♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪
♪ Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la ♪
[Ginny] I've always loved Christmas.
Hot chocolate packets in your stockings,
Christmas movie marathons, candles…
♪ Fa-la-la-la-la, fa-la-la-la-la ♪
[Ginny] No matter how poor we were, my mom always made Christmas good.
♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪
[Georgia] I call it glitter magic.
Add a little sparkle to anything, and no one will see the ugly underneath.
♪ Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la ♪
-[Ginny] We could use some glitter magic. -♪ Don we now our gay apparel ♪
♪ Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la ♪
-♪ Troll the ancient Yuletide carol ♪ -[sighs]
Merry Christmas.
♪ Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la ♪
[opening theme plays, stops]
[inhales sharply, clears throat]
[Paul] Gonna drop this off at the police station.
For the record, still not happy about the gun.
[Georgia] She called me a monster.
She's a teenager,
and she has a lot of angst and feelings
which she shared, but…
she loves you.
[Georgia] She called me a monster.
-[Paul] I know. -[exhales]
[sighs]
-Am I so terrible? -[Paul] You're not terrible.
I quite like you.
Sometimes.
Now, do you have any more of those hidden anywhere?
Strapped to your thigh maybe? Under the bed?
Who do you take me for, Whitey Bulger?
-I heard you. No guns. -Sure.
Okay.
[Paul sighs]
Get up.
[Georgia groans]
Hey, Austin, how would you like to participate
in a tradition that is… as old as me?
A hundred years old?
[Paul] Ha-ha. Yeah, very funny, laugh at Paul. Haze the new guy.
[Austin] What's the tradition?
Every year, my dad and my brother and I go chop down a Christmas tree.
-With a weapon? With an axe, yes.
-[Austin] Can I use a laser? -[Paul] Probably just an axe.
But what do you say, you in?
All right. And you can meet your new grandpa and uncle
before they come over for Christmas Eve dinner.
-What? -Are they rich? Ginny said they're rich.
I… I said, they're probably proper, you know, they use butter knives.
My place settings. I don't have butter knives.
Mm, Mom, it was just a joke.
No, if they use butter knives, we should get butter knives.
I can assure all Millers that my family does not care about butter knives.
No, I want our dining room table really fancy,
like that "first Christmas Martha Stewart had when she got out of jail" fancy.
I want 'em to leave impressed,
so they don't think I'm this terrible monster marrying their son.
What she means, kids,
is that she would like to share the Christmas spirit with family.
[whimsical music plays]
Hey, Mom, why don't we go Christmas shopping in Boston?
-We can get butter knives there. -That's a great idea. You should go.
Sure.
Besides, that way we could start our own tradition, since I didn't hear our invite
to the "mustache, manly, hee-haw, Paul Bunyan" Christmas tree destruction.
Yeah. I'm just gonna shower.
I broke Mom.
No, you didn't. She just needs a little bit of time,
that's all.
[mellow music plays]
Just never seen her so sad.
She'll be okay, she's a big girl.
I just don't want this to ruin Christmas.
You just don't want this to ruin Christmas?
You sound like a Hallmark holiday movie.
-I love Hallmark holiday movies. -Yeah, okay, Tiny Tim.
You are a cute little Tiny Tim.
"I just don't want this to ruin Christmas."
Have you talked to her?
Yeah, I've tried.
She just says, "It's fine,"
in a way that indicates it clearly isn't fine,
it never was fine, and it probably will never be fine again.
I'll keep trying.
You should. For Christmas.
What do you have against Christmas?
Oh, the day that celebrates consumerism
and the heavy financial foot on the necks of the lower and middle class?
Nothing. I love it.
-[Stacy] We're borrowing her. -[Jackie] She's needed.
Hello. Hi. Okay.
We have a no return policy, so…
Bracia, you agreed, whatever Ginny says, you do. She's the decider.
Yeah, that's because I know Ginny's not sadistic
and doesn't want me to combust in a fire of cringy death.
[hesitates] Help me, okay? Our girl has an opportunity.
-She got Bryon for Secret Santa. -Ah.
The gift could be a date, with her, where they actually hang out.
It's tickets to the Escape Room from a few years ago.
It's that, or a Patriots hat.
Much more sane.
Much less desperate.
Ginny, weigh in. I'm freaking out. Tickets or hat?
Tickets, tickets.
Okay, okay. So normally, given my history, I'd be in favor of the hat.
Burying all feelings for as long as possible,
and marinating in your own toxins, and possibly dying of leaky gut.
See, I knew you'd choose hat. Thank God.
But what you don't know is I'm a sap when it comes to Christmas.
