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(lively holiday orchestral music)
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(gentle holiday orchestral music)
(lively holiday orchestral music)
(lively music) (horns honking)
- Yes, I'll hold.
(phone ringing)
I'm on hold, Beth.
- But-
(phone ringing)
- Not now!
- Mr. Ackerman?
- I'm on the phone.
- [Beth] I know.
Your mother has called 11 times this morning.
- 11?
- 11.
She said it's an emergency and she needs to speak with you.
- About?
- I don't know.
- Fine.
Pick up line one for me.
Reschedule that call whenever they finally pick up.
- Yes, sir.
- Oh.
(light upbeat music)
(phone ringing)
Mom, what's wrong?
- (sighs) Is that any way to greet your mother?
- Mom! Are you okay?
What's the emergency?
- The emergency is I haven't heard from my only son
in nearly a week.
- Yeah, sorry, Ma, it's just busy time of year.
- Never be too busy for family, Christian.
- I know. You're right.
(sighs) It's nice to hear your voice, Mom.
- That's more like it.
How are you, honey?
- Busy. Very busy.
We're going from Black Friday
right into our holiday campaign.
- That's not what I asked.
How are you?
(Chris sighing)
- I'm okay.
(sighs) I really miss Grandpa,
so I've just been throwing myself into my work.
Keep picking up the phone to call him.
- Yeah, me too, babe.
Which is why I'm calling.
- Really?
What's up?
- Well, the reading of Grandpa's will was today.
- Oh, yeah, he's splitting everything
between you, Aunt Jean, and Uncle Jack, right?
- Almost.
He left some surprises for the grandkids.
- Really?
- Emma got his pocket watch and some of Grandma's jewelry.
Jack, Jr. got his car.
Clint got the boat.
And he opened some small trust funds for the littler ones.
And you-
- It's okay, Mom, I don't need anything.
- You were his favorite, Chris.
- Yeah, I know I was.
- He left you the Lake House.
- In Maine?
- [Renee] Yes.
- Really?
- Really.
His lawyers are gonna get in touch with you.
- I can't believe this!
I love that house.
- (chuckles) Well, there is a stipulation.
- Stipulation?
- Yes.
In order for you to get the house,
you have to host Christmas like Grandpa used to do.
Chris, are you there?
- Yeah, I'm here.
Just surprised is all.
- Yeah, I know you're really busy, honey...
- Yeah, I'll find a way.
- Okay, are you sure?
- Absolutely.
Grandpa wanted it this way.
I will figure it out.
- Christmas is a month away.
- I know.
I'm on it.
- Okay, let me know if you need any help.
- I will.
- I love you.
- Love you too, Mom.
- Bye.
- Goodbye.
(Chris sighs)
(Chris chuckles)
(upbeat guitar music)
Hey, Beth.
- Yes, Mr. Ackerman?
- Is Larry around?
- Yes, Mr. Link just returned from lunch.
- Great.
Let him know I'm on my way up, please.
- Yes, sir. - Thanks.
(light knocking)
(light guitar music)
(loud knocking)
- Chris, come in!
- [Chris] Thanks.
- Have a seat.
Did you have a nice Thanksgiving?
- I did, thank you.
I watched the parade, I had some dinner.
You?
- Oh, it was great.
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.
Being around the family it's good for us.
- Yeah, it was just me this year.
You know, we had my grandfather's funeral a few weeks ago
and I had a lot to catch up on.
- Well, you shoulda joined me and Loretta.
There is nothing like a Link family Thanksgiving
and you were the missing link.
(both chuckling)
- Thank you. I really appreciate that.
But, you know, I just had too much to do for Black Friday.
- And you did a great job too, Chris.
I'm going through the numbers right now
and our sales are up 17% from last year.
- That's all?
We set ourselves a goal of a 5% increase.
You knocked that one out of the park!
- Yeah.
Yeah, but I was hoping for 20.
- 20?
(laughing) You're a machine.
You need to take some time off.
- It's funny you should say that, uh...
- Oh.
You're not going to leave me for the holidays, are you?
- Not exactly.
My grandfather, he left me his house in Maine
and I have to host Christmas up there.
Do you mind if I work remotely until the new year?
I will start the new year fresh in my office.
- No, you don't have to come back
exactly on New Year's Day, Chris.
- Well, yeah, we'll see.
- Do whatever you need to do, Chris.
Just keep up the good work.
- Thank you. Thanks, Larry, I really appreciate it.
Merry Christmas.
- You too.
(gentle guitar music)
- Oh, Mr. Ackerman, (phone ringing)
I have a few messages for you.
Mr. Carter called-
- Don't worry about it, Beth.
Do me a favor, reschedule my phone calls
for today and tomorrow till Wednesday.
- Yes, sir.
- Oh and get me a list of the five best event planners
and decorators in Christmas Cove, Maine.
- Christmas Cove?
- Well, South Bristol, actually.
My house is in Christmas Cove.
- I'm sorry, Mr. Ackerman, you're confusing me.
You have a house in Maine?
- Apparently.
It's a long story.
Just get me that info, reschedule my appointments.
You can have the rest of the day off.
- Really?
- [Chris] Yes and come in around 11 tomorrow.
I'll be telecommuting until the new year.
- I, I don't know what to say. (laughing)
- Well, neither do I, Beth.
This is all a bit sudden for me.
(Beth chuckles)
Just get me that info, will you please?
- Yeah, yes, sir! (upbeat music)
- Reschedule my calls.
- Absolutely. (phone ringing)
- Thank you. (Beth chuckles)
(lively holiday music)
(Chris sighs)
Ah.
- Yo, you sure you're only going for a month?
It seems like you're moving with all this stuff you got.
- I have to move my entire life
up to Maine for the next month, Jordan.
I don't wanna chance leaving anything behind.
- [Jordan] Why don't you just fly up there?
- (sighs) 'Cause I need my car.
It's not like New York. Can't just walk everywhere.
- [Jordan] Cabs?
- No, man. I am in the middle of nowhere.
- (chuckles) Is the town really called Christmas Cove?
- (sighs) Kind of.
It's on Rutherford Island in South Bristol.
The story is that John Smith harbored his boat there
during Christmas in the 1600s and gave it that name.
- John Smith?
(chuckles) The Pocahontas guy? - Yeah, yeah, yeah.
The town is still South Bristol
but Christmas Cove is a real place.
There's only a handful of homes there.
- [Jordan] Oh, and your grandfather owns one of those homes.
- Exactly.
My grandma and grandpa lived there their entire lives.
My grandpa bought it from his father,
and now passed it down to me.
- No mortgage.
Sweet.
- Yeah, yeah, but it's beyond that, Jordan.
All of my family's Christmas memories are up there.
My mom grew up in that house.
Everybody goes to the Lake House for Christmas
and we really didn't know what we were gonna do
this year since Grandpa passed.
- Looks like he decided for you.
- Why don't you come and join us with your folks?
- (chuckles) For Christmas? (Chris chuckles)
- [Chris] Yeah, why not?
- I don't know, I mean,
my sister's gonna be in Utah spending it
with her new in-laws.
I mean, would just be the three of us anyway.
- Maybe it would be a good distraction for them.
(horns honking)
Not such a bad drive from Boston.
- (chuckles) Maybe.
I'll talk to them about it.
Who else is gonna be there?
- My entire family.
Mom and Dad, two aunts and uncles,
at least three cousins-
- (chuckles) It sounds like a full house.
Are you sure you want three more?
- Absolutely.
It's Christmas. It's a big house.
- How big?
- [Chris] Come for Christmas and find out.
- I'll talk to my folks.
I promise.
- [Chris] Good.
- How are you gonna pull this all together?
- I have my ways.
- [Jordan] (chuckles) I know you do.
(both laughing)
- Well, I better hit the road.
Traffic's gonna start getting heavy in a bit.
- [Jordan] Oh, how long's the drive?
- About seven hours.
- [Jordan] Ah, that's not bad.
- You should make the drive.
- I get the hint, Chris.
Hey, but drive safe, all right?
- All right.
- Come on, bring it in. (Chris grunts)
- Oh, yeah. (upbeat music)
- Send me when you make it, all right?
- I will, I will.
- All right, brother.
(gentle guitar music)
- And now for new business.
The South Bristol Chamber of Commerce has a new member.
I'd like us all to give a warm welcome to Meredith Block,
proud owner of Merry Events.
(group applauding)
Meredith, why don't you come up here
and tell us a little bit about your business?
- Me?
- Of course. (gentle guitar music)
Small business owners are their best advocates.
Oh now, don't be shy.
There might be one or two people
in this group that could be clients.
- Yeah, I guess.
- You shouldn't guess.
You're a business owner.
You need to exude confidence.
Let's give her a little encouragement!
(group applauding)
- Thank you, Felicia.
- You're welcome.
