<p> </p><p>"Forms." All right...</p><p>Uh-huh. Yes, that sounds perfect.</p><p>- Okay, thank you.</p><p>- Yeah!</p><p>I finally set up an interview</p><p>with Mallards for my article</p><p>about their fall fashion line.</p><p>And I just sent Grant</p><p>my Fourth of July article.</p><p>Ah! Well, yours is better.</p><p>This was the easiest article</p><p>I've ever had to write.</p><p>It practically wrote itself.</p><p>I love this holiday.</p><p>- Lisa!</p><p>- Yes, Grant?</p><p>- Did you just email me your article?</p><p>- Yes, Grant.</p><p>Did you mention hot dogs?</p><p>I did.</p><p>I cannot wait for wiener ads</p><p>next to my article.</p><p>Yeah, well, we got to keep the lights on.</p><p>Oh, uh, did you mention the ski pants?</p><p>It is an article about the Fourth of July.</p><p>We'll talk.</p><p>You just said "wiener" to Grant.</p><p>You're my hero.</p><p>Oh, okay. You know what?</p><p>I gotta go pick up</p><p>Ella's bumblebee costume</p><p>for this Saturday.</p><p>I thought that Robert was on fair duty.</p><p>I volunteered to get the costume.</p><p>We are still on for this weekend.</p><p>"Independence Day."</p><p>"Best holiday on the calendar."</p><p>"The Fourth of July never lets you down."</p><p>"It's just simple, summer fun with games,</p><p>"parades, concerts, burgers..."</p><p>...hot dogs and bursts</p><p>of fiery embers in the sky.</p><p>There's no cooking a turkey for six hours.</p><p>No cross-country travel</p><p>through snow and ice,</p><p>no feeling pressure to spend money,</p><p>which makes it way better than Christmas.</p><p>"Way better than Christmas"?</p><p>Pfft. That's lame.</p><p>Who wrote this?</p><p>Hey, Assan, I'm glad you're up.</p><p>I'm gonna get you in, like, 30 minutes.</p><p>We have to set up the booth.</p><p>All right, thanks, buddy. Bye.</p><p>- Mom, we have to hurry.</p><p>- Wait, wait, wait.</p><p>- Get the rest of your costume, please.</p><p>- Oh!</p><p>So, tell me more about Robert.</p><p>Oh, Robert had a little conflict today.</p><p>He's at the lake with his new girlfriend.</p><p>See? Just a little conflict.</p><p>Mom, my antenna.</p><p>Oh.</p><p>Hmm.</p><p>Oh, you know what? Here. Mm-hmm.</p><p>- That'll keep.</p><p>- Okay, come on.</p><p>- Come on.</p><p>- Ella!</p><p>Ella! We're going to get there.</p><p>It's going to be okay.</p><p>Okay. Thank you.</p><p>I will.We're going to be fine.</p><p>We still have like 25 minutes.</p><p>That's not enough time. Come on.</p><p>Ahh! Ella!</p><p>Well, the gnome is not where it was.</p><p>Yes, uh, I get that,</p><p>but you can't just accuse</p><p>your neighbor without proof.</p><p>He's been eyeing it</p><p>since the day I got it.</p><p>Look, it's a vintage Heissner.</p><p>- Oh.</p><p>- I just know he took it.</p><p>Okay, but just knowing and proving</p><p>are two different things.</p><p>Incontrovertible proof</p><p>is the basis of our legal system.</p><p>If you get some proof,</p><p>just give me a call at my firm. Okay?</p><p>And we'll see what we can do.</p><p>Wait. Here.</p><p>Take it.</p><p>Happy Fourth!</p><p>Well, we've accomplished</p><p>some amazing legal work today.</p><p>Oh yeah.</p><p>- It's time for vegan hot dogs.</p><p>- Stop. Stay.</p><p>We're just getting started.</p><p>Come on, Tom. Look at all the fun</p><p>people are having out there.</p><p>Cute guys for me, cute gals for you.</p><p>We should be mingling.</p><p>You're not supposed to work on a holiday.</p><p>You get paid for work.</p><p>This is volunteering.</p><p>This is you volunteering</p><p>and me getting wrangled-in, as usual.</p><p>That's the spirit.</p><p>Oh! Hi, Marissa.</p><p>Hi, guys.</p><p>Um, is the show still on schedule?</p><p>I think so.</p><p>We'll probably go on at around 12:30.</p><p>Okay, thanks. "Bee" awesome!</p><p>Thanks, Mom.</p><p>Everyone ready?</p><p>Let's go run the dance a few times</p><p>before we go on.</p><p>Stay together.</p><p>The kids want to go play on the slide.</p><p>- Hey, happy Fourth of July.</p><p>- Oh, happy Fourth of July.</p><p>Marissa?</p><p>Mom?</p><p>Oh, no.</p><p>Tom.</p><p>Hi.</p><p>Are you okay?</p><p>I can't find my mom.</p><p>Oh, well,</p><p>I could try to help you find her.</p><p>Um, she's not dressed</p><p>like a bumblebee too, is she?</p><p>No, just like a regular person.</p><p>Right. Um...</p><p>All right, well, I have a booth here,</p><p>so why don't we just get out</p><p>of that crowd for a second, yeah?</p><p>You're not, like,</p><p>gonna offer me candy, right?</p><p>No.</p><p>- I mean, I wouldn't mind some candy.</p><p>- Okay.</p><p>- No, Tom.</p><p>- What?</p><p>We're not suing any parents</p><p>for a later bedtime.</p><p>No, she doesn't need legal advice.</p><p>She needs a lost mom.</p><p>I'm gonna go see</p><p>if there's like a lost kid booth.</p><p>- I'll go.</p><p>- What?</p><p>- You stay here in case her mom comes back.</p><p>- You're not going to get a hot dog, right?</p><p>Please, Tom.</p><p>I might get a lemonade too.</p><p>Hey, well, have them</p><p>make an announcement if you can't find...</p><p>We'll just wait here until he comes back,</p><p>I guess, all right?</p><p>- I'm Tom.</p><p>- I know.</p><p>- You're not going to sting me, are you?</p><p>- I don't have a stinger.</p><p>Oh, thank goodness.</p><p>My dance studio is performing.</p><p>Oh, yeah. Why don't I just take you there?</p><p>- I don't know where they went.</p><p>- Oh, not to the stage?</p><p>Not until later.</p><p>Okay.</p><p>Um, let's just wait</p><p>and see what Assan can find out.</p><p>Um, what happened here?</p><p>- It broke somehow.</p><p>- Let me see.</p><p>I mean, how hard is it</p><p>to say that you're going to do something</p><p>and then actually do it?</p><p>Oh, you know, that's not exactly</p><p>a part of Robert's operating system, so...</p><p>Never was.</p><p>Mm.</p><p>Hold this.</p><p>- Hello?</p><p>- Hi.</p><p>Uh...</p><p>- Do you need legal advice?</p><p>- I do not, but you might.</p><p>I'm sorry?</p><p>- Why is my daughter in your booth?</p><p>- Mom!</p><p>- This is your daughter?</p><p>- Yeah, pretty sure.</p><p>Are you okay?</p><p>- I got lost.</p><p>- She was just wandering around, and...</p><p>His friend went to go look for you,</p><p>and he fixed my headband.</p><p>Oh.</p><p>Okay, well, that was very nice of you.</p><p>I'm just glad you're both back together.</p><p>We should probably go find Marissa.</p><p>Do you want to go see my dance?</p><p>Oh, um...</p><p>Uh...</p><p>They go on at 12:30,</p><p>I mean, if you're free.</p><p>Uh, yes, I would love</p><p>to come see your dance.</p><p>- Cool.</p><p>- Okay. Well, thanks.</p><p>- Sure.</p><p>- Mm-hmm.</p><p>That was weird.</p><p>Yeah, cute guy stole your kid.</p><p>What are the odds?</p><p>- There was nobody there.</p><p>- Nobody where?</p><p>The hot dog stand or the lost and found?</p><p>They were right next to each other.</p><p>Buck 99.</p><p>Tom, you lost the kid!</p><p>Yay! Ella!</p><p>Whoo!</p><p>Thank you, everyone.</p><p>Did you lose another child?</p><p>No.</p><p>Well, if you're looking for the booth guy,</p><p>he's right over there.</p><p>He came.</p><p>Mm-hmm.</p><p>You should go, uh, thank him.</p><p>I already did.</p><p>You should go thank him again.</p><p>And this time</p><p>do a little hair flip or two.</p><p>- Ella's coming.</p><p>- I've got Ella. You go.</p><p>Go.</p><p>Go.</p><p>Hair flip.</p><p>Yes.</p><p>That's cute.</p><p>Sure.</p><p>You came.</p><p>Yeah, I mean, I said I was going to come,</p><p>so I couldn't just not show up.</p><p>Right.</p><p>I wanted to properly thank you again</p><p>for taking care of my daughter.</p><p>- Yeah.</p><p>- It was really nice of you.</p><p>And I'm sorry</p><p>if I thought you were a creep.</p><p>I get it.</p><p>There's a lot of child abduction booths</p><p>this year.</p><p>It's weird.