I've seen The Muppet Christmas Carol eight million times,
and peppermint hot chocolate is my favorite drink, so I say go tickets.
-Yes! -You really let me down.
Bracia, it's Christmas. Shoot your shot. Don't give Bryon a hat.
[chuckles] Christmas Ginny is scary.
[Bracia laughs]
["Jingle Bells" playing]
-[Marcus] All right, I'll see you later. -[girl] Okay, bye.
♪ Dashing through the snow ♪
♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪
♪ O'er the fields we go… ♪
Nick, can you start setting up the hot-chocolate station?
The burners need an out-of-the-way plug.
If this is what the North Pole is like, I truly hope the elves have unionized.
-What's our ticket count? -A lot.
And there'll be more, 'cause we'll be selling at the door.
Great, now I'm speaking in rhyme, perfect.
-Also, I invited the women and children. -From the… Titanic?
From the women and children's shelter.
If we're raising money for 'em, they might as well be invited.
Oh, why didn't I think of that?
Because no one thinks of the women and children. Ever.
-Except for on the Titanic. -Okay.
Let's put the ornament-makin' station right over there,
the life-sized gingerbread house there,
Santa's throne on the stage, obviously--
-I'm sorry, Santa's throne? Go back. -Oh.
I got something for you.
People can sit on your lap and tell you what they want changed about the town.
-How's that different from any other day? -Now they'll be on your lap.
-This is good, I like this. -Good, because for you I got…
-[Nick] Oh. -[laughs]
-What is that offensive piece of felt? -[Georgia] The helpful elf.
Great. I'm glad I took out student loans for an Ivy League education.
-Oh God, did I just see the shoes? -[Paul clears throat]
-Tell me they don't jingle. -[shoes jingling]
-[Paul stifles laugh] -Okay.
[Paul clears throat, laughs]
Oh, and the photo already has over a thousand likes.
-What photo? -[sighs]
-What is that? Is that from our bedroom? -Ooh, thirst trap.
No thirst traps on official mayoral communications.
I can't believe I have to clarify this.
-I'll take it down. -Deleting implies a mistake.
Before you get upset, you're up to 10,000 followers.
[gasps] It's workin'.
-But it won't happen again. -Yeah, wish I could believe that.
Take off your shirts and wrestle.
Whatever this is, leave it at home.
[Nick clears throat]
[Paul sighs]
I have others I could've posted.
[Christmas music plays]
They're having a "consent" mistletoe kissing booth at the winter carnival.
Oh, Wellsbury wants to be so damn woke.
-I wish I had someone to kiss. -Oh yeah? Well, ho, ho, ho.
Okay, I did something bad. I texted Sophie.
What? Oh no, let me see.
[sighs] It wasn't anything crazy.
It was just, like, "Happy Holidays," you know?
"Hey, Sophie, I didn't wanna send you this on actual Christmas
and potentially ruin your holiday since we are evil exes and all,
but I did wanna reach out and let you know that I am thinking about you,
and I'm wishing you the best."
"I always smile when I think about our memories together,
and I genuinely hope everything is going well."
"No pressure to respond if you're at a different place."
"Life is weird. Merry Christmas." Oh, Max.
Yep. I also liked a photo of her and Josh.
No, you didn't.
Yeah, I just want her to know that I'm, like, cool with her
and her new relationship.
Jesus. [sniffles]
Okay, how do you feel?
How do I feel? I feel dead.
I died inside, and my chest is decomposing,
and I don't remember joy.
-[Christmas music ends] -[door opens]
[door closes]
Do you want a donut?
Absolutely want a donut. Is that even a question?
[Hunter] It says "rustic."
Hi. Hello. How are you?
-Hi. -Hey.
Why are you so, mm… [in high-pitched voice] "Hello!"?
It's Christmas. I love Christmas.
[Maxine] Are you doing that carnival thing tomorrow?
Yes, actually we all are. I told my mom that we'd be doing face painting.
Oh, come on. Can't we just enjoy our break?
It's for, like, two hours. Plus, it's for kids from a shelter.
Okay, can we just, like, give them money?
-[snickering] -No, that's a bit snobby.
Eat the rich.
Bitch, you have a summer house, you are the rich.
It's Christmas.
[Maxine] Okay. I'm not even on break yet. I have one more rehearsal for Wellington.
Also, I hate Christmas, I hate love, and everything is shit.
[Samantha laughs]
Hunter, do you remember when we watched The Grinch in the seventh grade
and you cried?
-[laughs] -His heart grew.
Men can cry, Samantha. Grow up.
I know. I like reducing a man to tears.
I like the power.
Okay, breaks over. Love you, mean it.
