Christmas with a Kiss (2023)

[bunniefuu]

[jazzy music plays]

♪ I got everything on
my Christmas list ♪

♪ There wasn't a thing
on my Christmas list ♪

♪ Cause all I wanted
could never be ♪

♪ Underneath the tree ♪

[breathes deeply,
then phone dings]

- I am so sorry.
Work today was crazy.

- No, don't even worry about it.

And thank you for
texting me in advance

instead of five minutes after
you were supposed to be here.

- Man, I hate when
people do that.

- Me too. Just one other
thing that we have in common.

- Yeah. Still, showing up
late for your second date

is not a good look.

- Well, since our first
date was eight hours long,

I think I can give you a pass.

- It was that long?
- Yeah!

Who would've thought that
coffee would turn into lunch,

and lunch would
turn into a movie,

and a movie would've
turned into dinner,

followed by a horse and carriage
ride through Central Park.

- Well, I had a
great time, Mona.

Me too.

[both]: I want to talk
to you about something.

- You go first.

- Okay. Well, first of all,
I want you to know that

it is totally fine if you say no
to what I'm about to tell you.

- Okay.

- My great-grandfather
started this carnival

and it's a pretty big
deal back in Milton,

a small town upstate
where I'm from.

It runs for 10 days
and it ends with this

big beautiful dance
on Christmas Eve.

So I'm heading up
there tomorrow.

You had mentioned that
you didn't have any plans

for Christmas

and I know that we just met,

but I feel like we have a
real connection, you know?

So, I am extending an invitation

for you to come with
me for Christmas.

[nervous chuckle]

Uh, no rush, you know. You just
think about it and let me know.

It's no big deal.

So, what did you
want to tell me?

- I'm getting back
together with my wife.

- What did you just say?

- I'm getting back
together with...

- Yeah, no, no, no. I heard you.
You don't need to repeat it now.

Your wife?

- Well, technically
she's my ex-wife.

I did tell you I
was married, right?

- No, you didn't.

I think I would've
remembered that

before I made a complete
fool out of myself just now.

- Look, I am, I'm
really sorry, Mona.

You're an incredible
woman, it's just...

Spending time with
you the other day

reminded me of how much
fun she and I had together.

And I woke up today and realized

I'm still in love with her.

And I want her back.

Well, that's what I
wanted to say to you.

I'm really sorry.

Merry Christmas?

- Morning.
- Good morning.

- Thank you for coming
over last night.

- Yeah, I was worried about
you. How are you feeling?

- Like a complete idiot.

What was I thinking asking him
to spend Christmas with me?

- No, don't do that Mo,
don't blame yourself.

Forget about him.

Although I did warn you about
meeting guys on dating apps.

Too soon?
- Yeah.

- Sorry. [chuckles]

- It's not even just that.

You know, every time I go
home I hear the same thing.

You're still single? You're
not married? Why? Why, why?

- Why? Because you're focusing
on your incredible career.

You started as a sales
associate in a small boutique

and now you're a major
social media ambassador

for international brands.

That's why!

- And nobody back home cares
about that. It's Christmas.

It's about kids and
family, and I have neither

and I'm about to be 40.

- In eight years!
- Semantics.

I just have to face it, I
have horrible luck with men.

- What about Roger?

- He bought a house, and
he moved to the motherland.

Didn't tell me. I
found out online.

- Kevin?

- Oh, the last time
we went on a date,

he gave the waitress his
number in front of me.

- Gordon?

- Joined a monastery
and moved to Bali.

You are really not helping here.

Look at it this way,
your Mom and your sister

are both happily married,
and you will be too soon.

It's in your DNA.

- They did both find
the loves of their lives

at the magical Milton
Christmas dance.

- What's so magical
about this dance?

- Rumor has it, if you kiss
your date under the mistletoe

on Christmas Eve, you
will have lasting love.

- And you believe that.

- It happened for my
mom and my sister.

- You and that old quilt.

- Hey, my mother made this
for me, just like her mom

made one for her,
it's tradition.

- No, it's dusty.

- Oh.

Look at that. It's like she
heard you talking about her.

Hey Mom.
- When are you coming home?

The carnival's tomorrow

and your sister's feeling
down, she needs you.

- Why, what happened?
- Jackson called.

He thought the Navy was
gonna give him time off,

and now he is not coming at all.
- Oh no.

- It's their first Christmas
away from each other

in 12 years.

- Okay, well, I'll
be there tomorrow,

but I am preparing
you right now,

I am not going to the dance.

- What do you mean?
You have to go.

We have to take
our family picture

in front of the big tree.

We've been doing it since
you girls were little.

- Mom, we can take
that picture anywhere.

- Mona Sinclair, since when did
you stop caring about tradition?

I care. It just...

[sighs] Fine. Forget
I said anything.

- Great. Oh! Do you
remember my friend Toni?

Her son Solomon is single, and
he's coming here for Christmas.

I think the two of you should
go to the dance together.

Mom, please. Please. Please
stop trying to hook me up.

- I'mma send you
his picture now.

And I have a big surprise
for you when you get here.

See you tomorrow, dear.

- See you tomorrow.

And this is why I only
go home for Christmas.

- I mean...

- Don't you dare.

Uh-uh. Uh-uh.

- Honey, you shouldn't
be carrying all those.

- It's fine.

- I talked to Mona,
she's coming tomorrow.

- Great, we could use her help
around here. I really miss her.

- We need to talk to
her about the carnival.

- No, we don't, we can
wait until after Christmas.

- She needs to know, Harold.

- We haven't seen her
since last Christmas.

I just want her to
enjoy the holiday.

Promise me you
won't say anything?

- Okay, if that's what you want.

- I do, thank you. Love you.

- Love you too.

[chuckles]

[Shay]: Hey, girl.
What's going on?

- Hey, Shay, I just got in.

Ah, I forgot how
adorable this place is.

Anyway, my Mom is gonna have
me busy for the next 24 hours.

I'm stopping by my
favorite coffee shop,

grab a few muffins for the
nephews but I was wondering if-

Fletcher?

[Shay]: Who is Fletcher?

[Mona]: He's this guy
I dated in high school.

I haven't seen him in years.

I gotta let you go. Bye.

- Mona Sinclair.

Wow, you've gotten
even more beautiful?

- Fletcher, hi. It's
so nice to see you.

When did you get back to town?

- I moved back about
eight months ago.

You're home for the holidays?

- Yeah. Well, I'm going to
the carnival with my family.

- I'll be there.

I'm bringing the fire
truck down for the kids.

- You have kids?
- No. I don't have a family.

-No. Oh. Haven't uh...

Haven't found the right one yet.

No wedding ring?

- Yeah, no, um, guess I haven't
found the right one either.

Well, I'm going
this way, so um...

- Right, right. Hey!

I know you just got here,

but maybe we could
catch up later.

- I would love that.

- Cool, I'll DM you.

- Oh! Really? Hm.

- Okay, I admit I've been
checking out your social media

the past few years,
very impressive.

- Thank you.

Well, I... I guess
I'll see you later.

- I'll see you later.

- There she is!

I missed you!

- Oh, I missed you too.

I didn't think you'd be here.

- Where else would I be?

