Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story (2025)
Genre: Holiday romance, Drama, Family, Romance
Director: Dustin Rikert
Screenplay: Vanessa Marano, Danielle Morrow
Release dates: November 22, 2025 (Hallmark Channel)
Stars: Holland Roden (Morgan), Matthew Daddario (Gabe), Joe Pantoliano (Tommy), Tracy Pollan (Joanne), Caroline Aaron (Ricki), Steve Schirripa (Frank), Patti Murin (Cathy)
Plot: The movie centers around the Quinns and DeLucas who have lived next door to each other for decades in the shadow of Highmark Stadium – the home of their beloved Buffalo Bills. With their longtime friendship rooted in being proud members of Bills Mafia, the two clans have enjoyed cherished traditions that revolve around cheering for their favorite team – especially at the holidays when they celebrate the last home game before Christmas. Pediatric doctor Morgan Quinn (Roden) and the Bills’ VP of Stadium Development Gabe DeLuca (Daddario) have always been close friends, but Gabe has always held a torch for her -a fact obvious to their families (Pollan, Aaron, Schirripa, Murin)…and everyone else who crosses their path. When Morgan learns from her Uncle Tommy (Danza) that someone anonymously helped her family get by after he was drafted more than 60 years ago – and that he continues to receive a Christmas gift each year to this day – she decides to find his benefactor and give her uncle a Christmas he’ll always remember. Aided by Bills Mafia friends of theirs, Morgan and Gabe work together to unwrap the gifter’s identity. Along the way, Gabe’s love for Morgan deepens and in turn, she begins to see him in a new light though neither is daring enough to admit their feelings. Meanwhile, Morgan’s hopes of pulling off her surprise for Uncle Tommy get sacked. That is, until Gabe takes matters into his own hands and uses his connections with the Bills to pull off the surprise of a lifetime for Morgan and both their families that will make this a Christmas they’ll never forget.
Movie watchers will get plenty of appearances from Buffalo Bills players and coaches, including head coach Sean McDermott, RB Ray Davis, Safety Damar Hamlin, OT Dion Dawkins, TE Dawson Knox, LS Reid Ferguson, DT DeWayne Carter and WR Joshua Palmer.
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Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story (2025) | Transcript
Welcome back to Hard Rock Stadium here in Miami Gardens, Florida, for Sunday Night Football between the Bills and Dolphins. First division matchup of the season against the team they have had their way with. The Bills have taken 13 of the last 15…
You should have seen the amount of Christmas trees they have decorated inside this house.
I couldn’t believe it.
So I’m walking home from this holiday party, and all of a sudden, my feet start feeling weird.
Mm.
Like, “these aren’t my shoes” weird.
And guess what?
Oh, uh, they, mm, weren’t your shoes.
Yeah, they weren’t my shoes!
I mean, it was quite the conundrum.
Oh.
But one might even say it was a full conundrum.
You might be thinking, how’d you leave a holiday party with someone else’s shoes?
No.
That’s what I said when I saw the guy who took my shoes.
He was not very apologetic.
Oh come on.
I thought the same thing!
No!
Yes, it’s true!
Ugh!
Yes!
Uh, Morgan.
Oh!
Huh?
Hi.
Are you listening?
No. I’m sorry.
I got distracted.
I… the game’s on.
I’m a big Bills fan.
Ah.
Yeah.
I’m more of a soccer guy than a football guy.
Yeah, I figured since this is the only night you want to meet up.
Yes!
Go, go, go, go!
That’s what I’m talking about!
Bills, Mafia, baby!
Everybody eats!
Yeah!
That’s how we’re going to Buffalo!
Woo, woo!
Yeah!
Yeah!
Oh, that was amazing!
Like I said, I’m a big Bills fan.
Morgan, I, uh…
I gotta be honest.
I don’t think there’s much of a connection here.
Really?
Yeah.
Merry Christmas.
Oh.
Merry Christmas.
Wherever you met that guy, go there less.
It’s on the house.
Merry Christmas.
Go, Bills.
Go, Bills.
Go, Bills!
Hello, Buffalo. Steve Tasker here along with Chris Brown. Looks like it’s gonna be another beautiful week here in the Queen City. It’s a balmy 8 degrees out there. Too cold for them, just right for us. How about that win this weekend? Incredible. The Bills were taking no prisoners. Fortunately, their inspiring come-from-behind victory gives indication that they are back on track. A win like that really puts me in the holiday spirit. Just in time, too. We’re officially three weeks away from Christmas. And three weeks away from the last holiday game at Highmark. Yes, indeed. Next year, Santa is bringing the Bills a shiny new stadium. This thing looks beautiful going up. Do you think Santa’s a “Billliever,” Chris? Oh, I have no doubt. These next three weeks are gonna fly by, so make sure you don’t leave your Christmas shopping till the last minute. Couldn’t agree more, Steve. Let’s get you into the holiday spirit with this oldie but goodie. Hello?
Wow.
Didn’t think we’d be seeing you today.
The hospital gave me the next two days off, so I thought I’d stop by and help with decorating festivities..
Ooh, peanut sticks.
Ah-ah-ah.
None for you.
Ah, cholesterol, remember?
Morning.
Mm.
Morgan!
What a pleasant surprise.
Hey, Uncle Tommy.
Ooh, peanut sticks.
See?
Now, that’s just plain cruel.
Frank, your wife will kill me if I let you have one of these.
Speaking of which, where’s Ricki?
She’s over at our place getting the inflatable snowmen.
And have you seen this weather report?
It’s gonna be 9 degrees at 7:00 and 7 degrees at 9:00.
That’s the way we like it.
Morning!
Morgan, what are you doing here?
Hello to you, too, Mom.
She’s got the day off.
Oh.
Do you have the day off?
Because you’re supposed to be helping us decorate.
Can’t a man have his coffee in peace?
Yes, you can, when you’re at your house.
And when you’re at my house, we are decorating.
Oh, here she is now, the mouth that roared.
All right, I got it!
I got him!
I found him!
I’ve got our snowman.
Perfect!
So should we set him up closer to my side of the yard or closer to your side of the yard?
Well, last year, it was on our side, so I think we should put him on your side.
Good.
I don’t understand why it has to be a different display every year.
Ignore my brother.
He has no idea about the intricacies that go into the planning of the holiday tailgate.
Oh, but come on, Tommy.
You know the neighborhood has come to expect a certain standard from our joint front yard light display.
Ho, ho, ho.
Peanut sticks.
Ah.
So help me, Frank. If you have one of those…
I didn’t have anything.
OK.
Oh, there you are.
Do you have the wings?
Yes, I have the wings.
Oh.
Oh.
So your sister knows you’re coming over, but you can’t be bothered to let your mother know?
Or let your mom’s nextdoor neighbor know.
I wrote it in the group chat.
Oh, nobody reads that, except me.
These things need heat.
Where’s the hot sauce?
I just wanna point out that there’s really no scientific evidence linking hot sauce to inducing labor.
Jenny Rotolo ate wings every day for a month.
She had her baby on the exact day she wanted.
Oh, well, Jenny Rotolo did it.
Well, I don’t have a lot of options, Morgan!
She’s worried she’s gonna miss the holiday family photo.
Yes, babe, I’m very worried.
It’s the Bills’ last home game before Christmas, and we have a tradition.
I know, of taking a photo with the DeLucas inside the stadium.
I know!
Yes…
Oh, oh.
But next year, there’s going to be a new Highmark Stadium.
So this is our very last chance to take our family photo in the old stadium on game day.
Yeah.
It’s the end of an era.
Yeah, we’ve been taking that picture with each other for, what, like, 20 years?
More like 30.
It was the Christmas after your dad died… going to the game and taking the photo.
Oh, Mom.
No, I know.
Oh.
It felt like the first time in a really long time that, you know, we were having fun.
Exactly.
So I am not missing that game.
And I’m not missing that photo.
And I am not missing the holiday tailgate party, OK?
Now, where is my hot sauce?
Yep.
Do you hear me?
We’re on the clock. Let’s go!
Hello?
Hey, Gabe!
Oh. Everyone’s in the kitchen.
Hey! Glad you get get the day off.
See? Someone reads the group chat.
Gabe doesn’t count.
He’s too responsible to silence messages.
Hey Cathy.
Hey, Gabe, favorite son, do me a favor… help your mom inflate that giant snowman, please?
