- 10 hours ago
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, before the Christmas that my parents got the
00:00:19book and after when my life would never be the 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, everything was exotic, everything
00:00:40was fascinating.
00:00:43I made a promise to myself I would see them all, and I started counting the days when I'd
00:00:47break out of my teeny tiny little town, because seeing pictures in the book wasn't good 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.
00:01:13Eventually I landed my dream job, allowing me to share my adventures with aspiring travelers
00:01:18across the globe.
00:01:33Eliza, you're home!
00:01:34Hi!
00:01:35I thought you wouldn't be back till next week.
00:01:37Ugh.
00:01:38There's only so much you can write about some places.
00:01:41I convinced my editor that two months in the Serengeti wasn't.
00:01:47In the what?
00:01:49Serengeti?
00:01:50Tanzania?
00:01:51Wildlife?
00:01:52Perp?
00:01:53Oh!
00:01:54Africa!
00:01:55Did you share an Airbnb with the animals?
00:01:56No, but it smells like they moved in here with you.
00:01:57How big was the party?
00:01:58Let's see.
00:01:59It was just Fran from work, a couple of her friends, and the newbies in 210.
00:02:16Just your standard-sized shindig.
00:02:18Charlie, please tell me tonight's a rare night off from your social life.
00:02:22Well, nothing's planned yet, but the night is young.
00:02:26How long's your next assignment?
00:02:29In a couple of days, I'm doing a piece on European Christmas markets.
00:02:37But right now, I'm going to work on sleeping off this jet lag.
00:02:42Fine.
00:02:43See you in the morning.
00:02:46Good night.
00:02:47Wait, did you see zebras?
00:02:50Oh, Mom called.
00:03:04Hi honey, it's Mom.
00:03:06I thought this was the perfect time for, you guessed it, my annual holiday voicemail to officially invite you home for Christmas.
00:03:14Austin finished the cafe remodel.
00:03:16It would be great if you came home to see what he has done with the place.
00:03:20I love you.
00:03:21I'm so proud of you every day.
00:03:23I miss her.
00:03:25Georgina, hi.
00:03:26Hey, Eliza.
00:03:27Outline and proposal for the Serengeti story look great.
00:03:28Consider them approved.
00:03:29One more thing.
00:03:30Just got word that we're pivoting on the European Christmas markers piece, so you're off the hook.
00:03:44Oh, I was really looking forward to that.
00:03:45Um, so what else do you have for me for the holidays?
00:03:47Nothing actually.
00:03:48I don't think I've ever said this to you before, but enjoy the holidays.
00:03:49Not for too long though.
00:03:50Greece is still a go right after the new year.
00:03:51Talk soon.
00:03:52Okay, yeah, I'll talk to you later.
00:03:53Bye.
00:03:54Looks like I'm not going to Europe for Christmas after all.
00:04:06Oh, well where are you going then?
00:04:23Where 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.
00:04:34Yeah, right.
00:04:36Wait, yeah, right, I could.
00:04:40You really could.
00:04:41Imagine your mom's face.
00:04:43After all these years of turning down
00:04:44her holiday invitations,
00:04:45you could finally take her up on it.
00:04:47You know what?
00:04:48I think I'm gonna do it.
00:04:53Call an Anderson, go.
00:04:55Wait, it's Eliza.
00:04:56Well, this is a nice surprise.
00:04:58Yeah, I'll make this quick.
00:05:00I know you're busy with the merger,
00:05:02and I just landed.
00:05:03Oh, you left already.
00:05:04I thought you still had a couple of days in the city.
00:05:06Yeah, the Christmas markets thing got canceled,
00:05:08so surprise again.
00:05:09I don't know.
00:05:10I don't know.
00:05:11I don't know.
00:05:12I don't know.
00:05:13I don't know.
00:05:14I don't know.
00:05:15I don't know.
00:05:16I don't know.
00:05:17I don't know.
00:05:18I don't know.
00:05:19I don't know.
00:05:20I don't know.
00:05:21I don't know.
00:05:22Surprise again.
00:05:23I am in the last place I thought I'd be for the holidays.
00:05:26Should I guess where?
00:05:29Don't laugh.
00:05:30It's Maryville.
00:05:32Wow.
00:05:33Really?
00:05:34Please tell me it's for an assignment.
00:05:36Uh, nope.
00:05:37It's just the first time I don't have somewhere else to be.
00:05:40You mean that you get to be somewhere else.
00:05:42Yeah, that's a better way of putting it.
00:05:45Um, anyways, I figured I have no more excuses this time,
00:05:49so I just thought I'd go home for a few days,
00:05:51and that would buy me a few more years
00:05:53of spending the holidays anywhere but my hometown.
00:05:56Well, if only I weren't buried in this merger,
00:05:59I'd be able to save you.
00:06:01I think I can manage a few days.
00:06:03Let's just get together in the new year when I'm back in town, okay?
00:06:07It's a plan.
00:06:08I'll have my assistant get us a reservation somewhere.
00:06:11Talk soon.
00:06:12Wish me luck.
00:06:14You're gonna need it.
00:06:15Bye-bye.
00:06:16Bye.
00:06:21Yes!
00:06:24Hi, Mom!
00:06:26I'm so excited to have you finally home for the holidays!
00:06:32I knew one day my phone calls would work.
00:06:34It's good to see you.
00:06:35Hi, Dad.
00:06:36It's good to see you, too.
00:06:38Retirement looks good on you.
00:06:40Is that my retirement?
00:06:41Yeah.
00:06:42Well, let's get your luggage in the car.
00:06:43Okay.
00:06:44Oh, wow.
00:06:45That's cute.
00:06:47I knew you would love it.
00:06:56Wow, this town's a lot smaller than I remember.
00:07:11Really?
00:07:12Well, with all of your globe-trotting and big city living,
00:07:17you know what they say, you can take the girl out of the country,
00:07:20but you can...
00:07:21You can always guilt trip her into coming back.
00:07:23Mom, we aren't even country people anyway.
00:07:25Well, well, well.
00:07:27Look who decided to finally grace us with her presents!
00:07:31Hi, sis!
00:07:33Hey, she's all okay!
00:07:35It's so good to see you.
00:07:38Oh, my gosh.
00:07:39Come on, here.
00:07:40Oh, my goodness.
00:07:41You look wonderful.
00:07:45Oh, give me strength.
00:07:46I can't wait to just chill and relax.
00:07:56I can't remember the last time I didn't have a jam-packed itinerary.
00:08:00Does anyone want to binge some of those holiday rom-coms while I sit here and binge for a while?
00:08:05Eliza, we don't have time for that.
00:08:07You may not have an itinerary, but we do.
00:08:09We have people arriving here soon.
00:08:11Arriving for what?
00:08:12The annual Gardner Family Ugly Sweater Christmas Party, the AGFUSCP.
00:08:17It's a family tradition.
00:08:18You guys still do that?
00:08:19I thought that fizzled out years ago.
00:08:22Heavens, no!
00:08:23It is bigger and better than ever before.
00:08:25You'll like it.
00:08:26You'll love it.
00:08:27I promise, I swear.
00:08:28I asked Kate to pick out an ugly sweater for you upstairs, unless, of course, you brought one of your own.
00:08:33You didn't.
00:08:34Okay.
00:08:35Okay.
00:08:36Kate!
00:08:37Ugly Sweater, 911!
00:08:38Jim!
00:08:44Ah, roomies again.
00:08:47Yeah, just like the good old days.
00:08:50Here 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.
00:09:16We're just kind of...
00:09:18Talking.
00:09:19Oh, you're talking.
00:09:21I've got news for you, E. He's definitely your man.
00:09:25It's basically all we can do.
00:09:27Text.
00:09:28Sometimes call.
