All language subtitles for A-Nashville-Christmas-Carol-2020-NetNaija.com_

I wrote a letter
to santa last night

I told him what I want
to make my christmas right

but if I don't get it
I'm gonna be blue

I want a rockin' little
christmas with you

I want a rockin'
little christmas

rockin' little
christmas with you

oh, if I get my wishes

it's gonna be delicious

a stocking full
of love for two

baby, what's it gonna be

where you gonna spend
your christmas eve

will I be married
or will I be blue

I want a rockin' little
christmas with you

I want a rockin'
little christmas

rockin' little christmas

rockin' little
christmas with you

[music stops]

cut. Let's set
for blue christmas.

Okay. Great rehearsal,
everybody.

That was awesome.
Keep it up.

We've got showtime in six days.
I want game speed.

All right, we need
to make sure that the dancers

have rubber grips
on the bottom of their shoes,

and this window
needs way more snow.

There's not enough snow.

Why are these skirts
different colors?

They're not.

They ran out of deep red.

But full red is close enough.

"close enough"? Close enough
is a slippery slope.

You know what they say
about slippery slopes?

-Great for sledding?
-Luanne.

I got it. I got it. Deep red.

We also need to call
the props guy,

make sure that he looks
at the digital fireplace.

The image is getting very wonky.

You got all that?

Pen's gonna run out of ink.

Appreciate your
hard work, georgia.

I'm gonna miss you when you
go to law school in the spring.

Right. Um...

About the song and the opener,

people have been talking.

Who?

Okay, it's just me.

Don't you think that the opening
song should be a classic?

Uh, too much baggage.

Sure, "deck the halls"
is rife with angst.

Okay, every song has a memory.

So we want people to tune in and
hear "rockin' little christmas"

and think of nothing other than
how much they loved this year's

country christmas live.

To tape.

[scoffs]

okay, also, alexis'
manager called.

She wants fruit in her
trailer, but no pineapple.

Absolutely no pineapple.

I think she's allergic.

I was looking
for belinda manners.

Behind a giant candy cane?

[chuckles nervously]
where is she, the north pole?

Try the gingerbread house.

Could I have your autograph?

Oh. You were serious.
Thanks.

There you go.

Thanks.

[gavin] belinda manners.

Christmas come early.

-Gavin.
-How are you?

Oh, I thought
you got stuck in l.A.

I did, but santa gave me
a ride on his sleigh.

You crushed this rehearsal.
This was fantastic.

Aw, you're just saying that.

Twelve years your manager.
You think I still lie to you?

Well, I think your talents
have been wasted

by having me
as your only client.

Thank you, but I think
you've kept me pretty busy.

Besides, after booking
the opening spot on
country christmas live,

you're gonna be a lot busier.

Hey, speaking of which,
can you help me with something?

Anything.

It's about the giant
holly jollies...

-Billboard. Yeah.
-...Billboard.

Is it not just
a little distracting?

It's a lot distracting.
I'll take care of it.

I mean, I know
it's vivienne's call.

Yes, it is.

Mm-hmm.

We're professionals.

I actually have a meeting
with her tomorrow morning.

-Really?
-Yes. Listen.

I know how important this
opening number is to you,

so don't worry.

It's gonna be a wonderful
experience. You deserve it.

-Thank you.
-You're welcome.

Okay, alexis is up next.
How are we doing?

She's almost ready.

-Great.
-It's my fault, vivienne.

I've been so nervous
I can't stop fidgeting.

What? Alexis rinehart nervous?
Who would believe it?

My first album just came out,

and there's all
these expectations.

The most people I've sung for
is church.

[tender music]

I wouldn't have booked you if I
didn't know you could do it.

Okay?

Open your heart to them
and they'll open theirs to you.

[exhales]

you know, gavin's in town.

I figured.

He asked if you two could talk.

Goodie.

I told him to meet you
tomorrow morning in the
hall of fame museum.

Why the museum?

I thought you two
could use some privacy.

Okay.

Uh, this meeting
should be done soon.
I'll see you at home.

[instrumental cover of
"jingle bells" plays]

[music continues softly
on record player]

looks like a blast, dad.

Oh, it sure is. Thank you
girls so much for this cruise.

-Thank vivienne.
-No, that was--

dad, that was from both of us,

and just get back safely
in time for christmas eve.

Hey, I'll be the one
with the sunburn.

Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

You're not still working,
are you?

Bye, dad. Chat soon.

He's right. You should try
sleeping every now and then.

I will make that
a new year's resolution.

I always went to bed
when you told me to.

Big sister.
Perks of the job.

What are these?

Resumes.

Oh, yeah?
Who are you hiring?

My replacement.

Vivienne.

Okay, I heard from my friend
at the network

I am on the short list to
produce the icon music awards,

so? Do both shows.

I can't. I'd have to move
to l.A. The first week
of January.

I'm sorry. Did you say
you're moving to l.A.?

If I got the job, which I won't.

But probably. [chuckles]

you're serious.

You'd really leave?

Well, it's the imas, georgia.
I can't turn down
an opportunity like that.

Besides, you're going
to law school.

I could sell the house.
Dad could visit us anywhere.

What exactly am I
leaving behind here?

A lifetime of memories?

[tender music]

okay, you can't get
sentimental about this
kind of stuff, georgia.

That's when people
take advantage of you.

What about what
you said to alexis?

Mm.

Seemed pretty sentimental to me.

Please. I just told
a scared young girl
what she needed to hear.

Oh...

[chuckles]

[man on tv] country
christmas live got its
start three decades ago

with executive producer
marilyn jinway.

Until her death two years ago,

country christmas live
had won over 12...
[continues indistinctly]

the marilyn jinway.

[vivienne] yeah, my old boss.

Taught me everything I know.

I heard she was a handful.

Well, the special was
on its last legs.
She had to be tough.

Besides, she never let
personal feelings get
in the way of business.

Even when the business
is personal?

You look good.

Excuse me?

You look good.
You look different.

Good different/

well, I grew up.

[sighs] well, it's been a while.

Has it?

It has. I can't say
I get back very often, so...

Hmm. You manage a
country music superstar

but don't make it back
to nashville?

Listen, I-I should have called,
and I wanted to--

look, we don't need
to get into any of this.

No, no, I-I just got the sense
that you didn't really
want to talk.

Well, yeah.
Not talking would be great.

So then we can work together
and have it not be awkward.

See? Not awkward at all.

So what was it you wanted?

-The opening number.
-What about it?

It needs a dog.

I'm sorry, a d--
a dog?

A dog. Belinda is involved
with several rescue
animal shelters,

and we feel it would
tie into that perfect
christmas vibe, so...

A dog.

Okay, I'll look into it.

Thank you.

Is there something else?

Nothing major, except
that the billboard
is a major distraction.

Yeah, no, no chance.
Sponsor broke the piggy bank
for that billboard,

so not going anywhere.

The billboard belongs
on broadway outside
of a honky-tonk.

The billboard stays, so...

If there's anything else
you need, ask georgia, okay?

-Hey, boss.
-Hmm?

You okay?

What?

Yeah, uh, late night.

Could always wrap early today.

[chuckles] hilarious.

What is this?

No clue. Um...

Well, did you see
who dropped it off?

Music box.

-For the toyland sketch.
-Maybe.

["o come all ye faithful" plays]

"o come all ye faithful".

I'm sorry, what?

The song.

I don't hear anything.

Parker, the song coming
from the music box.

Vivienne, I, uh...
I don't hear anything.

Okay, put it in the prop room.

-I'll look at it later.
-Yeah, yeah, okay.

How'd it go with gavin?