That was a nice try, but he is gonna go get the tree.
And you are on snowman duty. So…
Oh, come on.
Up, up, up, up, up.
I’ll help you, Frank.
Gabe, you have all my requirements…
Mm.
For the perfect front yard tree, right?
Oh, yes.
The file was so large, it crashed my computer.
OK.
Remember, we want it really full.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Not too full, because then it’s harder to decorate.
Well, a little bit on the leaner side?
No, no, no, not lean, because then it’s bare.
And that’ll make people very sad.
Oh, the most important thing is that it’s tall.
Yeah, but not too tall.
Tall, happy tree.
No, no, no, no.
We don’t want it too tall because we’ve got
to be able to reach the top.
No.
Guys, guys, Gabe’s got this.
Woohoo.
Gabe’s got this.
Thank you.
Any interest in joining me?
Or do you wanna stay here and do this?
So, what do you think?
Kids, if I use this Buffalo Bill Bubble Gum as a stocking stuffer, you know, for… for the tailgate party…
Wait, are those from the packs that Mom gave you?
Uh, yeah.
Oh, come on.
In the ’80s?
Oh, Uncle Tommy, no.
Listen, this… bubble gum…
It’s gone bad.
No, bubble gum…
No, no.
Is chemicals.
So it doesn’t expire.
It’s just chemical chewing gum. And…
No, no, no, no. We’re not… OK.
No, just throw them away.
No.
We’re not doing that.
We don’t want…
Bye, Mom. Love you.
I’m chewing it.
I tested it.
We’re fine.
They’re so cute.
Let’s see him. Here we go.
Hi.
Yeah.
Oh, can I please have a baby reindeer for Christmas?
Come here.
No I’m serious.
Oh, I’m so sorry.
These reindeer have to stay at the North Pole.
Ho, ho, ho, ho.
Candy cane?
Oh.
Thank you, Santa.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
It’s good seeing you.
Mmhmm.
OK.
Time to go home.
Is it me, or does your mom’s list of Christmas tree requirements get longer every year?
Tell me about it.
I think it all started when my dad went rogue that one year and bought a fake tree.
I remember that.
I don’t think I’ve seen our moms more united than when they scolded a grown man over fake foliage.
You know, you were missed last Sunday.
It’s just not really the same watching a Bills game without you.
But Tommy told me that you, uh, had a date?
Don’t remind me.
That good, huh?
There were so many red flags.
He doesn’t like the cold.
He chooses a game night for a date.
And he described the botanical gardens as “paying to see plants.”
So bad date is not really a flower guy, huh?
Not a flower guy.
Not a flower guy.
Not and outdoors guy, not a sports guy.
Jeez, everything you love.
You know, honestly, it was more than that.
It’s like the conversation just wasn’t there, you know?
Yeah.
I would have much rather been watching with you guys last weekend.
And instead, I’m in this excruciating hour with someone who clearly doesn’t like that I’m loud or that I jump on chairs when my team scores!
The pick 6 in the third quarter.
You know it.
Oh, man, that was heaven.
You get it!
I do.
Yeah, I do. I, uh…
Hi.
Yeah, I really do.
That’s a lot of messages.
Yeah.
I’ll give you one guess who it is.
Stop.
“Sweetie, ignore Joanne.
We want full.
Actually, scratch that.
She’s right.
Lean might be better.
And please, nothing sad.”
Of course.
“Also, make sure the bristles aren’t too bristly,” Mom?
Not too bristly… they’re trees. They’re bristly.
Put your phone down.
What does that even mean?
Close your eyes.
Why?
Because all these trees are great.
You just got to get out of your head and make a decision from your heart.
Closing my eyes is gonna help me with that how?
Trust me.
Close.
Point your arm out.
Spin around.
Seriously?
Seriously.
All right, all right.
OK.
When you’re right, you’re right.
Uh…
There it is.
It’s the perfect tree, right there.
Yeah.
Told you.
Gabe.
Morgan.
Hey.
Oh, hey.
How are you doing?
I’m surprised the workaholic isn’t working the weekends.
Well, Morgan took the day off.
Not her, you.
Tricia’s right, Mr. VP of Stadium Development.
Mm.
We barely see you these days.
I still cannot believe you’re in charge of building the new stadium.
Well, I’m working with an incredible team.
Do not sell yourself short, Gabe.
It’s a very big deal.
Don’t tell me.
Mm, yeah.
Why hasn’t my son answered my two texts?
I’ll handle this.
Sorry. Hey, Ricki.
You gotta make sure that it’s really full.
You want me to describe the scents of the trees?
Ricki: No, no, it’s no problem.
Uh-huh.
So with this new promotion, how soon can you get me in the room with Josh Allen?
Yeah, that’s not gonna happen.
Yeah, but you could.
I’m not gonna ask for favors at work.
I like to keep my head down, just do my job.
A.k.a.
You don’t put yourself out there.
You play it safe.
Classic anxious avoidant mentality.
You listen to one podcast, and suddenly you’re Sigmund Freud.
Who?
Anyway, this fear-based mindset?
Probably why you never told Morgan how you feel.
What do you mean?
That’s… I don’t… I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Come on.
Everyone knows you’re, like, straight up in love with Morgan.
Dude, that’s not even… what?
That’s…
What do you mean, everyone?
Duh!
Yes.
You know how the Bills almost always almost win?
Yeah.
Yeah, well, we spend our lives watching you almost always almost tell Morgan how you feel.
Does she know?
Oh, not at all.
She’s more of a dismissive avoidant.
Hey, I know things.
Would it be so bad if she did know?
I mean, why haven’t you just told her?
Well, it’s because he’s scared.
I’m not scared.
I… I just… it was never the right time.
And we weren’t single at the same time.
And then she moved away for med school and then residency.
And I was always focused on my career.
And now you’re both settled into your careers.
You guys are both single. The timing’s perfect.
You just gotta put yourself out there, buddy.
Mmhmm.
Yeah, sh…
You’re right. You’re right.
That’s why we went with the Virginia pine.
Oh, that’s not a Virginia pine…
Shh! Mmmmmm.
No, no, no, we’re gonna see you later.
Uh-huh, bye-bye.
Your mom has successfully been calmed down.
What are we talking about?
Seasonal allergies…
Mm.
And how there’s been an uptick.
It’s very serious.
Achoo!
You see?
‘Tis the season.
Sorry.
Are you OK?
Quiet on the drive.
Oh.
Yeah, yeah, no.
I was just quiet because I, uh…
Because?
I was thinking about Christmas and how much I love Christmas.
Yeah.
Oh?
OK, then.
Yeah.
OK. It’s a great holiday.
Hmm.
You know what?
Uh, Morgan, before you go in, I just… there’s something that I have to…
Oh, that’s a nice tree.
You two make a good team.
Oh. Thanks, Dad.
Hey, where is everybody?
I thought they’d all be outside decorating.
Well, the box Ricki found was actually inflatable leprechauns for St. Patty’s Day.
So two hours of combing through the attic later, I think this is the correct one.
I was just walking over to let everyone know I also found this.
It’s addressed to Tommy.
That’s weird.
What?
It doesn’t say who it’s from.
Well, I’m not a mailman.
Bye, dad.
Oh.
Look at that.
Aw.
Another gift for the collection.
The collection?
Wait.
These were gifts?
I just assumed you bought them.
No.
Every year, like clockwork, someone sends me an ornament.
Well, who’s sending them?
Santa Claus.
Uncle Tommy.
Yeah.
Come on.
Well, honestly, I have no idea.
You don’t know?
How long has this been going on?
About 54, 55 years.
Wait.
Someone’s been sending you a Christmas present for 55 years, and you… you have no clue who it is?
It didn’t start as Christmas presents.
It started as, um, help.
What do you mean?
My mom…
Morgan’s grandma, was a single mom raising five kids.
I was the oldest out of school.
And with my salary, we were making ends meet.
But then I got drafted.
And the army made a trade.
So my mother had to manage on a buck private salary.
That couldn’t have been easy.
It wasn’t.
And the whole time I was in Nam, your grandmother never mentioned it in any of her letters.
I never knew.
She didn’t want me to worry.
And then when she was about to lose everything, groceries started showing up, cash money left in the mailbox.
Grandma had no idea who it was from.
And this went on for years every Christmas morning, gifts for the kids until I got back from Nam.