00:09:30He's busy.
00:09:31I'm hardly ever even in the same zip code.
00:09:35We're taking things...
00:09:37Slow.
00:09:38Is...
00:09:39Is he?
00:09:40You're quite the catch.
00:09:42I 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.
00:09:51Well, I think we should meet him sometime. We can decide for you.
00:09:55Now there's an idea.
00:09:57Hey!
00:09:58Mom needs you to get downstairs right now. She needs you, okay?
00:10:02Okay!
00:10:03Dude, it's Christmas!
00:10:05Well, hurry up and get ready.
00:10:07It's time for your reintroduction to my evil society.
00:10:10Bye, sweetie.
00:10:11Bye.
00:10:12Bye.
00:10:13Bye, sweetie.
00:10:14Bye.
00:10:15Bye.
00:10:16Bye.
00:10:23Bye.
00:10:24I love you.
00:10:36Eliza, last time I saw you, you were yay high.
00:10:59Oh, you have really grown up.
00:11:02Oh my gosh, how long has it been?
00:11:05Years, many years.
00:11:10I see you still have great taste in sweaters.
00:11:13I wear it once a year for this party.
00:11:15I look forward to it all year.
00:11:18Where have you been?
00:11:19Traveling all around the world, I understand.
00:11:22What is it you do again?
00:11:24I travel a lot, write a little, and take tons of pictures.
00:11:30And that's a job?
00:11:31Yep, they pay me and everything.
00:11:34Wow.
00:11:35I need a job like that.
00:11:38Oh, high town 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.
00:12:02Two years.
00:12:03Two.
00:12:08I see you escaped the ugly wool party.
00:12:12Barely.
00:12:13I'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.
00:12:22And the most interesting?
00:12:24What do you think, Will?
00:12:25I mean, she has been somewhere else at a 20-mile radius of this town.
00:12:28Oh, good point.
00:12:29Will!
00:12:30Oh, I see you're still wearing my sweater.
00:12:34Oh, my gosh, you're still in love with him.
00:12:37I 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.
00:13:02Plus, 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?
00:13:18You 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.
00:13:32My pops is waiting for me.
00:13:33I'll see you guys.
00:13:34See you later, Will.
00:13:36See you tomorrow, Will.
00:13:38Take care, man.
00:13:42What 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.
00:13:50I mean, I was.
00:13:53Used to be.
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, we did.
00:14:15So embarrassing.
00:14:16But effective.
00:14:17I still can't believe he pretended like I didn't exist back then.
00:14:28I walked back and forth so many times.
00:14:30Why didn't you just, like, talk to him?
00:14:33I mean, he was also his homeboy.
00:14:34You could've, 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.
00:14:43Besides, I don't think he ever could've been interested in me.
00:14:47I was always just his best friend's little sister.
00:14:50You 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?
00:15:00Carter.
00:15:01Corbin.
00:15:02Corbin.
00:15:03Wait, don't tell me.
00:15:04Colin.
00:15:08Yeah, I've got Colin.
00:15:10You're right.
00:15:11I don't need to worry about Will Matthews at all, ever again.
00:15:16Up and out, girls.
00:15:31Rise and shine.
00:15:32We've got things to do and people to see.
00:15:35I'm a grown woman.
00:15:37My mother still hollers at me to get up like I'm five.
00:15:41Why am I getting up already?
00:15:43Day after the ugly party, it's cookies and carols at the care center.
00:15:48We should be sleeping in.
00:15:51Come on.
00:15:52Mom's not gonna give up.
00:15:54Literally, 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.
00:16:22Well, looks like we're about there.
00:16:24Okay.
00:16:25Thank you and here's your daily paycheck.
00:16:28Best hot chocolate in town.
00:16:30I'll take it.
00:16:32Okay.
00:16:33Looks 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.
00:16:40Light switch covers.
00:16:41Shoot.
00:16:42I 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.
00:16:51For sure.
00:16:54Is Eliza gonna be at the house?
00:16:57Yeah.
00:16:58Yeah, she should be.
00:16:59Why?
00:17:00No reason.
00:17:01I...
00:17:02Mmm.
00:17:04Mmm.
00:17:05Look, she just...
00:17:08She seems different.
00:17:09Okay, yeah.
00:17:10Different.
00:17:11In, uh, 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.
00:17:19You 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.
00:17:27Don't do that.
00:17:28I got this.
00:17:29Okay?
00:17:30Okay.
00:17:33Oh.
00:17:34The boy's gonna need all the help you can get.
00:17:37Good 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.
00:17:49Ha, ha, ha, ha.
00:17:50I'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.
00:18:15Now, don't make a mess.
00:18:17Bye, Mom.
00:18:18Bye, Mom.
00:18:23Feels like the perfect time for Malakalikimaka.
00:18:27What?
00:18:28Malakalikimaka.
00:18:30Merry Christmas.
00:18:31That's how they say it in Hawaii.
00:18:33I know what it means.
00:18:34I just did not understand you.
00:18:36Oh, another fun fact.
00:18:38In Ghana, they have four wise men in their nativity scene.
00:18:42Hmm, interesting.
00:18:44Here's my fun fact.
00:18:46In this house, we eat cookies and drink wassail.
00:18:50Ooh, a really fun one is in Bali.
00:18:53They light sparklers and firecrackers.
00:18:56Now, that's what I'm talking about.
00:18:58I guess you learned something out there.
00:19:00We should put firecrackers in the brownies.
00:19:08Hey, Eliza.
00:19:09Yeah?
00:19:10Do you need help?
00:19:11Um...
00:19:12Probably.
00:19:13I'm sorry, you're...
00:19:14I can't see a thing.
00:19:15Um, it's probably a good thing because you look ridiculous.
00:19:31Thanks.
00:19:32This is so embarrassing.
00:19:33Um, Austin's not here, by the way.
00:19:34Oh, yeah, I know.
00:19:35He's at the cafe.
00:19:36He sent me over here to pick up a package.
00:19:37Oh, yeah.
00:19:38I can't wait to see it.
00:19:39I know he's been working nearly 24-7 on it.
00:19:42Um, has he roped you into helping out?
00:19:44I mean, a little.
00:19:45Well, a lot, actually.
00:19:46But, um...
00:19:47You should come by and see it.
00:20:01You know, we could, uh, go together before you leave town.
00:20:05Yeah!
00:20:06That sounds fun.
00:20:11Well, it's, uh, it's a date.
00:20:13a date okay well I better go get that package okay yeah see ya wait did he
00:20:27just say T Clara hey oh hey we almost had a riot on our hands oh boy can I
00:20:40help you with these hold on Clara you've met everybody in the family except for
00:20:44Eliza Eliza this is Clara oh Eliza it is so nice to meet you okay I've heard so
00:20:52much about you really yikes good things I hope oh only good things I promise you
00:21:01must be so happy to be home Austin tells me it's been quite some time well there
00:21:08is no place quite like Maryville I've only been here a few months but it's
00:21:12already starting to feel like home to me too well hopefully this guy is helping
00:21:17with that dad he definitely is he's quite charming this guy thanks charming Austin
00:21:26this Austin yeah that's me I can be charming sometimes okay okay okay let's
00:21:33just get these cookies over to the table that all right so what's the story
00:21:42with those two I haven't heard anything about her Claire is an interior designer
00:21:47and she moved here to live with her aunt Austin needed help with the cafe's
00:21:52remodel and she was the one they hit it off immediately we all love her oh you
00:22:00would have thought our little Austin I'm happy for him but it is weird to see
00:22:06him like this oh believe me for us too but we're getting used to it thank you so
00:22:13much for bringing the cookies oh oh what time is it okay it's showtime
00:22:20should we get ready yep hello everyone if we could please take a seat and turn this
00:22:30way it is my privilege to introduce for the 15th year in a row one of our
00:22:37Maryville care center favorite Christmas traditions the Gardner family singers we
00:22:43didn't even practice we never do and they never care
00:22:50yeah
00:22:52you guys
00:22:53you guys
00:22:54you guys
00:22:57you guys
00:22:58ahem
00:22:59one two three
00:23:00dashing through the snow
00:23:01in a ward we're still in sleigh o'er the fields we go laughing all the way
00:23:05ha ha ha ha
00:23:05bells on bog tails ring making spirits bright
00:23:09But, but it is to ride and sing the sleigh song tonight
00:23:13Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
00:23:17Oh, what fun it is to ride one horse open sleigh
00:23:24Hey!
