Christmas Under the Lights (2024) Movie Script
1
[]
[woman]
Thank you for coming!
[]
Where are your gloves?
The weather's cold,
but the chocolate's hot,
so go get some!
Oh, Pearl! Hi!
Okay, here we go!
Five, four...
[crowd counting]
...Three... two, one--
- [power turns on]
- [cheering]
Welcome! Welcome! Come on in!
Oh, it's so good
to see you, Eddie.
Oh, hey!
Oh, Tim, hi!
Nice to see you!
Patiently waiting for Santa
We could wear...
Good to see you!
...Matching pajamas...
Hi!
Oh, remember,
it's @lightmasq--
with a "Q", not a "K".
I heard you hit 8 million
followers this week?
Nicely done!
Oh, don't forget your gift bags
on the way out--
free light-therapy mask.
- Merry Christmas!
- Emily?
Hi!
Okay, this has far exceeded
my expectations.
Oh, I'm so glad.
A great product deserves
a great launch party.
Thank you.
Well, I'll be sure to tell
your boss
just how happy
we all are.
I'd appreciate that.
You know,
I heard about the lay-offs,
and they were very smart
to keep you.
No doubt you're gonna be
running the company one day.
Oh! [laughs]
Well, I love what I do.
And now I have
the constant hum of anxiety
to keep me on my toes.
So, are you going home
for the holidays?
Uh, no. L.A. is my home.
Well, you know what I mean--
gonna visit family?
Anything like that?
Oh--
have you met Fynne?
Fynne!
Aurora, this is Fynne.
She is a rising star on YouTube
and BeautyTok.
Fynne, this is Aurora.
She's the CEO and Founder
of Light MasQ.
Oh... Oh, my gosh!
Lowkey--
your light-therapy masks slaps.
[Emily] "Slaps" is good.
- Okay. Great!
- We love when it slaps.
You two
should discuss a collaboration.
Yeah. Oh, my gosh.
I would love to.
Let's take a selfie!
That's my dream
It's the season
I feel it
[message alert chimes]
On to the next.
[rooster crows]
[clucking]
[munching]
[Nick] Not available?
They booked somewhere else?
Right. I understand.
Oh, of course,
we want you here--
it's the 25th anniversary.
Yeah, I should've
reached out sooner.
This was always
Mom's department.
[sighing]
How she ran a farm
and a Christmas carnival, I...
Look, Ed,
uh, if anything changes,
and-and you can make it,
we'd really appreciate it.
Thanks.
[beeps phone off]
[hammer thumping wood]
Beautiful day.
- Isn't it?
- Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
Uh, I'm gonna be done here
in a few days.
It would go a lot faster
if Beau didn't keep
trying to escape.
[braying]
That's not Beau,
that's Rudy.
Ru-- okay, you got,
like, a hundred animals.
103? Excuse me.
Rudy, I'm sorry.
Hopefully, you'll forgive me.
Maybe if I stay
another six months,
I'll get all your names right--
eventually.
I doubt it.
Yeah.
Longer I stay here,
the more I realize
how much I needed
a change of scenery.
Can't thank you enough
for letting me stay
and get back on my feet.
Once I'm done here,
what else can I do
to earn my keep?
You feel like organizing
a Christmas Carnival?
That's not really my thing.
- [Nick sighs]
- Why, what's up?
Everything okay?
Carnival's not like a farm--
animals are easy.
There's a schedule.
You feed 'em, groom 'em,
clean up.
I just-- I never considered
having to do this.
It's not like Mom had time
to prepare a manual.
What about your sister?
She's in L.A.
She hasn't been back
for the carnival in years.
What, she doesn't
come home for Christmas?
It's a busy time at work.
Doesn't hurt to ask.
It's a big ask.
What's the worst
that she could say?
Absolutely not!
I wouldn't even begin
to know everything
that she would do, and--
[Nick] I hear you.
And then--
the vendors, the partnerships,
all those handshake agreements.
No, thank you.
[chuckles]
Yeah, I hear you.
Not to mention,
there's a whole bunch of people
that I just don't know.
I haven't seen these people
in years. I--
Well, it's mostly
the same people
who've been around
our whole lives.
[chuckles]
Your whole life, not mine.
I hear you.
Yeah, I-I feel like
you would have liked it here,
if you'd ever
given it a chance.
Yeah, I'm not really
a ranch girl.
It's a farm!
I don't even
like ranch dressing.
Okay, Em...
I'm not asking you
to like ranch dressing,
or Meadow Grove,
or anything--
I-I just can't do it.
Sure you can!
I'm not really
the event type,
much less
the event-planning type.
If I can't get
your help on this,
I don't know
if it's gonna happen.
[whimpers]
[whining] Why me?
[knocking on door]
[Melody] Can I come in?
[door opens]
- I don't wanna leave.
- [siren wails in distance]
[Melody] I know, baby.
I'm gonna miss it, too,
but you're gonna love
Meadow Grove.
I know it-- you're gonna
make so many new friends.
I don't understand
why we're going.
Think about Sir Barnaby.
We rescued him, right?
There's so many more animals
that need to be rescued.
Why can't
we bring them all here?
- [car horn honks]
- [Melody chuckles]
I don't think our landlord
would like that very much.
I don't like the landlord.
[laughs] Yeah, I don't
like the landlord either.
But where we're going,
we'll be our own landlord.
It'll be a place
that I own--
that you and Nick
will own one day.
And we can save
as many animals as we want.
You could have five Barnabys.
[pensively]
Five Barnabys...
Absolutely.
Whatever you want.
I wanna stay in Seattle.
Just give it a chance, Em.
Who knows?
Maybe you'll wanna stay.
[computer chimes]
[]
[]
Come on, guys.
Here, gloves!
Missy? Gloves.
Just a second, you guys.
All right?
Come on.
[gasping] Oh! Emily!
Taylor!
- Hi.
- Oh!
Why didn't you tell me
you were coming?
[Emily] It was truly
a last-minute decision.
[Taylor]
What are you doing back?
I'm helping Nick
with the Christmas Carnival.
- Oh, sweet!
- What have you been up to?
Oh, gosh-- just praying
for a full night's sleep!
[laughs]
Um, Emmet? Vivian?
You guys remember
Auntie Emily?
Hi, guys.
Yeah-- hey, Emmett.
Get that sweetener
out of your mouth, sir!
Well, how long
are you here for?
Wait, no.
You know what?
Call me tomorrow,
we'll have a proper catch-up?
- Please. I would love that.
- Okay.
Okay! Anyone not in the car
in 20 seconds
doesn't get flapjacks.
Bribery!
It just-- It works every time.
Call me!
[festive background music plays]
Hi.
What'll it be?
Do you have espresso?
I got coffee...
hot chocolate, coffee.
Do you have oat milk?
Oat milk?
How do you milkan oat?
I'm not sure.
I'll just have a coffee,
thanks.
Turtle doves
And a partridge
in a pear tree...
Give this to Nick.
He loves my flapjacks.
Always has.
Oh. I wasn't sure
you remembered who I was.
Haven't seen you in ages.
I saw you in February.
That's right. Right.
I forgot.
[]
Um, what do I owe you?
Oh, it's on the house.
Your mom gave my grandkid
a puppy last year for Christmas.
Least I can do.
Oh. Thank you.
What?
No "Merry Christmas"?
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
...Six geese a'laying
Four calling birds
Three French hens
Two turtle doves
And a partridge
in a pear tree
[braying in distance]
Rudy?
[sighing]
Rudy!
Rudy?
Rudy!
[Christmas mix plays on radio]
- [shrieking]
- [brakes screeching]
Whoa!
- Joy to the world...
- [turns radio off]
What are you doing?
What am I do--
Why are you
racing down the road
like it's the Indy 500?
You're blaming me?
You turn a corner,
you slow down.
Why?
In case someone decides
to sprint into the street?
There's animals!
Other cars!
Y-You know what?
You're clearly
not from around here.
The clothes, the car--
the fact that you don't know
how to drive.
I have places to go.
I don't have time
to summon psychic powers
to determine
when strangers
are gonna pop up
like Whac-a-Mole
in the middle of the road.
- Mm-hmm.
- Some day...
somebody's not
gonna stop for you.
Well, you almost didn't.
Is that
a Pearl's flapjack?
Yes, it was.
Now it's just a lost
rental-car deposit, thank you.
Excuse me.
Whose fault is that?
What, no "Merry Christmas"?
[snaps] Merry Christmas!
[calls out] Rudy?
Well, look who made it--
city girl.
Good to see you, Nick.
Hey, Em.
Whoa, ho-ho-ho-ho!
What happened to you?
Ugh, Meadow Grove happened.
Hi.
Place is still standing.
Yeah, barely.
You got a bag?
- Yes. Thank you.
- All right.
You haven't decorated
the trees yet.
Nope. Haven't had time.
New animals come in?
Always.
You wanna meet them?
Yeah. Yeah, let me, uh...
change out of this first.
Yeah, good idea.
Hey, is that a Pearl flapjack?
[Emily] Oh, it was.
[]
Okay, so...
that's Beau--
little tuft of hair.
And Mr. Darcy.
And, of course--
you remember Rudy?
[Emily, fondly]
Yes. Hi, Rudy.
And I've got
a couple new sheep,
a horse that needs training--
oh, and an buddy of mine
is staying with us
in the guest house.
Who's staying
in the guest house?
Oh. Em, you remember Luke?
[Emily, darkly] It's you.
[confused] I do?
She does?
He stayed with us for, like,
a week during college.
[realizing] Oh...
I thought you were less...
"city".
I was, then.
I thought you were
a lot less... "farmy".
I was, then.
I'm surprised you didn't
run into him out front.
She tried.
Mm-hmm.
So, what are you guys, uh--
what are you guys up to?
Well, he was just showing me
around at the new arrivals.
Appears some of 'em
still need training.
Apparently.
You wanna join us?
No. You know, I'm gonna go
get settled in and unpack.
Oh, you should clean your car.
You should clean my car.
Thanks for bringing it up.
I got things to do. Oh.
Don't walk so fast--
you're gonna run into something!
[goat bleats, chicken clucks]
Wh--?
[]
[Melody]
Leaving will remind you
of what you've left behind.
Besides, you always come back.
There we go!
That's my girl!
Just give it a chance, Em.
Where we're going,
we can save
as many animals as we want.
[Emily, affectionately]
Here you go. Good boy.
There you go.
- [light clicks on]
- There you go.
Oh, that's good.
Good job.
Here you go, girl...
you too.
You all good?
Yeah.
Yeah, just saying goodnight.
It's weird seeing
this place without Mom.
Yeah, tell me about it.
Glad you called.
I know it's been a while
since we've just--
Yeah. That's okay, I get it.
We're both busy,
and you live so far.
Yeah, but even before L.A.,
I mean,
since we moved here,
we haven't really
been on the same page.
You're here now.
Far as I'm concerned,
that's all that matters.
Hopefully,
we can pull this off, huh?
You think Mom ever knew that
this place would get so big?
I'm sure she'd want it
to keep getting bigger.
Yeah. Yeah, she would.
What is this?
This is new.
Oh, yeah. Um...
Luke, he, uh-- he made that.
That Luke?
Yeah, yeah, "Luke" Luke.
He's an artist.
Oh.
He also does some pretty
cool stuff with lights.
Yeah, he's had his work in
big galleries and everything.
Wait a minute--
Lucas Hodges?
That Luke
is the Lucas Hodges?
Well, there's probably
more than one Lucas Hodges
in the world, but, yeah.
I... I saw his stuff
in an exhibit years ago.
He's--
He's a really big deal!
What on Earth
is he doing here?
Uh, his wife left him,
round March,
so he asked
if he could crash here
in exchange
for work around the farm.
He seems over his ex,
but he's not really ready
to move back to the city.
Do you think he'd be interested
in making art again?
You tell me.
[]
[knocking]
Comin'.
Hi. May I come in?
[uneasily] Uh... yeah.
Make yourself at home.
I feel like we got off
on the wrong foot.
I feel like you were
driving with the wrong foot.
I think that you--
you know what?
Let's move past it.
Shall we?
Uh, I have a question for you.
I'm all ears.
Why aren't you
an artist anymore?
What? Did you not see
the fence outside?
I made that. You're telling me
that's not art?
Well, it's not art
like you used to make.
Well, just 'cause it's not
in some San Francisco gallery
doesn't make it "not art".
You are so right.
I agree, and, funny enough,
um, the art
is why I'm here.
So...
right now,
I don't feel like
we have what it takes
to make the Christmas Carnival
truly memorable
this year,
and I was thinking,
if you maybe would--
Oh, no, no, no.
Absolutely not!
You didn't hear my pitch yet.
I don't need
to hear your pitch.
Well, I know people
in the art space.
Okay, I got out
of the art space
specifically
to get away from people
who use the phrase
"art space".
Okay. Luke,
you don't belong here.
How do you know that?
Because I don't belong here,
and you're more talented
than I am--
as much as it pains me
to compliment you.
Fences are great,
but you could be doing more.
I did make more.
I was always making more--
more, more, more, more, more.
There's an endless sea of people
creating art out there.
So, thank you, but, yeah, no.
[sighs]
My mom made something
really special here...
and setting aside
my very complicated feelings
about this place,
this is her legacy.
This carnival is something
that people return to,
every single year.
And... I don't pretend
to know how to do this,
but with your help,
we can make something
really great this year.
I understand
if you're not interested--
- I'm in.
- You're in?
Yeah.
I'll try to make something
to make the carnival special.
Not for you...
but for your brother
and your mom...
who made
a really cool place here,
and raised one decent kid,
at least.
I'll take it.
Try not to run me over
again, okay?
I can't run you over again
if I never ran you over
in the first place.
Are we sure we wanna be
working together?
No, but... feels like
the right thing to do.
- I think so, too.
- All right.
- Okay.
- See you in the morning!
You won't regret it.
[]
[kisses photo]
[rooster crowing]
[crowing]
[crowing continues]
[groans]
[Luke] Good morning.
[Emily] "Good" morning?
My idea of a good morning
is some peace and quiet,
at least half an hour
of scrolling on my phone,
and no rooster anywhere
for miles,
whereas, your idea's--
Getting up at five
to tackle the day's chores
before the sun rises?
I'm gonna ignore
that completely insane thing
that you just said.
Um, I just wanted to check
on what you might be making
for the Christmas Carnival.
If... I make it.
What do you mean, "if"?
You don't know
the meaning of "if"?
But you-- you said you were
gonna make something special.
Yeah, I said I was gonna try.
To make art,
I need to be inspired,
and I'm not inspired right now.
Okay. Uh,
what can I do to inspire you?
We're-- you know, we're kind of
on a time crunch here.
Yeah, you're telling me.
If I don't finish
soaking this beet pulp,
we're gonna have
some hungry alpaca.
You know,
the Christmas Carnival
is in less than two weeks.
Is there any way that Nick
can handle some of this?
Your brother--
he did me a favor
by letting me stay here,
and, in return,
he asked that I help him out
with chores,
and I'm gonna keep
my end of the bargain.
I appreciate that.
I just wanna make sure
that you have
some time to work.
[splashing]
I am... working.
It's all up here!
Yep, that--
that's not reassuring!
[]
[Emmet] Can we go play?
Yes, fine.
Go run and play.
Okay, so this guy's gonna
make you sculptures?
