– English Lyrics

Lyrics & Translation

[English]

[Noontides singing "Tidings Of Joy"]

♪ Candy canes and mistletoe ♪

♪ Evergreens just stuffed in snow ♪

♪ All the things we've come to know ♪

♪ They say to you ♪

♪ Santa sleighing reindeers on ♪

[alarm beeping]

♪ Outside the door ♪

♪ All these things we love and more ♪

♪ They say to you ♪

♪ Merry Christmas ♪

♪ Merry Christmas to all ♪

♪ Merry Christmas to you ♪ ♪ Merry Christmas ♪

♪ Merry Christmas to all ♪

♪ Merry Christmas to you ♪

♪ The season comes and then it goes ♪

♪ We are scattered around the globe ♪

♪ Holidays will call us home ♪

♪ This time each year ♪

♪ Merry Christmas ♪

♪ Merry Christmas to all ♪

♪ Merry Christmas to you ♪ ♪ Merry Christmas ♪

♪ Merry Christmas to all ♪

♪ Merry Christmas to you ♪ ♪ Merry Christmas ♪

♪ Merry Christmas to all ♪

♪ Merry Christmas to you ♪ ♪ Merry Christmas ♪

♪ Merry Christmas to all Merry Christmas to you ♪

♪ To every boy and every girl ♪

♪ Everyone all around the world ♪

♪ Tidings of joy we bring to you and you and you ♪

♪ Ooh ♪ ♪ Oh oh oh oh ♪

♪ Merry Christmas to all Merry Christmas ♪

[doorbell rings]

♪ Merry Christmas ♪

♪ Merry Christmas to all ♪

Chase, hey. Um, I-I wasn't expecting you.

Let me guess. My mother sent you again?

Yes, I'm here with a few options for your big day.

I mean, though I didn't even know you were getting married.

[gasps] Oh, oh, no. No, I'm, I'm not.

Uh, when she says big day, I'm selling my company

and I'm closing in a couple of days.

Oh. Wonderful. That's...

Congrats, I also brought you

a festive forest-green option I know you will love.

Of course, you did. You're the best stylist in town.

Your mom is my angel. The pleasure is all mine.

Plus, look at you. You make my job easy.

No. Chase, what you do is amazing.

What people want, you bring to their door,

and a gorgeous suit and a lovely smile.

It is the perfect transaction. You never disappoint.

Oh, no. Um, did you and Sean break up?

Why? Does it look like I've been crying?

Only on the inside.

I can hear your hollow tear ducts screaming for an escape.

You'll be okay. Let's go.

Oh, wait. I actually, I have something for you.

[Wilde] I'm glad you're here.

Oh.

-You're sweet, Wilde. Thank you. -And, and Merry Christmas!

And I hope that this holiday season people show you love

and, I don't know, are honest with you and are good to you.

And even if you get really, really busy,

I hope someone is patient with you

and sticks by you through thick and thin.

Aww. Happy Holidays, Wilde.

And best of luck on your big day!

Thanks.

♪ Merry Christmas to all ♪

♪ Merry Christmas to you ♪

[instrumental music]

Oh, my, my, my. Don't you clean up like a champ?

[George laughs]

You know, if I hadn't started as your intern...

George. I think we both know how that might have ended.

Hm, true, I could only take so many weekends at home

knitting or writing poetry.

[Oliver] And my liver could never keep up

with your outrageous drinking schedule.

-Ah... -How is it out there?

Um, it's a surprisingly fun holiday party

for a room full of divorce attorneys.

Thanks.

Ah, George, I know what we do is important,

but, um, I just don't know how many more years I can do this.

Oh, Oliver, you are good at it

because you care about people.

It hasn't been all bad, now, has it?

A few dates.

Speaking of dates, I believe yours entered a few moments ago.

Moving from clients to co-workers.

[George] Not this office romance.

-What? James is lovely. -Maybe.

But maybe it's time to start thinking differently.

Here. I got you something.

-George. -Happy Christmas.

-We said no gifts. -Mm, I know.

-[Oliver] Well, it's a book. -[George chuckles]

Single, Gay

And Holidating Yourself In LA.

It's a best-seller!

"Get Cozy With Yourself."

George, this is so silly. I'm trying to find someone.

This is a guide on how to stay single in LA.

It's a guide on how to be okay

with being with yourself for a bit.

Now, we know firsthand that half of all marriages end in divorce.

It's what keeps us in business.

-Gorgeous author, though. -[George scoffs]

Well, I happen to like the single life myself.

I mean, why spend all your time dating

when you can be married to your work?

Also, your dad gave me a fat bonus this year.

At least that's something, I still can't convince dad

to give even a cent to any of the charities I volunteer for.

You mean, The Find Oliver A Husband Foundation?

Yeah. It's got nothing in the account.

Yet. All right.

Let's get out to this party I'm supposedly hosting.

Mm-mm-mm. Hm.

Hey, Oliver, you've done a lot for many people.

It's okay to want change for yourself.

I do deserve a change,

and I think that might be a martini instead of a champagne.

So if you can make that happen...

Coming right up. Now go, get you to the ball princess.

Go say hi to James, I guess.

Also, your daddy is looking for you.

-Huh? -Like, your actual daddy.

-Oh, gosh! -I'll distract.

[indistinct chatter]

[instrumental music]

Oliver, good to see you.

James. Hi. Good to see you.

Gosh, I haven't seen you in the office lately.

I've been in court, closing up cases.

Over 400 divorces settled this year by the Whitlock firm.

-Congrats to us. -Congrats to us, I guess. Yes.

Uh, thanks so much for dinner again last Friday.

My pleasure.

I... It was a later night than expected.

-I had fun, though. -Fun.

I suppose I sometimes can be a bit of fun.

Spirited, really.

Now, that's a compliment.

You're one of the good ones, Oliver.

-A good man, Charlie Brown. -Aha, Charlie Brown.

Well, he does have a history of picking the wrong tree.

But things are looking up this Christmas season.

I'm not surprised.

I keep hearing buzz that your father may be retiring?

Leaving you on top, mate.

Actually, I was referring to maybe

seeing you again these holidays.

-Hm. -My treat this time.

I've decided to drive north to see my family.

I-I haven't spent Christmas there in ages.

Uh, well, look at that, my glass has seemed to share

my cocktail with me.

I'm off for a refill, mate.

Be well. Happy Christmas.

Happy Christmas.

[instrumental music]

Yes, absolutely, I will be there

in a couple of days for the closing.

So I look forward to seeing you.

And happy holidays to you, too. Oh...

Hey, I've got a call coming in, I'm sorry, I gotta get this.

[laptop chiming]

-Hi, mom. -Hi, honey.

You look tired.

Thank you, mother. And Chase was just here.

-So thank you for the suits. -You're welcome.

By the way, I knew that this was

the only way to get a hold of you, so...

I'm sorry, it's-it's end of year and I'm getting ready

for the sale, I'm trying to close up all the details, so...

[Lola] I know, well, that's why I wanna

get a spa day in the books.

And I know you've been feeling down.

No, I'm-I'm-I'm fine, mom. I'm fine.

[Wilde] And it's probably best that I just sit with this.

-So... -Well, don't sit too long.

Every ten minutes, use that watch I got you.

You gotta move, you gotta stretch.

I meant sit with this situation.

-Oh. -[doorbell rings]

Mom, my doorbell just rang. Did you send something else?

-Mm, no. -I gotta go.

Okay, please start answering my phone calls.

-I will. Okay. Bye, mom. -[Lola] I love you.

Love you.

[door opens]

[gate buzzes]

No, no, no, you stay right there.

-Oh. -Sean, what are you doing here?

I told you I was leaving for the holidays.

I knew you weren't. Wilde, come on.

Just-just talk this through with me.

Okay, again, you told me

you were going on a creative writing retreat,

and instead you went to see your ex.

So what is there to talk about?

Yes, I should've told you.

But, I mean, I just figured you would

flip out, like you did anyway.

We've been together for three years, Sean.

You can't just write people off, Wilde.

This whole one-strike-you're-out thing is not gonna serve you.

