Eliza, a world traveler and writer for travel magazines and websites, has returned to her small hometown after an absence. Despite the passage of time, not much has changed in the town, and her family continues to participate in the same traditions such as wearing ugly Christmas sweaters, singing at the local care center, and baking cookies. Through these activities, Eliza is reunited with Will, a former heartthrob, who helps her rediscover the significance and beauty of these unique family traditions and her hometown.
Director: Nathan Steve Smith
Writer: Jennifer Newman Kofford, Bob Conder
Cast: Krystin Arroyo, James Gaisford
Director: Nathan Steve Smith
Writer: Jennifer Newman Kofford, Bob Conder
Cast: Krystin Arroyo, James Gaisford
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00I can divide my life into before and after.
00:00:17Before the Christmas that my parents got the book, and after when my life would never be
00:00:22the same.
00:00:23The book was called The 100 Wonders of the World, and from the moment I cracked it open
00:00:28for the first time that Christmas morning, I was obsessed.
00:00:32Machu Picchu, Mostar Bridge, the Terracotta Warriors.
00:00:38Everything was exotic.
00:00:40Everything was fascinating.
00:00:43I made a promise to myself I would see them all, and I started counting the days when
00:00:47I'd break out of my teeny tiny little town, because seeing pictures in the book wasn't
00:00:52good enough.
00:00:57After high school, I had my chance.
00:00:59I left Maryville to see the world, and I haven't looked back.
00:01:06Stepping out to experience the wonders with my own eyes was more incredible than I had
00:01:11even imagined.
00:01:12Eventually, I landed my dream job, allowing me to share my adventures with aspiring travelers
00:01:18across the globe.
00:01:20Eliza, you're home!
00:01:24Hi!
00:01:25I thought you wouldn't be back until next week.
00:01:37There's only so much you can write about some places.
00:01:43I convinced my editor that two months in the Serengeti wasn't enough.
00:01:48In the what?
00:01:49Serengeti.
00:01:50Tanzania.
00:01:51Wildlife Park.
00:01:52Oh, Africa!
00:01:53Did you share an Airbnb with the animals?
00:01:54No, but it smells like they moved in here with you.
00:01:55How big was the party?
00:01:56Uh, let's see, it was just Fran from work, a couple of her friends, and the newbies in
00:01:57210.
00:01:58Just your standard-sized shindig.
00:01:59Oh, I'm sorry.
00:02:00I'm sorry.
00:02:01I'm sorry.
00:02:02I'm sorry.
00:02:03I'm sorry.
00:02:04I'm sorry.
00:02:05I'm sorry.
00:02:06I'm sorry.
00:02:07I'm sorry.
00:02:08I'm sorry.
00:02:09I'm sorry.
00:02:10I'm sorry.
00:02:11I'm sorry.
00:02:12I'm sorry.
00:02:13I'm sorry.
00:02:14I'm sorry.
00:02:15I'm sorry.
00:02:16I'm sorry.
00:02:17Standard-sized shindig.
00:02:19Charlie please tell me tonight's a rare night off from your social life.
00:02:23Ah, well, nothing's planned yet, but the night is young.
00:02:27What on your next assignment?
00:02:30In a couple of days, I'm doing a piece on European Christmas markets.
00:02:39But right now I'm gonna work on sleeping off this jet lag.
00:02:45Fine.
00:02:46Good morning.
00:02:47Good night.
00:02:49Wait, did you see zebras?
00:03:02Oh, mom called.
00:03:06Hi honey, it's mom. I thought this was the perfect time for, you guessed it,
00:03:11my annual holiday voicemail to officially invite you home for Christmas.
00:03:15Austin finished the cafe remodel.
00:03:17It would be great if you came home to see what he has done with the place.
00:03:21I love you. I'm so proud of you every day.
00:03:24I miss her.
00:03:27Oh.
00:03:44Georgina, hi.
00:03:46Hey, Eliza. Outline and proposal for the Serengeti story look great.
00:03:50Consider them approved.
00:03:52One more thing. Just got word that we're pivoting on the European Christmas markers piece,
00:03:56so you're off the hook.
00:03:58Oh, I was really looking forward to that.
00:04:01Um, so what else do you have for me for the holidays?
00:04:04Nothing, actually. I don't think I've ever said this to you before, but enjoy the holidays.
00:04:08Not for too long, though. Greece is still a go right after the New Year. Talk soon.
00:04:13Okay, yeah, I'll talk to you later.
00:04:15Bye.
00:04:17Looks like I'm not going to Europe for Christmas after all.
00:04:20Oh, well, where are you going then?
00:04:23You're always somewhere exotic for Christmas.
00:04:27Hey, what about that little hometown of yours? Maybe you could go there for the holidays.
00:04:32Yeah, right.
00:04:34Wait. Yeah, right, I could.
00:04:37You really could. Imagine your mom's face.
00:04:40After all these years of turning down her holiday invitations,
00:04:43you could finally take her up on it.
00:04:45You know what? I think I'm going to do it.
00:05:04Colin Anderson, go.
00:05:06Hey, it's Eliza.
00:05:08Well, this is a nice surprise.
00:05:10Yeah, I'll make this quick. I know you're busy with the merger, and I just landed.
00:05:15Oh, you left already? I thought you still had a couple of days in the city.
00:05:19Yeah, the Christmas markets thing got cancelled, so surprise again.
00:05:23I am in the last place I thought I'd be for the holidays.
00:05:26Should I guess where?
00:05:28Don't laugh. It's Maryville.
00:05:32Wow, really? Please tell me it's for an assignment.
00:05:37Uh, nope. It's just the first time I don't have somewhere else to be.
00:05:41You mean that you get to be somewhere else.
00:05:44Yeah, that's a better way of putting it.
00:05:46Um, anyways, I figured I have no more excuses this time,
00:05:50so I just thought I'd go home for a few days, and that would buy me a few more years
00:05:54of spending the holidays anywhere but my hometown.
00:05:58Well, if only I weren't buried in this merger, I'd be able to save you.
00:06:02I think I can manage a few days.
00:06:04Let's just get together in the new year when I'm back in town, okay?
00:06:08It's a plan. I'll have my assistant get us a reservation somewhere.
00:06:12Talk soon. Wish me luck.
00:06:15You're going to need it. Bye-bye.
00:06:17Bye.
00:06:22Yes!
00:06:24Ah! Hi!
00:06:26Hi, Mom!
00:06:28I'm so excited to have you finally home for the holidays!
00:06:33I knew one day my phone calls would work.
00:06:35It's good to see you.
00:06:37Hi, Dad. It's good to see you, too.
00:06:39Retirement looks good on you.
00:06:41Is that my retirement?
00:06:43Let's get your luggage in the car.
00:06:45Okay. Oh, wow.
00:06:47Cute.
00:06:49I knew you would love it.
00:07:03Come on, Dad. Come, come, come.
00:07:08Wow, this town's a lot smaller than I remember.
00:07:11Really?
00:07:13Well, with all of your globetrotting and big city living,
00:07:18you know what they say, you can take the girl out of the country, but you can't...
00:07:21You can always guilt trip her into coming back.
00:07:24Mom, we aren't even country people anyway.
00:07:26Well, well, well.
00:07:28Look who decided to finally grace us with her presence!
00:07:32Ha, ha, ha! Hi, sis!
00:07:35Hey, she's back!
00:07:37Oh, good to see you.
00:07:39Oh, my gosh. Come on in.
00:07:41Oh, my goodness. You look wonderful.
00:07:46Oh, give me strength.
00:07:54I can't wait to just chill and relax.
00:07:57I can't remember the last time I didn't have a jam-packed itinerary.
00:08:01Does anyone want to binge some of those holiday rom-coms while I sit here and veg for a while?
00:08:06Elisa, we don't have time for that.
00:08:08You may not have an itinerary, but we do.
00:08:10We have people arriving here soon.
00:08:12Arriving for what?
00:08:14The annual Gardner Family Ugly Sweater Christmas Party, the AGFUSCP.
00:08:18It's a family tradition.
00:08:19You guys still do that?
00:08:21I thought that fizzled out years ago.
00:08:23Heavens, no! It is bigger and better than ever before.
00:08:26You'll like it. You'll love it. I promise, I swear.
00:08:29I asked Kate to pick out an ugly sweater for you upstairs, unless, of course, you brought one of your own.
00:08:34You didn't.
00:08:35Okay. Okay.
00:08:37Kate! Ugly sweater, 9-1-1! Jim!
