A globetrotting travel writer returns to her quaint hometown for the holidays, embarking on a heartwarming journey of rediscovering cherished family traditions. This festive romance sees her reconnecting with an old flame, making for a magical Christmas tale. Experience the joy and wonder of the season in this delightful holiday film.
christmas holiday-movie romance family-traditions travel-writer hometown love-story 2024-film
#AChristmasOfWonders #ChristmasMovie #HolidayRomance #FullMovie
christmas holiday-movie romance family-traditions travel-writer hometown love-story 2024-film
#AChristmasOfWonders #ChristmasMovie #HolidayRomance #FullMovie
Category
🛠️
LifestyleTranscript
00:00:00I can divide my life into before and after.
00:00:17Before the Christmas that my parents got the book,
00:00:20and after when my life would never be the same.
00:00:23The book was called The 100 Wonders of the World,
00:00:26and from the moment I cracked it open for the first time that Christmas morning,
00:00:30I was obsessed.
00:00:32Machu Picchu, Mostar Bridge, the Terracotta Warriors,
00:00:37everything was exotic, everything was fascinating.
00:00:42I made a promise to myself I would see them all,
00:00:46and I started counting the days when I'd break out of my teeny tiny little town,
00:00:50because seeing pictures in the book wasn't good enough.
00:00:56After high school, I had my chance.
00:01:00I left Maryville to see the world,
00:01:02and I haven't looked back.
00:01:06Stepping out to experience the wonders with my own eyes
00:01:10was more incredible than I had even imagined.
00:01:13Eventually, I landed my dream job,
00:01:15allowing me to share my adventures with aspiring travelers across the globe.
00:01:19Eliza, you're home.
00:01:34Hi.
00:01:35I thought you wouldn't be back till next week.
00:01:38There's only so much you can write about some places.
00:01:43I convinced my editor that two months in the Serengeti...
00:01:47Why is it?
00:01:48In the what?
00:01:49Serengeti?
00:01:51Serengeti?
00:01:54Tanzania?
00:01:55Wildlife Park?
00:01:57Oh, Africa!
00:02:02Did you share an Airbnb with the animals?
00:02:05No, but it smells like they moved in here with you.
00:02:08How big was the party?
00:02:10Let's see, it was just Fran from work,
00:02:12a couple of her friends,
00:02:14and the newbies in 210.
00:02:16Just your standard-sized shindig.
00:02:19Charlie, please tell me tonight's a rare night off from your social life.
00:02:23Well, nothing's planned yet, but the night is young.
00:02:28How about your next assignment?
00:02:29And a couple of days, I'm doing a piece on European Christmas markets.
00:02:39But right now, I'm going to work on sleeping off this jet lag.
00:02:43Fine.
00:02:44See you in the morning.
00:02:47Good night.
00:02:50Wait, did you see zebras?
00:02:51Oh, Mom called.
00:03:03Hi, honey.
00:03:07It's Mom.
00:03:07It's Mom.
00:03:08I 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.
00:03:22Oh, I'm so proud of you every day.
00:03:25Ugh, I miss her.
00:03:26Georgina, hi.
00:03:46Hey, Eliza, outline and proposal for the Serengeti story.
00:03:50Look great.
00:03:51Consider them approved.
00:03:52One more thing.
00:03:53Just got word that we're pivoting on the European Christmas markets piece,
00:03:57so you're off the hook.
00:03:58Oh, I was really looking forward to that.
00:04:02Um, so what else do you have for me for the holidays?
00:04:04Nothing, actually.
00:04:05I don't think I've ever said this to you before, but enjoy the holidays.
00:04:09Not for too long, though.
00:04:10Greece is still a go right after the new year.
00:04:12Talk soon.
00:04:14Okay, yeah, I'll talk to you later.
00:04:15Bye.
00:04:16Looks like I'm not going to Europe for Christmas after all.
00:04:22Oh, well, where are you going then?
00:04:25You're always somewhere exotic for Christmas.
00:04:29Hey, what about that little hometown of yours?
00:04:32Maybe you could go there for the holidays.
00:04:35Yeah, right.
00:04:36Wait.
00:04:38Yeah, right, I could.
00:04:40You really could.
00:04:41Imagine your mom's face.
00:04:43After all these years of turning down her holiday invitations,
00:04:45you could finally take her up on it.
00:04:48You know what?
00:04:48I think I'm going to do it.
00:04:49Colin Anderson, go.
00:04:53Oh, wait.
00:04:54It's Eliza.
00:04:55Oh, this is a nice surprise.
00:05:11Yeah, I'll make this quick.
00:05:13I know you're busy with the merger, and I just landed.
00:05:16Oh.
00:05:17You left already.
00:05:18I thought you still had a couple of days in the city.
00:05:20Yeah, the Christmas markets thing got canceled, so surprise again.
00:05:24I am in the last place I thought I'd be for the holidays.
00:05:28Should I guess where?
00:05:30Don't laugh.
00:05:32It's Maryville.
00:05:33Wow.
00:05:34Really?
00:05:36Please tell me it's for an assignment.
00:05:38Uh, nope.
00:05:39It'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,
00:05:51so I just thought I'd go home for a few days,
00:05:53and 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,
00:06:00I'd be able to save you.
00:06:02I think I can manage a few days.
00:06:05Let's just, um, get together in the new year
00:06:07when I'm back in town, okay?
00:06:08It's a plan.
00:06:10I'll have my assistant get us a reservation somewhere.
00:06:13Talk soon.
00:06:14Wish me luck.
00:06:15You're gonna need it.
00:06:17Bye-bye.
00:06:17Bye.
00:06:22Yes!
00:06:25Hi, Mom!
00:06:29I'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.
00:06:36Hi, Dad.
00:06:37It's good to see you, too.
00:06:40Retirement looks good on you.
00:06:41Is that my retirement?
00:06:43Well, let's get your luggage in the car.
00:06:44Okay.
00:06:45Oh, wow.
00:06:48Cute.
00:06:49I knew you would love it.
00:06:50Wow, this town's a lot smaller than I remember.
00:07:11Really?
00:07:14Well, with all of your globe-trotting and big-city living,
00:07:19you know what they say.
00:07:19You can take the girl out of the country,
00:07:21but you can always guilt-trip her into coming back.
00:07:25Mom, we aren't even country people anyway.
00:07:27Well, well, well.
00:07:29Look who decided to finally grace us with her presence!
00:07:33Hey, sis!
00:07:35Hey, she's got all a cake!
00:07:37It's so good to see you!
00:07:39Oh, my gosh.
00:07:40Come on, look.
00:07:41You guys!
00:07:41Oh, my goodness.
00:07:42You look wonderful.
00:07:43Oh, give me strength.
00:07:48I can't wait to just chill and relax.
00:07:58I can't remember the last time
00:07:59I didn't have a jam-packed itinerary.
00:08:01Does anyone want to binge some of those holiday rom-coms
00:08:04while I sit here and binge for a while?
00:08:06Eliza, we don't have time for that.
00:08:08You may not have an itinerary, but we do.
00:08:11We have people arriving here soon.
00:08:13Arriving for what?
00:08:14The annual Gardner Family Ugly Sweater Christmas Party,
00:08:17the A-G-F-U-S-C-P.
00:08:18It's a family tradition.
00:08:20You guys still do that?
00:08:21I thought that fizzled out years ago.
00:08:23Heavens, no!
00:08:24It is bigger and better than ever before.
00:08:27You'll like it.
00:08:28You'll love it.
00:08:28I promise, I swear.
00:08:29I asked Kate to pick out an ugly sweater for you upstairs,
00:08:32unless, of course, you brought one of your own.
00:08:35You didn't.
00:08:35Okay.
00:08:36Okay.
00:08:37Kate!
00:08:38Ugly sweater, 911!
00:08:40Jim!
00:08:41Woo!
00:08:41Woo!
00:08:42Uh-uh.
00:08:45Ah.
00:08:46We're amazing 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.
00:08:57Oh, boy.
00:08:58These really are ugly.
00:09:02So, first things first, tell me more about your man, Carter.
00:09:07Connor?
00:09:08It's Colin.
00:09:09Yeah.
00:09:10Um, where do I start?
00:09:12Well, first of all, uh, he's not really my man.
00:09:17We're just kind of talking.
00:09:20Ah, you're talking.
00:09:23Got news for you, E.
00:09:24He's definitely your man.
00:09:27It's basically all we can do.
00:09:29Text.
00:09:30Sometimes call.
