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  • (gentle music)

  • (energetic bright music)

  • (energetic bright music continues)

  • (energetic bright music continues)

  • (cheerful bright music)

  • (cheerful bright music continues)

  • (gentle upbeat music)

  • - [Danielle] Okay, so Steve?

  • - He's the one that she's secretly in love with, right?

  • - Uh-uh, Steve's her fiance, the big Wall Street tycoon.

  • - Hm, the one that wants to put Christmas out of business.

  • - Exactly. I hate him.

  • - And the other one is Aaron?

  • - Andy, so he's a super sweet guy

  • who works at the ski lodge.

  • The one where Beth's car got snowed in for the holidays.

  • They met in the cutest way.

  • - Hold on a second, I'm working.

  • - How is it? It's wonderful, right?

  • - It's good. Not great.

  • - Really? I think it's so good.

  • Are you writing your review column already?

  • - No, taking a few notes.

  • I'll write the full article tonight.

  • I'll give them an okay review,

  • and then, when I come back in a month,

  • they'll gimme a better dinner.

  • Well, how do you write your relationship column?

  • Don't you, don't you take notes or something?

  • - No, I just feel inspired and I write.

  • - Hm. Oh, okay, so Aaron.

  • - Hm, Andy. - Andy.

  • Andy is stuck at the ski lodge, no, no, no, no.

  • He is working at the ski lodge and Beth is stuck there.

  • Meanwhile, her jerk of a boyfriend is working in Europe.

  • - Uh-uh, he's in Hawaii.

  • - Right.

  • - So then the two of them. - Aaron and Beth?

  • - Andy and Beth, they get stuck in a car together.

  • - Okay. - Okay, what?

  • - Okay, what happens next? - I don't know.

  • I paused the movie so I could come have dinner

  • with my best friend, Kathy Kutlenios,

  • the world's most important food critic.

  • - Hardly. - You will be

  • when you get that job writing for "The Times."

  • - If. - Of course you'll get it.

  • You know more about food than anyone I've ever met.

  • - You do know how this story ends for Aaron and Beth, right?

  • - Yes. Probably.

  • Don't ruin it for me.

  • - Danielle, you are such a talented writer.

  • I mean, I understand that you're writing

  • the relationship column for the magazine,

  • but you could be writing these holiday movies that you love.

  • Why aren't you?

  • - I will answer that when you tell me

  • why you are writing about food,

  • when you could be cooking it.

  • Kathy, you could be the most talented chef

  • in all of New York City.

  • (phone buzzing)

  • - Saved by the bell. - I'll be in the bathroom.

  • - Hello? - Kathy.

  • - Hey, Mom.

  • - You don't have to sound so thrilled to hear from me.

  • - I'm thrilled to hear from you.

  • I'm just not thrilled to hear

  • about what you're gonna ask me.

  • - [Chrissy] And what am I going to ask you?

  • - Come to Holly for Christmas.

  • - Your father and I miss you so much.

  • - I miss you guys too.

  • I just don't miss that little town.

  • - Holly is the quaintest little town in all of Michigan.

  • - Hm, that's one way to describe it.

  • - Kathy, dear. - Yes, Mom.

  • - Just say you're going to come home.

  • - I've already bought the plane tickets.

  • - Your father will be so happy.

  • We're planning the biggest Christmas dinner

  • this quaint little town has ever seen.

  • - I'm excited.

  • (gentle bright music)

  • ♪ Dashing through the snow ♪

  • ♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪

  • ♪ Over the fields we go ♪

  • ♪ Laughing all the way ♪

  • ♪ Bells on bob-tails ring ♪

  • ♪ Making spirits bright ♪

  • ♪ What fun it is to ride and sing ♪

  • ♪ A sleighing song tonight ♪

  • ♪ Hey, jingle bells, jingle bells ♪

  • ♪ Jingle all the way ♪

  • ♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪

  • ♪ In a one-horse open sleigh, hey ♪

  • ♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪

  • ♪ Jingle all the way ♪

  • ♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪

  • ♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪

  • (siren wails) ♪ A day or two ago ♪

  • - I am so sorry, officer, I.

  • - Is there something funny about breaking the law, ma'am?

  • - No, no, no, no.

  • I wasn't trying to make anything seem funny.

  • - That's enough, ma'am.

  • Step out of the vehicle, ma'am.

  • - Are you serious?

  • - Yes, ma'am, just step out of the vehicle.

  • - Okay.

  • - (chuckles) I'm sorry, ma'am,

  • I'm, I'm just kidding with you.

  • I know I need to stop doing this,

  • but sometimes I can't help myself.

  • - Well, talk about breaking the law.

  • - Impersonating an overly serious officer? I know.

  • - You know, I might have to get the phone number

  • for your chief of police.

  • - Well, I'm not so sure it would do you any good though.

  • He's got a bigger sense of humor than I do.

  • - Well, in that case, Officer Williams?

  • - Call me Matthew.

  • - Officer Matthew?

  • - Just Matthew.

  • - I'm Kathy, by the way.

  • - Well, I wish we had met

  • under less reckless conditions, Kathy.

  • - Reckless? How fast was I going?

  • - 51 in a 25.

  • - Well, that doesn't seem exceptionally reckless.

  • - Oh, that's reckless.

  • - It's a rental car.

  • - Well, last time I checked reckless was reckless,

  • whether you owned the vehicle or not.

  • - Well, maybe, if you check your instruments again,

  • you might see, I was only going 35 in a 25.

  • Or if you look really close, you might see,

  • I was only going 25 in a 25.

  • - Huh, human error.

  • That's an interesting thought.

  • - Well, it doesn't have to be human error.

  • It could be the blossoming of early Christmas spirit.

  • - Sort of like a, like a secret Santa gift,

  • except from an officer instead of a coworker.

  • - Yeah, something like that.

  • - I'm gonna need your license and registration, ma'am.

  • (gentle bright music)

  • - It's Kathy. - Kathy!

  • Oh, baby girl, you look so beautiful.

  • It's so good to see you.

  • - Nice to see you, too.

  • - Kath, it's so nice to see you, sweetie.

  • How've you been? - I'm good.

  • - How was the trip?

  • - Lovely.

  • - Oh, what went wrong?

  • - This town, which loves me so much,

  • gifted me with a reckless driving ticket for Christmas.

  • - That's not the town's fault.

  • - I know it's my fault, Dad,

  • but that doesn't make it any better.

  • What were you two studying so intently when I came in?

  • - Your father and I are finalizing plans

  • for the annual Christmas dinner.

  • - This is gonna be the most amazing one we've ever had.

  • - [Chrissy] We have a very special guest coming this year.

  • - You got Santa.

  • How did you pull that off?

  • I heard he was booked through the 25th.

  • - Ha, ha.

  • I'm not gonna let your big city humbug

  • infect my Christmas cheer.

  • - You know, I've never understood

  • why you can't enjoy the season, Kath.

  • - (sighs) Christmas has never been a really big thing

  • for our family since we moved.

  • - [George] Moved you here?

  • - Well, that's because we never really appreciated

  • the magic of Christmas until we moved here.

