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* They're singing Deck the Halls,*
* But it's not like Christmas at all,*
* I remember when you were here,*
* And all the fun we had last year,*
* Christmas,*
* Pretty lights on the tree,*
* Christmas,*
* I'm watching them shine,*
* Christmas,*
* You should be here with me,*
* Christmas,*
* Baby, please come home*
*
Well, now I was thinking we would unpack the boxes.
Well, I'm thinking if we put up enough lights
no one will notice what a mess the house is.
Maybe we could just leave it like this.
[laughs]
Ok, but where would we sit?
Ah, oh. Uh... ok.
-Oh. -This.
-Huh. -[grunts]
I am due in two weeks.
Yeah.
I can barely see the floor, let alone sit on it.
I know, but Lizzie, sweetheart, it's Christmas Eve.
We should not spend Christmas Eve unpacking boxes,
we should spend Christmas Eve
celebrating the spirit of the holiday.
Mmm.
And drinking hot cocoa out of mugs
and flirting in our new house.
[laughs]
Well, I love the sounds of that.
Yeah.
But the mugs are in a box that hasn't been unpacked yet.
I didn't say it was a perfect plan.
[Lizzie chuckles]
It was a plan. Okay, okay...
Come with me, husband.
Okay. Ahh!
There aren't enough Christmas lights in the world.
Yes, but it is gonna look so great...
I mean, when everything is put away.
Yeah, but then you'll be able to see how old everything is.
This kitchen belongs in a museum.
Yes, the Cherry Lane Museum of Outdated Junk.
[laughs]
We can charge admission and pay your parents back
for the down payment.
Oh, promise me you won't bring that up
at Christmas dinner tomorrow.
No, I would never.
But you know your father's going to.
'Cause he's gonna say- he's gonna say:
"Hey, John, how's the gas station business
"going these days?"
But what he really means is,
my other daughter married a rich lawyer.
Well, and then my mom's gonna say:
"Are you ready for the baby?"
What she really means is: "You're not ready for the baby".
You haven't even assembled the crib...
Where is the box with the crib in it?
[sighs] No clue.
Huh.
Are we ready?
Probably not.
Can we make a deal?
Tonight it's just me and you.
Here.
In our very first, brand new, very old, house.
[laughs]
And let's leave all of the "are we ready" questions
for your family tomorrow, ok?
-That sounds perfect. -Yeah.
We still need to unpack.
I don't want to.
I wanna go get a Christmas tree.
Well, you used all the decorations on the boxes.
Oh, no. No, no, no. Not all of them.
[box rattles]
Ok, that sounds breakable, honey.
[John] I think it is.
[Daisy] Hello?
I'm in here.
Oh, Regina!
No, no, I got it.
[laughing] Daisy...
-Oh... -I could have done it.
And wound up in the hospital.
That's not where you want to spend Christmas Eve, trust me.
When were you in the hospital on Christmas Eve?
Oh, I can't tell you how many times I've slipped
on the icy sidewalks around here.
I should have warned the new people
who moved in down the street.
Cherry Lane is a dangerous place.
Oh, there you are.
Oh, that's what you were looking for?
Mmhmm. I know, it is a little much.
It's Conrad and Winnie's favorite.
They pooled their allowance to buy this for their dad
when they were little.
And he liked it?
Oh, no, he thought it was awful.
[both laugh]
And he loved it, too.
Have you told them about...
Nelson will be here in a little while.
We're gonna tell them today.
I'm hoping this softens it a bit.
[vehicle approaches outside]
Conrad's car.
Uh, would you help me put this on the tree?
-Of course. -Okay.
["12 Days of Christmas" Instrumental]
* Four calling birds,
* three French hens, two turtle doves, *
* and a partridge in a pear tree. *
* On the thirteenth day of Christmas *
* my true love gave to me...
Stop it.
[laughs]
I had to do something to drown out
all the noises your car makes.
It's not making any noise now.
Look, Conrad, I understand when you were
in high school and college you didn't have any money,
you couldn't afford a new car.
But now you're making tons at that new job of yours.
When are you gonna get rid of this piece of junk?
Never.
Uncle Ham gave me that car when dad died.
I fully intend to restore it. It's a classic.
It's an embarrassment.
Look, if I'm going to become a superstar singer
like I fully intend to do,
then I need to project a certain image, and this...
this is not it.
[Conrad] Then get your own car.
I'm not making tons at my job.
You don't have a job.
I sing almost every night at clubs.
You do open mic nights for tips.
* On the thirteenth day of Christmas *
* my true love gave to me...
There's something wrong with you.
I've known it since the day mom and dad
brought you back from the hospital.
You love me and you couldn't live without me.
-Okay. -[Winnie laughs]
You remember the plan, right?
I wanna go to Ivy's party,
you wanna go hang out with your friends.
So, we go in, small talk, eat, exchange gifts,
and then we're out of there by 5:00.
The only way mom is ever letting us leave by 5:00
is if one of us fakes some sort of medical emergency.
Rock, paper, scissors! Boom, baby.
Oh, man!
[peaceful music]
[knocking]
Merry Christmas... Eve... Morning.
Where'd you get these?
I made them.
Where?
In my kitchen.
Mmm. [chuckles]
[slams door]
I can't bake Christmas cookies in my kitchen, Quinn.
Can't bake cookies, can't make stuffing, can't cook a turkey-
Do you use corn bread for your stuffing?
Because I saw this recipe that uses sourdough-
Quinn.
You promised me that the kitchen would be done by Christmas Eve.
We have 12 people coming over for dinner tonight.
[clatter]
Fourteen.
Linda and Emily are in town so I invited them.
You're trying to kill me, babe.
[laughs]
Do you want me dead
so you can collect the life insurance money, is that it?
-Guys... -Is that what's going on here?
Guys, relax.
I've been working on the rest of your house
for the last six months.
I haven't missed a deadline, have I?
I said your kitchen would be done by Christmas Eve and...
It... it will be.
How? The dinner is at 8:00, that's like 12 hours from now.
Ah, that's plenty of time.
We need to admit defeat and move the party to Repair.
Oh, hey, I had lunch at your restaurant last week.
It wasn't bad.
Not mine, I'm just the chef.
You should add sourdough stuffing to the menu, right?
Babe, this is our first Christmas in this house
and you know how important it is to me that we do it here.
I know.
And you know that I would do anything to make you happy.
Awe.
But I can't cook without a... kitchen!
[knocking]
Oh hey, that's the crew. Guys, I made Christmas cookies!
Nope.
No, no. No, me too.
Yeah. Let's get- let's go outside.
Get our coats and let's go. This way, yeah.
* Silent night, holy night... *
I don't want to.
* All is calm, all is bright. *
Come on.
[together] * Round yon virgin, mother and child, *
* holy infant so tender and mild, *
* sleep in heavenly peace,
* sleep in heavenly peace.
[sighs]
Why did I tell you that singing Christmas carols calms me down?
It's come in handy over the years.
What're we gonna do about the kitchen?
The rest of the house looks great.
Yeah, but it's a Christmas Eve dinner party.
That implies dinner.
We'll just figure it out the way we've always figured things out.
Yeah, if we could just move the party to Repair though,
it would be so easy.
No, no. This is our home.
This is where we're gonna raise a family.
If we ever get approved to be foster parents.
When we get approved.
This is where we're gonna have traditions and memories
and so much love.
We need to have Christmas here.
Why do you put up with me?
You're a chef and I can't cook.
[laughs]
It's true.
Uh, hey guys. Quick question.
Uh, how badly do you need the stove today?
