Call the Midwife

Mature Jennifer, voice-over: Every year, the magic sparks again.

But what do we mean when we say "home for Christmas"?

Are we yearning for an accustomed door, a familiar fire, or roof that has sheltered us for years?

Or is it the scent of something that we yearn for as the year turns, saying, "There it is again"?

There's the thing that says it all: home, the past, our childhood revisited, all our memories made tangible again.

[Phone rings] Hello.

Is that you, Reggie?

I'm coming home soon, Mum.

Is everything all ready?

The tree's up, presents are wrapped, and I'm judging a mince pie competition tomorrow.

I'm going to bring the ones that win first prize home for you.

Mom, I hate mince pies.

Heh!

I never eat mince pies.

Heh!

It's all right.

I know the drill.

By the time you get home, there will be two dozen shortbread centers... [Bell over door rings] waiting for you.

I'm putting Fred on because he needs to talk to you about your travel arrangements.

OK, oh.

Mm.

It's all right, Reg.

I got your postcard for the time of the coach and everything.

Yeah, Mum's just fussing.

Has she gone?

I've got her a brilliant present.

What is it?

Christmas roses, in a pot.

I grew them.

That's clever.

How do you look after Christmas roses?

Feed them, water them, keep them warm.

Really, you just love them.

Well, they're in good hands, then.

I'll see you at the coach station.

[Bicycle bells ringing] Oh, be careful, Nurse Crane.

Mine are made with all butter pastry, and they're very delicate.

Hmm.

You'll be all right with mine and Rosalind's.

They're rock-solid.

You could jump on them and not leave any footprints.

Heh!

Are we funny Craddock impersonators or are we midwives?

No, Fred, no.

The mince pie competition is sponsored by Violet Buckle Haberdasher.

The Christmas tree is sponsored by The Lady Haberdasher's Guild.

Well, doesn't that mean you?

They both mean me.

Shelagh: Not stopping today, but I just dropped by with my entry for the competition.

Oh!

Mrs. Turner!

Just look at the sheen on that short crust.

I'm hoping I've finally perfected my egg-white glaze.

Well, we'll have to see what the judges make of it.

Heh heh!

I know you're always completely impartial, and so is Dr. Turner.

Hmm.

Are you ready to go, Fred?

Sleigh's all packed up.

I just got to put some petrol in my reindeer.

Are you quite sure you're fully recovered, Nurse Clifford?

It's a terribly busy clinic today.

Joyce and I are already back and firing on all cylinders.

It was only the flu, and it's not as though we're old or anything.

This Hong Kong strain really is extremely virulent, even if the epidemic is supposed to be coming to an end.

Well, the staff at Saint Cuthbert's are going down like ninepins.

When I went in to see Teddy last night, matron was reading the riot act.

Oh, how was poor Teddy?

Heh!

Tucking in to jelly and ice cream like a professional.

No one ever died of an adenoidectomy.

Rosalind: They do die of flu, though.

The sooner you get him home, the better.

All: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!

Children: Hooray!

Ho, ho, ho!

[Bell clanging] Yay!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

That's Fred.

Shh.

[Whispers] He's just one of his helpers.

Fred: All right, so, nurses, doctors, boys and girls, who wants to be the first to pick a present?

Me!

Me!

[Children shouting, "Me!"]

Please pick me!

The landlord tells us you rented this as a fully furnished property?

Yeah, we did, but that little footstool was my grandma's.

Woman: That's a girl.

Don't you let them see you cry.

Won't give 'em the satisfaction.

Man: Those are my children's clothes!

They're not to blame for any of this!

You can throw them out of their home, might at least show 'em some dignity!

We're acting under instruction from your creditors.

[Baby fussing] Is this your television, sir?

Yes!

No, it--it's on HP, but we didn't keep up the payments.

Are you some sort of animal-- This isn't the only job we've got to do today.

[Door closes] I'll need your keys, if you'll be so kind.

Woman: A few bits for you.

Have you got somewhere to go, love?

It's a bit make do and mend.

We just have to start again.

You look after all them girls of yours.

Family's riches.

Remember that.

I will.

All right, young miss.

What's your name?

Karen.

Mm.

What do you want me to bring you on Christmas Eve, Karen?

I don't mind, as long as it's wrapped up.

Wrapped up?

You mean with all spangly paper and a bow?

Yes.

Ah.

I'll have a word with the elves at the workshop.

Any particular color bow?

Red.

Oh.

I reckon they've been saving the red bows for the big day.

Have a rummage in there and maybe you can see what you can find.

I'm going to ask if I can have a guinea pig.

Good morning.

[Baby crying] Have a treacle toffee and take a seat.

Please don't offer me a treacle toffee.

All I want is to see a midwife or a doctor.

The problem is with your episiotomy stitches, Lesley.

They've become badly infected.

Mum said they shouldn't have sent me home with them in.

It's not so much Saint Cuthbert's sent you home as they didn't tell us they'd sent you home.

Phyllis: And after just 4 days.

You haven't been properly looked after, and we're going to put that right.

Oh, we can treat the infection with a course of antibiotics, but first, I am going to get rid of these stitches, now.

[Whispers indistinctly] [Sniffles] This is it.

This?

[Squeaking] [Whispers] I'm sorry.

Come on.

Look!

It's a fair!

It must have come for Christmas.

May, we're supposed to go straight to Nonnatus House.

[Merry-go-round music playing] Not long to go, girls.

We're opening tomorrow.

Have you got a favorite ride?

We're not supposed to talk to strangers.

I'd better not lead you to stray, then.

Angela: I know because I'm the oldest.

She isn't.

Our brother Timothy is.

Have some leaflets.

Take them home to your mum and dad.

Everything's half-price before 6:30.

Thank you.

May: Bye!

Honey for them?

Just two lovely little girls, that's all.

Sisters.

Don't know what's going on in their house, because one of them's Chinese and the other one isn't.

They start to make you want a girl again.

[Chuckling] Boy, girl, boy, girl.

Heh!

You're meant to tell people you don't mind what you have, as long as it's healthy.

What I really want is a healthy [indistinct].

Don't mind, as long as it's happy.

Violet: And first prize, a basket of sewing silks, goes to... Mrs. Shelagh Turner-- ha ha!--elected in absentia by Dr. Turner, one of our judges.

Ha ha!

And runner-up is... Mrs. Sandra Okwe.

Violet: And... Mrs. Maria Sarantopoulos receives Highly Commended for her very innovative use of flaky pastry.

Hmm.

Oh.

I'm perfectly aware of why I didn't win.

The mincemeat, it--it wasn't homemade, and I had to fall back on shop-bought.

Don't look to me to have your disparagement affirmed.

I deem them perfectly acceptable.

Sister Veronica: We've been so busy, I got behind with my preserves.

I'm supposed to be making chutney for the order to give as Christmas presents, and that's all fallen by the wayside, too.

Sister Julienne: Would you come to my office, Nurse Highland?

Of course, Sister.

Sister Julienne: Saint Cuthbert's is now so short-staffed, they have asked us to supply a midwife on secondment for two weeks.

I suggested you to them, and they were delighted.

I would be delighted, but I'm afraid my papers aren't properly in order.

I have made my own inquiries, and I have been assured that nothing that happened with regard to your marriage has undermined your legal status or your nursing registration.

I do intend to pursue a divorce.

In the new year, I will introduce you to a suitable solicitor.

For now, go and represent us at Saint Cuthbert's.

[Door opens, footsteps approach] [Door closes] Hello, love.

Where'd you get that from?

Father Christmas came, and we had a party.

Love-- Doctor: This is Karen Louise Shaughnessy, aged 9 years, 6 months; principal cardiac lesion is ventricular septal defect, colloquially known as...hole in the heart.

