Christmas in Wolf Creek (2022) Movie Script
1
Another year
coming to an end
I'm thinking bout my
family and my friends
And you out there
so far away
There's something
that I wanna say
Sending you my love
With this season's greeting
Sending you my hope
just in case you need it
May you find comfort and joy
In every word you're reading
[Austin] I thought you and I
had an understanding.
You were going to stay put
while I put this saddle on you.
Now, you can't go anywhere.
[song ends]
Now you know Austin,
Rain here wants nothing
to do with that saddle.
Yeah, I am starting
to get that feeling.
Yeah, they told us at auction
that it'd be a few months.
Now I am a patient man but
this one here is starting
to push me to my limits.
She broke two fences last week.
You know, that's what
I love about your work.
Sheer determination and
well crafted stubbornness.
You're one of the
best, you know that?
Careful now.
My head's not going to fit
through this stall door.
And who's going
to feed this lot?
[JASON LAUGHS]
Now seriously, you're one of
the best wranglers we know.
Thank you.
But I do feel like I'm not
doing my best work these days.
Like I should be spending
a little more time
here at the ranch.
Well, I'm glad you
brought that up
instead of waiting
for me to do it.
Because, there's
been some things
since you've been spending
more time in Wolf Creek,
and less time here on the ranch.
Yeah, I know, we lost
those two steer last week.
But, you do know I got
to spend some time
in Wolf Creek for a while.
Yeah, your grandmother...
You know, she's
lucky to have you.
And my girlfriend...
We're spending
Christmas together.
You? [LAUGHS]
I bet you've never even put
a Christmas tree up before.
Oh I did once, with my Dad.
When I was nine.
Austin. Listen...
You know I love it
here, it's in my blood.
The simple fact is, I need
you full time on the ranch.
If you can't do that I'm
gonna have to replace you.
Look, I'm going to
help you find someone
that's going to fit
in here part-time.
That ain't gonna work.
I need a full commitment from
you son, 'cause right now
you got one leg in the saddle
and one leg on the ground.
Now think about it.
Okay?
Yup.
[WOLF HOWLS]
[CHICKENS CLUCKING]
[DIALING]
[PHONE RINGING]
Hey Sam.
Hey, glad to hear your
new phone is working.
You know, my old phone
got reception here too.
Okay. Just wait until
you're in the backcountry
and then you'll
see the difference
that a satellite
phone makes.
Maybe that's the
point of backcountry,
being out of cell
phone reception.
Spoken like a true cowboy.
[LAUGHS]
How are the horses?
[Austin] They say they miss me.
[Sam] Humans, animals...
Seems you are loved by all.
Do you have any idea when
you're going to be back?
Yeah, I just got one more
drive to do, then I'll be back.
Okay. See you soon.
[HORSE WHINNIES]
[Sunny] It's freezing out here.
Come on, open the door.
[Sam]
Okay Sunny.
[Sam]
Uh! Not again!
They even got out of the
new cages that we got them.
We've wrangled worse.
All right. Let's focus.
One at a time.
Oh what fun it is to ride
in a one horse open
sleigh...
[Sam]
Nice try bunnies!
They are cute little
escape artists.
[Sam] Thanks for all
the work you've done
getting these guys ready
for adoption, Sunny.
I really appreciate it.
That's what little
sisters are for.
What about the rescue dogs?
Do you think they'll be
adopted by Christmas?
I can't think of a better place
to have an adoption booth than
Christmas Town Festival.
I know a rescue dog isn't on the
top of every family's
Christmas list, but
fingers crossed,
a few of them find
a happy home.
I can help you with
the adoption booth.
Oh, that would be great because
I am so swamped right now.
I've got the night checks and
then paperwork for the adoptions
and then costumes for
Christmas Eve show.
I know the show is
super important to you.
Tomorrow is dress rehearsal
and then it's Christmas Eve...
Showtime!
Showtime!
[INSTRUMENTAL,
"DECK THE HALLS"]
Hey!
Hey!
Oh, thank you.
I needed this.
You been at it all night?
Yeah, but I feel a
second wind coming on.
I'm a little worried you might
have taken on a bit too much.
Not at all! It's fun.
It's Christmas.
Yeah, but you know you
can't win Christmas
by doing the most work.
It's not work, it's my life.
Helping people and
animals, and being busy,
it's what I love to do.
I can see that.
[SAM LAUGHS]
So, ah, are you going
to go check on Mariana?
She's in a good place.
I just want to spend
some time with you.
Oh, well, I'm very
glad to hear that.
That means you
can help me set up
the stage at Christmas Town.
You know, Christmas Town
is not really my thing.
In case you
haven't noticed,
I'm not really the
most festive guy.
And I'm actually
not staying long.
I actually got to head back
to the ranch pretty soon.
Ah... Again?
We just keep missing each other.
