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(upbeat, jingly music plays)
♪ Yesterday as I walked through the park ♪
♪ I feel everybody smiling around ♪
♪ All the love that's around the world ♪
♪ Keeps spinning, still spinning for you ♪
♪ Every day as I walk through the park ♪
♪ I feel everybody smiling around ♪
♪ Christmas songs and days of love ♪
♪ Shining stars rising above ♪
♪ All I want this year for Christmas is you ♪
♪ Every day as I walk through the park ♪
♪ I feel everybody smiling around ♪
♪ Christmas songs and days of love ♪
♪ Shining stars rising above ♪
♪ All the love that's around the world ♪
♪ Keeps spinning, still spinning for you ♪
♪ All I want this year for Christmas is you ♪
♪ Every day as I walk through the park ♪
♪ I feel everybody smiling around ♪
♪ Christmas songs and days of love ♪
♪ Shining stars rising above ♪
♪ All the love that's around the world ♪
♪ Keeps spinning, still spinning for you ♪
♪ All I want this year for Christmas is you ♪
♪ All I want this year for Christmas is you ♪♪
- Oh, gently, like uh, you would hold a baby.
- What's my motivation? - What?
- Am-am I an anxious first-time mother
who's out of her depth or... oh!
Maybe I'm an aging grandmother who just can't... - Uh, the first one.
You're the first one. - Really?
Because I feel like I'm more like the grandma just because... - Shh!
- I did it!
Oh my gosh, I did it!
Ian has been testing me all week and I finally made it.
Perfect dessert for the Christmas menu.
Praline, the raspberry.
Mm!
The raspberry.
I think this might be the happiest day of my life.
- What about the time you got a free mohair sweater?
- Try it.
- Mm! Oh, this is better than a sweater.
- Right?! When Ian tastes this, the job is mine.
(Inhales deeply) (curious music)
- What? Why are you making that face?
- I'm not making a face.
Fine.
I must admit, even the greatest of actors
occasionally let their masks slip.
It's just... didn't Ian ask you to present something
a little bit more Christmassy? - Benji, come on!
This is... loosely winter themed.
And winter, Christmas, what's the difference?
- It uh...
- No.
The theme is the 12 Nights of Christmas, not winter.
- But it's good. Right?
- Skill's not the problem here.
I need to pick a sous-chef, and if I'm going to pick you,
you need to follow directions.
Your dessert is scheduled for the 11th night of Christmas,
which is more than a month away.
Just get me the recipe the week before.
- Yes, chef.
- So, I don't like Christmas. Some people don't like other holidays
and we're totally cool with that as a society.
Think it was the Grinch?
Like, he taught a whole generation it's bad to hate Christmas.
- Carol, I'm gonna tell you what Chris Hemsworth's bodyguard once told me,
you're reaching. - Okay, but it's not my fault.
Everyone else got to spend their childhood
thinking that Christmas is the best day of the year, and then...
my house it just... wasn't.
- I know.
It was a hard time of year for you guys.
She still hasn't reached out or...
- The last time I heard from my mom was when I turned 21
and she sent me a postcard with one word written on it, "Congrats."
- Hey, who needs family when you have your best friend?
I still love you. - Aw.
Love you too, girl. (chuckles)
- Ooh!
Is this that new designer that you like?
- Yeah, you can have it once Ian fires me
and I'm forced to live the rest of my life as a hermit. - Deal.
But uh, first, you have to come to this.
- "It Takes a Village..." what is this?
- It's an ensemble, avant-garde piece
exploring how the sociodynamics of a village affect the life of a child.
Starring yours truly. - Benji, that's huge!
What role are you playing? - All of them!
- All of them... wow!
I am so proud of you.
Ah, I gotta run. - Stay strong.
And hey, even if you don't like the holiday,
at least try to enjoy the decorations.
Christmas won't kill you!
(indistinct chatter)
- Yeah, it's um... a tree.
(energetic "Joy to the World" builds)
Okay, enough of that!
Oh! (Carol thuds to floor)
Oh no! - Oh!
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!
All right. (exhales)
- You good? - I'm alive?
- Yeah, you are alive
and I-I am also alive, thank you for asking.
- I think the spirit of Christmas just tried to kill me.
- This is a first for me, too. And I love Christmas. (laughs)
- It's like, literally on my back right now.
All of Christmas. - Oh, right! Sorry.
(Laughs) - It's all right.
You okay? - Yeah.
- Okay. - Ooh!
(laughs) - There we go.
Okay.
We're good, we're good.
Are you good? - Yes.
I'm sorry, I am all over the place.
I should be thanking you. - Max... Max Harmon.
Yeah, I'm a, I'm a full-time handyman,
and a part-time body shield. - Carol.
Full-time pastry chef.
- Part-time... - Part-time...
- Eh? - Uh...
- I'm kidding, you don't have to finish the joke. - Okay.
(chuckles) - Oh, hey, you have um... you have a...
- Oh my goodness. - Yeah, some glitter.
- Oh. - Um, you know what?
I have a lint roller in my van,
I can go get that and it'll...
it'll be out in no time. - Why does a... a handyman
have a lint roller in his van?
- Oh, I clearly care a lot about fashion.
I'm a mama's boy.
Grew up with a single mom. - Oh, okay.
Yeah, I see it, you know the rugged handyman exterior. (chuckles)
Soft mama's boy interior. - You nailed it.
Um... what are you doing tonight?
Do you wanna maybe get some dinner or...
- Like, a date? - Yeah! Yeah, a date.
You and me, and some food, and what, and like,
hopefully no precariously placed Christmas trees falling.
- Yeah, that sounds great.
(upbeat, hopeful music plays)
♪ It's the time of the year and joy is everywhere ♪
♪ Some change in my dreams ♪
♪ Christmas love (Christmas love) ♪
- Ah! (laughs)
♪ Christmas gift (Christmas gift) ♪
♪ Never thought it'd be this way ♪
♪ But I'm, I'm falling in love with you ♪ - Come back!
(shouts loudly)
♪ Christmas love (Christmas love) ♪
♪ Christmas gift (Christmas gift) ♪
♪ Never thought it'd be this way ♪
♪ But I'm falling in love with you ♪
♪ With you ♪
♪ Falling in love with you ♪
♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh ♪♪
- Sorry I'm late.
I'm still trying to figure out the Christmas dessert for the menus.
Just taking forever to figure it out.
- You like it?
- You... you got me a tree!
- Yeah, my mom, she... she sent me this giant care package
and I had a bunch of decorations left over, so I thought... (fingers pop)
why not? - Yeah, totally.
- Totally. (chuckles) You totally hate it.
I can tell. - I don't hate it.
(sighs) Okay, I don't love it but I love you.
And I know that Christmas is important to you.
It's hard for me to get in the spirit.
- I'm guessing that you still don't want to come home to meet my family?
- It's not that I don't wanna meet them, but maybe another time.
Like, your birthday. - In July?
- President's Day? (laughs)
- Just... any day that's not Christmas.
- It'll be fun. I promise.
Think about it. - Okay, I'll think about it.
- Okay. - Hmm.
"My mom's famous Christmas cringles.
Love Max." (chuckles)
(childish voice): But I fear not the wolves,
nor the beckoning cries of Mummy and Daddy.
I feel only the harrowing silence...
of the village!
(normal voice): I really tried to inhabit the perspective of a child
but do you think it was too much?
Hello?
Carol?
- I'm awake! I'm here.
Sorry, Benji, I was up all night
trying to figure out how Max's mom made this stupid dessert.
- Is it that good?
(exhales) They're called Christmas cringles and they are amazing.
Max said that they win the town's Christmas bake-off every year.
So, I have one week to give Ian a recipe and the cringles would be perfect,
but Max's mom won't tell anyone how to make 'em.
- Why not just ask her in person? - No, I can't.
I mean... I guess I could but...
he's got this close-knit family and they live in this tiny, little town.
It's really quaint and... - Is it a village?
Well, speaking purely as your friend and not as a professional actor,
I think you should go home with Max for Christmas and get that recipe.
Plus, it'll be a good chance for you to really lock in that new relationship status.
- It's not that easy.
It's such a stressful time of year for me and then...
add meeting his family into the mix?