00:08:45Ah, roomies again.
00:08:48Yeah, just like the good old days.
00:08:51Here we have a small collection of uglies for you to choose from.
00:08:56Oh boy, these really are ugly.
00:09:01So, first things first, tell me more about your man, Carter.
00:09:06Connor.
00:09:07It's Colin.
00:09:08Yeah.
00:09:09Um, where do I start?
00:09:12Well, first of all, he's not really my man. We're just kind of...
00:09:18Talking.
00:09:19Ah, you're talking.
00:09:22Got news for you, E. He's definitely your man.
00:09:26It's basically all we can do. Text, sometimes call.
00:09:31He's busy. I'm hardly ever even in the same zip code.
00:09:36We're taking things... slow.
00:09:39Is... is he?
00:09:41You're quite the catch.
00:09:44I don't think there's any other way we can take it.
00:09:46Between my work schedule and his, it's like we're in a long-distance relationship.
00:09:52Well, I think we should meet him sometime. We can decide for you.
00:09:56Now there's an idea.
00:09:58Hey, Mom needs you to get downstairs right now. She needs you, okay?
00:10:02Okay! Dude, it's Christmas!
00:10:06Well, hurry up and get ready. It's time for your reintroduction to my little society.
00:10:17Christmas music
00:10:36Christmas music
00:10:47Christmas music
00:10:53Eliza! Last time I saw you, you were yay high!
00:11:00Oh, you have really grown up. Oh my gosh, how long has it been?
00:11:05Years. Many years.
00:11:09I see you still have great taste in sweaters.
00:11:13I wear it once a year for this party. I look forward to it all year.
00:11:17Where have you been?
00:11:19Traveling all around the world, I understand. What is it you do again?
00:11:23I travel a lot, write a little, and take tons of pictures.
00:11:29And that's a job?
00:11:31Yep. They pay me and everything.
00:11:34Wow. I need a job like that.
00:11:44Whoa, she's got a new drink.
00:11:48Oh, Hightown sounds like a lovely city, town, village.
00:11:53I'll have to add that to my list.
00:11:57Um, yeah, how long has your granddaughter been there?
00:12:01Oh, two years. Two years.
00:12:08I see you escaped the ugly wool party.
00:12:12Barely. I've talked more about myself in the last hour than I have in the last decade.
00:12:17That's because you're the most famous person in all of Maryville.
00:12:22And the most interesting. What do you think, Will?
00:12:25I mean, she has been somewhere else at a 20-mile radius of this town.
00:12:29Oh, good point.
00:12:30Will!
00:12:32Oh, I see you're still wearing my sweater.
00:12:34Oh my gosh, you're still in love with him.
00:12:38I mean, everyone knows if you wear a guy's sweater, you're in love with him.
00:12:41True.
00:12:43You borrowed it the last time you were in town for the Christmas sweater party.
00:12:46Oh my gosh, was it that long ago?
00:12:48Well, this is embarrassing.
00:12:50Uh, I didn't realize it was yours when I put it on, and I just got here and didn't have one,
00:12:55so I'm just gonna go change and give it back to you.
00:12:58It's okay. Look, I'll let you hang on to it for a while longer.
00:13:01Plus, I'm still waiting for you to fix it, like you promised.
00:13:08You okay, Eliza?
00:13:12So next year...
00:13:14Okay, I'm gonna go.
00:13:17Already, Will? You just got here, and Eliza's here too.
00:13:21You remember Eliza.
00:13:23Yes, I remember Eliza very well.
00:13:25In fact, she just promised to fix my sweater. Again.
00:13:30Okay, I gotta head out. My pops is waiting for me.
00:13:33I'll see you guys.
00:13:35See you later, Will Bower.
00:13:37See you tomorrow, Will.
00:13:38Take care, man.
00:13:41What was that?
00:13:42What?
00:13:43That was horrifying.
00:13:45Will's right. You are still in love with him.
00:13:47I am not.
00:13:50I mean, I was. Used to be. Everyone was.
00:13:57Didn't you and your friends used to, like...
00:14:02Used to walk back and forth in front of the hardware store,
00:14:05pretending to be interested in drills and fasteners just to...
00:14:09maybe catch a glimpse of him through the window?
00:14:12Yeah, we did.
00:14:15So embarrassing.
00:14:17But effective.
00:14:23I still can't believe he pretended like I didn't exist back then.
00:14:28I walked back and forth so many times.
00:14:31Why didn't you just, like, talk to him? I mean, he was Austin's homeboy.
00:14:34You could have, like, I don't know, dialed it down and been friends.
00:14:38Yeah, that's definitely far too logical for the teenage mind to grasp.
00:14:43Besides, I don't think he ever could have been interested in me.
00:14:47I was always just his best friend's little sister.
00:14:50You know, off limits.
00:14:54Well, good thing you don't have to worry about that anymore.
00:14:57You've got, um...
00:14:59What's his name?
00:15:00Carter.
00:15:01Corbin.
00:15:02Wait, don't tell me.
00:15:03Call it.
00:15:08Yeah, I've got Colin.
00:15:10You're right.
00:15:12I don't need to worry about Will Matthews at all ever again.
00:15:29Up and at'em, girls! Rise and shine!
00:15:32We've got things to do and people to see!
00:15:34I'm a grown woman.
00:15:36And my mother's still hollering at me to get up like I'm five.
00:15:40Why are we getting up already?
00:15:43Day after the ugly party, it's cookies and carols at the care center.
00:15:47We should be sleeping in.
00:15:50Come on. Mom's not gonna give up.
00:15:54Literally, it's the same plan every year since Grandma lived there before she died.
00:16:01I forgot about that.
00:16:04Those were some of the best times of the holidays.
00:16:08Are Bev and Harold still there?
00:16:11Still there and still a hoot and a holler.
00:16:21Well, looks like we're about there.
00:16:24Okay, thank you and here's your daily paycheck.
00:16:27Best hot chocolate in town.
00:16:29I'll take it.
00:16:32Okay, looks like the last thing we have is the light switch covers.
00:16:36If you have them, I'll install them real quick.
00:16:39Light switch covers, light switch covers.
00:16:42Shoot, I forgot them at home.
00:16:44And I don't have time to go grab them before we open.
00:16:47Do you by any chance have a few extra minutes to go grab them for me?
00:16:50Yeah, for sure, for sure.
00:16:54Is Eliza gonna be at the house?
00:16:57Yeah, yeah, she should be. Why?
00:17:00No reason.
00:17:05Look, she just... she seems different.
00:17:09Okay, yeah, different. In what way?
00:17:13Like she's just not your little sister anymore.
00:17:16Technically, she'll always be my little sister.
00:17:18Come on, man, you know what I'm saying.
00:17:21Listen, I can put in a good word for you, you know?
00:17:24No.
00:17:25No, I can't.
00:17:26No, don't do that. I got this, okay?
00:17:29Okay.
00:17:32Oh, your boy's gonna need all the help he can get.
00:17:37Good morning, my loves.
00:17:38Hello.
00:17:39Come over, I need your help.
00:17:41Mom, it smells so good.
00:17:43There's nothing in the world like your sugar cookies.
00:17:46You should open a cafe or something.
00:17:50I'm leaving the rest of this for you two to finish up.
00:17:53We have a very busy morning.
00:17:56Now, if you gals wouldn't mind doing your decorating magic,
00:17:59just like the good old days,
00:18:01we will be back later this afternoon,
00:18:03and we can go to the care center together.
00:18:06Okie dokie.
00:18:08Hey, honey, you ready to go?
00:18:09Ready, and I have another family craft idea.
00:18:12Wonderful.
00:18:15Now, don't make a mess.
00:18:17Bye, Mom.
00:18:20Feels like the perfect time for meleklikimaka.
00:18:24What?
00:18:26Meleklikimaka?
00:18:28Merry Christmas?
00:18:30That's how they say it in Hawaii?
00:18:32I know what it means, I just did not understand you.
00:18:35Oh, another fun fact, in Ghana,
00:18:37they have four wise men in their nativity scene.
00:18:40Hmm, interesting.
00:18:43Here's my fun fact.
00:18:45In this house, we eat cookies and drink coffee
00:18:48and eat cookies and drink wassail.
00:18:51Ooh, a really fun one is in Bali,
00:18:54they light sparklers and firecrackers.
00:18:57Now that's what I'm talking about.
00:18:59I guess you learned something out there.
00:19:02We should put firecrackers in the brownies.
00:19:08Hey, Eliza.