00:23:28Up on the house, stop, ring your paws
00:23:32That jumps good old Santa Claus
00:23:34Up on the house, stop, ring your paws
00:23:38Down through the chimney with your saint
00:23:40Sleep in heavenly peace
00:23:47Sleep in heavenly peace
00:24:08Your performance was lovely, thank you
00:24:12Oh, thank you
00:24:14Oh, Christmas carols always remind me of my late wife Margaret
00:24:18Oh, she could sing like an angel
00:24:22Sounds like you loved her very much
00:24:25Hey pops, I got you, uh, Eliza
00:24:28Um, I see you've met my pops
00:24:33Uh, pops, this is Eliza, it's Austin's little sister
00:24:37Pleasure to make your acquaintance
00:24:40Is she the one you were telling me about?
00:24:42Um, yeah, I was telling you about all of the gardeners
00:24:46All of them
00:24:46Now, as I recall
00:24:48You said, how did you put that?
00:24:52She has a very nice frame
00:24:55Um, yeah, I said that
00:24:59Thanks for that reminder, pops
00:25:01Anything for you, Will?
00:25:05Pops, it's been a pleasure
00:25:07Later, Will
00:25:09Up and out, girls, rise and shine
00:25:21We have got things to do and people to see
00:25:23Does this all happen every morning?
00:25:30Yep, every morning
00:25:32She's especially chipper during the holidays
00:25:35We can't have Christmas without a tree
00:25:40That's why we waited until you came home
00:25:42So we could pick it out together
00:25:43Come on, time's a-wasting
00:25:46Hey, see you downstairs in a few
00:25:50Bus leaves in ten
00:25:51Hey
00:25:57Oh, hey, you missed breakfast
00:26:00Well, 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
00:26:08But she'll be back over to help with some decorations
00:26:10And Will's going to be meeting us over at the tree lot
00:26:13Yeah, he'll be, uh, looking for one for pops
00:26:16Are you okay there, E?
00:26:19I need a minute
00:26:20Where's my lip gloss?
00:26:22I didn't touch it
00:26:23Lip gloss?
00:26:25It's a city thing, Mom
00:26:27I still can't believe they waited so long
00:26:35To get the tree
00:26:36What?
00:26:38I mean, this is tradition
00:26:40The Gardner family always pick out a tree together
00:26:43I mean, I understand doing them all when we were kids
00:26:47It was, you know, to make Christmas magical
00:26:49And it always was
00:26:50But now that we're adults
00:26:53Why still do them all?
00:26:54Some of them seem kind of silly
00:26:58Silly?
00:26:59I mean, it may be silly to you, but
00:27:03I mean, for your mom
00:27:05It probably reminds her of all the past Christmases
00:27:08You know, all the magic, the love
00:27:11I don't know, I just always felt lucky to be included
00:27:14So, have you decided which one's perfect for pops?
00:27:20This one's a strong contender
00:27:22I don't know, I just
00:27:24It's his first year in the care center
00:27:27I really want to make it special
00:27:29It won't matter which one you choose
00:27:33If I know you, you'll make it look amazing
00:27:35He's lucky to have you
00:27:40Thanks
00:27:42But, I mean, you should really lower your expectations
00:27:47No one can match your mom's decorating skills
00:27:50You're 100% right, no one can
00:27:53Eliza, over here, we need your vote
00:27:56Duty calls
00:27:58Effecto
00:28:08All right, Mom, I think my decorating duties are complete
00:28:11Wow, great job on the wreath, Austin
00:28:14Now it smells like Christmas
00:28:17Thanks, Mom
00:28:18Will, you can fill this box up with anything you like to decorate Pops' tree
00:28:23Are you sure?
00:28:24Of course, we have plenty
00:28:26Wow, thank you
00:28:28Okay, I'm going to resume my position on the couch
00:28:34Kate, I'm going to supervise from here
00:28:37Keep up the good work, you two
00:28:39Nice try, buddy
00:28:40But you have to put the star on top of the tree
00:28:43Yes, you are the tallest one here, so you need to do it
00:28:47Hey
00:28:47Plus, it's not going to pass month's tree test
00:28:50Until all the ornaments are evenly distributed
00:28:52Or mine
00:28:53You can do this
00:28:55I was about nine when I made these
00:28:58I'd forgotten all about them
00:29:03You know, there might be some of my masterpieces in here
00:29:06I think you're right
00:29:08Mom never passed up a chance to have someone make an ornament for her tree
00:29:12Oh, yeah
00:29:15Yeah, I remember this one
00:29:16This one's one of mine
00:29:17Well, that's the thing about them
00:29:20They all had meaning
00:29:22They were all special and beautiful in their own way
00:29:27Even this one?
00:29:32Especially that one
00:29:33All these little things are flooding back to me
00:29:38It was out of sight, out of mind for so long
00:29:41I didn't even really miss it
00:29:44But the more I'm here, the more I realize
00:29:47I don't know, I do kind of miss it
00:29:50It's weird
00:29:51Yeah, I get that
00:29:53I remember it was kind of the same for me when I moved back for Pops
00:29:57I mean, the big things are important
00:30:00But really, I think the small things are what anchor us to our past
00:30:05Remind us of who we are
00:30:07You know, no matter where we've been
00:30:11I'm so glad to have Eliza home for Christmas
00:30:17Me too
00:30:18This house hasn't felt this full in years
00:30:22Who's up for some wassail?
00:30:28Wait, but first, for the big moment
00:30:30All right
00:30:32Ready
00:30:35I think that's my best one yet
00:30:39It's definitely the best one
00:30:47Morning, Dad
00:30:57Well, you're up early
00:30:59Any big plans today?
00:31:01Um, no, nothing planned
00:31:04I just thought I'd go into town
00:31:06See what's new
00:31:07You know, like I do when I travel
00:31:09After all, this is an exotic and distant location for me
00:31:13Hey, listen, before you head out on this grand local adventure
00:31:17I 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
00:31:34Well, there might be someone who comes close
00:31:38I'm still getting to know Colin
00:31:41But so far, he might be a good candidate
00:31:43He's successful, hardworking
00:31:46As long as you're happy, that's what matters
00:31:50And whoever makes you happy, makes me happy
00:31:54Oh, Dad
00:31:56Listen, kiddo, you better head out before your mom
00:31:58As you're making angels out of toilet paper rolls
00:32:01Thanks for the heads up
00:32:02You better watch out, too
00:32:04No one's safe
00:32:05Have fun out there
00:32:06I will
00:32:08Love you, Dad
00:32:08Love you
00:32:09Great news
00:32:12I found more toilet paper rolls
00:32:13If you don't put a twinkle in both of your eyes
00:32:30Light you up and make you shine
00:32:34No big bed
00:32:35It ain't Christmas
00:32:38If it don't make your jingle bells ring the lead
00:32:43I'll give your heart a reason to sing
00:32:47Oh, baby
00:32:47I'm so sorry I didn't see you
00:32:53Eliza
00:32:54Hi
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
00:33:01Sorry that my frame got in your way
00:33:05Yeah
00:33:06Yeah
00:33:08I'm sorry, I was just, I was talking to Pops
00:33:12And he's kind of old-fashioned
00:33:15And it just kind of came out
00:33:16It's really okay
00:33:17What is that?
