♪
♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪
♪ jingle all the way. ♪
♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪
♪ in a one-horse open sleigh ♪
♪ Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells, ♪
♪ jingle all the way. ♪
♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪
♪ in a one-horse open sleigh. ♪
Don't step on them.
Wow.
They really do look like angels.
Told you.
Do you believe in angels?
Of course.
You make that sound like you've seen them before.
Like for real.
You don't have to see something to believe in it.
You don't see God, do you?
Are you cold?
Yeah.
Come on.
I think I lost my gloves again.
Do you know where they are?
We can share.
And put your other hand here.
I guess I should go back to my room.
Yeah, me too.
Wait, one more thing.
Nope.
I wasn't ready.
Ok.
[laughs]
Close your eyes.
Trust me.
Ok.
I'll see you tomorrow, ok?
Ok.
What time do you open your presents?
As early as possible.
But let's get together right after that, ok?
Ok.
Merry Christmas.
The best Christmas ever.
Best ever.
Mom?
Dad?
I'm really sorry but I lost my gloves again.
Mom?
Where is dad?
He um... he left, honey.
But he's coming back, right?
'Cause it's Christmas Eve and...
No.
No, Maggie.
I'm so sorry.
It's gonna be ok, Maggie.
Nothing's ever gonna be ok again.
Not ever.
Not even Christmas.
Let's get in the car, Maggie.
It's time to go.
Maggie, come on.
Don't stop believing, Maggie.
Best Christmas ever.
Believe in that.
Hey, Lauren, this is Maggie.
I got your message.
You sounded a little upset so I just wanted to call-
excuse me, sorry.
Sorry, I'm just leaving work right now.
Um, uh, I'm gonna pick up Jordan after school,
but I wanna talk to you.
Thank you.
So call me.
I hope you're ok.
How's my guy?
Hey, where's Miss Klein?
I don't know, but I'm starving.
Well, you're supposed to be chaperoned.
It's fine.
The other kids do it.
I don't care what the other kids do.
I have an agreement with the school.
Mom, I'm not a baby.
Oh, you think bad things only happen to babies?
Besides, it's fine.
I'm, like, starving to death.
Jordan, you're not, like, starving.
Ok?
You're hungry or you could be starving
if you wanna be dramatic but you're not, like, starving, ok?
It doesn't make any sense.
Come on.
Nope, this way.
Where are we going?
I wanna have a talk with Mrs. Deeley.
Mom, don't do this.
What?
I'm not gonna do anything.
I'm just gonna have a chat.
Maggie.
Mrs. Deeley, we had an agreement.
I can assure you, Miss Klein is very conscientious.
Who knows what could happen to him out there.
Our students are perfectly safe.
But I'll have a word with her anyway.
I appreciate that, it's just...
you can never be too careful.
I see that.
Well, thank you.
Before you go, I was gonna call you about something.
I wanted to ask you how Jordan is doing at home.
What do you mean?
It's nothing terrible,
he's just not living up to his potential.
I thought you might consider a tutor.
A tutor?
Why would he need a tutor?
He's falling behind a bit.
I mean, don't get me wrong, he's a smart boy.
He's just, uh, seems a little distracted.
Many of our students benefit from more focused one-on-one-
He doesn't need one-on-one with a stranger.
This is yesterday's math test.
Here's the name of someone we've had some good success with.
Um... you know, I- I just probably need to spend
a little more time with him, that's all.
It was just a thought.
And in the meantime, I hope you have a Merry Christmas.
Yeah, you too.
Thank you.
So what do you wanna do for Christmas break?
I don't know.
Well, I was thinking
maybe I would take a few days off of work
and maybe we could go to a museum or the library.
The library?
Yes, the library.
You know, education does not stop
just 'cause of some holiday, alright?
Every single day of your life is another step at
[together] forging your place in this world.
Don't be smart.
I can't help it.
I'm still dizzy from the starvation.
Well, guess what?
I have a surprise for you when we get home.
We're getting a real tree?
No.
No, they're a fire hazard.
You always say that.
Well, that's 'cause it's always true.
And plus they're dirty.
Guess again.
Uh, dad's coming home, right?
No.
Baby, dad's not coming home.
You know that.
But grams is coming into town.
What's that face for?
Is she staying until Christmas?
Yeah.
Staying the whole two weeks.
Oh, I bet the first thing she's gonna say
when she sees me is "look how much you've grown".
[laughs]
So is what she's gonna say.
Ok, buckle up.
Oh, look how much you've grown.
My goodness, like a little weed.
A little weed?
Mom.
Hi, hon.
Good to see you.
You too.
How was your trip in?
Well, it wasn't exactly zippy.
Yeah, all that holiday craziness.
I just love it.
Well, it gave me lots of time to look at all the lights.
I just love Christmas in the city.
Me too.
With Christmas trees.
I heard that.
Here you go.
Did you think that you were going to the Arctic Circle?
We have heat.
Well, it doesn't hurt to be prepared.
You know what?
I brought you something.
Now, let me find it.
Oh no.
Here we are.
A little San Diego Christmas for your tree.
Awe.
Thank you.
Look at that.
Santa's surfing.
How cool.
Did you put up a tree?
Yeah.
A fake one.
Mom thinks the real ones are dirty.
Maggie, that is the silliest thing I've ever heard.
You know what?
Hey baby, will you find somewhere to put these?
Mom, I'm sure we should get you settled in, right?
I bet you're exhausted.
Come on.
What do you have in this thing?
Not much.
Ok guys, thank you.
Alright, so I need a couple days.
Maybe three.
Is there anything you can move around?
Well, you've got a meeting
with the Blackwell's attorney later today.
Uh, yeah.
I think I can reschedule that.
That way I can pick up Jordan after lunch.
But you've got the partner's meeting at 4:00.
Oh, I forgot about that.
And you're in court every day the rest of the week.
Are you kidding?
You have some open days after the first.
That's not gonna work.
Oh, and your friend Lauren has called twice.
[sighs]
Ok, alright.
Um, just call Lauren back and set up a meeting for whenever.
Ok.
And you wanted me to remind you about the tutor.
Yes, yes, yes.
Thank you.
Oh, and Maggie?
