Christmas She Wrote

It's perfect. I love it. Thank you.

The dress is gorgeous, Kayleigh,

but you realize we're going to the office

Christmas party tonight, right, not the Met Gala.

Uh, you've known me since the ninth grade, Stephen.

When have I not gone big for the holidays?

Never.

Oh, speaking of that. I confirmed our reservations

for Aspen this morning.

- Best Christmas ever! - Best Christmas ever!

Ooh. I gotta get back to the office.

Malcolm wants to see my latest movie review

Christmas Once Again.

Oh, I cannot wait to read that.

I have to finish my column, too, before the party.

- What's it about? - How my readers can tastefully

color-coordinate with their partners

- this Christmas. - Ah, now we just need to find you a partner.

And what about you?

My best friend's all I need right now.

Uh-huh. Love you, Stephen.

Love you, too.

Kayleigh King! You're Kayleigh King.

I read your column every day.

Oh, thank you. That's so nice to hear.

Today's column, all about how to celebrate Christmas

and Hanukkah, came at the perfect time.

My new in-laws are coming to town tonight.

I am so nervous.

Oh, don't be. You've got this.

Are you planning a joint celebration?

I am now. I've got the house all decorated,

I got my recipes chosen, but, most importantly,

you put me in the right frame of mind

to handle my mother-in-law, to just be me.

And if she doesn't like that, well

She will.

Merry Christmas. And, uh, Mazel Tov.

Thank you, Kayleigh. You are just how I imagined.

Hmm.

Christmas cheer is in the air.

Indeed, it is.

- I'll get the drinks. - I'll get the food.

Hmm.

Oh! Uh... um, excuse me?

- Yeah? - Uh, you're on my dress.

What? Oh!

I am so sorry. I, uh, I didn't realize.

- Oh. - Oh.

- No. - Oh...

Oh... Um, it's fine, it's not a big deal.

No. No, no. Can I pay to get that fixed?

- Can I buy you a new dress? - No. No. It's not that noticeable.

Are you sure? I, um-- j...

Well, again, I-- I'm so sorry, and, uh...

it was nice meeting you.

You too.

Okay. Yeah.

Kayleigh, what happened to your dress?

Oh, um, that that guy ripped it.

Who's that guy? - I have no idea.

Oh, I hate to tell ya, but your dress...

- I know. - Was torn by a mysterious stranger.

Oh?

I'm gonna go get a Santa selfie. Ho, ho, ho.

So, your grand kids must be excited for Christmas?

- They are. - Yeah.

And I can't wait to spend time with them.

A lot of time.

Is something going on?

I wanted to tell you personally.

I'm about to announce my retirement as editor.

No. You said

they'd have to carry you out of the newsroom.

Actually, it wasn't by choice.

- No. - Mm.

What are you gonna do?

Gonna enjoy my severance.

Gonna see the world.

You always look on the bright side.

Ah.

Thank you for believing in me, Malcolm.

Who would've thought that a therapist with a broken heart

could've led to a whole new career,

To be their best self.

Kayleigh-- Ah, by the way,

- Merry Christmas, Malcolm. - Merry Christmas.

Uh, can I steal you away?

There's a really cute guy over there.

- Can you be my wingman? - Sure.

- See you in a bit. - Okay.

And, with that, I'd like to thank you all

for being the best team in the newspaper business.

And, remember, I-- I'm just a phone call away.

It's sad to see someone - give up what they love. But if you do that,

please, try not to make it before 10,

'cause I'm finally gonna get to sleep in.

I heard he was a great boss.

I'm sorry. Do-- do you work for the paper?

All right, everybody, grab a glass for a holiday toast.

What did you say your name was?

Merry Christmas, everybody.

Merry Christmas!

Did you see that?

- What's going on? - Pink slips.

When all we should be seeing right now is red and green.

Kayleigh.

Gena.

Hey, um, the new boss would like to talk to you.

You wanted to see me?

You?

Miss King.

Nice to see you... again.

Tripp Windham. New Editor-in-chief.

You could've said something last night.

Well, it didn't feel like the right time.

Please, have a seat.

Congratulations on the new job.

Thank you. As I'm sure you're aware,

it's a challenging time for the newspaper business,

and I have been tasked with making a number of layoffs.

I noticed. But... ...right before Christmas?

You know, these people here, they have kids, mortgages.

I know, and it's the last thing

that I want to do, but the bottom line is,

corporate says, I have to cut the fat.

Oh.

I see.

You're about to tell me that I'm the fat?

Yes.

Wow.

I mean, sor-- Not you, personally.

I'm talking about your salary.

I've built a very loyal fan base.

I've earned every penny.

And as you know, columns, features...

they're always the first to go.

So just say it then.

I am retiring "Your Best Self."

Have you even read it?

It's all about living your best life.

You're not even listening.

And I am sure that you are very good at,

you know, what it is that you do,

but my hands are tied here.

So you're really not gonna read it,

you're just gonna let me go?

I'm afraid so. Yes.

You know, I-- I'd like to at least

write a goodbye column.

I owe it to my readers.

Of course.

Merry Christmas.

I'm out.

Mr. "Corporate Christmas" in there let me go.

- No. - Five years...

- just like that. I'm so sorry.

Well, I'm sure I'm next.

Oh, I hope not.

No, entertainment's important. Not that he'd know that.

I'm sorry, but I'm gonna have to bail

on Aspen. I--

I'm just not really in a vacation kind of mood.

No. Don't say another word. It's totally okay.

Maybe you should still go?

You might meet someone on the slopes.

No. Without you? Not a chance.

Thanks.

What are you gonna do for the holidays now?

Curl up in a ball and eat Christmas cookies

- until I burst? - Oh, sweetheart.

Do you want me to come over? We can wallow together?

Aw, you always know how to make me feel better.

But, tonight,

I need to write my goodbye column.

"It pains me to write this." No.

"I'm saying goodbye."

"To my dear readers...

I started this journey with you five years ago.

I took a chance and moved to New York

to make a difference in your lives

when my own life was a mess.

I hope my advice and guidance has helped you

on your journey of finding your best self,

because the most important relationship

you'll ever have is with yourself."

Hello?

Hi! It's good to hear your voice!

It's good to hear your voice, too.

- How's Charlotte? Oh, she's good!

Good. Um, listen. Change of plans.

I think I'm gonna come home for Christmas this year.

Really? Really, really? Like, you're really really-

You're coming home? Oh, my gosh, I'm so excited!

- I'm excited, too. Charlotte! Aunt Kayleigh's coming home!

Oh, come on! - Okay, so when do you get here? - Yes--

When do you land? - Uh, tomorrow?

Aunt Kayleigh!

Charlotte.

Mm! Look at you!