</p><p>So, um, what was your booth for again?</p><p>It was free legal advice. I'm a lawyer.</p><p>So you are a creep.</p><p>No, I'm one of those rare good lawyers.</p><p>I'm Tom.</p><p>Lisa.</p><p>What do you do, Lisa?</p><p>Uh, I'm a writer.</p><p>Mom, come on!</p><p>Oh, are you guys going</p><p>to stay for the fireworks?</p><p>Yeah, wouldn't miss it.</p><p>- I know a great place to watch them from.</p><p>- We usually go to...</p><p>Windy Saddle Lookout.</p><p>Huh.</p><p>I'm surprised that we haven't</p><p>seen each other there before.</p><p>Maybe we didn't know</p><p>what we were looking for.</p><p>Ooh!</p><p>- Oh, that's purple.</p><p>- That was a good one.</p><p>- I liked that that one's purple.</p><p>- Mm-hmm.</p><p>So...</p><p>Do you have a favorite restaurant?</p><p>Yes.</p><p>I said yes,</p><p>and that's what brought me to Denver.</p><p>Well, I'm glad you're here.</p><p>Oh.</p><p>I guess someone's</p><p>trying to give us a hint.</p><p>- Trick or treat!</p><p>- Trick or treat!</p><p>Ella, slow down!</p><p>You missed.</p><p>There you are.</p><p>Aw.</p><p>I love you.</p><p>I love you too.</p><p>- Mm.</p><p>- Mm.</p><p>I love you too.</p><p>Oh.</p><p>Oh.</p><p>- Good night.</p><p>- Good night.</p><p>Five months already.</p><p>I don't think</p><p>I've ever seen you this happy before.</p><p>It has been pretty magical.</p><p>Mm-hmm. And oh, God,</p><p>Ella loves Tom so much.</p><p>- I know, right?</p><p>- Mm-hmm.</p><p>So what am I not seeing?</p><p>What do you mean?</p><p>Well, he can't be this perfect,</p><p>so what am I missing?</p><p>Uh-uh, Lis.</p><p>I am not going to let you</p><p>talk yourself out of this love story.</p><p>I mean, what could possibly go wrong?</p><p>Oh! God!</p><p>Whoa! Sorry, I didn't see you there.</p><p>Are you okay?</p><p>Yeah, I... I...</p><p>It just surprised me, that's all.</p><p>You can never</p><p>go too big on Christmas, right?</p><p>Hmm.</p><p>Yeah. Come on, girl.</p><p>- Right. Thank you.</p><p>- I got you.</p><p>Merry Christmas.</p><p>Maybe I should put that</p><p>in my Christmas article.</p><p>Wait, Grant has you writing an article</p><p>about Christmas?</p><p>Oh, boy.</p><p>I can't wait to see how that turns out.</p><p>Oh. That's sweet.</p><p>Hi. Assan.</p><p>Is everything okay?</p><p>Absolutely, ladies.</p><p>Here, let me take your coats.</p><p>Okay.</p><p>We're going to get these back, right?</p><p>Of course.</p><p>Tom just wants you to be comfortable.</p><p>Oh, okay.</p><p>Well, you're scaring me a little.</p><p>- You have no idea.</p><p>- What does that mean?</p><p>Welcome to Christmas.</p><p>Arewe in the right place?</p><p>Hey. Sorry, guys.</p><p>I was running late. Welcome.</p><p>Ho, ho, ho, ho!</p><p>Merry Christmas!</p><p>- Hi, Sharon.</p><p>- Hi.</p><p>Hi. Merry Christmas.</p><p>Yeah, um, what is going on?</p><p>Is this for real?</p><p>It's for real, every bit of it.</p><p>Yeah, whatever contest you entered,</p><p>you won it.</p><p>No, it's just to celebrate the season.</p><p>Hmm.</p><p>- Show them the photo wall.</p><p>- Oh, yeah, come this way.</p><p>Yeah, I got this whole setup here.</p><p>We thought we could do some poses</p><p>with, like, props and things,</p><p>and Santa himself.</p><p>Okay, #NorthPoleFever.</p><p>Are you guys pranking me?</p><p>Ho, ho, ho!</p><p>Sharon, are you in on this?</p><p>Don't look at me.</p><p>You don't like it?</p><p>I kind of famously don't like it.</p><p>Have we not talked about this?</p><p>No, that's... That's something</p><p>I would have remembered you saying.</p><p>You do this every year?</p><p>Yeah.</p><p>But who's it for?</p><p>Me. And you guys tonight.</p><p>I mean, mostly just 'cause it's Christmas.</p><p>And as a reminder</p><p>to keep the spirit of the season alive.</p><p>Couldn't you just put a Post-It note</p><p>on the fridge?</p><p>Think of this as one massive Post-It note.</p><p>Okay, but isn't it expensive?</p><p>No.</p><p>Yeah. If you added everything up,</p><p>I guess it's a lot of money.</p><p>But I've had most of this stuff</p><p>since I was a kid.</p><p>I don't buy all-new decorations</p><p>every year.</p><p>Yeah, but it's still</p><p>Christmas-moving merchandise.</p><p>I mean, would anybody</p><p>ever have a nutcracker</p><p>or a stuffed reindeer</p><p>if it wasn't for Christmas?</p><p>No, but you don't need</p><p>to spend money to decorate, right?</p><p>I have a bunch</p><p>of homemade decorating ideas.</p><p>Right? It's just about the spirit.</p><p>Is this the work project</p><p>you had this weekend?</p><p>Yeah. I mean, this was the fun part.</p><p>The hard part was getting my work stuff</p><p>organized and up to the office.</p><p>Why didn't you just tell me?</p><p>I wanted to surprise you.</p><p>Well, you did.</p><p>I put the whole train together.</p><p>Hmm. I hope Tom gave you a sticker.</p><p>Now wait, it's not just decorations,</p><p>all right?</p><p>Christmastime is also</p><p>about all the different holiday events.</p><p>There are so many things</p><p>going on around town. Here, look.</p><p>I am sure you guys</p><p>have been to some of them.</p><p>I've been to all of them.</p><p>I mean, there's tree lighting,</p><p>Christmas carol singing,</p><p>holiday productions.</p><p>It's fun just to walk around town</p><p>and take in Christmas energy.</p><p>Is it?</p><p>Okay, look, I get it.</p><p>You don't like Christmas.</p><p>But let me show you how fun it can be.</p><p>Well, I guess Ella</p><p>will enjoy a couple of these.</p><p>Oh.</p><p>So is Ella with her dad tonight?</p><p>Yep, they have a big cardboard</p><p>sledding competition coming up.</p><p>I bet I know what the key is. Duct tape.</p><p>- What? Duct tape?</p><p>- You know what they say?</p><p>If duct tape can't solve your problem,</p><p>you're not using enough duct tape.</p><p>Oh, I will pass that along.</p><p>Oh! But wait, there's more.</p><p>Ah, more food?</p><p>- Yeah.</p><p>- Oh, boy.</p><p>Anyone for pumpkin pie?</p><p>- I'll find room.</p><p>- I will too.</p><p>Move over, rice balls.</p><p>Thank you.</p><p>- Bye.</p><p>- Bye.</p><p>- Are you here for Pasha?</p><p>- Yeah. I'm Lisa.</p><p>So, Lisa, not a fan of Christmas.</p><p>I sensed that.</p><p>Well, if she survives it, anyway.</p><p>Hmm.</p><p>- I noticed you didn't mention Santa.</p><p>- Oh, that's not a hill I'm ready to climb.</p><p>Maybe I can get her to like it.</p><p>What the... Are you okay?</p><p>Yes, we're fine. Sorry about that.</p><p>Just keep driving.</p><p>She's just working some things out.</p><p>My boyfriend loves Christmas.</p><p>- My boyfriend.</p><p>- Yeah, did not see that coming.</p><p>What I supposed to do now?</p><p>Just break up</p><p>and then get back together in January?</p><p>You and Tom are like the dream couple.</p><p>You can handle a bit of Christmas fun.</p><p>Oh, that was not fun.</p><p>That was weird.</p><p>I mean, all the decorations,</p><p>all that time.</p><p>He took three straight days</p><p>to do that place.</p><p>Well, we know that Tom</p><p>can get hyper-focused.</p><p>That's the lawyer side of him.</p><p>And the guy who never has time</p><p>to do stuff on the weekdays</p><p>now has all this time</p><p>to do Christmas stuff?</p><p>That's the beauty of it.</p><p>And all that stuff</p><p>that he was talking about at dinner,</p><p>and the sleigh rides,</p><p>and the Christmas movies, whatever,</p><p>you're going to get</p><p>to see each other every single day.</p><p>To celebrate Christmas.</p><p>Yeah, well, that's the challenge.</p><p>And I know just how we're gonna</p><p>have you jump right into the deep end.</p><p>Give me your phone.</p><p>Give me your phone.</p><p>Thank you.</p><p>Yes!</p><p>Oh, I'm good.</p><p>Yeah, thanks for the help, Spielberg.</p><p>I did the train.</p><p>Yeah.</p><p>That's Lisa.</p><p>Oh. Sorry, buddy.