Home for Christmas Day

2,800 square-feet. Four bedrooms.

Two and a half baths.

Quiet street, great schools, close to shopping...

Betsy! You told Jackson that you'd be to work

early this morning.

I've got time.

Mm-hmm.

Well, what do you think?

Looking good.

You didn't even look!

Mom, you have done, like, a million open houses,

and you always look great.

Since when do you sweat this stuff?

Since you are going off to college in the fall,

and I decided I don't want you graduating

from veterinary school with a mountain of debt.

Well, in that case...

you look amazing.

Oh, you're so kind.

Good luck.

What about breakfast?

I'll just grab something at the diner.

That's not healthy!

I'm gonna tell Jackson you said that!

Ha.

I hate this car.

I just put in a new battery, too!

Well, now I really will be late for work.

Well, I have to stop by the diner anyway.

-Come on. -Okay.

Mom, it's almost Christmas,

and we are the only house without our tree up.

I know, I know. We're gonna get to it.

Let's fix the car first, then get to decorating.

I'll take a look at your car later,

see what's going on.

Or we could take it to a mechanic?

Do you have any idea how much those people charge?

Just to lift the hood!

Well, I mean, I've saved my tips,

I can pay for it.

No, that money's for school.

You're gonna need it to buy books and supplies...

Believe me, it adds up.

No, we've talked about this, honey.

It's all about planning ahead, staying focused.

Stop worrying!

Not everything has to be about me going to college.

It's kind of a big deal!

True. However, so is having a car

that starts when I need it.

I'm not sure I'd put those two

in the same category.

-Mom! -But, point taken.

I will take care of it,

one way or the other. Okay?

Okay.

Okay.

Oh-ho!

Anybody know where I can find a good waitress around here?

Sorry, Jackson, I'mma grab my apron.

Let me guess. Car wouldn't start again?

I should probably push that thing over a cliff.

Good idea.

You look very nice.

It's probably not a good morning

to try to work your charms.

I guess you're just here for the muffins, then.

Mm-hmm. Are they ready?

No, I'm a little bit behind,

but I can bring them over to you when they're done.

Ah, you're busy.

No, no. First rule of the Realtor's Handbook--

nothing like that fresh-baked smell

to make a house feel like a home.

Well... in that case.

Here's the address.

That was easy.

Thank you.

Make sure you tell everybody where you got 'em.

Thanks.

Good luck.

What do you think?

Looks great.

Christmas isn't for a few more weeks.

Yeah, but, this way,

everyone can get in the holiday spirit early.

Though it's still missing something.

Yeah, the diner was so busy.

Jackson's gonna bring some muffins by later.

Ah, and I'm sure it's no bother for him to drop everything

and drive halfway across town

to your open house.

He's doing me a favor.

Jackson's a good guy and a good friend.

Mm, and not exactly hard on the eyes either.

Not to mention he can hold up his end of a conversation.

Meg! I have a house to sell.

I'm going.

I'm going.

Just let me remind you, my dear--

the good guys, who are actually good guys,

they are few and far between.

And let me remind you.

I am perfectly fine with my life just the way it is.

There's nothing wrong with fine, but it's not the same as happy.

Bye!

Bye.

Did I tell you?

I finally finished my college applications.

And when are you supposed to hear back?

Not for a while.

A couple of the schools are in-state.

I should be fine getting in those.

Yeah? And the other ones?

Well, they both have

these really great veterinary programs.

Like... the best in the country.

Where are they?

California and Montana.

Wow. That's a long way from home.

Your mom's not gonna be happy about that.

I know.

Mom wants me to stay in state,

but I'm 18 now.

She needs to stop worrying about me all the time.

This is a big step for her, too.

Right?

Speaking of your mom...

think you could hold down the fort

while I go and deliver these delicious muffins to her?

Sure thing.

All right.

You know, I still remember the first time

your mom took you down to help Adelaide at the shelter.

That look on your face...

you were walking on air.

I was 12 years old.

Yes, I know that, but your eyes still light up the same

every time you go down there.

Anybody can see how much helping those animals

means to you.

It's what I want to do.

And you will.

Because when you find something that you love that much,

you don't let anything stand in your way.

Not even a protective mother.

Right. Thanks, Jackson.

Yeah, don't burn the place down.

No promises.

The owners put on

a new composite roof about eight years ago.

It came with a 20-year guarantee.

How flexible are they on the price?

Well, um...

it just came on the market,

but, um, I'm sure they'd be willing to talk.

Why don't we, uh, go into the kitchen?

Seriously, I feel like

this town is actually getting smaller,

right before my very eyes.

You're gonna miss it here and you know it.

Gina, please.

My best friend is getting all nostalgic,

and we haven't even left yet!

You can just sit anywhere.

Earth to Betsy?

Hey, we're going skating tonight.

You coming?

Yeah. Yeah, sure. Great.

Hi.

Hi.

Hi.

Um... would you like something to drink?

Water's fine.

Thanks.

All right. Um...

I will give you a minute.

Um, these guys on the base were saying that

you've got really good burgers here.

Oh, yeah. They're great.

So... a burger with fries?

Please.

You got it.

I will go put your order up.

Um... cheese.

I mean, do you want cheese on your burger?

Do I?

Yeah. Come on!

Of course!

Menu.

They're "just looking."

I don't know.

You got this whole Christmas vibe

going on in here.

What?

Later on, when he's remembering those warm, holiday feelings,

he may want to relive those memories

for years to come, by buying this house.

Really?