You don't get to tell me what serves me.

Wilde, you have not exactly been

easy to love these last few years.

I'm on the brink of selling a company

that I have spent ten years building.

A little patience is required, Sean.

This is so you. Isn't it?

Just everything takes a backseat to your career, including me.

I was building this for us.

And what have you been doing? Running to see your ex?

Oh, you shouldn't have been going through my stuff.

It was on the iPad, Sean! We share it.

It was connected to the cloud!

Up pings the newest photo on the iPad

of you and him cuddly as koalas in a bar,

while I thought you were off writing a script.

So you don't even listen, do you?

I told you I was going to meet a director.

-Whatever. It doesn't matter. -See, you're doing it again.

The only thing you value is your career, what-what you do.

I financially support us, Sean.

Wilde, I've made money.

Just not the amount that you've been told equals happiness.

Wilde, there is nothing going on between him and me.

I promise!

I mean, he-he kissed me, and I-I knew.

Say what? You-you, he kissed?

-You kissed? -I didn't kiss him back.

I can't believe this keeps unfolding.

Okay, other than that, nothing really even happened.

Well, I guess I'm never gonna know, will I?

What... Gee!

Wilde?

[Wilde exhales sharply]

Ooh-ah!

I gotta get out of here. St. Lucia.

No, The Viceroy is under renovation.

The Woodland Resort Hills up the street

is basically like camping.

Ah, Lisbon. Did that in June.

What's that even like in the winter?

Okay, Mister B&B, house rental...

Brilfax? Where is Brilfax?

Europe.

Oh, that's cute, cozy. Charming, snowy.

Something I don't get every day.

"Contact host."

[Wilde] Hi, I know that this is very last-minute,

but your place looks perfect.

[instrumental music]

[cell phone chimes]

[doorbell rings]

I knew you'd make one of your appearances any day now.

-Good to see you, cousin. -You, too.

-Get in here. -Yeah.

[Henry] I was happy to hear you were still in town.

You always rent the house out for the holiday.

Actually, I had a last-minute inquiry

and I'm thinking about accepting it.

Oh.

-How are you? -[Oliver sighs] Well...

I was compared to Charlie Brown last night,

and I think he was talking about before he finds

the joy of Christmas, so...

Oh, yeah, I know you to be a romance fanatic,

but joyless, no.

You know, it really is ironic that you are a divorce lawyer.

-How was the shoot? -Not my favorite project.

Happy to be wrapped on that one. Co-star was a real diva.

Ah, the hard life of a movie star.

[chuckles] At least you know when people like you.

They like you for you and not some silly character you played.

So you sticking around this year?

Yeah, I need to be here for dad.

I know this time of year is tough, Henry.

We all miss her.

-She did love the holidays. -Hm.

I just keep expecting to feel

a bit better after all these years, you know?

She is 100%

Christmas-queening in heaven.

She is...

sleighing in every sense.

[both laughing]

I just wish she could've seen me

live the life she wanted for me, you know?

Maybe find love, become a dad.

Be just the most merry and gay.

Oh, gosh, she would've loved that.

Don't worry, she's around.

And if I know her, she's closely watching every detail.

-Well, hopefully, not every de-- -And I mean every detail.

-No, stop. -You're never alone.

[both chuckling]

[Julius] "We've been made to believe

that being in a relationship

is a prerequisite to feeling complete.

But that isn't true. You are enough.

And with a little self-love in a city of stars,

you can be happy exactly as you are."

[applause]

-Thank you. -Thank you.

Killed it again. Appearance number ten completed this week.

-Here is your coffee. -Thank you. Much needed.

It really is a bizarre thing to read a self-help book out loud.

-Huh? -You're doing great. Okay.

And the, uh, driver should be here any minute. Wait.

-Give me one second. -[Julius] Okay.

Here, hi.

Van, you're here! A-again.

Is this the third reading that you've been to?

Yeah. Every time he gets better. It's incredible.

And you-you don't get tired of hearing it every single time?

No, him reading his poetic brilliance

into the universe, so hot.

-Ah. -Julius, hi.

Hey, listen, I'm gonna have you call him...

-Because he's a little tired-- -Hi!

Van, hi. How are you?

You haven't been responding to my texts.

Okay, I-I'm just probably bad at texts.

You know, the family thread just clogs everything up.

-Um, you've been good? -So busy.

I have so many new clients.

This celebrity just started working out at our gym

and we have all this extra security and press.

-Mm-hmm. -I had to sign an NDA.

But I'll tell you, it's incred-sies.

That's amazing, Van. I'm really happy for you.

Yeah, I'm super happy for me, too. Glad you're happy for me.

-Happy, happy. -Hm.

Um, well, thank you for coming,

um, but we gotta get going.

When are we seeing each other again?

I thought we had a good time a couple weeks ago.

I've just been crazy busy.

Um, but I will respond to your texts.

You just said you aren't good at texting.

-Right. -Julius, hey.

The driver, he's actually here. I'm so sorry, but we gotta jet.

Hey, Van, thank you so much for coming.

Um, and best of luck at the gym.

Okay.

-I'll wait for your texts then! -Yeah, yeah.

And for the sake of holidating yourself,

you gotta put a pin on exploring Van.

Is it me, or does he smell like protein powder?

[Julius] Let's go. [Naomi] Oh.

[instrumental music]

Hey, come here. Come here. I missed you.

I missed you, sweet girl.

Let's go get some food, come on.

[instrumental music]

Wilde?

Wilde, are you here?

I know you are. I saw your car in the driveway.

Listen, I know this is a hard time,

but you can't stay locked up forever.

I've been calling.

-[Wilde] Mom, hi. -Hi.

You can't just walk in to my house.

Don't make me regret giving you a key.

Oh, please, I know there's nothing

going on around here.

How do you know that?

Because moms know everything.

And I also know that you've been moping around

thinking about that waste of a human, Sean.

Waste of a... Right. Um, you loved him.

-So what are you talking about? -Actually, no.

I, I was pretending.

You and I both know that's not true.

Well, I know that you deserve better.

And I even deserve better. That could've been my son-in-law.

Mom, I don't know if you know this,

but a breakup sometimes is made much worse by a mother's pity.

Oh, then, Rodeo Drive it is, girl.

Let's go.

-Don't call me girl. -Oh.

Hey, let's go find you some "lewks" legend.

[laughs] Mom, I can't.

I'm going into the office to sign the closing papers.

Oh, I forgot!

Oh, no, I'm sorry. I-I've been so busy.

I totally forgot.

Okay, how about you wear this?

And you remember something

that I know you've known your entire life,

that when you fall down, you get right back up again.

And that goes for love just as it did

when you were a little boy riding your bike.

And you are unstoppable and I love you.

Thank you.

I think I'm actually going to hang out here for a little bit.

Listen, I love your dad, but mama needs a beat.

-Okay. -Is the pool heated?

-Yes. -Hey.

-Have fun. -Bye. Good luck today.

[The Soul of John Black singing "Good Time Christmas"]

♪ Somebody call up Santa ♪

♪ Tell him he ain't gotta bring nothin' for me ♪

♪ I got what I want under the mistletoe ♪

♪ Next to the Christmas tree ♪

♪ Now you might think I'm crazy ♪

♪ 'Cause I don't want a Mercedes ♪

♪ Or some kind of diamond ring ♪

♪ I don't need to get nothing from the store ♪

♪ Just wanna hear my baby sing oh oh ♪

♪ We're gonna have a good time this Christmas baby it's true ♪

[Lola] Congratulations.

Mom, hi.

Aww, this is so sweet.

Thank you.

You've been here all day? Where-where's dad?

He's golfing. He'll stop by later.

And I haven't been here all day.

I did go to the pool for a little bit

and I left to buy the balloon, champagne and flowers.

-Thank you. -How you feeling?

[cell phone vibrating]

Hm. Sorry.

Sean again.

I am going to get you through this.

-We're gonna go somewhere. -Not this time, mom.

You can't just solve all my problems like you do dad's.

It's-it's not even your job.

Maybe I should take that trip.

Get out of here and clear my head for a little while.