[both mimic Ginny] "Hate you. Kidding."
Bye. [exhales]
[clears throat] Um, bathroom. "Hate you." Whatever.
You want one?
[inhales]
-Just a regular dollar bill, right? -[kids] Yeah.
-We are gonna fold it once. -[girl] Okay.
-[kids] Yeah. -We're gonna fold it twice.
-[kids] Yeah. -[Gil] Third time's the charm, right?
-[kids] Yeah. -But we're gonna fold it a fourth time.
-[kids] Okay. -Put it in there.
[whispers] And…
[whistles]
[kids] Whoa!
[hesitates] Austin… Do you guys see something behind Austin's ear?
What… What is that? Hold it right-- [gasps]
-[laughs] -[Gil] There it is!
Okay, everyone, get packed up. What do we say to Austin's dad?
[kids] Thank you!
-Bye, guys, have fun. -[kids] Bye!
-[Gil exhales] -[boy] Thank you.
And that is for you.
Why didn't you want me to tell Mom you're here?
Because what is a magician's number one rule?
Never tell the secrets.
Exactly. I'm just getting the lay of the land.
Plus, I want it to be a big, fun Christmas surprise, right?
See you, buddy.
[tense music plays]
Oh. Ah, there you are.
It's Christmas-tree time. You ready?
Come on!
-[girl] Bye! -Bye.
[whimsical Christmas music plays]
[indistinct chatter]
[sighs]
[Bryon] This is so dope.
I assumed you're a Pats fan because you play football.
-Uh, you're my Secret Santa? -Yeah. [nervous exhale]
This is great. Thanks.
Uh, you a big Pats fan?
We gotta go to a game.
Yeah. Yeah, that could be fun.
Cool.
[whimsical Christmas music continues]
-[chuckles] I love it. -Well, hey, don't look at me.
I don't know who had you for Secret Santa. [laughs]
It's so you can create those imaginary worlds of yours.
[Silver chuckles]
[Silver] Thank you.
[Joe] Hey.
-Wine? -No, thanks.
I'm just here to get Ginny.
We're going shopping.
Isn't that fun?
Listen, she's just a kid. All right? She didn't mean any of that.
-Hey, Mom, I'm ready to go. -[Georgia] Let's go.
I googled some places.
Newbury Street, if we have Paul's credit card.
Mom, I'm sorry about the poem.
I'm not doing this here, Virginia.
-I didn't mean to embarrass you. -I said I was fine.
You can't even look at me.
-Mom. -I feel like a fraud 99% of the time.
I do not need your help, I assure you.
-Mom-- -I know.
Life's hard, I'm terrible, you're sorry, it's fine.
[sighs] Let's go shopping in Boston.
["We Wish You a Merry Christmas" playing]
♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪
-♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪ -[Ginny laughing]
♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪
-♪ And a Happy New Year ♪ -[laughs]
-♪ Good tidings we bring… ♪ -[door opens]
Ho, ho, ho. Merry Christmas.
-[Georgia] Gil. -[Gil] Surprise.
What did you do?
Uh, Santa told me to bring these over.
[sack drops]
♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪
♪ And a Happy New Year ♪
♪ Good tidings we bring ♪
♪ To you and your kin ♪
♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪
♪ And a Happy New Year ♪
♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪
♪ And a Happy New Year ♪
♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas… ♪
Wow. This is…
♪ Hap-Hap-Hap-Happy New Year ♪
♪ Hap-Hap-Hap-Happy New Year… ♪
Merry Christmas, G.
♪ Hap-Hap-Hap-Happy New Year to ye ♪
-[Zion] Mm. -I thought you might like it.
I brought back three cases from South Africa.
I love South Africa. I've been twice.
Okay, worldly, check.
You have any upcoming trips planned?
I'm actually trying this new thing called "staying in one place."
Oh, so you're typically more of, like, uh, rolling stone type then?
She asks with bated breath to the man that she just started dating…
[inhales] …and kinda likes.
[chuckles]
I, uh, was young when we had Ginny.
I missed out on a lot of the day to day, you know, and it kills me.
Now she's a teenager, and I wanna be there.
So I'm here.
Mm.
Well, that's good.
-[inhales, clicks tongue] -I'm here too.
So you kinda like me?
-[Georgia] I wanna see the bachelor pad! -Sorry, Dad, we were just nearby.
[whimsical music plays]
Uh, Simone, this is my daughter, Ginny, and her mom…
-Oh! -…Georgia.
"No one" Simone.
Oh!
Is that my nickname or…
No. No, sorry. Hi.