00:09:32He's busy.
00:09:33I'm hardly ever even in the same zip code.
00:09:36We're taking things slow.
00:09:40Is...
00:09:41Is he?
00:09:42You're quite the catch.
00:09:45I don't think there's any other way we can take it.
00:09:47Between my work schedule and his, it's like we're in a long-distance relationship.
00:09:53Well, I think we should meet him sometime.
00:09:56We can decide for you.
00:09:57Now there's an idea.
00:10:00Hey, Mom needs to get downstairs right now.
00:10:02She needs you, okay?
00:10:02Okay.
00:10:04Okay.
00:10:05Dude, it's Christmas.
00:10:07Well, hurry up and get ready.
00:10:09It's time for your reintroduction to the other society.
00:10:11Okay.
00:10:41When life's on the right, the sun's on the right.
00:10:48Eliza! Last time I saw you, you were yay high!
00:10:59Oh, 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 spiders.
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.
00:11:35Wow. I need a job like that.
00:11:37Oh, pintown sounds like a lovely city, town, village. I'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.
00:12:03Two.
00:12:05I see you escaped the ugly wool party.
00:12:11Barely. I've talked more about myself in the last hour than I have in the last decade.
00:12:17Hmm, that's because you're the most famous person in all of Maryville.
00:12:21And 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.
00:12:31Oh, 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're wearing 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,
00:12:56so 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.
00:13:02Plus, I'm still waiting for you to fix it, like you promised.
00:13:08You okay, Eliza?
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.
00:13:28Again.
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.
00:13:37See you tomorrow, Will.
00:13:38Take care, man.
00:13:41What was that?
00:13:43What?
00:13:44That was horrifying.
00:13:45Will's right, you are still in love with him.
00:13:47I am not.
00:13:48I mean, I was.
00:13:54Used to be.
00:13:56Everyone was.
00:13:57Didn't you and your friends used to, like...
00:14:03Used to walk back and forth in front of the hardware store pretending to be interested in drills and fasteners just to...
00:14:09Maybe catch a glimpse of him through the window?
00:14:13Yeah.
00:14:14We did.
00:14:16So embarrassing.
00:14:18But effective.
00:14:24I still can't believe he pretended like I didn't exist back then.
00:14:29I walked back and forth so many times.
00:14:31Why didn't you just, like, talk to him?
00:14:33I mean, he was also his homeboy.
00:14:35You could have, like, I don't know, dialed it down and been friends.
00:14:39Yeah, that's definitely far too logical for the teenage mind to grasp.
00:14:44Besides, I don't think he ever could have been interested in me.
00:14:48I was always just his best friend's little sister.
00:14:51You know, off limits.
00:14:52Well, good thing you don't have to worry about that anymore.
00:14:57You've got, um...
00:14:59What's his name?
00:15:01Carter.
00:15:02Corbin.
00:15:03Wait, don't tell me.
00:15:04Colin.
00:15:08Yeah, I've got Colin.
00:15:11You're right.
00:15:12I don't need to worry about Will Matthews at all, ever again.
00:15:22The End
00:15:32Up and out, girls! Rise and shine!
00:15:33We've got things to do and people to see!
00:15:35I'm a grown woman.
00:15:37And my mother still hollers on me to get up like I'm five.
00:15:41Why are we getting up already?
00:15:44The day after the ugly party, it's cookies and carols at the care center.
00:15:49We should be sleeping in.
00:15:50Come on. Mom's not gonna give up.
00:15:55Literally, it's the same plan every year since Grandma lived there before she died.
00:16:02I forgot about that.
00:16:05Those were some of the best times of the holidays.
00:16:09Are Bev and Harold still there?
00:16:11Still there and still a hoot and a holler.
00:16:20Well, looks like we're about there.
00:16:25Okay, thank you and here's your daily paycheck.
00:16:28Best hot chocolate in town.
00:16:30I'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.
00:16:39Uh, light 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.
00:16:48Do you by any chance have a few extra minutes to go grab them for me?
00:16:51Yeah, for sure, for sure.
00:16:55Is...
00:16:56Eliza gonna be at the house?
00:16:58Yeah, yeah, she should be.
00:16:59Why?
00:17:00No reason not.
00:17:02Hmm.
00:17:05Hmm.
00:17:06Look, she just...
00:17:08She seems different.
00:17:09Okay, yeah, different.
00:17:11And uh, in what way?
00:17:13Like she's just not your little sister anymore.
00:17:17Technically, she'll always be my little sister.
00:17:19Oh, man, you know what I'm saying.
00:17:21Listen.
00:17:22I 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.
00:17:27I got this.
00:17:29Okay?
00:17:30Okay.
00:17:33Oh.
00:17:34The boy's gonna need all the help you can get.
00:17:38Good morning, my loves.
00:17:39Hello.
00:17:40Come over.
00:17:41I need your help.
00:17:42Mom, it smells so good.
00:17:44There's nothing in the world like your sugar cookies.
00:17:47You should open a cafe or something.
00:17:50Ha, ha, ha, ha.
00:17:51I'm leaving the rest of this for you two to finish up.
00:17:54We have a very busy morning.
00:17:56Now, if you gals wouldn't mind doing your decorating magic just like the good old days,
00:18:02we will be back later this afternoon and we can go to the care center together.
00:18:07Okie dokie.
00:18:08Hey, honey.
00:18:09You ready to go?
00:18:10Ready.
00:18:11And I have another family craft idea.
00:18:13Wonderful.
00:18:16Now, don't make a mess.
00:18:18Bye, Mom.
00:18:24Feels like the perfect time for Malakalikimaka.
00:18:27What?
00:18:30Malakalikimaka.
00:18:31Merry Christmas.
00:18:33That's how they say it in Hawaii.
00:18:34I know what it means.
00:18:35I just did not understand you.
00:18:37Ooh, another fun fact.
00:18:39In Ghana, they have four wise men in their nativity scene.
00:18:43Hmm, interesting.
00:18:46Here's my fun fact.
00:18:48In this house, we eat cookies and drink wassail.
00:18:52Ooh, 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.
00:19:03We should put firecrackers in the brownies.
00:19:09Hey, Eliza.
00:19:10Yeah?
00:19:11Malakalikimaka!
00:19:19Do you need help?
00:19:20Um...
00:19:23Wait.
00:19:24Probably...
00:19:25I'm sorry, you're...
00:19:27I can't see a thing.
00:19:29It's probably a good thing, because you look ridiculous.
00:19:35Thanks.
00:19:36This is so embarrassing.
00:19:41Um, Austin's not here, by the way.
00:19:44Oh, yeah, I know.
00:19:45He's at the cafe.
00:19:46He sent me over here to pick up a package.
00:19:49Oh, yeah.
00:19:50I can't wait to see it.
00:19:51I know he's been working nearly 24-7 on it.
00:19:55Um, has he roped you into helping out?
00:19:58I mean, a little.
00:19:59Well, a lot, actually, but, um...
00:20:01You should come by and see it.
00:20:03You know, we could, uh...
00:20:05Go together before you leave town.
00:20:08Yeah!
00:20:09That sounds fun.
00:20:12Well, it's, uh...
00:20:13It's a date.
00:20:14Okay.
00:20:17Okay.
00:20:18Well, I better go get that package.
00:20:21Okay, yeah, see ya.
00:20:25Wait.
00:20:27Did he just say date?
00:20:29Go, go, go.
00:20:30Go, go, go.
00:20:34Oh.
00:20:35Clara!
00:20:36Hey!
00:20:37Oh, hey!
00:20:38We made it!
00:20:39We almost had a riot on our hands.
00:20:40Oh, boy.
00:20:41Can I help you with these?
00:20:42Well, hold on.
00:20:43Clara, you've met everybody in the family except for Eliza.
00:20:46Eliza, this is Clara.
00:20:48Oh, Eliza, it is so nice to meet you!
00:20:51Hi.
00:20:52I've heard so much about you.
00:20:54Really?
00:20:55Mm-hmm.
00:20:56Yikes.
00:20:57Good things, I hope?
00:20:58Oh!
00:20:59Only good things, I promise.
00:21:02Uh, you must be so happy to be home.
00:21:04Austin tells me it's been quite some time.
00:21:07Well, there is no place quite like Maryville.
00:21:11I've only been here a few months, but it's already starting to feel like home to me, too.
00:21:16Well, hopefully this guy is helping with that.
00:21:19Dad.
00:21:20He definitely is.
00:21:22He's quite charming, this guy.
00:21:24Thanks.