  • - And you two got a good case of Christmas cheer

  • when you moved us from DC to this little slice of Americana,

  • also known as Holly, Michigan.

  • But all I got was a new school

  • for senior year and no friends.

  • It's the gift that keeps on giving.

  • - You know, if you could let it into your heart,

  • you might find you could love this town as much as we do.

  • - Yeah, you might like it here

  • and do the job you're meant to do.

  • - You two have got to let that one go.

  • My life and my career are in New York.

  • - But you're not doing what you love.

  • - Life is so much better when you do what you love

  • instead of a job where you just go to work.

  • - And you know that from personal experience,

  • don't you, former Congressman Kutlenios?

  • Look, I'm not a chef.

  • I'm a food critic.

  • - You're right, you're not a chef.

  • You're more like a genius in the kitchen.

  • - A genius, Mom, really?

  • - It's the truth.

  • - You two are so sweet, and I love

  • that you think so highly of me,

  • but I'm a city mouse, not a country mouse.

  • - For now. - For always.

  • I need to take my stuff upstairs and get settled.

  • Same room from high school, right?

  • - Ah, you know, we haven't rented that room out yet at all

  • for any dates this next year.

  • - In case you might change your mind.

  • - Oh, of course, because that's what every 30-year-old

  • fiercely independent woman wants to do,

  • live with and work for her parents.

  • - Fierce independence isn't incompatible

  • with doing what you love in a place

  • that loves you back.

  • - You two are insufferable.

  • I'm taking my stuff upstairs before you try

  • and dress me in a Santa hat.

  • - Oh, the Santa hat is on your dresser, dear.

  • - Along with the notes for the tour.

  • - No, no, no, no, please, no.

  • I, I haven't done that tour since I was 17

  • and I hated it then.

  • - You better go get those notes.

  • - The tour starts in an hour.

  • - You know, child labor laws

  • have been enforced since the 1800s.

  • - (chuckles) Honey, you're 30.

  • - Thanks for reminding me, Mom.

  • - And we're country mice now, and child labor laws,

  • they don't apply on a farm.

  • - None of this is going to change my mind

  • about Christmas or this town.

  • - [George] Why would we want to change your mind?

  • - After all, we did raise you

  • to be a fiercely independent woman.

  • (Kathy groans) (Chrissy and George chuckle)

  • - It's so good to have her home.

  • - [Danielle] Was he cute?

  • - Yeah. - Super cute?

  • - Well yeah, but that's not the point.

  • He was a total jerk.

  • Well, at first he was nice but then,

  • and then he gave me a ticket. (sighs)

  • Can you believe that?

  • - Well, how fast were you going?

  • - 51 in a 25. - Kathy!

  • - [Kathy] I know. I know.

  • - Well, what did he write you up for?

  • - Five over.

  • - Mm-hmm, he's a total jerk.

  • You should call him.

  • - What? - Yes.

  • I see them do it all the time in the movies.

  • His number's on the back of the ticket, right?

  • - No, no, I will not.

  • I will not.

  • (knuckles rapping)

  • I gotta go.

  • - Bye.

  • - Your parents said you'd be up here.

  • - Sandra!

  • - Merry Christmas, Kathy.

  • - Well, it's not Times Square,

  • but I guess it's a Merry Christmas.

  • - It's always a Merry Christmas at the Holly Hotel.

  • - You are as bad as my parents.

  • Have a seat. I'm still unpacking.

  • - They are so happy to have you back for the holidays.

  • - Well, you can't let them know, but I'm happy to be back.

  • - Come up with any exciting new dishes I can steal,

  • I mean, borrow from you lately?

  • - I've actually been eating a lot more

  • than I've been cooking.

  • - Still the food critic. - Yes.

  • I'm with the magazine still,

  • but I'm up for a new job at "The Times."

  • - You'd be the most influential critic in New York.

  • - Well, nothing's definite yet,

  • but I should know in a few days.

  • - I'm happy for you.

  • - You don't look it. - Maybe not.

  • I just think you should be in the kitchen with a spatula

  • instead of on the dining room floor with a pen.

  • - Do my parents pay you extra to be their double agent,

  • or do you just do that for free?

  • - Oh, I do it for free. Definitely.

  • - Well, at least you're honest.

  • - (chuckles) So look, I want to invite you

  • into the kitchen with me, anytime while you're here.

  • - There's room for only one chef in the kitchen, Sandra.

  • - Except at Christmas.

  • And before you ask, yes,

  • your parents do pay me extra to be this cheerful,

  • but you can't let them know.

  • I'd be this way for free, even if they didn't.

  • - Well good, we can both keep a secret from my parents.

  • - I just wanted to give you an open invitation.

  • You can join me whenever you want.

  • - I'll think about it.

  • - Don't think about it, just do it.

  • - Okay, Chef Nike.

  • - Oh, and if you happen to do a review on this place,

  • you'd better love my dishes.

  • - You taught me everything I know, Sandra.

  • How could I not?

  • - Just remember, I know where you're staying if you don't.

  • - They haven't changed a word since high school.

  • The Holly hotel was built in 1891.

  • It has always been a hotel and a restaurant.

  • The original owner was Mr. Hurst and,

  • ladies and gentlemen, I believe I have a stalker.

  • - Someone needs to make sure the good people of Holly

  • are safe from your cyclone of recklessness.

  • Grandma Williams and I would like to take the tour

  • before we sit for dinner in this fine establishment.

  • - Grandma Williams is perfectly capable

  • of speaking for herself, Sonnie.

  • - Ooh, Sonnie.

  • I like that, Grandma Williams.

  • Do you mind if I call him that too?

  • - Not at all.

  • He thinks he's the bees knees

  • because he gets to wear a badge.

  • But I remember when his badges were all made of plastic.

  • You have my permission to bring him down a peg.

  • - Well, you know, Sonnie here gave me a ticket

  • on the way into town this morning.

  • - Right before Christmas? That's outrageous.

  • - She was going 51 in a 25.

  • - But she's so pretty.

  • - Yeah, that's not how the law works, Grandma.

  • - I have to continue the tour now, Grandma.

  • - Don't worry about that ticket, Missie.

  • I'll work on him.

  • - Oh, Missie.

  • Can I call her that too?

  • - Okay, can we get back to this romance dance later, please?

  • - Oh, we're.

  • - Oh, oh no, that, we're not.

  • - Yeah, whatever.

  • - (stammers) Um, you know what?

  • Let's, follow me into the, the bar.

  • Let's go to the bar.

  • This is the bar area.

  • Now it has been said that Mr. Hurst,

  • the ghost of Mr. Hurst, enjoys sitting

  • in this very seat at night, chatting it up.

  • There was a very tragic fire in 1913.

  • Ownership then changed over, the hotel was rebuilt

  • and then almost to the exact day, 65 years later,

  • there was another tragic fire.

  • Follow me into the next room.

  • And this is the Alley Cat Club.

  • We host poetry, open mic, many great singers and bands,

  • and on the weekends we have comedy night.

  • - Tell her. - Stop, Dad,

  • it's embarrassing. - What's that?