[chuckles]
Yeah, hi. Good to meet ya. You're pretty. [laughs]
The apartment, Zi, so good. Looks great.
Not… Not in a bachelor pad kind of way.
[splutters] I wasn't trying to insinuate that you're a big bachelor or anything,
'cause you're not.
No, well, you are. I mean, we're not together.
[inhales] I'm getting married.
Not a bachelor pad like you bring a lot of girls back here or anything, 'cause…
That's not what I'm saying.
[splutters] I have no idea, really, how many girls you would bring back here,
'cause how would I know? But I--
-It's… probably just you. -[chuckles]
-Okay, um-- -We should go.
-Sorry. [laughs] -Yeah, we just stopped by to say hello.
Now we're gonna go. Which rhymes.
I keep rhyming.
-Ginny, your poem is haunting me. -Poem?
Nope, nope, let's not do that. I've got a lot to do.
I'm actually hosting the new future in-laws for… for Christmas Eve, so…
You should come, Zion. Or both of ya.
Oh, thank you, but I'm actually gonna be with my family.
And I'm hosting my parents and Aunt Rayna.
-Bring 'em. Bring 'em on over. -[whispers] What are you doing?
-[whispers] I don't know. -Okay.
I mean, are you sure? Because I would love to spend Christmas Eve with Ginny.
Am I sure? I just asked out loud, so I must be.
-[Georgia inhales] -[nervous laugh]
We're-- Uh, we're gonna go, so…
Oh, Ginny, it's… it's really good to meet you.
And, Georgia, thank you for…
Thank you for saying that I'm pretty. [chuckles]
-Cool. So I said that out loud? -[Ginny] You did.
[whimsical music plays]
[door opens]
That is not how I wanted you to meet Ginny.
No? Really? 'Cause I thought it went really well.
[both laugh]
So… that's the ex, huh?
Yeah. [inhales]
Interesting.
[Christmas music plays]
[sighs]
Well, what'd you find?
-[Georgia] She's a lawyer. -[Ginny clears throat]
Also, she takes too many selfies for someone in her thirties.
She grew up in Boston, and went to Howard, then Harvard Law.
She's got a cavapoo named Jacks.
Mom, put the phone down.
You knew about Simone, didn't you?
If your daddy has a new girlfriend, you have to tell Mommy.
Or are you just trying to embarrass me at every turn?
Okay, that's not fair.
[door opens]
-[Paul] Did somebody order a tree? -[door closes]
[grunts]
Wow, that is a real tree.
So much better than the fake trees Mom used to steal from the mall.
So how was Christmas shopping?
-You guys bought presents? -[Georgia sighs]
That kid is a little too comfortable with an axe.
Hey, so, uh, I may have invited Zion's parents to Christmas Eve.
I'm sorry, what?
[Paul chuckles]
[Georgia groans]
Presents, presents, presents.
[Christmas music continues]
[Paul] Come on. Get out under the blanket.
[Paul talks indistincly]
[Christmas music ends]
[metal clanking]
[tense music plays]
[Paul] Austin!
[tense music intensifies]
We're decorating the tree.
[metal clanking]
[chair creaking]
[exhales]
[keyboard clacking]
[Cordova] "Blood Eyes biker gang."
"Money laundering, racketeering,
auto theft." What the--
[inhales]
Same lawyer.
[inhales]
["Jingle Bells" by Francis James & Evalina Ralls plays]
♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way ♪
♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh… ♪
Is everyone enjoying themselves?
[all cheering, applauding]
Wellsbury has some of the most generous and giving folks I've ever met.
-[crowd] Yeah. -And that's apparent today.
-[Maxine] Yeah, it is. -[cheers]
As a thank you for your generosity,
I brought a surprise guest all the way from the North Pole.
It's Santa Claus!
[crowd cheers]
Ho, ho, ho!
-Oh my God! I love Santa! -[crowd cheers]
Hey!
I have taken a break from making toys to come help your mayor.
-Do you like that guy? -[crowd cheers]
Ho, ho, ho, very good!
Well, if you have any wishes for Wellsbury, please come say hi to me,
and I will do my best to pass it on to your mayor Rudolph-- Oops.
-[crowd cheers] -Mayor Randolph.
-Happy Holidays! [laughs] -[crowd applauds]
♪ This Christmas is feeling different… ♪
-Do you like my gingerbread house? -Yeah, it's really cool.
The icing looks like real snow.
-What's this? -[Austin] It's a zombie Marcus made.
He said that our gingerbread house exists in a post-apocalyptic world.
I see.
Can I add a snowman?
Yeah, put it next to the zombie.
-All right, I'm gonna take off. -What? Why?
I'll come see you before I leave for Vermont. All right?