* Oh, come all ye faithful,
* joyful and triumphant, oh come ye, *
* oh come ye to Bethlehem.
Merry Christmas!
* Oh come all ye faithful...
Should we have gotten a bigger one?
You didn't want them to strap this one
to the roof of your car.
I didn't want them scratching my baby.
Oh, I'm sorry kid,
but your dad is never gonna love you as much as he loves his car.
Oh, ouch. That is so not true.
Oh, yeah?
I am gonna love both of you an equal amount.
[laughs]
Don't believe it.
I have something for you.
We said we weren't gonna do presents
'til Christmas morning.
I know, but this one needs to happen today.
Awe.
To make Christmas a little more special.
John, it's beautiful. Thank you.
And not just for the ornament.
I think a quiet Christmas Eve is just what we needed.
[knocking]
[Frank] Here we are!
Oh, it's freezing out there! Hey!
Mom... Dad--
Merry Christmas!
What are you- What're you doing here?
Yeah, we figured you could use some help with the house.
-New house, new baby. -Yeah.
And you know how you always procrastinate things, Lizzie.
I figured John could use some help
fixing things around the house.
Oh, well I am a mechanic, I do fix things for a living.
You own a gas station.
And a body shop.
Well, it's a house, John. It's not a Chevy.
Not a Chevy, that's a good one, Frank!
[laughing]
Not a Chevy.
I'm, um, curious about the luggage.
Since we were coming we figured that we would stay
and have Christmas Eve dinner together.
Wait, you're staying here?
[Evelyn] Yeah, yeah.
Yeah, and we told your brother to come here
after they get here from St. Louis.
Everyone's staying here?
No, not everyone.
Your sister's flight was cancelled.
Yeah, so it's just me, your father, Brett, Olivia,
and adorable little Peter. [laughs]
Is that all?
Mom, we moved in... yesterday.
Well, you could use our help then, obviously.
So, boys, get the suitcases.
Helping.
So much for the uh, quiet Christmas Eve.
What would you do without me, hey?
[Evelyn] Where are the coffee mugs?
I need a coffee at this time.
I told you we should have unpacked.
Oh...
[laughs]
[cheerful music]
It was so good to see you two.
Merry Christmas, everybody.
[all] Merry Christmas, Daisy.
Ok, we have a lot to do so Winnie, you're on stuffing duty,
Conrad, you're chopping vegetables.
Awe, I wanna bake the pie. I always bake the pie.
And that's exactly why you're on chopping vegetable duty.
Oh, no, none of that.
We will be playing nicely or there will be consequences.
Mom, has anyone ever told you that you should be
a high school principal?
I am a high school principal.
That was my point.
[sighs] It's a good thing Lisa's out of town or...
She would have to see me giving you a spanking.
We're both grateful for that.
When are you gonna marry that girl, give me grand-babies?
Oh, mom.
Well, Winnie's not even seeing anyone so you're my best shot.
I am focusing on my music career.
You did two songs
at Elwood's Chuckle Hut and All You Can Eat Buffet last week.
How is that a music career?
Hush. Everyone has to start somewhere.
Honey, I'm very proud of you.
Thank you, Mom.
Although?
Although, did you happen to see the brochures
for the business classes I sent you?
Everyone needs to have a back-up.
Ho-ho-ho! Merry Christmas!
Nelson?
[chuckles] Look at you. Merry Christmas, Santa.
Be nice.
-Nelson! -Winnie.
I love your jacket.
Oh, it's pretty great, isn't it? You know, 'tis the season.
Conrad, how're you doing?
I'm well, Nelson, thank you.
Oh, come in here. Good to see you.
You are early. None of the food is ready yet.
I've got a busy night, Reg.
I deliver all those toys to the good boys and girls,
which will be done in style this year.
I woke up this morning and I thought I need a new sleigh.
Did you get a new car?
Oh, it's beautiful.
[laughs]
I get the first ride.
Oh, sorry sweetie,
that privilege will go to the future Mrs. Claus.
Future?
Sorry Reg. It just slipped out.
Mom?
I was going to tell you later, but um...
Nelson and I are engaged.
Congratulations!
Thank you, Winnie.
Ohhh.
Uh, before we celebrate, um... there's a little more.
More? What could be more?
What, did you get a new sleigh, too?
No.
I'm retiring early and we're moving to Florida.
You're... wait, what?
You're selling the house?
Yes.
That's why I wanted this Christmas to be so special.
It's gonna be our last one on Cherry Lane.
[Zian] They're on the hook. I put the hook up already.
[Mike] It's measured.
No, I got it.
-I measured it. -That's good.
Garland's crooked.
Shouldn't you be in the kitchen making sure
that our cabinets aren't crooked?
Oh, no, those guys have been doing it for years.
But it's your first Christmas in your new house,
you're the ones who need supervision.
[laughs]
Plus, we never really get a chance to chat.
So uh, how long have you been together?
Five years. Married for two.
Ah.
And we'd like to have our kitchen done sometime
by our silver anniversary, so...
Yeah, I got that. Um, so are you from around here?
Mike is from Philadelphia,
I was born in the Philippines but raised here.
Ah, cool.
Zian. Does that mean something?
It means inner peace in Chinese.
My parents thought it was a beautiful name.
Inner peace.
Something I could really use right now
considering the turkey has to be in the oven in five hours.
Breathe.
I gotta ask, that uh, singer lady, um,
who's name I can never remember...
so you work at the restaurant that she owns
and you're her manager, right?
So which came first?
Does it matter?
I was her manager first and introduced them.
They opened Repair together.
Ah. Is she gonna be at the party tonight?
Yes, she is.
But the kitchen will be done and you will be long gone
by the time she gets here, right?
[doorbell]
Maybe she's early. Do you want me to get that?
[in unison] No!
What we want you to do is finish the kitchen.
[laughing]
[Zian] Come on.
Anne.
-Hi. -Hey.
I'm sorry to show up unannounced,
on Christmas Eve no less.
That's ok.
I would have called first but I was in the neighborhood
and there's a certain amount of urgency.
What's going on?
We had a family lined up to foster a young girl, Tina.
Six years old.
They were supposed to take her in tonight
but when I got to their place to do a final inspection
they told me they had to drop out for personal reasons.
Ok.
That means I need to find someone to foster this child
and the two of you are next on the list.
We've... we've been approved?
We've been approved.
Oh my god!
Congratulations.
I know it's a big ask,
but she was so excited to be spending Christmas with a family
and it would just break her heart
if she had to stay in the group home.
So we'll be taking her today?
Tonight, yes.
Do you think you could have everything ready that quickly?
[crash sounds]
What was that?
Uh, nothing. Just the housekeepers cleaning.
Yeah.
We're having friends over for Christmas Eve dinner tonight.
Mmhmm.
But we could cancel that.
We wouldn't want to overwhelm her.
Actually, she's very spirited and loves being around people.
Well, these are our best friends.
It would be the perfect way
to welcome a little girl to our home.
So you'll do it?
We'd love to.
[laughs] Wonderful!
And you're sure you can have everything ready
in your house in time?
A place for her to sleep and no other issues?
[distant crash sounds]
-Mmhmm. -Everything will be perfect.
-Mmhmm. -Uh-huh.
What're we gonna do?
Move again.
My parents and my brother and my sister-in-law and their kid-
We're already packed, we're gonna get in the car,
we're just gonna go.
No one's gonna even know that we're gone.
Okay, okay, one of us has to be the calm one.
Why does it have to be me?
John, I am the pregnant lady carrying the baby.
Right. Okay.
They're getting married.
And she's selling the house.
