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Let's go about three inches up.
Go, oh, no, no, no, no, no.
Like, back, back down, like, just a smidge.
Little bit more, back up.
Okay, perfect, it looks good.
You do know we're right back where we started from, right?
We are?
No, we're not. Yes, we are.
Okay, but it's fine. It looks great.
Good job.
I'm gonna need a lot more cocoa to get through that box.
I would like to make a Christmas toast.
Oh, okay.
To my wonderfully talented, overly organized,
needs-to-let-go-of-the-reins- a-bit, best friend.
Did you just make a Christmas joke?
The whole reins and Santa thing, it's cute.
Mm, okay, so I would love to go over the end of the year.
Projections, already got it covered.
I know you like to handle everything, but I got it.
Okay, but I do need to.
And all of the orders and all your lists.
- Mm. - All of them.
You are good. I, I do have a lot of lists, don't I?
Ah.
Look, I can at least,
can't I just at least help you with the bows?
You're not open for another 30 minutes.
I know you don't like leaving,
but you haven't been home since last Christmas.
So please, as the manager of Beth's Cafe
and your best friend, go home.
Okay, but you'll call me if
I'll call, if anything comes up.
Please let the super-talented people
you hired do their jobs, namely me.
Okay, okay, okay.
Hey, Merry Christmas, and thank you for taking over.
Of course, and tell Hannah
and Frank I say Merry Christmas.
Okay.
Well, does big brother approve?
And before you say anything,
Natalie told me where to put everything on the tree.
Which is why it is perfectly decorated, hmm?
Uh, speaking of, where is your very talented wife?
At the Veterans Center.
She volunteers there most days.
I don't even know what they'd do without her.
That's incredible.
I cannot believe you and Natalie have lived here
for five years already.
Well, time flies when you're a big-time civil engineer
- with the military. - Says the first sergeant.
And dad would be really proud of you.
Pretty sure he'd be proud of you, too.
Not as proud as you would be of me, of course.
Well, that might be,
but at least I'm still the funnier one.
Hmm?
Uh.
Neither one of you are funny.
Natalie, ah, it is so good to see you.
You too, this is quite the surprise.
Yeah, a little last-minute scheduling change.
Well, hopefully you'll be here through Christmas.
That's the plan, but I promise I will not intrude
on any plans you two have.
Oh, well, the kids are with my parents
for a few days while I plan for the Yuletide Potluck.
So you're more than welcome
to stay here till they get back.
- I already tried. - Oh.
Thank you, but I'm all good.
I'm staying down at the Garland Inn.
I knew you'd have a full house over Christmas, so.
Well, please come visit as much
as you want while you're here.
Deal.
And wait till you see the event.
Snow Ridge puts on for the military families.
Ah, I can't wait. Can't wait.
Ah, it is really good to see you two.
Oh, don't forget about the potluck.
Oh, honey, you made it.
Oh, we weren't expecting you until dinner.
Oh, let me look at you.
It's such, oh, so good to see you.
- Have you eaten? - Mom, Mom.
No, whoa, whoa, hold on.
Oh, where's all the garland?
We're called Garland Inn.
Oh, well, it's on our to-do list.
Your father and I haven't really had the time
to get to it yet, but, you know,
- we all have to do- - Hannah, I think
that the gingerbread cookies are done.
Oh, Beth, you're here.
Oh, so good to see you.
Good to see you, what are you wearing?
What is, what's going on? Are you guys baking?
Come on, let's get you some warm cookies and milk.
Thank you.
Uh, I'll take care of this.
You two go save the cookies.
Welcome to the Garland Inn.
I'm Frank Green owner,
and currently Christmas cookie captain.
Well, I have never met a Christmas cookie captain
that I didn't like.
Jack Evans, nice to meet you.
Ah, there you are.
Right this way, and I'll show you your room.
Great.
You've really chosen a spectacular time to come.
Ah, first door, top of the stairs.
What?
- Make yourself at home. - I'll be right back.
What? I, I can't hear.
Ch, ch, ch.
♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride
♪ On a one-horse open sleigh
- Hi. - Hi.
Oh, hi.
That cookie for me?
Hmm? What?
No, no, hi, uh, can I help you?
No, I'm all good.
Can I help you?
Um, well, you're kind of in my room.
I'm in your room?
- Yeah. - Hmm.
You sure about that?
Yeah, yeah, I am. My parents own this place.
Um, that stocking right there, it has a B on it.
That's, that's me. I'm Beth.
Oh, um, um, shouldn't it have a J on it?
Why would it have a J?
My name's Jack.
But this isn't your room.
Well, that's yet to be determined.
Jack.
Yep, Jack with a J.
Jack with a J.
Is your last name Evans?
How do you know my last name?
Mm, because, um,
because we went on a blind date in college.
Oh.
Beth, Beth, little miss Liz Green.
Mm.
Little miss, what, what does that mean?
Seem to recall you sending me a list
of appropriate restaurants before our first date.
I like to do a little research before I go out.
And by the way, you're welcome.
I seem to remember that you talked
about concrete the whole time.
Yeah, well, concrete is the foundation of our existence.
It's the what?
Foundation of our existence.
- I know, I heard you. - Everything.
It just doesn't make... in a city
is made with... a lot of sense.
- What? - Sorry about the confusion.
- Hi, Dad. - Hi.
Let me show you to your room.
You're just next door, the other side of the stairs.
- The other side. - With the alarm going off,
I guess you didn't hear me.
Hmm.
Ah.
Of all the inns in the world, who would've thought?
Hey, guys.
Uh, would it be possible to move a guest?
Why? Did somebody complain about something?
No, no, no, no, no.
I was just wondering if it would be possible
to move the new guest, um, somewhere else.
Who?
Jack.
Why? What did he do?
He, uh, well, he didn't, he didn't do anything.
It's just that he, uh, wait a minute. Hold on.
What are you guys doing right now?
Nothing. Why?
Well, because, at first, you're baking,
and now you're setting the table.
Where is Chef David?
He had a family emergency.
And so how long have you guys been running
the inn and the kitchen?
Two weeks.
Two weeks? Why didn't you call me?
Oh, why? What would you have done?
You've got the cafe to worry about.
Besides, look at us. We are fine.
Okay, but how is Chef David gonna prep for all the.
Oh, he'll catch up once he gets back in town.
- Besides, it's a potluck. - Mm-hmm.
Everyone will just bring a little bit more
if we need them to.
Or you could just let someone else host this year.
- Absolutely not. - We couldn't.
And it's really not a problem.
Since the dinner's over at the Veterans Center,
all we have to do is a little organization and then show up.
I knew you guys were gonna say that.
So, look, you know what I'll do?
I'll go decorate the stairwell.
Uh, sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt.
Ah, nonsense, I told you to make yourself at home.
I'm Hannah, Frank's wife.
Nice to meet you, Hannah.
Let us know if we can do anything
to make your stay special.
Oh, well, everything has been, uh, really wonderful.
- Oh. - Wonderful.
Yeah. I was just giving myself a little tour
if that's okay.
Oh, sure, we encourage our guests to roam about.
All right, then I'll, uh, I'll get back to it.
Oh, uh, I happened overhear there's some decorating to do.
I'd be happy to help.
What a wonderful idea.
Oh, no, no, no, no.
