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(gentle holiday music)
As soon as we finish stuffing
our bellies full of turkey and stuffing,
we're already mentally preparing for the main attraction.
We make wishlists, start planning the perfect holiday party,
dive into piles of peppermint goodies
and tease our kids about being on the naughty or nice list.
It's hard to remember that Christmas
isn't about tracking down the season's hottest gadget,
or one upping our neighbors decorations.
It's about honoring our roots, reveling in the present.
We all spend so much time rushing around
to meetings and appointments and dates,
and for Instagram posts.
Christmas is about peace, not productivity.
It should be the only time of year
when we're allowed to just be.
And that's where Harlow Furnishings'
new holiday accessories line comes in.
We'll do all the work for you.
You just be, because in the end,
family is always your best decoration.
You nailed it.
family is always your best decoration.
in a city like New York.
The Rockefeller tree,
the festive department store window displays.
I mean, Radio City Music Hall?
The city just bursts with Christmas cheer.
Sure, the city does Christmas in style,
and I'm sure you also had some great Christmases growing up.
Well, when you've never had a real Christmas before,
you have a lot of time in between
to fill in the blanks (chuckles).
Your family doesn't do Christmas?
Well, my family owns a Chinese restaurant in Wichita.
It's one of the only restaurants open for Christmas.
So, the holidays are the busiest time of the year.
(bright holiday music)
(dishes clattering)
(music continues)
Now, between now and Christmas,
we've make thousands of this (chuckles).
By next year I'll have the recipe perfected (laughs).
Hey.
- Thank you. - You're welcome.
Someone's yearning for her architecture days.
(chuckles) The designing maybe,
but the deadlines and neurotic clients, never.
Oh (chuckles). (Jane chuckles)
Oh, Jane.
Mm.
I am grateful for your moo shu.
It's depressing cooking for one.
Oh.
I can't believe Jerry's been gone six months.
You know, that new Wichita University basketball coach
is just, doesn't have the same energy.
How is your daughter holding up?
I haven't seen her in here lately.
It's like nothing happened.
just spending every waking hour at work.
Well, she's got that fancy CFO job.
Lots of responsibility.
That she does.
Oh, I guess I better get going.
Lots of errands to run.
Only a few more days before our...
Before my annual holiday party.
(chuckles) See you later, Jane.
(bright holiday music)
I know, I know.
I know it's not your fault that all flights
from Hawaii have been delayed.
I know what active volcano warning means.
Yes, sweetheart?
I know what active volcano warning means.
What am I supposed to do for Christmas?
Is the food ready?
I'm starving.
Sweetheart, I know.
Just gimme one second, please.
Girls, do you wanna see me guess
what a fortune cookie says?
- Yeah! - Yeah?
Okay, here they are.
Which one should we do?
Oh, this is a hard one.
I can do it.
Okay (grunting), I got it.
This fortune cookie says that a pleasant surprise
is coming your way.
Shall we see? All right?
All right, you read it and tell me.
It says, " Pleasant surprise is coming your way."
(chuckles) Ta da.
(music continues)
- Hey, Nate. - Oh.
Extra duck sauce for Vivian,
no peanuts for the Kung Pao,
and I know Jessa's allergic.
It's sad how well you know us, but oddly comforting.
So, it's just you and the girls?
Yep.
And I'm still trying to figure out
how to make a decent lunch
while pulling off a mediocre French braid.
(Nate chuckles) (Jim chuckles)
I'm sorry, Nate (laughs).
It's all good.
I promised the girls the best holiday ever,
and that's exactly what I'm gonna give 'em.
Nonstop fun, fun, fun.
Wish me luck.
Working up a sweat and it's not even dinner time.
Busiest we've ever been, and that's saying a lot.
There you go.
Oh.
Princeton?
And it's thick.
You know what that means?
This is the fourth early admission letter you've gotten,
all from amazing colleges.
Not like I can go anyways, so what's the point?
Oh, Miguel.
My pops would freak if he found out
I was getting accepted to all these fancy schools.
Probably try and do something crazy to gimme the money.
Did you apply to that scholarship Jane told me about?
I got my interview tomorrow.
Oh, Miguel, that's wonderful.
(Miguel chuckles)
(bells jingling) (bright holiday music)
I thought your doctor said you weren't supposed
to be eating anything spicy, salty, or fried?
I had a stroke, not a taste bud removal.
Besides, I'm fine.
How'd you sneak outta your house anyways?
My therapist thinks I'm in the bathroom.
Just gimme my pork fried rice.
(chuckles) Thanks, Mr. Barber.
[Beth] Thank you.
Hey.
Thanks.
You're such a lifesaver.
Oh, thank you.
Finally, you're my last delivery,
so hopefully I'll be able to feel my fingers
before I go to bed.
Oh (chuckles).
- See you. - Bye.
(Miguel sighs) (bright holiday music)
Daily dose of lo mein.
Oh, thank God.
I skipped breakfast this morning
to get an early start and I have a late night.
Do you ever not have a late night?
Tech is a 24/7 business.
Innovation doesn't stop just because it's late December,
but just because I'm burning the midnight oil
doesn't mean everyone needs to be.
Head home early, Beth.
Your vacation starts tomorrow.
The holidays with three little ones?
I'd hardly call that a vacation.
You're so lucky you get to have a nice simple Christmas.
Lucky me.
Merry Christmas, Beth.
[Beth] You too.
(melancholy music)
(Veronica exhales)
Okay.
I wrote down like a dozen orders
and they're all over the city, so...
Where'd you get that?
It was hidden in the deep dark corner
of the walk-in freezer.
Oh.
How'd you find that?
Saw you cook it and hide it there.
I was just messing around.
My dad's the chef.
Come on, dude.
My dad's the chef.
What is this? It's amazing.
It's tasty.
Not like it matters.
My dad doesn't even know that I want to be a chef.
I mean, I could be wrong,
but I think there are other restaurants.
(contemplative music)
Let's see which annoying customer interrupted my only break.
That annoying customer would be me.
Sadie!
Hi.
Rick, hey.
It's been awhile.
Yeah, it has.
Is that mine (chuckles)?
Oh, yeah.
Here you go (chuckles).
No big Hanukkah dinner tonight?