Florida?
We grew up in this house. I love this house.
Dad loved this house. Mom loves this house.
And we love Mom.
We have to stop this. I don't want Mom to get hurt.
Not after all she's been through.
After all we've been through.
Did that just happen?
We're going to be parents... tonight.
While we host a dinner party for a dozen people.
Uh, 14. Lisa and Emily.
And we have no kitchen to prepare that dinner.
And a guest room that is not at all right
for a six-year-old girl.
This is impossible.
Hey. Hey!
Anything is possible at Christmas.
[laughs]
Yeah.
I agree.
You do? I thought you liked Nelson.
I do, and I'd love to see them get married,
but then they should live here in our house.
Look, I don't dislike Nelson, but he is so impulsive.
I mean, who wakes up in the morning
and decides to buy a new car on Christmas?
And now all of a sudden they want to get married
and move to Florida.
She's only known him a year.
So what do we do?
We find a way to keep it from happening.
Are you in?
Ok. We can- we can do this. We can, we can do this.
We can.
'Cause it's me and you, right?
As long as we stick together, all three of us.
Awe.
It's warm in here, get in here.
-Ok. -Ok.
[Zian] Oh, my gosh.
[Mike] It's happening. [Zian] Oh my gosh.
[Evelyn] Lizzie, where are your baking dishes?
I don't know, Mom.
Did you label the boxes?
I mean, you should always label the boxes.
Of course.
Oh, we did. Yep. Yep, we did.
See? Right here, "kitchen". Right there.
Ah, well that's like getting on a bus that says "Illinois".
You were going to Chicago but you wound up in Peoria.
Mom, are you sure this is a good idea?
How are we going to host Christmas dinner
with the house like this?
Well, we have plenty of time to clean up.
Yeah.
Where are we going to put everybody?
Oh, we'll figure it out.
I brought a sleeping bag for little Petey.
You know, Frank, Evelyn, we were hoping to have
a nice, quiet holiday with Lizzie so close to her due date.
Just trying to avoid stress.
Oh, Lizzie Bear, you won't have to lift a finger.
I mean, John and I will do all the hard work.
That is, if you're up for some hard work.
I mean, harder than pumping gas.
Daddy, John works very hard.
Ah, I'm just kidding around.
You know, Frank, I think having Christmas here-
-Is a wonderful idea. -Yeah, wonderful.
I mean, if you think about it, I mean, since we helped out,
this house is sort of like a family investment.
Mmhmm.
What better place to have a family Christmas?
Right.
Fifteen minutes, that's a new record.
Mmhmm.
Ok. Alright, we're gonna figure it all out.
It's gonna be a wonderful Christmas,
don't worry about a thing.
[knocking]
[gasps] That must be Brett and the family!
Yay.
They're here! Yes! Merry Christmas!
Oh my gosh look at you, you're so big now!
-[Frank] Hey, there we go. -[Evelyn] Cold, cold...
Hi Petey.
Hey, Dad.
You're so tall now. Let me get these gloves off. [laughs]
[Lizzie] Hey, big guy!
[Frank] Peter, Peter, pumpkin eater.
I don't eat pumpkins!
-Oh, come on! -[Olivia] Sometimes you do.
-Hey, sis! -Hey!
Oh, you are huge.
Maybe you should have bought a bigger house.
[Evelyn] Brett!
-Look at all the lights! -Yeah!
[Olivia] Peter, be careful. Be careful.
Sorry, love him.
He's a handful right now. You're a handful.
Something to look forward to, right?
-Right. -We'll talk.
-Hey, John. -Hey, Brett.
Groovy place you got here.
Isn't it? It's so cozy.
Maybe Santa's elves can help you spruce it up a bit?
Well, it needs a little help but I think we're gonna be happy here.
Yes.
Oh, I'm sure you will, it's a good starter house.
The way business is right now you're lucky
to get into a house in this neighborhood.
That's true.
You know, I think it is fantastic.
How can we help?
Uh, there is so much.
[laughs]
Ok, why don't you guys get started on boxes and furniture.
Evelyn, if you can take Peter into the kitchen,
help him rustle up some lunch? Lunch!
Yeah, let's go! Here we go. What should we eat?
Well, you heard the boss. Let's get to work.
-She's the boss. -Hey.
Here we go.
Good luck, boys.
Thank you, we need it.
Dad.
[exhales]
Lizzie... how about you and I finish decorating this Christmas tree?
Thank you.
You're welcome.
[Evelyn] No, that doesn't go there. No. Frank...
-[Peter] Cookies! -[Evelyn] Peter! Peter!
[Peter] Cookies! Cookies!
[Evelyn] No Christmas cookies before lunch,
you're gonna spoil your appetite, honey.
I am so sorry about all of this.
I tried to talk Brett into staying in a motel
but once he makes up his mind
it is almost impossible to get him to change it.
You don't have to tell me, I've known him my entire life.
And the house is great.
Just ignore his attempts at jokes.
Oh, they don't bother me...
Much.
Honestly, it's John I'm worried about.
He's under so much pressure.
Why? What's going on?
Well, it's... it's everything.
The business is... they're calling it an "oil crisis".
One gallon of gas is over 40 cents now.
40 cents.
Did you hear Nixon told people not to hang Christmas lights
to save energy?
I know.
And people are somehow blaming John.
But what they don't know
is that John is barely making a profit on gas.
He refuses to gouge his customers
like his competitors are.
So how is he staying afloat?
Car repairs, mostly. But even that's dwindling.
And then there's this house, which,
if we'd known all that was gonna happen
we never would have bought.
So impending parenthood isn't having a calming affect?
To say the least.
Can I ask you something?
When did you know you were gonna be a good mom?
I'll let you know when it happens.
[both laugh]
Most days I'm just happy we didn't burn down the house so.
Every once in a while there is this moment,
just this fleeting little moment where you look at
your child's face and you think
"ah, now I remember why I did this".
You know what that feels like?
Christmas.
I'm back!
Okay.
Whew! Ok.
Shopping on Christmas Eve for a six-year-old girl
is like a gladiator movie, only with unicorns and rainbows.
Did you get everything?
Sort of.
There weren't a whole lot of options.
I hope she likes teddy bears with Santa hats and princesses
that no one has ever heard of and elves with Hawaiian shirts
for some reason, because that's what I've got.
Not exactly what you call a theme.
But, but, but, wait.
I'm tying it all together with this.
It's a winter wonderland with Santa and all his friends.
You're amazing.
I know.
Now, why is my amazing husband
re-decorating the Christmas tree?
We did that weeks ago.
You cope with shopping, I cope with decorating.
I choose to believe that's why we work.
I mean, normally I cope with cooking but, um--
Do I wanna know?
No. This is never gonna work.
Anne's gonna walk in here with that little girl
and see our death trap of a kitchen
and then we're gonna be banned
from being foster parents for the rest of our life.
I've said it before and I meant it.
The rest of the house is great.
We'll just distract her with the princess sheets
that don't match the reindeer pillowcases
and the insane amount of toys I bought, and it'll all be fine.
How can you be so calm?
I've just been to six different stores on Christmas Eve.
I don't know that I'd describe myself as "calm",
but it sort of feels like...
You know my story, and it's like it was--
Meant to be.
Yeah.
We've been talking about how much we wanted to be dads
since our first date.
We're going to make this work.
I want to believe you.
I really do. But I just need one thing.
Whatever it is, you got it.
I need to cook something. Anything.
It doesn't have to be big. Soup.
I'll make soup at this point. I'll even do it in a microwave.
Ok, alright. Wow, you said the "M" word.