Breathe.
Thanks.
Yes sir.
Alright, which tree can I interest you in?
Alright.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Merry Christmas.
Something like this?
It's one of a kind, it's made from antique linens
that have been naturally colored with flowers.
The yellow is from calendula and the pink is from amaranth.
It's gorgeous.
Yeah.
Take a look.
And it's for a good cause.
The women that make it,
they run a cancer clinic up in Vermont, so...
Merry Christmas.
Hi.
Uh, I'm trying to reach Casey Cummins.
Sorry, it's really noisy in here.
I was actually trying to reach,
uh, Mr. Cummins, the tutor.
That is me.
And I tutor a number of kids at the Brownley school.
Yeah, that's- that's where my son, Jordan, goes.
He actually needs a little help with math.
Oh.
Ok, great.
How old's Jordan?
Um, do you take credit cards?
Um, sorry, Maggie was it?
Maggie Wright.
Uh, do you mind terribly if I call you back?
It's just really hectic where I am.
Uh, yeah, that's- that's fine.
In fact, you know what?
Let me just call you back later.
Sure.
Yeah, you can call me.
Um, or if you prefer you can stop by and uh,
meet me in person.
Uh, I have a diner.
It's at 221 Maple Lane.
Ok.
Uh, well then, Mr. Cummins, I will call you back later.
Ok, bye.
I'm so sorry about that.
You wanna buy it?
Mmmhmm.
Great choice.
So how did he sound?
Distracted.
Definitely didn't sound like a tutor.
And what exactly does a tutor sound like?
I don't know.
I think he owns some sort of a diner.
Ok.
He's got two jobs.
He sounds enterprising.
[sighs]
I don't know.
Mom, I don't know.
If Jordan needs more attention that's my job.
You know?
What do I know about this guy?
I have his number and address, that's it.
I'm gonna send my kid off to some stranger?
How about this?
While you're at work tomorrow I'll stop by his place
and check him out.
Ok?
Sweetheart, you can't keep Jordan hermetically sealed.
You gotta trust something.
Why?
Honey, what's gotten into you?
I'm sorry.
You know, it's just... Christmas.
It's ok.
I'll call him.
I'll call him again, alright?
Dear God.
How does snow happen?
Two.
Can you read human words?
(Maggie): Jordan...
Baby, where are you?
Jordan!
Hey, little man.
It's time to go to bed.
I don't think so.
Oh, I think you do think so.
But what if time just shifted?
What do you mean?
Like what if something just happened out there
and it's not the time they really think it is?
Like Daylight Savings Time?
Yeah, no, not buying it.
Sorry, kiddo.
I need you to get a good night's sleep
because you and grams
are gonna go on a little adventure tomorrow.
A fun one or a boring one?
'Cause yesterday she took me to the grocery store.
Bo-ring.
I can promise you it's not gonna be boring.
It's gonna be fun.
You're gonna meet somebody new and if you like him
then we'll talk about it.
Talk about what?
About school and stuff.
That doesn't sound like an adventure.
In fact, that doesn't even sound like fun.
Do you know what being too smart for your own good is?
Hmm?
'Cause that's what you are.
[giggles]
Listen, I'll meet you upstairs,
I'll tuck you in, ok?
Yeah.
Alright.
Three.
Can you make my mom like Christmas?
♪ Joy to the world, ♪
♪ The Lord is come, ♪
♪ Let earth receive her king, ♪
Hey, guys.
Merry Christmas.
Hey.
Morning, Billy.
Morning, Casey.
What'd you do, sleep here?
I would if I slept.
I had to re-stock everything it's been so busy.
You want the usual?
Yeah.
Alright.
Man, I love this time of year.
Maybe we should keep the pop-up open all year round.
That would kinda defeat the concept of pop-up,
don't you think?
Besides, Christmas in July?
I'm not so sure.
Hey, Christmas every day of the year?
That's my kind of a world.
Yeah, that's a lot of work for us.
Yeah, you're probably right.
Alright, here you go, brother.
Thank you.
Yeah.
Morning, love.
I carry your heart.
Maggie.
Hi Tanner.
Did you get my message?
Uh, yeah, I left you a message when you were in court.
How did your settlement hearing go?
Please, no.
You wanna talk about the law?
I wanna talk about that perfume you're wearing.
You like it?
Like, a lot.
Well, you should, because you bought it for me.
I love a generous man.
I should clone me.
Yeah, I think one of you is probably enough.
Hey, can I take you for dinner tonight?
Oh, you know what?
My mom is in town.
I can't.
I'll take her, too.
How about the whole family?
It's time I met Jordan, don't you think?
Uh, how about I call you after lunch?
Ok. I'll be waiting...
Good idea getting hot chocolate.
Yeah.
Hey, grams?
When you were younger,
did you have electricity or did you have to light candles?
We had to light candles.
And sometimes it would scare the dinosaurs.
Yeah, right.
[laughs]
You know I'm just kidding you.
Of course we had electricity.
What do you wanna be when you grow up?
I'm gonna be an inventor.
Ok, that's a good thing to be.
Like my dad.
Well, your dad isn't exactly an inventor.
He represents inventors,
like when they need a patent or they have to sue someone.
He doesn't invent things?
Uh-uh.
So do you think about your dad often?
I don't know.
I kinda forgot what he looks like.
You know, let's continue on our adventure, shall we?
I think we shall.
[laughs]
Thank you.
Jordan, look.
Wow.
Christmas trees!
Hey, wait for me!
Hey.
How're you guys doing?
Good.
Wow.
I got, uh, this big guy here,
I got some more in the back.
You guys are free to take a look if you like.
They're beautiful.
Yeah.
Absolutely beautiful.
[knocking]
Excuse me, Maggie?
Your 11:00 is here.
Yeah, thank you.
Lauren.
Oh, what's going on?
I need you to represent me.
It's Charlie.
He wants a divorce.
What?
Oh, Lauren.
Come on.
I can't believe it.
Here have a seat.
So, are you sure?
It hasn't been great for a while.
I'm shocked.
Has he hired a lawyer?
Ok, well I need you to find out.
I mean, at least that'll let us know how serious he is.
And if he has someone on retainer
then I want to know who it is.