00:21:25Charming.
00:21:27Austin?
00:21:28This Austin?
00:21:29Yeah, that's me.
00:21:30I can be charming.
00:21:32Sometimes.
00:21:33Okay, okay, okay.
00:21:34Let's just get these cookies over to the table, is that alright?
00:21:41So, what's the story with those two?
00:21:44I haven't heard anything about her.
00:21:46Claire's an interior designer, and she moved here to live with her aunt.
00:21:51Austin needed help with the cafe's remodel, and she was the one.
00:21:56They hit it off immediately.
00:21:58We all love her.
00:21:59Aw, who would've thought?
00:22:00Our little Austin.
00:22:01I'm happy for him.
00:22:02But it is weird to see him like this.
00:22:03Oh, believe me, for us, too.
00:22:04But, we're getting used to it.
00:22:05Thank you so much for bringing the cookies.
00:22:06Of course.
00:22:07Oh, what time is it?
00:22:08Okay, it's show time!
00:22:09Should we get ready?
00:22:10Yep.
00:22:11Okay.
00:22:12Okay.
00:22:13Hello, everyone.
00:22:14If we could please take a seat and turn this way.
00:22:18It is my privilege to introduce, for the 15th year in a row, one of our Maryville Care Center favorite Christmas traditions, the Gardner Family Singers!
00:22:39We didn't even practice.
00:22:40We never do.
00:22:41We never do.
00:22:42And they never care.
00:22:43One, two, three.
00:22:44Dashing through the snow.
00:22:46In a water we're soppin' sleigh.
00:23:00O'er the fields we go, laughing all the way.
00:23:03Ha, ha, ha!
00:23:04Bells on bobtails ring, making spirits bright.
00:23:09What, what it is to ride and sing the sleigh song tonight.
00:23:14Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingles all the way.
00:23:18Oh, what fun it is to ride one horse open sleigh.
00:23:24Hey!
00:23:25Hey!
00:23:26Oh, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.
00:23:27Oh, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.
00:23:29Oh, ho, ho, ho.
00:23:30Up on my house stop.
00:23:31Make me a pause.
00:23:32Down jumps good old Santa Claus.
00:23:35Up on my house stop.
00:23:37Down through the chimney, we're gonna say, think.
00:23:42Sleep in heavenly peace.
00:23:48Sleep in heavenly peace
00:24:11Your performance was lovely. Thank you.
00:24:14Oh, thank you.
00:24:16Oh, Christmas carols always remind me of my late wife, Margaret.
00:24:21Oh, she could sing like an angel.
00:24:25Sounds like you loved her very much.
00:24:27Hey, Pops, I got you, uh, Eliza.
00:24:31Um, I see you've met my Pops.
00:24:35Uh, Pops, this is Eliza. It's Austin's little sister.
00:24:40Pleasure to make your acquaintance.
00:24:42Is she the one you were telling me about?
00:24:44Um, yeah, I was telling you about all of the gardeners. All of them.
00:24:49Now, as I recall, you said, how did you put that?
00:24:54She has a very nice frame.
00:24:58Um, yeah, I said that.
00:25:01Thanks for that reminder, Pops.
00:25:03Anything for you, Will.
00:25:06Pops, it's been a pleasure.
00:25:10Later, Will.
00:25:11Up and out, girls, rise and shine.
00:25:22We have got things to do and people to see.
00:25:28Does this all happen every morning?
00:25:31Yep, every morning.
00:25:34She's especially chipper during the holidays.
00:25:39We can't have Christmas without a tree.
00:25:42That's why we waited until you came home so we could pick it out together.
00:25:45Come on, time's a waste.
00:25:50Hey, see you downstairs in a few.
00:25:52Best leaves in ten.
00:25:53Oh, hey, you missed breakfast.
00:26:02Well, there's fruit in the bowl.
00:26:04Where's Will and Clara?
00:26:05Wait, Will's coming?
00:26:07Oh, so Clara had a last-minute client consultation,
00:26:09but she'll be back over to help with some decorations.
00:26:12And Will's going to be meeting us over at the tree lot.
00:26:14Yeah, he'll be, uh, looking for one for Pops.
00:26:17Are you okay there, E?
00:26:20I need a minute.
00:26:22Where's my lip gloss?
00:26:23I didn't touch it.
00:26:25Lip gloss?
00:26:27It's a city thing, Mom.
00:26:34I still can't believe they waited so long to get the tree.
00:26:39What?
00:26:40I mean, this is tradition.
00:26:42The Gardner family always pick out a tree together.
00:26:44I mean, I understand doing them all when you were kids.
00:26:49It was, you know, to make Christmas magical.
00:26:51And it always was.
00:26:52But now that we're adults, why still do them all?
00:26:57Some of them seem kind of silly.
00:27:00Silly?
00:27:03I mean, maybe silly to you, but...
00:27:06I mean, for your mom?
00:27:08It probably reminds her of all the past Christmases, you know?
00:27:10All the magic, the love.
00:27:12I don't know.
00:27:14I just always felt lucky to be included.
00:27:18So, have you decided which one's perfect for Pops?
00:27:21Ah, this one's a strong contender.
00:27:25I don't know.
00:27:26I just...
00:27:27It's his first year in the care center.
00:27:30I really want to make it special.
00:27:33It won't matter which one you choose.
00:27:35If I know you, you'll make it look amazing.
00:27:37He's lucky to have you.
00:27:44Thanks.
00:27:46But, I mean, you should really lower your expectations.
00:27:50No one can match your mom's decorating skills.
00:27:52You're 100% right.
00:27:54No one can.
00:27:56Eliza, over here!
00:27:57We need your boat!
00:27:59Duty calls.
00:28:00Perfecto.
00:28:10All right, Mom.
00:28:11I think my decorating duties are complete.
00:28:13Wow.
00:28:14Great job on the wreath, Austin.
00:28:18Now it smells like Christmas.
00:28:19Thanks, Mom.
00:28:20Will, you can fill this box up with anything you like to decorate Pops' tree.
00:28:25Are you sure?
00:28:26Of course.
00:28:27We have plenty.
00:28:28Wow.
00:28:32Okay, I'm going to resume my position on the couch.
00:28:37Kate, I'm going to supervise from here.
00:28:39Keep up the good work, you two.
00:28:41Nice try, buddy.
00:28:42But you have to put the star on top of the tree.
00:28:46Yes, you are the tallest one here, so you need to do it.
00:28:49Hey.
00:28:50Plus, it's not going to pass Mom's tree test until all the ornaments are evenly distributed.
00:28:54Or mine.
00:28:55You can do this.
00:28:56I was about nine when I made these.
00:29:03I've forgotten all about them.
00:29:06You know, there might be some of my masterpieces in here.
00:29:08I think you're right.
00:29:10Mom never passed up a chance to have someone make an ornament for her tree.
00:29:16Oh, yeah.
00:29:17Yeah.
00:29:17I remember this one.
00:29:18This one's one of mine.
00:29:21Well, that's the thing about them.
00:29:22They all had meaning.
00:29:24They were all special and beautiful in their own way.
00:29:28Even this one?
00:29:34Especially that one.
00:29:35All these little things are flooding back to me.
00:29:41It was out of sight, out of mind for so long.
00:29:43I didn't even really miss it.
00:29:46But the more I'm here, the more I realize, I don't know, I do kind of miss it.
00:29:53It's weird.
00:29:53Yeah, I get that.
00:29:57I remember it was kind of the same for me when I moved back for Pops.
00:30:00I mean, the big things are important, but really, I think the small things are what anchor us to our past, remind us of who we are.
00:30:09You know, no matter where we've been.
00:30:16I'm so glad to have Eliza home for Christmas.
00:30:19Me too.
00:30:20This house hasn't felt this full in years.
00:30:28Who's up for some wassail?
00:30:30Wait, but first, for the big moment.
00:30:34All right.
00:30:36Ready.
00:30:39I think that's my best one yet.
00:30:42It's definitely the best one.
00:30:58Morning, Dad.
00:30:59Well, you're up early.
00:31:01Any big plans today?
00:31:03Um, no, nothing planned.
00:31:06I just thought I'd go into town, see what's new.
00:31:09You know, like I do when I travel.
00:31:11After all, this is an exotic and distant location for me.
00:31:16Hey, listen, before you head out on this grand local adventure, I wanted to talk to you about this Colin fellow.
00:31:23Would I like him?
00:31:25Dad, you never like anyone.
00:31:27That's true.
