Original subtitles

["Joy to the World" playing over bagpipes]

I could hear that guy's bagpipe music through his headphones the entire flight.

All 13 hours of it. Welcome to Scotland.

Hi. Two of the macmistletoe mochas, please.

Thank you.

Are you sure we have enough nurses to cover Christmas to New Year's?

Oh! Merry Christmas.

[scoffs] Not you, Anna.

I mean, I do hope you have a Merry Christmas, but you know what?

Let me call you back just before the clinic closes.

Hi there. Can I get a, uh, macmistletoe mocha?

-Sounds delicious. Thanks. -Lindsay?

-Brad, it's Lindsay. -[whimsical music playing]

-Merry Christmas. [chuckles] Hi. -Sarah! Merry Christmas.

-Merry Christmas, Linds. -Yeah, Merry Christmas. Hey.

Oh, that's for us.

-Thanks. -[Brad sighs]

I'm sure you guys are tired and don't feel like talking.

-I can find something else. -No, your mom sent a car for all of us.

She timed the flights. And we need to catch up anyway.

We haven't seen you since…

-I know, Christmas at Dad's. -It's been a while.

Yeah, I guess time just got away from me with work and all.

Your brother's in the same boat at his new firm.

-His boss works him into the ground. -[cell phone vibrating]

-[Lindsay] Oh. -Speak of the scrooge.

Mm-mm. You're on Christmas vacation. He knows that.

-It's fine. -No, it's not.

You need to decompress and get into the holiday spirit.

I am in the holiday spirit, Sarah.

Hello.

-Okay. -[Sarah chuckles softly]

[soothing festive music playing]

[knocking on door]

Come in.

-You wanted to talk to me, Josephine. -Yes, their flights just landed.

They should be here in a couple of hours.

-Are their rooms ready? -[Graeme] Yes.

Brad and Lindsay are next to each other, as you requested.

-Thanks, Graeme. -Is that all?

["God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" playing]

♪ Oh, tidings of comfort and joy Comfort and joy ♪

♪ Oh, tidings of comfort and joy… ♪

[clears throat] Glencrave is supposed to be one of the premier destinations

for Christmas in Scotland.

Yeah?

Their website said the Highlands are at their greenest

during the winter months.

-Nice. -Oh.

I can't believe your mom grew up here, and you two never visited.

She never talked about it much growing up, so it was never really a priority.

[sighs] And what's with the last-minute trip, anyway?

I had to cancel a million things to be here.

[chuckles] I think she just wants us all to spend Christmas together.

She couldn't have done that in California?

I don't know. There was something different in Mom's voice.

-I think something's going on. -Well, it must be something big.

The last family vacation she took us on

was a Christmas folk festival in the desert when we were teenagers.

-[chuckles] -We stayed in a teepee.

That's when she told us she was taking that job

at the music school in Santa Cruz.

It wasn't a teepee, it was a yurt.

Right, a yurt.

-[Brad] Mm-hmm. -Uh. What's a yurt?

Mom's idea of an upgrade from a tent.

Oh. [chuckles]

Or maybe she just misses us.

Well, she thinks trapping us in the wilds of Scotland

so we can have this whole Christmas kumbaya?

She's going to have better luck finding the Loch Ness Monster.

["Deck the Halls" playing on bagpipes]

Thank you, sir.

[indistinct chatter]

Wow. Is this the hotel?

Unless we took a wrong turn between Buckingham Palace and Downton Abbey.

Wrong country.

Why don't we see if there are rooms under our names here

before we alert Scotland Yard?

-Also in England. -There it is.

That's the sense of sarcasm I missed.

[scoffs]

That's one way to slay a Christmas song.

Look at this place.

[sighs]

Can you imagine taking care of a place like this?

-Nope. But it's incredible. -Fit for a king and queen.

Actually, generations of dukes and duchesses.

The castle's been in the Glencrave clan for over 700 years.

Well, come on in. The tour is starting.

-Oh, no, no. We're not on a tour. -Yeah--

Welcome to Glencrave Castle.

My name is Hamish,

and I'll be your merry Christmas edition tour guide for today. [chuckles]

The property dates back to the 14th century.

Here at Glencrave,

we cannae get enough of the holiday spirit.

One Christmas tree feels sad and lonely,

so we have 30 right from our own hills.

-Wow. -[Hamish] And you won't have to hunt long

for a place to hang a stocking,

as lots of our cozy bedrooms have a fireplace. [chuckles]

And I know what you're all wondering,

how does Santa have the time to fill up all those stockings?

Well, here at Glencrave, we like to give old Saint Nick a wee break and fill him up

with mince pies and whisky.

And there's plenty of spare bedrooms.

Twenty-two, to be exact. [chuckles]

Just in case he needs a short winter's nap.

[laughs] But we're just getting started, so follow me, lads and lassies!

-Okay. -I guess we're definitely on the tour.

-[Brad] Tour. -Thank you.

But first, we have the castle's keep. This was the first room assembled

when the castle was built in 1491. This was to be used as a place of refuge,

should the rest of the castle fall to its enemies. [chuckles]

All the pieces here at Glencrave can be traced back to battles

or have been gifted by foreign dignitaries.

If these walls could talk. I bet Christmas was legendary back then.

Aye, and also forbidden.

This painting depicts the last Christmas at Glencrave

before the Scottish Parliament banned it in 1640.

For religious reasons, celebrating Christmas

was actually a crime up until 1958.

You have the right to remain cheerless.

The families played an impressive role

in Scottish history while looking after the community.

You'll notice the official Glencrave clan crest

throughout the castle.

The family has worn it proudly for over eight centuries.

Right this way, please, still lots to see. [chuckles]

Now, we have the upper foyer, which is a rarity in castles like this.

Who's that?

Ah, our most recent duke,

Daniel Glencrave.

He, uh, passed away a couple of weeks ago.

Oh. Right before Christmas. How sad.

-Was this his family? -Aye, it is.

Well, next we have the grand ballroom.

Kings and queens have danced its floors. [chuckles]

[gasps] You made it! Oh, Merry Christmas, everyone.

-Merry Christmas, Mom. -My babies.

-Merry Christmas, Mom. -My babies. Oh, I've missed you all.

We are going to have the best Christmas ever. Together.

-Is this where we're staying? -Yes.

-Wow. -How did you pick this place?

I grew up in the immediate area.

It's the best place in Scotland for the holidays.

Is this whole place a hotel?

-[whimsical music playing] -You could say that.

We have 20 guest rooms on the third floor.

Tours run from 10:00 till 3:00 on the two main floors

here and below, and guests are free to roam the gardens

and grounds as they wish.

However, the rest of Glencrave is strictly off limits to the public.

Graeme Frazier, Butler at Glencrave at your service.

-Nice to meet you. -How long have you worked here?

-Oh, 50 years. -[Sarah chuckles]

We really should get you to your bedrooms. You must be tired.

I'll sort your cases. This way.

Come on.

[cozy festive music playing]

Now, you're in here, Ms. Morgan.

-Oh, you can call me Lindsay. -As you wish, Lindsay.

May I help you to unpack?

Oh, no. I spent my whole life without a butler. What's one more week?

Brad and Sarah, you're right through there.

-Great. -Oh. Dinner at 8:00. Okay for everyone?

-Yeah. -No, Mom. I'm… I'm so jet lagged,

and the clinic is still open, so I was gonna be handling some calls,

and I was just going to grab something and maybe bring it to my room?

I really need to talk to you all about something.

Well, can it wait till tomorrow?

Now, you should have no issues with Wi-Fi, and the password is on the dresser.

Great.

Good night, honey. [kisses]

Got lots of Christmas activities planned for us.

-Can't wait. Thank you. -[Josephine chuckles]

Okay. "Feeling festive." Trying.

-[whimsical music playing] -[Lindsay sighs] Really, Brad?

-Hey. I've got your-- -Suitcase. Yeah, I have yours.