00:19:09Yeah?
00:19:10Meleklikimaka!
00:19:18Do you need help?
00:19:20Um...
00:19:22Probably.
00:19:24I'm sorry, you're...
00:19:26I can't see a thing.
00:19:28It's probably a good thing,
00:19:30because you look ridiculous.
00:19:34Thanks, this is so embarrassing.
00:19:40Um, Austin's not here, by the way.
00:19:43Oh, yeah, I know, he's at the cafe,
00:19:45he sent me over here to pick up a package.
00:19:48Oh, yeah, I can't wait to see it.
00:19:50I know he's been working nearly 24-7 on it.
00:19:54Um, has he roped you into helping out?
00:19:57I mean, a little, well, a lot, actually,
00:19:59but, um, you should come by and see it.
00:20:02You know, we could, uh,
00:20:04go together before you leave town.
00:20:06Yeah!
00:20:08That sounds fun.
00:20:11Well, it's, uh, it's a date.
00:20:16Okay, well, I'd better go get that package.
00:20:20Okay, yeah, see ya!
00:20:23Wait.
00:20:26Did he just say date?
00:20:33Clara! Hey!
00:20:35Oh, hey! You made it!
00:20:37We almost had a riot on our hands.
00:20:39Oh, boy.
00:20:40Can I help you with these?
00:20:41Hold on. Clara, you've met everybody in the family
00:20:43except for Eliza.
00:20:45Eliza, this is Clara.
00:20:47Oh, Eliza, it is so nice to meet you.
00:20:50Hi.
00:20:51I've heard so much about you.
00:20:53Really? Yikes.
00:20:55Good things, I hope?
00:20:57Oh, only good things, I promise.
00:21:00Uh, you must be so happy to be home.
00:21:03Austin tells me it's been quite some time.
00:21:06Well, there is no place quite like Maryville.
00:21:10I've only been here a few months,
00:21:12but it's already starting to feel like home to me, too.
00:21:15Well, hopefully this guy is helping with that.
00:21:18Dad.
00:21:19He definitely is.
00:21:21He's quite charming, this guy.
00:21:24Thanks.
00:21:25Charming.
00:21:26Austin, this Austin.
00:21:28Yeah, that's me.
00:21:30I can be charming, sometimes.
00:21:32Okay, okay, okay, let's just get these cookies over to the table,
00:21:35is that all right?
00:21:38So, what's the story with those two?
00:21:41I haven't heard anything about her.
00:21:43Clara's an interior designer,
00:21:45and she moved here to live with her aunt.
00:21:48Austin needed help with the cafe's remodel,
00:21:51and she was the one.
00:21:53They hit it off immediately.
00:21:55We all love her.
00:21:57Aw, who would have thought?
00:21:59Our little Austin.
00:22:01I'm happy for him,
00:22:03but it is weird to see him like this.
00:22:06Oh, believe me, for us, too.
00:22:08But we're getting used to it.
00:22:11Thank you so much for bringing the cookies.
00:22:14Of course.
00:22:15Oh, what time is it?
00:22:17Okay, it's showtime.
00:22:19Should we get ready?
00:22:20Yep.
00:22:21Okay.
00:22:25Hello, everyone.
00:22:27If we could please take a seat and turn this way.
00:22:30It is my privilege to introduce,
00:22:33for the 15th year in a row,
00:22:35one of our Maryville Care Center
00:22:38favorite Christmas traditions,
00:22:40the Gardner Family Singers!
00:22:42We didn't even practice.
00:22:44We never do, and they never care.
00:22:47applause
00:22:57Dashing through the snow
00:22:59In a one-horse open sleigh
00:23:01O'er the fields we go
00:23:03Laughing all the way
00:23:05Bells on bobtails ring
00:23:07Making spirits bright
00:23:09What fun it is to ride
00:23:11And sing the sleighing song tonight
00:23:13Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells
00:23:15Jingle all the way
00:23:17Oh, what fun it is to ride
00:23:19In a one-horse open sleigh
00:23:23Hey!
00:23:24applause
00:23:27Up on the housetop
00:23:29Ring your bells
00:23:31Out jumps good old Santa Claus
00:23:34Up on the housetop
00:23:36Down through the chimney
00:23:38With good Saint Nick
00:23:40Sleep in heavenly peace
00:23:50Sleep in heavenly peace
00:23:58applause
00:24:09Your performance was lovely.
00:24:12Oh, thank you.
00:24:14Oh, Christmas carols always remind me
00:24:16of my late wife Margaret.
00:24:19Oh, she could sing like an angel.
00:24:22Sounds like you loved her very much.
00:24:24Hey, Pops, I got you a Eliza.
00:24:28Um, I see you've met my Pops.
00:24:32Uh, Pops, this is Eliza.
00:24:35It's Austin's little sister.
00:24:37Pleasure to make your acquaintance.
00:24:39Is she the one you were telling me about?
00:24:41Um, yeah, I was telling you about
00:24:44all of the gardeners, all of them.
00:24:46As I recall, you said,
00:24:49how did you put that?
00:24:51She has a very nice frame.
00:24:55Um, yeah, I said that.
00:24:58Thanks for that reminder, Pops.
00:25:01Anything for you, Will.
00:25:03Pops, it's been a pleasure.
00:25:07Later, Will.
00:25:17Up and out, girls, rise and shine.
00:25:20We have got things to do and people to see.
00:25:26Does this all happen every morning?
00:25:29Yep, every morning.
00:25:32She's especially chipper during the holidays.
00:25:36We can't have Christmas without a tree.
00:25:39That's why we waited until you came home
00:25:41so we could pick it out together.
00:25:43Come on, time's a-wasting.
00:25:46Hey, see you downstairs in a few.
00:25:49Bus leaves in ten.
00:25:55Hey.
00:25:57Oh, hey, you missed breakfast.
00:25:59Well, there's fruit in the bowl.
00:26:01Where's Will and Clara?
00:26:03Wait, Will's coming?
00:26:05Oh, so Clara had a last-minute client consultation,
00:26:07but she'll be back over to help with some decorations.
00:26:09And Will's going to be meeting us over at the tree lot.
00:26:12Yeah, he'll be looking for one for Pops.
00:26:15Are you okay there, E?
00:26:18I need a minute.
00:26:20Where's my lip gloss?
00:26:22I didn't touch it.
00:26:24Lip gloss?
00:26:26It's a city thing, Mom.
00:26:32I still can't believe they waited so long to get the tree.
00:26:36What?
00:26:38I mean, this is tradition.
00:26:40The Gardner family always pick out a tree together.
00:26:44I mean, I understand doing them all when you were kids.
00:26:47It was, you know, to make Christmas magical,
00:26:49and it always was.
00:26:51But now that we're adults, why still do them all?
00:26:55Some of them seem kind of silly.
00:26:58Silly?
00:27:01I mean, maybe silly to you, but...
00:27:04I mean, for your mom?
00:27:06It probably reminds her of all the past Christmases,
00:27:08you know, all the magic, the love.
00:27:12I don't know, I just always felt lucky to be included.
00:27:16So, have you decided which one's perfect for Pops?
00:27:20This one's a strong contender.
00:27:23I don't know, I just...
00:27:25It's his first year in the care center.
00:27:28I really want to make it special.
00:27:31It won't matter which one you choose.
00:27:33If I know you, you'll make it look amazing.
00:27:38He's lucky to have you.
00:27:42Thanks.
00:27:44But, I mean, you should really lower your expectations.
00:27:48No one can match your mom's decorating skills.
00:27:51You're 100% right, no one can.
00:27:54Eliza, over here! We need your vote!
00:27:57Duty calls.
00:28:01♪
00:28:06Perfecto.
00:28:08All right, Mom, I think my decorating duties are complete.
00:28:11Wow, great job on the wreath, Austin.
00:28:15Now it smells like Christmas.
00:28:17Thanks, Mom.
00:28:19Will, you can fill this box up with anything you like
00:28:21to decorate Pops' tree.
00:28:23Are you sure?
00:28:25Of course, we have plenty.
00:28:27Wow, thank you.
00:28:30Okay, I'm going to resume my position on the couch.
00:28:35Kate, I'm going to supervise from here.
00:28:37Keep up the good work, you two.
00:28:39Nice try, buddy.
00:28:41But you have to put the star on top of the tree.
00:28:44Yes, you are the tallest one here, so you need to do it.
00:28:48Plus, it's not going to pass Monk's tree test
00:28:50until all the ornaments are evenly distributed.
