["Why Couldn't it Be Christmas Every Day?" plays]
* I wait for Christmas All year long *
* How I wish that I could only change it *
* Take the calendar and rearrange it *
* Then every day Would be so nice *
* Candy canes And all the snow... *
[mutters to self] Keep an open mind.
Don't look for a reason to run.
[chuckles weakly]
Sam?
Dr. Vance DeBlaine.
So sorry I'm late. Surgery ran long.
All good.
Nice to finally meet you.
Same.
I know we said drinks, but should we grab a table?
Most people think a tonsillectomy
is just for when you're young,
but a lot of adults have 'em, too.
Is that so?
It is.
So, Sam, your profile said you're a business manager?
Vague, I know.
Uh, basically I help high-net worth clients
manage their money and assets
and guide them to, hopefully, make prudent decisions.
Right now, I'm trying to convince one client
not to buy a social media company.
[kids giggling loudly]
Kids are so cute at that age.
Hmm?
Ah. Don't mind me, I'm kid-crazy right now.
My brother and his wife just had twins back in August.
My first time being an uncle.
Aww!
Wanna see pictures of them?
Oh, no, that's okay. I--
Oh, yes, there they are-- there are two of 'em.
Leah and Chloe.
They live in Portland.
I can't wait to see them for Christmas.
Makes me want to have twins when I get married.
[whispers] Check?
[mouths words]
Do you have any nieces or nephews?
Hmm?
Uh, yes.
One of each. Miles and Dania.
They live with my sister and brother-in-law in Brayden.
That's not too far away. You must see them all the time.
Not really. Being self-employed means working 24/7.
[chuckles] You know, plus, I find the suburbs confusing
with all the peace and quiet
and lawn gnomes in front of the identical houses.
It's...
Will you see them for Christmas?
No! Heh-heh!
I will be on a plane to Hawaii
in T-minus 22 hours and four minutes.
It's my first attempt at relaxation
in longer than I care to admit, because...
well, it'll just depress me.
Wait. You're going to Hawaii for Christmas?
That's right.
Without your family?
Yes.
[***]
[giggling and laughing]
Mm. I'm sorry, Murph.
No time for fetch.
-[phone rings] -Off to work I go.
[rings]
Hey, Mom.
Hello, my baby boy.
Would you like to come over for lunch?
I made extra lasagna.
And Arabella is here
while your brother's at the store.
I wish I could,
but I'm off to work on Kathleen and Nate's nursery.
You know, their baby's due New Year's.
That's right!
Hey, did they give you any tips on adopting?
Yeah, they did,
and, uh, I'm looking over some documents.
Oh, and I have an appointment with their lawyer in January.
[gasps] This is so exciting!
Maybe, by next Christmas, I'll be a grandma again.
Hey, whoa-ho, whoa. Tap the breaks.
I can practically see you knitting booties now.
Look, this is gonna take some time,
and a surprisingly hefty retainer fee
for me to get things in place.
Well, don't wait too long.
Your brothers and sisters have a head start on you.
I'm starting to lose count of how many grandkids I have.
-Grandma! -[chuckling]
That's very funny.
I'll call you later.
Bye-bye, honey.
Good morning.
Morning!
[splat]
[kids chuckling]
You are in such trouble!
-Now? -Now!
But that's--
...Two weeks early.
I thought we were having a New Year's baby.
Christmas.
We're not ready!
Tell that to the baby.
Oh, I'm bringing it up when she's 18.
We need to focus!
And pack!
-Okay. -Okay. Yeah.
[***]
Lydia said the birth mother
just started having real contractions.
Okay, so we may have a bit of time.
I think so.
The drive from here to Buffalo is nine hours.
Yeah, and that huge snowstorm's a couple days away.
That's not our biggest problem right now.
What's our biggest problem right now?
Who's gonna watch Miles and Dania while we're gone?
Right, yeah, the kids. Uh, what about your mom?
She's still at her art retreat in Italy.
She's not supposed to fly in until the day after Christmas.
Yeah, my parents are still on vacation in Sydney.
Where's Frank?
Dad's at his fishing cabin with--
[both] ...No service.
What about Miles watching Dania?
I mean, he's 13 now.
Right, yeah. Terrible idea. Forget I suggested it.
[sighing heavily] Whoever it is
has to be trustworthy and responsible.
And have nothing else going on...
four days before Christmas.
[ding]
-* This Christmas * -[both exhaling deeply]
* I'll dream of a private yacht *
I'm not saying that you can't buy the yacht, Stavros.
I'm asking if it's truly the best use of your bonus,
considering you already have one.
[***]
Yes, you did.
Last year.
There you go! Exactly!
Okay, so, there are many things we can do.
We can take the--
[sighs]
Tigers... are illegal.
Uh, Stavros...
I'm gonna have to call you back on my way to Hawaii, okay?
Just-- Just don't buy anything!
What? Shut the front door!
Mm-hmm!
That's why she was acting weird!
Yeah, it turns out she was planning
the world's most romantic proposal.
Did she dress up in a suit of armor and ride a horse
with a jousting pole and the ring on it?
Did one of your clients do that?
Uh, Omar.
Don't ask me how I found the jousting pole. Whoa!
Never. And, no, she didn't.
It was roses, "I love you," and this ring.
It's perfect.
This deserves a toast.
Oh, my god.
I knew you'd have two champagne flutes handy.
In my line of work,
you always have to be ready to celebrate
in case a big deal goes through.
And this...
pretty much qualifies as a big deal.
-[pop] -Boom!
[both laugh]
It's exciting!
Okay, but really, can you believe it?
Like, I'm engaged?
Honestly, Ellie?
I can't.
Didn't we always say
that marriage is for other people?
Yeah.
Well...
I don't know, things change when you meet "the one".
I heard it-- it's cliche, but it's true.
I'll take your word for it.
Hey, you know what?
It could happen for you, too, though.
Oh... wait.
It can't,
'cause that means that you'd have to make it to a second date
and like, you know-- oh, that thing you do,
where you look for a reason to run--
yeah, you can't do that.
Then what?
Move to the suburbs and settle down, like my sister?
Or me and Abbie. We're talking about moving there.
We could be neighbors again!
[scoffs] Please.
Can you imagine me...
in the suburbs with a husband, a dog, and an SUV?
Why not?
Sam...
more than anything,
I just... you know, I hope one day
you find a guy that makes you want
to break open a bottle of champagne
and, you know, have it just be for you.
[clink]
Congrats.
Thank you.
[***]
[laughing]
Uncle Jason?
-Oh, hey, Arabella. -Grandma
told me to bring this to you, in case you get hungry.
Oh, thanks.
Lasagna.
Of course.
Hi, Arabella.
Hey, Miles. Are you gonna be at the play tryouts tomorrow?
Yeah, sure. Totally.
-Yeah. -Cool.
See you there. Bye, Uncle Jason.
-Bye, Arabella. -Bye.
Bye.
So, the community center's
doing The Life and Times of Santa Clausthis year.
Arabella's the Elf Queen.
And the kid who's supposed to be the narrator
has to go out of town,
so they're looking for a replacement, ASAP.
-Got it. -I can
text your parents the info, if you really want to audition?
[blurts nervously] Yeah, I do. Thanks.
[smooching]
[laughs] Look at you.
I'm gonna get you!
Okay, you two.
Anything?
Aunt Martha's in Oklahoma.
[sighs] Uh, what about the Huttons?
