This Time Each Year

Oh, finally!

Yoo-hoo!

I'm so thrilled to see you finally moving in.

And just in time for Christmas.

We like to really do things up around here,

if you hadn't noticed.

Oh, I noticed all the houses on the street are spectacular,

but mine's just not ready yet.

Oh, such a shame.

I used to see you around here quite a bit.

You've worked so hard on this house.

Maybe it'll be ready next year.

I hope so.

Good luck.

Looking good kid.

Thanks, Ron.

How'd Stacy do in her game last night?

Oh. They won.

That's exciting.

There's nothing like watching your kid win a game,

am I right?

Nothing like it.

Uh, Kevin, can I have a quick word with you?

Sure, man. What's up?

You're still on the wagon, right?

Yeah, yeah. Best decision I ever made.

I've got so much more energy now.

I'm fully present with Charlie.

I think there might even be abs in my future.

I'm proud of you. Real proud of you.

Thanks.

And look, you... you helped me make this bar

into something special.

Listen, Ron, we've already talked about this man.

You don't have to say anything.

No, you don't understand what I'm trying to tell you.

I think it's time that I let you go.

What are you talking about?

Christmas, New Year's, lots of holiday parties.

It can be real hard on folk this time of the year.

Ron... I messed up, so I made a commitment,

and I'm going to stick to it. I'm not worried.

Yeah, I'm sorry, kid,

but I couldn't bear the guilt if you got off track.

And really, you shouldn't be working at a bar.

How am I supposed to tell my wife

that I got let go of my job?

It's the holidays, Ron.

Serving drinks aren't serving you anymore.

It's time to find out what you're meant to do.

And this bar, it ain't it.

Well, Charlie, what about the other one?

The outfit in the white bag?

Um... No, thank you. I like my Santa suit.

I know you do. I like it, too.

But you've been wearing it for two weeks in a row now.

Don't you think

you're gonna get tired of it before Christmas?

Who could get sick of Christmas?

Well, that's a good point.

Dad says in December it's Christmas music or no music?

He does does he?

Oh, Lauren. Turn it down a little.

You're acting like a teenager.

Charlie, my boy.

Wow. Your dad is already putting up

his Christmas lights.

We can't help it. We're McCaul's.

Yeah, we're a McCaul's.

Here, Charlie, why don't you take your overnight bag inside,

and then you can come back and say goodbye?

You want to come in and say hi?

Um, no, I don't think I should.

Well, my mom's asked you if you're coming

every day this week.

I'm just glad we only have your mom to worry about.

You still haven't told your mom?

I just figured I had time, you know?

She's not coming for Christmas or anything.

Right.

It's getting cold enough for snow out here, huh?

Are you going for the 'Baby It's Cold Outside' routine?

No. What? No, no, no, no, no.

I was just, uh, just gonna offer

to put snow tires on the car.

Oh, well, I did call Doug and Bob, and, um,

they don't have any appointments available

until the weekend.

I can do it. I'd like to do it.

Snow's gonna be here by Saturday.

Okay.

Oh. Um... I forgot.

I bought these

for Charlie to give his grandma.

I knew it would go perfect with the McCaul decorations.

You're always looking out for us.

Thanks, Lauren.

Yup.

Kev-bo!

Oh, you shouldn't have.

You know, it's really nice of you and your roommates

to host us tonight.

Easy, Bart. I'm still their favorite son.

I can cancel your invite.

Lauren's here.

Oh!

Hi, Bart.

I didn't know you were coming.

Yeah, well, I'm just here to drop off.

Look at us. The band is all back together again.

Well, uh, no one's back together.

Tell me you are staying.

Well, I, um...

Is that Lauren? Is she staying?

Mom. You're staying?

Uh, Charlie--

Wait a second. Who is that?

That is not Charlie.

Uh-nah, that is Santa Claus.

Hey, buddy.

Oh, Joe.

So good to see you.

It's so nice to see you, too.

Mom, can you please stay?

Yeah.

Yes. Of course.

Yeah. There we go.

Okay, that's enough for Uncle Bart.

Hey, Ma!

We got the icing sugar and the eggs.

Patricia!

I'm in the kitchen.

Go say hi to your grandma.

Come on, buddy.

Listen, I just, um, I just need a minute, okay?

Yeah, I know we're a lot.

She's still in love with you?

I can totally see it.

You guys back in couples' counseling yet?

What? No.

It's not fair to keep asking her

to fix something that I broke.

We're separated,

so we're trying to do what's separated people do.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Which is what?

Maybe start dating other people.

Dude, not a chance.

Kev, you are the guy that everyone wants

to take the last shot at the buzzer.

Yeah, well, shot clock's running out.

Ron, let me go from the bar today.

What?

He said it's time for me to go after what I really want.

He's not wrong.

Don't tell mom.

I won't.

No, he's not wrong.

But what I really want is my family back,

and I don't know how telling Lauren I lost my job.

It's going to--

We see you, mom.

Well, I've barely seen you all day.

I've been so busy with all of this baking.