And even after, I’m making money.
We’re back on our feet.
Every year like clockwork, the Christmas gifts kept on coming.
I didn’t know any of this.
Well, your mother was so young.
I doubt she remembers.
And the truth is grandma was ashamed.
After she told me, she said she didn’t want to ever talk about it again, struggles accepting charity.
So out of respect, I kept it to myself.
But still, I wanted to find that mystery sender.
Yeah, to thank them.
But you never did.
Years of looking.
I had to give up and make peace with never knowing.
I mean, I surrendered and accepted that there really was a Santa Claus.
And they sent a present every year.
Every year.
Wow.
Well, better get outside and help decorate.
See you, Tommy.
Do you think he still wants to know?
Hmm.
Yeah, I do.
It just kills me.
He put his life on hold to help my mom after my dad died.
I mean, he let us all live here.
He basically raised me and Cathy.
I mean, the man has never done anything for himself.
Why don’t we do something for him?
What do you mean?
Let’s find the mystery sender.
Seriously?
Yeah.
I mean, he clearly still wants to know, right?
And he’s not going to ask anybody for help.
So why don’t we surprise him?
We’ll give him a Christmas he never forgets.
Exactly.
Yes.
OK.
Oh.
But let’s not tell anyone.
I mean, you know, just in case we can’t find out who the mystery sender is.
We’re going to find out who it is.
But with today’s technology, nobody can cover their tracks.
This is gonna be a piece of cake.
Yeah, we can’t track this.
What?
But today’s technology.
Well, it’s postmarked in Buffalo, but there’s no way to figure out where it came from originally without a return address.
Sorry, kids.
Looks like whoever sent this doesn’t want to be found.
Could you two look pensive somewhere else?
I got a line of 50 people and a plastic Santa to package.
Can’t believe the post office is a total bust.
I mean, we just started, and we’ve already hit a dead end.
One Josh Gingerbread Latt-Allen for Morgan.
Thank you. It’s weird, right?
I can’t wrap my head around someone doing something so personable and generous and not wanting to be found out.
I don’t know.
It can be hard for people to put themselves out there.
One Sugar Cookie Gilchrist Cappuccino for Gabe.
Thank you.
What’s so hard about being honest?
I would assume that based on no personal experience of my own, it’s vulnerable, risky, even.
There’s a certain safety in playing something close to the vest.
One chocolate milkshake, one strawberry milkshake, and one vanilla milkshake.
I didn’t know they served milkshakes.
They don’t.
They let us order off the menu.
That’s Scott Norwood, Thurman Thomas, and Andre Reed.
Just act cool, OK? I’m acting cool.
I’m acting cool.
Act cool.
We can hear you.
Of course.
We’re in very close proximity to each other, close to legends.
Once a Buffalo Bill, forever a legend.
Am I rambling a little bit?
Just a little bit.
OK.
You all are just amazing.
I mean, the way you played the game, it’s amazing.
Your legacies are just…
Amazing?
I need to expand my vocabulary.
Not at all.
It’s much appreciated.
Oh.
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you.
That was insane.
Yeah.
I don’t know how you keep your cool at work when you get to meet these players in person.
It’s definitely surreal.
I mean, getting to be part of building the new stadium, I’m pinching myself at least once a week.
Sorry.
Speaking of work…
I thought you had a day off.
Is there an emergency?
No, no, no.
One of my patient’s having her blood drawn.
She’s a little nervous.
Scared of needles.
Yeah, I may have to go in.
Is that something a doctor usually goes in for?
No, but, you know, these kids are more than patients to me.
Going in on my day off to distract her makes her life easier.
It’s a no-brainer.
You’re amazing at doctoring, at being a doctor.
You… you’re an amazing doctor.
Amazing doctor?
At least you’re the one saying it now.
Yeah.
Yeah, I can drive you over there since we’re already out.
You sure?
Yeah.
It won’t hold your day up?
No, it’s not holding me up.
Thanks, Gabe.
No problem.
Now, see, the amazing hospital.
He is so into her.
Yeah, no doubt, for sure.
It’s very obvious.
This should only take a couple of minutes, but you can just wait in my office.
Yeah.
Hey.
Thanks so much for coming on your day off.
Oh, Gabe, this is Alice, our resident rock star nurse.
Nice to meet you.
Alice, this is my friend, Gabe.
Nice to meet you.
Ava is really scared of needles.
We’ve tried everything.
Knock, knock.
Hi, Ava.
Hi.
Oh, gosh.
I love your PJs.
You know, I heard you are a really big Bills fan.
Yeah, it’s OK.
Now, do you think a real life Buffalo could play football?
Maybe.
Yes.
Oh, you’re doing a great job.
Paging Dr. Bernard. Paging Dr. Bernard. You are needed in the OR.
Ready?
Let’s go.
Hey, quick question before you go about CCCT.
What’s CCCT?
Christmas Card Craft Time.
It’s a holiday activity we set up for the kids.
They decorate letters to Santa.
They’re so excited.
Let’s just say Santa’s gonna get a lot of requests
for Bills merch this year.
Oh.
Good thinking. No, no.
I need to make sure I start buying that now.
Excellent.
OK, decorating.
How many glitter pompoms is too many glitter pompoms?
Whoa, Alice, one can never have too many glitter pompoms.
Good, cause I bought a lot.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Do you always organize the Christmas activities at the hospital?
Oh.
The whole staff gets involved.
Treating patients isn’t just about the life saving memories.
It’s also about the memories of joy and fun.
If you’re not having fun around Christmas, what have you been doing?
What?
It’s just you were always talking about becoming a doctor, helping kids.
And you did it.
You really did it.
And you’re really good at it.
Thanks, Gabe.
It’s crazy, right?
It does feel like just yesterday we were sitting in biology class.
And you were the only one who understood any of it.
You’re the only one that could build a step stool that didn’t collapse in woodshop.
That’s accurate.
I know.
Look at you now.
You’re building a new Bills stadium.
Yeah.
I mean, our teenage selves would be freaking out.
Oh, totally.
I mean, it’s like my childhood dreams kind of came true.
Right.
Wait.
Morgan?
Earlier, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.
Yeah, sure.
What’s up?
So I…
I…
Oh, Gabe, are you sweating?
I… maybe.
It’s possible.
It’s just it’s really dry out right now.
Gabe, are you having a medical emergency?
What I want to say… what I wanted to say…
We’ve been waiting for you.
They’re here.
That feels, like, slightly unnecessary.
Everybody, come outside.
We’re revealing the lawn display.
Let’s go.
Hello, my son.
All right.
Let’s do this.
OK.
Ready?
5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
There you go.
Best display ever.
Gabe, Morgan, I made snacks.
We can hear you.
Beautiful.
Honey, are you sweating?
It’s 9 degrees out.
No, no.
I’m fine, I’m fine.
Don’t be silly.
Joanne, this seems like a very generous interpretation of the word snacks.
Oh, we all need something to nosh on.
All right, everybody.
Eat, sit, and paint.
So what do you think?
What’s that supposed to be, a star or… oh, a snowflake.
It’s a gingerbread man.
Maybe take another stab at that.
I got drinks.
Oh.
And I’ll be right back.
Hey, Mom, when do you want the gift baskets done by?
I’d say end of the week.
Gotta make sure everyone in the whole neighborhood gets one.
Jeremy.
Yep?
Don’t forget, I put your favorite cheese on the counter there.
Oh.
OK.
I’m gonna… I’m gonna need another plate.
And I got beef on weck.
Yum.
Dig in.
It is fantastic.
It’s time for a nap break.
My sleep cycle is all over the place.
Very common for the third trimester.
Also probably not helping that you’re actively giving yourself acid reflux.
Don’t mock my hot sauce technique.
Hey, babe, can you rub my back?
Oh, yeah, but…
Oh, thank you.
I love you so much.
Bubba, you’re gonna share that, right?
Cathy: Get over here.
OK.
Where is the stew?
The stew.
The stew.
Uh-oh.
The stew is burning.
The stew is burning.
Crisis averted.
I don’t know what my sister’s talking about.
Totally gingerbread man.
Totally.
Speaking of ornaments, you know how we were talking about that mystery gift sender?
You really don’t have any guesses about who it could be?
Well, for two years, I was convinced it was Clint.
The mailman?
Why was he delivering all of those packages?
Because he was the mailman.
