Christmas on Duty (2025) Movie Script
1
High up!
Oh, I'm really going to miss this.
Which part?
The lack of personal
space or the powder eggs
in the chow hall?
No, I'm serious.
I mean, I'm excited to join the fleet,
but I'm really gonna miss
the camaraderie of TBS.
Oh, yeah?
I'm sure you will miss the camaraderie.
OK, thank you, Zoe that was subtle.
Assignment day is tomorrow.
You're running out of time
to tell Josh the truth.
OK, I will tell him.
Just not right now
because he's coming this way.
What's up, Birch?
Hey, Cannon.
You see that Christmas
came early this year?
No.
I'm pretty sure it's still on December 25.
- Hmm.
- My family just got our tree.
- Yeah.
- Put up our lights.
Yeah, I was talking about the rankings...
I know.
And, you know, how I beat you.
Yeah, an oversight.
Hmm.
Which is why I'm here to set
the record straight with a race.
Loser buys the winner an eggnog.
'Tis the season to crush you.
Enjoy coming
in fa-la-la-la-last.
That was horrible.
So I've been meaning to talk to you.
You want to talk now?
After TBS, I'll be in DC for
the infantry officer's course.
I know you're going
to Fort Sill for artillery,
but I was thinking...
After our next training, we could
geo-preference the same duty station,
see if this might be something.
So what do you think?
Blair.
Josh, I have to talk to you.
I've decided not to go artillery.
I've decided to join the infantry.
You're taking my spot?
Well, I mean, it's not your spot.
But you said you didn't want it.
Because I was scared.
It's the hardest MOS,
nearly impossible for women
to get into.
But then I ranked top
of our class and I thought,
you know, why not take the leap?
Blair, you know how
much being an infantryman
means to my family.
It's not personal.
Yes, it, is.
Wow.
You know, I always
thought that our dads'
rivalry was some old-school
Marine Corps grudge match.
Turns out my dad was right.
A Birch will always choose
ambition over friendship.
Well, my dad was right
about your family, too.
Your pride.
You are not entitled
to a spot in the infantry.
I earned it.
You know what?
On second thought, pick whichever duty
station I'm not at.
Great plan because then we never have
to see each other ever again.
Great.
Fantastic.
Awesome.
Just this year, my team and I
led over 50 virtual war games
with real-life battalion
and below participation.
Almost all permutations
showed that operations
in a comms-degraded environment
require adept junior leaders.
So if we want to improve
combat effectiveness,
we need to focus our efforts
on the young lieutenants who
are trained right here on this base.
Thank you.
Very enlightening, Captain Birch.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
- I appreciate that.
- Wonderful training.
Thank you for your time.
Thanks so much.
I'm impressed, Captain Birch.
You really earned that Christmas break.
I'm actually only taken two days off.
She's really working for
that company commander position.
Yeah, but you gotta make
time for the holidays.
Ooh, speaking of... yeah, I got
to get to the tree lighting.
- See you both there?
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
- Yeah?
- Mm-hmm.
- All right.
Ooh.
Sergeant Major.
Captain Peters.
Looking a little scraggly.
Uh...
Do we not have to shave
every day anymore?
I, uh... didn't you retire?
I'm just messing with you.
Relax.
You look fine.
Sergeant Major.
Sorry, I just got
yeah.
Uh, I'll just... yeah.
Blair.
You were great up there.
Thanks, Dad.
Captain Hawkins, I thought you
were going home for Christmas.
Sergeant Major, I've known
you for, like, 10 years.
You can call me Zoe.
I will start calling you Zoe when you
stop calling me Sergeant Major.
That's fair, Sergeant Major.
My parents are visiting my
sister in Germany this year so...
So Zoe will spend Christmas with us.
Sounds like a plan.
Should we get going?
Yeah.
Hey.
You sure?
These are just to take?
Of course.
Huh!
Insurance, banking, and ice scrapers
what don't you guys do?
Taking care of military
families is what we do.
You've been helping my family
for the last 30 years.
Oh, hey! Did you get one of these?
They're just giving 'em out.
And, you know, now is a good
time to become a member.
Oh, thanks again.
- Do you mind if I...
- Be my guest.
All right. Thank you.
Thank you.
Wow, you were really
fanboying out over there.
I am passionate about three things
my family, the Marines, and...
USAA.
I know, Dad.
I've been a member since
before I could crawl.
So I have been planning
out our Christmas schedule.
Me first.
Me first.
I found a new route for our annual ruck,
and it's got 400 feet of incline.
Blair, we will not be
training on Christmas.
What are you talking about?
It's our tradition.
No, hiking with a 90-pound
pack is not a tradition.
Baking cookies is a tradition.
Visiting Santa is a tradition.
Aren't you a little too
old to be visiting Santa?
Besides, you always called these
kinds of traditions frivolous.
Well, now I'm calling them mandatory.
So on Christmas Eve, we will
be cookie-baking at 0700,
gift-wrapping at 0900,
stringing popcorn at 1400.
Stringing popcorn?
OK, Dad, why are you doing this?
I... I've been reflecting
since your mother passed.
Sometimes I worry that I was
more of a drill instructor
to you than a father.
So now I want to be a more
traditional dad, put on a more
traditional Christmas.
I miss Mom too, but that doesn't
mean we have to change the way
we've always done things.
I love our nontraditional
traditions like our annual hike,
and making pizza for Santa
instead of baking cookies.
I don't need a traditional Christmas.
That's too bad.
You will be merry this Christmas,
even if I have to force-feed
you figgy pudding.
Merry Christmas, Quantico
Marines and family!
Can I get around of applause for Santa?
Ho, ho, ho!
Can I get an oorah for Santa?
Oorah!
On behalf of the Marine
Corps, I want to thank all
of our volunteers and vendors.
And of course, I want to thank you guys
all for coming out tonight.
Now, are we ready to light this tree?
5, 4, 3, 2, 1!
So the office Christmas
party is next week.
Are you excited?
Yes.
Am I excited to finally
win over Colonel Clarkin
before he retires
and make a good impression
on Colonel Krantz?
Yes.
Are you bringing anybody?
Of course.
I'm bringing Zoe.
Hey, I'm taking a break from dating.
Blair, you're a strong
woman, and I don't just
mean that physically.
Some men may find you intimidating.
But one day you'll meet someone
who will value your strength,
someone to be your equal, your partner.
Who knows?
Maybe that'll happen for you
sooner than you think.
Colonel Clarkin, sir.
Ah, Captain Birch.
Enjoying yourself?
I am, yes.
Yes, I am.
Sir, I've been...
I've been speaking to my monitor
about my next assignment.
And while I've been enjoying
my time at the war fighting
laboratory, my dream
is to become a company
commander at the basic school.
Oh.
But it's a competitive billet.
I hear there are only four
spots still available,
and a good word from
you would go a long way.
And I really think it would
be a great way for you to...
Perhaps we could talk
about this some other time,
not during my last Christmas party.
Of course, sir.
Merry Christmas, Captain.
So, how'd it go?
He wished me a Merry Christmas.
Ugh.
- The nerve on that guy.
- I know.
He's a meanie.
I thought I caught
him at the right moment.
Being alone for Christmas
is starting to hit me.
I haven't missed
a Christmas with my parents
since we were deployed.
I know. I'm sorry.
But we're gonna spend
the whole holiday together.
That's the only thing keeping me going
oh, that and the forecast says there's
a huge snowstorm coming in.
Ooh.
So I was thinking we head
to Liberty Mountain, hit
the slopes, 2 feet of fresh powder.
Merry Christmas to us.
Zoe, we can't.
I can't just ditch my dad.
I mean, it's the first
Christmas since, you know...
Your mom.
Yeah.
I'm sorry, Blair.
No.
I totally forgot.
It's OK.
How are you doing?
I miss her.
My dad's doing all these cheesy
things to overcompensate,
like a weekly game night.
Last month, he asked
to go apple picking.
But I don't want new traditions.
I just want my mom.
Yes.
I still can't believe that
Colonel Clarkin blew me off.
Oh, should I try
schmoozing Colonel Krantz?
Yeah?
No.
I don't think you should do that.
No?
Blair, not everything is about work.
This is literally a work event.
Thank you all for coming
out, especially the spouses.
I know this isn't
your mandatory fun event,
but I appreciate
your attendance and the support
you give to your Marines.
And this one is extra
special because this
is my last Christmas party before I retire.
Oh, and we are excited
to welcome the newest addition
to Quantico, Captain Cannon.
Thank you, Colonel Clarkin.
Very excited to be here with all of you.
What is Josh doing here?
Oh!
Oh, ooh, careful, careful.
You got precious cargo.
Whatever coordination
genes run in our family,
you somehow stole all of them.
Yeah, it must be frustrating
for you having a brother
who's so good at everything.
And one who's so modest.
So I've been thinking about how
to make Christmas extra
special for Tate this year.
Are you going for Uncle of the Year?
Yeah, obviously.
I was thinking on Christmas Eve, I
could take Tate up
on the roof, and we could
leave carrots for the reindeer.
And maybe you guys could
hide down by the staircase.
I could put on a Santa costume
and slide down the chimney.
That's sweet but unnecessary.
You don't have to carry
the weight of Christmas
on your shoulders.
Oh, man.
Can I speak to you?
Hi.
Sorry, hi.
Josh?
Yeah.
I thought you were
stationed at Pendleton.
Why are you here?
I got assigned to be
a company commander at TBS.
You're a company commander?
Is that a problem?
Yes.
Hmm.
Yes, it is because we agreed
to stay away from each other.
Remember, that was our deal.
That was six years ago.
I changed my mind, kind of like you did
back at the obstacle course.
Wow. Really?
You want to go there?
OK, let's go there.
Let's go all the way back
to the race where I beat you.
Remember that?
I let you...
- I let you win that race.
- Sure, you did.
- I did let you.
- Oh, yeah, because you tripped.
What are you even saying?
I'm saying, why can't you
just admit that I beat you?
Do you want a rematch?
I will race you right now.
- Bring it.
- OK, let's go right now.
- Right now?
- Yeah.
OK, let's go. Bring it.
Bring it.
My office, Monday, 0800.
Your conduct was unbefitting of officers.
You're both being
assigned to Christmas duty
from Christmas Eve
to Christmas morning.
- With him?
- With her?
Oh, you got a problem with that?
No, sir.
It's just I was going to do
a 15-mile ruck with my dad.
On Christmas Eve?
Sir, I'm supposed
to spend Christmas on base
with my family, building
snowmen, baking cookies.
Cannon family Christmas
is a pretty big deal.
There's got to be some
way I can get out of this.
You two just frosted
the incoming commanding officer.
You know how bad that makes me look?
No, there is no getting out of this.
Hmm.
It's time to bury
the hatchet because you two
are about to spend 24
hours straight together.
OK.
Come on.
Just right here.
Ah.
Gingerbread is not sticking.
Yeah, I told you we needed
royal icing and not enough
butter cream.
Was it royal icing
or butter cream you spilled
all over Colonel Krantz?
You know, I actually think
it was cream cheese based
on what I licked off my collar.
Hey, that is not funny, pal.
It's kind of funny.
Here.
This should work better.
Let me see.
Yeah, I like a practical joke
as much as the next person,
but the Christmas Party was
not the time or the place.
Dad, it wasn't a joke.
It was an accident.
Sorry I disappointed you.
This isn't all about me.
Amanda's pregnant.
Your brother-in-law's deployed.
None of us can keep up with Tate.
He needed you here for Christmas.
And I really wanted to be
here for him and for you.
I'm sorry.
Yeah, it's not your fault. Of course,
Richard Birch's daughter is to blame.
Dad, come on.
I told you, it was my fault, too.
And, Blair, she's not so bad.
Yeah, until she boxed
you out of the infantry.
I got it.
I'm just saying that before all of that,
I honestly thought that her and I were...
Friends?
Yeah, I thought Rich and I were friends
once, too, until the sergeant major
was on the promotion board.
I got a non-recommend
because he sabotaged me.
Yeah, I've heard this
story hundred times.
Yeah, Rich cost me a job, son.
And then Blair cost you one.
The branch doesn't fall
far from the birch tree.
Uncle Josh!
Uncle Josh!
Block my header.
Oh!
That's awesome, Tate.
Let's try it again.
But this time, lean back
and really give it some power.
Nice job!
I can't wait to see that this
season on the soccer field.
Guys, no soccer inside.
You're gonna kick down all
the Christmas decorations.
Oopsie.
Uncle Josh, are you
really missing Christmas?
Aw, Tater Tot.
I'm just leaving to go talk
to Santa, to make sure he
brings all of your presents.
Don't forget to tell him about my train.
I will not forget.
It's a Pere Marquette 1225, 1-2-2-5.
The 1-2-2-5?
OK, I got it, dude.
I got it.
Come on, buddy.
Let's go finish those
snowflakes for the tree.
Oh, cool.
All right.
See ya.
Hey, is everything OK?
It's the Christmas presents.
They were supposed to be
delivered by December 20,
but the roads have been closed all week.
It's the 22nd, and we still
don't have any of Tate's toys.
I talked to the Quaids this morning.
They're worried, too.
Whole neighborhood is.
The storm is supposed
to break before Christmas.
All the delivery companies are saying
that the toys will be delivered
by midday Christmas Eve.