What if they don't like me? - Girl!
Have a little confidence.
Max loves you. And so will his family.
What's the name of that town again?
- Redbridge? - Redbridge.
Wow!
Looks cold!
- How cold?
Is there snow?
(plane rumbling, wind howling)
- Wait, my feet are... kinda wet.
(chuckles) It can't be safe to drive in this.
- Oh, it'll be fine.
I'm used to driving in the snow.
- Looks like we're driving through a Christmas commercial.
- It's pretty, right?
Oh, you see this stop sign right here?
When I was eight years old,
Zachary Meyers broke my arm right next to that stop sign.
- Geez! Where's that kid now?
- Think he's a politician. (laughs)
This, right here, is the famous Redbridge toboggan hill
and I fell and broke my tooth there when I was a kid.
- I feel like I'm noticing a pattern here. (chuckles)
I was a rambunctious kid. (laughs)
- Wow.
So, what bone did you break here?
- Technically, it was just a fracture. (laughs)
- Uh... rotator cuff something or other.
I forgot. Oh... okay.
Um, huh, before we go in, I feel like I should warn you,
my mom loves Christmas.
Like, really loves Christmas. (Door opens)
- Why would you need to warn me? - My boy!
- Oh, oh, hi, Mom.
- Are you eating? It doesn't look like you're eating.
- I'm eating, I'm eating.
- Well, you need to drink more milk, sweetie. - Okay.
Well, let me introduce you to my girlfriend.
Mom, this is Carol. Carol, this is my mom, Faith.
- Carol! Max has told me all about your...
brief relationship. - Yeah!
It's-it's so nice to meet you, Faith.
And your house is absolutely gorgeous.
Wow! - Oh, aren't you sweet.
Look at you!
You dress so chic. - Mm-hmm.
(chuckles nervously)
- Oh! - Oh, yeah.
Come in! Come in! Come in! - Okay.
Could it have killed her to wear something more festive?
- Well, she's an independent woman! - So am I!
- Oh, finally!
Mom said we had to wait for Max to get home to eat the dip!
- Hey, Sissy! (all shouting indistinctly) - Grandma Trudy!
- Dip first, hugs second. - Okay!
- Oh, is that red hummus?
I'm actually trying to be vegetarian, and I'm obsessed. - Yeah, dude!
Two things we do well in Vermont, cheese and dips.
- Little trade secret, always go for the baba ghanoush first, otherwise Beth will eat it.
- Okay, I'm feeling a little attacked here.
- Beth, come finish setting the table.
I have to start dinner. - Hmm.
- Beth, go help your mother, for goodness' sake. - Come on!
- Okay! - Can I offer you some dip?
(jazzy "Jingle Bells" plays)
- Faith, these are stunning!
Piping here is amazing. - Oh, thank you, Carol.
I thought about starting a bakery once upon a time
but then came along little old Max, so... (chuckles)
Do you bake? - Oh Mom, Carol's a pastry chef in L.A.
- Ooh! - Oh.
- Yeah. Actually, I tried something else of yours
back in L.A., your, uh, Christmas cringles.
Oh... I am still trying to figure out how you made those things.
Like, the filling... that filling...
(clears throat)
- Did I... say something or? - Oh no.
No, no. Huh, it's fine. (chuckles)
- Faith guards that recipe like a dragon guards its gold.
But I say it's high time she entered something else in the competition.
- Well, the judges would disagree with you, Mother,
and I do not guard my recipes, thank you very much.
- Once in Home Ec, we were told to write down a family recipe
and you complained that the school was engaged in intellectual theft.
- This is all true. - Okay, let's change the subject.
Oh, Max, you'll never guess who I ran into yesterday?
Natalie!
Your high school sweetheart. (chokes)
- Up the nose instead of down the throat?
- Beth, why don't you get Carol some water? - Why me?
- No, I-I'm okay. I'm... I'm fine really.
I'm just not good with... (clears throat)
raw egg. - Hmm.
- Well, why don't you two go to bed early.
Get some rest.
- Oh, are you sure you don't mind? - Not at all.
While you're here, our home is your home.
- Well, thank you, Faith.
That's really nice of you. - Hmm.
(sighs)
- This is Carol's room.
And I'm just downstairs.
If you need anything, holler.
- Oh, uh... I just thought... - Yeah. Yeah!
Yeah! - It's great.
It's perfect. Thank you, Faith. - Mm-hmm.
- Fresh towels are on the bed
and the bathroom is just down the hall.
- Yeah.
- It is so nice to have my boy home.
- Hmm.
(exhales)
You gonna be okay? - Yeah.
It's just...
does she not like me? - No!
No, no, no, it's not like that. - Kinda seems like that.
Bringing up your ex?
It's like she's trying to scare me off or something.
- All right, look, this is a weird metaphor, just go with me.
You know how a dog likes to mark their territory?
- Mm-hmm, are you the fire hydrant? - Yeah, very weird.
But she means well.
Okay, yeah, she can be controlling
but it-it comes from a good place.
- Yeah, but I feel like she's got eyes on the back of her head.
- Oh, come on. That's an exaggeration. (Knock on door)
- Big day tomorrow. Better get some rest, little bear!
- That was a coincidence. - No, it's not. - Yes.
- I think you should go to bed, little bear.
- Come here. (giggles)
(lips smack)
- I just don't know about her, Mom.
Yes, we should be loving and accepting to anyone that Max brings home but...
he hasn't known her for very long.
- I know you hid it here somewhere.
- Do you remember Beverly Lane?
Her son got sucked into a multi-level marketing scam by his girlfriend.
What if... you don't think she's in a cult, do you?
What? It's possible!
- Yeah, snow in July is possible, too!
Aha!
Found it. - Mom! Are you even listening?
- Max will be fine.
He's got a good head on his shoulders.
Like his mother.
- Don't be downloading any more games on my tablet!
I'm running out of memory.
(sputters) More ways than one.
(message chimes)
- Don't remind me.
Just getting a glass of water.
Not a big deal.
If you happen to see a Christmas cringles recipe
lying around then... oh well.
(whimsical music plays)
(ornaments jingle then clatter) (ornament clacks down stairs)
(exhales) (ornament clatters on floor)
(whimsical music continues)
Come on!
Where is it?
(cupboard doors clunk)
- Cute.
- Bathroom.
Hello, sir, I am calling you about your extended coverage warranty, sir.
- Bingo!
Christmas cringles.
(lock rattles) - What?
Who puts a lock on their recipe book?
- No, sir, I do not want pineapple on it.
I said no pineapple, please. (ornament rattles)
Oh! (Max thuds to floor)
(grunts) - Max!
Are you okay?
(grunts) - Were you sleepwalking again? - Yeah, I think so.
- Max? - Oh... Carol.
- Oh. - Faith, I am so sorry.
I uh... must've hit the tree on my way down
and then Max must have tripped on the decoration.
You okay? - Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm fine.
I'm fine. - Ah, you have got to be the clumsiest person
I have ever met. - Well, who isn't clumsy when they sleepwalk?
I'm fine, Mom. I'm fine, I'm fine.
I'm fine. Oh.
- All right, this way. - Wait, Carol...
- I'll walk him back to bed, thanks.
Sorry, Faith. - Carol, just out of curiosity,
what were you doing up?
(whimsical music plays)
- Of course. - Good night.
- Night. - Night, Mom.
(music continues)
- Beth! - Mom, I am right here!
- Mom, I need you to take your pills. - Well, tough pudding,
I'm not taking them because who knows what they put in those things.
- They're just vitamins! - Ugh!
- Beth, I need you to finish your breakfast.
- What's going on, do you not wanna finish your breakfast?
- So, remember how I'm trying out the whole vegetarian thing?
- Oh. - Carol, why haven't you touched your food?
- Mom, I actually really want all this bacon.
- Nothing like a mother's cooking, right? - Hmm.
(doorbell chimes) - What now?!
Mom, would you mind? - Gladly.
- Thank you. - Pills first!
- I need to go get my wallet. I'll be right back.
- Hmm... don't leave me, okay? - I'll be right back. - Please, just...
- Two seconds. (exhales)
- It's a singing telegram!