-This is, uh-- it's quite a sweater. -[Brad chuckles]

Sarah and I are missing our ugly Christmas sweater party this year,

so she must have packed it, figuring we could still use it. [scoffs]

I hope you're not skipping dinner because of me.

This place might be the size of Vermont,

but we can't avoid each other for a whole week.

Right. No. Look.

I think Mom has this idea that we're going to have this merry--

Morgan Christmas.

Exactly, and there are all these expectations

around the holidays for families to play Secret Santa

and be singing around the piano.

And wear bad sweaters and drink eggnog.

Exactly. So, let's just keep it cordial.

Yeah, give Mom the Christmas she wants.

Yeah, and then we can just go on with our lives.

-Works for me. -All right.

-[Brad] All right. -Thank you.

[Brad sighs]

Oh, come on. Really?

[uplifting music playing]

Can you hear me? I'm heading outside. Can you hear me now? Okay, great.

No, but that's the thing. It wasn't due until after New Year's.

Right. Okay, just look somewhere on my desk,

and just use my electronic signature, okay?

All right, thanks.

-[sighs] -[sighs]

Beautiful, eh?

-Mm, yeah, it really is beautiful. -I was referring to the lights. [chuckles]

There's thousands of Christmas lights here at Glencrave.

Oh, that's… that's a lot of lights, and they are very pretty. [chuckles]

Listen, if you're sticking around, there's a big bonfire to celebrate

the Christmas solstice in a few days' time.

I don't think I'll be here long enough for that.

Well, that's not the enthusiasm

I'd expect at such an enchanting time and place.

The romance, the history, the lore.

Glencrave's straight out of a fairy tale at Christmastime.

Well, that sounds lovely, but sadly I don't think that's the kind of Christmas

I have in store this year.

Hmm.

Even so, Nollaig Chridheil.

-Excuse me? -It means Merry Christmas.

I'm not even going to attempt that, but Merry Christmas.

[Sarah humming softly]

-Look what I got for Lindsay. -Nice.

Wait. You didn't even look.

You know, you should try making more of an effort with her.

It's the holidays.

You know how people always say when they haven't seen someone for a while

that it's like no time has passed? You just pick right up where you left off?

-Yeah. -[Brad] Yeah.

That's not how it is for me and Lindsay.

I never understood you two.

I mean, you were super close as kids, right?

Yes, we were, but we're not kids anymore.

It's easier for you.

You do everything with your sister and your mom.

No family is perfect, Brad.

At a certain point, the statute of limitations

runs out on everything,

including trying to rekindle a long-lost bond at Christmas.

Does that apply to spouses too?

[sentimental music playing]

I'm going to take a walk.

-[door opens] -[sighs]

-Hey. -You seen Mom? That's the fourth floor.

It's off limits. Why is she going up there?

No idea.

Well, I'm going to eat and get some sleep.

Okay.

["Joy to the World" playing on bagpipes]

-Where's the snooze button on this guy? -[Sarah groans]

Ah.

-Oh, hey. -Hey.

[Brad] Did you get Mom's text?

She's at breakfast. Sarah is still sleeping.

Yeah, yeah, I'll be down there in just a second.

Wait, the fourth floor are the private rooms, right?

So don't you think it's weird we saw Mom going up there last night?

I guess.

Wait, so-- w-- w-- what? You're going up there?

-Yeah. -Lindsay, no. Hey, just ask her. Lindsay!

[whimsical music playing]

Hey, let's go, Nancy Drew.

-Are you-- -[gasps]

-Can I help you? -Oh. Um, hello.

-We were just-- -We were just looking for our rooms.

-[Brad] Yes. -These are the private quarters, ma'am.

-Oh, right. Yes. -Oh. You know what?

I think we must have come up one floor too many.

-We did. An extra floor. -Right? Okay, sorry about that.

-So sorry. -All right.

[Brad sighs]

Okay, I told you this was a bad idea.

Let's get out of here before we get caught for real this time.

She came here for a reason.

Lindsay, she said this is a private area.

Do not…

-I know, but I want to know. -[sighs] …go in there.

[whispering] Oh. There's Mom's sweater.

Look at this room. It is huge.

We're not supposed to be in here. [whispering] Hey, this is a bad idea.

-Let's go. Lindsay. -[whispering] Look at all this.

Wait.

-[whispering] Hey, stop snooping around. -[whispering] Look at this.

-Come here. It's Mom. -What?

[curious music playing]

[gasps]

Look at this, "May 27, 1963."

"12th Duke and Duchess of Glencrave welcome heiress."

That's Mom's birthday.

[Josephine] ♪ …Christmas And a happy New Year ♪

Oh, hello. What are you doing in here?

That might be a question we should be asking you.

Did you really bring us here just to celebrate Christmas?

You know how much I love Christmas.

Okay, but are you a duchess who loves Christmas, or…?

I was supposed to be.

What's going on here?

Well, I suppose it's time you learned the truth.

[festive bagpipe music playing]

[man] Where are you going?

I thought everyone had gone to bed.

I saw the car lights from my window. The American's outside, isn't he?

You know how Mother and Father feel about him, and the music.

I don't care.

-I'm going with him. -Going where?

California.

-We're going to travel with his band. -But it's Christmas tomorrow.

Please don't leave without talking to Mother and Father.

-They won't understand. -When are you coming back?

You're coming back, right?

This place,

this world,

it isn't me, Danny.

Despite your constant irreverence to this family,

this is who you are, and you can't change that.

When I sing, I feel free…

and I'm always reminded of the path that's been chosen for me.

I don't accept that anymore, Danny.

If you walk out that door, Mother and Father may never take you back.

Don't go.

Merry Christmas, Danny.

I love you.

I love you too.

So, there you have it.

Glencrave and the title to it are my family birthright.

You told us your parents had a sheep farm.

And they died in a car accident before we were born.

They did die in a car accident.

After we were born?

-Why did you lie to us all these years? -It's complicated.

Well, enlighten us, please.

Everyone knows how glorious Glencrave is, but I didn't fit in here.

I just wanted to be normal, but that was never going to happen

because as Lady Josephine, as the eldest, I was to be the duchess.

So, you just left?

When I was 20.

We moved to America, started our folk group,

and then… our little family.

So, Daniel became the duke?

Yes. It was a massive responsibility I didn't want.

Danny was much better suited to it.

In the States, I was finally in charge of my own life.

I wanted you both to have that too, a normal life.

Did you stay in touch with him?

For a while.

Eventually, months passed without a call, and then years until then

finally Danny and I weren't in touch at all.

I did try and reach him just recently.

I wanted to see him.

But he died of a heart attack.

Did he know about us?

He did.

So, you cheated him out of knowing us and us knowing him

and our grandparents too?

I guess part of me just wanted to protect you from my family drama.

Protect us? Mom!

You kept your identity hidden all these years

so you could embrace your true self.

Yes, while the whole time denying us our true selves.

I'm sorry.

It was wrong, and I will live with regrets every day

for the rest of my life.

But it is my fondest wish that this trip can be

a moment of healing, to all have a nice family Christmas together.

You need this, we all need this.

What I need is some air.

Me too.

[energetic music playing]

You might say we're known for our knight life.

Get it? Knights! [laughs] I heard the news!

And to think I was in the presence of greatness yesterday,

and I hadn't a clue.

-No, no, no, no. -Ladies and gentlemen,

it is my great honor to present to you--

-Yeah, no. -N-- N-- N-- No. Just-- Just--

-Just boring Americans. -Yeah, nothing to see here.

-Have a good tour. -[Lindsay] Okay.

[Hamish] Such humility. [chuckles] I can respect that.

[sighs] I feel like I am in the middle of some twisted royal tale.

I know, but it's actually happening.

I mean, you go through your whole life believing one thing,

and then boom, the rug is pulled out from under you.

It's just so backwards.

I feel cheated. We should have known about this.

This should have been part of our lives

if it wasn't for Mom keeping all these secrets from us.

I know. To not have known our uncle and our grandparents?

-Known about this castle? -[Lindsay] Look at this place.

-What do you think will happen to it? -I don't know.

