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(upbeat festive music)
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* Uh-oh, here come the holidays again *
* Uh-oh, these over-crowded shopping malls *
* Uh-oh, here come the holidays again *
* Uh-oh
Hey, hey, hey.
Merry Christmas besties.
It's your girl, Maya Way or the Highway here,
and I'm about to tell you what's up.
Okay, so I'm in Portland trying to get to Denver
to spend Christmas with my parents.
And it is a mess.
I mean, there are storms somewhere.
And it's messing things up everywhere.
Now, weather is not my thing, obvi,
so I rely on the experts
and the people on TikTok are saying it's epic,
but in a bad way.
I know that's confusing 'cause your girl Maya
typically uses epic as a positive.
But in this case it is bad.
And to make things worse, the wifi here
is next-level terrible.
- Can you do whatever it is you're doing somewhere else?
(Maya chuckles unbelievingly)
- Are you like for real right now?
Do you like wanna find out?
Okay.
So I apologize for that photo bomb of negative energy.
Let's just say some people handle
the stress of holiday travel better than others.
I'll tell you what helps me though,
a homemade holiday bomb that I'm cooking up for y'all.
Part of the soon-to-be-released My Way Home Collection.
Oh, hints of nutmeg and evergreen.
It smells like Christmas
and it feels like
home.
Sorry, just talking about home
reminds me of how bad I wanna get there.
And I just, I, I just...
Um, excuse me.
Hi, you're, you're in my frame.
- No, what I'm in is a public airport.
- (scoffs) But you could be anywhere
in a public airport, right?
- Not if I want to check the status of my flight to Denver.
- O-M-G, I'm going to Denver.
- Well, this day just keeps getting better.
So what's the deal?
- If you're referring to the flight, doesn't look good.
- You know, I've got this radical lens on humanity
and I'm sensing you're a glass-half-empty type.
No judgment. (chuckles)
Can I stop you right there?
All I really care about right now
is getting to Denver for Christmas.
Okay.
- Excuse me, sir. We are traveling from Hong Kong.
We are going here.
- Denver. - Yes.
Well, the weather's bad.
My advice, if you don't need to travel, don't.
Thank you. Thank you.
(Lai Ling and partner speaking Cantonese)
- Did you hear what he just said?
If you don't have to travel today, don't.
- Oh, is he a part of the airline.
I don't think so.
- Oh, then it's just another traveler's opinion.
- His luggage had diamond tags on it.
He must know something.
- Mom, if you don't want to spend the holidays in Denver,
just say something.
What?
Honey, this whole thing was my idea.
Of course. I wanna go.
- Well then maybe you could start acting like it.
- Okay, I'm concerned about the weather, Ben.
I can't just turn off being a mother.
- All right, I'll go get some snacks.
Get me a slice of pizza.
- Few things harder than raising a teenager.
(laughs) Tell me about it. Do you have a teen?
No, but I was a terrible one.
Oh.
- But I do have a really great relationship
with my parents now
So there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Oh, that's a relief.
Are you going to see them for the holiday?
- No, I'm headed to Colorado to snowboard.
Oh.
- Once-in-a-hundred-year storm.
First tracks if I get there by Christmas day.
- Hope you make it. (phone chimes and buzzes)
- Where there's a will, there's a way.
Oh, excuse me.
Uh, hey, are you there? How's the snow?
Nope. No, that's not it.
It's double shot, no foam candy cane cappuccino.
- Oh, so you mean a candy cane latte?
No, I don't mean a latte.
Because lattes have no foam.
Yeah, no, I know that.
But they also have more milk.
- Oh, but you said you didn't want milk.
- Actually said I wanted oat milk.
- Well, that doesn't foam up anyways, so.
- Yeah, as of now, the flight is still on
so I'll be there.
That is, if this guy ahead of me
can finish ordering his candy cane Chad-uccino.
- Chad-uccino, really? (soft confrontational music)
Lemme call you back.
Sorry, it's just a playful little term,
you know, for a, a complicated coffee order.
Yeah, yeah. No, I know it.
I just don't typically hear it from, you know, an adult.
Sorry, where were we?
Let me think. Nowhere.
- You know what, just for the record,
my order is not that complicated.
It's not that complicated, right?
- Employee handbook says I can't answer that.
Okay, even if it was,
nothing wrong with saying what I want.
- Nothing wrong at all. - No
Actual data does suggests
the biggest blockage in healthy communication
actually comes from people who don't say what they want.
- Makes perfect sense. - Yeah.
- And as that's clearly not an issue for you,
maybe you could do us all a favor and just hurry it along.
- Everything's delayed. What's the rush?
There's no rush.
I just think a little common courtesy
during this busy holiday travel season
would be much appreciated by all.
- Says the lady who called me a Chad.
- Okay. I suggested that your order was typical of a Chad.
I didn't call you a Chad.
- Okay. And now we're splitting hairs.
Okay. Okay.
How about this?
What I want is for you to please finish your order
so that everyone behind you in line
can go on with their holiday.
How's that for healthy communication?
(PA system chimes)
[PA] Attention, all travelers.
Status for flight 554 to Denver will be updated momentarily.
Please check the departure boards near you.
- So where were we? (subdued music)
(subdued music continues)
(travelers groan)
- No. - Oh, no.
Unbelievable.
Well, it's your lucky day.
Yeah? How's that?
You were seated next to me.
(Clay sighs)
Worst Christmas ever.
(lively music)
[PA] Attention passengers,
flight number UA1480 to Chicago
scheduled to depart from Gate 47-
Hey! Hey again.
I'm Dana, by the way.
So I'm thinking we're all headed to Denver, right?
How about we all share a rental car?
I mean, between the three of us,
we could drive straight through, be there by Christmas Eve.
Oh, thank you.
Yeah, I'm thinking we'll try to get on a flight tomorrow.
Good luck with that.
Three flights to Denver already got canceled, so I'm in.
Okay.
We're in too.
- Honey, I'd like us to consider all our options.
Well, you heard him.
There's no chance we're getting on another flight, so.
He's Diamond. He must know, right?
(Tricia scoffs)
Okay, we're in.
You drive? To Denver?
- They're trying to get to the same place.
- Sure, no problem. - Thank you.
Okay, so that's six of us.
We'll get an SUV.
- Excuse me, I'm Ember. I overheard your plans.
Look, I can't pay much, but I'm a night owl
so I could take the late shift no problem.
- Fine. Still an SUV, but that's it.
- Let's go. - Okay.
Um, guys. (chuckles)
What about me? (upbeat festive music)
[Dana] Let's hustle people.
We're gonna need to divide and conquer
to cover every company.
- [Tricia] I think I have a coupon
for 20% off my next car rental.
[Ben] It's only for compact.
- [Tricia] I get a little car sick
so I just need to keep my window open.
- [Dusty] Are you both aware it's winter?
Let's pick it up.
A lot of people probably doing the same thing we are.