Hedy said that they're going to Pat's family's
in Michigan tomorrow.
Yeah, we're just so close to Christmas.
[voices carrying]
What about Jason?
He's babysat the kids before
and he's thinking about adopting--
this could be a trial run.
Well, you know, we just hired him as the contractor
for the nursery.
It feels like a lot to ask more than an evening,
you know, like we're--
Yeah, taking advantage.
[both cringing] Yeah.
[inhales sharply]
We could ask your brother.
Are you kidding?
Don't you remember what happened last time?
-[flames whooshing] -[alarm blaring]
[blasting]
[wheezing and choking]
[hacking and coughing]
[coughs and sputters]
I'll totally pay for that.
[coughs]
[smoke alarm blares]
[whoosh]
He did pay for it.
That's not the point!
Sam doesn't know the first thing about kids.
Plus, he'd probably say "no" anyhow.
He hasn't visited us since...
[***]
Hey, um...
Sam's family.
He's only a couple of hours away.
And, hon?
He's kind of our only option.
[tropical music plays]
[Jason hums and scats to the tune]
[phone begins ringing]
* Bah, buh-buh *
[ringing]
Is everything okay?
Why do you say it like that?
[exhales deeply] Because...
we haven't talked since...
[words catch]
Did Mom tell you that Nate and I are adopting again?
Yeah, she mentioned something about that a few months ago.
How's that going, by the way?
The birth mother just went into labor.
Ah! So goin' soon, then?
Sooner than expected.
She wasn't supposed to arrive until New Year's.
[phone alert chimes]
And Mom was gonna help-- -Uh-huh.
...But she's not set to arrive until the 26th,
to watch Miles and Dania,
and we have to drive out to Buffalo
to get the baby today.
It'll cost her a kidney
to rebook this close to Christmas.
That's what she said.
Anyway...
we need to find someone A.S.A.P.
to come here and be with the kids
until we get back.
[record scratches]
Wait...
are you asking me to babysit?
I know it's been a really long time
since you've been drafted into service--
Years!
It's been years, Kath.
We're obviously desperate,
but you are the only person
who never goes anywhere for the holidays.
And you can make all of your work calls here...
when you're not with the kids, of course.
[grunts in frustration] Ah...
[Dania] Mom!
You're gonna make me do it, aren't you?
Fine.
I'm calling in the Calvin Card.
[horrified] What?
It has been 22 years!
You made me lie to Mom and Dad
about where you were on Senior Night in high school
when you snuck out with Calvin Carnackie
to Central Park,
and I told them that you were
with Sonya Perez and Lola Kurtz,
so that you wouldn't get grounded
for the whole entire summer.
You totally owe me-- big-time!
Oh! I can't believe you're calling that in!
[exhales victoriously]
Desperate times, desperate measures.
Isn't there, like, a--
a professional Mary Poppins service
out there you could hire?
Someone who has the slightest clue
on what to do with children?
And who didn't blow up the house last time they tried?
You know what?
[huffs] I knew better than to ask,
but Nate pulled his "Sam's family"
Jedi mind-tricks, and I fell for it.
I guess I'm just gonna have to leave Miles in charge
after all.
Merry Christmas, Sam.
[dial tone beeps and buzzes]
[***]
-[ring] -[beep]
Miles being in charge was sarcasm, right?
He's 13. Of course, it was sarcasm.
Just checking.
[inhales] How long would this...
arrangement entail?
Two days. Probably.
"Probably"?
You know, Sam...
babies have their own schedules.
But you won't.
I will leave you a detailed one and make sure
that you don't have to worry about a thing.
[screams] Ahhhhh!
[inhales]
[forced cheer] Okay.
Seriously? Okay!
Wow! Thank you!
But I don't have to cook?
Absolutely not.
[relieved sigh]
[beep]
[***]
Best behavior from both of you, okay?
Jason's gonna watch over you until Uncle Sam gets here.
I don't need a babysitter anymore.
Well, your sister does.
Unless you wanna do all the cooking and cleaning
for her while I'm gone?
[kids] No!
I'll stay until your brother gets here.
And I'll finish up the nursery before you get back.
[sighing] You're amazing. Thank you so much.
Okay, car's packed.
Christmas is in four days. You'll be back in time, right?
Of course, sweetie!
Promise?
I promise.
We'll absolutely be back in time for Christmas.
And we'll bring your new baby sister, too.
Later, buddy.
-Oh!
Bye.
I'm sorry-- you gave up Hawaii...
to babysit?
Didn't give up.
I merely delayed my departure.
But my baby sister hasn't asked me to watch the kids
since...
Since you almost burned down their kitchen,
making an omelette?
It was a minor fire, quickly extinguished.
Plus, my plan is just to order in everything.
That's expensive.
Cheaper than a remodel.
Sam, you have an aversion to kids.
No, no, not an aversion.
I'm awkward and uncomfortable.
Mainly when they're tiny.
But Miles is like 13,
he's practically in college now and--
-What? -...Dania is...
...well, she's somewhere between like six and... ten,
so, we're going to be able to communicate like adults.
It's gonna be a disaster.
Oh! Ye of little faith.
I am going to rock these two nights of gunclehood
and then it's off to checking work emails
on sandy beaches, sipping Mai Tais.
I got this.
You got this.
Yeah...
I got this! Sorry. [slaps shoulder]
[***]
[game music plays]
[game audience applauds]
[grunts]
[***]
[grunting]
-Yeah! -Oh!
Let's go!
That's it-- time for you to hit the hay.
Oh, come on. This is just 'cause you lost.
And because it's 15 minutes past
when your mom said she wanted you to be in bed.
But, in deference to your victory...
...I'll clean up.
-Yes! -[chuckling]
[***]
I think this is the place.
Thanks for the ride.
[car door shuts]
[***]
I got it. No problemo.
[***]
Oh...
Oh. Wow. Okay.
[ring clinking on gnome]
[knocking]
[loud dog barking]
Whoa!
Whoa...
Hi.
[***]
Who are you?
I'm...
the guy who lives here.
Jason...
DeVito. Your family's neighbor.
Oh!
Hi!
Sam. Dalton.
The brother.
Which you obviously already know.
Obviously.
I've said "obviously" twice.
[chuckling awkwardly]
Uh... this way.
Right! All these houses out here,
they just... they look-- they look the same to me.
So, when was the last time you were in Brayden?
A while.
Kathleen and Nate usually come to visit me
in the big city,
when they need some grown-up time.
You're new.
Yes and no.
Well, you guys
sure do like to go all out for Christmas around here.
Well, you should see
my mom and pop's place across the street.
Oh, your parents are across the street?
Yeah, for a few years.
Then my place opened up around the time my great-aunt Mimi--
God rest her soul-- [smooch]
...left me enough for a downpayment.
Here I am.
[chuckles awkwardly] Here you are.
Enough about me.
Wow.
Kathleen left this for you.
Ah, yes!
The schedule!
Wow.
This is the longest document I've seen
that wasn't a mortgage application.
She has got this down to the minute!
7 A.M.-- "Wake up".
Oof!
7:10-- "Make sure children are awake."
Oh, she's serious.
7:15-- "Begin ordering breakfast.
Menus are in the... kitchen."
I'm feeling very "Maria Von Trapp meets the Captain"
at the moment.
[***]
Oh, she doesn't have the play on here.
-Play? -Yeah, there's an audition
for the Christmas play, tomorrow at 10 A.M.