- What? - It's a singing telegram!
For Carol!
- Come on!
(whimsical music turns gloomy)
- Oh no. (harmonica hums)
(singing) ♪ Well merry Christmas to you Carol ♪
♪ I hope you have a very good time ♪
♪ And if you should need a familiar friend ♪
♪ Well then, Benji's not so far behind ♪ (harmonica hums)
♪ Not so far behind ♪♪
(laughs) (clap)
- Who's Benji?
- Just a friend. You know what?
I'm just going to compose a response.
Over there. In private.
- Wait, there's one more. (harmonica hums)
- No, hey, hey! - Just be quick!
We're heading to town in five!
Why is it so hard for this family to be on time?
I... (scoffs)
- I had them eating out of the palm of my hand.
I mean, I didn't wanna go full method for the role
but I did try to be a little bit more, you know...
Okay, you're annoyed. - I mean, kinda, yeah.
What are you doing here? - Don't you see, Carol?
The small streets, the quaint houses,
it's perfect! - For... what?
- My play!
This is my village! - Benji, Redbridge is a town.
- Oh! Tomato, tom-ahto.
I plan on blending in with the locals.
Immersing myself in their world,
all while helping my best friend get her hands on that recipe!
(exhales) How's that going by the way?
- Ugh, you don't wanna know. - Chill out!
No, wow. How old are you? - I'm fine! - I've got the key!
- Hey, Carol! - Just get in the backseat.
- Where... who's she's talking to?
- Okay, Cliff Notes, it's going horribly.
I don't think his mom likes me. She is... so intense about Max.
- But so are you! Maybe she just needs some time to warm up to you?
(car horn honks) - You think?
- Carol! Let's go!
No time to dawdle! (car horn honks)
- Okay! Huh.
Sorry, I gotta go.
We're heading into town and I'm trying to convince Max
that I'm down with the whole small-town vibe.
But um... keep a low profile, 'kay?
No more house visits. - But...
(exhales) - I love you.
- I love you, too.
- Okay, send that off right away!
- Who uh... who were you talking to? - Doesn't matter.
(whimsical music plays)
(engine turns over)
- Teams.
Beth, you and Trudy are on stocking stuffers.
And when I say clementines, I mean clementines.
- I feel like oranges are oranges.
- Well, that's where you went wrong last year.
Max, I was thinking you could grab some cider.
- Wait, why can't I go with Carol?
- But... she's on my team, dear. - Mom, I wanna show Carol the town.
- Where did all this backtalk come from?
- Well, I...
(sighs) - Fine.
I'll grab the cider.
You and Carol can head to the country store.
- Okay. What-what do we need at the country store?
- Tonka beans.
- Do you know what those are?
- Tonka beans?
Yeah, I don't think that's happening.
Tonka beans are pretty difficult to find, even in L.A.
There's no way we're finding them in Redbridge.
- Oh, oh! Ye of little faith!
We have a surprising food culture here, actually.
- Oh, really?
- Hey, do you see the tree right there? - Yeah.
- Got a great story about that tree.
- The story doesn't end with you breaking a bone, does it?
- No... maybe.
(chuckles)
You are my favorite person in the whole world, you know that?
- I feel kinda bad for her, you know?
Like, one day in, and Faith is already making her life miserable.
- Your mother's a lot. I'll give you that.
I don't blame you for not telling her... everything.
I'm old! Not blind.
- Okay, I see you, Grandma! (chuckles)
Hmm. - So, we doing odds, or what?
- On Carol leaving? - Mm-hmm.
- Three to one she stays. Carol's got spine!
I like her. - Okay, you're on.
(chuckles then sighs)
- So, should we get those oranges or... - Nah.
Tell 'em I had a senior moment.
(bell on door jingles)
- I am so confused as to why your mom sent us here.
- It's not exactly the place you'd find a can of Tonka beans.
Tonka beans come in cans, right? - Mm-mm.
- I have no idea what they come in. I don't know what a Tonka bean is.
- Oh, I'll ask this lady.
- Oh, uh, Carol, um... maybe not, maybe uh...
- Excuse me. - Oh, hi!
- Do you guys sell Tonka beans here?
They kinda taste like cinnamon, they're used for baking.
- Sorry, if it doesn't come from a maple tree, we don't sell it.
(hangers rattling) - Max?
- Hey... you. - No way!
Uh!
Oh, it's been so long! - Hey.
Yeah, forever. - Oh, so what's goin' on?
Your mom said you're still out in L.A. - Mm-hmm.
- Oh... geez, I am so sorry.
I just got completely distracted.
- No, you guys know each other? - Yeah!
I haven't seen this goober in years!
Um, I'm Natalie, by the way.
- Oh!
It is so good to meet you. - You too.
- Uh, yeah, Natalie, th-this is my girlfriend, Carol.
We're visiting from L.A. - Oh, right!
So, how are you enjoying Redbridge?
It's definitely not L.A., I can tell you that. - Yeah.
It's, I mean, it's-it's good.
It's nice. - Mm-hmm.
- It's pretty! - Yeah.
Yeah. - Yeah.
Actually, you know what?
I forgot that I have a conference call scheduled. - Oh.
- Right now.
So, I actually should probably...
- Yeah, of course. - You know, do that. - Yeah.
Well, it was nice to meet you. - Yeah, you too!
(Carol thumps into stand) (all): Oh!
- Oh, I am so sorry. - It's fine, really.
Don't worry about it. - So sorry.
- No worries. - Stupid.
Stupid.
Ah, ah, I have a conference call.
You're a pastry chef! - Hey, hey, hey, hey!
(teary exhale) - Sweetie!
What's goin' on? Is everything okay?
- Not now, Max, I'm... having a freak out.
- Look, I had no idea that she was gonna be in there.
I didn't. - It's not that.
It's not Natalie.
It's your mom! - My mom?
What did she do?
- Your mom knew that Natalie would be in there and she sent us straight to her.
Like, seriously, does she not like me that much?
- Oh, sweetie, no! It's-it's not like that.
- No, this isn't something that you can just hug away, okay?
I need space right now.
I just need some space because I feel like dirt.
- Okay, yeah, yeah.
Take-take some space. (exhales deeply)
It's all good. - Okay.
- Okay, I'll-I'll just... um...
just um, you know, gimme... gimme a ring when you're done?
When you've... okay, just call me, you know?
Or um... circle back?
I'll just... I'll be, I'll be spacing out here.
- Hi, how are you doing? - Good, thanks.
- How do you like the weather we're having?
- It's weather. - On a scale of one to ten...
- Can I please just get some space?!
Oh no!
Oh, no, no, no. I didn't mean that.
I'm so sorry! I didn't mean it!
(sighs) - It's not often one sees a new face in Redbridge.
Can I buy you a coffee? - Uh...
- Looks like you've had a bit of a rough day.
Come on. Yeah?
So, you're dating the Harmon boy.
Hmm. Cute kid.
But have you met his mother? She's difficult!
- Oh. Right?
Like, is it okay for me to say that?
I want her to like me but she's just so...
- Neurotic?
- Yes! - Mm-hmm. - Thank you.
- But as neurotic as she is, that woman can bake.
Every year she wins the annual bake-off
and it's always with those Christmas cringles.
Apparently, it's what the people want. - Yeah, don't remind me.
I'm still trying to figure out that recipe.
Did you know that she keeps a lock on her recipe book? (chuckles)
Like, who does that?
- Well, when Faith and I were kids,
she used to have this little sewing box full of treasures.
You know, photographs and souvenirs of sort.
I bet you if you find that sewing box,
you're gonna find that key.
Hmm. - That's actually really helpful.
Thank you. - You're welcome.
- Can I ask you something?
You seem so...
- Normal? - Yes.
Like, how is it possible that you and Faith both grew up here?
- Difference between us is I got out.
I went to London on a work permit and well,
when I got back and we started our families,
I don't think she's ever forgiven me for leaving her.
I'm Nora, by the way.
- Carol. (giggles) - Carol.
Christmas Carol.
Ha, ha, how seasonally apt!
Ha! Lovely.
(gentle chiming music plays)
- I brought some refreshments.
Oh Beth, that's too big. - It's a maximalistic approach.
