Winter Stroll

Sometimes the loved ones who are missing from the holidays play as big a role as the family members who are gathered together. How does Bart’s continued absence—and uncertain fate—impact the Quinns’ holiday celebrations?

Despite their struggles over the past year, the Quinns are looking forward to Christmas Stroll on Nantucket—including the Holiday House tour and the black-tie gala at the Whaling Museum to celebrate the Festival of Trees. What are your town’s most anticipated holiday traditions? Why do you look forward to them?

Mitzi comes to regret her relationship with George, and Ava questions her connection with Scott. What is it about the holiday season that inspires us to examine our lives—both in terms of romances and otherwise—and decide to make changes?

Ava still can’t bear to hear “Jingle Bells” while she’s singing at the Ugly Sweater Christmas Caroling party. Is there a holiday tradition that everyone else loves that you dislike? Who do you think “won” the ugly sweater portion of the party?

Although Isabelle has spent Christmas with the Quinns before, this is her first holiday as an official member of the family. What are the challenges of spending the holidays with your inlaws? In what ways can a Christmas spent with in-laws be rewarding?

Kelley and Mitzi both turn to writing during the holidays. Mitzi becomes pen pals with mothers of other soldiers to help her deal with what she’s going through, while Kelley writes a heartfelt letter to friends and family with news both good and bad. Is it easier to share some things with strangers as opposed to our closest friends loved ones?

Do you, or anyone in your family write a holiday letter? If so, do you agonize over what is and isn’t included as much as Kelley does?

Over the course of the weekend, Ava is drawn to her ex Nathaniel; Kelley continues to feel a connection to both Margaret and Mitzi; and Norah Vale can’t quite let Kevin go. What is it about old flames that intrigue us even after we know a relationship is over?

Drake is willing to compromise because of his strong feelings for Margaret, and changes his plans to give her a holiday surprise. In what ways do other characters compromise for the sake of their relationships? What’s the biggest surprise that you’ve ever arranged for a loved one during the holidays?

Sometimes having an entire family under the same roof can drive everyone straight to the spiked eggnog. Have you ever had a Christmas season filled with enough drama to rival the Winter Street Inn? Did that holiday bring you closer together as a family?