Sarah's back there with Mom. Maybe she'll get to the bottom of it.

-You guys okay? You seem off. -Well, it's a lot to unpack.

-Do you want to talk about it? -Not really.

You haven't exactly been part of our lives, Lindsay.

Uh-- Of course I have.

You were gone before the first toast at our wedding.

Because you booked your wedding the weekend

before my med school entrance exams.

And you know what? You never even showed up at my graduation.

That was the day before tax day

and our biggest client was going through an audit. I tried.

I mean, the last time we saw you was two years ago at Dad's,

and you never come to our ugly Christmas sweater parties anymore.

You stopped inviting me.

[Lindsay grunts]

-I'm gonna change my flight. -You're leaving?

I mean, is there a reason to stay?

-Whoa. Whoa, hey, hey. Ssh. Hey, hey. -[horse neighs]

-Easy, lass. Easy. -Oh. Hi, again.

Hiya. Sorry about that. Bonnie's a Clydesdale.

Very sweet, but also very temperamental.

I see. Do you… do you work here?

Glencrave property manager, Mac Bell.

I'm Lindsay Morgan. This is my brother, Brad.

-Nice to meet you. -You too.

Any chance you want a tour?

-I'm about to head out. -No, that's very--

Actually, Lindsay was just saying

that she would love to see the grounds.

-[Lindsay] What? -Oh! And you?

Yeah, no, I actually have to get back to my wife,

-but I'll catch you later. -Oh, right.

I-- But I…

-Look, if you're busy, I understand. -No, it's just--

-I'm trying to book a seat on a flight. -[Mac] Aye, aye.

So, you've come all the way over to Scotland,

and you're going to leave before you get the opportunity to discover

your family and your land?

Not to mention missing all of our holiday traditions,

which is the greatest ever.

-So, you've heard? -These walls can talk.

-You know what? A quick tour. -Great.

-Yeah, just a little-- little tour. -Yeah. Come on. Up you get.

[festive music playing]

Sorry. I wasn't exactly myself last night. Things have been a little tense.

Family's a lot, especially around the holidays.

You throw in 30,000 acres of history, and you're bound to be a bit overwhelmed.

Thirty thousand? This place is 30,000 acres?

Did you know your family has 30 bathrooms?

Why does anyone need 30 bathrooms?

Oh, it's better than fighting with your big sister

who hogs the one bathroom that you share.

-Isla drove me doolally. -What?

-Scottish for "crazy." [chuckles] -Oh. Right. Hm.

Are you two close?

We never used to be. We fought all the time as kids,

but she's my best friend now.

Actually, she's just had a baby girl not too long ago.

Oh, so you're an uncle.

The greatest thing, having a wee one in the family.

These woods have the best Christmas trees in the world.

Wait, and you're responsible for all of this?

-Call me a Mac of all trades. [chuckles] -[chuckles]

So, this bonfire, is it for that party you mentioned?

The winter Christmas solstice, yeah.

It's a celebration of the longest night of the year.

It's a big thing at Glencrave, with Shetland ponies,

all the townspeople and workers.

They bring their families. Right. [clears throat]

[grunts] So, what do you do, Lindsay Morgan?

-I'm a doctor in California. -[Mac] Oh.

-A general practitioner. I run a clinic. -Do you like it?

You know, it's a little bit more paperwork than I bargained for, and I…

I do miss being more hands-on with the patients,

but the promotion was nice.

[sighs] Paper can never replace people.

You're right, it can't.

-And your brother? -He's a tax attorney.

-Good to have one of those in the family. -Yeah, sure.

You're not, um, close with your brother?

Well, I think we're kind of maybe the opposite of you and your sister.

We were really close as kids, but I guess not so much anymore.

-[Mac] Why? -Maybe the best way to explain it

would be this tree.

It's beautiful. It's strong.

[soft music playing]

But the more you cut away and cut away at it,

eventually it falls down, and it never grows back.

We've just kind of drifted apart.

Well, I see things a little differently.

Here.

You mind digging a hoe?

-[Lindsay] Hmm? -[Mac chuckles] Aye.

Every plant, every tree that I cut down…

[clears throat] …if you nurture it,

eventually it'll grow back stronger than ever.

It's too bad this tree is gonna turn into firewood.

-It's such a perfect tree. -I don't know.

We could do with another Christmas tree at Glencrave.

Why? 'Cause the 30 you have aren't enough?

[chuckles] No, we need one decorated by you.

I hope you stay till Christmas, Lindsay Morgan of California.

[Lindsay, Brad and Mac grunting]

[Mac] Oi! That's heavy. [chuckles]

Another tree?

Do you guys wanna help me decorate it?

Why don't we put it up in there? I'll go and get a tree stand.

-Yeah, maybe we-- -Yeah, we'll just-- just wait right here.

-Okay. Wanna…? Should we try and-- -[Lindsay] Yeah.

On three. Ready? One, two, three. [grunts]

-Yeah, no. We should wait. -Okay, it's super heavy.

This one for the tree in the keep. What? The big ones draw the eye.

It's what people want to see, Lindsay.

[Lindsay] That's all you're gonna be able to see from halfway across the castle.

Mom, I still don't understand what was so terrible about this place

that you took a wrecking ball to your family.

That you would keep an entire branch of our family tree a secret from us.

Lindsay, do you remember how badly you wanted to go to med school?

Well, of course.

Imagine if I'd forbid you from doing that.

And, Brad, what if I told you you… you couldn't marry Sarah?

I was told I had to go to a certain school.

I had to marry into a suitable family.

I was taught how to walk, how to talk, how to wave.

It was all about duty before personal desires and interests.

Yeah, but why not tell us? I mean, we would have understood.

-[Brad] Yeah. -I should have, but to move forward,

I felt I had to close the door on that part of my life. It…

was too painful.

Jo, what's going to happen to Glencrave?

Well, as you know, Danny left it all to me.

But I can't run this place.

I don't even know if I'm welcome around here anymore.

I think Danny knew that, so he had a wish in his will

that I spend one last Christmas here at Glencrave…

and bring all of you.

Mom, you didn't answer the question. What's going to happen to Glencrave?

If you're interested, I'll pass it down to you.

You mean like we just own it? Just like that?

Yes. [chuckles] You can live here and run the estate,

keep Glencrave in the family.

[scoffs] Mom, this isn't Downton Abbey.

And what? We just, like, become a duke and a duchess?

-What? -I have total control of Glencrave now.

Lindsay, if you want to be a duchess, you can be a duchess.

Brad and Sarah, the same, you can also hold the titles.

And what if we don't want to?

We just, like, put a giant "for sale" sign on the grounds?

I'm meeting with an attorney and an estate agent

to weigh our options, but essentially, yes.

And how would Danny feel about that?

Not good, but expected.

Why does it feel like we would be letting down a man

that we know nothing about?

I'd like to show you something.

[door creaks]

[festive music playing]

What is all of this?

Danny's work. He was an expert craftsman.

He spent the entire year working towards Christmas.

He'd play Santa for the solstice celebration

and give it all away to the kids.

Wo. The time that must have taken…

He always used to say it was like Christmas

all year round in here.

He'd spend hours when he was a little boy in here with our grandfather.

Danny had a real gift.

And he was generous with it.

He had several serious girlfriends over the years,

but he never married or had kids. He always took care of everyone else.

Why don't we hit the town tonight, hmm?

The Christmas Highland dancers are performing,

and there is a wonderful market. We could get some Christmas shopping done.

All right.

-[footsteps thumping] -[bagpipes playing]

-Wait. Is that Hamish the tour guide? -Hamish is a Highland hunk.

-[chuckles] -Lord of the prance.

Wow. Look at those moves. How does he defy gravity like that?

Brad, Sarah, come on up here. The more the merrier!

[chuckles] No. No, no, no, no, no, no.

Oh, come on. You know you want to!

-Are you afraid? -Uh, afraid?

-You did not just say that. -[chuckles]

-[Josephine] Oh! [chuckles] -Let's go.