Excuse me.

We usually see Dr. McKeurton.

Uh, Dr. McKeurton did his rounds early this afternoon.

Weren't you here?

I was tied up.

We were moving house.

Moving house?

It's--it's a bit of a story, love.

It sounds as though you're in for an adventure, Karen.

According to Dr. McKeurton's notes, she's going home tomorrow.

Man: Let's get you all [indistinct] in.

OK. [Chuckles] Ooh!

[Giggles] All right.

All right, Mitch.

Wish we could settle on a name before it's born.

I heard of a baby called Sky once.

That'd be nice.

Would make me think of this.

A Scottish terrier called Skye.

[Chuckles] Tsk.

[Sighs] I love Star, then.

It might grow up to be really ordinary, Alma, and then we've saddled it as something it can't live up to.

My name was picked by a hospital cleaner, because me mum couldn't cope when she saw the color of my skin, handed me over to Welfare.

There will never be anything ordinary about this baby, because it was wanted.

We can call it Star, Sky, or Moon or Snow or Sunshine.

Call it whatever we like.

Rose, or Willow.

Or Wren.

[Giggles] Or... Richard.

Richard's-- just a nice name.

[Chuckles] [Gasps] Oh.

What, you all right?

[Inhales sharply] I don't know.

Ooh.

[Distant, quiet sobbing] Teddy: Why are you crying?

We're going home tomorrow.

It's Christmassy here.

I can assure you, I myself received no notification that Lesley Abingdon had been discharged.

Is it possible your Rolodex has let you down?

My Rolodex has not let me down.

The National Health has let its patients down.

We will go through all due dates, delivery, admission, and discharge notifications available to us together.

And those which are not available, I shall pursue.

Roger Noble.

We spoke on the phone.

You must be Miss Higgins.

Heh heh!

I'm guilty of many things, I promise you, but not that.

She's not in till later.

Miss Higgins said the doctor couldn't see me before Christmas, but...thought I'd come down and have another go.

What are you after, then-- sick note, blood test, antibiotics, or...something lurid you have no intention of discussing at the desk?

Uh, I'm a tranquilizer salesman.

Oh, well, we could all do with some of them.

Tomorrow, at 10 a.m.?

I've copied her writing.

Hmm.

[Chuckling] I reckon even she'll be convinced.

Thanks.

[Door opens] [Breathing heavily] Maybe we should go.

We've been here ages.

And you've been having pains all night.

Nurse?

Are you not feeling too good, honey?

Let's make you more comfortable.

Shelagh: You're all up-to-date with the Advent calendar.

Get back on the settee and under that blanket.

Girls, your sandwiches are on the table.

Angela: Why can't we have spaghetti on toast?

Because there's only one tin, and Teddy's still convalescing.

Four prisoners have escaped from HMP Calder in Lancashire.

The breakout took place in the early hours of this morning.

All the men are considered to be dangerous and may now be armed.

Radio announcer: A manhunt is underway across the breadth of Britain.

Two of the suspects have ties to the London area, the others to Bristol and Glasgow, respectively.

Police have warned members of the public that the escaped prisoners should not be approached under any circumstances and that they should be vigilant at all times.

What does "vigilant" mean?

It means you are not walking anywhere unsupervised ever again.

[May sighs] [Distant dog barking] Karen: It smells funny, and my chest hurts.

Mrs. Shaughnessy: It's just them stairs, Karen, and your heart.

Come on.

Have a lie-down.

[Distant, thudding footsteps] [Distant door closes] Is this where we live now?

Now, but not forever.

There isn't a cot for the baby.

Baby isn't born yet.

We'll sort something out.

Karen, I lived in some funny old places when I was a little girl, but I used to play this game called Everything.

It's really something else.

A game, where you need a board and counters?

No, all you need is words.

You say, "This room is really a cabin on a ship."

This cup of water is really a silver goblet, full of hot blackcurrant juice.

Then, when you close your eyes... you can feel the ship swaying on the sea and feel the drink, warm in your belly, as real as anything you like.

We live at the top of a tower made of pearls and glass, and this coat is of velvet eiderdown.

That's my girl.

Shall I put this on the mantelpiece?

[Baby crying] I'll need to see you at the surgery once you finish those antibiotics, but everything's going in the right direction.

And not before time, I shall be calling in daily until we get Master Anthony's weight back up.

Thank you, Doctor, and have a happy Christmas.

You, too.

[Anthony fussing] [Door opens] Ah.

[Buzzing] Lesley: Doc?

My mum put a piece of that sherry log in tinfoil for you.

Mrs. Abingdon, do you know who lives in this flat?

Yes, an old lady.

Keeps herself to herself.

I thought I had till New Year.

I thought to be able to get home to Cancer, where we live, and get to the cottage hospital.

They had flowery curtains there.

This isn't what I wanted.

I think what you really want is not to feel scared.

Now, I can't help with the flowery curtains, but I can help you with that.

I'll be back in two ticks.

[Door opens and closes] [Sighs] [Flies buzzing] [Coughs] [Screaming] Alma?

I just wanted to get off the bed.

Can you get back onto it?

[Screaming] So, Mother knows best.

[Straining and screaming] You stay right where you are.

[Flies buzzing] The lady's no longer alive.

[Sighs] I think the flies are from the ham on the table.

But, bless her, she has been dead for a couple of days.

I think we can guess what's happened here-- Hong Kong flu.

Knocked off her feet and nobody looking in on her.

There's always somebody beyond our reach, isn't there?

We try.

Please, please, can't you just pull it out?

You don't need anyone interfering, Alma.

You got a strength to do this all on your own.

I haven't.

Yes, you have.

You have, honey.

Now, come on.

Come on, you given us a half a head.

This time, I want all of it.

Come on.

Mm... Come on!

[Groaning] Come on!

Yes!

We have the whole baby!

It's out?

It's absolutely out, and it's a boy.

[Crying] Come on.

Please, I want him.

Hello.

I'm your mum.

[Fussing] Thank you for coming in time for Christmas.

He looks like his dad.

[Alma chuckles] Dr. Turner: Gertrude Torrance... born 1899.

The coroner will have to determine the cause of death.

Mm, could you put this red book back on the sideboard?

There must be a next of kin somewhere.

[Babies fussing] Seven pounds, two ounces.

That good?

Uh, 7 pounds is the average, so two ounces higher than that.

When I was at school, I would have killed to be called average.

I was always marked "weak" or "poor."

Heh heh!

He's doing better than me already.

Would you like free tickets to the fair?

I--I've got some in my jacket and-- That's fine, but the hospital don't allow us to accept gifts.

Well, I'll leave your name at the gate.

You can take all your friends.

Take everyone you know.

Oh.

Heh!

[Sobs] He looks like his mum.

[Baby fussing] [Sniffles, chuckles] Ooh.

[Laughter] The moment I heard there was a clearing-out sale at Ealing Studios, I hotfooted over to see what I could retrieve for the Nonnatus dressing-up box.

Oh, well, this will all come in very handy for the community carol service.

Phyllis: It's actually being billed as the People of Poplar Carols.

Traditional, but not religious.

Angela: There's going to be roast chestnuts on a brazier.

Oh, I could kill for the chance to warm my hands on a brazier.

[Geoffrey and Angela chuckle] Geoffrey: Housesitting for my sister has rather lost its charm since the communal hot water and heating broke down.

Trixie isn't going to like that when she comes to visit.

She shampoos her hair every night.

Heh heh!

[Phone ringing] But, Mr. Franklin, you must come and lodge with us again if you're inconvenienced.

Oh, heh!

I may take you up on that.