[kisses] Bye, Austin.
-Oh God. -[chuckles]
[Maxine] Hey.
He must really love you.
-This is so not his thing. -Christmas?
-People. -Ah.
Max, do you see my gingerbread house?
Ugh, like a beacon in the dark, my friend.
Make sure to tell him all your wishes for Wellsbury.
-Ho, ho, ho. -Hello, Santa.
Welcome. [laughs]
[upbeat music plays]
[tense music plays]
You are always cropping up like a cold sore.
-Georgia. -What are you doing here?
-[Cordova] I'm here for Nick. -[Georgia] Bullshit.
Nick's my friend, and he's starting to really care about you,
'cause he doesn't know that you're not Jesse, the third-grade teacher
and that you're actually a low-budget Keith Mars here to ruin my day.
[laughs]
Hey, your lawyer, Martin Guillory,
he handled the business with Kenny's estate for you, didn't he?
He was also your lawyer in New Orleans after your first husband went missing,
and he has some very interesting ties with a biker gang
that has a history of criminal activity.
The Blood Eyes.
I like this costume, yeah.
I also like that tattoo of yours.
I know there's a lot more in your past, Georgia Miller.
I'm gonna find it.
There's nothing to find.
Here. Take care.
-Hey. -[Joe] Hey.
[mellow Christmas music plays]
[sighs]
Listen, Joe, the other night,
it was a mistake.
-[Joe] Yeah, okay. -I just…
I don't need any more complications in my life right now.
Yeah, I get that.
[Cynthia] Good.
Merry Christmas.
[upbeat Christmas music plays]
Just-- Yeah. Just one second. I'll be right back.
[groans]
-Do me a favor. -[Georgia] Mm-hmm.
Look at the line.
[women talking indistincly]
Well, you are very popular with the moms, Santa.
[Paul] Mm-hmm.
[inhales, clears throat]
Can Mr. Claus and Mrs. Claus have a private conversation
inside the gingerbread house, please?
Mm-hmm.
What's going on?
What's going on? You post this--
You post a sexy photo of me without talking to me,
and then you invite everyone to sit on my lap.
You're making me a joke.
Paul, when these women see the next election ballot
and are feeling dumb 'cause no one knows what an alderman does,
I promise you, they'll see the name Paul Randolph
and punch that circle.
Do not do that. Do not talk to me like I don't know what I am doing.
I was the mayor before you got here.
You work for me, and at the office, I am your boss.
Okay, Mr. Mayor.
[Paul] I'm serious.
-Are you? -I am serious.
But it's a little hard to be so serious
when I'm being disciplined by Santa in a gingerbread house. Okay?
-Is this about the gun? -This is about all of it, Georgia.
The gun, the picture, this, the kids.
I understand that you're going through a difficult time with Ginny right now,
and you're allowed to be upset, but what I will not allow
is for you to disrespect me, not at work, and not at home.
I live there now, that is my house too,
and I will not be disrespected in my own home.
I mean, God, Georgia, I am--
[inhales] I am there,
just waiting for you to let me in.
We are getting married.
When is that going to happen?
I'm sorry.
[footsteps departing]
["Hallelujah" playing]
♪ Hallelujah, hallelujah ♪
Hey, how's it going?
-Oh, consent is sexy. -[Maxine] It so is.
I'm a big fan.
Hey, Ginny. Max. Bracia.
♪ Hallelujah, hallelujah ♪
-[Ginny] The hat? -[Bracia] What?
[Ginny] Coward.
Oh my God.
I will be right back. Silver.
-Hey. -Max, hi.
Do you mind if we switch places? Because Sophie's next in line.
Um, yeah, sure.
Thank you so much. You are amazing.
-Max. Max! -I'm taking this. Sorry.
Max?
Would you like a kiss?
No.
Sophie.
-Why are you doing this? -It's just a chocolate.
We're over, Max. I need you to accept that.
Please, just… stop texting me and stop liking my shit on Instagram.
Please.
Just stop.
[mellow music plays]
I hate that we can't spend Christmas together.
I know. [inhales]
Hey. Here.
♪ Joy to the world The Lord is come… ♪
My therapy notebook.
I didn't even realize it was missing.
I wanted the outside to be worthy of the inside.
I didn't open it.
The world sucks, but you are my favorite person.
All you.
♪ And heaven and nature sing… ♪
I love you, Virginia Miller.
Today, tomorrow, forever.
I love you, too.
A lot.
[car honking]
[Marcus] All right, I gotta go.
Okay. Merry Christmas.
Merry consumerism.
[Georgia] Ooh.