I thought you'd be
at the carnival.

- Oh, no. The boys are inside
talking to their father

and I'm just waiting on
the reporter to get here.

- What reporter?

- Momma didn't tell you?
- No.

All she said was she
had a surprise for me.

- Well, Culture & Lifestyle
magazine is doing a piece

on small towns that exemplifies
the Christmas spirit

and they've chosen our
town, Christmas in Milton!

- Well, excuse me.
- Wait, it gets better.

They're doing a feature of
our family and on Mom and Dad

and how they built up the
carnival over the years.

So, the reporter's coming here

and he's staying at the guest
house while he does the article.

Isn't that cool?
- Yeah, so cool.

- Oh. Girl.

- There's my baby!
- That's my baby!

- It's so good to see you!
- Hello, Momma. Hi, Dad.

- Did Erin tell you
about the reporter?

Isn't that exciting?

- Sure is, Mom.

- My baby lives in New York,
she doesn't get excited

about small-town stuff anymore.

- Ooh, did I mention that
we have a new mailman?

Mona, he is so attractive.
- Mom.

- Linda, the girl hasn't even
stepped foot in the house.

Give it a rest.

- We'll talk later.

Let's get out of
this cold. Come on.

- I'm so glad you're home.

- I'm sorry I won't be
there for Christmas.

- It's not fair,
you'll miss everything.

- We miss you, Dad.
- I know kiddos.

- I'm so sorry.
- It's been like this every day.

- But I promise I'll
keep calling every day

so I feel like I'm
there with you, okay?

- Okay.
- It's getting late here, boys.

Let me talk to your
Mom for a second.

Love you guys. Goodnight.

- Goodnight, Daddy.
- Goodnight.

- Hello, my not
so little nephews!

Come here. Come here.
- Hi, Auntie Mona.

- Aw, well, I'm
happy to see you too.

Come on. Cheer up.

Hey, why don't you go
get my bags in the car?

There might be a surprise
in there for you.

- Were you able to
speak to the Admiral?

- Yes, and the
answer is still no.

[sighs]

- Duty calls. I get it. I'll
talk to the boys. I love you.

- I love you too, sweetheart.

- You okay?
- Yeah.

It's just gonna be really
hard this Christmas.

- Well, have no fear,
your little sister's here.

Ooh!

[doorbell rings]

Oh, I think that's the reporter
guy. Give me a second, okay?

[phone dings]

- Wow, you are quick.

- Dez, this is my
brilliant sister Mona.

She's visiting for the holidays.

Mona, this is Dez Jordan

with Culture &
Lifestyle magazine.

- Really nice to meet you.
- Hi.

- Hi, here's my card.

- Wow, a, a business card.

I haven't seen one of
these in, like, ever.

[chuckles] Yeah. I know.

Uh, most people usually
share their information

through text, email
or social media,

but I personally like
the personal approach.

You know, I just
think that technology

is really deteriorating the
whole human interaction.

- Well, you know, since
I work in social media,

I have to disagree.

- So, Dez, where
are you coming from?

- New York City.
- Is that right?

Well, you know Mona actually
lives in New York City also.

What a coincidence.

- Really?
- Yes, it is.

- Which part?
- Manhattan. You?

- Brooklyn.
- Hm.

- The guest house is unlocked.

It's on the right
side of the driveway.

- Please, make yourself at home.
- Thank you.

I can't believe your
Mom was so gracious.

- Well, when you mentioned you
were highlighting the carnival,

I mean, you made our
mother's Christmas.

That's nice to hear. All right,
well, just give me 15 minutes

and I'll be ready.

Okay, great. Looking forward to
showing you Christmas in Milton.

- It's really nice meeting you.
- Yeah, you too.

Okay, you two have fun.
I will see you later.

- Uh, later? Where
are you headed?

- I have a date.
- A date? What, already?

I thought you were
seeing a guy in New York.

- No, that is a long, sad story.

Okay, well, I have a couple
of minutes, so talk fast.

- And you know what he said?
- What did he say?

- Merry Christmas! [gasps]

- No! He didn't really
say Merry Christmas

before walking away, did he?
- He sure did.

- Wow, unbelievable.

I feel the need to
apologize on behalf

of all of the decent
men in the world.

- Uh, are there any?

- Oh, shots fired?

[laughs]

I'm kidding. I'm kidding.

So, what about you? Why
are you still single?

- It's hard out here.

- Oh, please. Hard for you?

I'm sure there's a list
of women waiting to date

Milton's favorite fire stopper.

- Women here are
kinda predictable.

I need excitement.

Like a cup of hot cocoa

with whipped-cream,
gummies kind of excitement.

- Well, there are plenty of
toppings right over there.

Go wild.
- Toppings are easy.

Women, that's a different story.

- Have you ever
tried dating apps?

- No, thanks.

Especially not after the
story you just told me.

- Well, no risk, no reward.

And you did say that
you wanted excitement.

- Same old Mona.
Always the optimist.

- Yeah. Not quite.

At this point, I am convinced

that I will be single
for the rest of my life.

- Well, maybe I'll just have
to do something about that.

[chuckles]

- Mm! Smells so
good in here, Sis.

- Thanks, just
making a few things

for the next couple of days.

Are you headed to the carnival?

- Yeah, well, you know I
need to show my face today,

or I'm not going to hear
the end of it from Mom.

- Well, at least you know
that. Uh-uh! No. Uh-uh.

- I'm just tasting it.
You want a ride with me?

- I can't I'm gonna do Christmas
photos to send to Jackson.

Just trying find ways to keep
their spirits up, ya know?

- Well, let me know if there's
anything I can do to help, okay?

- I will. How was your date?

- Oh. Well. It was nice.

- Yeah?
- Mm-hm.

It was with Fletcher.
- Fletcher Johnson?

- Mm-hm. Why didn't you
tell me he was back in town?

- Because you didn't ask, and
just remember why you're here,

family.

I know. I know. So, where's
our resident reporter?

- Oh, I dropped him
off at the carnival.

You mind picking him up?

- Chaperoning a reporter
around Milton. Wow.

Merry Christmas to me.

Don't think I don't
know what you're doing.

- Drive safe! Love you!

[Mona]: So, when does
your article come out?

- Christmas Eve.
- Nice.

- How long have you
lived in New York?

- Five years.
- You like it?

- Oh, I love it! So much
culture and great shopping.

There's always a party. It's
the complete opposite of Milton.

- Well, I hear there's a lot of
culture and tradition here too.

- Okay, when I say culture,
I'm talking about the arts,

Broadway, museums, not
trolleys and folk art.

Why did you pick Milton, anyway?

- Because it is so picturesque
at this time of year.

- I guess you're right.
Does look like a postcard.

So where did you grow up?

I mean, where didn't I grow up?
The military took us everywhere.

- Oh, Erin's
husband's in the Navy.

Yeah, yeah, I heard.

My Dad's actually a high-ranking
officer in the Navy.

- Ah. Where is he now?

- I don't know, probably on
some top-secret assignment.

- So he is on a
Mission Impossible

Ethan Hunt-type level?

- Yeah, I mean, he's taller
and darker, but, uh, yeah,

I believe that his
efforts save humanity.