00:33:20That smells really good
00:33:21Well, it was hot chocolate
00:33:24But, um, it's the best in town
00:33:27But, of course, you know that already
00:33:29Why would I know that?
00:33:32It's from your family's cafe
00:33:34Have you still not been?
00:33:37I just, I, um, well, is now an okay time to take you up on that offer to show me around?
00:33:45If you have a minute, we could go over together
00:33:48Yeah, I have a few minutes
00:33:51Let's, let's go, here
00:33:53Yeah
00:33:56Yeah, okay
00:33:57Here you are
00:33:59Can I get you anything else?
00:34:01No, no
00:34:01All right, let me know if you need anything
00:34:03Thanks for coming in
00:34:03Thank you
00:34:04Hey, welcome, welcome, welcome
00:34:06Austin
00:34:08I'm impressed
00:34:10The pictures don't do it justice
00:34:12This is amazing
00:34:15Yes, well, that's, uh
00:34:17That's really high praise
00:34:18Coming from somebody who's been all over the world
00:34:20And seen every charming little cafe
00:34:21Thank you
00:34:23Yeah, I, uh
00:34:24I did it myself
00:34:25Well, I may have had a little bit of help
00:34:28Clara may have pitched in an idea or two
00:34:31Or a hundred
00:34:32Okay, she did everything
00:34:33I'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
00:34:41Hey, I mean, when your best friend is remodeling the family business
00:34:45An architecture degree comes in handy
00:34:47Clara here
00:34:49Hardest project manager I've ever worked for
00:34:52Well, I think they did okay
00:34:54So, uh, you two walked in together, huh?
00:34:59Uh
00:34:59Uh
00:35:00No, we
00:35:02Yeah, we did
00:35:03We 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
00:35:10And decided to, uh, come check out the new place
00:35:15And try some of the famous fancy hot chocolate I'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 that's basically all over town
00:35:27Okay, good enough for me
00:35:28Two cafe on Main's famous hot chocolates coming right up
00:35:31An architect, huh?
00:35:36That seems so professional and mature
00:35:39Why do you sound so surprised?
00:35:43I just remember a guy hanging out with my brother and getting into trouble
00:35:46I don't know what you're talking about
00:35:48Okay, we were pretty good at that
00:35:52And look at you, though
00:35:54Big shot travel writer
00:35:55I mean, that's everyone's dream job
00:35:58And you have it
00:35:59I still can't believe it actually happened
00:36:02I dreamed about it and worked really hard and
00:36:06Here 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
00:36:14I mean
00:36:16It sounds and looks pretty amazing
00:36:19Looks?
00:36:21I may... follow you
00:36:23Really?
00:36:26Look, you're quite popular
00:36:27Okay, people love your work
00:36:29Well, so I... what about you?
00:36:34Why... why are you still here?
00:36:35Well, 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
00:36:44But... later that year
00:36:47Grams wasn't doing so well
00:36:49She got sick and...
00:36:51So I moved back
00:36:53Then she passed, so...
00:36:56I didn't realize all that was going on
00:36:59I'm really sorry about Grams
00:37:01I know she meant a lot to you
00:37:03Yeah
00:37:04Today
00:37:06And Pops does too
00:37:08He tried living on his own for a bit, but...
00:37:12Yeah, you know
00:37:14Even with my help, it's not enough
00:37:16So we decided on the care center
00:37:19But...
00:37:22You 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
00:37:27Whenever I am
00:37:28So you are the adventurous type after all
00:37:32Okay, a little bit
00:37:35Not as much as you
00:37:36Et voilà
00:37:37This is on the house
00:37:40So generous
00:37:42Thank you
00:37:43You're welcome
00:37:44All right
00:37:46Okay, well this has been a great conversation
00:37:53Really thrilling
00:37:54But I've got to get to the more important matter of wooing a lady
00:38:01Doesn't seem like much wooing is needed
00:38:03Mmm
00:38:03Austin
00:38:04She's into you
00:38:06All you have to do now is not screw it up
00:38:08Oh, but for some reason that's the hard part, isn't it?
00:38:13She's cool though, right?
00:38:14She's very cool
00:38:15Yeah
00:38:15Not that my opinion matters or anything
00:38:18But so far, I approve
00:38:19Now listen
00:38:21Your opinion matters more to me than you think
00:38:23Aw, are we having a moment, Austin?
00:38:26We sure are
00:38:26Yours matters to me, too
00:38:29Okay, well if that's the case
00:38:30Then I approve of this
00:38:33I approve
00:38:35It's nothing
00:38:36It's nothing
00:38:37Right
00:38:39Okay, well
00:38:41Hope you enjoy the hot chocolate
00:38:42And please leave a five-star review
00:38:44On the website
00:38:45Website?
00:38:47Yeah, the website
00:38:48You're not the only one in the family with an online presence
00:38:50I'm modern
00:38:51Hey
00:38:55Hey
00:38:55Now that you've had the famous cafe on main hot chocolate
00:39:01What do you think?
00:39:02Think you're up for another family tradition?
00:39:04Ah, uh, I might be
00:39:06What 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
00:39:23Grahams and pops have always made sure that we've done it
00:39:25I love that
00:39:27Maybe that explains why you're such a successful architect
00:39:30Hmm
00:39:31You know what?
00:39:32I never thought about it, but
00:39:33You might be right
00:39:34Anyways, I should get going
00:39:38But, uh, pick you up in a couple of hours
00:39:42Can't wait
00:39:44Are you okay?
00:40:05I'm fine
00:40:07I'm fine
00:40:07I'm fine
00:40:08Fine
00:40:08Fine
00:40:09Because you're acting weird
00:40:11I'm not acting weird
00:40:12I'm just in a hurry
00:40:14Hurry?
00:40:16For what?
00:40:17This 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?
00:40:31And Will
00:40:32What is going on with you and Will?
00:40:34Uh, we're just friends
00:40:36And I'm having a good time getting to know him again
00:40:39Apparently he is too
00:40:41And, uh, Colin, remember him?
00:40:45Yeah, I remember him
00:40:47And as far as I know
00:40:49We're friends too
00:40:51Okay, gotta go
00:40:57Um, don't wait
00:40:59You're telling me everything the second you get home
00:41:01Bye
00:41:02I have to say
00:41:10I did not quite expect this
00:41:12You've got blueprints
00:41:15I've only ever made gingerbread houses with graham crackers
00:41:18Oh, this is serious business
00:41:21Pops and I are the Christmas festival reigning champs
00:41:25Yeah
00:41:25We're hoping for a repeat this year
00:41:26Well, 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
00:41:35But 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
00:41:44The millwork?
