Let's go about three inches up.
Go, oh, no, no, no, no, no.
Like, back, back down,
like, just a smidge.
Little bit more, back up.
Okay, perfect, it looks good.
You do know we're right back
where we started from, right?
We are?
No, we're not. Yes, we are.
Okay, but it's fine. It looks great.
Good job.
I'm gonna need a lot more
cocoa to get through that box.
I would like to make a Christmas toast.
Oh, okay.
To my wonderfully
talented, overly organized,
needs-to-let-go-of-the-reins-
a-bit, best friend.
Did you just make a Christmas joke?
The whole reins and Santa
thing, it's cute.
Mm, okay, so I would love to
go over the end of the year.
Projections, already got it covered.
I know you like to handle
everything, but I got it.
Okay, but I do need to.
And all of the orders and all your lists.
- Mm.
- All of them.
You are good. I, I do have
a lot of lists, don't I?
Ah.
Look, I can at least,
can't I just at least
help you with the bows?
You're not open for another 30 minutes.
I know you don't like leaving,
but you haven't been home
since last Christmas.
So please, as the
manager of Beth's Cafe
and your best friend, go home.
Okay, but you'll call me if
I'll call, if anything comes up.
Please let the super-talented people
you hired do their jobs, namely me.
Okay, okay, okay.
Hey, Merry Christmas, and
thank you for taking over.
Of course, and tell Hannah
and Frank I say Merry Christmas.
Okay.
Well, does big brother approve?
And before you say anything,
Natalie told me where to
put everything on the tree.
Which is why it is
perfectly decorated, hmm?
Uh, speaking of, where is
your very talented wife?
At the Veterans Center.
She volunteers there most days.
I don't even know what
they'd do without her.
That's incredible.
I cannot believe you and
Natalie have lived here
for five years already.
Well, time flies when you're
a big-time civil engineer
- with the military.
- Says the first sergeant.
And dad would be really proud of you.
Pretty sure he'd be proud of you, too.
Not as proud as you would
be of me, of course.
Well, that might be,
but at least I'm still the funnier one.
Hmm?
Uh.
Neither one of you are funny.
Natalie, ah, it is so good to see you.
You too, this is quite the surprise.
Yeah, a little last-minute
scheduling change.
Well, hopefully you'll
be here through Christmas.
That's the plan, but I
promise I will not intrude
on any plans you two have.
Oh, well, the kids are with my parents
for a few days while I plan
for the Yuletide Potluck.
So you're more than welcome
to stay here till they get back.
- I already tried.
- Oh.
Thank you, but I'm all good.
I'm staying down at the Garland Inn.
I knew you'd have a full
house over Christmas, so.
Well, please come visit as much
as you want while you're here.
Deal.
And wait till you see the event.
Snow Ridge puts on for
the military families.
Ah, I can't wait. Can't wait.
Ah, it is really good to see you two.
Oh, don't forget about the potluck.
Oh, honey, you made it.
Oh, we weren't expecting
you until dinner.
Oh, let me look at you.
It's such, oh, so good to see you.
- Have you eaten?
- Mom, Mom.
No, whoa, whoa, hold on.
Oh, where's all the garland?
We're called Garland Inn.
Oh, well, it's on our to-do list.
Your father and I haven't
really had the time
to get to it yet, but, you know,
- we all have to do-
- Hannah, I think
that the gingerbread cookies are done.
Oh, Beth, you're here.
Oh, so good to see you.
Good to see you, what are you wearing?
What is, what's going
on? Are you guys baking?
Come on, let's get you
some warm cookies and milk.
Thank you.
Uh, I'll take care of this.
You two go save the cookies.
Welcome to the Garland Inn.
I'm Frank Green owner,
and currently Christmas cookie captain.
Well, I have never met
a Christmas cookie captain
that I didn't like.
Jack Evans, nice to meet you.
Ah, there you are.
Right this way, and
I'll show you your room.
Great.
You've really chosen a
spectacular time to come.
Ah, first door, top of the stairs.
What?
- Make yourself at home.
- I'll be right back.
What? I, I can't hear.
Ch, ch, ch.
Oh, what fun it is to ride
On a one-horse open sleigh
- Hi.
- Hi.
Oh, hi.
That cookie for me?
Hmm? What?
No, no, hi, uh, can I help you?
No, I'm all good.
Can I help you?
Um, well, you're kind of in my room.
I'm in your room?
- Yeah.
- Hmm.
You sure about that?
Yeah, yeah, I am. My
parents own this place.
Um, that stocking right
there, it has a B on it.
That's, that's me. I'm Beth.
Oh, um, um, shouldn't it have a J on it?
Why would it have a J?
My name's Jack.
But this isn't your room.
Well, that's yet to be determined.
Jack.
Yep, Jack with a J.
Jack with a J.
Is your last name Evans?
How do you know my last name?
Mm, because, um,
because we went on a
blind date in college.
Oh.
Beth, Beth, little miss Liz Green.
Mm.
Little miss, what, what does that mean?
Seem to recall you sending me a list
of appropriate restaurants
before our first date.
I like to do a little
research before I go out.
And by the way, you're welcome.
I seem to remember that you talked
about concrete the whole time.
Yeah, well, concrete is the
foundation of our existence.
It's the what?
Foundation of our existence.
- I know, I heard you.
- Everything.
It just doesn't make... in a city
is made with... a lot of sense.
- What?
- Sorry about the confusion.
- Hi, Dad.
- Hi.
Let me show you to your room.
You're just next door, the
other side of the stairs.
- The other side.
- With the alarm going off,
I guess you didn't hear me.
Hmm.
Ah.
Of all the inns in the
world, who would've thought?
Hey, guys.
Uh, would it be possible
to move a guest?
Why? Did somebody
complain about something?
No, no, no, no, no.
I was just wondering
if it would be possible
to move the new guest,
um, somewhere else.
Who?
Jack.
Why? What did he do?
He, uh, well, he didn't,
he didn't do anything.
It's just that he, uh,
wait a minute. Hold on.
What are you guys doing right now?
Nothing. Why?
Well, because, at first, you're baking,
and now you're setting the table.
Where is Chef David?
He had a family emergency.
And so how long have
you guys been running
the inn and the kitchen?
Two weeks.
Two weeks? Why didn't you call me?
Oh, why? What would you have done?
You've got the cafe to worry about.
Besides, look at us. We are fine.
Okay, but how is Chef
David gonna prep for all the.
Oh, he'll catch up once
he gets back in town.
- Besides, it's a potluck.
- Mm-hmm.
Everyone will just bring a little bit more
if we need them to.
Or you could just let
someone else host this year.
- Absolutely not.
- We couldn't.
And it's really not a problem.
Since the dinner's over
at the Veterans Center,
all we have to do is a little
organization and then show up.
I knew you guys were gonna say that.
So, look, you know what I'll do?
I'll go decorate the stairwell.
Uh, sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt.
Ah, nonsense, I told you
to make yourself at home.
I'm Hannah, Frank's wife.
Nice to meet you, Hannah.
Let us know if we can do anything
to make your stay special.
Oh, well, everything has
been, uh, really wonderful.
- Oh.
- Wonderful.
Yeah. I was just
giving myself a little tour
if that's okay.
Oh, sure, we encourage our
guests to roam about.
All right, then I'll,
uh, I'll get back to it.
Oh, uh, I happened overhear
there's some decorating to do.
I'd be happy to help.
What a wonderful idea.
Oh, no, no, no, no.
