Cheers. ‐[laughter]

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chatter]

[Amy] Thank you.

Uh! I have got to get the name of this window display designer.

Okay.

Okay.

Oh, hi. Sorry, I’ve actually already taken this table.

Uh, so you can reserve tables here?

‐I didn’t see any little signs. ‐Uh, n‐no.

It’s just, well, I‐I saw this table on the way in

and I was gonna put my purse down, but...

You know, it’s a little too close to the door.

So you just stacked some, like, mental claim on this table?

Correct.

I don’t think that really counts.

We both sat simultaneously.

Well, I think I need this table for a very important meeting.

Well, I think I need this table

for a pretty important meeting, too.

Well, can you find another great table

for your less important meeting?

Wait. Why is mine less important?

Uh, you said pretty important. I said very important.

Fine. I need this table for a very important meeting, too.

Well, can you take your very important meeting

and find a equally great table?

Like, like that one over there.

Um, can’t see the holiday display or the beautiful view.

Okay, can you just be a gentleman

since it’s the holidays and, I don’t know,

let a recently unemployed woman just have her way?

I really need to make a big impression here today.

You must be Amy Kessler.

Wait. How did you know my name?

[chuckles] I’m Tiffany’s cousin.

Housemate, bestie. You name it.

Tiffany’s cousin?

Wait, where’s Tiffany?

‐[cell phone chimes] ‐Oh. There she goes.

"Hi, Amy, I’m so sorry I couldn’t make it.

I got caught at the recording studio.

My cousin Calvin will be meeting you.

He’s amazing. You’ll love him."

Okay, well, I guess we got off on the wrong foot then.

You think?

Uh, Amy Kessler, event designer.

Nice to meet you, Mr. Christmas.

It’s nice to meet you, too.

So are you a photographer or...

That’s right, I take all of Tiffany’s photos,

social medias and otherwise.

She won’t let anyone shoot, except for me,

so I thought I’d take photos for the reunion as well.

Great.

I guess you’re hired then.

I also loved your photo booth idea, too.

‐I thought it would be fun. ‐Oh, thank you.

I’m glad you liked it.

Tiffany and I also thought maybe you could use

my assistance, you know, with a little bit help.

She’s so busy with the album release these days and, you know

especially since our moms combined can be a bit of a lot.

I also have an amazing eye for visuals, so I don’t mind

giving you any direction there, too, if needed.

‐Direction, hm? ‐Yeah.

Well, we were just checking out this holiday window display,

so I assume you must have great taste.

And with that in mind, I would love to show you

some venue possibilities I came up with.

‐Uh... ‐What?

Did you guys already pick a place, too?

Actually, my mother and my Aunt Mona

both wanna have it at each of their places.

My mother feels it needs to be at her place,

but Aunt Mona thinks it’s not as homey or cozy enough

and wants it at her place.

Between you and me, I don’t think either can compromise.

Okay, well, have you hosted it

at either of their places before?

No, we always had it at Grandma Gladys’ place.

But now since she’s gone, Aunt Alma lives there,

and it doesn’t seem like much of an option now.

And also because Aunt Alma’s not the one to fight for it.

So what is the solution then?

Tiffany and I was thinking maybe we could host, say,

a pre‐union gathering at our place this weekend.

You can come and meet everyone as a pro,

and then if they agreed, and leave it up to you to decide.

Okay. I suppose I could do that.

Plus, I wanted to talk to you more about your ideas.

I loved everything Tiffany showed me,

but I thought it would be cute, you know,

you can incorporate some family traditions into it.

Family traditions. Okay. Got it.

That is, of course, provided if you’re okay with that

and up for a challenge.

[chuckles] Always.

‐Always? ‐Mm‐hmm.

Well, I really hope you mean that

because this reunion,

it’s not gonna be no easy task.

Well, I’m not worried because

I am going to make it perfect.

‐Perfect? ‐Mm‐hmm.

[chuckles]

[Amy sighs] This is gonna be a total disaster.

Oh, come on, it can’t be that bad.

If I have to deal with him the whole time, it will be.

And they even live together, so if I wanna meet up with Tiffany,

he’s probably gonna be there, too.

We’ve had worse clients, come on.

Remember Bob the banker who watched

every penny of our budget?

We had to have every line item approved,

he even counted the white tealights

to make sure we didn’t take any.

But this guy was just smug.

Does the hot gene run in the family?

What does that mean?

I mean, is he as hot as Tiffany is?

‐[sighs] ‐Mm‐hmm!

So he is hot. I knew it.

Kayleigh, pass me the dumplings.

Anyway, we have bigger fish to fry.

Tiffany says her family’s filled with matriarchs

and each one of them wanna have it their way.

So we figure out which one signs the check.

‐That’s who we listen to. ‐Nope.

Because I think Tiffany is paying for the entire thing,

so we have to figure out who’s really in charge

now that they’re all competing.

And that’s who we really have to win over.

[laughs] Finally taking charge of her life.

You know what, Amy Kessler, that last dumpling in there,

it’s all yours. You are officially my hero.

Don’t mind if I do.

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chatter]

‐Those look so good. Oh! ‐They do.

Mommy, come here, I wanna introduce you

to our Christmas family reunion planners.

‐Oh? Cool. ‐[chuckles]

‐This is Amy. ‐Hey.

And her assistant Kayleigh.

‐Ladies, this is my mother Mona. ‐Hello.

Mona, it is so nice to meet you.

Oh. Gosh, I love your dress.

‐Oh, this? Hey! ‐Oh, oh, oh, oh!

No, Tiffany bought it for me, she spent way too much money

on it. But, uh, I do look good in it, don’t I?

You certainly do. Love the style.

Oh, thank you! Well, look at you two ladies.

You know, initially I thought you guys were

some of Tiffany’s model friends.

‐Oh. ‐Got it going on.

Thank you, but we are only here to make sure

that you have the best holiday reunion ever.

Oh? Well, thank you.

And I accept all of that because,

guess what, the reunion’s gonna be at my house. Right?

‐You told them that, right? ‐[Tiffany] Mom.

‐[Mona] What? ‐That hasn’t been decided.

And we still have a lot to discuss.

Well, we have a lot to discuss about

how it’s going to be at our house. Right, baby?

Um, and, ladies, this is my dad Terrence.

Terrence, these are our party planners.

‐Hey. ‐Nice to meet you, ladies.

I tell you, this food is something else.

You know, it’s like Tiffany gave you a‐a‐a list

of my favorite finger foods.

Actually, Mr. Christmas, she did.

Did you try the little fig‐glazed chicken fritters?

[Terrence] Say what?

Uh... Why’d you do that?

Now these need to be entree sized!

[Tiffany] Oh, gosh. Right. [Mona] No, they don’t.

We’ll be right back. Okay, Terrence, take it easy.

Take it... You gotta take it...

‐Right. ‐You know, of course, darling.

Oh, Aunt Eve is here. Come on, I want you to meet her.

Hey, uh, can you head out and grab the swag bags?

‐Are you sure you’re good? ‐Yeah. I’ll take it from here.

‐Okay. Thanks. ‐Okay.

‐Tiffany! Hi, baby girl! Mwah! ‐Hi, Aunt Eve! Hey!

Aunt Eve, I want you to meet Amy, our reunion planner.

‐Amy, this is my Aunt Eve. ‐You must be Calvin’s mom.

I can certainly see the resemblance.

Well, of course. Amy, nice to meet you.

And what a lovely idea this little pre‐reunion dinner

you’ve put together.

Calvin says you’re very good.

Don’t know if I said that just yet.

But you did good, Amy. Real good.

Well, it was a ton of fun and a tiny taste

of what’s to come, I suppose?