Well, that's great.
Right?
I mean, you might not have
time to wrap 'em all perfectly,
but that's OK.
He's just gonna rip 'em all up anyways.
It'll be fine.
Yeah.
I feel bad for you having
to work with Cliff Cannon's son.
That kid's anything like his
father, you better watch out.
Yeah, I know. I know.
I got it.
Cliff's a rule breaker
or a my way or the highway type.
His way is the wrong way.
He's got a bias for action even
when he doesn't have a plan.
It's gotten him in trouble.
I'd hate to see his son
get you in trouble again.
I know, Dad.
I'll be careful.
I promise.
I'm not expecting carolers till 1800.
No, Dad, it's Zoe.
I invited her over, remember?
I figured with you gone...
You figured I'd leave you
both alone on Christmas?
No.
No way.
OK, fine.
She can stay as long as she
sticks to my schedule.
Hey.
Hey.
Wazzup, Richard?
Uh, no.
Sorry, Sergeant Major, sir.
Ready to break out the eggnog?
Hmm.
It's far too early for eggnog.
OK.
All right.
Have fun, you two.
Widdle me this.
Who's going to have fun today?
You and me.
Good to see you.
Christmas time. Let's go.
Come on.
OK.
Merry Christmas, Blair.
Is it?
Finally, you're here.
Right on time.
Keys.
Sweet.
Logbook.
Duty phone.
Did anything happen
in the last 24 hours?
Yeah.
It's snowing.
Captain Peters, you're supposed
- to do a proper turnover.
- Have fun.
Oh, don't be a stickler.
They're not breaching protocol.
Besides, it's Christmas Eve.
OK, I know I'm supposed
to be ignoring you,
but why are you doing this?
After tomorrow, Christmas will be over.
You have to take everything down.
You are literally wasting your breath.
I would rather waste my breath blowing
up Santa than talking to you.
Will you plug those lights in?
No.
No.
No, no, no, no.
Everything's canceled.
I don't know what to do.
OK, everyone, calm down.
We'll figure this out.
How?
There are no toy stores
open for miles around.
And even if they were
open, the roads are closed.
I know, but we'll find a solution.
You're not supposed to take
personal calls while on duty.
Thank you.
Hey, what's up?
The snowstorm hasn't broken.
The roads are still closed.
And all our deliveries
have been canceled,
which means no Pere
Marquette train for Tate.
Wait, what?
I know, but it's not about the toy.
That train is a thing
between him and his dad.
They went to go see the John
Bull steam locomotive
at the Smithsonian last year.
I know.
He still talks about it.
I'm worried Tate will take it hard since he
won't have Ryan or the train.
But it's not just Tate.
It's over half the kids in the neighborhood
who won't get presents.
Oh, my goodness.
There's nothing to do.
Everything is closed
from here to Ashwood.
OK.
What about south of Ashwood?
I can't get south of Ashwood.
You can't.
Maybe I can.
Wait, what?
How?
Don't worry.
I've got a plan.
A plan for what?
You want to leave base?
Why?
What's going on?
There is one rule of standing
duty, and that is stay on base.
Every rule has an exception.
Is that a fact?
Sir, I'm requesting
permission to leave base.
You just arrived in Quantico, and you've
already frosted a colonel.
Are you sure that's a smart next move?
Desperate times, sir.
The snowstorm hasn't let up.
All deliveries to Quantico have
been canceled, which means...
No Christmas presents.
That's right.
Sir, I grew up in a military family.
I remember the Christmases
that my dad was deployed,
or we were stationed too far away
and couldn't see my cousins
or my grandparents.
Or we moved so much
that Santa couldn't
find our new mailing address.
Sir, I just don't want
to see these kids disappointed.
I'm inclined to agree.
And this will not be what
people remember me for.
So, what's your course of action?
Well...
I could meet with all
the families on base,
make a list of all the Christmas presents,
and chart a course to retrieve them.
The roads may be closed
to civilian vehicles,
but a 7-ton truck should be
able to traverse the snow.
My plan is to travel south,
where the storm has lightened
and the stores are still open, sir.
I don't have a 7-ton truck to give you.
We have an old, decommissioned
5-ton truck you can take, but
are you licensed to drive it?
I'm not, sir.
I am.
I'll go in his place, sir.
You'd still need an assistant driver.
Captain Cannon, you have
your vehicle commander's card?
I do, sir.
Is that really necessary, sir?
This seems like a one-woman operation.
Completing this mission with
Captain Cannon would demonstrate
initiative, teamwork, resourcefulness
qualities I highly value...
Me, too, sir.
As would your monitor
and considering your next role.
Of course.
My granddaughter Layla is seven,
and she's expecting a pink skateboard.
I need that skateboard
underneath our tree tomorrow
- morning.
- Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
Captain Cannon and I, we can
we can work together.
Excellent.
I'll get someone to cover duty
for you, but two caveats
one, you must deliver
the presents before the kids
wake up Christmas morning.
And two, I'm only authorized
to let you take the vehicle
off base for 24 hours.
If you're not back in time,
that's my name on the line.
So don't be late.
Sir, you've got a deal.
Well, let's go save Christmas.
It's a Christmas Carol
Sing Along Christmas Doll.
The doll's name is Carol,
and she sings Christmas carols.
And my daughter is absolutely obsessed.
Yes, ma'am.
We got the link you texted,
and we should be good to go.
OK.
Should be?
Don't worry, Mrs. Quaid.
I will not let you down.
Thank you, thank you.
Absolutely.
That's everyone, right?
Yes.
Thank you so much for doing this.
- Oh!
- Of course.
It means the world to my son.
Of course.
OK.
So the total comes out to 150 toys.
OK.
Ooh.
The snowstorm is in the
northern part of the state.
Basically, everything north
of Ashwood is shut down.
We have 150 presents in total, and it's
Christmas Eve, which means...
Low inventory.
Yeah.
But you called a bunch of stores, right?
Yes.
And all the presents are available,
but they're not all
available in the same city.
I think we should be able
to get everything if we make
three stops along the route.
OK.
Send me the addresses.
I'll navigate.
Great.
And we should get
going because we have
to get the truck back on time.
Deliver the presents
by Christmas morning.
Yeah.
Thanks.
Mm-hmm.
OK.
So the first leg is just over 2 hours long.
But don't worry, I have
got a perfect playlist.
Huh?
Let's go.
OK, OK. OK, OK.
Hey, hey, hey.
I hear that song one more time,
I'm going to deck something.
Oh, man.
I can't wait till we're finished with this
so I can go home
and celebrate with my family,
bake some cookies.
I can totally see it.
What?
Oh, the Cannon family
Christmas... baking cookies,
looking at lights.
Wait.
Do you have matching Santa sweaters?
No, we don't have
matching Santa sweaters.
Matching reindeer sweaters.
They're adorable.
They got cute little fuzzy
little reindeer nose.
I knew it.
I knew it.
Why do you feel the need to make
fun of Christmas traditions?
OK, I don't hate traditions.
I just like them to reflect our family.
Everybody bakes cookies.
That's not our thing.
We like type two fun,
activities that are tough but
rewarding, like hiking, rock climbing,
and oh, my favorite, skiing.
OK, I grew up skiing, too.
Where?
Japan.
Kuju Forest Park.
Same.
We were stationed
in Okinawa when I was eight.
Hmm.
And rock climbing, but that started in.
Twentynine Palms.
Yeah, it's about the only thing
you could do out there in the desert.
Well, that and apparently baking cookies.
Yeah.
Do you at least like eating cookies?
Of course.
I love cookies.
OK, good.
I just, you know, don't eat a lot of them
because it ruins my training regimen.
Oh, man.
What?
You are such a workaholic.
You're really going to do
a ruck on Christmas Eve?
Yeah.
That's so silly.
What about just spending
quality time with your family?
That is our quality time.
My dad and I hike
Christmas Eve every year.
And he wanted to do something
different this year,
but I would have talked him into it.
Yeah.
Does your mom like to hike, too?
Well, she did.
She passed away about a year ago.
I'm so sorry.
It's fine.
Look, the roads are clearing up.
OK, who are we looking for?
Donna.
Donna.
Hi.
Donna?
I'm Captain Birch.
I called ahead about a bulk order.
Oh, yes.
The toys are there.
Take your time.
Oh, you... you didn't pull the
toys and pack them for pickup?
No, dear.
I had two back surgeries in the
last 18 months, so I'll pass.
But you two look sturdy
enough to handle it.
I only allocated 20 minutes for pickup.
How are we going to find and
pack up 80 toys in 20 minutes?
Oh, it'll be fine.
It'll be fun, type two fun.
Oh, Rubik's Cube!
I love these.
Perform one move, then
another, then the inverse
of the first until, boom!
Still got it.
What, you're not even a little impressed?
We're here to work, not play.
I think we can do both.
Looks like we just have
one more, Mrs. Quaid's doll.
But where was it?
Hey, Donna.
You don't by chance know where
we'd find a Christmas Carol Sing.
Along Christmas Doll?
Oh, yeah.
It's in the stockroom.
I organized this myself.
Don't make a mess.
Um, OK, if this is organized, I'm
terrified to see her idea of a mess.
Ooh.
There it is.
How were we supposed to get it?
I could probably just knock this pile over.
No, she said not
to make a mess, remember?
Well...
Well, just give me a second.
Just give me a second.
OK.
OK.
OK, I got it.
It's just like the TBS obstacle course.
Not literally, obviously.
Just follow me.
So first, climb up on that shelf,
and then climb up on the second shelf.
OK, jump onto the packing lift and then,
and then grab that beam and loop
the jump rope around the beam.
Lower down, grab the doll.
Ooh, OK.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
Great.
Just give me a second to warm up.
Yeah.
You think you're doing it?
Yeah, of course.
It's my mission, my responsibility.
Besides, I don't want you getting hurt.
You know, I get that this
is your misguided attempt
at chivalry, but it makes
more sense if I do it.
Why?
I'm smaller.
You're not gonna fit onto that shelf.
And the jump rope is not
gonna hold your weight.
- It might.
- Really?
Yeah.
What are you trying to prove?
I'm not trying to prove anything.
So then you don't mind if I do it.
No.
I guess not.
Great.
Is it OK if I...
Oh.
Yeah, sure.
Thanks.
Got it.
Nice!
Wow, good.
OK.
OK, good.
Jump rope.
Here, here, here!
Oh, good.
Ooh.
And a catch.
And a good throw.
Yep, careful.
OK, careful, careful.
Yes!
Yes, OK.
Great.
Now come down.
Whoa!
Oh, whoa!
You OK?
Yeah, you caught me.
Yeah.
Good work.
Yeah, you too.
You all aren't leaving
until you clean this mess up.
OK, we'll see you soon.
Bye.
So I spoke to the warehouse.
They have the skateboard
for Clarkin's granddaughter.
- Hmm.
- They're expecting us soon.
Great.
And I called the other stores and
confirmed they have the rest
of the presents available.
- Amazing.
- Mm-hmm.
Hey, do you know where we're
picking up the toy train?
Is it the next stop?
I don't know.
Check the list.
Oh, you know what?
On second thought, do you mind
if we just pull over real quick?
My dad's called me a few times.
Yeah, mine too.
No peeking.
I wasn't peeking.
You were totally peeking.
Was not.
There he is.
Hey, what's up?
Josh, thanks for finally calling us back.
How's the traitor's daughter?
The recipe calls for 2
and 1/2 cups of sugar,
not two and a haphazard scoop.
We're making chocolate
chip cookies, not
staging a military offensive.
Baking is just as precise
as war, if not more so.
Hi, Blair.
Has the Cannon gone off yet?
He's not bad.
He's not a pain to work with?
I bet he's got an ego
the size of an Abrams tank.
I bet she's wound
tighter than a tourniquet.
He's fine.
She's fine.
What's up, Joshie?
Hey.
Amanda.
Hey!
Listen, I don't have if Tate's train yet,
but I promise I'm going to get it.
Josh, it's OK.
I know you're doing your best,
but it's not your fault.
And it's not your job to fix it.
Hey, don't doubt a Cannon man.
My son can do anything
he sets his mind to.
Yeah, Dad's right.
I've got it handled.
I mean, I guess, Josh
does have a bit of an ego.
But he also has a big
heart and huge biceps.
Just saying.
Why would you just say that?
I immediately regret that.
When do you get home, Blair?
Have fun, you two.
So, how much flour?
We'll just start over.
That batch didn't feel right.
Excuse me.
Hi.
Hey, we're Captain
Cannon and Captain Birch
here for a pink skateboard.
Oh, yeah.
Yeah, it's right over there
waiting for you, guys.
Great.
Just on the other side
of that locked door.
Oops.
I'm sorry?
Yeah.
I totally locked myself out.
Eggnog fog.
It's a real thing.
Doctor said it's...
Yeah, it is.
It affects a lot of people.
They put a lot of sugar in that eggnog.
So I called about getting a spare key,
but no one wants to bring
one out due to the holiday.
But I did talk to my boss.
Plan is to open up in just
like, uh, one hour...
Oh, great.
And two days.
No, no.
No, no, no, we can't wait that long.
We need that pink skateboard
underneath Colonel Clarkin's
tree tomorrow morning.
OK, well, I don't know
who Colonel Clarkin is.