Great, yeah.

He came around to my way
of thinking on the billboard,
so that was good.

The billboard?

Vivienne, I meant how
was it talking to gavin

one-on-one for the first time
in a decade?

I don't know what
you're talking about.

Sure you don't.

Anyway, that head honcho
you were telling me about,
what was his name? Grass?

Moss. Henry moss.
Runs the whole network.
What about him?

He's here.

[nervous music]

what--? [clears throat]

mr. Moss?

Ah, you must be vivienne wake.

Yes.

Pleasure to meet you.

Likewise.

To what do we owe this honor?

I'm only used to working with
people in the nashville office.

Well, I heard good things,
wanted to come down
and see for myself.

I'm flattered.

In fact, several
board members flagged you
for a project in l.A.

Really?

I trust you won't mind
if I linger a bit?

Watching you work?

No, of course not. Um...

Stacy? Hi. Can you find
an empty dressing room
for mr. Moss, please?

Oh, please, call me henry.

-Henry.
-Okay. [chuckles]

[exhales]
I mean, first gavin,

now I have the head of the
network breathing down my neck?

At least they're giving you
the job, right?

I don't know.

-They wouldn't be here if--
-I said I don't know.

Okay.

Um...

These are real.

We get hungry
while we're working.

So we're just leaving
cookies out all day now?

No, we just thought that--

okay, this is not the jug
that we... Decided on.

We had some extra paint.

Okay.

Do I have to do
everything myself?

I'm gonna go wash my hand.
I'm sorry.

It's okay.

[string rendition
of "joy to the world"]

mom.

[priscilla on phone] gavin.

So glad you made it
to nashville in one piece.

Yeah. Thank you.
So far, so good.

We're still on for dinner
tonight, though, right?

Yeah. Yeah.
Soon as I'm done with work.

"work", he calls it.

Heard that.

[priscilla] your father's
excited to see you too.

[phone beeps]

[quietly] ooh.

Mom, can I call you back?

Uh, yeah. Come hungry.
[blows kiss]

henry. Hey. It's gavin chase,
belinda's manager.

[sighs]

["o come all ye faithful"
playing faintly]

hello?

What?

[music continues]

hey, kid.

Merry christmas to you, too.

Marilyn?

You're-you're...

You can do it.

Four letters. Starts with d.

Okay, this is not funny.
Who are you?

The song in this music box
was playing the night we met,
remember?

Not a great party.

But the eggnog was great.

Okay, this cannot be happening.

They warned me you might
have a tough time with this.

Georgia was right.
I'm-I'm not getting
enough sleep. She said...

-Hey.
-The paint.

The paint. I must have
inhaled the fumes and--

okay, stop, stop.

This isn't a dream.

So you're...

You're real.

-Mm-hm.
-What are you doing here?

I'm here to keep you
from ending up like me.

[laughs nervously]

you're my idol.

Why wouldn't I want
to be like you?

Because when the time comes
to roll the credits
on your life,

you'll remember that it's
the names that are important,
not the work.

I don't understand.

I didn't expect you to.

That's where we come in.

"we"?

A tough nut needs
a tough nutcracker.

So I've recruited
a few of my friends.

[playing acoustic guitar]

well, hello, darlin'.

Allow me to introduce to you
the spirit of christmas past.

Marilyn tells me
you've gone off the trail.

I figure the best way
to find out why

is to go see where you took
a wrong turn along the way.

See? He has southern wisdom.

I love that.

This-this is really happening.

Mm-hm.

You were a friend to me
when I didn't have many,

so this is my way
of saying thank you.

There's so much I want to say.

Save it.

They used to do all
of this in one night.

We have five.

Though I still feel
like we're pushing it.

Have fun, you two.

Are you--

candy cane?

I'm sorry, uh, mister...

Past, or what do I call you?

Well, the full name
is "spirit of christmases
which have come before".

Friends call me pat.

Pat.

Perfect. Uh, hey,

so I produce
a christmas special,
country christmas live.

Maybe you've heard of it.
Anyway, we tape in less
than a week,

so I would really appreciate it
if you could get me back
to the studio,

because I don't...

I, uh...

Well, no can do, darlin'.

See, you and I
are going on a tour...

Of your past.

What is it you like to say?

"every song has a memory."

["up on the housetop"
plays on jukebox]

[wind blows]

[shudders]

wait, I'm... Not cold.

Well, you're not really here.

What?

Where... Am I?

Wait, I'm not cold.

Well, you're not really here.

-What?
-I mean, you're not here now.

Where am I?

You'll get it.

What is that?

[boy] are you ready?

That's me.

Little viv.

Ten, going on 45.

That's the first camera
I ever got. I got it
for christmas that year.

This must be...

Gavin, the snowman needs a hat.

What? Why?

Every snowman
has to have a hat.

The show's gonna be ruined.

[laughs]

not that kind of hat.

What? Who says snowmen
can't be cowboys?

-Hey there.
-Yes.

They can't see you.

Think of it like you're
watching a really big tv.

I'm about to roll.
You ready, georgia?

Mm-hm.

[gasps]

georgia.

["up on the housetop" plays]

up on the housetop
reindeer pause

out jumps good old
santa claus

down through the chimney
with lots of toys

-[singing continues]
-[both chuckle]

okay, tell me this is
not the cutest thing
you have ever seen.

Ho, ho, ho,
who wouldn't go

ho, ho, ho

hey, I've seen a lot.
Definitely cracks the top five.

Down through the chimney
with old saint nick

look how much you loved
putting on a show.

Oh, dear santa,
fill it well

[vivienne] I still do.

Why do you think I work
16-hour days?

Give her a dolly
that laughs and cries

if you asked that little girl,
would she tell you
she's working?

-[music ends]
-merry christmas.

Cut.

[all applauding]

I can't wait for mom and dad
to see it.

They're gonna love it!

[door opens and closes]

our first show was a success.

We'll have to do something
huge to top it next year.

Wait, we're doing this
again next year?

Well, yeah. I mean,
who else would I do it with?

Oops. I forgot I hit stop.

Wait, wait.

[tender music]

my name's gavin chase,

and I'm ten years old.

My best friend's name
is vivienne,

and I hope we're
best friends forever.

What? It was just acting,
like in a movie.

I know.
The tape was full, anyways.

Vivienne, come in
for some peppermint brittle.

[young vivienne] okay, mom.

Oh, well, see ya.

-See ya.
-See ya.

That was your last christmas
together as a family.

Yeah.

My mom left that March.

I know how hard
it was for you.

That girl... She has no idea
what's in store for her.

I have to warn her.

-She can't hear you.
-I have to warn her!

No, no, no, no, no.
This isn't right
this-this was next year.

Dad, look! It's the dollhouse
I wanted from santa.

You must have been
really good this year.

Do you see, vivienne?

I do. That's so cool.

You had to grow up really fast.

Wasn't a big deal.

[pat] your dad did his best.

He was on his own.

You two always made sure
little georgia had something

really special under that tree,

even when you didn't.

I'll make it up to you
on your birthday, then.

I promise.

It's okay. We're a team, right?

-Right.
-Merry christmas, dad.

Merry christmas, sweetie.

Why are you showing me this?
[sniffs]

[sighs] that, darlin',
is for you to decide.

What?

Wait, you can't
just leave like--

whoa.

Pat?

[sighs]

pat?

Oh, vivienne, girl,
you are losing it.

[indistinct conversation]

[exhales]

it's true.

[henry] there you are.

Henry. Hi.

[sighs]

I had a chance to mull it over,

and I love your
and gavin's idea.

I'm sorry, I've had
a long morning.