- (clears throat) Hi! I'm Merry Block.
That's short for Meredith.
Uh, Merry is, not Block.
Block is my last name.
- Go on.
- (sighs) I just opened my company, Merry Events.
I decorate and plan the event
and cook for small parties.
- Are you licensed?
- [Meredith] What?
- Are you licensed to work food service in Maine?
- Oh! Yes, of course.
Licensed, bonded, and insured.
And trained!
Classically trained in the culinary arts.
I spent some time abroad in Paris, actually,
so I really do know how to cook. (chuckles)
- So why events?
- Uh... well, I've always enjoyed planning parties.
I'm the hostess with the mostest, I guess! (laughing)
- Can I ask you why you started your business now?
I mean, typically in the winter is a very difficult time
to open a business.
- Well, I've always planned parties.
My parents never really got into birthdays
or the holidays or anything,
so I was always left up to my own devices for them.
- [Audience] Aw.
- [Felicia] That's so sad.
- Oh, no, no, not at all.
My mom is a neurosurgeon and my dad is a scientist.
They were just really busy
and didn't find the holidays important.
I loved planning them so that we could do things together,
even if it was only a couple times out of the year.
- So you don't spend holidays with them?
- No, not really.
I hosted Friendsgiving at my house this year
and I hope to get a Christmas client.
- A Christmas client?
- What's a Christmas client?
- A Christmas client is someone who doesn't have time
to decorate for Christmas and lets me plan the event,
decorate, and cook for their small party.
- So where do you spend it?
- That's not really about my business.
- [Felicia] You're right. I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to get personal.
- It's fine!
It's fine. Really. (chuckles)
I have plenty of friends in South Bristol
and no shortage of invitations for Christmas. (chuckles)
- So in conclusion...
- Right.
In conclusion, I'm able to help turn any celebration
into a Merry Event.
(Felicia chuckles)
Oh, okay.
(group applauding)
- Thank you, Meredith.
Thank you.
Okay, so onto the next order of business.
This is the South Bristol New Year's Eve Party,
sponsored by Don LaRue at King Eider's Pub.
(group applauding) Don.
(gentle guitar music)
(people chattering)
Good job tonight.
- Hardly!
- Oh no, you did great.
I really put you on the spot
and you handled it really well.
- You think?
- Yes.
You work on your confidence,
but that will come with time.
- (chuckles) I hate speaking in front of crowds.
- [Felicia] Oh well, so do I.
- Really? You're such a natural at it.
- (laughing) Oh, not really.
I really have to hype myself up for these kinda things.
- [Meredith] But you have people
eating out of the palm of your hand.
- Hardly.
(both chuckling)
I like you.
- Thanks.
You're not so bad yourself. (chuckles)
- I'm gonna give you a lead.
- A lead?
- Yes. Here. - What's that?
- Well, this woman phoned this morning
and I guess her boss inherited this house in Christmas Cove
and they want to host this big Christmas party.
- Really?
- Mm-hm.
They need an event planner to plan,
to decorate, to cook.
- [Meredith] That's right up my alley!
- I know it is and I knew you'd be here tonight,
so I wanted to see how you handled things.
- You tested me?
- Well, you know, I'm not in the habit
of suggesting people that I don't know.
- You won't regret it, Felicia. I promise.
- I know I won't.
Call her before 11
and Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas?
We've got a few weeks until Christmas.
- (chuckles) Yes, I know but there's gonna be
this whole dump of snow and I am not good in the cold.
- But you live in Maine. (chuckles)
- I know I do but that was my husband's idea
so we have this deal.
We go to the Bahamas for a month during the holidays.
- Oh, that is really nice.
- Yes, it is. (laughing)
- Thank you, Felicia. Really.
- Give us a hug.
You are gonna do great.
(people chattering) (light guitar music)
(upbeat holiday music)
- Thaddeus! I'm home!
Where are you, Thad?
I'm sorry I'm late.
(Thaddeus meowing)
Thaddeus.
(Thaddeus meowing)
I know, I'm sorry!
(tongue clicking) Here you go.
Pss pss pss.
Come here. (tongue clicking)
Yeah, bud. (giggles)
(Thaddeus meowing)
What?
(phone ringing)
(phone vibrating)
- Hello?
- [Meredith] Hi, is this Beth Reynolds?
- This is she. Can I ask who's calling?
- My name is Meredith Block.
I own Merry Events in South Bristol.
Felicia Johnson referred me.
- [Beth] Great! I'm so happy to be speaking with you.
- You are?
- You're an event planner, right?
- [Meredith] I sure am.
How can I help you?
- It's actually for my boss, Chris Ackerman.
- I don't recognize the name.
- I didn't think you would.
He just inherited a house in Christmas Cove.
His grandfather passed away.
- Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that.
Right around the holidays too. (somber music)
- It was really sad.
He and his grandfather were very close.
- I can imagine, inheriting his house.
But how can I help you?
- There is a stipulation to the inheritance.
- Oh?
- Yes.
He must host Christmas for his family
and that includes food, decorations, everything.
I'll be honest, I love my boss,
but he doesn't know the first thing about entertaining.
- [Meredith] (chuckles) Well, you're speaking
with the right person.
- I certainly hope so.
It's a lot of work, but it pays well.
- [Meredith] How many people will be there?
- 10 adults.
Some are teenagers.
- That's not so bad.
- You must decorate the entire house from top to bottom,
interior and exterior.
- [Meredith] In one day?
- No, of course not.
Mr. Ackerman will be there tonight
and he's looking to hire someone by the weekend.
- Oh, that's plenty of time.
- They will need the entire Christmas dinner
prepared by a private chef on Christmas Day.
- I take care of all the food myself.
What about Christmas Eve?
- Uh, there are no plans for Christmas Eve,
so you could even have the day off.
But Christmas is non-negotiable.
- Okay. Anything else?
- (chuckles) Anyone else that I have talked to
has all but hung up on me
when they found out they had to work Christmas.
Do you celebrate the holiday?
I mean, you are familiar with Christmas. (chuckles)
- (chuckles) Of course I'm familiar with Christmas.
I'm familiar with all holidays.
And I actually do celebrate Christmas,
but my parents live in Baltimore
so I spend the holidays with friends.
I'm sure they'll understand.
- That is wonderful to hear. (chuckles)
- Great. So I have the job?
- I wish I could hire you on the spot,
but Mr. Ackerman actually wants to meet
all of the candidates in person tomorrow at the Lake House.
- Oh, I thought you said I was the only one left.
- You are.
Does 10 work?
- [Meredith] Absolutely!
What's the address?
- I'll text it to you.
Does this number work?
- [Meredith] Sure does.
- Great. (laughing)
- Thank you. Have a good night.
- You, too!
(Beth sighing)
(lock rattling)
(light upbeat guitar music)
- Hi, Grandpa.
♪ My train pulled out the station ♪
♪ Rode along the Hudson coast
♪ It brought back the memories
♪ Of the ones I love the most
♪ There's holly on the mantel
♪ It's peaceful everywhere
♪ Thought of you like presents
♪ All the magic through the air ♪
♪ And now I pray
♪ For all the joy and hope
♪ That I've been given on this day ♪
♪ Brings back the love
♪ The strength
♪ That I've lost in yesterdays
♪ I was a tree with no roots
♪ No stars next to the moon
♪ But once again
♪ Feels like Christmas here with you ♪
♪ Now it feels just as warm inside ♪
♪ As baked cookies on the stove ♪
♪ And it's time to burn the candles ♪
♪ That we saved from years ago
♪ Oh I don't need a reason
♪ For that twinkle in your eyes ♪
♪ To celebrate the season
♪ For standing in your light
♪ Now I pray
♪ For all the joy and hope
♪ That I've been given on this day ♪
♪ It brings all the love, the strength ♪
♪ That I've lost in yesterdays
♪ I was a tree with no roots
♪ And no stars next to the moon ♪
♪ But once again
♪ Feels like Christmas here with you ♪
(phone vibrating)
(head thudding) (Chris groaning)
Oh.
Hello?
- Chris, is everything all right?
- Yeah.
Hi, Mom. What time is it?
- It's 9:30. Are you sleeping?
- 9:30?
I gotta go, Mom. I have a meeting at 10.
- [Renee] Wait, a meeting?
Are you in Maine?
- Yes. It's for...
It's fine. Don't worry about it.
- Is it the attorneys?
Because I know they needed to meet with you.
- Text me his number and I'll give him a call,
but I've really gotta go, Mom.
Love you.