I still got my eye on him.
OK.
Any other suspects besides Clint?
No idea.
I never found a trail.
It’s driving me crazy.
But every time I look at all those wonderful gifts…
You still have them?
Let’s see.
Ah, Here we are.
When you said collection, I thought you meant just ornaments.
No.
It’s been all kinds over the years going back to the ’70s.
Why’d you box it all up?
I had to make room for other things.
Are you talking about when we moved in?
Yes.
I had to make room for your Barbies.
Oh.
You remember this?
Oh, yeah.
Cathy and I really took over this place.
Lot’s of tea parties.
Tommy, is that you?
Yes, sir.
Oh, you were so young.
Oh.
Oh, I remember this.
Oh, Uncle Tommy, you were such a great coach.
I remember that.
You guys were undefeated champs.
Oh, wait, wait, wait, wait.
Holiday photos at the stadium.
Oh, I this one in my office.
I can’t believe we won’t be at Highmark next Christmas.
I mean, not that I’m not excited about the new stadium.
It just feels kind of weird.
I know.
I felt the same way when the Bills moved out of the War Memorial.
They call it The Rockpile.
Everyone was afraid we were going to lose the Bills to another city.
Really?
Yeah, it was tough for Buffalo.
The only thing that gave the city a sense of hope was the Bills.
We still hope.
No.
Mmmm.
This is gonna be the year.
It is.
Lucky for us, they stayed.
And suddenly, there was this excitement in the air.
We all got to see the Bills play in this brand new stadium.
Highmark.
And my grandfather was part of the build.
I remember.
We were proud of him.
Proud of you too, Gabe.
Thank you.
You know, it was called Rich Stadium then.
Wow.
’73.
Just got back from Nam.
I was happy to be home, happy to be alive, and happy to see my team play again.
The Rockpile.
So many special memories.
Yeah, it hurts to leave them behind.
But look at all of these wonderful memories.
I mean, when you’re with the people you love doing the things you love, you create new traditions.
Hey, does anybody know how to make stew taste less burnt?
It’s urgent.
I got this.
Come on, Tommy.
Ricki’s gonna kill me.
OK.
One of these gifts has to point us in the direction of the mystery sender.
Well, whoever it was, they knew he was a huge Bills fan.
This is about the only thing in here without a Bills logo on it.
Oh.
Look.
This has writing on the bottom.
Vidler’s.
Yes.
You think they still have sales records from the ’70s?
If any place would have it, it’d be Vidler’s.
We got some really positive feedback from the public forum.
That’s great to hear.
I mean, this is the largest construction project in the history of Buffalo.
We need the fan experience to be at the highest level, right?
Oh.
Hey, Gabe, thanks for that hot toddy recipe.
It was a hit at my Christmas party.
Oh, no problem.
It’s all about getting that honey to clove ratio right, you know? All right.
It looks like we’re still on schedule, which is great.
Oh, Gabe, the players are scheduled to make a few TV appearances this week.
Can you send over some talking points about the new stadium?
I can write that up for you.
Oh, no.
Absolutely not.
You’ve got your daughter’s Christmas pageant in, like, what, two hours?
Go home early.
Have some family time.
I have to be at Vidler’s around 5:00, so I’ll get something to you before then, OK?
Last minute Christmas shopping?
Yeah, something like that.
Thank you.
Well?
He doesn’t recognize it.
Oh, my.
May I?
I haven’t seen one of these in years.
You’ve seen this figurine?
Vidler’s only sold a handful in the ’70s until they went out of stock.
Quite the collector’s piece you have on your hands here.
They wouldn’t happen to have any copies of the receipts from back then?
Copies?
Oh, dear.
I’m afraid not.
Bummer.
But I do believe the original receipts are stored upstairs.
Here?
Can we see them?
We promise it’s for a totally normal, not weird request.
Oh, yeah.
They would have had personal information on them from back then, so I don’t think we should.
You see, it was recently revealed to me that my uncle was receiving gifts from a mystery benefactor for decades now, so we want to surprise him and find out who the secret sender is just in time for Christmas.
So… that sounded crazy, didn’t it?
Yep.
Right.
Yeah, it’s… it’s my Uncle Tommy.
And he is just the kind of person who just gives, and gives, and gives, and gives.
And he’s really never asked for anything in return.
Whoever this mystery sender is, oh, yeah, they’re also a giver.
I don’t really think they’ve ever asked for anything in return either.
I think we can all agree that it’s pretty rare to find even one person like that on this planet, you know, let alone two.
It’s been almost 60 years of my Uncle Tommy not knowing.
And he has waited a whole lifetime to say thank you.
I just can’t stand the idea of him never getting that chance.
Come with me.
Well, here we are.
This is the overflow for decorations.
And this is storage for old receipts.
Wow.
That’s everything going back 60 years.
They’re not organized.
Good luck.
Wow.
There’s no way we’re gonna get through all of this.
Oh, Gabe.
Ye of little faith.
Oh, come on, Morgan.
This is like finding a needle in a haystack.
Have you forgotten who we are? We’re Bills Mafia.
If it’s too tough for them…
It’s just right for us.
Exactly.
Oh, man.
So Vidler’s closes in about 10 minutes.
Let’s coordinate our work schedules and figure out a time to get back here and find this needle.
OK. Oh.
Tomorrow’s not good for me.
I’ve got Christmas Card Craft Time at the hospital.
Oh, CCCT.
Oh, which reminds me, I need to pick up some Bills merch for the kids.
Well, you know, I could probably get some stuff donated through work.
Really?
Yeah.
Thanks, Gabe. You sure?
I know you’re not super comfortable with favors.
Oh, come on.
It’s no trouble at all.
In fact, I think I might have a better idea.
Nice kick.
You should play for us.
I thought you’d bring Bills shirts, not Bills players.
Can you sign my hat?
Of course.
I mean, it’s incredible.
You know, the team will always come out for a great cause.
I don’t know what to say.
Come here.
Thank you.
Dr. Morgan.
Oh. Ava.
Hi.
Look.
Damar Hamlin signed my Bills hat.
This is incredible.
Damar Hamlin’s her favorite player.
Who are you?
This is my friend, Gabe.
I’m Gabe.
Hi.
Is he your best friend?
He’s my best friend.
Cool.
Then he could see my hat too.
OK.
Wow.
Thank you.
That is very nice.
You know, Damar is actually amazing at arts and crafts.
Do you want him to help you with your Christmas card?
Yes.
Yes?
OK, let’s do that.
All right.
Damar, can you help her with her Christmas card?
She thinks you’re amazing at arts and crafts.
Of course. I would love to.
Let’s do it.
Best arts and crafts guy we got.
All right, everybody.
I just want to thank Dion Dawkins, Damar Hamlin, and DeWayne Carter for coming out today.
Thanks, guys.
Oh, and excellent glitter pom pom selection.
You can never have too many.
Right?
Exactly.
Anyway, we have one more surprise for you guys.
Now that you have decorated your letters to Santa, now it’s time to give your letters to Santa.
Ho, ho, ho.
Hi, kids.
OK, everybody, line up in this side of the room.
Candy cane?
Yeah.
Thank you, Santa.
You should just tell her how you feel.
Sorry.
What?
What, is it that obvious?
Boys.
So obvious, Santa.
Damar.
And who can’t see it?
I know, right?
I can’t wait to see the cards you’ve all made.
Oh.
You’re a big one, aren’t you?
Cajun wings, extra hot, honey butter barbecue, extra hot, lemon pepper…
Extra hot.
Yes.
All right.
Anything else?
Oh.
Did you want something?
No, I am so good.
All right.
Oh, wait.
Could you throw in some extra blue cheese on the side?
Yes. Yes.
Yes.
Leave out the vegetables.
They give me heartburn. OK, thanks.
You are gonna make yourself sick.
I’m pregnant, Morgan.
I’m always sick.
That doesn’t change the fact that I have got to turn up the heat and kick this bun out of the oven before the holiday game.
Whew.
OK.
Are you sure you don’t want to come to dinner with me and Jeremy?
Yes.
I’m meeting up with Gabe.
You guys sure have been spending a lot of time together.
Oh, we’re working on a bit of a Christmas surprise.
Wait, a bigger surprise than bringing Bills players to the hospital?
How sweet was that?
Seriously, the kids were so happy.
I mean, Gabe made their holiday dreams come true.