00:31:28I just want to make sure whoever it is deserves my little girl.
00:31:33And let's be honest.
00:31:34There are very few who measure up to you.
00:31:38Well, there might be someone who comes close.
00:31:41I'm still getting to know Colin, but so far he might be a good candidate.
00:31:45He's successful, hardworking.
00:31:49As long as you're happy, that's what matters.
00:31:53And whoever makes you happy, makes me happy.
00:31:57Oh, Dad.
00:31:58Listen, kiddo, you better head out before your mom as you're making angels out of toilet paper rolls.
00:32:03Thanks for the heads up.
00:32:05You better watch out, too.
00:32:06No one's safe.
00:32:07Have fun out there.
00:32:09I will.
00:32:10Love you, Dad.
00:32:11Love you.
00:32:13Great news.
00:32:14I found more toilet paper rolls.
00:32:28If you don't put a twinkle in both of your eyes, light you up and make you shine, oh, baby.
00:32:38It ain't Christmas.
00:32:42If you don't make your jingle bells ring a ring, I'll give your heart a reason to sing, oh, baby.
00:32:52I'm so sorry I didn't see you.
00:32:55Eliza.
00:32:57Hi.
00:32:58Hi.
00:32:59I'm sorry, I didn't see you.
00:33:01It's okay.
00:33:02I didn't see you there either.
00:33:05Sorry that my frame got in your way.
00:33:07I'm sorry, I was just, I was talking to Pops, and he's kind of old-fashioned, and it just kind of came out.
00:33:19It's really okay.
00:33:21What is that?
00:33:22That smells really good.
00:33:24Well, it was hot chocolate, but it's the best in town, but of course, you know that already.
00:33:32Why would I know that?
00:33:33It's from your family's cafe.
00:33:38Have you still not been?
00:33:39I, I, um, well, is now an okay time to take you up on that offer to show me around?
00:33:47If you have a minute, we could go over together.
00:33:50Yeah, I have a few minutes.
00:33:53Let's, let's go, here.
00:33:57Yeah.
00:33:58Yeah, okay.
00:34:01Here you are.
00:34:02Can I get you anything else?
00:34:03I don't know.
00:34:03All right, let me know if you need anything.
00:34:05Thanks for coming in.
00:34:06Hey, welcome, welcome, welcome.
00:34:09Austin, I'm impressed.
00:34:13The pictures don't do it justice.
00:34:16This is amazing.
00:34:17Yes, well, that's, uh, that's really high praise coming from somebody who's been all over the world and seen every charming little cafe.
00:34:25Yeah, I, uh, I did it myself.
00:34:28Well, I may have had a little bit of help.
00:34:31Clara may have pitched in an idea or two, but...
00:34:33Four hundred...
00:34:35Okay, she did everything.
00:34:36I'm gonna be honest.
00:34:37But I was really good at supervising and writing checks, and that's about it.
00:34:42Will here, on the other hand, got in on the action.
00:34:44Hey, I mean, when your best friend is remodeling the family business, an architecture degree comes in handy.
00:34:50Clara here, hardest project manager I've ever worked for.
00:34:54Oh, I think they did okay.
00:34:57So, uh, you two walked in together, huh?
00:35:01Uh, uh...
00:35:03No, we...
00:35:04Yeah, we, we did.
00:35:06We didn't, like, plan to come together.
00:35:08We just sort of ran into each other.
00:35:10No, literally, we...
00:35:11Outside the bookshop, and decided to, uh, come check out the new place and try some of the famous fancy hot chocolate I've been hearing about all over town.
00:35:22Wait, really? Like, all, all over town?
00:35:25Yeah, Will just told me about it on the way over. That's basically all over town.
00:35:29Okay, good enough for me.
00:35:31Two cafe on Maine's famous hot chocolates, coming right up.
00:35:36An architect, huh?
00:35:38That seems so professional and mature.
00:35:41Why do you sound so surprised?
00:35:45I just remember a guy hanging out with my brother and getting into trouble.
00:35:49I don't know what you're talking about.
00:35:50Okay, we were pretty good at that.
00:35:55And look at you, though. Big shot travel writer.
00:35:58I mean, that's everyone's dream job. And you have it.
00:36:02I still can't believe it actually happened.
00:36:04I dreamed about it and worked really hard, and here I am.
00:36:11I know I'm lucky.
00:36:13But it's not as glamorous as it sounds.
00:36:15It... it is work.
00:36:18I mean, it sounds and looks pretty amazing.
00:36:22Looks?
00:36:23I may... follow you.
00:36:27Really?
00:36:28Look, you're quite popular.
00:36:31People love your work.
00:36:34Well, so I... what about you?
00:36:36Why... why are you still here?
00:36:38Well, I... I left right after high school.
00:36:41I moved out to Chicago and got my degree and...
00:36:44actually got my dream firm.
00:36:46But later that year, Grams wasn't doing so well.
00:36:52She got sick, and...
00:36:54so I moved back.
00:36:56Then she passed, so...
00:36:58I didn't realize all that was going on.
00:37:02I'm really sorry about Grams.
00:37:04I know she meant a lot to you.
00:37:06Yeah.
00:37:08She did.
00:37:10Pops does, too.
00:37:12He tried living on his own for a bit, but...
00:37:14Yeah, you know...
00:37:17even with my help, it's not enough.
00:37:19So we decided on the care center.
00:37:23But...
00:37:24You know, my firm's been great.
00:37:26They are allowing me to work remotely,
00:37:28and they say they're ready for me to come back whenever I am.
00:37:32So you are the adventurous type, after all.
00:37:36Okay, a little bit.
00:37:38Not as much as you.
00:37:39Et voilà!
00:37:41This is on the house.
00:37:42I'm so generous.
00:37:45You're welcome.
00:37:47All right.
00:37:53Okay, well, this has been a great conversation.
00:37:56Really thrilling.
00:37:57But, uh...
00:37:59I've got to get to the more important matter of wooing a lady.
00:38:03Doesn't seem like much wooing is needed.
00:38:05Hmm?
00:38:06Austin, she's into you.
00:38:08All you have to do now is not screw it up.
00:38:11Oh, but for some reason, that's the hard part, isn't it?
00:38:15She's cool, though, right?
00:38:16She's very cool.
00:38:17Yeah.
00:38:18Not that my opinion matters or anything, but so far, I approve.
00:38:23Now, listen.
00:38:24Your opinion matters more to me than you think.
00:38:26Aw, are we having a moment, Austin?
00:38:28We sure are.
00:38:29Yours matters to me, too.
00:38:31Okay, well, if that's the case, then I approve of this.
00:38:37It's nothing.
00:38:38It's nothing.
00:38:41Right.
00:38:42Okay, well, hope you enjoy the hot chocolate, and please leave a five-star review on the website.
00:38:48Website?
00:38:49Yeah, the website.
00:38:50You're not the only one in the family with an online presence.
00:38:53I'm modern.
00:38:54Now that you've had the famous cafe on Maine hot chocolate, what do you think?
00:39:04You think you're up for another family tradition?
00:39:07Ah, uh, I might be.
00:39:10What is it?
00:39:12Gingerbread houses with pops.
00:39:14Oh, one of yours.
00:39:16I've been so caught up in my family stuff, I haven't even stopped to think about what anyone else does.
00:39:20Has the Matthews family always done gingerbread houses for Christmas?
00:39:25Yep.
00:39:26Grahams and pops have always made sure that we've done it.
00:39:28I love that.
00:39:30Maybe that explains why you're such a successful architect.
00:39:33Hmm.
00:39:34You know what, I never thought about it, but you might be right.
00:39:39Anyways, I should get going, but, uh, pick you up in a couple of hours?
00:39:45Can't wait.
00:39:50Are you okay?
00:40:09I'm fine.
00:40:09I'm fine.
00:40:10Fine.
00:40:11Fine.
00:40:12Because you're acting weird.
00:40:14I'm not acting weird.
00:40:16I'm just in a hurry.
00:40:17Hurry?
00:40:18For what?
00:40:19This is the one night Mom has nothing on the calendar.
00:40:22Well, my calendar has the care center on it.
00:40:25I'm going to decorate gingerbread houses with pops.
00:40:29Oh, and, uh, anyone else?
00:40:33And Will.
00:40:35What is going on with you and Will?
00:40:37Uh, we're just friends, and I'm having a good time getting to know him again.
00:40:42Apparently he is too.
00:40:45And, uh, Colin, remember him?
00:40:47Yeah, I remember him.