- I love you, Chris... (scoffs)
(lively holiday music)
♪ If I could make a list of wishes ♪
♪ That only could come true on Christmas ♪
♪ There's only one I'd make
♪ To find you on this holiday
♪ I could light my Christmas candle ♪
♪ Decorate the fire mantle
♪ Until you're in my arms
♪ Only love can decorate my heart ♪
♪ Only good can come to those
♪ Who wait under the mistletoe
♪ I hope and pray that Santa's sleigh ♪
♪ Will bring me joy this holiday ♪
♪ And I could light my Christmas candle ♪
♪ Decorate the fire mantle
♪ Until you're in my arms
♪ Only love can decorate my heart ♪
(people chattering) (holiday music continues)
- Good morning, Merry. The usual?
- Yes please.
And a medium black coffee, cream and sugar on the side.
And these.
- You have a coffee date?
- Oh, no, not at all.
An interview, actually.
- Hm, I never heard of bringing coffee
to an interview before.
- Well, from what his assistant told me,
he got in late last night
and he's staying in a place
that people haven't been in in a while.
So I'm sure he'll appreciate the coffee and donuts.
- [Casey] (chuckles) Good idea.
It'll make a good impression.
- That's the plan.
- [Casey] Total is 9.50.
- There you go.
- Your change.
- Thanks.
- And thank you.
I'll put the sugars and creams in a bag for you.
- Great.
♪ I could light my Christmas candle ♪
♪ Decorate the fire mantle
♪ As long as we're apart
♪ Only love can decorate my heart ♪
- Great.
Ooh, hi.
- Good morning!
- Can I help you?
- [Meredith] Are you Chris Ackerman?
- Depends who's asking.
- I'm Meredith Block
with Merry Events. (light upbeat guitar music)
I spoke to Beth last night
and she told me to be here at 10.
- I'm sorry, I accidentally slept in this morning.
There's no coffee in the house,
so I am a bit slow today.
- Oh! Well, here you go.
- What's this?
- Coffee, black, cream and sugars in the bag.
- Really? - Well, when I spoke to Beth
she said you got in late last night,
and I figured there wasn't any coffee in the house.
There's also little donuts in there as well.
- You're hired.
- Excuse me?
- You're hired.
Anyone this considerate is exactly the kind of person
I'm looking for (gentle piano music)
to handle Christmas for my family.
- Really?
- Come on in and we can work out the details.
(upbeat guitar music)
Have a seat.
- Don't you wanna interview me before you hire me?
- No. Beth spoke with you.
She told me you're the only decorator available.
- Event planner.
- [Chris] Excuse me?
- I'm an event planner.
I plan the event, decorate, and cater.
- All by yourself?
- Well, if it's a big event,
I'll hire people to work with me.
- What constitutes a big event?
- 50 people or more. Like a wedding.
- Well, definitely not 50 people or a wedding. (chuckles)
- Beth told me 10 adults and a few kids.
That's easy.
- Great.
Does 12 work for you?
- 12 instead of 10? Sure.
- No, $12,000.
- $12,000? For what?
- Well, I budgeted $12,000 for the...
Excuse me, event planner,
plus decorations, food, and whatever else might be needed.
- That's a big budget.
(gentle guitar music)
- [Chris] Is it?
- Yes. It's very generous.
- Okay then. When can you start?
- Today, if that works for you.
- Sure.
I'll have Beth reach out and give you the contract.
Oh, here.
- What's this?
- It's my credit card.
You can put all your supplies on it.
- [Meredith] Okay, great. Thanks.
- How about a tour of the house?
- Sure, that's a great place to start.
- Obviously, this is the kitchen and dining room.
- Obviously.
- I'd like an extra table or two in here.
That's what grandfather used to do.
- Sounds good.
- This is the living room.
I would like the big tree in there.
- There's more than one tree?
- Yes. I'll show you the other rooms.
- Okay.
Certainly sounds like you know
what you want. (gentle music)
- I just remember how my grandfather used to do it.
- I can tell you really loved him.
- That I do, did.
Still do.
- I'm really sorry for your loss.
- Yeah, me too.
- Look, Mr. Ackerman-
- Please, call me Chris.
- Okay. Chris.
If you show me pictures of how
your grandpa used to decorate,
I'll do my best to match it.
- Really?
- Yes.
You can even tell me what he used to cook
and I'll do my best to honor him.
- That would be really, really special, Miss Block.
Thank you.
- Merry.
- [Chris] Yes, it would be merry too.
- (laughing) No, my name, it's Merry.
(Chris chuckling)
My friends call me Merry.
- Okay then, Merry it is.
Come on. (upbeat guitar music)
I'll show you the rest of the house.
- This is the foyer.
It's the main entrance to the house.
Everybody comes and goes through here,
except if it's snowing.
- What happens when it's snowing?
- Enter through the game room downstairs.
- Oh, you have a game room?
- Yes, and it's my favorite room.
(Meredith chuckles) I'll show you last.
- Sounds good.
- Follow me.
- Linen closet.
- With linens?
- Yep.
- Great.
- Full bathroom.
(gentle guitar music)
Let's go this way.
(Meredith chuckles)
This is one of the guest rooms.
- I take it you slept in here last night? (chuckles)
- Yeah, my cousins Jack, Clint, and I
used to stay in here.
- Where are the other bedrooms?
- Basement and second floor.
- Well, old habits are hard to break, I guess.
- (sighs) Yeah, you could say that.
No, I just got in real late last night
and this was the first bedroom I thought of sleeping in.
- Hey, you don't have to explain yourself to me.
- Let's go downstairs.
Nope. (chuckles)
Watch your head.
(both chuckling)
(footsteps clacking)
- This is the big tree room.
- I take it the big tree goes here?
- Exactly.
When I was a kid, this is where the adults would hang out,
while we were in the game room.
- And now?
- Well, last year, my cousins and I
were still in the game room (Meredith chuckles)
while the older adults were here.
- Sounds about right.
So you want this room more elegant then?
- Yeah, maybe.
Something different than the rest of the house.
We exchange Christmas gifts in here.
And it's the first room you see when you walked in
so it's a really special room.
- I can tell.
- And we take our family photos in here too.
- I'll make it extra special.
- And you don't have to worry about the bedrooms.
Maybe something little like a wreath or candles.
That's what grandfather used to do.
- Got it.
- Any questions about the rooms you've seen so far?
- Nope. I might ask some in the future.
- I'll be working from home, so I'll be here.
- Great.
- Now, onto the game room.
Follow me.
(Chris sighs)
Welcome to the game room.
- Cozy. I like it.
- Some of my best family memories were made here.
My Uncle Jack taught me to play Hearts on this table.
- Are you any good?
- Good enough to win a family championship
three years in a row.
- (chuckles) Impressive.
- This room has an endless supply of snacks
during the holidays.
People get lost down here for hours.
There's a bathroom over there.
We usually surface when it's time to eat.
- So you want it decorated,
but not too fancy. (light guitar music)
- [Chris] Yeah, basically.
- Great.
Pictures from past holidays will definitely help.
- I'll get you the photos by Friday.
- [Meredith] Great.
- That's the door we use when it snows.
It's easier than climbing the stairs to the front door.
And we leave shoes there.
That way we're not tracking anything through the house.
- Smart.
What about a slipper station?
- Slipper station?
- Yes.
A bunch of slippers and fuzzy socks
for people to change into when they come in from the snow.
- I like that idea.
- I'll write out a proposal for each room.
- No need. I trust you.
- But you don't even know me.
- Yeah, but I can tell you understand me,
and how important Christmas is to my family.
Are you sure you don't mind spending Christmas
working for me?
- No, not at all.
- Well, I can let you go early
so you can get over to your family's house.
- They live in Maryland.
- A friend maybe?
- Maybe. We'll see how it goes.
- Okay.
Well, I need to get some work done.
I will be setting up my office up down here,
so I would appreciate it if you didn't come into this room
between the hours of 8 a.m and 7 p.m. during the week.
- Got it.
What about outside?
- Grandpa did something different every year
but each year had a theme.
One year it was nutcrackers.
One year was snowmen, reindeer, candy canes.
(chuckles) He even made a gingerbread house one year.
- (chuckles) Do you have a theme in mind?
- No.
You have carte blanche.
- I like that.
- Thanks for coming by, Merry.
- And thank you for hiring me.
I look forward to speaking to Beth
and I'll get on my designs today.
- I'll walk you out.
(upbeat music)
- $12,000?
- Shh!
Do you want everyone to hear?
- [Bella] Where does he get that kinda money?
(people chattering)
- He's some retail bigwig in Manhattan.
He has a good-paying job, I guess.
- Yeah, you think?
- He seems to really wanna make his family
happy for Christmas.
- Christmas Cove, though,
that is a rough drive (light guitar music)
in bad weather.
- [Meredith] I'll watch the forecasts.
- Well, if you get stuck there, call me.
I'll take care of Thaddeus.
- I'm not getting stuck there.
- You might wanna get stuck there.
- Bella! It's strictly business.
Besides, I don't even know if he's single.
- Well, if he wasn't,
wouldn't he have brought his girlfriend with him?