I will end Sean for this.

You know, maybe it's not just him.

All these years I thought I was just dating immature guys,

but maybe, maybe I'm part of the problem.

Well, you're perfect to me.

-You might be a little biased. -Mm, maybe a little.

-Champagne? -Sure.

[instrumental music]

What?

This recipe isn't right.

That is not how you make Christmas pudding

or figgy pudding for yourself or anyone else.

Right.

[Oliver] Are you still interested in my place?

[Wilde] Absolutely.

[Oliver] Any leads on a great rental home in Los Angeles?

Looking for some warmth.

[Wilde] My place will be empty, I don't, I don't know

if you have any interest, but you could stay here.

Let me create a listing and put some photos up for you.

[music continues]

[message chimes]

This can't be real.

[Oliver] Can we FaceTime?

I'm not being home-rental catfished, am I?

[Wilde] Yes, anytime. 3-3-3-5-5-5-9-8-1-0.

-Hi! -Oh, my goodness, hi.

This is happening so fast.

Your house is gorgeous!

Oh, thank you so much. Yours is, yours is perfect for me, too.

I've never even used this app Mister B&B before.

Oh, my gosh, it's the best, they have the most exclusive

listings, plus, you get to meet people like you along the way.

-I'm Oliver, by the way. -I'm Wilde.

Uh, the house will be ready for you.

I really appreciate that, I know how last-minute

this inquiry was, so thank you.

Oh, don't worry, do you want me

to show you around the space now?

No. I mean, the pictures look great.

[Oliver] It's, it's quite different than yours.

Different is exactly what I'm looking for.

-I'll send key instructions. -Yeah.

I'll-I'll do the same, so...

I can't believe this is happening!

Thank you so much. I'm-I'm really excited.

Yeah, me, I am, too, I think. I'll chat with you soon.

[Oliver] I will, too. [Wilde] I'll be in touch.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Ah! This is so gorgeous!

-Okay. -[beeping]

How did you get down here?

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[laughing]

Yes.

[door shuts]

[exhales sharply]

[instrumental music]

Okay.

Um...

Is there a switch...

somewhere?

Be smarter than the fireplace.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[wind howling]

[exhales sharply]

Yeah. Looks nice.

[Scotty] All right. What'll it be, mate?

Can I get a hot toddy?

Well, good choice with the snowstorm approaching.

Snowstorm? There's a snowstorm approaching?

[chuckles] Yeah, a big one. Stock up.

[cell phone chimes]

Hi, yeah, do you, do you guys do grocery delivery?

Perfect.

[Scotty] Voila! [Wilde] Oh.

-Looks perfect. Thank you. -Yeah. You're welcome

♪ Cotton candy clouds and a bright blue sky ♪

♪ Peppermint on your breath ♪

♪ Sun brighten up those snowy green pines ♪

In this moment of fury, I just took the wreath off the door

and I flung it at his head.

[chuckling]

I mean, it's really not like me.

He was just an energy sucker.

Better find someone new, right?

I know.

Brrrr. Uh...

It's cold here.

[cell phone ringing]

Mom! Mom, hi!

-Where are you? -Brilfax.

Everyone here, they're super nice, and they,

they're interested in you, they wanna sit by you

and talk to you, buy you a round of drinks.

You're in Europe? You said you were going to Palm Springs!

And you look dehydrated!

Uh, I guess it's gonna be a little

dry-skin Christmas for me, mom.

What just happened? Are you okay?

[laughing]

Yes, I'm fine. I seem to have found a little black ice.

Um, I'm gonna, I'm gonna go.

Uh, listen, I know I suggested a trip.

But do you think maybe you should come home for Christmas?

Home? Where is home for me, mom?

Home, home is where the heart is, right?

I need my own little adult Wilde home.

I also might need a heart, sometimes I'm feeling like

a tin man these days.

[Wilde] And now I'm babbling, so...

Hey, Merry Christmas!

I'm gonna call you later.

Great.

[instrumental music]

Bold's Books, huh?

Thanks, yo. See you later.

Hi.

Thanks for coming. Yeah, see you later.

-Thanks for-- -Thank you.

Hello. Hello.

Hello.

Did you want a book signed?

Oh, that's okay. I, um...

I came for a few new reads and, uh, the toy drive.

Uh, great. I see. Um, sign-up's over there.

Okay, I couldn't help myself.

I had to tell you that I tried the self-care and self-dates,

and it really just left me thinking

how much more enjoyable the holidates would've been

with someone you love.

I did feel lonelier having done them

than had I not done them in the first place.

Did you treat yourself to that nice suit?

Yes, I-I did.

I'm not saying it's all bad, um,

but your recipe for figgy pudding is definitely wrong.

You need suet and brandy to make it properly.

Okay. Well, uh, criticism received.

[Oliver] I did very much enjoy your "Hearts All Aglow" section.

I've got a bit of a passion for charitable causes.

And I've been called a charitable cause before.

Um, what is it you do?

-I'm an attorney. -[Julius] Oh, what kind?

Um, the kind who, who helps people.

Better than the other kind, I guess.

[both laughing]

Is there anything else I can help you with?

Yes, actually, any recommendations

from best-selling author?

Fiction, non-fiction?

Are magical Christmas romance too much to ask for?

Nope. I know just the one.

[Julius] Yeah, they're turning it into a movie.

-That's super cute. [Oliver] Ah.

Whimsical fairy tale between a king and a knight.

Call me Kate Middleton 'cause I'm in.

[Julius laughs]

Yeah, it's on the house. I'll take care of it.

It's very kind of you. Charitable.

Hey. 'Tis the season.

How about I challenge you to go

on some of your revered holidates with someone sometime?

Just to prove that the holidays are more fun shared.

[chuckles] That's a good idea. I'll think about it.

Um, anyway it was nice to meet you. Yeah. Enjoy the reads.

Hey.

Thanks again for the book.

Yeah, anytime.

Hey, by the way, uh, the toy drive is on Friday,

if that giving spirit keeps tugging at ya.

Uh, Naomi can show you where to sign up.

Naomi. Naomi.

Hi, I'm Naomi, I'm Julius' manager.

-Publicist and best girlfriend. -Oliver.

Oh, what a darling name

for a darling boy with a darling accent.

Jennie, um...

We'd like to get Oliver's books

and he wants to sign up for the toy drive.

-Great. -Exciting.

-I-I love shopping for toys. -Then you're in the right place.

So we just need you to write down your name,

telephone number and how many kids you could buy toys for.

-Okay. -Just write here.

Confidential.

Oh.

Oh, wow, that's a lot of kids.

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

[sighs]

[indistinct song playing]

[sighs]

This Christmas we're not dialing our ex.

No, no, no, no.

No! No!

[humming]

No, no, no, no, no.

[line ringing]

Sean?

Hey, well, I'm sorry...

Who-who is that in the, who is that in the background?

[Wilde] I was just calling to wish you a Merry Christmas

and to...

Uh, wait, are-are you out?

Sean, what's crazy is I just sold the company.

And I'm on top of the world right now.

And the minute I leave town, you are already with him again.

[song continues]

♪ On that Christmas morning ♪

♪ We spent all our time in the kitchen ♪

♪ There in our home there wasn't one thing ♪

♪ I was missing seems it will be ♪

-[door opens] -[wind howling]

Gee, what the f... Who are you? How'd you get in here?

-Why are you here? -Wait, wait. Who are you?

I'm staying here. I should be asking you that.

Staying here? Uh, are you renting the house?

What is this, 21 questions? Why do you have a bag?

Uh, I'm sorry. Hi, um, I'm Henry. I'm Oliver's cousin.

I've met Oliver, and there is no family resemblance here.

Our dads are brothers. My mom is from Spain and his is from here.

Wait. You were at Finnian's.

-Finnigan's? -Yes. Yes.

You, you look super familiar. Oh, I was just there.

N-no, I-I am pretty certain

I would have remembered meeting you.

No, sir, we have met before. It's gonna come to me.

-It's gonna come to me. -I'm Henry.

A-a pipe burst at my place,

and-and it's really cold outside.