‐We shall see. ‐Mm...

We generally tend to go a bit more traditional

with the holiday decor, but this is cute.

Thank you, uh, we just wanted to do something fresher

for Tiffany’s casita look.

You know, the space, it’s, it’s very modern space.

Yeah. Yes. As is, as is my home.

And yet I’ve still managed to instill a homey

and warm feeling, anyway. Well, you’ll have to come see it.

I mean, after all, we’re hoping to host the reunion

there this year, right, son?

[laughs] I’m sorry, that’s what you are hoping to do,

not what we are hoping to do.

Amy, please forgive my poor sister‐in‐law.

You know, she really thinks she’s the boss of this family

ever since Terrence lost his poor dear mother, okay?

‐The boss, really? ‐Yes, the takeover spirit.

No, more like the well‐organized one

who keeps the whole family together.

[Calvin] Mother... [Eve] Takeover spirit. I mean‐‐

Please! Stop it, stop it, stop it!

‐What? ‐You guys, please!

I barely just hired her. Please don’t scare her away.

We still have three weeks until the reunion.

Tiffany, I am your mother

and you will never silence me like that in public.

‐What is wrong‐‐ ‐Can I?

‐[Terrence] Baby, please. ‐Wow.

So everyone just wants to team up on me today.

Oh, uh, mama, mom, I‐I think Aunt Alma’s here.

Will you please go help her on the stairs?

‐[sighs] ‐I love you.

Look forward to seeing all the things

you’re gonna do, okay?

‐I can’t wait to show you. ‐All right.

Always the extra parts.

[Calvin chuckles]

My sister‐in‐law just showed up with my baby nephew. Uh...

‐I‐is everything okay? ‐Hey, hey.

Don’t worry about it. Everything’s under control.

‐[sighs] Okay. Thank you. ‐Okay. Go.

Calvin, would you go and get me a Shirley Temple

with extra cherries?

‐Sure. Uh‐huh. ‐Thank you.

‐[Eve] So, Amy, is it? ‐Yes, ma’am.

When you have a moment, I would love to sit and talk with you

about our family reunion.

I think once you see my place,

you will agree that it is the perfect spot for the event.

Okay. And when would you like to talk about it?

‐How about right now? ‐Right.

Uh, well, I guess you wanna know what kind of ideas I cooked up.

Yes, absolutely, I mean,

we could always use some improvement, right?

Look at you, my little man.

You’ve grown nearly an inch since I last saw you.

[chuckles] No, that isn’t true.

Letty just hasn’t cut his hair all year.

‐Now, mom, be sweet. ‐What? I am sweet.

‐Thank you. ‐[chuckles]

I suppose I should go say hello.

‐Hello, my dear! ‐Hi!

Uncle Leon and Aunt Alma.

Sit. Aunt Alma is Grandma Gladys’ younger sister.

Ah, yes. And their last name is Turner?

Oh, I see someone’s been boning up

on the Christmas family guest list.

Oh, I am very good at names.

Uh, well, if you’re good with names

as you are standing your ground,

my mother really wants to have the reunion at her place.

And if you let her boss you, Amy, she will.

Oh, looks like the apple didn’t fall far

from the caramel‐candy tree.

What is that supposed to mean?

So your mom is passionate

about a family reunion venue.

It’s a little more relevant than being, uh, territorial

over a cafe table I won’t mention.

But, hey, we came to a common ground, didn’t we?

Yeah, because we were forced to.

Good evening, good evening, everyone!

I just wanted to thank everyone for being here tonight

and also thank everyone who downloaded my album.

‐[all cheering] ‐[laughter]

Now then, we are so very excited

about our big upcoming family reunion, and we just wanted

to invite a few of you locals out here tonight

to look over my most up‐to‐date email tree and make sure

that we have everyone’s correct information, okay?

Um, we also are going to discuss venue options.

So tonight here with us we have Ms. Amy Kessler,

who we have hired to help us with the event.

So any questions, concerns, requests, food allergies,

anything like that, all goes to her, and she is ready for you.

Yes. Well, thank you so much for having me.

I cannot wait to meet your big, beautiful family.

If you guys have any questions, I’m so happy to help

with flights, accommodations, anything that you guys need.

[Tiffany] Mm. Thank you. Okay, now...

So we’re gonna bring out some more hors d’oeuvres.

Everyone go freshen up on your cocktails

and don’t forget to save the date for December 23rd

for our ten‐year Christmas family reunion!

[all cheering]

‐Christmas family tradition! ‐Christmas!

Aah! Here we go. Whoo‐hoo!

Uh, there, you know, okay?

You know the doctor said you can’t have that, baby.

‐And, mom? ‐What?

You know how you get after two.

‐Ah, Tiffany. ‐I’m just sayin’.

‐Tiffany. ‐Yes?

Would you believe, on our way over here

your Uncle Leon saw a girl on a billboard

and she looked exactly like you!

I tell you, it was a spitting image.

It was really something else, Tiffy.

Aunt Alma, Uncle Leon, that was me.

Well, heavens! Are you serious?

What the heck you doin’ up on that billboard, sweetheart?

Mm, oh, I think I know what I’m getting you guys

for Christmas now.

‐[Mona chuckling] ‐[mumbling]

‐Can’t believe it. ‐[mumbles] That was me.

Can’t believe it.

So, Letty, when are you expecting Eli

back from the service?

Hopefully before Christmas.

Uh, we’re cutting it kinda close, right?

He was already supposed to be back.

‐Mm. ‐Uh, Jonah.

What did I say earlier?

But, mom, I only hate half the apple.

No, you ate off all the caramel and half the apple.

‐Okay. ‐But I’m still hungry.

So eat something else. Grab a chicken fritter, hm?

Seriously, though, there is so much caramel on those apples,

you could feed a whole army of Santa’s elves with ’em.

Grandma Gladys’ apples were so good.

I miss her so much, I don’t know why Aunt Alma

won’t just follow that recipe.

Jonah, what did I say?

Oh.

[laughs]

Remember those days.

Okay, so if I put a snowflake projector

in front of the stage, with the tree,

will that be a problem for your lighting?

No. Not at all.

‐Tiff. ‐Hm?

Um, had Calvin met Amy before this evening?

Oh, yeah, you know, Calvin’s been really helpful

with all the planning.

‐Is that right? ‐Mm‐hmm.

Mm...

It actually looks great.

It could even be a Rocky Mountain snowcapped mountain

like where Grandma Gladys grew up.

That is a fantastic idea.

Look at us, finally agreeing on something for once, Amy Kessler.

At first I was getting a little bit more concerned.

Well, the only thing you should be concerned about

is how to admit what a fantastic job I do in the end.

Well, if it’s anything like what you did tonight,

I may stand corrected, but I still think

you have your work cut out for you, Amy.

‐...about you and your home. ‐Well, it’s not all about me.

‐Let’s talk to Amy. Amy! ‐Amy!

‐[chuckles] Incoming. ‐Hi, honey.

‐Hi, dear. ‐We’ve come to a bit of a truce.

‐Just a bit of one. ‐Okay, of course.

And, um, how is Monday, this Monday,

to come by my home, see where Calvin grew up?

I have a lovely koi pond

and a fantastic garden you just can’t miss.

I can definitely be there.

‐For sure. Yeah. ‐[Eve] Great.

Okay, well, how is Thursday for you

to come by my house and see where Tiffany grew up?

[Mona] I mean, our home is just as good.

We don’t have a koi pond. Fish smell fishy.

All right, but we do have a baby grand piano

that is just itching to be played.

‐I can be there, too. ‐[Mona] Oh! Fantastic!