- I don't know.
- Is he cute?
- Very.
But he's very polished.
- [Bella] Nothing wrong with a little polish.
- Bella, it's just business.
- Yeah, yeah. You said that already.
Okay, so why don't you introduce him to me?
- No way!
- Ooh, I knew there was interest.
- Of course not.
I just don't want you getting me into any trouble.
Wait until after Christmas and I'll introduce you.
- Deal.
So are you gonna take the job?
- I'm 90% I'm gonna take it.
- Don't do this to yourself.
- [Meredith] Do what?
- You know what, Mer.
Not everyone has a close relationship with their parents.
- I don't know what you're talking about.
- Meredith Block.
We have been best friends since we were 12 years old.
You have spent every holiday with me since then.
- [Meredith] So?
- So it's okay that your parents
don't celebrate the holidays.
And it's okay that you don't see them all the time.
- Or any time at all.
- See? I knew it was that.
Okay, look, call them
if you think it'll make you feel better.
- What for?
- In case they have special plans for the holidays?
You never know.
- Right, I guess.
- Okay, let me ask you a question.
If you know your parents aren't doing anything
for the holidays, would you take the job?
- Absolutely.
- So call them.
Just see.
And plus, this guy's probably sending you
the contract now so you should sign that
and get it right back to him.
- Why?
I mean, his assistant said that I was the only one
interested in the job.
- You never know who might turn up.
- True.
- [Bella] Call 'em.
- What, now?
- Yes, now, call them.
- Okay. Fine.
(gentle music)
(phone ringing)
- Dr. Karl Block.
- I don't know why you answer the phone like that
when you know it's me, Dad.
- Well, hello there, Meredith.
How are you?
- Doing well, thanks.
How are you?
- Just great.
Is everything all right?
- Yeah, of course.
Just calling to chat.
How's Mom?
- She's fine.
She's working a lot.
Doing a lot of overtime over the holidays
so that other doctors can spend them with their families.
- That's really nice of her.
I'm glad you brought up the holidays, Dad.
- Oh?
Did you have a nice Thanksgiving with the Franzes?
- Yeah, it was wonderful.
I really missed you guys.
- Oh, that's sweet of you.
- Do you have any plans for the holidays?
- Plans for what?
- I don't know, Dad.
Spending Christmas with someone special?
- Like who?
I'm sure your mother is probably working.
- Me, Dad, me.
You know, your only daughter?
The one that lives in your old house in Maine?
The one that you haven't seen you in three years?
- I'm not sure why you're getting so upset, Meredith.
You're always welcome to come down and visit us
here in Baltimore.
Our door is always open to you.
- I have spent every holiday
since I was 12 years old with the Franz family.
- Oh, remind me to send them a gift basket.
- Dad, come on.
- What, Meredith?
I don't know what you are trying to get from me, honey.
I thought you and Isabella were best friends.
- Dad, we are.
- Do you want some money so you can go on a cruise with her?
- No, Bella doesn't wanna go on a cruise for Christmas.
- Well, then what is it?
You're 29 years old.
Things haven't changed.
Your mother and I have very important work to do.
We are saving lives.
- I'm 28, Dad.
I just thought this year was gonna be different.
I was offered a really terrific opportunity
and I have to work on Christmas
and I just wanted to see
if maybe you had a surprise planned.
- Honey, you know how I feel about surprises.
Take the job.
It'll be good for you.
- Good for me?
- Sure. A little hard work never hurt anyone.
And I'm sure you'll make (light somber music)
a nice paycheck since you're working over the holidays.
You can save it for a rainy day.
- Okay, thanks, Dad.
I'll talk to you later.
- I'll tell your mother you called.
Good bye.
- Happy?
- Are you taking the job?
- Yes.
- Then, yes, I'm happy. (upbeat guitar music)
Also did he offer us a cruise?
- I don't wanna talk about it.
- Look, don't let this get you down.
You got an amazing job for Christmas.
It's your favorite holiday!
- [Meredith] I know.
- And you're gonna do a great job at it.
- I know.
- And afterwards, Mr. Megabucks
is gonna sweep your best friend of her feet,
take her to New York City, live happily ever after.
(Meredith laughing)
- Bell, stop. Let me sulk.
- No! This is a sulk-free zone, okay?
You know what you're gonna do?
You're gonna go home, sign that contract,
and you're gonna make his Lake House
a winter wonderland. (bells jingling)
(both chuckling)
- What would I do without you?
- The world will never know.
Go!
(Meredith giggling)
Thanks.
(light cymbals music)
(doorbell ringing)
- Coming!
(lighthearted music)
Oh, great.
You can put all these away in the kitchen back there.
- Put them away?
- Yeah, the fridge and freezer are empty
so wherever you put them is fine.
- Um, we don't do that.
I can put them on the table for you,
but we don't put groceries away for people.
- Why not?
- I don't know, dude, I'm just dropping the groceries off.
- Yeah, let me help you. - Thanks.
- Straight ahead.
You can just put everything on the table.
- Sure.
- Here you go. - Thanks. Happy holidays.
- You too.
(doorbell ringing)
Oh, hi.
- (chuckles) Were you expecting someone else?
- I just had a grocery delivery.
I thought she had forgotten a bag or something.
Can I help you? (Artie chuckles)
- Hi, I'm Artie Stein.
I was Joseph Pasquarella's attorney.
- Please. Come in. - Thank you.
- I'm handling the execution (somber music)
of his will.
All right.
And I assume that you are Christian Ackerman,
Joseph's grandson, right?
- I am.
- Well, it's really good to meet you.
Your grandfather, he was a great man, a great man.
- Thank you. He certainly was.
Would you like a drink?
- No, thank you.
This is gonna be very quick. (light upbeat music)
I just wanted to introduce myself.
- Nice to meet you as well.
- Good, and I assume your mom explained the stipulation
of your inheritance, right?
- To host Christmas?
- [Both] Yes.
- Well, it doesn't look like you've started decorating yet.
- No, no I haven't, but I did just hire someone
to help me with that.
- All right, great.
Okay look, so I'll pop (gentle jingling music)
by Christmas and I'll make sure
everything is as your grandfather wanted, okay?
- Oh, why don't you join us?
- That's very nice of you,
but I don't think I could leave my family.
See, we're Jewish.
We always have Chinese food every Christmas.
- Come see what a Pasquarella Christmas is all about.
Bring your family.
It's a big house.
- Really, you wouldn't mind?
I mean, it would be me, my wife, my daughter.
- Oh no, not at all.
- Gosh, that's very nice of you.
You know, Hanukkah came early this year,
I've we've never been to a family Christmas,
and I really loved your grandfather,
so I think it might be fun.
- Trust me, it is.
Please, I insist.
- You know what? (upbeat guitar music)
The Stein family gratefully accepts your invitation.
That'll be wonderful. Thank you.
- Great. I'll have Merry reach out with the details.
- Merry? Merry Block?
- Yeah, she's the one
that's gonna be helping me with Christmas.
- Oh, that's very good.
- You know her?
- Yes, yes. Merry planned our daughter's bat mitzvah.
She is a good girl. - Ah.
- She's very good at what she does.
You made a good choice.
- Well, that's great to hear.
Thanks for coming by, Artie.
- My pleasure.
Oh, and you know what?
I'll bring the papers so you can sign them Christmas.
- Papers? What papers?
- So you'd assume the deed for the house, of course.
- Ah, right, of course.
- All right, it's a pleasure.
I'll see you at Christmas.
- You, too. - Thanks for the invitation.
- Hm. (gentle guitar music)
(water splashing)
(birds chirping)
(doorbell ringing)
- Good morning!
- Morning.
You can just come on in, you know.
- Oh thanks. I don't have a key though.
- I'll get you the spare before you leave.
Coffee?
- Oh, you went grocery shopping.
- I did indeed.
- I would love a cup
but I'm gonna bring in the boxes first.
- Boxes?
- Decorations.
I'm gonna start upstairs.
- Very nice.
Do you need help bringing anything in?
- No, thanks. You're busy.
I got it.
- Well, if you're sure...
- I am.
Oh and here you go.
- What's this?
- Our contract.
You have me until the day after Christmas.
- I have you?
- My services. (chuckles)
Planning and decorating, and cleaning, you know.
- Yeah, I know.
Well, I have some work to do,
so I'll be in the game room.
Coffee's in the kitchen. Help yourself.
- Will do. Thanks!
- And you know what, it might be easier
if you just in come through the game room.
- No, I don't wanna disturb you.
- It's no big deal.
Plus, less steps to climb. (Meredith chuckles)
- Great.
- Are you sure you don't need help bringing anything in?
- Mm-hm, yeah, no, you're busy. I got it. (chuckles)
- Okay.
- Mm-hm. (chuckles)
Be right back.
(light upbeat music)
- Ah.