Yes! Come on, Brad!

-Okay. -Oh…

-[chuckles] -[chuckling] Nice moves.

-None for you? -No, no, no. I really don't dance.

Oh. We should change that.

-No. No, I-- -Come on, let's go.

[chuckles] Yeah, yeah, yeah.

-[Brad laughs] -[chuckles] Yeah!

[laughter]

[indistinct chatter, laughter]

[music fades]

-You cut a fine rug, Lindsay Morgan. -[laughs] You're not bad yourself.

Until next time.

-Morgan clan! [laughs] -[gasps, laughs]

Thanks for coming to our Christmas show. I'm honored.

-You were amazing. -How did you get so good?

Well, you might say it's all about impressing the ladies.

-Oh. -[Hamish laughs]

-[laughs] -Oh, look.

Oh, we could make kissing boughs. They promote fertility.

I'm still hoping for a grandchild in my future, you know.

There it is. It only took you 24 hours, Mom.

-An old lady can wish, can't she? -[Brad] Mm-hmm.

Yes, and Merry Christmas.

Elspeth? Is that you?

Josephine?

-Merry Christmas. -[chuckles] Merry Christmas.

This is my son Brad and his wife Sarah, and this is my daughter Lindsay.

[chuckles softly]

This is Elspeth, my best friend growing up.

-Merry Christmas. -[Josephine laughs]

-Hi. Merry Christmas. -Merry Christmas.

-Come through. -All right, we'll…

we'll pay for these and meet you inside.

[Josephine] Okay.

I suppose we will take all of these.

Beautiful store. You always had an eye for fashion.

Thank you.

So, how have you been?

-All right, under the circumstances. -I'm sorry about your brother.

He was a good man. This town loved him.

I know. He was a man of the people.

I missed you after you left.

I'm so sorry I never said goodbye.

I knew what you were going through. I just wish I'd been there for you.

Oh, Elspeth, you were, as much as you could have been.

We were 20.

-[chuckles] -Hi.

-Are you all in town for Christmas? -We are, yes. It's so beautiful here.

Oh, please say you're staying for the Glencrave Christmas ball.

-It's the best night of the year. -[chuckles]

Sounds like fun. [chuckles]

I didn't want to spring everything on them all at once,

but we can go if you like.

Uh. We'll discuss it later.

-Your dresses are so gorgeous, Elspeth. -Oh, thank you. [chuckles]

Brad, why don't you and Lindsay go grab a pint.

And just in case, Jo and I can pick out a dress.

-Hmm. -Um… Yeah, why not?

-Grab a drink? -Yeah. Yeah, sure.

Great.

Okay. Back in a bit.

-Oh, wow. -[Josephine] Yes

[indistinct chatter]

Hey, hey. Merry Christmas.

-[Brad] Merry Christmas. -Welcome to Salinger's.

I'm Charlie. What can I get you?

-Well, what do you recommend? -Are you feeling daring tonight?

-I am. -Oh.

How about a Bad Santa? It's a whip cool, bourbon, and eggnog.

Too many of those, and I will definitely be on the naughty list.

-[chuckles] All right. -[chuckles]

-Americans, eh? -Yeah, San Francisco.

-Los Angeles. -Ah, sunshine.

You know, there's a saying here in Scotland.

We have two seasons, June and winter.

-[chuckles] -[chuckles]

And if we didn't have Glencrave here, I'm not sure anyone would make it

to our wee neck of the woods.

Does anything not revolve around Glencrave here?

Apparently all roads lead back to our long-lost family.

-Yeah. -Enjoy.

-Thank you so much. -[speaks Scottish Gaelic]

[chuckles] He means, long may your chimney smoke.

He wishes you good health.

-Oh. Thank you. -And to you. Thank you.

-Cheers. -Here we go.

Ho, ho, ho!

-Merry Christmas. -It's a wee bit strong, eh?

-Yes, but great. Thank you. -Thank you. Wow. [chuckles]

-People are so nice here. -Oh, they're so nice.

I know, and there's no smog, there's no cars honking.

No 15-hour work days.

[sighs]

So, are you gonna tell me what's going on with you and Sarah,

or is it going to take another couple of these?

[chuckles] It's still complicated, Lindsay.

I get it. I know.

I'm probably the last person you want to talk to

about all this stuff, but you got to get it out,

everything that's bottled up.

You're not the last person. It's just not like you and I have been

in the feeling sharing business for these last few years.

[chuckles softly]

[sentimental music playing]

Sarah and I have been going through a bit of a rough patch.

When we married, we thought that we'd be better off just the two of us.

Being children of divorce, we didn't want any kids.

Yeah, I understand.

And it was a choice. But now, with the window closing,

Sarah really wants a baby,

and we've been trying IVF with no luck.

-I'm sorry. -Yeah, yeah.

So, it's been really hard on her.

And…

And to be honest, I don't even know if I'm cut out to be a father.

I mean, look at our role models. We are products of folk rock.

Okay, look, I don't think folk rock is a prerequisite

for being a bad parent. I think you'd make a great dad.

Thank you.

I don't know what we're going to do.

-Well, you got to communicate. -Well, sometimes it's… it's not so easy.

I mean, if anyone knows that, it's us.

Us? What do you-- What does that mean?

Sometimes you can make a little bit more of an effort.

-So could you. -See? This-- Okay, that's… that's why

I don't ever have this conversation with you

because you immediately go on the defensive.

No, I don't. I'm just trying to talk it out.

I mean, it works both ways.

[woman] Lady Josephine abandons her family for America,

leaves the duke by himself.

Now, we either get her or her children with no connection to Scotland.

I shudder to think what will happen to Glencrave.

[Josephine] You know, you don't look a day over 30.

Ach, you're off your head. You're the one who looks braw.

-[speaks Scottish Gaelic] -[laughs]

It's like Mom popped out of a Scottish time machine.

-Oh, it's been too long. -[Josephine chuckles]

-[bell ringing] -Customers. Talk later.

Okay. [chuckles]

-I'm gonna stay until after Christmas. -And…

we are too.

-Just no more secrets. -No more secrets.

-[knocking on door] -[Graeme] Lindsay, wake up!

[Lindsay groans] Come in.

-Lindsay, I need your help. -What's wrong?

Mac's fallen off his horse. He's hurt. Please, come with me now.

Of course. I'm… I'm going to get dressed.

-How's the pain now? -It's getting better.

-[winces, grunts] -We're definitely going to the hospital.

That's a couple of hours away. I can go to the clinic in town.

Look, I don't think it's broken, but just in case,

does this clinic have an X-ray machine?

Not likely, but… but trust me, the clinic is just fine.

All right, if this doctor thinks you need an X-ray,

I'm taking you to the hospital.

-If you say so, but-- -No buts. Let's go.

Good morning. [sighs]

-Good morning. -Good morning.

-Is Lindsay still asleep? -No.

Mac fell off his horse, and she went to the doctor with him.

-Thank you so much. -Oh. I hope he's all right.

-She said he seems fine. So… -Oh.

-Could I have some coffee, please? -Breakfast is served.

We have black pudding, kippers, smoked Arbroathies,

-porridge, and haggis. -[playful music playing]

Oh. Um, what's haggis?

It's a local delicacy made of tender cuts of mutton.

Yes, we take a sheep's heart, and we dice--

Uh. You know what? Never mind. Can I just have some toast?

Oh. Well, here in Scotland we like a hearty breakfast.

It helps to put meat on the bones for the harsh winters.

Now I get why you moved to California.

I'm glad someone can laugh about it.

-Pure barry. -Oh, no. His name is Mac.

It's an old Scottish saying for "Brilliant,"

as in "What were you thinking?"

This is Lindsay, Dr. Morgan, she did the splint.

-Nice work, Dr. Morgan. -Oh, thank you.

-This boy is accident-prone. -Mm.

Eight broken bones,

broken nose from a run-in with a rugby goalpost,

and a dislocated shoulder from trying to move a car off the road.

Really? It sounds like you guys have known each other a long time.

Since November the 1st, 1981.

