Original subtitles

'It's snowing again.'

'Jim-Bob and I had a snowball fight.'

You did?

No one gets the joy out of Christmas the way you do.

I want this to be the best Christmas we ever had.

Those big old trees over by the north side of the church?

One of them fell, went through the roof.

Anybody hurt?

Harley, what are you doing out here?

Been out in the pond. Miss Fanny and her little girl's out there.

Car went off the road.

On Walton's Mountain, every Christmas was memorable.

Each new year held some special surprise or delight

that set it apart.

But I think the one we all remember most fondly

was what was planned to be our mother's best Christmas.

It began with a quickening sense of wonder

and astonishment that always accompanied the first snowfall.

Drink up. Drink up. Come on, drink!

What is this?

Come on, you silly.

Picky, picky, picky.

What is this? Are you not thirsty?

This is the first time you're drinking for a long while.

It's gonna freeze up in a minute. Now, drink it.

Okay, your choice.

You little varmint!

You're getting killed, Elizabeth!

Jim-Bob!

Do that again, Jim-Bob!

You're gonna..

It's snowing again.

Jim-Bob and I had a snowball fight.

You did?

You should have been shoveling it, not throwing it.

Radio says it's gonna get colder.

- 'Can I have some cookies?' - Not one of those, now.

Your Grandpa and I are taking those to Maude.

- I think Maude can spare one. - Just one.

I hate to think of her spending Christmas

over in that rest home in Charlottesville.

But at least she's getting good care

and Curt says she'll be home by New Year's Eve.

Elizabeth, do you know

'there are seven more days until Christmas?'

Where has the year gone to?

We have to start getting ready.

What do you think we're doing? You're right.

But you're right if we're gonna have Christmas on the outside

we'd better start fixing up the inside.

Shall I get the decorations down?

Wait till your Daddy finds us a tree.

Only one more week till Christmas.

Livie, the pipes are beginning to freeze up.

Elizabeth, go find your daddy and ask him

to please wrap the pipes before they freeze solid.

Sure, Mama.

There's something about snow on the evergreens

that brings the whole holiday season to life.

I never knew anyone got the joy out of Christmas the way you do.

It's the happiest time of year for me.

Family all gathered together.

This time next year, who knows where the children will be?

They're all growing so fast.

I want this to be the best Christmas we ever had.

It will be.

Ben?

I wanna show you something. Here it is. Look at this.

Look what you got here.

You got, "The hostess served refreshments

"from a beautiful old tree."

That should be "tray."

- You're getting sloppy, Ben. - What I'm getting is frozen.

Throw some more wood in the stove, then.

My fingers feel like 10 little icicles.

'Why don't you put some gloves on?'

I did. That's how the "tree" got in there.

Ever tried setting type with gloves on?

We've gonna have to do something about warming this place up.

Either that or just close down till spring.

I'll tell you something, though.

This Christmas issue is gonna be the biggest and the best yet.

- Look. - Hmm?

When'd you take up pipe-smoking?

'This is for Yancy.'

It's nice.

It's hard to get someone like Yancy a gift.

I know. He likes to keep his life simple.

Elizabeth, close that door!

You're letting all the cold air out!

Do you know that there are only seven more days till Christmas?

No, I had no idea.

Did you know there are seven days for Christmas?

No, I never realized it.

My gosh!

Did you get Elizabeth a gift?

No, I haven't had a chance..

- 'Not got anybody anything! - 'I've a great idea.'

Give her a free copy of the paper.

- The big one. - Chronicle.

Yeah! It's gonna be a real good edition.

We'll give you a free copy.

- 'That's a good idea.' - You think you're so funny.

Well, that's not what I came in here for.

- It's about Mama. - What about her?

I think we'd better make this Christmas real special for Mama.

Every Christmas is special for her.

What's so different about this one?

While we were talking in the kitchen

she was saying how maybe next year we might not be together

and how she wanted this one to be the best Christmas

that the family ever had.

Well! Then we'll make sure it is the best Christmas

the family ever had.

'I gotta go pick up Jason and Erin, okay?'

- 'Okay.' - Don't tell Mama I told you.

I'm gonna tell her right now.