00:40:50And as far as I know, we're friends too.
00:40:56Okay, gotta go.
00:41:00Um, don't wait up.
00:41:02You're telling me everything the second you get home.
00:41:04Bye!
00:41:08I'm staying.
00:41:09I have to say, I did not quite expect this.
00:41:17You've got blueprints.
00:41:18I've only ever made gingerbread houses with graham crackers.
00:41:22Oh, this is serious business.
00:41:25Pops and I are the Christmas festival reigning champs.
00:41:27Yeah.
00:41:28We're hoping for a repeat this year.
00:41:29Well, you've got a professional architect on your team.
00:41:34Of course you'll win.
00:41:35You'd be surprised.
00:41:36The competition is fierce.
00:41:39But I like our chances.
00:41:41I think Eliza's our lucky charm.
00:41:44I'm just following your lead.
00:41:46I think the, um...
00:41:48The millwork?
00:41:48Yep.
00:41:49The millwork.
00:41:50Yes, I think is what's going to give us the edge.
00:41:51I think you might be right.
00:41:54Pops, our months of planning might pay off.
00:41:58So, how close is gingerbread design and construction to your real job?
00:42:03Oh, it's pretty much the exact same.
00:42:06Lots of frosting, long hours.
00:42:09You know.
00:42:10Okay, better question.
00:42:12Um, what do you love about your job?
00:42:15Because if it's anything like this gingerbread house,
00:42:17I can only imagine how much heart and soul you put into your actual work.
00:42:21I mean, I'd like to think so.
00:42:25Um, I don't know.
00:42:27I kind of like everything.
00:42:28You know, the creativity, the challenge.
00:42:32I mean, even the budget.
00:42:33If I had to pick my favorite, um, maybe the end result.
00:42:39Just because I love creating something, you know, a space that people love.
00:42:44That's kind of beautiful.
00:42:46And, I mean, you have quite the portfolio already between the gingerbread house and the cafe remodel.
00:42:53I think I've seen enough.
00:42:55Next time I build a real house or gingerbread house, you're my architect.
00:43:00Well, I would be honored.
00:43:01I think we're going to have a winner.
00:43:07Yeah, me too.
00:43:11It's, you need more frosting.
00:43:14I've never done this before.
00:43:16I just love what Austin's done with the place.
00:43:23It's so modern and homey.
00:43:26Ooh, and the hot chocolate is amazing.
00:43:31A little hungry today?
00:43:34Let her be.
00:43:35Come on.
00:43:36It's just so good.
00:43:38I can't remember the last time I had homemade waffles.
00:43:40Oh, don't forget, tonight is the Maryville Christmas Festival.
00:43:45It's the biggest show in town.
00:43:46We're all going together.
00:43:47Kate's tree is going to be performing.
00:43:49It's...
00:43:50We know.
00:43:51Tradition!
00:43:53How did they know I was going to say that?
00:43:55It's a mystery.
00:43:56It's, uh, not really your style, is it?
00:44:08Oh, no, not for me.
00:44:10Um, my mom has a shelf full of these.
00:44:12I just thought it'd be nice to add to the collection.
00:44:15Well, I mean, the shape and the size, the...
00:44:19the finish, it's really just immaculate.
00:44:22It's...
00:44:22It's also really pricey for such a little thing.
00:44:29Yeah, it's kind of a makeup gift for all the years I've missed.
00:44:33Well, in that case, maybe you should get three or four.
00:44:36Okay, I'm kidding.
00:44:38It's two.
00:44:42Let's see what we got.
00:44:44We got my fair lady.
00:44:46We got wing golden baby.
00:44:50That's a front-runner for sure.
00:44:54Tree head gnome.
00:44:56That one?
00:44:58And there's a mini.
00:45:00That's adorable.
00:45:03But what about...
00:45:06this one?
00:45:08Yeah, because you know her so well.
00:45:15Well, it's not a bad idea.
00:45:20Yeah, I'll take it.
00:45:26And I fell in love with the world and found the perfect job to see it.
00:45:30Well, most of it anyway.
00:45:33You know, most people only dream of traveling the world.
00:45:37You've done it.
00:45:37So, how does a small town girl dream of all these big ideas?
00:45:42Well, it started with a book I got one year for Christmas when I was nine.
00:45:47The 100 Wonders of the World.
00:45:49That's right.
00:45:49That's the one you always carried around with you.
00:45:52Yeah, I...
00:45:52Wait.
00:45:55You remember me doing that?
00:45:57Yeah, of course.
00:45:58I mean, you barely came up for air from that thing.
00:46:04Come on.
00:46:09So, when you're not out in the world, where are you?
00:46:15Oh, I'm a big city girl.
00:46:16That's where the magazine is.
00:46:17And I live with my roommate, who is a classic social butterfly, knows everyone, and is always down for a party.
00:46:26Partier?
00:46:28Huh.
00:46:29I mean, I kind of thought that after all that travel, you might want some peace and quiet.
00:46:34I don't mind it, really.
00:46:35I'm hardly ever there, and I meet a lot of interesting people because of Charlie.
00:46:41Charlie?
00:46:42My roommate.
00:46:44Oh.
00:46:45Oh.
00:46:47Oh, no, no, no.
00:46:51Charlie is short for Charlotte, who's my best friend, and a girl.
00:46:58She's just trying to find herself in this world.
00:47:01Well, she sounds like a lot of fun.
00:47:05Oh.
00:47:05Oh, we got that.
00:47:07Hey, it's Christmas festival time.
00:47:09Let's get down there.
00:47:10Already?
00:47:11Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
00:47:12Claire's just helping me close, so we'll meet you up front.
00:47:15Okay?
00:47:15Let's do this.
00:47:17All right, you ready?
00:47:19Oh, hey.
00:47:20What?
00:47:20Gotta hang this on the tree.
00:47:21Ooh.
00:47:25This has been great.
00:47:27You know, I don't usually get the opportunity to shop for figurines, so thanks.
00:47:31Yeah, it was fun.
00:47:32I didn't think that was how my day was gonna go.
00:47:35But I'm glad it did.
00:47:39And I'm glad it's not over yet.
00:47:46Oh, hey, you guys are still here.
00:47:47You waiting for us?
00:47:49Yeah.
00:47:50Uh, I'm waiting for you guys.
00:47:51Well, let's get going.
00:47:53Miss?
00:47:53Hey, do you guys want to go see Santa really quick?
00:48:06We have a few minutes before Kate's trio performs.
00:48:09See who's been naughty and nice, yeah?
00:48:11Yeah.
00:48:12Let's do it.
00:48:12I think I've been pretty nice.
00:48:14I think so.
00:48:15Eliza, come on.
00:48:16What?
00:48:17This way.
00:48:18Where are we going?
00:48:18We're going to the North Pole.
00:48:20Ready?
00:48:21Over here.
00:48:21One, two, three.
00:48:25Okay.
00:48:26Merry Christmas.
00:48:27Come on.
00:48:28Come on.
00:48:31Merry Christmas, kiddos.
00:48:32Hey, Merry Christmas.
00:48:33That's a bowl.
00:48:35Santa.
00:48:36Oh, my goodness.
00:48:39Oh, my goodness.
00:48:40They look so cute, don't they?
00:48:42No, but a little bit tight for you guys.
00:48:46Hey, I want to go.
00:48:48We dance while our favorite carols play.
00:48:52Getting cozy by the fireplace.
00:48:53They don't have a very first place.
00:48:55Stay in a place.
00:48:57So let it snow, snow, snow.
00:49:01So we can stay home, home, home.
00:49:05I've got the tree.
00:49:07You string the lights.
00:49:08You bring the sotty.
00:49:10I've got the nice.
00:49:12I'll hang the mess.
00:49:13No, you bring the kisses.
00:49:15Baby, you're the very is every Christmas.
00:49:18All the stuff.
00:49:23You're the happiest of the day.
00:49:27All right.
00:49:30So let it snow, snow, snow.
00:49:33It's called my chocolate.
00:49:34There it is.
00:49:44And look, you won first place.
00:49:47We won.
00:49:48Pops is going to be so proud.
00:49:50I think a speech is in order.
00:49:52Right.
00:49:56Maryville, this is the highest of honors.
00:49:59None of which would be possible without one person.
00:50:02Liza Gardner, your understanding of millwork and weight-bearing structures is unparalleled.
00:50:09Well done.
00:50:10I'm so flattered.
00:50:16All right, let's do it.
00:50:17What's the verdict?