There was actually ice on my flannel this morning.

[Laughter] No, Mr. Ledbetter, I'm afraid I didn't pick up the deceased lady's dentures.

I would have expected one of your gentleman undertakers to do it.

It seems a somewhat unfortunate omission.

[Sighs] I shall go to the flats and confer with the janitor.

Thank you very much.

[Sighs] TV reporter: One of the four escaped prisoners from HMP Calder in Lancashire has been apprehended by police near Bristol, an area to which he had connections...

Sister Monica Joan, we encourage sociable activities during recreation.

There are felons at large, and we are all imperiled.

Names may need to be added to the prayer list.

TV reporter: Police officers sustained injuries that are not thought to be life-threatening.

Ask another question.

Nancy: Uh, will I be rich when I grow up?

TV reporter: He was spotted by a member of the public... No.

Oh, I'd better start betting on the horses, then.

[Laughter] Here's a good one.

Will Geoffrey ever get married?

[Geoffrey gasps] Maybe.

Better than a flat denial, I suppose.

[Scattered chuckling] Mr. Shaughnessy: Oh....I...

Mrs. Shaughnessy: I reckon it's Hong Kong flu.

I'll go out tomorrow, and I'll get you some aspirin.

Oh--[gulps]-- save your money.

I'll be fine.

I'm fine.

[Sighs] Come on.

It's time to blow them candles out.

Mr. Shaughnessy: Oh.

Karen: It's funny, having no electric.

There's carols down in war memorial tomorrow.

It's not too far for you to walk.

Why don't you go, and take Suzy?

Will it cost anything?

Nuh-uh, and it'd be really Christmassy.

Mr. Shaughnessy: Oh.

Oh.

Rosalind: Her dentures were in the bathroom.

Ah.

She seems to have been a respectable woman.

Neat, clean.

I can't leave a small soaking for the council to find when they come to clear the flat out.

I shall take them back to Nonnatus House and wash them in the new machine.

She'll need to be dressed decently for burial, pauper's funeral or not.

Phyllis?

Hmm?

What's a pauper's funeral like?

Plain... bare... not done without dignity, but when there's no flowers, no mourners, what you wonder is what does life amount to when there's no love at the end of it?

[Wringed-out water splashing] [Merry-go-round playing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"] Oh.

[Both chuckle] [All giggling] Ha ha ha ha!

I thought the girls would say they were too big for a merry-go-round and that Teddy would say it's a girl's ride.

Oh, Teddy can't say anything with that scarf wrapped round his mouth.

He's recovering from surgery, and there are a lot of germs about.

Dr. Turner: They're still children, aren't they?

Sometimes I dread the day when they won't be anymore.

Timothy is no longer a child, but he's still our child.

Hmm, I can't believe he won't be here to open his presents on Christmas morning.

He'll be working on the wards.

[Children giggle] Dr. Turner: It's a dream come true for him, and the presents will keep until he gets home.

[Both chuckle] I'm sorry.

Please, don't say anything.

I don't want to make you break the great silence.

I carry a silence within me.

It can be accessed at all times and committed to every purpose, like prayer, its cousin.

I wish I was better at praying.

Likewise, but there is only one examiner, and he does not give us box.

What, or whom, did you come in here to pray for?

Just a woman who died alone.

If this is the lady who required a reunion with her dentures... you may leave her soul to me.

You must rest.

[Sighs] [Carnival music playing] [Laughter] Ah!

Ah!

Oh!

[Laughter] Oh, my goodness!

[Gasps] Patrick!

He needs to leave that on.

Trust me.

I'm a doctor.

Oh, ha ha ha!

[Laughter] [Three knocks on door] Man: Hello?

[Four knocks on door] [Three knocks on door] [Cat meows] Fred: Mind Nigel's paws on those splinters.

I haven't seen this much smashed glass since the train crash.

What's happened, Fred?

Ah, broken into overnight.

Same over the way.

Cyril: Has much been taken?

[Sighs] Fags, matches, free packets of custard creams, and one of the Christmas Club boxes.

Oh, no.

Well, apart from the coconut on the top, it's mostly tins.

He ain't gonna get much joy out of it unless he's got a can opener.

Morning.

Morning.

[Vehicle approaching] Ah, ho ho!

Two hours it's taken, with robbers on the loose.

Heh!

It's a good job that no one's being held at gunpoint.

Tell me if you need a hand later.

[Car door opens] All right, sir.

What happened?

[Footsteps] Pastor Robinson?

We need to talk about the choir and the People of Poplar Carols.

Oh, forgive me.

You're reading your letter, with a Jamaican stamp on it?

Yes.

It is from Lucille.

May the Lord shine His face upon her.

What's she say?

Nothing.

She's sweet, she's courteous, she's enjoying her job, and she says nothing.

[Sighs] I feel like Churchill when he had all his planes in the air during the Battle of Britain.

Hmm.

I'm sorry, lass.

We're that short-staffed.

The only way you'll get through this district list on your own is if you pack an egg sandwich and eat luncheon on the hot.

Sister Veronica: You better take something milky in a Thermos.

[Phone ringing] Mm-hmm.

I'll get it.

And I'd better put you on the midwifery call board after Sister Julienne.

We don't do it often, but needs must.

Rosalind: Nonnatus House.

Midwife speaking.

[Coughing] It's Miss Higgins at the surgery.

Apologies.

One moment, please.

Morning, Miss Higgins.

Good morning, Doctor.

As you can see, we are rather busy today.

Nurse Clifford, we require reinforcements.

Angela: Look, I've done separate sections for the different types of scrap metal: "Old keys, "brass plugs, toy cars."

Teddy: That's not fair.

All the toy cars are mine.

Shelagh: I'm not going to let you join in with the Blue Peter Appeal at all if you don't stop squabbling about it.

May: But it's to buy a mini bus so old people can have treats.

I'm not feeling particularly youthful myself this morning, and my idea of a treat is if you all go upstairs, get dressed, and then come down and clean out Petula's hutch.

Teddy: But I just had my adenoids out.

[Angela and May giggle] [Shelagh sighs] I think you're going to be a textbook case, Mrs. Ali.

My mother-in-law delivered my first baby at home in Salet.

Ah.

I think she believes she will deliver this one, too.

By the time she gets back from dropping the children off with your sister, I think she'll be too late.

[Chuckles] Ah, baby's lined himself up very nicely.

He clearly knows the drill.

Heh heh!

A lady in the market yesterday said, "I can see what you're getting for Christmas," and I was perplexed because I'm not Christian.

[Chuckling] Then I saw that she meant this.

Heh!

Well, it's all cause for celebration, one way and another.

Hmm.

Now, I would like you to just keep sipping water.

Your mouth looks a little dry.

Uh, I am not good at drinking.

I'm always busy.

It's time for you to look after yourself, and I'll look after you.

[Person coughing] Roger Noble.

Wynton Damon Pharmaceuticals.

I made an appointment yesterday to meet with Dr. Turner at 10:00.

You must be mistaken.

10:00 falls during surgery hours.

I spoke to one of the nurses.

She had, I think, a Cork accent.

Well, that would have been Nurse Corrigan, who does not have a secretarial mandate.

Doctor will see you at his convenience, and you may stand over there until a seat becomes available.

[Scattered coughing] [Groaning loudly] Afira?

Afira.

Afira, just rest.

Rest now before the next pain.

You are doing the most beautiful work imaginable, and baby will be with us very soon.

It is coming too fast!

No, no, no.

It is coming quickly and easily.

[Exhales] Just take this chance to breathe.

Ooh.

[Gasps] Aah!

Push now, push now.

Just a little, just a little one.

[Groaning] Oh!

Success!