I just can't believe this is happening.
At Christmas.
Yeah.
I know how that feels.
Does it get better?
No, you know what?
I am not gonna sit here and lie to you.
Lauren, no, it- it doesn't get better.
It doesn't get easier.
Sometimes I think the most dangerous words you can hear
a man say are "I think I'm falling in love with you".
You know, because then it's like we let our guard down
and we let hope in and then we see this perfect happy
little life all laid out in front of us and...
And ten years later you're sitting in an attorney's office
asking for help.
Yeah.
Oh, I am sorry.
Thanks for your help, buddy.
No problem.
Alright.
Uh-huh.
Oh you- down this way?
Yes.
It was nice of you to let him help out.
Jordan's wild about Christmas trees.
We were more or less in the neighborhood
so I thought I'd stop in and get to know you a bit.
My daughter called you about tutoring the other night.
Oh.
Maggie.
Yes.
I remember, of course.
So you split your time between tutoring and all of this?
Oh, well this is just a new thing we're trying this year.
It's a sort of pop-up Christmas thing.
It's just temporary.
That's a fun idea.
My, uh, wife and I started a school a number of years ago.
A school?
Yeah.
Up in Vermont.
Some of our neighbors were quilters.
Oh.
Oh, this is magnificent.
Is that a poem stitched into it?
Yeah.
"Here is the deepest secret nobody knows.
"Here is the root of the root, the bud of the bud,
"and the sky of the sky of a tree called life.
"I carry your heart.
"I carry it in my heart."
E. E. Cummings.
I can't believe this hasn't sold.
Oh, uh... no, this was a... it was a wedding gift.
Anyway, we sold the school a number of years ago.
I came down here to New York and started tutoring.
I uh, bought the diner as a way to make some extra cash.
Still stay flexible.
One thing lead to another and, well, here we are.
Would you excuse me for a minute?
Yeah, sure.
Thanks.
Hey, I noticed you back there.
Haha, look at you go.
Yeah, just throw that right there, Jordan.
Oh, special delivery.
I wonder who here could help me unload
some of these freshly cut Christmas trees?
Can I?
I mean, may I?
I mean, please?
Better go ask the boss.
Ok.
Don't slip!
Grams! Grams!
There's a hundred thousand million trees outside,
can I please help unload them?
Please?
I don't know, you're gonna have to ask Casey.
Please?
Well, it's- it's ok with me.
It might take a while though,
so I'm happy to watch him if you want.
It would be a chance for us to get to know each other a bit better?
Exactly.
Well, maybe I'll go make some Christmas calls.
I'll be right around the corner.
Ok.
Yes!
Now make sure you listen to Casey, ok?
Let's unload some trees.
Let's go.
Alright, big guy.
Here's your first tree.
Put this in the pile with the firs.
Nice.
Oh, look at you.
Ok, this one's a bit bigger.
Alright, here it comes.
You got it?
Careful.
Oh!
Oh, man.
That was so cool!
I thought I was getting swallowed by the tree.
Can we do that again?
(Both): No.
Oh...
Hey, did you hurt your arm?
Ah...
Maybe?
Alright, that's enough trees for today.
Yeah.
Let's get outta here.
Ok.
If there's a fly in a car that's going 50 miles per hour
is the fly also going 50?
That is an excellent question, and Galileo asked himself
the exact same thing.
Except, of course, they didn't have cars.
But when the car just stops does the fly just run
into the window like BAM?
Exactly.
Bam.
That is the relativity principle.
But if they didn't have any cars,
how did they get anywhere?
Well, um... they had horses and they walked,
and some of them even rode camels.
Camels?
Mmmhmm.
Hey, baby, are you ok?
I told you, it's just a little bruise.
Did you know that if there's a fly inside a car
that's going 50 miles an hour then the fly-
What- what fly?
The one inside the car.
What car?
You must be Maggie.
He was in a car?
No, we were discussing Galileo and- hi,
I'm Casey.
Hi.
Are you sure you're ok?
He's fine.
He's fine, it's just a little bruise.
It was like I was being swallowed up by Christmas trees.
It was so cool.
What were you doing?
He was a really big help.
We were unloading trees.
Weren't we, bud?
Exactly.
So, you must be Jordan.
I had to drive around the corner to find parking.
Um... uh, mom, uh, Jordan, this is Mr. Ryan.
It's nice to finally meet you.
And Jordan, I've been looking forward to meeting you
for a long time.
Um, nice place.
Tanner Ryan.
You are?
Uh, my friends call me Casey.
Nice to meet you.
Right.
So you fell on your arm, huh?
Your mom was real worried.
No, I'm good.
Well, I am famished.
Can you recommend a good place for us for dinner?
Um, there's a great Italian restaurant just down the way.
Who's hungry?
Come on, baby.
Bye.
See ya.
Bye.
Those are pretty cool, huh?
Yeah.
Hand made by a local artist.
That one's my favorite.
Jordan, baby, come on.
We're all waiting on you.
Ok.
It's freezing out there.
Yeah.
Bye.
Have a good dinner.
Bye.
I mean, so much for fiduciary responsibility, right?
So then I ask him, how do you say
"see you in court" in Mandarin?
[laughs]
Uh, it was really nice of you to take us all out, Tanner.
Well, what can I say?
My mother raised a gentleman.
Yes, she did.
Thank you.
I thought it went pretty well.
Meeting Jordan and all.
Yeah... I just feel like he was a little quiet tonight.
Ah.
Kids get over that.
Your mom's a hoot.
[laughs] Yeah.
It was fun.
The whole night.
Very generous of you, per usual.
Maggie?
Early Christmas wish.
I wanna spend as much time with you as possible.
What?
That's a good wish, right?
Yeah.
Goodnight, Tanner.
Goodnight.
[sighs]
I didn't know you were seeing someone.
No, it's... it's not really public yet.
What, and I'm the public?
No.
Honey, you can talk to me.
That's not what I meant, mom.
I just- I just mean- I don't-
I don't know how I feel, you know?
In fact, I don't even know how I'm supposed to feel anymore.
It's been so long.
Well, Tanner seems like a lovely man.
He's handsome, confident, and uh, he certainly
understands your world.