- My dad milks cows.

Hey, hey, I eat
cereal every day.

Saving humanity comes
in different forms.

- I like that.
- So what do you do?

- I am an online
brand ambassador.

- A what?

- You know, companies,
they hire me to promote

their products on social media.

I post, I do funny skits...
- Okay, what kind of products?

- Uh, cosmetics, hair care,
clothing, that kind of thing.

- OK, that is an
interesting career.

- Um, I create my own content.

I write, sh**t and deliver.

I actually do the
jobs of three people.

- Yeah, but what
you're talking about

isn't really that important.

- Excuse me?

- Oh, no, no. I
mean, no, no shade,

but some things are more
important than how you look.

- Oh.

Like writing about
Christmas lights

in a town with a
population of 1,800?

Okay, you have no
idea what I do.

I'm gonna go wait in the car.
- Really, now? Come on.

♪ The snow's falling
down tonight ♪

♪ Everybody's got
a secret smile ♪

♪ I don't wanna be alone ♪

♪ I want so much joys for me ♪

♪ I don't have
any world to see ♪

♪ For a Christmas gift,
all I want is love ♪

- Harold, your back
is gonna give out

if you don't sit down for
a moment, take a break!

- I'm fine.

The kids are gonna
love this new booth.

- Hey, Momma.

- Hey! I'm surprised
to see you before noon.

- Daddykins. How're you doing?

- I'm great. It's
Christmas time.

- He's gonna pop a blood vessel

if he keeps moving
this stuff like he is.

We are getting too
old for all this.

- Speak for yourself, woman.
I've got this under control.

Let me get back to work.
Love you, baby girl.

- Love you. [ phone dings]

- So, have you gotten a chance
to spend some time with Dez?

- Yes.
- I like him.

- You like everyone, Mom.
It's your superpower.

So, where do you want
me to work today?

- Um. Oh, the Reindeer
Race could use some help.

Jimmy's running late.

Mona? Can you get your nose
out of your phone for a second?

Did you hear me?
- Yeah, sorry, Mom.

What were you saying?
- The Reindeer Race.

- Okay, I could do
it for a few hours,

but then I have an errand
to run, I love you.

Come and play the Reindeer Race

for the best stocking
stuffers at the carnival!

- Yeah, I wanna play!
- Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you.

- Wow, this place is like a
real-life Milton snow globe.

- Yeah, that's one
way to describe it.

- So, are your parents
been running this place

since you girls were little?

- Are you interviewing me right
now? Is that what's happening?

- Yeah. Is that okay?

- On your marks... Go!

My great granddaddy

was the one who started
the carnival, actually.

- Wow, so your parents
grew up in this town too?

- Yeah.

Before the carnival,
there was a circus

that used to set up
here for the holidays.

But when they got better offers
from larger cities, they bailed.

- Yeah. That's business.

- And that's when
my great granddaddy

started with five booths.

My great-grandmother,
she was the one

who came up with
the Milton dance.

And it grew, year after year,
into what you see today.

Wow, you are so lucky
to be part of a family

so enriched in tradition.

- Yeah, real lucky for a woman
with nothing important to say.

- Mona, I-

- Congratulations!
Lane three wins.

[kid]: Yay!

- Hi, Mona. I'm sorry I'm
late. I'll take it from here.

- Oh, it's okay.
Thank you, Jimmy.

- Come on, step right up! Who
wants to win a Christmas prize?

Come on, you? Come on up here.
Got a ticket, three tickets

gets you everything you
wanna get for Christmas.

- Hi.
- Hi.

- I hope I'm dressed okay.

- You look amazing.
- Thank you.

I wish I felt that way.

You okay?

I'm fine. Just, my parents, they
need some help at the carnival.

I found a replacement, but
she needs to leave shortly.

And now my sister is upset
with me because I'm going out.

- Why don't we go help your
family instead of going out?

- You would do that?
- Yeah.

It doesn't matter where
we're spending time together,

as long as we're together.

- This brings back memories.

When Erin and I were kids,

we would spend two days blowing
up balloons for the carnival.

And whoever blew up the most

would get a special
treat in their stocking.

- Oh, no!

- Thank you for doing
this, by the way.

I know it's not ideal,

but my Dad'll be back
soon with the pump.

- No, it was fun. I remember
coming here as a kid.

Milton always had
the best light show.

- It does. So, why
did you move back?

I thought about
New York or Philly

but my parents are here,

there was an opening
at the fire house,

so Milton seemed like
a good compromise.

When I first moved
back, I looked for you.

- Me? Seriously?
- Yeah.

Do you remember our
first Christmas together?

- Yeah, we came here.

- And I won you one of those
big stuffed reindeer, right?

[both chuckle]

- I thought about asking you
to be my girlfriend that night.

- Huh.

Then why did you stop calling
me after Winter Break?

[exhales]

- I had a long talk
with my Dad about you,

my grades were slipping

and he insisted that I
stay focused on school.

- I wish that
you'd told me that.

You know, all this time I just
thought you lost interest.

- I was young and dumb.

I'm sorry.

But, um...

I'm really glad we've
found each other again.

- Me too.

- Hey, kids!

- Dad! Uh, hey.

- You two can take a break.
I've got it covered from here.

- You know, we can stay and
help out. It's been really busy.

- I'm sure.

This little baby works 10
times faster than human lips.

But thank you for helping out.
- Of course.

Hey, Dad. You okay?

- Of course.

I have a few aches and
pains occasionally,

nothing that one of your Mom's

gingerbread cookies
couldn't fix.

Don't worry about me, baby girl.

- Ugh. I'm sorry, I have an
emergency at the station.

- Um, yeah, of course. Go.

- I really had a great time.

- Me too.

[exhales]

What?

- Nothin'. Just, you know...

Isn't he the boy that stopped
calling you in high school?

- I...

[chuckles]

- We thank you for this family
and we thank you for this food.

Amen.
- Amen.

- Thank you so much for
inviting me to dinner.

I haven't seen a spread
like this in a while.

- Oh, it is our pleasure.

- So, boys, how was the
Christmas play today?

- It was fun. Mom,
what time is it?

- We have an hour. They're
speaking to Jackson tonight.

- Oh, no wonder they're
in such a good mood.

I thought maybe they'd been

peeking under the
Christmas tree.

- My dad used to be stationed
away a lot when I was your age.

- Really?
- Yep.

In fact, I have an idea.

My Dad loved getting
videos from us.

I'd be happy helping you make
a fun video for your Dad.

- That's awesome.
Can we do it tonight?

- If it's okay with your Mom.

- Yeah. That is so
sweet, thank you.

Oh, it's my pleasure.

I bet we can make
something really special.

- Hey girl. Hey.

- Hey, girl. Listen, you
have the best kitchen!

If you ever need a house
sitter again, you let me know.

- You better not
burn the place down.

- So, how's it going?
- It's good.

I actually went on
a couple of dates

with my ex from high school.

- The guy you saw on the street?
- Yup.

- Okay. What's his name?
I'm looking him up.

- Fletcher Johnson.
He's saying and doing

all of the right things.

It's like we're picking up

right where we left
off in high school.

- Is Fletcher a fireman?
- Yes. How did you...

Girl, never mind.