My dad always burns the latkes
and the brisket is so dry we could use it as kindling,
so these are reinforcements.
Just like the old days, huh?
I remember when you used to work here,
there'd be a lot of leftovers going to the Cohen house.
This place definitely saved my appetite
and my sanity more than once.
You still at UCLA?
Senior year.
What about you?
When did you get back?
Oh no, I'm just chilling here in Wichita.
Staying with my folks.
(sighs) We haven't seen each other in person since-
You ditched me right before prom.
Oh, I'm so sorry, Sadie.
I was already in college.
My frat brothers told me it was a little pathetic
to be slow dancing in my high school gym (chuckles).
Could have shared that with me before I bought
a dress that I couldn't return
because it was stained with tears and Cheeto fingerprints.
I thought you only asked me
because you wanted your first dance to be chill.
Go with a friend, no pressure.
Not exactly.
Hey, can we catch up maybe tonight or tomorrow?
I'm pretty busy with family stuff before I head back.
You gotta let me make up for being such a jerk.
We can reintroduce you
to good old Midwestern holiday shenanigans.
That does sound tempting.
(Rick chuckles) (gentle music)
I am loving the romantic vibe, but you've done too much.
I don't want to set off your smoke detector.
It's our last night together before the holidays.
I wanted to do something special.
You know, savor her this last shred
of cheer before soy sauce servitude (chuckles).
Okay, this may be crazy, but come to Vermont with me.
You want me to spend Christmas with your family?
I know it's a huge step and it's totally last minute,
but I've already rented a car
and my family's been wanting to meet you for ages.
That sounds so amazing.
It's just that it's the busiest week
of the year for the restaurant,
and my parents would kill me for bailing.
Plus I would feel horrible about having
so much fun while they were knee deep in dumplings.
I get it.
Maybe next year, hm?
You remember the year Romy wanted a Barbie Dreamhouse?
The one with the pink convertible (chuckles).
We didn't get to the mall till New Year
and it was all sold out.
(sighs) She cried all day.
Yeah.
(Sue chuckles) (Jim chuckles)
Look, this from Mrs. Wilson.
Oh.
Look, this from Mrs. Wilson.
All our lovely customers.
I can't believe how much they've added
to this tree over the years.
Yes, even if we didn't have a tree at home,
we always got this one.
(Sue chuckling)
I wish there was a way to make it up to the kids.
Let them have a proper Christmas.
Enjoy the season without thinking
about busing tables or unloading supplies.
(phone ringing)
Ah.
It's Romy.
Oh, the new tap's here.
Hi, honey.
How are you?
Crushed my presentation and celebrated with Blake.
Ah!
Crushed my presentation and celebrated with Blake.
Asked me to join.
Oh, that's a huge step (chuckles).
It would've been so magical, not just to meet his family,
but to experience a real Christmas.
(playful music)
Maybe you should go, honey.
I think my wifi glitched
because I thought I heard you say I should go with Blake.
We've got the Dragon covered,
so have an amazing Christmas with Blake.
Ah (squeals)!
Really?
(bright holiday music)
Hey, Dr. Cohen.
(indistinct)
Happiest of holidays to you too.
We missed you at our cocktail party.
So, how did we do?
Unfortunately, none of the embryos
made it through the blast.
But we had four of them this time.
The numbers just weren't on our side.
I'm so sorry.
I really wish that I had better news for you.
It looks really fresh today.
I got lucky at the market this morning.
(Rick laughs) (Jim laughs)
Have you heard from your sister yet?
Just phone taggin'.
Well, this is the first guy
that she's been really serious about.
Yeah, he seems okay.
Every time we talk he's bugging me
to start an IRA or buy mutual funds
or something incredibly boring.
He has a good career,
and he's only a few years older than you-
Dad.
and he's only a few years older than you-
I have had a job, at the restaurant.
(sighs) Have you considered that I actually like cooking?
What would you do with your life
if the restaurant isn't around?
(chuckles) Yeah, right.
Like the two biggest workaholics I know
are gonna decide to close up and relax?
(laughs) Nice.
(gentle music)
I think you dropped this.
Oh, thanks Jack.
Spec, Zuma and Spector?
You actually read this?
Just keep it, okay?
(gentle music)
(music continues)
Thank you for staying late.
(music continues)
When Sue and I first arrived in Kansas,
we were petrified and we knew
the bonds that the food can create.
And over time,
Wichita became home and you became our family,
which makes it even harder to...
We're closing the restaurant for good.
The last day will be Christmas Eve.
(employees murmuring) (melancholy music)
We know this is tough news to hear.
You know, we are old, we are tired,
and we move slower and we hurt more.
We'd love to keep the restaurant open,
but you just know when a chapter is ending.
Your envelopes include a month of severance.
Why close the day before Christmas?
It's our busiest day.
We want you to spend Christmas with your loved ones.
It's something you haven't done for a long time.
But some of us need this job.
We'll help you find other jobs,
give you glowing recommendations.
What are you gonna do?
This restaurant is your life.
to some developers and we've bought a house in Flagstaff.
On a golf course.
Seriously, guys?
You sold the Dragon and we're moving to Arizona
and you didn't think it'd be nice
to tell me before you drop that bomb in public?
Sometimes it's hard for people
to move on without momentum.
What's that supposed to mean?
and ended up in Wichita because I had a third cousin
who owned a restaurant here.
We didn't know anything about cooking
or have passion for food really.
But we learned our way around the kitchen very quickly
because we had to make a living
and provide a good future for our kids.
Thinking back, we shouldn't have let the Dragon
take over yours and Romy's childhood.
We wanted to keep you guys close to us.
We didn't want you to end up toiling your lives away
in a greasy kitchen like we did.
But I like working here.
You've used a restaurant as a crutch for too long.
You need to create your own path.
Who's gonna tell Romy?
in stupid Vermont?
We'll tell her after the holiday.
No, I get it more than anyone,
but she would want to be here for a real Christmas
with her real family.
but she would want to be here for a real Christmas
It's done, it's done.
(Rick sighs)
(music continues)
I can't believe you grew up here.
Your Christmases must have been so wonderful.
Carols around the piano, snowball fights in the yard,
presents under a freshly picked tree
with just the right ratio of tinsel and ornaments.
Somebody's watched too many Christmas movies.