  • - I'm actually gonna be singing here on Christmas Eve.

  • - That's wonderful news.

  • - What about ghosts?

  • - Legend has it there's actually two ghosts

  • that live in the hotel with us.

  • You can always sense a presence.

  • Sometimes you'll hear noises, voices,

  • or see a shadow walk by.

  • Mr. Hurst is actually one of our most famous residents

  • from the other realm.

  • Do you smell that?

  • Mr. Hurst was a very heavy cigar smoker

  • and some say you can actually catch a hint of it

  • when you're down here.

  • - All I smell is Pine-Sol.

  • (group chuckles)

  • - No doubt that's Mr. Hurst's lady of the house, Nora.

  • She's another one of our prominent ghosts.

  • Now, if you don't mind, let's head upstairs.

  • In addition to ghosts,

  • our hotel has hosted a sitting U.S. president.

  • You'll see here, a picture of the president,

  • the first lady and my father back when he had hair.

  • During his reelection campaign in 1992,

  • the president actually made our hotel a stop

  • on his train tour of the state.

  • - I was in the dining room with him.

  • - Were you really?

  • - Yes, he was one good-looking man.

  • - Grandma.

  • - Well, he was.

  • - Well, now, if you don't mind, follow me.

  • And this is our train car room.

  • Everything you see here is authentic.

  • My father actually went to southern Ohio

  • to get everything from a 1910 Pullman rail car.

  • We've had an abundance of wedding proposals here.

  • Come on in and take a look.

  • And this is our hotel attic,

  • where we have six bed and breakfast rooms,

  • all of which are currently occupied,

  • so I do apologize, I can't show them,

  • but if you follow me this way to one of our banquet rooms,

  • where we have weddings and other large parties,

  • we have an amazing dinner planned for you.

  • - Do you believe in all that ghost mumbo jumbo, Missie?

  • - It makes for a fun story.

  • When I lived here in high school,

  • there were a few things

  • that were not easily explained though.

  • - I believe in ghosts.

  • - Sonnie here believes in everything.

  • He was 15 before I convinced him

  • that there was no such thing- - Grandma!

  • - What?

  • - Don't say things like that out loud,

  • you'll make them come true.

  • - Well, I think being a true believer is sweet.

  • - True believers are great for dating,

  • but they're terrible at paying the bills.

  • - I pay my bills, including your dinner tonight.

  • - Kathy, something happened. - We need you.

  • - Sandra burnt her hand. - Badly.

  • - I don't think she can finish dinner tonight.

  • - You have to take over.

  • - I, I, I can't, I'm not prepared.

  • - I'm trained in first aid.

  • Where is she? I'll take a look.

  • - In the kitchen. Come with me.

  • Your grandmother can stay. Dinner's on us.

  • - Kathy. - No, Mom, I can't.

  • William? - He's a sous chef.

  • Really more of a line cook, he's not that good.

  • - He'll be fine.

  • - Kath, please.

  • - Mom, boundaries.

  • - I knew we'd get out of paying the bill.

  • (gentle jazz music)

  • - How was dinner, Grandma Williams?

  • - It'll pass.

  • I could've done better.

  • - Well, the thing is.

  • - The thing is I was there when it happened.

  • I'm 90, I'm not stupid.

  • - Yes, I, yes, ma'am, I. (giggles)

  • But the thing is, I-

  • - I don't need excuses, dear.

  • I needed five-star food.

  • - I think you have a future in restaurant reviews.

  • - Future? (laughs)

  • When you get to be as old as I am,

  • the future is all in the past.

  • You wanna talk about future?

  • How do you feel about that grandson of mine?

  • - Well, I, I don't know, I, I don't really know him.

  • - He's handsome. He's kind.

  • And he's got a job. What's to know?

  • - Well, I, I don't, I don't, I don't know.

  • - Sit down.

  • I'll, I'll tell you a few things about life.

  • - Oh no, no, I can't, but.

  • - That wasn't a question. Sit.

  • Speak of the devil.

  • - [Matthew] Angels appear.

  • - Ha, nobody writing tickets

  • two days before Christmas Eve

  • can call themselves an angel.

  • - Yeah, but anyone who puts up with you

  • for seven days a week sure can.

  • - Puts up? Puts up?

  • Come a little closer, Sonnie.

  • I bet I can still lean you over my knee.

  • - Thank you for keeping Grandma company

  • while I took Sandra to the ER.

  • Sorry I couldn't dine her tonight,

  • but we're always on duty.

  • - Why don't you find your courage

  • and ask this pretty girl out on a real date?

  • - Grandma.

  • - Yeah, why aren't you doing that, Officer Matthew?

  • - You are afraid of something, Sonnie boy.

  • - Grandma, please.

  • - What are you going to tell me?

  • That you've got game and I'm ruining it for you?

  • - Got a game? (laughs)

  • Seriously, Grandma, where do you come up with these things?

  • - If it wasn't for me,

  • you wouldn't be asking this young lady for a date.

  • - Are you asking me out on a date?

  • - I do all the work.

  • He just stands in line and waits to get the prize

  • at the bottom of the Cracker Jack box.

  • - Well, um, Kathy.

  • - Just say yes, Missie.

  • I'm gonna expire before he gets around

  • to asking you for a date.

  • - Okay, fine, yes. Why not?

  • - I would love that.

  • - See, Sonnie, that's how you ask someone out on a date.

  • - Well, I better get her out of here

  • before she finds a chapel and has us married.

  • - You should be so lucky.

  • (cheerful bright music)

  • (phone chimes)

  • (Kathy sighs)

  • - But do you like him?

  • - I don't know.

  • He was nice when I was giving the tour,

  • but I hardly know him.

  • - This could be so great for you, Kathy.

  • He could be the one.

  • - The one? Okay, stop Danielle.

  • That is not practical. I live in New York.

  • - Oh no, Kathy, what did you text him?

  • - [Kathy] "Hi, Matthew.

  • It's okay, I think we both know that this isn't meant to be,

  • but it was nice meeting you."

  • - Please give it another try.

  • - It was a nice daydream while it lasted.

  • Good night, Danielle.

  • (gentle bright music)

  • - You went to bed rather early last night, didn't you?

  • - I am 30 years old, Mom.

  • - Do they ever get too old to worry about?

  • - If they do, I wouldn't know it.

  • Why didn't you go out with that nice police officer?

  • - Well, he stood me up actually.

  • - He what? No.

  • - Stood you up?

  • - Yeah, I got a text from him last night

  • saying he had an emergency call or something.

  • - Oh, well, you know, he is a police officer.

  • - And very handsome.

  • - Did you see the way he took care

  • of his grandmother last night?

  • - That boy's a keeper, Kath.

  • - Okay, I'm gonna let him know that you two are interested.

  • - It's not often you find someone as grounded as he is.

  • (phone buzzes)

  • (phone chimes)

  • (gentle bright music)

  • (gentle bright music continues)

  • (gentle bright music continues)

  • (gentle bright music continues)

  • (gentle bright music continues)

  • - [Kathy] What are we doing here?