Thank you, that won't be necessary.
Okay, nice to meet you.
- No. - What's the matter?
- He's- - I don't need his help.
I don't need his help.
He's a guest. I'm a guest.
Oh.
What a mess.
Did it get heavier?
Come on. Get over here.
These things got shorter.
Oh.
Perfect.
Hi.
Um, can I help you?
Kinda looks like you're the one who needs the help.
I'm totally fine. I do this every year.
It's, it's very, it's not, actually not that complicated.
It's just that this has got,
Gotten a little, well, the lights and thing, you know.
I'm, what? Uh, no, no, no.
I, I'm, I'm, I'm fine if you don't mind.
Why are you being so stubborn, huh?
I can help. I wanna help.
Okay, can you follow instructions?
Yes, ma'am.
Can you read a tape measure?
Yes, I can read a tape measure.
You're hired, but here's the thing.
I'm, I'm very, very particular about how this is hung.
So it has to be hung evenly,
and it has to have a drape of approximately...
You have two?
Two is one is, and one is none.
All right, so it has to be draped at five inches.
- All right. - Can you do that?
Yep, seven inches.
- Got it. - No, I,
don't make me regret this.
Okay, so it's even.
I like it. That's good, thank you.
So that's it?
What are you?
Jack, thank you so much
for temporarily holding the garland while I hang it.
Is that better?
Actually, yeah, that's a lot better, thank you.
But I meant, is that it as far as decorating?
Oh, yeah, that's, that's it.
I'm not following you.
And yet here you are.
There's coffee, tea, cookies, whatever you'd like.
Thank you.
Topper?
No, no, thank you.
Seat taken?
Uh, apparently so.
Can I ask you a question?
You know, we don't have to do
this whole small talk thing, you know,
talk about what we've both been doing since college.
We don't.
I mean, it looks like you're doing well,
and I'm happy for you.
That's great.
Thank you, yes, uh, yeah, things are going pretty good,
but, um, I was just gonna ask you
about the Yuletide Potluck.
I saw a flyer for it. It looks pretty nice.
Yes, the potluck,
Um, it is nice.
It is something that we do every year
for the military families based in town.
Yeah, my grandmother actually started it
back in World War II when my grandfather went off to war.
So he, uh, he served overseas, huh?
Mm-hmm, yeah, three Christmases in a row,
very proud of that.
And, uh, basically, my grandmother just saw these wives
and children, and they were also missing
their loved ones who were serving,
so she thought, you know,
no one should be alone at Christmas,
so she just invited everybody over,
and that's kinda how this thing started.
Wow, well, your grandfather,
he, he eventually came home, right?
Yeah, yeah, he did,
and, uh, when he saw what she had been doing, he loved it,
so he wanted to continue the tradition, so they did,
and then my parents took over,
and then eventually, it got so big that we had to move it
to the Veterans Center.
- Mm. - And, you know,
my parents still host it.
Well, my, my brother's in the military, you know,
so I, I really admire your family for doing that.
Yeah.
Uh, well, speaking of the events, I have a lot to do.
So, um, enjoy your coffee.
Hot cocoas with homemade whipped cream.
Ooh, wow, thank you.
Hope this wasn't too much trouble.
Absolutely not.
Plus, you went outta your way to help Beth with the garland.
It was nothing.
I'm more than happy to pitch in
with anything while I'm here.
I mean, my schedule's pretty open.
Oh, mm, why are you in town? May I ask?
Well, I'm a civil engineer with the military,
and Snow Ridge just happened to be on the list of bases
that I needed to visit.
Since my brother's based here, I thought it'd be nice to,
uh, you know, surprise him, and his wife,
and my two nephews for Christmas.
Well, I'm sure your family is happy to have you in town.
Yeah, well, my job's kept me on the road for a while,
so it'll be nice to, uh, you know,
spend a little time with them.
Mm-hmm.
You know, Beth told me about the, uh, Yuletide Potluck.
I think it is incredible
what your family's done for the town.
Well, it's the families here that bring it to life.
And my parents.
Did you tell Jack about the wreaths of honor?
We decorate wreaths to honor the veterans.
Every wreath represents a family that has served.
You can go to the booth in the Village Square
and decorate one if you like.
Beth can show you where it is.
We write letters to soldiers who were deployed
and wrap gifts for military children.
Yeah, we still need to get a tree
and decorate it for the Veterans Center.
Well, you know, like I said,
I would be more than happy to help with anything,
Jack, that's very kind of you,
but won't it interfere with work?
No, no, no, no, not at all.
You know, my dad served, and my brother currently serves
as a first sergeant, so I know what it means
to families when communities show up.
Well, I've, I've got a little work to do,
so I should probably.
- Oh. - Go.
Do you have everything you need?
Oh, yeah, I'm all set, thank you so much.
Beth, it was nice seeing you again.
Yep, you too.
Thanks again.
Seeing you again? What's that about?
What do you mean what's that about?
It, it, it's nothing.
It's just, we had a date in college, okay?
It was a blind date. It did not go well.
And this is the first time I've seen him since then.
Well, he seems like he's grown into a very nice man.
Mom, I know it looks like that,
but you don't know anything about him.
Neither do you, hmm?
I love you both.
Love you.
- I'm gonna go unpack. - This is really good.
Mm-hmm.
What just happened?
Let's do the dishes.
And you, here we go, perfect.
Ah.
Five or nine?
That's nine.
Wait, five or seven?
Five inches, seven inches, seven.
Seven, five, right, perfect.
Beautiful.
Hey.
Hey, how's it going? Good to be home?
Yeah, yeah, mostly.
What's that mean, mostly?
Nothing, it's fine.
Really? It doesn't sound like you're fine.
I'm fine. I'm fine.
I'm just dealing with a difficult guest. That's all.
Difficult as in a complainer,
or difficult as playing "Jingle Bells" at 2:00 AM?
No, no, neither,
although I would've preferred one of those.
No, he's just someone from my past.
- I love this story already. - Is he an old friend?
No, more like a walking reminder of a bad decision.
Bad date.
A bad blind date, which is, ugh.
You know, Emily, it's like,
I don't know what it is about him.
He just, you know, he just gets to me.
He does, and I have so much to do.
I have decorating.
I have my, my parents have volunteered for everything.
It's just, it's a lot.
But anyway, I don't wanna talk about it.
I don't wanna talk about it. What about you?
What's going on there?
No, no, no, no, I, I still have two minutes until open,
so back to this difficult guest.
Just try to ignore him.
You have the inn, your parents,
the Yuletide Potluck, the Veterans Center.
That's more than a few full-time jobs.
Yeah, yeah, my thoughts exactly.
Thank you.
Call me if you need me.
Of course, bye, Beth.
Bye.
Chef David.
- Oh. - Welcome back.
Oh, I can't tell you how happy I am to see you.
It wasn't that bad, was it?
Let's just say the smoke alarm
and Frank became close friends.
Well, I have coffee and tea waiting
in the dining room and homemade biscuits
and apple cider jam.
- Ooh. - Coming right up.
- That sounds wonderful. - How's your father?
Much better, I'm sorry again for leaving so quickly.
- I had- - Oh, no, no, no.
Don't apologize. It's family first.
Thank you.