All my life I've wanted to anticipate Christmas
instead of dreading it.
Other kids got to spend Christmas baking cookies
and building snowmen and opening presents.
We spent Christmas slinging egg foo young
and refilling jasmine tea.
My parents were too busy
So, this will be my first real Christmas,
like ever (laughs).
Oh! - Mom, Dad, this is Romy.
Nice to meet you.
Welcome to our home.
We have heard such wonderful things.
Oh!
So nice to meet you.
Wow, that is so thoughtful, Romy.
Would you mind if I keep this outside on the porch?
Our Moxie gets into everything
and poinsettias can be toxic to animals.
Yeah, no worries (laughs nervously).
I totally get it.
- Well, let's get inside. - Yeah!
Great.
(gentle music)
(bright holiday music)
You have such a lovely home, Mrs. Bennett.
Thank you, but please, call me Tinsley.
Oh my, and what a beautiful tree.
Oh, but it looks so real.
Where is everybody?
Outback building a snowman.
- Always look for- - Uncle Blake!
Hey! Oh! (Jen laughs)
Hi, you must be Bridgett!
- And who are you? - Bridgett.
I am so sorry.
- And who are you? - Bridgett.
I'm Dylan, Blake's brother.
- I'm Jen, the sister-in-law. - Oh!
- Hey. - So nice
to meet you in person.
- Oh. - Nice to meet you.
Yeah, we were startin' to think you were like Pearl.
Pearl?
Blake's imaginary friend.
Oh, from when he was little?
[Dylan] Try 12.
Hey, let's zip it.
You know what?
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Oh!
This is what you get!
Oh!
Oh, oh, oh.
Are you okay?
Oh, oh, oh.
I'm (chuckles)...
Sorry. - It's all right.
It's okay (chuckles).
Yes, please, thank you.
I'm gonna need those.
Hey (speaking faintly).
Let's go.
- (gasps) Oh my gosh! - Oh my God.
- I'm so sorry, Nate. - Oh no, I'm so sorry.
[Veronica and Nate] I didn't see you there.
(Veronica laughs) (Nate laughs)
Oh...
Oh, thank you (chuckles).
Oh...
I thought you were taking the week off
for some family fun time.
Yeah-
Daddy, can I have the markers?
Yes, you can.
Yes, here honey.
Here. There you go.
Hi, Veronica.
- Hi. - I like your shoes.
Oh, these old things?
They feel just like butter on my feet.
I'm kidding.
They're awful.
Don't ever throw away your sneakers.
So what are you guys doing here?
We were just-
So what are you guys doing here?
Now dad wants to take us to some boring museum.
(chuckles) The Children's Museum.
So, hosting an event
where they celebrate Christmas traditions
from around the world.
It's gonna be nonstop food and drink.
Plenty of fun.
Just the opposite of boring, Jessa.
And they have a make your own wreath competition,
which is why we are gathering some supplies from reception.
I hope that's not an HR violation.
Well, last week I may or may not have taken
some paper towels from the break room
because I was too tired to go to the grocery store,
so your secret's safe with me.
- Okay. - Dad, I'm hungry.
- Huh? - I'm hungry.
Right. Yes, yes, of course.
Well, how about we get some takeout
from the Dragon on the way home?
(sighs) You better savor those dishes.
I know, right?
Jim and Sue are like family.
It's been like my second home.
I thought this place was your second home.
Ha ha (chuckles).
Sometimes it feels that way.
Well, that's how you became CFO,
which is awesome, by the way.
Congratulations.
Not like me.
I'm just a lowly engineer.
Lowly engineer? No way.
Nate, you're brilliant.
You're one of the most talented designers in the company.
Oh, thank you for saying that.
Daddy, look.
No, no, sweetheart.
No, no, no, no, no.
Do not do that.
Those are...
(sighs) I'm sorry.
It's okay.
It's beautiful.
(gentle music)
(line trilling)
[Sue] Golden Dragon.
Hi, Sue.
I wanted to order something for my mom.
Oh, I know your interview is at three,
but is there time for you to squeeze
in one more delivery on your way?
(doorbell rings) (Miguel knocking)
What are you doing here?
I didn't order anything.
This is for you.
This note came with it.
"Send
before the Dragon closes this week."
Closes?
Sue never said a peep.
Yeah, it was a shock to all of us.
(Jane gasps)
Okay, I'll see you later.
That's really unsafe.
I know, Jerry used to take care of all those kinda things.
Let me fix that for you.
- Really? - Yeah, yeah.
[Jane] Aw.
Okay, all set.
(Jane chuckles)
Thank you. Looks great.
Now, if you'll excuse me,
I'm running late for like
Now, if you'll excuse me,
(fabric rips) (Miguel gasps)
Oh no!
Miguel, are you okay?
(Miguel sighs) (playful music)
(gentle music)
Ms. Roberts, I am so sorry.
(Miguel sighs)
It is now 3:18.
- I was working and I- - That's okay.
Let's just get on with it.
Cool? - Yeah.
Good grades, great test scores.
Thank you, Ma'am.
But your extracurriculars, where are they?
I work 30 hours a week, plus all AP classes.
I don't exactly have time for the debate team, so-
What about your community service?
Volunteer positions?
Does playing bingo with some feisty ladies
at the nursing home count (chuckles)?
This scholarship is given by my company
to someone who is involved with their community
in a deep and meaningful way.
You're a nice young man, Miguel,
Thanks. (phone ringing)
Hi, Mom. - Thank you for the moo shu.
I know how much you love it.
We had those lovely Sunday night dinners
there with your dad.
On the rare occasions when he would show up.
Well, the portions are so big,
wanna come over and share it with me tonight?
How 'bout tomorrow?
I could help you prep for the party.
Be there in the afternoon.
(phone beeps)
(phone beeping) (Jane sighs)
(solemn music)
(Jane exhales)
Oh my gosh, I am so excited for these roasts chestnuts.
They only have them this time of year, Dad.
Like only once.
I know.
Like only once.
in cinnamon and sugar or the spicy ones
that burn your tongue.
Which are your favorite?
that burn your tongue.
[Nate] Oh, how very traditional of you.
I'm a traditional girl, Daddy.
You are, are ya?
Mom usually brings us first thing
in the morning 'cause they sell out fast.