00:41:46Yep, the millwork
00:41:47Yes, I think is what's going to give us the edge
00:41:49I think you might be right
00:41:51Pops
00:41:51Months of planning might pay off
00:41:54So
00:41:56How 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
00:42:05You know
00:42:06Okay
00:42:08Better question
00:42:09Um
00:42:10What 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
00:42:18I mean
00:42:19I'd like to think so
00:42:21Um
00:42:23I don't know
00:42:24I kind of like everything
00:42:25You know
00:42:26The creativity
00:42:27The
00:42:27The challenge
00:42:28I mean even the budget
00:42:30If I had to pick my favorite
00:42:33Um
00:42:33Maybe the end result
00:42:35Just because I love creating something
00:42:38You know
00:42:39A space that people love
00:42:40That's kind of beautiful
00:42:43And I mean
00:42:45You have quite the portfolio already
00:42:47Between the gingerbread house
00:42:48And the cafe remodel
00:42:50I think I've seen enough
00:42:52Next time I build a real house
00:42:54Or gingerbread house
00:42:56You're my architect
00:42:57Well I would be honored
00:42:58I think we're gonna have a winner
00:43:03Yeah
00:43:05Me too
00:43:06It's
00:43:09You need more frosting
00:43:11I've never done this before
00:43:13I just love what Austin's done with the place
00:43:20It's so modern and homey
00:43:22Ooh
00:43:24And the hot chocolate is amazing
00:43:26A little hungry today
00:43:30Let her be
00:43:32Come on
00:43:33It's just so good
00:43:35I can't remember the last time
00:43:36I had homemade waffles
00:43:37Oh
00:43:39Don't forget
00:43:39Tonight 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 gonna be performing
00:43:46It's
00:43:47We know
00:43:48Tradition
00:43:49How did they know I was gonna say that?
00:43:53It's a mystery
00:43:54It'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
00:44:13The shape and the size
00:44:16The finish
00:44:17It's really just immaculate
00:44:19It's
00:44:19It'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
00:44:29Well, in that case, maybe you should get three or four
00:44:32Okay, I'm kidding
00:44:35It's two
00:44:36Let's see what we got
00:44:40We got my fair lady
00:44:42We got wing golden baby
00:44:48That's a front runner for sure
00:44:50Tree head gnome
00:44:53Bella
00:44:54There's a mini
00:44:57That's adorable
00:44:58But what about
00:45:03This one
00:45:05Yeah, because you know her so well
00:45:08Well, it's not a bad idea
00:45:14Yeah, I'll take it
00:45:20And I fell in love with the world
00:45:25And found the perfect job to see it
00:45:27Well, most of it anyway
00:45:29You know, most people only dream of traveling the world
00:45:33You've done it
00:45:34So how does a small town girl
00:45:38Dream of all these big ideas?
00:45:40Well, it started with a book I got
00:45:41One year for Christmas when I was nine
00:45:43The 100 Wonders of the World
00:45:46That's right
00:45:46That's the one you always carried around with you
00:45:48Yeah, I, wait
00:45:50You remember me doing that?
00:45:54Yeah, of course
00:45:55I mean, you barely came up for air from that thing
00:45:59Come on
00:46:02So, when you're not out in the world
00:46:09Where are you?
00:46:12Oh, 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
00:46:21And is always down for a party
00:46:23Partier?
00:46:25Huh
00:46:25I mean, I kind of thought that
00:46:27After all that travel
00:46:29You might want some peace and quiet
00:46:30I don't mind it, really
00:46:32I'm hardly ever there
00:46:33And I meet a lot of interesting people
00:46:36Because of Charlie
00:46:36Charlie?
00:46:39My roommate
00:46:40Oh
00:46:42Oh
00:46:45Oh, no, no, no
00:46:46Charlie is short for Charlotte
00:46:50Who's my best friend
00:46:52And a girl
00:46:54She's just trying to find herself in this world
00:46:57Well, she sounds like a lot of fun
00:47:00Oh
00:47:02Oh, we got a
00:47:03Hey, it's Christmas festival time
00:47:06Let's get down there
00:47:06Already?
00:47:08Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
00:47:09Claire's just helping me close
00:47:10So, we'll meet you up front
00:47:11Okay?
00:47:12Let's do this
00:47:13Alright, you ready?
00:47:16Oh, hey
00:47:17What?
00:47:17Gotta hang this on the tree
00:47:18Ooh
00:47:19This has been great
00:47:23You know, I don't usually get the opportunity
00:47:25To shop for figurines
00:47:26So
00:47:26Thanks
00:47:27Yeah, it was fun
00:47:29I
00:47:29Didn't think that was how my day was gonna go
00:47:32But I'm
00:47:34Glad it did
00:47:35And I'm glad it's not over yet
00:47:38Oh, hey
00:47:43You guys are still here
00:47:44You waiting for us?
00:47:46Yeah
00:47:46Uh
00:47:47I'm waiting for you guys
00:47:48Well, let's get going
00:47:49Miz?
00:47:50Hey, do 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, yeah?
00:48:08Yeah
00:48:08Let's do it
00:48:09I think I've been pretty nice
00:48:11I think so
00:48:12Eliza, come on
00:48:13What?
00:48:14This way
00:48:15Where are we going?
00:48:16We're going to the North Pole
00:48:17Ready, over here
00:48:18One, two, three
00:48:20Okay
00:48:22Merry Christmas
00:48:24Come on
00:48:24Merry Christmas
00:48:28Merry Christmas
00:48:29Merry Christmas
00:48:30Merry Christmas
00:48:31Merry Christmas
00:48:32Oh my goodness
00:48:37They look so cute
00:48:38Don't they?
00:48:38No, but a little bit
00:48:40Tightly
00:48:41Yeah
00:48:41Hey, I want to go
00:48:45We dance while our favorite carols play
00:48:48Getting cozy by the fireplace
00:48:50Stay in a place
00:48:53So let it snow, snow, snow
00:48:58So we can stay home, home, home
00:49:01I've got the tree
00:49:03You string the lights
00:49:05You bring the naughty
00:49:07I've got the nice
00:49:08I'll hang the mist
00:49:10So you bring the kisses
00:49:11Baby, you'll look very in
00:49:14Merry Christmas
00:49:15Good job
00:49:16Good stuff
00:49:16Thank you
00:49:16At the top of my wish list
00:49:18Hey, hey, hey
00:49:19You're the happy in my heart
00:49:21Thank you
00:49:22I love it
00:49:23Thank you so much
00:49:24Oh, it's hot
00:49:29It's cold about chocolates
00:49:31There it is
00:49:41And look
00:49:42And look
00:49:42You won first place
00:49:44We won
00:49:45Pops is going to be so proud
00:49:46I think a speech is in order
00:49:48Right
00:49:49Merryville
00:49:53This is the highest of honors
00:49:55None of which would be possible
00:49:57Without one person
00:49:58Eliza Gardner
00:50:00Your understanding of millwork
00:50:02And weight-bearing structures
00:50:03Is unparalleled
00:50:05Well done
00:50:06I'm so flattered
00:50:08Alright, let's get
00:50:13That's the verdict
00:50:15Well, I give my first
00:50:18Merryville Christmas Festival
00:50:19Five stars
00:50:20Wow, wow, wow
00:50:21Well, it's not over yet
00:50:23The grand finale's just about to start
00:50:25You ready?
00:50:26Yeah, let's go see
00:50:26Be right there
00:50:30Hey, Charlie
00:50:32Still alive?
00:50:34I haven't heard from you in a few days
00:50:36I thought maybe you fell into a deep Christmas movie marathon or something
00:50:39Alive and well, I think
00:50:41Oh, I'm going to send you something
00:50:43All right, girl
00:50:50Details
00:50:51Spill
00:50:52Hat guy is hot guy
00:50:54It's too many
00:50:56I'll tell you when I get back
00:50:57Oh, I can't wait
00:50:59I sure miss your face
00:51:01Get back soon
00:51:02Wow, I miss your face too
00:51:04And you're more than a month's rent
00:51:06Miracle Face Serum
00:51:07I knew you were using it
00:51:10All right, gotta go
00:51:12Wait, we need to talk about this
00:51:13You're breaking up
00:51:14It must be a bad connect
00:51:15There's only one of us
00:51:18Who can actually afford this stuff
00:51:19And it's not me
00:51:21As your mayor
00:51:29I want to officially welcome you
00:51:31To the annual Maryville Christmas Festival
00:51:33As we all know
00:51:37Maryville is a magical place
00:51:39Where we never lose our small town charm
00:51:42Where neighbors help neighbors
00:51:43And where everyone you meet is a friend
00:51:46Let's get this show started
00:51:48We have a wonderful night
00:51:49And our first number is
00:51:51Joy to the world
00:51:52Go Kate!