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
(Lai Ling speaking Cantonese)
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
- [Dana] You in the back, can you please pick it up?
- Okay, so I don't know that one's name yet,
but that one's being a little extra.
I mean, where's the Christmas spirit?
Stop right there.
Whatever it is you're about to ask, my answer is no.
Just, keep walking buddy. Yeah.
- And Merry Christmas. - He's very scary.
- All the other rental car companies are sold out.
- I saw one group that found an Uber
to take them to Pittsburgh.
I can't even imagine what that would cost.
That's okay. We're next.
Everything should be fine.
Hey, hey!
Wait till I call you, please.
But I'm next.
- I have a Platinum member I have to help first.
(playful music)
- Promise to, um, how'd you put it?
Hurry it along.
- How you doing? - You know that guy?
Not well.
Yeah, what?
What? W-
Okay. (sighs)
Sorry folks. There's only one vehicle left
and it's going to this guy.
(travelers groan and moan)
(Lai Ling and partner speaking Cantonese)
It's a lot to handle.
Probably not what you had in mind but...
Whatever it is, I'll take it.
Thank you.
See? Real fast.
(playful music)
- Why are you still standing here?
- We could get a hotel. Hunker down for the night.
Maybe, maybe they'll have more cars tomorrow.
- Ah, checked every hotel. There's nothing available.
Oh.
Hey, stop.
Stop, stop, stop, stop.
Are you nuts? What the...
Seriously?
You're gonna drive this thing to Denver on your own?
- If the alternative is driving with you, then yes.
- Okay. Clearly we got off to a rough start.
- Oh, no. Rough start implies the beginning of something.
- Well, let's not get caught up in semantics.
I'm not caught up in anything.
Okay, I just want to hit the road.
Okay? (exhales sharply)
Okay, listen, I, I admit that sometimes
I say more than I should and I'm sorry.
Wow.
- Was that hard? - What?
- What? That apology - A little.
- Hmm. - Um, so I'm Dana.
- Chad. - Oh, wow.
It's actually.
Okay. So that's why you took it so hard.
I'm kidding. It's Clay.
I- by the way,
I, I didn't take it so hard.
- You kind of did. - And there you go again.
Saying more than you should.
Okay, listen.
- You have this very large van with a lot of empty seats.
And I have a group of people
who could not only fill those seats, but also help you drive
because Denver, it's a, it's a long way.
Fine. Yeah, I'll take them.
[Tricia] Thank goodness.
But not me?
- Maybe next time you think twice
before you're so judgmental on someone else's coffee order.
- Or maybe you'll think twice about complicating your order
when there's a very long line.
I'll have my friends load up.
- Great. Finally on the same page.
All aboard, everybody.
- Thank you. - Thank you.
- Thank you so much. - Thank you.
You really don't need to help.
- Some of us still have Christmas spirit.
- Okay, look, this stuff is not gonna stay.
- Well, not packing like that it won't.
- What, you think you'd do better?
You set a pretty low bar.
What was I thinking.
- [Tricia] Honey, what you have in your hand?
Mom, stop it.
- Do I have your permission to film you?
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
(Lai Ling speaking Cantonese)
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
(Lai Ling speaking Cantonese)
- We agree. - Yay!
Do I have your...?
I'll assume that's a yes on permission.
- We're in. - Oh.
Hey, you know what I just wanted to say,
you are fantastic.
(chuckles) Aw, sweet.
So do you follow my TikTok?
Or, or my YouTube?
- Yeah, I, yeah. Well, I am now is what I'm doing.
- Great. I can never have too many fans. (laughs)
(lighthearted music) Excuse me.
So I need to get something very important out of my bag.
- Which one? - Mm.
Oh, maybe that one.
Maybe?
You said it was important.
- Um, I think making the van feel like Christmas
is very important.
Oh, and since you seem to be so handy,
maybe you can hang them
while I start pre-trip interviews for our TikTok.
Tick what?
You're kidding me, right?
Geez. (groans softly)
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
- [Maya] Okay. So what does Christmas mean to you?
Uh, family.
Uh, we are visiting my sister.
- [Maya] Your husband doesn't seem very happy about that.
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
Oh, he's happy.
So happy.
(lighthearted music)
[Clay] Okay, let's load up.
(engine whirs and rumbles)
You know, I feel bad for Dana.
It was her idea.
- There's definitely enough room.
- As long as that snowboard fits.
- And despite being a little extra,
she does have can-do energy.
Don't be a scrooge.
(Clay groans)
Okay, so.
In the spirit of Christmas,
want a ride?
(bright upbeat music)
- (laughs) I thought you'd never ask.
Yep. That makes two of us.
Did that hurt?
A lot.
* Holiday
* Every day with you is like a holiday *
Okay, listen up everybody.
This here is how it's gonna work.
18 hours to Denver.
Now, we probably won't hit
any really bad weather until Colorado,
but as of right now, I-84 is backed up
all the way down to Boise so,
may have to take some side roads.
We got six drivers.
So that's three hour shifts.
Bathroom breaks on driver changes only.
Meal stops every other driver.
That's a great plan.
- Thank you. - Except it'll never work.
- And here we go. - I'm sorry,
but you have made no accommodations
for how life actually works.
Life?
- Yeah, that thing you're almost living.
- What exactly makes you the expert on life, hmm?
More than my fair share of it.
Um, guys, you should know
that my license has been temporarily suspended.
Distracted driving.
I tried to get out of it, but the evidence was on TikTok.
Yeah. Fine.
Fine. No problem.
I'll just rework the schedule for five drivers.
- When are we stopping for snacks?
See? Life.
(bright upbeat music)
Traveling all this way,
you and your sister must be very close.
- We are trying to become closer.
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
What did he say?
- He is not as supportive as he could be.
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
Do you have any other family?
- Only our son. - Hm.
- He lives in London. - Hmm.
- Uh, we have not seen him for many years.
- I can't imagine. That must be very hard.
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
What did he say?
He says,
it is complicated.
(gentle upbeat music)
* I'll be home by Christmas Eve *
* Leave the lights on the tree
* Ooh
* Ooh, ooh
- * Ooh - Three, two, one.
And, hello, Idaho. Whoo!
Whoo.
Okay. That was terrible.
We're gonna need to do that again.
I'm not doing it again.
- (scoffs) I don't expect you to understand
but in my world, the last thing you wanna be is boring.
And we're boring with a capital B.
Speak for yourself.
- You all could try my dating app.
You have a dating app?
Yeah, I do.
It's called Check the Box. "Click here for true love."
- Are you being serious right now?
I am, yeah. And it works.
And I gotta say the initial questionnaire, it's pretty fun.
Okay, let's check some boxes.
All right.
* Leave the lights on for me
- [Maya] ] So what does Christmas mean to you?
- Christmas? - Mm-hmm.
- Okay look, I know it's not a popular opinion,
but as a data guy, doesn't add up.