Well, those days don’t work for me because I have

a signing on Monday and a morning show on Thursday.

Why did you even say Thursday anyways, mom?

[Mona] Because I need time to get the house ready.

Okay, look, you can’t just reschedule it, honey?

Oh, yes, that’s right, that’s what she’s gonna do.

She’s gonna reschedule her whole PR tour for you.

[Mona] Yes, it’s called production,

and that’s what they do. They make adjustments.

Not for the mother of the artist.

Honey, the stage mother they do.

No, mom, I, I really can’t do that.

Ladies, it’s okay, I can bring Amy out. I’m free.

I just have a few, you know, couple greeting‐card shoots,

but no one’s asking for any headshots

in this point in the year, so I can bring Amy.

Perfect. That works out perfect.

‐Very convenient. Thank you. ‐Yup.

‐[Calvin] No problem. ‐Good. Good, Good.

Okay, and then that way we can all decide

whose home we will have the reunion at.

Uh, actually, Amy will decide

where we’re having the reunion, right?

Because that’s what we all agreed on, right?

Did everyone get a chance to try my candy apples?

‐Yes. ‐[Mona] Yes, we did.

I almost went to a diabetic coma,

but they were delicious, they were delicious.

They are delicious, aren’t they?

So now, Amy, is it? Was that right?

Yes, ma’am. It is so nice to meet you.

Oh, it’s nice to meet you, dear.

So if we are going to talk about having the reunion

at my place on the 23rd,

we’ve got a lot to talk about, right?

Yes, Christmas is just around the corner,

so we have to make some big decisions very soon.

When did Aunt Alma’s house get in the running? Wait a minute.

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

‐[Calvin] Here we are. ‐[Amy exhales]

[Amy] Is this where you grew up?

A Ventura County kinda Christmas

since I was a little kid.

Are you an only child?

‐My mom said I was a surprise. ‐Oh.

Dad said, only a surprise to her.

But that even in her heart she knew I was meant

to come and rescue her.

Rescue her from what?

Well, my dad passed away ten years ago

right after I graduated from college,

not too long after our last Christmas reunion, actually.

‐Hm. ‐Oh, Calvin.

I’m sorry to hear it.

It’s fine. Stan died a happy, happy man.

And we all got to say goodbye. It was bittersweet.

But he’s still here, you know? Still feel him every day.

Well, um, you ready to meet mom?

‐[chuckles] Yeah. ‐All right.

[instrumental music]

Wow! This arrangement and that garland are all very impressive.

Yeah, my mom loves to redo the holiday decor

every couple of years.

She has a strong opinion about decor.

A person with strong opinions does a strong leader make.

Amy, hi again.

Hi, Mrs. Christmas.

‐Please call me Eve. ‐Eve Christmas.

Yes, but please don’t write it down.

It seems to always come out backwards.

‐[both chuckling] ‐Hey, mom.

Hi, darling.

‐Good to see you. ‐Good to see you.

Wow! Eve, I just love these poinsettia arrangements.

They look like they just walked off

of some Rodeo Drive window display.

You have to tell me who the designer is.

You’re looking at her.

‐You are? ‐I am.

I was just launching into interior design

when my sweet little Calvin came along.

I ruined her dreams of becoming the first black Martha Stewart.

Oh, shush! Don’t say that.

You were my angel, my miracle baby come true.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

You just had really bad timing is all.

Now, that man couldn’t get anywhere on time

even if he tried.

But it just so happens

that you two have come along at the perfect time.

‐Oh. ‐Uh‐oh. I know what that means.

‐She’s putting us to work. ‐That’s right. Follow me.

Great.

So what is all this?

Told you she’s putting us to work.

These are Santa’s Stockings From Stan.

Now say that three times fast and let’s get to stuffing.

Wait. Did you say Santa’s Stockings From Stan?

Isn’t that your father’s name?

It’s an old Christmas family tradition my husband started

when he was a little boy.

When he found out that there were kids who didn’t get toys

or gifts for Christmas, he asked his mama Gladys and his papa Joe

to give his toys to the kids in need.

So after he passed, Calvin and I decided

to continue that tradition in his name.

The whole Christmas family participates.

‐So no family gifts at all? ‐No.

We haven’t exchanged gifts in the past ten years.

My goodness. That is so incredible.

I think I know exactly what I’m gonna ask my parents

for next Christmas.

And where are your parents, Amy?

Oh, they’re here. Up in Santa Barbara.

Oh. Fancy living, huh?

Yeah, you know, they, they still do nice things

like donate money to charities.

But this,

this just feels...

warmer, more personal. I love it.

Hm. And I see you’re not married.

‐Huh? ‐Mother.

What? It’s just a friendly conversation.

It’s fine. Um, I was in a serious relationship.

And I thought we were gonna get married,

but, no.

I am still single.

Hm...

So what’s next?

‐Get to stuffin’. ‐Okay.

[Amy] Okay.

We stuffed three dozen of stockings.

I’d say we cleaned up.

‐Well done! ‐What now?

Now we take these down to First Presbyterian Church.

They have a distribution list of all the families in need.

Then we surprise the families by leaving them on their doorstep

on Christmas Eve.

‐Aww! I love it. ‐[Calvin chuckles]

Oh, can we go see the koi pond?

[gasps]

‐Wow. They’re so beautiful! ‐That they are.

You know, you look a lot like your dad.

‐Thank you. ‐You guys have the same smile.

He was a good‐looking dude.

[chuckles] Come on, let me show you the rest.

Okay.

Oh! These lampposts are incredible.

Yeah. My dad put these put up when I was small.

He and my mom knew I was notorious for sneaking

out the house, especially around the holidays.

[chuckles] Why especially the holidays?

Well, I thought Santa and I had a special deal

where I used to bring cookies out to my favorite play spot.

And I was sure if I came out at night, I’d eventually see him.

Hm.

Of course, I thought Santa was eating the cookies.

Now I’m pretty sure it was just a squirrel or the birds.

[chuckles]

[gasps] Aww...

A pinecone tree! How adorable!

Yeah, my mom always loved pinecones,

so we all built this together one year for Santa.

We used to put the cookies right on this small stump

sitting next to the tree. Memories.

‐Think I could get a photo? ‐Sure.

You know, I think I have some already

in my phone where I can send.

‐Great. Thanks. ‐Yeah.

[chuckles]

[sighs]

‐You wanna know what I think? ‐What’s that?

How do you know it wasn’t really Santa who was eating the cookies

you left out?

With these lampposts to guide him, would’ve been pretty easy

for him to find it on his sleigh, don’t you think?

‐Yeah. ‐[chuckles]

[Amy and Calvin chuckling]

So what do you think of our place?

Perfect spot for the reunion, yes?

I think it’s definitely a strong contender.

‐You sold it very well. ‐Well...

Obviously, not well enough

if you haven’t made a decision yet.

Well, it’s just that I promised everyone

that I would check out all the places first, so...

My mom is just teasing you.

She knows we have to be fair

about this, right?

Yes. Of course I do.

But because Amy clearly has good taste,

I’m convinced that you’ll decide what’s fair

is having it right here.

[Calvin sighs]

Is she gonna hate me if we decide

to have it somewhere else?

Nah, she might pretend you don’t exist

when she sees you next, but definitely wouldn’t hate you.

‐Uh... ‐I’m teasing you.

‐Totally teasing. ‐Thanks.

[both chuckling]

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chatter]

[Amy chuckles]

[Calvin chuckles]

Aah! There he is! There’s my favorite nephew!

I thought Bryson was your favorite.

Oh, Bryson is my favorite during soccer season

and when he’s playing.

‐[laughs] Hey! Hi, baby. ‐Hi.