Yeah.
But I wish there was
something I could do, really,
as a former service member.
Coast Guard.
Corporal Doug Chamberlain.
Hey, nice to meet you.
Ahooga.
That's, you know the boat sound.
Yeah, that's the deal.
So, anyway, I'm gonna take
off as we're locked out, so...
No, no, no.
No, no.
Oh, hey.
Take a breath.
All right.
What she means is, could
you just give us a second
and see if we can't
come up with a new COA?
Course of action.
Right, yeah.
Let's do that.
Two courses of action.
Yep, OK.
I'll do one and you guys do the other.
How are we supposed
to get that skateboard?
Yeah, we'll figure it out.
What's going on with you and Clarkin?
He supposed to talk to your
monitor about a new role?
What am I missing here?
Yeah.
You know, before he retires, I...
I want to be a TBS
company commander.
Oh, you want my job.
No, not your job.
Just the same job as you.
No, I know what you meant.
I've always wanted
to mentor young Marines,
to teach and motivate
them like my dad did.
And, well, my fate is in Clarkin's hands.
So if we don't get that skateboard,
then I don't get my dream job.
Yeah, you're not the only one
with something to lose, Blair.
I put my name on the line
after what happened
at the Christmas party.
If we fail, I could be relieved of duty.
Well, we won't let that happen.
We just need a plan.
OK.
So front door is locked.
Mm-hmm.
But you know what they say.
When one door closes, a window opens.
Well, I don't know about a
window, but how about a chimney?
Yes.
Dougie.
Thanks to the blueprints you gave us
at the warehouse, Josh and I
formulated a tactical operation,
but we need your help.
Hit me.
It's a classic urban breach.
Get in, get the skateboard, get out.
It's the getting in that's the problem.
The front door is locked,
so we need another entrance.
Oh.
- The chimney!
- Oh.
How?
We're calling it Operation Old St. Nick.
Warehouse doesn't have a chimney.
No, he just gets really
excited about Santa.
It's actually a roof ventilation duct.
You know, it's close enough.
Close enough.
Same thing.
So, step one, recon.
According to the schematics,
the chimney's...
Ventilation duct.
The chimney's diameter is 42 inches,
wide enough to facilitate the
passage of an adult human man.
Me.
Well...
You.
Yeah.
Right.
Step two, isolate the breach point.
Step three, secure a foothold from which
you can achieve the objective.
Here comes Santa Claus.
I thought you said this chimney
hadn't been used in years.
It's a roof ventilation duct.
And I said it hadn't
been cleaned in years.
And finally, step four,
seize the objective.
Step five, eggnog?
OK, I'm coming.
Ah!
Whoa!
Ooh.
Josh?
Josh, are you OK?
Josh, she's talking to you.
Josh!
OK, the rope is slack,
so he is either on the ground
or he disintegrated.
You're not gonna find him.
I'm sure he's fine.
80% sure.
Maybe 70.
Wait.
Ho ho ho.
Oh, wow.
You know, for a second
there, you had me worried.
Oh, that's adorable.
- You were worried about me?
- You know what?
Forget it. I shouldn't have said anything.
Your head is big enough already.
Oh, I love this song.
Silent night, holy night.
All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon virgin...
Mother and Child.
What?
I got carried away.
I love that song.
You have an incredible voice.
Thanks.
Where'd you learn to sing like that?
Well, I guess I've
been holding out on you.
I do have one Christmas tradition.
When I was growing up, my mom
would take me caroling.
And I was so bad.
I was off key, no confidence.
But my mom, she taught me.
She was a singer, too?
Classically trained.
She used to perform with the opera.
But eventually, that became
impossible because we
moved around so much.
So she became a vocal coach instead.
Yeah, it's a tough life
being a military spouse.
It is.
She taught me how to read music.
And every day after school, she
would make me drill my scales.
And I liked singing, but it was hard.
You know?
And she always said,
nothing good comes easy.
Type two fun.
Type two fun.
The house got quiet after she died.
And I get why my dad wouldn't want
us to listen to carol again.
Maybe I'll sing for him
tomorrow... my gift to him.
I'm sure he'd love that.
Yeah.
I mean, you got him like,
a gift-gift too, right?
Yeah, of course I did.
Yeah.
I got him a pair of fuzzy socks.
You got him socks?
What?
They were on his wish list.
They're really cute.
They have these little golf balls on 'em,
and he gets cold feet.
Socks?
OK, fine.
I'll get him something else.
Jeez, gift shamer.
You're right.
I'm sorry.
I'm sure he will love the socks.
No, you're right.
I'll think outside the socks.
That's terrible.
I know.
It's not even funny.
Hey, well, your sense
of humor is rubbing off on me.
Thanks again.
Yeah, thank you.
Hey, so I went to the record
store and I got my dad a vinyl.
It's the album that he and my
mom danced to at their wedding.
- Aw.
- Yeah.
I think you're right.
I always am.
About him liking this
better than the socks.
It wasn't a general statement.
Oh.
Oh, sorry.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas to you.
Are you two in town for the parade?
No. No, I wish.
Here for work, not pleasure.
Of course.
When you love your partner,
work can be a pleasure.
Oh, no no, no, we're...
We're not partners.
But before we go, I think
we're missing one of the toys.
It's a train.
On the phone, you said you
had a Pere Marquette 1225.
Right, I'm so sorry, I meant to tell you.
When you two called earlier, I
didn't realize that my husband
had just sold the last one.
Oh, OK.
Well, thanks anyway.
Merry Christmas.
We better start loading up.
This is gonna set us back a little bit.
Oh, we actually have volunteers
from USAA to help us out.
Here you go.
Oh, awesome.
Thanks, guys.
Thanks, brother.
Merry Christmas.
Thank you so much.
OK, so we have all the toys
on the list except one.
And we made up some time,
so we're back on schedule.
Great.
Hey, so what's the deal with this train?
It's for my nephew, Tate...
Amanda's son.
He's four.
His dad's deployed,
won't be back for months.
He looks like a really sweet kid.
He is.
And all he wants for Christmas
is this super specific train.
I was supposed to bring it
home to him, save Christmas.
Wait, I have an idea.
What's the name of the train?
It's a Pere Marquette 1225.
Ow, ow, ow, ow.
Ah.
You're supposed to string
the popcorn, not eat it.
I can't help it.
I'm hungry.
We have been baking
and stringing all day.
We missed lunch.
We're behind schedule because
of the gingerbread debacle.
I maintain that your oven cooks too hot.
We gotta make up time.
Sergeant Major.
Richard.
All due respect, in the
military, order is necessary.
On Christmas, not so much.
The point is to enjoy, to give,
to bond with your loved ones,
to lose track of time, building
snowmen until your nose is red,
and your fingers are numb.
I know you're trying to make
up for lost time in retirement,
but you can't do it by over scheduling.
Not everything in life
has to be so militant.
Blair.
Hey, Dad, I need a favor.
So we picked up all the presents,
except one is missing
a model train for this cute
little four-year-old boy whose
dad is gone on deployment.
And he's going to be
so disappointed, which
is why I'm wondering...
you don't by any chance
happen to have a Pierre Marquette 1225
that you'd be willing to part
with on behalf of Santa?
Blair, the 1225
is a collector's train.
It's not a toy, which...
I guess I could try to
dig it out of storage.
But when do you need it by?
Tomorrow, 7:00 AM.
If it's too much to ask...
It's not.
The schedule is less
important than the giving joy.
Thank you, Dad.
Love you.
Love you.
OK.
We need to split up.
That train could be in one
of eight different places.
All right, my dad is on it.
What?
I would have figured
out some other solution.
Just say thank you.
Thank you.
That was very thoughtful.
You know, I didn't move back here
for the company commander gig.
Don't get me wrong.
I'm excited.
I'm not trying to diminish your dream job.
I came back for my family.
My Dad's getting older.
Brother-in-law's deployed.
Amanda is expecting her second child.
It's time for me to step up.
Well, what does Amanda
think about all that?
She thinks I put too
much pressure on myself.
But she literally quit the
Marines to be a mom full-time.
Oh, yeah?
Oh, yeah.
Used to be a Motor T mechanic.
Loved it too.
Wow.
She can sacrifice all that,
I figure the least I can do
is transfer here, be the best
uncle that I can for Tate,
support my sister through her pregnancy.
It's a lot to take on.
Nothing I can't handle.
Well, of course not.
You can handle anything.
I mean, you are the man
who saved Christmas.
- Shall we?
- Yeah.
Yeah.
Oh, shoot.
Looks like the road's
blocked off here, too.
Must be the parade.
Can we go around it?
Uh, It doesn't look like it.
We can't get behind schedule.
Well, I think we're trapped.
Looks like, unfortunately,
you have no choice but to face
a little Christmas cheer.
Here you go. Thank you.
- Thank you so much.
- Enjoy, guys.
Yeah, Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Mm.
Mm.
OK, I'm glad we stopped.
This is amazing.
Snowballs.
I totally forgot about these.
Can't wait to recreate this at my house.
You really do love baking.
Yeah, I do, ever since I was a kid.
My sixth birthday, I asked for a whisk.
That's adorable.
I'm sure the ladies love that.
Yeah.
I don't know about that.
Dating is kind of hard with
our lifestyle, you know.
I was with my ex, Kat, for two years.
Then I deployed
to Germany for six months,
and that was the end of that.
I'm sorry.
I'm not.
We should have been more honest
with each other from the start.
Instead, we just buried
our heads in the sand.
Lesson learned.
And speaking of lessons learned,
I'm really sorry about
what happened back at TBS.
I should have told you my intentions
and been honest sooner.
I appreciate that, but it's
not like you took the only
available spot in the infantry.
I could have done a lateral
move later, gone to IOC.
Plus, now seeing your passion,
I know you didn't betray me.
What about you, your dating life?
Oh, well, I just broke up with this guy.
He dumped me and immediately started
dating a Pilates influencer.
I'm so sorry.
That must have hurt.
I mean, honestly, yeah,
it did make me doubt myself.
Blair, you are smart, and determined,
courageous, exasperating, beautiful.
I mean, if Mike couldn't see
that, he must have been blind.
You know, actually, he was
colorblind because his outfits,
they never matched.
So have you ever dated a Marine before?
A few of 'em, yeah.
They always get weirdly
competitive with me.
Oh, they get competitive with you?
Hey, I'm... "let's push
each other" competitive.
There's a difference between
that and the "you threaten me"
kind of competitive.
Yeah, you do push me to be better.
I see that now.
I may have been a bit threatened
by you back then at TBS.
A bit?
OK, I deserved that.
In fairness, it wasn't even about you.
I think it was because
maybe because of the pressure
my dad puts on me, the pressure
that I put on myself trying to please him.
Yeah, I get that.
But, I mean, at the end of the day,
you can't live your life just
trying to please everyone else.
You know?
It should be about what you want.
Yeah.
And what do you want, Blair,
other than my job, apparently?
I... I want to live an adventurous life
travel, fall in love.
And most importantly, I want
a true partner like my parents
had
someone who pushes me to be
a better person, someone
who challenges me, as long as
they can take it when they get
beat.
Sure, as long as you're
not afraid of a rematch.
What's up there?
Oh, look.
Ho ho ho!
Everybody gathers together.
Hearts are full, love everywhere.
What are you doing?
And all the children.
Playing in the snow
Christmas is in the air.
OK, I'll admit you've got some moves.
Well, it's easy when
you've got a good partner.
I... I thought we weren't partners.
That's what you said to the shopkeeper.
I wasn't sure if you wanted to be.
What?
You make pizza for Santa?
Yes.
What kind of pizza?
Meat lovers.
Meat lovers?
It's his favorite.
I guess that makes sense.
There's probably not a lot
of pepperoni at the North Pole.
Whoa.
The snow's picking up.
It's not gonna be an easy drive home.
Don't worry.
We'll make it back with plenty of time.
We should stop for fuel real quick.
Right here.
Wait, is it closed?
How is that possible?
Google said it was open.
There are no other
stations we can go to?
There's one rickety mom
and pop shop about a mile away,
but they don't even have
a phone number listed.
It's worth a shot.
OK, it's just down this way.
Wait, wait, wait.
Don't close yet.
Please don't close.
Sorry, guys.
I'm out of diesel anyways.
There's got to be
something you can do, sir.
Fred.
Please, Fred.
We're Marines from the Quantico base.
We got a truck full of gifts back there.
If we don't get back by tomorrow
morning, none of those kids
are gonna have Christmas presents.
I know the pressures of parenthood.
I've got kids of my own.
Oh, no, we're not...
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Parenthood is tough stuff.
Yeah... mom, dad.
I'll tell you what.
I've got a stock of extra
diesel not far from here.
And, hey, seeing as you two
are all about helping the kids,
I'm wondering if you wouldn't
mind doing me a favor, too.
Yeah.
Name it.
Scoot it.
Thank you.
But if you have to go
to a bajillion houses,
why are you here?
Well, because my reindeer got tired.
I had to make a pit stop so they
could stretch their legs.
Where are the reindeer now?
They are around the block.
Can I go pet them?
Well, actually, reindeer
are allergic to little girls.
Sorry.
Oh, OK.
When I grow up, I want
to fly just like Santa.
Actually.
Well, you can learn
to fly just like Santa does.
In a sleigh?