[Baby crying] And you have a little girl.

Boys, I have already.

Ooh, she's a prommy thing.

[Baby fussing] Oh.

[Whispers] There we are, baby.

Oh.

Ah.

[Baby cries] [Door closes] We meet again.

Heh!

In even more glamorous circumstances.

It wasn't me.

It was a wee fella.

The minute I sat down next to him, he parted company with his breakfast.

Heh!

He's decorated the floor in the toilet now and all.

Do you want me to do your toe caps?

I think they got a bit splashed.

It's just as well I didn't come in hush puppies.

Heh!

[Baby squeaks] I'll sort out this draw sheet while you have a cuddle with young miss.

Afira, weakly: What's happening?

[Baby crying] Hold her tight, Afira.

Afira, Afira, all will be well.

I will die.

No.

No, no, that is not the case.

You can see your face in that now.

It's all part of the service.

[Distant baby crying] Why not read some leaflets while you're waiting?

"People of Poplar Carols."

I like the sound of that.

Sister Veronica: Dr. Turner to Afira Ali in the delivery room, urgently.

And we need the flying squad.

Nurse Corrigan, telephone.

I'll be right with you.

She's in good hands.

Sister Veronica: Syntometrine already administered.

I think it stemmed the bleeding, but she's unresponsive.

She's going into shock.

I had concerns that she was dehydrated.

[Baby crying] We need to raise her legs by 12 inches and administer fluid rectally.

Take her to the nursery.

[Baby continues crying] Nancy: Oh, wait, Mrs. Bibi.

Sister Veronica: You have a little granddaughter, Mrs. Bibi.

What of her mother?

[Sobs] Doctor's with her.

The bleeding may have stopped, but... without sufficient fluid in her system, her heart will fail.

Dr. Turner: Fluid going in.

[Mrs. Bibi speaking quietly] [Door opens] Dr. Turner: It's working.

Sister Veronica: Her blood pressure's going back up, and her pulse is reducing, becoming stronger.

Oh.

[Door opens] Is this the patient?

Atonic hemorrhage, placenta complete, vital signs improving.

And prayers answered.

Sister, what happened to baby Curran, the one whose parents work at a fun fair?

Mother and dad have taken him home, to what sounds like a comfortable billet in Kent.

He is barely two days old.

It's a new policy for when we're pushed for beds.

Phyllis: Sister Monica Joan, whatever has occurred?

[Door opens] [Chuckling] Are you still here?

I don't think you'll be seeing Dr. Turner today.

He's been dealing with a hemorrhage.

Talk about paint the town red.

Aye.

And my mop's been working overtime.

Well, you did a grand job on that toilet floor.

Uh... Do they ever give you time off for good behavior?

Heh heh!

They would if I was well-behaved.

Heh!

If you're good, and they let you loose, would you come out with me?

Things are busy because it's Christmas.

Carol-singing and extra duties.

You know what it's like.

Yes.

It's all right.

I'll see you around.

[Door opens] You can't just waltz into a funeral parlor and offer bed and board to one of their clients.

Quite apart from anything else, Gertrude Torrance may have had her own opinions on where her remains should lie.

She may also have had her own opinion as to who should launder her small clothes and retrieve her teeth.

But she died alone, and she deserves to be accompanied to her grave.

Well, I suppose it is Christmas.

It is Advent, a time of darkness, and who is there to bring light into that shade but we?

[Merry-go-round music playing] Colette: Is it really all free?

[Nancy giggles] Geoffrey: Grateful patients is one of the perks of a career in healthcare.

I mean, I never had fairground vouchers for osteopathy, but, uh, but one lives in hope.

Joyce: Ha ha!

What's it gonna be, honey?

Ferris wheel, mini planes, then helter skelter.

Geoffrey: No, no, no.

Mini planes, helter skelter, then Ferris wheel.

Then I want to go on the shooting range and win a new goldfish.

Mm.

Dare I ask what happened to the old goldfish?

He got a sort of funny fungus on him and died.

Does anyone fancy a toffee apple?

Oh, go and get them.

We will be... on the mini planes.

Ha ha!

["Jingle Bells" playing] Joyce: Whoo!

Colette: Lovely!

Ha ha!

I'm awfully sorry, but these are quite sticky.

I think I should have taken my mittens off.

[Chuckles] You looked quite pensive standing there.

[Laughter and shouting continue] First time I ever went to the fair was the first time Colette went to the fair.

I took her, and feeling her little hand in mine made me...feel like a child again myself.

[Chuckles] And as old as the hills.

I suppose you must want her to have all the things you never had.

Yeah, all of that.

And I want her to have all the things she hasn't got now, that we haven't got now, come to that.

Colette: Whoo-hoo!

Ha ha!

[Sighs] Maybe when I look at her up there...

I realize how alone we really are.

I hope this is going to fit him.

He's a lanky laddie is Harry, and he looked to me like he's still growing.

His mother measured him before she left Liverpool to return to Delhi.

Ah.

Victor's estate was demanding her attention.

We make an odd little family, but one way or another, we're bound together now.

Hmm.

And Harry's coming to me for Christmas.

Could smile if you want to, Millicent.

Bittersweet it may be, but you've got a grandson now, and that's a gift.

Furthermore, this jumper's going to suit him.

[Radio cutting in and out] [Sighs] I should have nicked really a pineapple instead of a coconut.

It's like it's made of solid marble.

You're not cut out for life on the run.

If I hadn't had the foresight to nick a tin opener from the ironmonger, you'd have starved to death.

You're serious about this sub post office, aren't you?

We're in a serious situation.

Bill Garner is banged up again, charged with grievous, Smigger turned himself in.

They knew where we were heading.

We had reason to head this way.

Did us no ruddy good, though, did it?

My Astrid's legged it, and no one was waiting for you, either.

We need to disappear, Jock, and that costs money.

I don't do shootouts, Stan.

I never would.

You know that.

And you ended up doing 7 sodding years anyway.

I just need you as a lookout, then you can split and move on.

If you want to have that choice, then we've no choice.

[Coconut thuds] [Gunshot] Go on, make yourself a pina colada.

Ha ha ha ha!

[Kettle sets down] Do you want a hot water bottle to take up with you?

Yes.

O Key of David And scepter of the House of Israel Who openeth and no man shutteth Who shutteth and openeth have Sister Veronica: I'd imagined a sort of looped effect with double swags.

Sister, what we need to establish is, is this Selfridges' Christmas window or the front porch of a convent?

Furthermore, the plug has to reach the mains.

Fred?

Fred.

I fetched you some fire lighters from the shop.

Oh, thanks, Vi.

This coal's that wet, it's like I dug it out of the Thames.

Well, just get it going.

You're already late setting off to collect Reggie.

[Loud pop] Oh!

Ooh!

Sister Veronica: Oh!

I plugged the lights in as suggested, and they just went bang.

Oh.

[Birds cawing] [Baby fussing] Doesn't seem very interested, Sid.

Do you think I'm doing it right?

Yeah, yeah, we're all still learning.

I love him all in ways.

Skin's given a lovely, creamy gold color.

Heh!

You hear about newborns crying and crying.

Well, he never does, do you, Richard?

Richard Roan Moon Will Star Shane Curran.

Hmm.

The only real name he needs is Sidney.

Thanks for staying here, with me.

This feels right.

I want us to be together while he's still so new.

[Richard fussing] That twitching.

Is he shivering?

No.

He's lovely and warm.

[Fussing] Hmm.

[Playing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"] Neil Betteridge?

Yes.

Kevin Muscatelli?

Yes.

Ahmed Muhammad?

Yes.

Patsy Brown?

Yes!

Patricia Alexander?

Yes.