I know we're a little behind prepping for Yuletide,
but I promise I'll have us ready to go just as
Frank tried to make Santa pancakes for the guests.
Needless to say, it didn't end well.
Hmm, well, fortunately, I have more pans.
Oh, I'll take these and this.
Frank.
The inn is beautiful.
You guys have seen it, right?
- Oh, of course. - Yeah.
I've planned some meetings there for some events.
I mean, it's gorgeous anytime of year,
but during Christmas, it's like a winter wonderland.
Oh, I know, and I even did some decorating yesterday.
You did the what now?
Well, I assisted, you know, with the garland
and, well, just the garland.
Should we be worried?
It's not like I enlisted in a Christmas parade, okay?
I know, but you've avoided that kind of stuff for years.
Well, that's what happens when you're on the road,
you know, different bases, different assignments,
not exactly a whole lotta time for decking the halls.
I will leave you to your brotherly bickering.
But, Jack, it's really good to have you here.
It's really good being here.
- Garlanding? - Don't start.
Oh, it's way too late for that.
Look, it just felt good to do something normal.
- All right? - Right.
Garland, really?
Hey, I heard you the first time, all right?
- Morning. - Good morning.
You need any help?
Nope, nope, sit down.
Enjoy. Relax.
All right.
You want some?
Uh, no, thank you, but I will take one of these.
Where's Jack? Did you tell him breakfast is ready?
Um, Jack's a grown adult.
I'm sure he knows when breakfast is.
I mean, who knows? He could be outside.
He could be brushing his teeth.
Mom, he could be playing checkers. I don't know.
Why would I know where Jack is? I don't know.
Uh, okay.
Just say you don't know where he is.
Okay, I don't know where he is.
Mm.
Uh, okay, so first off on my list,
I am gonna take the flyers by the Veterans Center.
Uh, is there anything else that you need me to do?
I don't need a thing.
I'm just glad you're home.
Just go.
Merry Christmas.
Green, it is so good to see you.
Oh, good to see you, too.
Look at you running this place.
Ah, speaking of which, is it a little cold in here?
It is, yes.
We've gotten old system,
so it takes a bit to heat this place up.
- Yeah. - When did you get
- back in town? - Just yesterday.
I know I, uh, should have warned you.
Oh, don't be silly. I'm just surprised to see you.
- Yeah. - How is your cafe?
It's good. It's really good.
- Thank you for asking. - And your mom and dad?
You know, I didn't see them
at the planning committee last week.
Everything okay?
Yeah, they're just a little overwhelmed.
You know, Chef David's been out of town for a couple weeks,
but they'll be fine.
Here, I wanted bring you these.
Thank you very much. We were out.
I'm still trying to find the time
to finish prepping this place.
Two of my usual volunteers are having Christmas babies.
Oh.
As you can see, the decorating is coming along,
but I'm still in need of one more tree.
Well, my mother told me you needed another tree,
so I'm here to help.
Are you sure you have the time?
You just told me how crazy things are at the inn.
Of course, I'm sure.
You know this place is important to the community.
It's important to me, so I got you.
- Thank you so much. - Natalie.
I found, found these last two green ones.
- Ah. - Oh, sorry.
I didn't know you had a visitor.
No, it's okay. Lauren, this is Beth Green.
Her parents own the Garland Inn.
This is Lauren, my new assistant.
- Nice to meet you. - You too.
All right, well, I'm gonna get going.
I will talk to you later, okay?
- Great, good. - Bye.
- All right. - Yeah.
You can sit here. I'm not gonna bite.
- Yeah, sure. - Oh.
Mm, mm, that's hot.
It is called hot chocolate.
Right.
Mm.
Place is great, and the square, the village, the.
- Mm-hmm. - Decorations.
Yeah, the community goes all out.
You know, I think 'cause we're so close to the base,
they just wanna make it special for the military families.
- Oh. - It's pretty nice.
Yeah.
What?
Oh, uh, nothing, nothing.
Uh.
What, Jack?
I just remembered a little part of our date.
I think there was a, uh, a minor discrepancy on, uh.
On what quantifies as riveting conversation?
Look, I still maintain that aggregate is very compelling.
Which is why we didn't have a second date.
I'll make sure to keep the concrete talk
under 30 seconds next time.
- There's not gonna be- - Not, not that there's gonna
be a next... a next time, no.
- Time. - One is enough.
One and done.
What's that?
- What's what? - That, the...
Oh, that's, you know, what we were telling you about.
You can make a wreath for a veteran.
Oh, right, right, hmm.
- So anyone can make one? - Mm-hmm.
Do you wanna make a wreath?
Oh, no, no, I, I wouldn't even know what to do.
I mean, I'm not exactly crafty, you know.
Jack, do you want me to help you make a wreath?
No, I mean, come on. You don't have time for that.
I do have time for that.
I always have time for the veterans.
Come on. I'll help you.
All right.
Come on. Get on there.
You got a missing spot right there.
Well, I have a solution right here.
So where do you call home these days?
Well, I've been based in the city,
but because of all the traveling for my work,
home has become more like a series of extended-stay hotels.
Sounds efficient.
Yeah, you know, no cleaning, no yard work,
no complaining from the neighbors
about my Christmas lights up in February.
You leave your lights up till February?
Yeah, not anymore.
You're one of those, huh?
I was.
Yeah.
Kinda love that.
So you obviously travel,
and the military just sends you around everywhere?
Yeah, yeah, pretty much.
Even during Christmas?
Yeah, even during Christmas.
And you're okay with that?
Well, yeah, I mean, you know, I've got
to experience Christmas all around the world.
There's this one place in Central America
- called Las Posadas. - Mm-hmm.
They have an amazing nine-day celebration.
Nine days?
The communities reenact Mary and Joseph's search
for shelter, and so people walk from house to house
carrying candles, singing,
and a different family hosts each night.
- I love that. - Yeah.
Oh, and there's this place in Poland
that does a Christmas Eve dinner called Wigilia.
- Yeah, I've heard of it. - Yeah, and it, uh,
it begins when the first star appears in the night sky.
My personal favorite is Germany.
The, the Christmas markets are unbelievable.
Yeah.
I mean, whole town squares are lit up
by stalls of homemade gifts,
mulled wine, roasted nuts, carolers.
I mean, it honestly feels
like you've just stepped into a snow globe.
Okay, I'm not gonna lie.
All of that sounds absolutely fabulous.
But still, I mean, it's Christmas.
Don't you just wanna be with your family at home?
Yeah, you know, maybe one day when my assignments run out
or when I've seen all I wanna see.
Ah, okay, well, I need a pen, piece of paper.
You just, you never stop working, do you?
Uh, this isn't work.
Well, it looks to me like you're about to write
another one of your long lists.
I am just writing a blessing for a soldier.
Huh.
Put it right here.
- Huh. - Think we're done.
Well, just got one little thing here.
Ah, much better.
Okay, let's hang it up.
'Kay.
You made a wreath.
I made a wreath.
All right, now we gotta get back to work. Come on.
All right, boss, back to work.
Oh, hi, you two.
- Hey. - Did you have a nice day?
- Yeah. - Uh.
Yeah, we did. We did.
I, uh, I got some work done this morning
and headed to Village Square where I, uh, ran into this one.
Hmm, I heard they're still finishing the setup.