Yeah, it'll be fine. They're just chestnuts.
Um...
You've gotta be...
It's not even noon.
Told you, Dad.
Okay, a little less attitude would be great, Jessa.
Having a fun vacation would be great.
Are you?
All we've done is have fun.
Just because you take us to lots of places
and spend lots of money on us does not make it fun.
(solemn music)
Okay, fine.
I wanna practice my lines for the Christmas pageant,
and just go home.
Okay.
Come on.
(music continues)
Sure this is your childhood bedroom?
Pretty sure, yeah.
Sure this is your childhood bedroom?
and they fit right back into their teenage environment.
You know, like walls plastered with posters of muscle cars,
shelves lined with trophies, beds with Star War sheets.
I wasn't really a Star Wars fan.
And we're supposed to look at your yearbooks
and make fun of your haircuts.
You do that already.
Oh, and where is your desk?
I just use my laptop on my bed.
Oh.
I always wanted a desk so bad,
because we were always at the Dragon after school.
So they gave us the table to do our homework at,
and not the good corner table,
but the bad one near the men's bathroom.
I'm sorry, babe.
It's where I did my homework every day after school.
It's where I studied for the SATs.
It's where I found out I got into NYU (chuckles).
It's where my first boyfriend broke up with me.
Sounds like The Golden Dragon means more
to you than you'd like to admit.
(melancholy music)
You are not going to get me that easy, Blake.
No tears this holiday.
I am a ball of light and love and holiday cheer.
[Blake] Come here.
[All] Yeah!
Yes! (Tinsley laughing)
That's what I'm talking about.
Woo!
Let's go! - Yes.
I think this room needs some Christmas sparkle.
But babe, there's nothing more Christmas than football.
Oh, I just thought it would be fun
if we all built a gingerbread house together.
But we're already together watching football.
That's a great idea, Romy.
Let's all take a break from the game.
(bright holiday music)
Maybe you didn't add enough frosting.
I don't know, I've never built one before.
Oh, oh!
(playful music)
(Romy sighs)
Oh, oh!
(music continues)
Yeah.
My first gingerbread house was a complete disaster.
It wasn't a disaster, it was just not up to code.
(phone ringing)
Oh, it's Rick.
- I'm gonna go in. - Yeah.
(phone beeps)
Hey. - It is insanity over here.
I've only got a sec, but I thought you should know,
even though Mom and Dad don't want me to tell you.
This is sounding pretty ominous.
Mom and Dad sold the restaurant.
What?
Yeah, Christmas Eve is our last night
and then we're closed forever.
(tray clattering) (melancholy music)
Hey, someone just dropped a whole tray
of steamed pork buns.
I gotta go. - Oh...
(music continues)
How's Rick?
My parents sold the restaurant.
What?
Romy, I am so sorry.
Why didn't they tell me sooner so that I could be there?
Are you okay?
(mischievous music)
Romy?
(music continues)
[Romy] I said no tears.
Oh no.
No way.
(Blake sighs)
- Hey. - You finally got it fixed.
Yeah.
Go Mom, finding your inner handyman.
No (chuckles), it was actually the delivery driver
from The Golden Dragon.
He's such a nice young man.
He was even running late for an interview
and he still volunteered to fix it for me.
And then the poor kid ripped his jacket.
Had to loan him one of Daddy's suits.
(soft holiday music)
(Veronica sighs)
When are you getting rid of Dad's old chair?
(sighs) Your Dad sat in that chair
every night reviewing his playbook.
Well, you can redecorate now.
Make the house more you.
Maybe take down some of Dad's stuff.
No, I'm proud of his accomplishments.
You were a brilliant architect.
The only woman on track for partner at your firm.
You coulda kept working,
actually done something that made you happy.
I wanna get your idea on party decorations, please.
Used to be quite the crafter.
When I had a life outside of work.
I remember staying up all night with you before the party,
making hundreds of origami snowflakes, you remember?
You were so relentless.
Had to make sure that every fold was perfect and precise.
Where do you think I learned that from, huh?
You should just relax this year.
Maybe even cancel.
People will understand.
I'm not canceling!
This party has happened for 30 years.
Did you have your appointment with Dr. Cohen?
Yep.
[Jane] And?
And nothing.
It didn't take.
Can you do another round of IVF?
I've already done four.
The hormones are really messing with my body and the cost,
well, I'd have to get another promotion
in order to afford it,
but then I'll be working too much
to even hang out with my kid.
I know what that's like, all too well.
I'm sorry, Mom, I'm just... (Jane sighs)
It's been a hard day.
Yeah, I know.
(bright holiday music)
(Nate sighs)
(Nate chuckles)
Time to write your note to Santa.
No thanks.
We do this every year, Jessa.
Do you think Santa knows about the time
I hid my brussel sprouts in the bushes outside?
Or should I tell him about that?
I definitely wanna be on the nice list.
It's not gonna happen.
You're naughty all the way.
Jessa, don't get your tinsel in a tangle.
Gimme that tablet.
I'm almost at level 33.
Why don't we run your lines for the pageant, hm?
- Really? - Absolutely.
You said you were getting nervous.
Okay.
You said you were getting nervous.
We're standing up because we always
must practice as we perform.
- Okay. - Go for it.
"Let us...
Sweetheart?
It's okay.
You don't.
I?
Are you kidding me?
I don't?
You are looking at someone who once took four semesters
of French to get out of one semester of public speaking.
I couldn't even barely watch somebody else speak publicly.
Really?
Yeah.
Then I got a job at this company
and I had to give a lot of presentations,
You wanna know my secret?
Hey Romy, if you ever wondered how much I love you,
this is proof.
I feel ridiculous.
You feel ridiculous?
So, how does this work?
Do I just go knock on the door?
I don't know.
- I guess. - We've never done it before.
Okay, I'll go do it.
All right.
(playful music)
(baby cries)
We're here to sing carols.
Why?
To spread holiday cheer.
Nope. (baby cries)
♪ Good tidings we bring to you and your kin ♪
(kids laughing hysterically)
♪ Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree ♪
♪ How lovely are thy branches ♪
♪ Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree ♪
♪ How lovely are thy branches ♪
(solemn music)
(Romy sighs)
Sorry the caroling was such a disaster.
I mean, I knew it would be, but I'm still sorry.