- She ought to know. - Definitely.

I think I'll go tell her. Stop it!

I'm telling you, there's gonna be a deep freeze tonight.

Them twigs on the trees will be a-snapping.

Let's thaw out a little before we unload that truck.

Daddy, think you can get along without me for an hour?

Got something important to do?

I told Patsy Brimmer I'd come over.

We do our homework together. She's helping me pass English.

Can't John-Boy help you pass English?

He could,but it wouldn't be half as much fun.

- Is it alright, Daddy? - Alright, go, go.

Esther, there's nothing like a cup of hot coffee

to heat up your gullet and your gizzard and to warm your heart.

Must have been cold up on the mountain.

It sure was.

But we found us the prettiest Christmas tree you ever did see.

- Didn't cut it, did you? - No. You want us to?

No, I'd like to wait a few days.

That way it'll be fresh and fragrant when we put it up.

Sitting out there smack dab, middle of a lot of young trees.

They'll be the better off for thinning it out.

I wonder where we should put it this year.

By the stairs or front of the window?

Wouldn't have to move so much furniture around

if we put it in the stairway.

I think you're right, Pa.

It's better in front of the window.

That way you can see the lights from the driveway.

We'll put it anywhere you want us to.

I'll think about it.

Half the fun is in the planning.

That's what I enjoy about Christmas.

The way it gets her all fired up.

Just like a girl again.

Yes, Mrs. Salter, I'll ring.

I can't leave till Miss Fanny gets here.

Erin, forgive me.

John-Boy. I do hope you haven't been unduly inconvenienced.

Not at all, Miss Fanny.

I'll take over now, dear.

Jo Ellen, my sister's little girl?

She's in the Christmas pageant.

I promised to take her to rehearsals, drive her home.

They live all the way out past Drucilla's Pond.

Even though, I would've been here in good time.

But Rosemary Fordwick and Corabeth Godsey

got into a disagreement as to how angels should walk.

I thought we never would get finished.

I'll see you tomorrow, Miss Fanny.

Yeah, we got one more stop to make. Goodnight.

Night.

Good evening.

Yes. Corabeth.

Now, I thought your point was well taken, Corabeth

but, of course, never having actually seen an angel..

I'd hesitate to take sides.

Good to see you. Come on in.

Everything's kind of a mess. We can find a place to sit.

We weren't planning on staying too long.

- Mary Ellen. - Hi, John-Boy.

Cold nose.

This is great. Just like home.

Yeah, Mama had some left over.

I'll tell you why we came by.

We were kind of wondering what your plans were for Christmas.

To tell you the truth, John-Boy we've been thinking

about maybe spending the holiday with my family.

I haven't had the nerve to tell Mama.

You know how she feels about us all being together.

What about Curt's folks?

Seemed like the fair thing would be to trade off.

There'll be other Christmases.

I honestly believe Mama thinks this is gonna be

the last one with the family together.

Maybe it is.

Listen, that's your decision to make.

I don't mean to intrude about it, I, uh..

I just wanted to find out.

And I just thought I'd let you know

how much it means to Mama if we could all be together this year.

Hello, everybody!

Greetings.

Two more for supper.

'No, Mama. I have supper fixed at home.'

I could be persuaded to stay.

Curt!

Did I say something wrong?

'We came to talk about Christmas.'

I imagine you two want to spend Christmas with Curt's parents.

No.

No, we'll go there next year.

I told you we'd all be together for Christmas.

Then, why are we all standing around?

Let's have supper and start getting this place ready.

Do you realize there are only seven more days left..

Let's eat.

Hurry up, Esther.

Almost forgot the apron.

Give our best to Maude, now.

At least she won't be alone the day before Christmas.

'Pa, I filled her with gas.'

'She'll get you to Charlottesville and back.'

Don't be late for supper!

- Be home before nightfall! - Don't worry.

Drive careful, now, Pa.

Ever seen anything like that, John-Boy?

I never did.

How come you put it all up here?

I thought it would be nicer out here so everyone could enjoy it.

You know, Corabeth made every one of them decorations herself.

Labor of love.

I assisted Mama.

You certainly did, precious.

You know, Aimee's getting more like her mother every day.