You know, your eyes light up when you talk about him.
They do not.
OK, sure.
Cathy, it’s Gabe.
I’ve always said you two have a spark.
We’re friends.
That’s all.
You sure?
Yes, I’m sure.
Are you sure that’s all you want it to be?
Hey.
Yes?
Any luck?
Oh.
No.
Not yet.
I don’t think we’re gonna be able to find the mystery sender’s receipt by tonight.
Great.
What are you doing after this?
It’d be nice to clear our heads and do something that doesn’t involve piles of receipts.
I have no plans.
OK.
Yeah.
What do you have in mind?
You know, I haven’t been on an ice bike in, like, four years.
Oh, OK.
Well, it shows.
Did you just burn me?
Yes.
Wow.
After everything we’ve been through?
Oh, hey.
Well, if it makes you feel any better, I definitely will not be able to walk tomorrow.
It does.
You know, this really was a perfect distraction.
I’m glad.
Otherwise, I’d be thinking about sales tax percentages from 1971 in my sleep.
I get it feels impossible, but it’s gonna be worth it.
We’re gonna find that receipt.
I know it.
Well, if you know it, I know it.
All right.
Now, before we wrap up, I just want to say thank you to everyone for all your hard work getting the stadium off the ground.
Thank you to all your staff, to the entire project team, to all our partners, our vendors, and especially to the trades workers.
Counting the 1,500 that we had out there every day, we’ve had over 4,000 trades workers on this project so far.
That’s no easy feat.
It’s long hours, demanding work schedule, and as we know, some very harsh weather conditions.
But man, they showed up every day.
And they got it done because like we intended from the beginning, this was built for Buffalo, built by Buffalo.
And that means something.
It means something, right?
My grandfather was on the original construction crew back in 1972.
And every time that I walk into the stadium, I feel a sense of pride knowing that he was a part of it.
And I can tell all of you that this time next year and for generations to come, your families, your friends, your kids, your grandkids are going to be able to walk into new Highmark knowing that you were a part of it.
And they’re gonna feel that same sense of pride because of the hard work that you guys put in.
So thank you.
And I cannot wait to be at that first home game with all of you.
Thanks.
So the players visit to the hospital went well?
Oh, yeah, no. It was amazing, really.
I can’t thank you enough.
I told Gabe you were instrumental in making it happen.
Y’all take care.
See ya.
I know that it was extremely last minute, so thank you.
Hey, please. Seriously, Gabe.
Anytime.
We all know you never ask for favors around here much, anyway.
And you know what this community means to us and the players as well.
Now, look, it meant the world to those kids.
They were so excited about it.
And oh, my friend, Morgan, I mean, she was beside herself.
And she’s the doctor, right?
Yeah.
The guys said she was great.
Yeah.
No, no, she is.
She’s really… she’s… she’s really great.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Gabe?
Yeah?
Are you OK?
Yeah.
You… yes, I’m really…
I’m really good.
I was thinking about I have things I have to go do and you talking about Morgan.
I’ll see you, Coach.
I’ll see you.
OK.
The guys are right.
He is really into her.
Gabe.
Wow.
You really do get around.
Well, it is my season.
A lot of ground to cover.
So did you ever tell that doctor that you’re in love with her?
OK.
Santa?
Hmm?
Morgan and I are just friends.
I still love her, but it’s more on that platonic never gonna happen, though I wouldn’t be opposed to it if it did, but I don’t want to ruin the connection that our families have kind of way.
OK, fine. Yeah.
All right.
I’ve tried, like, twice to tell her, but I just keep fumbling.
I see.
Go on.
I just get in my head about it.
Like, I’m trying to tell her.
I’m looking at her.
And I just melt.
I hear you.
That’s exactly what happens to me when I look at Mrs. Claus.
You know what it’s like?
It’s like with the Bills.
You’re a Bills fan, right?
Am I a Bills fan?
Does it snow in the North Pole?
OK.
My friendship with Morgan is like a really great Bills season.
It’s fun.
It’s exciting.
But there’s always this fear that it’s just gonna go away.
Just one pass falls short, you know, one turnover.
One bad call, and it’s all lost.
Well, you…
And I’m scared that if I tell Morgan how I really feel, that’s a bad call.
But at the same time, I don’t want to live in what if.
But also, you know, I don’t want to ruin the already great friendship that we have.
But you know, also, she’s perfect.
She’s… she’s my Super Bowl.
What about Super Bowl?
Oh.
Morgan.
So I was just asking Santa for a Bills Super Bowl championship this year for Christmas.
Put that on my Christmas list too.
Oh, will do.
Hey.
Ready to go inside?
Yes, please.
Yeah.
Tell her.
Is that the same Santa from the hospital?
It’s his season, right?
He’s got a lot of ground to cover, so yeah.
Ugh, my eyes are starting to reject receipts.
Hitting a wall.
Take a break.
My eyes can still process paper from the ’70s.
Thanks, Gabe.
You’re the best, seriously.
I can’t thank you enough for everything you’re doing here.
Oh, it’s no big deal.
I know how much this will mean to Tommy.
I know how much Tommy means to you.
I remember this one time when he was coaching my flag football team.
And we were having this particularly rough game.
And we were all in this huddle during timeout.
We were so over it.
But my Uncle Tommy, he was having none of it.
He kept saying, you only lose if you stop trying.
Hey, you won that game.
I remember.
I don’t know how he did it, but that one pep talk changed the course of the whole game.
It’s like, he gave us a sense of hope.
I just want to give him that same feeling.
You will, Morgan.
When you’re determined to do something, watch out, world.
It’s getting done.
Hold up.
What?
I think this is the receipt.
Are you serious?
Yeah.
Come here.
Look at this.
The serial numbers match up.
This is a Christmas miracle.
Oh, don’t get too excited because look.
The name is completely worn off.
Yeah, but they said they listed an address.
We should be able to make that out.
360 Ab…
Abbott.
Road.
Abbott Road.
Abbott Road.
Do you know what this means?
We’re about to find our mystery sender.
Can I help you?
You’re Dawson Knox.
Oh, hey, Gabe.
What’s up, man?
Hey, Dawson.
Wow.
Hi.
I guess you probably haven’t been living in this house since the 1970s, have you?
Well, I was born in the ’90s, so no.
No. OK.
No.
Yeah.
Right.
We’re really sorry to disturb you.
And we clearly have the wrong house.
See you, Dawson.
Big Fan.
All right.
Go, Bills.
Go, Bills.
Go, Bills.
I’m sorry, Morgan.
I’m not sure this is a really good idea.
Gabe, we can’t get defeated.
I mean, true, we hit a bump in the road.
That was a pretty big bump.
That receipt with the address on it was our only real lead.
And I’m not really sure what we’re gonna do now.
We keep going.
We’ve come this far.
Look, I know we don’t have a lot to show for it.
But just because we’re down doesn’t mean we’re out.
In fact, I got a question for you.
Oh, Morgan, don’t do this.
Where else…
Morgan.
Would you rather be…
You know that I can’t resist.
Than right here right now?
The immortal words of Marv Levy.
There’s a coach who understood it’s not about the game.
It’s about all it took to get to the game.
It’s about finding yourself at the bottom and getting back up.
It’s about going out there and facing the odds together.
Hey.
Don’t pound on my car.
I am so sorry, sir.
I am just very hyped.
I understand.
It was a beautiful speech.
Go, Bills.
Go, Bills.
Go, Bills.
It’s like my Uncle Tommy told my flag football team.
You never truly lose until you stop trying.
So we keep going.
Keep going.
Yeah.
Keep going.
Yeah.
You two gonna move anytime soon?
You’re blocking the road.
Moving.
Moving.
Yep.
Yep.
Thank you.
Was that Ray Davis?
See you, Ray.
The Bills are sticking to the run game here.
Let’s go, baby.
In the middle again breaking tackles. And he’s down…
Frankie, you see that?
Unbelievable.
That was fantastic.
There we go.
Go, go, go.
So I went over to city hall and requested the records from all the previous owners
of that house.
Perfect.
Come on.
What’s with this guy?
That’s perfect.
Meet at my place this week.
And then we’ll figure it out.
Wait, wait, wait.
What are you guys doing this week?
The baking.
She’s got a new Christmas cookie recipe.
I sure do.
Yay.
I took a picture of this original recipe so we can compare it to the previous recipes and see if the ingredients match.