Well, that's what I thought,
but so far,
all he's done
is soak beet pulp.
I don't even know
what that means.
The pulp of beets--
you soak it in water,
feed it to the alpaca.
It gives them fibre
and keeps them hydrated.
How do you even know that?
Mom held me hostage
on a ranch
- for six years.
- Yeah.
Oh, hey, ew!
Don't put that in your mouth.
What are you doing?
Well, I'm pulling up
a photo of this guy.
But-- no!
No! Don't put that in your mouth
either! Come on, dude!
How many times
do I have to tell you?
[groaning] Ohh...
Oh-kay!
This is him?
If I was single,
he could feed me beet pulp
any time he wanted.
Speaking of which, where is
your husband these days?
Jerry?
Oh, he's at the office.
He says hi, by the way.
Wait till you see him.
He's been working out
and he is lookin' whoo.
[laughs]
So what am I gonna do?
I've got less than two weeks
to figure this out.
Two weeks is plenty of time.
Michelangelo's "David"
wasn't sculpted in a day,
after all,
and neither was Luke,
I imagine.
Taylor.
Just because I don't go
to the store anymore
doesn't mean I can't
window shop on your behalf.
Tomorrow
is my white elephant party.
You're coming.
I have a babysitter!
I booked her, like,
six months ago.
I confirm every week.
It is a big deal.
How many people from
high school are gonna be there?
Oh, barely any.
- Okay, maybe a few.
- Mm.
Okay, more than a few.
No offense, but that's
not really my kind of party.
You're coming tomorrow.
Be there.
It'd be good for the carnival
for you to shake some hands,
and you know it.
Speaking of hands--
Vivian...
I don't know what that is,
but stop smearing it
on the window.
Aren't they the cutest?
[sighing]
[chuckles]
[bleating]
Hey, Em?
Uh, I'm taking off.
Where you headed?
A pick-up.
Collie, hour north of here.
Okay. Back for dinner?
Uh, doubt it.
Okay.
Hey, could you do me a favor?
Depends what it is.
You mind setting up the trees?
I brought a few in,
but they're just sitting there.
Uh, Mom always--
you know,
she was better at the--
Yeah. I'll...
I'll take care of it.
Thanks.
I have my phone on me,
if you need me.
- Okay.
- Bye.
[Emily] Bye.
[]
[Melody, echoing]
Em, you gonna help decorate?
You gonna come help us, Em?
[]
Come on...
let's dance!
Can I put the star
on top, Mom?
You know what?
Let's let Em
do it this year,
and you can do it
next year, okay?
[]
Come on.
Dance with us.
...Waiting for
the holidays...
There we go!
That's my girl!
...Wishing you were here
You were here
It might be cold outside...
[Luke] Emily?
Wish that
I could hold you tight...
[Luke] Emily?
Emily?
What are you doing?
I came in to make a sandwich,
and you were
snoring pretty loud.
I was not.
Yeah. I thought a small animal
got stuck in here somehow.
[laughs] Okay, very funny.
Nice to see you.
Good night.
You need some help?
No, I'm okay, thank you.
Let me. Let me.
You know, I used to...
help my stepmom do
the whole yard every year.
We'd do the roof, the trees,
the bushes...
we'd take our time, you know?
Revel in the Christmas spirit.
Then when I'd take it down,
my mom's spirit
would be all gone,
so she'd just cram 'em
in the box.
Well, who helps her
with her lights
now that you're a cowboy?
Not a "cowboy".
There are no cows around here.
Okay, alpaca-boy.
"Alpaca-boy"
I can live with.
Well, they're retired,
in Florida,
and they used to love
spending Christmas in the Bay
with me and my ex.
Um, but this year,
I invited them out here,
and they chose to do
a Hawaiian vacation
for Christmas instead.
So, did alpaca-boy
make any art yet?
I'm closer
than I was earlier.
Great.
So you started?
Yeah, in a sense.
You are either
the world's worst liar
or the world's
best procrastinator.
[Luke laughs]
Do you know why I love
untangling Christmas lights?
'Cause you're a glutton
for punishment?
I like doing things
that I can finish.
And you can't
finish art in a day.
You can spend all day,
you know, thinking,
trying to solve the puzzle,
and have nothing to show for it.
So, I do the dishes--
finished.
I build a fence.
There were no posts,
now there are.
Finished.
It's my way of, um,
giving my mind a break,
'cause it's only
when my mind is clear
that I can, you know,
focus on what story
I wanna tell, and...
what picture I wanna create.
So, yeah, I-I don't...
I don't know
what I wanna make yet, but...
I'm ready to receive
the inspiration when it comes.
I get it.
Did you, uh...
want to put these up
on the tree?
I will defer
to your expertise.
All right.
You still got
a lot of work to do, huh?
Yeah. Uh, you know, I can--
I can finish tomorrow.
Tomorrow?
I thought, uh--
you're not going
to the white elephant party?
Oh, are-- are you going?
Yeah. I promised your brother
that I'd go with him.
Hold on. You're going.
Okay, s-should I not go?
Give you your personal space?
Well, we've been
in the same room
for a few minutes now,
and we haven't
killed each other,
so you can do
whatever you feel like.
All right. I'll see you there.
Okay.
Yeah.
[chuckles] Yes. Yeah.
We are a little late
in the game,
but we do have a week and a half
before the Christmas carnival,
and it just wouldn't be the same
if you weren't--
yes, yeah,
I'm going to the party.
Okay. Yeah, let's chat then.
I'll see you tonight.
Bye.
[beep]
[exhales deeply]
[Luke] I can see you.
Merry Christmas.
[]
[Emily] Good morning.
Hey.
You said you needed a gift
for the white elephant?
Yeah.
- Oh!
- There you go.
Oh, my gosh.
Thank you!
This looks so good,
I could eat it myself.
Well...
[gasping]
Look at you-- being
a sweetheart to your big sister.
Not a big deal.
When did you get
so sentimental?
Oh, watch yourself!
See if I get you anything
ever again.
[giggles] What did you
get for the white elephant?
Bam!
Are you kidding?
Most popular gift of the night.
Just watch.
[scoffs]
Okay, if you say so.
[Nick] Okay.
All right, well, I will
get this wrapped up.
Thanks.
[]
[Melody, echoing]
Need help?
Maybe if you brought
your backpack, too,
you could make space
for all--
[Young Emily, snaps]
I've got it.
[packing bag]
You want some snacks?
You're not supposed
to help me run away.
Well, last time you ran away,
you said you got hungry,
so I just thought
you might need some snacks.
This isn't funny.
I'm really leaving!
And I am really--
[giggles] ...not stopping you.
I mean, I think it's good.
I think leaving will remind you
of what you've left behind.
Besides,
you always come back.
I wouldn't
if I had a credit card.
What kind of snacks
do you want?
You want me
to make mac and cheese,
or did you want a box to go,
so you can make it
yourself later?
I want you to make it.
It'll be ready in ten.
[]
[festive music playing]
[doorbell chimes]
Oh, excuse me one second.
[]
Hi!
Oh, thank you for coming!
Make yourselves at home.
The kids are with
the babysitter downstairs.
Get ready to mingle
and jingle!
Oh, look who it is.
Hey, boys.
Thank you.
Hank. Mac.
- Nick.
- Nick.
- [clinking]
- Yep.
- Yep.
- Yep.
Martin, are you coming
to the Christmas Carnival?
Because we are going to have
a record turnout
of people this year,
and how are they gonna know
who's slinging the best coffee
in Washington
unless you're there
slinging it?
Emily Ross?
[laughing]
Christina.
[gasps]
Oh, it has been so long!
Too long.
Sophia is gonna flip
when she sees you.
How've you been?
Hey. Listen. I was so sad
to hear about your mom.
She was such an angel.
Sophia! Here.
Emily... Ross?
Oh!
Mwah!
Oh, we are so devastated
that your mom
is no longer with us.
When I heard the Lord
called your mom home--
- ...We were heartbroken.
- Ohh!
Thank you. Thanks.
So when are you
moving back home?
Yeah. Nick must be
glad you're here!
Any plans
to make it permanent?
I know what
you're thinking right now--
you're thinking, "I miss this
place! I'm moving back home."
[giggling]
I don't think
that's gonna happen.
So do you have
a special someone back in L.A.?
Are you seeing
anybody these days?
I mean, none of us
is getting any younger--
Are we?
I'm assuming you want kids.
Right?
Uh, well--
Excuse me, you guys.
You mind if I just,
uh, steal my co-worker,
- just for a second?
- Not at all.
Why don't any of my co-workers
look like that?
Hope you don't mind
me interrupting?
No. Not at all.
You're my hero.
This is why
I don't come home.
Aw.
It's always the same questions.
"When are you moving back home?"
"Why aren't you married?"
"When are you
going to have kids?"
"Are you afraid
of wildfires?"
Aren't you afraid of wildfires?
People here should be
afraid of wildfires--
they're surrounded by trees!
Hmm.
In L.A., all I'm surrounded by
is yoga mats and broken dreams.
And how come people
don't ask men these questions?
Hmm? I don't see anyone
stomping up to you,
asking you
why you don't have kids,
why you're not married.
Sorry.
Sorry, I didn't mean
to bring that up.
No, no. It's okay.
Um...
sometimes, people change.
What changed, if I may ask?
Oh, we got married young
and grew apart,
and then she finally left.
It wasn't easy,
but I've done a lot of
self-reflection,
and I'm past it,
and...
I'm happy now.
You live in a guest house
on an animal farm.
It is such a nice guest house.
And, yeah, I get all the free
goat milk that I can drink.
There you are!
Okay, white elephant
is starting.
People are starting to wonder
where the two of you went.
Coming.
Yay.
Excited to have
to explain thatnow.
Yeah.
[calling out] Everybody knows
we have no trading!
All right.
What do we got here?
- One.
- Number one? Nice.
- It's not nice.
- Yeah!
It's the worst number
you can get for white elephant.
What you want is the last one.
Come on, guys.
No looking.
Hey, Tay, where's Jerry?
Outside, smoking a turkey.
Said not to wait.
Okay, so let's get started.
All right, batter up, people!
That would be me.
Okay...
just gonna get right in here.
What is it?
- Oh!
- Oh.
How cute. How cute.
Very soft.
These are quite nice.
- They are.
- I like them.
Real nice.
So nice, in fact,
that now that it's my turn,
I think I'm gonna pull
one of these--
[booing and jeering]
Yeah.
These are gonna keep
my little piggies
nice and warm this winter.
Just to clarify,
we're talking about your toes,
not your piggies
on the farm?
[laughter and taunting]
Okay, okay.
You have to open another one.
Oh, right. Okay.
Well, um--
Stop slacking!
I-I gotta do the big one,
because...
Yeah, just got to.
Okay. Let's see...
[chanting]
Open it, open it, open it.
[all cheering and oohing]
[laughter]
- Look at the size of that!
- I think it's alive.
It might be alive.
- What a hoot!
- It's a Santa!
You like it, right?
Maybe you could steal this one.
Take it home with you.
Absolutely not.
That thing is nightmare fuel.
Okay.
[Taylor]
Okay, okay. Who is next?
[]
Oh. I want Nick's gift--
the one from the fridge.
From the fridge?
That was not part of the rules!
What is in the fridge?
- Here you go, fellas--
- [cans cracking]
Well, I can't blame him,
I guess.
Merry Christmas.
[Taylor] Okay, okay!
Time for the last gift.
- Me! Okay.
- Yes, she does!
Um...
Oh, looks like
a little elf escaped
from Santa's workshop.
- Mama.
- Hi, sweetie.
Do you want to pick
Mommy's Christmas gift?
You can pick any one you like.
Have a look around.
She's goin'--
definitely going over there.
- No, the lunch kit.
- The blanket.
- Oh--
- Oh!
- Oh--
- Oh...
Ooh...
You want Big Santa?
Are you sure?
[Christina] Oh, wow, honey--
are you sure you want this?
She's sure.
Okay, coming home with you!
- Of course, it was Santa.
- Of course, it was Santa.
We're putting that
in your room, okay?
Well, we know what that means--
I, uh-- ahem.
Excuse me.
I'll take these.
Thank you very much.
Nice. Nice move.
Um, can I steal one
of the beers, at least?
You can steal the empties.
Right. Okay.
Last up is--
this is mine.
- [box rattles]
- Sounds... all right.
All right.
Okay--
- [laughter]
- All right. That's, uh--
That's kinda fitting.
[laughter]
"Rudolph."
- Oh, that is so cute!
- And the lights.
Oh, yes, very good!
Yeah!
- How do I look?
- Adorable.
Okay, everyone, so,
next on the schedule,
we're gonna do
gingerbread decorating
in the kitchen,
for those who are interested.
- No way.
- Remember these?
- Yes!
- Wow! Mom's favorite.
Yeah. She would melt
a Jolly Rancher in the cookie,
and voila.
[]
Excuse me.
Where are you going?
I have an idea.
What, no "Merry Christmas"?
[]
Should I see
if he needs anything or?
Nah. Let's let him work.
- Come on.
- Okay.
[rooster crowing]
Hello.
Hey.
Good morning!
Good... morning!
You're an early bird today, huh?
You, uh--
You hungry, too?
You want some... some breakfast?
Or what can I fix you up?
Oh, I actually prefer
my breakfast in a bowl, thanks.
Ah! A bowl's just a bucket
without a handle.
You should wait here.
[gate creaks]
Why?
I can't be responsible
for these ferocious beasts.
All right,
come and get it.
I'm coming in.
This is ridiculous.
I'd-- I-I'd get out the way
before they start spitting.
Reason 500 why I prefer
living in the city--
you're less likely to get
spit on by an animal.
Can't argue with that.
So what's this idea?
Give me the pitch.
It's actually not my idea,
it's yours.
What idea was that?
The cookie.
I don't follow.
When you think
of colored lights,
you think of Christmas, right?
Sure.
Well, what if I made
some of these Christmas images
with a...
stained-glass effect?
Like your favorite cookie.
Oh, something they can
take photos and videos with?
It's not avant-garde
or anything.
Nobody wants a reinvented wheel
at Christmas.
They want nostalgia,
romance, magic...
Something
that they can experience
with friends and family.
Mm-hmm. But we can't give them
the same old light show
that they've seen
hundreds of times before.
So, we give them
that warm, fuzzy feeling,
but we make it feel brand-new
at the same time.
I love this.
So do I.
All right, let's get started.
I can't.
Uh, why?
Still got chores to do.
No! No, come on,
this is more important.
I think several dozen
hungry animals would disagree.
Of course,
I'd be finished a lot faster
if I had an assistant.
Oh, no.
- Oh, yeah!
- No, no, no.
["The Night St. Nick Got Sick"
by Brett Eldredge plays]
Okay...
Pull up a seat
in the frosty snow
I got a story
that's gotta be told
'Bout my trip
to the ol' North Pole
So hold on tight
Hold on tight
I got lost
up in the evergreens
Most beauty
that I'd ever seen
Saw a house that glistened
and gleamed so I knocked twice
So, time to feed the goats?
We're not feeding.
We're milking.
- [bleating]
- That's Jessie.
Hi, Jessie!
Yeah, goats can produce milk
for a year or two.
Not sure how long
Jessie's been here,
but the eggnog-lover in me's
not complaining.
You make... goat-nog?
Yeah, it's exceptional.
I'm gonna go
grab some grain.