John-Boy, have you ever seen so many presents?

This is before Santa Claus.

This is a very special Christmas for us

because it's our first one with Aimee.

Corabeth just won't settle for anything but the best.

I got to be going.

Don't run away. Have some hospitality, some more eggnog.

I would love to but I've gotta be

at Professor Parks' house in a half-hour.

Schoolwork on Christmas Eve?

No, it's not schoolwork.

Professor has a friend from New York

a book editor, coming this way on vacation.

He wanted me to meet him.

Sounds like it might be a nice Christmas present.

It most certainly could.

Elizabeth, I'll pick you at 6:00.

'We've got supper at 7:00 sharp, alright?'

Merry Christmas, everybody.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Aimee.

- Bye. - 'Bye.'

I'll bet you're getting all that you asked for.

I suppose so.

Sure is a big tree, Daddy.

Best tree we've had in years. Come on, let's get it inside.

Alright, we're coming in, hon. Now, close your eyes.

Come on, Son. Easy.

- Keep them closed. - It's cold!

Easy. Watch the paint.

Close the door. Close it.

Back. Back.

Just a minute! Here we go.

There! Take a look at that.

- John, it's beautiful! - Isn't that a beauty?

- That's a beauty. - Where did you find that?

Something sure smells good.

Are you sure Patsy's coming for dinner?

I asked her.

Will be nice to have her with us on Christmas Eve.

I sure hope she doesn't get embarrassed.

I'll be on my best behavior, Son.

It's Ben and Jason I'm worried about.

I hope Ma and Pa get back from Charlottesville

in time for me to go into Rockfish.

You did good, John.

Yes, sir, John, did real good.

That's my favorite carol, Jason.

It's most appropriate on this Christmas Eve.

I still haven't got it quite right yet.

It sounds so simple but it's so hard to play.

That's just like the teachings of the Christmas Child.

Nothing could be simpler to read, but to put into practice

The decorations look real nice, Reverend.

Thank you.

Although some Baptists might take exception.

Some feel bringing of greenery into the church is pagan.

I reckon you can find some Baptist to take exception

to almost anything.

What?

Nothing.

This is a very ancient custom.

Men who worshipped trees, they were called Druids.

Anyway, I think it looks nice.

I don't see any harm in making some druid happy.

Thank you. I gotta be getting on over to the parsonage.

I'd like to stay, practice a while longer, that's alright?

Stay as long as you like, Jason.

'Thanks, Reverend.'

* What fun it is to ride and sing *

* A sleighing song tonight *

* Jingle bells, jingle bells *

* Jingle all the way *

* Oh! what fun it is to ride *

* In a one-horse open sleigh *

* Jingle bells, jingle bells *

* Jingle all the way *

Remember, Maude, when I got stuck down the chimney

of the First Baptist Church when I was playing Santa Claus?

And you kept playing louder and louder

to cover up the commotion he was making.

I was trying to cover up what he was yelling.

Shouldn't be heard in a bull hall, let alone a church.

They'd to hoist me with a block and a tackle.

I can just see you shouting, "Ho! Ho! Ho!"

And dangling down by the seat of your pants!

"Ho! Ho! Ho! Help! Help! Help!"

I tell you, we've had some great Christmases, haven't we?

This wouldn't have been so great

if it hadn't been for good friends like you two.

'Can't keep a woman like you down for long. With your grit.'

Yeah. You'll be home soon

wearing a new apron, fussing around in the kitchen.

Hip bones don't heal too fast at my age.

But I'm well looked after.

It's just that I hate to be away from home this time of year.

Home. The next time we come

I'm gonna bring you some milk from your goat, Myrtle.

That will be nice.

Yes. But we gotta be getting on home.

Don't go yet.

'I don't like to drive much after dark.'

We promised Livie to be home for supper by 7:00.

Can't you have a cup of hot tea and some of these cookies

you brought me before you set out again?

Those cookies are for you.

I think a cup of hot tea would be nice, Maude.

That's nice.

How about some hot tea, old dears?

Alright.

In the dining room?

'You made this for me?'

'Me, special?'

I tried to think of something you'd like.

I like it. I like it a lot.