Thank you, that won't be necessary.
Okay, nice to meet you.
- No.
- What's the matter?
- He's-
- I don't need his help.
I don't need his help.
He's a guest. I'm a guest.
Oh.
What a mess.
Did it get heavier?
Come on. Get over here.
These things got shorter.
Oh.
Perfect.
Hi.
Um, can I help you?
Kinda looks like you're
the one who needs the help.
I'm totally fine. I do this every year.
It's, it's very, it's not,
actually not that complicated.
It's just that this has got,
Gotten a little, well, the
lights and thing, you know.
I'm, what? Uh, no, no, no.
I, I'm, I'm, I'm fine if you don't mind.
Why are you being so stubborn, huh?
I can help. I wanna help.
Okay, can you follow instructions?
Yes, ma'am.
Can you read a tape measure?
Yes, I can read a tape measure.
You're hired, but here's the thing.
I'm, I'm very, very particular
about how this is hung.
So it has to be hung evenly,
and it has to have a
drape of approximately...
You have two?
Two is one is, and one is none.
All right, so it has to
be draped at five inches.
- All right.
- Can you do that?
Yep, seven inches.
- Got it.
- No, I,
don't make me regret this.
Okay, so it's even.
I like it. That's good, thank you.
So that's it?
What are you?
Jack, thank you so much
for temporarily holding the
garland while I hang it.
Is that better?
Actually, yeah, that's
a lot better, thank you.
But I meant, is that it
as far as decorating?
Oh, yeah, that's, that's it.
I'm not following you.
And yet here you are.
There's coffee, tea,
cookies, whatever you'd like.
Thank you.
Topper?
No, no, thank you.
Seat taken?
Uh, apparently so.
Can I ask you a question?
You know, we don't have to do
this whole small talk thing, you know,
talk about what we've both
been doing since college.
We don't.
I mean, it looks like you're doing well,
and I'm happy for you.
That's great.
Thank you, yes, uh, yeah,
things are going pretty good,
but, um, I was just gonna ask you
about the Yuletide Potluck.
I saw a flyer for it. It looks pretty nice.
Yes, the potluck,
Um, it is nice.
It is something that we do every year
for the military families based in town.
Yeah, my grandmother actually started it
back in World w*r II when my
grandfather went off to w*r.
So he, uh, he served overseas, huh?
Mm-hmm, yeah, three
Christmases in a row,
very proud of that.
And, uh, basically, my
grandmother just saw these wives
and children, and they were also missing
their loved ones who were serving,
so she thought, you know,
no one should be alone at Christmas,
so she just invited everybody over,
and that's kinda how this thing started.
Wow, well, your grandfather,
he, he eventually came home, right?
Yeah, yeah, he did,
and, uh, when he saw what she
had been doing, he loved it,
so he wanted to continue
the tradition, so they did,
and then my parents took over,
and then eventually, it got
so big that we had to move it
to the Veterans Center.
- Mm.
- And, you know,
my parents still host it.
Well, my, my brother's
in the military, you know,
so I, I really admire your
family for doing that.
Yeah.
Uh, well, speaking of the
events, I have a lot to do.
So, um, enjoy your coffee.
Hot cocoas with
homemade whipped cream.
Ooh, wow, thank you.
Hope this wasn't too much trouble.
Absolutely not.
Plus, you went outta your way
to help Beth with the garland.
It was nothing.
I'm more than happy to pitch in
with anything while I'm here.
I mean, my schedule's pretty open.
Oh, mm, why are you
in town? May I ask?
Well, I'm a civil
engineer with the military,
and Snow Ridge just happened
to be on the list of bases
that I needed to visit.
Since my brother's based here,
I thought it'd be nice to,
uh, you know, surprise him, and his wife,
and my two nephews for Christmas.
Well, I'm sure your family
is happy to have you in town.
Yeah, well, my job's kept
me on the road for a while,
so it'll be nice to, uh, you know,
spend a little time with them.
Mm-hmm.
You know, Beth told me about
the, uh, Yuletide Potluck.
I think it is incredible
what your family's done for the town.
Well, it's the families
here that bring it to life.
And my parents.
Did you tell Jack about
the wreaths of honor?
We decorate wreaths
to honor the veterans.
Every wreath represents
a family that has served.
You can go to the booth
in the Village Square
and decorate one if you like.
Beth can show you where it is.
We write letters to
soldiers who were deployed
and wrap gifts for military children.
Yeah, we still need to get a tree
and decorate it for the Veterans Center.
Well, you know, like I said,
I would be more than happy
to help with anything,
Jack, that's very kind of you,
but won't it interfere with work?
No, no, no, no, not at all.
You know, my dad served, and
my brother currently serves
as a first sergeant,
so I know what it means
to families when communities show up.
Well, I've, I've got a little work to do,
so I should probably.
- Oh.
- Go.
Do you have everything you need?
Oh, yeah, I'm all set, thank you so much.
Beth, it was nice seeing you again.
Yep, you too.
Thanks again.
Seeing you again? What's that about?
What do you mean what's that about?
It, it, it's nothing.
It's just, we had
a date in college, okay?
It was a blind date. It did not go well.
And this is the first time
I've seen him since then.
Well, he seems like he's
grown into a very nice man.
Mom, I know it looks like that,
but you don't know anything about him.
Neither do you, hmm?
I love you both.
Love you.
- I'm gonna go unpack.
- This is really good.
Mm-hmm.
What just happened?
Let's do the dishes.
And you, here we go, perfect.
Ah.
Five or nine?
That's nine.
Wait, five or seven?
Five inches, seven inches, seven.
Seven, five, right, perfect.
Beautiful.
Hey.
Hey, how's it going? Good to be home?
Yeah, yeah, mostly.
What's that mean, mostly?
Nothing, it's fine.
Really? It doesn't sound like you're fine.
I'm fine. I'm fine.
I'm just dealing with a
difficult guest. That's all.
Difficult as in a complainer,
or difficult as playing
"Jingle Bells" at 2:00 AM?
No, no, neither,
although I would've
preferred one of those.
No, he's just someone from my past.
- I love this story already.
- Is he an old friend?
No, more like a walking
reminder of a bad decision.
Bad date.
A bad blind date, which is, ugh.
You know, Emily, it's like,
I don't know what it is about him.
He just, you know, he just gets to me.
He does, and I have so much to do.
I have decorating.
I have my, my parents have
volunteered for everything.
It's just, it's a lot.
But anyway, I don't wanna talk about it.
I don't wanna talk about
it. What about you?
What's going on there?
No, no, no, no, I, I still
have two minutes until open,
so back to this difficult guest.
Just try to ignore him.
You have the inn, your parents,
the Yuletide Potluck,
the Veterans Center.
That's more than a few full-time jobs.
Yeah, yeah, my thoughts exactly.
Thank you.
Call me if you need me.
Of course, bye, Beth.
Bye.
Chef David.
- Oh.
- Welcome back.
Oh, I can't tell you how
happy I am to see you.
It wasn't that bad, was it?
Let's just say the smoke alarm
and Frank became close friends.
Well, I have
coffee and tea waiting
in the dining room
and homemade biscuits
and apple cider jam.
- Ooh.
- Coming right up.
- That sounds wonderful.
- How's your father?
Much better, I'm sorry
again for leaving so quickly.
- I had-
- Oh, no, no, no.
Don't apologize. It's family first.
Thank you.