Which-which idea was this?

Adding a dog
to the opening number.

Wow, he, uh,
he told you about that.

He did. [laughs]
I think it's wonderful.

That is... [exhales]

that is great. Um, could you
just excuse me for one moment?

Oh, yeah, sure.
Go right ahead.

Gavin?

Can I talk to you for a minute?
Outside?

-Sure.
-Now.

One second.

Why didn't you wait
for my answer?

Oh, you seemed open
to the idea of a dog.

I said I'd look into it.

I looked into it for you.

Do you--you don't like dogs?

I love dogs.
Everybody loves dogs.
That is not the point.

What's the point?

The point is you went
over my head to my boss.

That is completely
inappropriate.

Okay. You're right. Fine.
I did. But I did it for belinda
and for the production, so..

Sorry.

Fine. Just...

Next time come to me
before mr. Moss.

-Fine. I will.
-Thank you.

-About the dog--
-oh, my gosh.

You said it yourself.
Everyone loves dogs.

Okay, no, I do not
have time to explain
this to you right now.

Okay, I need to--I am late
to get to a meeting
for the wrap party.

-Great. I'll go with you.
-Right.

[gavin] country christmas live.
It's not actually live.

So why couldn't you shoot
one version with the dog

and one without and then
just... Cut them together?

Well, because it needs
to feel live to our audience.

That was marilyn's biggest rule.

We need to pretend
like we are going into
people's living rooms.

So what are we doing here?

Well, this is where we are
having the crew wrap party.

I'm supposed to be planning it,
but I'm way behind.

This looks super familiar.
I think I've been here before.

-You have.
-I have.

Chet walder's christmas party.

Okay. Um, look, I, uh...

I owe you an apology.

For sort of going over
your head to your boss.

Oh, was that "sort of" going
over my head to my boss?

[chuckles] [clicks tongue]
fine. I was a jerk.

So maybe we can make a deal.

If you could find
a way to put a dog in
belinda's opening number,

I will put together your
entire crew party for you.

What, you like, moonlight
as an event planner too?

Absolutely.
Album release parties,

charity balls,
birthday parties,

and all without a single
noteworthy disaster, so...

Look, let me-- let me
take this off your plate.

Okay. I get to pick the dog.

-See? We make a great team.
-[chuckles]

[phone vibrating]

[inhales] my parents.
I'm supposed to meet them
for dinner, so...

Please, go. Go, go.

I promise I will not retract
our great dog compromise.

Sounds good.

[sighs]

I did want to ask...

Why'd you give belinda
the opening number?

It's the biggest part
of the show. You weren't
very happy with me, so...

Why give her that opportunity?

Because she is the best.

See you.

Oh, wait, gavin!

Wait! You forgot your scarf.

[gavin] vivienne!

Viv. Hey.

Gavin?

Vivienne, hey.

Are--are you coming tonight?

What kind of nashvillian
would I be

if I missed the nashville
christmas festival, huh?

Oh, my gosh.

Love the hair.

Anybody tell you it's rude

making somebody time travel
without asking them first?

Better to ask for forgiveness
than permission in this case.

I--I could pick you up,
if you'd like.

What, like a date?

No, no, well--

oh, my gosh, I'm kidding.

You're blushing so hard.

I'm--I'm--

my shoot might be going late,
so I'll just meet you there,
okay?

Uh, yeah, no,
that sounds great.

Okay.

Gavin sure seems sweet on you.

Gavin? No. No. We were
just really good friends.

-Mm-hm.
-[indistinct conversation]

hey, don't lose that scarf.

We got a lot more to see.

["we wish you a merry christmas"
playing]

[gasps]

-santa.
-Shh.

Mm.

These are from ms. Marjorie's
cookie company.

Mm.

Maybe I'll stick around.

I'm sure the other kids
won't mind getting presents
on the 26th.

[both laugh]

cut! That was perfect!

Almost.

That was a great laugh.
Energy, love it.

I certainly had
plenty of confidence.

Hey, even back then,
you knew what you wanted.

You knew how to make it happen.

...What you're doing. Um,
when he takes the bite of...
[continues indistinctly]

why me? Why now?

Hey, if a needle
falls out of its groove,

it just needs a little nudge
to get back into place.

[young vivienne] just keep your
cheeks rosy. Keep the energy up,
and let's go again.

When you say things like that,
it makes way less sense
than you think.

Sorry I can't pay up front.

With all the new business,
I promise.

Oh, no, ms. Marjorie,
I already told you,

do not even worry about it.

Nashville needs you and I'm
happy to help any way I can.

Boy, was I naive.

I didn't even get paid.

Well, not then.

Your commercial did a real treat
for ms. Marjorie's business.

She made you whole.

And you haven't paid for so much
as a macadamia nut since.

Yeah, well, that's ms. Marjorie.

Ms. Marjorie
is not the real world.

You know, I have a grandson
around your age.

Would love for you two to meet.

That is, if you're not
already spoken for.

Oh, I, am...

So flattered,
ms. Marjorie, but...

I think I do
already have someone.

Ooh.

And who might that have been?

Don't know.

This was a long time ago.

Mm-hm.

Sure.

[whoosh]

[young vivienne] mm. Thanks
for the peppermint brittle.

So tell me about the singer.

Okay.

Belinda manners is her name.

Super talented.
Uh, she's looking for a manager.

We're actually meeting
on Monday,

only for her to tell me
I'm not it.

Why would she say that?

I've never managed anybody.
[laughs]

and I'm an assistant
at a talent agency.

Okay, no. You just tell her
that you are the smartest,

hardest-working, most loyal
person she'll ever meet,

and she should be so lucky
to have you as her manager.

Can--can you be my manager?

[laughs] do you want
to play this?

Oh, you're going down.

You're the one with the
pressure, okay?

-All right.
-Thank you.

There you go.

I want the green.

[chuckles]

[sighs]

-okay. You ready?
-Okay.

What makes matters worse
is I talked to my dad.

He still thinks
this is a giant waste of time

and I should quit
the music business
and join his construction firm.

Mm-mm. You live your life,
not his.

Nice shot.

-Oh.
-I mean, if I can get just one,

one successful artist,
he would not think
this is a waste of time.

This is for the win.

-Oh! [laughs]
-boom!

So, so loud.

Oh.

Thank you.

There's so many people
I need to thank.

What is this?

[young gavin] victory speech.

[young vivienne] no, not that.
What is this compared to that?

[young gavin] second place.

Watch what this does
for this jacket.

Wow. You're so fancy.

-Thank you.
-That's very chic.

I need some peppermint brittle.

And that's what happy
looks like.

[young vivienne] that's a lot...
Okay, I can't--

I can't concentrate anymore.

-Does it look good?
-Yes.

And I want to ask a question.

-Okay, so...
-So...

If belinda manners
does sign with you...

Okay.

You're going to need promotional
material for her, right?

Right.

Which would mean if she has
a music video,

you will need someone
to direct your music videos,
correct?

Mm-hm.

Look, I know I don't have
a ton of experience,

but you know
I would make it amazing.

Vivienne.

If I just had
the right opportunity.

The job's yours.

-Really?
-The job's yours.

-I promise.
-Why?

There's a lot of dreamers
out there.

Most people can't make
those dreams become a reality.

You can.

Hey. Uh, hi. Excuse me.
Can you take our....

...Picture?
To remember this moment.

Just push there.

Is this going back on?

-Your choice.
-All right.

-Mm.
-I think it's a good look.

There we go.

[both chuckle]

-thank you.
-Thank you.

-Okay, let's see.
-Let's see it.

[both laugh]
[indistinct conversation]

what?