Actually, it looks finished to me.
Oh, well, they're almost finished.
People are still making wreaths.
- Did you make a wreath? - I did.
- Beth helped. - Mm.
A lot.
That sounds like fun.
Uh, I dropped the flyers off, and I've been also dealing
with the food donations for the potluck.
I think we're gonna need a few more sides.
Well, you know, I do make
a mean mashed sweet potato casserole, marshmallows and all.
- No. - Hmm?
No, no, I mean, you're a, you're a guest.
- But you just said- - That is very kind of you.
We'll keep you on standby.
- Mm-hmm. - Okay, well,
I'm gonna get back to work then.
Right.
- Bye. - Bye, bye.
Bye.
Huh.
It's a really good casserole.
- Sounds good. - Yeah.
Get in there, little guy.
What you doing?
Oh, um, just stuffing stockings.
Mm, you finally found something
that I cannot help you with.
Why is that?
Well, my mom used to handle all this when I was a kid.
In fact, I don't think I've had a stocking
since I lived at home, hmm.
What? What do you mean you haven't?
Well, uh, Jack, that's sad.
Well, I mean, I can see how it might be hard
to imagine someone enjoying so much time spent on the road,
but I don't know.
There's something about not knowing, you know,
discovering a new place.
It's exciting, and of course, when my job's done,
I know I've left the place better
for the people who live there.
- It's a good feeling. - Yeah.
Although I have to admit, since being here,
I realize what I've been missing.
You know, most airports,
they lack a good wreath-making station.
Mm, or an honor ceremony.
Or an honor ceremony.
What's an honor ceremony?
Oh, we didn't tell you?
No.
Oh, oh, sorry, it's this sweet little ceremony
that we do in Village Square,
and we light candles and lanterns,
and it's just another way to celebrate the military.
Hmm, sounds nice.
Yeah.
So you mean to tell me out of all the places
that you've been, nowhere feels like home?
Well, once in a while I try to imagine myself somewhere
that feels like home.
But with all the traveling for work, you know,
all the logistics, it just gets kinda complicated.
Hmm.
Well, uh, looks like you have got this handled.
So I'm gonna go see
if your parents need a hand.
Okay.
- See you later. - Bye.
Another amazing breakfast, Chef.
Thank you, tomorrow I'm doing my own spin
on a cranberry-orange French toast casserole.
Ooh, I just ate, so how am I hungry already?
What are you up to today?
Oh, we have a few guests coming in.
Yeah, and I'm gonna go over to the Veterans Center.
Gotta work on some table arrangements.
I'm gonna bring them some extra decorations.
Oh, can I have some snacks to take with me?
You've come to the right place.
Oh, I hear there's somebody new over there.
I wanna get us all organized and on the same page,
make sure we're not duplicating our efforts
for Yuletide Potluck.
Uh, Beth, did you see the spreadsheet?
Yeah, I haven't updated it yet, sorry.
You know what?
David, why don't you go with Beth?
Frank and I can hold things down here,
and I think we should stay on top of who's bringing what.
Let me get a few extra cookies for the drive.
Is Jack around?
I don't know. Why?
Well, I was gonna ask him if he's serious
about making another side dish for the yuletide.
I think we're gonna need a couple.
Okay, why don't you ask him?
Okay, I will.
Why are you being weird?
Hi.
Perfect timing.
I can't thank you enough for helping us out.
No problem, do you know our chef at the inn, Chef David?
Yes, of course, I do.
Thank you so much for helping us out again
with Yuletide Potluck and everything you do
to help us celebrate our military.
My pleasure, really.
All right, so I'm gonna have you work with my assistant,
Lauren, on the food donations.
Hey.
Lauren, perfect timing.
This is Chef David.
He's gonna be doing all the additional cooking for yuletide.
Can you bring him up to speed?
- Yes, of course. - Perfect.
Hi.
Uh, David, nice to meet you.
I, uh, uh, I, thank you for the spreadsheet.
I've been inputting all of the information into it.
I, uh, uh, brought cookies if you like cookies.
Oh, I love them.
Those smell amazing. Are they gingerbread cookies?
Yes, I just made them this morning.
I use orange zest. It, um, makes all the difference.
Ooh, I'll have to try that next time I make them.
Oh, really? Do you cook, too?
Well, not compared to someone like you.
Come on. Follow me.
I'll show you where to put them.
Well, that went well.
It did.
Oh, I meant to tell you.
Will's brother is town,
and I asked him to help you with the tree.
- He's actually staying- - Sorry I'm late.
Meeting at the base went a little longer than expected.
What are you doing here?
I'm not following you.
I'm just here volunteering, so.
Me too.
You guys know each other?
- No. - Yeah.
I was just telling Beth that I volunteered you to help
with the Christmas tree hunting and decorations.
- Oh. - Hmm.
Okay, I've gotta go deal with this.
Thank you both so much.
No problem.
Uh, you know what?
I don't need any help to go pick out a Christmas tree,
fully capable of that.
All right, all right.
Well, have you decided if you're gonna get
a little tree or a big tree?
I, I don't know that I really thought about that.
I, I assume just the best tree they have.
Well, if you do decide on getting a big tree,
I'm assuming that they'll have someone there
to, uh, help you load it up.
Uh, well, I see your point.
So, yes, I could probably use your help
if, if I get a big tree.
Hmm.
So do you just wanna go through your bin,
and I'll go through this one and see what's in there?
And then we can make two piles, uh, keep and throw away.
Throw away, got it.
Oh, and the lights if.
Sorry, slippery suckers.
Yeah, if you could, uh,
just, just put the lights on the table.
Natalie asked me to help with the tree.
She didn't mention I'd be helping you.
Not, not that it's a problem.
I just, just wanted to clarify.
Oh, yeah, oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Well, I also didn't know
that you were Natalie's brother-in-law,
so also not a problem.
I just didn't know. That was a surprise.
Oh, how about this one, keep or throw away?
Mm, I like that one. Keep,
Huh, this one's different.
How about this, keep or throw away?
Beth.
Um, uh, throw it away.
Yeah, we don't need it. You know what?
I think that we have plenty of ornaments
for whatever size tree that we wanna get,
so let's go get the tree.
I will, I'll see you in the car.
It looks a little picked over,
and, uh, they're not very big either.
Well, I mean, what they lack in size
they make up for in spirit.
- Yeah. - Ugh.
I used to hate doing this as a kid.
- Doing what? - This,
picking out Christmas trees.
You know, it always made me nervous
'cause I felt like I had to get the perfect one,
and then I grew up, and I understood
it's not even about the tree.
It's about the people around it, you know?
Hmm.
And you know, there's really no ugly Christmas trees.
There's not. Like, they don't exist.
You can't find 'em, right?
And why are you not talking?
Why are you not, not analyzing everything I'm saying?
Is Jack Evans finally at a loss for words?
Oh, don't, now don't gimme too much credit.
I'm still gonna explain to you
why Fraser firs are far superior to noble firs.
There it is.
Uh, we'll take this one. We'll be back to get it, okay?
Thank you.
Did you know that the first artificial Christmas trees
were developed in 19th-century Germany?
They were made with goose feathers that they painted green.
- What? - It's you.
Your brain is always working.
You know, I could say the same of yours?