Move over, Earl!

Sets off my corncob real fine, don't it?

It sure does.

Maybe sometime you'll get more than one.

I'll get five or six of them and fill up the whole rack.

I'm glad you like it.

That's the first Christmas present I've had in years.

I don't recollect how it ended. I just got out of the habit.

Glad you like it.

I gotta be heading home. Merry Christmas.

Wait, Ben. I got something for you.

- I don't want you to go.. - Now, now, now.

Got it as a consolation prize at a party.

It ain't no consolation to me 'cause I don't shine my shoes.

I thought you might like it.

A shoe-shine kit. Yes, I would.

Merry Christmas, Ben.

Thanks, Yancy.

Merry Christmas to you, too.

Now I gotta be heading home.

Wait a minute.

Don't walk home in that freezing weather.

I'll drive you in my flivver.

I don't want you to go to any trouble.

Ben, it ain't no trouble.

Tonight was gonna be loneliest night of the year for me

what with Sissy home visiting her folks.

But you brung back the Christmas spirit to me.

Least I can do is

keep you from freezing your little ears off.

Okay.

I guess the icy roads between here and Richmond

have got Hank stranded.

I wish he would have telephoned.

'I think I ought to be going.'

'Gotta pick up Erin at the telephone office.'

The weather for Christmas will be white and cold.

Below-zero temperatures expected in the mountains.

Many roads are badly iced and all holiday motorists

are urged to use extreme caution.

- In other parts of.. - I'm gonna go, Professor.

It's Christmas Eve.

I wanted to get you two together.

Maybe next time he's in town, alright?

- Okay, I'll get in touch. - Good.

John. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.

- Thank you very much. - Okay. Bye-bye.

'Jim-Bob?'

Patsy will be with you in just a minute.

She sure takes a long time getting dressed.

She wants to look just right being with your family and all.

Mama was counting on us sitting down at 7:00.

We're gonna decorate the tree afterwards.

It's so thoughtful of you to include Patsy.

She's done so well, being away from her folks and all

but Christmas is a time when a person misses home and family.

Maybe you better tell her it doesn't matter what she wears.

I don't think anybody will notice in all that confusion.

I don't think that'd be wise, Jim-Bob.

Here.

Have a piece of candy.

Merry Christmas.

Yes, Mrs. Ogilvie, I'll ring.

I don't know where Miss Fanny is.

'Merry Christmas.'

No, I haven't heard from her, either.

Do you want me to call the sheriff?

My brother's here. I'll tell him.

Maybe he'll know what to do.

That was Miss Fanny's sister.

She's worried about her, too?

Miss Fanny and Jo Ellen left dress rehearsal 45 minutes ago.

She was supposed to take Jo Ellen straight home

and then come right back here.

'Should I call the sheriff?'

No, no.

Maybe she's got a flat tire or motor trouble or something.

I guess I better go try to find her.

Merry Christmas.

You're sure going slow.

A minute ago you said I was going too fast.

The way the windshield's iced over

I don't know how you can see where you're going.

Just gonna have to trust your Divine Providence, Esther.

We should have left before dark.

Having that last cup of tea

with Maude did her a whole world of good.

Zeb, now, you be careful!

I just can't see anything ahead.

It isn't safe to go on any further, Esther.

We sure can't stay here all night.

Guess we're gonna have to go back to Charlottesville.

We're not too far out.

You're gonna have to be my eyes, Esther.

They all knew dinner is at 7:00. Where is everybody?

Radio says the roads have been turned to ice.

I can understand Grandma and Grandpa

and John-Boy being stranded in cars

but what about all the others?

I'll get down to Ike's, use his phone

find out what's going on.

Good idea.

John.

The ice must've taken out a power line.

Here's a match.

Here's another one right here.

I hope the power won't stay out for dinner.

I'll go get those kerosene lamps.

Jason, where in the world have you been?

Those big old trees over by the north side of the church?

One of 'em fell, went right through the roof.

- Anybody hurt? - No.

We're gonna have to fix the roof and get that tree out of there.

There isn't gonna be any morning Christmas service.

- Be right with you. - Need my help?

Better stay here in case the others come.

Harley, what are you doing out here?