I mean, people are extra nice to each other
for a couple of weeks
and then it's just back to business as usual.
It's an anomaly.
Personally, I'd remove it from any data set, you know?
No such thing as Christmas magic.
- [Maya] Wow. What's worse than bah humbug?
Leave your answers in the comments.
(bright upbeat music)
It was my first kiss.
I was expecting lip on lip.
Nobody told me about the French part.
(travelers laugh)
All right, next one.
Uh, worst first date.
- Trish's first kiss. (travelers laughing)
- Ember, why don't you take this one?
No thanks. I'm good.
- Good to get outta your comfort zone.
(sighs) Okay. Okay.
Um, well his name was Stevie.
Not Steve, not Stephen, Stevie.
Stevie? Was he like 12?
- 28. - Oh.
- (Maya laughs) - Mm-hmm.
And Stevie still lived with his mom, which is cool.
You know, not necessarily a red flag.
Lots of young men still do it.
- Mom. (Ember laughs)
- Turns out Stevie's mom didn't just own their house,
she also owned their only car.
And Stevie had lost his driving privileges.
I feel him.
- So Stevie's mom drove us on the date.
- Ooh. - Uh-huh.
Oh, no, no, no. It gets worse.
I sit through the most awkward dinner ever.
Get back in the car with Mom.
She drives me home, parks the car.
Like car in park, engine off.
And it's clear at this point
that Stevie wants to kiss me goodnight.
Oh. (chuckles)
- And so I thought I had the perfect out.
So I said "I can't. Not in front of your mom."
- And he said, I kid you not, "Mom, close your eyes."
(travelers gasp and laugh)
- I think Stevie should leave the nest.
- It sounds like she was coming from a loving place.
Really? Mom.
- What? He lost his driving privileges.
Okay, next question.
On a scale from 1 to 10,
how important is it to be in a relationship?
- 9.5. - Yeah, same for me.
But you can't let it show.
Oh no.
I don't know, six.
- Oh. - Mom?
I'll pass.
What about you guys?
[Both] 10.
(both speaking Cantonese)
(Ember and Maya laugh)
Not applicable.
Clay?
Oh, 10 for sure. You?
Three.
Um, record scratch.
- Three? - Yeah, three.
What's wrong with that?
No, nothing.
Would just be the lowest number ever reported, but...
- Do you mean by a group of people going on an app
to find love?
Biased sample, don't you think?
- Well, I think the app works because people are honest.
Um, guys?
- I'm not convinced the app works at all.
I don't think love can be reduced to an algorithm
and I personally don't need
to be in a relationship to feel complete, so.
Stop the car.
No, it's not time to switch.
- Stop the car. - O- o- okay.
(frantic music) (turn signal clicks)
- I can't get air. I gotta get outta here.
Ah, ah.
Oh, oh. (pants)
Hey, Mom, what's going on?
I dunno.
Everything suddenly felt like it was closing in.
Okay. Should we call for help?
No. No, it's fine.
Maybe it's just, ah, claustrophobia.
What do you think's going on?
Maybe she got triggered by Clay's dating app.
- Thought only young people got triggered.
- Okay, uh, take your time, but-
- Oh, what, Ben? Am I embarrassing you?
No, sorry. It's fine.
You know, really. It's fine.
- It's okay. I know just the thing.
Keep recording.
Hoo.
- Tricia, I have a question for you.
Do you wanna be helped, heard or hugged?
What?
- It's a distress management technique I picked up on Shine.
It totally works.
No.
- W- well you have to pick one.
- I actually think a hug might help.
Well, it's not for you, Ben.
No, I meant for her is...
I agree.
Come on, bring it in.
Oh!
- Come on, Mom. - Come on.
Just try it, please.
[Tricia] Oh, for Pete's sake.
Oh!
Aw. It's working.
Oh yeah, yeah. That was nice.
- Just a touch of claustrophobia, I think.
It's better now.
You get all that?
You filmed your chest the entire time.
Did I?
- (groans) How can this be happening.
The most perfect moment ever not recorded.
It's like it never happened.
No, with this group
it is definitely gonna be more than 18 hours.
Yeah. I'll call you with updates.
Can't wait to see you too.
Bye.
- Let me guess, an almost love interest.
- Eavesdropping part of your skillset?
- I wouldn't call it eavesdropping
when you're 10 feet away.
Mm.
Why do you say almost love interest?
- Well, I could tell by your tone that you care.
"I can't wait," implies passion.
But I didn't hear the word love
which leads me to believe
that you're still in the newish stage.
Couple of months.
You know, being in different cities,
only seen each other a few times.
- Let me guess, you met on your app?
Told you it worked.
- Mm. So she checks all the boxes.
- Well, I mean, nobody checks all the boxes,
but, you know, what's important to me.
Pretty close.
- Does she also pack her own snacks while traveling?
- Oh, come on. What is your problem with planning?
I mean, seriously?
- Nothing. I just, I just prefer the unexpected.
- Hmm. (phone chimes)
- Oh, come on. - What?
Shutting down the interstate.
Imagine that. Gimme your hand.
- Come on, I'm not giving you my hand.
Relax. I don't bite.
Come here. (playful music)
I'm just curious how your body reacts to change.
So what's the verdict?
Could be good for you.
(engine whirs)
- Google says Route 17 to Highway 23 than back on 80.
Apple says 17 is slower.
- Waze says stay clear of 17 and 23.
Hang on, I just lost service.
Me too.
We're lost?
- Oh, we're nowhere close to loss.
It wouldn't be the worst thing.
One of the many problems with your generation.
Have all the answer's right at your fingertips,
and you can't even think for yourselves.
- You say that like tech's a bad thing.
- It is if it tells you what to do.
So what's the alternative?
(light mischievous music)
(turn signal clicking)
(door bells jingling)
(light mischievous music continues)
- These are called maps. Have at it.
(phone chimes)
- [Maya] Thank you for finally agreeing to do this.
- Can we just get this over with?
- [Maya] Sure. What do you do for work?
Bartender.
- [Maya] Oh, I like that. Succinct, to the point.
Tell me about your family.
Next.
[Maya] Dreams?
Aspirations?
Not to say bartending isn't enough.
Next.
[Maya] Okay.
Here's one you should be able to answer
with maybe a few more words.
What does Christmas mean to you?
Uh, Christmas means
(exhales softly) never having enough.
(bright music)
- Okay, so you're gonna stay on this road until Route 14,
then take a left.
Thank you navigator.
- Yeah, you know, I had no idea there were so many roads.
- It's just kind of cool. - Hmm.
- It's nice not being glued to my phone.
- Interestingly, research has shown
that despite being more connected,
people are feeling more lonely than ever.
I mean, think about it.
If we had all gotten on the plane to Denver,
it's unlikely we would've spoken a word to one another,
let alone gotten to know each other.
Yeah. I hate to admit it.