No, I know, I know, he's great.
It's just... I don't know.
It's more like we work in the same building, you know?
Maybe it's out of convenience.
I don't know.
Maybe I'm just gun shy.
Honey, you don't wanna live the rest of your life alone.
I mean, you get back in the saddle.
You didn't after dad left.
Honey, that's different.
How?
Well, we're not talking about me.
You, on the other hand, can find love again.
You can be happy.
You know, mom.
To be completely honest with you,
the last time I was really happy was when I was 13 years old,
and I remember it like it was yesterday.
It was when we were in Tahoe and I got my first kiss
from that sweet boy who gave me his glove.
I was really happy.
You know, I remember what that felt like in my heart and it-
and it was real.
And I remember thinking to myself...
maybe this is what love is, you know?
Maybe this is what it feels like.
Do you know I still remember his name?
Really?
Yes, I do.
His name was Kade.
Kade.
Yeah.
I don't know how or why I do but I... I do.
And then dad left that Christmas Eve.
And Randall left three years ago, a week before Christmas.
And I spend every single day of my life dealing with sad people
who's romantic vows have just blown up in their face.
Maggie, it's-
And you know what?
Listen, mom, it's not just about me, ok?
It's about Jordan, too.
I can't let him go through that again.
I'm- I'm fine, you know?
I can deal with it but I'm not gonna put that on my boy.
Not again.
Well, just don't close yourself off is all I'm asking.
You're still young.
Were you always obsessive with the folding?
Rolling?
Whatever that is?
What?
I have a system, it works,
which you are clearly not following.
I didn't know you were such a control freak.
I'm not a con- it- it's just- it...
they don't wrinkle like this.
Ok.
I'm not a control--.
God, are all moms sad all the time?
She pretends she's not, but I know she is.
And what's the difference between being mad
and being worried?
God, for Christmas, can you make my mom happy?
Did you make your bed?
Mmmhmm.
Good.
Thank you.
You and Grams are going out today.
Yeah.
We're going to the museum.
I know.
Did you charge your phone?
Mmmhmm.
Mom, is Casey gonna be my tutor?
What?
I heard you and Grams talking.
Gotcha!
[laughs]
Morning, sweetheart.
Morning.
Morning, mom.
Here's the coffee.
Thank you.
Grams, is Casey gonna be my tutor?
Hey, eat your food.
Well, do you want him to be?
He seems like a nice guy.
Yeah, I liked him.
A lot.
He likes him.
Yeah, but I don't know anything about him.
Well, he and his wife are educators,
they ran a school in Vermont,
and he comes highly recommended by Jordan's teacher.
Obviously he's responsible.
Oh, he's obviously responsible?
Ten minutes alone with my son and he's already injured.
You're being so dramatic.
Jordan was just doing what kids do.
Yeah.
Please, mom?
I mean, how often does a kid beg to have a tutor?
You guys are ganging up on me.
Alright, I'll think about it.
Yay.
No yay, ok?
I said I'd think about it.
I'm gonna leave you all these dishes, ok?
Yep.
[laughs]
ho.
Hey.
Thanks for lugging that thing up here.
You're doing me a favor.
Nobody but you would want this pitiful thing.
Look at this thing.
Pitiful?
Don't you listen to him.
You are beautiful and unique.
Talking to trees now?
That's not good.
[phone ringing]
Uh, you got this?
Yeah, I got it.
Go ahead.
Hello, this is Casey.
Hi, Casey.
This is Maggie again.
Is it a good time to talk now?
Oh, yeah.
This is a great time.
Listen, I want to apologize again for alarming you
the other night.
That's ok. He's doing better now.
Good.
I'm glad to hear that.
Actually, I was just calling to see if we could find a time
to meet up to talk about tutoring Jordan?
Oh, yeah.
Of course.
When's a good time to meet?
3:30 tomorrow?
Uh, unfortunately I can't meet
during the day though, I'm sorry.
Oh, uh... why don't you come over for dinner?
7:30.
I'll cook.
Yeah.
Yeah, that actually-
that works fine.
Are you sure?
Yeah, of course.
It's no big deal at all.
Ok.
Alright, I'll see you then.
I'll text you my address.
Ok.
Bye.
So you invited her over for dinner?
Yeah.
You know, she works all day and restaurants are so noisy,
so I thought I'd cook.
Yeah.
I guess you're making some of that fancy pasta
Yeah, maybe.
Mmmhmm.
So in that case, can I come too?
No, you cannot.
[laughs]
That's what I thought.
You got this?
I got it.
Alright.
Thanks for your help.
Yeah, man.
[knocking]
Hi.
Come on in.
Thank you.
Excuse the mess, I'd say it isn't always like this
but that would be a momentous lie.
Make yourself at home.
I've just got something in the oven.
Wow, it smells amazing in here.
Oh, come on.
You didn't have to go through all this trouble.
Oh, no trouble at all.
It's what I do.
Here, sit.
Thanks.
Do you chop?
Well, I can chop my way through a take-out container,
does that help?
What're you making?
Ah, pasta caponata.
It's my mother-in-law's speciality.
How do you feel about spice?
What about that question makes me think
it's a character test?
Here.
Have a taste.
Mmm.
Just a little more spice and you got it.
A little more spice.
It's really good.
How do you think children learn?
Well, I think most kids are natural learners.
They're too...
they're too independent to be told what to do.
I mean, sit down, stay still,
learn your multiplication tables?
It's boring.
Yeah.
They know it, we know it.
The way I teach is more organic.
I like that.
And by the way, whatever you're doing,
it's working because Jordan is still talking about
the fly inside the car.
The relativity principle.
He's a good kid.
Yeah, he is.
So I would love for you to start working with him
if you could, maybe over the Christmas break?
Absolutely.
But it is the busiest time of the year for us so as long
as you are cool with him just hanging out with me there?
I mean, making change is a great way for him
to learn math skills.
Yeah.
Yeah, I'm ok with that.
Great.
Um, and what about your wife?
Will she be working with him as well?
Uh, my wife, Amy, passed away three years ago.
She had cancer.
Oh.
I'm um...
I'm sorry.
That's ok.