Ok, let's go check on Quinn, see how he's doing.
-Quinn? -That's a good idea.
Yeah, um... yeah.
[drilling]
Oh, hey! Well, what do you think?
Looks good, huh?
Good? You call this good?
It's almost noon and it looks the same as it did this morning.
What? No! Are you- are you kidding?
The lights are in, mostly.
The cabinets over there are done, mostly.
Oh, and wait, wait, saved the best for last.
Ta-dah!
Does it work?
You better believe it.
All ready for a Christmas turkey.
That's fantastic! Isn't that fantastic, Mike?
Great.
Just, I don't have any countertops
so I can't prep anything.
Hmm.
Well, the tiles are in, we could clear some space on the floor.
[laughs]
I'm kidding.
The counters will be in, in an hour... or two.
Can I please just go cook at the restaurant?
I'll cook everything there, I'll bring it back here...
It's not the same.
I want the house to smell like Christmas dinner.
It's gonna smell like sawdust if we don't start cooking soon.
[door opens]
Anybody home?
[drilling]
[Zian] Daisy...
[laughs] Oh, there's my two favorite boys.
Oh, Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
I just popped by to see if there was anything you need me
to bring for the party tonight. Like a kitchen.
Don't even get me started.
Well, you can use mine, all the appliances are old
and out of date, but so am I and I still work.
Zi wants us to cook dinner here tonight.
Oh, you want the smells.
See? She gets it.
What's all this?
Oh, well, uh... we have some big news.
We're going to be fostering a little girl.
No. You're kidding!
Yeah.
Congratulations!
When?
Tonight.
Tonight?
Mmhmm.
Oh, so all of this is for her room?
Oh, well we have a lot of work to do.
You go see what kind of smells you can generate in that kitchen
and Zian and I will go work on making a room fit
for a little princess.
Ok.
Oh, wait, wait, wait, come here.
You're gonna be dads.
Ok, enough. Go, go, go!
Oh my gosh. I'll get this. Ok.
Thanks for the casserole dish. I'll return it tomorrow.
Oh, keep it.
It'll give you something to remember me by in Florida.
[sighs]
I'm gonna miss you, Daisy.
Oh, I'm gonna miss you, too.
If you need anything, just holler.
Now, with Elena home from college and Danny taking a week off
my house is a lot louder than I'm used to.
I'm not sure it's gonna be much quieter around here
when Conrad and Winnie get back from their walk.
Oh, they'll get over it.
[sighs] I don't know.
They worshipped their father and they loved this house.
It's gonna be hard getting over that for all of us.
There are times when I can still see him
coming through that front door.
You don't have to get rid of any of those memories.
None of them.
I am so happy you're starting a new life with Nelson.
Thank you. I am, too.
You know, your kids are two of the most well-adjusted people
I have ever met.
I'm sure they'll just need a minute
to uh, process everything.
And when they get back they'll be totally on board.
Yeah.
Mom, we need to talk.
Well, maybe not totally.
You know we love you, right mom?
Of course I do, sweetheart. Hand me the paprika.
And we want what's best for you.
Well, I appreciate that. Winnie, grab the butter.
We just want to make sure that you've thought this through.
Oh, I have.
Where's the baster?
Mom, can you put a hold on the turkey for a minute?
This is important.
So is the turkey, Conrad.
It's kinda the most important thing going on here tonight.
I'd argue that getting married and quitting your job-
I'm not quitting. I'm retiring.
Ok, retiring and moving to Florida.
And selling the house.
Yes. That all those things are maybe
a tiny bit more important than a turkey.
Mom, dad loved this house.
Do you remember what it was like when he was here on Christmas?
He made this the most magical place in the world.
Of course I remember, honey.
I love this house, too.
We had some beautiful memories here.
And we can take those memories with us wherever we go.
Even Florida.
Mom, I'm sorry but we just don't think this is a good idea.
What part?
All of it.
Well, no. I'm okay with the getting married part.
Conrad, Winnie, I love you both very much
but this is not your decision. It's mine.
So I'm going to go outside for some fresh air
and you two take over.
I want the turkey in the oven in five minutes.
That went well.
Are you hiding?
I was, um, just checking to see if it's started snowing yet.
Oh.
Can you blame me?
Not even a little bit.
How's it going in there?
There's a reason why I'm out here.
I have to ask. Are you sure about all this?
The last thing I want is to come between you and the kids.
You're not coming between anything.
It's my decision to retire.
I spent 25 years in schools and I'm ready.
And Florida?
Florida was our idea.
We didn't wanna shovel snow anymore.
Ok, well at least give me credit for the marriage part.
Oh, did you think that was your idea?
[laughs]
You underestimate me.
This house.
Cherry Lane.
I hear how you all talk about it.
Yeah, we've been here almost 20 years.
Conrad was seven. Winnie had just learned to walk.
This was definitely more than just a house.
It was our home.
How do you let all that go?
Because I love you.
And I can't wait to make a new home with you.
In Florida, where it's currently 82 degrees and sunny.
You won't miss a white Christmas?
We can always come here for a weekend.
Well, this is going to be a fun Christmas Eve dinner.
Yeah, I think my plan to get out of here by 5:00
is going to need a little bit of adjustment.
I don't know. It really seems like she's made up her mind.
I just don't know what staying here and talking it to death
is going to accomplish.
Maybe instead of talking to her we can show her.
I mean, you said it.
How dad used to make Christmas here so special.
Remember he'd make up all those games
and we'd do scavenger hunts
and build snowmen families in the front yard?
Yeah, so?
When dad died mom had to keep it going.
And she did.
But then we got older and moved out and Christmas here-
Became her two kids trying to get in and out by 5:00.
Yeah.
So what we need to do is bring back
a little bit of that Christmas magic into this house.
Hmph.
[drilling]
There we go.
Oh, is Peter all settled in?
Oh yeah, upstairs coloring away, happy as a clam.
So sweet.
Lizzie, you- you have to mix that much better.
Just put your back into it.
Mom, I've made stuffing before.
I made it last Christmas, remember?
Mmhmm, I remember. Hmm.
Ok. Well, why don't I finish the potatoes?
No. The potatoes...
um, well you know how your father doesn't like lumps.
Just let me do it.
Why don't you let me take a look at that?
Oh, that's ok, Frank. I think I got it.
If you got it, it would be done by now.
Do we really need to put the crib together today?
The baby could be here any minute.
She's not due for two weeks.
It's her first one, sometimes they come early.
So if you let us help...
Gentlemen, I can assemble a 350 V8 blindfolded.
I think I can handle a crib.
There's been a lot of reading of the assembly manual
and not much actual assembly.
Hey, Brett, what do you say we go upstairs
and give old John here a head start on it.
I don't think that's necessary.
It's not a problem, John. We got this, ok?
You just hang out here and make sure that dinner's on track.
-[Frank laughs] -Ok.
Thanks, Brett.
[arguing inside the house]
[door closes]
[exhales]
It's fancy meeting you here.
[chuckles]
You think if I start screaming
the neighbors will call the police?
Oh, do it, please.
And then if we get lucky the police will come
and they'll arrest us and we can spend tonight in jail.
[laughs]
Oh, this is not how I imagined our first Christmas
in our new house.
I know. Let's look at it this way.
This is the Christmas we get to look back on and laugh.
Right. Ok.
So we're getting the bad one out of the way
and it's just uphill from here.
Exactly, yes.
In fact, you know what we should be doing?
We should be thinking about all those future Christmases
in this house.
Yes, Christmas morning with our son, or daughter.
Or both. Let's have lots of them.