-I-- What are you smiling at? -[door closes]
Nothing.
I… [exhales]
-Need some help in there? -Oh no. No, I got it.
Of course I need help! Paul's parents have never been here,
and we gotta make sure Lynette thinks things are seasoned enough.
[Georgia exhales]
[grunts] Ooh.
[whimpers]
No bones.
-[Ginny] Okay. Mom, get up. -[moans]
They're gonna be here soon.
Paul's parents hate me, Zion's parents hate me,
you hate me.
I don't hate you.
[Georgia clicks tongue, sighs]
I'm struggling.
I want you to understand. Don't… Don't you see?
-Didn't you hear the poem? -[sighs]
Oh, I heard the poem.
No, I don't think you did.
[sighs]
[Georgia sighs]
[footsteps ascending]
[exhales]
[sobs, sniffles]
[lighter clicks]
[mellow music plays]
[cutlery clanking]
Lynette, thanks again for coming last minute.
Oh, it's never too late to invite me over to see my grandbaby.
Lord knows I have had too many holidays without her.
Well, okay.
Now, that's a choice. [chuckles]
Did you see the butter knives?
[Whit] Paul, how's the job?
When are you gonna get out of Pleasantville, run for governor?
When I decide the time is right, Dad.
Paul just threw a… a big winter carnival
for the Boston women and children's shelter.
He raised over 50 grand.
I saw the picture.
[Rayna] Fifty grand?
I'm needy. You got that money upstairs?
[Rayna and Georgia laugh]
Oh, and Georgia, how are you doing with the… the holidays?
This is your first Christmas since your late husband passed, right?
Yup.
I am so sorry, I didn't realize.
[hesitates] Was that Austin's dad?
Uh, oh no. Austin's dad, um--
He's incarcerated.
-[Paul clears throat] -Yes. Thank you, Lynette.
That's awful. What for?
Fraud, embezzlement…
Potatoes?
[Georgia clears throat]
Zion, uh, what is Simone doing for the holiday?
Simone? Honey, who is Simone? [chuckles]
She's a friend.
Zion has a new lady friend. Let's talk about her instead.
Is that the one you were telling me about at Blue Farm?
How's that going, by the…
-Uh, who wants to hear a joke? -I do.
Great. Uh, what do you call a child who does not believe in Santa?
A rebel without a Claus.
[all laugh]
[Paul laughing] Good one.
So, Zion…
[sighs]
…what does she do?
-She's a criminal defense lawyer. -[Rayna] And you're keeping her a secret?
-I'm not keeping her a secret. -Is she AKA?
[Zion] She's not a Divine Nine, Mom.
[Corbin] Where did she go to school?
[Zion] Howard and Harvard.
There is nothing more important for a woman than a good education.
Ginny, you must be applying to college soon.
-What grade are you? -I'm just a sophomore.
What about you, Austin?
Where are you planning on going to college?
Is that another joke?
Oh, I never joke.
[all chuckle]
You know, Ginny, Paul and I both went to Brown,
so, um, technically, you'll be a legacy there.
She also has an in at American. It's close to us.
American. Great school.
And she also has an in at Howard and at Spelman.
Georgia, what about you? Where'd you go to school?
Oh, Georgia never went to college.
Lynette, it is like you are writing my biography.
-[Lynette] Mm. -Look around.
It was hard, but I got 'em here.
I did it.
It didn't have to be that hard.
-[sighs] -[Lynette] We offered you everything.
We wanted to support you. You could have had a very good life.
Ginny could have had a very good life,
but instead of letting us help you,
you took my grandbaby and put her through God knows what.
[exhales]
[chair scraping on floor]
I'm just gonna grab some more wine.
Or my GED. I'll be back.
-[sighs] -[footsteps departing]
[chair scraping on floor]
[footsteps departing]
[Georgia breathing deeply]
[Ginny] Mom.
Not you, not right now.
Mom.
I need you not to talk to me,
or I'm gonna cry in front of all those people, okay?
[Georgia sighs]
Hey, Peach.
[breathes deeply]
She's right, and that's what kills me. [exhales]
I never should have run off. I mean, it didn't have to be as bad as it was.
-[Zion] It was a long time ago. -And now I've ruined Ginny.
-Come on, no. -She is so brilliant, Zion.
She has a gift. Her words are beautiful.
[sniffles] Cutting,
but beautiful.
This isn't how it's supposed to be.
I'll take it from here.
-There you go. -[sighs]
I don't wanna go back in there, and you can't make me,
even if you are mad at me.
-Georgia-- -I need some air.