Even better, in a plane.
You could be a pilot and zoom
around the sky like, wee!
Wee!
Wee!
Daddy!
Daddy!
When I grow up, I want to be a pilot
and zoom around the clouds.
And on Christmas, I can hang
out with Santa in the sky.
All right, kiddo.
It's time to get home.
But, Dad, I want to go with Santa.
I want to fly with Santa.
Honey, we have to get
home so Santa can come.
OK.
OK, these are Santa-worthy.
Oh, you've got a little...
Hmm?
Here.
Thank you.
You know, we work
shockingly well together.
My dad would cringe
if he heard you say that.
Mine, too.
Yeah.
And honestly, if you
told me six years ago
that I'd come to think of you as a partner,
I would not have believed you.
What?
Nothing.
I just always wondered if we
hadn't gotten in that fight,
what might have happened.
What might have happened between us?
Yeah.
Is that crazy?
Santa!
Oh!
Santa, you have to take me with you.
I want to see the North
Pole and meet Mrs. Claus,
and hang out with all the elves.
Please?
I... thanks for helping out.
Yeah.
Sorry.
Thank you.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
OK.
You're fine.
Oh.
Roads are getting a little treacherous.
There was a wreck on the interstate.
This is saving us an hour.
Blair, I think we should
head back to the highway.
Well, we have to make up time.
We'll be fine.
Well, speaking of time,
it's Christmas Day.
Merry Christmas, Blair.
Merry Christmas, Josh.
Oh, what's going on?
Uh...
What are you doing?
We're losing pressure.
I have to pull over
before the brakes lock up.
Whoa.
What does that mean?
This is really bad.
Hey, I didn't do anything differently.
The truck just sort of fritzed out.
It's probably
just a hose or something.
I'm sure I can fix it.
I mean, are you sure?
I thought you hadn't worked with
this kind of vehicle before.
I mean, it's not like a normal truck.
I know.
I got it.
Maybe we should just
call somebody for help.
Blair, it's the middle
of the night on Christmas.
I can do it.
OK.
Well, if you can't, it doesn't
make you a bad Marine or
a bad son or a bad uncle.
I know.
Do you?
I can fix this truck.
OK.
Whatever you say.
I'm gonna go look it up in my phone.
No, no, no, no, no.
Hello?
Oh, hi.
- You're not Josh.
- No.
Hi.
Sorry, it's Blair.
I was just checking in with my brother.
He said he was gonna text
when he got back to base,
but he never did.
Yeah, that's because we haven't
made it back to base yet.
What?
Hey, you... you were
a Motor T mech, right?
Yeah.
Hey, it's Amanda.
What?
If you won't let me help, at least let her.
Hi, Amanda.
You broke down in a 5-ton
and you didn't call me?
Dude, fixing these things
was literally my job.
I didn't want to wake you.
Nuh-uh.
No, no chance I'm buying that.
Josh, why is it so hard
for you to ask for help?
I don't know.
Honestly, it's probably because of Dad.
Yes, it definitely is.
I'm... I'm glad you see this.
Say more.
Dad's always been tough on me.
But when I joined the corp, it got worse.
I was never strong enough,
fast enough, wasn't good enough
to make the infantry.
Never asked him for help with anything.
He just told me to do it myself.
I love Dad, but he puts
way too much pressure on you.
He's so stubborn.
Can't let go of any disagreements.
I know.
I worry he's going to get lonely.
And I worry
about you getting lonely.
What do you mean?
Josh, I love you.
You're funny and sweet.
You care deeply about others.
But you've internalized this idea
that you have to do everything yourself,
which means you're not a good partner.
You have to learn how to ask for help.
If you put the whole
world on your shoulders,
eventually you're going to crumble.
OK, OK, I hear you.
Amanda, will you please
help me fix this truck?
I thought you'd never ask.
That's the air governor
auxiliary supply line.
The truck won't build
air pressure without it.
There's a hole in it.
Hmm, that's your issue.
Do you have any spare
hose in the truck?
No, there's nothing.
Well, luckily, you're a Marine.
Gonna have to improvise.
You're gonna need something
to wrap around the hose.
There's a bunch of toys
in the back of the truck.
So not to be the nosy sister,
but what's the deal with you and Blair?
It's hard to explain.
She can be super competitive.
Like you?
OK, I'm getting a lot
of tough love from you today.
I'm just saying.
It seems like you two are
cut from the same cloth.
Maybe you could grow together.
Yeah, I don't know.
I mean, I thought that before,
but I don't want to hurt her.
Well, if that's how you feel.
I feel like, what do I do now?
I got a tube and a roll of Christmas tape.
Cool, cool, cool.
Wrap the tube around
the break in the air line
and tape it really tight.
OK.
Wrap the tube.
OK.
That's it?
That's it.
Start the engine.
I think I fixed it.
You start the truck.
Sure.
I did it!
We did it!
Hey, Amanda.
Yeah?
I think you're
right about me and Blair.
We do make a good team,
but I think I ruined it.
Oh.
What time is it?
We're late.
What?
Kids will be awake any
minute without presents.
And I can kiss that company
commander job goodbye.
Well, at least you have
a proven track record here.
People will cut you some slack.
I got to base three weeks
ago, and somehow I've already
managed to upset a colonel,
mess up Christmas duty,
and fail my first mission.
I get relieved of duty
and have to leave Quantico,
I will have failed my family, too.
You're late.
The Christmas presents
aren't under Christmas trees.
Sir, the presents are in the truck.
The kids are already awake.
I know, sir.
Now, this mission was your idea,
and I hold you responsible.
This is not what I had in mind
as my last days in charge here.
It's my fault, sir.
I routed us poorly.
I took a shortcut.
And when the truck broke down,
we were too far from the highway
to get help.
I'm the reason we didn't
make it back in time.
I had high hopes for you, Captain.
I'll have to report this.
Yes, sir.
I respect your honesty, Captain Birch.
After the holiday, I'll talk
to your commanding officer
about a suitable punishment.
Captain Cannon, take this as a warning.
I expect this run of poor
decisions to end here.
Yes, sir.
You're both dismissed.
Blair.
Blair, hang on a second.
Blair, wait.
You didn't have to take the blame.
I know.
You didn't ask me to step in.
You didn't ask for my help.
Don't worry, I'm not
waiting for a thank you.
I wanted you to get that job.
I did, too.
But there are more
important things than a job.
If I get stationed somewhere
else, my dad's retired,
and he could follow me.
But your family needs you here.
Blair.
It's OK.
It's for the best, really.
I mean, it's clear that
we can't work together
as coworkers or anything more.
Blair.
My dad found Tate's train,
so I'll leave it on our porch.
You have no reason to feel guilty.
It's Blair's fault.
No, it was our fault. She
shouldn't have taken the fall.
I disagree.
She owed you one.
Seriously, Dad?
You still can't let that go?
You've got impossible
standards for people.
And when they let you down,
you just hold on to it forever.
Why do you think I'm
so afraid to disappoint you?
Well, that's not fair.
No, it's true.
I mean, think about it.
Do you ever think you're the problem
your pride, your grudges,
your stubbornness?
I am not stubborn.
Dad, look, I get it because
you passed it all down to me.
But I'm going to change.
And I hope that you'll decide
that you want to change, too.
I gotta go.
Captain Claus, what
are you doing on my doorstep?
Colonel, I know this is unorthodox.
It's not Blair's fault we were late.
It was our fault. Blair
is an excellent officer.
She would be an incredible mentor
for the young officers here.
Sir, I'd be lucky.
We'd be lucky to have her on our team.
Santa?
Ho ho ho!
Little Miss Layla.
I am so sorry that I am late, but
the elves have been
working overtime on a very
special gift just for you.
Let's see what we've got in Santa's bag.
Thank you, Santa.
Here you go.
Merry Christmas!
So, what do you,
so what do you say, sir?
That was a special gift you
just gave my granddaughter.
And in the spirit of Christmas, I
won't mention your tardiness to Captain.
Birch's commanding officer.
Tell Captain Birch I'll talk to her monitor
about becoming company
commander, if the two of you
deliver the rest of those
presents in costume.
That's an order, Cannon.
Yes, sir.
I don't understand.
Why take the fall?
Why sacrifice your promotion
for that Cannon?
Because I...
I care about him.
You care about him?
Yesterday, you hated him.
What happened?
Dad, you were right.
For so many years, I've
been so focused on work.
And today, I just...
I had fun.
Not type two fun.
Just fun-fun.
And that's because of Josh.
I want to hang out on Christmas,
do silly traditions,
spend quality time with the ones I love.
Yesterday was so special.
Josh and I, we
we helped all the families on base.
We connected with our community,
and we saved Christmas.
Well, at least we almost did.
Well, how nice that
Cliff Cannon's son taught
you the meaning of Christmas.
It's not as if I spent weeks preparing
and trying to schedule the most
perfect, the most magical...
Look.
Hang on.
Hang on.
Josh?
Ooh.
What are you doing here?
We're here for the train.
You were supposed
to leave it on the stoop.
I'm sorry.
He insisted on coming
with me as my backup.
What about the train?
Yeah, I was going to tell you.
I just didn't get around to it yet.
The... the train was sort of a
a favor.
For us.
I'm parting with a vintage
collector's train for Cliff?
No, no, not
for Cliff, for his grandson.
I thought you bought the train.
You asked Richard to do us a favor?
So you put my daughter up to this.
I should have known.
What else is going on between you two?
Oh.
Hey!
What are you implying,
Richard, that our kids
are going to date?
That's absurd.
I mean, it's not that absurd.
OK, OK, let's just all calm down.
This is all your fault.
- Dad?
- Of course.
Everything's always
my fault. What are you
gonna do, Birch, narc on me?
Dad.
You don't have power over me anymore.
We're retired.
You still making the same mistakes
every time after retirement!
Your retirement!
Snowball fight!
Are you with me, Cannon?
I'm with you.
I need covering fire.
Ooh!
OK, OK, we will surrender!
We surrender!
Hey.
Cannon?
- All right, you... you got it.
- Perfect.
- That was pretty good.
- It's the beard, I think.
- Hey!
- Yes.
Hey, I don't know you still have that.
I do.
I have a lot of that.
That one throw your hat?
No.
I lost my arm.
Oh.
- Ooh.
- Pretty tough.
I'm not surprised.
That was quite the battle.
Nice to be on the same side for once.
Come on, Cliff.
Don't you think it's time to let it go?
I may have broken your rules
and played a few jokes,
but you took it too far.
You blocked my promotion.
Cliff, I voted to promote
you, but I was outvoted.
By who?
You want me to name names?
No.
I'm sorry.
It's in the past, and I
got to let the grudges go.
My son recently pointed
out that I can be stubborn.
But you're right.
It's time to bury the hatchet.
Consider it buried.
Our family always sees us
the clearest, don't they?
Michelle certainly gave
me a piece of her mind.
When she got sick, told me
to stop working so hard.
Relax.
Spend more time with Blair.
I'm sorry for your loss, Richard.
Michelle was a spectacular woman.
I miss her every day,
especially around the holidays.
But I'm really sorry I tried
to fix everything myself.
I know I just pushed you away.
And the truth is, I couldn't have
accomplished anything that
we did yesterday without you.
I just wish I'd handled the day's
challenges a little better.
Well, I didn't exactly make it easy on you.
I don't want easy.
I want a partnership.
I talked to Colonel Clarkin.
He's going to recommend you
for a company commander.
How did you get him to agree to that?
I took responsibility and made
his granddaughter's day.
Turns out it's hard to say no to Santa.
I believe that.
But there is one caveat.
We have to deliver
the rest of the presents
right now, in costume.
Blair, will you complete
this mission with me?
Here.
I'm sure you want to get
this to your grandson
sooner rather than later.
No. Oh, like that.
OK.
OK.
Why don't you come with me?
Join us for Christmas.
Wow.
The Corps is really making a statement
with their new uniforms.
Yeah.
Blair, I'm sorry.
I should have known I couldn't
force Christmas spirit on you.
I promise I will do better next year.
It's OK, Dad.
I know you meant well.
And besides, Christmas isn't over yet.
I suppose I owe you an apology, too,
and a thank you for facilitating
our reconciliation.
Well, it was a long time coming.
Yes, it was.
What'd I miss?
A Christmas miracle?
I would love to be a part of it.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Let's see what we have in here.
Thank you, Santa!
You're welcome, Ellie.
Last one.
Merry Christmas!
Let's see what we have in here for you.
All right.
Goodbye.
Merry Christmas.
Well, Captain Birch, mission complete.
Well, almost.
Do you want to come
over for Christmas?
Mm-hmm.
Silent night, holy night.
All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child.
Holy Infant so tender and mild.
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Sleep in heavenly peace
Thank you.
That was beautiful, Sweetheart.
Your mom would be so proud.
Thanks, Dad.
I love you.
I love you.
Oh, my goodness, you are incredible.
Thank you.
By the way, your description
of the sweater
did not do it justice.
It really is quite fashionable.
Oh, thanks.
Hmm.
You know, I could get you
a matching one next year,
if you'd like.
OK.
OK.
Watch out!
Ah!
It's a beautiful Christmas Day.
Are you ready for that rematch?
Born ready.
Ready, set...
Hold on, hold on.
- Wait a second.
- What?