I know we're a little behind
prepping for Yuletide,
but I promise I'll have
us ready to go just as
Frank tried to make Santa
pancakes for the guests.
Needless to say, it didn't end well.
Hmm, well, fortunately,
I have more pans.
Oh, I'll take these and this.
Frank.
The inn is beautiful.
You guys have seen it, right?
- Oh, of course.
- Yeah.
I've planned some meetings
there for some events.
I mean, it's gorgeous anytime of year,
but during Christmas, it's
like a winter wonderland.
Oh, I know, and I even did
some decorating yesterday.
You did the what now?
Well, I assisted, you
know, with the garland
and, well, just the garland.
Should we be worried?
It's not like I enlisted
in a Christmas parade, okay?
I know, but you've avoided
that kind of stuff for years.
Well, that's what happens
when you're on the road,
you know, different bases,
different assignments,
not exactly a whole lotta
time for decking the halls.
I will leave you to
your brotherly bickering.
But, Jack, it's really
good to have you here.
It's really good being here.
- Garlanding?
- Don't start.
Oh, it's way too late for that.
Look, it just felt good
to do something normal.
- All right?
- Right.
Garland, really?
Hey, I heard you the first time, all right?
- Morning.
- Good morning.
You need any help?
Nope, nope, sit down.
Enjoy. Relax.
All right.
You want some?
Uh, no, thank you, but
I will take one of these.
Where's Jack? Did you
tell him breakfast is ready?
Um, Jack's a grown adult.
I'm sure he knows when breakfast is.
I mean, who knows?
He could be outside.
He could be brushing his teeth.
Mom, he could be playing
checkers. I don't know.
Why would I know where
Jack is? I don't know.
Uh, okay.
Just say you don't know where he is.
Okay, I don't know where he is.
Mm.
Uh, okay, so first off on my list,
I am gonna take the flyers
by the Veterans Center.
Uh, is there anything else
that you need me to do?
I don't need a thing.
I'm just glad you're home.
Just go.
Merry Christmas.
Green, it is so good to see you.
Oh, good to see you, too.
Look at you running this place.
Ah, speaking of which, is
it a little cold in here?
It is, yes.
We've gotten old system,
so it takes a bit to heat this place up.
- Yeah.
- When did you get
- back in town?
- Just yesterday.
I know I, uh, should
have warned you.
Oh, don't be silly. I'm
just surprised to see you.
- Yeah.
- How is your cafe?
It's good. It's really good.
- Thank you for asking.
- And your mom and dad?
You know, I didn't see them
at the planning committee last week.
Everything okay?
Yeah, they're just a little overwhelmed.
You know, Chef David's been
out of town for a couple weeks,
but they'll be fine.
Here, I wanted bring you these.
Thank you very much. We were out.
I'm still trying to find the time
to finish prepping this place.
Two of my usual volunteers
are having Christmas babies.
Oh.
As you can see, the
decorating is coming along,
but I'm still in need of one more tree.
Well, my mother told me
you needed another tree,
so I'm here to help.
Are you sure you have the time?
You just told me how crazy
things are at the inn.
Of course, I'm sure.
You know this place is
important to the community.
It's important to me, so I got you.
- Thank you so much.
- Natalie.
I found, found these last two green ones.
- Ah.
- Oh, sorry.
I didn't know you had a visitor.
No, it's okay. Lauren, this is Beth Green.
Her parents own the Garland Inn.
This is Lauren, my new assistant.
- Nice to meet you.
- You too.
All right, well, I'm gonna get going.
I will talk to you later, okay?
- Great, good.
- Bye.
- All right.
- Yeah.
You can sit here. I'm
not gonna bite.
- Yeah, sure.
- Oh.
Mm, mm, that's hot.
It is called hot chocolate.
Right.
Mm.
Mm.
Place is great, and the
square, the village, the.
- Mm-hmm.
- Decorations.
Yeah, the community goes all out.
You know, I think 'cause
we're so close to the base,
they just wanna make it special
for the military families.
- Oh.
- It's pretty nice.
Yeah.
What?
Oh, uh, nothing, nothing.
Uh.
What, Jack?
I just remembered a
little part of our date.
I think there was a, uh, a
minor discrepancy on, uh.
On what quantifies as
riveting conversation?
Look, I still maintain that
aggregate is very compelling.
Which is why we didn't
have a second date.
I'll make sure to keep the concrete talk
under 30 seconds next time.
- There's not gonna be-
- Not, not that there's gonna
be a next... a next time, no.
- Time.
- One is enough.
One and done.
One and done.
What's that?
- What's what?
- That, the...
Oh, that's, you know, what
we were telling you about.
You can make a wreath for a veteran.
Oh, right, right, hmm.
- So anyone can make one?
- Mm-hmm.
Do you wanna make a wreath?
Oh, no, no, I, I
wouldn't even know what to do.
I mean, I'm not exactly crafty, you know.
Jack, do you want me to
help you make a wreath?
No, I mean, come on. You
don't have time for that.
I do have time for that.
I always have time for the veterans.
Come on. I'll help you.
All right.
Come on. Get on there.
You got a missing spot right there.
Well, I have a solution
right here.
So where do you call home these days?
Well, I've been based in the city,
but because of all the
traveling for my work,
home has become more like a
series of extended-stay hotels.
Sounds efficient.
Yeah, you know, no
cleaning, no yard work,
no complaining from the neighbors
about my Christmas
lights up in February.
You leave your lights up till February?
Yeah, not anymore.
You're one of those, huh?
I was.
Yeah.
Kinda love that.
So you obviously travel,
and the military just sends
you around everywhere?
Yeah, yeah, pretty much.
Even during Christmas?
Yeah, even during Christmas.
And you're okay with that?
Well, yeah, I mean, you know, I've got
to experience Christmas
all around the world.
There's this one place in Central America
- called Las Posadas.
- Mm-hmm.
They have an amazing
nine-day celebration.
Nine days?
The communities reenact
Mary and Joseph's search
for shelter, and so people
walk from house to house
carrying candles, singing,
and a different family hosts each night.
- I love that.
- Yeah.
Oh, and there's this place in Poland
that does a Christmas Eve
dinner called Wigilia.
- Yeah, I've heard of it.
- Yeah, and it, uh,
it begins when the first star
appears in the night sky.
My personal favorite is Germany.
The, the Christmas
markets are unbelievable.
Yeah.
I mean, whole town squares are lit up
by stalls of homemade gifts,
mulled wine, roasted nuts, carolers.
I mean, it honestly feels
like you've just stepped
into a snow globe.
Okay, I'm not gonna lie.
All of that sounds absolutely fabulous.
But still, I mean, it's Christmas.
Don't you just wanna be
with your family at home?
Yeah, you know, maybe one
day when my assignments run out
or when I've seen all I wanna see.
Ah, okay, well, I need
a pen, piece of paper.
You just, you
never stop working, do you?
Uh, this isn't work.
Well, it looks to me
like you're about to write
another one of your long lists.
I am just writing
a blessing for a soldier.
Huh.
Put it right here.
- Huh.
- Think we're done.
Well, just got one little thing here.
Ah, much better.
Okay, let's hang it up.
'Kay.
You made a wreath.
I made a wreath.
All right, now we gotta
get back to work. Come on.
All right, boss, back to work.
Oh, hi, you two.
- Hey.
- Did you have a nice day?
- Yeah.
- Uh.
Yeah, we did. We did.
I, uh, I got some work done this morning
and headed to Village Square
where I, uh, ran into this one.