Life doesn't always follow a guide book.
But the heart heals, right?
If it didn't we'd never make it past the age of 13
or whatever age it is that we first have our hearts broken.
We move on.
So do you have your phone?
Yeah.
And it's all charged?
Mmmhmm.
Casey's waiting for me.
Ok, go on.
But your mom's picking you up at 3:00, ok?
Hey, Jordan.
Yeah?
Be good.
Why do you always say that?
Because if I told you in the middle of all these people
that I love you, you'd get all embarrassed.
Grams.
[laughs]
I knew it.
Hey, Billy.
Hi.
Hey.
What's goin' on, man?
You good?
Yeah.
You're in good hands.
Yeah.
You ready to work?
Yeah.
That's my man.
Ok, you ready to do some work?
Mmmhmm.
I need to do some inventory,
so I gotta figure out how many ornaments I've got.
So in each box you count out the number of ornaments
and then we multiply that number
by the number of boxes for each unit.
Ok.
One, two, three, four.
Hey, Casey?
Uh-huh?
Does God read human words?
What's that?
Like, human words.
Like prayer?
No, like if someone wrote him a letter.
Would he be able to understand it?
God would understand.
How many?
Uh, 27.
Hmm, you sure?
28.
There you go.
Oh, well, in letters then, is it Mr. God or Dear God or...
You know what?
I don't think God is that particular.
God must get a lot of letters.
Oh yeah.
Uh, 16 here, plus 28, 44.
Very good.
Well, how do you know he reads all of them?
How do you know he doesn't lose some?
You just know.
That's what faith is.
I guess so.
Yeah.
Time for threes.
One, two, three...
Sorry about this, I wanted to have a real lunch
but my schedule got all squeezed together
and I have to pick up Jordan at 3:00.
Thank you, Martha.
Yeah.
Did I tell you I got him a tutor?
Hmm.
Yeah.
Oh, is this ok?
Fine.
It's- it's all fine.
I'm trying not to sweat the small stuff.
That way I can save my energy for my life.
It is falling apart.
Oh, come on.
Your life's not gonna fall apart.
You have me!
By the way, did you find out if Charlie engaged a lawyer?
He has.
Yeah?
Did you find out who?
I just got a name, that's all.
Ryan.
Tanner Ryan.
He hired Tanner?
What does that mean?
That means scorched earth.
Maggie, I work at a law firm.
I take clients on.
Oh, come on, Tanner.
You don't have to take every single client.
And you knew his wife was my friend.
And you're gonna represent her?
Against you?
I know how you fight.
You're going to have them hating each other
and you're just going to drag it out forever.
Think of the billable hours.
Billable hours?
Tanner, these are people.
They have kids.
I'm sorry.
I was joking.
Not funny.
Come on.
You're the toughest attorney I know.
I don't know why you're being so sentimental here.
Think of how many divorces you've handled.
This isn't personal here.
This is just business.
Tanner, these are people.
They're not billable hours.
Sometimes I wish I could live just right there
inside this little dome where everything is safe and quiet.
Oh, thank you.
These are wonderful.
What does this one say?
"Merry Christmas from the North Pole".
That's a good one.
Collecting these things for years.
Yeah?
You're right.
There's something about how the whole universe is just frozen
in a globe.
Hmm.
You know, the first thing I ever bought was a snow globe.
Really?
I still have it.
You do?
Yeah.
Is it- it's not one of these?
No, it's at home in a box.
Too special.
Mmm.
Hey, thank you.
For what?
For Jordan.
You know, in just a few days you have made such a difference
with that kid.
He's talking about percentages.
He's a good kid.
And he's asking me about Galileo.
I don't know anything about Galileo.
What is it, gravity?
No, not gravity.
That's Newton.
See?
That's why he needs you.
Not me.
[bell rings]
Woah.
I don't wanna go back out there.
We might go back out to do a couple more trees.
Let's go.
Ok.
What?
Would you be interested in joining me
on the Christmas stroll?
Christmas stroll?
Yeah, it's an annual thing we do here on Main Street.
All the shops shut down and people stroll.
We hand out cocoa and cider and Jordan asked me
if I would ask you to come.
Mmm.
What's that?
Yeah.
Yeah, that kid.
He knows how to get what he wants.
Well, I mean, it's a lot of fun.
There's lights and Christmas music.
Yeah, we just...
we don't really make that big a deal of Christmas.
Because?
It's complicated.
Ok.
Well, it doesn't have to be a Christmas stroll, it can be...
exercise.
Exercise?
And no caroling.
No.
No caroling.
Mmm-mmm.
Alright.
Deal. I'm in.
[clink]
And I'll teach you about Galileo.
Oh, yes.
Mmmhmm.
I was hoping you'd say that.
Mmmhmm.
Ok, so he was a father of science.
Yep.
He was also the father of observational astronomy.
Thank you.
And physics.
Galileo got around, huh?
Yeah, he wrote about mathematics and engineering.
He invented the thermoscope,
and he wrote about your favorite topic,
the relativity principle.
Ah, the fly inside the car.
See?
I was listening.
Yes, he discovered Jupiter's satellites and Saturn's rings
and he wrote about the heliocentric universe,
which is the idea that the earth rotates around the sun
and not the other way around.
It's crazy, I never knew any of this.
And for our next lesson I will teach you all about
Isaac Newton.
Oh.
And what might I ask, dear sir,
do I owe for all of these private lessons?
Hmm.
A home-cooked meal.
[laughs]
Oh, are you serious?
Well, how bad is your cooking?
It's bad.
Gosh.
I don't wanna get sick.
Oh, stop it.
It's not that bad.
Hey, look.
Awe.
Yeah. I like it. I like it.
So sweet.
So the Christmas stroll wasn't that bad of an idea, huh?
Yeah, not that bad of an idea.
So... dinner, your place?
Yes?
You're a brave man.
Brave man, Mr. Cummins.
Uh, no.
It's around here somewhere, I just uh...
definitely not there.
Uh, I don't- I don't really cook that much- excuse me.
I don't cook at all.
Um... ah.
There we go.
Sauce pan.
Ok, this is a sauté pan.
A sauce pan is um... excuse me.