I really hate to admit it, but Dana's right.
Might be the best road trip I've ever taken.
Is it the only one?
Oh, well, yeah, pretty much.
- Well, it's definitely the most popular.
Last time I checked, #VanClan was blowing up. (laughs)
Blowing up?
- Oh, our TikTok people like it a lot.
- Tricia, your claustrophobic moment got a ton of likes.
Wait, people saw that?
- Only the beginning, thanks to Dusty.
(Dusty grumbles)
- Uh, I'm not comfortable with them seeing any of it.
- Tricia, vulnerability is courage.
- (gentle music) - Then show some yourself.
Oh, I'm sorry.
How about some music?
Oh, I have a karaoke machine.
Seriously?
Yes. Always at Christmas.
(festive music)
* Dashing through the snow
* In a one horse open sleigh
* Over the hills we go laughing all the way *
* Bells on bob tails ring
* Making spirits bright
* What fun it is to laugh and sing a sleighing song tonight *
* Brrrat
* Let me get that jingle-jangle *
* Champagne till my tongue not tingle *
* Lemme get that horse and we get that sleigh *
* Till I'm feeling like a Mrs. Kringle *
* Everybody and their honey and their money *
* When they go out in that fresh snow sprinkle *
* And, yeah we go hard for the holiday *
* Bells swinging every ride
* Ring, ring, ring
* Lemme ring that jingle bell
* Never really knew how good it felt *
* Till I started ringing all them jingle bells *
* Ding, ding, dong, ding, ding, dong *
(Baba singing in Cantonese)
- * Hey - Whoo!
(Baba singing in Cantonese)
(all cheering and applauding)
- Thank you. - Yeah!
- Thank you. - Whoo!
- That was wonderful. - Amazing.
Okay, okay. Who's next?
Ember.
- Whoo! - Oh, no.
Oh no, thanks. I'm not following that.
- Van rules. Everyone takes a turn.
Come on. What song?
- Uh... - Mm-hmm.
Fine. Uh, okay.
You know, I, I don't need music.
- You can't do karaoke without music.
[Dusty] Ooh.
Ahem. (chuckles)
* Amazing Grace
* How sweet the sound
* That's saved a wretch
* Like me
* I once was lost
* But now I'm found
* I was blind
* But now I see
* Through many dangers
* Toils and snares
* I have
* Already come
* 'Twas grace that taught
* Me safe thus far
* And grace
(Ember sobs lightly)
* Will lead me home
Oh gosh. Sorry you guys.
- You got nothing to be sorry for.
Well, that was beautiful. Oh, God.
(Dusty sobbing) (travelers cheering)
Dusty.
Thanks, you guys. Thank you.
(upbeat festive music)
Ah, look at this.
- So good. - Nice.
- [Tricia] Aren't these cups adorable?
- Thank you. - Come on.
Lovely.
- Mm. - These are so yummy.
Hi. I'm sorry to interrupt.
I'm Amy. This is my husband.
Bart.
- We're so glad to see you're feeling better.
I'm sorry?
- Oh, Bart suffers from claustrophobia too.
He won't even go near an elevator.
- Amy. - Bart! It's okay.
Tricia normalized it.
Thank you for your bravery.
It takes real courage to be that vulnerable.
- You saw that? - Yeah.
But I mean, you're welcome.
But I don't actually have claustrophobia.
I, I mean, I didn't until this-
So you're following our story?
Yes. On TikTok.
YouTube for me. (chuckles)
Are you hearing this?
Check.
Over 500,000 views.
Guys. We're viral. (squeals)
- [Amy] Would y'all mind if we got some pics?
Our kids are just gonna freak.
- Yeah. - Oh my God.
[Dusty] Excuse me.
I love how grouchy he is.
(Dusty groans) (Amy laughs)
- Thank you. - Bye.
You mind?
- I'm not up for idle conversation right now. Sorry.
Suits me. I never am. (sighs)
Where'd you learn to sing like that?
Mm. Hmm.
My mother and church.
- Well, a gift like that shouldn't be hiding behind a bar.
- I gave it a shot, but, uh, (snaps)
God had other things in mind for me.
- God can't do better than that voice.
He can and he did.
I've got the most beautiful little girl you've ever seen.
Hmm.
Is there a reason you can't have both?
- Well, after I got divorced, the courts determined
that this aspiring singer could not provide a stable home.
- Mm. - Yeah, so. (chuckles)
- Well, growing up poor is the reason why I'm a success.
You and me, we got grit.
The courts are wrong.
- No, they were right. But it's okay.
I still got visitation.
It's why I'm headed to Denver to see her.
Christmas morning, the joy on her face.
I can't miss it.
Hey guys, loading up.
(Dusty groans)
(gentle music)
- Hey. - Hi.
You okay?
Yeah, I just, um,
I left something at the airport.
Something important?
It's all good. No worries.
(phone chimes)
I'm an adventure travel writer
so Christmas for me usually means travel.
This year, its first tracks
through the deepest powder in a hundred years.
Last year I was jumping out of a plane over the Sahara.
Oh, the year before that
it was photographing penguins in Antarctica.
- Wow. (chuckles) - Mm-hmm.
- [Maya] Do you ever just wanna be at home for the holidays?
Not really.
You gotta live every day like it's your last, right?
(gentle music)
(Dusty snoring)
* When I see Christmas lights light up your window *
* There's a flicker in my mind and I recall *
- What did you leave at the airport?
- Nothing I can't find in Denver.
Little light on specifics.
It's just some medication.
- Well, if you need, we can probably find a pharmacy.
What I need is a navigator.
Okay.
(Tricia laughs)
(Tricia sighs) Keep heading this way.
For 25 miles, I think.
- Must be hard not having your phone tell you what to do.
Funny.
I'll have you know, I don't need my phone for everything.
Other than finding love.
- Look, just because you don't value human companionship-
Never said that.
- You gave it a three out of ten.
- Be- because that's how it's been for me.
A bunch of half-step relationships that don't go anywhere
because we're so programmed to think we need to be in one
that we settle for good enough.
I don't wanna settle.
I don't want any more half steps.
I wanna jump.
I wanna jump without knowing where I'm gonna land.
(tender music)
- Can I ask you something? - Yeah.
Why a dating app?
It's what the customers want.
Little light on specifics.
- Dating can often be hard to navigate.
I just wanted to build something to lessen the risk.
You know, the disappointment, heartbreak.
- Speaking from experience? - Yeah.
Well, you might say I'm an expert.
- Oh, now we're getting somewhere.
No, no, no.
That's it. Done.
You know who I'd like to meet?
Who?
The old Clay.
The one who still believed in fairytales.
(Tricia breathing heavily)
Um, guys.
Oh, ah. Ah.
Oh, sorry, everyone. Oh, ah.
- It's okay, gotta stretch my legs anyways.
- Oh, I don't know what's wrong with me.
It's fine. Really.
Turns out claustrophobia is pretty common.