Hmm, I heard they're
still finishing the setup.
Actually, it looks finished to me.
Oh, well, they're almost finished.
People are still making wreaths.
- Did you make a wreath?
- I did.
- Beth helped.
- Mm.
A lot.
That sounds like fun.
Uh, I dropped the flyers
off, and I've been also dealing
with the food donations for the potluck.
I think we're gonna
need a few more sides.
Well, you know, I do make
a mean mashed sweet potato
casserole, marshmallows and all.
- No.
- Hmm?
No, no, I mean, you're a, you're a guest.
- But you just said-
- That is very kind of you.
We'll keep you on standby.
- Mm-hmm.
- Okay, well,
I'm gonna get back to work then.
Right.
- Bye.
- Bye, bye.
Bye.
Huh.
It's a really good casserole.
- Sounds good.
- Yeah.
Get in there, little guy.
What you doing?
Oh, um, just stuffing stockings.
Mm, you finally found something
that I cannot help you with.
Why is that?
Well, my mom used to handle
all this when I was a kid.
In fact, I don't think I've had a stocking
since I lived at home, hmm.
What? What do you mean you haven't?
Well, uh, Jack, that's sad.
Well, I mean, I can
see how it might be hard
to imagine someone enjoying so
much time spent on the road,
but I don't know.
There's something about
not knowing, you know,
discovering a new place.
It's exciting, and of
course, when my job's done,
I know I've left the place better
for the people who live there.
- It's a good feeling.
- Yeah.
Although I have to
admit, since being here,
I realize what I've been missing.
You know, most airports,
they lack a good wreath-making station.
Mm, or an honor ceremony.
Or an honor ceremony.
What's an honor ceremony?
Oh, we didn't tell you?
No.
Oh, oh, sorry, it's
this sweet little ceremony
that we do in Village Square,
and we light candles and lanterns,
and it's just another way
to celebrate the military.
Hmm, sounds nice.
Yeah.
So you mean to tell me
out of all the places
that you've been,
nowhere feels like home?
Well, once in a while I try
to imagine myself somewhere
that feels like home.
But with all the traveling
for work, you know,
all the logistics, it just
gets kinda complicated.
Hmm.
Well, uh, looks like
you have got this handled.
So I'm gonna go see
if your parents need a hand.
Okay.
- See you later.
- Bye.
Another amazing breakfast, Chef.
Thank you, tomorrow
I'm doing my own spin
on a cranberry-orange
French toast casserole.
Ooh, I just ate, so
how am I hungry already?
What are you up to today?
Oh, we have a few guests coming in.
Yeah, and I'm gonna go
over to the Veterans Center.
Gotta work on some table arrangements.
I'm gonna bring them
some extra decorations.
Oh, can I have some
snacks to take with me?
You've come to the right place.
Oh, I hear there's
somebody new over there.
I wanna get us all organized
and on the same page,
make sure we're not
duplicating our efforts
for Yuletide Potluck.
Uh, Beth, did you see the spreadsheet?
Yeah, I haven't updated it yet, sorry.
You know what?
David, why don't you go with Beth?
Frank and I can hold things down here,
and I think we should stay on
top of who's bringing what.
Let me get a few extra
cookies for the drive.
Is Jack around?
I don't know. Why?
Well, I was gonna ask him if he's serious
about making another side
dish for the yuletide.
I think we're gonna need a couple.
Okay, why don't you ask him?
Okay, I will.
Why are you being weird?
Hi.
Perfect timing.
I can't thank you enough
for helping us out.
No problem, do you know our
chef at the inn, Chef David?
Yes, of course, I do.
Thank you so much for
helping us out again
with Yuletide Potluck
and everything you do
to help us celebrate our military.
My pleasure, really.
All right, so I'm gonna have
you work with my assistant,
Lauren, on the food donations.
Hey.
Lauren, perfect timing.
This is Chef David.
He's gonna be doing all the
additional cooking for yuletide.
Can you bring him up to speed?
- Yes, of course.
- Perfect.
Hi.
Uh, David, nice to meet you.
I, uh, uh, I, thank
you for the spreadsheet.
I've been inputting all of
the information into it.
I, uh, uh, brought
cookies if you like cookies.
Oh, I love them.
Those smell amazing. Are
they gingerbread cookies?
Yes, I just
made them this morning.
I use orange zest. It, um,
makes all the difference.
Ooh, I'll have to try that
next time I make them.
Oh, really? Do you cook, too?
Well, not compared to
someone like you.
Come on. Follow me.
I'll show you where to put them.
Well, that went well.
It did.
Oh, I meant to tell you.
Will's brother is town,
and I asked him to help you with the tree.
- He's actually staying-
- Sorry I'm late.
Meeting at the base went a
little longer than expected.
What are you doing here?
I'm not following you.
I'm just here volunteering, so.
Me too.
You guys know each other?
- No.
- Yeah.
I was just telling Beth
that I volunteered you to help
with the Christmas tree
hunting and decorations.
- Oh.
- Hmm.
Okay, I've gotta go deal with this.
Thank you both so much.
No problem.
Uh, you know what?
I don't need any help to go
pick out a Christmas tree,
fully capable of that.
All right, all right.
Well, have you decided
if you're gonna get
a little tree or a big tree?
I, I don't know that
I really thought about that.
I, I assume just the best tree they have.
Well, if you do decide
on getting a big tree,
I'm assuming that they'll
have someone there
to, uh, help you load it up.
Uh, well, I see your point.
So, yes, I could probably use your help
if, if I get a big tree.
Hmm.
So do you just wanna
go through your bin,
and I'll go through this
one and see what's in there?
And then we can make two
piles, uh, keep and throw away.
Throw away, got it.
Oh, and the lights if.
Sorry, slippery suckers.
Yeah, if you could, uh,
just, just put the lights on the table.
Natalie asked me to help with the tree.
She didn't mention I'd be helping you.
Not, not that it's a problem.
I just, just wanted to clarify.
Oh, yeah, oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Well, I also didn't know
that you were Natalie's brother-in-law,
so also not a problem.
I just didn't
know. That was a surprise.
Oh, how about this
one, keep or throw away?
Mm, I like that one. Keep,
Huh, this one's different.
How about this, keep or throw away?
Beth.
Um, uh, throw it away.
Yeah, we don't need it. You know what?
I think that we have plenty of ornaments
for whatever size tree
that we wanna get,
so let's go get the tree.
I will, I'll see you in the car.
It looks a little picked over,
and, uh, they're not very big either.
Well, I mean, what they lack in size
they make up for in spirit.
- Yeah.
- Ugh.
I used to hate doing this as a kid.
- Doing what?
- This,
picking out Christmas trees.
You know, it always made me nervous
'cause I felt like I had
to get the perfect one,
and then I grew up, and I understood
it's not even about the tree.
It's about the people
around it, you know?
Hmm.
And you know, there's really
no ugly Christmas trees.
There's not. Like, they don't exist.
You can't find 'em, right?
And why are you not talking?
Why are you not, not analyzing
everything I'm saying?
Is Jack Evans
finally at a loss for words?
Oh, don't, now don't
gimme too much credit.
I'm still gonna explain to you
why Fraser firs are far
superior to noble firs.
There it is.
Uh, we'll take this one.
We'll be back to get it, okay?
Thank you.
Did you know that the first
artificial Christmas trees
were developed in
19th-century Germany?
They were made with goose
feathers that they painted green.
- What?
- It's you.
Your brain is always working.
