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After years spent traveling the world, a travel writer returns to her small hometown for the holidays, where she rediscovers the magic of family traditions and reconnects with an old flame.

#christmasmovie #comedy #romantic

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

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