And besides, you were the one who told us to make them.
- Yes, but I want them to be pretty so I can put them on the mantle.
- I told you, the only way to win is not to play the game.
- More eggnog, Mom? - Ooh, can I have rum in it?
- Ha, ha. - Oh.
- Oh, Max, that's nice. That is pretty.
It might be your best one yet. - Uh, it's coming together.
- That earned my boy a top up! - Thanks, Mom.
- What about Carol's house?
The one that actually looks good?
- Yeah, it's beautiful.
- Thanks, babe.
- Yes, it's very... restrained.
- That's me. Measured and restrained. (chuckles)
- Oh, I forgot to ask,
how was the country store, you two?
- Very quaint. - Mm-hmm.
- I know how new and fancy everything is in L.A.,
but sometimes you have to come back home in order to get that country charm.
Right, Max? - Yeah, yeah.
You know, I mean, I love Redbridge and I...
also love L.A.
Equally.
Both of them. (tense music)
- Cool.
(clears throat)
- Hey Carol, you wanna come with me for a sec?
- Um... - Trust me, you need this.
- Okay.
(gentle, chiming music)
So, what are we doing, exactly? - You know how some people go to therapy?
- Yeah.
- This... is my therapy.
It's easy. Okay, so first you pick a can,
and then, you think about a person
who really, really annoys you, and then...
(snowball thuds, can crashes) - Ooh!
Instant stress relief.
(laughs) I was thinking of Max on that one.
(laughs) - Come on, try it!
- Uh... okay.
Um...
(snowball splashes lightly)
- Okay, uh, it-it was your first go.
Let's try again.
And this time, really, really
think about Faith.
(laughs)
(inhales and exhales deeply)
(snowball thuds, can crashes) - Oh!
(laughs)
- Okay!
You did amazing!
- That felt so good. (laughs)
Can I go again?
- Does a bear go to the bathroom in the woods?
- Uh... yeah?
Okay. - Come on!
(snowballs thwap)
(laughs)
- Nailed it! - Oh my gosh!
- Why are your hands so cold?
- I don't know. - Okay.
Not suspicious at all. (chuckles lightly)
Can we talk about what happened earlier?
- Max, it's fine.
I mean, yes, your mom did send us to meet your ex today
and she pretty much told you to date her instead of me,
but I'm... I'm over it. - She didn't say that.
Okay, maybe she implied that.
- Max, I'm not upset with you.
I'm just disappointed.
I mean, you were sitting right next to me.
Why didn't you say anything back to her? - I know. I just...
(tender music plays) My mom is complicated.
And I was hoping...
I know that this trip hasn't been easy for you,
with her and all the Christmassy stuff,
but I want you to know that I am here for you. - Mom!
Put the tablet down! - Oh, my goodness.
(laughs)
You mean the world to me.
- I know.
- Beth!
(whimsical music plays)
Mom, where's Beth? - She said she's coming.
- What has gotten into that girl lately?
(newspaper crinkles)
(phone buzzes)
(sighs)
- Ah! Carol, get your coat on.
- Oh, actually, I was wondering if I could stay home tonight?
I don't really know how to skate.
- It's a family tradition.
- Yeah, honey, I'll teach you how.
It'll be like a Christmas movie. - But I don't have a winter coat, so.
- That's okay, we've got spares.
They're not the designer brand you're used to but they'll do.
Beth!
- Mom, I am right here.
- Would you find Carol a winter coat?
Just get her a small... men's small.
(blades rasping on ice) (indistinct chatter)
- Wow!
Hey, do you think I'm gonna be okay?
I can't really move in this.
- You're fine! You're wearing that way better than I ever did.
You look great. Okay, real question though is,
do you want figure skates or hockey skates?
- What's the difference?
- Uh, you see that woman right there?
Those, those are figure skates.
- Figure skates.
- Okay! Figure skates.
(indistinct chatter)
- Can you just give me five minutes?
Uh, just have to check on something.
But five minutes! I'll be right back.
- Oh, okay, but-but what size shoe are you?
I'm gonna guess. An eight, babe?
Looks like an eight.
(Slavic accent): But in Romania, ze ice come sooner.
What is autumn?
We go straight from summer to vinter.
Ha, ha, ha, ha. - Excuse me, miss!
Uh, excuse me! - So...
comrades, I talk to pretty lady.
Just one second.
- Hi.
Comrades?
- Character's name, Natasha Vavrovsky.
Former Olympic skater who moved to Vermont after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
- Didn't the Berlin Wall go down in like, '89?
(normal voice): So? - You're 32, so then...
don't worry about it.
It's just, oh, it's so good to see you. - It's good to see you, too.
So, updates?
Make it quick 'cause I think Max is on his way over here.
- Okay. Bad news, pretty sure Max's mom wants to sabotage our relationship
and set him up with his high school ex. - Wow!
That's really bad. - Every time we have a tender moment,
she just goes and ruins it. - What's the good news?
- I found a way to get the recipe.
Which is really good because Ian will not stop texting me about it.
But I need your help. - What do I need to do?
Direct me. - Okay, go back to the house.
There should be a key in a sewing box in the master bedroom.
I need you to find it for me. - Key, sewing box, master bedroom.
Got it. Wait! Won't the house be locked?
- No one locks their houses here.
It's insane. It's like an all you can rob buffet. - What's my motivation?
- Benji, your motivation is to be a good friend. Go!
Go, go, go, go, go! - Hey!
- Here are your skates. You ready?
- Yeah. Yeah.
- Honestly, you're doing great... look, if my mom can do it, you can, too.
Just remember, ice skating is 90% mental, 10% physical.
- Are you sure it's not the other way around? (laughs)
- Just... there you go. There you go.
Glide, yes.
(playful, devious music)
- Okay.
You're a down-and-out locksmith.
After the crash in '08 wiped out your entire savings,
you decided to apply your skills to a life of crime.
Good. Yes. Okay. Now, action!
Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch...!
(gasps)
- Who the heck are you?
- I'm, uh, a-a Christmas caroler.
- Oh! - Wow!
You're really old.
I-I mean sorry...
are you from Redbridge?
- Born and raised.
- So you must know all about the town and its people.
- Well, in my day, the census still designated Redbridge as a village.
(gasps)
(playful music plays)
- You didn't say anything about letting me go! - You've got this!
Three, two, one! - No!
Max! Max!
(grunts) How do I turn?
Max!
(coughs)
- Hey, hey, are you okay?
Did you hit your head? - No, I-I just fell, is all.
Ow. Ooh!
- Think you did a little more than that. - No, I'm fine.
Really, I'm-I'm fine. - She sprained her ankle.
Where's your sister?
Beth! - Mom, I am right here. - Okay.
We-we need to get her home and get her straight to bed.
- Oh, n...
No, we don't, we don't need to go home.
It's okay. I'm... fine. - We have to go home.
(sighs)
- Let's go home.
- Now historically,
there are two Redbridges and they hate each other,
Northbridge and Southbridge. - Which side are you from?
- Oh, I would rather sit in traffic than rub shoulders with those snobby Northbridgers.
(tires rumble, approaching)
- Uh well, look at the time, Mrs. Harmon.
You have been a fountain of info.
Thank you. - Pleasure.
- Ow! Ow! I don't think I can put weight on it.
Can you maybe carry me? - Yeah, no, of course, of course.
(playful music)
- Who was that, Mom? - Oh, just some chatty Christmas caroler.
- Now, I don't wanna hear a peep from you for the rest of the night.
- I'm fine, Faith.
It's just a little pain.
- Pain is the body's way of telling you that something's wrong.
And when something's wrong, it's a mother's job to fix it.
Forward.
Back.
Now, you have to stay off that ankle
until the swelling goes down.
I put a glass of water on the nightstand
so there's no need for any late night trips to the kitchen.
Okay?
- Okay. - Good.
Now rest up.
(sighs)
What happened today wasn't your fault.
- I know, Mom, I just...
I want Carol to like Redbridge. I want things to go well.
Think she might be the one.
It just feels like the universe is...
conspiring against us or something.
- Well, maybe the universe is giving you a sign.
(inhales and exhales deeply)
- Seriously, do we have to?