- He's so cute!

- I know!

- Oh, look at you spinning
the block! So how's it been?

- Well, he has definitely
expressed some interest, so...

- Okay, well, I'll do a
medical background check

to make sure he doesn't
have I was married before

but forgot to tell you-itis.

- Well, okay, thank
you very much for that.

- Well, you go have fun. You
deserve it, but be careful!

- I will. Bye.

- Bye.

- Good job, boys!
- Thanks, Grandma.

Dad, this one's from me!

- And this one's from me!
- See you soon!

- You guys are professionals.
He's gonna love it.

- So cute.

- What are you doing?

- Enjoying the moment.

[distant groaning]

- Dad? What happened?

- Are you all right?
Is it your back again?

- I'm fine, everybody. Please
stop with the dramatics.

I just dropped a
pot, that's all.

- Hey boys, let's go upstairs
and finish these videos.

- Is everything okay?

- No, it's not, girls. We
need to talk about something.

- Linda, not now, you promised.

- I'm sorry, Harold,
but they need to know.

- Know what?

[exhales]

- Your Dad and I
are getting older.

His back pain is getting worse.

We've decided that we
can't manage the carnival

and the dance like we used to.

We've had a great run,

but it's time to do some
other things with our lives.

- Girls, the truth is

the carnival isn't nearly as
successful as it used to be.

Yes, we still get
a decent crowd.

You remember how
packed it used to be.

A lot of folks have
moved out of Milton,

or their kids just aren't
interested in attending.

We need new young
energy to keep it alive.

- We need to know that
you or your sister

are gonna take it
over after this year.

- Well, what about Jimmy?

He's been helping
you manage, right?

- We love Jimmy and he
did make us an offer,

but it didn't feel right.

The carnival needs to
stay in our family.

- It'll be tough with me
taking care of the boys.

I can help out as much as I can,

as long as Jackson
doesn't relocate.

But if we move, I can't
promise I'll be here.

I have a job.

In New York?

- I know but this
is our carnival.

Our Christmas Eve dance. It
needs to stay in the family.

- We understand
technology's taken over,

things move fast and people
these days don't have the time

for the simple pleasures,
but it's still important.

- This is our family's
Christmas legacy, girls.

We need to know you're
gonna carry it on.

- Mind if I sit?

Sure.

- Is your Dad okay?

- Yeah. Uh, no.

I guess he's just getting older.

- Is that why you're
sitting outside by yourself?

[sighs]

They want me to take over the
carnival but I don't want to,

and I feel like a
horrible daughter.

- Why don't you want to do it?
- Because it's a lot of work.

And especially now since the
attendance has gone down.

You don't understand.

They prepare for
this all year round,

not just during the season.

I feel like I'm gonna be
stuck here if I do it.

But it's my family's legacy.

- I get it.

My grandfather was in
the Navy before my Dad.

And I always felt like they
would be disappointed in me

if I didn't enlist.

- How did you handle that?

- Not very well.

I didn't talk to them
very much after college.

Then my grandfather got sick,

and my Dad and I were
visiting him in the hospital

and I just asked them if
they were disappointed in me.

They said no.

They respected the fact that
I was building my own legacy.

I realized it was in
my head the whole time.

I'm sure your folks will be okay

with whatever decision
you make, Mona.

They really love you,

and nothing you do
is gonna change that.

- Thanks.

- You're welcome.

[Erin]: Hey, Miri, play
our Christmas playlist.

[Christmas music plays]

No time for sleeping.

[mumbles]

- I need five more
minutes, please.

I need you to get up and
help me wrap these gifts.

[phone dings]

It's Fletcher.

- Oh! We have a date.
What time is it?

Oh! We're just saying hi.

[clears throat]

Need I remind you he
dumped you in high school?

- Yes, and he explained
that and he apologized.

We're good now.

You know, maybe
this is our time.

- I can say there is
definitely something to timing.

I'm just not sure
about Fletcher.

He broke your heart. I don't
want to see that again.

- Well, it's a good thing we're
not in high school anymore.

- Hmm.

[both laugh]

Do you remember this song?

Oh, my gosh we used
to love this song.

- Do you remember the routine?
- Girl, I'm already getting up.

Let's go!

♪ Listen close and
I'll tell you why ♪

♪ It's my favorite
time of year ♪

♪ Candy canes and mistletoe ♪

- Hey!

Ah!

Ahh!

[both laugh]

Oh, no, no!

- No, no, no, no. Don't
stop on my account.

Come on.

- Oh, okay, okay.
You like that, huh?

I hope you like
wrapping presents too

because we need
your help. Come on.

Grab some scissors and help us.

[phone dings]

Oh! Hey, uh, sorry,
I've got uh...

- I guess he's allergic
to wrapping gifts.

- Maybe he has a girlfriend
he needs to check in on.

- Jealous?

- Please, I am not
interested in him.

- Yeah, you're probably right.

He's kind, considerate,
thoughtful, compassionate.

Why would you be
interested in him?

- You better give
me those scissors.

- You gotta see this.
- Okay.

Ooh, where do all these
ornaments come from?

- Over time,
families in the town,

they create ornaments as a
symbol of their presence here.

And each ornament is
unique to that family.

- Ah, let's see. This one is
from 2005 from a Billy Thompson.

- Oh little Billy.

You know, he's a big-time
producer in Los Angeles now.

- Mrs. Hatcher.

She used to make the
best cinnamon-spiced tea.

Wow, things have changed.

What?

- I just wish you
could see your face

when you talk about
this place, you glow.

- There's a sense of community
that's hard to find elsewhere.

- Hey, you guys mind
if I capture this?

- That's what you're here for.
- Okay.

-Let's show them city folks
what we got going on in Milton.

- Hey, Mona.

- Oh, it's here.

- Hey kids, I have
some presents for you

from the Milton Fire Department.

- Firetruck, yeah, let's go.

- For you. For you.

Merry Christmas. Be right
back, stay right there.

- Aw. Thank you for doing this.

The kids are so excited.

- It's my pleasure.

Now, this was a special
memory for us too as kids.

You remember our ornament?

- I just saw it. Hold on. Um...

Ta-da!

- Wow! I can't believe
you still have this!

- Do you remember
when we made that?

We were so proud of
our artistic skills.

- Hey now, we were
practically the Picasso

and Van Gogh of art class.

- We were so innocent back then.

- Funny how things change.

- Despite how things turned out,

I wouldn't change those
memories for anything.

We learned so much
about friendship

and, well, failed romance.

- Ouch, failed romance
sounds so dramatic.

- No, it does. But it's true.

And our paper snowflake
witnessed it all.

- Well, thank goodness
for second chances.

- Mona!

- Dez.

- Hey, hey. Uh,
sorry to interrupt.

I've gotta get back to the
house. Forgot my extra battery.

- Um, Fletch, this is Dez.

He's writing an article
on Christmas in Milton.

He's staying in my
parents' guest house.

- Hey.

So, we're still on for tonight?

- Yeah, of course.
- Great!

- I could take the car
and run to your parents'.

- No, no, it's fine. I've gotta
get changed for tonight anyway.

- Really? Why? You look
great the way you are.

- Uh, yeah. That's
a no. Come on.