(Chris chuckles)
It started snowing.
- Yeah, it did.
- Do you have a lot more to bring in?
- No, not really.
- Let me know if I can help you.
- Oh no, I'm good.
- Okay. - Anyways.
(phone vibrating)
- This is Chris.
- Chris! It's Larry.
- [Chris] Oh, hey, Larry.
How's everything in the office?
- Terrible.
- Terrible?
I've only been gone a day. (somber guitar music)
- Did you see the email about the strollers being recalled?
- What?
No! When did you send it?
- Five minutes ago.
I thought you said that working remotely
wasn't going to affect your performance.
- It won't. It's not.
Okay, I just found it.
- So?
- This is the stroller we based
our new moms' marketing campaign on.
- I know.
- [Chris] It's gonna be released at midnight.
- I'm aware.
- (sighs) All right.
I need to fix this.
- Get on it, Chris.
(Chris breathes heavily) (light tense music)
(door rattling)
(loud knocking)
- Chris?
(loud knocking)
Chris.
Hey, Chris?
(loud knocking)
- Hello?
(loud knocking)
Hello, Merry?
(loud knocking)
Meredith! (light tense music)
(loud knocking)
What are you doing out there?
- Just hanging some lights.
- You need to prop the door open.
It slides closed and locks.
- So I noticed.
- Are you okay?
- Yeah. I'm sorry to have bothered you.
You looked like you were really busy.
- Just a little crisis at work.
- Is it fixed?
- No, not yet.
Just a few more phone calls to make.
- Listen, I was gonna do a tasting for you tonight,
but I got a little carried away out here.
What if I make a meal that I might potentially make
for Christmas dinner?
- That sounds terrific.
You don't mind?
- No, not at all.
- Will you join me?
- For, for dinner?
- Yes. I mean, if you'd like to.
Strictly business, of course
so I can provide feedback.
- Of course.
- Great.
- I'll finish up out here
and I'll let you know when it's ready.
- Perfect.
Thank you.
(bar clanging)
(Chris groans)
(phone vibrating)
Hello, Mother dear. (sighs)
- Hi, Chris.
I was just finishing work and I was thinking about you.
- I just finished work myself. (light upbeat music)
- Not working too hard, I hope.
- Probably as hard as you, Mom.
- Touche.
(chuckles) I hear you invited
Artie Stein and his family for Christmas.
- Shoot, I forgot to tell Meredith.
- [Renee] Meredith? Who's Meredith?
- You'll meet her, Mom.
She's helping me with Christmas.
- Oh, honey, please tell me you didn't hire
an event planner.
- [Chris] Mom.
- That was not Grandpa's intention.
- What do you mean?
- He wants you to connect the family,
to carry on the Pasquarella tradition.
You know, Grandpa did all the cooking
and all the decorating himself,
even when Grandma was still alive.
- Yeah, I know. I've heard the stories.
I just thought it would be a nice tradition
to decorate with someone else.
- Okay, but did you hire this person?
You didn't pay her, did you?
- What's the difference?
- Christian, did you pay someone to do this?
- No!
She's upstairs cooking dinner right now.
- Oh, so it's a romantic interest?
- Mom, come on. (upbeat music)
- Is she coming for Christmas?
- Yes, and she loves cooking and decorating.
- Why have I not heard about this person before?
- [Meredith] Dinner's ready!
- Mom, gotta go, dinner's ready.
- Wait (stammers) Chris!
Oh. Oh.
- Mm. Smells delicious.
- I hope you like it.
Have a seat.
- Do you want wine?
- Do you have wine?
- I sure do.
Is red okay?
- That's perfect.
I made chicken.
- My attorney brought me wine.
- Attorney?
- Well, my grandfather's attorney, actually.
Just checking to see if I'm hosting Christmas
as per my grandfather's wishes.
- I see.
- Which reminds me, I actually invited him and his family
to Christmas dinner.
- How many people?
- [Chris] Three.
Two adults and one child.
You know them, actually.
- I do?
- Yes. Artie Stein.
He said you planned his daughter's bat mitzvah.
- (gasps) The Steins!
Of course!
They're terrific people.
- He pretty much said the same about you.
And that you're really terrific at your job.
- That's great to know.
It'll be nice having them here.
- So, what are we eating?
- Orange chicken, broccoli, and a simple salad.
- It looks delicious.
- But...
- I didn't say but.
- I can see it in your eyes. (Chris chuckles)
You're disappointed in something.
- Am I that transparent?
- Maybe a little.
(gentle guitar music)
- No chicken.
- No chicken?
- It's too basic, I think.
My grandfather went way over the top with his cooking.
- What about the broccoli?
- Gimme a second.
I haven't even swallowed my chicken yet.
- [Meredith] (laughing) Right. Sorry.
(gentle music)
- Mm. Mm.
Definitely make this.
- Yeah?
- Definitely.
The salad's fine too.
- Not too basic?
- Isn't all salad basic?
(both laughing)
- I'll make plenty of options.
We have a lot of time before you have to make any decisions.
- But I definitely want the broccoli.
- Yeah? Okay, you got it.
- Great. (gentle music)
- I'll do the dishes, Merry.
You don't have to wait on me.
Go on home.
- Okay. I'll leave them in the sink.
Don't you wanna try dessert?
- Dessert?
- Mm-hm.
I made a little something.
Just wanna gauge your sweet tooth.
- Oh.
I like sweets in moderation.
- Okay.
Tell me what you think about this.
- What is this?
- Homemade chocolate cream pie
with vanilla whipped cream.
- It looks too pretty to eat.
- Oh well, if you don't want it...
- I didn't say that.
(Meredith giggles)
(gentle guitar music)
- You like?
Are you okay?
- Yeah.
I'm okay.
- You don't have to be nice.
If you don't like it, just spit it out.
- No, I love it.
It's really good.
It's just...
- [Meredith] Chris, what's wrong?
- Every year, my grandfather
would make chocolate cream pie for dessert.
This reminds me of it, that's all.
It's almost exactly the way he used to make it.
Just missing the crust.
He used to call it Aunt Minnie's Chocolate Cream Pie.
- Aunt Minnie?
- Yeah, but I didn't have an Aunt Minnie.
- I did.
This is her recipe.
(gentle music)
- You're joking.
- No, really.
My grandfather had a sister and her name was Aunt Minnie.
This is her chocolate cream pie recipe.
She was a baker.
She won a Christmas bake-off and they published her recipe
in the newspaper.
- I bet that's where he got it from.
- I woulda made the pie, but I didn't have time
to make the crust.
- Please make this for Christmas, Merry.
Please. My family will be blown away.
But make it as a pie though.
- All right, I promise.
I'll make two so that everybody can have some.
- Thank you. You don't know what it means to me.
- I have an idea.
- Well, it's getting late.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
Did I overstay my welcome?
- No, no, no, not at all.
I appreciate dinner and dessert.
Especially dessert. (chuckles)
- [Meredith] I'm glad you enjoyed it.
- I just don't want you (gentle music)
to feel like you have to stay overtime, you know?
- No, I enjoy being here really.
You're my only client this month.
I wanna make you extra happy.
- Thank you.
I'll take it from here.
- You sure?
- Yes, thank you.
Oh!
Here.
- Key to the house?
- Yes.
- Great.
I'll walk you out. Let me get my shoes.
- No, no, don't worry about it.
I should get going.
Thaddeus is probably upset (gentle music)
that I haven't made him dinner yet.
- Well, you don't wanna keep him waiting. (sighs)
- Here you go.
Good night, Chris.
(lively holiday music)
♪ It's freezing outside
♪ But warm in my heart
♪ The holiday trees
♪ They wake up the dark
♪ A walk in the crowds
♪ A song in my step
♪ Gonna buy you something
♪ That you'll never forget
♪ The best-loved time of year
♪ Filling up with winter cheer
♪ Moments of oohs and ahs
♪ Then the hugs that follow along ♪
♪ My eyes light up at Christmas ♪
♪ I wanna make your eyes light up too ♪
♪ There's a magical scene
♪ What I wanna see
♪ Is your eyes light up
♪ Your eyes light up at Christmas ♪
♪ Oh oh oh oh
♪ Spring, summer, and fall
♪ I listen so close
♪ Hear every word
♪ What you're wanting the most
♪ I've waited the days
♪ Till the one in December
♪ You'll be surprised
♪ And always remember
♪ The best-loved time of year
♪ Filling up with winter cheer
♪ Moments of oohs and ahs
♪ Then the hugs that follow along ♪
♪ My eyes light up at Christmas ♪
♪ I wanna make your eyes light up too ♪
♪ There's a magical scene
♪ What I wanna see
♪ Is your eyes light up
♪ You eyes light up
♪ Eyes light up at Christmas
♪ I wanna make your eyes light up too ♪
♪ There's a magical scene
♪ What I wanna see
♪ Is your eyes light up
♪ Your eyes light up at Christmas ♪
♪ Oh Christmas
♪ Oh oh
♪ Oh oh oh
- [Chris] Good morning.