00:28:52Or mine. You can do this.
00:28:56I was about nine when I made these.
00:29:01I'd forgotten all about them.
00:29:04You know, there might be some of my masterpieces in here.
00:29:07I think you're right.
00:29:09Mom never passed up a chance to have someone
00:29:11make an ornament for her tree.
00:29:14Oh, yeah. Yeah, I remember this one.
00:29:16This one's one of mine.
00:29:19Well, that's the thing about them.
00:29:21They all had meaning.
00:29:23They're special and beautiful in their own way.
00:29:29Even this one?
00:29:32Especially that one.
00:29:36All these little things are flooding back to me.
00:29:40It was out of sight, out of mind for so long,
00:29:42I didn't even really miss it,
00:29:45but the more I'm here, the more I realize,
00:29:49I don't know, I do kind of miss it.
00:29:51It's weird.
00:29:53Yeah, I get that.
00:29:55I remember it was kind of the same for me
00:29:57when I moved back for Pops.
00:29:59I mean, the big things are important,
00:30:01but really I think the small things
00:30:03are what anchor us to our past,
00:30:06remind us of who we are,
00:30:10you know, no matter where we've been.
00:30:15I'm so glad to have Eliza home for Christmas.
00:30:19This house hasn't felt this full in years.
00:30:25Who's up for some wassail?
00:30:28Wait, but first, for the big moment.
00:30:32All right.
00:30:34Ready.
00:30:38I think that's my best one yet.
00:30:41It's definitely the best one.
00:30:44♪♪♪
00:30:52♪♪♪
00:30:57Morning, Dad.
00:30:58Well, you're up early.
00:31:00Any big plans today?
00:31:02Um, no, nothing planned.
00:31:05Just thought I'd go into town, see what's new,
00:31:08you know, like I do when I travel.
00:31:10This is an exotic and distant location for me.
00:31:14Hey, listen, before you head out
00:31:15on this grand local adventure,
00:31:18I wanted to talk to you about this Colin fellow.
00:31:21Would I like him?
00:31:23Dad, you never like anyone.
00:31:25That's true.
00:31:26I just want to make sure whoever it is
00:31:29deserves my little girl.
00:31:31And let's be honest,
00:31:32there are very few who measure up to you.
00:31:36Well, there might be someone who comes close.
00:31:39I'm still getting to know Colin,
00:31:41but so far he might be a good candidate.
00:31:44He's successful, hardworking.
00:31:47As long as you're happy, that's what matters.
00:31:51And whoever makes you happy makes me happy.
00:31:55Oh, Dad.
00:31:56Listen, kiddo, you better head out before your mom
00:31:58has you making angels out of toilet paper rolls.
00:32:01Thanks for the heads up.
00:32:03You better watch out, too.
00:32:04No one's safe.
00:32:06Have fun out there.
00:32:07I will.
00:32:08Love you, Dad.
00:32:09Love you.
00:32:11Great news.
00:32:12I found more toilet paper rolls.
00:32:14♪♪♪
00:32:22♪♪♪
00:32:27If you don't put a twinkle in both your eyes
00:32:31Light you up and make you shine, oh baby
00:32:36It ain't Christmas
00:32:39If it don't make your jingle bells ring-a-ling
00:32:43I'll give your heart a reason to sing, oh baby
00:32:48Oh, I am so sorry, I didn't see you.
00:32:53Eliza!
00:32:55Hi.
00:32:56Hi.
00:32:57I'm sorry, I didn't see you.
00:32:59It's okay, I didn't see you there either.
00:33:02Sorry that my frame got in your way.
00:33:06Yeah.
00:33:07Yeah.
00:33:08Oh.
00:33:10I'm sorry, I was just, I was talking to Pops
00:33:12and he's kind of old-fashioned and it just kind of came out.
00:33:16It's really okay.
00:33:19What is that?
00:33:20That smells really good.
00:33:22Well, it was hot chocolate, but it's the best in town.
00:33:27But, of course, you know that already.
00:33:30Why would I know that?
00:33:32It's from your family's cafe.
00:33:35Have you still not been?
00:33:37I, I, it's, um, well, is now an okay time
00:33:42to take you up on that offer to show me around?
00:33:45If you have a minute, we could go over together.
00:33:49Yeah, I have a few minutes.
00:33:51Let's, let's go, here.
00:33:55Yeah.
00:33:56Yeah, okay.
00:33:58Here you are.
00:33:59Can I get you anything else?
00:34:01All right, let me know if you need anything.
00:34:03Thanks for coming in.
00:34:04Hey, welcome, welcome, welcome.
00:34:07Austin.
00:34:09I'm impressed.
00:34:11The pictures don't do it justice.
00:34:14This is amazing.
00:34:15Yes, well, that's, uh, that's really high praise
00:34:18coming from somebody who's been all over the world
00:34:20and seen every charming little cafe.
00:34:22Thank you, yeah, I, uh, I did it myself.
00:34:26Well, I may have had a little bit of help.
00:34:28Clara may have pitched in an idea or two, but...
00:34:31Or a hundred.
00:34:32Okay, she did everything, I'm gonna be honest.
00:34:34But I was really good at supervising and writing checks,
00:34:37and that's about it.
00:34:39Will here, on the other hand, got in on the action.
00:34:42Hey, I mean, when your best friend
00:34:43is remodeling the family business,
00:34:45an architecture degree comes in handy.
00:34:48Clara here, hardest project manager I've ever worked for.
00:34:52Well, I think they did okay.
00:34:55So, uh, you two walked in together, huh?
00:34:59Uh, uh...
00:35:01No, we...
00:35:02Yeah, we, we did.
00:35:04We didn't, like, plan to come together,
00:35:06we just sort of ran into each other...
00:35:08No, literally, we...
00:35:09Outside the bookshop, and decided to, uh,
00:35:13come check out the new place
00:35:15and try some of the famous fancy hot chocolate
00:35:18I've been hearing about all over town.
00:35:20Wait, really? Like, all over town?
00:35:23Yeah, Will just told me about it on the way over.
00:35:25That's basically all over town.
00:35:27Okay, good enough for me.
00:35:29Two café au mains famous hot chocolates coming right up.
00:35:34An architect, huh?
00:35:36That seems so professional and mature.
00:35:40Why do you sound so surprised?
00:35:43I just remember a guy hanging out with my brother
00:35:45and getting into trouble.
00:35:47I don't know what you're talking about.
00:35:50Okay, we were pretty good at that.
00:35:52Look at you, though.
00:35:54Big shot travel writer?
00:35:56I mean, that's everyone's dream job,
00:35:58and you have it.
00:36:00I still can't believe it actually happened.
00:36:03I dreamed about it and worked really hard,
00:36:05and here I am.
00:36:08I know I'm lucky,
00:36:10but it's not as glamorous as it sounds.
00:36:13It, it is work.
00:36:15I mean, it sounds and looks pretty amazing.
00:36:19Looks?
00:36:21I may follow you.
00:36:24Really?
00:36:26Look, you're quite popular.
00:36:28People love your work.
00:36:31Well, so I, what about you?
00:36:33Why, why are you still here?
00:36:36Well, I, I left right after high school.
00:36:38I moved out to Chicago and got my degree
00:36:40and actually got my dream firm.
00:36:46But later that year,
00:36:48Grams wasn't doing so well.
00:36:50She got sick, and so I moved back.
00:36:54Then she passed, so...
00:36:57I didn't realize all that was going on.
00:37:00I'm really sorry about Grams.
00:37:02I know she meant a lot to you.
00:37:05Yeah, she did.
00:37:08Pops does, too.
00:37:10He tried living on his own for a bit, but...
00:37:14Even with my help, it's not enough.
00:37:17So we decided on the care center.
00:37:20But, you know, my firm's been great.
00:37:23They are allowing me to work remotely,
00:37:25and they say they're ready for me to come back whenever I am.
00:37:29So you are the adventurous type, after all.
00:37:33Okay, a little bit.
00:37:35Not as much as you.
00:37:37Et voilà.
00:37:39This is on the house.
00:37:41So generous.
00:37:43You're welcome.
00:37:45All right.
00:37:50Okay, well, this has been a great conversation.
00:37:53Really thrilling.
00:37:55But I've got to get to the more important matter
00:37:59of wooing a lady.
00:38:01Doesn't seem like much wooing is needed.
00:38:04Austin, she's into you.
00:38:06All you have to do now is not screw it up.
00:38:09But for some reason, that's the hard part, isn't it?