[approaching footsteps]

- Wow.

- Much better than
Carnival Mona, right?

- I like Carnival Mona.
- Okay.

- She probably has an
interesting backstory.

I mean I really wonder what
her favorite holiday memory is.

- There is one that sticks out.

There was one year
when my grandfather

created this Christmas
Wishing Tree.

- A Wishing Tree?

Yeah, it was white and I swear

it had to have been


And my grandfather told me
that if I made three wishes

and I touched the tree,

all of my wishes
would come true.

- And how old were you?
- I was nine.

- Oh, man.

- Probably a little too old
to believe in a magical tree,

but I will have you know my
grandfather was very convincing.

And one of my wishes
actually did come true.

I um, won the Christmas
pageant the following year,

just like I wished for, so...

- Okay, okay. And
what was your talent?

- I twirl a mean baton.
- I bet you do.

[both laugh]

- Yeah, but the
other two wishes,

they still haven't come true.

- Oh, please, please. No,
no, no, no, no, no, no.

Don't stop. Keep
going. Come on.

- You wanna know
what I wished for?

- Uh, yeah!

- Okay, but you can't laugh.

- No, no, I won't.

I wished that I would
become a supermodel.

[laughs] Okay!

- Really? Wow.
- I'm fine now.

Really?

[laughing] The next
Tyra Banks, huh?

- Mmm. You know it!
Okay. Oh, you wanna see?

- Uh-oh.
- Okay.

- All right.
- Let's see.

Hey. I see it.

I see it.

- Yeah, I briefly tried to
model when I moved to New York,

with the Wishing Tree
in the back of my mind.

It didn't go very well.

- What happened to the
wishes that didn't come true?

[car horn honks]

- I have to go.

- Where are you going?

- I don't know.

- Oh, okay, okay. I mean, he
should really come to the door.

- Oh, it's fine.
- No, no, actually,

he should come to the
door instead of honking.

I mean, talk about no
manners. It's just rude.

I mean, guys these days
should really learn

to be a little more respectful.

Guys nowadays?

Okay, Grandpa.

You are a little judgmental.

Anybody ever tell you that?

You should work on
that. Have a good night.

- What?
- You look beautiful.

- Well, you don't
look so bad yourself.

- Are you going to
the Christmas dance?

- Of course. Why do you ask?

- Just curious.

- You know, seeing the
look on those kids' faces

when you pulled
up in a firetruck,

oh, it was priceless.

Makes me wonder what my
kids are gonna look like.

- Kids are a huge
responsibility.

- Yeah.

- I don't know if I'll
ever be ready for that.

- Well, where are we headed?

- I was thinking
about the ice rink,

but it's hard to skate and talk

and I want to spend some
alone time with you.

- I like the sound of that.
What do you have in mind?

- You'll see.

- What happened to
all the decorations?

- Uh, some of the
kids at the carnival

made fun of my decorating skills

so I decided to take them
all off and start again.

Would you like to help?

- Picasso and Van
Gogh strikes again.

[both chuckle]

- I'll admit,

this is one of my
best dates ever.

- You don't have to
flatter me, Mona.

I know your life is exciting.
- What makes you say that?

- I see your social media posts

and every time I run
into your sister,

she says you're traveling the
world and loving New York.

- I do love New York, but
it can get lonely sometimes.

- Can I be honest?
- Sure.

- I'm surprised
you're still single.

- I'm surprised
you're still single.

You have been popular
since high school,

and I see how the
ladies still swarm.

[chuckles]

Most of the women here
have a one-track mind.

Getting married and have kids.
I want something different.

- Like what?

[sighs]

- I don't really know,

but I do know that I've
been in a routine too long.

I guess I just need
some adventure.

Yeah, well, I'm
all for adventure.

I think we're ready.

- Do the honors?
- My pleasure.

It's beautiful.

[siren] [gasps]

- You've got to be kidding me.

I'm so sorry.

- Seriously?

[sighs]

- I don't know about this, Dez.

- It's gonna be great.

My dad and I used to do
this every Christmas.

Just focus, you got this.

- You can't chicken
out now, Mom.

[clucking]

- Chicken? Oh, it's like
that? Okay, let's go, Dez!

- Okay. All right.
Ready, set, go!

- Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh!

- Yeah! I won!

[laughs]

- This is so much
fun. Thanks, Dez.

- Hey, that was awesome, guys.
Your dad is gonna love this.

- Come on. I'll race
you to the barn.

- I really appreciate
you doing this, Dez.

It's good to see
the kids like this.

I honestly don't know
how to thank you.

- It's my pleasure.

But the way you can thank me
is by telling me that you have

more of your Mom's delicious
gingerbread cookies.

- Oh, I don't think so!
- Oh!

But you know what, I
can give you the recipe,

so your, um, girlfriend
can make them for you.

- Oh, yeah, I don't
have a girlfriend.

- Oh, you know what, I
actually just remembered

I have a secret stash.

- All right. Lead the way.
C'mon. I'll show you them.

- So, if you use all of the
products that I recommended,

I promise you won't regret it.

This is your girl Mona
Sinclair signing off.

And a Happy Holidays!

- Look at my sister, big
time social media influencer.

- Oh, God. Get outta here.

What are you up to?

- Well, we were sh**ting
footage this morning with Dez.

He's a nice guy.

- I don't know.

You know every time I think that
we're kind of getting along,

he says something super
judgey and you know...

- Well, I like him. But how
was your evening with Fletcher?

- It was fine.

Ugh. I just really thought

he was gonna ask me to
the dance, and he didn't.

I'm starting to
think that it's me.

I have a great career, I
have a good personality,

I dress nice and I have
horrible luck with men.

- Mona, come on! You are a 10.

- I really don't feel that way.

Do you remember
Grandpa's Wishing Tree?

- Of course.

- Well, I never told you this

but one of my wishes was
that I would be married

and have a family by
the time I was 35.

- Oh. Sis, it is
time to let that go.

- Clearly.

Life has tried to trick you into
thinking that you don't have it.

But that is far from the truth.

You don't have a
husband by 35, so what?

You need to appreciate the
things you do have in your life.

- I just, I look at your
life, and Mom and Dad's...

- And you will have
your own journey,

and find someone who
appreciates you simply for you.

You just need to get back
in being the optimistic girl

I know that you are.

Ah! This girl.

[clears throat]

[laughs]

- Mona Sinclair, Milton's
Christmas pageant winner, year-

[both]: 2005!

Yeah, girl, that's
what I'm talking about.

You know, the Christmas present
I want you to give yourself

this year is grace.

I love you.
- I love you.

[Linda]: Girls,
I need your help.

- Duty calls.
- Uh-huh.

Hey, Momma.

- I have gotten so behind
this year that I am late

delivering my quilts.

Christmas is in six days,
and I need some help.

- Sure, where do we start?

- First we need to cut
those bigger squares

into smaller squares,
and I need one of you

to finishing stitching
that needlepoint.

I'll cut. I can't stitch.

- You sure can't, your
stitches are always crooked.

- Your sister knows
how to stitch,

she just doesn't want to.

- Well, I don't know why
you do all of this by hand.

It takes so long. And you
have a sewing machine.