I was in Christmas plays when I was a kid.
I once played an elf named Gunther.
Pretty sure that's the origin of my lederhosenaversion.
Ahem. You were saying?
Yeah, Miles really wants to audition.
He kinda has a crush on my niece,
but we don't discuss it.
Wise. Ha.
Well, what does she have down for 10?
Uh, "Christmas Crafts. Make stocking for baby."
Okay.
Well, I'm already taking my niece Arabella
to the auditions-- I can take Miles, too,
and then you're free to make the stocking with Dania.
Yeah, okay.
-Are you sure? -Yeah.
And that way, you'll be back on schedule by noon,
for, um... "lunch".
[laughs silently]
That's great.
Cool. Okay.
Yeah.
[***]
Where are the kids, anyway?
They're asleep.
So early?
It's past 10:30 P.M.
Which is late...
for children.
And for me, too, so, if you're okay here,
I'm gonna head home.
-[huffs anxiously] -[phone chimes]
Uh...
I airdropped my contact info to your phone,
so, if you need any help, I'm just right next door.
Bless you. [relieved chuckle]
You're doing a good thing, Sam...
the brother.
Thank you, Jason...
the neighbor.
Night.
[to self] Don't look for a reason to run.
You so got this!
Mm-hmm.
-[clattering and crashing] -Oh...
ooh.
[***]
[gasps]
Who are you?
Uh... Sam.
Your uncle?
My uncle Sam has a mustache.
Th-That was an unfortunate phase
that was blessedly brief.
Uncle Sam!
Oh! Oh... hi!
I texted Mom.
She said I could have pancakes for breakfast!
Oh...
[exhales]
Oh!
[***]
Oh! [chuckles] You're up!
[grumpy] You're late.
"Somebody" hasn't had their morning coffee.
I'm 13. I don't drink coffee.
Good call!
Guess that leaves you out, too, then, huh?
Good call.
So, where is the, uh, machine?
With the... you know?
Pods.
We don't use pods
because plastic stays around in landfills
for a million-billion years.
Okay, fair.
But what do the adults of the household--
A.K.A. "Mom and Dad" to you--
drink for caffeine?
Dad drinks kombucha and Mom drinks tea.
This is a coffee-free home?
I really feel like that should've been conveyed earlier.
Want me to get you a kombucha?
Not if my life depended on it.
I'll make do with tea.
Now! Breakfast!
You're not gonna cook, are you?
Eh! No. Heh.
Luckily, your mother's unnervingly thorough schedule
on what the next two days looks like,
includes delivery places,
which means breakfast pancakes are gonna be provided by...
Oh! "Clean Green Food".
Oof, I'm gonna lose so much weight.
[phone dials]
[out-of-service tone plays]
[recording] We're sorry.
Your call cannot be completed as dialed.
Please check the area code and number, then dial--
I'm hungry!
Yep, any second now...
any second.
[out-of-service tone plays]
We're sorry. Your call cannot be completed--
Uh... okay.
So, apparently, this "Clean Green"
is having some technical issues.
Do you know any other restaurants we could order from?
They're the only vegan place nearby
that'll deliver breakfast.
"Vegan"?
Dania's vegan now.
Willingly?
[whimpers] Oh, okay.
Um...
does cereal count? Huh? How about that?
[whines] Mom said pancakes!
Does she do this a lot?
I will give you 50 bucks to not make that face anymore.
[cries out] I just want pancakes!
We really gotta work on your negotiating skills, kid.
Kid?
[Dania moans wailfully]
Hello.
Hey, sweetie.
There's eggnog on the table. Now go inside.
I'll be in there in a second, okay?
[chuckles]
-Hey, Ma. -Mm.
-How are you? -I'm good.
Okay.
Hey.
Thanks for taking Bella to this play thing.
It's just right in the middle of the store's Christmas rush.
Yeah. Of course.
How are you doing?
I'm hangin' in.
It's the first Christmas as a single dad, so, uh...
Arabella knows you're doing your best.
Thanks, Ma. I hope so.
Parenting isn't easy.
Oh, ho, ho, ho. You're preaching to the choir.
[laughs]
You sure you wanna tackle this solo?
I'm tired of waiting for someone to want to join me.
Which could be never at this rate, so...
Well, not with that attitude.
Jason, you spent too long in Los Angeles,
looking for the right guy-- you've only been in town a year.
You never know who you'll meet.
[phone chimes]
[***]
[door opens]
[whining sadly]
[***]
[quietly] I'm sorry! I didn't know who else to call.
Apparently, it's vegan pancakes or deep sighs of disappointment,
followed by a face I usually only see
right before someone breaks up with me.
[sighs despondently]
So do you want me to find the recipe for you?
It's a little more complicated than that,
in the fact that I don't, uh...
you know-- cook.
Ever.
Oh, right. The fire.
They told you?
Only because I did some minor renovations for them
last summer, and I found some scorch marks
that the other contractor missed.
Who knew dried chives were that flammable, huh?
It was like a tinderbox! Just...
[whooshes]
But we're gonna focus on the now.
Right. Now, I will pay you a hundred dollars
to make me a vegan pancake breakfast.
[***]
Do you want to give it a try?
Or make sure the griddle's hot?
Thank you.
Okay.
And we just need a little bit more flour.
And the flour... flour. This is flour?
Just... scoop.
[coughs]
-And now the oat milk. -Mm-hmm.
Ooh! All right.
There we go.
Now all we have to do
is make them...
Christmas pancakes.
Wow! Nice trick.
Do you have kids?
Not yet.
But I do have 18 nieces and nephews.
I'm sorry, what?
Jason has a big family.
I'm the youngest of seven kids.
W-- Wow.
And one thing I learned along the way
is how to create things
like... Christmas pancakes.
Actual Christmas pancakes!
Who knew?
[bell dings]
Wow!
Oh! We have to leave for the auditions in 15 minutes.
I'll be ready.
Jason?
Can I talk to you for a second?
[exhales]
So, you're really good at this "uncle" thing.
I suppose.
I don't know what I'm doing,
even with the world's most comprehensive
set of instructions.
Don't be so hard on yourself, you just got started.
Yet, I've already failed three times.
You know what?
I want to hire you.
What?
To co-nanny or... manny or uncle...
whatever-- I just need someone
to help me until I get the hang of things.
-You don't have to hire me. -I wouldn't feel right
asking you for help every two seconds.
I wouldn't know what to charge,
and besides, I'm already here working on the nursery--
Perfect! You're already here!
And I've seen the room, it's practically done.
Good job, you!
-I-I don't know... -I mean, you said it yourself,
you have, what-- 800 nieces and nephews?
18.
Potato/po-tah-to!
You're an expert! I'm stuck in beginner mode.
Think of yourself as...
an "uncle consultant".
-An uncle-- -For two days.
Name your price.
Do you always throw money at a problem?
Only when I think it'll work.
Well, I do need to hire a lawyer.
Okay, really not that serious. I was thinking--
Yeah, for something else, and, um, the retainer fee
is three times what I budgeted for.
What's the fee?
[***]
Done!
[***]
Well, looks like you got yourself an uncle consultant.
Yes, I do.
Oh, and, uh... here.
You got some green batter on your Rossini loafers.
Oh! Thanks.
Hey, Jason?
How'd you know these were Rossini loafers?
[quietly] Oh?
[realizing] Oh!
No...