What?
What's this right here?
High up!
Oh, I'm really going to miss this.
Which part?
The lack of personal
space or the powder eggs
in the chow hall?
No, I'm serious.
I mean, I'm excited to join the fleet,
but I'm really gonna miss
the camaraderie of TBS.
Oh, yeah?
I'm sure you will miss the camaraderie.
OK, thank you, Zoe that was subtle.
Assignment day is tomorrow.
You're running out of time
to tell Josh the truth.
OK, I will tell him.
Just not right now
because he's coming this way.
What's up, Birch?
Hey, Cannon.
You see that Christmas
came early this year?
No.
I'm pretty sure it's still on December 25.
- Hmm.
- My family just got our tree.
- Yeah.
- Put up our lights.
Yeah, I was talking about the rankings...
I know.
And, you know, how I beat you.
Yeah, an oversight.
Hmm.
Which is why I'm here to set
the record straight with a race.
Loser buys the winner an eggnog.
'Tis the season to crush you.
Enjoy coming
in fa-la-la-la-last.
That was horrible.
So I've been meaning to talk to you.
You want to talk now?
After TBS, I'll be in DC for
the infantry officer's course.
I know you're going
to Fort Sill for artillery,
but I was thinking...
After our next training, we could
geo-preference the same duty station,
see if this might be something.
So what do you think?
Blair.
Josh, I have to talk to you.
I've decided not to go artillery.
I've decided to join the infantry.
You're taking my spot?
Well, I mean, it's not your spot.
But you said you didn't want it.
Because I was scared.
It's the hardest MOS,
nearly impossible for women
to get into.
But then I ranked top
of our class and I thought,
you know, why not take the leap?
Blair, you know how
much being an infantryman
means to my family.
It's not personal.
Yes, it, is.
Wow.
You know, I always
thought that our dads'
rivalry was some old-school
Marine Corps grudge match.
Turns out my dad was right.
A Birch will always choose
ambition over friendship.
Well, my dad was right
about your family, too.
Your pride.
You are not entitled
to a spot in the infantry.
I earned it.
You know what?
On second thought, pick whichever duty
station I'm not at.
Great plan because then we never have
to see each other ever again.
Great.
Fantastic.
Awesome.
Just this year, my team and I
led over 50 virtual war games
with real-life battalion
and below participation.
Almost all permutations
showed that operations
in a comms-degraded environment
require adept junior leaders.
So if we want to improve
combat effectiveness,
we need to focus our efforts
on the young lieutenants who
are trained right here on this base.
Thank you.
Very enlightening, Captain Birch.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
- I appreciate that.
- Wonderful training.
Thank you for your time.
Thanks so much.
I'm impressed, Captain Birch.
You really earned that Christmas break.
I'm actually only taken two days off.
She's really working for
that company commander position.
Yeah, but you gotta make
time for the holidays.
Ooh, speaking of... yeah, I got
to get to the tree lighting.
- See you both there?
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
- Yeah?
- Mm-hmm.
- All right.
Ooh.
Sergeant Major.
Captain Peters.
Looking a little scraggly.
Uh...
Do we not have to shave
every day anymore?
I, uh... didn't you retire?
I'm just messing with you.
Relax.
You look fine.
Sergeant Major.
Sorry, I just got
yeah.
Uh, I'll just... yeah.
Blair.
You were great up there.
Thanks, Dad.
Captain Hawkins, I thought you
were going home for Christmas.
Sergeant Major, I've known
you for, like, 10 years.
You can call me Zoe.
I will start calling you Zoe when you
stop calling me Sergeant Major.
That's fair, Sergeant Major.
My parents are visiting my
sister in Germany this year so...
So Zoe will spend Christmas with us.
Sounds like a plan.
Should we get going?
Yeah.
Hey.
You sure?
These are just to take?
Of course.
Huh!
Insurance, banking, and ice scrapers
what don't you guys do?
Taking care of military
families is what we do.
You've been helping my family
for the last 30 years.
Oh, hey! Did you get one of these?
They're just giving 'em out.
And, you know, now is a good
time to become a member.
Oh, thanks again.
- Do you mind if I...
- Be my guest.
All right. Thank you.
Thank you.
Wow, you were really
fanboying out over there.
I am passionate about three things
my family, the Marines, and...
USAA.
I know, Dad.
I've been a member since
before I could crawl.
So I have been planning
out our Christmas schedule.
Me first.
Me first.
I found a new route for our annual ruck,
and it's got 400 feet of incline.
Blair, we will not be
training on Christmas.
What are you talking about?
It's our tradition.
No, hiking with a 90-pound
pack is not a tradition.
Baking cookies is a tradition.
Visiting Santa is a tradition.
Aren't you a little too
old to be visiting Santa?
Besides, you always called these
kinds of traditions frivolous.
Well, now I'm calling them mandatory.
So on Christmas Eve, we will
be cookie-baking at 0700,
gift-wrapping at 0900,
stringing popcorn at 1400.
Stringing popcorn?
OK, Dad, why are you doing this?
I... I've been reflecting
since your mother passed.
Sometimes I worry that I was
more of a drill instructor
to you than a father.
So now I want to be a more
traditional dad, put on a more
traditional Christmas.
I miss Mom too, but that doesn't
mean we have to change the way
we've always done things.
I love our nontraditional
traditions like our annual hike,
and making pizza for Santa
instead of baking cookies.
I don't need a traditional Christmas.
That's too bad.
You will be merry this Christmas,
even if I have to force-feed
you figgy pudding.
Merry Christmas, Quantico
Marines and family!
Can I get around of applause for Santa?
Ho, ho, ho!
Can I get an oorah for Santa?
Oorah!
On behalf of the Marine
Corps, I want to thank all
of our volunteers and vendors.
And of course, I want to thank you guys
all for coming out tonight.
Now, are we ready to light this tree?
5, 4, 3, 2, 1!
So the office Christmas
party is next week.
Are you excited?
Yes.
Am I excited to finally
win over Colonel Clarkin
before he retires
and make a good impression
on Colonel Krantz?
Yes.
Are you bringing anybody?
Of course.
I'm bringing Zoe.
Hey, I'm taking a break from dating.
Blair, you're a strong
woman, and I don't just
mean that physically.
Some men may find you intimidating.
But one day you'll meet someone
who will value your strength,
someone to be your equal, your partner.
Who knows?
Maybe that'll happen for you
sooner than you think.
Colonel Clarkin, sir.
Ah, Captain Birch.
Enjoying yourself?
I am, yes.
Yes, I am.
Sir, I've been...
I've been speaking to my monitor
about my next assignment.
And while I've been enjoying
my time at the war fighting
laboratory, my dream
is to become a company
commander at the basic school.
Oh.
But it's a competitive billet.
I hear there are only four
spots still available,
and a good word from
you would go a long way.
And I really think it would
be a great way for you to...
Perhaps we could talk
about this some other time,
not during my last Christmas party.
Of course, sir.
Merry Christmas, Captain.
So, how'd it go?
He wished me a Merry Christmas.
Ugh.
- The nerve on that guy.
- I know.
He's a meanie.
I thought I caught
him at the right moment.
Being alone for Christmas
is starting to hit me.
I haven't missed
a Christmas with my parents
since we were deployed.
I know. I'm sorry.
But we're gonna spend
the whole holiday together.
That's the only thing keeping me going
oh, that and the forecast says there's
a huge snowstorm coming in.
Ooh.
So I was thinking we head
to Liberty Mountain, hit
the slopes, 2 feet of fresh powder.
Merry Christmas to us.
Zoe, we can't.
I can't just ditch my dad.
I mean, it's the first
Christmas since, you know...
Your mom.
Yeah.
I'm sorry, Blair.
No.
I totally forgot.
It's OK.
How are you doing?
I miss her.
My dad's doing all these cheesy
things to overcompensate,
like a weekly game night.
Last month, he asked
to go apple picking.
But I don't want new traditions.
I just want my mom.
Yes.
I still can't believe that
Colonel Clarkin blew me off.
Oh, should I try
schmoozing Colonel Krantz?
Yeah?
No.
I don't think you should do that.
No?
Blair, not everything is about work.
This is literally a work event.
Thank you all for coming
out, especially the spouses.
I know this isn't
your mandatory fun event,
but I appreciate
your attendance and the support
you give to your Marines.
And this one is extra
special because this
is my last Christmas party before I retire.
Oh, and we are excited
to welcome the newest addition
to Quantico, Captain Cannon.
Thank you, Colonel Clarkin.
Very excited to be here with all of you.
What is Josh doing here?
Oh!
Oh, ooh, careful, careful.
You got precious cargo.
Whatever coordination
genes run in our family,
you somehow stole all of them.
Yeah, it must be frustrating
for you having a brother
who's so good at everything.
And one who's so modest.
So I've been thinking about how
to make Christmas extra
special for Tate this year.
Are you going for Uncle of the Year?
Yeah, obviously.
I was thinking on Christmas Eve, I
could take Tate up
on the roof, and we could
leave carrots for the reindeer.
And maybe you guys could
hide down by the staircase.
I could put on a Santa costume
and slide down the chimney.
That's sweet but unnecessary.
You don't have to carry
the weight of Christmas
on your shoulders.
Oh, man.
Can I speak to you?
Hi.
Sorry, hi.
Josh?
Yeah.
I thought you were
stationed at Pendleton.
Why are you here?
I got assigned to be
a company commander at TBS.
You're a company commander?
Is that a problem?
Yes.
Hmm.
Yes, it is because we agreed
to stay away from each other.
Remember, that was our deal.
That was six years ago.
I changed my mind, kind of like you did
back at the obstacle course.
Wow. Really?
You want to go there?
OK, let's go there.
Let's go all the way back
to the race where I beat you.
Remember that?
I let you...
- I let you win that race.
- Sure, you did.
- I did let you.
- Oh, yeah, because you tripped.
What are you even saying?
I'm saying, why can't you
just admit that I beat you?
Do you want a rematch?
I will race you right now.
- Bring it.
- OK, let's go right now.
- Right now?
- Yeah.
OK, let's go. Bring it.
Bring it.
My office, Monday, 0800.
Your conduct was unbefitting of officers.
You're both being
assigned to Christmas duty
from Christmas Eve
to Christmas morning.
- With him?
- With her?
Oh, you got a problem with that?
No, sir.
It's just I was going to do
a 15-mile ruck with my dad.
On Christmas Eve?
Sir, I'm supposed
to spend Christmas on base
with my family, building
snowmen, baking cookies.
Cannon family Christmas
is a pretty big deal.
There's got to be some
way I can get out of this.
You two just frosted
the incoming commanding officer.
You know how bad that makes me look?
No, there is no getting out of this.
Hmm.
It's time to bury
the hatchet because you two
are about to spend 24
hours straight together.
OK.
Come on.
Just right here.
Ah.
Gingerbread is not sticking.
Yeah, I told you we needed
royal icing and not enough
butter cream.
Was it royal icing
or butter cream you spilled
all over Colonel Krantz?
You know, I actually think
it was cream cheese based
on what I licked off my collar.
Hey, that is not funny, pal.
It's kind of funny.
Here.
This should work better.
Let me see.
Yeah, I like a practical joke
as much as the next person,
but the Christmas Party was
not the time or the place.
Dad, it wasn't a joke.
It was an accident.
Sorry I disappointed you.
This isn't all about me.
Amanda's pregnant.
Your brother-in-law's deployed.
None of us can keep up with Tate.
He needed you here for Christmas.
And I really wanted to be
here for him and for you.
I'm sorry.
Yeah, it's not your fault. Of course,
Richard Birch's daughter is to blame.
Dad, come on.
I told you, it was my fault, too.
And, Blair, she's not so bad.
Yeah, until she boxed
you out of the infantry.
I got it.
I'm just saying that before all of that,
I honestly thought that her and I were...
Friends?
Yeah, I thought Rich and I were friends
once, too, until the sergeant major
was on the promotion board.
I got a non-recommend
because he sabotaged me.
Yeah, I've heard this
story hundred times.
Yeah, Rich cost me a job, son.
And then Blair cost you one.
The branch doesn't fall
far from the birch tree.
Uncle Josh!
Uncle Josh!
Block my header.
Oh!
That's awesome, Tate.
Let's try it again.
But this time, lean back
and really give it some power.
Nice job!
I can't wait to see that this
season on the soccer field.
Guys, no soccer inside.
You're gonna kick down all
the Christmas decorations.
Oopsie.
Uncle Josh, are you
really missing Christmas?
Aw, Tater Tot.
I'm just leaving to go talk
to Santa, to make sure he
brings all of your presents.
Don't forget to tell him about my train.
I will not forget.
It's a Pere Marquette 1225, 1-2-2-5.
The 1-2-2-5?
OK, I got it, dude.
I got it.
Come on, buddy.
Let's go finish those
snowflakes for the tree.
Oh, cool.
All right.
See ya.
Hey, is everything OK?
It's the Christmas presents.
They were supposed to be
delivered by December 20,
but the roads have been closed all week.
It's the 22nd, and we still
don't have any of Tate's toys.
I talked to the Quaids this morning.
They're worried, too.
Whole neighborhood is.
The storm is supposed
to break before Christmas.
All the delivery companies are saying
that the toys will be delivered
by midday Christmas Eve.