Matthew Carter?

Yes.

Mrs. Turner.

We have been waiting for the hymn sheets.

There seems to be something happening on the commercial road.

Police have blocked off Salerno Street.

["Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" continues] Geoffrey: We have lanterns, and candles are still a possibility.

Victoria's managed perfectly well without fairy lights.

[Car horn honks twice] Geoffrey!

Sis!

Oh!

I hope you've laid this all on for me because I would have happily walked from Portofino if I'd have known what was waiting!

Trixie!

Sister Julienne: Oh, hello!

Geoffrey: Oh!

"Let there be light" indeed!

Ha ha ha ha!

Violet: Fred, have you seen the time?

Hurry up.

Reggie will be waiting.

Oh, yes.

[Laughter] All right, love.

Violet: Over there, dear, if you're going to the carols.

You forgot Reggie's sandwich!

You know he's always starving when he gets off the coach.

Did you actually go to Portofino for 3 days, or were you in Milan for a month, buying out their couture collection?

Oh!

Oh, I'll have you know understated elegance has become my watchword since I've been living in New York.

Every garment I could possibly require for this entire trip has been packed into a mere two cases.

Hmm, which is just as well, since far away, in a superior part of London, your cashmere sweaters are all bristling with icicles.

Oh, by the way, you're in the attic.

Why am I in the attic?

'Cause I got the guest room as a gesture of thanks from Sister Veronica.

I'm going to help her with her chutney.

Oh!

Someone coming to meet you?

Yes.

O little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by Yet in the dark streets shineth The everlasting light The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight [Horn honking] I'm sorry, sir, but you'll have to be patient.

What's happening?

There's been an armed raid on a sub post office.

One man's already been arrested, and one is still at large.

[Sighs] [Panting] [Air brakes hiss] Carolers: Where meek souls will receive Him still The dear Christ enters in [Mouths "You look beautiful"] Hello?

Guess who.

Hello?

Guess who.

[Laughing] Is this Poplar?

No, mate.

Poplar's miles away.

Ha ha!

[Men chattering] Reggie?

Oh, no.

No.

Reggie!

With angelic host proclaim Christ is born in Bethlehem Hark!

The herald angels sing Glory to the newborn king Man on phone: Police, fire, or ambulance?

Police.

I need to report a missing person.

Hello.

You come here often?

I might be a repeat offender, yes.

You a nun?

Do I look like a nun?

Nuns are all mod these days?

I'm sorry if I seemed offhand when-- When I asked you out?

Eh, you're all right.

Thought it was worth a try.

It was, and it would be again if you asked again.

Now?

Yeah.

Great.

Come on, then.

What?

Pictures or funfair?

Funfair.

Give me two minutes, and I'll be back.

Jock: Uh!

Rgh rgh!

Uh!

Uh!

Uh!

[Pounding on door] Lesley: Who's in there?

Rrgh!

[Panting] If you don't open up, Mr. Sarwar is calling the police.

Get off!

Oh!

Just get off.

Nonnatus House, midwife speaking.

Fred: Nurse Crane, have you seen Violet?

I've been trying to get her on the phone.

Is she at the carols?

Oh, she's gone on to the Seamen's Mission with the brass band, Fred.

Is something amiss?

Mm.

I think she needs more color in her cheeks.

Fairground lights can be quite unflattering.

Mm.

You're right.

She very pale.

I'm Irish.

So is he.

He'll be used to going out with girls who look like milk bottles.

Ah, lacquer.

If he takes her on that Ferris wheel, it's going to be windy.

Do you think it matters that I didn't tell him I had to organize a babysitter?

No.

What matters is that you go and have a lovely time.

And we'll be waiting up.

I wanting to hear all about it over a Bournvita.

Go.

[Coughing] Oh... [Coughing continues] Mr. Shaughnessy: [Moaning] Child: [Crying] Are you all right, Mum?

I'm fine.

I reckon it's just a touch of what your dad's got.

I--I-- I'm fine.

[Moaning] [Crying continues] Thanks.

You haven't had any tea.

There's a tin of corned beef over there.

Can you open it?

Hey!

Where's Poplar?

Cyril: Trixie has already gone to the Seamen's Mission to inform Mrs. Buckle and to escort her home.

The assumption is that Reggie tried to make his own way back from the coach station and has either lost his way or... otherwise--otherwise come to grief.

Do you think he might have wandered off with someone?

He's awfully trusting.

Phyllis: He's also quite confident if he gets an idea in his head.

I've marked out his likely routes back to Poplar from the coach station, which is 5 miles away.

Nurse Crane and I will each take one of the routes by car.

Others should use bicycles or go on foot as seems appropriate.

Nancy: Ha ha ha!

Ha ha ha!

Actually, will you let me take over the steering?

Ha ha ha!

Whoop!

Oh!

Ha ha ha!

Ha ha!

Where do we go to claim Danger Man?

I offered you the choice of the pictures or the funfair.

You made your choice.

Go.

Waah!

Ha ha ha!

Ha ha ha!

Ha ha ha!

Reggie?

Excuse me.

I'm looking for a friend, a young man who really shouldn't be out in the dark on his own.

You shouldn't be out in the dark on your own.

[Moans] Alma: Come on, dozy duckling.

[Fussing] You won't grow big and strong if you don't drink your milk.

Joyce: Have you seen our friend Reggie?

We are concerned that he may have got waylaid trying to make his way home.

Oi, Sid, have you seen this lad?

Mr. Curran.

How are Alma and the baby?

Ah, just left them all tucked up in the caravan.

I thought they went home to Kent.

You should be having daily visits from midwives.

I'll make sure somebody calls round.

I'll look out for this fella.

No one ought to be lost or in trouble, not at this time of year.

Hello?

[Door opens] Get out.

No.

I'm a nurse, and you are bleeding.

He has red hair which may be concealed by a blue bobble hat, and he always wears spectacles.

If you see him, please, please telephone the police or one of the numbers on this piece of paper, hmm?

I carry a bag usually full of antiseptic and all sorts of handy things, but this needs a bandage and possibly stitches.

What we can do is press on the wound very hard to see if it helps.

I can do that.

[Click] Where did you get these?

From my mother's home.

Gerty Torrance was your mother?

What?

Did you not know she had died?

I'd wondered, but you do a lot of wondering when you don't see someone year after year.

[Sobbing] I once read about a survey by a Paris perfume company in which 1,000 men were asked what their favorite smell was, and 83% of them said fried onion.

Ha!

What did the other 17% say?

I put my money on bacon.

Ha ha ha!

Reggie!

Stop.

Eating or walking?

Both.

Why?

Because at some point in the course of this evening, I'm going to kiss you, possibly more than once, and it might as well be now.

Thank you.

It was lovely.

And they're going to be better.

Oh!

Uh!

Ohh... Cyril: Rosalind?

Rosalind: I'm over here.

[Door opens] This is Jock.

He has an injured hand, and he's just learned that he's been bereaved.

I'm sorry, my friend.

You're in need of help.

I can see that.

Jock says he won't go to hospital, but there's blood everywhere.

We need something we can cut up and use as a bandage.

Is this a prison shirt?

Yes.

It is.

Ohh!

I don't know who you are, but I know you're a convict.

I'm making a citizen's arrest.

Oh, stop with the [indistinct] drama!

I broke out of jail, but I escaped nothing... and I'm tired.

You can take me where you want, hand me over to who you want.

Just let me open my Christmas present first.

I forgot living in America how absolutely vital tea can be in a crisis-- tea when babies are born, tea when elderly people die.

tea when there's a burglary or a road accident.

[Sobs] Oh, Violet, I'm sorry.

Should I just shut up or even go?

No.

No, no.