[***]
Look at all the big Nutcrackers!
Whoa! Look at all the big Nutcrackers!
Ah, I take it you didn't go to a lot of these growing up?
Does the Museum of Modern Art count?
There's a slight difference.
Well, I gotta go paint sets until the auditions are over.
Oh.
Okay.
Uh, yeah. Go. Go, go, go.
Text me when you're done.
Hey, Logan. Kevin.
-Hey. -How are you?
Nice to see you.
[exchange continues indistinctly]
[Sam] Interesting.
[***]
Uncle Sam?
Hey...
Niece Dania.
The Christmas stocking craft booth is this way.
There's the reindeer toss!
May we do that, please?
Don't you want to make a stocking
for your new baby sister?
Maybe later. Let's go!
[***]
Hey, Uncle Eddie.
Hey, kiddo!
Your cousins are getting fitted for their costumes,
and after that, Ms. Latsko wants to see you for Elf Queen.
Where's the fitting area?
I'll show you. I just got done.
[Arabella] Good luck, Miles.
Hey! Thanks so much for coming to try out, Miles.
We were left in a lurch, so this is real helpful.
And, uh...
Pete asked me to drop Arabella
back by his house when it's over.
I'll tell Mom.
-Have fun. -Let's go!
Come on.
[thump]
Oh? Yeah!
You are a reindeer ring-toss ringer.
What does a "ringer" mean?
It means you get another stuffed reindeer.
Your turn, Uncle Sam.
Oh, no, this isn't for me.
You don't know until you try.
Some things you just know.
Mom's good at this game.
Nice psychological trick there, kid.
I see what you did.
I don't know what that means.
It means you have tapped into my sibling-rivalry side.
Let's do this!
All right. Here we go.
Just a little, uh... a little rusty.
It's the wind.
Yep, wind's blowing that way, so you gotta...
trajectory, you know.
You'll learn it later. Uh, okay, here we go.
So...
[gasps]
[sheepish chuckle] Sorry.
Just...
uh...
Hey, batter-batter, hey, batter.
Hey, batter, hey, batter!
Sah-wing, batter-- oh!
[crow squawks]
Okay...
hi.
Hi. See, the problem is, sometimes, I'm so strong,
I don't-- oh!
[phone ringing]
Oh, I gotta take this. Uh...
you, um--
-Hello? -You know, uh, just...
[Kathleen] Sam?
Here, just play a few--
-Hello? -...Hundred rounds on me, okay?
Uh... hi, Sis!
Hey, how's it going?
Hey. I'm calling to give you an update
on the baby.
Where are you?
Oh, we're at the Christmas Fair with Dania,
-where she has just won... -[crowd applauding]
...Another stuffed reindeer!
Go, you!
Good job!
You know, I actually think she's found her life calling.
Aren't you supposed to be
doing the crafts that I scheduled for now?
Uh, yeah, well, we're gonna get to that in a little bit.
Sam! It is really important to stay on schedule.
Kids need structure.
Is everything okay with the baby?
Yes, thankfully.
Things are just taking a little longer than anticipated.
Well, you think you're gonna be back by Christmas?
So far, we're still on track for that,
but it's gonna be closer than we thought.
Where's Miles?
He's auditioning for the Christmas play.
Ohh! The play!
I totally forgot about that.
Yeah, Jason didn't. He's with him right now.
Jason?
Yeah, your neighbor with like a thousand nieces and nephews?
He's helping me with the kids.
I figured that's okay, since, well...
you left them with him until I arrived.
No.
That's fine. Jason's great with kids.
Yeah, and also very good-looking
and gay!
And how come you never told me about him before?
I thought about it when he first moved in next door,
but you two are very different.
He's really serious about having a family, Sam.
And you're...
I'm...?
[non-committal grunt]
Kath!
Dr. March called.
We're back on!
[gasps] Gotta go, Sam!
No, no, no, no! Don't go! I--
W-Wait, wait, wait, wait!
[texts chiming]
[***]
Dania? Don't forget your winnings.
[***]
[exhaling deeply]
Hey, what'd you want to talk about?
Here.
I'll be in in a second.
Got it.
[Dania] I am so in love with my reindeers.
[Miles] There are a lot of them! Have you named them?
[Dania] Not yet.
[door creaks shut]
So, my brother, Eddie,
is directing the Christmas play this year,
and he said that the only reason that Miles got the part
is because the other kid trying out
gets queasy when he's nervous.
I think he was off
because my niece was talking with another boy.
Ah, yes.
Young love is tough.
Old love's not much better.
What do we do?
Well, I was thinking--
since you said you'd done plays before--
that you might have some advice for him.
No, that was many years ago.
Were you any good?
I was.
Uh, despite the lederhosen.
Somehow, I knew you would be.
I can't tell-- is that a compliment?
It's an opportunity for Miles.
Maybe you can give him some tips?
Oh... I don't know.
He doesn't seem to particularly like me.
Because he's a teenager! All adults are boring.
Yeah, but he listens to you.
Yeah, because I'm connected to the girl he likes.
Right.
I'll see what I can do.
Thanks.
Sh...
-Should we go in? -Yeah, want to go in?
Cool. Cool, cool, cool.
That's an interesting fashion choice.
[chuckles]
My shoes weren't the only thing
that got hit with the green batter.
My sweater got nailed, too.
I had to switch.
And you just happened to have a Christmas aloha shirt?
Festive, right?
I was packed
for my trip to Hawaii for Christmas
when Kathleen ambushed me.
You know, it was easier
to throw in a couple sweaters and pants
than to totally repack,
especially since I'm headed to the airport
as soon as they get home.
You're spending Christmas in Hawaii?
By yourself?
Trying to.
My goal is to unplug and relax.
Best I can.
But it's Christmas.
Don't you want to spend it with your family?
My parents got divorced, like, 20 years ago.
Mom's in Italy.
Dad spends most of his time at the lake house--
he's retired.
What about coming here?
[ringing]
Hold on.
Oh! One sec.
Hey, Duchess.
Yes, we received your request to have
all the toys donated anonymously to the school.
[door opens]
Yes, we are right on top of it, don't worry, mm-hmm.
-Knock-knock! -Oh, hi, Mom, come on in.
Oh, okay, yes!
And a ve-- very Merry Christmas to you, too.
All right. Bye-bye. Have fun.
[beep]
Sorry, a VIP client.
Oh.
Arf-arf!
Murphy, no!
-[barking] -Drop the reindeer!
Murph! No! Sit!
[***]
[gasping]
[***]
[crying out]
[crashing]
[squeak]
[darkly] We meet at last.
[squeak-squeak]
-[groans] Oh! -Are you okay?
Oh, I'm okay. I'm a li-- ahh!
I'm good! I'm good! Good. Okay.
Oh!
-[groaning] -I'm so sorry.
Murphy associates plush toys with fetch.
Kathleen's gonna kill me.
She totally is.
We can fix it. Do not worry.
Marilyn DeVito.
Sam Dalton.
Are you one of Jason's sisters?
I like you already, Sam Dalton.
Meet my mom.
Impossible!
You're too young to have seven kids!
He just gets better and better.
I came to drop off cookies,
but also to remind Jason
that it's the family Christmas lights walk tonight.
Christmas lights walk?
It's a neighborhood tradition--
incredibly festive.
Oh! Can we go with the DeVitos tonight, please?
Oh. Uh, well, we don't want to impose.