</p><p>You guys had a good run.</p><p>No, she wants me to show her</p><p>some of my homemade decorating ideas.</p><p>"Tomorrow with Ella after school.</p><p>I want to give Christmas a chance."</p><p>Huh. That is not the vibe</p><p>I got as they were leaving.</p><p>Well, that's the Christmas magic at work.</p><p>All right, I got to go to my storage unit</p><p>in the morning,</p><p>pick up my backup ornaments.</p><p>I can use those for her tree,</p><p>because that is still technically</p><p>not spending any money.</p><p>You got work tomorrow.</p><p>I can call in sick.</p><p>You're gonna call in sick?</p><p>Yeah, why? Wait, how do you call in sick?</p><p>Do you call the nurse's office?</p><p>Do we have a nurse's office</p><p>at my law firm?</p><p>Call your assistant.</p><p>Yes. I'm gonna call my assistant.</p><p>- Tom.</p><p>- Yes?</p><p>Take a breath here.</p><p>Bigger.</p><p>Just write back to Lisa.</p><p>Oh, right. Yes.</p><p>Writing back to...</p><p>Okay.</p><p>Well?</p><p>He's in for tomorrow.</p><p>A Monday.</p><p>Tomorrow night?</p><p>- All day.</p><p>- Ah!</p><p>- Hallelujah!</p><p>- You girls scream too much.</p><p>But Pasha, it's Christmas.</p><p>Hey.</p><p>T-Tom.</p><p>Lisa, you're leaving?</p><p>I thought you were coming at 11:00.</p><p>Sorry, I was up,</p><p>and then the storage place was open,</p><p>and I got moving,</p><p>and I thought if you were up early...</p><p>I have to go into the office.</p><p>You're not working from home today?</p><p>We have a staff meeting.</p><p>Are we going to use all of that?</p><p>Um, there's two more crates by the car.</p><p>Are you gonna be okay here by yourself?</p><p>Oh, absolutely. Yes.</p><p>No, I still need to go through</p><p>all these backup ornaments that I got.</p><p>- And do you have any ornaments?</p><p>- Oh. Yeah.</p><p>- We should see how many we have total.</p><p>- That's my Christmas box right there.</p><p>Great. I will go through the box</p><p>and the ornaments.</p><p>You go to work. Don't worry about it.</p><p>- All right. There is some coffee left.</p><p>- Do you have cocoa?</p><p>- Since when do you drink hot chocolate?</p><p>- Cocoa?</p><p>That is one of the many joys of Christmas.</p><p>Oh, okay. No, I don't have cocoa.</p><p>I will grab some.</p><p>- Okay.</p><p>- Okay.</p><p>Mwah! Off to work I go.</p><p>Off you go.</p><p>Mm-hmm.</p><p>We need more clicks.</p><p>We're not... Nobody's opening us up.</p><p>And if nobody opens us up,</p><p>then we don't come to work.</p><p>So we want them to see something</p><p>that makes them want to stay there</p><p>and then go to the next thing.</p><p>- Lisa, you with us?</p><p>- Yup. Yes, Grant.</p><p>Great. So we got to come up</p><p>with some new ideas.</p><p>More spitballing different ideas.</p><p>Somebody threw out something</p><p>about this hipsters' climbers club.</p><p>I mean, and what the hell,</p><p>Glenn's obsession with ASMR.</p><p>I don't even know what that's about.</p><p>I'm glad he didn't come in today.</p><p>I was going to...</p><p>Christmas.</p><p>One man's obsession,</p><p>one woman's nightmare.</p><p>Ta-da! Cocoa.</p><p>Wow, that's fancy.</p><p>I put the tiniest little bit of nutmeg</p><p>in it to give it a kick.</p><p>- I have nutmeg?</p><p>- I grabbed a whole one while I was out.</p><p>You gotta grind it fresh</p><p>or it loses its flavor.</p><p>- Oh, is that, right?</p><p>- That is right.</p><p>Well, it's not your mom's hot chocolate.</p><p>Oh, no, no. It is cocoa.</p><p>- Mmm. Wow.</p><p>- Oh!</p><p>- That is delicious.</p><p>- Okay. Okay.</p><p>Can I show you what I've been up to?</p><p>- Yeah, lead the way.</p><p>- Come on.</p><p>So...</p><p>ornaments all ready to hang.</p><p>Had to add a hook to a few of them.</p><p>And the lights.</p><p>I checked all the strands for dead bulbs.</p><p>- You don't want any surprises there.</p><p>- Good.</p><p>Oh, and then a tree, I thought I could</p><p>clear a spot right here in the corner.</p><p>- Yeah.</p><p>- Right? All right. Come here.</p><p>And project station,</p><p>ready to make decorations by hand.</p><p>You've been busy.</p><p>It's fun.</p><p>Everything good at work?</p><p>Yeah, I got an article</p><p>that's giving me a little trouble.</p><p>Oh.</p><p>You know what?</p><p>Ella's out of school at 3:00.</p><p>- Should we get some lunch?</p><p>- Yeah. Perfect.</p><p>Finish your cocoa and we'll head out.</p><p>So you never had any fun</p><p>with your family at Christmas?</p><p>Hmm. My parents</p><p>never really had fun, ever.</p><p>Maybe it's because none of them</p><p>was wearing this.</p><p>- No. Mm-mm.</p><p>- Jingle?</p><p>This is pretty great.</p><p>Look at this. For me.</p><p>Oh. And I know a place</p><p>that does Christmas cupcakes,</p><p>where they take the icing...</p><p>Here, sorry, just walk on this side.</p><p>It's a pretty dangerous neighborhood.</p><p>- Get him!</p><p>- Whoa! Get back.</p><p>Duck! All right, go!</p><p>Go, go, go, go, go!</p><p>Ha-ha! Not today, Freckles!</p><p>So, have you thought</p><p>about your Christmas list for Santa?</p><p>I have a few ideas.</p><p>Like what?</p><p>- An iPhone.</p><p>- Ha.</p><p>Oh, I don't think that the elves</p><p>have iPhone technology.</p><p>They can make an iPhone.</p><p>Uh, I'm pretty sure</p><p>they don't make iPhones at the North Pole.</p><p>They can make anything you want</p><p>at the North Pole.</p><p>Oh, um, Tom, go with me here.</p><p>I heard there's an age limit for iPhones.</p><p>Santa said it was 11.</p><p>Eleven?</p><p>Oh, um, Santa doesn't bring presents</p><p>to kids older than 10.</p><p>Not the point, Tom.</p><p>I heard that he thinks eight</p><p>is too young for an iPhone.</p><p>Oh, yes, right.</p><p>Well, your mom is right.</p><p>Santa knows everything about you,</p><p>and he can't bring you a present</p><p>that you're not ready for.</p><p>Fine.</p><p>Fine. All right, come on.</p><p>Let's get a tree. Let's go.</p><p>You want a tree for your house</p><p>that's about six feet tall.</p><p>So I'm going to say that's these here.</p><p>So this is our first possibility.</p><p>Now I just need an inspector</p><p>to walk around</p><p>and make sure there's no dead spots.</p><p>On it.</p><p>Okay.</p><p>Check that back.</p><p>That's how they get you sometimes.</p><p>Branches look good.</p><p>It's perfect.</p><p>- Then we have picked our tree.</p><p>- I love it.</p><p>But wait, it's not done yet.</p><p>You guys ever been flocked?</p><p>Who knew?</p><p>That is so cool.</p><p>What else can we flock?</p><p>Just the tree today.</p><p>All right,</p><p>we have to leave it here overnight to dry,</p><p>but we can go get</p><p>all of our ornaments ready</p><p>so we can decorate it tomorrow.</p><p>Yeah? All right. Come on.</p><p>Look at that!</p><p>Oh, there it is. That's it.</p><p>"The Grinch had been caught</p><p>by this little Who daughter</p><p>who'd gotten out of bed</p><p>for a cup of cold water."</p><p>"And she looked at the Grinch and said..."</p><p>"Santa Claus, why?"</p><p>"Why are you taking</p><p>my Christmas tree? Why?"</p><p>"But you know, that old Grinch</p><p>was so smart and so slick."</p><p>"He thought up a lie,</p><p>and he thought it up quick."</p><p>"Why, my sweet little tot..."</p><p>Merry Christmas.</p><p>Merry Christmas.</p><p>That was quite a day.</p><p>Did you like it?</p><p>I have to admit I did.</p><p>Yeah?</p><p>Yeah. But mostly because we were together,</p><p>and we always have fun</p><p>when we're together.</p><p>Yeah, but Christmas makes it more magical.</p><p>Christmas made it happen on a Monday.</p><p>Right.</p><p>Oh, hey, there is, um,</p><p>one more thing that I made</p><p>that I haven't shown you yet.</p><p>Oh, boy. What else?</p><p>This.</p><p>Huh.</p><p>What is it? Cilantro?</p><p>Mm-mm. This is mistletoe.