- Good morning, Chris.
I didn't disturb you, did I?
- Oh no, not at all.
- I'm almost finished up here.
And then I have to move into your office.
- Yeah, I figured as much.
- I can start it over the weekend, if that's better for you.
- Merry, you've been spending every single day here
over the past two weeks.
Don't you want a break?
- I'm sorry. Am I getting in the way?
- [Chris] Oh no, not at all.
I love having you around.
- You do?
- Well, yeah.
The house is awfully quiet when you're not here.
- That's what happens when you live alone.
Part of the reason why I have Thaddeus.
- Yeah, about Thaddeus...
Do you wanna invite him for Christmas?
- (chuckles) What?
- Well, you rush home every night to give him dinner.
Kinda feel guilty you've been having dinner with me.
- [Meredith] Why?
- Doesn't he mind that you're here?
- I mean, he probably would prefer if I was home,
but that has no bearing on my work hours.
- Well, I know I'd be pretty upset if my girlfriend
spent every waking hour with her boss
especially if he was single.
- Wait, your girlfriend?
- No, not my girlfriend.
I don't have a girlfriend.
- (chuckles) Wait, Chris, I'm confused.
What does Thaddeus have to do with any of this?
- He's your boyfriend, isn't he?
- (laughing) My boyfriend?
- Yeah. Don't you live with him?
- Yeah, I live with him.
Thaddeus is my cat!
- (gasps) Your cat?
- (laughing) Yeah.
I can't believe you thought he was my boyfriend.
Wait until I tell Bella about this.
- No, no, no. Please don't tell anyone, please.
- [Meredith] Chris, you're all I have for the holidays.
- Really?
- Really.
I spoke with my dad about spending the holidays with me
and he said that he and my mom are busy working
and they don't have the time.
- I'm so sorry.
- No, it's fine.
It's the same every year.
They're workaholics.
- I get it. So am I. (sighs)
- But you take time for your family.
I'm an only child, (gentle music)
and I wasn't planned.
So they kinda just live their life with me on the side.
- That can't be true.
- Unfortunately, it is.
And then when I started
my event planning business, forget it.
I didn't hear from them.
I even went to the Ivy League college that they wanted,
but I didn't follow in their footsteps.
- What do they do?
- My dad is a scientist, my mom is a neurosurgeon.
- Oh, yeah, you were way (light upbeat music)
on the opposite end of the spectrum.
- And they remind me every chance they get.
- [Chris] But you're really good at what you do, Merry.
- Thank you. I really appreciate it.
But I hope you can see why I throw myself into my work.
It's not really work to me.
I get to plan the dream Christmas that I always wanted.
- I knew you were perfect.
- Excuse me?
- Perfect for the job.
- Oh, yeah, right. (chuckles)
- Well, I have some work to get done.
Let me know when you wanna get into the game room.
- Will do.
(gentle guitar strumming)
- Hey!
- Hey yourself. (light upbeat music)
- What are you doing?
- Setting lights up on the roof.
- [Chris] Why?
- Because it's my job.
- Merry, this is really high.
- [Meredith] Don't be silly.
I'm not afraid of heights.
- Why don't you just go out the balcony?
- I don't wanna leave the door open.
I don't wanna track dirt in.
- Meredith, this is really dangerous.
- No, it's not.
I've strung lights on my house since I was 12 years old
and much higher than this.
- Can I at least hand you the lights from the inside?
- (sighs) Fine.
- But you can get onto the roof from the balcony, you know.
- [Meredith] Yeah, I guess.
- Or we can just clean up whatever snow and dirt
you track in.
It's really no big deal.
- I'm not leaving the door open.
I don't want my decorations to blow down.
- Just leave it open a crack.
Come on.
Be careful.
- Chris, stop!
- What?
- You're doing my job.
- But I wanna help.
- I know, but it makes me feel bad.
(Chris sighs)
- Don't forget to prop the door open
to get back in in case I'm not back yet.
- Where are you going?
- An appointment in town. (gentle music)
Be an hour, maybe two.
- Okay. Thanks.
(gentle music)
(lively holiday music)
(people chattering)
(upbeat music)
- [Bella] Great work today.
- [Girl] All right, thank you.
- Yep.
You must be Christian Ackerman.
- [Chris] Bella?
- It is so great
to finally meet you. (upbeat music)
Merry has told me so much about you.
- I, all good, I hope.
- I haven't heard her talk about how much
she loves a job since...
Ever!
- Oh, the job.
That's great.
- [Bella] Well, she speaks very highly of you too.
- Really?
- Yes.
I'm surprised we haven't met yet.
- Well, I never made it further than Christmas Cove
when I come and visit for holidays or summers.
My grandparents pretty much had everything
we really needed there, you know?
- Totally.
Family time, right?
- Exactly.
- So, what can I help you with?
- Can we sit for a little?
This might take longer than a couple minutes,
hence why I made an appointment.
- Sure. Let's have a seat.
(gentle music)
(Bella sighs)
- Meredith told me that she's been spending the holidays
with you and your family since she was 12.
- Oh, so she really has talked about me.
- Yeah, she has.
She loves you like a sister.
- [Bella] I feel the same.
- How about you coming to Christmas at my house?
- That's very sweet of you.
But I'm spending Christmas with my family.
- Invite them.
- All of them?
- [Chris] Yeah, why not?
- That's seven people and a baby.
It's me, Mom, Dad, my brother Brian, his wife Lauren,
their baby, my little sister Jessica.
- Can you talk to them and find out
if they're okay with it?
- Sure. But Christmas is three days away.
I mean, I'm sure they've already
started planning for dinner.
- So bring it.
The more food, the better, right?
(lighthearted music)
- Okay. (chuckles) I'll text you.
- But don't tell Merry, okay?
I want it to be a surprise.
(Bella chuckles)
- That's very sweet of you.
- But that's not all.
- [Bella] Okay...
- What's up with her parents?
- What do you mean?
- I feel bad for her.
- There's nothing to feel bad about.
(gentle music)
- Well, you've seen her deal with the situation
her whole life.
She doesn't seem to have any sort of closure.
- Well, can you blame her?
She basically (tense cymbals music)
doesn't exist to them.
- [Chris] They're her parents.
- Well some people don't have a comfy, cozy relationship
with their parents.
Some people don't have a relationship at all.
- It just seems like Meredith really wants one.
- She does.
- I'd like to invite them for Christmas.
(Bella groans)
- They're going to say no.
I'm telling you right now, they're going to turn you down.
Plus you don't want Meredith around them
when she's hosting your Christmas dinner.
She'll be a mess.
- Fair enough.
How 'bout Christmas Eve dinner?
Maybe I can call them and invite them here.
(Bella sighs)
- I'll give you their phone number,
but don't hold your breath.
- I can be very convincing.
- Yeah, I can see that.
Gimme your phone.
- [Chris] Thanks.
(tense music)
- All right, don't say I didn't warn you.
- I know. I appreciate it.
- How are you going to get her to cook for four people?
- I'm not.
I thought I'd set up a dinner at a restaurant,
pick her parents up (gentle music)
from the airport, meet her there.
- (inhales deeply) That's very sweet.
Merry loves surprises.
That would make her Christmas.
- You think?
- Yes, but don't say anything to her about it.
I don't want her to get her hopes up.
- I won't.
- I'll text you about Christmas.
Thank you for the invitation.
- You're welcome.
- Is that everything?
- Yes.
Thank you. I really appreciate it, Bella.
- You're welcome.
Hey.
- Yeah?
- [Bella] Don't hurt her.
- I wouldn't dream of it.
(lively music)
(police radio chattering)
- What's going on?
- The bridge is closed. (siren blaring)
- What?
Why?
- Bad accident on both sides.
We're just waiting on a tow truck.
- Any idea how long it could be?
- No idea.
But if you want, there's a strip mall over there.
You can wait at the coffee shop and wait for traffic.
- Thanks.
(lively holiday music)
(door thuds) - No, no, no!
Oh no!
(gentle music) Oh, fantastic.
(door rattling)
Oh.
Hello?
Chris?
♪ Only love can decorate
- Hi! What can I get you?
- A hot chocolate would be great.
- [Casey] Marshmallow and whipped cream with that?
- Sure. (upbeat music continues)
- Okay, that's going to be 3.25.
(people chattering)
- [Chris] Keep the change.
- Thanks, if you wanna grab a table,
I'll bring it over to you when it's ready.
- Thanks.
(Chris sighs)
(light orchestral music)
(light jingling music)
(light orchestral music)
(people chattering)
♪ Have it outside
(faint singing)
♪ Holiday cheer
♪ They wake up the dark
(phone ringing)
- Karl Block.