(pan clangs in sink)
- Mom, will you please talk to your granddaughter?
- Beth, listen to your mother. - Give me that.
- Yes, Beth, you are going, and so is Max, and so is Carol.
Because volunteering at the soup kitchen is character building.
- You know, Mom, Carol actually volunteers at a kitchen every week in Westlake.
- This is so stupid.
I'm a little old for character building.
- Well, too bad, 'cause I want shoes on in five.
Now march!
Max, why don't you go with your sister?
I-I'll drive Carol. I want some alone time.
I've got a special treat for her.
- Okay. Is that okay with you?
- Y-yep.
- All right, have fun.
- Yeah, great.
Can't wait.
(ramp clatters)
Oh, when you said a special treat you...
- I know, it's silly, right?
We bought the van when Mom had her surgery.
She had a bad hip and... - Hmm.
Look, this is really nice of you but I-I don't need this.
I can get into the front seat just fine by myself.
- Why take the risk?
Max isn't always gonna be around to sweep you off your feet.
We could use the wheelchair if you like.
Do you wanna use the wheelchair? - No.
- Put on your seatbelt. - Okay!
See ya in four hours. - What? Where are you going?
- Dude, Mom makes me volunteer here every other weekend.
And besides, I was planning to see a friend today.
- No, but you, but you... what am I supposed to do?
- I don't know, you're a grown man.
Go network or something. - Max?
- Ah, perfect! See? You'll be fine!
Okay, bye. Love you!
- Hey, your mom said you might be coming along. - Yep.
Here I am. - Okay, cool.
Come on, I'll get you an apron. Let's do some good.
- Let's... soup it up.
Heh.
Oh my...
(engine revs and stops)
- Why aren't we moving? - Just a little engine trouble.
Nothing to worry about. (engine revs then stops)
- Yeah.
I'm gonna take a look under the hood.
- I don't know what the problem could be.
It's been a colder winter, yes, but generally...
- Wait, when was the last time you drove this car?
- Uh... Mom's surgery was three years ago.
- Three years? You haven't driven the car in three years?
- Is that a problem?
(sighs) - Yes.
Because if you don't drive the car,
then you can put stress on the battery
and stress on the alternator.
You know what?
It's okay. It's not a problem.
We're just gonna call Max and he'll come pick us up.
Right, still broken.
New plan, you call Max.
- Oh, I don't have a phone, dear.
(chuckles)
What?! I just think they're a distraction.
(sighs)
- Okay, uh... Faith, this is, this is serious.
We're out in the middle of nowhere and...
it's freezing cold. What are we gonna do?
- This isn't the middle of nowhere, Carol. This is Redbridge.
Someone will come along and give us a ride.
You'll see.
For now, at least the van is warm.
Let's get in. Come on!
(engine revs and dies quickly)
- And some mashed potatoes for you, m'lady.
The gravy.
There we go. Enjoy. - Here you go.
You know, you might have a knack for this.
You're pretty good.
- I found that it's all in the wrist.
See? Check this out. Boop!
Look at that, right? (laughs) - Ah!
- Oh! - Okay, no, no, no, don't-don't panic.
I can, I can fix this.
- Oh, no, no, no. - I'm guessing
I probably shouldn't stick my hand in there, should I?
- What do you think? - Yeah, feeling like I'm getting a hard no.
- Here. Got it. - That's making a lot more sense.
- There ya go. - Ah. - Good as new.
- Food Safe is gonna love you. Um, I owe you. Thank you.
- Okay, well, buy me a coffee after this.
- Um... yeah, I, okay, I-I hate to be that person
who's like, 'Hey, I have a girlfriend' but I have one.
- Max, I met her. She seems cool.
Seriously, I'm not coming on to you here.
I just wanna catch up.
- Okay. Sure.
Let's do it. Sounds good.
(shivering) - Can't feel my pinky fingers.
- You wouldn't be so cold if you wore a warmer jacket.
- It's a Benedicto and it's been two hours, Faith.
- Well, patience is a virtue, dear.
(exhales)
- You know what?
I've got a better idea. (door clunks open)
- Carol...
Carol!
What are you doing?
- You can stay here if you want, but I'm going home.
And if it means that I have to walk the whole way there, then so be it.
- You can't! You'll freeze to death. - We'll freeze to death here.
And if I leave now then I should be back at the house within a couple hours.
- It's 16 miles. - What?
It's five miles between town and the house.
How is it 16 miles from here? - We... took the scenic route.
But it's only seven miles if we cut through the woods.
(annoyed music slowly brightens)
Seven miles is still a lot of miles.
Come on!
Better than 16.
- Don't...
(grunting)
Ow!
(grunting)
- So, you're a handyman for the rich and famous?
- Ha. Not like A-listers, but yeah, kind of.
The thing is, a lot of people in L.A. aren't very well adjusted.
They like their crystals, which is cool but crystals can't re-tile someone's floor, so.
- And how does Carol fit into all of this?
Not a movie star, right? - No, definitely not.
- And does she like it here?
You know, with Faith, and everything? - Hmm...
- Can I give you some advice?
- On Carol? - About everything, Max.
You're a nice guy but you can't please everyone.
Uh, let me make this super simple for you.
If you had to make anyone in the world happy, who would it be?
- Carol, easy.
Is that a trick question? - Well, good.
What do you do if making Carol happy makes your mom unhappy?
Who do you pick? - Right.
- I didn't wanna bring this up but your mom is clearly trying to set us up.
If you love Carol, then you have to be okay with disappointing your mom.
It's time you learned to stand up to her.
- I just wish that she could see Carol the way that I do.
- Maybe she just needs a nudge in the right direction.
And you can do it. I know you can.
My car's that way.
Oh, my mom says she has an ace in the hole for the bake-off.
I don't know what that means and I really don't wanna ask,
but just tell Faith to be careful.
- Thanks, Nat. - Bye.
- Take care.
- Carol!
Wait!
Let's just take a break for a minute.
- We can't take a break 'cause someone decided to drive us 16 miles out of town.
- Oh, so this is all my fault?
- Yes, this is all your fault.
- I don't appreciate your tone. - Here we go again. - No, you listen to me!
You came into my house, you commandeered my son.
- What? - And you did it with such a haughty disdain.
Not a drop of love for Christmas,
not a single bit of respect for our family and our traditions.
- I tried, okay? I tried.
You wanna know why I hate the holidays?
You wanna know what Christmas was like for me growing up?
Well, when I was eight, it was my mom leaving.
Forget presents or a tree, all I wanted was a goodbye.
So, I'm sorry if I don't have enough Christmas spirit for you.
I'm sorry if I don't feel comfortable being around a loving mother,
but don't you dare say I didn't try.
(melancholy music plays)
- Why didn't you say any of this sooner?
- Because it wouldn't have mattered, Faith.
The second you opened that door and saw me,
you decided that I would never be good enough for Max.
- Max's father
died when Beth was a child.
I don't talk about it much.
Larry was the love of my life.
Fun.
We built all these traditions together.
As a family.
After you lose a loved one, you begin to get scared.
Scared that you're gonna lose another.
And fear makes people do horrible things.
You get anxious, you get protective,
and that's where I went wrong.
I've been treating you like
you're something I need to protect Max from
when I should have been treating you like a daughter.
Or at least a friend.
- Faith, I don't know what to say.
- You don't have to say anything.
We have a ways to go.
Will you let me wrap that for you?
- Wait, what brand is that?
(laughs)
- Let's go find a place to sit.
- Hey!
You lot build any character?
- Uh, oh yeah, Beth definitely did. - Ha, ha, what about Carol?
- Mom and Carol were a no-show Grandma.
- That doesn't make any sense.
They left 20 minutes after you did. - What?
Uh, I'm gonna go check to see if the van's in the garage. - Don't bother.
- Oh! - We left that hunk of junk on the top of Hillcrest.
- Uh, what exactly were you doing on Hillcrest?
- Are you okay? - Beth, go put on the kettle.
We have to get Carol off her feet. - I'll help her.
- Seriously, we're fine.
If we can brave the wilderness, we can handle a few steps.
- You are such a trooper. - Oh, thank you, Faith.
- Whoa, what is, what is happening here?