Dr. Bell is my mother, Amerila.

-Guilty. Nice to meet you. -Nice to meet you too.

Wow, I bet you are very, very busy

with the nearest hospital being two hours away.

Beyond. Well, thankfully we got Shelly McGregor in on time last night.

-She had a wee little lad, 12-pounder. -Oh.

[Amerila] For the 12 Days of Christmas, apparently.

[laughs] Yeah, I'm a general practitioner now,

but I worked in obstetrics my first three years out of med school.

I've delivered a lot of babies round here who don't want to wait for the hospital.

Lindsay manages her clinic too, Mom.

-Oh, impressive. -Hmm.

Well, no offense, but for me, that's the most painful part of the job.

I am so glad you said that. Me too.

Well, managing people is like herding cats.

And the paperwork.

-Yes, and the red tape. -And the regulations.

-Thank you. -Exactly.

-I think you got lucky. -Oh.

Looks like just a sprain.

But no more riding for a while, and careful managing all that firewood

-for the solstice. -I--

I'm serious.

Too busy to have you coming through my door again.

-She is. I saw the waiting room. -[chuckles softly]

Well, long hours, house calls, and the pay hasn't made me a rich woman.

I need two of me, but the resumes aren't exactly piling up.

You mean you weren't happy with the candidates.

She's a wee bit of a perfectionist, my mom.

-I see. But it is worth it? -Aye, it is.

I love this town. You know, it reminds me of one of those little Christmas villages

that you see on top of a mantel, has all of these cozy little houses

and everyone looks so happy and cheerful.

Yeah, well, that's the Christmas spirit for you.

[chuckles] Hey, very cute.

Oh, those are cute. They remind me of these matching Christmas plaid pajamas

-my mom used to get us. -Oh.

Before my parents divorced.

I feel like that was one of the only times of the year

we'd actually take a family photo.

I bet you looked lovely.

-Oh, well, of course I did. [chuckles] -[chuckles]

I just wish we were still just as close as a family.

Well, sometimes in order to go forward, you have to take a step back.

-[cell phone ringing] -Hmm.

Oh, speaking of my mom.

-Hey, Mom. -How's Mac?

Uh, he's right here. Hold on. I'll put you on speaker.

-[chuckles] -He's doing all right.

-Thankfully, nothing's broken. -Just my pride, Jo. [chuckles]

Glad to hear you're okay. Listen, Elspeth just called.

It's last minute, but her husband owns a distillery,

and he's asking if we all want to be judges

in the annual Christmas whisky competition today.

-You too, Mac. -I'd love to. Thanks, Jo.

Wait, no, no, no, no. I don't know anything about whisky,

-other than I like it. -You're half Scottish.

It's in your blood already. [chuckles]

He's right, Lindsay. It'll be a new adventure.

And free samples.

Okay, not too many free samples. I-- Do you really want to do this?

-Yeah, of course. -Okay. You know what? We're in.

-We'll see you later. -Yes.

[all chuckle]

Okay, I have no business judging whisky.

Mark Twain once said, "Too much of anything is bad,

but too much good whisky is barely enough."

-[chuckles] -[chuckles]

[Mr. Abernathy] Ladies and gentlemen, Merry Christmas.

Welcome to Kilbride.

We've been making Scotch whisky here for 200 years.

But today, it's all about blending the perfect holiday spirit,

a Christmas whisky that will capture the heart of the Highlands,

maybe take top spot at the Glencrave Christmas ball.

Anyone can distill malted barley into whisky,

but by law, it can't be called Scotch

unless it's aged in an oak barrel in Scotland

for at least three years.

When the process we saw downstairs is complete,

the alcohol is poured into these oak casks to age.

Forty-four bottles of Scotch whisky are shipped around the world

every second.

If a year's output were laid end to end,

it would reach to the North Pole and back 60 times.

-[exhales sharply] -Who is ready to judge?

[lively music playing]

Ladies and gentlemen, the cards have been counted,

-the bribes have been pocketed. -[crowd laughs]

It's time to announce the winner. Before I do,

I'd like to thank all our judges,

particularly our new friends from California.

[chuckles]

The winning whisky, the blend that will be served

at this year's Glencrave Christmas ball, is…

'Tis the Scotch.

[crowd cheers, applauds]

-[Lindsay] Excellent choice. -Did you pick that one?

-Yes. -That one was my favorite.

That was so much fun.

Hey, do you remember the Christmas

when we entered the neighborhood hot cocoa contest?

-Yes. -We threw everything in ours.

Pretzels and marshmallows and cookie crumbles.

Peanut butter, and… and… and you called it the dirty--

-Reindeer. -[Brad] Yes.

Yes, dirty reindeer.

I remember they came home wearing it on their shirts.

These two could get so messy together.

My mom would lose it.

-Mom was never bothered by it. -No, you were all about having fun.

I just wanted you to be yourselves, whatever that meant.

Great job, Morgans. You're naturals.

-[laughs] -[laughs]

So, Uncle Daniel, did he ever host this event?

[sighs] He didn't just host it, he started it.

-Really? -Yeah, he loved whisky and a good party,

for that matter. The title comes with a lot of perks.

Oh. Duke perks, I like it.

Yeah, they're good. But Jo will tell you that Glencrave,

it's not all play and no work.

Budgets, staffing, farming, infrastructure.

Hmm, never thought about it that way.

It's a big job, but the payoff is even bigger.

It's a rewardable role because when Glencrave is a success,

everyone's a success.

It's what keeps our little town ticking. Hmm.

Morgans, come try our new whisky and fig Christmas cake.

-Uh, yes! -[all chuckle]

Oh, Mac. You got to ease up on the sales pitch.

Yeah, I know. I'm sorry for piling on. I just--

I wanted you to understand the reality of Glencrave.

I know, but no one here even knows us.

And we wouldn't know the first thing about any of that stuff

you were just talking about.

Yeah, I can help you. I know every nook and cranny of this castle.

Budgets, balance sheets, Daniel taught me everything,

and I'm not going anywhere.

I'm here to help you if you need me.

Thank you. That really does mean a lot.

But I can't just up and leave everything behind.

You know? And Brad and I, our relationship is tenuous at best.

-And without that-- -You seem to be getting along.

Yeah, it's better.

It's just we have years of walls built up, and I--

[sighs]

I don't know that one Christmas vacation in Scotland

is going to tear them all down.

[sentimental music playing]

-Morning. -Oh, Lindsay. You're up early.

Are you going to help me to decorate?

I have to get ready to meet Mac in a minute, but, yeah, I have time.

They're Kiltmas shortbread cookies.

-Oh, so, you bake. -I am the baking butler.

-[chuckles] -So, tell me, how has your trip been?

You know what? I love Scotland.

It's so beautiful, and the people are just--

Yes, they are wonderful, aren't they?

Yeah, they are. [breathes deeply]

I think I've just been having a little bit of a hard time

digesting everything, you know, all of the Glencrave family stuff.

And Brad and I, well, you know we're sorting through things.

But I'm hopeful.

I'm sure we've all had our ups and downs.

Well, I've seen it all, you know, 50 years of family dramas. [chuckles]

Try this perspective.

This morning, I decided to try a new Christmas pudding soufflé recipe.

Now, every time I took the soufflés out of the oven,

they fell.

And the more I tried, the worse it got.

So, I decided to take a deep breath, a step back,

and I made some freshly baked cookies instead.

So, a fresh start.

-Aye. -All right.

-Hey. What are you up to? -Hey. Where are you going?

I got a text from Mac about rounding up

some Shetland ponies for the solstice celebration.

Yeah, me too. Is Sarah coming?

No, she's going to hang back with Mom.

-Oh. -Yeah. Maybe you should just go.

I don't want to be a third wheel on your date.

-We should both go. -Are you sure?

Yeah, totally sure. I'm just going to get dressed,

-and I'll meet you downstairs. -Okay.

[festive music playing]

Look at the Shetlands. They're so--

-Christmassy. -[Brad] Yeah. [chuckles]

I was going to say cute, that too.