Mona, it’s so good to see you again.

It’s so good to see you. And you know what?

I’m excited you’re here because you’re just in time

to help me put up the Christmas lights on the porch.

‐Hey, you ready to get to work? ‐Uh‐huh.

Ah, it’s a Christmas family tradition, I guess.

You visit family, they put you to work.

‐[laughs] ‐No complaints from me.

Oh, exactly, because who doesn’t like

putting up Christmas lights?

Especially on a porch like this.

Mona, this house is spectacular.

Oh! Well, I am so glad you approve, darling.

[chuckles] Come on in, I’m gonna give you the full tour.

‐Okay. ‐Oh.

‐[laughter] ‐[Mona sighs]

[gasps] Ah.

This is so precious.

Oh, Tiff and I, we started that collection

when she was just a kid.

No wonder Tiffany loves Christmas so much.

It really shows in her new holiday album.

‐I know, right? ‐Mm‐hmm.

‐My baby is so talented! ‐[Amy chuckles]

‐Come on! This way. ‐Okay.

[Mona laughs]

[Amy] This stuff is vintage, isn’t it?

Yes! I am a vintage Christmas connoisseur.

Well, it definitely shows.

Hey, can we get some photos of all of us?

‐Oh. No problem, I got you. ‐Great.

Oh, Calvin, make sure you get your auntie.

‐Yes, auntie. ‐Okay.

And look at baby Jesus. Isn’t he cute?

‐He’s so cute. ‐Uh‐uh. Don’t touch it.

‐Oh, sorry. Okay. ‐Don’t touch it. All right.

[Mona] A little higher to the right here, baby.

Oh. Amy.

So, I take it you went out to see Eve’s place on Monday?

Yes. And her place is beautiful, too.

Oh, for sure, but, you know,

we both have very different decorating styles,

even though I do appreciate her decorating expertise.

Absolutely, but you both have excellent decorating skills.

Ooh, so I guess it’s safe to say

that I am still in the running?

‐[Terrence] Oh, Mona. ‐What?

Doesn’t matter where we have this reunion.

You’ll still have all eyes on you. You always do.

Aww. You hear that, Calvin?

See, that is how you get the girl of your dreams.

He still knows how to woo me after 32 years.

[laughter]

[scatting]

[chuckles]

‐What’s next? ‐You’ll see.

Hm.

Wow.

This must be Tiffany’s old room.

Yeah, I used to get stuck sleeping there

right on the floor as a kid

when mom and dad brought us for a visit.

Aww, little Calvin on a sleeping bag

in a sea of pink. I could see it now.

Oh. You got jokes now?

‐Mm‐hmm. Mm. ‐Mm.

[chuckles] Come on, let’s go.

‐We finally arrived. ‐Uh‐huh.

Wow, do you think your Aunt Mona would let us borrow

some of this stuff for the reunion?

Oh, yeah, it’s not a problem at all.

‐Except cool Santa here. ‐Oh.

He stays and protects all her stuff. Get a photo with him.

It’s the least we can ask of him, anyway.

[instrumental music]

‐Chic. ‐Chic. Okay.

Well, these are chic. Come here.

‐Let me put them on you. ‐All right.

‐It’s somethin’ else. ‐It looks adorable.

‐Hm, let’s go. ‐[laughs] Okay.

‐One, two, three. Say "Money!" ‐All right, Santa.

Money!

[Mona] All right. Light it up.

Light it up, baby!

Ah, ah!

Never ceases to amaze me.

No, you never cease to amaze me, Mr. Christmas.

‐[laughter] ‐Ooh.

Tiffany Anne, what are you doing here?

I thought you had the morning show!

‐What are you doing? ‐Hey, baby.

Mom, it was a morning show!

‐It’s night. I’m done. ‐Oh, I’m sorry.

Plus, I couldn’t miss the beautiful

house‐lighting ceremony.

[Terrence] Aww! [Mona] Aww!

Tiffany, I’m so glad you made it!

‐I’m so happy to see you. ‐[laughter]

And, girl, I may have plugged you on the morning show.

‐What? ‐Yes.

I mean, just how amazing you are

in getting our family reunion set up.

‐Thank you. That is so sweet. ‐Of course.

My little girl moving back home yet?

‐Mm‐hmm. You wish, daddy. ‐[laughter]

‐Oh, this is so beautiful! ‐Isn’t it gorgeous?

It looks so good, as always.

I say we just have the reunion here and call it a night.

‐Yeah, uh, okay! ‐Okay!

‐[laughter] ‐Uh, you think about it.

‐I’ll think about it. ‐[laughter]

So, have you heard anything more as to when,

you know, Eli will be home?

Letty said maybe Christmas, but we just don’t know.

I mean, he’s still active duty on the Air Force,

so I have no clue.

Hm, well, I sure hope he makes it in time

for, you know, little Jonah’s sake.

Tsk. Don’t we all?

This old piano is incredible.

Guess now I know where your musical talents came from.

‐[laughter] ‐[Mona] All right.

All right! Get over here. Okay.

I think it’s time for a little Christmas family tradition

because I don’t think Ms. Amy is quite sold

on having the family reunion here yet.

So you’re gonna get a treat that you can only get

at Ms. Mona’s house.

Christmas carols and cocoa.

‐[laughter] ‐Oh...

Go, Tiffany. Show ’em what you got, babe.

‐Okay. All right. ‐[Calvin] Shall we?

‐Calvin. ‐We shall.

‐All right. ‐[Mona] All right!

‐[Mona] You’re gonna love this. ‐Okay.

Okay. I hear you, oh, baby. I know, baby.

♪ Hark the herald angels sing ♪

♪ Glory to the newborn King ♪

♪ Peace on Earth and mercy mild ♪

♪ God and sinners reconciled ♪

♪ Joyful all ye nations rise ♪

♪ Join the triumph of the skies ♪

♪ With angelic host proclaim ♪

♪ Christ is born in Bethlehem ♪

♪ Hark the herald angels sing ♪

♪ Glory to ♪

♪ The newborn King ♪

Every year you just get better and better.

‐Better, baby! ‐[Tiffany] Thank you.

‐[Mona] Ooh, that’s my baby! ‐That’s a good man, over there.

Just like my brother Stan was.

[instrumental music]

Hey, this doesn’t all look like the stuff

from your original sketches.

Well, I kinda decided to go in a new direction, I think.

You? Go in a new direction? Since when?

This isn’t rose gold and champagne

we’re talking about here.

Exactly, it’s a family reunion,

so we should treat it like one.

[instrumental music]

‐Oh. Thank you. ‐You’re welcome.

Right this way.

[Amy gasps]

Oh, this is...

Like something out of a fairytale.

An old romantic Christmas fairytale.

[chuckles] Welcome to Casa de Christmas.

Ah.

Is this...

‐Is this handmade? ‐Yup.

‐By my great‐grandmother Ethel. ‐Ah!

This wreath has magical Christmas powers.

‐I can just feel it. ‐[Calvin] Well, I sure hope so.

It’s a Christmas family original.

Welcome.

[sighs] Wow.

Indeed.

Lots of this stuff has been passed down.

My guess is my mom and Aunt Mona

are gonna have to fight to see who gets it some day.

‐Hey, family. ‐[gasps] Uncle Cal!

Hi.

‐Hi. ‐Hey, buddy.

He likes to call me his uncle

even though he’s technically my cousin.

You know me better than that. I don’t live on technicalities.

‐Whatever that is. ‐[laughter]

So you’re Calvin’s girlfriend, yes?

Aunt Alma, no, she’s his friend

and our reunion planner, remember?

Yeah, you met her at me and Tiffany’s place

just a week or so ago.