Too complicated.
You bake them.
I’ll eat them.
Touchdown.
That’s what I’m talking about.
Table job.
Jeremy.
No, no, no.
You break another coffee table, I will break you.
Sorry.
Sit down.
I’m sorry.
Sit down, son!
Go Bills!
Is she really mad at me?
It looks like the Abbott Road house had a few different owners in the ’70s.
You got Joel Sweeney, Ivan Brewster, Roy A. McPherson Jr.
Do any of those names look like they could be the one on the receipt?
OK.
OK.
Yeah?
OK.
OK.
I got nothing.
Really?
It’s just too faded.
I can barely make out one letter, let alone the whole name.
Maybe we go back to Vidler’s and check out the original receipt.
It might be less blurry in person.
You think?
It’s worth a shot.
♪ Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells ♪
♪ Jingle all the way ♪
♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪
♪ in a one-horse open sleigh ♪
Hey This is quite possibly the blurriest thing I’ve ever seen.
Well, I guess, it wasn’t worth a shot.
Kids, I’m worried.
You seem to be very consumed by all this.
Oh, no, we’re not consumed.
We’ve only spent, like, what, a few days?
Oh, yeah, just, like, several nights.
Pretty much whenever we’re off work and have our free time.
Yeah, I wouldn’t really call that very consumed.
Right.
Well, there’s nothing more that can be done tonight.
You know, Carolcade’s happening right outside those doors.
Wouldn’t you both rather be out there enjoying that?
We could skip Carolcade.
We just need…
Skip Carolcade?
Uh-uh.
Not on my watch.
The Elm Street Bakery is serving special holiday cookies.
And I’m serving drinks on the house.
Now, get out there, and have some fun.
Cyndi, that is so sweet of you, but…
No buts, Morgan.
I know you want to do something magical for your Uncle Tommy, but you deserve to take a moment and enjoy some Christmas magic for yourself.
Now, go on.
Get.
What if we ask Uncle Tommy if he knows any previous Abbott Road homeowners?
How you gonna do that without him realizing what we’re up to?
We’re just gonna bring up names in a super casual way.
Casual?
Trust me.
It’ll be really natural, really nonchalant like, hey, unc.
What is up?
Oh, I’ll tell you what’s up, the price of homes.
Man, the only person I know that can afford a house is Joel Sweeney, Ivan Brewster, and Roy A. McPherson Jr. Any of those names ring a bell?
Are you serious?
Too casual?
♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪
♪ Fa la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la ♪
I do love Buffalo during the holidays.
Yeah, well, no one does snow better than us.
Well, maybe Cyndi was right.
Yeah?
Yeah.
What if we, just for tonight, just forget about the whole mystery sender thing and enjoy all this?
That sounds good to me.
Yeah?
Oh.
♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪
♪ Fa la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la ♪
10 degrees out tonight, so yeah, it’s not bad.
Are you cold?
Do you want my coat?
No.
Come on.
Here.
You’re gonna freeze.
A sacrifice that I’ll gladly make.
Come here.
OK?
Yeah.
You two again?
You guys stalking us or something?
Hello there.
I believe they call this kismet.
Any interest in joining us for some carols?
Vinny does a mean “Silent Night.”
Voice of an angel.
They don’t lie.
Oh, I should get going.
What?
Why?
I have an early shift at the hospital tomorrow.
Thank you.
Tonight was really fun.
Good night.
Take care.
Bye.
We totally interrupted you about to confess your feelings again, didn’t we?
Yeah.
You know what they say.
Four time’s the charm.
I thought it was third time’s the charm.
In numerology, the number four is associated with achieving goals through consistent effort.
It’s linked to fundamental concepts with four elements, four seasons.
Fourth down.
The point is you got to try again.
Tell her how you feel.
The fourth time can be the charm.
Ho, ho, ho.
That’s what I’m saying.
Come on, Gabe.
Fourth time’s the charm.
Yeah.
Fourth time’s the charm.
Right.
Santa.
♪ Three French hens ♪
♪ Two turtle doves ♪
Oh, are we not caroling?
All right.
All right, Santa.
I can’t believe the holiday tailgate dinner is in two days.
I can’t believe mom thinks two days is enough time to get all this meal prep done.
Where is she, anyway?
Picking up the ham with Ricki.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Easy on the spice there.
Huh?
You’ve literally been inhaling hot sauce 24/7.
Not anymore I’m not.
It’s too close to the game now.
I gotta keep this baby in.
I am not missing our last holiday photo at this stadium.
I’m just glad you stopped drinking your weight in hot sauce.
Hoo, hoo, woo!
Cathy.
Whatcha you doing?
Oh, breathwork to keep the baby in.
I saw it on a blog.
Toot, toot, too!
There’s my girls.
Hey, unc.
What is up?
I’ll tell you what’s up.
Unc?
Yeah, unc.
Unc.
He’s… he’s our uncle.
I’m just asking him what is up.
No arguing with the pregnant lady, OK?
Morgan?
Yeah?
When you’re done here, would you meet me outside?
Because there’s something I got to show you.
Aww.
You got it.
Oh, but then we’re gonna revisit that whole, like, what is up.
Great.
Yes?
What’s going on?
Nothing.
Nice try.
Spill.
There’s nothing to spill.
Is this about Gabe?
Spill, or I am gonna tell you every single tip and trick I learned from the influencers about how to delay labor.
OK, fine.
You remember that Christmas surprise I told you about, the one that Gabe and I are working on?
It’s for Uncle Tommy.
Oh.
So is that the only reason you and Gabe have been spending so much time together?
Cathy.
Come on.
Oh, you come on.
It is so obvious that there is something between you.
And PS, it has been for years.
That is so not… if that were true… and I’m not saying it is… wouldn’t have something happened by now?
Morgan, this Christmas is the first time that you guys have actually been together in years.
So if something were to happen, maybe this is the perfect time.
The question is, do you want something to happen?
Marinade’s done.
I’m just… I’m gonna just go do the thing.
Yeah.
Unc!
Hee, hoo!
You stay.
Hey, Uncle Tommy.
Before I forget, I was looking at mom’s Christmas card list the other day.
And I realized… it’s so crazy… that I didn’t even know half these people.
There was Joel Sweeney, Ivan Brewster, and Roy A. McPherson Jr.
You know any of these guys?
I can’t say I do.
Your mom, she’s always been good with names.
I’m good with faces.
You should ask her.
Oh.
You remember this?
Yeah, from our old flag football days.
Remember when I gave it to you?
I don’t remember if there wasn’t a time when we weren’t even tossing this ball around.
It was right after I took you and Cathy to your first Bills game.
You couldn’t have been more than seven, eight.
No, I was six.
And the very next day, you demanded I get you a kid’s football, one that was easier for you to toss and catch.
You said, then I can win, Uncle Tommy.
I remember that.
Oh, how I would bribe you.
Finish your homework.
Then we’ll toss the ball.
OK.
So basically, I wouldn’t be a doctor if it wasn’t for this ball.
Oh.
Well, it was an excellent motivator.
Do you ever have any regrets?
Regrets?
Yeah, after my dad died, you really stepped up for me and Cathy.
You helped mom raise us.
Do you ever think about what your life would have been or might have been, what you could have had if you didn’t?
You mean get married and having kids of my own?
Well, there are things that I would have liked to change, had I had the chance.
But helping raise you two, I feel like I hit the lottery.
I’d do it again a thousand times over.
And don’t get me wrong.
I mean, in the beginning, I was scared.
But I know with my whole heart having you two in my life changed it for the better.
And that’s the thing about change.
We worry so much about what we might lose, not enough about taking a chance, see what you might gain.
Go long.
Go long.
Come check this out.
Look at this.
It’s from our first Bills game together.
That was the same year you and your family moved to the neighborhood, right?
Yep.
Yeah.
Just before the holidays.
Your mom invited us to the last game before Christmas.
Mmhmm.
And the tradition began.
Man, there are some old photos in this.
Look at this.
This must have been from a Bills game back in the day.
Would have been at The Rockpile.
Tommy and Mia, 1970.
Who’s Mia?
No idea.
Hm.
Wow.
1970.
This was the last Bills game I went to before I went to Vietnam.
Who’s the girl in the photo?
Mia Ford.
She was one of my best friends in high school.
I always wanted to know what happened to her.