Shetlands have always been associated with the holidays in Scotland.

I like to think they have some deep meaning,

but really people just love to see the little baggers

-pulling the kids around in wagons. -[both laugh]

[Mac] You know, they eat, sleep, and roam together.

Some can get ornery, others are a bit more easygoing,

but they always stick together.

Have a look around. There's a wee cafe just down the way,

if you want to grab something to warm you up. I can meet you there.

-Sure. -[Brad] Great.

It reminds me of when we went to see Santa at the zoo

that one year when we were kids. They put the red nose on that reindeer.

-[chuckles] -[chuckles] Yeah.

-That was a really patient reindeer. -It was.

Yeah, that was the last Christmas before Mom and Dad got divorced.

Yeah. And we had no idea what was coming.

Just two kids enjoying the holidays.

You know, after they told us…

you really looked out for me.

That's what big brothers are supposed to do, right?

Yeah.

You were the one person who made me feel safe.

[sentimental music playing]

Why did you say that I would make a great dad?

You took care of me…

like a dad would.

[soft uplifting music playing]

Look at us.

This is way more than a cordial Christmas.

[chuckles]

[Sarah] These things are huge.

I'm used to having just a sprig of mistletoe

hanging over a door.

I can only imagine the passion.

-[chuckles] -[chuckles]

Sarah…

I hope I didn't overstep at the Christmas market.

You and Brad would make great parents, but it's your life,

and you both have to do what's best for yourselves.

I just want you to be happy.

Thanks, Jo. That means a lot.

You know I'm always here to talk.

Mm.

Now I've got to get to a meeting

with the financial people and an estate agent.

[sighs] So many affairs to get in order.

[whispers] Thanks.

[hopeful music playing]

[sighs]

-[Lindsay] Mm. [chuckles] -Mm. Mm.

Sometimes the simplest things are the best.

I know.

-Why can't everything be like this? -[Brad] Hmm. Mm-mm.

-What is it? -I'm just thinking. I don't know.

We gotta talk. What are we gonna do about Glencrave?

Oh. [chuckles] I don't know.

I mean, I'm not sure I'm brave enough

to just dive into something like this, just drop everything

for a new country, a title…

especially after I just started this new job back home?

And Sarah, I don't know if she'd want to leave her family.

But at the same time…

there's something about this place.

I can't explain it. I just feel refreshed.

-And focused. -Yes.

-You too? -Yes.

But are we really just getting caught up in the fantasy?

You know, it's Christmas time, and there's a castle,

and our family's secret.

You know, are we just caught up in the ghost of Christmas past?

-Maybe. -Have you talked to Sarah about it?

Mm-mm.

We're already going through enough as it is. So--

Brad, you have to talk to her.

Yeah.

You guys have this thing that I have always hoped to find.

You have this ability to be on the same page in life,

you get each other.

Thanks. Thanks, but not lately.

I think… you need to remember why you fell in love.

You need to find that again.

Thanks, Linds.

-Thank you. -Ah. Thank you.

-All right. -Thank you.

Hmm.

That hot chocolate, it's looking…

it's looking a little boring.

[chuckles]

-It does. -Right.

[playful music playing]

[chuckles]

-[Brad] Mm-hmm. -Better all ready.

-That's for you. -[Lindsay] Yep. Fantastic.

Has to have some of this.

[laughs]

Last sprinkle for good luck.

-Merry Christmas. -Oh. Merry Christmas.

-Mm! -Mm! Hm, hm.

Oh, it's just like the good old days. [chuckles]

-Ah, delicious. [chuckles] -Perfection. [chuckles]

Wow. [chuckles] I see you've been busy.

Mm! It's called a dirty reindeer. Do you want one?

-Why not? -Yes.

One more hot cocoa for this fine gentleman, please.

-[chuckles] -Oh, wow.

[Josephine] Thank you so much for your help. Bye-bye.

-Graeme. -Yes, miss.

I mailed a letter to Danny just before he died.

-Have you any idea if he got it? -No, I don't.

But Daniel used to collect his own post.

-I could try to find it if you wish. -It's okay.

I've looked everywhere.

Thank you so much for bringing us.

Any time.

Hey, I'm hosting a party tonight at Salinger's,

just a few friends and family. I hope you can make it.

Hi.

-How'd the kissing bows go? -Great. And the ponies?

Let's just say Rudolph has a solid B team this year.

-Sarah, there's a thing at-- -Mac's having a party at--

Salinger's, Yeah.

Can we just have fun tonight, like we used to?

Yeah.

-Perfect. -Great.

[bagpipes playing]

[indistinct chatter]

Just a few friends? [chuckles]

Well, you didn't get dressed up for no reason. Come join us!

Lindsay, you're just in time. I could use your hand back here.

-Sure. -[Mac] Yeah.

-Okay. What should I do? -Uh, just pour and serve.

-These good folks will do the rest. -Sounds good. This is amazing.

-Yeah. -Hey there. Merry Christmas.

["Jingle Bells" playing on bagpipes]

You sure know how to throw a party.

Aye. Well, it's go big or go home in Scotland. [chuckles]

You know, I never got to ask you how you became

the property manager at Glencrave.

Well, my dad did it as long as I can remember.

I worked for him until he died, and then Daniel asked me to take over.

Mm. I'm sorry to hear about your dad.

Yeah, thanks.

You know, you mentioned your sister. You said that when you guys were little,

-you used to fight a lot. -Yeah, we were very competitive.

Right. Do you have any regrets with her?

Sure. Who doesn't when it comes to siblings?

The main thing is, is that we figured it out.

-How'd you do that? -An appreciation for one another.

I think when Dad died, we understood how important family can be,

and it does us no harm that we live down the road from each other.

[chuckles] We talk about everything.

[chuckles]

-Dr. Bell, Merry Christmas. -Merry Christmas.

And please, I tell everyone to call me Amerila.

-We're all family here. -Come in. Sit down.

-[Amerila] Thanks. -This is my sister Isla

and her husband Thomas.

-It's very nice to meet you. -Nice to meet you too.

I'm sorry. Do… do I know you? Have we met before?

-Uh, no. But I get that a lot. [chuckles] -[chuckles]

Huh.

You've made quite an impression on my brother and my mother.

Oh.

-All right, boyo. Is it on? -Oh, it's on.

-Hey! [chuckles] -Here we go. Oh! [chuckles]

May I have your attention, please?

[guests chatter]

Last year, I finally managed to dethrone

the master of the slip step and skip change.

[guests laugh]

But he says he wants a rematch for the Christmas crown.

[guests exclaim]

-And apparently he's been practicing. -[guests chuckle]

-A lot! -[guests laugh]

-So, what do you all think, eh? -[guests cheer, applaud]

Are you ready?

-[bagpipes playing] -[guests cheer, applaud]

What do you reckon, take the dance floor or what?

No, it'll take me two years…

-Come on! -Oh, rubbish!

Hey, come on. Show her.

-Show her? -[Isla] Show her!

-[Thomas] Come on, let's go! -[laughs] Go, go, go!

-We have a new contender! -[guests cheer, applaud]

-What are you doing? -I only know how to waltz and tango.

Not here.

Here we do the Highland Fling.

The what?

What's happening?

[bagpipes playing]

[guests cheer, applaud]

-Hey! -[guests cheer, applaud]

It's the moment we've all been waiting for!

-All those for Mac! -[guests cheer, applaud]

-All those for Hamish! -[guests cheer, applaud]

-All those for Thomas and Lindsay! -[guests cheer, applaud intensely]

-We have a winner! -[guests cheer, applaud]

-Scotland forever! -[guests cheer, applaud]

Scotland forever!

[guests cheer, applaud]

Oh, why not? Scotland forever!

[guests cheer, applaud]

Sarah, Brad, come help me lick my wounds.

[both chuckle]

-What did you think? -I think you fought valiantly.

-[chuckles] -Indeed.

Weird question. What do you wear underneath those things?

-Brad. -It's okay. I get asked that all the time.