- Mm. - Miss big-time cafe owner
with all of your lists.
- Mm, you got me there. - I do make a lotta lists.
Yeah.
So did you always wanna own a cafe?
Yeah, mm-hmm, I did.
Spent a lotta time in the kitchen at the inn
just creating my little menu.
Uh, let's see. What was on it?
Um, there was gumdrop soup.
There was always a lotta Christmas cookies, of course,
and, uh, my famous gingerbread icing sandwiches.
Wow, sugar soup and sugar sandwiches.
'Kay, wasn't healthy,
- but I knew my menu. - Yeah.
Ah.
What about you?
Did you always wanna be a, a big civil engineer?
Yeah, pretty much, pretty much.
I loved building things when I was a kid.
I mean, just the idea of creating things
that lasted that helped people.
I've been able to oversee housing upgrades,
infrastructure work, things that really improve
the living conditions of military families overseas, so.
That's nice.
You know, the work is really fulfilling.
And as much as I used to like the traveling aspect of it,
uh, it'd be nice to have a home base.
I could see that, yeah.
Well, I hope that one day when you're done
with all the traveling that you do find a home.
I do have a house, you know?
Mm, that's not what I said.
A house doesn't mean you have a home.
Speaking of which, I need to get back to the inn.
I have a lot of lists to create.
Ah, see, I was right. Your brain never stops working.
Touche.
Uh, thank you for your help with a tree today.
Hey.
Hey, how's it going?
Great, busy, uh, please don't worry.
Everything's fine. I'm just closing up.
Okay, glad to hear it.
- So, how's the Garland Inn? - It's good.
I'm just figuring out how many tables
I'm gonna need to set up, and, uh, who's bringing what,
getting candles, lanterns, also busy.
Not shocked.
You know, here's something that's kinda bugging me is
that he's always there, everywhere I go.
It, it's, it doesn't matter if it's in Village Square
or if it's in the Veterans Center.
I turn around, and he's just, he's there.
Uh, he who?
Jack.
This is the guy from college?
Yes, yes, he's, you know, here's the thing,
Emily, is he's a guest, and he's carrying boxes.
He's baking. He's, he's decorating.
That's awful, horrible person.
You know what I mean.
Does it bring you joy to help people?
Yeah, of course, it gives me joy to help people.
So maybe it gives him the same feeling.
I mean, don't deny the man his joy. Put him to work.
Beth, also, remember what time it is. It is Christmas.
So maybe he just likes being a part of it all.
So maybe go easy on him.
Let him participate without torturing him.
Ugh, okay, you're right.
You're right. You're right.
I'll be better.
You are better. I'll talk to you later.
Merry Christmas.
Oh, hey, I'm going to Village Square with Mom.
Do you need anything?
Uh, yes, can you pick up fresh cranberries
and also these ingredients for the cookies?
Yeah.
We're running low, and if I'm not mistaken,
Christmas is coming.
Yes, it is.
Ooh, where are you taking those?
They're for the Veterans Center.
- Oh. - I thought I'd drop 'em off.
'Kay, sure they'll love them, especially Lauren.
I hope so. She said they don't usually have baked goods.
And I thought that I, maybe this is a bad idea.
Is it too forward?
No, it's not too forward.
You're bringing muffins to a woman.
She's gonna love it. Trust me.
Thanks, Beth.
Okay, I didn't really do anything, but you're welcome.
You gave me some much-needed encouragement,
and you are picking up ingredients
for the cookies and cranberries, right?
Oh, yes, yes, bye.
So you never told me what happened
with you and Jack in college.
Mom, nothing happened with Jack and I, okay?
It's, it was just one bad blind date,
and, uh, he talked about concrete for 45 minutes.
Well, hopefully he's changed since you were in college.
You have.
What's that supposed to mean?
I wasn't that bad.
Was I? Yeah, okay, I'll give you that.
I was that bad.
Listen, Mom, the point is,
is I just don't have the energy for Jack right now.
Well, from what I can see, he's been trying to help you.
Enjoy it.
He actually hasn't had a stocking
since he was at home with his parents, so.
I'll take it. Merry Christmas.
We'll see you, bye-bye.
Okay, definitely need
to make another batch.
Okay, let's see.
Okay, let's see, so, uh, what's this?
Okay, throw this way, and I'm gonna need more butter,
more cinnamon, more.
- Jack? - Huh?
Hey, hey.
Hi, what's going on here?
Uh, well, it, well, it started, um, with me making my,
you know, my famous sweet potato casserole,
but then Chef David came in and asked if I could, you know,
change course and help bake,
so I decided to make Christmas cookies,
but then I realized, you know,
it's been a while since I've made cookies,
so, uh, well, that's, that's where I am, um.
Okay, this is, this is cookies?
- Yeah. - Okay, all right.
Uh, is there any dough?
Yes, uh,
cookie dough right there.
Oh, I can try it?
I, I don't, I don't know how it came out, but
I mean, how bad could it be, right?
I mean, it's, it's cookie dough.
Exactly.
Oh, really? That, that, that bad?
What is that? Oh.
You didn't, um, you didn't actually use sugar, did you?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, look, I, I followed the recipe.
Um, and it says, uh, it says one half cup of sugar.
Sugar, I, I may have mixed the salt and the sugar up.
Yeah, okay.
I'm glad you find this amusing.
All right, there's good and bad news.
Which one do you want first?
Hit me with the news first.
All right, well, the bad news is, is we can't save that.
Yeah, that was, that was horrible.
- Awful. - Yeah.
The good news is, is I brought reinforcements,
and I don't give up, all right?
All right.
Here's the thing, though.
- Yeah. - I do not work
in a messy kitchen and definitely cannot have
a messy sous chef, which.
Oh, geez, what... you are right now.
What happened? I mean, what did you...
You, you have a.
Stuff on my... little bit of flour.
- Stuff on my face? - Everywhere.
You've got it everywhere.
Yeah.
Okay, we have to start over.
Yes, ma'am.
'Kay, go grab that bowl.
All right, flour, uh, yeah.
- Oh. - Oh, sorry.
- Whoop. - Uh.
All right.
That was a go.
- Don't touch the salt. - Put it over here, okay?
Copy that.
Oh, I am gonna go get an apron.
This is pretty bad.
All right.
You just, um, clean up.
Copy that, uh.
Mess.
Drum roll.
All right, moment of truth.
Here we go, one for you.
Thank you.
One for me.
Oh, they're so cute.
- They're adorable. - If nothing else,
they're cute.
They are. They are cute though.
Mm, mm, I am good.
- You're good? - Oh.
What are you talking about? Give me some credit.
I saved you.
Okay, maybe it was the, uh, combination
of us that saved me.
I'll give you that.
- Wow, these are good. - Mm-hmm.
Mm, so there was a time where you did have
a normal Christmas with your family, right?
They used to be normal.
What was that like?
Well, probably exactly how you would imagine with two boys
who thought they were from the Wild West.
Your poor mother.
Yeah, it was, uh, it was pretty hectic.
She was a saint.
My brother and I were quite a handful.
- Yeah, I bet. - Yeah.
How about you?
It was exactly what you would think.
Yeah, I mean, there was always a party here,
events to go to.
It was very lively.
I have to admit, I've always kind of wondered
what a quiet little Christmas would be like.