You wanna usher
Jessie over here?
Sure, yeah. I'll--
- You got it.
- ...Usher Jessie.
Okay.
- [bleating]
- Come on, girl. Come on.
How'd you grow up here
and not milk goats?
Well, we never bred goats,
so no need for milking.
All right. Easy-peasy.
Goats...
And, uh...
all set up.
Uh...
you ready?
Is one ever ready
to milk a goat?
Good point. All right.
So, up high.
Okay.
About an inch or two higher.
I really feel like
I should buy her dinner first.
[chuckles] Just squeeze.
- Oh.
- There you go.
I did it.
Yeah, you did.
- Keep going.
- Okay.
[milk hits bowl]
It's been a long time
since I had milk-milk.
Uh-oh.
You're one of those?
What? What is wrong
with nut milk and oat milk?
How do you milk an oat?
Why do people
keep asking me that?
You've been in L.A. too long.
Oat milk cannot compare
to goat milk.
All right, well...
to goats.
To goats
and to the Christmas carnival.
Mm.
That's not terrible at all.
Needs a little bit of cinnamon.
So, how'd it feel today,
getting back into farm life?
Well, I don't know
if Nick ever told you,
but I never wanted
to come here.
I was 12 when we moved,
and, you know,
Seattle had my whole life.
My friends...
everything.
And it also had
all the memories of my dad.
I knew that he was gone,
but I kinda felt like
leaving Seattle
meant erasing him.
Big change is never easy.
Mm.
Well, Nick was younger,
so he didn't have
as much invested in Seattle,
and he took to farm life
from day one.
I wasn't much help.
I would do the easy stuff--
you know, the petting,
all the brushing--
the fun stuff--
but, everything else...
you know.
I didn't make it easy on Mom.
I'm sure she could've
used the help.
Hey, I'm sure
she understood. Right?
Leaving your life as a...
as a kid,
it's gotta be rough.
I just did it as an adult,
it was awful.
Yeah, how did
you make that adjustment?
This must be light-years away
from your old world.
It is, yeah.
That's why I like it.
I-- I do miss San Fran,
and I love the city,
but, you know, sometimes,
a city doesn't love you back.
The city
or the people in it?
A little bit of both.
I kept running into things
that reminded me of her--
her friends, memories of us--
everywhere I went...
so, unplugging
and starting somewhere new,
it just felt like
I had no choice.
But you know what?
It was probably the best thing
that could've ever happened.
Hey, that-- that first day
that we met...
you know,
when you almost ran me over?
When you jumped
in front of my car?
But continue.
I probably was a little
too quick to judge.
The car, the clothes--
you probably reminded me
a little too much
of the world I'd left behind.
So, I'm sorry
that I didn't give you
the warmest welcome.
Well, you made me goat-nog,
so all is forgiven.
I'm actually...
I'm really grateful
that you're here.
I think your work is gonna
make this really special.
Well, hey,
anything I can do to help.
If only Mom could've seen me
slinging that bale of hay today.
I'm gonna be sore.
You pull a muscle?
I think
I pulled my whole body.
Well, if you need a massage...
Are you offering?
Well... I was gonna recommend
a massage therapist
the next town over
who's done wonders for me,
but if you want me--
- No! No.
- ...To give you a massage--
I-I mean, not to insult you.
I mean, I'm sure that you,
you know, are good at m--
[stammers]
...with your hands,
'cause I saw your work today.
You know, I'm sure
that you could work my muscles--
...if you were comfortable.
Um...
I'm gonna stop talking,
if that's okay?
[]
[]
All around us
we see the lights shine
Now we're looking down
and it's the right time
Got a feeling
we'll have a good time
See them dancing
in the light...
[Emily]
Hmm... Yeah, I would say
we need enough candy canes
for about 200 people.
That works? Thanks.
[]
Yeah, I was hoping
for an early arrival.
It'll be
about four hours in total.
About half an hour
to get set up?
Yes, hi!
Awesome, thank you.
Hi. Thank you.
We won't take up
too much of your time.
Okay, great, thank you.
Absolutely! Perfect.
[]
Looks good.
[]
...It's a merry
merry Christmas
[]
...It's a merry
merry Christmas-time
This is one of
the most exciting pieces
of the carnival this year,
our art installation.
I can't reveal too much,
but it's gonna be spectacular.
Let's, uh,
go meet the alpacas.
[phone camera dings
as recording begins]
If you're in Washington
next week...
you have to go
to Meadow Grove.
- [ding]
- This place has everything!
Alpacas, hay rides,
a new outdoor exhibit
by Lucas Hodges.
- [recording starts]
- I will be there.
All my friends will be there!
A full Christmas carnival
on a family-owned
rescue farm?
Ah! It's giving
"Best Christmas Ever".
I think it's all
coming together nicely.
There's still so much to do,
but...
we're on it.
[]
[bleating]
Thirsty?
Sure.
Thanks.
You get this from Jessie?
Yes, I did.
Milked her myself.
Look at you.
Look at me.
That's refreshing.
That's not from Jessie.
I lied!
- [laughs] I know.
- Wait, how'd you know?
The taste. The color.
The fact
that goat's milk
straight from the goat
isn't refrigerated--
come on!
Oh. Okay.
Well, maybe it was
from a cool goat.
It was a "cool goat"?
Did you just... ah!
- [shrieks playfully]
- Get outta here!
Yeah, see ya.
Hey, thanks
for your help today.
Aw, are you kidding?
I love animals.
I wonder
if Jerry would buy us an alpaca.
Ha! Good luck.
All right, well,
I'll see you tomorrow, okay?
Yeah. Hey.
You know he likesyou, right?
Who?
Tall, dark, and weldy?
- No.
- Mm-hmm.
I don't think so.
Last week,
he could not stand me.
Well, in high school,
Jerry couldn't stand me,
and then, ten years ago,
he comes back
from grad school...
asks me out,
out of the blue.
Too shocked to say no.
Fast forward to now,
we're on our way
to producing
half a volleyball team, so...
So what you're saying
is, in about a decade,
Luke might have a crush on me?
[laughs] No!
What I'm saying is,
attraction and annoyance
are two sides of the same coin.
Ambivalence...
that's the deal-breaker,
not annoyance.
Mm. Okay.
I'm ambivalent about finishing
this conversation.
No. No. I think you're annoyed,
which means you like
this conversation.
- [chuckles]
- See you tomorrow.
'Kay.
Hey, man.
Hey.
Um, I gotta go get more lights,
so I figured tomorrow,
after I feed everybody,
I'd go into the city.
All right. Sounds good.
I was thinking about seeing
if Emily wanted to go with me.
Mm-hmm. Cool.
And maybe while we're there,
uh, we could grab a meal...
...like, dinner.
Yeah. Have fun.
Yeah. Uh, it--
[papers rustling]
Is it...
Would it be, uh--
Would it be cool?
I'm just making sure.
[chuckles uneasily]
A... Are you asking
how I'd feel
if you asked out my sister?
Y... Mm-hmm. Yeah.
Okay. Um...
[chair rumbles forward]
Yeah, I've never really been
one of those
overprotective siblings.
I don't really
understand that, really.
Yeah, she can do
whatever she wants.
You know, she always has.
She, uh...
She deserves good things.
[chuckles awkwardly]
And-And-And-And you're a...
you're a good guy.
I-I think the two of you
would have a good time.
Thanks, man.
Okay.
Oh, once
you're finished up there,
would you mind checking
the connection
on those lights
I'm working on?
Just want to see
if the wiring's holding up.
- Will do.
- All right.
Ah, got it!
Looking good,
don't you think?
Yeah. Yeah, I do.
So...
what's the plan for tomorrow?
We still have a few days,
and most of the vendors
are already lined up.
I just have
a couple follow-up phone calls,
and then I'm set.
So, I can help
with whatever you need.
Well, we're running out
of lights, so...
I'm gonna go into the city
to pick up some more.
Good. Sounds good.
You wanna come with me?
Uh, to get... the lights?
Is that the most efficient
use of our time?
What if I take you
out to dinner while we're there?
I know it's an even
less-efficient use of our time,
but I don't know,
I think efficiency's overrated.
Just to be clear...
are we talking about
a date?
Are you...
opposed to--
[chuckles nervously]
...calling it a date?
I'm... I'm not opposed.
Are you opposed?
Uh-uh. Not at all.
Okay, then.
So you're in?
I'm in.
Great.
[energy crackling]
How's the connection?
Is it good?
[chuckling]
[]
Okay. That should do it.
So, how'd you get into this?
Uh, with the lights,
I mean.
Well, all my friends
in art school were using paint,
so there wasn't
enough left for me.
[laughs] I'm serious.
Light is... alive.
It's always... moving.
Always telling a story.
It's what allows us
to see ourselves
and our place
in the universe.
Movies are light.
The photographs that we use
to preserve our memories
are light.
Everything that shapes
and defines us
is light.
I thought that sounded cooler
than painting.
Yeah.
You might be onto something.
Yeah.
You know,
there's stars in the sky
that died
millions of years ago,
and we can still see them.
Nice, right?
You coming?
Where are we going?
There's this great spot
that does candy cane lattes.
I haven't had one in a while.
Interested?
You had me at "candy cane".
All right.
See, if they made these
with goat milk,
- that'd be game over.
- [text alert chimes]
Yeah.
Oh, it's Aurora--again.
- She's keeping tabs.
- Yeah.
- Oh, this is it!
- What?
This is the apartment
I grew up in!
I'm gonna miss it, too.
So's your brother.
[irately]
Ladies, let's go!
[Melody laughs]
He'll miss it eventually.
But, hey, when
we're all settled in,
we'll come back and visit. Okay?
It's not that far!
All your friends,
your favorite places to eat--
they're just
a couple hours away.
And we can take trips
back on the weekend.
You sure?
I'm sure.
[case thumps down]
[Melody sighs]
[rumble-thud]
But we didn't visit.
I mean, not really.
She was a single mom
with two kids
and a dozen animals,
so she just didn't have time.
Must've been tough.
For all of you.
I think it was,
for everyone except Nick.
He didn't really care.
I think he talked to the animals
more than his classmates.
You know,
Nick's kind of like an alpaca.
Underneath
all the woolly exterior,
he's got a big heart.
Now all I can picture
is someone making a sweater
out of my brother's beard.
Anyway, I just
worked really hard.
Got a scholarship to USC,
and never looked back.
I haven't been home
for the Christmas Carnival
in about ten years.
Mm. So...
what do you do for Christmas?
I sleep in.
I watch
The Muppet Christmas Carol.
Eat some leftovers
from all the Christmas parties.
Call the family
and say hello.
I really miss them,
but...
it's peaceful.
Do you, uh,
wanna take a look?
Why?
"Why not?" is the question.
What do you think?
Uh...
I think
that this place will make
some lucky tenant very happy.
That lucky tenant
could be you.
Here's my pitch--
Okay, gotta hear you
talk about pitches again.
This could be your new home,
your base.
Some people were meant
to work on a farm,
and some people
are meant to create art--
in a place like this.
And some people
are wasting their time.
And look!
Electricity is covered
by the landlord.
Think of all the lights
that you could turn on
without paying a dime.
Okay.
It even comes with
a Christmas tree and piano.
I know
what you're trying to do.
And this is a nice place,
I will admit.
But...
this is a whole new life
you're talking about.
I'm-I'm happy right now,
working on the carnival,
and getting my hands dirty
at the farm,
so this--
This...
is where you belong.
Are you trying
to get rid of me?
- Get rid of you?
- Yeah.
We'll probably never
see each other after Christmas.
I'm just trying to get you
back to doing what you do best.
We'll never
see each other again?
What do you mean?
What, are you--
you moving to L.A.?
No.
I just didn't know
if you wanted to keep in touch.
Oh?
So, you'll text me, or...
or "slide into my DMs"?
I am not sliding anywhere.
[laughs]
I just--
you know, I wouldn't have...
[sighs] I wouldn't have
asked you out to dinner
if I didn't think...
Think what?
If I didn't think
you were someone
worth keeping in touch with.
Might be nice to...
I don't know,
hear your voice sometime?
Okay.
Put your number in,
so you can hear my voice...
sometime.
All right.
Probably not?
Mm, you probably will.
Well, maybe in an emergency?
I have
a very soothing voice.
Yeah, I don't know
about "very".
[line ringing]
[phone ringing]
Uh, hello?
[hoarsely] Let's go to dinner.
I'm starving.
All right.
- [laughs] Soothing, right?
- Ha, ha. Yeah.
Put you right to sleep.
[]
[keys clicking]
Sorry.
Work stuff.
It never ends.
Is that right?
What would make it end?
Uh, the heat death
of the universe, maybe?
You said that you wanted
to make something that sustains.
Kinda sounds like you're not
terribly happy where you're at.
Well, there's a new event
every night.
When you said
that nothing we create matters,
that really hit home for me.
Because, I can work my tail off
for a month on a party,
the party is a blast,
then tomorrow...
there's another party.
There's another work of art,
another everything.
Yeah. But how do I
break through that?
I've always wanted
to just quit my job,
start my own business,
but how do you begin
to get a foothold
in people's memories?
What's your favorite movie?
The Holiday.
Of course.
[chuckles]
You know the whole movie?
Mm-hmm. Yeah.
I watch it every Christmas.
Recite it to me.
What, now?
Yeah. Front to back.
Whole movie, every line.
[laughs] Well, I don't know
about every line.
Yeah, of course you don't.
Nobody does.
You know the big lines,
the big moments,
the feeling it inspired.
So, just because
your party's over,
or my light installation
has been disassembled,
that doesn't mean that people,
from time to time,
don't think,
"Hey, you remember that thing?
That thing was pretty great."
Yeah, but I would like
to create
something that inspires
more than just
the occasional fleeting memory.
If we can give
just a few minutes or hours
of joy
to people in this crazy world,
I think that's pretty noble.
Well, if it's so noble,
why don't you rent that studio
and do it yourself?
[laughs]
Because...
I'm...
scared.
[quietly] Oh.
When I was with my ex,
I was with someone.
We were... a team.
Now...
putting myself out there,
it's scary.
Yeah, it's...
it's scary at first,
but then you jump off the edge
and just hope
for a smooth landing.
Yeah, maybe.
What about you?
You said that you wanted to make
something that matters.
Quit.
Why don't you jump
off that edge?
Because L.A.
is oversaturated
with people
who do what I do,
and it'd be really hard--
So just leave L.A.
I can't leave L.A.
That's--
That's my home,
and that's where
all the events are.
You know, there's other cities
that have companies,
and there's this little thing
called Zoom nowadays.
[laughs]
I can't leave L.A.
- Sure you can. Why not?
- I can't!
Because...
it would be
like I'm quitting.
And... it would mean
that all the time
that I spent there
was a waste,
and could've been
spent with Mom.
I keep...
seeing her
around the farm.
In the house.
In my room.
And...
I feel like I didn't give her
what she deserved.
You know, I was
a really difficult child, and--
Oh, come on.
Every child is difficult.
I know, I just wish
I could see her again
and tell her I'm sorry.
Tell her
that I wish I'd seen her more,
wish I'd called more,
told her
that I loved her more.
Anyway!
What a really fun date
you brought along, huh?
When you turn off a light,
the light particles--
they're absorbed by the walls,
the ceiling, the floor.
They're not gone.