Uh, I'm sorry to ask, but, um, could I stay for a bit?

You don't have anywhere else to go?

Well, my-my dad lives an hour out,

but with the storm coming in, there's no way

I'll get there before the roads close.

Is this the night I die?

This is the night you make a new

friend and do me a huge favor.

[Henry] I'll make it up to you.

Don't you have a girlfriend?

Boyfriend. Not this year.

[instrumental music]

Mm, okay, well, you can stay.

But stay away from me.

[sighs]

[sighs]

[Henry sighs]

This is crazy. I was just here with Oliver.

I didn't realize he accepted the reservation.

He sure did. It was a very last-minute holiday exchange.

I won't bother you, I'll be out of your way

as soon as the roads clear.

-Super. -Yeah.

[wind howling]

[Henry mumbling]

[Henry] Uh...

What are you doing? Are you a wet bandit thief?

I'm letting the faucets drip.

So they don't freeze over like mine just did.

Oh. Of course.

Um, why is the fire not on?

Because I just didn't really want it lit.

It's freezing. It'll help heat the house up.

Did you, did you have trouble with it?

No, I didn't have trouble with it.

-It's a fireplace. -Yeah.

[wind howling]

[Wilde clears throat]

Looking for something?

-The switch. -No switch.

This is the real deal.

Ha! I was kidding.

-Well, I can help. -You know what?

I don't need help. I got this.

You might be surprised to learn that I'm an Eagle Scout.

Not by choice, my mom told me I couldn't get my driver's license

unless I became an Eagle Scout, so...

[Wilde] I know a thing or two about fires in my day.

[chuckles] Ah. Watch this.

[wind howling]

Really, I can help.

[Wilde sighs]

Ah, you need to turn the gas on.

Jesus!

[Henry laughs]

This is great. Um, I'm gonna go to bed.

-Ah. -Uh, just enjoy the fire--

Oh, watch.

I hope we don't get snowed in all week.

There's worse places to be snowed in.

Yeah. I suppose so.

Um, well, I'm going to bed.

And with the jet lag, I'm gonna sleep pretty late.

So I don't expect to see you in the morning.

-Right. -Goodnight.

If you end up needing the fire, I'll be out here a while.

Right. So you'll be here and I'll be in there.

[Wilde] And so it is, and so it shall be.

[chuckles]

[Wilde sniffles]

[music continues]

[wind howling]

[rattling]

[sighs]

-[wind howling] -[rattling]

Ah...

[wind howling]

[sighs]

[grunts]

[grunting]

Ooh.

[knocking on window]

[Henry humming]

[knocking on window]

-Hi. -Nice outfit for snow shoeing.

-My friend. -Yeah, it's like, um...

Sorry, I-I've been knocking. I-I think I'm locked out.

Sorry. This home has those old thick Tudor walls. Ah.

-Do you think you can... -Ah, I'll be right there, yeah.

[groans]

Yeah.

Hm.

[wind howling]

[Henry humming]

-Hey. -Hey.

Oh, you found your clothes.

-Frostbite get ya? -No. No, it, it didn't.

Um, where did you, where did you get that? Is that caviar?

-Where did you get that? -Mm. In the fridge.

-Oh, it's yours? -It's fine.

Sorry, mate. I, uh, I thought it was Oliver's.

It's totally fine. Um...

I mean, I don't normally just, you know,

pop it over for breakfast, but...

You do you.

I was gonna make breakfast, if you want any.

Yeah, I, I'd love nothing more.

All right, it's, it's really starting to bother me.

Why do you look so familiar?

Oh, um, I sometimes am in movies.

Well, I never like to assume anyone I meet

has seen any of them, but admittedly, often they have.

[Wilde] That's it. I have seen you in a movie.

-Yeah. -Mm. Is that funny?

I left Los Angeles to come to Brilfax to get away from it all,

and then, uh, you know, an actor comes to the door.

Well, uh, we're not all the bad type, are we?

No. No, no, of course not.

It's just, my ex, he was, he was an actor, um...

Gosh, he hated when he wasn't working.

I see. Well, I very much love what I do.

And don't feel like I require too much validation.

Well, that's good to know.

And you, um, what do you do, again?

Nothing now.

Uh, previously I built tech software

to help companies better manage their clients.

Ah, the tech type. I know you.

-Okay, actor, shame me. -[Henry laughs]

That's funny.

Um, those for you?

No, those are for my parents, I thought it'd be kinda cool

to send them a bunch of stuff from Brilfax, but I'm kind of

regretting that now as none of them are wrapped.

-I can help. -Oh, it's good.

I got it. Do it later.

I happen to be excellent

with my hands.

For wrapping, I mean.

[instrumental music]

[door opens]

[door shuts]

-Okay. -You are a life saver!

[Julius] Now, what would I do without you?

-Suffer and die. -And you ain't kiddin'.

[chuckles] Hey, we need to talk about your January appearances,

and I need a timeline for this next book proposal.

The LGBTQ-plus community is asking questions.

Do we have any ideas?

I'm struggling with it, Noms.

[Julius] I've written two self-help books for gay men

and it's starting to feel gimmicky.

Two successful self-help books.

And wait, are you kidding me?

Gay men love a gimmick. Never gets old.

I just feel like I'm rehashing how to deal with

gay youth trauma and loving yourself before anybody else

over and over again.

[Julius] But what if that's not enough anymore?

What if I want more than just me?

Well, that's fine. It's-it's great to want more.

It's great to wanna find love. And you know what?

Maybe you're ready, you sure looked like that

at the signing, anyway.

-[chuckles] -What do you mean?

I saw you, I saw you with that guy that you practically--

-What? No. No way. -Kissed, sir. Mm-hmm. Yes.

I was kind of hoping he'd ask me out.

Uh, I spent five minutes with the guy.

I'll probably never see him again.

Oh, well, you know,

Oliver signed up for the toy drive.

-You got his name? -Almost. I mean...

Jennie got in the way. But then he signed up.

I mean, how many Olivers signed up for that thing?

You are a one smart cookie, Ms. Naomi.

Mm. Baked with love.

-Mm. -Just give me a cookie.

[instrumental music]

Jesus, this is like a very serious and heavy snowstorm.

Oh, Brilfax snowstorms like to stick around. Heh.

[wind howling]

-Here, let me show you a trick. -Okay.

Mm, yeah.

That's origami wrapping. That's crazy.

I, I'm not gonna do that.

Well, my mum taught me how to wrap.

My mum taught me how to get it included in the purchase price.

[laughs] Give me your hand.

So, hold here, here.

Tape it. Uh, tape it.

Uh...

So you're attractive, successful--

-You think I'm attractive. -You're a movie star even.

If you don't mind my asking, why is a guy like you single?

Did I say I was single?

You did last night when you came over

and said you had nowhere else to stay

and no one to stay with.

Um, uh, well, if I reversed

the question to you, how would you answer?

I don't know.

I guess that I'm a little more complicated

than I realized. You?

A lot of guys don't wanna be passenger

to someone else's career ride.

Yeah, I've, I've heard that before.

[chuckles]

I want kids.

A lot of guys don't.

[sighs] I can't wait to be a dad. Heh.

You know, I'm-I'm, I'm at, like, a crossroads.

I finally have freedom to do what I actually wanna do

instead of what my parents told me would make me happy.

What was that?

Work and money.

So how does it feel to be free now?

[sighs] We'll see.

Um, how about you? You feel free?

Nah, I'm not free.

I'm waiting for someone to deem me

good enough for the next job.

Don't get me wrong, I love to play pretend--

But that's just it about you actors, isn't it?

So good at always playing pretend.

[instrumental music]

Looks like the snow's lightened up. That's good.

Yeah, uh, I guess so.

Um, I should probably head out.

-Oh, you don't, you... Uh, I.. -Excuse me.

Uh, wait, Henry, I... Just one more thing.

Do you know where the coffee machine is?

Because I've been looking for it and I can't find it anywhere.

He's got a kettle, but no coffee machine.

How do people survive in the dead of winter

here without hot coffee?