You know, I could
say the same of yours?
- Mm.
- Miss big-time cafe owner
with all of your lists.
- Mm, you got me there.
- I do make a lotta lists.
Yeah.
So did you always wanna own a cafe?
Yeah, mm-hmm, I did.
Spent a lotta time in
the kitchen at the inn
just creating my little menu.
Uh, let's see. What was on it?
Um, there was gumdrop soup.
There was always a lotta
Christmas cookies, of course,
and, uh, my famous
gingerbread icing sandwiches.
Wow, sugar soup and sugar sandwiches.
'Kay, wasn't healthy,
- but I knew my menu.
- Yeah.
Ah.
What about you?
Did you always wanna be
a, a big civil engineer?
Yeah, pretty much, pretty much.
I loved building things when I was a kid.
I mean, just the idea of creating things
that lasted that helped people.
I've been able to
oversee housing upgrades,
infrastructure work,
things that really improve
the living conditions of
military families overseas, so.
That's nice.
You know, the work is really fulfilling.
And as much as I used to like
the traveling aspect of it,
uh, it'd be nice to have a home base.
I could see that, yeah.
Well, I hope that one
day when you're done
with all the traveling
that you do find a home.
I do have a house, you know?
Mm, that's not what I said.
A house doesn't mean you have a home.
Speaking of which, I need
to get back to the inn.
I have a lot of lists to create.
Ah, see, I was right. Your
brain never stops working.
Touche.
Uh, thank you for your
help with a tree today.
Hey.
Hey, how's it going?
Great, busy, uh, please don't worry.
Everything's fine. I'm just closing up.
Okay, glad to hear it.
- So, how's the Garland Inn?
- It's good.
I'm just figuring out how many tables
I'm gonna need to set up,
and, uh, who's bringing what,
getting candles, lanterns, also busy.
Not shocked.
You know, here's something
that's kinda bugging me is
that he's always there, everywhere I go.
It, it's, it doesn't matter
if it's in Village Square
or if it's in the Veterans Center.
I turn around, and he's just, he's there.
Uh, he who?
Jack.
This is the guy from college?
Yes, yes, he's, you
know, here's the thing,
Emily, is he's a guest,
and he's carrying boxes.
He's baking. He's, he's
decorating.
That's awful, horrible person.
You know what I mean.
Does it bring you joy to help people?
Yeah, of course, it gives
me joy to help people.
So maybe it gives him the same feeling.
I mean, don't deny the man
his joy. Put him to work.
Beth, also, remember what
time it is. It is Christmas.
So maybe he just likes
being a part of it all.
So maybe go easy on him.
Let him participate without torturing him.
Ugh, okay, you're right.
You're right. You're right.
I'll be better.
You are better. I'll talk to you later.
Merry Christmas.
Oh, hey, I'm going to
Village Square with Mom.
Do you need anything?
Uh, yes, can you pick
up fresh cranberries
and also these ingredients
for the cookies?
Yeah.
We're running low,
and if I'm not mistaken,
Christmas is coming.
Yes, it is.
Ooh, where are you taking those?
They're for the Veterans Center.
- Oh.
- I thought I'd drop 'em off.
'Kay, sure they'll love
them, especially Lauren.
I hope so. She said they
don't usually have baked goods.
And I thought that I,
maybe this is a bad idea.
Is it too forward?
No, it's not too forward.
You're bringing muffins to a woman.
She's gonna love it. Trust me.
Thanks, Beth.
Okay, I didn't really do
anything, but you're welcome.
You gave me some
much-needed encouragement,
and you are picking up ingredients
for the cookies and cranberries, right?
Oh, yes, yes, bye.
So you never told me what happened
with you and Jack in college.
Mom, nothing happened
with Jack and I, okay?
It's, it was just one bad blind date,
and, uh, he talked about
concrete for 45 minutes.
Well, hopefully he's changed
since you were in college.
You have.
What's that supposed to mean?
I wasn't that bad.
Was I? Yeah, okay, I'll give you that.
I was that bad.
Listen, Mom, the point is,
is I just don't have the
energy for Jack right now.
Well, from what I can see,
he's been trying to help you.
Enjoy it.
He actually hasn't had a stocking
since he was at home
with his parents, so.
I'll take it. Merry Christmas.
We'll see you, bye-bye.
Okay, definitely need
to make another batch.
Okay, let's see.
Okay, let's see, so, uh, what's this?
Okay, throw this way, and
I'm gonna need more butter,
more cinnamon, more.
- Jack?
- Huh?
Hey, hey.
Hi, what's going on here?
Uh, well, it, well, it
started, um, with me making my,
you know, my famous
sweet potato casserole,
but then Chef David came in
and asked if I could, you know,
change course and help bake,
so I decided to make Christmas cookies,
but then I realized, you know,
it's been a while since I've made cookies,
so, uh, well, that's,
that's where I am, um.
Okay, this is, this is cookies?
- Yeah.
- Okay, all right.
Uh, is there any dough?
Yes, uh,
cookie dough right there.
Oh, I can try it?
I, I don't, I don't
know how it came out, but
I mean, how bad could it be, right?
I mean, it's, it's cookie dough.
Exactly.
Oh, really? That, that, that bad?
What is that? Oh.
You didn't, um, you didn't
actually use sugar, did you?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, look,
I, I followed the recipe.
Um, and it says, uh, it
says one half cup of sugar.
Sugar, I, I may have mixed
the salt and the sugar up.
Yeah, okay.
I'm glad you find this amusing.
All right, there's good and bad news.
Which one do you want first?
Hit me with the news first.
All right, well, the bad
news is, is we can't save that.
Yeah, that was, that
was horrible.
- Awful.
- Yeah.
The good news is, is I
brought reinforcements,
and I don't give up, all right?
All right.
Here's the thing, though.
- Yeah.
- I do not work
in a messy kitchen and
definitely cannot have
a messy sous chef, which.
Oh, geez, what... you are right now.
What happened? I mean, what did you...
You, you have a.
Stuff on my... little bit of flour.
- Stuff on my face?
- Everywhere.
You've got it everywhere.
Yeah.
Okay, we have to start over.
Yes, ma'am.
'Kay, go grab that bowl.
All right, flour, uh, yeah.
- Oh.
- Oh, sorry.
- Whoop.
- Uh.
All right.
That was a go.
- Don't touch the salt.
- Put it over here, okay?
Copy that.
Oh, I am gonna go get an apron.
This is pretty bad.
All right.
You just, um, clean up.
Copy that, uh.
Mess.
Drum roll.
All right, moment of truth.
Here we go, one for you.
Thank you.
One for me.
Oh, they're so cute.
- They're adorable.
- If nothing else,
they're cute.
They are. They are cute though.
Mm, mm, I am good.
- You're good?
- Oh.
What are you talking
about? Give me some credit.
I saved you.
Okay, maybe it was the, uh, combination
of us that saved me.
I'll give you that.
- Wow, these are good.
- Mm-hmm.
Mm, so there was a
time where you did have
a normal Christmas with
your family, right?
They used to be normal.
What was that like?
Well, probably exactly how
you would imagine with two boys
who thought they were
from the Wild West.
Your poor mother.
Yeah, it was, uh, it was pretty hectic.
She was a saint.
My brother and I were quite a handful.
- Yeah, I bet.
- Yeah.
How about you?
It was exactly what you would think.
Yeah, I mean, there was
always a party here,
events to go to.
It was very lively.