They're just...
different energy--
energy that you can't see,
but it's still there.
I don't know what you believe.
[chuckles] I don't even
know what I believe, but...
just because you can't
see your mom anymore,
it doesn't mean
that she's gone.
I love that.
Thank you.
Well, don't thank me,
thank science.
Thank you, science.
Science says
"you're welcome."
[chuckling]
[]
I had
a really good time tonight.
Yeah, me too.
Maybe, next time,
you'll take me on a date
that doesn't include errands.
Yeah. So you want there
to be a next time?
We can talk about it
after the carnival.
Okay.
[]
I believe in you.
[Luke] Goodnight, Emily.
[Emily] Goodnight.
I think it looks amazing.
I think it's demeaning.
I like it.
Two against one.
Sorry, Nick.
[Rudy whines]
[Nick] Sorry, Rudy.
I tried.
Well, the Christmas Carnival's
only two days away.
Are we getting close?
I'm gonna put the finishing
touches on tonight.
I should get back to work, then.
- Yes.
- All right?
- You better.
- Right? Okay.
Don't work too hard.
[Luke chuckles]
[Luke] Hey, you think
there's any chance
that Emily might
stay for a while?
I mean, after Christmas?
As sure as the sun
rises tomorrow,
Emily's not staying
in Meadow Grove.
I don't mean forever.
It's just... [sighs]
I wanna spend
more time with her,
and I figure
it'd be easier to do that...
here.
Yeah. Or...
you could go.
You want me to leave?
No. No, it's...
you helped me out
when I really needed it.
More ways than one, but...
Luke, your life's not here.
Your art is not here,
and...
and my sister's
not staying here.
Emily really likes it here.
A lot.
And, maybe, this is...
this is what she wants.
Maybe.
Maybe...
Maybe.
[Melody] Oh!
It's so good to see you.
Oh, I can't wait to hear
all about L.A.
Maybe there's something
from your work
that'll give us a good idea
for the Christmas Carnival
this year.
Won't that be fun?
Mom, I...
I'm not coming home
for the carnival this year.
Oh.
Well, last year,
you said that you--
I know. I know, it's hard.
Christmas
is my busiest time of year,
so, I've got events,
and all these corporate parties,
and big product promotions
for the holidays.
I know. I just...
I just thought that--
I'm sorry.
I don't want to disappoint you.
I know I haven't been
in a few years.
Four years.
Right, a couple years.
Well, four's
more than a "couple."
[calls out] Em?
Hey, I spoke to Alena
down at the goat farm.
She said that we could use
her goats for the petting zoo.
Good.
Good, sounds good.
Yeah.
[sighs heavily]
Well, Mom did it.
She finally got me
to come home for Christmas.
[Nick chuckles]
I can't help but feel
like I broke her heart.
I didn't have to work
over the holidays, I just...
The carnival felt like
Mom's mountain to climb.
Yeah, well,
she was running around,
had to take care of everybody...
manage everything.
It was just go, go, go,
and I...
I was in the way.
She had to be everyone's mom
during that time,
not just ours, and I...
I didn't understand that.
Yeah.
Well, she had a lot of love
to give.
Yeah.
You're not
that different from her.
I know.
That's what scares me.
You know...
she used to tell me
that I remind her of Dad.
Mm.
To be honest, I...
I don't really
remember much about him.
He was a good man.
Yeah?
Very patient.
Kind... to everyone.
You know, not the most verbose
or effusive man, but--
[laughs]
I guess
she was right about that.
Yeah. I think it's a compliment
of the highest order.
Yeah.
There's still
a few blown bulbs at the top,
and, uh, I have
to get everything in series
before the...
the big reveal,
but... what do you think?
It's amazing.
It makes me feel
like a kid again.
Coming out here
with Mom and Nick,
looking at the stars
on a clear night.
As if enough memories haven't
already been flooding back.
Good memories?
Yeah. All sorts of memories.
Well, hopefully, this trip
can provide you
with some new memories.
Great memories.
[]
I...
I hate to do this,
'cause I'd love to make
some new memories with you.
What's stopping you?
I'm leaving in a few days.
Mm.
But I'm having the best time
getting to know you. You're...
You're really smart, creative,
and very good-looking,
but if I get
too involved with you,
I won't want to leave...
and I can't stay.
Yeah.
I know that you're very
reluctant to leave L.A.
Um...
but maybe if you stay here
just a little bit longer,
you might figure out
what your next step might be?
Mm.
If I don't leave,
then I will stay forever.
Everyone stays.
Literally, all my friends
from high school are still here.
Is that a bad thing?
I just...
I don't know how to...
to move forward.
You know, how do I make
an impact by staying?
You'd make an impact on me.
You know what I mean.
I can't stay for you.
I-I know.
I wouldn't--
I wouldn't want you to.
I just...
I want you to think about this.
[deep breath]
About...
me and you
having more time
together.
And I'm sure
Nick would love
to have you around,
and Taylor...
even just for a few more weeks.
Hey, I just...
I just want you
to consider it.
I'll consider it.
But until I make up my mind,
we probably shouldn't
stand so close together.
Mm. Okay.
It's just
what I need to do.
[]
[]
Let's see it!
Light it up!
[power turns on]
Hey. You need some help?
Oh, we're just finishing up.
[gushing] Do you want
a festive little bow?
Oh, no!
Yes. Yes!
Oh, yes, you do.
[Nick chuckles]
Sorry.
Hey, Jessie! Oh, yes!
Yeah, I think
Mom would be happy.
Yeah, it's gonna be
a great carnival.
Nah, I'm not talking
about the carnival.
[chuckles]
Aw, good girl.
[Melody, echoing]
Good girl. Good girl.
[bleating]
You're a very good girl.
Let's go up in here.
Here we go.
Come on. Come on.
Mom?
Ohh...
Mom, what are you
doing out here?
I'm fine.
The doctor told you
to stay in bed, Mom.
What do doctors know?
Well...
I would say more than you.
Have you met Jessie here?
I got her off
a dairy operation
that went under,
a few towns over.
They took her kids
away from her,
right after they were born,
to try to save their farm.
Can you imagine?
You know, a mother goat
can recognize
the cries of its kids
over a year
after they're separated.
Mom, I'm going to tell my work
that I can
start the year remote.
That way, I can be here,
and I can take you
to your appointments.
Now, don't be silly!
I can handle things.
I have been
taking care of people
my whole life.
And who is gonna
take care of you?
Life has thrown me
some curveballs.
You can't keep me down.
I'm like this goat--
Jessie.
I'll be fine.
Are you sure?
[Jessie bleats]
Hey. You okay?
Yeah.
Yeah, I guess.
I don't know.
It's just--
It's just the carnival, and...
Mom,
you know, Nick...
the house, you.
Did I do something?
Yes.
Yes, you made this a great trip,
and made me realize
that I miss you.
I miss Nick
and this place,
and this feels like
it matters--
like I'm part of something--
but I can't stay.
I have no work here.
Nothing of my own.
And I...
well, I keep...
seeing Mom.
You know?
And-And wondering
if things
could have been different--
better, maybe...
closer.
Hey, there-there are
plenty of people
who are super-close
with their parents
and see them every day,
and you know what they wish?
They wish that they could
move away to L.A.
so they can get a break
from them every once in a while.
Even if you'd stayed,
you still would've wondered
what life might've been
on the other side.
So, what you're saying is,
everyone second-guesses
their life choices?
Well, maybe not everyone,
but... yeah.
I knew your mom.
She would never, ever have
wanted you living your life
in the rearview.
I know that.
I know. I know, I don't mean
to keep looking behind,
but I just...
don't know what's ahead.
Nobody does!
That's the beauty of it. Right?
Yeah.
Now, if you'll excuse me,
I just gotta make sure my kids
aren't running
in the alpaca sluice.
Yes. Yes, please do that.
Okay.
You good?
Yeah.
Thanks, Tay.
Got you. See you in a bit.
One, two, three--
Wow! Love what you've done
with the truck.
I like to call it
"Santa's Other Sleigh".
I guess reindeer need
days off, too.
Um... would you rather be,
uh, left alone, or...?
No. No, not at all.
Okay.
- [car approaching]
- About...
About last night, I--
Let me start.
Emily!
Hi.
Aurora? Fynne? Hi!
I didn't know you were coming.
Wow, look at the set-up!
This is great.
I know.
Honestly, these "dark carnival"
fantasy vibes
are really hitting different.
Luke, this is Aurora.
She's the CEO of Light MasQ.
- Hi.
- Hey.
Don't mind her,
she records everything.
So, I'm just gonna cut
right to the chase.
Mm-hmm?
I saw your campaign
for this Christmas Carnival,
and you should quit your job
immediately.
I... should?
You should quit that job
and come take a job
working for me.
You're the real deal.
I already talked to my board,
and I want to make you
my new Head of Content.
Head of Content?
You'll be in charge of socials,
product launches,
blogging, vlogging--
all types of "logging".
Oh, and not
just for Light MasQ--
for all the beauty products
under my umbrella corporation.
- Wow.
- Look at what you did
for this little carnival
in the middle of
absolutely nowhere-- no offense.
Just think what you could do
for brands like mine.
I mean, you shouldn't
be tracking orders--
you should be running the show.
So...
do you wanna
run the show for me?
Wow, I--
I would love to hear more.
May-- May I hear more?
Yes, absolutely.
I mean, the position
does start fairly soon,
so I'm gonna need
an answer right away.
Why don't we go have a bite,
talk about it?
- Perfect. Yeah.
- Great. Fynne?
Where did you get
these tall sheep?
I want one!
She's so cute.
What about you, handsome?
You hungry?
Um, I-I still got
a ton of work to do,
so I'm just gonna
stick around here, yeah.
Just give me just a minute.
Sure. I'll be in the car.
What are you waiting for?
You should go with them.
I'm not sure how I'm feeling.
Everything's happening so fast.
Do you like
what they're offering?
This is
an incredible opportunity.
I-- And I can't stay here.
I know. I'm-- I'm sorry
for even asking.
I was out of line.
I'm not ready
for this to end, but...
I also don't wanna make a choice
that I might second-guess
in the future.
This is a great opportunity.
So... go hear them out.
Okay.
[]
I miss you, Mom.
What's wrong, Em?
[]
[sobs] Mom!
[weeps]
There, there! It's okay.
Mom, I need you.
No! No, you don't.
Yes, I do.
Well, if that's the case,
then I didn't do my job.
You're gonna think
this is hilarious, but...
I've been considering
moving back home.
Oh! Ho!
- [laughing hard]
- Mom, I'm serious.
I know you never wanted me
to leave in the first play.
Leave?
I never wanted you to stay!
You didn't?
No.
You were always running away--
even before the farm.
You wanted adventure.
I know, but I...
I also want my life to matter.
Oh, it matters.
It matters to your brother...
your friends...
and that guy
who's so clearly on your mind.
Still taking care of people
even after you're gone.
I'll never be gone.
I'm always with you.
I love you, Mom.
I love you.
Mom?
If I don't wanna stay in L.A.,
but...
I don't know if I wanna
move back here, then...
...what do I do?
I don't know.
Isn't that exciting?
[]
[shutter snaps]
Luke's truck's gone.
Must've gone into town.
Yeah, he was already gone
by the time
I woke up this morning.
Things got a little weird
last night.
With Aurora and the job offer,
I just didn't know what to say.
Ah, well, he'll be back.
Even if he's not,
the carnival will be fine.
You'll be fine.
Ah, even he'll be fine.
What about you?
I'm always fine.
[chuckling]
Boys?
Here you are.
Thanks for all your help.
Sure thing.
You bet.
[cans cracking open]
[Nick sighs heavily]
Love you guys.
Love you, too, man.
Yep, love you both.
This is incredible!
I have never seen
so many people here.
I know.
It's wild, right?
Oh, my gosh.
Oh, there's Jerry.
Jerry, come say hello.
- Jerry! Hi.
- Hey, sweetheart.
You remember Emily, obviously?
- Yeah. Great to see you.
- Yeah.
Good to see you. Yeah.
Incredible work.
Thanks.
Hey, uh, you seen the kids?
What? No, I thought
they were with you.
So did I.
[shrieking wildly]
Ah, yeah, I'll-I'll get 'em!
Merry Christmas.
Hey! Don't put that
in your mouth!
Hey! He has been working out.
I know, right?
He's like my own personal statue
wrapped in leather
and, like, stubble.
He's just... mrah!
Oh, I-I should probably
go help him.
Yeah, probably.
Hey. Em...
you know your mom
would be so proud.
I know.
Thank you.
Look at what you've done.
Look at what wehave done.
[chuckles]
Hey, uh...
you think when
you get back to L.A.,
maybe we could schedule
a weekly phone call.
Maybe try to get back
on the same page?
I'd love that, yeah.
Aw.
Okay.
Don't make it weird.
Any word from Luke?
No. Not yet.
I'm so ready for Christmas
I'm so ready
I'm so ready for Christmas
I'm so ready
I'm so ready for Christmas
I'm so ready...
[loudly]
Good evening, everyone!
It is time
to light up the Carnival.
Come over this way,
if you want a better view.
I want to thank you all,
on behalf of the Ross family,
for being here this evening.
As many of you know,
we lost my mother
earlier this year, and, um...
this carnival meant so much
to her,
as did all of you.
She would be so thrilled
to see all of the memories
that you're making here tonight.
And I also want to thank
Luke Hodges
for this incredible art
behind me.
I asked him to make
something spectacular,
different,
and special,
for this Christmas.
I feel like we did that.
So, let's light
this party up!
In five...
[all] Four...
three... two... one!
[cheering]
[applauding]
[applause]
Luke.
What happened?
I'm sorry. Hey.
I-I thought you'd left
without saying goodbye
after all we talked about,
and I just...
I got it.
You got what?
The art studio.
I went to Seattle.
I found the realtor.
I filled out the paperwork.
I... It's mine.
You're moving to Seattle?
Yeah...
I'm moving to Seattle.
[laughs] Luke, that's great.
And I got something else, too.
Um...
in the same building,
on a higher floor,
I got the realtor to put a hold
on an office space.
The type of office
that would be perfect
for someone
who's trying to open up
their own marketing agency.
All right,
here's my pitch--
Oh, you're pitching now?
Oh, yeah, I'm the one
who's pitching now.
You want to open up
your own business.
You always have.
You can't live here.
It's too small of a town.
So instead of
going back to L.A.,
you go out on your own...
to Seattle.
Yeah, Seattle's not L.A.,
but it's a big enough city,
with tons of companies,
and at Christmastime--
I come home
and run the Christmas Carnival.
Uh-huh.
I know we haven't known
each other long--
we got a million things
to figure out
between your business,
and my art, and us--
but I want to try
to figure them out together.
Because I believe in you.
[Aurora] Emily?
This is just so charming.
Thank you.
Thanks, Aurora.
I, um...
I actually have a counter
to your offer.
I'm listening.
What if,
instead of hiring me
as your in-house
Head of Content...
you hire
my new marketing agency?
You'll be
my number-one client--
and we will work so hard
to make sure
there is a Light MasQ
in every home
up and down the Pacific Coast.
What do you think?
As long as it's you
running the show for me,
I don't care how you do it--
you're hired.
[chuckling]
Just call me
after the holidays,
we'll set everything up, okay?
Thank you so much, Aurora.
[laughing]
So... what's the plan?
Well...