Been out in the pond. Miss Fanny and her little girl's out there.

Car went off the road. I can't get them out.

- Come on, you gotta help me. - Get on.

Miss Fanny?

John-Boy! Please, help us. Hurry!

Miss Fanny, can't you get the door open?

I already tried, John. The door's jammed.

Listen maybe if both of us tried it.

Grab on to the door.

Grab on to the side and I'll get the handlebar.

Watch out.

You alright?

- Okay, ready? - Yeah.

Let's go.

Roll the window down!

I can't.

Curt!

That's right.

Curt, they're gonna be waiting.

Hold your horses!

No, no, no, no. Not you, Mrs. Tolliver.

I'm awful sorry that you feel so bad on Christmas Eve.

Do what I told you to,I think you'll feel fine by morning.

And if you don't, you just give me a call.

Merry Christmas, Mrs. Tolliver. Merry Christmas.

Mama expected us half an hour ago.

Your mother will understand. She knows Mrs. Tolliver.

No.

- Do we have to answer it? - We do.

15 seconds later and we wouldn't have even heard it.

Let me answer it. I get less involved.

Hello?

Hello, Mary Ellen, am I glad to hear your voice.

Erin? Where are you?

Still on the switchboard. Verdie Foster just called.

Miss Fanny and Jo Ellen were in a car accident

near Verdie's house.

John-Boy's there right now trying to get them out.

They need you and Curt right away.

I've got the crowbar!

I've got some blankets!

Here, John-Boy. Here.

Hurry up and get her out of that water.

The door is jammed.

Harley, I think this crowbar ought to help.

We're coming, Miss Fanny! We'll have you out of there!

I can't rouse Jo Ellen.

Listen, Harley, we gotta take it easy.

If this slips into one of those

deep places, we've lost them.

Just easy.

The water's getting higher!

You got a rope in your car?

Yeah, I got a rope in the rumble seat.

- Alright. You try and open it. - Okay.

Please, hurry. Hurry!

We're working on it, Miss Fanny.

We'll have you out of there in just a minute.

Ike?

Corabeth?

Corabeth?

Heaven help us, Olivia,

if this isn't the strangest Christmas Eve ever.

- Heard anything from my family? - No, I haven't heard anything.

Except a tree fell on the church and Ike went to help.

John and Jason are over there now.

No idea where Grandma, Grandpa are. Ben's disappeared.

Curt and Mary Ellen never arrived for supper.

The snow and the ice have made driving almost impossible

it says on the radio.

I guess I better take Elizabeth home now.

She and Aimee are enjoying themselves.

Why don't you at least take off your coat

and come back and warm up before you go, Olivia?

Just for a minute.

'Why is the house all dark?'

'We're so late everybody's probably gone to bed.'

They couldn't have gone to bed this early.

Why aren't there any lights?

I don't know.

You stay close to me. I'm scared of a dark house.

Okay, come on.

Lights don't work.

Mama?

Daddy?

Nobody's here.

Where'd they go?

They wouldn't just run off on Christmas Eve.

Not unless something's gone wrong.

Whatever happened, somebody'd be here.

Mama's left the food on the stove.

This is scary. Take me home to my aunt's house.

Where could they have gone?

- How're you doing? - It's coming.

- Curt's here. - Thank God you're here, Doctor.

They're gonna need you.

Looks like they could use me right now.

- Be careful. - Let me spell you, Harley.

I think it's coming.

Pray it's not too late!

- You got her, Harley? - Yeah.

Okay, I got her.

Okay, Miss Fanny. Just hang on now.

- Where's the nearest house? - Mine.

Alright. They're probably frostbitten.

We got to treat them right away.

Watch your step, Doctor. It's slippery.

Take her to the van. Get her out of those wet clothes

and wrap her in anything you can find that's dry.

Hurry, come here and give us a hand, will you?

- I got you. - Got you. Watch your other leg.

Careful. Careful. Careful.

Watch your foot.

You'll be alright.

- Can you walk? - I think so.

- Can you walk? - I'm sorry.

Here, get her over to the road.

Terrible to take you away from your warm homes and families

on this Christmas Eve

but if there's any way to save the Christmas services..