Just friends?

We ate peppermint brittle and
played carnival games together.

That is what friends do.

I can see why marilyn
asked for help.

Hmm.

You know, you are stubborn
as a mule.

Um, excuse me.
I do not appreciate your tone.

You get focused on something
and you just can't see
anything else.

That... [scoffs]

you didn't even notice
you dropped gavin's scarf.

-Shoot.
-It's all right.

I grabbed it for you.

Don't say I never
gave you anything.

Hey, wait.

Hey. Get back here!

Viv.

-Hey.
-Hey.

Who, uh, who were
you talking to?

Oh, no one. I was, uh,
[laughs nervously]

trying to remember something,
you know?

"get back here in my brain,
you rascally memory."

okay. Um, I forgot my scarf,
so...

Yeah, no, here.
Don't wanna forget that.

Yeah.

-You good?
-Yeah.

-Okay. See you later.
-Bye.

Careful.

Gavin thinks you've
lost your marbles.

You did that on purpose.

Did what?

You stopped at the good part,
when everything was fine.

Show what happens next.

That part's not as fun.

Yeah, no kidding.

It's your rodeo.

[clears throat]

["o come all ye faithful" plays]

[indistinct chatter]

gavin said this was a christmas
part. There's a red carpet.

Red's a christmas color.

Oh, g--
everybody looks so shiny.

It's like they're glazed,
georgia.

Glazed.

Look, mr. Big shot throwing
the party wants to sign belinda
to his label, right?

Right.

So, if that happens,
you'll finally get to direct
that music video

you've been talking non-stop
about for the past year.

Just try to relax, okay?

I'm sure this'll be one
of the best nights of your life.

I gotta go.
I love you, georgia.

I love you too.
I won't wait up.

Who's got two thumbs and
is ready for shrimp cocktail?

This guy.

Oh, no. I'm really
underdressed, aren't I?

No. You look great.

-You ready?
-Yeah.

Let's do it.

[melancholy music]

-you remember this night?
-Yup.

That was without a doubt
the worst night of my life.

[country music playing faintly]
[indistinct chatter]

[young vivienne] thank you.

[young gavin] thank you.

Wow.

-This is amazing.
-[laughs]

wow.

-Oh, there he is.
-Who?

-Chet.
-Who?

Walder, the head
of galaxy records.

Right. Yes.

You're currently
at his christmas party.

Sorry, I forgot.
I'm nervous.

How did you--what are you
nervous about? There's nothing
to be nervous about.

If I may say,

there's no one I'd rather
be here with than you.

-Oh.
-Mm-hm.

You know, it's a shame you
wasted your plus one on me.

This kind of party could
really impress a girl.

You're not impressed?

Oh, I think he's coming over.

-He's not coming over--
-I think...

-Oh, no, he's coming over.
-Yeah.

[chet] you're gavin chase,
right?

Chet walder.

Yeah, no, I know. Thanks.

This is amazing.
Thanks for having us.

Oh, this is a little hoot.
Yeah, it's nothing. Uh...

Ugly christmas sweater.
Hilarious.

Oh, this isn't...

[laughter]

your hands look cold.
Let me grab you a drink,

so we can warm you up
a little bit.

That's okay.
You don't have to right now.

-It's--it's fine.
-Sure I do.

You are the manager for galaxy
records' newest artist, right?

[high-pitched] what?
[clears throat]

-what?
-[laughs]

welcome to chet's galaxy.

What? Oh, yes!

Can you excuse me one second?
I have to tell her--

-go. Go, go, go, go.
-Just one second. One second.

-You did it.
-Wait, what?

-You did it.
-No.

We did it.

-It's a great party.
-Huh?

The party, it's good.

Oh, yeah, thanks.

So I know that this
isn't really the time,

but I've got some great ideas
for belinda's first music video.

I think you're really
gonna love them.

Oh. Uh, you're gavin's
little director friend.

"little director friend"?

Yeah, so, uh,
we talked about it,

and that's a no-go on you
directing the music video.

It's, uh, it's gonna set the
tone for the whole rollout.
You understand.

Gavin said he already
talked to belinda.

Yeah. Gavin's a smart guy.

He'll know this is for the best.

And now one with just belinda.

Yeah, yeah, of course.

-What's up?
-Did you know about this?

-About what?
-The music video.

What about it?

Well, chet said that it's
too important to give to
your "little director friend".

-Whoa, whoa.
-No--

all I said was that
we should go with someone
with a little more experience.

I expect you to back me up
on this, gavin.

He has a--he has a point.

It's her first video,
and I mean,

we could probably get her on,
you know, one down the road.

-We'll talk about it.
-Yep. Yeah.

I'll work on getting you a job
on the set of this one.

Oh, you'd get me a job on the
set? You'd do that for me?

Can you work with me here?

You told me that everything
was gonna be--

vivienne, you know how
important this is to me, okay?

You've gotten everything you
want, even since we were kids.

So can you compromise this once?

[gasps]

I just believed you had my back.

You know what?
You have fun in chet's galaxy.

Vivienne.

[melancholy music]

vivienne.

[instrumental rendition
of "o come all ye faithful]ti]

don't cry in the eggnog, kid.

It's the best thing
about this party.

I'm not--I'm not crying.

Oh. My bad.

Beats craft service.

You work in production?

Television.

You ever see
country christmas live?

Uh, yeah.

But what happened
last year, though?

White christmas and
silent night back to back?

Were they trying
to put us to sleep?

I wish we had. Maybe then
they wouldn't have
changed the channel.

Who are you?

Oh, I'm nobody.

No, you're not.

I don't talk to nobodies.

I'm vivienne wake.

You in tv?

Sort of. I, um...

I've directed a couple things.
Just real tiny.

Anything I would have seen?

Well, I did this
small commercial for
ms. Marjorie's cookie company.

Oh, with santa.

That was a good spot.

-[chuckles]
-and you did that by yourself?

Mm-hm.

Marilyn jinway.

I'm s--
the marilyn jinway.

[chuckles]

wow. You've won,
like, four emmys.

Five, but one was daytime, so
we'll call it four and a half.

[gasps]

you're also...

Executive producer
of country christmas live,

which I believe you said
put you to sleep?

I am so sorry. Honestly, I--
I watch your show every year.

I study your show.

Thanks, kid.
It's okay. You're right.
I should have split the songs.

So what brings you to
chet walder's christmas
party, vivienne wake?

I came with a friend...
Or so I thought.

You know what? Come with me.

Wow.

So this is it, huh?

This is where
country christmas live
comes to life?

That's the idea.

We're part of people's lives.

Not everybody understands
what's at stake with that.

I do.

Look, you can't let your
feelings get in the way
with business, kid.

No one else will.

I learned that the hard way.

Sounds like you did, too.

[phone rings]

sorry.

Is that your friend?

Yeah.

Hmm.

He's looking out for him.

Maybe it's time you started
looking out for you.

How would you like
to have a job?

Working for you?

No. Shoeing reindeer.

-[laughs]
-yes, working for me.

[laughs] um...

Yeah! I would--I, uh...
Yes, please. I would love--
I would love a job.

[whoosh]

[vivienne]
gavin broke his promise.

He didn't even try
to stand up for me.

Doesn't that mean anything?

That was years ago.

Yet it feels like yesterday.

[james] mm-mm-mm.

I smell that peppermint
all the way from tahiti.

We're doing our best.
No topping yours, dad.

Look, you and gavin
were best friends.

You shouldn't let one
little mistake spoil that.

One mistake?

After he broke his promise
of not letting me do the video,

two weeks later,
he moved to l.A.
Without a single goodbye.