Oh, sorry, sorry, sorry.
Right... this is a sauce pan.
They look exactly alike.
What's the difference?
Wow, you are a disaster.
'Cause you don't know the difference.
I know the difference.
Oh, and this foreign object, my friend, is called a knife.
I know what a knife is.
Ok then you can mince this for me.
Of course, yeah.
I can do that.
Excuse me.
Yeah.
What?
No, take your time.
We can eat next week.
Well, if you keep that up you're not gonna eat at all.
You stay right there.
I got this.
I know how to mince.
I don't know why law school.
I guess it just seemed like a good idea at the time.
[laughs]
You know, I wanted to believe that things made sense,
you know?
And that laws created some sort of order in life
and that if you could understand the laws
then you could understand human nature.
How's that working out for you?
[laughs]
Yeah, I know, right?
Thanks.
Anyway, after a while there was no turning back and voila.
Here I am, a lawyer.
[ding]
Oh, perfect timing.
Jordan and my mom should be back any second.
Alright.
Oooh.
Oh, wow.
Look at this!
Look at what I made.
Well, I mean, look what I watched you make.
But I'm stealing the credit.
Steal away.
Kitchen, meet your first roast chicken.
[laughs]
You're amazing.
Hey, guys.
We're home.
Hey, peanut.
How was the movie?
Who made that?
Uh, your mom.
Oh... well, I mean, you helped a little bit.
[laughs]
Hey, come here.
Wow.
Ok.
This looks amazing.
Shall we?
We shall.
And 30 cents is your change.
And your receipt.
That makes 30.
Thank you.
Hey.
You working hard, big guy?
Yes, boss.
Alright, great.
I think I have the perfect gift idea for your mother-in-law.
Oh, great.
Yeah, it's over here.
Oh, I love that one.
Yeah, it's good, right?
[chatting]
Hey!
Mom, no PDA.
Ok, alright.
I'm sorry.
That counts, too.
Alright, I won't do anything else.
Hey, listen.
Grams is out in the car.
I'll meet you out there?
Ok.
Oh, your jacket, right there.
Thank you.
See you next time, buddy.
See ya.
Hey.
So, how'd it go?
He is doing great.
Doing percentages in his head, really getting confident.
What?
Yeah.
Oh, thank you.
I just can't thank you enough.
Ok, well, I'll talk to you later.
Hey, um... I'm...
I'm gonna put myself out on a limb here a little bit,
but I was wondering if maybe you'd be uh, interested in um,
I- I know this great place and I thought that maybe you uh,
would like to uh...
Go on a date?
Yes, a date.
I was going to get there eventually.
[laughs]
Um, are you free on Friday?
Fri- oh, Friday night I have this um,
this office Christmas party thing.
I would love to get out of it but I can't.
Ok.
Um, Thursday night?
Thursday I actually have a date.
Yeah, it's um, it's with this guy who owns a diner and uh,
his schedule's kinda been all over the place,
but he did give my son a job so I was just thinking maybe-
Wow.
You have a little mean streak in you, don't you?
Mean streak?
I prefer to call it a playful streak.
Playful?
Yeah.
So, Thursday, 7:00?
Perfect.
Great.
I'll pick you up.
Ok.
Here, let me uh...
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Amy loved Christmas.
She especially loved putting up decorations.
And every year she would go all out.
But eventually Amy got too sick.
The cancer spread.
So we decided to sell the school and move down here.
And we were ready to fight and she fought and fought.
Sometimes you lose the fight.
I'm so sorry.
In the beginning, it was day by day.
Sometimes you can't breathe.
And then eventually...
do you know that expression
"life's a river and it carries you into your future
whether you wanna go or not"?
Hmm.
And one day you look up and realize years have passed
and you are way, way down the river,
and you see that the sun is shining, and you go on.
You go on.
So that's my story and here I am.
Well thank you for trusting me enough to share it with me.
And also thank you for taking me to this place
because it's beautiful.
Yeah.
The owners do something different every year.
They never fail to impress.
I love these blue lights.
And this.
Look at this fire.
Can I just stay here?
Listen.
Do you hear that?
Hear what?
The crackle.
You can tell the age and kind of wood by how it crackles.
What?
Really. Listen.
I heard it.
[phone ringing]
Oh. Sorry.
It's ok.
I should put this thing on mute.
Um, I have to take this.
Yeah, of course.
Tanner?
I dropped him.
Your friend's husband.
Lauren?
I told Charlie he needed to find another attorney.
Thank you, Tanner.
Thank you.
In fact, I told him he should consider taking a breather.
Not rush into things.
Give his marriage another chance.
I don't know what to say.
I mean, what in the world made you...
You did.
Maggie, you and me, that's all that matters to me.
Tanner, I've gotta call you back, ok?
Alright.
I picked myself up from divorce and right
when I think I've got my bearings
and I think my life is gonna be ok
another curve ball is thrown at me
and then I'm right back where I started.
Maggie, are you listening to any of this?
Yeah, yeah.
Of course I'm listening.
So what should I do?
Charlie says he wants to come back.
He wants to try to give the marriage another chance.
Can I believe him?
Should I take him back?
I feel so... I know what it is.
I don't know if I trust my own judgment.
I- I don't know.
Well, that's helpful.
Look, all I'm saying is that we could sit
and write all these facts down here on this legal pad
but what is that gonna tell us?
Ok?
It's gonna tell us that life is one big giant roller coaster
and that the most important decisions that we make?
They're not even based on facts.
We're guided by the spaces in between the facts, you know?
Instinct and- and faith.
My best legal advice to you is not even legal at all.
What does your heart tell you to do?
And better yet, do you have the fortitude
to take your chances on the roller coaster?
[knocks softly]
Hey, you.
Hey.
Uh, I just... I wanted to say thank you.
I think I underestimated your-
Humanity?
Well, yeah.
[laughs]
Ouch.
Well, the good news is they're giving their marriage
another shot.
I'm happy for them.
It's bad for business, but...
Oh, you.
Besides, you know I'd move a mountain for you.
Just ask.
I really do appreciate what you did.
Well, I have to get back to a very important conference call.
I'll pick you up at 5:00 tonight?
You know, since the party's here at the office,
why don't I just meet you here?