Well, if you're looking for a hot cocoa coffee,

I know a place, if you'll join me.

-Tomorrow? 3:00 p.m.? -Okay.

-It's a date. -It's not a date.

But, I mean, holiday outing it is.

-Uh, where? -Barn down the hill.

You can't miss it. Um, thanks again for letting me stay.

-Yeah, anytime. -[Henry chuckles]

-See you at the barn. -Yeah.

Sounds ideal.

A barn.

[birds chirping]

[Julius] Jennie, hi.

Julius, hi.

Are you ready to fulfill the dreams of children

across the globe by collecting thousands of toys?

What they really need, right? Not food or clothing or--

I actually just need to call in a little favor.

-First. -Oh, God.

I need you to give me the last name

of a very handsome fellow

named Oliver who signed up for the drive.

Isn't that like the beginning of a horror movie?

I met him here, but I didn't get his name.

I could get fired for that, no?

I will sign 50 books for you to give to

your gay friends or sell online or whatever.

Oh, that-that's so sweet. but, no, I mean,

it's actually going to cost you.

I will bring out the toy-drive list for one hundo.

-A hundred dollars? -Yeah.

Jennie! I thought we were friends. I'm here all the time!

I know, we are. And I'm a little in love with you.

But you are now a famous writer

and I'm still a cashier at a bookstore.

And while my rise to fame is imminent,

it has not happened yet.

And, my baby, I have bills to pay.

Have you seen the rent prices in this town?

Uh-huh.

One hundred.

I have 80.

Okay, I'll take the 80 and the 50 signed books.

Tough bargain, Jennie. It's a deal.

They don't call me Jennie High-Jack for nothing.

Show me the list.

Um, he actually, he just came in again.

He's-he's-he's, he's, like, right over there.

Shark.

[instrumental music]

[Julius] Oliver.

Julius.

-Hi. -Hi.

I don't think I gave you my name.

[Jennie] He tried to steal your name and number

from the sign-up sheet.

-Hey, oh, what? Uh... -Hi, stalker.

Sorry, um, I just wanted to contact you somehow,

say hi and, uh, uh, get the, uh,

uh, get the proper recipe for figgy pudding.

-Oh, yeah? -Mm-hmm.

-Okay, sure. -Yeah.

And hi.

Hi.

Uh, here, let me help you with this. Um...

Uh, I-I was thinking about you.

Uh, uh, I mean, uh, thinking about what you said.

I've thought about you, too.

I love the novel you gave me, by the way.

I was wondering if you would allow me to break

my own rules a bit and try one of the holidates with you.

I do love a rule-breaker.

Though, I did most of the ideas in the book.

[chuckles] Okay, um...

What's an Oliver go-to Christmas experience then?

How about chestnuts?

-Tomorrow evening. -Chestnuts?

Roasting on an open fire.

-Literally. -Uh, people do that?

Well, they do where I come from. You've got my number.

So text me and I'll, um, shoot you the address.

Okay. Uh, I'll see you tomorrow.

-See you then. -I'll see you then.

[Oliver] Okay.

[door opens, shuts]

-I want my money back. -Zero chance.

[wind howling]

[sighs]

[line ringing]

-[Oliver on phone] Henry, hey. -Boy, oh, boy.

I met the gent that you're suddenly hosting.

I showed up at your house because

my pipes burst during the freeze.

-Mr. Wilde? -A bit full of himself, but...

Oh, my gosh. Uh, tell me you didn't...

No. No. Nothing.

[scoffs] I had no idea he'd be there.

[Oliver] It all happened so fast, I didn't even tell you

I was leaving. Oh, my gosh, Henry.

-This sounds meant. -I don't know about that.

But I am taking him to the Christmas Barn tomorrow.

Oh, I love that place.

A-and you? How are you doing over there?

[Oliver] I have a date, too, now, actually.

[gasps] Aye, attaboy. And?

And he's the author of this gay self-help book

about getting through and enjoying your holidays

as a single guy.

Get out. My manager gave me that book.

Yeah, well, I mean, we'll see.

-Bit nervous. -[Henry] Oliver?

Ah. I just found the gold heart ornament in the gift shop.

Just like the one my mother had on the tree every single year

before it broke.

-You remember? -[Oliver] I'll never forget it.

I did that.

I was helping her adjust the star a few years ago

and I knocked it. She was devastated.

She always said a heart of gold will take you further

than anything else in this life.

Man, it looks just like it.

See, I told you she's around.

[Oliver] Always watching.

Bye.

[instrumental music]

[ornament clinking]

[Julius exhales sharply] Wow. What a place.

[Oliver] Yeah, I'll...

It's a long story. I'll tell you later.

But let's just say I really lucked out.

Mm. So how long do these roast for?

-They roast for 20 minutes. -Mm.

Kinda like you roasted me for my book not being helpful?

I liked the book. I mean, I understand the message.

It just also made me want someone to do the list with.

Being single can be beautiful.

I-I just don't think marital status

should dictate our happiness, you know?

I just think I've done the single version for so long,

I'm over it.

All right, so you're single, you're from Brilfax,

you're a lawyer who helps people,

and let me guess, uh, you're an amateur book reviewer?

[both chuckling]

Um, actually, may I ask

why all the books about self-love?

I mean, I, I know why, but I'm just curious.

Were you ever in a relationship?

Sorry, I didn't mean to overstep.

No, no, it's fine. Um...

I have been in a relationship before.

Uh, a very long one, actually.

-And he was a bit of a taker. -Hm.

I gave up a lot for him. Even moved here for him.

But in the end he turned out to be not so good a guy.

And so I had to ask myself, "Why'd I put up with it?"

And it taught me that I needed

to start working on loving myself.

Sounds like it was for the best. I mean...

After all, inspired you to write something amazing, didn't it?

Yeah. Thanks.

And thank you for this.

I'll admit it's, uh, it's been a minute since I've met someone

I was this excited to see again.

It's been a minute since I roasted chestnuts

with a best-selling author.

You seem like a guy who knows what he wants.

It's refreshing.

Honestly, I think it's my best bet at romance.

-[instrumental music] -[rattling]

-You ready? -Oh, I'm ready.

-Yeah. -Mm.

-Mm. Smells good. -Mm.

[music continues]

It's good.

-I'm happy you're here. -Me, too.

Do you have plans tomorrow?

I've got a fun idea and it's something

I don't wanna do on my own, so I'm gonna need

a real date for this one.

-Oh, yeah? -Mm-hmm.

It sounds good. I'm in.

[music continues]

And I think I know something else

you simply cannot do on your own.

Oh, yeah? What's that?

[laughing]

Wow, he's got moves.

[both laughing]

[indistinct song playing]

-Hey! -Geez!

Henry, dude, you almost gave me a heart attack.

Welcome to the Holiday Barn, ya filthy animal.

Brilfax classic.

[song continues]

[door opens]

-Wow. -Cool place.

This fits the whole vibe here, doesn't it?

Small-town magic.

Also, why is everybody so nice here?

Maybe it's just how handsome you are.

-They can't help themselves. -Wow.

Sir Henry and the sweet talk, huh?

Lines from an old script?

Why do you shut down so quickly?

You've known me for, like, a day

and you know I shut down quickly?

-It seems rather clear. -Wow.

So much for a light-hearted convo

and a holiday stroll, huh?

Oh, maybe a hot cocoa coffee will help

open you up to your good senses.

♪ I'm counting all the mistletoe ♪

Uh, two cocoa coffees, please.

♪ My Christmas wish I'm hoping ♪

Gotta learn what I can while I have you.

I know time with you is hard to come by.

Time.

Yes, I've been told I am not so generous with my time.

So, guilty.

Thanks for calling me out on that, by the way.

You've got, got some good stuff going for you, too.

You gave me a place to stay.

Plus, you make a mean breakfast.

[chuckling]

[Chase singing "Christmas Crush"]

Shall we?

-Nah. -It's fine.

I'm kind of like royalty around here, remember?

All right, old Prince of Brilfax.

I'll be your Cinder-fella.

♪ Dancing underneath the tree ♪

♪ There's a little more tingle and it's not the cold I ♪

Uh, a Cinder-fella who leads?