  • - I have it on good information

  • that you would like a meeting with the chief of police.

  • (lock beeps)

  • - Oh, a little birdie told you, huh?

  • - Something like that.

  • Hey, Bob. - Hey, bro.

  • - Well, if it isn't my favorite youngest officer.

  • - I'm your only youngest officer.

  • - Doesn't mean you can't be my favorite.

  • And who might you be?

  • - I'm Kathy.

  • My parents actually own the Holly Hotel.

  • - George and Chrissy's girl. - Yes, sir.

  • - Well, it's so nice to meet you.

  • I will be sure to tell them we finally met

  • when I come by for the annual Christmas Eve dinner.

  • - Yeah, actually Dad's got something super special planned.

  • So special that he won't even tell me what it is.

  • - Well, I can confirm

  • that there is a national security element, actually,

  • to the dinner this year.

  • And it is going to be a very big deal for this town.

  • - National security?

  • - Probably shouldn't have said that.

  • Do me a favor, let's keep that just between us

  • and please don't tell your dad I said so.

  • - Your secret's safe with me.

  • - And as much as I enjoy entertaining

  • new people in my office, what brings you in today

  • on your day off, Matthew?

  • - Well, Miss Kutlenios wanted to file a formal complaint

  • with the police force, sir.

  • - Miss Kutlenios, really?

  • - Well, I did say it was a formal complaint.

  • - What seems to be the trouble?

  • - There's no trouble, really, it's just, um,

  • I just can't keep my lead foot off the accelerator, is all.

  • - Let me guess, he caught you just coming into town?

  • - I was hiding behind the welcome sign.

  • - How many times have we had this conversation

  • where we park in front of the sign,

  • where the speed limit reduces?

  • This is not to be a speed trap town.

  • We wanna welcome people when they come into town.

  • (sighs) So just how fast were you going?

  • - 51 in a 25.

  • - 51 in a 25, well, that is a bit reckless.

  • - That's what I said.

  • - But still it is Christmas.

  • And if you do promise to obey all of the other laws

  • and ordinances in our community,

  • this is the citation he wrote you. (paper rustling)

  • Merry Christmas, Kathy.

  • - Merry Christmas, chief.

  • - Kathy, it's amazing to finally meet you

  • and I'm sure I'll see you again soon.

  • - [Kathy] You as well, sir.

  • - Tell me something.

  • - Okay.

  • - Why do you stay in New York

  • doing that food critic thing,

  • when everyone says you're so good at being a chef?

  • - You don't pull punches, do you?

  • - Can't, too much of Grandma Williams blood in me.

  • - Hmm, she does explain a few things about you, doesn't she?

  • - All good, I hope.

  • - Jury's still out, but I'm leaning in the good direction.

  • - You really think you got away

  • without answering that question, don't you?

  • - Maybe I do?

  • - Afraid to answer.

  • - Why do people do what they do?

  • I mean, it's hard to follow your dreams.

  • You have to really believe in yourself.

  • Think about it this way.

  • How many people do you know in your life

  • that draw really well?

  • - I don't know, maybe like 10 or 15.

  • - And of those 10 or 15,

  • how many of them have art hanging in a museum?

  • - You want your food to hang in a museum?

  • - Don't be silly.

  • - I'm sorry, I couldn't help it-

  • - Grandma Williams in you, I know.

  • - Are you saying your skills don't rise to the level of art?

  • - Ouch.

  • Well, yeah, that's what I'm saying,

  • but it hurts worse when you have to say it for me.

  • - Does it have to be art though?

  • What if your skill's good enough to make people happy?

  • - I need more.

  • So what about you?

  • Have you always dreamt of being a deputy

  • on the Holly Police Force?

  • - I'm just a regular guy with a good heart.

  • - Except for when you're giving out speeding tickets

  • right before Christmas.

  • - You were going 51 in a 25.

  • - Ah, that's reckless. - I know.

  • - So you're saying you don't have any dreams?

  • - I didn't say that.

  • - Well, let's have it then, officer,

  • before I have to publicly cite you

  • for being as emotionally stunted as the rest of your gender.

  • - It's embarrassing.

  • - Oh, like admitting that I'll never be as good

  • at the one thing I love as I want to be?

  • Embarrassing like that?

  • - You got me.

  • - Well, let's have it then, Officer Perfect.

  • What are your dreams?

  • - I love this so much.

  • Okay, tell me more. Go on.

  • - He said.

  • - I wanna be a good husband

  • and a good father one day.

  • I want a house full of kids

  • who can't get to sleep on Christmas Eve.

  • I want to hold my best friend

  • in the whole wide world's hand

  • while we watch our children unwrap the presents

  • on Christmas morning.

  • - That is the sweetest thing I have ever heard.

  • Okay, keep telling me more.

  • - And I told him that he's amazing,

  • and so incredibly good-looking.

  • And that I'm sure he's gonna make someone so happy one day,

  • but I just don't think that I'm the girl for him.

  • - And now you've ruined it.

  • - Danny. - No, you've ruined my night

  • and you are literally ruining Christmas.

  • Goodbye.

  • (Danielle sighs)

  • (air whooshes) (gentle music)

  • - You've got to stop doing that.

  • - If I knew how, I would.

  • - I have to hand it to you though.

  • Bringing Kathy back here, setting her up with Matthew.

  • If you can pull it off,

  • it will be your greatest Christmas miracle yet.

  • - They're right for each other.

  • It will all work out in the end.

  • - That would be nice.

  • - And how have you been passing the endless time?

  • (Mr. Hurst sighs)

  • - I'm bored, Nora.

  • Pull a wire here and I pull a wire there.

  • I just can't make heads or tails

  • out of this modern technology.

  • I never know which light I'm turning off.

  • - Well, how about pitching in

  • and helping me help these two youngsters?

  • - Why not? We're a team, right?

  • - Like George and Chrissy.

  • - And Kathy and Matthew.

  • - This place makes love shine.

  • - Truer words, Nora dear, truer words.

  • - Shall we retire to the basement?

  • - We shall.

  • - I love you, Mr. Hurst.

  • - I love you, dear Nora.

  • (bright music)

  • - Hi.

  • - Hey.

  • - This is awkward.

  • - Maybe a little.

  • It's nice to see you though.

  • - What are you? - My grandma's inside.

  • She sent me a text asking me to join her for tea.

  • - Yeah, she's not inside.

  • - Are you sure?

  • - Oh, yeah.

  • Actually she just texted me and asked me

  • to meet her on the front porch.

  • Something about going last-minute shopping.

  • - I see. - Yep.

  • - So here we are.

  • - Here we are.

  • - That was nice of you though.

  • - What's that?

  • - To agree to take her shopping.

  • You hardly know her.

  • - She's a nice lady.

  • - The best. She's also a pathological liar.

  • She means well though.

  • - So what now?

  • - Oh, boy.

  • - What?

  • - I think I have an idea.

  • - Whoa.

  • - Excuse me, sir, is there any chance

  • you were reserved by a Mrs. Williams?

  • - Absolutely not.

  • I was sent from the beyond by Mrs. Hurst.