You could be a true Scotsman, but hey, I prefer shorts.

[laughs] So, Mac was saying

that you might take over Glencrave with Lindsay.

We're-- well, we're--

We're not exactly sure what we're going to do yet.

Whoever it is, I hope they're as nice as Daniel.

He paid for our daughter's eye surgery, you know.

-That's incredibly kind. -That was Daniel.

He came to this Christmas party every year.

He was quite the dancer.

Is that normal, for a duke to hang out like that?

Didn't used to be. Dukes and duchesses were somewhat stodgy.

-Times have changed. -All right, everyone.

This is the holidays in the Highlands.

Come on, enough of this, more of this. Come on, let's dance.

Yes, come on.

-Good night. -[Lindsay] Good night.

-[Josephine] Good night. -Sleep well.

-Thanks for bringing us home. -Did you say home?

-I did. I meant Glencrave. -[chuckles]

-Aye. -Sorry about your crown.

I bet you didn't know I was such a fierce competitor.

[chuckles] You can be on my side of the battlefield any day.

It was really nice to meet your sister. Your mom is so great, and your friends.

-[Mac] Yeah. -It was really fun.

I don't think I've had that much fun at a party in a long time.

You fit right in, Lindsay.

-I am half Scottish. -[chuckles] You're a bonnie lass.

-Isn't that what you call your horse? -Aye.

It means beautiful.

[soft romantic music playing]

That… [chuckles]

That was really nice.

But I think I probably need to figure things out before I--

Say no more.

I'll see you at the solstice tomorrow.

Yeah. See you there.

[bagpipes playing]

[indistinct chatter]

That's good, yeah.

Are you sure you want to do this?

Looks like it's gonna be a perfect bonfire.

Aye, it will.

Mac, about last night.

Let's just enjoy Christmas and see how this goes, eh?

I'm gonna go get ready inside.

I'm looking forward to it.

Okay, who's ready to light the fire and hear the Christmas legend?

Come on, let's get in. Come on. Get down. Get together. Let's light it up.

Ready?

[upbeat music playing]

[crowd exclaims]

Whoa.

Legend has it that tonight, the longest night of the year,

is controlled by the troublesome spirits that roam the Earth…

[crowd exclaims]

…spreading their evil to stop the sun from returning. Oh!

But we need to scare these spirits away, so we can have the best Christmas ever!

-Hey! Hey! -[crowd cheers]

Are you ready? Three, two, one.

[all shout, laugh]

Ho, ho, ho!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Have you all been good girls and good boys this year?

Yeah.

Well, then you get a present from an elf.

-Merry Christmas. -[Brad] Merry Christmas.

-Danny would love this. -Aye, he would.

[Brad] I can tell you've been good. Merry Christmas, everyone.

[Sarah] You were really great today.

Everyone here just makes it seem so effortless, you know?

-They're just happy. -How it should be.

This break from my boss has been invigorating.

You know, I haven't returned one of his calls since the airport.

The break from my family's been nice too.

And do you know how good it felt to be appreciated today?

To be called Santa and not the tax guy,

the same disgruntled people wandering through my door every day?

-Yeah, it was fun. -The bagpipes are even growing on me.

[chuckles] Okay.

Brad…

we need to have an honest conversation about where we're going.

I know. Do you want to keep trying?

Are you talking about our marriage… kids…

this place?

I don't know. Maybe it's all the same thing.

-[sighs] -Can you see us here?

In a way… [sighs] …yes.

I never thought I'd be saying that,

and I guess that is

why trying to have children has been so hard.

I just can't bear to see you so sad.

But no matter what…

there's one thing that I know.

-I love you. -[chuckles]

[softly] I love you.

[chuckles]

Just think, you could celebrate this every year.

I see the way your family's embracing Glencrave.

You're very persistent.

[chuckles] How many people can literally say they've been given

the keys to the castle?

-It's the gift of a lifetime. -This isn't real life for someone like me.

Well, who makes the rules of what's real life and what's not?

It's whatever we want it to be. Hmm?

My mom needs a partner at the clinic.

Glencrave, the people…

we have fallen for you.

It's yours for the taking, Lindsay, all of it.

You said it yourself, though.

Glencrave at Christmas time is a fairy tale, and…

fairy tales…

aren't real.

Well, maybe we are.

[soft music playing]

[upbeat music playing]

And now form the kneaded dough into a circle, just like that.

Yule bread symbolizes the sun in the darkest days of winter.

You know, when Christmas was banned in Scotland,

bakers had to pass along the names of all those

who asked for a yule loaf to the police.

Now, what we're going to do

is we're going to hide this wee Scottie dog in the dough

and bake it inside.

And whichever family member finds it, they'll have good luck all year long.

-Now, who would like to do the honors? -Um.

-I will. -Brad?

Well, of course. Please pick one.

-Thank you. -[cell phone ringing]

Oh. [sighs] Hi, it's Jo.

Now, just leave those to rise for a while. I'll be back shortly.

Okay.

Remember when you used to bake all the time?

[chuckles]

I miss your candy cane sugar cookies.

I can make those for you.

Yeah?

What if we let whatever's gonna happen happen

and just be us for a change?

Being together is what matters, right?

-I love you. [chuckles] -[chuckles] I love you too.

-Oh. [chuckles] -[Brad chuckles]

That was the real estate attorney.

He's advising we subdivide the estate and break it up.

He says we'll have more buyers interested that way.

Now, what about the town, the people?

We need to talk to Lindsay.

Now, this evening's cocktail is a Highland Snowball,

eggnog with a hint of whisky.

-[Brad] Thank you, Graeme. -You're welcome.

So, Mom, are you really gonna break up the estate?

I don't have it in me to run it.

And since it's so new to you both, I…

I just wanted to know your thoughts before I do anything.

Well, we think we should keep Glencrave in the family.

There's no way we can allow it to be carved up.

It would take away the heart of this entire area.

And this estate is responsible for the livelihood of so many people.

What's going to happen to all the families who work on the property?

How could this work?

[inhales] I don't know.

It's not exactly like we know anything about managing a property this size.

Maybe we could hire someone to look after it…

and… and then visit whenever we need to or want to.

Mac knows everything about Glencrave, and he's been offering to help.

-Mom? -I like it.

-Great. -[chuckles]

-To new beginnings. -To new beginnings.

-[chuckles] -[chuckles] Oh!

A text from Lindsay.

-Mac's in. -[gasps]

Great! [chuckles]

What can I get you tonight, eh?

Uh, Guinness for me, please.

-I'll have a Scottish sparkle. -[Brad] Oh, that's perfect.

So, have you decided what you're doing with Glencrave?

It's the million-dollar question around here.

We're keeping it in the family, and Mac's going to run it for us.

But you'll be the duke and duchess.

I'm not even sure we deserve titles like that.

-My two pence? -Sure.

Castles and titles aren't what make Glencrave special.

It's blood.

You're part of a family that has survived 500 years

of royal feuds and revolutions, plagues,

floods, and even famines.

But through it all,

your family has taken care of this town and its people.

You have the soul of Glencrave coursing through your veins,

and that's a very sacred thing here.

[bagpipes playing]

Now, I hope everyone

is excited about attending the ball this evening.

Yes, I'm getting a dress today from Elspeth.

-Lovely. -Just one final point,

how would people like to be announced as they make their entrance?

-Jo Morgan is fine with me. -Lindsay Morgan works.

So, we've been thinking a lot about what we discussed last night.

[Sarah] We barely slept.

We want to take the titles of duke and duchess…

and move to Glencrave.

[laughs] Oh, my God. Oh, that's wonderful.

I… I can make the announcement myself at the ball tonight.

-Great. -I thought we had a plan.

We do.

You could move here too.

But you just made this decision without even talking to me?

Brad, you're gonna move to another country and just expect me to follow suit?

-I thought we were in this together. -We are in this together.

-Lindsay, wait. -You know what?

Nothing in this family ever changes.

Lindsay. [sighs]

Merry Christmas Eve, Danny.