- Mona Sinclair!
These are heirlooms!

Your grandmother
started this tradition.

Every year, she would
gather everyone at her house

for a quilting circle.

It was a time of...
- Laughter, stories...

But you don't have a
quilting circle, Mom.

It's just you and us now.
You need to modernize things.

- Your grandmother was a
cornerstone of this town,

especially at Christmas.

This is her tradition,
we are honoring it.

- Enough said,
Momma. We'll help.

- Thank you.

- What are you doing?

- Oh! Girl, you almost
gave me a heart attack.

- Okay, I know what you
said, but he's a good guy.

- Yeah. I'm sure he is.

- He's like a nicer,
sweeter Fletcher.

- Okay. Stop it.

[laughs]

- Brad, baby, come
on. It's time to go.

- Let's get going. We've
got some snow cones to make.

- I don't wanna go
make snow cones.

- Why not?

- It's not gonna be the
same without Daddy there.

It's like everyone else is
excited about Christmas,

and all I can think about
is how much I miss him.

- Brad, I...

- Hey, Brad.

I know it will be
different without your dad

but it doesn't mean
it will be bad.

- I won't like it.
- I get it. I really do.

You know, the
holiday can be tough

when someone you love is
away, especially a parent.

I used to feel the same
way when my Dad was away.

You know, but sometimes
we have to be brave enough

to take chances on
different things.

Think of it this way, your
Dad, right, he's really brave?

Oh, see, well, you're
the mini version of him.

I see it in you.

I think you can be brave
just like your Dad.

You could do that, right?

All right.

[chuckles]

- All right! You all
ready to rock and roll?

- All right. Let's go.

- Hey. You coming?

- Uh, yeah, yeah. Of course.

- The jolly crew's here!

Ready for some
snow-capped delights?

- Yes! I will have the
Candy Cane Bliss, please.

- And Harold and I will
take the Holiday Surprise.

- Frosty Fiesta
for sure. Me too.

- Can I get a Maple Sleigh Ride,

extra syrup, and
a side of daring.

- Snow cones in the winter?

- It's a Sinclair
family tradition.

- A jolly bunch indeed.
Snow cones for all ages.

- Thank you, Jimmy.
- Hey guys, wait a second.

Hey guys, it's your girl Mona.

And if you are in the
upstate New York area,

you need to come hang with me

at the Milton
Christmas Carnival!

We have got snow cones,
we've got games, food

and good old
Christmas family fun!

[all cheer]

So what are you guys
waiting for? Come on down!

- Over here, everyone.

And right...

- Every year we
transform the barn

for the annual Sinclair
Family Christmas dance.

- Now Mona, we need to make
sure that all the decorations

and food are in place.

It needs to be an enchanted
winter wonderland.

- Erin and I have it all
under control, Momma.

- It's the same people
we used last year.

- And the year before that.
- And the year before that.

- Okay, okay. You know this
dance is special to me.

It was my mother's favorite
part of the Carnival.

- It's also the place where
you met the love of your life.

- Yes, it is.

- Erin also met her
husband here too.

- So, is this dance some
sort of good-luck charm?

- In a way, yes.

It's kinda like a tradition
that carries the spirit

of the season; just
love, family, friends,

and a touch of magic.

- Hey. Okay, so I brought
the white flashing lights

to help with this year's
theme, Holiday Enchantment.

I'm just going to get the boys

to help set up before
we go caroling.

- Caroling? That's great.

That's the last thing I'll
get to complete their video.

- Oh, they're the cutest things.

In my mind, caroling is
what heaven sounds like.

- Hey Mona, you going?

- Yeah, Mona, are you?

- Uh...

- Sure.
- Good.

♪ O'er the hills we go ♪

♪ Laughing all the way ♪

♪ Bells on bobtails ring ♪

♪ Making spirits bright ♪

♪ What fun it is
to ride and sing ♪

- Hi, Mona!
- Oh, Tracey!

- So good to see you back home.
Oh, this is such good turnout.

I haven't seen this
many people for a while.

- Yeah, I know. Oh, you need to
meet Dez. Dez, this is Tracey.

Tracey has actually
never missed a carnival.

Dez is doing an
article on our town.

- Yeah, you mind if I
ask you some questions?

- Of course.
- Amazing. So you're from here.

- Born and raised.
- All right.

So people come from
surrounding counties.

Why do you think that is?

- The holidays have
become so stressful.

Everyone's rushing to get gifts,

and hoping they have enough
money, things like that.

But here, we have
community activities

that celebrate the true
meaning of Christmas.

Food drives, where the entire
neighborhood is involved,

and tree trimming with homemade
ornaments, so people feel seen.

Christmas isn't commercial here,

and that's what I think
people appreciate.

- Yeah. Yeah, that's,
that's great. Thank you.

- You're welcome.
Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

- You know, I never
thought about that.

People here aren't stressed
here during the holidays

like they are back in New York.

One year, I swear, I almost
had a nervous breakdown

because I couldn't
find the perfect dress

for the Harlem Theater party.

Well, people here
don't care about that.

All they want to do is sing,
celebrate, love on each other.

- Yeah, I mean, I've felt that.

- Did you see the stocking wall?

One of the churches,
they put up stockings

and people fill them with gifts,

and the church gives
them to families in need.

- Ooh. I definitely gotta
get a picture of that.

- So the boys are gonna
sing one more song

and then we're gonna
head back to the house.

Where's Fletcher?

- He's...

Oh, I don't know where he went.

- Hey, I'm gonna stick around
and interview a few more people.

- Dez, I want you to know

that I can't wait
to read the article.

I know that it's gonna be
the highlight of the year.

- Uh, yeah, yeah.

- Hey, don't be modest.
I saw your pictures.

I know it's gonna be great.

- I'll see you guys later.

- Just admit it. You like him.

- What? No.

- You've been giving him
a lot of your attention.

- That's because you and Mom
keep sticking me with him.

I don't have a choice.

- I think you should
ask him to the dance.

- Uh, no. Besides, Fletcher
is going to ask me.

- Oh.
- Yes.

- Really? Is that the same
Fletcher that disappeared?

Hm? Where's he at?

- Okay, I don't
need this right now.

I'm gonna go call him
and find out where he is.

- Mm-hm. Girl.

- Hey.
- Hey.

- What happened to you earlier?

- Sorry I left the square
without telling you.

You seemed busy and I
didn't want to bother you.

- It wouldn't have bothered
me. I was there with you.

- You looked a
little preoccupied.

- Ah. I'm sorry.
- It's fine.

- You know, if it's not
fine, you can just say that.

- I don't really
like confrontation.

- Yeah, I get that but you
broke up with me in high school

and you didn't tell me why.

And then now you left
me at the carnival

and you're clearly
feeling some kind of way.

I just want you to know
that you can talk to me

about your feelings, okay?

- Okay.
- Okay.

- Actually, I came
to ask you something.

[exhales] What is it?

- You know what, it can
wait. It's been a long night.

I'll see you tomorrow.
Have a good night.

- Good night.

[all laughing]

- So, what did you say to him?
- What could I say?

He just walked away

and I definitely wasn't
chasing after him.

- Did you try to call him?

- You have clearly been
out of the dating scene.