Fine. Two mistakes.

And as he was stabbing me
in the back,

he had the nerve to say
that I'm the one who always
has to get my way.

Can you believe that?

[comical music]

what?

You can be...
Slow to compromise.

Tsk. No, I'm not.

Oh, really?

So, you wouldn't care
if I put three quarters
of a cup of sugar

in this batch
instead of two thirds?

That's not what the directions
say, though, geor...Gia.

Look at it this way.

Are you the same person
you were ten years ago?

Not even close.

Of course not.

Because people change.

Give gavin a chance to prove
that he's changed, too.

I will try.

[festive music playing]
[indistinct chatter]

-belinda?
-Yes?

Alexis. What's going on?

It's a real honor to perform
on the same show as you.

You've been my hero
since I was a kid.

You're very kind.

I'm a little nervous.

Petrified, actually.

Any advice?

Yeah. If you forget the lyrics,
just keep dancing.

Come on. It's one night.

There'll be mulled cider.

When you are finishing
law school, you will be
so happy I worked so hard.

Pretty please,
with whipped cream
and a sugarplum on top?

Georgia, really, I--

consider it
my christmas present?

I've already gotten you
your christmas present.

Okay. Next year's, then.

[laughs]

[tender music]

okay, so parker will
be taking care of the base
of the billboard.

What do you feel
about snow in the foreground?

Like, right next to the camera.

[piano rendition of
"we wish you a merry christmas"]

you know, the last two days
I've been haunted
by my dead boss

and the spirit
of christmas past.

Cool.

Okay, you begged me to come out.

Would have thought you'd
be a little bit more present.

I'm sorry. You're right.

Are you expecting somebody?

What? [scoffs] no.

Gavin. Hey.

How's it going? I didn't know
both you guys would be here.

Feeling's mutual.
How about you, georgia?

You expect to see gavin?

I don't know what
you're talking about.

-No?
-Oh.

Look at that.
I'm out of cider.

I'll, uh...
I'll be right back.

-Mind if I...
-Sure.

It's good to see you.

Glad to see you're getting
some time to relax.

Mm.

Believe me,
it is against my will.

[chuckles] georgia
was very insistent.

Is that right?

So, um, you guys were--

wow. Oh, wow.
I have so many messages
about tomorrow.

I should-- I mean,
it's getting late.

Can you tell georgia that
I'll just meet her at home?

-Sure.
-Okay. Have fun.

Remember when we were kids,
around this time of year?

What our conversations
were always about?

We compared christmas lists?

That's right. Remember why?

To make sure we wouldn't
have the same things.

Yeah. So that we could borrow
whatever the other person
didn't get.

We talked about music a lot.

We did. I took you to
your first record store.

And I introduced you
to loretta lynn.

I got you her autograph.

And I bought us tickets
to her show.

You liked me more
than I liked you.

Wow. Um, I'm sorry.

I may have been the more
generous friend, obviously,
but you,

you were the one
buying me peppermint brittle
at the christmas festival.

You remember that.

Yeah. Yeah. Uh...

Things have been jogging
my memory lately.

So did it jog your memory
about your second-place finish?

It jogged my memory
about that obscenely
large snowman you got

for a beanbag toss.

You rigged that game.

-I did not rig that.
-You rigged it.

There is no way you could have
gotten such a huge snowman...

-I was three for three.
-...Compared to my tiny nose.

It was huge.

[laughs] you were so mea

the cat hated me.

You called her
"emmylou hairless".

Oh, that was one of
my better ones. I did.

[laughs]

how's your dad doing,
by the way?

He's been good.
He's in tahiti right now.

-I'm--I'm sorry, tahiti?
-Yeah.

We all spend christmas together,
but since December's so busy,

it's just easier for us to,
you know, send them on vacation.

Wow. James wake,
man of the high seas, huh?

Yeah. Never good
at sitting still.

Yeah. [chuckles]

kind of like you.

What do you mean?

You met chet.

And then...

Two weeks later,
you move to l.A. And...

You're floating around
in chet's galaxy.

I should have fought
harder for you.

Look, I shouldn't
have brought this up.

-No, I'm--
-I'm sorry.

I'm glad you did. Vivienne.

I think about that night a lot.

[touching music]

I didn't want to miss
that opportunity when
that door opened.

-I was afraid if it--
-hey, you--gavin, gavin.

You did what you needed to do
for your career. It's fine.

Okay?

I get it.

So listen,
crew has tomorrow off.

I was wondering if you
might want to get together.

Cultivate a little holiday
cheer? I don't know.

[sighs]

you know, I'm gonna have
to pass. I still have
so much to get done.

[slow guitar music]

-it's no problem.
-Uh, merry christmas.

Merry christmas, darling.

[chuckles]

[continues playing]

hey, would you mind just
grabbing a cab real quick?

I will be right back.
One minute.

Fallen on hard times?

You know, I'm more studied
on yesterdays than tomorrows.

But why would you be skipping
out on a day with gavin?

You saw it.

When push comes to shove,
gavin chose his career
over our friendship.

Nothing comes from mixing
the two but hurt feelings, so...

Well, it's a funny thing.

But you know, you'll hear
a song a thousand times,

and then one day you
hear a whole different tune.

[playing
"o come all ye faithful"]

[whoosh]
[indistinct chatter]

-you did it. You did it.
-Wait, what? What?

You're signed.

-What?
-You have a record deal.

-No way!
-This is gonna be huge for you.

I can't do this without you.

The good news is
you don't have to.

-Gavin.
-Huh?

I think tonight is the night.

For what?

You need to tell vivienne
how you feel,
how you really feel.

You're right. I'm going to.

Belinda. Gavin.

-Want to take a photo? Sure.
-Sure.

What does he mean,
"tell me how he feels"?

Oh, I think you know.

You know what? You have fun
in chet's galaxy.

Vivienne.

-Vivienne.
-Hey, wait, wait, wait.

-Where are you going?
-Chet, gavin, let's get you two.

She's upset,
so I'm gonna go talk to her.

Smile, g-man.

[shutter clicking]

[chet] you want my advice?
Let her go.

You're at the top
of the mountain,

and some of your old friends
may not like the air.

Maybe consider
giving her a chance.

She's super talented.

Look. Maybe I didn't
make myself clear.

I call the shots, okay? Hey.

If you can't get on board
with that, then maybe...

Belinda manners isn't right
for galaxy records after all.

[melancholy music]

[gavin] okay, well,
I have to explain this to her.

Knock yourself out.

You know, gavin
called and called,
but you never answered.

When chet offered him
a chance to leave,

he had to consider if there
was as much keeping him
in nashville as he thought.

[whoosh]

[slow guitar music]

you hearing a different tune?

He did stand up for me.

Oh, god.

I must look pretty stupid, huh?

Not stupid.

It's just humans got
more heart than sense.
[chuckles]

hey, that's why us spirits
love y'all so much

[chuckles]

I'll see you around?

No. I'm afraid this marks
the end of our road, darling.

Wow.

I kind of want to,
like, hug you or something.

Is that a thing?

Hey.

Thank you for everything.

You're welcome.
And say hey to my friend.

Your friend?

Oh, yeah.

You don't think I'm the only
spirit marilyn asked for help?

Oh, boy.

Oh, yeah.

[laughs]

merry christmas, pat.

Merry christmas, darling.

[tender music]

well, I thought
you might have fallen
into another dimension.

[laughs nervously]

hey, I think I will take
that day off tomorrow.

-Really?
-Yeah.

Why not?

Let's create some holiday cheer.

Let's.

Have a good night.