What's the point of living in this winter wonderland
if you're not swept up in Christmas spirit?
Could this angst have something
to do with The Golden Dragon closing?
Of course not.
(bright holiday music)
Thank you.
I forget how beautiful it can be here.
You can always move back after graduation.
I already have a job lined up.
Huh, really?
Yeah, I interned with this really
great political action coalition over the summer,
so I'm going to start as a coordinator,
get some experience in a nonprofit space,
and then go to law school and clerk for a judge
and then run for office.
Well, sounds like you've got everything figured out.
I guess college just caught up to me.
Soon I'll be homeless and jobless.
Really nailing that life thing.
Maybe it's for the best.
I know, my parents have worked hard.
They deserve a break.
Well, sure, but I meant for the best for you.
Yeah?
I mean, you don't have the best track record
for taking charge of your future.
I can take charge.
(Rick laughs) (Sadie laughs)
There's actually something I've been dying
to do since I got back home.
If you're game?
You know, you are gonna have to let go
of those presents at some point.
I'm fine just watching.
You know, my cousin told me
that you missed all of your classes sophomore year
and that's why you flunked out.
I had everything in high school,
Better schools, better jobs.
If you're not happy with your life,
Change what you can and work on the rest.
Take action.
Oh, oh (laughs)!
(bright holiday music)
When you promised me a midnight snack,
this isn't quite what I was thinking.
I need to decompress after that.
And cooking is my meditation.
So there's this kid's Christmas event happening
at the church tomorrow,
Kids in foster care will create this wish registry
like a bridal or a baby shower one,
and people will buy the gifts anonymously
and then we wrap them and have Santa
and his elves pass them out.
Sounds really nice.
Well, my cousin was supposed to go with me,
but she's got the flu.
So, do you wanna be my plus one?
You'd have to dress up as a elf,
but I promise you the tights are super comfortable.
Sounds like fun.
Minus the tights part.
Really?
I'd love to spend as much time
with you as I can while you're home.
(light holiday music)
Nice job.
I see you're makin' progress.
Jack, I don't know how you talk me into these things.
Well, you know, I usually have my pal help me.
Pal, huh?
[Jack] Mm hm.
Is there a lady friend I should know about?
It would take a very special lady
to live up to my Margaret,
and I haven't met one yet and I probably never will.
So, is this helper your secret Santa gift or something?
It's Miguel.
Miguel?
From The Golden Dragon.
- He shovels your snow? - Yes.
He cuts my grass, cleans my ceiling fans, bears my gutters.
(chuckles) Oh, you know, actually,
I gotta ask him about fixing the screen on my back door.
Maybe power wash the back patio, dust off the top cabinets.
Saw someone used the grill last night
and didn't clean it again.
Sorry, dude.
I had Sadie over last night
and I totally forgot to clean up.
Sadie? Nice, man.
When are you gonna see her again?
Tonight.
I'm helping her hand out gifts at this toy drive.
Tonight?
Are you crazy?
Your dad is gonna kill you.
Oh, no, no, no.
Your dad is gonna kill you.
I already already double or large table reservations, es
so should be able to sneak out
for a couple hours without anyone noticing.
You know, maybe it wouldn't be the worst thing
your dad saw the mess, found out that you cook.
Just like it wouldn't be the worst thing
if your dad found out you've been hiding
your college acceptance letters?
(bright holiday music)
- Veronica. - Hey.
Hey, how are ya?
Good.
I don't think I've ever seen you dress so casually.
You're always in a power suit.
(Veronica laughs)
What are you doin' here, Nate?
Well, I was just dropping off the girls
at pageant practice and I thought I'd surprise them
with their mom's famous roast chicken, but-
I'm guessing that didn't go so well?
No, no it didn't at all.
Let's just say that a smoke alarm
may have been sacrificed in the mayhem.
(Nate chuckles) (Veronica chuckles)
So.
Don't try too hard to be the fun parent.
Sometimes just being there to listen is enough.
Wise words.
I know.
[Server] Here you go.
- Oh, thank you. - Thanks.
Actually, you know, I don't have to pick them up
for at least another hour.
Is there anywhere you needed to be?
Are Jessa and Vivi excited about the pageant?
Oh, Vivi's a total ham.
She cannot wait to be the center of attention
and be right up on that stage.
Jessa on the other hand,
she suffers from terrible stage fright.
So, any production she's ever been a part of growing up
has always ended up in complete disaster.
(chuckles) Yikes.
Speaking of which, what are you doing tomorrow night?
There's an extra special pageant happening
that you may know about.
The girls would be psyched to see you.
You wanna come?
Oh Nate, I would love to, but tomorrow's my mom's party.
I'm not really looking forward to socializing
with a hundred of her and my dad's friends,
but I need to be there for her.
And for you.
(dishes clattering) (food sizzling)
Oh, there you are.
Are you going someplace?
Just a quick errand.
I'll be back before the dinner rush.
No, no, no, I need you in the kitchen.
Just 30 minutes.
I have to tell Sadie that I can't-
Just 30 minutes.
Let me text her.
I'll promise you, you'll get a break later, okay?
(solemn music)
[Rick] Hey, it's Rick.
I probably won't listen to this.
(music continues)
(door slams)
Hey man, everything okay?
(sighs) She won't return my calls.
I was supposed to meet her at the church last night,
but I was stuck helping my dad.
I've blown my chance with her, again.
[Tinsley] Okay, time to open presents.
Oh, aren't we supposed to open presents
on Christmas morning, not 10 a.m. on Christmas Eve?
The kids were always so impatient with their presents
that they couldn't wait till Christmas morning.
So, one year we decided
to let them open presents a day early.
(chuckles) But then the tradition just stuck.
Besides, we like to spend our Christmas Eve night
at our favorite restaurant.
We've been going there for years.
- The Swan House. - Oh, sounds very elegant.
Oh, thank you.
(wrapping tearing) (bright holiday music)
Oh, it's beautiful.
- Thank you. - You're welcome, kiddo.
All right, all right, time for my gift.
Oh, saving the best for last.
I can't wait to see what's inside.
(music continues)
Do you like it?
Blake,
(music continues)
(Veronica exhales)
(melancholy music)
(Jane sighs)
(Veronica knocks) (music continues)
Mom, where are you?