-Oh-- -Honey, please, no. [laughs]
Our family motto is... "the more, the merrier".
I guess we're going on a lights walk, huh?
What about the angel?
Here we go. Ready?
One, two, three, up! There you go!
All right, right up on top. Look how pretty.
[Marilyn] Beautiful.
[Sam] Yeah! You did it.
[***]
[quiet chatter]
So, Sam, is this your first time to Brayden?
Uh, no, actually, I was here five years ago.
Oh, right-- the kitchen incident!
[familiar chuckles and laughter]
Does everyone know?
No. No, no, no.
Pop, here, and I run DeVito General Store,
so all the contractors come to us for all the supplies.
All of 'em?
[family] All of them!
As well as my youngest,
who's back home now...
-for good! -Mm. [chuckles]
Where were you before?
Los Angeles.
But you're here now,
thanks to Great-Aunt Mimi's kind heart.
[collectively smooching air-kisses]
[Sam smooches]
Come on.
This is supposed to be a Christmas lights walk,
not "linger".
Let's mosey!
Bella, let's "mosey".
[***]
[Marilyn, bossily] We're walking now.
We're walking.
[***]
[indistinct exchange]
Hey, guys.
Who are they?
That's Kevin and Logan.
Kevin grew up in Brayden
and when he moved back, he brought Logan with him.
Oh, another relative?
No. Kevin was my high-school boyfr--
[thud]
-You okay? -Yep!
That shrub just attacked me!
I'm beginning to think you have an inner-ear disorder.
Hilarious.
[Sam laughs nervously]
You were saying?
Kevin?
Uh...
Kevin and I broke up in college,
which is where he met Logan.
Oh. Is he the one that got away?
No!
No, Kevin and Logan are perfect for each other.
I'm really happy for them. They're good people.
I'm sensing a "but..."
Sometimes, I envy what they have.
Ever since I can remember,
I've wanted to fall in love, get married,
become a dad.
Your happily-ever-after?
Somethin' like that. What about you?
Oh.
I don't know about "happily ever after".
I-I go on dates,
I just barely make it to a second one.
Why?
If you ask my best friend, Ellie,
it's because I'm always looking for a reason to run.
Don't ask me why.
Well, maybe it's easy to find a reason to run
if there's not a better reason to stay.
I'm totally quoting you on that.
You're welcome.
Well, I'm...
sure you'll find your guy eventually.
Yeah.
But I'm tired of waiting for my happily-ever-after to start.
What does that mean?
After this Christmas,
I am starting the adoption process.
That's what I needed the retainer fee for.
No more waiting.
I'm gonna have my happily-ever-after,
even if I gotta do it on my own.
[***]
Nate...
...She's a Christmas baby.
I know.
You softie.
I know.
[phone buzzes]
Your mom or mine?
Mine.
[buzz]
Oh, no... now yours.
They want updates.
Should we start telling everyone?
Not yet.
I want to savor this moment a little longer.
[***]
* We'll be together once again *
* This Christmas *
Stop.
Ugh.
Stop trying to make fetch happen.
* Time with the loved ones Hanging gifts... *
Oh...
Excuse me, gotta get up, excuse me.
[***]
[footsteps]
[Jason] Good morning.
Morning!
I figured, since you're paying me,
the least I can do
is come in early and make breakfast.
Well, I applaud your reasoning.
[sniffing]
Why do I smell coffee?
Oh...
Oh, ho, ho, ho... ho!
That's it-- I am paying you double.
I'll add it to the bill.
-Oh. -Have you heard anything
from your sister about the baby?
Ah, not yet.
I texted them last night, but no response.
When's your flight to Hawaii?
Christmas Eve afternoon.
Depending on when they get back.
That's tomorrow.
You're gonna miss Miles' play.
I didn't know about it when I changed my reservation.
[impressed] Santa waffles!
I have many skills.
Apparently.
Can I help?
Sure.
Okay. Uh...
how do we do this?
Strawberries.
'Kay.
Just lay 'em down here?
Yeah, start at the top.
Okay.
Good.
Now all he needs is a fluffy white beard.
Okay.
How's that?
I think you got it.
Waffles?
Hey! Miles.
Good morning!
Uh, how-how-- how are the lines coming?
Mr. D said
I could keep the script during the performance,
since it's tomorrow,
and I won't be able to memorize all the lines by then.
Smart.
I'm not very good.
Well, if you want, I can help you.
I did some Christmas plays when I was younger.
Okay.
I mean, I need all the help I can get.
Okay! Great. Yeah.
Uh, after breakfast?
Why don't you go wake up your sister?
It is... waffle time!
Waffle time.
Can I get a "ho, ho, ho"?
Let me hear ya, Miles!
"Ho, ho, ho!"
I'm starting to feel a bond.
[laughs]
[***]
Okay, thanks.
Hey.
[groans] What are you here for?
Extra paint.
I want to finish the nursery tonight,
in case Nate and Kathleen get home tomorrow.
-Oh, fun. -Hey, what's with the limp?
Huh? Oh. Got a blister last night at the lights walk.
Can you believe it?
Oh, that's no fun.
Well, it was actually fun.
Helped get me outta my post-divorce funk, so...
Anyway, how about you?
You and Sam and the kids have fun?
Yeah. We did, actually.
What?
Nothing. Ahem.
Mom thinks he's single.
How would Mom know that?
I don't know, maybe it's just a Mom skill.
She does it with women for me, you know. I mean, now.
Hmm.
Well, Sam and I haven't talked about that sort of thing.
I'm just helping him with the kids for a couple days
while he's here, and that's it.
Right. Mom said he lives in Manhattan.
Not too far away from you, if you wanted to date.
Who said anything about dating?
Do you?
I just came for paint.
Oh, come on! So, do you want to date him?
What I want is to start a family,
and not Sam's thing.
I thought you didn't talk about that.
Not with Sam.
[sets paint can down]
Kathleen had mentioned
when I first moved back to Brayden,
about maybe setting me and Sam up.
Well, that sounds promising.
Yeah. Until I told her that I wanted to start a family,
and then she said
Sam and I wouldn't be a good fit.
Apparently, he's kind of a permanent bachelor,
and not the settling-down and starting-a-family kinda guy.
Maybe.
Or maybe you let him tell you that,
one way or the other.
I mean, i-if you're interested.
[sighs] Mm-hmm.
Okay, let's restart with the opening paragraph, okay?
'Kay.
[monotonously] "Many of you know of the man we call Santa Claus,
but today you're going to hear about how he came to be."
Okay. I'm gonna stop you right there.
Uh, we'll do it again, but first things first--
let's do posture, okay?
Uh, stand straight. Okay. Very good.
Shoulders back. Feet planted!
Head up.
Now you look confident!
But I'm not.
But you lookconfident-- and that is half the battle.
Bookmark that for the rest of your life-- it's useful.
See, posture helps with your breathing,
which helps your voice,
which we want to make larger, not louder.
Okay? So, one comes from the throat,
one comes from the chest.
[deeply] We want to talk down here in our chest.
[squeaky] We don't want to be up here in our... * throat *.
This is a lot.
It's standing, breathing, and talking.
You're doing all three right now.
You learned all this just by doing some plays
when you were my age?
No. I actually took some speech classes in college.
I was shy back then.
-You were? -I was!
Teenage years are not easy on anybody,
but I promise you...
it does get better.
Little things that you're doing along the way--
like this play--
they all help.