‐[gasps] Oh, right! ‐Mm.

‐Oh, I’m so sorry, hon. ‐It’s fine.

Well, maybe she should be your girlfriend. She sure is pretty.

[Letty] Ah, Jonah. Excuse me, little man.

Can I get you guys some pumpkin nog?

I made some fresh from the pumpkin just this morning.

‐It’s really good. ‐Pumpkin! Yes, please.

[Calvin] Yeah.

Okay.

Look, Uncle Cal, we’re making our yearly

annual gingerbread houses for the dining‐room table.

You mean yearly or annual?

You know it means the same thing, little bud.

‐I knew that. I was testing you. ‐Mm‐hmm.

What are you doing?

Well, I assume we’re getting put to work, no?

Looks like another Christmas family tradition to me.

Now, I like this one. She’s got the right idea.

[Alma] Now you go over there and wash your hands.

But, you know, I’m really bad at making

gingerbread houses, though, all right?

He’s not lying, last year his gingerbread house caved in

and my dad had to come in last second

for major construction reinforcements.

That’s right, he had to make little candy‐cane beams

to hold ’em together.

[Alma] And those were Gladys’

famous homemade candy canes.

It was a waste of tasty holiday treats, if you ask me.

[Letty] Hm. [Calvin] Yeah, I agree.

Which is why I should just take photos

and be a nice spectator today.

[Amy] Oh, no, no, no, no, no.

If I’m building a house, you’re building a house, too.

‐Oh, really? ‐Mm‐hmm.

Oops.

[instrumental music]

That looks so good. Hm.

‐What do you think? ‐What?

Hm, this is really good.

You think so?

Oh, I was, uh, talking about the eggnog.

But your house, it’s, it’s not bad. Really.

I don’t know if I’d call it good.

[laughing]

Okay, okay, let’s call in Uncle Leon.

‐Yeah, maybe he can‐‐ ‐Uncle Leon.

What’s all this yelling about?

We need you to judge our houses.

You’re the only one with a bias.

Without a bias.

Another test. Good thing you passed.

Hm, all right, let me see, uh...

[Leon] Mm‐hmm.

Mm‐hmm. Mm‐hmm.

Mm?

Mm! Mm...

‐Uh, you built this house? ‐Mm‐hmm, yup.

Well, did a hurricane come through there?

[laughing]

Uh, the roof looks all [unintelligible].

[laughing]

‐You know what? It’s fine. ‐What?

‐Yeah, there you go. ‐Oops.

Jonah’s house is clearly the winner.

‐Yay! ‐Yay!

Now, uh, can I go back out

and get my work done?

I still gotta feed the chickens.

‐The chickens? ‐Saving the best for last.

[chuckling]

[instrumental music]

[chuckling]

Ah!

[laughing]

This is where the reunion was ten years ago.

Last time dad was here.

‐[Amy] It’s perfect. ‐Great.

Tiffany and I also agree.

Why didn’t you guys say something?

We needed a professional opinion.

‐[Amy chuckles] ‐[Calvin] Really good.

[Calvin chuckles]

That was fun.

All of our trips have been a lot of fun.

You know, I wish my parents had a fraction

of the Christmas spirit that yours does.

Why? Your family doesn’t like the holidays?

No, they do, it’s just...

My dad, he loves food and sports.

And my mom loves shopping

and buying gifts for extended family.

And don’t get me wrong, I love my family.

It’s just, I do spend my Christmases

cooking with the maid and watching Christmas movies.

Mm! Christmas movies, huh?

What? I get a ton of inspiration from them.

No judgment here. I could dig some Christmas movies.

But the viewings are meant to be shared.

Well, then maybe I’ll ask Santa

and see if he can extend his visit next time.

Or if Santa is too busy, which I know he will be,

I could join you.

Uh, I’ll ask Santa and see what he says.

I don’t loathe the idea.

I just need a view with the best seat, that’s all.

Oh!

[chuckles]

‐To be discussed, seat‐stealer. ‐Mm.

[instrumental music]

Um...

Okay. Um...

I guess we should get going.

Can you swing by Sunday at noon?

Yeah, Sunday at noon, mm‐hmm.

Yeah, um, I just have to reconfigure a couple of things.

Oh, no, no, no, this won’t be about event stuff.

This is so we can tell our moms where we’re having the event.

‐We? ‐Oh! We.

Christmas, no pun intended, just calm down.

Everyone! All right. Everyone.

After much deliberation we have finally come to a decision

on the reunion and where we’ll have it this year.

It was a hard decision for us to make as a fellow family,

and that is why we objectively left it to Amy.

Though we support that decision.

Now, then, uh, Amy, you can tell them.

[chuckling]

[Amy] Well, after much thought,

I decided the theme for this year’s family reunion

is Christmas tradition.

And not the holiday Christmas.

What I mean is the Christmas family

and your traditions.

‐That’s cute. ‐Okay.

But all of our houses have Christmas family traditions.

Right. And so many wonderful ones, too.

But with that in mind, I think the best place

for a reunion filled with lots of traditions

is where it all started.

‐Alma and Leon’s place. ‐Yay!

Ah. Whatever!

Listen, I‐I can’t believe we have left our family tradition

up to this little party‐planner.

She doesn’t even have any skin in the game.

Exactly why we left it to her at the end, mom.

‐Amy knows what she’s doing. ‐[Eve] Really?

‐I think we can trust her. ‐Yeah.

‐Does she? ‐Mm!

[sighs]

Or maybe Amy should take another trip

down to the ranch house.

Amy, do you like deep‐fried turkey?

’Cause, you know, Terrence, he makes the best,

and I’m sure that he would love to make some for you.

‐Mom. ‐I mean, what?

You cannot bribe her!

You cannot bribe her, you guys, we don’t have time

to keep going back and forth about this.

We have two weeks left for the reunion now.

The flights have already been booked and the invitations

have to go out by Monday, all right?

Listen, I knew that it was a mistake

to leave this reunion up to you kids.

We are the parents, and we still know what is best.

‐For this family. ‐Speak for yourself, dear.

If you know what’s best, mom, maybe

you and Aunt Mona might agree on something for once.

How dare you speak to me in that tone, Calvin!

Everyone, please, may I just say...

If you all trust me and give me a chance

to bring this reunion to life the way I know I can,

I promise, I will not let you down.

You sure you don’t want to come back to the ranch house?

‐[Tiffany] Mom! ‐What?

I make a mean margarita, girl.

You do. Aunt Alma.

Aunt Alma, is there anything else that you would like to add?

‐A‐about what? ‐[Calvin] About us...

Having the family reunion at your place now.

Well, wasn’t it always gonna be here?

‐Oh, my God! ‐Okay, you know what, see?

‐We made the right decision. ‐Absolutely.

[laughing]

Amy, this is incredible. Really.

‐Really? You like it? ‐It’s perfect.

And the pinecone tree, nice touch, Ms. Kessler.

Oh, well, I just figured, since you took my table,

you wouldn’t mind me stealing your tree.

[laughs] All right, uh...

What’s next on the agenda?

I think it’s time to decorate.

‐Let’s go. ‐Let’s do it.

[instrumental music]

♪ It’s freezin’ outside but warm in my heart ♪

♪ The holiday cheers they wake up the dark ♪

♪ A walk in the crowd a song in my step ♪

♪ Gonna buy you something ♪

♪ That you’ll never forget ♪

♪ The best loved time of year fillin’ up with... ♪

Hey, let me grab a photo of you guys all together.

♪ 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 wantin’ the most ♪

♪ I’ve waited a day till the one in December ♪

♪ You’ll be surprised ♪

♪ And always remember ♪

♪ The best loved time of year fillin’ up with... ♪

Okay, who’s ready to try

my special take on Gladys’ recipe?