00:51:55Yes!
00:51:56Sorry, that's my sister
00:51:57Joy to the world
00:52:05The Lord is come
00:52:08Let earth receive her king
00:52:12Let every heart prepare him
00:52:18And saints and angels sing
00:52:22And saints and angels sing
00:52:25And saints and saints and angels sing
00:52:31Woo!
00:52:33Woo!
00:52:34This is amazing
00:52:37Well, on behalf of Kate and her estate
00:52:39I'd like to say thank you very much
00:52:40Hey, babe
00:52:42Pretty, what are you doing here?
00:52:48Hi
00:52:49Hi, Jeff
00:52:50Surprise
00:52:52This is a big surprise
00:52:54Everyone, 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
00:53:05It's my mom, Nora
00:53:07Hello
00:53:09It's my big brother, Austin
00:53:10Uh
00:53:11My, uh, his girlfriend, Clara
00:53:15And this, this is
00:53:18Uh, I'm Will
00:53:21I'm sorry, I'm an old family friend
00:53:24Who are you?
00:53:25Colin
00:53:26Right
00:53:29I, you know what?
00:53:32I better get going
00:53:33Um
00:53:34I should go check on Pops
00:53:37We'll see you tomorrow at the house, right?
00:53:40Uh, you're coming over, Will
00:53:42For Christmas Eve?
00:53:43Yeah
00:53:44Yeah
00:53:44Maybe
00:53:45See you, Will
00:53:47Bye, Will
00:53:48Well, I bet you two have a lot to catch up on
00:53:56It was such a pleasure to meet you, Colin
00:54:00You as well
00:54:01See ya
00:54:04See ya
00:54:05So, what are you doing here?
00:54:12Just drove into town and followed the sounds of the hoots and hollers
00:54:16This is a small town
00:54:21Like, an incredibly small town
00:54:24What happened to the big deal you were working on?
00:54:28I thought it was going to take you the rest of the holiday
00:54:30Out of nowhere, the bigwigs decided to take a couple of days off
00:54:34So, inspired by the lovely Eliza
00:54:38That's you
00:54:39I thought I'd drop in on my family for a spontaneous hometown holiday celebration
00:54:44It had been a while for me, too
00:54:48And since I was going to be traveling anyway
00:54:51I worked in a little layover here with you
00:54:54A layover in Maryville, huh?
00:54:58It was right on my way
00:55:00Do you want to go see if somewhere's open?
00:55:06You could get a late dinner?
00:55:08I'd better not
00:55:10I got plans and, um
00:55:13But tomorrow
00:55:15You should come tomorrow and spend the day with the family
00:55:18And what exactly does one do at the Gardiner family estate on Christmas Eve?
00:55:23Ha, you'll just have to wait and see
00:55:25Uh, yeah
00:55:29So, I'll see you tomorrow
00:55:30Okay
00:55:32Up and out of girls, rise and shine
00:55:42We have got things to do and people to see
00:55:44And I need your help with brunch
00:55:49Her secret weapon
00:55:55Cinnamon rolls
00:55:57Ah, that woman is evil
00:56:00I'd literally do anything for her cinnamon rolls
00:56:03Give up state secrets
00:56:06Yep
00:56:07Give up ten years of your life
00:56:10A thousand percent
00:56:12Give Austin a foot massage
00:56:15I have my limits
00:56:18What?
00:56:24So, I guess I'll address the elephant in the room
00:56:28Colin
00:56:29Here
00:56:31Out of nowhere
00:56:32Oh, elephants
00:56:34I love elephants
00:56:36Have I told you about the herd I saw in Tanzania?
00:56:40I'm sure they were amazing
00:56:41And I'd love to hear about them later
00:56:43But the elephant I want to talk about now
00:56:44Is Colin
00:56:45I think he'd be pretty offended
00:56:48If you just called him an elephant
00:56:49Ha, ha, come on
00:56:52Spill the tea
00:56:53Why didn't you tell us he was coming?
00:56:55Because I didn't know he was coming
00:56:57He just showed up
00:56:59That seems pretty romantic
00:57:02That's big gesture
00:57:04I'm in this for real kind of stuff
00:57:06Yeah, he's a go big kind of guy
00:57:10Especially when it's something that he wants
00:57:13Which brings me to elephant number two
00:57:16Will
00:57:18What about Will?
00:57:21What about Will?
00:57:22He's cool
00:57:24He's cool
00:57:24Amazing
00:57:25We're friends
00:57:27Oh, I'm his best friend's little sister
00:57:31Eliza, I think we can all tell
00:57:34It's a lot more than that
00:57:35Really?
00:57:39Looks like I have two really big elephants
00:57:42Yep, two very handsome
00:57:45Very eligible elephants
00:57:47Sounds like a problem only a cinnamon roll could fix
00:57:50Or it doesn't
00:57:52All right, everyone
00:57:55We are here
00:57:56Let's get this party started
00:57:57Shall we?
00:57:58Ooh, not so fast
00:57:59We still have people coming
00:58:01And you're ruining the arrangement
00:58:02How can I help?
00:58:04Can you finish up with the cinnamon rolls
00:58:06And keep this guy, Austin, out of trouble?
00:58:10Thanks, Mom
00:58:10I'll get it
00:58:22Merry Christmas Eve, you two
00:58:32Thanks, babe
00:58:34Lovely to see you today
00:58:35Yeah, thanks, babe
00:58:41Hello, hello
00:58:50May I?
00:58:58Hey
00:58:58Hi
00:58:59Hey
00:59:00Everything looks and smells amazing
00:59:03So glad you came
00:59:04Thanks
00:59:05Please take a seat, Carter
00:59:10It's Colin
00:59:12Colin
00:59:13Before we dig into this amazing meal
00:59:20Can I just say how great it is to have you all here
00:59:23In our beautiful, festive home
00:59:26Thank you, Nora
00:59:27I'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
00:59:38Dear Lord, as we gather together
00:59:43To celebrate the birth of thy son
00:59:45May we have gratitude in our hearts
00:59:48For the wonderful blessings we enjoy
00:59:51We thank thee for this bounteous meal
00:59:54And ask that those that have traveled
00:59:56To be with us today
00:59:58May be safe in their journeys
01:00:00Amen
01:00:00Amen
01:00:01There's more for everybody else
01:00:05Yeah, absolutely
01:00:09So, Carlos
01:00:11Big city guy
01:00:12It's actually Colin
01:00:13Oh, so sorry
01:00:14What do you do out there?
01:00:17Banking
01:00:18Banking?
01:00:19Uh, no, banking
01:00:20Banking?
01:00:21Like investment banking
01:00:22Oh
01:00:23I'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 cheer
01:00:44I'm crazy about Christmas
01:00:47Let those bells ring loud and clear
01:00:50Oh, I can't wait for Christmas
01:00:53Oh, I can't wait for Christmas
01:00:53Santa be my witness
01:00:56I can't wait for Christmas
01:00:59This year
01:01:02I love gifts to wrap
01:01:04This year
01:01:05Footloose
01:01:06Sing it in the rain
01:01:06Sing it in the rain
01:01:07I think you should leave
01:01:08Uh, I know
01:01:09I can't wait for Christmas
01:01:10estabil
01:01:10Oh, I can't wait for Christmas
01:01:11Oh, I know
01:01:15Putloose the blue
01:01:15Nope
01:01:15Butter
01:01:16A gold
01:01:17Of Mic
01:01:18The bells ring loud and clear
01:01:20Oh, 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, sing it in the rain!
01:01:32Sing it in the rain. I think you should leave.