Well, that's great.
Right?
I mean, you might not have
time to wrap 'em all perfectly,
but that's OK.
He's just gonna rip 'em all up anyways.
It'll be fine.
Yeah.
I feel bad for you having
to work with Cliff Cannon's son.
That kid's anything like his
father, you better watch out.
Yeah, I know. I know.
I got it.
Cliff's a rule breaker
or a my way or the highway type.
His way is the wrong way.
He's got a bias for action even
when he doesn't have a plan.
It's gotten him in trouble.
I'd hate to see his son
get you in trouble again.
I know, Dad.
I'll be careful.
I promise.
I'm not expecting carolers till 1800.
No, Dad, it's Zoe.
I invited her over, remember?
I figured with you gone...
You figured I'd leave you
both alone on Christmas?
No.
No way.
OK, fine.
She can stay as long as she
sticks to my schedule.
Hey.
Hey.
Wazzup, Richard?
Uh, no.
Sorry, Sergeant Major, sir.
Ready to break out the eggnog?
Hmm.
It's far too early for eggnog.
OK.
All right.
Have fun, you two.
Widdle me this.
Who's going to have fun today?
You and me.
Good to see you.
Christmas time. Let's go.
Come on.
OK.
Merry Christmas, Blair.
Is it?
Finally, you're here.
Right on time.
Keys.
Sweet.
Logbook.
Duty phone.
Did anything happen
in the last 24 hours?
Yeah.
It's snowing.
Captain Peters, you're supposed
- to do a proper turnover.
- Have fun.
Oh, don't be a stickler.
They're not breaching protocol.
Besides, it's Christmas Eve.
OK, I know I'm supposed
to be ignoring you,
but why are you doing this?
After tomorrow, Christmas will be over.
You have to take everything down.
You are literally wasting your breath.
I would rather waste my breath blowing
up Santa than talking to you.
Will you plug those lights in?
No.
No.
No, no, no, no.
Everything's canceled.
I don't know what to do.
OK, everyone, calm down.
We'll figure this out.
How?
There are no toy stores
open for miles around.
And even if they were
open, the roads are closed.
I know, but we'll find a solution.
You're not supposed to take
personal calls while on duty.
Thank you.
Hey, what's up?
The snowstorm hasn't broken.
The roads are still closed.
And all our deliveries
have been canceled,
which means no Pere
Marquette train for Tate.
Wait, what?
I know, but it's not about the toy.
That train is a thing
between him and his dad.
They went to go see the John
Bull steam locomotive
at the Smithsonian last year.
I know.
He still talks about it.
I'm worried Tate will take it hard since he
won't have Ryan or the train.
But it's not just Tate.
It's over half the kids in the neighborhood
who won't get presents.
Oh, my goodness.
There's nothing to do.
Everything is closed
from here to Ashwood.
OK.
What about south of Ashwood?
I can't get south of Ashwood.
You can't.
Maybe I can.
Wait, what?
How?
Don't worry.
I've got a plan.
A plan for what?
You want to leave base?
Why?
What's going on?
There is one rule of standing
duty, and that is stay on base.
Every rule has an exception.
Is that a fact?
Sir, I'm requesting
permission to leave base.
You just arrived in Quantico, and you've
already frosted a colonel.
Are you sure that's a smart next move?
Desperate times, sir.
The snowstorm hasn't let up.
All deliveries to Quantico have
been canceled, which means...
No Christmas presents.
That's right.
Sir, I grew up in a military family.
I remember the Christmases
that my dad was deployed,
or we were stationed too far away
and couldn't see my cousins
or my grandparents.
Or we moved so much
that Santa couldn't
find our new mailing address.
Sir, I just don't want
to see these kids disappointed.
I'm inclined to agree.
And this will not be what
people remember me for.
So, what's your course of action?
Well...
I could meet with all
the families on base,
make a list of all the Christmas presents,
and chart a course to retrieve them.
The roads may be closed
to civilian vehicles,
but a 7-ton truck should be
able to traverse the snow.
My plan is to travel south,
where the storm has lightened
and the stores are still open, sir.
I don't have a 7-ton truck to give you.
We have an old, decommissioned
5-ton truck you can take, but
are you licensed to drive it?
I'm not, sir.
I am.
I'll go in his place, sir.
You'd still need an assistant driver.
Captain Cannon, you have
your vehicle commander's card?
I do, sir.
Is that really necessary, sir?
This seems like a one-woman operation.
Completing this mission with
Captain Cannon would demonstrate
initiative, teamwork, resourcefulness
qualities I highly value...
Me, too, sir.
As would your monitor
and considering your next role.
Of course.
My granddaughter Layla is seven,
and she's expecting a pink skateboard.
I need that skateboard
underneath our tree tomorrow
- morning.
- Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
Captain Cannon and I, we can
we can work together.
Excellent.
I'll get someone to cover duty
for you, but two caveats
one, you must deliver
the presents before the kids
wake up Christmas morning.
And two, I'm only authorized
to let you take the vehicle
off base for 24 hours.
If you're not back in time,
that's my name on the line.
So don't be late.
Sir, you've got a deal.
Well, let's go save Christmas.
It's a Christmas Carol
Sing Along Christmas Doll.
The doll's name is Carol,
and she sings Christmas carols.
And my daughter is absolutely obsessed.
Yes, ma'am.
We got the link you texted,
and we should be good to go.
OK.
Should be?
Don't worry, Mrs. Quaid.
I will not let you down.
Thank you, thank you.
Absolutely.
That's everyone, right?
Yes.
Thank you so much for doing this.
- Oh!
- Of course.
It means the world to my son.
Of course.
OK.
So the total comes out to 150 toys.
OK.
Ooh.
The snowstorm is in the
northern part of the state.
Basically, everything north
of Ashwood is shut down.
We have 150 presents in total, and it's
Christmas Eve, which means...
Low inventory.
Yeah.
But you called a bunch of stores, right?
Yes.
And all the presents are available,
but they're not all
available in the same city.
I think we should be able
to get everything if we make
three stops along the route.
OK.
Send me the addresses.
I'll navigate.
Great.
And we should get
going because we have
to get the truck back on time.
Deliver the presents
by Christmas morning.
Yeah.
Thanks.
Mm-hmm.
OK.
So the first leg is just over 2 hours long.
But don't worry, I have
got a perfect playlist.
Huh?
Let's go.
OK, OK. OK, OK.
Hey, hey, hey.
I hear that song one more time,
I'm going to deck something.
Oh, man.
I can't wait till we're finished with this
so I can go home
and celebrate with my family,
bake some cookies.
I can totally see it.
What?
Oh, the Cannon family
Christmas... baking cookies,
looking at lights.
Wait.
Do you have matching Santa sweaters?
No, we don't have
matching Santa sweaters.
Matching reindeer sweaters.
They're adorable.
They got cute little fuzzy
little reindeer nose.
I knew it.
I knew it.
Why do you feel the need to make
fun of Christmas traditions?
OK, I don't hate traditions.
I just like them to reflect our family.
Everybody bakes cookies.
That's not our thing.
We like type two fun,
activities that are tough but
rewarding, like hiking, rock climbing,
and oh, my favorite, skiing.
OK, I grew up skiing, too.
Where?
Japan.
Kuju Forest Park.
Same.
We were stationed
in Okinawa when I was eight.
Hmm.
And rock climbing, but that started in.
Twentynine Palms.
Yeah, it's about the only thing
you could do out there in the desert.
Well, that and apparently baking cookies.
Yeah.
Do you at least like eating cookies?
Of course.
I love cookies.
OK, good.
I just, you know, don't eat a lot of them
because it ruins my training regimen.
Oh, man.
What?
You are such a workaholic.
You're really going to do
a ruck on Christmas Eve?
Yeah.
That's so silly.
What about just spending
quality time with your family?
That is our quality time.
My dad and I hike
Christmas Eve every year.
And he wanted to do something
different this year,
but I would have talked him into it.
Yeah.
Does your mom like to hike, too?
Well, she did.
She passed away about a year ago.
I'm so sorry.
It's fine.
Look, the roads are clearing up.
OK, who are we looking for?
Donna.
Donna.
Hi.
Donna?
I'm Captain Birch.
I called ahead about a bulk order.
Oh, yes.
The toys are there.
Take your time.
Oh, you... you didn't pull the
toys and pack them for pickup?
No, dear.
I had two back surgeries in the
last 18 months, so I'll pass.
But you two look sturdy
enough to handle it.
I only allocated 20 minutes for pickup.
How are we going to find and
pack up 80 toys in 20 minutes?
Oh, it'll be fine.
It'll be fun, type two fun.
Oh, Rubik's Cube!
I love these.
Perform one move, then
another, then the inverse
of the first until, boom!
Still got it.
What, you're not even a little impressed?
We're here to work, not play.
I think we can do both.
Looks like we just have
one more, Mrs. Quaid's doll.
But where was it?
Hey, Donna.
You don't by chance know where
we'd find a Christmas Carol Sing.
Along Christmas Doll?
Oh, yeah.
It's in the stockroom.
I organized this myself.
Don't make a mess.
Um, OK, if this is organized, I'm
terrified to see her idea of a mess.
Ooh.
There it is.
How were we supposed to get it?
I could probably just knock this pile over.
No, she said not
to make a mess, remember?
Well...
Well, just give me a second.
Just give me a second.
OK.
OK.
OK, I got it.
It's just like the TBS obstacle course.
Not literally, obviously.
Just follow me.
So first, climb up on that shelf,
and then climb up on the second shelf.
OK, jump onto the packing lift and then,
and then grab that beam and loop
the jump rope around the beam.
Lower down, grab the doll.
Ooh, OK.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
Great.
Just give me a second to warm up.
Yeah.
You think you're doing it?
Yeah, of course.
It's my mission, my responsibility.
Besides, I don't want you getting hurt.
You know, I get that this
is your misguided attempt
at chivalry, but it makes
more sense if I do it.
Why?
I'm smaller.
You're not gonna fit onto that shelf.
And the jump rope is not
gonna hold your weight.
- It might.
- Really?
Yeah.
What are you trying to prove?
I'm not trying to prove anything.
So then you don't mind if I do it.
No.
I guess not.
Great.
Is it OK if I...
Oh.
Yeah, sure.
Thanks.
Got it.
Nice!
Wow, good.
OK.
OK, good.
Jump rope.
Here, here, here!
Oh, good.
Ooh.
And a catch.
And a good throw.
Yep, careful.
OK, careful, careful.
Yes!
Yes, OK.
Great.
Now come down.
Whoa!
Oh, whoa!
You OK?
Yeah, you caught me.
Yeah.
Good work.
Yeah, you too.
You all aren't leaving
until you clean this mess up.
OK, we'll see you soon.
Bye.
So I spoke to the warehouse.
They have the skateboard
for Clarkin's granddaughter.
- Hmm.
- They're expecting us soon.
Great.
And I called the other stores and
confirmed they have the rest
of the presents available.
- Amazing.
- Mm-hmm.
Hey, do you know where we're
picking up the toy train?
Is it the next stop?
I don't know.
Check the list.
Oh, you know what?
On second thought, do you mind
if we just pull over real quick?
My dad's called me a few times.
Yeah, mine too.
No peeking.
I wasn't peeking.
You were totally peeking.
Was not.
There he is.
Hey, what's up?
Josh, thanks for finally calling us back.
How's the traitor's daughter?
The recipe calls for 2
and 1/2 cups of sugar,
not two and a haphazard scoop.
We're making chocolate
chip cookies, not
staging a military offensive.
Baking is just as precise
as war, if not more so.
Hi, Blair.
Has the Cannon gone off yet?
He's not bad.
He's not a pain to work with?
I bet he's got an ego
the size of an Abrams tank.
I bet she's wound
tighter than a tourniquet.
He's fine.
She's fine.
What's up, Joshie?
Hey.
Amanda.
Hey!
Listen, I don't have if Tate's train yet,
but I promise I'm going to get it.
Josh, it's OK.
I know you're doing your best,
but it's not your fault.
And it's not your job to fix it.
Hey, don't doubt a Cannon man.
My son can do anything
he sets his mind to.
Yeah, Dad's right.
I've got it handled.
I mean, I guess, Josh
does have a bit of an ego.
But he also has a big
heart and huge biceps.
Just saying.
Why would you just say that?
I immediately regret that.
When do you get home, Blair?
Have fun, you two.
So, how much flour?
We'll just start over.
That batch didn't feel right.
Excuse me.
Hi.
Hey, we're Captain
Cannon and Captain Birch
here for a pink skateboard.
Oh, yeah.
Yeah, it's right over there
waiting for you, guys.
Great.
Just on the other side
of that locked door.
Oops.
I'm sorry?
Yeah.
I totally locked myself out.
Eggnog fog.
It's a real thing.
Doctor said it's...
Yeah, it is.
It affects a lot of people.
They put a lot of sugar in that eggnog.
So I called about getting a spare key,
but no one wants to bring
one out due to the holiday.
But I did talk to my boss.
Plan is to open up in just
like, uh, one hour...
Oh, great.
And two days.
No, no.
No, no, no, we can't wait that long.
We need that pink skateboard
underneath Colonel Clarkin's
tree tomorrow morning.
OK, well, I don't know
who Colonel Clarkin is.
Yeah.