00:38:12She's cool, though, right?
00:38:14She's very cool.
00:38:16Not that my opinion matters or anything,
00:38:18but so far, I approve.
00:38:20Listen, your opinion matters more to me than you think.
00:38:23Aw, are we having a moment, Austin?
00:38:25We sure are.
00:38:27Yours matters to me, too.
00:38:29Okay, well, if that's the case, then I approve of this.
00:38:33I approve.
00:38:35It's nothing.
00:38:36It's nothing.
00:38:38Right.
00:38:40Okay, well, hope you enjoy the hot chocolate,
00:38:42and please leave a five-star review on the website.
00:38:46Website?
00:38:47Yeah, the website.
00:38:48You're not the only one in the family with an online presence.
00:38:51I'm modern.
00:38:54Hey.
00:38:55Hey.
00:38:58Now that you've had the famous café on Maine hot chocolate,
00:39:01what do you think?
00:39:02You think you're up for another family tradition?
00:39:04Ah, uh, I might be.
00:39:08What is it?
00:39:09Gingerbread houses with pops.
00:39:11Oh, one of yours.
00:39:13I've been so caught up in my family stuff,
00:39:15I haven't even stopped to think about what anyone else does.
00:39:18Has the Matthews family always done gingerbread houses for Christmas?
00:39:22Yep.
00:39:23Grams and pops have always made sure that we've done it.
00:39:26I love that.
00:39:27Maybe that explains why you're such a successful architect.
00:39:30Hmm.
00:39:31You know what, I never thought about it, but you might be right.
00:39:37Anyways, I should get going, but, uh, pick you up in a couple of hours?
00:39:43Can't wait.
00:39:45Bye.
00:40:05Are you okay?
00:40:06I'm fine.
00:40:07I'm fine.
00:40:08Fine.
00:40:09Fine.
00:40:10Because you're acting weird.
00:40:11I'm not acting weird.
00:40:13I'm just in a hurry.
00:40:14Hurry?
00:40:15For what?
00:40:16This is the one night Mom has nothing on the calendar.
00:40:19Well, my calendar has the care center on it.
00:40:22I'm going to decorate gingerbread houses with pops.
00:40:26Oh, and, uh, anyone else?
00:40:30And Will.
00:40:32What is going on with you and Will?
00:40:34Uh, we're just friends, and I'm having a good time getting to know him again.
00:40:39Apparently he is too.
00:40:42And, uh, Colin, remember him?
00:40:45Yeah, I remember him.
00:40:47And as far as I know, we're friends too.
00:40:56Okay, gotta go.
00:40:57Um, don't wait up.
00:40:59You're telling me everything the second you get home.
00:41:02Bye!
00:41:03Bye.
00:41:09I have to say, I did not quite expect this.
00:41:14You've got blueprints.
00:41:16I've only ever made gingerbread houses with graham crackers.
00:41:19Oh, this is serious business.
00:41:22Pops and I are the Christmas Festival reigning champs.
00:41:25Yeah.
00:41:26We're hoping for a repeat this year.
00:41:28Well, you've got a professional architect on your team.
00:41:31Of course you'll win.
00:41:32You'd be surprised.
00:41:33The competition is fierce.
00:41:36But I like our chances.
00:41:38I think Eliza's our lucky charm.
00:41:41I'm just following your lead.
00:41:43I think the, um...
00:41:45The millwork?
00:41:46Yep, the millwork, yes, I think is what's going to give us the edge.
00:41:49I think you might be right.
00:41:51Pops, months of planning might pay off.
00:41:55So, how close is gingerbread design and construction to your real job?
00:42:01Oh, it's pretty much the exact same.
00:42:04Lots of frosting, long hours, you know.
00:42:07Okay, better question.
00:42:10Um, what do you love about your job?
00:42:13Because if it's anything like this gingerbread house,
00:42:15I can only imagine how much heart and soul you put into your actual work.
00:42:19I mean, I'd like to think so.
00:42:22Um, I don't know, I kind of like everything.
00:42:26The creativity, the challenge, I mean, even the budget.
00:42:31But if I had to pick my favorite, um...
00:42:35Maybe the end result.
00:42:37Just because I love creating something, you know, a space that people love.
00:42:42That's kind of beautiful.
00:42:44And, I mean, you have quite the portfolio already.
00:42:47Between the gingerbread house and the café remodel,
00:42:51I think I've seen enough.
00:42:53Next time I build a real house or a gingerbread house, you're my architect.
00:42:57Well, I would be honored.
00:43:02I think we're going to have a winner.
00:43:04Yeah, me too.
00:43:08It's, you need more frosting.
00:43:11I've never done this before.
00:43:18I just love what Austin's done with the place.
00:43:20It's so modern and homey.
00:43:24Oh, and the hot chocolate is amazing.
00:43:29A little hungry today?
00:43:31Let her be, come on.
00:43:33This is so good.
00:43:35I can't remember the last time I had homemade waffles.
00:43:38Oh, don't forget, tonight is the Maryville Christmas Festival.
00:43:42It's the biggest show in town.
00:43:43We're all going together.
00:43:44Kate's tree is going to be performing.
00:43:46It's...
00:43:47We know.
00:43:48Tradition!
00:43:50How did they know I was going to say that?
00:43:52It's a mystery.
00:44:03It's not really your style, is it?
00:44:05Oh, no, not for me.
00:44:07My mom has a shelf full of these.
00:44:09I just thought it'd be nice to add to the collection.
00:44:12Well, I mean, the shape and the size.
00:44:16The finish, it's really just immaculate.
00:44:23It's also really pricey for such a little thing.
00:44:26Yeah, it's kind of a makeup gift for all the years I've missed.
00:44:30Well, in that case, maybe you should get three or four.
00:44:33Okay, I'm getting two.
00:44:39Well, let's see what we got.
00:44:41We got My Fair Lady.
00:44:44We got Wing Golden Baby.
00:44:49That's a front-runner for sure.
00:44:51Treehead Gnome.
00:44:53That one?
00:44:55And there's a Minnie.
00:44:57That's adorable.
00:45:01But what about this one?
00:45:05Yeah, because you know her so well.
00:45:12Well, it's not a bad idea.
00:45:18Yeah, I'll take it.
00:45:22And I fell in love with the world
00:45:25and found the perfect job to see it.
00:45:28Well, most of it anyway.
00:45:30You know, most people only dream of traveling the world.
00:45:34You've done it.
00:45:36So how does a small-town girl dream of all these big ideas?
00:45:40Well, it started with a book I got one year for Christmas
00:45:43when I was 9, The 100 Wonders of the World.
00:45:46That's right, that's the one you always carried around with you.
00:45:51You remember me doing that?
00:45:54Yeah, of course.
00:45:56I mean, you barely came up for air from that thing.
00:46:01Come on.
00:46:06So when you're not out in the world, where are you?
00:46:11Oh, I'm a big-city girl.
00:46:13That's where the magazine is.
00:46:15And I live with my roommate,
00:46:17who is a classic social butterfly,
00:46:19knows everyone, and is always down for a party.
00:46:23Partier? Huh.
00:46:25I mean, I kind of thought that after all that travel
00:46:28you might want some peace and quiet.
00:46:30I don't mind it, really.
00:46:32I'm hardly ever there,
00:46:34and I meet a lot of interesting people because of Charlie.
00:46:37Charlie?
00:46:39My roommate.
00:46:41Oh.
00:46:44Oh, no, no, no.
00:46:47Charlie is short for Charlotte,
00:46:51who's my best friend and a girl.
00:46:55She's just trying to find herself in this world.
00:46:58Well, she sounds like a lot of fun.
00:47:01Oh.
00:47:03Oh, we got to...
00:47:05Hey, it's Christmas festival time. Let's get down there.
00:47:07Already?
00:47:09Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Claire's just helping me close,
00:47:11so we'll meet you up front, okay?
00:47:13Let's do this.
00:47:15All right, you ready?
00:47:17Oh, hey. Gotta hang this on the tree.
00:47:19Ooh!
00:47:21This has been great.
00:47:23You know, I don't usually get the opportunity
00:47:26to shop for figurines, so thanks.
00:47:28Yeah, it was fun.
00:47:30I didn't think that was how my day was going to go,
00:47:34but I'm glad it did,
00:47:36and I'm glad it's not over yet.
00:47:40Oh, hey, you guys are still here.
00:47:42You waiting for us?
00:47:44Yeah, uh, we're waiting for you guys.