Awe.
And there'll be music.
Oh, yes. Lots.
Christmas carols, all the classics...
Oh, yes, and laughter.
So much laughter.
You know what I know
those future Christmases are gonna have the most of?
Love.
[horn honking]
What?
No- yes...
Yeah.
-Is that-- -Mmhmm.
Yep, that's my sister.
[laughs] Hey, hey!
-Hi! -Oh my god, hi!
Hi!
[John] Wow! Welcome!
Merry Christmas!
-Hi! -Hi!
I thought your flight was cancelled.
I pulled a few strings.
Steve did some legal work for the airline
and they got us on a different flight.
Isn't that great?
Of course he did.
-That is wonderful! -Wow.
Oh my gosh, it's so cold.
Get inside.
You guys just go...
-We will-- -See you in there.
See you in there.
Make yourselves at home.
[laughing incredulously]
[mocking] Ha ha ha. Ha ha ha.
Those future Christmases?
They better be really, really amazing.
Oh yeah. Yeah.
-Ok. -Ok. Here we go.
[Zian] Is that too much Christmas?
[Daisy] Oh, there's no such thing.
I'm gonna redo my bedroom just like this.
I just want it to be perfect.
You're gonna be raising a kid.
There's no such thing as "perfect".
Mmm, my first Christmas with a foster family
was pretty perfect.
Oh, I didn't know you were a foster child.
My parents immigrated from the Philippines
when I was a baby but they passed away when I was four.
Oh, Zian, I'm so sorry.
Oh, it's ok.
We didn't have any relatives here
so I went into the foster care system.
The family that adopted me wanted to do it before Christmas
but they had to travel so they found another family
to take me in...
Aww.
On Christmas Eve, believe it or not.
No.
Yeah. It was a young couple.
I don't even remember their names.
It was only for a couple days but they went all out.
They decorated their house and they just turned it
into this winter wonderland, and there was people and presents
and smells from the kitchen and...
it was magic.
And now you get to do that for another child.
Isn't it like a miracle when everything comes full circle?
The way all the moments and the people in our lives connect?
Stop it. You're gonna make me cry.
[laughs]
We still have too much work to do.
You know, I think we're gonna make it.
The bedroom's almost done, the kitchen is progressing.
Mike is cooking.
I think it's all going to be-
-[crash] -[distant yelling]
Oh...
Oh, god.
Is everybody ok?
Yeah, we're fine. Well, most of us are.
We can fix this, I promise.
It's a turkey! You can't fix a turkey!
It's ruined.
I'm sorry-
It's- it's alright. It's alright. Ok?
We can handle this. There's still time.
I can just go get more food.
You have to be getting the bedroom ready.
No, I'll take care of that and this too.
If you both go you can get it done faster.
You're our guest on Christmas Eve.
You can't do all the work.
I didn't have time to get you a present so this is it.
Go, go, go, go, go.
Thank you. Thank you so much.
Oh, alright everyone, gather around, gather around please.
I've got something to say.
Now, I know that this Christmas is not typical
but we are Sawyers
and we endure even when the house is a great big mess.
-Mom. -What?
Never mind. Go on.
Christmas is all about tradition.
And what's our favorite one?
Caroling!
[cheering]
-Like singing? -Yeah.
Are you sure you're up for this?
Exercise is important for pregnant women, right, Lizzie?
I walk two miles every day, rain or shine.
Wow.
Oh, so do I.
Mostly back and forth to the bathroom, but...
Adorable.
Well, that's the spirit. Ok, are we ready? Let's go.
Come on, here we go.
[Olivia] Evelyn, what's our first song?
[Evelyn] "Silent Night".
[all singing] * Silent night, holy night... *
Is Santa Claus gonna be able to find me here?
Oh, I'm sure he knows exactly where you are.
How?
Uh... his list. His list.
He updates it all the time.
How?
The elves, they watch you and he tells-
they tell him where you are.
[Peter] How?
Have you set up a college fund yet?
It's never too soon to think about things like that.
And what about diapers?
You're gonna need a lot of diapers.
[Olivia] Ok, everyone, let's get ready to sing!
[Lizzie] I'll go knock on the door.
Here we go.
Ready?
[knocking]
Everybody ready?
[all singing] * We wish you a merry Christmas, *
* we wish you a merry Christmas, *
* we wish you a merry Christmas *
* and a happy new year.
* Good tidings we bring to you and your kin, *
* we wish you a merry Christmas *
* and a happy new year.
Oh, that was so good. Thank you.
I'm Daisy.
Oh, uh, John Hamilton.
This is my wife Lizzie and her entire family.
We just moved in down the street.
Oh, welcome to Cherry Lane. You're gonna love it here.
Thank you. Do you live here by yourself?
No, this is my parent's house.
I grew up here but I'm just home from college for Christmas.
Oh, are they home?
They had to go out of town so I stayed behind
to take care of the house and feed the cat.
[everyone chuckles]
You mean you're all alone for Christmas?
Yeah, but it's ok.
No, it is not ok.
You're going to join us for Christmas Eve dinner
at our house- I mean, their house.
Lizzie's house. I'm Evelyn, her mother.
That is very kind of you to offer
but I don't want to impose.
Just stop right there. What's one more, right John?
Of course. Please join us.
Absolutely.
Thank you.
* They go jingle bells, jingle bells...*
[Conrad] Mom, we have a surprise for you.
Conrad, I have to get rolls in the- what is all this?
[together] Blindfold present wrapping!
Blindfold what?
It's this great game we used to play every Christmas
when we were kids. Remember, mom?
Whenever it would be too cold or snowing like it is now
and we couldn't go outside then we'd huddle up here
and do some fun Christmas activities.
Kids, I- I just- I don't have time.
Come on, Mom.
If this really is our last Christmas here
shouldn't we celebrate it?
Relive some fond memories.
I think it sounds like fun. I mean, if you're up for it.
Alright.
Yes!
Ok, Nelson, here's how this works.
We pair off into teams.
One person from each team puts the blindfold on,
the other person tells them how to put the ornaments in a box,
wrap it, and put ribbons and bows on it.
Whoever finishes first wins.
Who's on who's team?
Well, in the past it was always Conrad and dad
against me and mom, so-
That was when you two were little.
Now that you're grown up I think it should be me and Nelson
against you two.
That sounds like a plan. Let's do it!
-[Regina] Alright. -Ok.
-We're gonna get this. -Yeah.
Ok.
-Are we ready? -Uh-huh. Good.
Three, two, one, go!
-Keep going straight. -Left.
-Winnie, pick up the thing- -What thing?
*
There! To your left.
*
[Conrad] ...Your other left.
*
[Conrad] Get the wrapping paper.
Close it up and just wrap that up.
Fold the paper.
Crease it. There you go.
*
[Conrad] Use your other hand, too. You've got two hands.
[growls]
Ok, come on, come on, come on, come on.
Three inches forward. Three inches forward.
[Nelson] There. Boom.
* Happy Christmas,*
* Wishing you a happy Christmas*
I am tying it!
*
...Stick it on, stick it on, stick it on.
We're done!
Woo! [laughs]
Way to go, honey.
[Conrad] We almost had it.
I couldn't have done it without you.
Thanks, guys. That was really fun.
Best two out of three?
Tie it. Tie it.
It doesn't matter who won.
It does matter who won.
What's important is that she played the game.
And she had fun, so that's a start.
Do you really think this is gonna work?
Do you have any better ideas?
No.
But look at their present.
It's perfect.
They obviously make a good team and Nelson is a really good guy.