01:01:34Oh, brutal.
01:01:36While you were sleeping. Alice in Wonderland!
01:01:38Ooh! Brother Bear!
01:01:40Uh... Doctor Who?
01:01:42Silence. Quantum Leap.
01:01:44It's a wonderful life.
01:01:46Oh, man. Black and white.
01:01:48That's close. Good job, Kate.
01:01:50Okay, Colin,
01:01:52it's your turn. Woo!
01:01:54Colin! Colin! Colin!
01:01:56Colin! Colin!
01:01:58Colin! Colin! Colin!
01:02:00I really must
01:02:02get going. Early flight
01:02:04in the morning. Oh.
01:02:06But thank you so much for your
01:02:08kindness and hospitality.
01:02:10It was delightful to have you here.
01:02:12Thank you. Nice to meet you.
01:02:14Nice to meet you.
01:02:16Merry Christmas.
01:02:18Have a good time in New York.
01:02:26I didn't tell you before, but...
01:02:28this is a rescue mission.
01:02:30A what?
01:02:32A rescue mission.
01:02:34I'm busting you out of this nightmare.
01:02:36You said you'd rather be anywhere else
01:02:38but here for Christmas.
01:02:40So here I am.
01:02:41Like a wee little elf
01:02:42granting your Christmas wish.
01:02:44You can't be serious.
01:02:48Are you?
01:02:49Very.
01:02:50We'll be at my parents' house
01:02:52in 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
01:03:00to get a look here for myself
01:03:02instead of taking your word for it.
01:03:04It...
01:03:05really is as awful as you said.
01:03:08I...
01:03:09I never said awful.
01:03:10Maybe you never said awful,
01:03:12but over the past year
01:03:14I believe I've heard you describe it as...
01:03:16Backwater.
01:03:18Podunk.
01:03:20Uninspiring.
01:03:21Unrefined.
01:03:22And...
01:03:23Pedestrian.
01:03:25And, uh...
01:03:26I think you also said
01:03:28just stringing up a few strands
01:03:30of twinkle lights
01:03:31in the middle of Nowhere USA
01:03:33doesn'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.
01:04:04Okay, now what?
01:04:05Time for another...
01:04:07game.
01:04:10The door.
01:04:14was open.
01:04:17I'm gonna leave.
01:04:18Sounds good.
01:04:21See you, Will.
01:04:31You heard.
01:04:34Everything.
01:04:36Loud and clear.
01:04:38Sorry to embarrass you.
01:04:40Goodnight, guys.
01:04:44Love you, kiddo.
01:04:47Mom, I...
01:04:59You could've told us the truth
01:05:00about why you never came home.
01:05:04It would've hurt.
01:05:06But it would've hurt a lot less than you...
01:05:08You've lied to us all these years.
01:05:13We've been nothing but supportive of you and your dreams.
01:05:18Our lives and dreams are here.
01:05:22The least you could've done was return the favor.
01:05:25Just return the favor.
01:05:26Just return the favor.
01:05:27...
01:05:32...
01:05:46Hey, babe, where's your bag?
01:06:16I'm not going.
01:06:20What's that?
01:06:23I'm staying.
01:06:25I'm choosing to spend Christmas here in this wonderful, magical, heartwarming, teensy,
01:06:34tiny, middle-of-nowhere town.
01:06:37You sure?
01:06:40Positive.
01:06:42Alrighty, suit yourself.
01:06:46Give me a call when you get home, when you've gotten all this out of your system.
01:06:50I am home, and I don't think I'm going to be calling you or getting anything out of my
01:06:56system for that matter.
01:06:58What are you saying?
01:07:01I'm saying, I think you're a great guy.
01:07:05I just, I don't think this is going to work.
01:07:09The girl you've been talking to, it was me.
01:07:13It just wasn't the complete me.
01:07:17This here in Maryville, this is the real me, and I don't think it's what you're looking for.
01:07:25If you really mean that, Eliza, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I 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 I appreciate the honesty.
01:07:49If you do ever decide to leave here, give me a call.
01:07:55I still owe you the insider info and the best French pastries in the city.
01:07:59Like I promised.
01:08:01Deal.
01:08:03Goodbye, Eliza Gardner.
01:08:11Good luck.
01:08:29Hey, Kate.
01:08:33I'm sorry.
01:08:43Have a good one.
01:08:45I'm sorry.
01:08:47I'm sorry.
01:08:49I'm sorry.
01:08:51Bye.
01:08:53Bye.
01:08:55Bye.
01:08:57Bye.
01:08:59Bye.
01:09:01Bye.
01:09:02Hey, wait until you open that one up! I want to see you do it!
01:09:18Hey, when are you gonna learn?
01:09:20Sorry, it's mine.
01:09:24My stars, you scared me.
01:09:26I'm sorry.
01:09:28What are you doing here?
01:09:29We all thought you left. Up and at him, girl. Rise and shine!
01:09:33Please don't say it, Mom.
01:09:35I've literally got nothing to do,
01:09:37and I know people do not want to see me right now
01:09:41after everything that happened last night.
01:09:43Oh, sweetie.
01:09:48Mom, I really messed up everything.
01:09:53You certainly made some mistakes,
01:09:55but it's pretty hard to mess up everything.
01:09:58I broke things off with Colin, whatever that was.
01:10:07I hurt and betrayed the most important people in my life
01:10:10by saying some really stupid things.
01:10:13and will.
01:10:15I think what I did was the worst will.
01:10:25Mom, I'm at a loss, honestly.
01:10:27I've traveled everywhere.
01:10:33I've lived on my own thinking it's made me mature.
01:10:36But now I realize I know so little.
01:10:44When did you learn to do all this?
01:10:46How to be good at life?
01:10:49Never.
01:10:50You never really figure it out.
01:10:55You never feel like you know what you're doing.
01:10:57That's reassuring.
01:10:59Welcome to adulting.
01:11:01It's the secret no one ever tells you.
01:11:03I've been so confused ever since I've been back.
01:11:09It's like there's two versions of me.
01:11:11The world traveler, big city me.
01:11:14And the me that grew up here and left here behind.
01:11:20Maybe I've been running away for so long
01:11:23that I just don't even know who I am anymore.
01:11:30Maybe 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
01:11:43that this house, this town, this place was too small for you.
01:11:48And I agree.
01:11:49It was.
01:11:52I'm so proud of you for leaving the nest, flying, soaring.
01:11:58You're amazing.
01:12:04But it's really hard not to see you.
01:12:08I miss you terribly.
01:12:12It'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
01:12:21and cookies and carols and Christmas trees.
01:12:25Toilet paper rolls.
01:12:26We never got to that.
01:12:29You're right.
01:12:30And every other celebration, 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.
01:12:48Sometimes.
01:12:49Of course.
01:12:50I will, Mom.
01:12:51Of course I will.
01:12:55I better get back down there.
01:12:58I want to give this gift to your dad.
01:13:00They're going to think that I got lost up here.
01:13:04It's a ratchet set.
01:13:06It's been on your dad's wish list for months.
01:13:09Oh, how romantic.
01:13:11It's another secret about adulting.
01:13:13The older you get, the increasingly more practical the gifts become.
01:13:19Now come on, get up.
01:13:20Come on down.
01:13:22Mom, I don't think I can go down there.
01:13:25I wouldn't know what to say.
01:13:28And I think my being there would just ruin Christmas for everyone.
01:13:33No one knows I'm here, right?
01:13:35Yeah.
01:13:36They all think that you left with Colin this morning.
01:13:41You've missed so many Christmas mornings already.
01:13:45It would be a shame to miss another one.
01:13:46Mom!
01:13:48Today?
01:13:50Dad's losing his mind.
01:13:52Did you forget where you put it?