- We don't call, we text,

and he needs to be
the one to text me.

- Okay boys, those are your
last ones. Say goodnight.

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight, boys.

- Goodnight.

[clears throat]

You two have a good night.

- Oh. Look at this. S'more?

- Sure.

That looks perfect!

Ooh! Ah!

[laughs]

- Mmm. It's perfect.
You wanna bite?

- Mmm. [chuckles]

Um, I owe you an apology.

- Hm. I'm listening.

First, I couldn't believe
how one post from you

got all those people
at the carnival.

And then I looked into what it
takes to be a brand ambassador,

and it is not easy.

- What? Are you saying
that it's an actual job?

- I am.

- I think you're
just trying to get me

to help you edit
my nephews' videos.

- Could you? [laugh]

I mean, it is a lot of footage.
- Of course.

[exhales]

The air is so fresh out here.

- Yeah, it is peaceful.

[both]: I could
get used to this.

Jinx!

- You know, my parents

are always saying
things at the same time.

I guess I always
thought it was because

they've known each
other for so long,

but maybe they are
simply aligned.

The way that they
look at each other,

you just see the
love bubbling over.

- Hm.

- I've always wanted someone
to look at me that way.

- How could someone not
look at you that way?

- Huh?

- Hm?

Oh, no, no, no. I just see
how, how people look at you.

You cold?

- Oh, no, I'm fine. I'm fine.

- I got you.

Madame.

- What a gentleman.
- Unlike some people.

- Ah!

[chuckle]

Thanks.

- No, thank you,
for being my guide.

- Well, it was kind of,

sort of, a pleasure.

[chuckles]

I have to admit, though,

you've given me a
new appreciation

for my own hometown.

So thank you.

- I mean, sometimes you
have to look at things

with a different lens.

Yeah. I guess you're right.

Wow, it's so beautiful.

- Yes, you are.

- Um, I uh, I gotta go to bed.

I get up early, get things
ready for the dance.

But I am gonna take
one more for the road.

- Okay, yeah. Oh,
okay, good one! Okay.

All right. Well, let me
show you what I got here.

- Oh, oh, let's see.

Yeah, um, you should
just stick to journalism.

Goodnight!

Mom?

Mom.
- I'm almost done.

- You are done all right.
Go to bed. I'll finish up.

- You sure, honey?
- I'm positive.

Thank you, baby.
- You're so welcome.

Mom?
- Mm-hm?

- How did you know that Dad
was the love of your life?

- It's not something
you know, sweetheart.

It's something you feel.

You'll know it when you feel it.

Goodnight.

- Goodnight.

[sighs]

- Merry Christmas!
- Merry Christmas!

I am so sorry that it's late.

My mother took a little
extra time with this one.

- Oh! A Sinclair quilt
is worth waiting for.

This one is going to
my 80-year-old Mom.

It's got all her kids' and
grandkids' names on it,

and it's made with patches

from some of their
favorite Christmas outfits.

- That is so special.
I'm sure they'll love it.

- Well, it was your Mom's idea.

Her quilts are a
true labor of love.

I can't think of a Christmas
gift that can compare.

- Thank you. It means a
lot hearing you say that.

- Well, I'm sure Linda
passed down her talents.

Maybe I'll get a quilt
from you some day.

[laughs gently]

Now that would be a
Christmas miracle.

Coffees to the rescue!

- Oh yes, thank you.
I so needed this.

- Honestly, you guys really
have an eye for this.

Transforming this place is
not as easy as I thought.

- Well, we have a great team.

Do you remember that
year when Mom decided

that the theme would be
the Candy Cane Castle?

- Oh, yes! Everyone was sticky
and smelling like peppermint

by the time the dance was over.

- My dog Marty licked me
for three days after that.

[laughs]

Oh, I still have a barrel
of icicles to hang,

so thanks for the coffee.

- And I will not let
these lights defeat me,

so I'm gonna get back to it.

- Well, I have years of
experience so I'll help.

- It's funny, Christmas was
never my thing growing up.

Maybe because we were
always in a different city

and never really had traditions.

I mean, sometimes we
didn't even have a tree.

- You know, when I was a kid,

I started planning for
Christmas in September.

I was that excited.
I couldn't wait.

- Yeah, I can see why.

It would've been nice to
have all of this growing up.

- Well, you have it now.

Maybe you'll come
back next year.

- Is that an invitation?
[Fletcher]: Mona!

- Ah. Um, Fletch.
Hey, what's up?

- I was wondering if you
could help me with something.

- Um, sure. What is it?

- Uh, well, you see, there's
this guy who's got a dilemma.

He's wondering if he should
ask a certain someone

to the Christmas dance,

but he doesn't think his heart
could take it if she says no.

What do you think he should do?

- Well, I think this guy

is in a bit of a mess.

And he should follow his heart.

- Whoa!

- Erin?
- You okay?

- Yeah. I thought I had it.
I hang it up every year.

- Erin, you rest. I'll
finish hanging up the wreath.

- Thank you, Dez. Honestly,
with you helping the boys

and now this,

I'm officially making you
a member of the family.

Come on. I'll show
you where they are.

- All right.
- I'll be there in a minute.

- Who is Dez again?

- Oh, he's the reporter from
Culture & Lifestyle magazine.

- Have you read any of his work?

- No, why?

- Just saying. You don't
really know anything about him.

- Well, he's staying in
my parents' guest house.

I'm sure that my
mom looked into him.

Anyway, is there anything
else on your mind?

[phone buzzes]

I actually have to take this
call. I'll hit you later.

- Okay.

- Dear, you have outdone
yourself as usual.

- Thank you, honey.

Girls, how are the decorations
coming for the dance?

- The Sinclair sisters
have it under control.

- Yes, Mom, stop worrying.

Mona has the decor,

and I have the DJ ready
with the holiday jams.

- Jimmy said you fell and
got a mouthful of hay.

Are you okay?

- Yes, just one more
uncomfortable memory

for Dez to write in his article.

- Thank you again
for allowing me

to capture these
moments with you.

To be honest, this has been
the best Christmas ever.

Well, now, that's the
Milton Christmas magic.

- We're glad to have you.

I can't wait to
read the newspaper.

[laugh]

What's so funny?

- Culture & Lifestyle
is an online magazine,

Mr. Sinclair, no paper.

- Well, either way,

I'm looking forward to
reading the article, son.

- We all are.

[Dez]: Mona.

- Dez, really?
- Yup.

You took a picture? Ugh.
- I had to do it.

I don't think I've seen you
sit still since I got here.

- Well, hard working
women do take breaks.

You should put that
in your article.

- I will.

- So, how's your article coming?

- It's almost done.

Once I cover the dance,
it will be complete.

Hey, I just want you to know

that I really appreciate you
opening yourself up like this.

You are an incredible
woman, Mona Sinclair.

Uh... Well...

Can this incredible woman

take a little sneak peek
at your picture because...

- Um... Oh, hey.

- I have photo approval.
I need to see that.

- Oh, hey. Sorry,
uh, it's my Dad,

I have to take this, go ahead.

Hey Pop, I need a favor.

[chuckles]

- So, what do you think?

- What is this?

Oh, Mona, it's not
what you think.