I'm glad of the company.

It's just that all I can think about is that if Reggie was here, he'd be the one making the tea.

[Sniffles] You know, it's what he does when he wants to show that he cares, when he wants to play his part, when he wants to join in?

None of these things are easy for him because of the way he is, but when he makes tea, it's like he grows taller.

[Cries] [Sniffles] Oh... It's a tie, a smart one like a businessman would wear.

She never gave up hope.

I don't want to get blood on it.

Now take me and top me hand.

[Bell rings] Is Reggie with you?

I've got his bag.

It's got all his old clothes in it, Vi, his wallet with his spends.

I thought he might've rung you or something.

You know he can't use a phone box without help, Fred.

Yeah.

I know.

I know.

I told the police that.

What are they going to do, Fred?

They said they were going to revisit the situation in the morning.

What?

Oh... Officer?

Officer.

Can I help you, madam?

Yes.

I believe you can by locating someone who is extremely vulnerable and may come to grave harm overnight if you don't make every attempt to locate him.

May I ask for your name and address, madam?

My name is Lady Elwood, currently staying with friends at Nonnatus House, Wick Street.

More pertinently, Reggie Jackson, who is currently logged with you as a missing person, calls the Mayor of Tower Hamlets "Mum."

That wasn't mentioned.

I shouldn't have to be, but I have contacts at a number of newspapers and BBC Radio, and they'd be extremely interested to hear about this.

If I'd been a better criminal, I might have more to show for it.

I'm sure you did your best.

I had this notion I'd turn up in a fancy car one day and hand her a big mink coat because she felt the cold so bad, and when she met a man, married him, came to England, I wanted to prove myself all the more.

I ended up getting 3 year for burglary, then out, then 18 months, then out, and then 5.

Did your mother know you were in prison?

She was widowed again.

She didn't need bad news.

I wrote and told her I was in the Merchant Navy... and she didn't argue.

We're nearly there.

My shoes are let in the way in.

[Cat meows] Harry.

Oh...

I wasn't expecting you till Christmas Eve.

I was looking forward to seeing you so much, and then I thought, "Why wait if I don't have to?"

Ohh... Oh... [Exhales] Can you believe that actually happened?

We handed him over and gave our statements.

He was taken to the cells.

The police want to question him about the shop burglaries and the post office holdup.

I hope they won't treat him unkindly.

Let's go and retrieve your bike, and I'll walk you home.

[Brakes squeak] That was the longest queue in X-ray I've ever seen in my life.

We had a grand game of I-Spy, though.

[Chuckles] [Winces] Is it hurting?

On and off.

It's only a sprain.

At least I persuaded them to give you pethidine.

No.

It's on me.

See ya.

Thank you for everything.

N-A-M-A-S-G- I-E-D-O-I-M-L. Have you not had enough of I-Spy for one night?

Nicest and most appropriately skilled girl I ever took out in my life.

[Giggles] Ha ha ha!

[Humming "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"] [Static] I told Nurse Clifford she can have an extra hour in bed after last night's adventures, which I am still struggling to digest.

I think we all are.

I shall have to send Sister Julienne out on the domiciliary visits this morning.

Nurse Crane... Mm?

may I talk to you about a Mrs. Alma Curran?

I delivered her baby at the hospital.

Man on radio: John "Jock" McKechnie, the last of the 4 escaped prisoners to be apprehended, was held in custody overnight.

Meanwhile, the police have this morning issued an alert regarding 26-year-old Reginald Jackson from East London, who is missing.

Thank God they're doing something.

Man on radio: Reginald disappeared after taking a coach from his residential home in Sussex to visit family for Christmas.

He is 5'7" in height, wears spectacles, and has auburn hair.

If anyone knows of Reginald's whereabouts... Patrick, he's been out all night, Man on radio: as he is a vulnerable young adult with Down syndrome.

I'm so glad you came.

Everyone says you need to get them into a routine, but I wouldn't know where to start.

We'll be visiting every day now until things are more settled.

Sid: Sister, he's either crying and not feeding or just sleeping and sleeping and twitching like he's having nightmares.

May I see him?

[Fussing] Baby is very, very jaundiced, Alma.

He's much more yellow than he was last night.

He looked like a normal color until this morning.

Is that the twitching you described?

He started doing it last night.

I think baby may be fitting.

Mr. Curran, do you have access to a motor vehicle?

I want Richard to see a doctor as soon as possible, and it will be quicker if we go to him.

[Coughing] Andrea is hungry.

He doesn't like corned beef.

You have to go to the shops for some bread... Andrea: [Wails] and candles.

Something's happened to the candles.

I think it was the rats.

I heard them in the night.

Andrea: [Crying] [Sniff sniff] [Barking] Richard: [Crying] He's having full-blown convulsions.

Get the incubator ready and send for an ambulance.

I think we may be dealing with fulminant, undiagnosed jaundice.

That can lead to brain damage and even death.

This is what happens when babies are discharged too early.

Oh...

Put that down, luv.

Luv, is your name Reginald?

Reggie.

I haven't had a minute's peace since I heard about you on the wireless.

We're going to get you back to your mum.

Pass me that bag, Sharon.

Do you like mince pies?

No, but please, could I have one?

Mum wants candles.

I shall be absent over the lunch hour, as I need to feed my grandson.

Please be advised he will be calling me Aunty in any given public setting.

It's a general term of respect in India, and many overseas students have guardians.

I understand.

Is that coffee?

No.

It's honey and hot lemon with the Beechams powder in it for good measure.

Ah.

A thermometer is not required.

I'm postponing all your appointments for this afternoon and sending you home.

[Door opens] [Door closes] I'm hungry.

Shelagh: Shoulders back, Angela, and, May, remember, you've got to make sure your voice gets right to the back of the church.

"Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love divine."

"Love was born at Christmas.

"Star and angels gave the sign.

Don't think you're quite loud enough.

I'm going to go to the back and listen from there.

Carry on reading.

"Worship we the Godhead, Love incarnate, Love divine."

May: "Worship we our Jesus, but wherewith for sacred sign?"

Shelagh: Louder.

Both: "Love shall be our token.

"Love be yours, and love be mine.

"Love to God and all men.

Love for plea and gift and sign."

Karen, what ever are you doing, Karen?

Don't shout.

No.

I won't shout, but you must tell me what is happening.

Petula Clark: The happiest Christmas Is a homecoming Christmas With the snow fluttering down Till the world seems new Bright candles burning Old friends returning The wishes of children coming true And the happiest wishes Are just old-fashioned wishes May your days be merry Your sorrows be small May the ones you love Be near you That's the happiest Christmas of all Julienne: I'm sorry if the pediatrician spoke so bluntly, but he is an expert in his field, and he will do everything within his powers to bring about a good result for Richard.

Good result would be if he lives.

They aren't promising us more than that, are they?

They aren't promising us anything.

Have they started the blood transfusion yet?

Yes.

Will it stop his brain from getting damaged?

We hope so very much.

I'll see if I can find you some tea.

[Sniffling] Keep thinking about how your life started, with your mother walking out of the hospital and leaving you.

His is going to start with us going nowhere.

I'd sit here for a year if I had to.

I'd sit here forever.

[Sniffles] [Crying] Tightens in my throat, can't breathe in.

Think you may have pneumonia.

I'm going to send for an ambulance.

When is your baby due?

I've always just said Christmas like Santa Claus is going to bring it.

Hmm.

Uh, I thought you'd come to arrest me again.

I'm here in my capacity as a minister of religion.

Minister of religion.

Whew.

You're a dark horse.

Yeah.

No offense.

It was the only way I could get through the door.

[Both chuckle] Your mother's funeral is taking place quite soon.