Reverend, you sure would be welcome

to have the services at Godsey's Hall.

That's very generous of you.

- Reverend? - Ike, unfortunately..

there are certain associations attached to the hall

that might work against the reverent Christmas spirit.

'You know what, Reverend?'

I just thought of something.

If we were druids, we would have been saved all this work.

Druids?

What on earth are druids?

They were these fellows that lived a long time ago.

They worshipped trees.

We're not druids, Jason. We're Baptists.

Any chance of you Baptists getting work done down there?

Okay.

'Sorry about the old flivver being froze up, there, Ben.'

'But I say we should count our blessings.'

'We got us a nice, warm cabin'

'a snug place for the livestock and us to stay out of the cold"

'Yancy, some way or another, I got to get home.'

Home? No place like home, Ben. No place!

Don't you never forget it.

Forget that and you got Yancy Tucker to deal with.

Yancy, Mama was counting on all the family being together

for the best Christmas ever.

And that's what it is, Ben.

The best Christmas ever.

And thanks to my good friend Ben Walton.

* Tis the season to be jolly* That's what the song says.

'Let me tell you something, old friend.'

"Tis the season to be lonesome.'

Leastwise for me with Sissy gone.

Some way or another, Yancy, I gotta get home.

I'll walk.

Ben, the bottom's dropped out of the thermometer.

You'll freeze to death out there.

I don't care! I have to go home!

You're right, Ben. This party's over.

If I can't drive you home, I can walk you home.

John-Boy?

Erin?

Nobody's home.

There's no one at home, Grandpa.

Except maybe Jim-Bob and Ben.

Doggone.

Your mother had such high hopes for this Christmas.

It seems like everything that could go wrong, did.

You must be wore out, Erin.

I made some hot lemonade and have plenty of cough drops.

I just hope Miss Fanny and Jo Ellen will be alright.

Tell your mother that your Grandma and I'll be back home

soon as daylight makes driving a mite safer.

Merry Christmas, Grandpa.

Merry, merry.

'Livie's upset, the power's all out.'

'We're not the only ones playing hooky.'

Go away for a few hours and everything goes wrong.

Stop trying to shoulder the blame of the whole world.

Or take credit for it, either.

- Let's just go to our room. - There are no rooms.

The clerk tells me he's been turning away people by the dozen

stranded, same as we are.

There isn't an empty hotel room in all of Charlottesville.

Now!

It's cold to sleep in the truck, even with you, Esther.

We're gonna sleep here in this hotel lobby.

They wouldn't turn us away on a Christmas Eve.

I've saved the best two seats with my coat.

Which one do you want?

Esther.

Come along with me.

I will not! Now, the clerk said..

We are going to the Jefferson Arms.

Zeb, there are no rooms at the Jefferson Arms.

If there were, we couldn't afford it.

That's the fanciest hotel this side of Richmond.

If we're gonna have to spend Christmas Eve in a hotel lobby

might as well be the best one.

- Come along, now. - Zeb, no!

- Come on. - I'm trying to tell you that..

- Toodle-oo, toodle-oo. - Zeb..

Excuse me.

Warm enough in here, John-Boy?

Curt says it's alright.

He says he doesn't want them to get warmed up too fast.

No danger in this house.

Harley's overalls don't fit you too smart, John-Boy.

Well, maybe not.

But they're a lot more comfortable

than the clothes I just took off.

Thank you very much.

Watch your coffee, John-Boy. Watch your coffee.

Thank you, Harley. How're you feeling?

Fine, fine.

- Harley. - Thank you.

What about Curt and Mary Ellen?

They work pretty well together, don't they?

They sure do.

They know what to do and they do it.

That's just about the best thing

you can say about anybody, isn't it?

Doctor, do you still want cold water?

I think we can warm it up a little now.

Alright.

Mary Ellen?

You think they're gonna do alright?

The little girl has frostbite on her legs and feet

but she seems to be picking up.

Thing is Miss Fanny's right hand and arm got the worst of it.

That's probably 'cause she was trying to

hold Jo Ellen up outta the water for all that time.

- Doctor? - Yeah.

Yeah, that's fine.

How do you feel?