But I wish there was
something I could do, really,
as a former service member.
Coast Guard.
Corporal Doug Chamberlain.
Hey, nice to meet you.
Ahooga.
That's, you know the boat sound.
Yeah, that's the deal.
So, anyway, I'm gonna take
off as we're locked out, so...
No, no, no.
No, no.
Oh, hey.
Take a breath.
All right.
What she means is, could
you just give us a second
and see if we can't
come up with a new COA?
Course of action.
Right, yeah.
Let's do that.
Two courses of action.
Yep, OK.
I'll do one and you guys do the other.
How are we supposed
to get that skateboard?
Yeah, we'll figure it out.
What's going on with you and Clarkin?
He supposed to talk to your
monitor about a new role?
What am I missing here?
Yeah.
You know, before he retires, I...
I want to be a TBS
company commander.
Oh, you want my job.
No, not your job.
Just the same job as you.
No, I know what you meant.
I've always wanted
to mentor young Marines,
to teach and motivate
them like my dad did.
And, well, my fate is in Clarkin's hands.
So if we don't get that skateboard,
then I don't get my dream job.
Yeah, you're not the only one
with something to lose, Blair.
I put my name on the line
after what happened
at the Christmas party.
If we fail, I could be relieved of duty.
Well, we won't let that happen.
We just need a plan.
OK.
So front door is locked.
Mm-hmm.
But you know what they say.
When one door closes, a window opens.
Well, I don't know about a
window, but how about a chimney?
Yes.
Dougie.
Thanks to the blueprints you gave us
at the warehouse, Josh and I
formulated a tactical operation,
but we need your help.
Hit me.
It's a classic urban breach.
Get in, get the skateboard, get out.
It's the getting in that's the problem.
The front door is locked,
so we need another entrance.
Oh.
- The chimney!
- Oh.
How?
We're calling it Operation Old St. Nick.
Warehouse doesn't have a chimney.
No, he just gets really
excited about Santa.
It's actually a roof ventilation duct.
You know, it's close enough.
Close enough.
Same thing.
So, step one, recon.
According to the schematics,
the chimney's...
Ventilation duct.
The chimney's diameter is 42 inches,
wide enough to facilitate the
passage of an adult human man.
Me.
Well...
You.
Yeah.
Right.
Step two, isolate the breach point.
Step three, secure a foothold from which
you can achieve the objective.
Here comes Santa Claus.
I thought you said this chimney
hadn't been used in years.
It's a roof ventilation duct.
And I said it hadn't
been cleaned in years.
And finally, step four,
seize the objective.
Step five, eggnog?
OK, I'm coming.
Ah!
Whoa!
Ooh.
Josh?
Josh, are you OK?
Josh, she's talking to you.
Josh!
OK, the rope is slack,
so he is either on the ground
or he disintegrated.
You're not gonna find him.
I'm sure he's fine.
80% sure.
Maybe 70.
Wait.
Ho ho ho.
Oh, wow.
You know, for a second
there, you had me worried.
Oh, that's adorable.
- You were worried about me?
- You know what?
Forget it. I shouldn't have said anything.
Your head is big enough already.
Oh, I love this song.
Silent night, holy night.
All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon virgin...
Mother and Child.
What?
I got carried away.
I love that song.
You have an incredible voice.
Thanks.
Where'd you learn to sing like that?
Well, I guess I've
been holding out on you.
I do have one Christmas tradition.
When I was growing up, my mom
would take me caroling.
And I was so bad.
I was off key, no confidence.
But my mom, she taught me.
She was a singer, too?
Classically trained.
She used to perform with the opera.
But eventually, that became
impossible because we
moved around so much.
So she became a vocal coach instead.
Yeah, it's a tough life
being a military spouse.
It is.
She taught me how to read music.
And every day after school, she
would make me drill my scales.
And I liked singing, but it was hard.
You know?
And she always said,
nothing good comes easy.
Type two fun.
Type two fun.
The house got quiet after she died.
And I get why my dad wouldn't want
us to listen to carol again.
Maybe I'll sing for him
tomorrow... my gift to him.
I'm sure he'd love that.
Yeah.
I mean, you got him like,
a gift-gift too, right?
Yeah, of course I did.
Yeah.
I got him a pair of fuzzy socks.
You got him socks?
What?
They were on his wish list.
They're really cute.
They have these little golf balls on 'em,
and he gets cold feet.
Socks?
OK, fine.
I'll get him something else.
Jeez, gift shamer.
You're right.
I'm sorry.
I'm sure he will love the socks.
No, you're right.
I'll think outside the socks.
That's terrible.
I know.
It's not even funny.
Hey, well, your sense
of humor is rubbing off on me.
Thanks again.
Yeah, thank you.
Hey, so I went to the record
store and I got my dad a vinyl.
It's the album that he and my
mom danced to at their wedding.
- Aw.
- Yeah.
I think you're right.
I always am.
About him liking this
better than the socks.
It wasn't a general statement.
Oh.
Oh, sorry.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas to you.
Are you two in town for the parade?
No. No, I wish.
Here for work, not pleasure.
Of course.
When you love your partner,
work can be a pleasure.
Oh, no no, no, we're...
We're not partners.
But before we go, I think
we're missing one of the toys.
It's a train.
On the phone, you said you
had a Pere Marquette 1225.
Right, I'm so sorry, I meant to tell you.
When you two called earlier, I
didn't realize that my husband
had just sold the last one.
Oh, OK.
Well, thanks anyway.
Merry Christmas.
We better start loading up.
This is gonna set us back a little bit.
Oh, we actually have volunteers
from USAA to help us out.
Here you go.
Oh, awesome.
Thanks, guys.
Thanks, brother.
Merry Christmas.
Thank you so much.
OK, so we have all the toys
on the list except one.
And we made up some time,
so we're back on schedule.
Great.
Hey, so what's the deal with this train?
It's for my nephew, Tate...
Amanda's son.
He's four.
His dad's deployed,
won't be back for months.
He looks like a really sweet kid.
He is.
And all he wants for Christmas
is this super specific train.
I was supposed to bring it
home to him, save Christmas.
Wait, I have an idea.
What's the name of the train?
It's a Pere Marquette 1225.
Ow, ow, ow, ow.
Ah.
You're supposed to string
the popcorn, not eat it.
I can't help it.
I'm hungry.
We have been baking
and stringing all day.
We missed lunch.
We're behind schedule because
of the gingerbread debacle.
I maintain that your oven cooks too hot.
We gotta make up time.
Sergeant Major.
Richard.
All due respect, in the
military, order is necessary.
On Christmas, not so much.
The point is to enjoy, to give,
to bond with your loved ones,
to lose track of time, building
snowmen until your nose is red,
and your fingers are numb.
I know you're trying to make
up for lost time in retirement,
but you can't do it by over scheduling.
Not everything in life
has to be so militant.
Blair.
Hey, Dad, I need a favor.
So we picked up all the presents,
except one is missing
a model train for this cute
little four-year-old boy whose
dad is gone on deployment.
And he's going to be
so disappointed, which
is why I'm wondering...
you don't by any chance
happen to have a Pierre Marquette 1225
that you'd be willing to part
with on behalf of Santa?
Blair, the 1225
is a collector's train.
It's not a toy, which...
I guess I could try to
dig it out of storage.
But when do you need it by?
Tomorrow, 7:00 AM.
If it's too much to ask...
It's not.
The schedule is less
important than the giving joy.
Thank you, Dad.
Love you.
Love you.
OK.
We need to split up.
That train could be in one
of eight different places.
All right, my dad is on it.
What?
I would have figured
out some other solution.
Just say thank you.
Thank you.
That was very thoughtful.
You know, I didn't move back here
for the company commander gig.
Don't get me wrong.
I'm excited.
I'm not trying to diminish your dream job.
I came back for my family.
My Dad's getting older.
Brother-in-law's deployed.
Amanda is expecting her second child.
It's time for me to step up.
Well, what does Amanda
think about all that?
She thinks I put too
much pressure on myself.
But she literally quit the
Marines to be a mom full-time.
Oh, yeah?
Oh, yeah.
Used to be a Motor T mechanic.
Loved it too.
Wow.
She can sacrifice all that,
I figure the least I can do
is transfer here, be the best
uncle that I can for Tate,
support my sister through her pregnancy.
It's a lot to take on.
Nothing I can't handle.
Well, of course not.
You can handle anything.
I mean, you are the man
who saved Christmas.
- Shall we?
- Yeah.
Yeah.
Oh, shoot.
Looks like the road's
blocked off here, too.
Must be the parade.
Can we go around it?
Uh, It doesn't look like it.
We can't get behind schedule.
Well, I think we're trapped.
Looks like, unfortunately,
you have no choice but to face
a little Christmas cheer.
Here you go. Thank you.
- Thank you so much.
- Enjoy, guys.
Yeah, Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Mm.
Mm.
OK, I'm glad we stopped.
This is amazing.
Snowballs.
I totally forgot about these.
Can't wait to recreate this at my house.
You really do love baking.
Yeah, I do, ever since I was a kid.
My sixth birthday, I asked for a whisk.
That's adorable.
I'm sure the ladies love that.
Yeah.
I don't know about that.
Dating is kind of hard with
our lifestyle, you know.
I was with my ex, Kat, for two years.
Then I deployed
to Germany for six months,
and that was the end of that.
I'm sorry.
I'm not.
We should have been more honest
with each other from the start.
Instead, we just buried
our heads in the sand.
Lesson learned.
And speaking of lessons learned,
I'm really sorry about
what happened back at TBS.
I should have told you my intentions
and been honest sooner.
I appreciate that, but it's
not like you took the only
available spot in the infantry.
I could have done a lateral
move later, gone to IOC.
Plus, now seeing your passion,
I know you didn't betray me.
What about you, your dating life?
Oh, well, I just broke up with this guy.
He dumped me and immediately started
dating a Pilates influencer.
I'm so sorry.
That must have hurt.
I mean, honestly, yeah,
it did make me doubt myself.
Blair, you are smart, and determined,
courageous, exasperating, beautiful.
I mean, if Mike couldn't see
that, he must have been blind.
You know, actually, he was
colorblind because his outfits,
they never matched.
So have you ever dated a Marine before?
A few of 'em, yeah.
They always get weirdly
competitive with me.
Oh, they get competitive with you?
Hey, I'm... "let's push
each other" competitive.
There's a difference between
that and the "you threaten me"
kind of competitive.
Yeah, you do push me to be better.
I see that now.
I may have been a bit threatened
by you back then at TBS.
A bit?
OK, I deserved that.
In fairness, it wasn't even about you.
I think it was because
maybe because of the pressure
my dad puts on me, the pressure
that I put on myself trying to please him.
Yeah, I get that.
But, I mean, at the end of the day,
you can't live your life just
trying to please everyone else.
You know?
It should be about what you want.
Yeah.
And what do you want, Blair,
other than my job, apparently?
I... I want to live an adventurous life
travel, fall in love.
And most importantly, I want
a true partner like my parents
had
someone who pushes me to be
a better person, someone
who challenges me, as long as
they can take it when they get
beat.
Sure, as long as you're
not afraid of a rematch.
What's up there?
Oh, look.
Ho ho ho!
Everybody gathers together.
Hearts are full, love everywhere.
What are you doing?
And all the children.
Playing in the snow
Christmas is in the air.
OK, I'll admit you've got some moves.
Well, it's easy when
you've got a good partner.
I... I thought we weren't partners.
That's what you said to the shopkeeper.
I wasn't sure if you wanted to be.
What?
You make pizza for Santa?
Yes.
What kind of pizza?
Meat lovers.
Meat lovers?
It's his favorite.
I guess that makes sense.
There's probably not a lot
of pepperoni at the North Pole.
Whoa.
The snow's picking up.
It's not gonna be an easy drive home.
Don't worry.
We'll make it back with plenty of time.
We should stop for fuel real quick.
Right here.
Wait, is it closed?
How is that possible?
Google said it was open.
There are no other
stations we can go to?
There's one rickety mom
and pop shop about a mile away,
but they don't even have
a phone number listed.
It's worth a shot.
OK, it's just down this way.
Wait, wait, wait.
Don't close yet.
Please don't close.
Sorry, guys.
I'm out of diesel anyways.
There's got to be
something you can do, sir.
Fred.
Please, Fred.
We're Marines from the Quantico base.
We got a truck full of gifts back there.
If we don't get back by tomorrow
morning, none of those kids
are gonna have Christmas presents.
I know the pressures of parenthood.
I've got kids of my own.
Oh, no, we're not...
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Parenthood is tough stuff.
Yeah... mom, dad.
I'll tell you what.
I've got a stock of extra
diesel not far from here.
And, hey, seeing as you two
are all about helping the kids,
I'm wondering if you wouldn't
mind doing me a favor, too.
Yeah.
Name it.
Scoot it.
Thank you.
But if you have to go
to a bajillion houses,
why are you here?
Well, because my reindeer got tired.
I had to make a pit stop so they
could stretch their legs.
Where are the reindeer now?
They are around the block.
Can I go pet them?
Well, actually, reindeer
are allergic to little girls.
Sorry.
Oh, OK.
When I grow up, I want
to fly just like Santa.
Actually.
Well, you can learn
to fly just like Santa does.
In a sleigh?
Even better, in a plane.