00:47:46Well, let's get going.
00:47:48Miss?
00:48:00Hey, if you guys want to go see Santa really quick,
00:48:03we have a few minutes before Kate's trio performs.
00:48:05See who's been naughty or nice.
00:48:08I think I've been pretty nice.
00:48:10I think so. Eliza, come on.
00:48:12What?
00:48:14Where are we going?
00:48:16We're going to the North Pole.
00:48:18Ready? Over here. One, two, three.
00:48:21Perfect.
00:48:23Merry Christmas.
00:48:25Okay, come on.
00:48:27Merry Christmas, kids.
00:48:29Merry Christmas.
00:48:31Merry Christmas, Santa.
00:48:33Merry Christmas, Santa.
00:48:37Oh, my goodness, they look so cute, don't they?
00:48:39A little bit tight yet.
00:48:42Start a frosted fight while the cookies bake
00:48:45We dance while our favorite carols play
00:48:48Getting cozy by the fireplace
00:48:51Staying up late
00:48:54So let it snow, snow, snow
00:48:58So we can stay up, up, home
00:49:02I've got the tree, you string the lights
00:49:05You bring the naughty, I've got the nice
00:49:08I'll hang the mist, so you bring the kisses
00:49:12Baby, you'll be merry in every Christmas
00:49:15At the top of my wish list
00:49:18Hey, hey, hey
00:49:20You're the happy in my holiday
00:49:23Thank you so much.
00:49:26So let it snow, snow, snow
00:49:40There it is. And look, you won first place.
00:49:44We won. Pops is going to be so proud.
00:49:46I think a speech is in order.
00:49:48Right.
00:49:51Maryville, this is the highest of honors.
00:49:55None of which would be possible without one person.
00:49:58Eliza Gardner, your understanding of millwork
00:50:02and weight-bearing structures is unparalleled.
00:50:05Well done.
00:50:07I'm so flattered.
00:50:12All right, let's keep going.
00:50:14What's the verdict?
00:50:16Well, I give my first Maryville Christmas Festival
00:50:19five stars.
00:50:21Wow, wow, wow. Well, it's not over yet.
00:50:23The grand finale is just about to start.
00:50:25You ready? Let's go see.
00:50:29Be right there.
00:50:31Hey, Charlie.
00:50:33Still alive? I haven't heard from you in a few days.
00:50:36I thought maybe you fell into a deep Christmas movie marathon or something.
00:50:40Alive and well, I think.
00:50:42Oh, I'm going to send you something.
00:50:49All right, girl, details.
00:50:51Spill. Hat guy is hot guy.
00:50:55It's too many. I'll tell you when I get back.
00:50:57Oh, can't wait.
00:50:59Sure miss your face. Get back soon.
00:51:02Oh, I miss your face, too.
00:51:04And your more than a month's rent Miracle Face Serum.
00:51:07Oh, I knew you were using it.
00:51:10Got to go.
00:51:12Wait, we need to talk about this.
00:51:14You're breaking up. It must be a bad connect.
00:51:17There's only one of us who can actually afford this stuff, and it's not me.
00:51:28As your mayor, I want to officially welcome you to the annual Maryville Christmas Festival.
00:51:36As we all know, Maryville is a magical place where we never lose our small town charm,
00:51:42where neighbors help neighbors, and where everyone you meet is a friend.
00:51:46Let's get this show started.
00:51:48We have a wonderful night, and our first number is Joy to the World.
00:51:53Go, Kate!
00:51:55Sorry, that's my sister.
00:52:02Joy to the world, the Lord is come.
00:52:07Let earth receive her King.
00:52:12Let every heart prepare Him room.
00:52:18And saints and angels sing.
00:52:21And saints and angels sing.
00:52:24And saints and saints and angels sing.
00:52:31Woo-hoo!
00:52:34Your performance was amazing.
00:52:37Well, on behalf of Kate and her estate, I'd like to say thank you very much.
00:52:41Hey, babe.
00:52:46Honey, what are you doing here?
00:52:51Surprise.
00:52:53This is a big surprise.
00:52:56Everyone, this is Colin.
00:53:00Um, Colin, this is my dad, Jim.
00:53:03Good to meet you, Colin.
00:53:05Nice to meet you.
00:53:06This is my mom, Nora.
00:53:08Hello.
00:53:09This is my big brother, Austin.
00:53:11Uh.
00:53:12My, uh, his girlfriend, Clara.
00:53:15And this, this is...
00:53:19Uh, I'm Will.
00:53:22Sorry, I'm an old family friend.
00:53:24Who are you?
00:53:25Colin.
00:53:29Right.
00:53:31I, you know what, I better get going.
00:53:34Um, I should go check on Pops.
00:53:38We'll see you tomorrow at the house, right?
00:53:41You're coming over, Will, for Christmas Eve?
00:53:44Yeah, yeah, maybe.
00:53:47See you, Will.
00:53:48Bye, Will.
00:53:51Well, I bet you two have a lot to catch up on.
00:53:57It was such a pleasure to meet you, Colin.
00:54:00You as well.
00:54:02See ya.
00:54:04See ya.
00:54:08So, what are you doing here?
00:54:11Just drove into town and followed the sounds of the hoots and hollers.
00:54:17This is a small town.
00:54:20Like, an incredibly small town.
00:54:23What happened to the big deal you were working on?
00:54:26I thought I was going to take you the rest of the holiday.
00:54:29Out of nowhere, the bigwigs decided to take a couple of days off.
00:54:33So, inspired by the lovely Eliza, that's you,
00:54:38I thought I'd drop in on my family for a spontaneous hometown holiday celebration.
00:54:44It had been a while for me, too, and since I was going to be traveling anyway,
00:54:50I worked in a little layover here with you.
00:54:53A layover in Maryville, huh?
00:54:56It was right on my way.
00:55:01Do you want to go see if somewhere's open?
00:55:04We could get a late dinner.
00:55:07I'd better not.
00:55:09I'd better not. I've got plans and, um...
00:55:14But tomorrow, you should come tomorrow and spend the day with the family.
00:55:19And what exactly does one do at the Gardiner Family Estate on Christmas Eve?
00:55:23You'll just have to wait and see.
00:55:28Uh, yeah, so I'll see you tomorrow?
00:55:31Okay.
00:55:39Up and out of girls, rise and shine, we have got things to do and people to see.
00:55:47And I need your help with brunch.
00:55:53Her secret weapon, cinnamon rolls?
00:55:57That woman is evil.
00:56:00I would literally do anything for her cinnamon rolls.
00:56:03Give up state secrets?
00:56:06Yep.
00:56:08Give up ten years of your life?
00:56:11A thousand percent.
00:56:13Give Austin a foot massage?
00:56:16I have my limits.
00:56:23What?
00:56:25So, I guess I'll address that elephant in the room.
00:56:29Colin, here, out of nowhere.
00:56:32Oh, elephants. I love elephants.
00:56:36Have I told you about the herd I saw in Tanzania?
00:56:39I'm sure they were amazing, and I'd love to hear about them later,
00:56:43but the elephant I want to talk about now is Colin.
00:56:46I think he'd be pretty offended he just called him an elephant.
00:56:50Ha ha, come on. Spill the tea.
00:56:53Why didn't you tell us he was coming?
00:56:55Because I didn't know he was coming. He just showed up.
00:57:00That seems pretty romantic.
00:57:03That's big gesture, I'm-in-this-for-real kind of stuff.
00:57:07Yeah, he's a go-big kind of guy.
00:57:11Especially when it's something that he wants.
00:57:14Which brings me to elephant number two.
00:57:17Will. What about Will?
00:57:20What about Will?
00:57:23He's cool, amazing, and we're friends.
00:57:29I'm his best friend's little sister.
00:57:32Eliza, I think we can all tell it's a lot more than that.
00:57:36Really?
00:57:39Looks like I have two really big elephants.
00:57:43Yep, two very handsome, very eligible elephants.
00:57:48Sounds like a problem only a cinnamon roll could fix.
00:57:51Or it doesn't.
00:57:54All right, everyone, we are here. Let's get this party started, shall we?
00:57:58Ooh, not so fast. We still have people coming and you're ruining the arrangement.
00:58:03How can I help?
00:58:05Can you finish up with the cinnamon rolls and keep this guy, Austin, out of trouble?
00:58:10Thanks, Mom.
00:58:21I'll get it.
00:58:25I'll get it.
00:58:30Merry Christmas Eve, you two.