- Not claustrophobic. I love elevators.
The music, the vibe, it actually calms me.
- Excuse me. - What's this?
Uh, herbs. For peace.
I don't know. I don't know.
Come on, Mom. Just take it.
What, do I put it in my mouth?
No. Your wrist.
- Uh, shouldn't we be heading east?
Yeah, we are heading east.
Look, right there on the map.
If we were right there,
wouldn't there be a lake right here?
(playful music)
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
(Lai Ling speaking Cantonese)
(playful music)
Haven't we been on this road.
Yeah. I'm backtracking.
Christmas is tomorrow.
If we're backtracking,
we're not gonna make it to Denver in time.
- Guys, can we just take a moment and look.
(majestic music)
If we hadn't gotten lost,
we wouldn't be right here right now to see this.
Maybe a little Christmas magic.
Maybe so.
Hey look, if anybody has a better idea than backtracking,
I'd love to hear it.
- Take this road, cut straight through.
- Doesn't even have a name. Probably not even a road.
- If it weren't a road, it wouldn't be on a map.
She makes a good point.
(playful music)
(suspension creaking and rattling)
(Ben retching)
You still think this is a road?
- It's getting us where we need to go.
(Dana grunts)
[Van Clan] Ah!
(subdued music)
[Dana] It's probably fine.
- [Tow Truck Driver] Okay folks, here we are.
- So you're not gonna take any responsibility for this.
I'll take full responsibility
for getting you outta your comfort zone.
- Hmm. - You're welcome.
- Yep. - Thank you.
- [Taxi Driver] You're very welcome. Merry Christmas.
Oh guys, we have cell service.
(phone chimes)
Hey everyone. Good news, the Van Clan is back online.
Bad news, the van broke.
It's serious, like, I don't know,
something underneath with the wheels.
(sighs) Whatever.
Let's check out Greenfield. (laughs)
Is this for real?
(festive hip-hop music) * He could tell
* If you behaving or if you been up to no good *
* He just brought gifts for the whole hood *
* Spit-shined boots and they stay fly *
* Comb hydraulics for the sleigh ride *
* Wish he came twice in the same year *
* Pair of gold reigns for his reindeer *
* He can always tell if you're good, if you're bad *
* Santa got a brand new b- (record scratches)
This is brill.
Perfect job for a single mom.
Never missed a school play or a baseball game or...
I'm a junior, high school,
um, looking at colleges right now.
Mostly in-state.
I don't know. Closer to home.
- And for us, I guess Christmas means holiday movies
and yeah, just being together.
[Maya] Aw. Any other family?
Nope. Just the two of us.
I mean, well...
I'm adopted.
- Yeah. Your upper control arm needs to be replaced.
Now the good news is,
the part is available in Salt Lake City.
- That's great news. - What's the bad news?
- I ain't got nobody to go pick it up for you.
All my guys are competing in the Elf Games.
I mean, we're feeling pretty good.
I mean, this is the year we take the crown.
Well, rental car company
says they won't have a replacement till after Christmas.
(Van Clan groans)
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
(Lai Ling speaking Cantonese) (gentle music)
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
(Lai Ling speaking Cantonese)
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
(Lai Ling speaking Cantonese)
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
(Lai Ling speaking Cantonese)
- You cannot teach someone to dream
then not let them dream.
(gentle music continues)
Do you have almond milk?
- Nope. - Soy?
- Dude, it's a coffee stand. Do you want one or not?
I feel ya.
We'll take two coffees, black,
and keep the change for your troubles.
You know, you would be amazed
at just how good plain black coffee can be.
- Is this your way of apologizing?
Admitting that you were wrong about the road?
- Uh, no. I stand by my statement.
A road on a map is still a road
even if it doesn't have a name.
Your little detour
is the reason we're probably stuck here for Christmas.
- (scoffs) Or my detour, is how we discovered the Elf Games.
- You really see things that way?
That's the way it is.
We're on this planet for a very finite amount of time.
So I just wanna make the most of it, right?
Yeah, maybe you're right.
Look, if you don't make it to Denver for Christmas,
all you're missing is first tracks.
Some of us are gonna miss people we actually care about.
Wow.
And all this time, I thought it was me and said too much.
(gentle music)
- Dana. Hey, you forgot your coffee.
Wait. Can't have it till you accept my apology.
Oh, come on. Seriously,
You're right.
I don't have anyone waiting for me in Denver.
- I know, but I made it seem like what's meaningful to you
isn't as important as what's meaningful to me.
For that, I'm really sorry.
(playful music)
Thank you. It was really burning my hand.
- Oh, in that case. - Oh, and she's back.
(Dana chuckles)
I heard about this very, very cool
Christmas tree decorating workshop.
Oh.
What do you say?
Wanna show off our mad skills?
- On one condition? - Oh, what's that?
- You tell me about the old Clay. (laughs)
So you don't strike me as a grand gesture kind of guy.
- This was bigger than a grand gesture.
- What's bigger than a grand gesture?
Venti?
Bigger, Trenta.
This was the equivalent of the biggest coffee order ever.
A horse-drawn sleigh, choir singing her favorite song.
I even had a dog trained to bring the ring
on one of those little barrels around its neck.
- Wow. - Yeah.
It was the most spectacular Christmas proposal ever.
And she said, "No."
- What? Not, not even like a, "Let me think about it."?
Nope. No thinking required.
She was absolutely clear that she would not be marrying me.
Wow.
That's brutal. I'm sorry.
No wonder you're not a fan of Christmas.
Right?
You know what, here's what I don't get.
I mean, I explore human behavior through data analytics.
How did I not see it coming?
- Uh, maybe because you're not psychic.
(Clay chuckles)
So, okay, is, is the idea that your app
would prevent something like that from happening again?
- Well, make it a lot less probable.
Hmm.
(decorators chattering indistinctly)
What about outliers?
The ones who don't check any of your boxes.
Outliers are an anomaly,
a mystery we may never understand.
Very rare.
- So would that relationship be impossible?
No.
Everything was thought impossible
until it happened for the first time.
What do you think?
What do I think?
Yeah, of my mad skills.
What do I, about the tree?
Yeah. Oh wow. (chuckles)
Your side looks like there was a tinsel explosion
- and I mean- - Yeah.
- Have you actually ever done this before?
Not in a very long time.
- Man, what do you have against Christmas trees?
Nothing.
I just, I'm not usually home during the holidays, so.
Wow. It's nice.
Maybe you should try it sometime.
Yeah. Maybe someday.
(phone ringing)
- I, uh, I should- - Yeah.
I should, I should uh...
- I'm gonna look for some less tinsely decor.
(Clay chuckles)
- You know, Mom, you don't sound happy to be here.
Well, I'm certainly not happy.
But I guess if we have to get stranded,
at least it's in a town
where people really know how to celebrate.
Am I right? Am I right?
Huh? Come on.
Here.