[exhales]
[piano music plays]
[footsteps approaching]
♪ O star of wonder ♪
♪ Star of night ♪
♪ Star with royal beauty ♪
-♪ Bright ♪ -[chuckles]
Are you up here alone 'cause you're mad at Grandma?
I'm not mad at you, Gram.
I just wish you didn't hate Mom.
I don't hate her.
You hate her a little.
I am mad at her a little.
I spend a lot of time wondering about you,
how your life is going,
and I wanna make sure you know you have family you can talk to
about things your mom doesn't understand.
Okay?
Okay.
If you ever need anything, you just give us a call.
I have that new fancy iPhone.
-[chuckles] -Okay? I know how to text.
-Mm. Oh. -I can even JIF or GIF.
-Or just-- Wha-- -Debatable.
-[Ginny laughs] -Come here.
-Oh, I just love you. -[chuckles] I love you too.
-[door opens] -[footsteps approaching]
-Hi, friend. -[Joe] Wha-- What?
Why are you-- Ginny said you were hosting some big Christmas Eve dinner.
That's going super-duper well.
Okay. [chuckles]
-[Georgia] Yeah. -Okay.
[Georgia] I was driving by, I saw you in the window.
Why are you here on Christmas Eve all alone and sad?
I'm not sad.
You look sad.
What, do you hate your parents? Do all kids just hate their parents?
-I'm fond of mine. -[Georgia] Of course you are.
[Christmas song playing softly]
[inhales] When Ginny was young,
we'd watch Christmas movies, and I'd think,
"One day, I'm gonna have a Merry Christmas like that."
"A perfectly set table, no money trouble."
[chuckles]
I mean, that's a strategy that always works,
modeling happiness after million-dollar-budget movies.
You know, I really thought I could do it.
Live here, have the perfect wedding, perfect life, be happy.
[inhales]
You know, the enemy of happiness is wanting things.
[mellow music continues]
Why aren't you with family?
Uh, well, my parents live out in California,
so I'll spend New Year's out there with them and my sister.
I didn't know you had a sister.
I actually don't know much about you.
No, you don't.
I have an older sister, Sasha.
Actually, you remind me of her.
She's gorgeous and talented.
Eh, she's bossy.
You know what I like about you, Joe?
What do you like about me?
I never feel like you're judging me.
Well, then you are missing it, 'cause I'm judging you all the time.
♪ It doesn't snow In the place that I call home… ♪
Thank you. I needed this, Joe.
Have a merry Christmas.
♪ But if it's all the same ♪
♪ It's pretty likely it will rain… ♪
[clicks tongue, chuckles]
You know, I always had this dream I'd ride away from all my problems
on a beautiful white horse.
I always loved horses,
even as a little girl.
[ornament thuds on table]
-♪ So on this Christmas Eve… ♪ -[door opens]
-Yeah, I remember. -[doorbell closes]
[man on TV] Wanna know why the holidays scream and shout at me?
It's always the same. Moment after moment, it's all the same.
Then the stretch of unwavering, unbreaking stretch of time.
Other people are cheerful at Christmas, full of hope and hot chocolate.
-No. -[Paul clicks tongue]
Christmas is the time that harks my failures.
[Paul sighs]
Santa points a big spotlight on George Jones saying,
"Hey you, George Jones, you're not good enough."
[woman on TV] George, don't you love me?
[George on TV] Ah, Mary, of course I love you.
I love you so much it's bursting out of me.
[George continues indistinctly]
[sighs, chuckles]
I don't need Christmas.
I need you.
-[Christmas music plays] -[doorbell chimes]
We're closed.
[door closes]
["Hush (Still Woozy Remix)" by The Marías plays]
♪ Hush… ♪
Hi.
♪ Don't act so special ♪
♪ What I do ♪
♪ Is not for you ♪
♪ Forget about it ♪
♪ You made this mess ♪
♪ I'll knock at your door ♪
♪ Don't you ignore or forget about it ♪
♪ Every night ♪
♪ Got you running in circles, I know ♪
♪ Touchin' me ♪
♪ Get your paws off my Dolce cologne ♪
♪ Back it up ♪
♪ Off my throne 'Cause you know you wanna ♪
♪ Make me ♪
♪ Walk away and forget about it ♪
♪ Forget about it ♪ ♪ Hush ♪
-[Cynthia panting] -♪ Forget about it… ♪
[instrumental version of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" plays]
Whoa, a Battleship! I love being rich. Thanks, Paul.
[Ginny giggles]
[Ginny] Austin, did you paint this?
Marcus and I painted all your presents together.
[chuckles]
Thank you.
And this… [clears throat]
…is for you.
The Mount?
But how? It's been booked up for months.