All the arrangements have been made by the council.

I want to say I can do better for her than that, I can see her buried with dignity and honor, but I can't.

A religious ceremony won't cost money.

I can vouch for that myself.

Would they let me go to her, to see her before they take me back up north?

All I wanted was to visit her for Christmas.

At least that way, I can finish what I started.

I think your temperature's gone down.

Ooh, thank you, Nurse Turner.

Do you need anything?

Only Sellotape.

We're wrapping up all the broken Dinky cars and the old bits of metal for "Blue Peter."

Better late than never.

Oh!

[Coughs] Oh, fetch me... a mince pie.

[Both laugh] This is like the labors of Sisyphus.

Every time I turn around, there's another mountain of apples and tomatoes that need a seeing to.

Mm-hmm.

Ah, thank the Lord for the cooking brandy.

Do you want some more?

Oh, no.

Well, I'll compromise-- put it in a spoon and pretend it's medicine.

[Both laugh] [Slurp] Ooh!

Oh...

I'm not even supposed to open my mouth to speak after Compline, never mind put alcohol in it.

God will forgive you... Oh.

because the order can now give savory Yuletide favors to all of its associates.

Ha ha ha!

You do lift our spirits when you come to visit, Mr. Franklin.

You always seem so...happy.

Heh.

I take a certain pride in my performance in the ordinary world, but when I'm at Nonnatus House, I often find I'm-- I'm quite sincere in my contentment.

Perhaps it's because I'm with other spinsters, or maybe it's simply because I feel at home.

We are all spinsters, aren't we?

I know I'm the bride of Christ, comes to the same thing.

I keep putting this thing to the test by asking it if I'll ever get married.

It always says no.

[Exhales] You skin, Sister.

I'll slice.

Rr!

[Both chuckle] Are you going to the surgery?

You have the flu.

I've woken up feeling fine, but have you seen my car keys?

I've got a list of cases as long as your arm this morning.

Can you use the spare set?

Timothy took the spare set up to Edinburgh by accident.

I put mine on the table when I came in.

I'm going to have to go.

I'll have to find another means of transport.

You go.

I'll keep on looking.

Can you post this on the way?

It's the children's parcel for "Blue Peter."

I need to go and see Pete.

I don't care if the hospital say that he's turning a corner.

I need to go and see him.

Not until you've shaken off this flu.

Think of this as the beginning of a plan of action.

First and foremost, we must get the whole family signed up with our local GP practice, for Karen's sake most of all.

When she was born, they said that I'd never rear her.

I was only 16, but I've done all right, didn't I?

Dilys, I take my hat off to you.

I had the show this morning, great, big clump of it.

Have you been having any pains?

Oh, a few.

It doesn't look to me as though you've come to any harm, Reggie.

Sometimes in life, things go wrong, but we survive, and all we can do is learn from them.

Mm.

I've learned not to get on the wrong bus.

[Chuckles] How are you feeling about it all now?

Sad because I was hungry.

Well, you've already made up for that with half a tin of shortbread Santas.

Some people are hungry all the time.

It hurts your stomach and your heart, and it's Christmas.

[Telephone rings] Nonnatus House, mid-- Do you need to speak to a midwife?

I think I just need to speak to anyone who's free to come and help me at a home delivery.

The mother's circumstances are absolutely pitiful.

Ow.

[Doorbell rings] Hello.

Hello.

Would I be able to speak to Nurse Nancy Corrigan, please?

Are those flowers because you're a grateful patient?

Sort of.

She's about to go back to work for the afternoon.

Mummy?

Mummy, a man brought you flowers.

So I see.

Get in.

Nancy, please.

Come and have a cup of coffee with me.

I'm working, and, like I said in the first place, Christmas is a very busy time.

[Bicycle bell rings] [Winces] Oh... Hello, Daddy.

Angela, what are you 3 up to?

What post box did you put the "Blue Peter" parcel in?

Why do you want to know?

May put my best Dinky car in it.

It was an accident.

And your car keys.

That was accident, too.

[Sighs] Oi.

Oh.

Just a cup of coffee, Nancy, and if you don't want coffee, I'll take you for an ice cream.

Ice cream?

It's flaming December.

Nancy, sooner or later, I am going to tell you that I love you.

I thought I might as well give advance notice.

In the grand tradition of warning me of romantic developments.

Thought it might change your mind about the coffee-stroke- ice cream situation.

Oh, tell your man to pull over, and I'll stop.

Pull over, mate.

[Knocks on door] Pastor Robinson has arrived, and Sister Monica Joan says the chapel is ready.

I'm afraid I shall have to leave immediately afterwards.

I have an appointment with the Board of Health.

My bottom's cold.

I hate "Blue Peter."

Mum gets cross with mes I hate.

Not as cross as Dad got about the car keys.

What time is the postman coming?

[Sighs] [Sighs] Oh... You are welcome in our home, which has been your mother's, also.

Um... thank you... for your kindness.

Um...um, uh... Go on, lad.

Do her proud.

Andrea: [Babbling] Karen: How long does it take for a baby to be born?

Nobody knows, sweetie.

That's all part of the fun, but all the time, all the way through it, we know we're all going to get a present at the end.

What sort of present?

Well, a baby.

What do you want most, little brother or little sister?

A sister because we've only got girls clothes.

I did not know Gertie during her time on Earth, but I had the privilege of being with her after she departed it, and in doing so, I met a woman who was dignified and principled and...steadfast.

Therefore, I respect and mourn her.

I wish our paths had crossed sooner.

This might have been a different tale.

I will remember this day.

I will remember it like I remember her peeling potatoes with her wedding ring shining in the muddy water... and her tearing her stuff off the teacher when I got caned at school and crying when I took coal home to her because it was mid-winter and we had no fire.

I thought then she was crying because she was happy.

Now I think she knew I nicked it.

Thank you all, for all of you.

Loving my mother was the only decent thing I ever did, and I did it from further and further away.

We used to joke that we'd forget each other's names, but we never did.

I never will.

I'm glad you found good people in the end, Ma.

You deserve them.

Guess who.

[Grunting] Please, please, can I have gas with the next one?

Gas doesn't go well with the candles, sweetie, and you're doing wonderfully well without it.

We need you to concentrate now, Dilys, and push as hard as you can.

The baby's slipping back a little between contractions.

I think we might have to ask gravity for a helping hand.

Gravity is what they talk about in space.

I'm not a ruddy astronaut.

You won't be doing it on your own, Dilys.

I'll cover the floor.

[Grunting] As you can see, we are now in full possession of the deeds of Nonnatus House.

And?

And this marks the end of our relationship with a really quite remarkable and very generous benefactor.

Hmm.

He was probably glad to be rid of it.

The building is under a compulsory purchase order.

Which is yet to be enacted.

Meanwhile, our domiciliary and district services are more essential than ever.

Have you come to ask for an increase in fees?

I will next June when our arrangements are reviewed.

For now, I simply need money to see to the wet and dry rot and our roof.

The building is scarcely fit for any purpose, let alone as medical premises.

Its primary purpose seems to be as a house of religion.

Yes.

That has been the case since 1864.

Which is why your presence in this community is wholly inappropriate in 1969.

Women don't want nuns delivering sex education, contraception, or treatment for venereal disease, and they don't want to ask them for abortions.

We don't provide abortions.

You won't be providing anything if I had my way.

You can ask for as much money as you like when your review comes up, but I warn you now, we will be discussing other matters.

I'm scared.

I'm giving you germs.

Oh, that's the last thing you should be worrying about, sweetie.

Just hang on to me and do as Mrs. Turner says.

This is the best thing you could possibly have done, Dilys.

Baby is almost with us.