Mom, are you sure you're not using this
as a way of avoiding what I imagine
would be some very complicated feelings
around our destination?
What are you, 17 going on 30?
Honey, I'm completely fine with this.
100% fine.
One hundo P.
- All right, well if you are 100% completely fine with this,
I was thinking when we're in Colorado,
we could check out CU Boulder.
- I thought you wanted to stay close to home.
I mean, to be near your friends.
Yeah. No, I do.
It's, it's just, you know, we're gonna be so close,
wouldn't hurt to look, right?
Right.
I'm just gonna go pay for this.
Yeah, I'll keep you posted.
You okay?
Yeah.
Actually, no, I'm not.
Is there anything I can do?
- Yeah, you wanna pay my child support?
Sorry. I shouldn't have said that.
I just, I, I just really need to get to Denver.
Okay.
Love to talk more,
but we need to change into our competition outfits.
- Your competition 'fits are different?
Yes, of course.
- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.
Okay, come on.
- (laughs) Wow, this feels like we're in
some sort of weird time warp.
Oh wait, that's good.
Our fans will love #TwilightZone.
- Maya, how many followers do you have?
(subdued music)
- First, I'm super proud you're getting hip with the lingo.
Second, across all my platforms, over a hundred thousand.
And since Van Clan, growing rapidly.
- Okay. This could actually work.
- And that's how we ended up spending Christmas Eve
in Greenfield, home to the Elf Games.
More on that later.
So I'm reaching out to you all,
my awesome Maya Way or the Highway family,
to see if someone generous in holiday spirit
could pick up the car part and deliver it to us
so we can get to our friends and family on Christmas Day.
And I'll tag you, obvi. Bye.
(phone chimes)
Wow. You were so on point.
- (Maya laughs) - Is that a compliment?
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
(Lai Ling speaking Cantonese)
- Do you really think this is going to work?
I just don't want everyone to be disappointed.
I'm not holding my breath.
Oh, you guys, it worked.
- Really? - Yeah.
The part will be here in five hours.
- Really? - Yes.
- Looks like Trey is my number-one fan.
So, now we wait.
(playful music)
I have a much better idea.
(energetic rock music)
(energetic rock music continues)
Thank you.
- Hey y'all, check out this 'fit. (chuckles)
Whoo, whoo. (laughs)
If you're wondering why I am dressed like this,
lemme give you a hint. (upbeat festive music)
This is Santa's workshop. For real.
Ho, ho, ho.
Welcome friends and neighbors to the annual Elf Games.
(participants cheering)
Okay, folks, let's try to keep it clean, fun, and safe.
No booing, cheating, or sabotage, you know who you are.
We're really doing it, y'all.
I don't know about you, but this is by far
the craziest Christmas Eve I've ever had.
Oh, let's check in with the Van Clan.
Hey, in one word, how are you feeling?
- Pumped! - Okay.
Anxious.
Itchy.
Like a winner!
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
No comment.
- Confused as to why we're doing this.
Okay guys, I know we're all
a little out of our comfort zone
and we're going up against some seasoned pros,
but here's what we've got going for us.
We just spent two days together in a van
learning both about each other and from each other.
Together, we've overcome every obstacle put in our way
and that is what makes us a team.
That's the reason we're gonna succeed.
Are you with me?
- Oh, yes. - Yes.
(chuckles) Are you with me?!
(energetic festive music) (Van Clan cheering)
Whoo!
- Okay, you got it. Got it, got it.
The corner!
Come on guys, you're catching up.
Come on, come on, come on!
Nice, guys!
Go, go, go, go.
Go, go, go! (crowd cheering)
* Run, run Rudolph, Santa gotta make it to town *
Go, go, go!
* Santa make him hurry
Oh, she's doing it! Oh!
* Run, run Rudolph, I'm reeling like a merry-go-round *
* Said Santa to a boy
* Child what have you been longing for *
* Oh, all I want for Christmas
* Is a rock and roll electric guitar *
* And away went Rudolph
* He was whizzing like a shooting star *
(participants cheering)
Okay guys, we can win.
'Cause our team rocks!
- Whoa. - Huh.
- Oh. - Uh.
- Hit this button. Keep it running.
- You got this? - I got it.
- Let's do it! All right, let's do this!
Lai Ling, call it.
On three.
- Jat, ji, saam! (all cheering)
* Run, run, Rudolph, Santa gotta make it to town *
* Santa make him hurry
* Tell him he can take the freeway down *
* Oh, run, run, Rudolph, I'm reeling like a merry-go-round *
(all cheering and laughing)
* Run, run, Rudolph, Santa gotta make it to town *
Oh my God, get this.
* Santa make him hurry
* Tell him he can take the freeway down *
* Oh, run, run, Rudolph, I'm reeling like a merry-go-round *
* I said, run, run, Rudolph
* Run, run, Rudolph
* Run, run, run, Rudolph
(festive music fading) (heart beat thumping)
(Dana breathing shakily)
Hey, come on.
You got it, you got it.
(tender music)
One step left. Come on.
- There you go. - Yeah!
There you go. You good?
Yeah, fine. Go.
(heart beat continues thumping)
(Dana grunts)
Oh, hey!
Hey, what happened?
- You okay? - Yeah, I'm fine.
Dana, you okay? What's wrong?
- Nothing. I just, I pushed too fast.
- Go, Clay. - No, no.
I'm not leaving you.
(tender music continues)
(crowd cheering)
[Tow Truck Driver] Yeah!
- You all right? (gentle music)
Thanks.
- Maybe it's time to share some specifics.
- Yeah. I was born with a bum heart.
It's much better now.
But growing up,
my parents lived in fear of losing me every day.
I spent my childhood indoors
watching the world go by from my bedroom window.
Must have been really hard.
Yeah, it was.
But you know, when I turned 18,
I decided I didn't wanna spend
the rest of my life stuck and afraid,
reading about other people's adventures.
I've been making up for lost time ever since.
- So, live every day like it's your last.
Yeah. For me it could be.
Sorry, Dana.
You should be.
We could have been champions.
(both laugh)
Thanks.
Yeah.
(chuckles) Good news.
Christmas has arrived.
(brakes squeal)
Hi, I'm Maya. I mean you already know that, but hi.
I'm Trey. Uh, Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
You are literally Santa's best helper.
As promised, I'll make your socials blow up.
- Oh, that's, uh, super cool and all.
But we're gonna need a little more than that.
I'm sorry?
- Uh, w- what do you mean by more?
- Oh, we're just thinking a delivery charge
of say like two grand.
Oh, well that is just rude.
What would your mother think?
She came up with the idea, so.
[Tricia] Wow.
I'll pay it.
- Not a problem. - Not a problem?
Not a problem?
No, this is a massive problem.
If you think you can come in here
and hold that car part hostage, which is literally
the complete opposite of the Christmas spirit,
you're in la-la land.
And I don't mean the movie.