  • - Ha, Mr. And Mrs. Hurst, the ghost from Holly Hotel.

  • Remember the tour?

  • - Ah, right. So?

  • - [Both] Grandma Williams.

  • - So are you gonna climb onboard

  • or do I have to go back to lighting candles

  • when nobody's looking?

  • - May as well.

  • - Sure. Why not?

  • Oh, it's cold out here.

  • - Just to stay warm.

  • - What girl could object to warmth?

  • - It's a beautiful day.

  • Glad to be spending it with you.

  • - Have you heard the forecast for Christmas yet?

  • - Yeah, hasn't snowed here

  • on actual Christmas in a few years.

  • You must be a good luck charm for Holly.

  • - Just for Holly?

  • - Maybe me too.

  • (horse hooves clopping)

  • - Nothing to say?

  • - Just enjoying the moment

  • and to be totally honest with you,

  • I don't really know what to say.

  • I'm having a lot of thoughts,

  • but I'm not so good at talking.

  • - You didn't seem to have that problem earlier

  • when you painted the perfect picture of Christmas morning.

  • - Yeah, that didn't work out so well for me though, did it?

  • - (sighs) I'm sorry, I-

  • - It's okay.

  • - Well, maybe you should tell me

  • what it would be like with you.

  • Maybe I'll dream about it when I'm in New York.

  • - A lot of Grandma Williams.

  • - Be serious. - I am.

  • (soft gentle music)

  • - Matthew? - Yeah?

  • - What are we doing here?

  • - I don't know,

  • but I'm not objecting to the warmth either.

  • - I leave for New York in a few days.

  • - Oh, I will deal with that when it happens.

  • - I mean, if we keep going down this path.

  • - I will have a broken heart for sure.

  • - And you won't be the only one.

  • - I've never been so happy to hear of a broken heart.

  • - Maybe we should just stop spending so much time together.

  • - Makes sense.

  • Very rational.

  • - I mean, do you want to?

  • - (laughs) No. - I don't either,

  • but we have to agree that this is only temporary.

  • I mean, I have a job, possibly my, my dream job

  • as the lead editor at "The Times."

  • I mean, and my apartment, it's all in New York.

  • - You have a job, maybe a new job, and a place.

  • But I didn't hear you mention anything about having a life.

  • - I thought you said you were bad at talking?

  • - I have my moments.

  • (slow bright music)

  • - Kathy!

  • Do you know where the, oh, um,

  • sorry, I, I didn't see anything.

  • - Goodbye, Officer Perfect.

  • - Goodbye, Miss Perfect.

  • - (sighs) I'm sorry.

  • - About what?

  • - About this.

  • About everything.

  • I shouldn't have almost.

  • I shouldn't have led you on.

  • I shouldn't have led myself on.

  • I just need to rip the Band-Aid off.

  • I shouldn't have almost kissed. (sighs)

  • Goodbye, Matthew.

  • ♪ Is it too good to be true ♪

  • ♪ I want this so much ♪

  • ♪ But don't know if I can trust you ♪

  • ♪ My mind's racing fast ♪

  • ♪ Trying to find the red flags I'm used to ♪

  • ♪ All these green lights, are they coming too soon ♪

  • ♪ Caught between red and the green in you ♪

  • ♪ I'm stuck in the blue ♪

  • Matthew, wait, what are you doing tomorrow?

  • - I don't know.

  • Thought it might be a good day

  • to alphabetize my spice rack.

  • - Name one spice that starts with the letter A

  • and maybe I'll believe you.

  • - Al, falfa.

  • - 'Cause everyone loves alfalfa on their steak and potatoes.

  • - You name a spice that begins with A.

  • - Arrowroot.

  • - Can you do B?

  • - Basil. - C?

  • - Cinnamon.

  • - Can you do all of them?

  • - Oh, yeah.

  • - How about Z?

  • Ah! - Za'atar.

  • - Is that a real thing?

  • - Yeah, if you don't believe me, look it up.

  • - X.

  • - Xylocarp.

  • - Oh, come on, that sounds like a prescription drug.

  • - Do you concede?

  • - Yes.

  • - Well, thank goodness,

  • because I thought you were gonna ask me about Q.

  • - Q, right, why didn't I think of that?

  • - Why don't you, um, come here for lunch with me tomorrow?

  • - What happened to the Band-Aid thing?

  • Should I bring my spice rack?

  • - [Kathy] Just the alfalfa.

  • (Matthew chuckles)

  • (air whooshes) (gentle music)

  • - Nora, darling.

  • You gave me quite a fright.

  • - You have never gotten used to the habit

  • of me appearing and disappearing, have you?

  • - It's even more disconcerting now than when we were alive.

  • - When we were alive,

  • it was just because you were not very good

  • at paying attention to me.

  • - That's not true.

  • When we were alive,

  • I paid attention to nothing else but you.

  • - I know it, dear.

  • I was trying to rile you.

  • - You were succeeding.

  • - I have been knowing you for over a hundred years.

  • I have a secret map to all of your buttons.

  • - A hundred years.

  • Has it truly been that long?

  • Seems no more than a day.

  • - That's as sweet as what that boy said to that girl.

  • - Well, it's part of the magic of this place, isn't it?

  • - It is.

  • - Did you enjoy the carriage ride?

  • - Oh, it was a lovely evening,

  • even if a bit chilly, and thank you for riding up front,

  • so I could sit in the back seat with them.

  • - We almost got her to say that she would stay.

  • - Well, she'll get there, don't you worry?

  • - I am worried.

  • She doesn't believe in herself yet.

  • - Well, she's cooking lunch for Matthew tomorrow.

  • That's a good sign.

  • - How long has it been since she's graced our kitchens?

  • - 12 years.

  • - 12 years. That girl sure could cook.

  • - Yes, she can.

  • She just needs to find the joy in it again.

  • - Well, that's what this place is all about.

  • - Exactly.

  • - Are you sure you know what you're doing?

  • - Have I ever been wrong yet?

  • Ah, don't answer that.

  • (Mr. Hurst sighs)

  • - Well, what about that job?

  • We both feel it in the air, she's going to get it.

  • - The entire day of Christmas depends on it.

  • - Oh, I sure hope you know what you're doing.

  • - (sighs) Don't I always?

  • And don't answer that one either.

  • - Shall we go downstairs?

  • - We shall.

  • - Who's playing tonight?

  • - Oh, I don't know.

  • It'll be a surprise for both of us.

  • - Ah. (air whooshes)

  • (gentle bright music)

  • - You got in late last night, didn't you?

  • - I am 30 years old, Mom.

  • - Do they ever get too old to worry about?

  • - If they do, I wouldn't know it.

  • That young officer is so handsome.

  • - That boy's a keeper, Kathy.

  • - Okay, happy Groundhogs Day to you too.

  • ♪ Make your list and check it twice ♪

  • And we're done.

  • - That looks amazing.

  • - Presentation is important, but the real test is the taste.

  • - I have no doubts.

  • Wow. I don't know what you call this, but it's amazing.

  • - Thank you. I added a little extra alfalfa.

  • - You're not gonna let that one go, are you?