I have a pitch.
[]
[]
[woman]
Thank you for coming!
[]
Where are your gloves?
The weather's cold,
but the chocolate's hot,
so go get some!
Oh, Pearl! Hi!
Okay, here we go!
Five, four...
[crowd counting]
...Three... two, one--
- [power turns on]
- [cheering]
Welcome! Welcome! Come on in!
Oh, it's so good
to see you, Eddie.
Oh, hey!
Oh, Tim, hi!
Nice to see you!
Patiently waiting for Santa
We could wear...
Good to see you!
...Matching pajamas...
Hi!
Oh, remember,
it's @lightmasq--
with a "Q", not a "K".
I heard you hit 8 million
followers this week?
Nicely done!
Oh, don't forget your gift bags
on the way out--
free light-therapy mask.
- Merry Christmas!
- Emily?
Hi!
Okay, this has far exceeded
my expectations.
Oh, I'm so glad.
A great product deserves
a great launch party.
Thank you.
Well, I'll be sure to tell
your boss
just how happy
we all are.
I'd appreciate that.
You know,
I heard about the lay-offs,
and they were very smart
to keep you.
No doubt you're gonna be
running the company one day.
Oh! [laughs]
Well, I love what I do.
And now I have
the constant hum of anxiety
to keep me on my toes.
So, are you going home
for the holidays?
Uh, no. L.A. is my home.
Well, you know what I mean--
gonna visit family?
Anything like that?
Oh--
have you met Fynne?
Fynne!
Aurora, this is Fynne.
She is a rising star on YouTube
and BeautyTok.
Fynne, this is Aurora.
She's the CEO and Founder
of Light MasQ.
Oh... Oh, my gosh!
Lowkey--
your light-therapy masks slaps.
[Emily] "Slaps" is good.
- Okay. Great!
- We love when it slaps.
You two
should discuss a collaboration.
Yeah. Oh, my gosh.
I would love to.
Let's take a selfie!
That's my dream
It's the season
I feel it
[message alert chimes]
On to the next.
[rooster crows]
[clucking]
[munching]
[Nick] Not available?
They booked somewhere else?
Right. I understand.
Oh, of course,
we want you here--
it's the 25th anniversary.
Yeah, I should've
reached out sooner.
This was always
Mom's department.
[sighing]
How she ran a farm
and a Christmas carnival, I...
Look, Ed,
uh, if anything changes,
and-and you can make it,
we'd really appreciate it.
Thanks.
[beeps phone off]
[hammer thumping wood]
Beautiful day.
- Isn't it?
- Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
Uh, I'm gonna be done here
in a few days.
It would go a lot faster
if Beau didn't keep
trying to escape.
[braying]
That's not Beau,
that's Rudy.
Ru-- okay, you got,
like, a hundred animals.
103? Excuse me.
Rudy, I'm sorry.
Hopefully, you'll forgive me.
Maybe if I stay
another six months,
I'll get all your names right--
eventually.
I doubt it.
Yeah.
Longer I stay here,
the more I realize
how much I needed
a change of scenery.
Can't thank you enough
for letting me stay
and get back on my feet.
Once I'm done here,
what else can I do
to earn my keep?
You feel like organizing
a Christmas Carnival?
That's not really my thing.
- [Nick sighs]
- Why, what's up?
Everything okay?
Carnival's not like a farm--
animals are easy.
There's a schedule.
You feed 'em, groom 'em,
clean up.
I just-- I never considered
having to do this.
It's not like Mom had time
to prepare a manual.
What about your sister?
She's in L.A.
She hasn't been back
for the carnival in years.
What, she doesn't
come home for Christmas?
It's a busy time at work.
Doesn't hurt to ask.
It's a big ask.
What's the worst
that she could say?
Absolutely not!
I wouldn't even begin
to know everything
that she would do, and--
[Nick] I hear you.
And then--
the vendors, the partnerships,
all those handshake agreements.
No, thank you.
[chuckles]
Yeah, I hear you.
Not to mention,
there's a whole bunch of people
that I just don't know.
I haven't seen these people
in years. I--
Well, it's mostly
the same people
who've been around
our whole lives.
[chuckles]
Your whole life, not mine.
I hear you.
Yeah, I-I feel like
you would have liked it here,
if you'd ever
given it a chance.
Yeah, I'm not really
a ranch girl.
It's a farm!
I don't even
like ranch dressing.
Okay, Em...
I'm not asking you
to like ranch dressing,
or Meadow Grove,
or anything--
I-I just can't do it.
Sure you can!
I'm not really
the event type,
much less
the event-planning type.
If I can't get
your help on this,
I don't know
if it's gonna happen.
[whimpers]
[whining] Why me?
[knocking on door]
[Melody] Can I come in?
[door opens]
- I don't wanna leave.
- [siren wails in distance]
[Melody] I know, baby.
I'm gonna miss it, too,
but you're gonna love
Meadow Grove.
I know it-- you're gonna
make so many new friends.
I don't understand
why we're going.
Think about Sir Barnaby.
We rescued him, right?
There's so many more animals
that need to be rescued.
Why can't
we bring them all here?
- [car horn honks]
- [Melody chuckles]
I don't think our landlord
would like that very much.
I don't like the landlord.
[laughs] Yeah, I don't
like the landlord either.
But where we're going,
we'll be our own landlord.
It'll be a place
that I own--
that you and Nick
will own one day.
And we can save
as many animals as we want.
You could have five Barnabys.
[pensively]
Five Barnabys...
Absolutely.
Whatever you want.
I wanna stay in Seattle.
Just give it a chance, Em.
Who knows?
Maybe you'll wanna stay.
[computer chimes]
[]
[]
Come on, guys.
Here, gloves!
Missy? Gloves.
Just a second, you guys.
All right?
Come on.
[gasping] Oh! Emily!
Taylor!
- Hi.
- Oh!
Why didn't you tell me
you were coming?
[Emily] It was truly
a last-minute decision.
[Taylor]
What are you doing back?
I'm helping Nick
with the Christmas Carnival.
- Oh, sweet!
- What have you been up to?
Oh, gosh-- just praying
for a full night's sleep!
[laughs]
Um, Emmet? Vivian?
You guys remember
Auntie Emily?
Hi, guys.
Yeah-- hey, Emmett.
Get that sweetener
out of your mouth, sir!
Well, how long
are you here for?
Wait, no.
You know what?
Call me tomorrow,
we'll have a proper catch-up?
- Please. I would love that.
- Okay.
Okay! Anyone not in the car
in 20 seconds
doesn't get flapjacks.
Bribery!
It just-- It works every time.
Call me!
[festive background music plays]
Hi.
What'll it be?
Do you have espresso?
I got coffee...
hot chocolate, coffee.
Do you have oat milk?
Oat milk?
How do you milkan oat?
I'm not sure.
I'll just have a coffee,
thanks.
Turtle doves
And a partridge
in a pear tree...
Give this to Nick.
He loves my flapjacks.
Always has.
Oh. I wasn't sure
you remembered who I was.
Haven't seen you in ages.
I saw you in February.
That's right. Right.
I forgot.
[]
Um, what do I owe you?
Oh, it's on the house.
Your mom gave my grandkid
a puppy last year for Christmas.
Least I can do.
Oh. Thank you.
What?
No "Merry Christmas"?
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
...Six geese a'laying
Four calling birds
Three French hens
Two turtle doves
And a partridge
in a pear tree
[braying in distance]
Rudy?
[sighing]
Rudy!
Rudy?
Rudy!
[Christmas mix plays on radio]
- [shrieking]
- [brakes screeching]
Whoa!
- Joy to the world...
- [turns radio off]
What are you doing?
What am I do--
Why are you
racing down the road
like it's the Indy 500?
You're blaming me?
You turn a corner,
you slow down.
Why?
In case someone decides
to sprint into the street?
There's animals!
Other cars!
Y-You know what?
You're clearly
not from around here.
The clothes, the car--
the fact that you don't know
how to drive.
I have places to go.
I don't have time
to summon psychic powers
to determine
when strangers
are gonna pop up
like Whac-a-Mole
in the middle of the road.
- Mm-hmm.
- Some day...
somebody's not
gonna stop for you.
Well, you almost didn't.
Is that
a Pearl's flapjack?
Yes, it was.
Now it's just a lost
rental-car deposit, thank you.
Excuse me.
Whose fault is that?
What, no "Merry Christmas"?
[snaps] Merry Christmas!
[calls out] Rudy?
Well, look who made it--
city girl.
Good to see you, Nick.
Hey, Em.
Whoa, ho-ho-ho-ho!
What happened to you?
Ugh, Meadow Grove happened.
Hi.
Place is still standing.
Yeah, barely.
You got a bag?
- Yes. Thank you.
- All right.
You haven't decorated
the trees yet.
Nope. Haven't had time.
New animals come in?
Always.
You wanna meet them?
Yeah. Yeah, let me, uh...
change out of this first.
Yeah, good idea.
Hey, is that a Pearl flapjack?
[Emily] Oh, it was.
[]
Okay, so...
that's Beau--
little tuft of hair.
And Mr. Darcy.
And, of course--
you remember Rudy?
[Emily, fondly]
Yes. Hi, Rudy.
And I've got
a couple new sheep,
a horse that needs training--
oh, and an buddy of mine
is staying with us
in the guest house.
Who's staying
in the guest house?
Oh. Em, you remember Luke?
[Emily, darkly] It's you.
[confused] I do?
She does?
He stayed with us for, like,
a week during college.
[realizing] Oh...
I thought you were less...
"city".
I was, then.
I thought you were
a lot less... "farmy".
I was, then.
I'm surprised you didn't
run into him out front.
She tried.
Mm-hmm.
So, what are you guys, uh--
what are you guys up to?
Well, he was just showing me
around at the new arrivals.
Appears some of 'em
still need training.
Apparently.
You wanna join us?
No. You know, I'm gonna go
get settled in and unpack.
Oh, you should clean your car.
You should clean my car.
Thanks for bringing it up.
I got things to do. Oh.
Don't walk so fast--
you're gonna run into something!
[goat bleats, chicken clucks]
Wh--?
[]
[Melody]
Leaving will remind you
of what you've left behind.
Besides, you always come back.
There we go!
That's my girl!
Just give it a chance, Em.
Where we're going,
we can save
as many animals as we want.
[Emily, affectionately]
Here you go. Good boy.
There you go.
- [light clicks on]
- There you go.
Oh, that's good.
Good job.
Here you go, girl...
you too.
You all good?
Yeah.
Yeah, just saying goodnight.
It's weird seeing
this place without Mom.
Yeah, tell me about it.
Glad you called.
I know it's been a while
since we've just--
Yeah. That's okay, I get it.
We're both busy,
and you live so far.
Yeah, but even before L.A.,
I mean,
since we moved here,
we haven't really
been on the same page.
You're here now.
Far as I'm concerned,
that's all that matters.
Hopefully,
we can pull this off, huh?
You think Mom ever knew that
this place would get so big?
I'm sure she'd want it
to keep getting bigger.
Yeah. Yeah, she would.
What is this?
This is new.
Oh, yeah. Um...
Luke, he, uh-- he made that.
That Luke?
Yeah, yeah, "Luke" Luke.
He's an artist.
Oh.
He also does some pretty
cool stuff with lights.
Yeah, he's had his work in
big galleries and everything.
Wait a minute--
Lucas Hodges?
That Luke
is the Lucas Hodges?
Well, there's probably
more than one Lucas Hodges
in the world, but, yeah.
I... I saw his stuff
in an exhibit years ago.
He's--
He's a really big deal!
What on Earth
is he doing here?
Uh, his wife left him,
round March,
so he asked
if he could crash here
in exchange
for work around the farm.
He seems over his ex,
but he's not really ready
to move back to the city.
Do you think he'd be interested
in making art again?
You tell me.
[]
[knocking]
Comin'.
Hi. May I come in?
[uneasily] Uh... yeah.
Make yourself at home.
I feel like we got off
on the wrong foot.
I feel like you were
driving with the wrong foot.
I think that you--
you know what?
Let's move past it.
Shall we?
Uh, I have a question for you.
I'm all ears.
Why aren't you
an artist anymore?
What? Did you not see
the fence outside?
I made that. You're telling me
that's not art?
Well, it's not art
like you used to make.
Well, just 'cause it's not
in some San Francisco gallery
doesn't make it "not art".
You are so right.
I agree, and, funny enough,
um, the art
is why I'm here.
So...
right now,
I don't feel like
we have what it takes
to make the Christmas Carnival
truly memorable
this year,
and I was thinking,
if you maybe would--
Oh, no, no, no.
Absolutely not!
You didn't hear my pitch yet.
I don't need
to hear your pitch.
Well, I know people
in the art space.
Okay, I got out
of the art space
specifically
to get away from people
who use the phrase
"art space".
Okay. Luke,
you don't belong here.
How do you know that?
Because I don't belong here,
and you're more talented
than I am--
as much as it pains me
to compliment you.
Fences are great,
but you could be doing more.
I did make more.
I was always making more--
more, more, more, more, more.
There's an endless sea of people
creating art out there.
So, thank you, but, yeah, no.
[sighs]
My mom made something
really special here...
and setting aside
my very complicated feelings
about this place,
this is her legacy.
This carnival is something
that people return to,
every single year.
And... I don't pretend
to know how to do this,
but with your help,
we can make something
really great this year.
I understand
if you're not interested--
- I'm in.
- You're in?
Yeah.
I'll try to make something
to make the carnival special.
Not for you...
but for your brother
and your mom...
who made
a really cool place here,
and raised one decent kid,
at least.
I'll take it.
Try not to run me over
again, okay?
I can't run you over again
if I never ran you over
in the first place.
Are we sure we wanna be
working together?
No, but... feels like
the right thing to do.
- I think so, too.
- All right.
- Okay.
- See you in the morning!
You won't regret it.
[]
[kisses photo]
[rooster crowing]
[crowing]
[crowing continues]
[groans]
[Luke] Good morning.
[Emily] "Good" morning?
My idea of a good morning
is some peace and quiet,
at least half an hour
of scrolling on my phone,
and no rooster anywhere
for miles,
whereas, your idea's--
Getting up at five
to tackle the day's chores
before the sun rises?
I'm gonna ignore
that completely insane thing
that you just said.
Um, I just wanted to check
on what you might be making
for the Christmas Carnival.
If... I make it.
What do you mean, "if"?
You don't know
the meaning of "if"?
But you-- you said you were
gonna make something special.
Yeah, I said I was gonna try.
To make art,
I need to be inspired,
and I'm not inspired right now.
Okay. Uh,
what can I do to inspire you?
We're-- you know, we're kind of
on a time crunch here.
Yeah, you're telling me.
If I don't finish
soaking this beet pulp,
we're gonna have
some hungry alpaca.
You know,
the Christmas Carnival
is in less than two weeks.
Is there any way that Nick
can handle some of this?
Your brother--
he did me a favor
by letting me stay here,
and, in return,
he asked that I help him out
with chores,
and I'm gonna keep
my end of the bargain.
I appreciate that.
I just wanna make sure
that you have
some time to work.
[splashing]
I am... working.
It's all up here!
Yep, that--
that's not reassuring!
[]
[Emmet] Can we go play?
Yes, fine.
Go run and play.
Okay, so this guy's gonna
make you sculptures?