Ok, then we give them our blessing, they move to Florida,
and this really is our last Christmas in this house.
I mean, if she's happy.
What if it doesn't make her happy?
What if she regrets it and it's too late?
We have to do what's best for mom.
[grunting]
Do we really need a 20-pound turkey?
Twelve guests. Linda and Emily!
Fourteen guests.
Plus you and me, plus our foster child.
Our foster child. I love it when you say that.
Yeah. Me too.
What I don't love is them being out of fresh cranberry sauce.
They had cans of cranberry sauce.
Not gonna happen.
Mike, you're going to have to make substitutions.
You're a chef. That's literally your job.
No, it's not.
I plan my menus very carefully
and make sure all the ingredients are available
and that I have plenty of time to cook everything
exactly the way I want so it turns out perfectly.
What I don't do is rush around and just make do
with whatever's available and just hope for the best
when there's so much at stake.
Are you still talking about cranberry sauce?
No.
* The First Noel--
Stop. It.
We can't even keep a turkey safe.
Are we really ready for a kid? Like, can we do this?
I don't know. But I know that I wanna try.
And I don't wanna do it without you.
I'm sorry.
But just know that if you ever make me serve
canned cranberry sauce I want a divorce.
That's totally fair.
Well, how'd you do?
I think we can work with what we got.
How are things here?
Good. The bedroom is almost finished.
-Thank you, Daisy. -How's the kitchen?
Quinn says they're about an hour away from being done.
Done?
Like... done, done?
Done, done.
-That's incredible! -[both laughing]
We're gonna make it!
Yeah!
[laughing]
Aww.
-[electricity buzzing] -[Quinn] Whoa, whoa, whoa...
[gasps]
Wait... what was--
What was that?
Oh.
The power went out.
Why?
I don't know.
No, seriously, why?
I don't know.
Question.
Uh, how would you feel about Christmas Eve dinner
by candlelight?
-[Evelyn] Olivia, keep stirring!
-[Frank] Where is your hammer?
[Evelyn] Keep stirring. You got it.
It is so much quieter out here.
It's so much quieter anywhere.
[laughs]
I'm sorry for all of this.
What're you sorry for?
That's my family in there.
Sweetheart, my folks passed a long time ago
and I don't have brothers and sisters
so that group of crazy people in there,
they are my family, too.
Aww.
And I love 'em. I do.
They are just-
A lot.
A lot of a lot.
Mmhmm.
Yeah.
All the little comments and digs,
I don't know how much more I can handle.
Does your dad even like me?
I like you.
Oh, it's a no.
Well, it's... he likes your car.
Yeah. Everybody likes my car.
You know what your dad said to me, though?
He said "John, I think you should get out of
the gas station business while the gettin' is good".
And your mom's up there picking out paint samples
for her grandchild's room.
I think you should talk to 'em.
We just need to get through this Christmas and then after--
But sweetie, we shouldn't be "getting through" Christmas.
We should be celebrating it.
I know.
John, there you are.
There's a call for you, it's the police.
-What? -Oh.
-Hello?
What?
Ok. Um, thank you.
I will be right there. Bye bye.
What happened?
There was a break-in at the station.
Oh no, that's terrible.
Was anything taken?
Uh, I don't know. I gotta go find out.
-Right now? -Yeah.
John, it's Christmas Eve.
I know. Apparently there's a window smashed in.
I can't leave it like that.
Steve and I will go with you. We'll help you board it up.
No. thank you, but please stay here
and I'll be back as soon as I can.
The roads are starting to get icy, John. Be careful.
I will. Thank you. Thank you all.
Be careful.
I will.
-I love you. -I love you, too.
Honey, it's gonna be fine.
Don't worry. Don't worry. You're gonna be fine.
Oh, this is a great one! Snowman building contest!
We should do that.
It's freezing outside.
Well, it needs to be cold a snowman, so...
Food's gonna be ready soon.
Ok. Well... oh, how about this one?
Does anybody remember Mystery Christmas Carol?
What was that?
We'd sit around the fireplace in the living room
and then we'd get our cocoas out
and we would each sing a Christmas carol,
except you couldn't sing the words
you could only sing "doo bee doo".
You were so bad at that.
I was not.
Ok, let's try it.
Conrad, I need to concentrate or the food's gonna be ruined.
Come on, mom. This was one of Dad's favorites.
Look, I'll go first.
* Doo bee doo bee- Doo bee doo bee- *
Conrad.
I love you. I love you both.
I loved your dad, I loved living in this house.
Birthdays, skinned knees, first loves, first heartbreaks...
Laughter. So much laughter and so much love.
Holidays. Especially Christmas.
I remember it all.
And this little trip down memory lane
is not gonna make me change my mind.
I need you to get on board.
I don't think I can.
Mom, this is all happening so fast.
I'm sorry, but I think you're making a mistake.
I don't think so. But if you can't accept that...
Maybe I should just go.
No, Conrad.
Conrad.
No, I think I've said enough.
Merry Christmas.
Honey...
[door slams]
-Conrad! -[door slams]
No, Winnie, go back inside.
Come back inside with me.
No. I just need-
It's Christmas Eve. You can't leave.
I have to.
I already said things I shouldn't have said
and if I say I'm only gonna make it worse.
Look, I know this is a big change.
I know that you're not good with change.
Why do you say that?
Exhibit A.
Uncle Ham was dad's best friend.
He loved this car. And he loved us.
That means something to me. So does this house.
I can't.
Well, drive safe.
Merry Christmas, sis.
So do we need to call the power company?
No, it's just a thing with the fuse box.
What kind of thing?
Well, the kind that blew up when we plugged stuff in.
Can you fix it?
Of course, there's an electrician on the way here
right now with everything that we need.
It's just gonna take him a few hours to get here
and repair it all.
It'll be done by 5:00?
Cross my heart.
What time is the foster agency coming?
Anne said they'd be here by 8:00.
That's it. I'm going to the restaurant,
I'm gonna cook everything,
I'll be back by 7:00, 7:30, hopefully.
You'll need an extra pair of hands. I'll go with you.
Daisy, you don't have to.
Oh. Elena and the grandkids
aren't going to be here until tomorrow
and this is a lot more exciting than sitting alone
in that big old house over there.
Oh, hey, are you looking to have some renovations done?
Uh...
What? Ok.
Look, I know you wanted the Christmas smells
but I don't see any other way that this can get done.
I'll open up a can of cranberry sauce
and wave it around the house.
Don't you dare.
I feel like this is the part where I should say
"we'll figure it out".
I love you.
I love you, too.
Ok.
Let's go.
Thanks again, Daisy!
Do you want to check this stuffing?
Uh, yeah.
It needs more chicken stock.
How can you tell?
See how the corn bread is still a little crumbly?
We want it soft and soaked but not mushy.
[laughs]
That's very specific.
The boss's recipe. We gotta get it right.
I can't wait to see her tonight.
I think the last time I saw her was here, waiting tables.
Yeah, the look on people's faces
when she walked up to take their order...
[laughs]
I love how she's still so down to earth.
You don't get that with someone so famous.
She's got a big heart.
I can't wait to see how much
she's gonna spoil that little girl.
Oh, she's gonna have to get in line.
We need all the help we can get.
Are you nervous?
Nervous doesn't come close to describing my level of anxiety.
You're gonna be a great dad.
Am I?
I don't know the first thing about parenting.
I didn't either when I had Elena.
But you know what I learned?
Every day is like Christmas morning.
You never know what you're gonna wake up to.
Sometimes you don't always get what you were hoping for
but a lot of times you get what you needed.