I have to admit, I've
always kind of wondered
what a quiet little
Christmas would be like.
But then I would see these
military families come up
to my parents, and I'm just reminded
that it's an absolute honor
to do what we do for them.
Yeah, yeah, it is.
Your, your family's pretty incredible.
Well, it seems to me like
you have a perfect life.
Hmm.
Even a perfect life can get pretty lonely.
You know what? Um, I...
What's going on?
- No, I mean-
- Oh, hey.
- Um.
- We're just.
We're just, uh, we're just baking.
Baking cookies like you wanted.
- Yep.
- So that's what we're doing.
- Thought we'd-
- So we were just.
We, we're trying.
- With milk.
- Tasting it with some milk.
You saving some for potluck?
- Mm, mm-hmm.
- Yeah, of course, there's.
- Tons of 'em.
- Plenty here.
Yeah, there are also a lot
- in the fridge.
- Fridge in the,
in the fridge, a whole stack.
You two might be hired.
Everybody appreciated the
muffins and extra cookies,
especially Lauren.
I, uh, I offered to give
Lauren some cooking lessons.
She, she loved the idea.
You guys mind if I prep
for breakfast tomorrow?
- No.
- Not at all.
Yeah.
- Oh.
- Oh.
- We should-
- Yeah, yeah, no, no,
- we'll-
- We should.
- You-
- He needs the space.
- Yeah, right, I'm just-
- I'm gonna.
Gonna go get the.
- Sorry, I'm gonna-
- Here.
- More cookies.
- Just grab another.
- Oh, more cookies?
- Grab, you want one?
Yeah, uh, yeah, yeah,
go ahead and grab one.
Okay, all right, thank you.
- All right, I'll, uh-
- Bye.
We'll, bye.
Honestly, not bad.
Hey, stranger.
Hey.
Thank you for helping
Beth go pick out the tree
for the Veterans Center.
It looks so good.
Yeah, it does, doesn't it?
Will's not home just yet.
Oh, it's okay. Can I give you a hand?
No, I'm okay.
Everything okay at the base?
Uh, yeah, yeah, everything
at work is just fine.
I made cookies tonight.
- You did?
- Yeah.
Well, did you bring me any?
No, uh, they're for the Yuletide Potluck,
but I'm just not used to slowing down.
Snow Ridge has that effect on people.
Yeah.
You know, she's pretty interesting.
She knows exactly who
she is, what she wants.
It's just, I don't know.
It's, it's different.
Yeah, Beth is a pretty amazing person.
That is who you're talking about, right?
Yes, but it's not like that.
You know, she's just
Jack, you've been moving
from base to base for years.
It can be nice just to meet
someone that you click with.
Don't overthink it. Just
enjoy it while you're here.
And if the opportunity presents itself,
maybe don't talk about
concrete next time.
I am never gonna live that down, am I?
What do you think?
Yeah.
All right, well, my break is over.
Uh, the offer still stands.
Take that, too.
Hmm.
I think everything is in good shape.
Are you okay?
Hmm?
Oh, yeah, yeah, um, I'm all good.
I was just thinking
about logistics.
Uh-huh, and logistics
make you smile like that?
I'm not smiling.
Okay, tell that to the bow
you've been messing around with
for the last 20 minutes.
Well, you're welcome.
I mean, it's pretty much perfect now.
There you go.
Beth Green, spill it.
- Okay,
- so have you ever just felt
like you were maybe
overthinking a thought
that should be pretty simple?
I'm gonna take a leap here
and say we're no longer talking
about the potluck or logistics.
Hypothetically speaking,
let's say that, well, you,
okay, let's say you like someone, right?
But that person is, is not there,
and he's not here either.
And it, but, but the thought
of that person, right,
the, the joy of that thought,
it, it was very much here,
but he's not there, and
he's not here either.
It's like he's nowhere.
- I've gotta be honest.
- I'm completely lost.
Morning, I meant to join you guys earlier,
but, uh, David brought me
this incredible pumpkin streusel scone.
See, now there is someone
who's not overthinking anything.
Oh, are we talking about you and Jack?
I don't understand
why everybody's talking
about me and Jack.
There's nothing. Like, I'm, I'm here.
Jack's here. There's no me and Jack.
David might have mentioned
that he saw you guys in the kitchen.
He thought it was cute.
He thought what was cute,
that, that we were baking?
That Jack was baking?
I mean, yes, I guess in
theory that's, you know,
Jack is, it was kinda cute that he was,
the fact that he was baking
because he doesn't look like a baker.
He doesn't, you know,
but I mean, him in particular,
like, if you took the baking away,
then I don't think he would be that cute.
But, yeah, baking is, is, is cute.
Oh, yeah, yeah, baking is cute.
All right, well, if you guys
don't need me for anything,
I'm gonna go start
confirming volunteer times
for Yuletide Potluck.
I'm gonna go. Okay, thanks for the chat.
- Hey, Beth.
- Yeah.
If it helps, Jack came over last night.
For what?
To say pretty much everything
you just did and didn't.
Hey, thank you.
Did you tell Jack
he was welcome to join us?
Oh, Mom, I'm sure he has better things
to do than help
us with our gift bags.
These lights worked last year.
Dad, stop. Just, why do you do this?
It's horrible. Look.
It, the tree looks perfect.
Don't even worry about it.
I agree. It is pretty perfect.
Have a seat, Jack.
Welcome to the annual untangling
of the lights with my father.
Oh, Jack, we
were just talking about ya.
No, we, no, we weren't.
Oh, boy, come on.
You and I are on hot cocoa duty.
I'll have marshmallows in mine.
Frank, you're not a guest.
Oh.
I'm coming.
Uh, uh, uh, so, I, uh...
Um.
No, you first.
Well, I was gonna just ask
you a very serious question.
Okay.
Do you curl ribbon?
Can I curl a ribbon?
Watch and learn.
What are these for?
And it even makes that sound.
I love that sound.
Okay, all right, one more.
I'm gonna show you one
more time, all right?
- Okay.
- Hold it.
Okay, okay, okay,
- right, right here?
- Hold it, yes.
- All right.
- Okay.
Ah, perfection.
Anyway, okay.
There's your first and only lesson.
All right, guess I just
need a little more practice.
Hey, um, can I ask you
a personal question?
Okay, this just got really
serious.
Okay, sh**t.
So the other day at the Veterans Center,
you had me throw away
an ornament with a B
- and a K on it.
- Mm-hmm.
I'm assuming there's no K anymore.
Oh, Kevin, it's my ex.
And, no, there's no K.
May I ask what happened?
No, no, it's fine.
Um, well, we dated
for, for quite a while,
five years, actually.
- Mm.
- And, um,
I wanted to get married, and he didn't.
Ouch, that's, that's rough. I'm sorry.
It's okay, I mean, I was tore up about it
for quite a
while, but, um, you know,
I think you have to look at your life
in, in it's entirety, you know?
I mean, I have great friends, great family.
- Mm.
- I own a cafe.
I'm blessed.
Yeah, yeah, you are blessed.
Can I ask you a question?
Yeah, yeah, sure.
You travel all the time.
I, I mean, how do you maintain any kind
of relationship like that?
Actually, uh, it's pretty tough.
I'm single, and I, I could
blame that on my job,
but because you were
so honest with me,
well, I was in a pretty
serious relationship, too.
Mm-hmm.
So I proposed to her, and she said no.
- I'm sorry.
- No, it, it's okay.
It was a long time ago, and,
uh, you know, looking back,
she just, she wasn't ready yet.