Must be a really good
guitar player.

Okay, so I didn't make a plan

because I thought we could
throw in some ideas,

see what options we have,

but maybe we can start
from over here,

-work our way--what?
-Vivienne.

Producer hat.

Okay. [makes whooshing sound]

-what...
-It's still going.

Relax. Enjoy yourself.

-Have some fun, okay?
-Okay. Okay.

-No more work.
-No more. Okay.

You do have a plan
though, right?

-I do have a plan.
-Okay, good. Good.

[gavin] so I don't mean for this
to be a competition, but...

No, we've got
that blue christmas segment,

and I feel like a wreath
is a perfect idea.

I'm sorry. You have
a blue christmas what?

Segment.

What?

A blue christmas segment.

And that would be for...

-Work.
-Work. Hmm.

Is this vivienne's
day off today?

I--I thought it was.
I could be wrong.

-I got an idea.
-Okay.

There's this blue
christmas segment--

yes. I say go with the flow.

Blue, blue, blue, blue,
blue, blue, blue, blue.

Oh, look at this guy.

Look, all these guys
deserve some love,
but look, this is my favorite.

-These handmade ones.
-Uh-huh.

See where the chisel
made these grooves?

These cuts right here?

-Oh, yeah.
-I love that.

Oh, your dad used to make
ones like this, right?

Yeah. [clears throat]
he sure did, for me and my mom.

What?

It's amazing, I...

[chuckles]

I think he thinks I'm gonna
wake up one day and just...

Have the realization that
this entire music business

is just a terrible idea.

You know, I just--
I don't understand it.

Have you ever told him
how that makes you feel?

I wouldn't consider dad
a listener.

[both laugh]

whether he listens or not
is not up to you,

but at least you'll know
you tried.

-Right?
-I guess so.

How big's your tree?

I don't have one.

-Excuse me?
-Yeah, no, I brought some home,

but I keep finding spots
for them in the show.

-I'll see myself out.
-What are--what are you--

how do you not have a tree?

I keep finding spots
for them in the show.

Welcome, you two.

We have some lovely his and her
ornaments right over there
in the corner.

-Oh, we're not-- uh...
-Yeah...

This one's catching my eye,
though.

[woman]
well, a man of taste, I see.

That is a fine instrument.

Is it in tune?

[strumming]

-it is not. I'll take it anyway.
-[laughs]

-I'll take this.
-Thank you.

[festive music]

[vivienne] hey, lisa.

-Hi.
-Gavin chase.

-Lisa.
-[laughs]

[laughs] it's so nice
to finally meet you.

Wonderful to meet you as well.

I'm sorry, "finally"?

Oh, gavin is more than
generous every year.

-Stop.
-Really?

I thought you moved
to l.A. And forgot about
little old nashville.

Ah, well, there's a lot
you don't know.

The kids were just
practicing their caroling.

You guys are carolers?

[all] yeah.

You--you mind if we--
we hear a little bit?

I mean, I'm in the music
business. There could be a
record deal in it for you.

-Sure.
-Okay.

Fa-la-la-la-la,
oh, fa-la-la-la-la

oh, fa-la-la-la-la,
oh, fa-la-la-la-la

deck the halls
with boughs of holly

fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la

'tis the season to be jolly

fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la

don we now our gay apparel

I want to say thank you again.

I mean, you make a lot of kids'
christmases really special.

Well, I get plenty of help,
from people like vivienne,
for example.

Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la

-really?
-Mm-hm.

'tis the season to be jolly

fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la

apparently, she had some
tough christmases growing up.

She sure did.

She's a special person.

Yeah, she is.

Toll the ancient
yuletide carol

fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la

[cheerful music]

so what was the final verdict
on vivienne's day off?

[laughs] it was nice.

Yeah, you know,
in a couple years,
I might even try it again.

Hey, you know,
I was thinking, um...

Growing up, you heard me
complain about my dad a lot.

I never heard you complain once.

And it couldn't have been easy
with it being just
your dad and your sister.

One year I did burn the
peppermint brittle,
so that was pretty tough.

[mock sigh] that's tough.

It was.

All right. See you tomorrow?

Yeah. Bright and early.

All right.

Gavin?

[tender music]

it was hard sometimes, but...

I always knew I'd be okay
because of the people
I care about.

[mysterious music]

there you are, sugar.
Have fun?

Who are you, and...
What are you doing in my house?

Oh, that doggone pat.
He said he told you about me.

Pat. Wait, you're...

The spirit of christmas present.

Why? Were you expecting
somebody else?

The spirit of christmas present.
[chuckles]

what does that mean, exactly?

Well, pat covers the stuff
that already happened.

I cover the stuff happening now.

Oh, dear. Did you think present
meant, like--like a gift?

[chuckles] that happens
all the time.

No, no, no, no.
I was just wondering.

Well, isn't here
the present, so...

Don't really need a spirit
to get me here. [chuckles]

that is a good point, sugar.

What could you possibly
need little old me for?

Catch.

[gasps]

[vivienne] huh.

Georgia says I work too much.

Look who's here
on her day off.

I don't think she's working...

[soft music]

no. Parker and georgia?

How long has this been going on?

Don't ask me. I'm just
the spirit of christmas present,

not the spirit of the last
six and a half months.

Six and a half months?!

Excuse me!
Excuse me, young lady.

-Hello?
-She can't hear you.

Same rules apply.

Okay, a secret romance
on my set, that is bad enough,

but my own sister?

Can you blame her
for not saying anything?

Yes! Yes, I absolutely
can blame her.

She probably thought you'd
react... Well, like this.

[sighs]

she's my sister.

She can tell me anything.

She knows that.

-Hey, vivienne.
-Huh?

Catch.

-[gasps]
-[whoosh]

[sighs]

cheap trick.

[chuckles]

[festive music playing]

[vivienne] oh,
I missed doing this.

You had time to get a tree
and go on a date?

Um, yeah.

But it wasn't a date.

Sorry, casual day reconnecting
with your childhood sweetheart.

Old friend.

You couldn't let me
have any fun?

-He's not like I remember.
-Really? How so?

He's more mature.

Selfless.

Okay.

-More handsome.
-[gasps]

-I knew it.
-Nothing has changed, though.

You cannot mix personal
feelings with work.

It is the first thing
that marilyn taught me

and it has served me well.

I'm your sister
and I work for you.

Isn't that mixing
personal feelings and work?

Not the same thing.

Why? Because you boss me
around anyways?

Mm-hm. [chuckles]

what about you?
What, uh...

What did you do
on your day off?

[soft music]

me? Uh, nothing much.

Nothing you want
to tell me about?

Um...

-There was something.
-Yeah?

I don't want to go
to law school.

-What?
-I love working for you.

-No, georgia...
-I could come on full time.

This business,
it's unreliable. No.

-You manage.
-Manage. Exactly.

I mean, all dad and I have ever
wanted for you is stability.

If this is because of parker--

wait, you know about parker?

Y-yeah, of course.

Of course I know about parker.

I mean, do you think that
there's anything on my set

that I don't know about?

I was going to tell you.

Why didn't you?

I was afraid you'd get mad.

He means a lot to me.

Hey.

First of all,

you can always tell me anything.

You're my sister, okay?

And second, if...

[sighs]

if parker makes you happy,
then that's all that matters.

Really?

Really.

Just...

Promise me you'll keep
thinking about law school.

Okay. I will.

Thank you.

Oh, it's on.

Oh, I see you--a handful?!

Handful? No, no!

[both] no, no, no!

Oh! Is this our guy?

This the doggy thespian?
Hey, buddy.

-This is him.
-How are you? How's it going?