Oh, yes.

‐Thank you. ‐Thank you so much.

Can’t wait to try this new recipe.

Yum.

‐[instrumental music] ‐[door opens]

I think they’re a little strong.

[clears throat] Only a, only a little.

‐Like, just a little bit. ‐You know what?

Some people love strong mint.

O‐or, you know, maybe just for the reunion,

it would be nice if we stuck

to Grandma Gladys’ recipe.

‐To honor her. ‐Mm.

‐Grandma’s recipe. I like that. ‐Yeah.

Okay, you might be right, I think I’ll stick

to the original recipe.

Good idea.

[laughing]

Ah. Ah.

Go on, get out of here, go on your bug swipe holidate.

‐You know, I think he’s the one. ‐Hm.

You sure you don’t need any more help?

I think we’re okay.

Mm! Mm‐hm.

Hm. Shall we?

‐We shall. ‐Yeah.

[laughing]

[indistinct chatter]

[laughing]

Ah...

So beautiful.

What’s on your jacket?

Oh! Must’ve gotten some dirt from the photo booth.

Yeah. You mind if you let me see?

‐Sure? ‐Yeah.

Okay.

‐Thank you. ‐There.

She’s all better.

Grandma Gladys, she seems to be the glue

that held the family together, huh?

Oh, yeah, she’s the woman that could work and play

and check on everyone all in the same day.

And your mom and Aunt Mona, they seem to really look up to her.

Yeah, I feel like both of them marrying her two sons,

they competed for her attention.

And that’s where all this venue drama stems from.

Well, I can only imagine how difficult it must be

being someone’s daughter‐in‐law, I mean,

trying to do the same job with your kids

as they did with theirs.

Right. My dad, he made my mother much sweeter.

Better.

He’s a lot like Grandma Gladys, actually.

I think you’re a lot like them, too.

Oh, yeah? Table‐taker, you’re calling me sweet?

[laughing]

Well, I didn’t wanna admit that.

But it’s kinda hard not to.

I mean, here you are, helping me with my jacket.

You’re not that bad yourself, actually.

A lot like my mom, talk a big talk,

but you’re sweet down beneath all of this polishedness.

‐Oh. ‐Uh‐huh.

You really poured your heart out

into this Christmas family reunion.

Seems to me that the holiday spirit is kinda your thing.

Your boss must be grateful to have you.

My boss...

Yeah, it’s, it’s a little complicated.

Look, I’ve been, I’ve been meaning to tell you something.

‐There you are. ‐Hi.

What are you two doing out here in the cold?

Uh... Mom!

‐What are you doin’ here? ‐I came to check on things.

And see how the decorations were going.

And actually Uncle Leon is bringing in some groceries

that I brought over and I’m sure he could use your help, Calvin.

Yeah, for sure. You good, Amy?

Oh, yeah, I’m‐I’m great.

Uh, thank you for helping me with my jacket.

No problem. I’ll see you tomorrow to do the gift bags.

Yup. Bright and early.

‐Right. Goodnight. ‐Goodnight.

‐I’ll see you inside, mom. ‐Sounds good.

All right.

‐So... ‐So...

‐It is a work in progress. ‐Clearly.

It seems like there’s a lot still left to do in just a week.

Right, and I do have a couple of assistants

coming in next week to help with the stuff

that we don’t want weathered right before the reunion.

Mm.

And, uh, the Santa set‐up?

I think you’re gonna love it.

Well, I hope so.

[instrumental music]

‐So much good stuff. ‐Merry Christmas!

‐Look at these swag bags! ‐Hey. Hey.

Good morning, look at all these brands I got to sponsor

our swag bags for free.

‐Oh, Tiffany, that is amazing! ‐Yes.

Well, you guys, let’s get going.

They’re not gonna stuff themselves.

‐Right. ‐Let’s get to stuffing them.

[cell phone chimes]

Oh, you guys, it’s my manager, I gotta take this.

‐One second. Hey, Ricky. ‐Oh. Okay.

‐She’s not coming back, is she? ‐Definitely not.

I guess it’s just us, huh?

I guess so.

[Calvin] Can you go first? I’m scared to.

‐Okay. ‐[chuckles]

"You will find the true path to love."

‐Mm‐hmm. ‐I could get with that.

‐I think you have mine. Give me! ‐Absolutely not!

‐[laughs] ‐Here.

‐This is yours. ‐All right, let’s see.

"You will catch a shooting star."

Oh, maybe you did get mine. Give, give.

‐Nope. ‐Nope?

[both laughing]

‐Okay. ‐I did get you something though.

‐You did? ‐Follow me.

Okay.

[gasps]

‐What is this? ‐Just a little gift.

Just to say thank you for making our family reunion a great one.

Yeah, a film fanatic gift bag for all your

Christmas binge‐watching.

Calvin, this is so sweet.

I mean, you’re gonna share it with me, right,

when I come over to binge‐watch with you?

But you’re welcome.

[Tiffany] Oh, my God, you guys, I’m so sorry, I just had to take

like, a hundred calls, and I really hope

you saved me some food.

Okay, w‐w‐what’s goin’ on here? Did... What did I miss?

‐Uh, nothing. Mn‐mn. ‐Nothing at all. Mn‐mn.

Okay, um, anyways, how would you two

like to come with me to Ms. Pia Perna’s

rockin’ holiday party tomorrow night?

Wait! You mean the Pia Perna?

‐Like, the music producer? ‐Yeah.

Like, the one who produced my entire album. Hello!

Amy, you actually met her the same day you met me

at the salon, remember?

‐Oh, wait. She was so young. ‐She is.

Which means that this party is gonna be fun, right?

[laughing]

‐Definitely. ‐Definitely.

Okay, so t‐this is gonna be a thing now.

You guys are just gonna start talking together?

‐No. ‐Uh, no. Mn‐mn.

[instrumental music]

[sighs] None of these look great.

I’m going to a gorgeously famous producer’s party

with an equally gorgeously famous singer.

You are equally as gorgeous, okay?

And you looked great in all of those.

‐Really? ‐Um, yeah.

I think the real question is

who are you trying to look amazing for.

And if we’re talking about Calvin,

that one.

This one? Okay.

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chatter]

Tiffany, when are Mona and your dad getting here?

They’re not coming, they said Jonah’s Secret Santa exchange

at school ran late, so...

Ugh, so Mona’s leaving me here with all these young people?

‐[Eve] I’m gonna need a drink. ‐But you don’t drink.

I’ll make it a virgin.

So, what did you think of the album?

Well, I‐I told Tiffany I thought it was amazing.

I mean, the album covers and the singles are perfect.

December Dreams deserves all the attention it’s getting.

Aww. Thank you. And that one was totally my baby, too.

‐Oh, yeah? You did a great job. ‐Oh, stop. Seriously.

But not really.

Now, if we can just get Frostbitten to become a hit,

right, we’ll definitely get a new record deal.

One hundred percent. Done.

♪ Fa‐la la‐la‐la la‐la‐la‐la ♪

♪ Strike the harp and join the chorus ♪

♪ Fa‐la la‐la‐la la‐la‐la‐la ♪

♪ Follow me in merry measures ♪

♪ Fa‐la‐la la‐la‐la la‐la‐la ♪

♪ While I tell of Yuletide treasure ♪

♪ Fa‐la la‐la‐la la‐la‐la‐la ♪

[indistinct chatter]

Hm.

Wow! She actually came.

[indistinct chatter]

You look...

I mean...

I have nothin’.

I will take that as a compliment.

Yeah. I’m speechless.