</p><p>Oh. I've heard of it.</p><p>Mm-hmm.</p><p>- We supposed to do something?</p><p>- Mm-hmm.</p><p>It is a merry Christmas.</p><p>That came in after I left,</p><p>so no, I did not do that.</p><p>Okay, just put it on my desk.</p><p>I'm gonna take a look in the morning.</p><p>Merry Christmas!</p><p>Don't forget to leave</p><p>a carrot for Rudolph.</p><p>Flock yeah.</p><p>It's so pretty.</p><p>Right?</p><p>- Oh, Tom, your coat.</p><p>- Yeah?</p><p>Ew! Looks like I've been flocked.</p><p>Last one. That was the last one, promise.</p><p>- Come on in.</p><p>- Okay.</p><p>I don't need any help. Wow. No. I got it.</p><p>Oh, I haven't seen this in a while.</p><p>This was me when I was, like, your age.</p><p>What happened to your hair?</p><p>That's when I still let Nana Joy cut it.</p><p>Oh. That's cute.</p><p>Is Santa Claus is real?</p><p>What? Of course, he is.</p><p>This boy at school says he's not,</p><p>that it's just your parents</p><p>buying you presents.</p><p>Why does he think that?</p><p>His brother told him.</p><p>Oh. Brothers.</p><p>What's this boy's name?</p><p>Connor.</p><p>All right, well,</p><p>let's say that you're Santa</p><p>and Connor doesn't believe in you.</p><p>Would you want to bring him something?</p><p>How could he not believe in me?</p><p>I'm a real person.</p><p>Yeah. Well, so is Santa, all right?</p><p>So if Connor doesn't believe in Santa,</p><p>is Santagonna want</p><p>to bring him a present?</p><p>- I guess not.</p><p>- Yeah, so that's a problem for Connor.</p><p>But that is not a problem for you.</p><p>Not as long as you believe.</p><p>I'll make a list just to be safe.</p><p>I think that's a great idea.</p><p>Ready? Three, two, one.</p><p>I love it.</p><p>That's the prettiest tree we've ever had.</p><p>Oh, magical lights </p><p>If you will be with me </p><p>A mistletoe night </p><p>I'm hoping you'll kiss me </p><p>Play music tonight </p><p>Ooh. She's out.</p><p>Ah.</p><p>Like the snow from the night sky</p><p>I'm falling so quickly </p><p>Me?</p><p>Are you okay?</p><p>Writer's block.</p><p>You spent all week celebrating Christmas</p><p>and you still can't figure out</p><p>what to write?</p><p>I'm more confused than ever.</p><p>Hmm.</p><p>We spent a week</p><p>doing all these fun things,</p><p>but why does this one holiday</p><p>have to be so freaking important?</p><p>- Lisa.</p><p>- Yes, Grant?</p><p>Christmas article.</p><p>Oh, just trying to get it perfect, boss.</p><p>Well, Santa Claus is coming to town,</p><p>and I got ads to sell.</p><p>Cha-ching. Let's have it.</p><p>You got it.</p><p>And that's why he has resting Grinch face.</p><p>So then Ella asked</p><p>how Scrooge died but didn't die.</p><p>She may have missed a few plot points,</p><p>but I think she got the idea.</p><p>No, she loved it.</p><p>- Yeah, yeah.</p><p>- Oh, that's awesome.</p><p>No offense, Tom,</p><p>but I was ready for a year off</p><p>from A Christmas Carol.</p><p>Oh, offense taken.</p><p>On behalf of me and Ebenezer.</p><p>He's very sensitive.</p><p>I'm sorry.</p><p>This whole week has been</p><p>super eye-opening.</p><p>Oh, look at you, getting your Santa on.</p><p>Okay, I'm proud of you.</p><p>Thank you.</p><p>Oh my gosh, and Tom,</p><p>thank you for talking</p><p>to Ella about Santa Claus.</p><p>I always dread that conversation.</p><p>How come?</p><p>Well, I don't want to rob her</p><p>of the fun of believing in Santa,</p><p>but I feel bad lying to her</p><p>and I don't want her</p><p>to get teased at school</p><p>for still believing.</p><p>Oh my God. I got teased</p><p>so bad in the third grade.</p><p>There was this uppity rich girl,</p><p>Jennifer Alerdese,</p><p>who controlledthe whole class.</p><p>So when she stopped believing,</p><p>everybody else had to too.</p><p>I was the lone holdout that Christmas.</p><p>So tragic.</p><p>Oh, poor little baby Sharon. I'm sorry.</p><p>I know, right? Oh God.</p><p>But what if he is real?</p><p>Who? Santa?</p><p>Yeah, what if the believers are right</p><p>and the doubters are wrong?</p><p>- Like in third grade?</p><p>- No, like always.</p><p>That Santa Claus is real?</p><p>Yeah.</p><p>Shut up.</p><p>No, for real.</p><p>Tom.</p><p>Uh-oh.</p><p>Okay, so you think that there's a real guy</p><p>who travels around the world in one night</p><p>and brings presents to everybody?</p><p>Well, just to children, but yes.</p><p>You can't be serious.</p><p>You believe that there's a guy</p><p>who lives in the North Pole</p><p>and has elves making toys.</p><p>Yep. All that.</p><p>But that's not possible, Tom.</p><p>That's why kids stop believing,</p><p>because they start to understand the logic</p><p>and it doesn't make sense.</p><p>It's not about logic. It's about magic.</p><p>Oh, so you think that magic is real?</p><p>Christmas magic. Yeah.</p><p>Okay, let's just go with it.</p><p>- Mm-hmm. Yeah.</p><p>- Yeah.</p><p>So you believe that this guy has a sleigh</p><p>and it's pulled by reindeer.</p><p>Yes.</p><p>Reindeer can fly?</p><p>Yes, through Christmas magic.</p><p>And he has a sack</p><p>that's full of millions of toys?</p><p>Yes, he does.</p><p>- Because of Christmas magic.</p><p>- Couldn't happen without it.</p><p>I just really can't tell</p><p>if you're being serious or not.</p><p>Okay, how does he get around</p><p>the entire world in one night?</p><p>And don't just say "Christmas magic."</p><p>That's part of it, though.</p><p>But also, he obviously lives</p><p>in a different version of time than we do.</p><p>- What's that now?</p><p>- Well, think about it.</p><p>He can get around the world in one night.</p><p>He lives longer than any other person.</p><p>That's just about the concept of time.</p><p>He lives in one model of time</p><p>and we live in another.</p><p>I thought you were the guy</p><p>who makes a living dealing in rules</p><p>and proof and logic.</p><p>Yes. Let's talk logic, right?</p><p>Let's look at it from your side.</p><p>What you're saying is</p><p>there's a completely made-up story</p><p>that over 2 billion people agree on?</p><p>And that every parent in America</p><p>is part of some</p><p>vast conspiracy to perpetuate a lie,</p><p>but the exact same lie.</p><p>All right, that seems a lot less logical</p><p>than there's a real person</p><p>with Christmas magic that we celebrate.</p><p>Yeah, but not everybody</p><p>celebrates Christmas.</p><p>In most of the world, they do.</p><p>Assan, you're a Muslim.</p><p>Do you have something to add here?</p><p>I fought this fight years ago.</p><p>You're on your own.</p><p>- Assan celebrates Christmas.</p><p>- Oh, I'm pretty sure he doesn't.</p><p>He doesn't celebrate Christmas</p><p>as a religious holiday.</p><p>I'm talking about Santa's Christmas.</p><p>All right, when you find yourself</p><p>humming along</p><p>to a Christmas carol on the radio,</p><p>you're celebrating Christmas.</p><p>When you go to a holiday party</p><p>or make plans to see family,</p><p>you're celebrating Christmas.</p><p>Those are just holiday things</p><p>that we can't escape.</p><p>I mean, "escape" suggests</p><p>that we're all trapped somehow.</p><p>But we're not.</p><p>We look forward to Christmas every year.</p><p>It's the one thing</p><p>that brings everybody together.</p><p>And you're trying to tell me</p><p>that a unifying energy like that,</p><p>a global presence</p><p>that transcends country and religion</p><p>isn't because of a real person?</p><p>Well, I think Santa</p><p>as a spirit of Christmas is real,</p><p>- like you obviously do.</p><p>- I do, yes.</p><p>But I'm not making a joke.</p><p>I believe in Santa Claus.</p><p>- Are you okay?</p><p>- Yeah, she'll be fine.</p><p>Don't worry about her. Just keep driving.</p><p>Okay, we're fine. Go ahead. Drive.</p><p>My boyfriend believes in Santa Claus.