And when you say brave the wilderness, do you mean like, metaphorically or like...
- Come on, let's go.
We gotta get... - Wild wilderness? (laughs)
- Can you help, please?
- Yeah, I-I'm just back here processing.
Yeah, of course.
How are you feeling? - Better.
- Good.
So, learned a lot of interesting things today.
Uh, one, the food is surprisingly nice at the soup kitchen.
Two, my sister is scary good at lying.
Like, it's actually very concerning.
And three, I should never, ever let you get in the car with my mom again.
- Max, it wasn't that bad, really.
- So you didn't trek through the woods in freezing temperatures?
- Okay, we did, but...
we handled it.
And if anything,
I kinda like your mom more now that we almost died together.
- Really? - I don't know.
I'll probably have to work it out in therapy.
I'm kidding!
I'm fine. - Okay...
Rest up.
Tomorrow's a big day, okay?
Means a lot to parents. - Okay.
(chuckles lightly) - Come here.
- You okay? - Yeah.
I am now.
Get some sleep. - Okay.
(singing) ♪ Oh, Christmas tree oh, Christmas tree ♪
- So, the list isn't long, asparagus, potatoes, clementines.
Wait, wasn't Beth supposed to get those?
- Beth doesn't really do errands.
- Okay, we'll get clementines, then. - Merry Christmas!
- Hey! Merry Christmas! - Oh, Merry Christmas!
- Ho... oh... - Oh, don't give me that look.
He came out of nowhere. - You still said it. - It was a reflex.
- Mm-hmm. (singing)
♪ Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree ♪
- Actually, uh, new idea.
Why don't we split up and tackle this list separately?
- Why would we do that? - Cool, babe.
See ya back here in an hour. - No, I wanna shop with you! - Bye!
- Carrots, pasta sauce...
- Girl, what are you doing?
I thought you were gonna lay low?
- I have been laid low.
By my muse.
(cries) - Oh, no.
- Nice job, Beth.
- Thank you?
- Mom, would you like me to get your tablet
so you have something to watch while you chop?
- That would be lovely, thank you.
(curious music plays)
- Something's not right. - No.
Normally she'd be taking it away from me, not fetching it for me.
- You think it's a midlife crisis?
- No, she's already had one of those.
(footsteps thud, approaching) - Here ya go!
Who's in the mood for cocktails?
- Yeah.
- When you say your muse...
- My whole reason for being, Carol.
I've been with the people of Redbridge for days.
Watching them, observing their ways.
When I talked to Max's grandmother the other night, everything became clear.
(exhales) The show can't go on. - Show?
You mean your play?
You're cancelling your play? - You don't understand, Carol.
This town has been around for hundreds of years.
When I was working with Santa the other day and meeting everybody, I realized
there is no way for me to distill all that culture into one performance.
- Benji, do you even hear what you're saying?
That is insane. You are an actor.
Performing is what you do.
No matter how crazy the world is
or how many things get in your way, you always pull through.
Don't stop now.
You've got this.
- You're so lucky.
You're surrounded by Max's family.
They're your village.
No matter how hard I try to blend in here, I just...
(blows out breath)
I don't have those kinds of relationships.
- You've got me.
- I don't know what I'd do without you.
(tender music plays)
(bright chime)
- Where is he?
- Carol?
Hello, how are you? - Nora, hi! - Ha, ha!
Ooh, so... how is it over there at the Harmon household?
Surviving?
- That's one word to describe it, yeah.
Heh. - Well, I hope Faith isn't being too hard on you.
We all know how controlling that woman is.
- She's actually growing on me. - Hmm?
- I mean, don't get me wrong, she is totally controlling but...
I kinda get it now.
I mean, she loves her family.
Makes her a little crazy. - Oh, well, that is so true.
And the Christmas cringles?
Did you manage to uh... find the recipe?
- No, not yet. - Oh.
- To be honest, so much has happened in the last day
that I kinda forgot about it, which is not great for my job back in L.A.
(sighs) - Well...
if you do manage to get a hold of that recipe,
I'd love to hear from you.
Here's my card. My home address is on the back.
Call me. We'll have a drink some time.
Ha, ha, ha. Ta-ta!
- Hey, was that Nora Shindler?
- Yeah, you know her? - Uh, yeah.
She's been placing second to my mom in the bake-off for years.
Think it's kinda starting to get to her.
- Is everyone here obsessed with the Christmas bake-off?
- Hey... it's a small town.
There's not a lot to get excited about. (laughs)
(gentle music plays)
- Gonna ruin your appetite.
(cookie crackles) (laughs)
- Mmmm. - Fair.
Uh, will you please tell Carol it's almost dinner time?
I made a vegetarian lasagna,
just in case she doesn't eat meat.
And don't make it sound like an order.
I don't want here thinking I'm some kinda... monster-in-law.
- Oh.
My mother has cordially invited you to... wow!
Wow, what is this? - Does it look dumb?
- No! No, it looks... h-hold on.
Are you... are you running a temperature,
because you and my mom are both a little off right now.
- I'm not delirious, Max.
I thought it would be a nice thing to do.
Kinda like a peace offering.
- That's thoughtful.
- I know that Christmas is important to your mom,
so I just thought I should at least make the effort.
Seriously though, does it look bad?
- Well, I mean, it's not Prada but...
it suits you really well. I'll see you down there.
(gentle music continues)
- Oh.
(clasp clicks) - Oh!
You've been moved.
(key rattles) (lid claps shut)
- Beth?
What're you doin'? - What are you doing?
- Aren't you coming to dinner? - No.
And if I tell you why, do you promise not to say anything?
- Oh... yeah.
Of course. What's goin' on?
- Uh... I have been seeing this new girl
and I really don't want my mom to find out. - Oh.
Shoot, Beth, I... I'm so sorry.
I thought Faith would support you. - Of course she does.
- Sorry, I just thought that you meant... - Dude, this is Vermont.
I have been out since I was 13 and my mom totally supports me in that.
The problem is she thinks that nobody is good enough for me.
- Yeah, that sounds more like Faith. (laughs)
The crazy thing is...
I want to tell her.
I don't wanna silo my mom off from the rest of my life,
but like, I see how she treats you
and I would rather die than subject another human being to that.
- Look, I'm not saying that I know your mom better than you do, but...
maybe try being direct with her.
I mean, really, really direct.
- You actually think that would work? - I do.
Your mom loves you
and I know she can be difficult,
but she just wants what's best for you.
The thing is only you know that, so eventually...
you just gotta tell her that.
- Dinner's ready! (footsteps stop suddenly)
What? Dinner's ready.
What are you doing here?
- I'm going to see a friend!
- Friend. - Dinner!
- I mean, I think crystals are great,
but I just don't understand them as decorations.
- You've told us, honey.
- Here's the thing about crystals, they're just rocks!
You know? They're rocks.
- An engagement ring is just a rock. - Mom!
- I'm just saying never underestimate the power of a good rock.
(laughs) - So, Faith,
how are you feeling about the Christmas bake-off tomorrow? - Good!
I'll start baking after dinner and be in bed by 10:00.
- At this point, the bake-off is less of a competition and more of a ritualized takedown.
(laughs) - But I still think Faith
should enter something different.
Your entry's become downright boring.
- Natalie did tell me that Nora has something up her sleeve this year.
- Wait... when did Natalie say that?
(clicks tongue) - Uh... at the uh, soup kitchen.
Yeah. (fork clangs on plate)
- Um... Faith?
- Who wants pie? (disappointed music plays)
- The... separate cars.
The scenic route.
You didn't do that on purpose, did you?
Hmm.
Did you know Natalie was gonna be at the soup kitchen?
So, you were keeping Max and me apart.
You were trying to set them up.
(exhales) You gonna say anything?
Anyone?
Max?
- Baby, that's... that's a stretch.
- Thank you for the dinner. - Carol!
Carol, please! - No, Max!
- Carol, please wait.
C-can we just talk about this? - What is there to talk about, Max?
- Carol, come on!
We can work this out! - How?
Is this really what you want?
To spend your life in a tiny town
with your mom managing every part of your life?
Managing us? - No, of course it's not!
- Then why didn't you say anything back to her?