Well, I will say this, I didn’t go shopping for this dress.

I just happened to have it and I threw it on.

This was definitely the right choice.

[laughing]

Amy!

You made it! Yay!

I’m so happy you came.

And that dress looks great on you.

It sure does.

I think I’m gonna get a drink. You want one?

‐Please, a double. ‐Okay.

Hi, can I get a Cosmo, please? Oh, did you want another?

Yeah, uh, Shirley Temple, please.

‐Thank you. ‐Of course.

So did you see that Amy outside?

The family reunion event‐planner.

Oh, right, yeah, uh, she’s out back

with your son swooning over her.

‐Oh. ‐[Frankie] Pia!

‐Frankie. Hi. Merry Christmas. ‐Hello. Merry Christmas.

‐Thanks so much for having me. ‐Thank you for coming.

Oh, Frankie, this is Eve. Eve is Tiff’s aunt.

‐Eve, Frankie Diaz. ‐Hello.

Hey there, very nice to meet you. Happy holidays.

Well, Merry Christmas to you, too.

‐Thank you. ‐So how do you know our Tiffany?

Oh, right. Well, Pia and I go way back.

I heard Tiffany was looking for an event designer,

and I tried to get the gig, but didn’t work out.

But aren’t you with Diaz Designs?

[chuckles] Well, I am Diaz Designs.

‐My family owns it. ‐Oh!

But we did hire you.

Your event planner, Amy.

[indistinct chatter]

So I was gonna ask you.

I know you have the reunion

on the eve of Christmas Eve

and then Christmas with your parents.

Me and, me and my mom.

But I don’t have any Christmas Eve plans.

So if you don’t either, I was thinking,

you and I could watch Christmas movies if you want.

‐I would actually love that. ‐Yeah?

‐Uh, but... ‐Let me guess.

You already have a New Year’s event plan for work, huh?

No, no, it’s not that, it’s just...

‐What is it? ‐The‐the truth is...

‐Yeah? ‐My job‐‐

What job, dear?

’Cause as far as I can tell, you don’t have a job now.

Frankie? What are you doing here?

‐Frankie, hi. ‐Tiffany, hi. How are you?

I’m good. How are you?

‐Merry Christmas. ‐Merry Christmas.

Let me tell you, your girl here is killing it.

Oh, no, not really killing it,

because she quit, and took his gig.

Well, that’s not entirely true.

Oh, really, Amy? Well, then what is true?

Because Frankie said you took his job

that our family was considering his company for.

Or did you just not realize that?

Tiffany, look, I was meaning to tell you.

‐I did work for Frankie‐‐ ‐Before you took my client.

I mean, what else is there to explain, Amy?

That maybe you stole my ideas, too?

You worked for me. Your ideas were mine.

Or did you not read your contract

you signed upon your hire?

Tiffany,

I was meaning to tell you this, but‐‐

She was hoping to wait until she got final payment.

‐I’m fairly sure. ‐Okay.

Could you guys take this out front?

This is really not a good look for Tiffany.

Well, don’t you worry about that.

‐Calvin, I’m ready to go. ‐No problem, mom.

Uh...

I’ll see you later.

We should talk about this another day.

I will just see myself out.

And you’ll surely be hearing from my lawyer.

Merry Christmas, Ames.

‐Just have a misunderstanding. ‐Right.

And we spoke most of the time and she told me‐‐

[Amy] Calvin!

I’ll meet you at the car.

I’m sorry.

I‐I meant to tell you.

‐I tried to tell you. ‐Yeah, but you didn’t.

I gotta go, Amy.

[instrumental music]

‐Oh, thanks, sweetheart. ‐Here.

Oh, that’ll be Amy with the last of the drop‐offs.

‐Would you grab that, hon? ‐Certainly.

Kayleigh, hi! Where’s Amy?

Uh, Amy’s actually not feeling great,

so I’ll be taking over for the remainder of the project.

Um, she’ll be issuing a full refund

for the inconvenience, but...

‐May I come in? ‐Well, sure, come on.

[instrumental music]

Look at that, candy‐cane lane.

‐[Calvin] Told you. ‐What’d you tell me?

What exactly did you tell me?

[Eve] Aunt Alma.

Auntie?

[Calvin] Kayleigh.

I didn’t know you were

stopping by, I was just,

uh, heading out.

Amy is not here today?

Yeah, um, she asked me to cover the rest of the event,

given the circumstances.

But I’m actually glad you’re here

because I wanted to tell you

it’s my fault, the way that everything went down.

What’s your fault?

Amy did wanna tell Tiffany that we left Frankie’s company.

But I said that I would take care of it and then I just

didn’t take care of it.

I was just so mad at Frankie for trying to take this gig

away from Amy and use the designs himself.

He was a terrible boss to her.

She was up for a big promotion,

and he used his family connections to take it.

Then he was going to literally take the ideas

that Tiffany loved, use them,

and not let Amy design her own work.

Wow. That’s pretty insane.

‐I didn’t know. ‐You know...

After hearing all this

and actually meeting that man,

I’m not surprised.

Yeah, well, we really are sorry

for the way that everything went down.

And if you wanna bring someone else in to work the event...

‐We understand. ‐Hm.

Either way, Amy said it’s probably not a good idea

for her to come, so...

Unless you feel otherwise,

I’ll be here Saturday for the event alone.

‐Yeah. ‐Hm.

Hey, where’d these come from? Amy didn’t mention these.

Yeah, uh...

They are a special gift from Amy for the whole family

since you guys never exchange gifts.

Don’t worry, it’s outside the budget.

Just something she wanted to do.

[instrumental music]

I guess you kinda liked that girl, didn’t you?

Yeah, I kinda did, actually. How did you know?

I know what you look like when you’re smitten.

Hm.

Your father used to look at me that way.

And I guess

I was kind of a complicated woman as well.

You still are, mother.

‐And you like that. ‐[laughs]

‐This is sweet. ‐It is.

[knocking on door]

‐Tiffany? Hey. ‐Hi.

Eve. Hi.

‐May we come in? ‐Of course. Yeah.

This is quite tasteful.

Thank you. That means a lot coming from you.

I got all of your voicemails.

All five of them.

As well as three emails.

Right, a‐and I wanted to apologize

to you in person, but I‐‐

But you’ve already done that eight times.

Which is more than enough.

Look, the reason why we’re here

is because we wanted to say thank you.

I stopped by Aunt Alma’s this morning,

and the reunion you put together

is simply amazing.

Well, I‐I’m really glad you guys are happy.

And Aunt Eve here told me

about everything else as well, so...

‐Everything else? ‐Yeah.

About Frankie being a total jerk,

him trying to take this gig from you

and just being a crappy human, period.

Right.

So we’re sorry that that happened.

But it still doesn’t take back the fact that

what you did was inexcusable.

[Eve] That’s right, and so we feel the only way

that you could truly make it up to us

is for you to attend our family reunion,

to ensure that nothing else goes wrong.

Wait. Seriously?

Plus, I mean, it already feels like you’re part of the family,

so it would be a real shame if you missed it.

I know my son would feel that way.

You did break his heart.

And the least you could do is come back,

so you could give him his only Christmas wish.

Which is?

You, my dear.

I’ll admit I was a little bit resistant

at first.

But I could see

the minute you walked into the room with Calvin

that the two of you were feelin’ each other.

I’m just a protective mama‐bear type is all.

I thought you didn’t like me because,

I don’t know, I said something off‐putting or‐‐

Amy, if you ever said anything off‐putting,

I wouldn’t be afraid to talk to you about it, okay?

‐Trust me. Right. ‐Nor would I. Okay?

Well, thank you. A‐and your family means so much to me.