And actually, the travel
I do for work kinda,
it helped me get through it.
Or, you know, maybe the traveling is
just kinda leading you
where you need to be.
Maybe.
Beth, Jack,
hot chocolate's ready.
Frank, leave 'em alone.
They'll come in if they want some.
But who doesn't
want hot chocolate
- on a night like tonight?
- Um.
Uh-huh.
- Your parents are adorable.
- Yeah.
Um, to be continued.
Hey, got a minute?
For you, of course.
How's potluck planning
going? You ready?
Yeah, well, Christmas
is in a couple days,
and everything's good.
The honor ceremony's tonight.
We're all good for that.
And all the guests at the inn are happy,
so that's a win.
Even Jack?
Uh, Jack, wow.
Well, I actually think
I got that one wrong.
We made cookies together. I know.
When was the last time I
made cookies with a guy?
- Never.
- Exactly.
But you know, I gotta say.
I saw this different side of him.
He was charming, and honest,
and nice.
So wait. I'm confused.
You like him now?
I mean, it's, it doesn't
matter whether I like him or not.
It's just, I don't, I just
don't really feel like getting
to know someone right now,
especially not someone
that's that complicated.
Beth, do not overthink this.
Just give yourself the
chance to like someone again.
Whether it's a friend or
something more, just have fun.
You know what you're good at?
What?
Making everything seem so simple.
I know. That's why they
pay me the big bucks.
I'll talk to you later.
Okay, bye.
Bye.
These apples are defective.
It's not the apples.
It's the operator.
Show-off.
So what'd you end up doing last night?
Uh, helped Beth with gift bags.
What? We, we had a
really good time, okay?
Okay. Oh, I forgot to ask.
Does she wanna come with
us to the lantern ceremony?
Oh, I, uh, you know,
I really didn't have a chance
to talk to her about it.
You are currently staying
under the same roof.
Yeah, I'm aware.
- Morning, Jack.
- Morning.
Can we do anything to help
with the lantern ceremony?
I'm sure I'll have 10
things for you guys later,
but right now, no.
Beth has been so great
helping organize the events.
So just finish peeling
the apples for the pies
before my parents bring the boys back.
Honey, I've got it under control.
I'm an expert apple peeler.
Just make sure he
completes the assignment.
Roger that, boss.
Oh, speaking of assignments,
while I have you both here,
I, uh, I got word early this morning
that I have my next order,
and I have to leave New Year's Day.
Oh, no, that soon?
Thought you could stay
for at least a few weeks.
I know, me too, but
they need me in Stuttgart,
housing upgrades on the base
and then a, uh, a rotation to
Eastern Europe after that, so.
How long this time?
I don't know.
Hey, no sad faces.
At least I'm gonna be here
for Christmas, all right?
Well, tonight you'll get to experience
the lantern ceremony, and
on Christmas, the potluck.
And we've really enjoyed
having you here this Christmas.
Yeah, me too.
All right, I'll see you guys later.
- See you.
- Bye.
This is the part where
you get excited, right?
It's been a while since
you've been to Germany.
Uh, yeah.
Yeah, it's gonna be good.
You know, why don't you let
the professional take
over from here, huh?
Okay.
No.
No, yes, yes, it's a stocking.
This is, it's just a friendly gesture.
It'll be fine. Just...
Jack, are you in here, Jack?
Or no.
No, just, just...
Okay.
Is Jack meeting us here?
Uh, yeah, I think so.
He did send me a text, said he
had something to do for work,
but I'm, he should be here later.
He's been around a lot
lately these past few days.
Yes, he has. He's, he's been helping.
Merry Christmas.
Thanks for coming.
It's just, you don't seem to mind as much
as you used to, you know, when
he first arrived, that's all.
I don't. Uh, I don't guess I do.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
Well, I'm happy you're happy.
I'm glad you're happy that I'm happy.
- Hannah.
- It's your father.
Hi, merry Christmas.
Oh, there they are.
- May I have your attention?
- Let's gather around.
Please join us.
Tonight, we gather as
we have for 70 years
to honor those who
serve and have served,
to remember their sacrifice
and support their families.
We light these lanterns and candles
as a symbol to remind us
that, even in darkness,
our community's gratitude shines bright
for our brave military.
My mother started this tradition
with the Yuletide Potluck.
So I hope to see all of
you on Christmas Day.
Thank you, thank you all for coming.
Merry Christmas.
Oh.
- Oh.
- Hi, sweetie.
Wow, you guys, that was great.
Thank you so much for inviting me.
Of course.
I just wish you didn't have
to go so soon after Christmas.
Yeah, can't wait to move on,
travel, leave a place behind,
you know, no ties, no details.
Germany, here I come.
You know, and that, that was my
entire life, every day thinking
and saying those things.
I don't know.
I don't want that anymore,
not after being here.
Then maybe it's time that you admit that
to someone other than us.
Think you're right.
Where'd she go?
Okay, uh, I'm gonna go find her.
"Everyone deserves a stocking."
This is for you when you find your home.
"When your home finds you."
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
Just in time to test my
apple-cranberry scones.
These look so good.
Mm.
You are so good at what you do.
Mm.
I've been meaning to talk to you.
I know you've been busy,
but is everything okay?
You good?
Thank you for helping me
break outta my shell.
Lauren's pretty special.
I mean, I know we just met,
but we've both been honest
about where we are in our
lives, and thankfully,
we're both open to the
possibility of something more.
I'm happy for you.
How about you and Jack?
When you two were
making cookies in here,
I thought I saw some sparks flying.
No sparks, just, um, sprinkles.
Morning.
Oh, hey.
Morning, David, ooh, it
smells amazing in here.
I got scones if you're hungry.
- Ooh.
- Do you have coffee?
Yeah, dining room.
Want some coffee?
No, no, no, no, I don't want coffee.
I just thought that maybe
you would want some coffee
with those, um,
sugar biscuit things.
They're scones.
Scones, right.
Uh, we were gonna look
over your spices, weren't we?
We were gonna look into that
'cause I know you said that,
whoa, look at those.
You've got, um, you've
got your nutmeg here,
which is very similar when
you look at it in color
to your cumin, which.
- Actually highly organized.
- Which cannot be good.
Oh, and you've got your cinnamon.
Look at that.
These all look alike, and
that could be bad when baking,
so I'm just gonna make sure
that that doesn't happen for you.
And I'm gonna, I'm gonna move them.
- Oh gosh, don't do that.
- Look at that.
You got some great spices there.
Okay, um, well, um,
uh, I think that's about it.
My work is done here. I'm
gonna go get some coffee.
Didn't she just say
she didn't want any coffee?
That's what she said.
- That was weird.
- It's bizarre.
I need to go fix my spices.
So big day tomorrow, huh?
Yeah.
Look, I'm ready to work.
Yeah, well, I'm sure my
parents have probably got
something for you to do.
All right.
Do you think we could, uh, talk first?
Uh, yeah, yeah, I'd
like to talk to you, too.
Just wanted to thank you
for that stocking you left me.
Oh, that, that's just a silly gift.
It was just a, a friendly
token to say thank you
for all, all the hard work you've done.
Yeah, right, I understand, but, um,
I, I'm gonna go find your
parents, see if they need a hand.
Just so you know, I'm
gonna have that stocking
in my suitcase every Christmas
when I find where home is.
Any difference yet?
Do you feel like it's any warmer?
Still pretty cold.
Yes, I'm still holding.