(Veronica knocks) (music continues)
What happened to the party?
(sighs) Couldn't do it.
Not alone.
I emailed out a cancellation to everyone.
Except me? (Jane chuckles)
We both not would've been buried
in your inbox until St. Patrick's Day.
I'll give you that one.
It's okay, it's just a party.
It's not just a party, it is my life.
I can't do this alone.
but we both know the truth.
Players needed him.
We needed him, too.
Your father was very important to this community,
and I had to be supportive.
before you gave it all up to become
some Division One coach's wife?
Veronica, raising a family
was the greatest joy in my life.
And your father was not perfect,
but he was my partner for 30 years
and I can't just erase all traces of him the moment he dies.
Why don't we do something?
Go out?
I just...
I'd just like to be alone tonight, please.
(Jane sighs)
(melancholy music)
Oh.
Do I want you or microwave popcorn for dinner?
(Jack knocks)
Mom, I knew...
Do you need something?
I saw your lights were on.
How come you're not at your mother's fancy shindig?
She canceled.
Oh, missin' your dad?
but my niece hid everything.
Oh, don't Scrooge out on me.
It's Christmas.
(laughs) You did not tell your physical therapist that.
I did.
The little dictator deserved it, too.
(Veronica laughs)
Wow, somebody's getting cozy with Mr. Claus.
I bought them all last month in a fit of excitement
when I thought I might be...
Might be?
Oh.
But I'm not.
I just, I couldn't bear to send them back just yet.
You know, Margaret and I couldn't have children either.
I didn't know that, I thought it was by choice.
Oh, we both come from big families,
but wasn't in the cards.
How did you deal with it?
The disappointment?
14 nieces and nephews.
14?
(exhales) That's crazy.
And we had time to volunteer,
be parental figures to those kids
who might not have anyone else.
Still.
Choosing to make meaning out of a loss
is both empowering and healing.
Make this unexpected,
unplanned life meaningful and fulfilling anyways.
(bright holiday music)
(music continues)
Scooch over.
- Hey. - Hi.
I figured this was more exciting than passing out
in a bag of eggnog ice cream to some holiday movie marathon.
(Nate chuckles) (Veronica chuckles)
Yeah.
You're just in time.
You got this, Jessa.
(anticipatory music)
(playful music)
Oh no.
Excuse me a second.
Sweetheart, Jessa?
Dad, what are you doing?
Remember what I taught you?
(anticipatory music)
(music continues)
"Let us now go unto Bethlehem
to see this thing which has come to pass,
which the Lord have made known unto to us.
Make haste in this glorious night."
(gentle holiday music)
Yes, just right there in the center banquet.
Enjoy your meal.
- Thank you. - You're welcome.
(Sadie chuckles)
(gentle music)
All right, here's the credit card slips.
I've gotta head off to church.
Okay.
Oh, what happened with the interview?
You never told me how it went.
Total bust.
Maybe it's just not meant to be.
Hey, Sadie, I just want to explain why-
Save it.
Hey, Sadie, I just want to explain why-
And I'm the dumb one who cares about you.
I've cared about you for years
because I'm 3,000 miles away and it's easy.
You don't do hard, ever.
(bright holiday music)
(attendees chattering)
- Oh, hey, Jessa. - Not now, Dad.
(Nate sighs)
Hey, Jessa, please.
What's wrong?
Could you be more embarrassing?
What?
I thought it was helping.
(Nate sighs)
I can't seem to do anything right.
Sometimes I feel like I'm just not cut out for this.
Nate. (Luis speaking in Spanish)
Miguel.
We're late already.
Ms. Roberts, good to see you again.
Merry Christmas.
You too, Miguel.
Merry Christmas.
You must be Luis.
I'm Nate.
Pleasure to finally meet you.
Hello, Nate.
How do you know my son?
One too many orders of sesame chicken (chuckles).
(chuckles) I see.
The Chens have been wonderful to Miguel.
where he can flourish.
Okay, Papa, let's go get a seat.
Luis, you should be incredibly proud
of the man you raised.
He goes above and beyond every single day.
Even looked after my kids once when I was late coming home
from the airport at the restaurant.
You remember that, Miguel? - Yeah.
Thank you.
I still lawyer you for that.
Anytime.
I still lawyer you for that.
Yeah, sure.
So, you may not have a resume full
of sports and debate team and co-op internships,
but that doesn't mean you don't care about your community.
You've helped my mom, Mr. Barber.
(Veronica chuckles) (Miguel chuckles)
Surely countless other people.
I may have made the wrong judgment
about you on our first interview.
First? Does does that mean-
This means you get another interview.
A do over, But you better not be late this time.
Okay, I promise.
Okay.
[Romy] I was expecting holiday ham, not Peking duck.
[Blake] We always eat Chinese food on Christmas Eve.
Evening folks.
Have we decided?
Evening folks.
So let's do the orange chicken,
the crab rangoon, pot stickers,
chopped suey, egg foo young,
oh, and the Mongolian beef.
Great choices.
Romy, Blake told us all about
your family's restaurant closing.
I know that must be hard.
Now, Jade Palace may not live up to The Golden Dragon,
but we wanted to share it with you.
What was your family restaurant like growing up?
Is Christmas as crazy as it is here?
Oh, definitely (chuckles).
There were so many people,
nurses and doctors, international students,
people who couldn't afford to fly home for the holidays.
And because of the Dragon,
they had some place to spend Christmas
along with all the other holiday orphans in town.
We made a family, and made new traditions.
[Tinsley] That sounds lovely, Romy.
Yeah, actually it was.
(gentle music)
This Nate, he sure thinks highly of you.
Yeah, he's a great guy, so.
Mm hm.
And the woman he was with,
what did you two sneak off to talk about?
She's the administrator
of the scholarship I applied to.
I actually think I might have a chance of getting it, so.
Papa?
(gentle holiday music)
How long have you had these?
A few weeks.
(Miguel speaking in Spanish)
(Luis speaking in Spanish)
It's a terrible feeling
to see a child's dreams sleep away because I'm a failure.
Are you serious?
You're not a failure.
You're the kind of man I want to be,
the kind of man who sacrifices everything for his family.
Yeah, sometimes it's better to be selfish.