</p><p>My wife believes in astrology.</p><p>- Not talking to you.</p><p>- Sorry.</p><p>Gemini.</p><p>This is totally insane.</p><p>Okay, I mean,</p><p>he did make some good points in there.</p><p>It makes you think.</p><p>No, no, Sharon, not you too.</p><p>You want me just to be okay with this?</p><p>Well, you said yourself</p><p>that you had a great week with Tom.</p><p>Yeah, with Tom and Santa.</p><p>And Ella.</p><p>Oh God, now I have two people</p><p>to convince that Santa isn't real.</p><p>She didn't storm out.</p><p>She didn't like it, though.</p><p>No one likes it, Tom.</p><p>That's hoping for too much.</p><p>I thought you liked it.</p><p>I like you, buddy.</p><p>The whole Santa thing is... whatever.</p><p>So you think I'm crazy, too.</p><p>No, I didn't say that.</p><p>Look, if we'll never really know</p><p>if Santa is real,</p><p>then I'm happy to believe with you,</p><p>for you, for us being friends.</p><p>I don't have the same conviction you do</p><p>because it's not that important to me</p><p>either way.</p><p>So what do I do? I have the tree lighting</p><p>on the schedule for Monday.</p><p>Well, sometimes</p><p>you have to adjust your schedule</p><p>to consider other people's needs.</p><p>You want to write</p><p>a killer article about Christmas?</p><p>I think you just found your in.</p><p>No, I don't think I can take it.</p><p>No, don't run away. Go deeper.</p><p>There's so much more to unpack here.</p><p>This is better than an article</p><p>that writes itself.</p><p>It can be written by Santa.</p><p>- Bottom line is, you love her.</p><p>- I do.</p><p>- And she loves you.</p><p>- I hope.</p><p>So then have some faith</p><p>that she'll accept you for who you are.</p><p>I will try to have some faith.</p><p>- All right.</p><p>- Yes. Thank you.</p><p>Hey, that's what elves are for.</p><p>Yeah. You're the best.</p><p>- Good night.</p><p>- Night.</p><p>Fa la la la la, la la la la </p><p>Deck the halls with boughs of holly </p><p>Fa la la la la, la la la la </p><p>'Tis the season to be jolly </p><p>Fa la la la la, la la la la </p><p>Don we now our gay apparel </p><p>Fa la la, la la la, la la la </p><p>Troll the ancient yuletide carol </p><p>Fa la la la la, la la la la </p><p>See the blazing yule before us </p><p>So how does the tree lighting</p><p>figure into Christmas magic?</p><p>Oh, we have to keep</p><p>the Christmas spirit alive.</p><p>That's where Christmas magic comes from.</p><p>By putting lights on a tree?</p><p>Twinkle lights</p><p>are the fireworks of Christmas.</p><p>We look at these things every day,</p><p>a tree, a house, a lamppost.</p><p>But then one month out of the year,</p><p>they are covered in a beautiful glow</p><p>of color and light,</p><p>and we look at our world a whole new way.</p><p>It's that childlike wonder</p><p>that makes the magic.</p><p>La la la </p><p>Fast away, the old year passes </p><p>Fa la la </p><p>Hail the new, ye lads and lasses </p><p>Sing we joyous all together </p><p>Fa la la la la la, la la la </p><p>Heedless of the wind and weather </p><p>Fa la la la la, la la la la </p><p>Fa la la la la, la la la </p><p>La </p><p>- They're so awesome.</p><p>- Yeah.</p><p>Thank you all for coming out tonight.</p><p>I think we should light this sucker up.</p><p>- Yeah!</p><p>- Hit it, Ben!</p><p>Yes! No problem!</p><p>Get him!</p><p>Ha!</p><p>- Retreat!</p><p>- You got it!</p><p>Yes! Whoo!</p><p>Eat it, Freckles!</p><p>Yes!</p><p>Ho, ho, ho </p><p>Who wouldn't go? </p><p>Ho, ho, ho </p><p>Okay.</p><p>Okay. Look, there's... Look at the elf.</p><p>Ho, ho, ho! Look at Eflie. Ho, ho, ho!</p><p>Elfie is so sweet. Oh, look at Elfie.</p><p>Oh, no.</p><p>Is that kid gonna kill Santa Claus?</p><p>She might kill that one,</p><p>but the real one will be fine.</p><p>Talk to Twinkles.</p><p>Hello. Ho, ho, ho.</p><p>- Thank you.</p><p>- Oh, it's okay.</p><p>Ho, ho, ho. Merry Christmas.</p><p>Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho. Merry Christmas.</p><p>Ho, ho. Hello. Come on up. Hi.</p><p>- Hi.</p><p>- Ho, ho, ho. What's your name?</p><p>- I'm Ella.</p><p>- Nice to meet you, Bella.</p><p>What would you like for Christmas?</p><p>I would like an iPhone.</p><p>An iPhone. Oh, my!</p><p>You know why Santa's</p><p>never going to die, Tom?</p><p>Why is that?</p><p>Because he's the poster child</p><p>for spending money at Christmas.</p><p>I mean, all of these stores</p><p>that sell toys and cards</p><p>and Lexuses with big bows on it</p><p>aren't going to let their point man go.</p><p>- Yeah.</p><p>- I mean, not when everyone</p><p>is counting presents</p><p>to see how happy their Christmas is.</p><p>- But what I'd really like is...</p><p>- Yeah? What's this?</p><p>Oh!</p><p>Companies are gonna do</p><p>what they're gonna do,</p><p>but thinking about that moment,</p><p>watching someone open the perfect present</p><p>and that look in their eyes.</p><p>That is just so awesome.</p><p>Yeah, but you don't have to believe</p><p>in Santa to gift one another.</p><p>Well, no, no, of course not.</p><p>Yeah. And shouldn't we be doing that</p><p>all year round?</p><p>Yes.</p><p>The thing about Christmas presents is,</p><p>they're always a surprise.</p><p>So I can't make any promises, okay?</p><p>- You understand? Okay.</p><p>- Mm-hmm.</p><p>Very good. Let's take a picture, okay?</p><p>Look at Sprinkles.</p><p>Ho, ho! Hello, Sprinkles.</p><p>Ho, ho, ho, ho.</p><p>Merry Christmas. Thank you so much.</p><p>- Thank you, Santa.</p><p>- Thank you, Santa.</p><p>- Thank you. Merry Christmas.</p><p>- Merry Christmas.</p><p>Hmm.</p><p>Thanks, Mom.</p><p>Aww.</p><p>Okay, so, what did you ask Santa for?</p><p>Not gonna tell.</p><p>Why?</p><p>It's between me and the big man.</p><p>Ho, ho, ho!</p><p>Okay, next question.</p><p>What are Santa's three rules</p><p>for making a great garden?</p><p>What are Santa's three rules</p><p>for making a great garden?</p><p>Ooh!</p><p>- You already got three?</p><p>- Already done. Trust me on this one.</p><p>Okay.</p><p>If you could see Santa,</p><p>that would prove it.</p><p>- So have you seen Santa?</p><p>- No.</p><p>No, you can't.</p><p>He's not going to come to your house</p><p>if you're up waiting for him,</p><p>trying to catch him</p><p>like he's trying to rob the place.</p><p>But if you can't prove it,</p><p>then why believe in him?</p><p>It's because you can't prove it</p><p>that you have to believe.</p><p>It takes faith</p><p>to believe in the unknowable.</p><p>Okay.</p><p>What if you're wrong?</p><p>I guess I'd rather be wrong</p><p>having faith in something wonderful</p><p>than wrong</p><p>because I didn't have any faith.</p><p>Answer coming through!</p><p>The three rules from Santa</p><p>for making a great garden:</p><p>ho, ho, ho!</p><p>Got it. Got it.</p><p>If you said that, you were right.</p><p>You got it. Congrats.</p><p>Still in the lead.</p><p>Next batch, please.</p><p>Watch fingers.</p><p>Perfect!</p><p>Boom.</p><p>One more batch?</p><p>That was the last batch, honey.</p><p>Just one more?</p><p>You already did your one more.</p><p>You did great, kiddo.</p><p>Here.</p><p>Now, go brush your teeth</p><p>and I will come and check on you.</p><p>Hmm.</p><p>How many more batches, Tom?</p><p>Uh, let's see,</p><p>I got six more ready to go in the oven,</p><p>and then about four more?</p><p>Enough dough for four more after that.</p><p>Oh. Okay.</p><p>Just, I got to make sure</p><p>I have enough for everyone on my list.</p><p>Your list? Right. Yeah.</p><p>Hey, did you ever find out</p><p>what Ella asked Santa for?</p><p>No, she wouldn't tell me,</p><p>but if I had to guess,</p><p>it starts with an "I"</p><p>and ends with a "phone."</p><p>Poor thing.</p><p>I have all kinds of things</p><p>that I think she'll really like.