- Really?

"With their gaudy decorations,

fake merriment
and forced giving,

towns like Milton and
families like the Sinclairs

serve as a reminder of
the hyper-commercialism

and overcapitalization

that makes the Christmas
season anything but merry."

Wow. Did you write this?
- Yes, but let me explain.

- Okay, no, you don't
have to explain. Dez, I -

- What's going on?

- Oh, Dez is writing a
take down article on us

and the entire town.

- Dez?

- Okay, look, my
initial assignment

wasn't to write a flattering
piece on the carnival.

Okay, my editor actually wanted
the opposite perspective.

- So instead you
lied to my parents.

You lied to me.

- You should have been honest.

- Okay, I am so sorry.
I got carried away.

I wanted to tell you

but everybody was just
being so welcoming,

and I felt like part
of the community.

I did not mean to deceive
you or anyone else.

Mona, you've totally
changed my perspective.

- Stop. Okay?

- I don't want Mom and Dad
to get upset over this,

so we'll talk about this later.

Let's keep this between
us. Dez, disappointed.

- Mona, I am so sorry.

- I'm sorry too.

- He had some nerve judging me.

- Mona?
- Fletch. Hey.

- Looks like things are almost
done here. It looks good.

- Yeah, it's gonna be beautiful.

Maybe you'll save me a dance.

- That's what I came
to talk to you about.

- Oh yeah?

- You know, it's
almost Christmas

and I always spend it here.

- Yeah, it's tradition.

- We've been spending a lot of
time together this last few days

and it's made me think about
the connection we have.

Mona Sinclair, will you
go to the dance with me?

[gasps]

- I would love to.

[chuckles]

Hey, Sis.
- Hey! You're up early.

I hope I didn't wake you.

- No, I just wanted
to go for a walk

before everyone else woke up.
- Okay.

- Hey, can we talk?

- Yeah, of course. Are you okay?

- Yeah, yeah, I'm fine.

Fletcher asked me to go
to the dance last night.

- Really?
- Yeah.

- Well, I guess you got what
you wanted after all, right?

- Yeah, I guess so.

[doorbell, then knock]

- Who on earth is banging
on the door this early?

[sighs]

[gasps]

Jackson!

Oh my God!

Hey, everybody! Look who's here!

- Oh!
- Dad! You're here.

- Oh, my goodness, this
is quite the surprise!

- I thought you
weren't coming home.

- Well, the strangest
thing happened.

My commanding officer
got a call insisting

I get leave immediately and
escorted to the airport.

- I knew it! Dez said you'd
be home for Christmas!

- He did?

- Who's Dez?
- We'll talk about it later.

- Well, it's good to
have you home, son.

- It sure is. Well, now
that everyone's here,

I'm gonna get
started on breakfast.

- My taste buds are
already tingling.

- You all go upstairs
and get washed up.

- All right.
- I'll help you.

Mom, please tell me we can make

our traditional
Christmas Eve breakfast.

- Gingerbread pancakes and
Christmas deviled eggs?

- Yes, girl!

[doorbell rings]

- Oh, it's a busy Christmas Eve.

- I'll get it.

- Who was that?

- No one. This gift
was on the porch.

It has my name on it.

- Maybe Santa's making
early house calls. Open it.

[Mona]: Mona, I'm sorry things
turned out the way they did.

I never intended to mislead you.

You and your family embody
the true meaning of Christmas.

I will always cherish...

[Dez]: The time we
spent in Milton.

I was never gonna send
the article that you saw,

it was my first draft.

This is the final version.

I hope you like it,

and I hope Jackson
gets home in time.

Merry Christmas.

- Who's it from?

- Dez.

- Dez? Really?

- This is beautiful.

Dez did all this before he left?

[Mona]: What do you mean?

- He's gone.

- Where?

- I don't know. I'm
assuming back home.

He left a message for me
late last night apologizing

for everything and saying
he was leaving this morning.

- I'll be back.
- What about breakfast?

- Mom, I'm sorry, I'll be back.

But I will be here for the
dance tonight. I promise.

- Yes!

- Fletcher.

- Hi Mona, sorry about
the early drop by

but I just wanted to give
you this. Merry Christmas.

- Fletch, we need to talk.

I need to be honest.

- What do you mean?

- You are such an amazing guy.

I just don't think
that what we have

is enough to get
to the next level.

We're at two different
places in our lives.

You don't want kids, and you
want adventure and excitement,

and there is absolutely
nothing wrong with that.

I thought that that's
what I wanted too.

But now I know what I want.

I wanna settle down.

I wanna get married
and have kids.

I want what my mom
and my sister have.

That's the life that I want.

- I understand.

- I'm sorry.
- No, don't be sorry.

Mona, you're an amazing woman

and I really do hope you
find what you're looking for.

- Thank you.

- So I guess this is goodbye?

- No. This is more like
see you next Christmas.

- See you next Christmas.

- Dez?

- Mona.

- You never said goodbye.

- I thought you never
wanted to see me again.

- Well, I may have overreacted

by lumping you in with some
of the other selfish men

that I've come across.

I want you to know that
your interest in my family,

it helped me realize that
the Sinclair quilting,

the carnival, the
ornament tradition,

it is culture.

And it's special to me
because it's my culture.

And that article you wrote.

- Did you like it?

- I loved it.

- So did my editor.

- Congratulations.

- Thank you.

- You're welcome.

- So, did you want
to come inside?

- I have to get back.

- Right, the dance.

- Yes.
- Right.

- The dance.

- Mona Sinclair, will you
go to the dance with me?

- What did you just say?

- I said...

- No, you don't have to
repeat it. I heard you. Yes.

- Yes?
- Yes!

[both laugh]

[festive music plays]

♪ There's something
about Christmas ♪

♪ That makes me grin
from ear to ear ♪

♪ Listen close and
I'll tell you why ♪

- So this is the
Christmas dance.

- Pretty cool, right?

[chuckles]

- Hey!

- It is so good to see you both.

Merry Christmas.

Erry Christmas.

- Your mom and I have been
thinking about our conversation

asking you to take
over the carnival.

- About that.

- And we understand that
you have your own life

and your own priorities
back in New York.

And it's not fair of us
to ask you to sacrifice

what you're doing to
carry on our legacy.

- Mom...

- And we also know
that some traditions,

they become outdated and...

- Mom!
- Yes, dear?

- I would be honored

to carry on our
family tradition.

Absolutely honored.

- Really?
- Really.

- Oh. You made me so happy!

Your grandmother would
be so proud of you.

- Hey. They're playing our song!

- Oh!

[laughs]

- Fancy seeing you two here.

Dez, this is my husband,
Captain Jackson Reynolds.

- I just want to thank you
for everything you did for me

and my family, we'll
never forget it.

- It's my absolute
pleasure, Sir.

[whispering]: He's the one.

- I know.

Shall we?

Wow, we're under the mistletoe.

Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

[Christmas music plays]

♪ I like the feeling, the vibe ♪

♪ Of Christmas, it's Christmas ♪

♪ Yeah, don't you know ♪

♪ We can go spend
our fave holiday ♪

♪ Celebrate ♪

♪ Hey, hey ♪

♪ Just let your love... ♪