- Hello, Dr. Block.
My name is Christian Ackerman.
- [Karl] Who?
- Christian Ackerman?
- Do I know you?
- No, sir, not yet.
I know your daughter, Meredith.
- What? Is everything all right?
- Yes, of course.
No need for alarm.
I actually hired Meredith to work for me this month.
- Oh, so you're her boss.
How's that going?
- Very well, Dr. Block.
Your daughter is immensely talented.
- Well, thank you.
Her mother and I are very proud of her.
- Really?
- Well, of course.
She went to an Ivy League college
for her Bachelors in Business
and running her own company puts
it to excellent use. (gentle guitar music)
- Do you ever told her that?
- (scoffs) Excuse me?
- Dr. Block, I'll be frank with you.
Meredith misses you.
She wants a relationship with you,
but she doesn't know
how to go about having that relationship.
(Karl clears throat)
Dr. Block?
Are you still there? (gentle guitar music)
- Please, call me Karl.
- She told me that your wife is working on Christmas?
- Yes, she is.
- Is she also working on Christmas Eve?
- No. Neither of us are working.
Why?
- How would you feel
about taking a quick trip to Maine for an early dinner?
(lively music)
(people chattering)
- Need anything else?
- Nah, thanks.
Traffic's moving again.
- Be careful crossing that bridge.
- Will do. Thank you.
♪ Long enough
♪ If we just start
(upbeat guitar music) (faint singing)
♪ Seems like it's flying, it's a-flying ♪
♪ Nobody said
(gentle guitar music)
Merry, home.
Brought pizza.
Sorry it took longer than expected.
There was an accident on the bridge.
(light music)
Merry?
Mer?
Meredith!
(light tense music)
Merry!
Meredith!
Merry!
(light guitar music)
Merry!
Meredith.
Say something, Merry.
You gotta dry off, Merry.
You gotta get warm.
Come on, Merry. (panting)
Meredith.
Come on, Merry!
Meredith! (tense music)
Say something, Merry.
(phone vibrating)
Oh my, oh my god. (panting)
Oh, forget it.
Merry!
(tense music)
Merry, I'm so sorry (gentle music)
Merry, I told you to prop the door open.
It'll be okay, Merry. (light upbeat music)
I'm trying to get you warm.
Merry.
(tense music)
(Chris breathing heavily)
Grandpa, you gotta help me out here.
She's gotta be okay.
(chuckles) When I look at her,
I see what you and Grandma had together.
For the first time in my life,
I want something more than a successful career.
I want what you had.
I want family. I want love.
Grandpa, please, please wake her up.
(Chris sighs)
- [Meredith] Chris?
Chris?
(upbeat guitar music)
What happened?
(Chris panting)
(phone vibrating)
- Good morning, Larry.
- Well, well, well. (light tense music)
Look who decided to answer his phone.
- I had an emergency last night.
- I don't care.
I called you nine times.
- Larry, your first call came in after eight.
- I'm your boss.
You answer anytime I call.
- No, I work from nine to five.
Last night was the first time in seven years
I didn't answer when you called.
- You listen to me, Ackerman.
You working remotely isn't working.
I need you back in the office today!
- Are you kidding me?
I've been putting in more hours working from here
than when I'm in the office.
- I need you to be accessible
and you clearly are not!
- That's ridiculous.
- Back in the office today, Ackerman!
- Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.
- So?
- I'm not coming in, Larry.
I said I'd be back the day after New Year's.
- If you don't come back in today,
don't come back at all!
- I'm not coming back. (gentle upbeat music)
- What?
- (sighs) Being up here
has made me realize
that there's a lot more to life than work.
I quit, Larry.
- (scoffs) If you quit, (gentle guitar music)
don't you dare come crawling back to me for a job.
- I quit.
- [Larry] Ackerman.
- Merry Christmas, Larry.
- [Larry] Ackerman!
(gentle upbeat music)
- Hey. Taking a break?
- You could say that.
What are you making?
- Apple pie.
- Oh! (Meredith laughing)
Can I help?
- Really? You know how to make apple pie?
- No, can you teach me?
- Sure, but don't you have to work?
- I'm taking some time off to help, please.
Need to start learning to do this stuff on my own, right?
- Sure. Take your sweater off.
- Really?
- [Meredith] You don't wanna get it dirty, do you?
Humor me.
- Okay.
(both laughing)
- Okay, you're too domestic-looking. (giggling)
- Ah, all right, are you gonna teach me, or what?
- Yes, here we go.
- Hi, you're so handsome.
Yes, you are, Thaddeus.
We're gonna have a fun night together.
- What?
What are you looking at?
Oh! (Meredith giggles)
Wow!
- You look fantastic.
- You really think so? (upbeat music)
- Absolutely!
- Not too over the top?
- No.
You look amazing.
- Thank you.
(both chuckling)
I'm sorry I'm skipping out on Christmas tomorrow.
- [Bella] Don't sweat it.
- I feel awful. (gentle emotional music)
I'm not spending Christmas with you and your family
for the first time in 16 years.
- It's okay, Mer. Really.
- I'm coming over as soon (light upbeat music)
as they start eating dessert, okay?
- Fine.
It will all work out.
(Meredith laughing)
Stop being such a worry wart.
- Yeah, you're right.
- Come on, we'll walk you out.
(Thaddeus grumbling)
No. (Meredith laughing)
(helicopter whirring)
- Chris Ackerman?
- That's me.
Very nice to meet you, Dr. Block.
(light upbeat music) - Karl, please.
This is my wife, Karen.
- Other Dr. Block.
- (chuckles) It's a pleasure.
Thank you for flying us up for dinner.
That's very generous of you.
- Meredith is gonna be very surprised.
- It's been a long time
since we spent Christmas Eve with her.
- We haven't seen her in quite a while, either.
- So I've heard.
(upbeat guitar music)
Shall we?
- Thank you.
(people chattering)
(light music)
- Merry Christmas.
Reservation?
- Yes, I'm meeting someone here.
Ackerman?
- Um, Ackerman.
They have not checked in yet.
Would you like to check your coat?
- Sure. - Okay, coat check
is right there.
- Thank you. - No problem.
Merry Christmas.
Reservation?
- Yes. Ackerman.
- Oh, (chuckles) here it is.
The reservation's only for three though.
- That's correct.
- Well, a young woman just came over
and checked in on this reservation
so that would be four. (chuckles)
- No, I won't be dining with them.
- What?
- Why not?
- Oh, I don't wanna impose.
- Absolutely not.
I insist you join us.
- Mom?
Dad?
- Surprise!
- [Meredith] What are you doing here?
- Merry Christmas, Meredith!
- But you hate surprises!
- Yes, but you love them, don't you?
- [Meredith] I do.
- Merry Christmas, honey.
- I can't believe you're here.
- [Karl] It was all Chris's idea.
- Thank you.
- Well, I'll leave you three to dinner.
- [Meredith] Wait, no!
You have to join us.
- That's what I said.
- [Chris] Are you sure?
- Absolutely. Yes.
- We insist, Chris.
- Can you make room for a fourth?
- Sure. No problem.
- Thank you.
(light holiday music)
- Check the coats over there.
- It's too bad you can't stay for Christmas.
- If I'd have known how much it meant to Meredith,
we would have been here.
- Maybe next year.
- Yeah, maybe.
(gentle guitar music)
- Meredith, honey, you really need to communicate
with us better.
- What do you mean?
- [Karen] I never knew how important
the holidays were to you.
- Neither did I.
We just thought you wanted to spend the holidays
with Isabella because she had a bigger family than we did.
- What? No, never!
- We didn't want you to feel
like you had to spend the holidays with us.
We just wanted you (tense music)
to have fun.
- We wanted you to enjoy the holidays.
- I always enjoy spending time with you, Daddy.
I didn't think you guys
wanted to be around me. (gentle guitar music)
I didn't think you wanted me.
- Didn't want you?
Don't be absurd!
- But all those years of me decorating alone...
- We thought you wanted it that way.
We didn't want to bother you.
- [Meredith] You never asked!
- Meredith, neither did you. (sighs)
We just thought...
- [Karl] (sighs) We thought you were ashamed of us.
- Ashamed of you? Why?
- You never brought any friends to the house.
- [Karen] What does that have to do with anything?
- [Karen] You never once invited us
to visit you during college.
- I just thought you were too busy.
- If you don't mind me stepping in here,
I think a good New Year's resolution for all of you
would be to open up more to one another.
- Agreed. (light upbeat music)
- Definitely.
- To new beginnings.
(Chris chuckles)
(glasses clinking)
(Karl chuckles)
- Are you sure you wanna drive them to the airport?
I don't mind.
- Yes.
I wanna spend as much time with them as I can.
- Okay.
- Thank you for this, Chris.