</p><p>Yeah, but it's still good</p><p>that she let Santa know what she wants.</p><p>Santa doesn't bring her any presents.</p><p>They come from me and Robert.</p><p>Not if she believes.</p><p>Um...</p><p>Maybe, could you not talk to Ella</p><p>about Santa anymore?</p><p>I think she's getting the wrong message.</p><p>That Santa Claus is real?</p><p>Yeah, that message.</p><p>So last week when I told her</p><p>Santa Claus was real,</p><p>you were fine with it</p><p>because you thought I was lying.</p><p>And now that it's the truth,</p><p>you don't like it.</p><p>I don't think it's the truth.</p><p>Well, don't rob Ella of her belief.</p><p>I'm not going to. I mean, not right now.</p><p>But there's gonna come a day,</p><p>and she's gonna ask,</p><p>and I'm gonna tell the truth...</p><p>I don't think it's fair for you</p><p>to put your lack of faith onto Ella.</p><p>Okay, Ella is my daughter, Tom.</p><p>Yes, that... You're right.</p><p>I don't really want</p><p>to make a big deal out of this.</p><p>- I am sorry.</p><p>- I just have to protect my kid.</p><p>I get it.</p><p>Tom, can you read me "The Grinch" tonight?</p><p>Oh, you know what? I gotta keep working.</p><p>But your mom can do it.</p><p>She's not as good at the Grinch voice.</p><p>- Huh?</p><p>- Well, thank you, but duty calls.</p><p>Fine.</p><p>Are you coming, Mom?</p><p>I'm not your mom. I'm the Grinch.</p><p>See?</p><p>I do.</p><p>Oh, I am the Grinch!</p><p>I am the Grinch! I am the Grinch!</p><p>That's not a Grinch thing.</p><p>Christmas.</p><p>If you're not on the bus, you're under it.</p><p>Oh my God.</p><p>I saw this and I thought of you.</p><p>It's...</p><p>great.</p><p>Um...</p><p>I'm gonna look so...</p><p>festive.</p><p>Yeah.</p><p>Ho! Ho! Ho!</p><p>Oh.</p><p>Ugh...</p><p>So how was work?</p><p>It was good. Busy.</p><p>- Is Ella still here?</p><p>- No, she left with Robert already.</p><p>I figured. I wanted to catch her,</p><p>because I put all my Christmas songs</p><p>on this flash drive for her.</p><p>- Yeah, well, you can give it to her later.</p><p>- Yeah.</p><p>Are we going to pound those</p><p>before you go get ready?</p><p>For what?</p><p>For the sleigh ride.</p><p>- Oh, that's tonight?</p><p>- Yeah.</p><p>I really thought you said it was Saturday.</p><p>No, tomorrow is the Christmas carol</p><p>sing-along.</p><p>The sleigh ride's tonight.</p><p>Oh, well, what if we just took a night off</p><p>from all things Christmas?</p><p>It's totally sold out.</p><p>So this is the only night we can go.</p><p>Yeah, but what if we didn't go?</p><p>I go every year.</p><p>Tom. Look at yourself. You're exhausted.</p><p>You can't keep burning</p><p>the Christmas candle at both ends.</p><p>I will be fine.</p><p>Okay. Well, I don't feel like going</p><p>and getting bundled up</p><p>to just freeze on a sleigh ride.</p><p>They have hot drinks,</p><p>and it's a pretty mild night.</p><p>- Okay, Tom...</p><p>- Once you get there,</p><p>you'll see it's really fun.</p><p>Okay, Tom, I said I don't want to go.</p><p>Yeah, but I planned on going.</p><p>So I feel like I really need to go.</p><p>Then go.</p><p>You're not coming?</p><p>I'm not.</p><p>Hey. You can't give up on Christmas now.</p><p>Okay, I'm not giving up, Tom.</p><p>I just need a break.</p><p>Christmas is a break.</p><p>This is when we all get</p><p>to be the better versions of ourselves.</p><p>Is that what this is?</p><p>The better version of Tom?</p><p>- Yes.</p><p>- All right, I thought so too.</p><p>Because I thought that you were,</p><p>you know, interrupting your work schedule</p><p>to make time to do Christmassy things</p><p>with me and Ella.</p><p>Well, now I realize that you</p><p>weren't making time for us.</p><p>You're making time for Santa.</p><p>Because it's a celebration.</p><p>No, Tom. It's an obsession.</p><p>It isn't all just joy and fun</p><p>and rainbows, okay?</p><p>To some of us,</p><p>it is empty rituals and broken promises,</p><p>and sometimes, Tom,</p><p>it really doesn't feel good.</p><p>Okay, when I was seven years old</p><p>I found a Barbie in my parents' closet.</p><p>It was supposed to be to me from Santa.</p><p>And when I told them about it,</p><p>they didn't give it to me.</p><p>They returned it and they blamed me</p><p>for ruining my own Christmas.</p><p>And Santa didn't show up again after that.</p><p>- I'm sorry.</p><p>- They put their precious rituals</p><p>ahead of that little girl's feelings.</p><p>And now it's happening again.</p><p>Oh.</p><p>Okay.</p><p>What can I do to make this okay?</p><p>You can't, Tom.</p><p>You can't just wave some magic</p><p>Christmas wand and make it all better.</p><p>We're just two very different people.</p><p>I don't think we should</p><p>keep seeing each other.</p><p>No, Lis.</p><p>That's not what I want.</p><p>I can't give you what you want, Tom.</p><p>So this is what I want.</p><p>Well, okay. Um...</p><p>You know what, this...</p><p>You can give that to Ella.</p><p>Tried so hard to give you more time </p><p>Because you were my crutch </p><p>From sleeping in time </p><p>I never should have</p><p>told Lisa about Santa.</p><p>That's not true, buddy.</p><p>It's part of who you are.</p><p>That would've killed you.</p><p>Well, not being with her</p><p>is killing me more.</p><p>What exactly did she say?</p><p>I ruined our...</p><p>That I ruined everything because of Santa.</p><p>Are those the word she used?</p><p>No, I mean not exactly. But...</p><p>I got the message.</p><p>Maybe it's not about you.</p><p>Maybe she has</p><p>her own issues with Christmas.</p><p>Well, it's too late now.</p><p>Hi, friends.</p><p>Welcome to our Christmas sing-along.</p><p>We're going to start with an old favorite,</p><p>"Jolly Old St. Nicholas."</p><p>And I want to hear everyone singing.</p><p>Lisa would've been</p><p>a much better fit for this.</p><p>Stop it.</p><p>Jolly Old St. Nicholas </p><p>Lend your ear this way </p><p>Don't you tell a single soul </p><p>What I'm going to say </p><p>- Christmas Eve is coming soon </p><p>- Christmas Eve is coming soon </p><p>Now, you dear old man </p><p>Whisper what you'll bring to me </p><p>Tell me if you can </p><p>- When the clock is striking 12:00... </p><p>- Hey.</p><p>You all right?</p><p>No.</p><p>Want to get out of here?</p><p>- Yeah.</p><p>- Yeah. Come on.</p><p>Mrs. Claus and I have decided</p><p>that this is going to be</p><p>the best Christmas ever.</p><p>Ho, ho, ho.Mer...</p><p>"How Christmas turned</p><p>my relationship into a lump of coal."</p><p>I came as fast as I could.</p><p>What is the emergency?</p><p>Hi, Sharon.</p><p>Robert had to leave the country</p><p>on assignment.</p><p>And the sled race is Sunday.</p><p>Oh boy. I have not built</p><p>a lot of cardboard sleds in my life.</p><p>I told my mom to call Tom,</p><p>but she called you.</p><p>Tom is busy this week.</p><p>How do you know? You didn't even ask him.</p><p>I just know.</p><p>Okay, well,</p><p>what if you just get into a box</p><p>and then just slide down the hill? Hmm?</p><p>Come in.</p><p>- Tom!</p><p>- Yahoo!</p><p>Ella! Hi! Oh, yeah.</p><p>- I missed you.</p><p>- I missed you, too.</p><p>- You got a project going?</p><p>- A big one.</p><p>Okay, let me look into it here.</p><p>Let me see what we got, Sharon.</p><p>Mm-hmm.</p><p>Oh my gosh!</p><p>This is so cool.</p><p>I love this.</p><p>Your place is awesome!</p><p>What's under that?</p><p>- Mmm.</p><p>- Uh, whoops.</p><p>How did this sheet get over Santa Claus?</p><p>- You like it?</p><p>- Wow. Does he do anything?</p><p>Great question.</p><p>Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho. Merry Christmas!</p><p>It's alive. Mm-hmm.</p><p>- Can we play with the train?</p><p>- Don't you have a project to do?</p><p>Yeah, and it's not good.</p><p>When is this race?</p><p>Sunday morning.