But then I would see these military families come up
to my parents, and I'm just reminded
that it's an absolute honor to do what we do for them.
Yeah, yeah, it is.
Your, your family's pretty incredible.
Well, it seems to me like you have a perfect life.
Hmm.
Even a perfect life can get pretty lonely.
You know what? Um, I...
What's going on?
- No, I mean- - Oh, hey.
- Um. - We're just.
We're just, uh, we're just baking.
Baking cookies like you wanted.
- Yep. - So that's what we're doing.
- Thought we'd- - So we were just.
We, we're trying.
- With milk. - Tasting it with some milk.
You saving some for potluck?
- Mm, mm-hmm. - Yeah, of course, there's.
- Tons of 'em. - Plenty here.
Yeah, there are also a lot
- in the fridge. - Fridge in the,
in the fridge, a whole stack.
You two might be hired.
Everybody appreciated the muffins and extra cookies,
especially Lauren.
I, uh, I offered to give Lauren some cooking lessons.
She, she loved the idea.
You guys mind if I prep for breakfast tomorrow?
- No. - Not at all.
Yeah.
- Oh. - Oh.
- We should- - Yeah, yeah, no, no,
- we'll- - We should.
- You- - He needs the space.
- Yeah, right, I'm just- - I'm gonna.
gonna go get the.
- Sorry, I'm gonna- - Here.
- More cookies. - Just grab another.
- Oh, more cookies? - Grab, you want one?
Yeah, uh, yeah, yeah, go ahead and grab one.
Okay, all right, thank you.
- All right, I'll, uh- - Bye.
We'll, bye.
Honestly, not bad.
Hey, stranger.
Hey.
Thank you for helping Beth go pick out the tree
for the Veterans Center.
It looks so good.
Yeah, it does, doesn't it?
Will's not home just yet.
Oh, it's okay. Can I give you a hand?
No, I'm okay.
Everything okay at the base?
Uh, yeah, yeah, everything at work is just fine.
I made cookies tonight.
- You did? - Yeah.
Well, did you bring me any?
No, uh, they're for the Yuletide Potluck,
but I'm just not used to slowing down.
Snow Ridge has that effect on people.
Yeah.
You know, she's pretty interesting.
She knows exactly who she is, what she wants.
It's just, I don't know.
It's, it's different.
Yeah, Beth is a pretty amazing person.
That is who you're talking about, right?
Yes, but it's not like that.
You know, she's just
Jack, you've been moving from base to base for years.
It can be nice just to meet someone that you click with.
Don't overthink it. Just enjoy it while you're here.
And if the opportunity presents itself,
maybe don't talk about concrete next time.
I am never gonna live that down, am I?
What do you think?
Yeah.
All right, well, my break is over.
Uh, the offer still stands.
Take that, too.
Hmm.
I think everything is in good shape.
Are you okay?
Hmm?
Oh, yeah, yeah, um, I'm all good.
I was just thinking about logistics.
Uh-huh, and logistics make you smile like that?
I'm not smiling.
Okay, tell that to the bow you've been messing around with
for the last 20 minutes.
Well, you're welcome.
I mean, it's pretty much perfect now.
There you go.
Beth Green, spill it.
- Okay, - so have you ever just felt
like you were maybe overthinking a thought
that should be pretty simple?
I'm gonna take a leap here and say we're no longer talking
about the potluck or logistics.
Hypothetically speaking, let's say that, well, you,
okay, let's say you like someone, right?
But that person is, is not there,
and he's not here either.
And it, but, but the thought of that person, right,
the, the joy of that thought, it, it was very much here,
but he's not there, and he's not here either.
It's like he's nowhere.
- I've gotta be honest. - I'm completely lost.
Morning, I meant to join you guys earlier,
but, uh, David brought me
this incredible pumpkin streusel scone.
See, now there is someone who's not overthinking anything.
Oh, are we talking about you and Jack?
I don't understand why everybody's talking
about me and Jack.
There's nothing. Like, I'm, I'm here.
Jack's here. There's no me and Jack.
David might have mentioned
that he saw you guys in the kitchen.
He thought it was cute.
He thought what was cute, that, that we were baking?
That Jack was baking?
I mean, yes, I guess in theory that's, you know,
Jack is, it was kinda cute that he was,
the fact that he was baking
because he doesn't look like a baker.
He doesn't, you know,
but I mean, him in particular,
like, if you took the baking away,
then I don't think he would be that cute.
But, yeah, baking is, is, is cute.
Oh, yeah, yeah, baking is cute.
All right, well, if you guys don't need me for anything,
I'm gonna go start confirming volunteer times
for Yuletide Potluck.
I'm gonna go. Okay, thanks for the chat.
- Hey, Beth. - Yeah.
If it helps, Jack came over last night.
For what?
To say pretty much everything you just did and didn't.
Hey, thank you.
Did you tell Jack he was welcome to join us?
Oh, Mom, I'm sure he has better things
to do than help us with our gift bags.
These lights worked last year.
Dad, stop. Just, why do you do this?
It's horrible. Look.
It, the tree looks perfect. Don't even worry about it.
I agree. It is pretty perfect.
Have a seat, Jack.
Welcome to the annual untangling
of the lights with my father.
Oh, Jack, we were just talking about ya.
No, we, no, we weren't.
Oh, boy, come on.
You and I are on hot cocoa duty.
I'll have marshmallows in mine.
Frank, you're not a guest.
Oh.
I'm coming.
Uh, uh, uh, so, I, uh...
Um.
No, you first.
Well, I was gonna just ask you a very serious question.
Okay.
Do you curl ribbon?
Can I curl a ribbon?
Watch and learn.
What are these for?
And it even makes that sound.
I love that sound.
Okay, all right, one more.
I'm gonna show you one more time, all right?
- Okay. - Hold it.
Okay, okay, okay,
- right, right here? - Hold it, yes.
- All right. - Okay.
Ah, perfection.
Anyway, okay.
There's your first and only lesson.
All right, guess I just need a little more practice.
Hey, um, can I ask you a personal question?
Okay, this just got really serious.
Okay, shoot.
So the other day at the Veterans Center,
you had me throw away an ornament with a B
- and a K on it. - Mm-hmm.
I'm assuming there's no K anymore.
Oh, Kevin, it's my ex.
And, no, there's no K.
May I ask what happened?
No, no, it's fine.
Um, well, we dated
for, for quite a while, five years, actually.
- Mm. - And, um,
I wanted to get married, and he didn't.
Ouch, that's, that's rough. I'm sorry.
It's okay, I mean, I was tore up about it
for quite a while, but, um, you know,
I think you have to look at your life
in, in it's entirety, you know?
I mean, I have great friends, great family.
- Mm. - I own a cafe.
I'm blessed.
Yeah, yeah, you are blessed.
Can I ask you a question?
Yeah, yeah, sure.
You travel all the time.
I, I mean, how do you maintain any kind
of relationship like that?
Actually, uh, it's pretty tough.
I'm single, and I, I could blame that on my job,
but because you were so honest with me,
well, I was in a pretty serious relationship, too.
Mm-hmm.
So I proposed to her, and she said no.
- I'm sorry. - No, it, it's okay.
It was a long time ago, and, uh, you know, looking back,
she just, she wasn't ready yet.