[chuckles]

Breaking all the rules today.

♪ Bless you ♪

Wilde, do you believe there's just

one person out there for everyone?

No. No, I don't.

I believe there's probably a few great options.

And that's the tricky part, isn't it?

How do you know that you've found the best one?

Well, people need to choose at some point, right?

Can't wait forever.

Not if you wanna share a life.

Why is everyone so obsessed with sharing a life?

Uh, rumor has it love can bring you a lot of happiness.

Let me guess. You believe in true love.

I do.

She's gone now, but she was amazing.

She? Wow, you are more complex than I thought.

She was my mum.

I loved her with my whole heart.

Took her a minute to come round when I came out,

but she championed me.

She was my best friend.

I know a lot of guys don't have that with their mum, but I did.

I was in love with being her son.

Wow. That is... That is touching.

When you, when you say that she's gone, do you--

She passed two years ago.

-Oh, gosh, Henry, I'm so-- -It's-it's okay. It's okay.

I know it's hard to know what to say.

Um, thank you.

[upbeat music playing]

But it was her.

She is the reason I'm constantly reminded how precious time is.

Losing her made me realize all we have is now.

Time should be spent with the people we love.

♪ Open up the ♪

It sounds like what you had with her was very special.

I get it 'cause I don't, I don't know

what I would do without my mother.

Like, I can't even imagine.

I, I'm sorry, I, I didn't mean to get so heavy.

[cell phone vibrating]

Oh, um...

I'll be right there.

Um, I'm so sorry, Wilde.

There is no non-date I would rather leave less.

I've gotta run. The plumber's there. Um...

Well, I'll see you tomorrow night at Finnigan's.

I'll think about it.

See you tomorrow.

[song continues]

Hi. Can I get a glass of...

You know, just a, just a sparkling water.

Thank you.

♪ Coming to town ♪

[Oliver] George, LA is gorgeous.

It is sun, it's lemons, it's bougainvillea.

[chuckles] So you aren't missing us back here at all?

Of course I am. I'll be home soon enough.

Enjoy this while you can, Oliver.

And try to have fun while you're there.

I do actually have a date later today,

and you are partly the reason.

How? Why?

He's the author of the book you gave me.

Get out!

I haven't told him what I do yet,

which might be an issue.

[George on phone] Why?

Because I've been trying to convince him

that everything is better with someone.

[George] Uh-huh-huh. I see.

Only to soon find out that you actually help people part.

It's silly. I just, I feel like I don't wanna mess this one up.

Well, come clean. You'll be fine.

Oh, by the way, your dad has been talking

to some of the partners about you taking over.

I haven't even spoken to him.

Just squash those rumors if you can.

[George] Aye, aye, captain. [Oliver] Thanks, Georgy.

Mm.

♪ Christmas wouldn't be ♪

[Oliver] I did not know that LA does Christmas so well.

This is so festive.

Yeah, it's one of my favorite spots in the city.

Turns out they let you make your own mulled wine

around the holidays.

Well, add it to the book.

Well, maybe the next one.

Coupled At Christmas: Holidates For You And Boo.

-Mm. What was that? -[cell phone chiming]

-You need to get that? -No, no. Sorry.

It's, it's my dad. He's obsessed with the weather.

He's convinced my flight to Vancouver is gonna get canceled.

No place like home for the holidays.

Mm, says the guy who ditched his family

to spend Christmas in LA.

[sighs] Touche.

What makes a home home, though?

People in it, I suppose.

I guess that's why I go back to see my parents whenever

I can. They're all I've got.

-Well, and Naomi. -Well, she's pretty great.

We have a pact to live together if we're both still alone at 50,

but it'll never happen.

The boys love her way too much.

I'm sure the boys love you, too.

Maybe.

-Just not the ones I want. -Hm.

[Julius] I like a different kind of guy, usually.

Like a Brilfax kind of guy?

-Yeah. -Oh, wow. This is rich.

So that's your rebound guy?

Van, uh, hi.

Um, he's not really a rebound if you and I weren't dating.

What do you mean? You were my longest relationship in LA.

We hung out two times, Van.

Exactly.

This is absolutely trash on fire.

A Christmas trash-fire situation.

That's for never texting me back. And it's disgusting.

I'm so sorry. We literally hung out twice.

-Don't be sorry. -He-he means well.

He's just super young--

You don't owe me an explanation.

I'm not getting ahead of myself for once.

-Oliver, come on. -It's okay.

-You should get that. -No, please, just stay.

Julius, I'm gonna go.

That's how this ends anyway, right?

♪ And if Santa retires I won't mind ♪

♪ Oh if Santa retires then I won't mind 'cause I already ♪

Well, it is good to see you back home again, handsome.

You're never here. Spending Christmas with the family then?

Yeah. I decided to come back for dad.

Oh, he comes in here sometimes when he's in town.

I miss your mum coming in for her weekend moscato, too.

-Oh, she loved that moscato. -[door opens]

-Hi. -Hi.

-Yeah. -Oh.

[Scotty] You two know each other then?

Mm. Okay.

It's good to see you again, Wilde.

-Another hot toddy for you then? -No. Never again.

[Henry] Wilde must have what I'm having.

Unless you wanted to order your own.

No, it's great, excited

for someone else to take the lead tonight.

[Scotty] Here you are, Sir Wilde.

Meet the Kissmas.

Kissmas. Cute.

[glasses clinking]

-Okay. Hi. How was your day? -Hi.

It was good. Yeah, I shopped.

Um, what about you? Did, did you end up meeting your dad?

Yeah. He's good. Yours? Missing you?

-No, he's probably golfing. -Ah, one of those.

Not a lot of love in your childhood?

Oh, wow. Um, I'm so sorry.

That was, that was supposed to be a joke.

I'm sure he probably loves me.

I just, my family is not full of a lot of warmth.

I see. Um...

You know, actually, when I was a boy,

I remember a couple of times I would go to him

just crying or hurt, he'd slap me on the shoulder and say,

"Buck up, Wilde. Boys don't cry."

So your mother, you said she's doing great, right?

Honestly, I think I can sometimes be

a little hard on her, a little dismissive.

She worries about me, like, a lot.

She just gave me this list of boxes

to check off in life that made her happy.

So I think I just try to please her.

Is find the one on the checklist?

You know, I was never that guy on the hunt for the one.

I-I figured, if it happened, that's great, but...

I mean, it would probably make her pretty happy.

You ever wonder if you meet someone great,

you'll miss it because you're so focused on everything else?

I didn't before, but, yeah, I do now.

I don't know, though, my mum always told me that

what's meant to be simply won't pass you by. It can't.

-I like your mom. -She led with her heart.

It's a crazy organ, isn't it?

That y-you feel everything just right there.

[chuckles]

[Henry] I think it's cute you tried to pay with dollars.

This is a euro-only establishment.

[Wilde] Ah, I forgot where I was for a minute.

But thank you. Thank you for the drinks. Um...

It's been a long time since someone bought me a drink.

Yeah. Hey, uh, what are you doing tomorrow?

-You can't spend it alone. -Oh, that was kind of the plan.

[sighs] Well, I could come over.

I don't know if that's such a good idea, Henry.

Why?

Because, well, you are seemingly very wonderful

and very charming.

Your life and mine, man, they don't mix.

[sighs] Has anyone ever called you a control freak?

Ah, not exactly, but type A, yes.

[chuckles] Hey, you said I could take the lead.

I'm not trying to complicate your life.

But if you're anything like me, you've been on a lot

of bad dates with a lot of less-than-stellar men.

Correct.

Hey, it's, it's rare to find a spark, Wilde. Really rare.

But when you do, don't you wanna give it a shot?

Henry, long distance is a nightmare.

Well, you did say you had some time on your hands.

Yeah, to figure out what's next for me.

-What if I'm next? -I don't know.

I thought I might shake up the model,

and instead of just go into another relationship,

become a dad first and have a kid.

What about if we give this a chance?

Just Christmas Eve. Nothing crazy.

Just a little Whitlock family Christmas Eve tradition.