- Actually, that's exactly what we think we can do.
So we take Venmo or...
(all clamoring) (action-packed music)
(phone chimes)
So I'm an influencer, obvi.
But if that doesn't work out,
I'll probably work in the hotel business with my dad.
What does Christmas mean to me?
Well,
I'll get back to you on that.
(gentle music)
I just don't get how friends could be so cold and heartless.
- Maybe because they're not friends.
What's that supposed to mean?
It was just money, Maya.
Maybe to you, to some of us,
it's an awful lot of cash to just hand over.
- Yeah, well, I spent too much time caring about money.
Hmm.
That's the attitude, Dusty.
I don't care what these guys think.
(phone chimes)
I refuse to let this ruin our journey.
I'm just gonna put the whole thing behind me.
I'm Teflon.
Um, guys.
- (phone chimes) - You're in la-la land.
And I don't mean the movie.
They did not.
(all clamoring)
They did. On Instagram.
Oh, no.
- And TikTok. - Oh, no.
- And YouTube. - Oh, no.
- But you know, it's just the holidays.
You know, who's even paying attention, really?
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
(Lai Ling speaking Cantonese)
What did he say?
He feels badly for her.
It's like one minute,
I'm on top of the world feeling so much love.
And then just like that I'm over, done, cooked.
That's not true.
Because of you, our story has impacted so many people.
- Yeah. Like Amy and Bart at the diner.
No one's gonna care anymore.
- Maya. - I don't want a hug, Ben.
I wasn't offering.
Oh.
- What I, what I was gonna say is,
if you connect your self-worth to what other people think,
you'll never be truly happy.
That's very wise, son.
- Thanks. I learned it from my mom.
Nevermind. I would like a hug.
[Lai Ling] Oh yes.
(Dusty laughs) Yes.
(all chuckling softly)
Um, guys...
- Hey, Mom. What happened? We were so close to Denver.
I know. I know.
I think that's the issue.
Oh, sorry for all the drama, everyone.
Okay, here's the situation, um,
Ben and I are going to Denver to meet his birth mother.
And I think what's happening to me is I'm scared.
Scared I'm gonna be replaced.
Mom, what?
Look, she might be the woman
that brought me into this world,
but you are my mom
and nothing is ever gonna change that.
Ever.
(chuckles) I love you, Ben.
(Lai Ling speaking Cantonese)
Oh.
Oh it, it's midnight.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
- Oh, Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
- Benny, Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.
- Traditional Chinese Christmas cookies.
Um, they bring good fortune.
- Thank you. - Oh, you're welcome.
You're welcome.
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
(Lai Ling speaking Cantonese)
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
(Lai Ling speaking Cantonese)
Oh.
- Ah, Tricia. - Thank you.
You're welcome.
- Thank you. - You're welcome.
Thank you.
- You're welcome. Merry Christmas.
- Hard to believe that just two days ago,
none of us even knew one another.
- And now- - We do.
It wouldn't have happened
if you didn't bring everyone together.
Well, without your generosity,
we wouldn't have had a ride.
So without each other...
- We would've carried on with our lives.
Business as usual.
- So maybe this is proof of Christmas magic. (chuckles)
- I think we have enough data to support that, yeah.
Well, here's to saying yes.
Even when you don't want to.
And black coffee.
And destiny.
Destiny.
- Shouldn't you be filming this Insta-perfect moment?
It's perfect because I'm not.
(upbeat magical music)
* Everybody wake up
[Maya] Three, two, one.
[Van Clan] Hello, Denver!
Merry Christmas!
(Van Crew cheering)
* Everybody wake up because it's Christmas time *
* Oh, la, di, da, da
* Da, da, da
* Oh, la, di, da, da
* Da, da, da, da
* Wake up
* Wake up 'cause it's Christmas time *
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
(Lai Ling speaking Cantonese)
* Everybody wake up
* Because it's Christmas time
* Everybody wake up
* Because it's Christmas time
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
(Lai Ling speaking Cantonese)
Mom. How could you?
(Lai Ling speaking Cantonese)
- Well, uh, don't need Google Translate
to sense the tension here.
Listen to me.
I love you both.
You are my whole world.
But this feud between you is breaking my heart.
(tender music)
(Baba inhales softly)
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
(Lai Ling's son whimpering softly)
(Lai Ling's son speaking Cantonese)
(tender music continues)
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
- Dad, I, I couldn't have done it without you.
Look, I meant no disrespect in leaving, Baba.
- Y- you cannot teach someone
to dream,
then not let them dream.
(Lai Ling's son sniffles)
Now, I am happy.
(Van Crew applauding)
Hello, I'm Ming.
- Hi. Oh, it's so nice to meet you.
I'm Tricia.
Oh, I know all of you already.
Been watching Maya's TikTok.
So fun and emotional.
Aw, thank you.
I really needed that right now.
- Come. I have gifts for all of you.
Let's go into the house.
It is tradition.
(phone rings)
I'll be right in.
Hey, I'm almost there.
What? (tender music)
No, don't, don't say that.
I am not a bad mother.
Matt, just put her on the phone.
Put her on the phone.
Matt. Matt.
(gentle music continues)
(door creaks)
Ember?
(gentle music continues)
(Dusty sighs)
- Retired. - Mm.
But I used to work in energy.
- Oh, can you elaborate? - Nope.
[Maya] Okay.
So what does Christmas mean to you?
(gentle music)
Not what it used to.
It's hard to believe
that she wouldn't at least say goodbye.
- What if something happened to her?
Should we call the authorities?
- Mom, chill. She took her stuff.
It's just so weird.
Did she say anything to you?
I mean, you two seem to have formed a genuine connection.
- I don't have any more information than you.
I'm sure she had her reasons.
- Looks like someone found a little Christmas spirit.
- Yeah, well. (Maya laughs)
Now Dusty, you never mentioned
why you're heading to Denver.
See my daughter.
Oh, what's her name?
- Annie. - Aw.
- I love that name. - Yeah.
(gentle bright music)
(brakes squeal)
(van doors thudding)
Wow.
- Well, she certainly loves Christmas.
- Well, that's one thing we have in common.
I mean, besides you, of course.
Ben?
- You know, may- maybe this was a bad idea.
You know, wh- what if she doesn't like me?
Oh, Honey.
- You know, someone really cool once told me
that if you connect your self worth
to what other people think, you'll never truly be happy.
Now, do you wanna be helped, heard or hugged?
- What do you think? (Maya laughs)
Okay, okay. Now go.
Get your bag, sweetheart.
Oh, thank you.
(Tricia exhales softly) (tender music)
We are all so lucky we met.
- Ben's lucky to have you. Remember that.
Thank you.
(door creaks)
(tender music continues)
Ben?
Tricia, hi. Hi. (chuckles)
I'm so happy you're here.
Can I take your bags?
[Tricia] Oh, sure.
- This may be the end of our journey, but it's not goodbye.