And actually, the travel I do for work kinda,
it helped me get through it.
Or, you know, maybe the traveling is
just kinda leading you where you need to be.
Maybe.
Beth, Jack,
hot chocolate's ready.
Frank, leave 'em alone.
They'll come in if they want some.
But who doesn't want hot chocolate
- on a night like tonight? - Um.
Uh-huh.
- Your parents are adorable. - Yeah.
Um, to be continued.
Hey, got a minute?
For you, of course.
How's potluck planning going? You ready?
Yeah, well, Christmas is in a couple days,
and everything's good.
The honor ceremony's tonight. We're all good for that.
And all the guests at the inn are happy,
so that's a win.
Even Jack?
Uh, Jack, wow.
Well, I actually think I got that one wrong.
We made cookies together. I know.
When was the last time I made cookies with a guy?
- Never. - Exactly.
But you know, I gotta say.
I saw this different side of him.
He was charming, and honest,
and nice.
So wait. I'm confused.
You like him now?
I mean, it's, it doesn't matter whether I like him or not.
It's just, I don't, I just don't really feel like getting
to know someone right now,
especially not someone that's that complicated.
Beth, do not overthink this.
Just give yourself the chance to like someone again.
Whether it's a friend or something more, just have fun.
You know what you're good at?
What?
Making everything seem so simple.
I know. That's why they pay me the big bucks.
I'll talk to you later.
Okay, bye.
Bye.
These apples are defective.
It's not the apples.
It's the operator.
Show-off.
So what'd you end up doing last night?
Uh, helped Beth with gift bags.
What? We, we had a really good time, okay?
Okay. Oh, I forgot to ask.
Does she wanna come with us to the lantern ceremony?
Oh, I, uh, you know,
I really didn't have a chance to talk to her about it.
You are currently staying under the same roof.
Yeah, I'm aware.
- Morning, Jack. - Morning.
Can we do anything to help with the lantern ceremony?
I'm sure I'll have 10 things for you guys later,
but right now, no.
Beth has been so great helping organize the events.
So just finish peeling the apples for the pies
before my parents bring the boys back.
Honey, I've got it under control.
I'm an expert apple peeler.
Just make sure he completes the assignment.
Roger that, boss.
Oh, speaking of assignments, while I have you both here,
I, uh, I got word early this morning
that I have my next order,
and I have to leave New Year's Day.
Oh, no, that soon?
Thought you could stay for at least a few weeks.
I know, me too, but they need me in Stuttgart,
housing upgrades on the base
and then a, uh, a rotation to Eastern Europe after that, so.
How long this time?
I don't know.
Hey, no sad faces.
At least I'm gonna be here for Christmas, all right?
Well, tonight you'll get to experience
the lantern ceremony, and on Christmas, the potluck.
And we've really enjoyed having you here this Christmas.
Yeah, me too.
All right, I'll see you guys later.
- See you. - Bye.
This is the part where you get excited, right?
It's been a while since you've been to Germany.
Uh, yeah.
Yeah, it's gonna be good.
You know, why don't you let
the professional take over from here, huh?
Okay.
No.
No, yes, yes, it's a stocking.
This is, it's just a friendly gesture.
It'll be fine. Just...
Jack, are you in here, Jack?
Or no.
No, just, just...
Okay.
Is Jack meeting us here?
Uh, yeah, I think so.
He did send me a text, said he had something to do for work,
but I'm, he should be here later.
He's been around a lot lately these past few days.
Yes, he has. He's, he's been helping.
Merry Christmas.
Thanks for coming.
It's just, you don't seem to mind as much
as you used to, you know, when he first arrived, that's all.
I don't. Uh, I don't guess I do.
- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.
Well, I'm happy you're happy.
I'm glad you're happy that I'm happy.
- Hannah. - It's your father.
Hi, merry Christmas.
Oh, there they are.
- May I have your attention? - Let's gather around.
Please join us.
Tonight, we gather as we have for 70 years
to honor those who serve and have served,
to remember their sacrifice
and support their families.
We light these lanterns and candles
as a symbol to remind us that, even in darkness,
our community's gratitude shines bright
for our brave military.
My mother started this tradition with the Yuletide Potluck.
So I hope to see all of you on Christmas Day.
Thank you, thank you all for coming.
Merry Christmas.
Oh.
- Oh. - Hi, sweetie.
Wow, you guys, that was great.
Thank you so much for inviting me.
Of course.
I just wish you didn't have to go so soon after Christmas.
Yeah, can't wait to move on,
travel, leave a place behind, you know, no ties, no details.
Germany, here I come.
You know, and that, that was my
entire life, every day thinking and saying those things.
I don't know.
I don't want that anymore, not after being here.
Then maybe it's time that you admit that
to someone other than us.
Think you're right.
Where'd she go?
Okay, uh, I'm gonna go find her.
"Everyone deserves a stocking."
This is for you when you find your home.
"When your home finds you."
- Good morning. - Good morning.
Just in time to test my apple-cranberry scones.
These look so good.
Mm.
You are so good at what you do.
Mm.
I've been meaning to talk to you.
I know you've been busy, but is everything okay?
You good?
Thank you for helping me break outta my shell.
Lauren's pretty special.
I mean, I know we just met, but we've both been honest
about where we are in our lives, and thankfully,
we're both open to the possibility of something more.
I'm happy for you.
How about you and Jack?
When you two were making cookies in here,
I thought I saw some sparks flying.
No sparks, just, um, sprinkles.
Morning.
Oh, hey.
Morning, David, ooh, it smells amazing in here.
I got scones if you're hungry.
- Ooh. - Do you have coffee?
Yeah, dining room.
Want some coffee?
No, no, no, no, I don't want coffee.
I just thought that maybe you would want some coffee
with those, um,
sugar biscuit things.
They're scones.
Scones, right.
Uh, we were gonna look over your spices, weren't we?
We were gonna look into that 'cause I know you said that,
whoa, look at those.
You've got, um, you've got your nutmeg here,
which is very similar when you look at it in color
to your cumin, which.
- Actually highly organized. - Which cannot be good.
Oh, and you've got your cinnamon.
Look at that.
These all look alike, and that could be bad when baking,
so I'm just gonna make sure
that that doesn't happen for you.
And I'm gonna, I'm gonna move them.
- Oh gosh, don't do that. - Look at that.
You got some great spices there.
Okay, um, well, um,
uh, I think that's about it.
My work is done here. I'm gonna go get some coffee.
Didn't she just say she didn't want any coffee?
That's what she said.
- That was weird. - It's bizarre.
I need to go fix my spices.
So big day tomorrow, huh?
Yeah.
Look, I'm ready to work.
Yeah, well, I'm sure my parents have probably got
something for you to do.
All right.
Do you think we could, uh, talk first?
Uh, yeah, yeah, I'd like to talk to you, too.
Just wanted to thank you for that stocking you left me.
Oh, that, that's just a silly gift.
It was just a, a friendly token to say thank you
for all, all the hard work you've done.
Yeah, right, I understand, but, um,
I, I'm gonna go find your parents, see if they need a hand.
Just so you know, I'm gonna have that stocking
in my suitcase every Christmas
when I find where home is.
Any difference yet?
Do you feel like it's any warmer?
Still pretty cold.
Yes, I'm still holding.