-Chinese food. -Ch...

Aren't you supposed to be spending time with

your dad while you're here?

I'll see him again Christmas Day.

Okay, but no Chinese food.

I will cook for us a real Christmas dinner.

Well, if your dinner is anything like your breakfast,

I'm in good hands.

See, I'm not completely worthless here.

You are anything but worthless, Wilde Williams.

[instrumental music]

[doorbell ringing]

Julius? What are you doing here?

Our date didn't end right, Oliver.

So in the spirit of my book, I think I owe you a new one.

But your parents.

They're fine. My sisters will go.

I'm working on loving myself now in more ways than one.

Plus, I had to make sure you got this.

For Good, How To Forge A Charitable Foundation.

You remembered.

-What's all this? -Oh, I got the stuff.

We're gonna bake some Oliver-style figgy pudding.

-Okay, then. I guess I'm in. -Okay.

Let's get to baking, baby.

Which way is the kitchen? This way?

-Yeah. It's... The kitchen... -Okay.

[door shuts]

-[Oliver] Okay. Good. -A quarter cup of this.

-Yes. -I'm gonna get this right.

I promise. Oh.

-[cell phone vibrating] -[both chuckling]

-Mm. Mm. -It's my dad.

Look who's getting all the phone calls now.

Oh, I should get this. I'm sorry, just...

I've been avoiding him completely.

Of course. Go ahead.

Dad, um, I'm kind of busy. Can we...

Yes, I know.

But, look,

you know I'm grateful for everything we've built,

but I don't wanna be some divorce attorney my entire life.

And I know that you wanna keep it in the fam.

But I need time to think.

[instrumental music]

You're a divorce attorney?

Why didn't you just tell me that?

I think I was just trying to prove to you

that gay relationships don't have to be so fleeting.

That if you're hopeful enough,

you can open yourself up to something lasting.

And I thought telling you what I did

would make me seem hypocritical.

Oliver, we're adults.

I think we both know not everyone who starts

in a relationship ends up together forever.

-The issue is you lied about it. -I didn't lie, I just--

You left out choice pieces?

You've been telling me this whole time how important it is

to share your life with someone,

to open yourself up to the possibility of love.

But how can you do that without honesty?

What you do is great.

Hiding it from me?

That's off.

Julius...

[laughter]

[door opens]

Just, Wilde, what are you doing? Spying on your dates?

Ah, look at you two.

Haven't seen you on this side of the pond in a while, Mark.

-Well, it's good to be back. -Yeah.

-Cheers. -[glasses clinking]

Mark? Who's Mark?

So I just, I don't, I don't know.

I, uh... It's amazing.

-Wilde. -Henry, hey.

-Hey. -What's this?

The 12 dates of Henry Whitlock's Christmas at home?

-Huh? No, no. This is-- -Let me guess.

This is your ex.

The thing is, Henry, I have played this game before

and I don't have time for it.

And how I end up dating actors is beyond me.

-But you are very good. -Wilde, stop.

-This is my... Well... -Mark, Henry's manager.

[Mark] Henry was actually just talking about you.

See, I flew in to town with my family for Christmas

and to see my favorite client and to bring him a gift.

Kind of hard to catch him between films,

so this seemed like a viable option.

So you're here with your family

and you two were never a thing?

Well, before he was married.

But, uh, now it's strictly business.

And I am gonna just go. That's great.

-Wilde! -Everything's wonderful.

I'll talk...

Wilde, wait.

[sighs] Wild, wait.

-I'm good, thanks. Henry. -Wilde..

I saw you all touchy-feely in there with him.

So? Uh, we're close, yes. He's represented me for years.

-He has a partner and kids. -I know.

And that's very embarrassing for me. I'm gonna go.

You can't just run from your problems

like you ran from LA to Brilfax, you know?

No?

Okay, fine.

Clearly, I'm not in a place to start something new, Henry.

I need to grow up and I need to stop

being so reactive to everything.

But you and I, we live in different worlds.

Mine is not made up of magic and romance.

[instrumental music]

Have a good Christmas, Henry.

-[Julius sighs] -[Naomi] Spiked cider.

-Heavy on the spiked. Hm. -Thank you.

-How you holding up? -Well...

I'm back to being happily single.

[chuckles]

-I should have just gone home. -You are home.

Look, you two are just getting to know each other.

You can't compare him to Richie

just because one left-out detail.

It's not good for you. It's not good for him.

He just presented himself as this Cupid

who believes in meant to be.

Meanwhile, he's a completely

different person altogether.

Julius, you are one of the most transparent

and considerate people I know.

Not everybody's you.

You remember you told me you wanted to take risks

for a relationship?

Not every slot play is a hit, sometimes you gotta pull again

on the same machine to get a win.

Remind me again why you're not a writer.

Well, I'm too pretty to spend that much time by myself.

Now, look, I'm gonna probably break our pact one of these days

and marry a rich man in real estate, so...

I think you should just go for it.

-Hm. -See what happens. Yeah?

[Julius sighs]

Mm, you make a mean drink.

Spiked with love.

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

Hey, you sure you don't wanna join me

and my parents for Christmas Eve dinner?

Yeah, I'm sure. Thank you.

And thank you for being here

and always and every day, really.

-I love you. -And I love you.

-Merry Christmas Eve. -Merry Christmas, babe.

[Naomi] Oh, special delivery here for one Julius Nasser.

Enjoy.

[Oliver] I'm sorry I wasn't more transparent.

Working for my dad was never what I wanted.

I made this alone and learned to enjoy it, thanks to you.

But it still would have been better with you. Love, Oliver.

[chuckles]

[music continues]

[door opens, shuts]

-[footsteps approaching] -[instrumental music]

Henry. W-w-what are you doing here?

I, uh, I wanted to leave you this tonight

to give to your mother.

[Henry] My mum had one just like it.

It's reminiscent of the Celtic knot,

which stands for pure love.

I know you're about to say something

about actors being overly romantic,

but, well, this symbolizes something wonderful.

I bought one. Same exact one for my mom.

I wanted to hang it on Oliver's tree for my last night here.

[chuckles]

Think your, uh, think your mom's got a hand in this?

No ways.

Now, what was that you were saying

about your world not having any magic?

Who knows? Maybe this one can be yours.

I'm, I'm sorry about earlier, Henry.

I-I would like to try

to figure this out with you, no-no matter the distance.

I'm a transcontinental actor

with an American agent who hates the cold.

There doesn't need to be any distance between us

if you don't want there to be.

-So, like, right now? -What do you mean?

I don't really want there to be any distance

between us right now.

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

[sighs] Don't leave.

Yes, I am tired of dates with myself.

And I'd really like to spend Christmas and New Year's

with someone. Finally.

I'm hoping that's you.

What about the long distance?

Yeah, you said it yourself.

"You really want something, you figure it out."

[sighs] Hi.

Thank you for the last-minute dinner.

Is everything okay?

Yeah. It is.

Thank you.

For what?

For being here.

Fire's on.

Dinner was good.

-It's Christmas. -Hm.

It's a simple stuff, isn't it?

I mean, who could ask for anything more?

Come here.

[Henry] I...

What's this?

We never did finish our dance.

This time you lead.

Huh.

[cell phone ringing]

It's Oliver.

-[sighs] I'll call him tomorrow. -No, no, no, answer.

I wanna say hi. I wanna, I wanna thank him.

Okay.

-[cell phone ringing] -Cuz.

[Oliver] I just, I had to ring you to wish you the happiest

of Christmases. Wait. Are you at my house?

-Uh... -Hey.

-[laughs] -I am, indeed.

Ah, no way!

[laughs] This is so great.

Ah. I knew it was meant to be.

-[chuckles] -Listen, Oliver, I gotta say.

Your hosting abilities are gonna get a five-star review.

[both chuckling]

Uh, who do we have here, Oliver?

-This is Julius. -[Henry] The Julius?

Hi, guys. It's nice to meet you.

-I loved your last book. -I loved your last movie.

Wilde, how about we extend our stays just for a few days?

I mean, yeah, I love that idea.