Austin, I promise you,
spending time with you
is on the top of my
Christmas list this year.
Hey. We rescued a wolf together.
- Yeah.
We'll figure out Christmas.
Yeah.
Thank you for the coffee.
Have fun!
[Felix]
Welcome to Christmas Town!
Join the tradition and
celebrate family,
fun and the Christmas spirit.
[Felix]
Welcome everyone!
Merry Christmas, Felix!
Great to see you doing well.
Next year, I'll be
back on my feet
and doing the
Festival with you!
[Felix]
Thank you for coming.
[RINGING BELL]
Candy canes!
Who wants candy canes?
Ho, ho, ho.
Are you here for candy canes?
Here you go.
Enjoy! Merry Christmas!
[Child]
Merry Christmas to you too!
Please tell me you're not
giving those candy canes
out for free, Grandpa.
Oh, come on, they're
just candy canes.
Where's your Christmas
spirit, Terry?
Sorry Grandpa, but Christmas
Spirit doesn't pay the bills!
I asked for your help
because I'm getting older,
and I don't have the
energy I used to have.
But I need your help out
on the festival grounds,
not in the books!
You're lucky I looked
at those books!
Christmas Town is
losing money, fast.
You put on plays for free,
you don't charge the local
vendors enough to rent a booth!
They can't afford
to pay more.
They need the Christmas
revenue to survive
until summer tourist season.
Your "Christmas Spirit"
is putting this business
deep in the red.
I like red!
Just like Santa's suit.
No one is going to
be feeling festive
if we have to shut this
place down next year.
Please, keep your voice down.
We are providing a seasonal
entertainment experience
and people need
to pay for that.
I am not charging
people more money!
Every activity has
to pay for itself.
Even the candy canes!
They're friends.
And neighbors.
They're customers.
If they don't spend money,
Wolf Creek is going to
lose Christmas Town.
Grandpa, this will
be our last year
if we don't start
charging for things!
That's enough Terry.
You should go rest.
It's only been a few
days since your surgery.
Fine.
But not even you can put a
damper on our fun, Terry.
Christmas Town is the
happiest place around!
[George]
Okay, and smile!
[George]
Smile!
There's a good one there.
Are you sure that
even takes pictures?
My phone is old but
it works perfectly.
Just look! See.
[Annie laughs]
There it is! A smile!
Grandpa...
- I'm just glad
to spend
Christmas with you this year.
I just want us to have fun.
I wish Dad was here too.
You know he wishes more than
anything he were here with you.
No he doesn't.
He chooses to stay
home and work.
He doesn't care about Christmas.
What if we send him
this photo of you
and remind him about
Christmas magic.
I just need to
figure out how to...
Oh Oh...
I think I deleted it.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATION,
LAUGHING]
Oh, look who it is!
Annie, this is Sam
and her sister Sunny.
They run the animal
refuge where I volunteer.
Cool!
- We even saved a wolf together.
And this is my
granddaughter, Annie.
She loves animals.
Welcome to the club!
You have to come to
the Dog Adoption
and the Christmas Eve
play tomorrow!
We will! We will!
My fingers are
about to fall off! Sorry.
Okay. We should
get to the stage.
I'll see you tomorrow!
Merry Christmas!
It'll be fun watching all
those animals, won't it?
Can I call my Dad?
Would a candy cane turn
that frown upside down?
Oh, yes please!
That'll be fifty cents.
Candy canes are always free.
They're candy canes.
Not anymore.
I'm the manager of
Christmas Town now.
This is absurd.
It's Christmas time!
Candy canes are a
staple in the community.
Everyone loves free candy canes.
So free candy canes
equal Christmas spirit?
No! But free candy
canes are the gateway
to peace, joy and
goodwill toward men.
Hey!
[George] Sam can settle this.
[Terry]
There's nothing to settle.
[HORSES NEIGH]
[Austin]
What am I going to do, girl?
[HORSE NICKERS]
Austin.
Have you put in some more
thought on your decision?
Lots of thought,
not much for decision.
What seems to be
holding things up?
Concerned about
your Grandmother?
About her store?
Yeah, I was thinking I was going
to have to take over running it,
but Mariana, she doesn't
want me to feel obligated
to stay or to help her.
Well then the
decision seems simple.
Unless, there's something, or
someone holding things up.
I have somehow managed to fall
in love with a woman who is even
more independent and
stubborn than I am.
I see.
Well, I'm no expert on romance
and such but I do know a thing
or two about ranching, and I
know you're the best ranch hand
in the county.
But you should
know that I put in
an ad for a full
time replacement.
You can't do that just yet...
Unless I hear from you by
5 p.m. on Christmas Eve...
Well I just have to say that
there's a lot of ranch hands
out there looking for work.
I'm stuck between a woman
and a hard nosed rancher.