00:50:19Well, I give my first Maryville Christmas festival five stars.
00:50:23Wow, wow, wow.
00:50:25Well, it's not over yet.
00:50:26The grand finale's just about to start.
00:50:28You ready?
00:50:29Yeah.
00:50:29Let's go see.
00:50:29Be right there.
00:50:34Hello, well.
00:50:34Hey, Charlie.
00:50:36Still alive?
00:50:37I haven't heard from you in a few days.
00:50:39I thought maybe you fell into a deep Christmas movie marathon or something.
00:50:43Alive and well, I think.
00:50:45Oh, I'm going to send you something.
00:50:52All right, girl.
00:50:53Details.
00:50:55Spill.
00:50:56Hat guy is hot guy.
00:50:57It's too many.
00:50:59I'll tell you when I get back.
00:51:01Oh, I can't wait.
00:51:03I sure miss your face.
00:51:04Get back soon.
00:51:06Oh, I miss your face, too.
00:51:08And your more than a month's rent miracle face serum.
00:51:11I knew you were using it.
00:51:14I've got to go.
00:51:15Wait, we need to talk about this.
00:51:17You're breaking up.
00:51:18It must be a bad connect.
00:51:20There's only one of us who can actually afford this stuff.
00:51:23And it's not me.
00:51:24As your mayor, I want to officially welcome you to the annual Maryville Christmas Festival.
00:51:39As we all know, Maryville is a magical place where we never lose our small town charm, where neighbors help neighbors, and where everyone you meet is a friend.
00:51:49And let's get this show started.
00:51:51We have a wonderful night, and our first number is Joy to the World.
00:51:56Go, Kate!
00:51:58Yes!
00:51:59Sorry, that's my sister.
00:52:01Bye.
00:52:01Bye.
00:52:01Bye.
00:52:01Bye.
00:52:01Bye.
00:52:01Bye.
00:52:01Bye.
00:52:02Bye.
00:52:03Bye.
00:52:04Bye.
00:52:05Bye.
00:52:06Bye.
00:52:07Bye.
00:52:08Bye.
00:52:09Bye.
00:52:10Bye.
00:52:11Bye.
00:52:12Bye.
00:52:13Bye.
00:52:14Bye.
00:52:15Bye.
00:52:16Bye.
00:52:17Bye.
00:52:18Bye.
00:52:19Bye.
00:52:20Bye.
00:52:20Bye.
00:52:40This is amazing.
00:52:40Well, on behalf of Kate and her estate, I'd like to say thank you very much.
00:52:44Hey, babe.
00:52:46Bye.
00:52:46Oh, what are you doing here?
00:52:52Hi, Jeff.
00:52:54Surprise.
00:52:56This is a big surprise.
00:53:01Everyone, this is Colin.
00:53:04Um, Colin, this is my dad, Jim.
00:53:07Good to meet you, Colin.
00:53:08Nice to meet you.
00:53:09This is my mom, Nora.
00:53:11Hello.
00:53:12This is my big brother, Austin.
00:53:14Uh, my, uh, his, his girlfriend, Clara.
00:53:19And this, this is...
00:53:23Uh, I'm Will.
00:53:25I'm sorry, I'm, I'm an old family friend.
00:53:27Who are you?
00:53:29Colin.
00:53:32Right.
00:53:35I, you know what, I better get going.
00:53:37Um, I should go check on Pops.
00:53:41We'll see you tomorrow at the house, right?
00:53:44Uh, you're coming over, Will, for Christmas Eve?
00:53:47Yeah, yeah, maybe.
00:53:50See you, Will.
00:53:51Bye, Will.
00:53:55Well, I bet you two have a lot to catch up on.
00:54:01It was such a pleasure to meet you, Colin.
00:54:04You as well.
00:54:04See ya.
00:54:08See ya.
00:54:12So, what are you doing here?
00:54:15Just drove into town and followed the sounds of the hoots and hollers.
00:54:22This is a small town.
00:54:25Like, an incredibly small town.
00:54:28What happened to the big deal you were working on?
00:54:32I thought I was gonna take you the rest of the holiday.
00:54:34Out of nowhere, the bigwigs decided to take a couple of days off.
00:54:38So, inspired by the lovely Eliza, that's you,
00:54:42I thought I'd drop in on my family for a spontaneous hometown holiday celebration.
00:54:49It had been a while for me, too, and since I was going to be traveling anyway,
00:54:55I worked in a little layover here with you.
00:54:58A layover in Maryville, huh?
00:55:02It was right on my way.
00:55:06Do you want to go see if somewhere's open?
00:55:09You could get a late dinner?
00:55:13I'd better not.
00:55:14I got plans and, um...
00:55:18But tomorrow, you should come tomorrow and spend the day with the family.
00:55:22And what exactly does one do at the Gardner family estate on Christmas Eve?
00:55:26Ha, you'll just have to wait and see.
00:55:32Uh, yeah, so I'll see you tomorrow?
00:55:35Okay.
00:55:43Up and out of girls, rise and shine,
00:55:45we have got things to do and people to see.
00:55:51And I need your help with brunch.
00:55:56Her secret weapon, cinnamon rolls.
00:56:01Ugh, that woman is evil.
00:56:04I would literally do anything for her cinnamon rolls.
00:56:08Give up state secrets.
00:56:10Yep.
00:56:12Give up ten years of your life.
00:56:14Ugh, a thousand percent.
00:56:17Give Austin a foot massage.
00:56:19I have my limits.
00:56:21What?
00:56:28So, I guess I'll address the elephant in the room.
00:56:32Colin?
00:56:34Here?
00:56:34Out of nowhere?
00:56:36Oh, elephants.
00:56:38I love elephants.
00:56:40Have I told you about the herd I saw in Tanzania?
00:56:43I'm sure they were amazing,
00:56:45and I'd love to hear about them later,
00:56:47but the elephant I want to talk about now is Colin.
00:56:49I think you'd be pretty offended
00:56:52if you just called him an elephant.
00:56:54Ha ha, come on.
00:56:56Spill the tea.
00:56:57Why didn't you tell us he was coming?
00:56:59Because I didn't know he was coming.
00:57:01He just showed up.
00:57:04That seems pretty romantic.
00:57:06That's big gesture,
00:57:08I'm in this for real kind of stuff.
00:57:10Yeah, he's a go-big kind of guy.
00:57:14Especially when it's something that he wants.
00:57:17Which brings me to elephant number two.
00:57:21Will.
00:57:22What about Will?
00:57:24What about Will?
00:57:26He's cool, amazing.
00:57:30We're friends.
00:57:32Oh, I'm his best friend's little sister.
00:57:35Eliza, I think we can all tell
00:57:37it's a lot more than that.
00:57:40Really?
00:57:43Looks like I have two really big elephants.
00:57:47Yep, two very handsome,
00:57:49very eligible elephants.
00:57:51Sounds like a problem
00:57:52only a cinnamon roll could fix.
00:57:54Or a dozen.
00:57:55All right, everyone, we are here.
00:58:00Let's get this party started, shall we?
00:58:02Ooh, not so fast.
00:58:03We still have people coming,
00:58:05and you're ruining the arrangement.
00:58:06How can I help?
00:58:08Can you finish up with the cinnamon rolls
00:58:10and keep this guy, Austin, out of trouble?
00:58:13Thanks, Mom.
00:58:25I'll get it.
00:58:26Merry Christmas Eve, you two.
00:58:37Thanks, babe.
00:58:38Lovely to see you today.
00:58:42Yeah.
00:58:44Thanks, babe.
00:58:45Hello, hello.
00:58:56May I?
00:59:02Hey.
00:59:02Hi.
00:59:03Hey.
00:59:04Everything looks and smells amazing.
00:59:07So glad you came.
00:59:08Thanks.
00:59:09Thanks.
00:59:09Please take a seat, Carter.
00:59:14It's Colin.
00:59:16Colin.
00:59:21Before we dig into this amazing meal,
00:59:24I kind of just say how great it is
00:59:26to have you all here
00:59:27in our beautiful, festive home.
00:59:30Thank you, Nora.
00:59:31Mm-hmm.
00:59:32I'm so happy to have my sweet Eliza home.
00:59:35It's not often that we get to be together as a family,
00:59:38and when we do, it just feels good.
00:59:44Dear Lord, as we gather together
00:59:47to celebrate the birth of thy son,
00:59:50may we have gratitude in our hearts
00:59:51for the wonderful blessings we enjoy.