Why didn't you stick up for me? - I'm sorry!
I thought that if I remained neutral, then she would eventually come around.
I didn't know what I was supposed to do.
- You were supposed to be my boyfriend.
- Carol, I can see that now. Please!
Can we please just talk about his?
Wait... (door slams)
(Carol): Go. (Max sighs)
(doorbell chimes)
- Oh! Carol.
Well, what an unexpected surprise. - Yeah.
I grabbed this on the way out.
(gasps) - Still want that recipe?
(chuckles) Come on in!
(broken-hearted music plays)
- Max.
Max, sweetie.
I am so, so sorry.
Maybe it's for the best.
- Mom...
why do you get to decide what's best for me?
I'm a grown man.
I know that Carol wasn't what you were expecting
when I brought my girlfriend home, but she's everything to me.
So, don't say that this is for the best
when in fact, this is the worst thing that has ever happened to me.
I love you, Mom,
and I know that life hasn't always been easy,
but right now, I need you to...
let me live my own life and-and make my own choices.
At this moment, which means giving me my own space.
- I understand.
I'll give you your space.
- Hey, Max, do you have a second?
- Grandma, I-I really don't wanna help you troubleshoot your tablet right now.
- You know why I like that tablet so much, Max?
Because at my age, you need a little stimulation.
My eyes are bad, my hearing is worse, and...
my joints feel like the squeaky wheel on a shopping cart.
- I hope that this is going somewhere.
- I'm telling you I'm old, Max.
I've done just about everything there is to do.
I've seen just about everything there is to see.
But I have never seen anyone
so stupidly in love with another person
like you are with Carol.
Now, I know that you think it might be over, and maybe it is,
but love has a way of filling you up.
It helps you do things you never thought you were capable of doing.
It makes you brave.
- I don't feel brave right now.
You know, I was ready to marry Carol and now,
I just went and I messed it all up. - Yeah.
And what do you do when you fall down?
- You get up.
(sniffles) - Yeah.
You get up. (exhales deeply)
(blows out breath)
- I can't believe you actually got the recipe.
(laughs) - Yeah, well,
maybe it's time for someone to knock Faith off her throne.
- My sentiments exactly!
And while you're at it,
why don't you just give me the book?
- Trust me, part of me wants to.
But I just came to Redbridge for the recipe,
so I'll send the book back to Faith once I'm in L.A.
- If you don't ask, you don't get.
- Speaking of asking, it's late
and I don't think I'm gonna get a last-minute flight outta here tonight,
so would it be okay if I stayed the night?
- Carol, you know I'd love you to stay but darling,
it's the holidays, and well, the house is teeming with guests.
Hmm. Oh!
But I can give you a lift to the airport.
- Uh... sure. Yeah. That'd be great.
Can I use your bathroom first? - Uh... yes, of course.
Um, just right up the stairs, yeah. - Okay.
(phone camera clicking
- Oh, yes!
(playful, devious music)
- Hey, we need to talk.
- Natalie, what are you... doing here?
- Nora's my mom.
Trust me, I'm not happy about that either.
But however bad Faith is, my mom is a hundred times worse.
(exhales) - Somehow, I doubt that.
- You didn't give my mom Faith's recipe, did you?
She has been obsessed with beating Faith at the bake-off.
- I don't care about the bake-off.
I don't care about anything anymore.
Max and I broke up.
The last place I wanna be stuck is Redbridge. - I am so sorry.
I didn't know about any of that. - Well, now you do.
So, if you wanna go after Max, he's all yours.
- Oh, trust me, Max Harmon is a great guy,
but he's definitely not the one for me.
- Carol, darling, are you ready to go? Oh!
Natalie...
uh, what are you doing here? I didn't hear you come in.
And... what are you wearing?
Sweet Natalie, appearances matter.
If you knew that, you'd have a boyfriend by now.
Come on, I'll wait in the car!
- Carol, he does love you.
(sighs)
(wind howling)
- Wait, it... it's snowing.
Is it gonna be okay to drive?
- Darling, this is Vermont. Of course!
We can handle a little bit of snow.
Come on!
- That's a no for the B&B on Beechwood. - Oh, geez.
(both sigh) Try the motel on the byway. - Yeah.
- What is going on? - You won the bet.
Carol left. - Wait, what?
The snow is really coming down out there.
- I know. (phone ringing)
- Come on, come on, come on. (call beeps on)
- Hello?
It's Natalie.
She said that Carol's going to the airport.
- What? - Oh! - Okay.
I'm gonna go get her. - Where is Mom?
(wind howling)
- Hey, I-I think the airport might actually be closed!
(door clunks closed) - Hey!
Whoa! Wait, Nora! (car speeds away quickly)
(exhales) She really is the worst.
(somber music plays)
Ungh! (phone crashes to ground) Stupid phone!
(exhales)
♪ Memories are strong ♪
♪ Your smile has always shown me love ♪
♪ I need to remember but it hurts ♪ - Come on!
♪ It hurts deep inside ♪ No!
♪ Miss you like the first time ♪
(wheel screeching in place) Please...
- What are you doing?
- It's my fault.
I'm the reason Carol left.
- So why are you just sitting here?
Mom, I've got something to tell you. I have a new girlfriend.
Her name is Sarah and she is...
sweet, and funny, and perfect.
And the reason why I didn't tell you about her is the exact same reason why Carol left.
You're too much. You're overbearing, overprotective and just...
over everything.
But I know
that's only because you love your children more than anything.
Max and I don't need you to make all of our life decisions for us,
but that doesn't mean that we don't want your help, Mom.
Max is out there looking for Carol in a literal blizzard right now.
Are we gonna make him do this all on his own?
Or...
are you gonna get up and help?
- You're absolutely right.
What's the name of the guy who plows our driveway again?
- Ah!
Stupid piece of car!
Ugh!
Come on!
(grunts) (Max crashes to ground)
- Oh! Oh! Excuse me!
Sir! Mister!
(music brightens)
- Hey!
Hey!
Over here!
- Carol! - Max?
- Oh my gosh! - Hey!
(tender music plays)
- Oh.
- What are you doing here, Max? - I'm sorry.
Carol, I'm sorry for everything.
I should've stuck up for you.
I should've told my mom that meeting you
was the best thing that has ever happened to me.
And you're right.
You're right, I do not wanna live in Redbridge
because I don't wanna live anywhere unless you're right next to me.
So, please...
I'm begging you, please, come back with me tonight.
And tomorrow we can go to L.A. and go home.
Because I choose you every time.
- That was really good.
Did you rehearse that? - The entire way over here.
So, what do you say?
- You really choose me?
- Every time.
(truck horn honks)
- Is your mom in there? - Nope, not my mom.
It's my new best friend. Come on!
- They're back.
They're back! - Hey, sis... ter? - Ooh!
- The next time you make a dramatic exit from this house,
you have got to take me with you! - Deal.
- You did it, Max. - Aw, thanks, Grandma. - Carol.
- Uh, why doesn't everyone just give us a minute?
- You sure? - Yeah.
Yeah, it'll be okay.
We just need to clear the air.
- Carol, I'm sorry.
You're a wonderful woman.
And you didn't deserve any of this.
Max is lucky to have you.
- I need to apologize, too. - You did nothing wrong.
- I stole your recipe book. - Oh.
- Yeah.
And I...
gave your Christmas cringles recipe to Nora.
- Okay. - Mm-hmm.
- Well, Nora's totally gonna use that recipe
in the bake-off tomorrow so...
- Probably, yeah. - You know what?
I don't care.
- You don't? - No.
You're home.
And you're safe. That's all I care about.
(chuckles lightly)
Well, what if I told you that there was still a way to beat Nora tomorrow?
- I'd say, start talking.
- So, I've never made one before, it's called croque-en-bouche.
It is the most Christmassy looking dessert we could possibly make.
- Is that choux pastry? - Yeah.
But the filling will be the difficult part
so we'll run through a few flavor combinations.
- Should I be worried about them?
I mean, there are a lot of knives in that kitchen.
- Our money's on Carol striking first.
- She's got moxie.
- Could the peanut gallery disperse, please?
We've got work to do. - Yes, chef.
- And it is way past your bedtime!