01:13:54I just found it.
01:13:56I'll be right down.
01:13:59All right.
01:14:01Well, we'll see you down there.
01:14:03Okay?
01:14:14Merry Christmas.
01:14:16Roomie.
01:14:44Merry Christmas, roomie.
01:14:46Merry Christmas.
01:14:47Uh, opened my gift yet?
01:14:49Just did.
01:14:51Costs more than a month's rent face serum.
01:14:53You shouldn't have.
01:14:54Oh wait, you totally should have.
01:14:55You used half of mine.
01:14:57How's Smallville, anyway?
01:14:59Uh, Maryville has been unexpectedly action-packed.
01:15:03And the plot's still unfolding.
01:15:06Hmm, I'm intrigued.
01:15:08Hope it involves hat guy.
01:15:10I bet you do.
01:15:11I just wanted to call and let you know that I'll be staying here a little bit longer.
01:15:16I have to see how this all plays out.
01:15:19Okay, but don't be too long.
01:15:21It's not the same without you occasionally here.
01:15:24Okay.
01:15:25Talk to you later.
01:15:26Wish me luck.
01:15:27I think I need a Christmas miracle.
01:15:28Good luck!
01:15:30Here, here.
01:15:31Let's go.
01:15:35That's a good one.
01:15:36That's a good one.
01:15:37I know.
01:15:39Hey you guys.
01:15:41Eliza's new article just got posted.
01:15:44Listen to this.
01:15:46Wonder.
01:15:48It's a good theme for a Christmas Day post.
01:15:51Especially since it's what I write about.
01:15:52Usually, when you read these articles, you're seeing overwater bungalows in the Maldives, or the Northern Lights in Iceland.
01:15:58This one looks a little different, but I promise it's still me.
01:16:01It's the new improved me.
01:16:03For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a little different.
01:16:04I've wanted to be a little different.
01:16:05I've wanted to be a little different.
01:16:06Luckily, for me, I've been able to live out my wildest dreams with all of you along for the ride as well.
01:16:07Usually, when you read these articles, you're seeing overwater bungalows in the Maldives or the Northern Lights in Iceland.
01:16:13This one looks a little different, but I promise it's still me.
01:16:17It's the new improved me.
01:16:20For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to see the world.
01:16:23To break free.
01:16:24To go everywhere.
01:16:26To 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 with all of you along for the ride as well.
01:16:36my faithful travel companions, but while I was expanding my vision of the exotic and
01:16:41far-flung, I lost sight of the wonders in my own world.
01:16:46My family, my old friends, my new friends, my roots.
01:16:58The past few days have shown me how much I've missed and how much I need those wonders to
01:17:02be part of my life, my dreams, and my checklists, too.
01:17:06I will always be a wanderer.
01:17:08I will keep exploring and discovering the wonders of this big, beautiful world, but now
01:17:14I know that you don't always have to travel far and wide to find them.
01:17:18They're all around you, and most of the time, have been right in front of you all along,
01:17:23maybe even where you least expect.
01:17:26I'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.
01:17:37Alexa!
01:17:38What are you doing here?
01:17:39We thought you left.
01:17:40I couldn't miss Christmas with the family again.
01:17:42I've done that enough already.
01:17:43Have you guys done the Christmas mornings at the top of the stairs pic?
01:17:44Did I miss it?
01:17:45We haven't done that in years.
01:17:46Well, come on, Mom.
01:17:47Time to start it up 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?
01:17:54We haven't done that in years.
01:17:57Well, come on, Mom.
01:17:59Time to start it up again.
01:18:00Up and at them.
01:18:01It's tradition.
01:18:02Okay.
01:18:04You look good.
01:18:06Yeah.
01:18:07You look good.
01:18:11Wow.
01:18:12Whoa.
01:18:13Clara.
01:18:14Oh, thank you.
01:18:15Hey, Austin.
01:18:16Thanks, sis.
01:18:17I love you, mine.
01:18:18Dad.
01:18:19Very you.
01:18:20That's not very nice of that episode.
01:18:21It was so cool.
01:18:22Yes.
01:18:23It's so cool.
01:18:24It's so cool.
01:18:25Yes.
01:18:26It's so cool.
01:18:27I love you.
01:18:28I love you, mine.
01:18:29For you.
01:18:30This one had very nice wraps.
01:18:31That was so cool.
01:18:33Yes.
01:18:40I like this.
01:18:42Hi.
01:18:43Oh, it's so cool.
01:18:51How did you put this?
01:18:52Now we're gorgeous.
01:18:56Over this one first.
01:18:59Oh, it's so pretty.
01:19:03Yeah.
01:19:16What are you working on, E?
01:19:18Oh, just a project that's been years in the making.
01:19:21It's something I should have done a long time ago.
01:19:24Hmm.
01:19:25I'm intrigued.
01:19:27I can't wait to see how it turns out.
01:19:30Yeah.
01:19:31I can't either.
01:19:32Pops.
01:19:33Oh, Eliza.
01:19:34It's a pleasure seeing you again.
01:19:35Merry Christmas.
01:19:36Merry Christmas.
01:19:37Merry Christmas.
01:19:38I'm sorry to barge in on you.
01:19:39No apology necessary.
01:19:40What brings you here today?
01:19:41Are you singing again?
01:19:42No, not today.
01:19:43Um, I was hoping to run into Will.
01:19:45Pops
01:19:54Oh, Eliza, it's a pleasure seeing you again. Merry Christmas
01:19:58Merry Christmas. I'm sorry to barge in on you
01:20:01No apology necessary. What brings you here today? Are you singing again?
01:20:06No, not today
01:20:07I was hoping to run into Will. I checked by his place and I thought I'd come here too
01:20:13Just trying to track him down. Well, he was here. We opened some presents together, but he left
01:20:20He said he had somewhere he needed to go. I can tell him you stopped by. Would you please? You bet
01:20:26Uh, you want to play some Christmas bingo? It starts in five minutes. I wish I could, but there's something I really have to do
01:20:34Well, Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas
01:20:37Oh
01:20:44I'm so sorry. I didn't see where I was going and I just
01:20:47Uh, you
01:20:51It's for you actually
01:20:54Uh, really?
01:20:55Well, it's a good thing we bumped into each other
01:21:01Again
01:21:03Yeah
01:21:03Seemed to be getting good at that
01:21:07I was actually looking for you
01:21:12You were?
01:21:15Yeah
01:21:16I was
01:21:17Well, you found me
01:21:20Are you going to open it?
01:21:26Yeah
01:21:26I love it
01:21:39You never cease to surprise me
01:21:42And you fixed it
01:21:44I read your article, by the way
01:21:49Oh, yeah?
01:21:52What'd you think?
01:21:54It's your best one yet
01:21:55And I meant every word
01:21:59I'm really sorry about everything that happened the last couple of days
01:22:03I just got so caught up with everything in my family
01:22:05And then it was also unexpectedly magical
01:22:07And then I fell in love
01:22:08With this town
01:22:11I realized
01:22:16You were right about what you said at the party
01:22:19I am still in love
01:22:22With you
01:22:24That's
01:22:30Really good to hear
01:22:32Because
01:22:33I've always been in love with you, Isaac
01:22:38Wait, wait, wait
01:22:41Am I still competing with
01:22:43Chris?
01:22:46Clyde Clark?
01:22:48It's Colin
01:22:49No
01:22:50Oh, Colin
01:22:50We realized that we
01:22:54Weren't quite right for each other
01:22:56Because I think there's someone else who might be
01:22:59Do I know him?
01:23:02Humor
01:24:33It ain't Christmas.
01:24:36If it don't make your jingle bells ring a lead, but give your heart a reason to sing away.
01:24:44It ain't Christmas.
01:24:48It ain't Christmas.
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