I-I'm supposed to fly back to

spend New Year's with my parents.

Supposed to come back tomorrow, actually, but

please feel free to be my guest.

Oh, I don't wanna be your intruder, no.

Wait, what if we joined you guys in LA

for-for the ultimate New Year's Eve party?

[Henry] I mean, not to invite myself to your house,

but I fully plan on being your New Year's kiss.

-That sounds like a great idea. -I'm in.

Well, then, Merry Christmas to us all.

And to all a good night.

What?

[instrumental music]

[groans]

-Wow. Nice place. -[Wilde] Thank you.

Uh, before we go in, um...

-Yeah? -Thank you.

I-I don't know where this is going, and I'm still trying

to sort through where I've been these past few years,

but you make me feel something I haven't in a while.

Oh. I'm all in for you, Wilde.

-[Oliver] Hello! -Hi, how are you?

-Hey, hey. -Welcome home.

-I'm Julius. -Oh, my gosh.

-Pleasure. -Ditto, ditto, ditto.

-How was the flight? -Hi. It was good.

-You made it. -Yeah.

Oh, so nice to meet you in person.

-All right. -Who's ready to party?

[upbeat music]

[mouthing]

I'll be right there!

All right, here we go. Let's get in.

Is someone starting a charity?

That's the goal.

I've been dreaming of a non-profit.

Just raising money for causes I love.

Turns out, requires a lot of money to give money.

[chuckles] Right. Um, we-we should chat.

I happen to have a few, kind of, extra pennies

that I don't really know what to do with right now.

Um, how many pennies did you say?

Yes, do tell us of the pennies.

I would love to talk to you about that if you're serious.

Maybe Julius and I could help with appearances or something?

Oh, does somebody think he's famous?

-[all chuckling] -That's right.

By the way, I haven't read your book yet,

but I hear it's fantastic.

Well, maybe now you don't have to.

And maybe this is the best New Year's Eve ever!

-Guys! -[both] Guys!

-I love guys. -[Henry and Wilde laughing]

Wilde, I think you should toast us.

Your champagne's up there.

I, actually, I did prepare a little something on the plane

just because I thought I might get asked, just,

you know, 'cause we're here, at my house, so...

Here, here. Here. Here.

"Whoever wrote the phrase, 'If at first you don't succeed,

just try, try again,' wasn't considering navigating love

in the gay world.

He needed another dozen tries in there, or more,

for it to ring with any truth.

And yet, despite the heartache that sometimes befalls us,

we still keep that small, tiny glimmer of hope alive

even if it is in the bottom right corner of a broken heart,

because who knows,

what's meant for you just might not pass you by."

Uh....

So cheers, gentlemen.

A toast to new beginnings,

to time while we have it, to people we love,

and to opening up to a little magic

through a true holiday exchange.

-Cheers. Cheers. -Cheers, cheers.

[instrumental music]

Wilde! Ah!

-Happy New Year! -Hi, mom. Happy New Year.

Dad, hi.

Sorry I haven't seen you lately, son.

-I'm happy to be here now. -Yeah.

I'm, uh, so happy to see you guys.

Um, I didn't know you were coming.

Well, we didn't want you to spend New Year's Eve alone.

Oh, but I'm not alone.

♪ Candles glowing ♪

Wait, are you telling me you threw

a surprise New Year's Eve party just for us?

Hi, guys! Wow. You look fabulous.

-Hi. Happy New Year. -Hi.

Now we know where he gets it from.

-Sir. -You look great, wow.

[Lola] Thank you.

-Julius. -Hi.

-Nice to meet you. -Happy New Year.

-Hi. Julius. -Hello, sir.

♪ Deck the halls ♪

♪ We'll spread some joy to one and all ♪

♪ Play those songs like every year ♪

He seems very sweet. And he's very cute.

Yeah, we'll see, mom.

♪ Sending cards and ♪

Hey.

You are one of a kind, mom.

I'm so glad you're here. And I love you and dad.

♪ And the ♪

But I want you to know that I,

I know how lucky I am to have you.

And I'd love to spend more time with you this year.

♪ Wonderful time of all ♪

Mm.

♪ With green and red ♪

We love you, Wilde. Happy New Year.

♪ And deck deck the halls ♪

I love you, too, mom, from the bottom of my heart.

♪ To one and all ♪ ♪ One and all ♪

I love you.

♪ Every year ♪

♪ Christmas time ♪

♪ Christmas time is here ♪

-Should we drink? Okay. -Let's drink. Yes.

[all] Five, four, three, two!

-One! -[all cheering]

[indistinct chatter]

♪ So come on ♪

♪ Let's deck deck the halls ♪

♪ It's the most wonderful time of all ♪

♪ Decorate with green and red hang the mistletoe overhead ♪

♪ Deck deck the halls ♪

♪ We'll spread some joy to one and all ♪

♪ Play those songs like every year ♪

♪ Christmas time Christmas time is here ♪

♪ Sending cards and boxed up treats ♪

♪ Carolers sing on the streets ♪

♪ Sit by fires cup in hand ♪

♪ And in the yard we'll make a snowman ♪

♪ Deck deck the halls ♪

♪ It's the most wonderful time of all ♪

♪ Decorate with green and red hang the mistletoe overhead ♪

♪ Deck deck the halls ♪

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
run /rʌn/ A1	verb - to move quickly on foot verb - to manage or operate
bright /braɪt/ A2	adjective - giving off a lot of light
snow /snoʊ/ A1	noun - frozen water falling as precipitation
sleigh /sleɪ/ B1	noun - a vehicle on runners for traveling over snow
scattered /ˈskætərd/ B1	adjective - spread over a wide area
tidings /ˈtɪdɪŋz/ B2	noun - news or information
evergreen /ˈɛvərˌɡriːn/ B1	noun - a plant that keeps its leaves all year round
hollow /ˈhɒloʊ/ B1	adjective - having a hole or empty space inside
festive /ˈfɛstɪv/ B1	adjective - relating to a festival or celebration
transaction /trænˈzækʃən/ B2	noun - an instance of buying or selling something
ironic /aɪˈrɒnɪk/ C1	adjective - using words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning
romance /roʊˈmæns/ B1	noun - a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love
charitable /ˈtʃærɪtəbl/ B2	adjective - generous and kind, typically through giving money
whimsical /ˈhwɪmzkəl/ C1	adjective - playfully quaint or fanciful
transcontinental /trænsˌkɒntɪˈnɛntəl/ C1	adjective - spanning or crossing continents

Key Grammar Structures

• Merry Christmas to all

  ➔ Simple present with a noun phrase as a greeting

  ➔ The verb <"Merry Christmas"> is omitted; the phrase functions as a complete greeting.

• I’m selling my company and I’m closing in a couple of days.

  ➔ Present continuous for near‑future plans; coordination with "and"

  ➔ The verb <"am selling"> and <"am closing"> show actions that will happen soon.

• If you want a date, I’m in.

  ➔ First‑conditional (real present/future) + informal ellipsis "I’m in"

  ➔ The clause <"If you want a date"> sets a condition; <"I’m in"> means "I agree to it".

• You’ve been helping people part.

  ➔ Present perfect continuous passive voice

  ➔ The auxiliary <"have" + "been"> plus the past participle <"helping"> shows an ongoing action that started in the past.

• I wish you the happiest of Christmases.

  ➔ Verb "wish" + indirect object + noun phrase with superlative

  ➔ The phrase <"the happiest of Christmases"> uses the superlative <"happiest"> to intensify the wish.

• Let’s get to the barn, baby.

  ➔ Imperative with “let’s” (suggestive) + infinitive verb phrase

  ➔ <"Let’s"> is a contracted form of "let us" used to make a polite suggestion.

• I’m not sure what the fire is doing.

  ➔ Negative present simple + noun clause as object (indirect question)

  ➔ The clause <"what the fire is doing"> functions as the object of <"not sure">, forming an indirect question.

• There’s no sign of a switch.

  ➔ Existential "there is/are" + negative contraction + noun phrase

  ➔ The contracted form <"there’s"> stands for "there is"; the sentence states the absence of <"a switch">.