  • - Nope, I'm gonna hold onto that one for a while.

  • - Glad I could be of service. (chuckles)

  • - Speaking of service,

  • I've said that word twice

  • in front of my parents since I've returned

  • and both times they just started laughing

  • and then said that they can't wait

  • for the Christmas secret?

  • Do you have any idea what has them so giggly?

  • - No, I think my captain knows, but I honestly don't.

  • - And why do they,

  • why do they say secret every time I say service

  • and then start laughing?

  • - I have no clue.

  • You're much smarter than I am.

  • I'll always be known as the sweet one

  • in any conversation about us.

  • - Oh, there's an us now, huh?

  • - Well, technically anytime there's a we there's also an us.

  • - I don't know if that comment made any sense or not.

  • - And that's what I have a talent for,

  • disguising the intelligence of my answers.

  • - Well, maybe I should just let myself be surprised.

  • - Well, think of it like a Christmas present.

  • Sure, you could shake the box

  • and you might be able to figure out what's inside,

  • but wouldn't it just be better to wait and unwrap it?

  • - I like that.

  • It means a lot to my dad anyway.

  • - So let him have this.

  • - You know what we need?

  • - Grandma Williams to bust in here and publicly insult me,

  • til I find my courage to ask you to see me again tonight?

  • - That too.

  • But I was thinking maybe we should go inside the kitchen

  • and make some of the hotel's famous chocolate mousse.

  • - Oh, that sounds fantastic.

  • - Mom, Dad.

  • - Hey, you kids enjoying your lunch?

  • - She is a wonderful chef.

  • - Don't I know it.

  • - Thank you.

  • I actually wanted to talk to you guys about that.

  • As nice as William is, I think it's obvious

  • that he's not gonna be able to do the Christmas dinner.

  • - Well. - No.

  • - No, no, he, he cannot.

  • - Well, I was thinking, if the offer's still on the table,

  • I would be the chef for the evening?

  • - Oh, honey, this is wonderful news.

  • - Kathy, you are seriously saving Christmas.

  • This dinner is so important.

  • You are saving the hotel.

  • - This is the best Christmas present.

  • - They certainly seem happy.

  • - Indeed. Me too.

  • I'm actually looking forward to it.

  • - Can I ask you something?

  • And know beforehand, I am actually being serious for once.

  • - Officer Matthew Williams, are you going to propose?

  • - No, we would need Grandma Williams' blessing for that.

  • - Oh, you're not gonna get that.

  • She doesn't think you're good enough for me.

  • - Give her time.

  • She'll come around.

  • - So what were you gonna ask me, Captain Serious?

  • - Do you feel like there's been something

  • pushing us together this Christmas?

  • - What, like some sort of Christmas magic?

  • - Yeah, something like that.

  • - You know I don't believe in that stuff.

  • - How have we gotten so close

  • in such a short amount of time then?

  • - I don't know, the magic of pheromones

  • and facial symmetry, maybe.

  • - You are such a scientist.

  • - Reason first, I always say.

  • - I'm gonna ask you something else.

  • And I don't want you to think,

  • I just want you to feel.

  • - That's gonna be a little difficult for me, but I'll try.

  • - Will you give us a chance?

  • - What do you mean?

  • - I mean us, you and me.

  • Will you allow what is happening to keep happening

  • until we become all that we can be?

  • I mean, we might be beautiful.

  • - We would be beautiful.

  • - Then let's try.

  • - I'd like that.

  • - Kathy, this is amazing.

  • It's like you're living in a Christmas film.

  • - But all those movies are the same.

  • Big city girl goes home for Christmas.

  • - To plan her wedding.

  • - Or run her parents' bakery.

  • - Where she falls in love with a guy.

  • - A veterinarian. - Who wears flannel.

  • - But Matthew and I haven't gone on a date

  • at a Christmas tree farm yet.

  • There's always a Christmas tree farm in those movies.

  • - There is always tomorrow.

  • - How many of those movies have you seen?

  • - All of them?

  • I see all of them.

  • - I don't doubt that.

  • - You have to admit you love them too.

  • - Okay, maybe I do. (giggles)

  • (gentle bright music)

  • (phone buzzing)

  • Hello?

  • - [Elaine] Is this Kathy Kutlenios?

  • - This is she.

  • - Hi Kathy, this is Elaine from "The Times."

  • You interviewed with me last Friday.

  • - Yes, Elaine, how are you?

  • - I'm very good.

  • Also, I have some exciting news for you.

  • I've spoken with the other editors

  • and we've decided to offer you the job.

  • - That's, that's, ah, I'm listening, I'm sorry.

  • - You don't seem very excited.

  • - No, I am.

  • - There's a new restaurant called The Villa Americano

  • opening in SoHo tonight.

  • Now, I remember when you interviewed,

  • you said you'd be visiting your parents this week,

  • but we really need you back in town

  • to cover the grand opening. - Well. (sighs)

  • - That's not gonna be a problem, is it?

  • - No, no, it won't.

  • - I'm sure your family will understand.

  • This is the type of opportunity to further your career

  • that doesn't come around that often.

  • - They'll understand.

  • - Then you accept?

  • - Yes, of course.

  • - Excellent, my assistant will book your flight right away.

  • Pack your bags and head to the airport.

  • - Will do. Merry Chri.

  • Merry Christmas.

  • (solemn music)

  • - He can't handle the Christmas meal.

  • He's gonna screw it all up.

  • Kathy has to do it.

  • - George.

  • - I'm so sorry.

  • I really don't wanna abandon you guys like this.

  • - This is the most important thing

  • that's happened to this hotel since we've owned it.

  • - I just, I don't think I can fly out in the morning.

  • They're calling for feet of snow.

  • - George, stop making her feel bad.

  • This is her dream job, we can't interfere with that.

  • (solemn music continues)

  • - You're right. You're always right.

  • I'm just a worrywart.

  • And you know that.

  • I've been that way since 2008,

  • when the polls had me up by 10 points

  • and I still lost my seat because of that big blue wave.

  • - Sweetheart, this isn't an election, it's just a dinner.

  • - Congratulations. I'm happy for you.

  • - I had to take the job.

  • It's my dream job, like you said.

  • - I'm sorry if I'm being selfish.

  • Tell us about your new job.

  • - It's. Nothing really to say.

  • It's what I've been working for

  • the entire time I was in New York.

  • I just can't believe it's finally coming true.

  • - Good things come- - To good people.

  • - Are you guys sure.

  • Are you sure I'm a good person?

  • - Of course you are honey.

  • - Absolutely.

  • - It's just that being here the last few days

  • has really gotten to me.

  • When we first moved here after Dad lost the election,

  • and when I was in high school,

  • I just thought this place was horrible.

  • Moving here from DC, it was like moving into a, a,

  • a one bedroom apartment from a mansion.

  • I couldn't even breathe the air.

  • But the last few days.

  • - With Matthew?

  • - With him, with you guys, this place,

  • I finally feel like I, I came home.

  • But I never felt like that when I was in DC.