Especially Calvin.

I just wanna make sure that I’m listening.

You are.

Just took me a minute

to get used to the idea

and really see who you are.

So, do you wanna come to our family reunion?

We’d still love to have you.

‐I would love to. ‐Yay!

Okay, good. Phew! Ah...

‐Cheers. ‐Cheers.

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chatter]

Santa, Uncle Leon.

♪ See the old man on the sleigh ♪

♪ Place some presents by the tree ♪

♪ Hope there’s one for me ♪

♪ All the little girls and boys ♪

♪ See their faces lit with joy ♪

♪ Christmas lights they’re all aglow ♪

♪ Glistening in the snow ♪

♪ Bells ringing choirs singing ♪

♪ Spreading laughter and cheer ♪

‐Hey. How we doin’? ‐Hey.

How you doin’, Aunt Alma? You’re not overwhelmed, are you?

Are you kidding me? I live for this!

‐[laughing] ‐[Tiffany] I know you do.

I only wish that Gladys was here to see it.

‐Aw... ‐Ah, don’t we all, Auntie Alma?

Yeah. She sure could throw a party.

But, Tiffany, what you did here, thank you.

[Letty] It’s amazing what you did for the family.

Thank you. Anything for the family, right?

I mean, that’s what Christmas is all about

and what the Christmas family is all about.

‐That’s right. ‐[Tiffany] Oh, wow!

Look at you, little handsome man.

Aunt Tiffany, you sure look pretty, too.

‐Almost as pretty as my mom. ‐Thank you. Ah!

‐Ah! ‐My little man.

And my biggest fan.

Well, one of them. And speaking of fans...

[clears throat] Attention, everyone!

But, uh, I think we have a special guest here tonight.

There we go. There’s my little man of the house!

Oh, my goodness!

Oh, my God!

I tried, but mom keeps bossing me around instead.

I thought you weren’t coming till the 27th!

Well, I couldn’t miss the Christmas family reunion.

‐Now, could I? ‐Well, you know what?

I know you better get over here

and give your mother a big hug.

‐Oh, my, look at you! ‐Of course. Hey, mama.

‐Look at you. Good to see you. ‐Oh!

‐Are you eatin’ okay? ‐I’m‐I’m a military man.

‐I have to be in shape. ‐I know, baby.

‐All right? ‐You in shape. Look at my...

Auntie, you’re lookin’ gorgeous over there.

‐Look at your cousin. Hi. ‐Right.

‐So good to have him back. ‐Yeah.

‐[indistinct chatter] ‐[laughing]

[laughing] Good to see you.

This is turning into

the most fabulous Christmas, after all.

Yeah, sure is, huh?

Aunt Alma even made some decent candy canes.

‐Okay, got that right finally. ‐All right.

Thank you. Thank you.

She’s finally following your Grandma Gladys’ recipe.

‐Yeah, she is. ‐My goodness. Mm.

And, honey, thanks in good part

to you and all that you’ve done,

we have nearly raised over $10,000

from family donations for Stan’s Stockings.

‐We did? ‐We did.

‐[laughing] Wow. ‐Oh, honey.

You are such a marvelous man, you know that?

‐I’m very proud of you. ‐Thank you.

And you know your dad is here.

He’s here with us. And I know he’s proud of you, too.

‐Merry Christmas, baby. ‐Merry Christmas, mama.

‐Love you. ‐Love you, baby.

All right, now go and say hi to the person

who got this thing all together.

Ma, Amy’s not here.

Mm. She is, though.

Over there.

Surprise.

So Christmas miracles do come true.

Go.

[instrumental music]

Well, aren’t you gonna thank me?

‐For what? ‐For saving your money.

On a reunion photographer, of course.

Oh!

‐Thank you. ‐And thank you.

You did an amazing job on this reunion, Amy.

You didn’t even know my family just a few weeks ago.

Now it’s like you’ve known us forever.

What can I say?

My family is not really in the Christmas spirit

and... yours just

inspired me.

Well, maybe your family could come around.

We’ll be happy to have ’em at the next reunion.

You know, get them into the holiday spirit.

‐I think they’d like that. Yeah. ‐Yeah?

How about you, Amy?

‐Would you like that? ‐What?

To be at the next reunion.

’Cause I’d really like to have you at all of ’em.

‐Oh. ‐If I had it my way, actually.

Well, you know I like to be put to work.

All right, you come to the reunions

and I promise to share the table with the best view with you.

Ah.

‐Deal. ‐Deal.

[instrumental music]

[chuckles]

All right, everyone!

And now it is time for another

annual Christmas family tradition.

We do this at my mom’s house.

Christmas caroling and hot coca.

‐[applauding] ‐Cue the music.

[instrumental music]

♪ This time ♪ ♪ I won’t let you go ♪

♪ This time ♪ ♪ I want you to know ♪

♪ You’re mine ♪ ♪ I want you to stay ♪

♪ Be my gift forever on Christmas Day ♪

♪ This time ♪ ♪ We won’t be apart ♪

♪ This time ♪ ♪ I’m giving you my heart ♪

♪ You’re mine ♪ ♪ I want you to stay ♪

♪ And be here forever on Christmas Day ♪

♪ I’m sorry baby that I left you in tears ♪

♪ Broken‐hearted with no Christmas cheer ♪

♪ I know I made you feel so so blue ♪

♪ But all I want for Christmas is you ♪

♪ ’Cause last Christmas you gave me your heart ♪

♪ And this year I’ll fall apart ♪

♪ Please baby please don’t tell me no ♪

♪ Kiss me under the mistletoe ♪

♪ This time ♪ ♪ I won’t let you go ♪

♪ This time ♪ ♪ I want you to know ♪

♪ You’re mine ♪ ♪ I want you to stay ♪

♪ Be my gift forever on Christmas Day ♪

♪ This time ♪ ♪ We won’t be apart ♪

♪ This time ♪ ♪ I’m giving you my heart ♪

♪ You’re mine ♪ ♪ I want you to stay ♪

♪ And be my gift forever on Christmas Day ♪

♪ Baby baby take me by the hand ♪

♪ Hold me close in this winter wonderland ♪

♪ While we... ♪

[Amy] What is that?

My fortune said I was supposed to catch a shooting star.

It lied.

Well, at least one of our fortunes came true.

♪ You next to me ♪

What do you mean?

♪ Present this year ♪

A true path to love?

I just needed a couple lampposts to get there.

♪ I won’t let you go ♪

Just a few.

♪ I want you to know ♪

♪ You’re mine ♪ ♪ I want you to stay ♪

♪ Be my gift forever on Christmas Day ♪

♪ This time ♪ ♪ We won’t be apart ♪

♪ This time ♪ ♪ I’m giving you my heart ♪

♪ You’re mine ♪ ♪ I want you to stay ♪

♪ And be here forever on Christmas Day ♪

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪

♪ Fa‐la la‐la‐la la‐la‐la‐la ♪

♪ ’Tis the season to be jolly ♪

♪ Fa‐la la‐la‐la la‐la‐la‐la ♪

♪ Don now our gay apparel ♪

♪ Fa‐la‐la la‐la‐la la‐la‐la ♪

♪ Troll the ancient Yuletide carol ♪

♪ Fa‐la la‐la‐la la‐la‐la‐la ♪

♪ See the blazing yule before us ♪

♪ Fa‐la la‐la‐la la‐la‐la‐la ♪

♪ Strike the harp and join the chorus ♪

♪ Fa‐la la‐la‐la la‐la‐la‐la ♪

♪ Follow me in merry measures ♪

♪ Fa‐la‐la la‐la‐la la‐la‐la ♪

♪ While I tell of Yuletide treasure ♪