You guys didn’t keep in touch?
No. Writing?
No.
I did look her up after I got home.
Went to the factory she worked at.
It closed.
She moved.
I never knew where.
Oh, Mia Ford.
No one with the last name Ford has ever owned the Abbott Road House.
I can’t find anything online that connects any of the previous homeowners to anyone named Mia.
Maybe she rented or her family.
Even if that were the case, Tommy said she doesn’t live here anymore.
And the gift was postmarked in Buffalo, so it can’t be anyone named Mia.
I just can’t help it.
I mean, something in my gut says it’s her.
She was his best friend, Gabe.
We gotta figure this out.
We gotta find her.
I know we said we want to keep this plan between us, but it might be time we have to call in reinforcements.
So we went to this house that we thought was the place, but it turns out it was a dead end.
So that’s the whole story.
And you know, we hope we’ve come to the right place.
We need help, which is why we’ve come here today to ask you for this favor.
Why now?
Why today on this… the day before the last Christmas game at Highmark?
Because we know what you’re capable of.
Well, we also tried looking up Mia ourselves, and we found nothing.
Oh, Morgan.
You may know medicine, but social media stalking, it’s an art.
And I’m Michelangelo, baby.
Boys.
Uh, what’s with the shovels?
We’re heading to the stadium.
We signed up to shovel snow before the game tomorrow.
Gotcha.
You know, the new stadium is gonna have one of the world’s largest snow melting systems.
That’s unnecessary.
A little bit of snow never kept this city down.
Actually, a melting machine would be nice.
All right, boys.
Get comfortable.
I’ve got some work to do before we head to the stadium.
So what are we looking for here?
Medical records?
Credit score?
No.
No. Just want to find her.
Seriously?
Ugh.
No fun.
All right.
Stay put, and I will get to work.
Wait.
So what’s going on?
It’s a long story.
Oh, we have the time.
I mean, it’s gonna take her at least an hour.
Found something.
Really?
Yeah, Mia isn’t on socials, but her sister, Pam is.
Found this picture of them.
Plus, there are a ton of pictures of Pam in Buffalo.
So Mia may have moved away, but it looks like her sister stayed put.
So theoretically, Mia could have had Pam send those gifts.
See?
It’s starting to add up.
Has Pam ever posted about a house on Abbott Road?
No.
Her feed’s mostly cat memes, pictures of ladybugs, and a lot of petitions to bring back the show, Wings. Ooh.
I’d sign that.
Right?
Maybe we should send her a DM.
Maybe she remembers Uncle Tommy.
I mean, we can, but I don’t even think she’d see it.
Her account’s not very active.
The last time she posted was in 2017.
Yeah, we can keep digging, but I think this is about all the information we’re gonna get.
Sorry.
It’s just so frustrating.
I mean, we have all these clues, but then there’s these major pieces still missing.
It’s like we’ve got the receipt.
We’ve got a timeline.
Yeah, but we have no proof that Mia ever lived at 360 Abbott Road.
We might have to come to terms with the fact that Mia might not be the mystery sender.
Maybe she is, and we have the wrong receipt?
No, it’s the right receipt.
The serial numbers match.
Look, you want to just call it a night?
No.
We need to keep thinking because if we can’t solve this thing, I mean, that’s it.
Tommy will have spent his whole life never knowing who this person is, never getting closure.
After everything he’s given me, I just want to be able to give him this one thing because if I can’t…
Hey, hey, hey.
Just… OK.
You will, OK?
We just need to get back on track.
Or hope for a sign.
Gabe, Morgan.
Santa Wow, you really do get around.
Oh, I’m off the clock.
I’m going to a big Christmas party over on Abbotsford Place.
Not the North Pole?
Ho, ho, ho.
The North Pole.
Good one, Gabe.
Wait a second.
What?
The faded address on the receipt.
Maybe it wasn’t Abbott Road.
Maybe it was Abbotsford Place.
Well, that’s just a few blocks away.
Could we have had the wrong house this entire time?
Santa?
Hmm?
You’re a genius.
You really are magical.
And that’s not, like, a joke.
Ho, ho, ho.
Well, Merry Christmas.
Let’s go.
I hope they have eggnog.
I have a good feeling.
I mean, this has to be the missing piece.
I mean, tonight, we are gonna find our mystery sender.
Oh, my gosh.
You’re…
Mia.
So you’re Tommy’s niece.
I can see the resemblance.
It’s in the eyes.
I can’t believe we found you.
I mean, seriously, you have no idea what it took to get here.
Tommy said you moved away.
I did many years ago.
But this house always stayed in the family.
My sister, Pam owns it now.
Are you here visiting her for Christmas?
That and my sister’s daughter, Angela is home from the army.
She’s being honored at the Bills game tomorrow during the Salute to Service moment.
I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
So you said you’ve been trying to find me.
Why?
So when my Uncle Tommy was deployed, there was this person who anonymously cared for his mom and siblings.
They’d sent money, food, and Christmas gifts.
And he said that this person was the only reason that they were able to stay afloat while he was overseas.
And now it’s been over five decades that this person still sends him a Christmas gift every single year.
And we were wondering if that person was you.
Yes, it’s me.
Yes.
Oh, this is incredible.
Tommy’s been looking for you for years.
Everything you did for him and our family, I mean, Tommy’s been waiting a lifetime to say thank you.
He is gonna be so excited when we tell him.
Oh, but you can’t tell him.
I don’t want you to tell him.
May we ask why?
I’ve kept this a secret all these years because I don’t want him to feel indebted to me in any way.
I just wanted to help.
You did help.
And you kept it up.
I mean, even after you moved away, even after he came home from the war, you kept sending presents.
Mia, you gotta help me understand here.
If you didn’t want to be found out, then why did you keep going?
Because you were in love with him.
Is that true?
I’ve loved him my whole life.
Did you ever tell him?
I never got the chance.
He was drafted.
And well, it’s not the sort of thing you just confess to in a letter.
After I moved away, I stopped writing letters.
It just was too painful to hold on to hope for something that seemed like it wasn’t meant to be.
But you kept sending him Christmas gifts.
Part of me never wanted to let go.
If I kept sending him gifts, he was still part of my life.
It sounds so foolish when I say it out loud, but I guess, it’s easier than admitting that it’s too late for us now.
But it isn’t.
You can still tell him how you feel.
It’s been too many years.
His life is here.
My life isn’t.
What if he feels the same way?
What if he doesn’t?
If I put myself out there after all these years only to be rejected… it may be cowardly, but it’s also self-preservation.
My heart can’t take that kind of pain, especially at Christmas.
OK.
Hope is not lost, all right?
Mia and Tommy have never gotten married.
If that’s not unrequited love, I don’t know what is.
Gabe, you heard her.
She doesn’t want us pushing this.
Because she’s scared.
We have to tell Tommy.
We’re not telling Tommy.
I mean, what if she’s right and he doesn’t feel the same way.
And then we put her in the exact position she doesn’t want to be in.
Well, what if he does feel the same way?
All right? We’ve got to find out.
It’s not our decision to make.
Let’s face it.
Yeah, we found the mystery sender.
There’s just nothing else left for us to do.
It’s over.
No. No.
Absolutely not.
We’re gonna keep going.
And you know why?
Because we’re Bills fans.
Giving up is not in our vocabulary.
Gabe.
No.
Whatever happened to you only truly lose when you stop trying, to right here, right now?
Why is this so important to you?
Because it’s important to you.
You’d do anything for your family.
And I love that.
I love that you’re loud.
I love that you jump on tables when your team scores.
I love that you’re funny, that you’re self-deprecating, that you’re honest, and that you never back down from a challenge.
I love every second that I get to spend with you because I love you.
Gabe, that’s…
Look, you don’t have to say anything, OK?
I was just thinking about tonight and Mia.
And I don’t want to go a lifetime without telling you how I feel.
We should head back.
No.
It’s OK.
I can walk.
No. I’m parked right there.
I can drive you home.
It’s not far.
I just… I…
I want to clear my head.
Yeah.
I’ll see you at the game tomorrow.
All right. Today’s the day, people, the last holiday game at Highmark. Also, don’t forget four days out till the man in red is on the clock. Yeah, there’s just something about football and the holidays, right? I mean, you can really feel the excitement in the air all across Western New York.
Sick display this year.
Thanks, man.
It’s a lot of hard work and a lot of sleepless nights.