I'll never forget it.
(gentle music)
- [Chris] Are you sure you can't make it to Christmas?
- No, I have to work.
- Maybe next year.
- That would be great. (gentle upbeat music)
- Come on, you two. You don't wanna miss your flight.
- Well, thank you, Chris.
This was really, really special.
- You're welcome.
- And if you ever decide to come to Baltimore,
you're always welcome at our home. (chuckles)
- Thanks.
(upbeat guitar music)
- Thanks you again.
- Good night and drive safe.
- Good night, Chris.
Hey, when does everybody arrive?
- Well, my parents should get here around one.
- Okay, and everybody else is at three?
- [Chris] That's what I told them.
- Great. (light upbeat music)
- Are you okay?
You seem nervous.
- I am nervous.
- [Chris] Why?
- I don't know, I just... (gentle music)
I want everything to be perfect.
- Merry, it will be.
- I hope so.
- Come on.
You're a professional. (light upbeat music)
Isn't this just another event you've planned?
- No. I wouldn't say that.
- Why not?
- It just...
It means a lot to me.
- Why?
- Because... you mean a lot to me.
(light cymbals music)
(doorbell ringing)
(Chris sighs)
- I'll get it.
(Meredith exhales heavily)
("Deck the Halls")
- Christian!
- Mom, Dad, hi! - Mm!
(light upbeat music)
- Merry Christmas, son!
- You guys are early.
- We made great time.
- I couldn't wait to get here.
This place look amazing!
- Yeah, Merry did a great job.
- When do we get to meet her?
- She's in the kitchen.
- Great!
- Mom, wait!
Oh!
- You must be Meredith.
- I am. Hi.
You are?
- Renee.
I'm Chris's mom.
Oh, I'm so glad to finally meet you.
- Mom, come on. (chuckles)
- What, I can't hug the woman
who's responsible for all of this?
- Oh, I'm just doing my job.
It's no big deal.
- Your job?
Chris, you're not supposed to hire anybody.
- Oh, that's not what I meant.
I just meant it's my job because I love Christmas so much.
You know?
I feel a responsibility for making sure
that Chris and his whole family
have the best Christmas ever.
- Oh, that is so sweet.
I'm so glad Chris met somebody like you.
- Mom.
- What?
- Hi, Meredith.
I'm Chris's dad, Jeff.
- Please, call me Merry.
- Here. Renee made cornbread.
- Great! Thank you.
- I'll help you bring your bags in.
Go check out what Merry did with the great room.
- Oh, I can't wait.
- Thank you.
- The house looks marvelous.
I can't believe how much (gentle music)
it reminds me of how my dad used to decorate.
- I'm so glad.
Chris showed me pictures
and I did my best to replicate them.
- Well, you did a great job.
- Thank you.
(light patting)
- (sighs) So, how long have you known Chris?
- About a month.
I met him when he got here.
- Are you from Christmas Cove?
- No, I live in South Bristol.
- Oh. How'd you meet?
- Through his assistant, Beth.
- Blind date?
- (chuckles) You could say that.
- Well, he seems really happy.
- You think so? (light upbeat music)
- Yes.
You know, Chris hasn't been himself
since his grandpa died about a month ago.
- I can tell they were very close.
- Yeah, they were very close.
And my dad always wanted to see Chris
with someone around this time of year,
but he never brought any girls home.
- [Meredith] Really?
- Really. (doorbell ringing)
You must be very special, Meredith.
- [Chris] I'll get it!
- Well, Chris is very special to me.
- I'm glad. (light upbeat music)
- [Chris] Mom, the Steins are here!
- Oh, do you know Artie Stein?
- I do and his wife Elaine
and daughter Shira.
- Really?
- Yeah, Shira just made her bat mitzvah.
- [Chris] Ma!
- Okay, we gotta go.
(both chuckling) - Okay.
- Good okay.
(lighthearted music)
- Hi, Merry!
- Hey, Shira, gimme a hug.
- Merry, it's so wonderful to see you.
- It's nice to see you, Elaine.
Thank you. Hi, Artie.
- Hello, Merry. (Meredith giggling)
Muah, Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
- Elaine, Artie, Shira,
meet my mother Renee Ackerman. (light upbeat guitar music)
- Mom, the Stein family.
- Artie, it's so good to meet you in person finally,
all of you.
- Likewise. I'm so sorry about your dad.
He was great man.
- Thank you. He was.
We certainly miss him.
- So what are you doing here, Merry?
- Oh, celebrating Christmas, of course.
- Oh, she's being humble.
She's dating my son.
- Mom.
- Is that so?
Oh, Merry, I'm so glad.
You're such a lovely young woman.
It's about time you found a nice man.
- Mom!
- Elaine, come on now.
It's none of your business.
- [Shira] You can say that again.
- What? I was gonna introduce her to your cousin Joshua
at Shira's bat mitzvah.
I just ran out of time.
- Mom, you're embarrassing her and me.
(Artie chuckles)
(Renee chuckles)
- Well, why don't I take your coats upstairs.
- Thank you.
- And I'll take the wine. (chuckles)
- [Artie] Okay, thank you.
- And I'll take my wife. (light upbeat guitar music)
- Meredith!
- [All] Surprise!
- Merry Christmas.
♪ Have yourself a merry little Christmas ♪
♪ Let your heart be light
♪ From now on our troubles will be out of sight ♪
- Oh my god.
- [Chris] Do you want me to take the cookies?
- Yes, please.
- [Renee] Take your coats off.
♪ Have yourself a merry little Christmas ♪
♪ Make the Yuletide gay - How you doing?
♪ From now on our troubles - Merry!
♪ Will be miles away
- [Renee] He likes to talk to us.
♪ Here we are as in olden days
♪ Happy golden days of yore
♪ Faithful friends who are dear to us ♪
♪ Gather near to us once more
♪ Through the years we all will be together ♪
♪ If the fates allow
♪ Hang a shining star upon the highest bough ♪
♪ And have yourself
♪ A merry little Christmas now
(upbeat guitar music)
(people chattering)
- May I have your attention please?
- Hey, great meal, Merry.
- Oh, thank you. (all cheering)
Thank you.
- I one more surprise (upbeat guitar music)
for Chris and his family.
I'm not one for public speaking,
so if you wanna put on their coats and shoes
and come with me outside through the game room,
I'd love to show you.
- All right. (people chattering)
- What's all this about?
- You'll see.
(people chattering)
- [Karen] This sounds interesting.
- [Man] It's only 10 degrees out.
(insects chirping) (gentle music)
- Chris told me that his grandpa used to have a theme
when it came to decorating
the outside of his house every year.
I wanted to stick with doing a theme,
but I wanted to make it really special.
Chris, when we found out that your grandpa
used to make my Aunt Minnie's chocolate cream pie
every year, I knew that he was smiling down on you,
on your family, on this house,
maybe even on us.
That night, I knew what I wanted the theme to be.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
- [All] Oh!
- Look, an angel, Daddy,
just like Poppi's here with us.
- It sure is, honey.
(light holiday music)
- There you are.
- Hi.
- I was hoping you'd come in before everyone else.
- Yeah. (gentle guitar music)
They're walking around outside checking out the lights.
It really is a winter wonderland out there.
You did a great job.
- Oh, I don't know.
- Merry, what's wrong?
- I feel like I made a fool out of myself, you know?
- No, not at all.
My mom totally believes you're my girlfriend.
You really saved my skin there.
- Oh, yeah, I'm a great actress.
- Oh, this reminds me...
- What's this?
- It's your paycheck.
You certainly earned it.
- Oh.
- Is something wrong?
- No.
That's what this is, right? (gentle guitar music)
You're my boss, I'm your employee.
- Oh well, I guess it is then.
- I... I think I should go home.
I have to feed Thaddeus.
- [Chris] Are you sure?
- Yeah.
- Okay.
What's this?
- It's a little gift.
You don't have to open it right now if you don't want to.
(light upbeat music)
(gentle emotional music)
(Chris gasps)
- Well, good night.
- Meredith, wait.
- What?
- Please don't leave.
I don't know how it happened,
but somewhere along the way, you became
more than an event planner. (gentle emotional music)
You made your way into my heart.
I'm not about to let you go.
- It's not gonna work, Chris.
You're gonna go back to New York-
- I'm not.
(gentle music)
- What?
- I'm not. I quit my job.
I'm moving here permanently.
- I don't understand.
- I'll tell you all about it tomorrow.
But for tonight, please don't leave.
- I don't know. I don't belong.
(gentle emotional music) - Merry, this past month
has been magical.
I have never been so sure about something
or someone, for that matter, in my entire life.
You made me see how important family is.
You rearranged the priorities in my life.
You made me wanna be a better person.
- Really?
- You belong here, Meredith.
You belong with me.
- Merry Christmas, Chris.