Oh, you can? That's wonderful.
Oh, January 13th.
Uh, no, that's going to be too late,
but thank you anyway.
Any luck?
I've tried everyone and anyone.
Hi.
Why do your faces look like that?
I was just about to call you.
The heating system went out last night.
I had Richard in town
come take a look at it,
but the problem is that
the system is so old
they're having a hard time
finding the parts for it.
And no one has those parts?
I've been on the phone all morning.
I don't know. I don't know.
Just let me think about this.
In the meantime, just start
packing up everything,
Everything, I mean, dishes, presents,
decorations, everything, okay?
I'll figure this out.
Please tell me we didn't
do all this for nothing.
No, we are not canceling the
Yuletide Potluck, okay, guys?
I'll fix this, but get to work, okay?
Thank you.
Okay.
Oh, hi Jack.
Have a seat. You want some coffee?
Uh, no, thank you, I'm, I'm fine.
Are you? What's going on?
Your daughter is incredible.
I tend to agree.
But, wow, is she stubborn.
Well, she's headstrong, independent,
and she can be a little
stubborn sometimes, too.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
And I like all of that.
To be honest, I'm kinda the same way.
Have you told her that yet?
You know, I tried, but
I mean, you know Beth.
It's just, it's not that easy.
Well, the great things in life rarely are.
Mom, we've got a big problem
at the Veterans Center.
The temperature's dropped four degrees
since I got back here.
We can't host families
in the freezing cold.
This is so last
minute, and Christmas Day, too,
and where can we go
on such short notice?
Well, uh, I have an idea.
So, you know, I convinced
you to move the potluck
to the Veterans Center
10 years ago, right?
Well, uh, I'm gonna suggest
that you bring it back here, and listen,
before you say no, think about it.
I mean, we've done it
before. It started here.
But how are we going to
get everything done in time?
Don't worry about it. I,
I've called volunteers.
I have people on go. I...
Uh, if it helps, I can do
the work of five volunteers.
- Oh.
- Right.
Thank you.
I, okay then.
The Yuletide Potluck
is coming back home.
All right, let's get to work.
Let's get to work.
Mom, do...
Hi.
- Welcome.
- Oh,
- merry Christmas.
- Come on in.
Look at you boys. You're so handsome.
Come this way,
right to the kitchen.
Sergeant, merry Christmas,
thank you for your service.
Wow, you look beautiful.
Thank you.
You look very handsome.
- So, um-
- I, oh.
Where's the chow? It over here?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's, uh...
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
- Come on in.
- Good to see you.
- Merry Christmas.
- Come on in.
Oh.
- Merry Christmas.
- Hi.
Right to the kitchen with that.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
- This looks great.
- Thank you.
- Hi.
- Merry Christmas.
Aw, thank you.
- So good to see you.
- Thank you, hi.
Fresh baked everything, got a roast.
It's just like when
your grandmother hosted.
Mm, she would be proud, Mom.
I know.
Everyone, may I have
your attention please?
Come join me in the living room.
This is gonna be a
disaster to clean up tomorrow.
Well, I could help.
- You free?
- I could be.
Before we begin, my
daughter, Beth, has something
she wants to say.
Oh, he always puts
me on the spot like that.
Hello, everybody, uh,
first of all, welcome.
I'm so happy you're here.
Um, I wanna say thank you
to my parents for hosting.
You guys do a wonderful job,
and it's a lotta hard work.
So thank you.
Also a huge thank you to the volunteers
because this wouldn't have
happened without you.
Um, you know who you are.
Uh, this event is so
special to my family and I.
It's been with us since World w*r II,
and we feel honored to be
able to celebrate our men
and women who serve this country.
And I, I know it's a
little different this year.
It's not at the Veterans Center.
Uh, but I think someone
up there just wanted
to bring it all back home.
So Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
I'd like to say something.
Um, hi, everyone, um, I'm Jack,
and, well, this is my first
Christmas at the Garland Inn,
and it's my first time
celebrating everyone here,
including my brother,
First Sergeant Will Evans.
You know, I've, uh, I've never
known such incredible people
as Hannah, Frank, and Beth,
and so many others who have
really poured their hearts
and their souls into this event.
So I just wanted to
acknowledge them and their,
all their hard work and
their, their dedication.
And I wanted to thank
you for making me feel
so at home.
Uh, I've been fortunate enough
to travel all over the world
to so many amazing places,
but this by far is,
well, it's the best Christmas of my life.
Anyway, um, so Merry
Christmas, everyone.
Merry Christmas.
Don't be shy, everyone.
Grab a plate and, uh, dig in.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
- Beth, that was beautiful.
- Said don't be shy.
Help yourself. Dig in.
Oh, that's the
last of 'em. They're all gone.
- Hey.
- Oh.
Mom, have you, uh, seen Jack?
Um, I don't know, maybe up in his room.
- Mm-hmm.
- Yeah.
Hey, honey, we couldn't
have done tonight without you.
Love you, Mom.
Dear, Beth.
I'm not much for writing letters,
but given our history with dates,
I thought this might be a good idea,
considering the only one that
we had didn't end that well.
I can see you rolling your eyes right now.
Anyway, uh, here goes.
This Christmas in Snow Ridge,
I learned that home isn't just a location.
I found home this Christmas,
not in a place but in you,
beautiful, independent, loyal, kind,
and, yes, somewhat closed-off you.
You know, in some ways,
it's kind of been like looking in a mirror.
Now I know our situation
is far from ideal.
I travel most of the time.
And you're busy running
a successful cafe.
At least I hope it is.
Wow, um, maybe I need
to rethink this letter
until I've tried the hot
chocolate at Beth's Cafe.
And look, I don't have any
answers yet to many questions
I know we both have.
Let's be honest.
You'll have a lot more than
me, but here's what I do know.
"PS, meet me at our wreath."
Where's my coat?
There it is.
What are you doing?
Uh, I don't really know what I'm doing.
You came.
Yeah, I came.
After that very confusing letter,
I mean, I guess I just
wanna see how it all ends.
That's the thing. I don't
want this to end, 'kay?
That's what I've been trying to tell you.
You have a really
interesting way of telling me.
What do you mean?
I heard what you said to Natalie,
uh, about how you couldn't wait to leave,
and you don't like your ties,
and Germany, here I come.
But look, you don't
owe me an explanation,
so I don't, I don't actually
even know why I'm here.
- Beth.
- What?
Do you wanna know the end
of the conversation with Natalie?
Do I?
Yeah, you do.
I said that was my life, always moving,
never looking back, but not anymore,
not since been here, not since you.
You said that?
Yeah, I did.
But why didn't you just tell me?
I tried in, apparently,
a very unsuccessful way.
But, Jack, how are we gonna
make this work, you know?
I mean, aren't, aren't you
getting ready to go somewhere?
Okay, yes, I do have to leave
for Germany on New Year's Day
Oh, it's... but I'm gonna be
back before you know it, and until then,
I'm kind of fond of writing
really romantic letters.
Look, I don't know exactly
how this is gonna work,
but I really believe it can,
and I would be a fool to
leave here without trying.
So, Beth Green,
will you go on a second
first date with me?
Hmm?
Well, on, uh, one condition.
Anything.
You can't talk about concrete.
Deal.
Merry Christmas, Jack.
Merry Christmas, Beth.
What you doing New Year's Eve?
Oh, well I have big, big plans.
Well, think you're
gonna have to break 'em.
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Christmas at the Inn (2025)
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