Now are we going to look at these at schools
and burning our marshmallows?
Wow.
Oh, excuse me.
The paramedic that's waiting for her food,
would you please put her order on our bill,
and tell her that it's a thank you from her secret Santa.
Wow, that's very nice.
Not everyone gets to be near
their loved ones during the holidays.
(gentle music)
You all are amazing and I'm so sorry, but I have to go.
Home.
To Kansas.
(music continues)
I'll book your flight.
I'll drive you to the airport.
I'll make snacks for the road.
I'll help you pack.
I'll lend you my new noise canceling headphones
for the plane.
And I'll go with you.
Really?
[All] Yes!
(all laughing) (emotional music)
enjoying Christmas morning.
(bright holiday music)
(music continues)
(phone chimes)
(melancholy music)
Rick, right here.
Romy, what are you doing?
Shh, I don't want Mom and Dad to see.
Why?
Because we're opening the restaurant today.
We're what now?
Mom and Dad don't realize how important
the Dragon is to this town, and to me.
All those people who depend on us for their Christmas meals,
the ones who are alone or lost or abandoned,
or just want a nice meal that they don't have to cook,
where will they go today?
Who will feed them?
We already gave the staff the day off.
So we'll find temporary staff.
I'll be the chef.
Yes!
Good.
You already knew about that?
I have spies all over the Dragon.
Oh.
You must be Blake.
Hey, nice to finally meet you, man.
You too, Rick.
Hey, nice to finally meet you, man.
Romy's a little tired of the one dish
I know how to make and I hear
you have insane cooking skills.
I'd be totally down for that.
Let me grab a jacket. - Go.
We're gonna do it.
Okay. (Romy squeals)
(Blake laughs)
Can't believe you got me this.
Yeah, well, you mentioned it awhile ago.
Probably totally uncool by now,
but I think it's pretty awesome.
You were talking about how you wanted
to try to make some jewelry, so.
I didn't think you'd remember, or that you were listening.
I'm always listening, kiddo.
I'm sorry, Dad, for yelling at you after the pageant
and just being a really big brat lately.
I've just been kinda sad since Mom left.
Your mom will be home soon.
I know, but then we'll live in two houses
and have two birthdays and have
to pick between you guys for stuff.
You never have to pick between us.
Me and your mom may not be together anymore,
but we'll still always be a family.
I'll tell you what,
why don't we try to make Mom's famous cinnamon buns, hm?
Yeah.
(gentle holiday music)
Get your own bowl of cereal, stealer.
Where did I put the...
No. Oh!
Ah ha.
make cinnamon rolls like your mom,
so I think it's time we start a new tradition.
(Vivi laughs) (bright holiday music)
Oo.
(girls laughing)
(music continues)
Romy, why aren't you in Vermont?
Slight change of plans.
We're opening up the Dragon today.
We need your help.
I'd love to, but it's Christmas.
He will be there.
You're okay with me leaving the family on Christmas?
The Chen's have treated you like a son for years.
That makes them part of our family,
and we don't let family down.
(bright holiday music)
(doorbell rings)
Merry Christmas.
Mom.
Hi, what are you doing here?
I mean, Merry Christmas.
So, how's your morning been?
I've definitely lost the touch over the past few years.
Oh, honey, you have so many other talents.
Don't focus on the one thing you're not perfect at.
Thanks, Mom.
Of course I did.
I want you to have this.
You didn't have to do this, Mom.
Just open it.
I want you to know who I was
before I became a wife or a mom.
You were a partner?
Well, technically I didn't accept the promotion.
I would've had to live in Copenhagen for a year,
and that was right when your dad
was offered the head coaching job.
(Jane chuckles) (melancholy music)
I didn't call him back.
[Jane] Call who back?
Dad.
Two days before his heart attack,
he dropped off a brochure, some cruise in Europe.
I was focused on a project and I figured
it was just the same old routine,
making promises he would never keep.
No.
He wanted me to finally see Copenhagen,
and Paris and Prague and all those places
that I always dreamed of visiting.
He felt guilty, but he didn't need to.
I knew what I was giving up,
but I also knew what I was getting.
(Veronica chuckles)
He left me a voice message.
[Jane] Yeah?
He sounded really sad and he really wanted to meet up.
But I, well, I was angry and I didn't call him back.
And then he was gone,
and now I'm just gonna be a disappointment to you too.
- Oh, no! - I'll never make
you a grandmother.
Honey, I am so proud of you.
And you'll get through this and I will be there
every step of the way right with you.
Okay?
Oh.
(phone ringing)
Okay.
Merry Christmas.
Right now?
Sure, I could do that.
Can I bring a plus one?
This is good.
Mm.
I think I even like this better than sour gummies.
(Nate chuckles)
How about tomorrow we'll go get doughnuts and go sledding?
I call the biggest hill first.
(phone ringing)
Hello, this is...
Oh, hey Miguel.
Yeah, sure, no problem.
We're on our way.
You guys, get your coats on.
Our friends need us.
Let's go.
Thank you all so much for dropping
your Christmas plans to come here.
It's going to be out of all of our comfort zones,
but I think we owe the Dragon one last hurrah.
We're gonna be busy.
Insane is more like it.
We already have dozens of reservations for dinner.
Our usual vendors are closed,
so we're gonna have to make do
with grocery meat and produce.
Romy and Blake, they're gonna be on kitchen duty with me.
Nate, I'm gonna need you to grab the sauce bins
from the fridge and fill up all the dispensers.
Right.
from the fridge and fill up all the dispensers.
so I'm gonna put you on dicing.
Hm.
Jess and Vivi, I'm gonna teach you
how to make the best hand rolled dumplings ever.
Luis, I'm going to need you to be mingling
in the dining room entertaining our guests.
And what about me?
Host stand.
You wanna waste all this pizazz on the host stand?
(all laughing)
You wanna waste all this pizazz on the host stand?
so our novice kitchen staff doesn't get overwhelmed.
Oh, so I get to tell people what to do.
Yes, but only if you wear this.
Oh! (all laughing)
May, I (throat clears)?
- Wow. - That's perfect.
Let's get started.
- Ready.
- Let's go. - Come on.
Here you are, a fish fileting guru,
and yet for our first dinner,
you made me microwave popcorn?
Maybe I just forgot how fun it is
to cook for people you love.