- Uh... - It's past ours, too.
- I'm game if you are.
(jazzy "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day")
♪ I heard the bells on Christmas day ♪
♪ Their old familiar carols play ♪
♪ And wild and sweet the words repeat ♪
♪ Of peace on Earth, good will to men ♪♪
- Oh, looking good!
Christmas Eve morning. - Ha, not right now.
- Shoo! Shoo! - Yeah?
We're good? - Yeah!
- Choux, shoo.
(laugh) (music continues)
♪ I heard the bells on Christmas day ♪
♪ Their old familiar carols play ♪
♪ And wild and sweet the words repeat ♪
♪ Of peace on Earth, good will to men ♪♪
(music continues)
- Carol, sweetie.
Wake up!
Honey, wake up. - Five more minutes.
- I don't think we have five more minutes.
- Ask your grandma.
- Faith, we've gotta get to the bake-off.
We're gonna be late. - What?
When does the bake-off start? - Twenty minutes!
- Ah! - Okay!
Okay, we gotta move! Max, start the car.
Trudy, find me something to wear!
You, help me in the kitchen! - Okay, help in the... oh, so sorry.
- I've gotta change! - Oh!
(spirited "Angels We Have Heard on High" plays) (scraper scratches on ice)
- What are you doin'? - I'm de-icing the windshield.
- But we only have 10 minutes to get there.
- Yeah, but I need to... - Before you say anything,
just know that I'm really stressed right now.
- What does it matter if we're five minutes late?
- The judging starts right on the hour!
If you're late, you're out! It's all about tradition.
- Tradition.
- Max, phone! - Yes, chef.
(call dials)
(phone rings) (call beeps on)
- Hello? - Benji, I need your help.
- Carol, I told you, my muse has left me.
- But not your friend. Benji, I believe in you.
Don't give up on your show.
You are the most dedicated person I have ever met
and I know that if anyone can get lost in a character, it's you.
And I have the role of a lifetime for you.
The perfect villager, to help you understand the village.
- What's my motivation?
- You're an avid fan of the Christmas bake-off
and a stickler for the rules.
You remember a time when a late contestant was allowed entering
and you are outraged that this precedent is now being disregarded.
What do you think?
(exhales) - What do I think?
I think Sharon Wilmot would like a word with the judges.
- Thank you. (call beeps off)
- Let's go! - Okay.
- Come on!
- Perfect. Ah!
The best victories re+ally do need the most humiliating defeats.
Ooh!
And here come the judges now. Mayor Phil!
Good afternoon and Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas, Nora.
(chuckles)
Uh, where's your entry this year? - You're looking at it.
Ha!
Iteration is the lifeblood of innovation, don't you agree?
- If you say so. (chuckles)
- And Faith?
- Oh, sadly, nowhere to be seen and... (clock chimes)
- Oh! It's 4:00.
Well, that means she's disqualified from the competition, don't you think?
- Well... - Objection!
How dare you suggest a latecomer be barred from entry?
- Come again?
- Have you no respect for the sanctity
of this competition, good sir?
- Who are you supposed to be?
- Nora Shindler.
Of course a Northbridger like you wouldn't remember a Southbridger like me.
The name is Sharon Wilmot.
And I'm the only one here who seems to remember
the history of this fine competition.
- Oh, for God's sakes. - The year was 1991.
Pearl Cunningham won with her captivating yule log.
But she arrived late due a...
house fire! - Actually, I do remember Pearl.
- 1991!
Kathryn McPhail won second place
with her fabulous gingerbread cookies.
But she arrived late due to a speeding ticket.
- Yeah, okay.
I think we get the idea. - Ironic, no?
- 2001, Ryan Lu... - We're here!
We're here! - Oh, this is ridiculous.
- Phil, do the right thing and disqualify the woman already.
- It's Christmas Eve, Nora! - Oh!
- Um, contestants, to your stations!
Including the Harmons. - Yes!
(all cheer) - Yes!
- Ha, ha, ha!
(scoffs) (Mayor chuckles)
(tense music building)
- Nice to see you again, Faith.
- I wish I could say the same.
How did my Christmas cringles work out this year?
- Oh, better than ever.
What were you thinking using vanilla essence instead of vanilla pods?
I forgot, one is cheap. Ha, ha.
- Like your shoes. - Hmm?
- Or did you think I wouldn't notice the designer brand knockoff?
- Oh! - Nora, you're up.
What do you have for us this year?
- Mayor Phil, may I present to you
my version of the Christmas cringles?
I think you'll find them a little less sweet
and a little more delicious.
Please.
(tense music) - Mm.
- I can certainly say that that's a strong contender.
(chuckles) - Thank you.
- And now for our final contestant
and our reigning champion, Faith, what are we eating?
- This year is a dual entry, Mayor Phil.
This is Max's girlfriend, Carol.
She's from L.A. and she's a pastry chef.
I'm gonna let her describe the entry.
- Today we are presenting our version of croque-en-bouche.
These are individual choux pastries... - Oh, my God.
- piped with a white chocolate and ganache,
drizzled with caramel, and arranged like a Christmas tree.
We even have snow. (crowd oohing)
- Oh, that's just tacky.
(gentle music plays)
- What do you think, Carol?
This takes the cake.
You two are the stars. - Oh.
- You are certainly getting top marks for style.
(chuckles)
Everyone, this is quite a contest this year.
I think we're going to need a little more time to compare our notes
and we've got some difficult decisions to make.
Join us in front of the stage in half an hour
for the final verdict of this year's Christmas bake-off.
(crowd cheers and claps)
- As always, I'd like to thank you all
for coming out this fine Christmas Eve.
We've been having this bake-off in Redbridge for over 30 years now,
and I think it really demonstrates the true spirit of Christmas.
- And how dare you talk about my shoes like that?
- Is it winning when you steal the recipe? - Winning for what?
I got those shoes at a fair price.
- Let's announce our winners.
- You stole the recipe. (indistinct chatter)
- In third place we have the Cape Brandy Pudding! (crowd cheers)
(gentle applause) - Oh, that was good. - Yes, well done!
Well done!
(all clapping and cheering)
(all laughing)
- In second place, we'd like to award
Nora Shindler!
(crowd cheers and claps) - What?!
What?! - Congratulations, Nora. - No!
(scoffs) Mayor Phil, no, try them again!
No! (laughs) - Here you go.
- Ugh! - Northbridger!
- Get outta my way!
- And the winner of this year's
Christmas bake-off is...
Faith and Carol! (crowd cheers and claps)
- Come on up, you two! Come on up!
- Thank you, Mayor Phil. - Aw, we're all so happy to see you regain your throne.
- This year's award is particularly meaningful
because our dessert was the product of love and resilience.
It was inspired by my son's new partner, Carol Martin.
(crowd claps and cheers)
- Wonderful.
(loving music plays)
- How does first place feel? - You know what?
I don't think I would've cared if we didn't win.
- Really?
- No, not really, it feels incredible. (giggles)
Now I have the perfect dessert to show Ian.
- My mom gave you the cringles recipe. - Yeah!
But I think I'm gonna go with the croque-en-bouche recipe
that your mom and I created together.
It's really good.
I mean, we won the Christmas bake-off with it, right?
(giggles) - I'm wondering if I won the girl back?
- I think you did.
(chuckles lightly)
Okay, you're getting very serious right now.
- I am because I'm serious about you.
- Max,
I always thought that I would just spend Christmas alone,
counting down the hours until the day was over.
And then I met you.
- I don't know if this is the time or place to do this but...
I've learned a lot this trip.
Mainly that I have no idea what I would do without you.
You mean everything to me.
(tender music building)
- Carol Martin,
will you marry me?
(giggles) (people): Aw!
- Is that a yes?
- Of course it's a yes.
(crowd cheers and claps)
(giggles) (tender music continues)
- It's gonna be a white Christmas.
- I thought you didn't like Christmas?
- I love Christmas.
♪ Christmas is coming ♪
♪ Love is falling like snow ♪
♪ Christmas coming ♪
♪ We belong in the spirit of Santa Claus ♪
♪ Christmas is coming ♪
♪ Love is falling like snow ♪
♪ Christmas coming... ♪♪