[takes a deep breath]
There we go!
All right! Let's do this. Ready?
In three... two, one--
action!
[deep breath]
[forced] "Many of you know of the man we call Santa Claus,
but today you're going to hear about how he came to be."
[blows air]
Okay, this time, let's try breathing and talking--
same time.
[***]
[phone chimes]
What?
[chuckling]
[***]
[alert chimes]
[ringing]
[Sam] Looks like I'm an uncle again!
Congratulations.
When can you get home?
We're gonna video call with Kathleen and Nate soon.
I'm on my way.
[***]
[Sam, gushing] Hello, hello, hello!
Oh, you're so cute! Look at her!
[baby babbles]
What's her name?
Uh, we're still working on that.
Are you going to be back in time for Christmas?
Uh, we're gonna do our best, honey, yeah.
It's snowing very hard outside, though.
But you promised.
We did... and we're gonna be there.
Can your sedan handle traveling in so much snow?
I'm not sure.
What about an airplane?
We can't take your sister on an airplane, sweetie--
she's just too young.
Have you asked Dad for help?
His cabin's less than an hour from Buffalo
and he's got that huge SUV.
You guys could drive together, to be safe.
Dad would be great, if we could reach him,
but he has no cell reception
and he never answers the landline.
What about Mr. Biddle?
He's a neighbor closer to town.
Mom calls him to drive up to Dad's place
to tell him to call her all the time.
But Mom's in Italy.
I guess I could try to get her attention
to get Mr. Biddle's number?
I have his number.
You do?
Yeah. I went fishing there every summer with Dad
-until I was 16. -You fished?
Weird, right?
That's a good idea.
That's a really good idea, Sam.
[***]
[sighs]
Did you see the look in Dania's eyes?
If we're not back in time for Christmas,
she will never forgive us.
Sam will reach your dad, then he'll drive lead for us,
and we'll make it home in time for Christmas.
We have to be safe about it. Right?
[***]
Thank you so much, Mr. Biddle.
It's really important that I talk to Dad.
[quietly] Oh, no. Stavros.
[buzzing]
What was that?
Oh, yeah, it has been a while since I've been fishing.
Uh-huh.
This summer? Okay.
Um, maybe we can do that.
We can come up with Dad, go to the cabin--
it'll be a whole thing.
Yep!
Yes! Thank you-- thank you so much!
Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Oh! Nice work.
Ah, thanks.
I always find painting to be soothing.
Can I help?
You might get paint on your nice sweater.
Oh...
a-ha.
So...
I changed my departure to Christmas Day,
a-after the presents from Santa have been opened,
of course.
I mean, even if they do make it back in time for the play,
they're going to be wiped out.
Makes sense.
Oh. And Kathleen wanted me to wrap some presents,
so I'm gonna do that while you and Miles are at rehearsal.
And what about Dania?
She'll be around.
Right!
I'm still getting used
to this whole sneaky-parent behavior thing.
You missed a spot.
Yes, dear.
[laughs]
I can help you.
Wrap the presents, if you like.
When?
After rehearsal.
Maybe you and Dania can come, too,
and then, afterwards,
we can wrap the presents when they're asleep.
I have to earn
my "uncle consultant" keep, after all.
[chuckles]
So, the...
retainer fee was for the adoption lawyer, huh?
Yeah, the same as Kathleen and Nate's.
They're helping me through the process.
It's a big step--
being a single parent.
I mean, I'm exhausted just co-uncling with you.
And now you sound like everyone else I know...
especially the guys I used to date
back in Los Angeles.
Was it bad?
Not bad so much as just disheartening.
You know, I'd date a guy for a while
and then, as soon as it got to the...
"Oh, you're serious about having the family?" thing,
they just ghosted.
The last guy went to the bathroom
and he just never came back.
-Seriously? -Yeah.
So, I paid the check
and then started making plans to move home to Brayden.
Well... I would never do that to you.
You'd at least pay the check.
[laughs] Right?
[***]
-Hey. -Hey.
How'd it go?
Better?
And then Arabella came on stage with Declan,
and Miles got off-track.
Well, we still have a day.
It's a Christmas play in a community theater--
no one's expecting Shakespeare,
except maybe a couple of parents.
My goal is for the kids to learn and have fun.
It doesn't seem like Miles is having any fun.
Yeah.
I mean, if need be, I can read the narrator's--
No.
That would embarrass Miles even more.
Look. Brother favor?
Don't decide yet.
Sam and I'll see what we can do.
[casually] Sure.
[***]
[phone buzzing]
Mm. Hold this. I'll be right back.
Dad! Hey!
Hey! Bert Biddle came up to my place today
to tell me that my family was looking for me?
Is everything okay?
Yes, actually. The news is all good.
You're a grandpa again!
From you?
What? No. Dad, come on.
Right? I mean, that's why I was confused!
It's Kathleen and Nate. Remember the baby
that was supposed to come New Year's Day?
Well,
she came early and they're stuck
in a snowstorm and it's gonna--
[sighs] You know what? Let me back up to the part
where you get the chance to save Christmas.
* Jingle bells *
Thank you.
* Jingle bells Jingle all the way *
Boop!
* What fun it is to ride *
Thank you.
[Sam laughs]
* Jingle bells *
I think it looks cute.
Oh, okay.
So...
how are we gonna wrap that?
Lotta tape, my friend.
* Dashin' through the snow *
Okay!
Okay.
* O'er the fields we go *
-[words catch] -No, not this way.
[paper rustling]
Nope, that's...
[Jason chuckles softly]
Oh... okay.
[grunting]
Okay... around.
That's a disaster.
No, it's perfect.
[laughing]
It's so bad.
So, what do you want to do?
About Miles?
I can talk to him tomorrow.
You know, see if I can come up
with any techniques that'll help him focus.
I can watch Dania while you do,
maybe I can finally get her to make the Christmas stocking.
About that--
...I feel like I'm taking advantage of you.
What do you mean?
O-Our original deal was for a couple of days, at most.
We're headed into day four,
if you count you watching them before I arrived.
I don't.
But I do.
The nursery's almost done--
you must have other things you have to do.
It slows down around the holidays.
Besides, I'd feel like I was quitting in the middle
if I left now.
But don't consider it part of, you know,
the payment.
Of course, I'd consider it part of the payment.
I'm not gonna take advantage of your kindness.
[***]
[Dania] Uncle Sam?
[both panicking]
Hey!
What are you doing up?
Can we talk?
Okay.
Knock-knock.
Can I come in?
Yeah.
[***]
What's going on?
I miss Mom and Dad.
What if they don't make it back here for Christmas?
Well, you know, they're doing everything in their power
to make it back here in time,
but they gotta be safe about it.
I know.
It's just...
I wish they hadn't gone away in the first place.
You know...
I'm a little bit older than your mom...
and, so, I got to be an only child for a while,
and I have to say...
I really liked it.
Like, a lot.
Then, one day,
my mom and dad told me
that I was gonna be a big brother...
...and I didn't like that.
You didn't like Mom?
No, it wasn't your mom.
It was the fact
that I wasn't gonna be the only one anymore.
I was scared my parents wouldn't love me the same.
Did they?
They did.
Just the same.
And you having a little sister
isn't gonna change how your parents feel about you,
or Miles.
They will always love you...
because you...
are you.
You really think so?
I know so.
[relieved chuckle]
Thanks, Uncle Sam.
[***]
Now you need to get some sleep.