We'll miss you at the ball tonight.

I can just imagine you're there, life and soul of the party.

We're all here for Christmas, just as you wanted.

No surprise, there's family drama, but we'll get through that.

I'm sorry, Danny…

for everything.

I love you with all my heart.

So, this is our family, huh?

[Josephine] The entire Glencrave clan.

I know this is really hard for you. I'm so sorry.

-Are you doing okay? -I don't know.

Here I am thinking that Brad and I are gonna have this new start,

and now he's moving to Scotland.

You should be happy for them, and for Glencrave and all the people here.

Yeah, I think I'm just worried we're gonna drift apart again.

I mean, how can we do this together if he's here and I'm not?

Oh, sweetheart.

It's not about where you live…

it's about the effort you make.

If my relationship with Danny has taught me anything, it's that.

You know, I sent him a letter…

right before he died.

I told him I was sorry, that I loved him…

and that I wanted to see him again.

But then he died.

Now, I have to live with what I did.

You followed your heart.

You can never go wrong.

Thanks.

Just don't have regrets.

You and Brad always had a special relationship.

Honestly, after the divorce,

he was more of a parent to you than I was at times.

He is a good man…

but you are a great mom…

who went through a really hard thing.

I love you so much, Mom.

I love you too.

Please say you'll go tonight.

I just want us all to be together.

It can be my Christmas present.

-[chuckles] -[chuckles]

Mac.

Looks like we have the same idea. [chuckles]

-Last minute Christmas shopping. -Yeah.

Listen, Brad tells me he and Sarah are staying.

They are. Yeah.

Do you wanna sit for a moment?

Sure.

-So? -I'm going back to California.

-Just like that? -It wasn't an easy decision.

Can I ask you something?

What's really important to you?

My family.

Well, your brother's staying here. What else?

[sighs] My patients.

I love seeing the difference I can make in their lives.

[Mac] You know how valuable you can be to this town.

You can make a difference here. I mean…

I know you have for me.

I hope you follow your heart.

I know I am.

[festive music playing]

Come in.

-Danny would be proud of you. -You think so?

Well, you're keeping Glencrave in the family

with those amazing children of yours.

They have the biggest of hearts, Jo.

I found the letter that you wrote to Daniel.

He kept it in a special wee box here.

-He opened it. -So it appears.

I also found this. It's for you.

[sentimental music playing]

I'm almost afraid to look at it.

And I'm afraid that you'll regret it for the rest of your life if you don't.

Are you all right?

He forgave me!

-As is right. -[Josephine sobs]

[upbeat music playing]

[Hamish] Presenting Frank and Moira, Duke and Duchess of Dundee.

Presenting Graeme Fraser and Josephine Morgan.

-You look beautiful, Sarah. -Oh, thanks, Mac. [chuckles]

Brad, the coat looks good on you.

-I went with the shorts. -Good call.

-Thank you. -Have you seen Lindsay?

I'm not sure if she's coming.

I haven't talked to her since this morning.

I know you'll work things out. Enjoy the night.

Yeah. You too, Mac.

-May I have this dance? -[chuckles] Yes.

[soft instrumental music playing]

Presenting Lindsay Morgan of California.

-Hi, Mom. -Oh, sweetheart. You're beautiful.

-[chuckles] -Thanks, Mom. You too.

[sighs]

Hello.

[sighs]

Excuse me, Sarah. May I have this dance?

-Yes. -Thank you.

-You came. -[Lindsay] Of course.

I couldn't miss my brother and sister-in-law being announced

to the world as the Duke and Duchess of Glencrave.

I'm sorry I got upset. I really am so happy for you.

[Brad] I'm sorry we didn't talk to you first.

Lindsay, I don't want to go back to the way things have been.

We've lost too much time.

I know. I was too stubborn to realize the biggest part of me was missing.

-I didn't mean to hurt you. -Me neither.

I've missed you so much. [chuckles] So much.

So, I'm going to come visit you all the time.

And we will come home to see you…

-and for the weather. -[laughs] Of course.

-May I have this dance? -[Brad] Ah, yes.

You are stunning.

And you are very, very handsome.

-Scots are hot. What can I say? -[laughs]

They are. [laughs]

Merry Christmas, everyone.

And thank you for coming to the Glencrave Christmas ball.

Tonight, I have a special announcement

to make on behalf of my brother, the 11th Duke of Glencrave,

who is sadly no longer with us.

He was a wonderful man, beloved by this community.

On this Christmas Eve, our family turns a new page.

So, without further ado, I officially present to you

Brad Morgan and his wife Sarah Morgan,

the 12th Duke and Duchess of Glencrave.

[guests cheer, applaud]

Thank you. Thank you all so much.

It's not too late.

It's okay.

Thank you all.

Thank you.

I have something for you.

I want you to consider it an early Christmas present.

[sighs]

I'll wear it with pride.

I know you will.

[bagpipes playing]

[festive music playing]

-Ho, ho, ho! -Merry Christmas.

[Sarah] Oh, Merry Christmas.

-Well, I say we're the matching Morgans. -It is a merry Morgan Christmas.

-Hey. -Darling. [chuckles]

[soft music playing]

Merry Christmas.

-Oh. -I couldn't leave without saying goodbye.

Merry Christmas, Lindsay.

-These are for Bonnie. -Not for me?

-This is for you. -It's Christmas pajamas.

-It's kind of my thing. -Oh. Thanks. [chuckles]

-Sure. -Right.

I was hoping you'd come by.

It's the Glencrave crest.

-Yeah. -This is beautiful. Thank you.

-May I? -Please.

So, you're leaving tomorrow?

Yeah, first thing.

This is the best Christmas I've had in a long time.

I'm glad.

You're a special person.

[chuckles softly]

Goodbye, Mac.

[sentimental music playing]

The car is ready. I'll be driving you to the airport myself.

Thanks, Graeme.

In your own time.

What's all this?

They came to see you off. You're a part of Glencrave now.

[exhales]

Thank you, everyone.

Thank you so much.

Mom.

[soft upbeat music playing]

I'm going to miss you so much.

I love you the best.

-["Home" playing] -You know that.

♪ And I feel just like I'm living Someone else's life ♪

I love you more.

-♪ It's like I just stepped outside ♪ -♪ Stepped outside ♪

♪ When everything was going right ♪

♪ And I know just why you could not ♪

One more gift.

♪ Come along with me ♪

♪ That this was not your dream ♪

♪ But you always believed in me ♪

-Bye. -Bye.

♪ Another winter day Has come and gone away ♪

♪ In even Paris and Rome And I want to go home ♪

-♪ I want to go home ♪ -♪ I got to go home ♪

♪ Though I'm surrounded by A million people, I ♪

♪ I still feel alone, oh, let me go home ♪

♪ Let me go home ♪

-♪ Babe, I miss you, you know ♪ -♪ Babe, I miss you, you know ♪

♪ Let me go home ♪

Graeme, turn the car around.

You know what? If I can figure out how to run my own practice,

I can figure out how to make this work. I mean, this is the first place

that's felt like home in a really long time,

and we're a team, right?

-Absolutely. -Then let's do this, together.

-[chuckles] -And you,

how do you feel about dating a duchess?

It would be my honor, Lindsay Morgan of Glencrave.

Oh, that has a nice ring to it.

-♪ I'll be home tonight ♪ -[chuckles]

♪ I'm coming back home ♪

[all laugh]

-[festive music playing] -Hello.

Oh, she's here.

-[chuckles] Ainsley's first Christmas. -[Lindsay laughs]

Hi. And she looks so beautiful.

-[chuckles] -[chuckles]

You're gonna have a great life, aren't you, Ainsley?

And you're going to forge your own little path.

-Mom. -She'll be whatever she wants,

as long as her family's by her side.

-She's our wee Christmas miracle baby. -Oh.

Why don't we take a family photograph?

-Perfect. -[Lindsay] Right there. Okay.

Now, let's have a big Christmas smile.

[all] Merry Christmas.

[lively music playing]

[music concludes]