But obviously, the sacrifice was well worth it.
Well, you inflated one snowman.
Come on.
Everybody eat.
We’ve got apps for days.
Uh-uh.
No. Put that down.
We’ve got heart healthy snacks for you right over on that table.
Come on.
It’s for your own good, sweetheart.
Mmm.
I’m gonna take this for later.
Best game of all time, without a doubt, 2019 Thanksgiving game, Bills versus Cowboys.
Oh, please.
Trish, come on.
If you’re talking best game, it’s got to be the wild card game against the Patriots.
First ever perfect offensive game in NFL history.
You have a point.
It doesn’t get better than that.
Hey. How are you?
Hey.
Nice to see you.
See you.
Oh, thank you for bringing that out, sweetie.
I got distracted.
I was talking to… oh, OK.
Question for you.
Best ever Bills game.
Bills-Pats wild card game, obviously.
Duh.
That’s not a question.
There’s no other game.
Hey, Gabe.
You OK?
What?
Yeah, yeah.
I… yeah, I’m just thinking about the game, taking it all in.
Yeah, the game, right.
So it’s been really nice seeing you and Morgan hang out so much lately.
Yeah.
I guess, we have been.
Reminds me when you guys were kids.
You know, Cathy was always the big sister, very protective.
Morgan had no one to really play with.
But then you moved in next door.
She was ecstatic.
She finally had a best buddy, somebody she could try to beat in flag football.
Yeah, we… we’re best friends.
Look, I don’t mean to stick my nose in your business.
But in life, there’s gonna be pain.
And if you try to avoid it, it turns to regret.
And you don’t want that living in your head rent free.
Time is a luxury.
Don’t take it for granted.
Take a chance.
Yeah.
This looks great.
Hoo, hoo, hoo!
Cathy.
Shh.
Stop breathing all over the food.
Are you seriously still doing that?
Yeah, and I’m still not in labor, so joke’s on you.
Mom, table looks great.
Aww, thanks.
You’re welcome.
I wanted it to feel sophisticated.
Hey.
Food’s on.
Oh, and I want to remind everybody that this is a shirts on dinner.
That means you, Jeremy.
Oh, come on.
I can’t table jump with my shirt on.
It’s against tradition.
Jeremy, no table jumping until after dessert.
Come on.
Really?
Jeremy.
Let’s eat.
OK.
Hey.
Where’s Gabe?
Oh, he had to go into work.
Some emergency.
He said he’ll meet us at the game.
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait.
No. What about the family photo?
I have taken some very drastic measures to make sure that we get this picture.
We have to get this picture.
Cathy, we’ll take the photo after the game.
It wouldn’t be a family picture without Gabe.
Hey.
You OK?
Yeah.
No.
Fine.
Let’s eat.
Welcome back to Highmark Stadium. Chris Brown here with you for this week 16 matchup between the Bills and Patriots. Drake Maye and the shotgun. Back to pass. Now steps up in the pocket to elude pressure. Throws to the left. And it’s incomplete. Intended for Pop Douglas, but Maye’s throw is too high. Cam Lewis in coverage. And the fans love it. With Buffalo out in front in a tight one here, 1714 as we near halftime.
Can I get you guys something from the concession stand?
What?
After everything we had at that tailgate?
Come on.
Munch on this.
I made this for you.
Oh, come on.
I want a hot dog.
Oh, stop it.
What is this?
We’re at a game.
I know.
Sit down.
Hey.
Ricki?
What?
Any word from Gabe?
He’ll be here.
Don’t worry.
He’s missing the whole game.
Will everyone please rise as we honor one of Buffalo’s own for a very special NFL Salute to Service moment?
We’ve been looking for you.
How you doing? Hi.
Sorry I’m late.
I’m just glad you made it.
What was your work emergency?
You’ll see.
You’ll see.
Join us in welcoming corporal Angela Kaminski home for the holidays.
Angela is joined by her mom, Pam and her Aunt Mia.
Mia’s in the field.
That means Uncle Tommy’s going to see her.
He’s going to know she’s here.
We should find him.
Oh, no, no, no.
I would stay here if I were you.
Just watch.
Thank you so much.
I know this isn’t a very typical moment for Salute to Service, but I wanted to take this time to honor someone important in my life, my Aunt Mia.
Me?
And there’s an Army veteran here who wants to do the same.
Hello.
My name is PFC Thomas Rossi.
And I served in Vietnam from 1971 to ’73.
Times were hard back then for my mother, my kid sisters.
But my friend, Mia here, she secretly supported my family in ways that were life changing.
She anonymously brought money and groceries on a weekly basis.
She kept it a secret for 50 years.
I mean, nobody knew until now.
I know my friend doesn’t like to be in the spotlight.
But Mia deserves to be honored for her service.
And in my eyes, and in the eyes of Angela and Pam, and in the hearts of my entire family, we know that Mia is our hero.
It’s been a long time, Tommy.
Yeah.
Where you been hiding yourself?
Mia, there’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you for 50 years.
What?
I love you, Mia.
I’ve always loved you.
Wow.
What a memorable way to lead us into the third quarter of this exciting game.
You arranged all of this.
Well, you said you wanted to give Tommy a Christmas gift he’d never forget, so…
Gabe, I…
Honey. Honey.
Honey.
Are you OK?
I think the baby’s coming.
Now?
Wait.
Cathy. Cathy.
We gotta get you to a hospital.
No, no, no, no.
But I’ll miss the rest of the game.
Somebody get the live stream, all right?
What about the family photo?
This can’t be happening.
No, no, no, no. Hey, Bubba, look at me.
You gotta breathe.
Remember your exercises.
You gotta… that’s it.
The breathing doesn’t work.
The influencers were wrong.
Hey, hey. Look at me.
Look at me.
Yeah?
We’re having a baby.
My baby’s coming.
We’re having a baby.
Yeah. Come on.
We gotta go.
Come on.
Let’s go.
Let’s go.
Let’s go.
I’m watching the game.
They’re having a baby.
Get over here.
Friends and family, both old and new, we are gathered here on Christmas Day to christen the newest member of Bills Mafia, baby Jessica.
Aww.
It’s game time.
Go, Bills.
Go, Bills.
Go, Bills.
Now Jessica will be ready for game day.
Well, actually, speaking of game day, I know that we didn’t get to have our last holiday photo at the stadium, but I was able to pull one more favor at work.
But you’re all gonna have to change.
We’re taking our family photo on the field?
How is this even possible?
Well, we had to pull a few strings.
Whoa.
That’s… you’re…
Well, we heard you had to miss the last half of the game.
So hopefully, this can make up for it.
Oh, it does.
It definitely does.
What about a little flag football before you take your photo?
We’re playing flag football?
Yeah.
On the Bills field?
Yeah.
With the Bills players?
Exactly.
Gabe said you might need some backups.
Plus, this is our last Christmas at Highmark too.
We can’t let you guys have all the fun.
Thank you for inviting us, Gabe.
Yeah.
You OK?
I’m good.
I can play. Yeah.
Yes.
You sure?
All right. Yeah.
Cool.
Great cause I call Reid’s team.
All right.
All right.
Head on out there. Pick your colors.
Come on.
Hey.
Arranging the players visit to the hospital, reuniting Tommy and Mia on the field, and now this.
Gabe, when you pull a favor, you really pull a favor.
Well, we have to look out for each other, right?
We are the city of good neighbors.
I think you just took that to a whole other level.
With Christmas and with Cathy giving birth, we haven’t really had a chance to talk.
It’s totally OK if you don’t want to talk.
I just want to make sure that we’re good and that you’re good because I would never want to do anything that would jeopardize…
I don’t want to wait a lifetime either.
Finally.
It’s about time.
I know, right?
Let’s play some football.
Ho, ho, ho.
Would you look at that?
I guess, fifth time’s the charm.
I love a good love story.
Oh, I do too, my dear.
They just needed a little help along the way.
Oh, don’t I know it?
Candy cane, Mrs. Claus?
Why, thank you, Mr. Claus.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Let’s get this game started.
Just so you know, I’m not gonna take it easy on you.
Just so you know, you don’t want to mess with me.
Red 73.
Time out.
Can I get a timeout?
Red 73.
Hike!
No fraternizing with the enemy.
I’ll take the penalty.
There’s really no place I’d rather be than right here…
Right now.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