00:59:54We thank thee for this bounteous meal
00:59:57and ask that those that have traveled
01:00:00to be with us today
01:00:01may be safe in their journeys.
01:00:04Amen.
01:00:05Amen.
01:00:07I'm sure there's more for everybody else.
01:00:09Have a fight.
01:00:10Have a fight.
01:00:11You're so funny.
01:00:12Yeah, absolutely.
01:00:14So, Carlos, big city guy.
01:00:16It's actually Colin.
01:00:17Oh, so sorry.
01:00:19What do you do out there?
01:00:21Banking.
01:00:22Banking?
01:00:23No, banking.
01:00:24Banking.
01:00:25Oh, like investment bank.
01:00:27Oh.
01:00:27Oh.
01:00:27Oh.
01:00:37I'm crazy about Christmas.
01:00:40It's the best time of the year.
01:00:43I love toasting marshmallows in the fire
01:00:46and jolly cups of cheer.
01:00:49I'm crazy about Christmas.
01:00:52Let those bells ring loud and clear.
01:00:54Oh.
01:00:55Oh.
01:00:55I can't wait for Christmas.
01:00:57I can't wait for Christmas.
01:00:58I can't wait for Christmas.
01:00:58I can't wait for Christmas.
01:00:59I can't wait for Christmas.
01:01:00I can't wait for Christmas.
01:01:03Christmas here.
01:01:06I love gifts to wrap.
01:01:08Make a ginger snack.
01:01:09Put the angels in the snow.
01:01:12Writing letters to Santa Claus.
01:01:16Everybody knows.
01:01:18I can't wait for Christmas.
01:01:19I can't wait for Christmas.
01:01:20I can't wait for Christmas this year.
01:01:33I can't wait for Christmas.
01:01:34I can't wait for Christmas.
01:01:35I can't wait for Christmas.
01:01:36I can't wait for Christmas.
01:01:37I can't wait for Christmas.
01:01:38I can't wait for Christmas.
01:01:39I can't wait for Christmas.
01:01:40While you are sleepy.
01:01:41Alice in Wonderland.
01:01:42Who?
01:01:42Brother Bear.
01:01:44Uh.
01:01:44Doctor Who?
01:01:45Silence.
01:01:46Quantum Leap.
01:01:47It's a wonderful life.
01:01:49Oh.
01:01:49Oh.
01:01:50Oh, man.
01:01:51Black and white.
01:01:52That was close.
01:01:53Good job, Kate.
01:01:54Wait.
01:01:54Okay.
01:01:55Colin, it's your turn.
01:01:57Woo!
01:01:58Colin.
01:01:59Colin.
01:01:59Colin.
01:02:00Colin.
01:02:00Colin.
01:02:01Colin.
01:02:04I really must get going.
01:02:07Early flight in the morning.
01:02:09Oh.
01:02:09But thank you so much for your kindness and hospitality.
01:02:13It was delightful to have you here.
01:02:17Nice to meet you.
01:02:18Nice to meet you.
01:02:19Merry Christmas.
01:02:20Have a good time in New York.
01:02:24I didn't tell you before, but this is a rescue mission.
01:02:34A what?
01:02:35A rescue mission.
01:02:37I'm busting you out of this nightmare.
01:02:40You said you'd rather be anywhere else but here for Christmas.
01:02:43So here I am, like a wee little elf, granting your Christmas wish.
01:02:49You can't be serious.
01:02:52Are you?
01:02:53Very.
01:02:54We'll be at my parents' house in Boston by noon.
01:02:57Having a proper Christmas.
01:03:00Together.
01:03:01But.
01:03:02I am glad I took this little detour to get a look here for myself instead of taking your
01:03:07word for it.
01:03:08It really is as awful as you said.
01:03:12I never said awful.
01:03:14Maybe you never said awful, but over the past year I believe I've heard you describe it
01:03:19as backwater, podunk, uninspiring, unrefined, and pedestrian.
01:03:28And, uh, I think you also said just stringing up a few strands of twinkle lights in the middle
01:03:35of nowhere USA doesn't make it charming.
01:03:39It's still nowhere.
01:03:40You're absolutely right.
01:03:41You're absolutely right.
01:03:43Go get your stuff packed.
01:03:45I'll be back here bright and early to get you.
01:03:48Flight leaves at seven.
01:03:49Okay, now what?
01:04:09Time for another game.
01:04:11The door was open.
01:04:20I'm gonna leave.
01:04:22Sounds good.
01:04:23See you, Will.
01:04:34You heard.
01:04:37Everything.
01:04:39I don't care.
01:04:41Sorry to embarrass you.
01:04:44Good night, guys.
01:04:44You're lucky, kiddo.
01:04:55Mom.
01:05:03You could have told us the truth about why you never came home.
01:05:08It would have hurt.
01:05:10But it would have hurt a lot less than you.
01:05:14You lied to us all these years.
01:05:19We've been nothing but supportive of you and your dreams.
01:05:24Our lives and dreams are here.
01:05:27The least you could have done was return the favor.
01:05:29A sorority.
01:05:40herumfied.
01:05:42There's a alien.
01:05:43There's a alien.
01:05:44A dream.
01:05:45A dream.
01:05:45It's not a terror.
01:05:48It's not a terror.
01:05:50You could have done it again.
01:05:52Maybe...
01:05:53But it's not a terror.
01:05:54Corporate, or Dean.
01:05:56Not a terror.
01:05:57Let's comment.
01:05:58Hey, babe, where's your bag?
01:06:22I'm not going.
01:06:25What's that?
01:06:26I'm staying.
01:06:29I'm choosing to spend Christmas here in this wonderful, magical, heartwarming, teensy,
01:06:38tiny, middle-of-nowhere town.
01:06:42You sure?
01:06:45Positive.
01:06:47Alrighty.
01:06:48Suit yourself.
01:06:50Give me a call when you get home, when you've gotten all this out of your system.
01:06:53I am home, and I don't think I'm going to be calling you or getting anything out of my system for that matter.
01:07:02What are you saying?
01:07:03I'm saying, I think you're a great guy.
01:07:09I just, I don't think this is going to work.
01:07:13The girl you've been talking to, it was me.
01:07:18It just wasn't the complete me.
01:07:20This here in Maryville.
01:07:25This is the real me, and I don't think it's what you're looking for.
01:07:30If you really mean that, Eliza.
01:07:31I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree.
01:07:40I think we're best as friends.
01:07:43The friend zone.
01:07:46Ouch.
01:07:47Not where I thought I'd end up, but I appreciate the honesty.
01:07:54If you do ever decide to leave here, give me a call.
01:08:00I still owe you the insider info and the best French pastries in the city.
01:08:04Like I promised.
01:08:05Deal.
01:08:08Goodbye, Eliza Gardner.
01:08:10Good luck.
01:08:33Hey, Kate.
01:08:40Good luck.
01:09:10Hey, wait until you open that one up.
01:09:13I want to see you do it.
01:09:22Kate, when are you going to learn?
01:09:24Sorry, it's mine.
01:09:28My stars, you scared me.
01:09:31I'm sorry.
01:09:32What are you doing here?
01:09:33We all thought you left up and at them, girl.
01:09:36Rise and shine.
01:09:37Please don't say it, Mom.
01:09:39I've literally got nothing to do.
01:09:41And I know people do not want to see me right now after everything that happened last night.
01:09:48Oh, sweetie.
01:09:53Mom, I really messed up everything.
01:09:56You certainly made some mistakes, but it's pretty hard to mess up everything.
01:10:04I 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.
01:10:19And Will, I think what I did was the worst to Will.
01:10:25Mom, I'm at a loss, honestly.
01:10:34I've traveled everywhere.
01:10:37I've lived on my own thinking it's made me mature.
01:10:40But now I realize I know so little.
01:10:48When did you learn to do all this?
01:10:51How to be good at life?
01:10:55Never.
01:10:57You never really figure it out.
01:10:59You never feel like you know what you're doing.
01:11:02That's reassuring.
01:11:03Welcome to adulting.
01:11:06It's the secret no one ever tells you.
01:11:08I've been so confused ever since I've been back.
01:11:13It's like there's two versions of me.
01:11:16The world traveler, big city me.
01:11:20And the me that grew up here and left here behind.
01:11:24Maybe I've been running away for so long that I just don't even know who I am anymore.
01:11:31Maybe I shouldn't have come back.
01:11:37That's exactly what I've been afraid of.
01:11:40That you would never come back home again.
01:11:44When you left here, you made it quite clear that this house, this town, this place was too small for you.