Well, that's what I thought,
but so far,
all he's done
is soak beet pulp.
I don't even know
what that means.
The pulp of beets--
you soak it in water,
feed it to the alpaca.
It gives them fibre
and keeps them hydrated.
How do you even know that?
Mom held me hostage
on a ranch
- for six years.
- Yeah.
Oh, hey, ew!
Don't put that in your mouth.
What are you doing?
Well, I'm pulling up
a photo of this guy.
But-- no!
No! Don't put that in your mouth
either! Come on, dude!
How many times
do I have to tell you?
[groaning] Ohh...
Oh-kay!
This is him?
If I was single,
he could feed me beet pulp
any time he wanted.
Speaking of which, where is
your husband these days?
Jerry?
Oh, he's at the office.
He says hi, by the way.
Wait till you see him.
He's been working out
and he is lookin' whoo.
[laughs]
So what am I gonna do?
I've got less than two weeks
to figure this out.
Two weeks is plenty of time.
Michelangelo's "David"
wasn't sculpted in a day,
after all,
and neither was Luke,
I imagine.
Taylor.
Just because I don't go
to the store anymore
doesn't mean I can't
window shop on your behalf.
Tomorrow
is my white elephant party.
You're coming.
I have a babysitter!
I booked her, like,
six months ago.
I confirm every week.
It is a big deal.
How many people from
high school are gonna be there?
Oh, barely any.
- Okay, maybe a few.
- Mm.
Okay, more than a few.
No offense, but that's
not really my kind of party.
You're coming tomorrow.
Be there.
It'd be good for the carnival
for you to shake some hands,
and you know it.
Speaking of hands--
Vivian...
I don't know what that is,
but stop smearing it
on the window.
Aren't they the cutest?
[sighing]
[chuckles]
[bleating]
Hey, Em?
Uh, I'm taking off.
Where you headed?
A pick-up.
Collie, hour north of here.
Okay. Back for dinner?
Uh, doubt it.
Okay.
Hey, could you do me a favor?
Depends what it is.
You mind setting up the trees?
I brought a few in,
but they're just sitting there.
Uh, Mom always--
you know,
she was better at the--
Yeah. I'll...
I'll take care of it.
Thanks.
I have my phone on me,
if you need me.
- Okay.
- Bye.
[Emily] Bye.
[]
[Melody, echoing]
Em, you gonna help decorate?
You gonna come help us, Em?
[]
Come on...
let's dance!
Can I put the star
on top, Mom?
You know what?
Let's let Em
do it this year,
and you can do it
next year, okay?
[]
Come on.
Dance with us.
...Waiting for
the holidays...
There we go!
That's my girl!
...Wishing you were here
You were here
It might be cold outside...
[Luke] Emily?
Wish that
I could hold you tight...
[Luke] Emily?
Emily?
What are you doing?
I came in to make a sandwich,
and you were
snoring pretty loud.
I was not.
Yeah. I thought a small animal
got stuck in here somehow.
[laughs] Okay, very funny.
Nice to see you.
Good night.
You need some help?
No, I'm okay, thank you.
Let me. Let me.
You know, I used to...
help my stepmom do
the whole yard every year.
We'd do the roof, the trees,
the bushes...
we'd take our time, you know?
Revel in the Christmas spirit.
Then when I'd take it down,
my mom's spirit
would be all gone,
so she'd just cram 'em
in the box.
Well, who helps her
with her lights
now that you're a cowboy?
Not a "cowboy".
There are no cows around here.
Okay, alpaca-boy.
"Alpaca-boy"
I can live with.
Well, they're retired,
in Florida,
and they used to love
spending Christmas in the Bay
with me and my ex.
Um, but this year,
I invited them out here,
and they chose to do
a Hawaiian vacation
for Christmas instead.
So, did alpaca-boy
make any art yet?
I'm closer
than I was earlier.
Great.
So you started?
Yeah, in a sense.
You are either
the world's worst liar
or the world's
best procrastinator.
[Luke laughs]
Do you know why I love
untangling Christmas lights?
'Cause you're a glutton
for punishment?
I like doing things
that I can finish.
And you can't
finish art in a day.
You can spend all day,
you know, thinking,
trying to solve the puzzle,
and have nothing to show for it.
So, I do the dishes--
finished.
I build a fence.
There were no posts,
now there are.
Finished.
It's my way of, um,
giving my mind a break,
'cause it's only
when my mind is clear
that I can, you know,
focus on what story
I wanna tell, and...
what picture I wanna create.
So, yeah, I-I don't...
I don't know
what I wanna make yet, but...
I'm ready to receive
the inspiration when it comes.
I get it.
Did you, uh...
want to put these up
on the tree?
I will defer
to your expertise.
All right.
You still got
a lot of work to do, huh?
Yeah. Uh, you know, I can--
I can finish tomorrow.
Tomorrow?
I thought, uh--
you're not going
to the white elephant party?
Oh, are-- are you going?
Yeah. I promised your brother
that I'd go with him.
Hold on. You're going.
Okay, s-should I not go?
Give you your personal space?
Well, we've been
in the same room
for a few minutes now,
and we haven't
killed each other,
so you can do
whatever you feel like.
All right. I'll see you there.
Okay.
Yeah.
[chuckles] Yes. Yeah.
We are a little late
in the game,
but we do have a week and a half
before the Christmas carnival,
and it just wouldn't be the same
if you weren't--
yes, yeah,
I'm going to the party.
Okay. Yeah, let's chat then.
I'll see you tonight.
Bye.
[beep]
[exhales deeply]
[Luke] I can see you.
Merry Christmas.
[]
[Emily] Good morning.
Hey.
You said you needed a gift
for the white elephant?
Yeah.
- Oh!
- There you go.
Oh, my gosh.
Thank you!
This looks so good,
I could eat it myself.
Well...
[gasping]
Look at you-- being
a sweetheart to your big sister.
Not a big deal.
When did you get
so sentimental?
Oh, watch yourself!
See if I get you anything
ever again.
[giggles] What did you
get for the white elephant?
Bam!
Are you kidding?
Most popular gift of the night.
Just watch.
[scoffs]
Okay, if you say so.
[Nick] Okay.
All right, well, I will
get this wrapped up.
Thanks.
[]
[Melody, echoing]
Need help?
Maybe if you brought
your backpack, too,
you could make space
for all--
[Young Emily, snaps]
I've got it.
[packing bag]
You want some snacks?
You're not supposed
to help me run away.
Well, last time you ran away,
you said you got hungry,
so I just thought
you might need some snacks.
This isn't funny.
I'm really leaving!
And I am really--
[giggles] ...not stopping you.
I mean, I think it's good.
I think leaving will remind you
of what you've left behind.
Besides,
you always come back.
I wouldn't
if I had a credit card.
What kind of snacks
do you want?
You want me
to make mac and cheese,
or did you want a box to go,
so you can make it
yourself later?
I want you to make it.
It'll be ready in ten.
[]
[festive music playing]
[doorbell chimes]
Oh, excuse me one second.
[]
Hi!
Oh, thank you for coming!
Make yourselves at home.
The kids are with
the babysitter downstairs.
Get ready to mingle
and jingle!
Oh, look who it is.
Hey, boys.
Thank you.
Hank. Mac.
- Nick.
- Nick.
- [clinking]
- Yep.
- Yep.
- Yep.
Martin, are you coming
to the Christmas Carnival?
Because we are going to have
a record turnout
of people this year,
and how are they gonna know
who's slinging the best coffee
in Washington
unless you're there
slinging it?
Emily Ross?
[laughing]
Christina.
[gasps]
Oh, it has been so long!
Too long.
Sophia is gonna flip
when she sees you.
How've you been?
Hey. Listen. I was so sad
to hear about your mom.
She was such an angel.
Sophia! Here.
Emily... Ross?
Oh!
Mwah!
Oh, we are so devastated
that your mom
is no longer with us.
When I heard the Lord
called your mom home--
- ...We were heartbroken.
- Ohh!
Thank you. Thanks.
So when are you
moving back home?
Yeah. Nick must be
glad you're here!
Any plans
to make it permanent?
I know what
you're thinking right now--
you're thinking, "I miss this
place! I'm moving back home."
[giggling]
I don't think
that's gonna happen.
So do you have
a special someone back in L.A.?
Are you seeing
anybody these days?
I mean, none of us
is getting any younger--
Are we?
I'm assuming you want kids.
Right?
Uh, well--
Excuse me, you guys.
You mind if I just,
uh, steal my co-worker,
- just for a second?
- Not at all.
Why don't any of my co-workers
look like that?
Hope you don't mind
me interrupting?
No. Not at all.
You're my hero.
This is why
I don't come home.
Aw.
It's always the same questions.
"When are you moving back home?"
"Why aren't you married?"
"When are you
going to have kids?"
"Are you afraid
of wildfires?"
Aren't you afraid of wildfires?
People here should be
afraid of wildfires--
they're surrounded by trees!
Hmm.
In L.A., all I'm surrounded by
is yoga mats and broken dreams.
And how come people
don't ask men these questions?
Hmm? I don't see anyone
stomping up to you,
asking you
why you don't have kids,
why you're not married.
Sorry.
Sorry, I didn't mean
to bring that up.
No, no. It's okay.
Um...
sometimes, people change.
What changed, if I may ask?
Oh, we got married young
and grew apart,
and then she finally left.
It wasn't easy,
but I've done a lot of
self-reflection,
and I'm past it,
and...
I'm happy now.
You live in a guest house
on an animal farm.
It is such a nice guest house.
And, yeah, I get all the free
goat milk that I can drink.
There you are!
Okay, white elephant
is starting.
People are starting to wonder
where the two of you went.
Coming.
Yay.
Excited to have
to explain thatnow.
Yeah.
[calling out] Everybody knows
we have no trading!
All right.
What do we got here?
- One.
- Number one? Nice.
- It's not nice.
- Yeah!
It's the worst number
you can get for white elephant.
What you want is the last one.
Come on, guys.
No looking.
Hey, Tay, where's Jerry?
Outside, smoking a turkey.
Said not to wait.
Okay, so let's get started.
All right, batter up, people!
That would be me.
Okay...
just gonna get right in here.
What is it?
- Oh!
- Oh.
How cute. How cute.
Very soft.
These are quite nice.
- They are.
- I like them.
Real nice.
So nice, in fact,
that now that it's my turn,
I think I'm gonna pull
one of these--
[booing and jeering]
Yeah.
These are gonna keep
my little piggies
nice and warm this winter.
Just to clarify,
we're talking about your toes,
not your piggies
on the farm?
[laughter and taunting]
Okay, okay.
You have to open another one.
Oh, right. Okay.
Well, um--
Stop slacking!
I-I gotta do the big one,
because...
Yeah, just got to.
Okay. Let's see...
[chanting]
Open it, open it, open it.
[all cheering and oohing]
[laughter]
- Look at the size of that!
- I think it's alive.
It might be alive.
- What a hoot!
- It's a Santa!
You like it, right?
Maybe you could steal this one.
Take it home with you.
Absolutely not.
That thing is nightmare fuel.
Okay.
[Taylor]
Okay, okay. Who is next?
[]
Oh. I want Nick's gift--
the one from the fridge.
From the fridge?
That was not part of the rules!
What is in the fridge?
- Here you go, fellas--
- [cans cracking]
Well, I can't blame him,
I guess.
Merry Christmas.
[Taylor] Okay, okay!
Time for the last gift.
- Me! Okay.
- Yes, she does!
Um...
Oh, looks like
a little elf escaped
from Santa's workshop.
- Mama.
- Hi, sweetie.
Do you want to pick
Mommy's Christmas gift?
You can pick any one you like.
Have a look around.
She's goin'--
definitely going over there.
- No, the lunch kit.
- The blanket.
- Oh--
- Oh!
- Oh--
- Oh...
Ooh...
You want Big Santa?
Are you sure?
[Christina] Oh, wow, honey--
are you sure you want this?
She's sure.
Okay, coming home with you!
- Of course, it was Santa.
- Of course, it was Santa.
We're putting that
in your room, okay?
Well, we know what that means--
I, uh-- ahem.
Excuse me.
I'll take these.
Thank you very much.
Nice. Nice move.
Um, can I steal one
of the beers, at least?
You can steal the empties.
Right. Okay.
Last up is--
this is mine.
- [box rattles]
- Sounds... all right.
All right.
Okay--
- [laughter]
- All right. That's, uh--
That's kinda fitting.
[laughter]
"Rudolph."
- Oh, that is so cute!
- And the lights.
Oh, yes, very good!
Yeah!
- How do I look?
- Adorable.
Okay, everyone, so,
next on the schedule,
we're gonna do
gingerbread decorating
in the kitchen,
for those who are interested.
- No way.
- Remember these?
- Yes!
- Wow! Mom's favorite.
Yeah. She would melt
a Jolly Rancher in the cookie,
and voila.
[]
Excuse me.
Where are you going?
I have an idea.
What, no "Merry Christmas"?
[]
Should I see
if he needs anything or?
Nah. Let's let him work.
- Come on.
- Okay.
[rooster crowing]
Hello.
Hey.
Good morning!
Good... morning!
You're an early bird today, huh?
You, uh--
You hungry, too?
You want some... some breakfast?
Or what can I fix you up?
Oh, I actually prefer
my breakfast in a bowl, thanks.
Ah! A bowl's just a bucket
without a handle.
You should wait here.
[gate creaks]
Why?
I can't be responsible
for these ferocious beasts.
All right,
come and get it.
I'm coming in.
This is ridiculous.
I'd-- I-I'd get out the way
before they start spitting.
Reason 500 why I prefer
living in the city--
you're less likely to get
spit on by an animal.
Can't argue with that.
So what's this idea?
Give me the pitch.
It's actually not my idea,
it's yours.
What idea was that?
The cookie.
I don't follow.
When you think
of colored lights,
you think of Christmas, right?
Sure.
Well, what if I made
some of these Christmas images
with a...
stained-glass effect?
Like your favorite cookie.
Oh, something they can
take photos and videos with?
It's not avant-garde
or anything.
Nobody wants a reinvented wheel
at Christmas.
They want nostalgia,
romance, magic...
Something
that they can experience
with friends and family.
Mm-hmm. But we can't give them
the same old light show
that they've seen
hundreds of times before.
So, we give them
that warm, fuzzy feeling,
but we make it feel brand-new
at the same time.
I love this.
So do I.
All right, let's get started.
I can't.
Uh, why?
Still got chores to do.
No! No, come on,
this is more important.
I think several dozen
hungry animals would disagree.
Of course,
I'd be finished a lot faster
if I had an assistant.
Oh, no.
- Oh, yeah!
- No, no, no.
["The Night St. Nick Got Sick"
by Brett Eldredge plays]
Okay...
Pull up a seat
in the frosty snow
I got a story
that's gotta be told
'Bout my trip
to the ol' North Pole
So hold on tight
Hold on tight
I got lost
up in the evergreens
Most beauty
that I'd ever seen
Saw a house that glistened
and gleamed so I knocked twice
So, time to feed the goats?
We're not feeding.
We're milking.
- [bleating]
- That's Jessie.
Hi, Jessie!
Yeah, goats can produce milk
for a year or two.
Not sure how long
Jessie's been here,
but the eggnog-lover in me's
not complaining.
You make... goat-nog?
Yeah, it's exceptional.
I'm gonna go
grab some grain.