We have to break them off like this
and throw them in here?
- Okay. - Like it's a big tree
and you're taking the branches off.
You're a natural.
Oh! (knife thuds)
(knife chopping) (upbeat holiday music)
- All right. - You watching?
[Blake] I'm watching.
All right, you get a bundle.
Okay.
- And stir it. - That's it?
That's all I have to do?
That's it,
and just wait a minute. - I can do that.
- Oh, oh! - Jeez, all right.
Hey, guys, guys, hey, hey,
break it up, break it up, break it up, break it up.
Dude, you're leaving?
There's just a stop I have to make.
Well, what's more important than this?
(exhales) My life.
What?
I don't think I can live with regret.
(gentle music)
(music continues)
(Rick exhales)
Rick?
What are you doing here?
And why are you dressed like a 1980s wedding singer?
This was the last tie they had at the shop.
Will you please go
to the Dragon tonight at eight wearing this?
And that dress I never got to see you in?
Sadie Cohen,
will you go to prom with me?
(gentle music)
(music continues)
You know, you can't just do one big gesture
and then expect everything to be forgiven.
I know that,
which is why I just want this to be
the first teensy eensy littlest possible step towards that.
That's it.
(music continues)
(all chattering)
Ta da.
My table.
So this is where all the magic happens?
All the major milestones in my life happened here.
Care to add one more?
Are you asking me what I think you're asking me?
Because I am going to be so mad at you
that my engagement selfie is of me
in a sesame oil stained shirt.
Life isn't perfect.
Christmas isn't perfect, couples aren't perfect.
But sometimes it's the imperfections
that make something so worthwhile.
You're right.
I want all the messy and difficult and awkward things.
I wanna learn and grow and remember and be grateful.
I wanna do all of that with you.
Romy Chen, will you marry me?
(Romy giggles) (bright music)
(Romy laughs)
You may say there are no perfect Christmases,
but I beg to differ.
(Blake laughs)
I love it. - You do? Good.
I love it. (Blake laughs)
I can't believe that kid sneaking out
on Christmas and making me come out in the cold like this.
He's lost, Jim.
He's still searching for his...
(customers chattering)
(bright holiday music playing)
What's going on?
Your last dinner service.
Mom, Dad, I'll take you to your table.
This way.
How did you pull this off?
It was mostly Romy's idea.
Romy?
I may be jet lagged and I definitely need a shower,
but I would never miss our last Christmas here!
Oh, Romy!
I invited some regulars.
Plus I texted every phone number
from last year's Christmas reservations.
I might have carpal tunnel,
but it got us a pretty decent crowd.
Oh, you didn't have to do this for us.
You've served all of us all of these years,
now it's time for you to be served.
Ah, Ma, this is Blake.
Blake, meet my wonderful parents.
Blake!
Hi (laughs).
Why aren't you with your family?
Well, Romy is family now.
We're engaged!
Oh, Romy! That's wonderful.
Don't worry, the real ring's coming
Welcome to the family, son. (Romy laughs)
(all laughing)
Come, come. - All right, all right.
(light jazzy holiday music)
Wow.
I can't believe I almost missed seeing you in this dress.
I can't believe this dress still actually fits me.
(Rick chuckles)
Don't leave me alone on the dance floor, Rick Chen.
No, Ma'am.
(music continues) (all chattering)
(upbeat music) (singer vocalizing)
Oh, what is this?
Can I please have this dance?
(music continues) (singer vocalizing)
(all applauding)
♪ Got a little piece of heaven ♪
So, I was thinking that I might check out LA
and see if I can find a job as a sous chef somewhere.
Do you know anyone with a couch that I could crash on maybe?
I want you in my life, Sadie.
And if that means friendship,
and nothing romantic would ever happen, that's fine.
That the price I pay.
♪ Century ♪
♪ You hold me like a century, century, century ♪
Okay. (Sadie chuckles)
(singer vocalizing) (music continues)
Oh, ah!
(Veronica laughs)
I'm gonna have the best story to tell for the,
"What I did for my Christmas vacation"
portion of the company newsletter.
Don't you dare.
(Veronica laughs) (Nate laughs)
Oh! (upbeat holiday music)
(music continues)
♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪
Hm.
Pretty impressive.
(chuckles) Creativity is important,
but you have got to get the basics down too.
You can show me some tricks sometime.
I'd like nothing better, Son.
Thanks, Dad.
(Luis speaking in Spanish)
We understand that this tree
has ornaments from all your customers and friends.
(Luis speaking in Spanish)
Before you turn that sign to close for good,
we would like to give you something.
Me abuelito, my grandfather gave me this
when I was just a boy.
We were leaving Guadalajara
on Christmas Eve to come to America,
and he knew then that we probably
would not see each other again.
(speaking in Spanish) Saint Christopher
I remember that feeling
when we left our homes to come to the U.S.
It was pure hope and pure fear at the same time.
I was so anxious that I accidentally
wore two different shoes on the flight.
(all laughing)
I remember that (laughs).
I made this in preschool when I was two or three.
I made this special for you.
Thank you.
This is symbolic so that I remember
to love myself as much as I love anyone else.
My mom got this from me after my dad won
his first NCAA tournament game.
She was so proud of him,
but of course I never even took it out of the box.
My dad loved it here,
Even though I didn't show it.
(bright holiday music)
Oh, honey.
(music continues)
We'll remember that wherever we are,
this family with us.
(music continues)
[Romy] Here's the thing,
Christmas looks different for everyone.
Maybe it's embracing the change
to create new traditions, - So impressive
you're bilingual.
to create new traditions, - So impressive
a part of achieving our dreams.
It could be letting go of expectations
around what you think the holidays should be.
Pushing forward with resilience and hope
to create a new normal,
and understanding that our challenges don't define us.
Christmas makes us realize we may actually find everything
we want if we adjust our perspective.
And it doesn't matter if we throw festive parties,
or watch football, or even roll dumplings.
It's Mom.
or watch football, or even roll dumplings.
if you spend it with family,
because the greatest gifts can't be traveled to,
owned, earned, worn, or consumed.
The greatest gift we can give ourselves and others
is living in the present,
and being grateful for the lessons
we've learned throughout the year.
And maybe fry a few egg rolls while you're at it.