</p><p>We're going to need a lot more duct tape.</p><p>What's this supposed to even look like?</p><p>Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.</p><p>Merry Christmas!</p><p>Good night, Jen.</p><p>Grant, do you have a minute?</p><p>You want to talk to me?</p><p>Well, this ought to be good.</p><p>Is this about</p><p>your delinquent Christmas article?</p><p>Delinquent. Big word.</p><p>Well, I am an editor.</p><p>Hmm.</p><p>- I don't think I can write it.</p><p>- Not an option.</p><p>Grant. You know, me.</p><p>You know I don't like Christmas.</p><p>Why would you assign me this?</p><p>Lisa, I didn't want someone</p><p>to just write an article</p><p>about tinsel and eggnog.</p><p>I wanted someone with a very interesting</p><p>take on this whole thing.</p><p>And that is you.</p><p>Now, you hate Christmas.</p><p>I know. I get it.</p><p>But the whole rest of the world doesn't.</p><p>So, how do you meet in the middle?</p><p>Is that all you got?</p><p>I chose you for this</p><p>because I have faith in you.</p><p>I know you'll find it.</p><p>- Hey.</p><p>- Hi!</p><p>Come on in.</p><p>Thank you for letting me come over.</p><p>Absolutely.</p><p>Whoa, that is delicious!</p><p>Brings back memories.</p><p>But I'll never be as good as my mom's.</p><p>Oh. I bet.</p><p>But I love it.</p><p>So...</p><p>Tom.</p><p>So... yeah.</p><p>Hmm.</p><p>I need some perspective.</p><p>How are you so okay with this?</p><p>You have to know, Tom was really worried</p><p>about telling you about Santa.</p><p>I mean, I knew Tom for three years</p><p>before he told me about him.</p><p>And I thought I kind of knew</p><p>everything there was about him,</p><p>and then he dropped this crazy bomb on me.</p><p>But it is crazy, though.</p><p>I thought so too at first.</p><p>But I don't want to judge him</p><p>on just this one thing.</p><p>I like being friends with him and...</p><p>I'm not saying it was easy</p><p>to have a friend believe in something</p><p>- that no one else over the age of 10 does.</p><p>- Right?</p><p>Then I thought about my life</p><p>as a Muslim in Denver, Colorado.</p><p>Most days, I'm surrounded by people</p><p>who don't believe the same things I do.</p><p>I see the look on some</p><p>of the people's faces</p><p>when they find out that I'm a Muslim.</p><p>As if my beliefs somehow</p><p>put me in the category of dangerous,</p><p>or evil, or weird,</p><p>or whatever</p><p>they associate that part of me with.</p><p>Once they put me in that box,</p><p>that's all I'm to them.</p><p>I'm sorry.</p><p>Thank you.</p><p>But Tom, he never did that to me.</p><p>He didn't care that my beliefs</p><p>were different from his, so...</p><p>How could I do that to him?</p><p>I hear what you're saying, Assan,</p><p>but Santa isn't religion.</p><p>The only difference</p><p>between religion and Santa</p><p>is that as we getolder,</p><p>religious grown-ups</p><p>tell us that our faith</p><p>was right all along.</p><p>But they don't have proof either.</p><p>They just tell us that the stories</p><p>we believe are true.</p><p>But with Santa, the grown-ups are there</p><p>to tell you that the stories are not true.</p><p>And Tom just chose</p><p>not to believe the grown-ups.</p><p>You're a good friend.</p><p>So is he.</p><p>Hey, buddy, what's up?</p><p>What time is The Nutcracker tonight?</p><p>I got to load up on caffeine</p><p>about 30 minutes before.</p><p>Oh, we are not going.</p><p>What?</p><p>Wait a minute, who is this?</p><p>Please put Tom on the phone.</p><p>I can't.</p><p>I've got to work on Ella's sled race.</p><p>She stayed way past her bedtime</p><p>and we still didn't finish it.</p><p>The greatest Mouse King</p><p>to ever grace the stage</p><p>at Woodbury Elementary</p><p>is going to skip attending The Nutcracker?</p><p>You know my mom wrote that review.</p><p>What about your schedule?</p><p>Assan, don't you know</p><p>that sometimes you have</p><p>to adjust your schedule</p><p>to consider other people's needs?</p><p>Hmm. That sounds like</p><p>some real wisdom, buddy.</p><p>One might even say genius.</p><p>How's it coming?</p><p>Still in the assembly phase right now.</p><p>Haven't had a chance to test anything.</p><p>The race is tomorrow, isn't it?</p><p>Not helping.</p><p>Remember: duct tape.</p><p>I'm hanging up now.</p><p>"Santy Claus, why are you</p><p>taking my Christmas tree? Why?"</p><p>Christmas.</p><p>Even the Grinch figured it out eventually.</p><p>Tom!</p><p>Hey, Ella!</p><p>- Hi.</p><p>- Hi.</p><p>The winning sled is ready to go.</p><p>- Did you add more duct tape?</p><p>- I put on every piece we had.</p><p>Here we go!</p><p>Did you borrow this from Santa Claus?</p><p>Ha-ha! No, but I did</p><p>get a little inspiration from him.</p><p>It looks great,</p><p>but we've never ridden in it before.</p><p>What if it falls apart?</p><p>What if?</p><p>You better give it a final inspection.</p><p>Okay, so I'm gonna head down</p><p>to the finish line, to get some pictures.</p><p>Good luck,y'all.</p><p>Stay warm.</p><p>Thank you for making time for this, Tom.</p><p>Ella is super excited.</p><p>She really loves it.</p><p>Well, it's the childlike wonder</p><p>that makes the magic.</p><p>Hmm.</p><p>Hey, I'm sorry</p><p>for putting Christmas before us.</p><p>I got a little crazy.</p><p>I wouldn't use the word "crazy."</p><p>But thank you.</p><p>- Inspection's all done, chief.</p><p>- And?</p><p>She passed with flying colors.</p><p>Whoo-hoo! All right, get in there.</p><p>Let's see how she feels.</p><p>What do you think?</p><p>- She feels perfect.</p><p>- Yeah.</p><p>All right, let's do it.</p><p>Good luck. You're gonna need it.</p><p>Oh, Freckles.</p><p>Now we got to win.</p><p>Okay, riders. Load in.</p><p>Family sled race starts in one minute.</p><p>- Are you gonna ride with us, Mom?</p><p>- You should.</p><p>I was just going to watch from up here.</p><p>- Come on.</p><p>- Yes, there's plenty of room.</p><p>Please, Mom.</p><p>Come on. I can help you.</p><p>I think you're gonna like it... ish.</p><p>All right, everyone squeeze up</p><p>to the front there.</p><p>I'm kind of eating my kneecaps here.</p><p>That's how she's designed.</p><p>Everything good up there, pilot?</p><p>Aye, aye, chief.</p><p>So how do we get started?</p><p>Oh, um...</p><p>Am I in time?</p><p>You are, just barely.</p><p>She just asked about you.</p><p>All right, when she says "go," you push us</p><p>and then we'll do the hard part.</p><p>Uh, pushing is the hard part.</p><p>Riders, take your mark.</p><p>All right, everyone heads down.</p><p>Roger that.</p><p>Tom, I really don't know about this.</p><p>It's going to be okay.</p><p>It's a leap of faith.</p><p>No, it's a leap off of a literal mountain.</p><p>See you on the other side.</p><p>Riders ready?</p><p>And go!</p><p>Here we go!</p><p>Whoa!</p><p>Ah, this is so scary!</p><p>One sled left to catch!</p><p>We got 'em!</p><p>We can catch them if we take the jump.</p><p>Lean right.</p><p>- Brace yourself!</p><p>- Ah!</p><p>It'll go faster in the air.</p><p>Oh my God!</p><p>No!</p><p>Ah!</p><p>Come on!</p><p>Yes!</p><p>- Oh!</p><p>- Yay!</p><p>- We did it! Yes we...</p><p>- We won!</p><p>Ah! They won!</p><p>- We won!</p><p>- Yeah! We won!</p><p>Yeah!</p><p>Okay! Cheese!</p><p>I pushed them.</p><p>How is the cocoa here at the lodge?</p><p>It's okay,</p><p>but not as good as yours.</p><p>Well, I'm gonna make you the cocoa</p><p>of champions when we get home</p><p>Oh, I'll be talking</p><p>about this team forever.</p><p>We're legend.</p><p>- Oh, yes, we are.</p><p>- Yes.</p><p>Well, couldn't have done it</p><p>without a little push from Assan.</p><p>Thank you, Assan.</p><p>Ahem, um, I would like</p><p>to say something to everybody.</p><p>You're going to stand now?</p><p>This is pretty important. Yeah.