[drilling]
Thanks for coming out, Officer.
Absolutely.
Well, nothing's missing and I emptied the registers last night
when I closed up, and the safe hasn't been touched so...
I don't know.
Hmm.
What about your stock, Mr. Hamilton? Oil, tires?
Yeah, well I'll check it against inventory but I don't think so.
You know, why would someone break in and not steal anything?
Uh, maybe they got scared off?
Or maybe people just aren't very happy
with gas prices these days.
You think this is just vandalism?
It's possible.
Yeah, well, everyone thinks I'm getting rich
off this oil crisis.
Oh, not everyone thinks that.
In fact, I'd guess that most people would be as angry as I am
that someone did something like this.
On Christmas Eve, no less.
I appreciate that.
Um, I'm gonna get cleaned up in here.
Thanks for coming out.
Hey, it's the end of my shift anyway,
why don't I give you a hand.
Come on. Don't you want to get home to your family?
I can't wait to see my wife, yes,
but we're having Christmas Eve dinner with her family
so I'm ok with putting that off for a little while longer.
Ah, ha-ha.
That's what's going on. Well, listen, I can top that.
Because back at my place I've got a house full of in-laws
who are all staying with us.
Oh man.
You know, I think this clean up's gonna take a lot longer
than expected, Mr. Hamilton.
I think you might be right.
Hey. But you know what?
Don't call me Mr. Hamilton. I'm John.
Greg.
Let's get to work.
Alright. I'll show you around.
Great.
And you just moved in yesterday?
Yeah. We hadn't even unpacked yet.
And they just showed up at the front door
and said "we're here"?
Verbatim.
Oh man. I would have grabbed my wife
and I would have hid in the closet until they went away.
Well, I should have thought of that one but...
I mean, don't get me wrong, like,
they're great people, they are. I love 'em.
But I just thought this was gonna be our last Christmas
together that was just the two of us.
You're having a baby?
Two weeks out.
Small world. My wife's due in March.
What? Congratulations! Is this your first?
It is, yeah. You?
Yes!
Are you freaked out about it as much as I am?
Yes! Don't get me started.
I spend all my time thinking about tomorrow.
How am I gonna keep my kid safe, how am I gonna provide.
Am I gonna be a good father, you know.
Like, what does it even mean to be a good father?
I hear that.
But you know what helps get me through?
Huh?
Whenever I get messed up about tomorrow I take a step back
and look at all the blessings I have today.
I have a home, I have a good job.
I have a beautiful, funny, patient as a saint wife
who puts up with a lot from me.
I have a baby on the way. It's Christmas Eve.
If this is what today looks like
I'm pretty sure I can handle whatever tomorrow brings.
I think that means we should probably finish up here
and get back to our families.
That's a great idea.
Conrad?
Looks like Santa Claus isn't gonna be able
to miss this house.
Ivy, what?
You should see the inside.
We may have gone a little overboard.
A little?
Well, we figured if the lights were really gonna go out
because of that whole Y2K thing
we should enjoy it while we can, right?
Hey, I thought you were spending Christmas Eve with your mom?
Yeah, it's a long story.
Come inside and tell me.
You're getting things ready, I-
What's wrong?
What makes you think something's wrong?
Mmm, we've known each other our entire lives.
We went to school together, and college,
and you were a groomsman at my wedding
so I think I know you, Conrad so...
Mom's getting married to Nelson.
And she's selling the house and moving to Florida.
Wow. Ok, um... well, come inside.
Hector just made up a new batch of hot cocoa.
I don't wanna get in the way.
I'll come back tonight when the party starts.
Conrad, at least let's sit on the front porch.
We can, you know, have some cocoa
and watch my electricity bill going up, okay?
I can't believe you still have that car.
I love that car.
So do I. Let's go.
[phone rings] Hamilton Gas and Repair.
John, you gotta get back here right away.
[John] What's wrong?
Lizzie's gone into labor.
What? She's not due for two weeks.
Yeah, well the baby has other plans.
Uh, ok. Did um- did you call the ambulance?
They don't think they can get here in time
because of the icy roads.
Right. Um, ok. I am on my way.
How are you gonna get here through a blizzard
if an ambulance can't?
[John] I'll figure it out. I promise.
Frank, take care of her until I get there?
I will. And John, be careful.
Thank you, Frank.
[hangs up]
Is your wife in labor?
Yeah, I gotta get home but this snow is...
I got snow chains and a siren. Let's go.
Ok.
[upbeat music]
[sirens wail]
Ok.
Yeah, we can do that.
Wha- you got the power back on!
I did! Wow!
Do you want a job? Because I'm good
but I could never make a room look this incredible.
Ok. You're not inspiring
a great deal of confidence right now, Quinn.
It is one lucky kid that's gonna get to live here.
I hope she'll like it.
She will, but I meant you and Mike.
Thank you.
We're uh, we're a little nervous.
Why?
Look at what you've accomplished in the last few hours.
If you can do this, you can handle anything
that parenthood has to throw at you.
I can't believe I've never asked you this but um...
do you have kids?
No. But I was lucky enough growing up
to know what good parents look like.
They do whatever it takes.
They're loving and supportive, and most of all they're patient.
And that is you and Mike.
You think so?
You put up with me for the last six months.
[laughs]
That's true.
We have less than an hour before she gets here.
I think we're gonna need a miracle.
How about a Christmas miracle?
Follow me.
Ta-dah!
How did you do all of this?
I told you I never miss a deadline.
Thank you.
Ok, now all we need is food. And my husband.
Third cup of the night! Here you go.
How's your dad?
Uh, not great.
Hector and I were going to spend Christmas in Michigan
with him and mom but then we got that call.
You immediately decided to buy every Christmas decoration
in the entire city?
Yes, pretty much.
He's only here for a couple of days,
we want to make it special, you know?
As Christmas should be.
Conrad, Christmas can still be special
even if you don't have it on Cherry Lane.
It's not the same.
Hmm.
You remember when um, my dad got that job
and we all had to move to Michigan?
I was like, what, eight years old?
It didn't make any sense to me, like how do you leave home?
But then two days ago we got this call
and they were saying that--
Yeah, you told me this.
Shh-shh-shh, I'm telling it to you again.
There's this little boy in foster care, his name is Sam,
he's going to be adopted but his parents can't take him
until after Christmas so they wanted to know
if he could spend it with us.
And you freaked out.
For a minute, yeah.
But then I...
I pictured this little boy spending Christmas here with us.
With every Christmas light in existence.
I want it to be special.
Because I know that this isn't the home he'll be in next year
or the year after that, but I intend to make sure
he will remember this Christmas for the rest of his life.
Because home is about more than a house.
Family is more than the sum of its parts.
And Christmas is about more than where you celebrate it.
It's about who you celebrate it with.
[mugs clink]
[Lizzie breathing heavily]
Shhh. Yeah, I know.
We should boil some water.
Aren't you supposed to boil water?
She's having a baby, not cooking spaghetti!
No, he's right.
I've seen then do that in the movies.
Mom.
I know, I know, I know. Guys, out, out.
All of you, get out. Come on, come.
Scoot, Scoot. Go, go, go, go, go.
Get out, get out, get out.
Thank you.
Oh, it hurts.
I know. Trust me, I know.
Ooh, where's John?
He's on his way. He'll be here any second.
He's on his way, I promise.
[groans]
Honey...
We're not ready.
The house... the baby's room isn't set up...
[groans]
We're not ready to be parents!
Honey, no one's ever ready to be a parent.
You weren't?
Are you kidding?