Stop. Let's go again.
(phone chimes)
All good things eventually come to an end.
Cut. Ah, let's just, let's go again.
(phone chimes)
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
(Dusty groans)
- Really? - Seriously.
- I can just do it later. No biggie.
Just a lot of pressure when you're all like here,
watching me, IRL.
Huh?
In real life.
Ah.
Well, real life can be hard sometimes,
But totally worth it.
(Dusty groans)
You're a really good guy, even though you pretend not to be.
(Dusty grumbles)
- Thanks. You're pretty awesome yourself.
Even though you don't know it yet.
- I hope you both get everything you want for Christmas.
You too.
- Bye, Maya. - Bye.
(chuckles) Bye.
(gentle bright music)
(gentle bright music continues)
- You sure we can't take you somewhere else?
Nope. This'll do.
All right.
Take care, Dusty.
(Dusty grumbles)
- Have a nice holiday with your daughter.
I, I'm sorry that we didn't get to meet her.
Yeah, she would've liked you.
* I put my lights out on the porch *
* Just to light the way for strangers *
Guess this is it.
- I guess so. Thanks for making room for me.
Well, I'm glad I did.
* But it might be the last one ever *
- Look, I know you jump out of planes and, and oceans,
and who knows what else. (Dana laughs)
You really think you have the courage to just jump blindly?
Into love?
* And sip my cup of joe
* I'll stay in and watch the evening news *
- I hope so. * Trying not to remember you
- Dana! Come on. - We're leaving.
- I should go. - Yeah, no, me too.
Goodbye, Clay.
I hope everything works out for you.
Just like I planned.
* I wonder if she'll answer 'cause it's been years *
Hey, Dana.
Be careful out there.
That's no fun.
* 'Cause it soothes away the hurt *
(Clay chuckles)
* All that I want for the holidays *
* Is just to sit by the fireplace *
* Drifting in my quiet place and sipping my cup of joe *
* I'll stay in and watch the evening news *
* And try not to remember you
- (sniffles) Merry Christmas, Annie.
* This time of year
(gentle music)
- You would not believe what I went through
to get here this year.
Portland to Denver in a van full of strangers.
I know what you'd say, "Recipe for disaster."
And I thought the same.
But it wasn't.
Met some great folks.
Learned how to post,
#olddognewtricks. (chuckles)
(sighs) I mean, uh,
I'd go so far as to say
it was one of the best trips I ever went on.
Well, not including the ones with you, of course.
I'm so sorry we couldn't have more of 'em.
I got caught up trying to provide for you.
I couldn't see that all you wanted was was me.
(Grace giggling)
- Here, honey, I want you to meet my friend, Dusty.
Dusty, this is my daughter, Grace.
- Amazing Grace. (chuckles) It's nice to meet you.
- Mommy, can I go play in the snow?
Yeah. Stay close.
How'd you find me?
- Dana told me where they dropped you.
It's all there.
I've, um, I've never done anything like that before.
I just wanted to show that I could be a good mom,
that I could provide.
- Here's what I can tell you about being a parent.
No one ever gets it a hundred percent right.
I sure didn't.
And now, for me,
it's too late.
I lost Annie three years ago. Car accident.
I can't even imagine.
- It's not too late for you, Ember.
- I don't even know where to start.
Start with this.
You find yourself a place to live here in Denver.
- I'm not taking your money, Dusty.
- Oh, you'd be doing me a bigger favor than I'm doing you.
So take it. Please.
(tender music)
I don't know how to thank you.
- That's easy. Just start singing again.
- Yeah, okay. I can start singing again.
If you're there to listen.
I can do that.
(snowball thuds) (both laugh)
- Oh, it's on. Little whippersnapper.
(phone chimes)
- Hi y'all. For those of you still watching, thank you.
And for those of you who aren't,
I'm okay with that.
(phone chiming)
Our Van Clan journey has come to an end.
(laughs) And what a wild ride it has been.
I know, for me, it's changed the way I see the holidays.
- I love it. It's exactly what I wanted.
- I used to think Christmas meant
dressing up in fancy clothes, sipping on champagne,
and getting a ton of presents from my parents
who are stranded in New York this year.
Love you guys.
But the holidays are so much more.
It's a time to be with the people we love.
Even if we have to travel halfway around the world
during the busiest time of the year,
just so we can see their faces.
(Baba speaking Cantonese)
(Lai Ling speaking Cantonese)
[Maya] It's totally worth it.
- So when the ER doctor finished examining him,
he asked what's his favorite food?
And I said, "Carrots." (both giggles)
That's why he was orange?
Yep. Mother of the year.
You are. I mean that.
I never could have given him this life.
Not back then.
Well, you're in his life now
and that's what matters.
Hey Mom, and Beth,
uh, check this out.
- Because Christmas has a way of bringing people together,
reconnecting families and friends,
or friends who become family,
reminding us that the greatest Christmas gift of all
(helicopter buffeting) is luck.
[Clay] Dana!
What are you doing?
- I know how much you like tinsel so I brought you this.
- You flew up here to give me an ornament?
That and, uh,
I want to jump.
- Okay, you're not really dressed
- for it- - No, no, no, no, no.
I mean, I mean with you.
I'm wrong again, aren't I?
Oh wow, uh. Oh no.
I mean just 'cause I was feeling something you weren't, I-
(Dana grunts) (uplifting music)
- It's nice to meet the old Clay.
It's nice to have him back.
So how do we get down?
- Oh, we jump. - What?
- I'm kidding. We'll take the chopper.
Oh, okay.
We gotta go. We got somewhere we have to be.
(gentle music)
Love in all its many forms.
(chuckles) I learned that from eight complete strangers.
In any other circumstance, we would've never met.
I mean, you could see how different we all were,
but somehow our goal of getting home for Christmas
put us on common ground,
allowing us to share stories, laughter, and love.
And in the end,
truly embrace that destiny was our destination.
Shout out to my Van Clan family. Merry Christmas.
* 'Cause there's nothing quite like family *
* Snow outside and a lit up tree *
* It's my favorite time, I wouldn't want to miss it *
* I'm coming home for Christmas *
(doorbell chimes) * Well, telling stories
* New and old, singing songs of joy and songs of hope *
* Spreading cheer to all we know *
* 'Cause Christmas is all about giving *
[Van Clan] Merry Christmas!
Aw, you guys.
You said it right.
Holidays are a time to be with the people we love.
(Maya chuckles)
Come in, come in. * Because there's nothing
* Quite like family, snow outside in a lit up tree *
- Girl. - Hi.
(Van Clan chattering) * I'm coming home to
* See the look in my mama's eyes *
* And help my dad with the Christmas lights *
* While I drive all night no matter what the distance *
* I'm coming home for Christmas *
* I'm coming home for
* I'm coming home for Christmas *
* I'm coming home for
* I'm coming home for Christmas *
* I'm coming home for Christmas. *