01:11:52And I agree.
01:11:53It was.
01:11:54I'm so proud of you for leaving the nest, flying, soaring.
01:12:02You're amazing.
01:12:08But it's really hard not to see you.
01:12:12I miss you terribly.
01:12:16It's been so great for all of us to be together.
01:12:20It's been magical.
01:12:22And maybe I've been trying to bottle all this magic up.
01:12:25And cookies and carols and Christmas trees.
01:12:29And toilet paper rolls.
01:12:30We never got to that.
01:12:33You're right.
01:12:34And every other celebration, tradition I can think of.
01:12:38Because I'm so afraid it won't happen again.
01:12:44I want you to chase your dreams.
01:12:46And live your life.
01:12:49And I also want you to come home.
01:12:53Sometimes.
01:12:54I will, Mom.
01:12:55Of course I will.
01:12:56I will.
01:12:56I better get back down there.
01:13:02I want to give this gift to your dad.
01:13:05They're going to think that I got lost up here.
01:13:08It's a ratchet set.
01:13:10It's been on your dad's wish list for months.
01:13:13Oh, how romantic.
01:13:15It's another secret about adulting.
01:13:17The older you get, the increasingly more practical the gifts become.
01:13:21Now come on, get up.
01:13:24Come on down.
01:13:26Mom.
01:13:27I don't think I can go down there.
01:13:31I wouldn't know what to say.
01:13:33And I think my being there would just ruin Christmas for everyone.
01:13:38No one knows I'm here, right?
01:13:40Yeah.
01:13:40They all think that you left with Colin this morning.
01:13:43You've missed so many Christmas mornings already.
01:13:49It would be a shame to miss another one.
01:13:52Mom!
01:13:54Today, Dad's losing his mind.
01:13:57Did you forget where you put it?
01:13:59I just found it.
01:14:00I'll be right down.
01:14:04Alright.
01:14:05Well, we'll see you down there.
01:14:07Okay?
01:14:08Okay.
01:14:13Merry Christmas.
01:14:19Merry Christmas.
01:14:49Opened my gift yet?
01:14:54Just did.
01:14:55Costs more than a month's rent face serum.
01:14:57You shouldn't have.
01:14:59Oh, wait.
01:14:59You totally should have.
01:15:00You used half of mine.
01:15:02How's Smallville, anyway?
01:15:03Uh, Maryville has been unexpectedly action-packed.
01:15:08And the plot's still unfolding.
01:15:11Hmm.
01:15:11I'm intrigued.
01:15:12Hope it involves hat guy.
01:15:15I bet you do.
01:15:16Uh, I just wanted to call and let you know that I'll be staying here a little bit longer.
01:15:21I have to see how this all plays out.
01:15:24Okay, but don't be too long.
01:15:25It's not the same without you occasionally here.
01:15:28Okay.
01:15:29Talk to you later.
01:15:30Wish me luck.
01:15:31I think I need a Christmas miracle.
01:15:33Good luck.
01:15:34Hey, you guys.
01:15:56Eliza's new article just got posted.
01:16:01Listen to this.
01:16:04Wonder.
01:16:05It's a good theme for a Christmas Day post, especially since it's what I write about.
01:16:10Usually, when you read these articles, you're seeing overwater bungalows in the Maldives
01:16:16or the Northern Lights in Iceland.
01:16:18This one looks a little different, but I promise it's still me.
01:16:22It's the new improved me.
01:16:24For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to see the world, to break free, to go everywhere,
01:16:30to do everything, as long as it was anywhere but my small hometown.
01:16:36Luckily for me, I've been able to live out my wildest dreams with all of you along for
01:16:40the ride as my faithful travel companions.
01:16:42But while I was expanding my vision of the exotic and far-flung, I lost sight of the wonders
01:16:48in my own world.
01:16:49My friends, my family, my old friends, my new friends, my roots.
01:17:02The past few days have shown me how much I've missed and how much I need those wonders to
01:17:07be part of my life, my dreams, and my checklists, too.
01:17:11I will always be a wanderer.
01:17:13I will keep exploring and discovering the wonders of this big, beautiful world.
01:17:17But now I know that you don't always have to travel far and wide to find them.
01:17:23They're all around you, and most of the time, have been right in front of you all along.
01:17:28Maybe even where you least expect.
01:17:30I'll keep chasing the big ones until I get to all 100 and far beyond.
01:17:35But from now on, I'm not going to miss the little wonders along the way.
01:17:38What are you doing here?
01:17:48We thought you left.
01:17:50I couldn't miss Christmas with the family again.
01:17:53I've done that enough already.
01:17:55Have you guys done the Christmas mornings at the top of the stairs pic?
01:17:58Did I miss it?
01:17:59We haven't done that in years.
01:18:01Well, come on, Mom.
01:18:04Time to start it up again.
01:18:05Up and at them.
01:18:06It's tradition.
01:18:07Okay.
01:18:12Yeah.
01:18:13Yeah.
01:18:20Wow.
01:18:22Whoa.
01:18:24Clara.
01:18:25Oh, thank you.
01:18:26And me.
01:18:27Thanks, sis.
01:18:30I love you, mine.
01:18:32Dad.
01:18:35This is what I'm very much of the wraps up.
01:18:37This is so cool.
01:18:38This is so cool.
01:18:45I love it.
01:18:48Hi, sir.
01:18:50Oh, it's so cool.
01:18:52How did you open this one?
01:18:57Now I'm going to get it.
01:19:01I'm going to get this one first.
01:19:05Oh, I'm so cool.
01:19:06Oh, my God.
01:19:11What are you working on, E?
01:19:23Oh, just a project that's been years in the making.
01:19:27Something I should have done a long time ago.
01:19:30Hmm.
01:19:31I'm intrigued.
01:19:33I can't wait to see how it turns out.
01:19:36Yeah, I can't either.
01:19:37I can't either.
01:19:37I can't.
01:19:41Pops.
01:20:00Oh, Eliza, it's a pleasure seeing you again.
01:20:03Merry Christmas.
01:20:04Merry Christmas.
01:20:05I'm sorry to barge in on you.
01:20:06No apology necessary.
01:20:08What brings you here today?
01:20:10Are you singing again?
01:20:11No, not today.
01:20:13Um, I was hoping to run into Will.
01:20:15I checked by his place, and I thought I'd come here, too.
01:20:19Just trying to track him down.
01:20:21Well, he was here.
01:20:22We opened some presents together, but he left.
01:20:25He said he had somewhere he needed to go.
01:20:28I can tell him you'd stop by.
01:20:30Would you please?
01:20:31You bet.
01:20:32Uh, you want to play some Christmas bingo?
01:20:35It starts in five minutes.
01:20:36I wish I could, but there's something I really have to do.
01:20:40Oh.
01:20:40Well, Merry Christmas.
01:20:41Merry Christmas.
01:20:49Oh!
01:20:49I'm just so sorry I didn't see where I was going, and I just...
01:20:52Uh, you...
01:20:57It's for you, actually.
01:20:59Uh, really?
01:21:03Well, it's a good thing we bumped into each other...
01:21:07again.
01:21:08Mm-hmm.
01:21:10Seemed to be getting good at that.
01:21:12I was actually looking for you.
01:21:18You were?
01:21:20Yeah.
01:21:22I was.
01:21:24Well, you found me.
01:21:28Are you gonna open it?
01:21:31Yeah.
01:21:31Yeah.
01:21:42I love it.
01:21:45You never cease to surprise me.
01:21:48And you fixed it.
01:21:52I read your article, by the way.
01:21:55Oh, yeah?
01:21:56What'd you think?
01:21:59It's your best one yet.
01:22:03And I meant every word.
01:22:05I'm really sorry about everything that happened the last couple of days.
01:22:08I just got so caught up with everything, and my family, and then it was all so unexpectedly magical,
01:22:13and then I fell in love with this town.
01:22:20I realized you were right about what you said at the party.
01:22:26I am still in love with you.
01:22:33Well, that's really good to hear, because...
01:22:38I've always been in love with you.
01:22:42Oh, my God.
01:22:45Wait, wait, wait, wait.
01:22:47Am I still competing with...
01:22:49Chris?
01:22:51Clyde?
01:22:52Clark?
01:22:54Colin.
01:22:55Oh, Colin.
01:22:57We...
01:22:57We realized that we weren't quite right for each other.
01:23:02Because I think there's someone else who might be...
01:23:05Do I know him, or...?
01:23:07No way.
01:23:08We...
01:23:09We...
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