00:58:33Thanks, babe. Lovely to see you today.
00:58:39Yeah, thanks, babe.
00:58:49Hello, hello.
00:58:53May I?
00:58:58Hey.
00:58:59Hi.
00:59:00Hey.
00:59:01Everything looks and smells amazing.
00:59:03So glad you came.
00:59:05Thanks.
00:59:08Please take a seat, Carter.
00:59:11It's Colin.
00:59:13Colin.
00:59:16Before we dig into this amazing meal,
00:59:20can I just say how great it is to have you all here in our beautiful, festive home?
00:59:26Thank you, Nora.
00:59:28I'm so happy to have my sweet Eliza home.
00:59:31It's not often that we get to be together as a family,
00:59:34and when we do, it just feels good.
00:59:39Dear Lord, as we gather together to celebrate the birth of thy son,
00:59:45may we have gratitude in our hearts for the wonderful blessings we enjoy.
00:59:50We thank thee for this bounteous meal
00:59:53and ask that those that have traveled to be with us today may be safe in their journeys.
00:59:59Amen.
01:00:00Amen.
01:00:02I'm sure there's more for everybody else.
01:00:06I think you're so funny.
01:00:08Yeah, absolutely.
01:00:10So, Carlos, big city guy.
01:00:12It's actually Colin.
01:00:13Oh, so sorry.
01:00:15What do you do out there?
01:00:17Banking.
01:00:18Baking?
01:00:19No, banking.
01:00:20Baking?
01:00:21Like, investment banking.
01:00:23Oh.
01:00:26I'm crazy about Christmas
01:00:36It's the best time of the year
01:00:39I love toasting marshmallows in the fire
01:00:42And jolly cups of cheese
01:00:45I'm crazy about Christmas
01:00:47Let those bells ring loud and clear
01:00:50Oh, I can't wait for Christmas
01:00:54Santa be my witness
01:00:57I can't wait for Christmas this year
01:01:02I love gifts to wrap big ginger snaps
01:01:05With angels in the snow
01:01:08Writing letters to Santa Claus
01:01:11Everybody knows
01:01:14I'm crazy about Christmas
01:01:16Let those bells ring loud and clear
01:01:19Oh, I can't wait for Christmas
01:01:23Santa be my witness
01:01:26I can't wait for Christmas this year
01:01:30Footloose, Singing in the Rain.
01:01:31Singing in the Rain.
01:01:32I can't wait for Christmas this year
01:01:36While you were sleeping, Alice in Wonderland.
01:01:38Brother Bear.
01:01:40Doctor Who.
01:01:41Silence.
01:01:42Quantum Leap.
01:01:43It's a Wonderful Life.
01:01:45Oh.
01:01:46Oh, man.
01:01:47Black and white.
01:01:48That was close.
01:01:49Good job, Kate.
01:01:50Okay, Colin, it's your turn.
01:01:53Woo!
01:01:54Colin!
01:01:55Colin!
01:01:56Colin!
01:01:57Colin!
01:01:58Colin!
01:01:59Colin!
01:02:00I really must get going.
01:02:02Early flight in the morning.
01:02:04Oh.
01:02:05But thank you so much for your kindness and hospitality.
01:02:09It was delightful to have you here.
01:02:12Nice to meet you.
01:02:13Nice to meet you.
01:02:14Merry Christmas.
01:02:16Have a good time in New York.
01:02:21I didn't tell you before, but this is a rescue mission.
01:02:30A what?
01:02:31A rescue mission.
01:02:33I'm busting you out of this nightmare.
01:02:36You said you'd rather be anywhere else but here for Christmas.
01:02:39So here I am, like a wee little elf granting your Christmas wish.
01:02:44You can't be serious.
01:02:47Are you?
01:02:49Very.
01:02:50We'll be at my parents' house in Boston by noon.
01:02:54Having a proper Christmas.
01:02:56Together.
01:02:57But...
01:02:58I am glad I took this little detour to get a look here for myself instead of taking your word for it.
01:03:04It really is as awful as you said.
01:03:08I never said awful.
01:03:11Maybe you never said awful, but over the past year I believe I've heard you describe it as...
01:03:17Backwater.
01:03:19Hodunk.
01:03:20Uninspiring.
01:03:21Unrefined.
01:03:22And...
01:03:23Pedestrian.
01:03:25And, uh, I think you also said...
01:03:28Just stringing up a few strands of twinkle lights in the middle of nowhere USA doesn't make it charming.
01:03:35It's still nowhere.
01:03:37You're absolutely right.
01:03:39Go get your stuff packed.
01:03:41I'll be back here bright and early to get you.
01:03:44Flight leaves at seven.
01:04:03Okay, now what? Time for another...
01:04:06Game.
01:04:10The door...
01:04:13Was open.
01:04:16I'm gonna leave.
01:04:18Sounds good.
01:04:20See you, Will.
01:04:30You heard?
01:04:33Everything.
01:04:35Loud and clear.
01:04:37Sorry to embarrass you.
01:04:39Goodnight, guys.
01:04:42Goodnight.
01:04:48Lucky kiddo.
01:04:51Mom, I...
01:04:59You could've told us the truth about why you never came home.
01:05:04It would've hurt.
01:05:06But it would've hurt a lot less than you...
01:05:10You lied to us all these years.
01:05:15We've been nothing but supportive of you and your dreams.
01:05:20Our lives and dreams are here.
01:05:23The least you could've done was return the favor.
01:05:39I love you.
01:06:10Hey, babe. Where's your bag?
01:06:16I'm not going.
01:06:19What's that?
01:06:21I'm staying.
01:06:23I'm choosing to spend Christmas here in this...
01:06:27Wonderful, magical, heartwarming, teensy-tiny...
01:06:33Middle-of-nowhere town.
01:06:35You sure?
01:06:37Positive.
01:06:39Alrighty. Suit yourself.
01:06:42Give me a call when you get home, when you've gotten all this out of your system.
01:06:47I am home, and I don't think I'm gonna be calling you
01:06:50or getting anything out of my system, for that matter.
01:06:54What are you saying?
01:06:57I'm saying...
01:06:59I think you're a great guy, I just...
01:07:02I don't think this is the right time.
01:07:05I just... I don't think this is gonna work.
01:07:10The girl you've been talking to...
01:07:13It was me, it just wasn't the complete me.
01:07:18This here in Maryville...
01:07:21This is the real me, and I don't think it's what you're looking for.
01:07:26If you really mean that, Eliza...
01:07:30I can't believe I'm saying this, but...
01:07:33I agree.
01:07:36I think we're best as friends.
01:07:39The friend zone?
01:07:42Ouch.
01:07:44Not where I thought I'd end up, but...
01:07:47I appreciate the honesty.
01:07:50If you do ever decide to leave here...
01:07:54Give me a call.
01:07:56I still owe you the insider info on the best French pastries in the city.
01:08:00Like I promised.
01:08:03Goodbye, Eliza Gardner.
01:08:11Good luck.
01:08:29Hey, Kate.
01:08:32Hey.
01:09:03Hey, wait until you open that one up.
01:09:06I wanna see you do it.
01:09:16Kate, when are you gonna learn?
01:09:18Sorry, it's mine.
01:09:22My stars, you scared me.
01:09:24Sorry.
01:09:26What are you doing here?
01:09:28We all thought you left up in Atom Grove, right?
01:09:31Atom Grove, rise and shine!
01:09:33Please don't say it, Mom.
01:09:35I've literally got nothing to do and...
01:09:38I know people do not want to see me right now after everything that happened last night.
01:09:44Oh, sweetie.
01:09:48Mom, I really messed up...
01:09:51Everything.
01:09:53You certainly made some mistakes, but...
01:09:56It's pretty hard to mess up everything.
01:10:00I broke things off with Colin, whatever that was.
01:10:07I hurt and betrayed the most important people in my life by saying some really stupid things.
01:10:15And Will...
01:10:18I think what I did was the worst to Will.
01:10:25Mom, I'm at a loss, honestly.
01:10:30I've traveled everywhere.
01:10:33I've lived on my own, thinking it's made me mature.
01:10:38But now I realize I know so little.
01:10:44When did you learn to do all this?
01:10:47How to be good at life?
01:10:51Never.
01:10:53You never really figure it out.
01:10:55You never feel like you know what you're doing.
01:10:58That's reassuring.
01:11:00Welcome to adulting. It's the secret no one ever tells you.
01:11:04I've been so confused ever since I've been back.
01:11:09It's like there's two versions of me.