  • And in New York, I mean, that's just a place

  • I, I thought I was chasing my dreams

  • and it just never felt like home,

  • no matter how long I lived there, and.

  • Not like a Dorothy and her magic slippers type home.

  • - There's no place like home.

  • - No matter how far away from home you get,

  • you can always come back to it.

  • We love you.

  • - Yeah. - I love you too.

  • - We love you.

  • (phone buzzes)

  • (phone chiming)

  • - Hello, Grandma. I'm coming in.

  • - You don't knock anymore?

  • - I've been knocking.

  • - Hmm, must be something wrong with my ears.

  • I didn't expect you until it was time to go to the dinner.

  • - Well, things didn't work out the way I'd hoped.

  • - Did you let that girl get away?

  • - I didn't let her. She chose New York over me.

  • - Why did you give her a choice?

  • - What was I supposed to do?

  • Kidnap her?

  • - If that's what it took.

  • (Matthew chuckles)

  • - I can always count on your sense of humor, Grandma.

  • - I wasn't joking.

  • - Her heart wasn't in this place.

  • She sent me a text, Grandma, a text!

  • (Matthew sighs)

  • "Matt. Thank you.

  • Work called with a big promotion.

  • Have to leave today.

  • It was a pleasant dream while it lasted. Kathy."

  • A text, are you kidding me?

  • - I'm 90 years old, I know true love when I see it.

  • - Well, maybe you were wrong this one time.

  • - I am never wrong.

  • So what are you gonna do about it?

  • - What can I do?

  • She's on her way to New York right now.

  • What?

  • You want me to chase her down at the airport?

  • A text. You sent me a text.

  • - You chased me down in a cop car and pulled me over.

  • Matthew, don't act like I'm the crazy one.

  • - When is the last time you've been in love?

  • - Don't make this harder than it needs to be.

  • - I've been in love once, right now,

  • today, with you, that's it.

  • So yeah, I'm out here in the cold,

  • outside my jurisdiction abusing my police powers,

  • but that's not crazy.

  • Crazy is you driving off

  • and pretending like you don't feel the same way.

  • - Don't make me cry, Matthew.

  • I, I, can't- - Kathy.

  • - I'm sorry.

  • (gentle melancholic music)

  • ♪ Sail on off the radar ♪

  • ♪ And venture away from this ♪

  • ♪ Trouble, it will find you ♪

  • ♪ It's behind you ♪

  • ♪ It always is ♪

  • ♪ Unfold from my mind ♪

  • ♪ I don't want you near ♪

  • ♪ If you killed me with kindness ♪

  • ♪ I'd no longer feel you here ♪

  • (gentle melancholic music continues)

  • (air whooshes)

  • (cane rapping)

  • - Ah, excuse me, sir, we're not open yet.

  • - Maybe just one drink?

  • You do look like you could use a friend.

  • - Come on and pull up a stool.

  • - You're worried that you haven't been a very good father.

  • - Well, yes, as a matter of fact.

  • How did- - I doubt that it's true.

  • - It's true.

  • We have two daughters.

  • Victoria is a senior in college, out in Colorado.

  • She got snowed in this year, so she won't be joining us.

  • But I was so excited when Kathy, my oldest,

  • announced she was coming home.

  • I didn't raise them here. Should have.

  • Should have stayed in local government or business,

  • but I ran for Congress, and for 10 years DC was their home.

  • They didn't get the benefit of this town.

  • Or a good father.

  • - They're doing well now though.

  • - Um, I suppose. Kathy, my oldest.

  • - I know. (chuckles)

  • - Do I know you?

  • - Oh, we've been in the same room together many times.

  • Just never really talked though.

  • But enough about me. Kathy?

  • - She's on her way back to New York.

  • She landed a big job writing for "The Times."

  • - And you're not happy about it.

  • - I'm happy if she's happy.

  • I'm just not convinced that she is,

  • but I'm too old to tell her what to do,

  • and she's too old for any fatherly advice.

  • I love her so much.

  • I just want her to have a good life.

  • - You're a good man, George.

  • It's not too late.

  • Everything will work out in the end.

  • Trust me, this place, the town and the people,

  • they just have a way of changing us for the better.

  • - So have you been to the hotel before?

  • - Oh, many times.

  • Probably more than you.

  • - George! George, what are you doing?

  • - We, ah, we.

  • - [Chrissy] We?

  • - There was a gentleman. - Honey, we have work to do.

  • Come on, right now. - I, um.

  • - Let's go, the door's gonna open soon

  • and we have to get ready.

  • (bright music)

  • ♪ Oh, come, all ye faithful ♪

  • ♪ Joyful and triumphant ♪

  • ♪ Oh, come ye, oh come ye ♪

  • ♪ To Bethlehem ♪

  • ♪ Made of the Father ♪

  • ♪ Now in flesh appearing ♪

  • ♪ Oh, come, let us adore him ♪

  • ♪ Oh, come, let us adore him ♪

  • ♪ Oh, come, let us adore him ♪

  • ♪ Christ, the Lord ♪

  • ♪ Sing, choirs of angels ♪

  • ♪ Sing in exultation ♪

  • ♪ Sing, all ye citizens ♪

  • ♪ Of heaven above ♪

  • - Kathy. Kathy's back.

  • ♪ And behold him ♪

  • ♪ Born the King of angels ♪

  • ♪ Oh, come, let us adore him ♪

  • ♪ Oh, come, let us adore him ♪

  • ♪ Oh, come, let us adore him ♪

  • ♪ Christ, the Lord ♪

  • (audience clapping)

  • (energetic bright music)

  • - Okay, um, we'll just keep the menu simple, grilled cheese.

  • - Grilled cheese? Grilled cheese?

  • Are you serious? This is Christmas dinner.

  • - And tomato soup.

  • Do we serve that warm or cold?

  • - It will be fine.

  • Sara, you can make our clam chowder soup?

  • - Yeah, no problem, um,

  • but Sandra usually samples it

  • and then adjusts it a little bit.

  • - But you know how to do it,

  • so however it comes out tonight is how it comes out.

  • - Okay.

  • - William, you can make our special salads?

  • - Yeah, I've made that a hundred times.

  • - Good. Get to it.

  • Now, who knows how to roast duck?

  • - What if we put a ham in the grilled cheese?

  • - What is going on in here?

  • - Kathy! What are you doing here?

  • Your plane should've left an hour ago.

  • - It did.

  • I just recognized I don't need to take a plane to get home.

  • Okay, let's get this kitchen in order.

  • Mom, you and Dad take care of the dining room

  • and I'll take care of this.

  • - Oh, thank heavens. Oh!

  • (knife clinking)

  • Ladies and gentlemen.

  • - Can we have your attention please?

  • - As you may know,

  • we have two special guests joining us tonight.

  • - And when we say special.

  • - [Both] We mean very special.

  • - Ladies and gentlemen, give a round of applause

  • to the president. - And the first lady.

  • - Of the United States of America.

  • (guests clapping)

  • - Hello, hello, how are you?

  • (uplifting bright music)

  • Merry Christmas, everybody.

  • How you doing? You all right?

  • How you doing? How are you?

  • How are you doing?