But you're my date.
And there's a surprise coming.
Tonight's a big night.
What surprise?
You'll see.
I'll pick you up at 5:00.
Ok.
Alright.
[bell rings]
Ooh, oh.
Hey, Billy.
What a morning, huh?
Hey, thank you.
Ooh man, give me another 60 degrees,
some balmy island air,
and then we'll talk about good morning.
I'll give you a little piece of advice.
There's no such thing as cold weather.
Just inadequate clothing.
Mmm.
I'll keep that in mind.
So, how was uh, last night?
The big date?
I'm not gonna tell you about my private life.
Hey, you don't have to.
It's written all over your face.
A little uh, honest observation?
I've never seen you like this.
Well, there is something about her.
Yeah, I see the way you guys look at each other.
So, you uh, think you're ready?
Ready for what?
Come on, man.
You know what I mean.
This, this.
Well, it's been three years and... I'll never be over Amy,
but I think I'm doing ok.
You know, I can't tell you how to do this,
but for your sake,
before you grab onto the future you need to let go of the past.
Yeah.
[party chatter]
Excuse me while I steal this beautiful woman.
Excuse me, guys.
Yeah?
What's going on?
Um, in a minute my boss over there is gonna tell
the same lawyer joke he tells every year.
But then he's gonna announce that they wanna make me
partner in this firm.
What?
Tanner, congratulations.
That's incredible.
That's- it's just-
Sure, it's a big deal and I've worked hard for it, but...
Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen.
Excuse me.
On behalf of the other partners I'd just like to thank you
so much for- for coming out.
I know you'd rather be with your families, but... ok, joke time.
Oh, come on.
I guess I'm a minute off.
Um... be with me, Maggie.
I'm about to become partner in this firm
but all I wanna be is your partner.
What's the point of success if you don't have anyone
to share it with?
And you and me, we belong together.
We both know it, so let's make it official.
I just... this is all coming at me really fast.
Well, life happens fast but when you know it's right you just...
you grab it.
Here.
Two tickets to Italy.
First class.
We leave next week.
Just you and me.
We'll ring in the new year together.
The beginning of our beginning.
Tanner Ryan, where are you?
Come on up here, Tanner.
Come on, Tanner.
Come up!
Come up here.
Tanner Ryan, ladies and gentlemen.
[cheering]
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Thanks for being here. Thanks so much.
Thanks boss.
Good high five.
Martha?
Oh, hey.
Can you just make sure that Tanner gets this back?
Yeah, absolutely.
Please welcome our new partner.
[cheering and applause]
Thank you.
♪ O holy night, ♪
♪ The stars are brightly shining, ♪
♪ It is the night of our dear savior's birth, ♪
♪ Long lay the world, ♪
♪ In sin and error pining, ♪
Merry Christmas.
♪ 'Til he appeared ♪
♪ and the soul felt its worth, ♪
I carry your heart, I carry it in my heart.
Merry Christmas, Amy.
I know you'd want this.
♪ A new and glorious morn, ♪
♪ Fall on your knees, Oh hear... ♪
[phone ringing]
Hello?
Hi.
So do you know the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas"?
Yeah- yeah, of course.
Why?
Well, did you know that if you add up all the presents
from all the verses you get 364
which is all the days of the year minus Christmas.
Is the teacher trying to give me another tutorial?
No, I'm trying to tell you I would really like
to see you tomorrow.
I'd like that.
[knocking]
Hey, buddy.
Yeah?
I've got a surprise for ya.
We're going out tonight.
And I thought you might like to know that your buddy
Casey is going with us.
Really?
Mmmhmm.
Yeah.
Here.
Put your shoes on.
I'll meet you downstairs, ok?
Ok.
Alright.
Jordan, stay close, ok?
It's ok, we can keep an eye on him.
Look who he's uh, talking to.
Oh, how did I miss that?
He's had his eye on her for the last ten minutes.
What if she hurts his feelings?
Well, you can't get anything you want unless you take a chance.
Take a chance.
Hmm?
♪ The first Noel ♪
♪ The angels did say ♪
♪ Was to certain poor shepherds ♪
♪ in fields where they lay. ♪
It's two days 'til Christmas.
Maggie... I think I'm falling in love with you.
I can't do this.
Woah, what is it?
Maggie, you can tell me.
It's just Christmas.
What does that mean?
I need more than that.
Yeah.
Ok.
When I was 13 years old I went to Lake Tahoe
with my family and um, it was Christmas.
And it was beautiful and I remember
it was the happiest time...
I remember the snow.
And then out of the blue my father leaves us.
Just... just like that.
He just left.
And it broke my mother.
Maggie, that was a long time ago.
It happened again with Jordan's dad.
At Christmas.
He just left us.
And every year I'm reminded of how dangerous it is
for me to let hope in.
Maggie, you can't hold on to the past.
Do you see that little boy right there?
He's my world.
And I won't let anything hurt him ever again.
Maggie, miracles happen at Christmas.
Not to me, they don't.
Hey, Jordan, baby?
Come on.
Dear God.
It's almost Christmas.
Please, make my mom happy again.
Can't you see that Casey makes her happy?
What makes a dad?
Can anybody be a dad,
even if they don't have kids?
Please, God.
Can you hear me?
Hey, sleepy head.
Oh, hey Billy.
You want the usual?
Oh, no.
I'm ok.
Hey.
Earth to Casey.
Uh... hey, Billy, can I ask you a big favor?
I- I got a... a thing.
I- can you look after the diner for a bit?
Yeah.
Oh, woah, hey, hey man.
Oh, right.
Thanks.
Yeah.
I'll talk to you later.
Does Casey know you made him a scarf?
No, silly.
It's a Christmas present.
We're gonna go on another adventure with him, right?
Oh, I don't know.
I don't think so.
But I'm still gonna work with him, right?
Honey, you're going back to school soon.
We're just dropping off some presents.
I don't wanna go to school.
Oh, come on.
Let's go see Casey, huh?
Hey.
Oh, thank you.
What is this?
And grandma's made you a scarf.
Jordan.
So much for the surprise.
Thank you.
Ooh, Jordan, my main man.
What's up?