[***]
[exhales with resolve]
[***]
-[whoosh] -[gasp]
[chortles victoriously]
Wah-shh!
[***]
Whoa.
Did you order all this in?
No!
Made freshly, by yours truly.
With plenty of vegan options for milady.
Thanks!
You cooked with fire?
Okay, now you make me sound like a caveman,
which I strangely like.
But yes, I cooked with fire, and yes,
the place is still standing.
Feel free to put thatin your Brayden gossip-group chat.
What?
[slow-claps]
[Miles joins clapping]
[all clapping]
Thank you! Thank you!
Come on, eat, eat, before it gets cold.
[***]
Up, milady, I'll push you in.
[***]
Where's Dad?
Maybe he's out of cell range?
We're in upstate New York, not the North Pole.
[knocking]
That'll be room service.
Dad!
-[laughing] -Hi!
Sam says I'm a grandpa again?
Yes, you are.
[gasping]
Oh, my goodness.
Oh...
well done.
It's your grandpa. It's your grandpa.
Hey.
Uh, I'm gonna take Murph for a walk
and then get ready for tonight.
And there's this.
This?
It's an early Christmas present.
[laughs]
Really?
Worth it to see that expression right there.
And there's more.
[***]
I figured you'd want something for tonight
and...
I thought that color would look really good on you.
Thank you.
It's perfect.
Okay.
Well...
see you later.
[***]
[exhales deeply as door closes]
[***]
[Sam] There you are!
I wanted to get it done before Santa shows up.
"Baby Sister".
Since we don't know her name.
I'll make another one for her next year.
Mm-hmm. What?
[words catch]
[chuckles]
You need one, too.
Thank you.
We'll hang 'em up
when we get back from the play tonight.
[***]
Is everyone ready?
Ready!
[less certain] Ready.
Ready.
Then let's go.
Come on.
[***]
Here!
Got it.
-There? -There.
Jason?
-Backup? -Backup.
So many!
Hoo-hoo-hoo!
Oh. Yeah.
Kathleen and Nate are delayed because of the snow,
so she texted me to make sure I capture everything.
Oh, well, I'm glad you're here for this.
Me too.
Although, I might be a little bit more nervous
than Miles at this point.
It's close.
Oh, well, it doesn't get easier and I've seen dozens of these.
Though...
[quietly] ...Arabella says Miles is wonderful.
She did?
Probably helps that she has a little crush on him.
She does?
That's why she wanted him to be in the play,
though she's too shy to admit it.
Grandmas know things.
They do.
Will you excuse me for a moment?
Of course.
[exhales eagerly]
[***]
[anxiously] "Santa stacked six singing snowmen
in his sonic sleigh."
Miles!
She likes you!
-What? -Arabella!
She likes you, not "Decker."
-Declan. -Whatever!
I heard it straight from her grandma's mouth.
She likes you, dude!
Wow!
Now I'm more nervous.
What? No, no, no, buddy!
This is your chance to shine.
You got this!
Let me hear you say it, okay?
[unconfident] I got this.
"I got this!"
[more comfortable] I got this.
[passionately] "I got this!"
I got this!
[roars] "I got this!"
[crew] Shh!
Good luck!
I knew it!
[exhales with resolve]
Hi, everybody, and Merry Christmas!
You can go ahead and grab your seats now.
We'd like to thank you all for coming out tonight
and welcome you
to T he Life and Adventures of Santa Claus!
[applause]
[cheering and applause]
[confidently] Good evening
and Merry Christmas Eve.
Many of you know of the man we call Santa Claus.
But today you're going to hear about how he came to be.
Once upon a time,
there was a mighty forest,
and in that forest there was a baby
who was all alone
and needed to find a family to care for him
and to love him and be there for him, always.
[***]
And although there are many more children
than there used to be,
Santa Claus never complains.
For, to him,
there is nothing as beautiful as a happy child.
Merry Christmas!
-[crowd cheers and applauds] -[crying out] Yes!
Yes!
[cheering continues]
Let's go, Miles!
-Whoo! -Yeah!
Miles!
Oh! Great job!
Ha!
-Thank you. -See, Uncle Eddie?
I knew Miles could do it.
Your parents
are gonna love the footage your uncle got for you.
Do you have plans for Christmas brunch?
I do.
I'm actually gonna be on a plane to Honolulu tomorrow afternoon.
You're missing Christmas?
Christmas happens in Hawaii, Mom.
I-I know, I know.
I just thought that it would be nice
to have the family over,
since Kathleen and Nate will likely be very tired
after driving all that way-- and with a tiny baby.
DeVito Christmas brunch is not to be missed.
The whole family is there.
All of 'em?
[DeVitos] All of them!
That is a very generous offer
and I will definitely
pass it along to Kathleen and Nate,
when they get back.
I vote "yes".
Sure you do!
[Sam chuckles] Anyway...
we have to get home
because someone has to help hang stockings for Santa Claus.
[Dania] You really were good tonight, Miles.
You didn't even mess up!
Thanks, D.
You know your parents would've been at the play if they could.
I know.
Your mom texted
that they'd stop for the night to be safe, if they had to.
They can't go too fast because they have the new baby.
That's right.
As amazing as you were tonight, Miles,
you both need to get some sleep
because tomorrow is a very special day.
Goodnight!
Goodnight.
Good job!
What time is your flight tomorrow?
Uh, two.
But I gotta take the train to JFK,
so I'll probably leave Brayden around 11.
That's barely time for brunch.
Clearly, I didn't plan this through.
You know...
there's something about a quiet house
on Christmas Eve...
I used to always love.
It's the anticipation.
So much is about to happen.
Our family isn't big on traditions,
but...
one thing that we do on Christmas Eve
that I loved,
is we turn off all the lights in the house,
except for the ones on the tree.
And then we listen to "Silent Night"
and just...
[takes a deep breath]
...be present.
[***]
[click]
[clicks light off]
[Sam sighs]
[Jason begins to hum "Silent Night"]
[***]
* All is calm *
* All-- *
[Jason gasps softly]
* ...is bright *
[***]
[vehicles approaching]
[brakes squeal]
[men chuckling]
They're home.
[***]
Hey, Dad!
My boy!
Hi!
-Thank you! -Of course!
That's what big brothers are for.
[gasping]
Oh... my gosh!
There she is.
So cute! Come on! Come on!
I always forget how tiny they are.
Well, she'll probably
be in college by the next time you come visit, so...
Oh, I'm impressed...
you got a dig in, in the first five minutes.
Well done.
You know I'm skilled like that.
[chuckling]
What if I...
stayed here for Christmas?
Are you serious?
Only if that's cool with you.
[astonished chuckle]
You know I'm cool with it.
What made you change your mind?
[***]
A lot of things.
Jason?
I can't thank you enough.
You're the best contractor in the world...
and a great friend.
Glad to help.
And it was a real education.
I hope it didn't scare you off of having kids.
Just the opposite.
Well, you're gonna be a great dad.
I second that.
I hope so.
All right, well, I am gonna go get her settled
and...
I will see you later
and I will talk to you soon.
Okay, bye.
I had a lot of fun.
So did I.
It was nothing like how I thought it would go.
It's a really good thing you had an uncle consultant.
Right?
Right.
Um, I almost forgot to give you this.
There you go.
Oh.
It should cover the retainer fee,
and then some.
This is way too generous.
Well, I couldn't have done it without you.