Who, me? I'm alright.

Wading around in the water all that time

it's a wonder you didn't catch pneumonia.

'Did you get word to Mama?

No, but I spoke to Erin.

From what I can tell, there's nobody home at all.

Merry Christmas.

Ho, ho, ho.

* Go tell it on the mountain *

* Over the hills and everywhere *

* Go tell it on the mountain *

* Our Jesus Christ is born *

* Go tell it on the mountain *

* Over the hills and everywhere *

* Go tell it on the mountain *

* Our Jesus Christ is born *

* Go tell it on the mountain *

* Over the hills and everywhere *

* Go tell it on the mountain *

Miss Elizabeth, you said we'd be together

for a lot of Christmases and here we are.

The Godseys had such a pretty tree.

All the ribbons, and presents.

Wait till you see our tree.

We're not gonna sit here wringing our hands

and feeling sorry for ourselves.

'We're gonna have the tree all decorated'

'by the time the others get back.'

Let's start with the lights.

Here, why don't you hang on to this end of the string..

Elizabeth?

Elizabeth.

All secure up above?

Near as I can tell, Daddy.

And barring a hurricane

that tarp should hold till we can replace the rafters.

'There's gonna be a lot of cold air blowing under that tarp.'

Folks can keep their coats and gloves on to keep warm.

All but the organist.

The important thing is

we can have our Christmas services tomorrow.

When I first saw that tree, I thought it'd be impossible.

It's always nice to take on the impossible now and again.

You know, the Christmases since I've been in the Lord's service

I've received some wonderful presents.

But I can tell you there is nothing to compare

'with the friendship, dedication you've made here tonight.'

Reverend, you better get some sleep.

Yeah. Come morning, you'll be too tired to preach.

I will find the strength.

Goodnight, Ike. Thank you, Jason, John.

Merry Christmas, Reverend.

See you later.

You have a nice Christmas.

- Alright, Ike. - Goodnight.

Ike, do you want your lanterns?

'I got a light.'

Leave them lit, Jason.

We can light our way home.

Verdie?

These clothes look better than before I went into the pond.

I've had a little experience doing washing and ironing.

What time is it, you reckon?

- 'It's a little past 11:00.' - 'It's almost Christmas.'

I feel like we ought to be doing something to help them.

I'm sure they're doing everything that can be done.

Can you feel that?

It tickles.

That's great.

It stings.

- Tingles. - Sure.

You're gonna feel some pain, that's the best possible sign.

- Jo Ellen? - She'll make it.

I'm so sorry.

Causing all this commotion on Christmas Eve.

You just take it easy.

Mary Ellen and I are going to hang around for a while.

John-Boy!

Is he still here?

And Harley?

Right here, Miss Fanny.

Thank you.

Thank you both.

Merry Christmas.

Everybody in that should be in?

All except Grandma and Grandpa.

You were gonna have the whole family together this Christmas.

We tried.

They weren't all here with me

but I never felt closer to them, or to you.

Come here.

Your feet are cold.

Liv?

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Where is everybody?

They must be inside.

Hope they haven't opened the presents.

Elizabeth!

- Elizabeth! - Livie!

Wait for us!

We're home!

Livie?

Now, where is everybody?

Surprise! Surprise!

Merry Christmas!

Hello, Grandpa!

- Merry Christmas, Grandma! - You taken the presents?

What've you done? You've been into the presents already.

Come on!

We're in it too far, Elizabeth!

We didn't get to open our presents.

I don't think that's fair at all.

Let's have us a carol.

A little Christmas carol, Jason!

A little Longfellow.

What do you wanna hear?

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.

That's a good one. That's a good one.

* I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day *

* Their old familiar carols play *

* And wild and sweet the words repeat *

* Of peace on earth good will to men *

* I thought how as the day had come *

* The belfries of all Christendom *

* Had rolled along the unbroken song *

Next morning,the Waltons were all together again

in reality as well as in spirit.

Only a few years later

when circumstances kept some of us in the hedgerows of Normandy

or on Christmas duty in the emergency ward

of a big hospital,our memories of Mama's best Christmas

helped to comfort and sustain us.

* With peace on earth good will to men *