</p><p>- Here it comes.</p><p>- Okay.</p><p>Um, you all know that I love Christmas.</p><p>Understatement.</p><p>But this year I learned</p><p>that Christmas can come with challenges</p><p>as well as gifts,</p><p>and that it's the time of year to reflect.</p><p>But reflection can sometimes be painful.</p><p>But I know that I can embrace</p><p>whatever the season may bring.</p><p>And that it's spending time</p><p>with the people you love</p><p>that makes Christmas magical.</p><p>Not just decorations or holiday events.</p><p>Amen, brother.</p><p>Right.</p><p>Well, I want to say something too.</p><p>Oh, here it comes.</p><p>Yeah.</p><p>Um, well, you all know</p><p>I was a little reluctant about Christmas.</p><p>A little?</p><p>But, Tom, you have taught me</p><p>that it's not just</p><p>about strict traditions.</p><p>It can be fun again.</p><p>And there isn't always a Barbie</p><p>hiding in the closet to ruin everything.</p><p>- A what now?</p><p>- Don't stop her. She's on a roll.</p><p>Oh, okay.</p><p>Tom.</p><p>You did this thing for Ella.</p><p>Not because it was Christmas,</p><p>but because you love her and me.</p><p>And when we needed you most,</p><p>you were there all in.</p><p>And that's the kind of magic</p><p>that I want to believe in.</p><p>Aw.</p><p>Amen, sister.</p><p>And that thing</p><p>that I said the other night,</p><p>could I take that back?</p><p>Please. Yes. Please.</p><p>- I agree, yes, thank you.</p><p>- Mmm.</p><p>Called it.</p><p>Yeah, it didn't take a genius.</p><p>- But I have one more thing,</p><p>- Oh, but I had one more thing.</p><p>- Well, is your thing my thing?</p><p>- I don't know what your thing is.</p><p>- Maybe you just do your thing.</p><p>- You should do your thing.</p><p>Someone do their thing.</p><p>You do it. You do it, please.</p><p>Okay.</p><p>Tom, I don't ever want you</p><p>to lose your belief in Santa,</p><p>your love of Christmas.</p><p>Because you've taught me</p><p>how important it is</p><p>to believe in something</p><p>bigger than ourselves.</p><p>And something we can't prove.</p><p>And that every grown-up</p><p>should be able to tap into</p><p>that childlike wonder</p><p>that just makes life sweeter.</p><p>Oh.</p><p>Wait, they're not done yet.</p><p>Stay right there. Just gonna do my thing.</p><p>- It's a different thing.</p><p>- I knew it.</p><p>I made this list.</p><p>This is my wish list for Santa this year.</p><p>That's it.</p><p>This is everything I want.</p><p>It's us.</p><p>Ella, you are the coolest kid</p><p>I have ever met,</p><p>and I promise to always be your friend.</p><p>And Lisa.</p><p>I love you more than</p><p>I could even put into words.</p><p>So...</p><p>Instead, I am going</p><p>to take a leap of faith</p><p>that our love</p><p>and our future together</p><p>will be even bigger than Santa Claus.</p><p>Shut the front door.</p><p>Oh.</p><p>Lisa Ann Russell...</p><p>will you marry me?</p><p>I never expected my proposal</p><p>to include Santa Claus.</p><p>- Yes! Yes.</p><p>- Yes? Oh good.</p><p>Yes! Whoo!</p><p>Yes!</p><p>He is real.</p><p>What?</p><p>Santa is real.</p><p>That's what I asked him for.</p><p>That you and Tom would get married.</p><p>And now you're gonna.</p><p>You can't argue with logic like that.</p><p>Come here. Come here.</p><p>Give me some of that. Aw.</p><p>Oh!</p><p>Boom!</p><p>I did it! I am a man!</p><p>- Ooh! Oh my God, I am sweating.</p><p>- You feeling good? Yeah.</p><p>- Every part of me.</p><p>- Yeah.</p><p>Christmas.</p><p>Love it or dread it,</p><p>it's the one time of year</p><p>when everyone's on the same page.</p><p>Want to turn your house</p><p>into a temporary Mardi Gras celebration?</p><p>No need to worry</p><p>about your neighbors getting mad.</p><p>They'll turn out in droves</p><p>to admire it instead.</p><p>And a happy new year </p><p>Haven't seen your relatives in a while?</p><p>Ah!</p><p>Take those travel delays</p><p>in stride, friends,</p><p>because you're not the only ones</p><p>making a journey to reconnect.</p><p>For a short time, the pressures</p><p>and the deadlines of our fast-paced world</p><p>give way to traditions both old and new.</p><p>We wish you a Merry Christmas </p><p>We wish you a Merry Christmas </p><p>We wish you a Merry Christmas </p><p>And a happy... </p><p>It's Santa's Christmas.</p><p>He transcends country and religion.</p><p>He is unrivaled.</p><p>You either believe in him...</p><p>or you don't.</p><p>And we should never doubt the power</p><p>of taking our little leaps of faith.</p><p>Faith may be the last great universal</p><p>concept holding the whole world together.</p><p>Good tidings we bring to you... </p><p>"And besides,</p><p>a little magic never hurt anybody."</p><p>"Merry Christmas everyone."</p><p>Aw.</p><p>- Do you like it?</p><p>- I love it.</p><p>Mwah.</p><p>Well, everything's wrapped.</p><p>- Yeah.</p><p>- And we're ready for tomorrow.</p><p>It looks amazing.</p><p>Now we just have to go to bed</p><p>and see what Santa brings.</p><p>- Tom.</p><p>- Lisa.</p><p>You can believe that,</p><p>and I love you anyway.</p><p>And you cannot believe that,</p><p>and I love you anyway.</p><p>Hmm.</p><p>A whole crate of this waiting for you</p><p>- in my bedroom.</p><p>- Oh.</p><p>I love cilantro.</p><p>Wait for me!</p><p>We wish you a Merry Christmas </p><p>We wish you a Merry Christmas </p><p>Oh my gosh!</p><p>Yay!</p><p>Tom?</p><p>And a happy new year </p><p>Do you believe?</p><p>Christmas jumpers</p><p>And cocoa by the tree </p><p>You know I love you, Santa, baby</p><p>And you love me </p><p>Let's sing those carols together </p><p>And let this spirit last forever </p><p>This time, this year</p><p>I don't want to leave </p><p>Stick around</p><p>Christmas cheer easy to achieve </p><p>Santa's got something up his sleeve </p><p>'Cause let me tell you</p><p>This year, I believe </p><p>I'm so glad that you are here </p><p>Christmas wasn't even hard this year </p><p>I've got you and you've got me </p><p>So everybody listen</p><p>This year, I believe </p><p>Oh, I'm so glad that you're around </p><p>Guess who's on his way to town? </p><p>'Cause I've got you and you've got me </p><p>So everybody listen</p><p>This year, I believe </p><p>Christmas jumpers</p><p>And cocoa by the tree </p><p>You know I love you, Santa, baby</p><p>And you love me </p><p>Let's sing those carols together </p><p>And let this spirit last forever </p><p>This time, this year</p><p>I don't want to leave </p><p>Stick around</p><p>Christmas cheer easy to achieve </p><p>Santa's got something up his sleeve </p><p>'Cause let me tell you</p><p>This year, I believe </p><p>I'll be underneath the mistletoe </p><p>'Cause I'll be waiting for you</p><p>In the snow </p><p>With you and me and the Christmas tree </p><p>I'll be there with family </p><p>I'll be taking a Christmas ride </p><p>On a sleigh ride away tonight </p><p>You and me on Christmas Eve </p><p>'Cause I'll tell you</p><p>This year, I believe </p><p>Christmas jumpers</p><p>And cocoa by the tree </p><p>You know I love you, Santa, baby</p><p>And you love me </p><p>Let's sing those carols together </p><p>And let this spirit last forever </p><p>This time, this year</p><p>I don't want to leave </p><p>Stick around</p><p>Christmas cheer easy to achieve </p><p>Santa's got something up his sleeve </p><p>'Cause let me tell you</p><p>This year, I believe </p><p>I'll be underneath the mistletoe </p><p>'Cause I'll be waiting for you</p><p>In the snow </p><p>With you and me and the Christmas tree </p><p>I'll be there with family </p><p>I'll be taking a Christmas ride </p><p>On a sleigh ride away tonight </p><p>You and me on Christmas Eve </p><p>'Cause I'll tell you</p><p>This year, I believe </p>
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