01:11:12The world traveler, big city me.
01:11:16And the me that grew up here and left here behind.
01:11:20Maybe I've been running away for so long that I just don't even know who I am anymore.
01:11:29Maybe I shouldn't have come back.
01:11:32That's exactly what I've been afraid of.
01:11:35That you would never come back home again.
01:11:40When you left here, you made it quite clear that this house, this town, this place was too small for you.
01:11:48And I agree. It was.
01:11:51I'm so proud of you for leaving the nest, flying, soaring.
01:12:00You're amazing.
01:12:03But it's really hard not to see you.
01:12:08I miss you terribly.
01:12:11It's been so great for all of us to be together.
01:12:15It's been magical.
01:12:17And maybe I've been trying to bottle all this magic up in cookies and carols and Christmas trees and toilet paper rolls.
01:12:26We never got to that.
01:12:28You're right. And every other celebration and tradition I can think of.
01:12:34Because I'm so afraid it won't happen again.
01:12:40I want you to chase your dreams and live your life.
01:12:44And I also want you to come home. Sometimes.
01:12:49I will, Mom. Of course I will.
01:12:54I better get back down there.
01:12:57I want to give this gift to your dad.
01:13:00They're gonna think that I got lost up here.
01:13:04It's a ratchet set. It's been on your dad's wish list for months.
01:13:08Oh, how romantic.
01:13:10It's another secret about adulting.
01:13:13The older you get, the increasingly more practical the gifts become.
01:13:18Now come on, get up. Come on down.
01:13:21Mom, I don't think I can go down there.
01:13:26I wouldn't know what to say and I think my being there would just ruin Christmas for everyone.
01:13:33No one knows I'm here, right?
01:13:35Yeah. They all think that you left with Colin this morning.
01:13:40You've missed so many Christmas mornings already.
01:13:44It would be a shame to miss another one.
01:13:47Mom! Today, Dad's losing his mind.
01:13:52Did you forget where you put it?
01:13:54I just found it. I'll be right down.
01:13:59Alright, well, we'll see you down there?
01:14:02Okay.
01:14:09Merry Christmas.
01:14:40Merry Christmas, roomie.
01:14:42Merry Christmas. Opened my gift yet?
01:14:45Just did.
01:14:47Costs more than a month's rent face serum.
01:14:49You shouldn't have.
01:14:51Oh wait, you totally should have.
01:14:52You used half of mine.
01:14:54How's Smallville anyway?
01:14:56Maryville has been unexpectedly action-packed.
01:15:00And the plot's still unfolding.
01:15:03Hmm, I'm intrigued.
01:15:05Hope it involves Hat Guy.
01:15:07I bet you do.
01:15:09I just wanted to call and let you know that I'll be staying here a little bit longer.
01:15:13Have to see how this all plays out.
01:15:16Okay, but don't be too long.
01:15:18It's not the same without you occasionally here.
01:15:21Okay. Talk to you later.
01:15:23Wish me luck. I think I need a Christmas miracle.
01:15:26Good luck!
01:15:37Hey, you guys.
01:15:53Eliza's new article just got posted.
01:15:56Listen to this.
01:15:59Wonder.
01:16:01It's a good theme for a Christmas Day post.
01:16:03Especially since it's what I write about.
01:16:06Usually, when you read these articles,
01:16:08you're seeing overwater bungalows in the Maldives
01:16:11or the Northern Lights in Iceland.
01:16:13This one looks a little different,
01:16:15but I promise it's still me.
01:16:17It's the new improved me.
01:16:19For as long as I can remember,
01:16:21I've wanted to see the world.
01:16:23To break free.
01:16:24To go everywhere.
01:16:25To do everything.
01:16:27As long as it was anywhere but my small hometown.
01:16:31Luckily for me, I've been able to live out my wildest dreams
01:16:34with all of you along for the ride as my faithful travel companions.
01:16:37But while I was expanding my vision of the exotic and far-flung,
01:16:41I lost sight of the wonders in my own world.
01:16:45My family.
01:16:48My old friends.
01:16:51My new friends.
01:16:55My roots.
01:16:58The past few days have shown me how much I've missed
01:17:00and how much I need those wonders to be part of my life.
01:17:03My dreams and my checklist too.
01:17:06I will always be a wanderer.
01:17:08I will keep exploring and discovering the wonders of this big, beautiful world.
01:17:13But now I know that you don't always have to travel far and wide to find them.
01:17:17They're all around you and most of the time,
01:17:20have been right in front of you all along.
01:17:22Maybe even where you least expect.
01:17:25I'll keep chasing the big ones until I get to all 100 and far beyond.
01:17:30But from now on, I'm not going to miss the little wonders along the way.
01:17:39Alexa!
01:17:41What are you doing here?
01:17:44We thought you left.
01:17:46I couldn't miss Christmas with the family again.
01:17:48I've done that enough already.
01:17:50Have you guys done the Christmas mornings at the top of the stairs pic?
01:17:53Did I miss it?
01:17:55We haven't done that in years.
01:17:58Well, come on mom, time to start it up again.
01:18:00Up and at them. It's tradition.
01:18:02Okay.
01:18:19Clara.
01:18:20Oh, thank you.
01:18:22Austin.
01:18:23Thanks, sis.
01:18:25Love you, bye.
01:18:27Dad.
01:18:29For you.
01:18:32So cool.
01:18:41I love it.
01:18:43Liza.
01:18:45Oh, it's so cute.
01:18:51How did you know?
01:18:54I'll open this one first.
01:18:58Oh, it's so pretty.
01:19:15What are you working on, E?
01:19:17Oh, just a project that's been years in the making.
01:19:20Something I should have done a long time ago.
01:19:23Hmm, I'm intrigued.
01:19:26I can't wait to see how it turns out.
01:19:29Yeah, I can't either.
01:19:51Pops.
01:19:53Oh, Liza. It's a pleasure seeing you again. Merry Christmas.
01:19:57Merry Christmas. I'm sorry to barge in on you.
01:20:00No apology necessary.
01:20:02What brings you here today? Are you singing again?
01:20:04No, not today.
01:20:07I was hoping to run into Will.
01:20:09I checked by his place and I thought I'd come here too.
01:20:12Just trying to track him down.
01:20:14Well, he was here, we opened some presents together,
01:20:17but he left, he said he had somewhere he needed to go.
01:20:21I can tell him you stopped by.
01:20:23Would you please?
01:20:25You bet.
01:20:27You want to play some Christmas bingo? It starts in five minutes.
01:20:30I wish I could, but there's something I really have to do.
01:20:33Well, Merry Christmas.
01:20:35Merry Christmas.
01:20:42Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't see where I was going,
01:20:45and I just...
01:20:48Uh, you.
01:20:50It's for you, actually.
01:20:52Really?
01:20:56Well, it's a good thing we bumped into each other again.
01:21:03You seem to be getting good at that.
01:21:09I was actually looking for you.
01:21:11You were?
01:21:13Yeah, I was.
01:21:17Well, you found me.
01:21:21Are you going to open it?
01:21:23Yeah.
01:21:35I love it.
01:21:37You never cease to surprise me.
01:21:40You never cease to surprise me.
01:21:43And you fixed it.
01:21:48I read your article, by the way.
01:21:50Oh, yeah?
01:21:52What'd you think?
01:21:54It's your best one yet.
01:21:58And I meant every word.
01:22:00I'm really sorry about everything that happened the last couple of days.
01:22:03I just got so caught up with everything and my family,
01:22:06and it was all so unexpectedly magical, and then I fell in love...
01:22:10with this town.
01:22:15I realized you were right about what you said at the party.
01:22:20I am still in love.
01:22:23With you.
01:22:27Wow.
01:22:29That's really good to hear.
01:22:32Because...
01:22:36I've always been in love with you, Lizzie Carter.
01:22:40Wait, wait, wait, wait.
01:22:42Am I still competing with...
01:22:45Chris...Clarke?
01:22:48It's Colin.
01:22:50Oh, Colin.
01:22:52We realized that we weren't quite right for each other.
01:22:57Because I think there's someone else who might be.
01:23:00Do I know him, or...?
01:23:06I don't know.
01:23:36I don't know.
01:24:06I don't know.
01:24:37If it don't make your jingle bells ring-a-ling
01:24:40Give your heart a reason to sing
01:24:43Oh, baby
01:24:46It ain't Christmas
01:25:06Oh, baby
01:25:09It ain't Christmas
01:25:17It ain't
01:25:36It ain't