I bet you could have...
eventually.
Hey, Sam?
Could you, uh, uh...
show Frank to the guest bedroom?
I'm gonna go help settle the baby with Kathleen.
Yeah, sure.
Okay. Thanks.
So I think I'm gonna take off.
It was nice getting to know you, Sam Dalton.
That sounds strangely final.
No.
The deal is done, and the check is paid.
As agreed, so...
Merry Christmas.
These cookies are great!
-You didn't make them, did you? -[door opens]
-No, they were a gift. -[door closes]
Huh! Well...
they're fantastic.
[***]
Morning!
[gasps]
Get up! It's Christmas!
Ah!
Whoo-hoo!
[laughing]
-Come on, Miles! -I'm coming!
[***]
[footsteps thumping down stairs]
[***]
[Miles] Awesome!
[Sam chuckles]
What'd you get?
[Dania] A unicorn.
Psst! Hey...
look.
-Baby! -Cool!
Merry Christmas, my loves.
Mom! Dad! Grandpa!
-Hey! Aww! -You made it!
We missed you so much.
I'm sorry we missed your play.
Hey.
It's okay. Uncle Sam recorded it.
He did great.
Uncle Sam helped me a lot.
What's her name?
Well...
We thought, since--
Well, since she's a Christmas baby,
we'd name her something after the season.
Miles, Dania--
meet your baby sister--
Angelica...
Samantha
Walker.
No.
[***]
[Sam sniffles]
I'm gonna be all puffy for the Christmas photos!
[Kathleen laughs]
Well, you're gonna have plenty of time
to recover for photos...
because Uncle Sam is spending all of Christmas with us.
Awesome!
Amazing!
[Kathleen chuckles]
Thank you.
[***]
[laughing]
Uh, you know what? Right there. Stop.
Okay, ready? Pose!
[phone chimes]
[***]
Here!
You have to see what Santa brought you.
Oh! [laughs]
Just what I always wanted. Thank you so much.
[giggles]
[***]
You okay?
Huh?
Yeah.
I'm gonna get breakfast started.
Does anybody have any requests?
I'd love some pancakes.
[***]
I'll go.
[***]
Mm. Tell me about Jason.
I like him, sis.
Like... I really like him.
Yeah...
I kinda sensed that.
But... something went wrong.
I don't know what.
He gave me back the check that I gave him last night.
Why did you give him a check?
It... was part of our agreement,
for him helping me.
I know that he needed it for his adoption lawyer.
Th-That's why I gave him more,
so that way, he'd have plenty to cover it.
And he's... he's gone so far,
and beyond, helping me.
And you really like him
and wanted to help him in return?
Did I do something wrong?
I don't think so.
Maybe...
he originally agreed to be paid to help you,
and then things changed...
and it didn't feel right taking the money anymore?
What?
[voice cracks] I'm...
I'm scared.
I don't know if I can be what Jason needs.
And his needs are very clear.
You don't think you could ever be open
to having a family?
It's really hard to explain.
See...
you've known your whole life
that marriage and kids were at least an option.
[quietly] That hasn't been my experience.
Most of the time, I'm told no.
Well, not by Mom and Dad.
No. I'm really lucky there.
But legally,
and perception-wise, you know,
I've faced a whole lot of "Uh-uh. Not you."
And, yeah, it's different...
to a degree...
but my internal voice is still catching up.
I think that's why I run
and never make it to a second date.
It's...
hard to flip the switch to "yes".
Do you think you want to?
With Jason?
All I know is, for the first time in my whole life,
I'm thinking "maybe"...
[***]
I know.
[***]
* Another year over *
[laughter]
* It's another one gone *
* It's time to reflect upon *
* All said and done *
* I'll be missing you Darling *
* This Christmas Day *
* I wish I were close to you *
* But I'm miles away *
* For me Christmas is nothing *
* Without you to hold *
Wow! This looks amazing.
Are you sure you didn't call a caterer?
[mockingly] "Are you sure you didn't call a caterer?"
[snickers]
So, are you gonna invite Jason?
Would you look
what my fantasy football league sent over...
...to celebrate baby Angie's first Christmas?
[Kathleen] Hmm.
We'll, uh...
We'll raise a toast later.
Mm. [munching]
Why are you staring at the champagne?
I'm gonna tell Jason how I feel.
Amazing.
I'm so proud of you.
So...
why are you staring at the champagne?
I told my friend, Ellie,
that big deals should be celebrated...
and this...
is a really big deal.
You're still in your Christmas pajamas!
[***]
I like Sam.
But I need someone who puts his family first,
not flies to Hawaii on Christmas.
Excuse me,
but from what you told me, didn't he drop everything
to take care of his niece and nephew?
I mean, that's pretty much the definition
of putting family first, isn't it?
For a couple of days.
I need someone for the long haul, Pete.
Buddy, there's no guarantees in life.
How'd you leave it?
Well, he paid me for our time together,
and that tells me what he thinks.
So he followed through on paying you what you agreed to?
Felt transactional.
Because it was a transaction, not a declaration!
Look, here's what I know, okay?
Sam is the first guy in a long time
to make you look really happy.
I suppose I can call him after Christmas.
Yeah, yeah.
I mean, unless he meets somebody while he's away...
alone in paradise.
[quickly] I didn't think about that!
Should I call him now?
Train station's 10 minutes away-- go in person.
Jase?
Take care of that.
[***]
Go get him!
I don't know what I'm doing.
You're risking your heart.
Is it always this terrifying?
Yep! I hate to tell ya... but it is.
Ohh. I love you.
[laughs] I love you, too.
Mm!
Now...
go get your guy.
[shrieks] Go!
Right!
[***]
* You know it's drivin' me crazy *
* Just bein' away from you *
* Ooh! *
* It's getting colder, baby *
He's at his house!
* I don't want no winter blues *
Get him!
[***]
* Yeah, I know we've been here before *
[whistles]
Right.
* You've been all alone When the first snow falls *
Guys, he's going to his house!
* This time I'm telling you *
* I'll be there for Christmas *
[***]
* Ooh *
* Baby, we *
-Whoa! -Sam?
Hey.
I'm sorry I gave you that check.
No, I was being too sensitive.
No.
We had an agreement, but...
things changed.
Yeah, I don't care about the agreement.
You're what's important to me
and that's what I was coming to tell you
before you left for Hawaii.
I'm not going to Hawaii.
Wonderful state, can't wait to visit, but...
...what I want is here.
You're what's important to me, too.
I-I should've said this to you last night,
but seeing you leave-- it threw me off.
Pretending to have a husband and kids
and a dog and even a mini van,
i-it's not something I ever saw for myself...
or even thought that I could have.
And I--I know we were
in a kind of our own little bubble, but...
[voice cracks] ...I really liked that bubble.
A lot.
Me too.
It felt right.
Youfelt right.
You feel right!
More than any other guy I've ever met in my whole life.
And I can't make "forever" a guarantee, I know that,
but I think that there might be a way--
[***]
Do you want to have lunch with my family for Christmas?
Yes, I do.
And then do you want to have Christmas dinner with mine?
Sounds perfect.
Merry Christmas...
Merry Christmas.
[***]
[family cheering]
[cheering and applauding]
* Get under the mistletoe *
* When it starts to snow *
* Honey, I'm coming home *
* This time I promise you *
* I'll be there for Christmas *
[***]
* Baby, I'll be there for Christmas *
[***]