Oh yeah, I know girl.
It sucks to be me.
At least I got you.
[Sunny]
Why are these boxes so heavy?
Are they full of coal?
No, that's for your stocking.
Wait, where's that handsome
cowboy of yours Sam?
I feel like he'd love to help
you carry these heavy boxes.
Ah, he is at Jason's ranch.
He'll be by in a bit
to help, though,
I'm not sure if he wants to.
What do you mean?
I don't know where his
head is at right now.
Anyone with eyeballs can tell
the guy's madly in love
with you.
Yeah. We had a weird talk.
He's not happy
here in Wolf Creek.
Just give him some time.
It's not easy moving
from one life to another.
Yeah...
I wish Mom and Dad were here.
It was always so fun watching
the play every
Christmas Eve with them.
This play reminds
me of simpler times.
It's just so important to me.
I would usually sneak away for
treats at the Sugar Plum Shack.
[LAUGHTER]
I know it meant a lot to you.
Okay, I'm going to go
set up the dog adoption.
Good luck with the rehearsal.
And I'll be back to take some
photos for Wolf Creek's socials.
Oh, great! Because we need
some photos with the reindeer.
I know. I'm on it.
It's going to be amazing!
You are a great hype woman.
I know. You do all the hard
work and I make you look good!
Bye!
[Mariana on phone message]
Hi Austin, it's your Nana.
I was just calling to make sure
you received a
package I sent you.
It should have arrived by now.
Now I know you're pretty
much opposed to Christmas,
and all the expectations it
brings, and I don't blame you.
But you can still find
reasons to celebrate, Austin.
I thought this might help.
It's an heirloom, and one
of my favorite things.
Which is why I am
giving it to you.
When Jack proposed,
he made me the happiest
woman in the whole world.
I hope when the time is right,
it'll bring you
great happiness too.
I know your heart's
with the ranch
and with Sam in Wolf Creek.
But in the meantime, maybe
you'll find the holiday spirit.
I know Sam would love
to share it with you.
Talk to you soon.
Love you.
[CHRISTMAS MUSIC
IN BACKGROUND]
[INDISTINCT CHATTERING]
[Terry]
Christmas Town is ours!
So we should be able to
charge anything we want!
Yes, but I take care of all of
the animals at the Petting Zoo
free of charge.
I handle the reindeer
all the time!
That's not my concern!
Felix agreed to this weeks ago.
I'm running Christmas Town now!
All I'm saying is we charge
a few dollars per ticket.
No! The play has always
been free to anyone
that wants to come to...
- Okay well,
maybe I don't want
my reindeer to participate.
You can't be serious!
I've already advertised
that everyone will meet
a real reindeer on their
way into the show.
Yeah, free selfies does
nothing for my bottom line.
It's more profitable to keep my
reindeer in the petting zoo.
Please, we've got to be able to
find some middle ground here.
You can forget
about the reindeer.
Make other plans.
I'm just trying to
modernize the experience!
[Terry]
Too late!
Has anyone seen Annie?
Um, no. I haven't.
[George] I thought she
was right behind me.
Oh! Check the
Sugar Plum Shack.
I used to hang out there
all the time as a kid.
I'll go with you.
Great idea.
She's a good kid;
she can't be far behind.
[Annie]
Whoa!
Are you really
Santa's reindeer?
You don't want to be
here either, do you?
[REINDEER SNORTS]
If I let you out, can we
go find my Dad in New York?
If he saw you,
he'd have to believe in
the magic of Christmas!
He wouldn't want to work,
he'd want to be with me!
[REINDEER SNORTS]
Okay, come on.
We don't have a lot of time.
Come on!
Are you sure New
York is this way?
Annie?
Annie!
So it sounds like my replacement
isn't working out at the ranch.
Jason isn't too happy with him.
Well of course!
You are the bestest, most
handsomest Cowboy around!
[SAM GIGGLES]
He wants me to come
back full time.
Oh. Wow. Umm...
Well that's a nice
offer, but ah...
You're considering it?
I don't know. Maybe.
Umm... Okay, stop, stop.
Put down the stockings down!
It is against the rules to hang
stockings when you're upset.
Well, how do you see me
fitting into your life?
I'm mean, besides helping with
the adoptions and the plays
and the Refuge?
Austin, I want to
make time for us.
Sure, but you love what you do.
And I don't want to
take that away from you.
You would resent me.
I love ranching. I make
a real difference there.
Okay, so you move back
and then...
we do long distance?
What?
We break up?
I don't know what it means!
How can you not know about us?
Sam!
[Terry] These pellets cost
more than my dinner!
No wonder Pops is exhausted.
Has anyone seen my reindeer?
[Terry]
Has anyone seen Cupid?
Sam!
Sam!
Sam! Just wait a
minute and talk to me!
What? What do you
want me to say?