You wanna usher
Jessie over here?
Sure, yeah. I'll--
- You got it.
- ...Usher Jessie.
Okay.
- [bleating]
- Come on, girl. Come on.
How'd you grow up here
and not milk goats?
Well, we never bred goats,
so no need for milking.
All right. Easy-peasy.
Goats...
And, uh...
all set up.
Uh...
you ready?
Is one ever ready
to milk a goat?
Good point. All right.
So, up high.
Okay.
About an inch or two higher.
I really feel like
I should buy her dinner first.
[chuckles] Just squeeze.
- Oh.
- There you go.
I did it.
Yeah, you did.
- Keep going.
- Okay.
[milk hits bowl]
It's been a long time
since I had milk-milk.
Uh-oh.
You're one of those?
What? What is wrong
with nut milk and oat milk?
How do you milk an oat?
Why do people
keep asking me that?
You've been in L.A. too long.
Oat milk cannot compare
to goat milk.
All right, well...
to goats.
To goats
and to the Christmas carnival.
Mm.
That's not terrible at all.
Needs a little bit of cinnamon.
So, how'd it feel today,
getting back into farm life?
Well, I don't know
if Nick ever told you,
but I never wanted
to come here.
I was 12 when we moved,
and, you know,
Seattle had my whole life.
My friends...
everything.
And it also had
all the memories of my dad.
I knew that he was gone,
but I kinda felt like
leaving Seattle
meant erasing him.
Big change is never easy.
Mm.
Well, Nick was younger,
so he didn't have
as much invested in Seattle,
and he took to farm life
from day one.
I wasn't much help.
I would do the easy stuff--
you know, the petting,
all the brushing--
the fun stuff--
but, everything else...
you know.
I didn't make it easy on Mom.
I'm sure she could've
used the help.
Hey, I'm sure
she understood. Right?
Leaving your life as a...
as a kid,
it's gotta be rough.
I just did it as an adult,
it was awful.
Yeah, how did
you make that adjustment?
This must be light-years away
from your old world.
It is, yeah.
That's why I like it.
I-- I do miss San Fran,
and I love the city,
but, you know, sometimes,
a city doesn't love you back.
The city
or the people in it?
A little bit of both.
I kept running into things
that reminded me of her--
her friends, memories of us--
everywhere I went...
so, unplugging
and starting somewhere new,
it just felt like
I had no choice.
But you know what?
It was probably the best thing
that could've ever happened.
Hey, that-- that first day
that we met...
you know,
when you almost ran me over?
When you jumped
in front of my car?
But continue.
I probably was a little
too quick to judge.
The car, the clothes--
you probably reminded me
a little too much
of the world I'd left behind.
So, I'm sorry
that I didn't give you
the warmest welcome.
Well, you made me goat-nog,
so all is forgiven.
I'm actually...
I'm really grateful
that you're here.
I think your work is gonna
make this really special.
Well, hey,
anything I can do to help.
If only Mom could've seen me
slinging that bale of hay today.
I'm gonna be sore.
You pull a muscle?
I think
I pulled my whole body.
Well, if you need a massage...
Are you offering?
Well... I was gonna recommend
a massage therapist
the next town over
who's done wonders for me,
but if you want me--
- No! No.
- ...To give you a massage--
I-I mean, not to insult you.
I mean, I'm sure that you,
you know, are good at m--
[stammers]
...with your hands,
'cause I saw your work today.
You know, I'm sure
that you could work my muscles--
...if you were comfortable.
Um...
I'm gonna stop talking,
if that's okay?
[]
[]
All around us
we see the lights shine
Now we're looking down
and it's the right time
Got a feeling
we'll have a good time
See them dancing
in the light...
[Emily]
Hmm... Yeah, I would say
we need enough candy canes
for about 200 people.
That works? Thanks.
[]
Yeah, I was hoping
for an early arrival.
It'll be
about four hours in total.
About half an hour
to get set up?
Yes, hi!
Awesome, thank you.
Hi. Thank you.
We won't take up
too much of your time.
Okay, great, thank you.
Absolutely! Perfect.
[]
Looks good.
[]
...It's a merry
merry Christmas
[]
...It's a merry
merry Christmas-time
This is one of
the most exciting pieces
of the carnival this year,
our art installation.
I can't reveal too much,
but it's gonna be spectacular.
Let's, uh,
go meet the alpacas.
[phone camera dings
as recording begins]
If you're in Washington
next week...
you have to go
to Meadow Grove.
- [ding]
- This place has everything!
Alpacas, hay rides,
a new outdoor exhibit
by Lucas Hodges.
- [recording starts]
- I will be there.
All my friends will be there!
A full Christmas carnival
on a family-owned
rescue farm?
Ah! It's giving
"Best Christmas Ever".
I think it's all
coming together nicely.
There's still so much to do,
but...
we're on it.
[]
[bleating]
Thirsty?
Sure.
Thanks.
You get this from Jessie?
Yes, I did.
Milked her myself.
Look at you.
Look at me.
That's refreshing.
That's not from Jessie.
I lied!
- [laughs] I know.
- Wait, how'd you know?
The taste. The color.
The fact
that goat's milk
straight from the goat
isn't refrigerated--
come on!
Oh. Okay.
Well, maybe it was
from a cool goat.
It was a "cool goat"?
Did you just... ah!
- [shrieks playfully]
- Get outta here!
Yeah, see ya.
Hey, thanks
for your help today.
Aw, are you kidding?
I love animals.
I wonder
if Jerry would buy us an alpaca.
Ha! Good luck.
All right, well,
I'll see you tomorrow, okay?
Yeah. Hey.
You know he likesyou, right?
Who?
Tall, dark, and weldy?
- No.
- Mm-hmm.
I don't think so.
Last week,
he could not stand me.
Well, in high school,
Jerry couldn't stand me,
and then, ten years ago,
he comes back
from grad school...
asks me out,
out of the blue.
Too shocked to say no.
Fast forward to now,
we're on our way
to producing
half a volleyball team, so...
So what you're saying
is, in about a decade,
Luke might have a crush on me?
[laughs] No!
What I'm saying is,
attraction and annoyance
are two sides of the same coin.
Ambivalence...
that's the deal-breaker,
not annoyance.
Mm. Okay.
I'm ambivalent about finishing
this conversation.
No. No. I think you're annoyed,
which means you like
this conversation.
- [chuckles]
- See you tomorrow.
'Kay.
Hey, man.
Hey.
Um, I gotta go get more lights,
so I figured tomorrow,
after I feed everybody,
I'd go into the city.
All right. Sounds good.
I was thinking about seeing
if Emily wanted to go with me.
Mm-hmm. Cool.
And maybe while we're there,
uh, we could grab a meal...
...like, dinner.
Yeah. Have fun.
Yeah. Uh, it--
[papers rustling]
Is it...
Would it be, uh--
Would it be cool?
I'm just making sure.
[chuckles uneasily]
A... Are you asking
how I'd feel
if you asked out my sister?
Y... Mm-hmm. Yeah.
Okay. Um...
[chair rumbles forward]
Yeah, I've never really been
one of those
overprotective siblings.
I don't really
understand that, really.
Yeah, she can do
whatever she wants.
You know, she always has.
She, uh...
She deserves good things.
[chuckles awkwardly]
And-And-And-And you're a...
you're a good guy.
I-I think the two of you
would have a good time.
Thanks, man.
Okay.
Oh, once
you're finished up there,
would you mind checking
the connection
on those lights
I'm working on?
Just want to see
if the wiring's holding up.
- Will do.
- All right.
Ah, got it!
Looking good,
don't you think?
Yeah. Yeah, I do.
So...
what's the plan for tomorrow?
We still have a few days,
and most of the vendors
are already lined up.
I just have
a couple follow-up phone calls,
and then I'm set.
So, I can help
with whatever you need.
Well, we're running out
of lights, so...
I'm gonna go into the city
to pick up some more.
Good. Sounds good.
You wanna come with me?
Uh, to get... the lights?
Is that the most efficient
use of our time?
What if I take you
out to dinner while we're there?
I know it's an even
less-efficient use of our time,
but I don't know,
I think efficiency's overrated.
Just to be clear...
are we talking about
a date?
Are you...
opposed to--
[chuckles nervously]
...calling it a date?
I'm... I'm not opposed.
Are you opposed?
Uh-uh. Not at all.
Okay, then.
So you're in?
I'm in.
Great.
[energy crackling]
How's the connection?
Is it good?
[chuckling]
[]
Okay. That should do it.
So, how'd you get into this?
Uh, with the lights,
I mean.
Well, all my friends
in art school were using paint,
so there wasn't
enough left for me.
[laughs] I'm serious.
Light is... alive.
It's always... moving.
Always telling a story.
It's what allows us
to see ourselves
and our place
in the universe.
Movies are light.
The photographs that we use
to preserve our memories
are light.
Everything that shapes
and defines us
is light.
I thought that sounded cooler
than painting.
Yeah.
You might be onto something.
Yeah.
You know,
there's stars in the sky
that died
millions of years ago,
and we can still see them.
Nice, right?
You coming?
Where are we going?
There's this great spot
that does candy cane lattes.
I haven't had one in a while.
Interested?
You had me at "candy cane".
All right.
See, if they made these
with goat milk,
- that'd be game over.
- [text alert chimes]
Yeah.
Oh, it's Aurora--again.
- She's keeping tabs.
- Yeah.
- Oh, this is it!
- What?
This is the apartment
I grew up in!
I'm gonna miss it, too.
So's your brother.
[irately]
Ladies, let's go!
[Melody laughs]
He'll miss it eventually.
But, hey, when
we're all settled in,
we'll come back and visit. Okay?
It's not that far!
All your friends,
your favorite places to eat--
they're just
a couple hours away.
And we can take trips
back on the weekend.
You sure?
I'm sure.
[case thumps down]
[Melody sighs]
[rumble-thud]
But we didn't visit.
I mean, not really.
She was a single mom
with two kids
and a dozen animals,
so she just didn't have time.
Must've been tough.
For all of you.
I think it was,
for everyone except Nick.
He didn't really care.
I think he talked to the animals
more than his classmates.
You know,
Nick's kind of like an alpaca.
Underneath
all the woolly exterior,
he's got a big heart.
Now all I can picture
is someone making a sweater
out of my brother's beard.
Anyway, I just
worked really hard.
Got a scholarship to USC,
and never looked back.
I haven't been home
for the Christmas Carnival
in about ten years.
Mm. So...
what do you do for Christmas?
I sleep in.
I watch
The Muppet Christmas Carol.
Eat some leftovers
from all the Christmas parties.
Call the family
and say hello.
I really miss them,
but...
it's peaceful.
Do you, uh,
wanna take a look?
Why?
"Why not?" is the question.
What do you think?
Uh...
I think
that this place will make
some lucky tenant very happy.
That lucky tenant
could be you.
Here's my pitch--
Okay, gotta hear you
talk about pitches again.
This could be your new home,
your base.
Some people were meant
to work on a farm,
and some people
are meant to create art--
in a place like this.
And some people
are wasting their time.
And look!
Electricity is covered
by the landlord.
Think of all the lights
that you could turn on
without paying a dime.
Okay.
It even comes with
a Christmas tree and piano.
I know
what you're trying to do.
And this is a nice place,
I will admit.
But...
this is a whole new life
you're talking about.
I'm-I'm happy right now,
working on the carnival,
and getting my hands dirty
at the farm,
so this--
This...
is where you belong.
Are you trying
to get rid of me?
- Get rid of you?
- Yeah.
We'll probably never
see each other after Christmas.
I'm just trying to get you
back to doing what you do best.
We'll never
see each other again?
What do you mean?
What, are you--
you moving to L.A.?
No.
I just didn't know
if you wanted to keep in touch.
Oh?
So, you'll text me, or...
or "slide into my DMs"?
I am not sliding anywhere.
[laughs]
I just--
you know, I wouldn't have...
[sighs] I wouldn't have
asked you out to dinner
if I didn't think...
Think what?
If I didn't think
you were someone
worth keeping in touch with.
Might be nice to...
I don't know,
hear your voice sometime?
Okay.
Put your number in,
so you can hear my voice...
sometime.
All right.
Probably not?
Mm, you probably will.
Well, maybe in an emergency?
I have
a very soothing voice.
Yeah, I don't know
about "very".
[line ringing]
[phone ringing]
Uh, hello?
[hoarsely] Let's go to dinner.
I'm starving.
All right.
- [laughs] Soothing, right?
- Ha, ha. Yeah.
Put you right to sleep.
[]
[keys clicking]
Sorry.
Work stuff.
It never ends.
Is that right?
What would make it end?
Uh, the heat death
of the universe, maybe?
You said that you wanted
to make something that sustains.
Kinda sounds like you're not
terribly happy where you're at.
Well, there's a new event
every night.
When you said
that nothing we create matters,
that really hit home for me.
Because, I can work my tail off
for a month on a party,
the party is a blast,
then tomorrow...
there's another party.
There's another work of art,
another everything.
Yeah. But how do I
break through that?
I've always wanted
to just quit my job,
start my own business,
but how do you begin
to get a foothold
in people's memories?
What's your favorite movie?
The Holiday.
Of course.
[chuckles]
You know the whole movie?
Mm-hmm. Yeah.
I watch it every Christmas.
Recite it to me.
What, now?
Yeah. Front to back.
Whole movie, every line.
[laughs] Well, I don't know
about every line.
Yeah, of course you don't.
Nobody does.
You know the big lines,
the big moments,
the feeling it inspired.
So, just because
your party's over,
or my light installation
has been disassembled,
that doesn't mean that people,
from time to time,
don't think,
"Hey, you remember that thing?
That thing was pretty great."
Yeah, but I would like
to create
something that inspires
more than just
the occasional fleeting memory.
If we can give
just a few minutes or hours
of joy
to people in this crazy world,
I think that's pretty noble.
Well, if it's so noble,
why don't you rent that studio
and do it yourself?
[laughs]
Because...
I'm...
scared.
[quietly] Oh.
When I was with my ex,
I was with someone.
We were... a team.
Now...
putting myself out there,
it's scary.
Yeah, it's...
it's scary at first,
but then you jump off the edge
and just hope
for a smooth landing.
Yeah, maybe.
What about you?
You said that you wanted to make
something that matters.
Quit.
Why don't you jump
off that edge?
Because L.A.
is oversaturated
with people
who do what I do,
and it'd be really hard--
So just leave L.A.
I can't leave L.A.
That's--
That's my home,
and that's where
all the events are.
You know, there's other cities
that have companies,
and there's this little thing
called Zoom nowadays.
[laughs]
I can't leave L.A.
- Sure you can. Why not?
- I can't!
Because...
it would be
like I'm quitting.
And... it would mean
that all the time
that I spent there
was a waste,
and could've been
spent with Mom.
I keep...
seeing her
around the farm.
In the house.
In my room.
And...
I feel like I didn't give her
what she deserved.
You know, I was
a really difficult child, and--
Oh, come on.
Every child is difficult.
I know, I just wish
I could see her again
and tell her I'm sorry.
Tell her
that I wish I'd seen her more,
wish I'd called more,
told her
that I loved her more.
Anyway!
What a really fun date
you brought along, huh?
When you turn off a light,
the light particles--
they're absorbed by the walls,
the ceiling, the floor.
They're not gone.
They're just...
different energy--
energy that you can't see,
but it's still there.