You could be a pilot and zoom
around the sky like, wee!
Wee!
Wee!
Daddy!
Daddy!
When I grow up, I want to be a pilot
and zoom around the clouds.
And on Christmas, I can hang
out with Santa in the sky.
All right, kiddo.
It's time to get home.
But, Dad, I want to go with Santa.
I want to fly with Santa.
Honey, we have to get
home so Santa can come.
OK.
OK, these are Santa-worthy.
Oh, you've got a little...
Hmm?
Here.
Thank you.
You know, we work
shockingly well together.
My dad would cringe
if he heard you say that.
Mine, too.
Yeah.
And honestly, if you
told me six years ago
that I'd come to think of you as a partner,
I would not have believed you.
What?
Nothing.
I just always wondered if we
hadn't gotten in that fight,
what might have happened.
What might have happened between us?
Yeah.
Is that crazy?
Santa!
Oh!
Santa, you have to take me with you.
I want to see the North
Pole and meet Mrs. Claus,
and hang out with all the elves.
Please?
I... thanks for helping out.
Yeah.
Sorry.
Thank you.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
OK.
You're fine.
Oh.
Roads are getting a little treacherous.
There was a wreck on the interstate.
This is saving us an hour.
Blair, I think we should
head back to the highway.
Well, we have to make up time.
We'll be fine.
Well, speaking of time,
it's Christmas Day.
Merry Christmas, Blair.
Merry Christmas, Josh.
Oh, what's going on?
Uh...
What are you doing?
We're losing pressure.
I have to pull over
before the brakes lock up.
Whoa.
What does that mean?
This is really bad.
Hey, I didn't do anything differently.
The truck just sort of fritzed out.
It's probably
just a hose or something.
I'm sure I can fix it.
I mean, are you sure?
I thought you hadn't worked with
this kind of vehicle before.
I mean, it's not like a normal truck.
I know.
I got it.
Maybe we should just
call somebody for help.
Blair, it's the middle
of the night on Christmas.
I can do it.
OK.
Well, if you can't, it doesn't
make you a bad Marine or
a bad son or a bad uncle.
I know.
Do you?
I can fix this truck.
OK.
Whatever you say.
I'm gonna go look it up in my phone.
No, no, no, no, no.
Hello?
Oh, hi.
- You're not Josh.
- No.
Hi.
Sorry, it's Blair.
I was just checking in with my brother.
He said he was gonna text
when he got back to base,
but he never did.
Yeah, that's because we haven't
made it back to base yet.
What?
Hey, you... you were
a Motor T mech, right?
Yeah.
Hey, it's Amanda.
What?
If you won't let me help, at least let her.
Hi, Amanda.
You broke down in a 5-ton
and you didn't call me?
Dude, fixing these things
was literally my job.
I didn't want to wake you.
Nuh-uh.
No, no chance I'm buying that.
Josh, why is it so hard
for you to ask for help?
I don't know.
Honestly, it's probably because of Dad.
Yes, it definitely is.
I'm... I'm glad you see this.
Say more.
Dad's always been tough on me.
But when I joined the corp, it got worse.
I was never strong enough,
fast enough, wasn't good enough
to make the infantry.
Never asked him for help with anything.
He just told me to do it myself.
I love Dad, but he puts
way too much pressure on you.
He's so stubborn.
Can't let go of any disagreements.
I know.
I worry he's going to get lonely.
And I worry
about you getting lonely.
What do you mean?
Josh, I love you.
You're funny and sweet.
You care deeply about others.
But you've internalized this idea
that you have to do everything yourself,
which means you're not a good partner.
You have to learn how to ask for help.
If you put the whole
world on your shoulders,
eventually you're going to crumble.
OK, OK, I hear you.
Amanda, will you please
help me fix this truck?
I thought you'd never ask.
That's the air governor
auxiliary supply line.
The truck won't build
air pressure without it.
There's a hole in it.
Hmm, that's your issue.
Do you have any spare
hose in the truck?
No, there's nothing.
Well, luckily, you're a Marine.
Gonna have to improvise.
You're gonna need something
to wrap around the hose.
There's a bunch of toys
in the back of the truck.
So not to be the nosy sister,
but what's the deal with you and Blair?
It's hard to explain.
She can be super competitive.
Like you?
OK, I'm getting a lot
of tough love from you today.
I'm just saying.
It seems like you two are
cut from the same cloth.
Maybe you could grow together.
Yeah, I don't know.
I mean, I thought that before,
but I don't want to hurt her.
Well, if that's how you feel.
I feel like, what do I do now?
I got a tube and a roll of Christmas tape.
Cool, cool, cool.
Wrap the tube around
the break in the air line
and tape it really tight.
OK.
Wrap the tube.
OK.
That's it?
That's it.
Start the engine.
I think I fixed it.
You start the truck.
Sure.
I did it!
We did it!
Hey, Amanda.
Yeah?
I think you're
right about me and Blair.
We do make a good team,
but I think I ruined it.
Oh.
What time is it?
We're late.
What?
Kids will be awake any
minute without presents.
And I can kiss that company
commander job goodbye.
Well, at least you have
a proven track record here.
People will cut you some slack.
I got to base three weeks
ago, and somehow I've already
managed to upset a colonel,
mess up Christmas duty,
and fail my first mission.
I get relieved of duty
and have to leave Quantico,
I will have failed my family, too.
You're late.
The Christmas presents
aren't under Christmas trees.
Sir, the presents are in the truck.
The kids are already awake.
I know, sir.
Now, this mission was your idea,
and I hold you responsible.
This is not what I had in mind
as my last days in charge here.
It's my fault, sir.
I routed us poorly.
I took a shortcut.
And when the truck broke down,
we were too far from the highway
to get help.
I'm the reason we didn't
make it back in time.
I had high hopes for you, Captain.
I'll have to report this.
Yes, sir.
I respect your honesty, Captain Birch.
After the holiday, I'll talk
to your commanding officer
about a suitable punishment.
Captain Cannon, take this as a warning.
I expect this run of poor
decisions to end here.
Yes, sir.
You're both dismissed.
Blair.
Blair, hang on a second.
Blair, wait.
You didn't have to take the blame.
I know.
You didn't ask me to step in.
You didn't ask for my help.
Don't worry, I'm not
waiting for a thank you.
I wanted you to get that job.
I did, too.
But there are more
important things than a job.
If I get stationed somewhere
else, my dad's retired,
and he could follow me.
But your family needs you here.
Blair.
It's OK.
It's for the best, really.
I mean, it's clear that
we can't work together
as coworkers or anything more.
Blair.
My dad found Tate's train,
so I'll leave it on our porch.
You have no reason to feel guilty.
It's Blair's fault.
No, it was our fault. She
shouldn't have taken the fall.
I disagree.
She owed you one.
Seriously, Dad?
You still can't let that go?
You've got impossible
standards for people.
And when they let you down,
you just hold on to it forever.
Why do you think I'm
so afraid to disappoint you?
Well, that's not fair.
No, it's true.
I mean, think about it.
Do you ever think you're the problem
your pride, your grudges,
your stubbornness?
I am not stubborn.
Dad, look, I get it because
you passed it all down to me.
But I'm going to change.
And I hope that you'll decide
that you want to change, too.
I gotta go.
Captain Claus, what
are you doing on my doorstep?
Colonel, I know this is unorthodox.
It's not Blair's fault we were late.
It was our fault. Blair
is an excellent officer.
She would be an incredible mentor
for the young officers here.
Sir, I'd be lucky.
We'd be lucky to have her on our team.
Santa?
Ho ho ho!
Little Miss Layla.
I am so sorry that I am late, but
the elves have been
working overtime on a very
special gift just for you.
Let's see what we've got in Santa's bag.
Thank you, Santa.
Here you go.
Merry Christmas!
So, what do you,
so what do you say, sir?
That was a special gift you
just gave my granddaughter.
And in the spirit of Christmas, I
won't mention your tardiness to Captain.
Birch's commanding officer.
Tell Captain Birch I'll talk to her monitor
about becoming company
commander, if the two of you
deliver the rest of those
presents in costume.
That's an order, Cannon.
Yes, sir.
I don't understand.
Why take the fall?
Why sacrifice your promotion
for that Cannon?
Because I...
I care about him.
You care about him?
Yesterday, you hated him.
What happened?
Dad, you were right.
For so many years, I've
been so focused on work.
And today, I just...
I had fun.
Not type two fun.
Just fun-fun.
And that's because of Josh.
I want to hang out on Christmas,
do silly traditions,
spend quality time with the ones I love.
Yesterday was so special.
Josh and I, we
we helped all the families on base.
We connected with our community,
and we saved Christmas.
Well, at least we almost did.
Well, how nice that
Cliff Cannon's son taught
you the meaning of Christmas.
It's not as if I spent weeks preparing
and trying to schedule the most
perfect, the most magical...
Look.
Hang on.
Hang on.
Josh?
Ooh.
What are you doing here?
We're here for the train.
You were supposed
to leave it on the stoop.
I'm sorry.
He insisted on coming
with me as my backup.
What about the train?
Yeah, I was going to tell you.
I just didn't get around to it yet.
The... the train was sort of a
a favor.
For us.
I'm parting with a vintage
collector's train for Cliff?
No, no, not
for Cliff, for his grandson.
I thought you bought the train.
You asked Richard to do us a favor?
So you put my daughter up to this.
I should have known.
What else is going on between you two?
Oh.
Hey!
What are you implying,
Richard, that our kids
are going to date?
That's absurd.
I mean, it's not that absurd.
OK, OK, let's just all calm down.
This is all your fault.
- Dad?
- Of course.
Everything's always
my fault. What are you
gonna do, Birch, narc on me?
Dad.
You don't have power over me anymore.
We're retired.
You still making the same mistakes
every time after retirement!
Your retirement!
Snowball fight!
Are you with me, Cannon?
I'm with you.
I need covering fire.
Ooh!
OK, OK, we will surrender!
We surrender!
Hey.
Cannon?
- All right, you... you got it.
- Perfect.
- That was pretty good.
- It's the beard, I think.
- Hey!
- Yes.
Hey, I don't know you still have that.
I do.
I have a lot of that.
That one throw your hat?
No.
I lost my arm.
Oh.
- Ooh.
- Pretty tough.
I'm not surprised.
That was quite the battle.
Nice to be on the same side for once.
Come on, Cliff.
Don't you think it's time to let it go?
I may have broken your rules
and played a few jokes,
but you took it too far.
You blocked my promotion.
Cliff, I voted to promote
you, but I was outvoted.
By who?
You want me to name names?
No.
I'm sorry.
It's in the past, and I
got to let the grudges go.
My son recently pointed
out that I can be stubborn.
But you're right.
It's time to bury the hatchet.
Consider it buried.
Our family always sees us
the clearest, don't they?
Michelle certainly gave
me a piece of her mind.
When she got sick, told me
to stop working so hard.
Relax.
Spend more time with Blair.
I'm sorry for your loss, Richard.
Michelle was a spectacular woman.
I miss her every day,
especially around the holidays.
But I'm really sorry I tried
to fix everything myself.
I know I just pushed you away.
And the truth is, I couldn't have
accomplished anything that
we did yesterday without you.
I just wish I'd handled the day's
challenges a little better.
Well, I didn't exactly make it easy on you.
I don't want easy.
I want a partnership.
I talked to Colonel Clarkin.
He's going to recommend you
for a company commander.
How did you get him to agree to that?
I took responsibility and made
his granddaughter's day.
Turns out it's hard to say no to Santa.
I believe that.
But there is one caveat.
We have to deliver
the rest of the presents
right now, in costume.
Blair, will you complete
this mission with me?
Here.
I'm sure you want to get
this to your grandson
sooner rather than later.
No. Oh, like that.
OK.
OK.
Why don't you come with me?
Join us for Christmas.
Wow.
The Corps is really making a statement
with their new uniforms.
Yeah.
Blair, I'm sorry.
I should have known I couldn't
force Christmas spirit on you.
I promise I will do better next year.
It's OK, Dad.
I know you meant well.
And besides, Christmas isn't over yet.
I suppose I owe you an apology, too,
and a thank you for facilitating
our reconciliation.
Well, it was a long time coming.
Yes, it was.
What'd I miss?
A Christmas miracle?
I would love to be a part of it.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Let's see what we have in here.
Thank you, Santa!
You're welcome, Ellie.
Last one.
Merry Christmas!
Let's see what we have in here for you.
All right.
Goodbye.
Merry Christmas.
Well, Captain Birch, mission complete.
Well, almost.
Do you want to come
over for Christmas?
Mm-hmm.
Silent night, holy night.
All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child.
Holy Infant so tender and mild.
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Sleep in heavenly peace
Thank you.
That was beautiful, Sweetheart.
Your mom would be so proud.
Thanks, Dad.
I love you.
I love you.
Oh, my goodness, you are incredible.
Thank you.
By the way, your description
of the sweater
did not do it justice.
It really is quite fashionable.
Oh, thanks.
Hmm.
You know, I could get you
a matching one next year,
if you'd like.
OK.
OK.
Watch out!
Ah!
It's a beautiful Christmas Day.
Are you ready for that rematch?
Born ready.
Ready, set...
Hold on, hold on.
- Wait a second.
- What?
What?
What's this right here?