  • So much, how's everybody? You okay?

  • How are you?

  • It's been a while.

  • - Ah, since 2008, sir.

  • - You don't have to call me sir.

  • It's just Tyler.

  • You know, the same guy that played cards with you

  • in the basement every Saturday night.

  • - Well, yes, sir, Mr. President, ah, Tyler, I'll try.

  • - Chrissy, we really appreciate you

  • having us here at your hotel.

  • - Oh, any time, Mr. President, it's an honor to have you.

  • - It's Tyler. - Tyler.

  • - All right.

  • You know, we miss you down in DC.

  • We really need good people down there.

  • - Well, you know, I was there 10 years

  • and I think they had enough of me.

  • And frankly, I've had enough of DC.

  • - Well, I have some cabinet positions opening up

  • and I'd love to have a spot for you.

  • - We're happy here, Tyler.

  • - That's all right.

  • If anything changes you let me know.

  • - Will do. - Now, your hotel,

  • this place is just incredible.

  • - Thank you so much, thank you.

  • - You really done a great job putting this together.

  • - We love it here. The town is beautiful.

  • The people are so lovely and warm, it's, it's home.

  • - Well, we really appreciate you having us.

  • - We have no plans of going anywhere again.

  • This is it.

  • - I see that. Okay.

  • - The last entree has left the kitchen.

  • You all did such a great job, thank you so much.

  • I can't believe how flexible everyone was

  • changing the entree at the last minute.

  • Now let's keep our focus as we get the desserts out and.

  • Matthew?

  • - Kathy, you came back?

  • - I realized everything I wanted was right here.

  • (romantic music)

  • - Kathy! - Oh, come on!

  • - You can kiss her later. - When, when is that?

  • - Kathy, you did it.

  • You did it! The meal was wonderful.

  • The president wants to talk to you.

  • - Of the United States?

  • - Yes. Where, where have you been?

  • - Wait, the president?

  • I can't, I can't see him like this.

  • - Why not? You remember him?

  • - Well, yeah, he was the congressman then,

  • now he's the president.

  • - You'll do fine.

  • - Oh, my God, I'm, I'm so nervous.

  • Will you go with me?

  • - Of course.

  • - Okay, I gotta change.

  • (gentle bright music)

  • (door creaks)

  • How do I look?

  • - Wow. You look gorgeous.

  • - Is, is that little Kathy?

  • Isn't she stunning? Look at her!

  • Let's give it up for the chef.

  • (guests clapping)

  • Now, get over and give your Uncle Tyler a hug.

  • My goodness, I haven't seen you in, oh my, 12 years.

  • Oh, my goodness.

  • You know, I've been all over the world

  • and I must say this meal

  • was probably the best I've ever had in my life.

  • - Thank you, Mr. President.

  • - Oh, it's Uncle Tyler to you, always Uncle Tyler.

  • I am so proud of you, I don't know what to do.

  • Now, who is this man lucky enough to hold your hand?

  • - Matthew, Mr. President.

  • - It's nice meeting you, Matthew.

  • You know, you're incredibly lucky

  • to have this young lady as your girlfriend.

  • Pretty smart guy.

  • You must have voted for me, huh?

  • (all laughing)

  • I want everyone to join us downstairs

  • and we're gonna read some Christmas poems.

  • "The Night before Christmas." Let's go.

  • (gentle bright music)

  • (phone chimes)

  • - She didn't get on the plane.

  • Kathy didn't get on the plane.

  • - "Was the night before Christmas

  • when all through the house

  • not a creature was stirring,

  • not even a mouse."

  • (gentle bright music continues)

  • - You did it, Missie.

  • - Thank you, Sonnie.

  • - "The stockings were hung by the chimney with care

  • in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there."

  • - [Kathy] Am I seeing what I think I'm seeing out there?

  • - "The children were nestled all snug in their beds

  • while visions of sugarplums danced in their heads.

  • And Mama in her 'kerchief and I in my cap,

  • had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap."

  • - It's snowing.

  • - "When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

  • I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

  • Away to the window I flew like a flash,

  • tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash."

  • - It's gonna be a white Christmas.

  • - Of course, it is.

  • - "The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow

  • gave the luster of midday to objects below.

  • When what to my wandering eyes should appear,

  • but a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer."

  • - You know.

  • - What?

  • - I truly feel like I'm finally home

  • for the first time in my life.

  • - "With a little old driver so lively and quick,

  • I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

  • More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

  • and he whistled and shouted and called them by name.

  • Now Dasher, now Dancer!

  • Now Prancer and Vixen!

  • On Comet, on Cupid!

  • On Donner and Blitzen!"

  • - I love the way you hold my hand.

  • - Well, I am under strict orders from the president.

  • - I know, right?

  • It might be a capital crime not to.

  • - "To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall.

  • Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!

  • As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

  • when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

  • so up to the housetop the coursers they flew,

  • with the sleigh full of toys and St. Nicholas too."

  • - Are you gonna be able to put up with this reckless driver?

  • - "And then in a twinkling, I heard on the roof,

  • the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

  • As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

  • down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

  • He was dressed in all fur from his head to his foot,

  • and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot."

  • - Matthew, I love you too.

  • - "A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

  • and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

  • His eyes, how they twinkled.

  • His dimples, how merry.

  • His cheeks were like roses.

  • His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

  • and the beard on his chin was white as the snow."

  • - Well, are you gonna say it or not?

  • - "The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

  • and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

  • He had a broad face, and a little round belly

  • that shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly."

  • - Kathy Kutlenios.

  • - Matthew Williams?

  • - "And I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself.

  • A wink of his eye and a twist of his head

  • soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

  • He spoke not a word but went straight to his work,

  • and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk."

  • (bright romantic music)

  • - Will you marry me?

  • - "And laying his finger aside of his nose

  • and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

  • He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

  • and away they flew like the down of a thistle.

  • But I heard him exclaim ere, as he drove out of sight."

  • - Yes, I would love nothing more.

  • - "Merry Christmas to all

  • and all a good night."

  • (guests clapping)

  • Thank you. Thank you.

  • Merry Christmas, everybody. Merry Christmas.

  • (bright romantic music continues)

  • (slow bright music)

  • - Maybe next Christmas we'll have a baby.

  • - Wouldn't that be lovely?

  • - It would, it surely would.

  • (gentle music) (singer harmonizing)

  • ♪ When the gathering has begun ♪

  • ♪ And concerns are down to one ♪

  • ♪ Should we clean up or have fun for a while ♪

  • ♪ There's a sweet, sweet stillness there ♪

  • ♪ In the quiet Christmas air ♪

  • ♪ May you find yourself laughing all the while ♪

  • ♪ Have a happy, merry, beautiful Christmas ♪

  • ♪ Where all your troubles fade away ♪

  • ♪ Where there's laughing and memories made ♪

  • ♪ By the Christmas tree ♪

  • ♪ And joy for every age ♪

  • ♪ So have a beautiful Christmas, oh ♪

  • ♪ Have a beautiful Christmas ♪ ♪ Beautiful ♪

(gentle music)

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