Catch it.

Catch it.

Promise me you'll catch it.

[Grunts] [Baby crying] A little boy, Dilys.

A boy.

A boy after all them girls.

When did I get so lucky?

Oh... [Baby crying] Me mopping up sick is funny.

Me being useless on the dodgems, it's funny.

Me telling you all about the orphanage and doing all the nuns' voices, I can make that funny, too, but becoming a mother at 16 is the biggest and the most serious thing that's ever happened to me.

I can never make that into a joke, so I didn't tell you.

Were you scared of what I'd think?

I was scared I'd scare you off.

The only thing that would scare me off is if you expected me to keep laughing all the time because that wouldn't be normal or genuine or real.

Um, I-- I want this to be real, Nancy, all of it, everything I felt ever since I first clapped eyes on you and thought you were Miss Higgins, because it's been like I'm dreaming or on drugs or something.

And you'd know all about that being a pharmaceutical salesman.

Do you think that this is all happening quite fast?

Yeah, but I think it's meant to.

Yeah.

Me, too.

Introduce me to your daughter.

Let me take you both out to the funfair again or the pictures.

Make it the pictures, less dangerous.

Away in a manger No crib for a bed The little Lord Jesus Laid down His sweet head Karen, Trixie, and Shelagh: The stars in the bright sky Looked down where He lay The little Lord Jesus Asleep on the hay What are you playing at?

I'm playing Everything is Really Something Else, and he's Baby Jesus.

Dilys: He's going to look the devil in all that pink.

[Laughter] [Sweeper rattling] Jock was taken straight back to prison.

I went with Gertie as far as the grave in a council cemetery.

I took note of her position so one day he can go and put flowers there.

Or we can.

She couldn't have flowers in here because of Advent.

There's always one more thing that can be done to make a hurt better, isn't there?

Always.

[Door opens] Put them on the desk.

[Laughter] A quick visit to the dodgems before we all go home?

Yeah.

Fred: Ha ha ha!

The Shaunessys are on our books now and Sister Veronica's books.

After Christmas, they can apply to be rehoused.

And how long is that going to take?

I suppose it might help that little Karen is so poorly, but they're in for a wait.

Oh, I'm accustomed to seeing poverty, but we're led to suppose that squalor is dying out there.

We're poised on the brink of 1970, and the whole world is on the up and up.

But the sad fact is, the world is on the up and up, and too many people are being left behind.

If I said I walked down Fifth Avenue dreaming about testing urine, I'd be fibbing.

If I said I lie next to my husband at night dreaming about riding my bike on the cobblestones in heavy rain, I'd probably go to hell because I'd be lying my head off... [Chuckles] but today wasn't a dream.

The squalor of the room, the pain of the mother, the paraffin smell of those cheap candles were all completely real... and everything that came out of her labor and our work was absolutely beautiful... and true.

I can't stop wanting that.

I don't know that I can get back to it.

I belonged in that room just as I belong in this one.

I've learned to be good at not craving things that hurt me, but I can't stop craving the things that make me whole.

Geoffrey: Having no particularly gainful employment to attend to between now and Christmas Day itself, I'm entirely happy to spearhead the whole enterprise.

Oh.

Phyllis: Well, you're the only man I know who knows one end of an oven glove from the other, and there are so many lonely people out there, all the lonelier because they won't admit to it.

How did loneliness ever come to be a source of shame?

Trixie: Because it's a kind of hunger, and, one way or another, hunger is always seen as a failure.

Not this Christmas.

And not here.

Geoffrey: Then this is how I propose that we proceed.

We've been offered access to 5 domestic kitchens.

Nonnatus House is kitchen number one.

Our esteemed mayor Mrs. Buckle has offered kitchen number two, Turner residence-- kitchen number 3.

Miss Higgins cottage furnishes us with kitchen 4, and bringing up the rear, Pastor Robinson is kitchen 5, each to roast one large, donated turkey accompaniments to be assigned.

And here comes Harry with the invitations fresh from the Roneo at the library.

The bit where it says, "Please bring your own chair," hasn't come out very clearly.

I might have to go over that in pen.

Well, do it quickly.

We need to get these out this afternoon.

Oh, let me do that.

I'll be flying back tomorrow morning and missing all the fun.

Pen.

Your uterus is reducing nicely.

You can take Epsom salts if you wish to dry up your milk, or we can try and keep things going until he comes home from hospital.

I'm hoping to see another improvement in him when we go in later.

Have they given you any indications about his future?

Only that there are no guarantees.

They said he might be disabled.

I've never heard of that before, but they said it's the same as handicapped.

So often when newborn babies have problems, only time can tell whether they will be permanently injured.

Time can tell us what it likes.

Richard is our baby, and we're going to love him, no matter what.

Most mothers would say exactly that, but not all.

Hmm, I know that all too well, and that's why there will never be anything wrong with my child in my eyes as long as he's happy.

And lo, the great Poplar Christmas Comestible Heist has borne fruit, somewhat literally, and in the most spectacular way.

Ohh!

Good because you'll need to be setting an extra place at the table.

My flight to New York has been canceled.

Thank you, freezing fog, and thank you, industrial action.

Oop!

Ha ha ha!

Hee hee hee!

Patrick: Your turn now.

Let's see if you can do better.

Oh, that's enough.

Don't try too hard.

I'm going to refer her to a different specialist at Imperial Hospital.

They've been developing a new type of surgery there called a Potts shunt.

The idea is to bypass the hole, even if it can't be closed.

Do you think that's worth a try?

Of course you may stay for Christmas.

To have you with us would mean a very great deal as long as your husband can spare you.

He has no choice but to spare me, but I'll be home by bedtime on Boxing Day.

Mm.

"Home."

Well, home won't be England for another year or so.

The business is doing well, but getting in the way.

Do you intend to resume midwifery when you return?

I never intended to stop.

It takes ages to get registered in America with different exams in different states, and I'm worried my skills will decline if I stay away too long.

You must come back to us for a short time, at least.

I don't want you to have to find work for me to do.

For as long as the order is able to stay in Poplar, there will be work for all of us to do.

We may have to present ourselves a little differently.

I will explain more in due course.

You're doing a most meticulous job, Harry.

I am pretending they are teeth.

Dentists need to develop manual dexterity.

Thank you for introducing me to Christmas.

We've had quite a few introductions, haven't we?

A few months ago, we hadn't even met.

But we were always family.

We just didn't know.

[Church bells ringing] What's that sound?

It's the Christmas bells, so it must be midnight.

[Bells continue] Do they do this everywhere?

My father would have loved this.

I love it now.

Mature Jenny: Not everyone is where they ought to be at Christmas.

Children unwrap their futures and their gifts, and the years will whisk them all away.

Nothing stands still--not time, not life on Earth or in the heavens-- and so we must give each other what we can and whilst we may.

Warmth, safety, love, hope, laughter--give it all.

The wrapping should not matter, but if there are ribbons, make them red.

Some dreams come true at Christmas, but not all.

The season can be shaped by things we lost or lacked or yearned for, but then, if we're lucky, remembered for the blessings that we found instead-- the reaching out, the meeting of needs, the pulling together that makes the magic spark.

Home will forever shift and change like the moon or a star from circles on its axis, marking her days and the miles we must travel, but its core remains constant, the one fixed point on our fragile human map.

Home is the chamber of the heart that we constantly revisit, and Christmas beats inside it year after year after year, perennial and steadfast and enduring.

There it is again-- the open door, the extra chairs, the nearness of each other, and the dark made distant.

Time will pass, and much will pass away, but this will always be the same because here at home for Christmas, we can relish all we share and cherish all that we receive, find all that we love and know to be eternal.