Their next avail is two years from now.
I'm the mayor.
-Merry Christmas. [chuckles] -Thank you.
-[Austin] Guys, watch this. -[Paul clears throat]
["We Wish You a Merry Christmas" instrumental plays]
-[Paul] What? -[Ginny laughs]
-What? Where did-- -[Ginny] Wow.
Bravo.
[laughing] Good job, Austin.
Oh, and Battleship--
-[Ginny] What's that? -Oh, Battleship…
[music ends]
Gil.
Merry Christmas, G.
Shit.
Thank you so much. It's good to see you again, Gil.
You know, I have to admit I had no idea what to get a teenage girl.
Last time I saw you, all you wanted to do was watch Teen Titans.
Wow, Dad, I love it!
I am so glad, kid.
When'd you get out?
Come on, G--
Mom, it was a surprise.
When Daddy shows up in town, we tell Mommy.
Okay?
Don't be like that.
[Gil exhales]
Hey.
[Gil exhales]
I don't want it.
[sighs]
Thanks.
You want him to leave now?
Wait, look-- I'm sorry, I'm-- [exhales]
I didn't come here to crash your holiday.
I just-- I wanted to say hello to my son on Christmas.
Sometimes, it's better to apologize after than to ask for permission before.
I don't know. I think the permission thing has value.
[chuckles] Yeah.
[Georgia sighs]
Daddy, you sure you don't wanna come sledding?
No, kid, you go. I'm gonna say goodbye to your mom.
Give your old man a hug. [grunts]
Have fun.
-[Gil sighs] -[door opens]
[door closes]
-Georgia, I've changed. -[Georgia] Good.
You needed to.
Huh. [laughs]
[door closes]
[tense music plays]
[breathes deeply]
[inhales]
[sniffles]
-[phone ringing] -Come on, come on.
[panting] Come on.
[Zion] Georgia?
Ginny burns herself, Zion.
Our little girl, she takes a lighter and she burns herself.
[crying] I found her notebook. It's all in there.
[Zion sighs]
Well, we have to do something! We gotta help her.
[Zion] I know.
-I know. Uh-- -[Georgia] You know?
What do you mean you know?
She-- She's in therapy. She wants to get better.
You knew?
You knew about this?
Georg--
[breathes deeply]
[sighs] Show me.
What?
Show me.
-[Ginny] Mom? -You burn yourself?
-Mom. What are you doing? -Show me!
-Where? -Stop.
-Where do you do it? -Get off me.
-[Georgia] I wanna see. -Stop!
-Where? -Mom, get off of me!
[Ginny panting]
Fine! You wanna see?
[inhales]
How long have you been doing that?
-Mom, I don't want you to cry. -[crying] I don't understand.
Why? Why would you do that to yourself?
-Is it me? Is it because of me? -No, it's not that simple.
Is it Kenny?
It's heavy, I know that.
I tried to keep you from it. I tried to protect you.
I've only ever wanted to protect you.
-No, it started before that. -[Georgia exhales]
[whispers] My beautiful girl.
[crying] My special, miracle baby girl. Why?
Why would you do that?
[exhales]
[sobbing] I hate it.
-[sniffles] I wanna stop. -[Georgia] Oh.
[exhales]
[Ginny sobbing]
[Georgia breathes deeply]
[panting]
[sobbing]
-[Ginny sniffles] -[Georgia whispers] Come here.
[Georgia sighs]
I am so sorry that I missed this.
I'm just so sorry, Peach.
-For everything. -[sobs]
Give it to me, okay?
[Ginny sobbing]
You give all that pain to me.
I can handle it.
-[Ginny sobbing] -Come here.
[Georgia sighs]
-I'm here, okay? -[both crying]
I'm here.
-I'm here. -[Ginny sobbing]
[whispers] Come here.
-[sighs] -I'm sorry I… I ruined Christmas.
[Georgia laughs, sniffles]
Christmas was ruined way before this.
-This is us. -[both laugh]
["Silent Night" plays]
A very merry Ginny and Georgia Christmas special.
Right?
-[sobbing] -♪ Silent night ♪
-♪ Holy night ♪ -[exhales]
-♪ All is calm ♪ -[Ginny sniffles]
-♪ All is bright ♪ -[Georgia exhales]
-♪ Round yon Virgin ♪ -[sobbing]
♪ Mother and Child ♪
♪ Holy infant ♪
♪ So tender and mild ♪
♪ Sleep in heavenly ♪
♪ Peace ♪
♪ Sleep in ♪
♪ Heavenly peace ♪
["Silent Night" ends]
[upbeat music plays]
[instrumental upbeat music ends]