How was rehearsal?

Rehearsal was great.
It needs a big...

I don't know, cymbal crash
when santa comes in.

I don't know.
What do you think?

Oh, yeah. Um...
I'll tell the composer.

Uh, well, I definitely wanted
to get your opinion on it.

Go right ahead.
I trust your judgment.

Look who we have.

This is our star
of the opening act.

[indistinct conversation]

vivienne.

Uh, henry. Hi.

I've just about seen enough.

Oh, henry, if things
have been weird, I...

Enough to know that we need you
in charge of the imas.

[gasps] what?

I--I don't know what to say.

Um, thank you. Thank you.

Uh, just one thing.

Hm. Anything. Of course.

Swap belinda manners
with alexis rinehart
for the opening number.

What?

Belinda's the past.
Alexis' the future.

Board feels we should
reflect that.

But you've seen belinda
rehearse. She's terrific.

And she'll be equally terrific
in a different spot.

The show's tomorrow, henry.
I don't think
that there's enough time--

you're resourceful.

I'm sure you'll manage.

Belinda and gavin,
they'll--they'll just--
they'll be devastated.

Vivienne, you'll have a lot
of difficult conversations
working for the imas

now, if you can't handle this,

maybe you weren't the producer
I thought you were.

[country rendition
of "o christmas tree" pl

[knock at door]

uh, just a second!

Now, I know you invited me
over to talk work,

but there's a nasty rumor
going around that you have
a tree that needs decorating.

Gavin, it's really important--

oh, no, no. Tree first.
Then work.

Excuse me.

I cannot wait for you
to see the crew party.

Oh, I usually dread those.

I mean, they're always
the night before we film,

so I spend the entire party
stressed to the max, but...

This year I'm a little...

A little excited.

What changed?

I've been shown
a new perspective.

-Is that right?
-Mm-hm.

All right. Your house.
You ready?

Ready.

...To admit you're happy
I brought the decorations over?

I can't--I can't--no.

-Admit it.
-[laughs]

I cannot admit that...

Until I see the star
on the tree.

Mm-hm.

Very lovely.

Beautiful.

Um...

-Gavin, I invited--
-real quick.

These last couple days,

I mean, I don't know how or why
or what's going on between us,

but...

For me it feels like...

Like it did back
when we were kids.

You know? And I honestly
didn't know how much I...

We're replacing belinda with
alexis for the opening number.

Huh?

She still has her spot
at the top of the second hour.

-It's still a great spot.
-[sighs]

[groans]

ouch. Um...

Is this henry's call?

Belinda, you know, she...

She had faith in me
from the very beginning.

You mind if I be the one
to tell her?

Yeah, of course.

You know...

She's not the only one
who had faith in you
from the beginning.

[gavin] pop.

Heading to the crew party.

Hey, could you help me
with something real quick?

Sure.

I'm almost done
with this manger and...

-Oh, it looks great.
-I can't get a grip on this guy.

I need to make one last etching.

-Okay. Here.
-There you go.

-Sure. Right here?
-It's these calluses.

-That'd be perfect.
-Yeah.

I can't get a grip.

I don't guess
you have that problem.

[chuckles]

I love you, pop.

I love you, too, son.

[tender music]

in fact, I love you so much
I'm gonna just say this
as plainly as I can.

My entire life I've just
wanted to make you proud of me.

I know this is not the line
of work that you would
have chosen for me, but...

-[sighs]
-that's just it.

You don't get to choose.

It's not your choice.
It's my choice. It's my life.

And I just wish
you could accept that.

And if you can't...

I can accept that, too.

See you after the party.

[festive country music]

[vivienne] wow.

[georgia] gavin did
a bang-up job, huh?

I mean, I almost hate to
admit it, but this looks great.

Speaking of...

Hey.

Hey.

This looks amazing.

Thank you.

Um, you look amazing.

Thank you.

Oh, I was gonna tell you.
I, uh...

-I finally talked to my dad.
-Oh, wow.

-Yeah.
-How did that go?

[sighs]

so he's not the best listener.

You were right.

At least it felt good
to get it off my chest.

You know, there is something
I brought to show you,

but I forgot it in the studio,
so I'll be right back.

I'll be here.

Belinda?

I didn't know anybody
was here. I'm just...

Clearing my head for tomorrow.

Oh, yeah, no. It's okay.

Look, I just want to apologize.

Apologize?

Yeah.

You know, for...

Having to replace you with
alexis for the opener. I...

I know you would have
been incredible.

I'm sorry.

Excuse me.

[gavin] hey.

-Having fun?
-Yeah.

Oh, have you seen belinda?

Yeah, she's back in the studio.

Oh, good.

She must not have taken
the news very well, did she?

What news?

Well, you know,
about the opener change.

I tried to apologize, but...

Vivienne, I haven't--
I haven't told her.

I didn't know that you didn't
tell her. I didn't know
that you didn't tell her yet.

Oh, vivienne.
I gotta go talk to her.

No, gavin, I'm so sorry--

vivienne, this is not
just a client.
This is a dear friend, so...

I--I gotta go talk to her.
I'm sorry.

-Vivienne.
-Huh>

we have to find her

yeah, no, don't worry.
Gavin's looking
for belinda, so...

Belinda?
Belinda's missing, too?

What do you mean, "missing too"?

[georgia] no one's seen
alexis since last night.

The hotel said
she's not in her room.

-What?
-Whoa.

Did I just hear
what I thought I heard?

'cause surely the star
of our christmas special
wouldn't be missing

-12 hours before we tape.
-No.

I promise you we have
everything under control.

I certainly hope so, vivienne.

Mm-hm.

Okay, think, think, think,
think, think, think, think.

Okay, um...

I'll go to the airport.

Maybe because of the snow
she's stuck there.

What will you do
if you find her?

I will strap her
to the top of the van
like a christmas tree.

I'm kidding. Mostly.

[spirit of christmas present]
money for the poor.

Sorry. I'm in a huge hurry.
I'll come back later, though.

Shoot. Um, okay.
Just real quick.

Here we go...

Thank you, sugar.

[comical music]

no. No, no, no, no, no.
Not now. Not now.

Oh, now you're starting
to hurt my feelings.

No, look.
My starlets are missing,

I'm about to get fired
from my dream job before
I've even been hired,

and I've upset someone
who means so much to me.

I do not have time
for this right now.

I'm sorry, sugar,
but the past stays put.

The present is always changing.

It's now or never.

Well, great. I choose never.

Whoa.

You looking for these?

Hey.

Catch.

[whoosh]
[indistinct chatter]

[sighs] why do I
keep falling for this?

Don't beat yourself up.
I've had a lot of practice.

[festive music playing]

okay, I put work
ahead of everything.

Mm-hm.

I push away the people
who matter most,

and I'm a lousy person.
I get it, so just...

Take me back, okay?

That's big of you, sugar.

But the past is only part
of your story. Come on.

So, what so you guys
want for christmas this year?

Hmm. Besides a pony?

Besides that.

[all laugh]

wouldn't mind vivienne
laying off a little.

Oh.

Just because she has
no life outside of work

-doesn't mean we don't.
-Tell me about it.

[chuckles] like...

Georgia, I--I'm sorry.

It's okay. Vivienne
can be a little intense.

"intense".

[parker] a little?

Like who doesn't hire
their own sister for a job?

Like, I get strictly
business, but...

It's true. Vivienne's
always worked too much.

Always been stubborn,
always needed things her way.

But it wasn't easy
after mom left.

Every christmas I had
presents under the tree.

Vivienne gave up her childhood
so that I could have one.

I don't want to work for her
just to stay close to you.