Listen, when Brett came home from the hospital
he slept in a dresser drawer with blankets in it
because your father tried to build a crib, right?
And he couldn't finish it in time.
Dad tried to build a crib?
Tried, but we ended up buying one at a yard sale.
I've always loved your father's confidence but you know what?
Between you and me sometimes it exceeds his abilities.
[laughing]
Don't make me laugh.
-I'm sorry, I'm sorry. -[Lizzie laughing]
The point is we had no idea what we were doing.
Well, neither do we.
Oooh, you have made that abundantly clear.
No, honey, sweetheart, you are going to be a great mom
and John is going to be an amazing dad.
No, what about the house, John's gas station...
you both make it sound like they are not good enough.
And I don't even know how to make potatoes without lumps.
Ok, you listen to me. Listen to me, ok?
Your father and I figured out how to be parents
with a lot of help from our family and our friends
and our neighbors,
and we're just trying to help you figure it out too, ok?
Because Lizzie, listen. Listen.
You're so strong and capable and independent
and I am just worried
that you're not gonna need us anymore.
Oh, mom, I'm always gonna need you.
No you're not. No you're not. No you're not.
Because listen.
You and John, honey, the two of you, you can do anything, ok?
Ok.
Oh, he's here! He's here!
[sobbing] John!
John, John!
Hi, sweetheart. Hi. Are you ok?
No! I'm having a baby in our living room!
[yelling]
Hey, can we use your car to get her to the hospital?
Contractions are too close together, there's no time.
You're a police officer,
have you ever delivered a baby before?
There's a first time for everything.
Okay. See it's going to be okay.
We're going to need blankets and towels.
Okay.
We should probably move her to the floor.
Okay.
We should boil some water.
[Steve] I told you!
Steve, that is not helpful!
-Okay. -Not helpful.
Still no luck getting the car started.
No, we can't wait that long. I know it's Christmas Eve but...
They hung up.
Roadside assistance hung up on you?
Shocking.
Are they coming?
They said it could be hours.
What about a cab? Or a ride share?
No, I checked.
It's Christmas Eve and it's snowing.
I mean, we'd have better luck walking home.
You have any idea why the car won't start?
I know where the gas goes and how to turn it on.
After that I'm out. I have no idea how to fix a car.
How's that for irony?
[Zian] Well, what's wrong with it?
[Mike] It won't start.
Is it the battery?
How would I know?
Ok, ok. I can't leave.
I know. I can't believe I'm asking this but can um...
Quinn come and pick us up?
Quinn just left.
I could call Linda and Emily.
Maybe they could swing by on their way to the party.
They live all the way on the other side of town.
Everybody does.
Ok, let's just face it, this is never gonna happen, ok?
We're gonna have this little kid show up for Christmas Eve dinner
and there's gonna be no dinner!
It's like Tiny Tim all over again!
It's not that bad.
Yes it is!
This is our first major test at parenthood
and we've failed!
Mike.
* O holy night,
* the stars are brightly shining... *
It's not gonna work.
* It is the night of our dear savior's birth. *
* The thrill of hope,
* the weary world rejoices,
* for yonder breaks,
* a new and glorious morn.
* Fall on your knees,
* oh hear the angel voices.
Babe, Winnie's here, I'll call you back.
What're you- what're you doing here?
Well, I was on my way to your house when we saw your car
out front with the hood up and all the lights on in here.
Oh, Winnie.
Daisy.
You look fantastic.
Every time I see you I can't believe you're the same
little girl that moved in across the street from me
when you were three years old.
I'm still the same little girl,
just with a lot more years thrown at her.
Oh, it looks like you ducked them.
Oh, I have to tell you. I love your Christmas album.
I've been paying it non-stop.
Thank you, we worked very hard on it.
Ok, this is cute but can we catch up later?
I'm in a bit of a crisis here.
Yes. Why are you here?
Long story, but we have an entire Christmas Eve dinner
and no way to get it home.
Well, what are we doing standing here talking about it?
Let's get this food and go!
Conrad is in the car.
Remember how to get to the house?
Mike, I grew up there.
I was the one who told you guys to buy it
a year ago when it went on the market.
Oh, how are the renovations coming?
* Joyful all the nations rise... *
[exciting music]
[peaceful music]
[Winnie singing] * O holy night,
* the stars are brightly shining, *
* it is the night of our dear savior's birth, *
* long lay the world
* in sin and error pining
* til he appeared and the soul felt its worth... *
What can I help with?
You can take the mac and cheese to the table.
Just be careful, it's hot.
You came back.
I wasn't gonna miss our last Christmas here.
What made you change your mind?
I got a little advice from an expert.
I talked to Ivy.
If anyone knows how important this house is, it's her.
What makes it important is our memories together.
Memories with you, Mom.
When Dad would work late at the police station.
That's why I've always loved Christmas here.
Because it was a Christmas with you.
Well, wherever I am we'll always be together at Christmas.
And any house we have will always be home for you two.
Thank you, Nelson.
And thank you for making my mom so happy.
It's gonna be a great wedding.
[laughter]
See? This is what Christmas in this house is all about.
It is.
Now, let's get to work and get some food out there.
-Alright. -I'm hungry.
[chattering in the background]
Hey little baby. You are so beautiful.
You did good, mama.
We did good. Didn't we?
I'm proud of you, son.
You did what you had to to be here for my daughter.
You're a good man. You're gonna be a great dad.
Thank you, Frank.
And thank you, Greg.
Couldn't have done this without you.
Such a beautiful family, and this is such a beautiful home.
I hope I can have one just like it someday for my family.
Well, I'll tell you what.
If we ever decide to move we'll sell it to you.
Well, after what he did we should give it to him.
[chuckles]
Seriously, though. Thank you.
I mean, we are- we are a little crazy.
And we don't always know what we're doing,
but you're family now.
So we expect you here every Christmas.
Yes, that's right. You are officially Uncle Greg.
That's quite the honor.
And when my kid's born in a few months you can be Uncle John.
I'd be honored.
Wait, Regina, she already has a brother named John.
Oh.
You can call him what I call him, Uncle Ham.
'Cause his name is John Hamilton.
I think that's perfect. Uncle Ham it is.
Since we are talking about names...
Well, everyone, I'd like to introduce you
to our beautiful daughter, Ivy.
Oh, Ivy.
Ivy.
Hi, baby girl.
[knocking]
Hi there. Hi.
Um, my name is Ivy and this is Hector.
Merry Christmas. You must be Sam.
Hi Sam.
Hi.
I have something for you, right?
Thank you.
Um, my folks gave this to me to help make Christmas
a little more special.
Thank you.
[knocking]
Hi. You must be Tina.
Um, I'm Mike and this is Zian.
That's not an easy name to say, is it?
People had a hard time pronouncing it when I was little
so I just went by a nickname.
You can call me Sam.
Merry Christmas.
-Come in. -Come on.
What do you think of Susan? Do you love her?
[Christmas music plays]
*
Cheers.
*
Awww!
* Christmas
* The snow's coming down,
* Christmas
* I'm watching it fall,
* Christmas
* lots of people around,
* Christmas
* baby please come home,
* Christmas
* the church bells in town,
* Christmas
* are ringing in song,
* Christmas
* what a happy sound,
* Christmas
* baby please come home,
* they're singing Deck the Halls, *
* but it's not like Christmas at all, *
* 'Cause I remember when you were here, *
* and all the fun we had last year, *
* Christmas
* pretty lights on the tree,
* Christmas
* I'm watching them shine,
* Christmas
* you should be here with me,
* Christmas
* baby please come home...
*
* They're singing Deck the Halls *
*