I don't know what you believe.
[chuckles] I don't even
know what I believe, but...
just because you can't
see your mom anymore,
it doesn't mean
that she's gone.
I love that.
Thank you.
Well, don't thank me,
thank science.
Thank you, science.
Science says
"you're welcome."
[chuckling]
[]
I had
a really good time tonight.
Yeah, me too.
Maybe, next time,
you'll take me on a date
that doesn't include errands.
Yeah. So you want there
to be a next time?
We can talk about it
after the carnival.
Okay.
[]
I believe in you.
[Luke] Goodnight, Emily.
[Emily] Goodnight.
I think it looks amazing.
I think it's demeaning.
I like it.
Two against one.
Sorry, Nick.
[Rudy whines]
[Nick] Sorry, Rudy.
I tried.
Well, the Christmas Carnival's
only two days away.
Are we getting close?
I'm gonna put the finishing
touches on tonight.
I should get back to work, then.
- Yes.
- All right?
- You better.
- Right? Okay.
Don't work too hard.
[Luke chuckles]
[Luke] Hey, you think
there's any chance
that Emily might
stay for a while?
I mean, after Christmas?
As sure as the sun
rises tomorrow,
Emily's not staying
in Meadow Grove.
I don't mean forever.
It's just... [sighs]
I wanna spend
more time with her,
and I figure
it'd be easier to do that...
here.
Yeah. Or...
you could go.
You want me to leave?
No. No, it's...
you helped me out
when I really needed it.
More ways than one, but...
Luke, your life's not here.
Your art is not here,
and...
and my sister's
not staying here.
Emily really likes it here.
A lot.
And, maybe, this is...
this is what she wants.
Maybe.
Maybe...
Maybe.
[Melody] Oh!
It's so good to see you.
Oh, I can't wait to hear
all about L.A.
Maybe there's something
from your work
that'll give us a good idea
for the Christmas Carnival
this year.
Won't that be fun?
Mom, I...
I'm not coming home
for the carnival this year.
Oh.
Well, last year,
you said that you--
I know. I know, it's hard.
Christmas
is my busiest time of year,
so, I've got events,
and all these corporate parties,
and big product promotions
for the holidays.
I know. I just...
I just thought that--
I'm sorry.
I don't want to disappoint you.
I know I haven't been
in a few years.
Four years.
Right, a couple years.
Well, four's
more than a "couple."
[calls out] Em?
Hey, I spoke to Alena
down at the goat farm.
She said that we could use
her goats for the petting zoo.
Good.
Good, sounds good.
Yeah.
[sighs heavily]
Well, Mom did it.
She finally got me
to come home for Christmas.
[Nick chuckles]
I can't help but feel
like I broke her heart.
I didn't have to work
over the holidays, I just...
The carnival felt like
Mom's mountain to climb.
Yeah, well,
she was running around,
had to take care of everybody...
manage everything.
It was just go, go, go,
and I...
I was in the way.
She had to be everyone's mom
during that time,
not just ours, and I...
I didn't understand that.
Yeah.
Well, she had a lot of love
to give.
Yeah.
You're not
that different from her.
I know.
That's what scares me.
You know...
she used to tell me
that I remind her of Dad.
Mm.
To be honest, I...
I don't really
remember much about him.
He was a good man.
Yeah?
Very patient.
Kind... to everyone.
You know, not the most verbose
or effusive man, but--
[laughs]
I guess
she was right about that.
Yeah. I think it's a compliment
of the highest order.
Yeah.
There's still
a few blown bulbs at the top,
and, uh, I have
to get everything in series
before the...
the big reveal,
but... what do you think?
It's amazing.
It makes me feel
like a kid again.
Coming out here
with Mom and Nick,
looking at the stars
on a clear night.
As if enough memories haven't
already been flooding back.
Good memories?
Yeah. All sorts of memories.
Well, hopefully, this trip
can provide you
with some new memories.
Great memories.
[]
I...
I hate to do this,
'cause I'd love to make
some new memories with you.
What's stopping you?
I'm leaving in a few days.
Mm.
But I'm having the best time
getting to know you. You're...
You're really smart, creative,
and very good-looking,
but if I get
too involved with you,
I won't want to leave...
and I can't stay.
Yeah.
I know that you're very
reluctant to leave L.A.
Um...
but maybe if you stay here
just a little bit longer,
you might figure out
what your next step might be?
Mm.
If I don't leave,
then I will stay forever.
Everyone stays.
Literally, all my friends
from high school are still here.
Is that a bad thing?
I just...
I don't know how to...
to move forward.
You know, how do I make
an impact by staying?
You'd make an impact on me.
You know what I mean.
I can't stay for you.
I-I know.
I wouldn't--
I wouldn't want you to.
I just...
I want you to think about this.
[deep breath]
About...
me and you
having more time
together.
And I'm sure
Nick would love
to have you around,
and Taylor...
even just for a few more weeks.
Hey, I just...
I just want you
to consider it.
I'll consider it.
But until I make up my mind,
we probably shouldn't
stand so close together.
Mm. Okay.
It's just
what I need to do.
[]
[]
Let's see it!
Light it up!
[power turns on]
Hey. You need some help?
Oh, we're just finishing up.
[gushing] Do you want
a festive little bow?
Oh, no!
Yes. Yes!
Oh, yes, you do.
[Nick chuckles]
Sorry.
Hey, Jessie! Oh, yes!
Yeah, I think
Mom would be happy.
Yeah, it's gonna be
a great carnival.
Nah, I'm not talking
about the carnival.
[chuckles]
Aw, good girl.
[Melody, echoing]
Good girl. Good girl.
[bleating]
You're a very good girl.
Let's go up in here.
Here we go.
Come on. Come on.
Mom?
Ohh...
Mom, what are you
doing out here?
I'm fine.
The doctor told you
to stay in bed, Mom.
What do doctors know?
Well...
I would say more than you.
Have you met Jessie here?
I got her off
a dairy operation
that went under,
a few towns over.
They took her kids
away from her,
right after they were born,
to try to save their farm.
Can you imagine?
You know, a mother goat
can recognize
the cries of its kids
over a year
after they're separated.
Mom, I'm going to tell my work
that I can
start the year remote.
That way, I can be here,
and I can take you
to your appointments.
Now, don't be silly!
I can handle things.
I have been
taking care of people
my whole life.
And who is gonna
take care of you?
Life has thrown me
some curveballs.
You can't keep me down.
I'm like this goat--
Jessie.
I'll be fine.
Are you sure?
[Jessie bleats]
Hey. You okay?
Yeah.
Yeah, I guess.
I don't know.
It's just--
It's just the carnival, and...
Mom,
you know, Nick...
the house, you.
Did I do something?
Yes.
Yes, you made this a great trip,
and made me realize
that I miss you.
I miss Nick
and this place,
and this feels like
it matters--
like I'm part of something--
but I can't stay.
I have no work here.
Nothing of my own.
And I...
well, I keep...
seeing Mom.
You know?
And-And wondering
if things
could have been different--
better, maybe...
closer.
Hey, there-there are
plenty of people
who are super-close
with their parents
and see them every day,
and you know what they wish?
They wish that they could
move away to L.A.
so they can get a break
from them every once in a while.
Even if you'd stayed,
you still would've wondered
what life might've been
on the other side.
So, what you're saying is,
everyone second-guesses
their life choices?
Well, maybe not everyone,
but... yeah.
I knew your mom.
She would never, ever have
wanted you living your life
in the rearview.
I know that.
I know. I know, I don't mean
to keep looking behind,
but I just...
don't know what's ahead.
Nobody does!
That's the beauty of it. Right?
Yeah.
Now, if you'll excuse me,
I just gotta make sure my kids
aren't running
in the alpaca sluice.
Yes. Yes, please do that.
Okay.
You good?
Yeah.
Thanks, Tay.
Got you. See you in a bit.
One, two, three--
Wow! Love what you've done
with the truck.
I like to call it
"Santa's Other Sleigh".
I guess reindeer need
days off, too.
Um... would you rather be,
uh, left alone, or...?
No. No, not at all.
Okay.
- [car approaching]
- About...
About last night, I--
Let me start.
Emily!
Hi.
Aurora? Fynne? Hi!
I didn't know you were coming.
Wow, look at the set-up!
This is great.
I know.
Honestly, these "dark carnival"
fantasy vibes
are really hitting different.
Luke, this is Aurora.
She's the CEO of Light MasQ.
- Hi.
- Hey.
Don't mind her,
she records everything.
So, I'm just gonna cut
right to the chase.
Mm-hmm?
I saw your campaign
for this Christmas Carnival,
and you should quit your job
immediately.
I... should?
You should quit that job
and come take a job
working for me.
You're the real deal.
I already talked to my board,
and I want to make you
my new Head of Content.
Head of Content?
You'll be in charge of socials,
product launches,
blogging, vlogging--
all types of "logging".
Oh, and not
just for Light MasQ--
for all the beauty products
under my umbrella corporation.
- Wow.
- Look at what you did
for this little carnival
in the middle of
absolutely nowhere-- no offense.
Just think what you could do
for brands like mine.
I mean, you shouldn't
be tracking orders--
you should be running the show.
So...
do you wanna
run the show for me?
Wow, I--
I would love to hear more.
May-- May I hear more?
Yes, absolutely.
I mean, the position
does start fairly soon,
so I'm gonna need
an answer right away.
Why don't we go have a bite,
talk about it?
- Perfect. Yeah.
- Great. Fynne?
Where did you get
these tall sheep?
I want one!
She's so cute.
What about you, handsome?
You hungry?
Um, I-I still got
a ton of work to do,
so I'm just gonna
stick around here, yeah.
Just give me just a minute.
Sure. I'll be in the car.
What are you waiting for?
You should go with them.
I'm not sure how I'm feeling.
Everything's happening so fast.
Do you like
what they're offering?
This is
an incredible opportunity.
I-- And I can't stay here.
I know. I'm-- I'm sorry
for even asking.
I was out of line.
I'm not ready
for this to end, but...
I also don't wanna make a choice
that I might second-guess
in the future.
This is a great opportunity.
So... go hear them out.
Okay.
[]
I miss you, Mom.
What's wrong, Em?
[]
[sobs] Mom!
[weeps]
There, there! It's okay.
Mom, I need you.
No! No, you don't.
Yes, I do.
Well, if that's the case,
then I didn't do my job.
You're gonna think
this is hilarious, but...
I've been considering
moving back home.
Oh! Ho!
- [laughing hard]
- Mom, I'm serious.
I know you never wanted me
to leave in the first play.
Leave?
I never wanted you to stay!
You didn't?
No.
You were always running away--
even before the farm.
You wanted adventure.
I know, but I...
I also want my life to matter.
Oh, it matters.
It matters to your brother...
your friends...
and that guy
who's so clearly on your mind.
Still taking care of people
even after you're gone.
I'll never be gone.
I'm always with you.
I love you, Mom.
I love you.
Mom?
If I don't wanna stay in L.A.,
but...
I don't know if I wanna
move back here, then...
...what do I do?
I don't know.
Isn't that exciting?
[]
[shutter snaps]
Luke's truck's gone.
Must've gone into town.
Yeah, he was already gone
by the time
I woke up this morning.
Things got a little weird
last night.
With Aurora and the job offer,
I just didn't know what to say.
Ah, well, he'll be back.
Even if he's not,
the carnival will be fine.
You'll be fine.
Ah, even he'll be fine.
What about you?
I'm always fine.
[chuckling]
Boys?
Here you are.
Thanks for all your help.
Sure thing.
You bet.
[cans cracking open]
[Nick sighs heavily]
Love you guys.
Love you, too, man.
Yep, love you both.
This is incredible!
I have never seen
so many people here.
I know.
It's wild, right?
Oh, my gosh.
Oh, there's Jerry.
Jerry, come say hello.
- Jerry! Hi.
- Hey, sweetheart.
You remember Emily, obviously?
- Yeah. Great to see you.
- Yeah.
Good to see you. Yeah.
Incredible work.
Thanks.
Hey, uh, you seen the kids?
What? No, I thought
they were with you.
So did I.
[shrieking wildly]
Ah, yeah, I'll-I'll get 'em!
Merry Christmas.
Hey! Don't put that
in your mouth!
Hey! He has been working out.
I know, right?
He's like my own personal statue
wrapped in leather
and, like, stubble.
He's just... mrah!
Oh, I-I should probably
go help him.
Yeah, probably.
Hey. Em...
you know your mom
would be so proud.
I know.
Thank you.
Look at what you've done.
Look at what wehave done.
[chuckles]
Hey, uh...
you think when
you get back to L.A.,
maybe we could schedule
a weekly phone call.
Maybe try to get back
on the same page?
I'd love that, yeah.
Aw.
Okay.
Don't make it weird.
Any word from Luke?
No. Not yet.
I'm so ready for Christmas
I'm so ready
I'm so ready for Christmas
I'm so ready
I'm so ready for Christmas
I'm so ready...
[loudly]
Good evening, everyone!
It is time
to light up the Carnival.
Come over this way,
if you want a better view.
I want to thank you all,
on behalf of the Ross family,
for being here this evening.
As many of you know,
we lost my mother
earlier this year, and, um...
this carnival meant so much
to her,
as did all of you.
She would be so thrilled
to see all of the memories
that you're making here tonight.
And I also want to thank
Luke Hodges
for this incredible art
behind me.
I asked him to make
something spectacular,
different,
and special,
for this Christmas.
I feel like we did that.
So, let's light
this party up!
In five...
[all] Four...
three... two... one!
[cheering]
[applauding]
[applause]
Luke.
What happened?
I'm sorry. Hey.
I-I thought you'd left
without saying goodbye
after all we talked about,
and I just...
I got it.
You got what?
The art studio.
I went to Seattle.
I found the realtor.
I filled out the paperwork.
I... It's mine.
You're moving to Seattle?
Yeah...
I'm moving to Seattle.
[laughs] Luke, that's great.
And I got something else, too.
Um...
in the same building,
on a higher floor,
I got the realtor to put a hold
on an office space.
The type of office
that would be perfect
for someone
who's trying to open up
their own marketing agency.
All right,
here's my pitch--
Oh, you're pitching now?
Oh, yeah, I'm the one
who's pitching now.
You want to open up
your own business.
You always have.
You can't live here.
It's too small of a town.
So instead of
going back to L.A.,
you go out on your own...
to Seattle.
Yeah, Seattle's not L.A.,
but it's a big enough city,
with tons of companies,
and at Christmastime--
I come home
and run the Christmas Carnival.
Uh-huh.
I know we haven't known
each other long--
we got a million things
to figure out
between your business,
and my art, and us--
but I want to try
to figure them out together.
Because I believe in you.
[Aurora] Emily?
This is just so charming.
Thank you.
Thanks, Aurora.
I, um...
I actually have a counter
to your offer.
I'm listening.
What if,
instead of hiring me
as your in-house
Head of Content...
you hire
my new marketing agency?
You'll be
my number-one client--
and we will work so hard
to make sure
there is a Light MasQ
in every home
up and down the Pacific Coast.
What do you think?
As long as it's you
running the show for me,
I don't care how you do it--
you're hired.
[chuckling]
Just call me
after the holidays,
we'll set everything up, okay?
Thank you so much, Aurora.
[laughing]
So... what's the plan?
Well...
I have a pitch.
[]