Though that's an added benefit.

I want to work for her...

Because she's my hero.

[spirit of christmas past]
well, she doesn't make
you sound too lousy.

Smile!

[whoosh]

oh.

It's quite a haul this year.

Well, santa's elves
are always working.

Please extend our thanks
to vivienne.

[luanne] what do you mean?

These gifts come courtesy
of marilyn jinway.

My mistake.

Merry christmas, luanne.

Merry christmas.

You make sure these kids
have gifts every year.

You have so much love
in your heart,

you have no choice
but to spread it around.

Every child deserves
a good christmas.

You did, too.

You know what it's like
to go without.

That's why you hold on
so hard to what you have.

The lesson you needed
to learn isn't that
you're a lousy person.

We wouldn't have gone
to all this trouble.

The lesson you needed to learn
is much harder than that.

You needed to see just
how wonderful you are.

Hmm.

On the first day
of christmas

my true love sent to me

a partridge in a pear tree

on the second day
of christmas

you said you wanted
to find alexis. Well...

There she is.

Two turtle doves
and a partridge in a pear tree

on the third day
of christmas

who are you hiding from?

Belinda.

I'm so sorry.
I had nothing to do with--

I know.

Mulled cider.
Good for the voice.

How'd you find me?

Honestly, I wasn't
looking for you.

But when I'm feeling lost,
I just try to find
somewhere to sing.

I guess we're alike
in that way, huh?

[singing stops]
[applause]

-what if I blow it tomorrow?
-You won't.

-Come up with me.
-No, I couldn't.

Oh, come on.

You already took my job.

Don't turn me down
for a duet, too.

Oh, okay.

Mind if we cut in?

[gasps]

-you're--
-[laughs]

-spin us up a classic.
-Yeah, sure.

["it's the most wonderful time
of the year" plays]

it's the most wonderful
time of the year

with the kids jingle belling

and everyone telling you
be of good cheer

it's the most wonderful time
of the year

it's the hap-happiest
season of all

with those holiday greetings
and gay happy meetings

when friends come to call

it's the hap-happiest
season of all

those two have a whole
lot of joy to share.

And I know you'll
help them do it.

[singing continues]

just remember, you don't
have to do it on your own.

One more? For old times' sake.

Of christmases
long, long ago

catch.

[sounds playing in reverse]

of christmases
long, long ago

stories of christmases
long, long ago

[sounds return to normal]

I... Didn't go anywhere.

[singers singing
"the twelve days of christmas"]

but you did.

Back a few minutes.

On the second day of christmas
my true love sent to me

two turtle doves

wait, why?

I thought it'd help you out.

You had a long week.

[singing continues]

how did you do it? Hmm?

How did you manage
so long without everything
falling off the rails?

I was stuck in my ways.

It's easy to keep
a train on the tracks
when it doesn't move.

But it doesn't go very far.

I just wanted
to be as good as you.

You're not as good as me.

You're better.

Okay.

So where's the last spirit?

There's gotta be a spirit
of christmas future, right?

There is no spirit
of christmas future.

What?

Our future is whatever
we make it.

A song yet to be written.

The only question left is:
What song will you sing?

[exhales]

thank you.

There'll be much
mistletoeing

and hearts will be glowing
when loved ones are near

hey. Got your text.

It's the most wonderful time

it's the most wonderful time

-they sound great together.
-They do.

It's the most wonderful time
of the year

-right as usual.
-Mm-hmm.

[music ends]
[cheering and applause]

-great as always.
-Thank you.

I'm getting you back
on that opener.

I'm gonna talk to henry.
I'm gonna set it right.

Gavin, it's okay.

My career is in a new stage.

Not worse, just different.

You've been trying
so hard to help me.

I know, I just don't...

I don't want you to feel
like I've ever let you down.

You could never let me down.

Your talents are being
wasted by having me
as your only client.

There are other artists...

Who deserve a manager like you,

who cares as much as you do.

Thank you.

Hey, guys? I think I have
an idea to make all
of our dreams come true.

["rockin' little christmas"
by deborah allen plays]

I wrote a letter
to santa last night

I told him what I want
to make my christmas right

but if I don't get it
I'm gonna be blue

I want a rockin'
little christmas with you

I want a rockin'
little christmas

rockin' little christmas
with you

oh, if I get my wishes
it's gonna be delicious

a stocking full of love
for two

I don't want no tinker toys

don't want to waste my time
with any other boys

there's only one thing
that I want to do

I want a rockin' little
christmas with you

I want a rockin'
little christmas

rockin' little christmas

rockin' little christmas
with you

[music ends]

[parker] cut.

-Okay, that was perfect.
-Great job.

Parker, let's move on.

Let's set for the most
wonderful time of the year.

["the most wonderful time
of the year" plays]

it's the most wonderful
time of the year

[singing continues]

they sound great together.

They sure do.

-Hey, georgia?
-Yeah?

If it's truly what you want,

I'd be honored if you'd
continue working with me.

Really?

I love you so much.

I love you, too.

-I can't see.
-[both laugh]

it's the hap-happiest
season of all

this is quite the production.

Yeah.

Hey, what are you guys
doing here?

Viv invited us.

Sit down, sit down, sit down.
Thanks for coming.

-Hey, how are you?
-Hey.

Ago

her voice...

Stunning, isn't it?

I'm proud of you, gavin.
I'm proud of you.

Thank you. Thank you.

Sure.

Enjoy the show.

It's the most wonderful
time of the year

there'll be parties
for hosting

say, you wouldn't know anything
about a missing billboard,
would you?

[laughs]

well, you know, some
things are just more
important than money.

-Hmm.
-Mm-hmm.

How did you get henry
to agree to a duet?

Well, that was easy.

He heard them sing.

It's the most wonderful
time of the year

what?

Oh, it's just the last
four days you've been...

What, a different person?

No.

The person I've
always remembered.

It's the most wonderful time

it's the most wonderful time

it's the most wonderful time
of the year

[music ends]

and cut!

That's it.

That is a wrap
on country christmas live!

[cheering and applause]

we were good.

Woo-hoo!

Yes, yes, yes.

Oh. Oh, I couldn't have
done any of this without you.

Thank you, seriously.

Whoo! What a show!

-Henry.
-[chuckles]

I can't wait to see
what you do with the imas.

Um...

About that.

The imas are an amazing
opportunity, and I thank you
so much for that, but...

This...

This is my home.

I can't move to l.A.

Hmm.

Well, I guess you're
gonna rack up a lot
of frequent flyer miles.

-You're serious?
-[chuckles]

normally, I would never let
someone commute from nashville
to produce the imas.

Something tells me
you could pull it off.

I can.

I'm sure you can.

Merry christmas, you two.

-Merry christmas, henry.
-Merry christmas.

[soft music]

I have to say, I agree with him.

Um...

There's been something
I've been meaning to show you.

My name's gavin chase,
and I'm ten years old.

My best friend's name
is vivienne, and...

I hope we're best friends
forever.

[inhales]

you told me the tape was full.

There might have been a
little bit more space there.

Just a little bit?

[romantic music]

I'm done...

Putting work before
the people I care about.

And I'm done needing to
have everything my own way.

I'm willing to compromise.

-Really?
-[chuckles]

but. But-but-but...

There's one thing
I won't compromise on.

What's that?

It's how I feel about you.

You know, everything that kid
said on that tape is true.

So if we're gonna be
best friends forever, then...

I guess I just fell in love
with my best friend.

[chuckles]

hey, actually, uh...
Can you leave that?

Thanks.

[laughs]

oh.

-How convenient.
-Very convenient.