Oh, you can? That's wonderful.
Oh, January 13th.
Uh, no, that's going to be too late,
but thank you anyway.
Any luck?
I've tried everyone and anyone.
Hi.
Why do your faces look like that?
I was just about to call you.
The heating system went out last night.
I had Richard in town come take a look at it,
but the problem is that the system is so old
they're having a hard time finding the parts for it.
And no one has those parts?
I've been on the phone all morning.
I don't know. I don't know.
Just let me think about this.
In the meantime, just start packing up everything,
Everything, I mean, dishes, presents,
decorations, everything, okay?
I'll figure this out.
Please tell me we didn't do all this for nothing.
No, we are not canceling the Yuletide Potluck, okay, guys?
I'll fix this, but get to work, okay?
Thank you.
Okay.
Oh, hi Jack.
Have a seat. You want some coffee?
Uh, no, thank you, I'm, I'm fine.
Are you? What's going on?
Your daughter is incredible.
I tend to agree.
But, wow, is she stubborn.
Well, she's headstrong, independent,
and she can be a little stubborn sometimes, too.
- Yeah. - Yeah.
And I like all of that.
To be honest, I'm kinda the same way.
Have you told her that yet?
You know, I tried, but I mean, you know Beth.
It's just, it's not that easy.
Well, the great things in life rarely are.
Mom, we've got a big problem at the Veterans Center.
The temperature's dropped four degrees
since I got back here.
We can't host families in the freezing cold.
This is so last minute, and Christmas Day, too,
and where can we go on such short notice?
Well, uh, I have an idea.
So, you know, I convinced you to move the potluck
to the Veterans Center 10 years ago, right?
Well, uh, I'm gonna suggest
that you bring it back here, and listen,
before you say no, think about it.
I mean, we've done it before. It started here.
But how are we going to get everything done in time?
Don't worry about it. I, I've called volunteers.
I have people on go. I...
Uh, if it helps, I can do the work of five volunteers.
- Oh. - Right.
Thank you.
I, okay then.
The Yuletide Potluck is coming back home.
All right, let's get to work.
Let's get to work.
Mom, do...
Hi.
- Welcome. - Oh,
- merry Christmas. - Come on in.
Look at you boys. You're so handsome.
Come this way, right to the kitchen.
Sergeant, merry Christmas, thank you for your service.
Wow, you look beautiful.
Thank you.
You look very handsome.
- So, um- - I, oh.
Where's the chow? It over here?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's, uh...
- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.
- Come on in. - Good to see you.
- Merry Christmas. - Come on in.
Oh.
- Merry Christmas. - Hi.
Right to the kitchen with that.
- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.
- This looks great. - Thank you.
- Hi. - Merry Christmas.
Aw, thank you.
- So good to see you. - Thank you, hi.
Fresh baked everything, got a roast.
It's just like when your grandmother hosted.
Mm, she would be proud, Mom.
I know.
Everyone, may I have your attention please?
Come join me in the living room.
This is gonna be a disaster to clean up tomorrow.
Well, I could help.
- You free? - I could be.
Before we begin, my daughter, Beth, has something
she wants to say.
Oh, he always puts me on the spot like that.
Hello, everybody, uh, first of all, welcome.
I'm so happy you're here.
Um, I wanna say thank you to my parents for hosting.
You guys do a wonderful job, and it's a lotta hard work.
So thank you.
Also a huge thank you to the volunteers
because this wouldn't have happened without you.
Um, you know who you are.
Uh, this event is so special to my family and I.
It's been with us since World War II,
and we feel honored to be able to celebrate our men
and women who serve this country.
And I, I know it's a little different this year.
It's not at the Veterans Center.
Uh, but I think someone up there just wanted
to bring it all back home.
So Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
I'd like to say something.
Um, hi, everyone, um, I'm Jack,
and, well, this is my first Christmas at the Garland Inn,
and it's my first time celebrating everyone here,
including my brother, First Sergeant Will Evans.
You know, I've, uh, I've never known such incredible people
as Hannah, Frank, and Beth,
and so many others who have really poured their hearts
and their souls into this event.
So I just wanted to acknowledge them and their,
all their hard work and their, their dedication.
And I wanted to thank you for making me feel
so at home.
Uh, I've been fortunate enough to travel all over the world
to so many amazing places, but this by far is,
well, it's the best Christmas of my life.
Anyway, um, so Merry Christmas, everyone.
Merry Christmas.
Don't be shy, everyone.
Grab a plate and, uh, dig in.
- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.
- Beth, that was beautiful. - Said don't be shy.
Help yourself. Dig in.
Oh, that's the last of 'em. They're all gone.
- Hey. - Oh.
Mom, have you, uh, seen Jack?
Um, I don't know, maybe up in his room.
- Mm-hmm. - Yeah.
Hey, honey, we couldn't have done tonight without you.
Love you, Mom.
Dear, Beth.
I'm not much for writing letters,
but given our history with dates,
I thought this might be a good idea,
considering the only one that we had didn't end that well.
I can see you rolling your eyes right now.
Anyway, uh, here goes.
This Christmas in Snow Ridge,
I learned that home isn't just a location.
I found home this Christmas,
not in a place but in you,
beautiful, independent, loyal, kind,
and, yes, somewhat closed-off you.
You know, in some ways,
it's kind of been like looking in a mirror.
Now I know our situation is far from ideal.
I travel most of the time.
And you're busy running a successful cafe.
At least I hope it is.
Wow, um, maybe I need to rethink this letter
until I've tried the hot chocolate at Beth's Cafe.
And look, I don't have any answers yet to many questions
I know we both have.
Let's be honest.
You'll have a lot more than me, but here's what I do know.
"PS, meet me at our wreath."
Where's my coat?
There it is.
What are you doing?
Uh, I don't really know what I'm doing.
You came.
Yeah, I came.
After that very confusing letter,
I mean, I guess I just wanna see how it all ends.
That's the thing. I don't want this to end, 'kay?
That's what I've been trying to tell you.
You have a really interesting way of telling me.
What do you mean?
I heard what you said to Natalie,
uh, about how you couldn't wait to leave,
and you don't like your ties,
and Germany, here I come.
But look, you don't owe me an explanation,
so I don't, I don't actually even know why I'm here.
- Beth. - What?
Do you wanna know the end
of the conversation with Natalie?
Do I?
Yeah, you do.
I said that was my life, always moving,
never looking back, but not anymore,
not since been here, not since you.
You said that?
Yeah, I did.
But why didn't you just tell me?
I tried in, apparently, a very unsuccessful way.
But, Jack, how are we gonna make this work, you know?
I mean, aren't, aren't you getting ready to go somewhere?
Okay, yes, I do have to leave
for Germany on New Year's Day
Oh, it's... but I'm gonna be
back before you know it, and until then,
I'm kind of fond of writing really romantic letters.
Look, I don't know exactly how this is gonna work,
but I really believe it can,
and I would be a fool to leave here without trying.
So, Beth Green,
will you go on a second first date with me?
Hmm?
Well, on, uh, one condition.
Anything.
You can't talk about concrete.
Deal.
Merry Christmas, Jack.
Merry Christmas, Beth.
What you doing New Year's Eve?
Oh, well I have big, big plans.
Well, think you're gonna have to break 'em.