Maggie hasn't told me what happened between the two of you
yesterday and it's really none of my business...
Oh, that's ok.
If you'd just let her know that I'm thinking of her.
I know you are.
I have some things for you guys, as well.
Oh, you didn't have to do that.
Hey, buddy.
These are for you and your family.
But... I am not gonna tell you what they are,
so you're gonna have to wait until Christmas to open them.
Come on.
[laughs]
You are a kind man, Casey.
Merry Christmas to you.
Merry Christmas, Terry.
Uh, Jordan, honey, we gotta get going
'cause I'm double parked outside.
Ok.
Hey, Casey?
Yeah?
Is FedEx like a person or a machine or what?
FedEx?
Yeah.
'Cause this has to be somewhere.
Ok, well... there's no address on it.
Who's it for?
Uh, God.
Do you think God cares if things are misspelled?
No.
I don't think God cares.
Good.
Ok, I have to go.
Bye.
Come on honey.
Bye-bye.
Maggie, this looks ridiculous without a real tree.
Mom, do you know how many houses burn down
because of Christmas trees every year?
It's only when people are too lazy to take them down.
I mean, this looks silly.
Grams said we get to open a present
'cause it's Christmas Eve.
Do we?
Please?
I- yeah- yes.
You can open one.
I want Casey's.
After dinner, please.
Whatever is spinning around in that head of yours,
maybe this'll cheer it up.
Oh, thanks man.
Merry Christmas, brother.
Yep.
So, we did really good this season.
Sold all the cocoa, all the trees are gone except
for the ugly one but you took that one, so...
Hey, that tree's not ugly.
[laughs]
You know what I hate?
The day after New Year's and all the trees are piled up
on the sidewalk and I'm like hey!
Those are my kids!
You're coming tonight, right?
You and your long face are invited.
Oh, I- I don't-
Uh-uh-uh-uh.
May has made enough food to feed an army.
She making that spicy pork?
Oh.
Yeah, it's tradition.
Ok, I'll be there.
That's my man.
But first I gotta... I gotta do something.
Alright.
If you don't get there by 8:30 I'm gonna eat
all that spicy pork myself.
Ok.
Dig into it.
Oh, what is it?
Casey knew I liked this.
Oh, Jordan that's nice.
Yeah.
That's sweet.
Let me see what's in this.
Oh, these are so cute.
[laughs]
Oh, he even knows my size.
Ah, he knows your style.
I gotta try them on.
Honey, open yours.
Ok, which one is it?
Let's see.
Is it this one, baby?
This one?
Ok.
It's kinda heavy.
Ok.
Oh, mom.
That's where we stayed.
It's Tahoe.
Well, how did he know?
I mentioned it to him.
He collects these.
That's so sweet.
Well.
Well, that was very nice of Ca-
What's wrong, baby?
I want Casey to be here.
Hey.
Hold on.
Jordan-
Maggie.
Just give him some space.
Ok.
[giggling]
[knocking]
Honey?
Hey.
An envelope was just left for you.
I heard the doorbell and it was just left at the front door.
Casey left it.
It's a letter.
Jordan wrote it.
Dear God.
How does snow happen?
Can you read human words?
Are trees really dirty?
Are all moms sad all the time?
What's the difference between being mad and being worried?
What makes a dad?
Can anybody be a dad, even if they don't have kids?
It's almost Christmas.
Please, make my mom happy again.
Can't you see that Casey makes her happy?
When did he leave this?
Just now.
Just when I woke you up.
I'll be back.
Maggie.
He was trying to tell me to be brave.
How did I get this so wrong?
You know?
I'm trying to protect him but all this time-
He was trying to protect you.
Yeah.
I have something else for you.
Stop with the gifts.
[laughs]
What?
The wrapping.
It's really cute.
I like it.
What?
Nope.
I wasn't ready.
Ok.
Close your eyes.
Trust me.
Ok.
You're Kade?
Why didn't you tell me?
I didn't know.
Not until yesterday.
Oh my gosh.
I don't believe it.
But what about your name?
Did you change it?
No.
No, I'm still Kade Cummins.
They started calling me Casey in high school
and it just sort of stuck.
Do you know how many years this little boy
longed to be with this little girl?
Yeah, I do.
But never in a million years did I think
that we would ever find each other again.
Do you remember the snow angels?
I remember everything.
So you believe in Christmas miracles?
Yes.
You got me.
Yes. I do.
I've been so wrong about that.
Yeah, you know what?
Christmas is exactly when miracles happen.
Wait.
What?
I just... I feel so bad about Jordan, you know?
I've just tried to protect that kid all of my life
and I've been so afraid that life was gonna...
disappoint him.
I disappointed him.
And I don't- I don't wanna do that this Christmas.
What are you thinking?
Um, can you call Billy?
Billy?
Yeah.
I wanna get him a tree.
Ok.
Come on in.
Shh.
He's still asleep.
I can't believe you found one.
Yeah, it might be the last tree in the whole city.
Yeah, it's a beauty.
And we cleared out every box of decorations from the diner.
Can you two handle this?
I gotta get back to my own kids before they wake up.
Sure.
Thanks.
Thank you, Billy.
You got it.
Merry Christmas, you two.
Merry Christmas.
Bye.
[together] Best Christmas ever.
Ok, I think we're almost ready.
You got the lights?
Yeah.
Ok.
Ok. Ready?
Yeah.
[whispering] One, two, three.
Oh, it's beautiful.
Yeah.
Except for this--
Hey. Hey.
Yeah?
Merry Christmas.
Ah, we have a tree!
A Christmas tree!
Merry Christmas, baby!
And Casey?
Yeah, it looks like God answered your letter.
Oh my.
Isn't this a sight to behold.
Merry Christmas, mom.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Terry.
Look at the tree.
I know, I see it.
How did it get here?
It must be a miracle.
Wait 'til you hear the rest of it.
Oh, I need a photo of this.
Jordan, get in the middle.
Yeah, come on.
Ok.
Hold on.
Everybody ready?
Here we go.
[together] Merry Christmas.
There it is.
I wasn't ready.
Ok, here we go.
Ok.
Make it bigger.
Big one.
[together] Merry Christmas!