I'm not going to twist your arm
and force you to be with me.
I do want to be with you.
I'm just trying to
figure out how we fit
into each other's lives.
You mean if we fit
into each others lives.
Just excuse me, I've got
to go save the play
that me and my family
dreamed about.
What did you do with it?
With what?
Christmas Town's
main attraction!
The reindeer, Samantha.
She's missing?
Did you think I
wouldn't find out?
All right. Everybody just hold
on a second. All right.
She just didn't just
vanish into thin air.
Animals leave tracks.
[Sam]
I'm grabbing my coat.
Here. Footprints follow the
tracks into the forest.
They're small. Child sized.
There's another second set.
Adult.
A coordinated reindeer heist!
I'm calling Sheriff Munn.
Someone's going to pay for this!
There must be some explanation.
Do you have any idea how much
money that reindeer's worth?
Enough Terry.
I just want her
back safe and sound.
Did you do this because I
don't want it in the play?
Of course not!
Look, the longer she's
in the nature reserve,
the more danger she's in.
Won't she just wander
back when she's hungry?
No. She was raised in captivity.
She's never had to find food
or deal with predators before.
Hey...
Is this what you're been
feeding her? Pellets?
Caribou need greens, vegetables.
Maybe you don't shouldn't be
looking after animals after all.
Who's this guy?
[PHONE DIALING]
[SAM'S PHONE RINGS]
Hello?
[George]
[STATIC] Hello. Sam?
Sam? Hello?
George? George?
I can't quite hear you.
George?
[George] I'm in the woods
with Annie!
We followed the
reindeer out here.
[Sam]
Did you say reindeer?
George took the reindeer?
[Sam]
[STATIC] Where are you?
Sam? Can you hear me?
I'm with Annie in the woods.
I tried to grab hold
of the reindeer,
but I lost it and now we're
completely turned around.
Stay where you are.
I'm coming to get you.
George?
[STATIC]
[DISCONNECT BEEPS]
They'll find us.
Where are they?
With George's old phone I
barely had a connection,
but he's with Annie,
somewhere in the woods.
Well that's not helpful!
Well, I can follow the trail.
Sam, you're going after them?
What about the rehearsal?
No, no, no, no, no!
Not again!
I will be back
before you know it.
The kids won't be arriving
for a couple of hours. So...
Kids?
Do it for Mom and Dad.
Please.
Fine.
Thank you.
Sam! Wait.
Yeah?
It's going to be
dangerous out there.
It'll be icy under the snow.
Temperature is going to
drop after it gets dark.
Yeah, I know. That's why I
have to get to them asap.
So I'm coming with you.
Please. I want to.
Take my snowmobile.
[KEYS JINGLE] It's all
gassed up and ready to go.
- Thanks.
- Thanks.
What do you feed your reindeer
when they're not eating pellets?
I don't know, uh,
carrots sometimes?
How long is this going to take?
It's going to take as long
as it's going to take.
Christmas Eve is tomorrow.
It's our busiest
night of the year!
I need that reindeer
back here ASAP.
Well, we're going to
make sure that everybody
makes it back here safely.
I promise you that.
- Thank you!
If I don't have my reindeer
for my paying petting zoo,
your money pit
play is off!
You can't do that.
I have to recoup
my loses somehow.
That little girl might
have even done me a favor.
I'll get you your reindeer.
You stay away from my play!
[Felix] Wait! Christmas Town
is about more than money!
Terry! Terry!
If conditions stay the same,
we should be able to follow
the tracks all the way
to George and Annie.
All right. Let's get going.
- Yeah.
I wouldn't want to keep you away
from the ranch for too long.
Sam! That isn't fair.
I'm sorry, I didn't...
If we have any chance of
bringing everybody back safely
we're going to have
to work together.
Fine. Agreed.
[KEYS JINGLE]
[ENGINE STARTS]
[ENGINE RUMBLING]
[Terry] I hope Austin and your
sister know what they're doing.
Are you kidding me?
The day they met, they went into
the forest to rescue a wolf
and they came
back as a couple.
No way they were
in love that fast.
I'm serious.
Spontaneous animal
rescues are their "thing".
Dangerous too.
Not as dangerous
as falling in love.
Trust me. It is expensive.
What are you doing Terry?
Taking out every
second lightbulb.
Electricity's expensive too.
Wow.
[SNOWMOBILE ROARING]
Sam, look at this!
Lots of tracks here.
Lots of movement.
Something happened here.
Yeah, this must be
where George and Annie
met up with the reindeer.
She doesn't look too impressed
with George's rescue attempt.
Looks like she ran off
to the woods this way.
George and Annie followed her.
Yeah, this is where
George lost the trail.
[ENGINE STARTS]
Hold on tight. Snow's
getting deeper through here.
[ENGINE RUMBLES]
[Sam] You might want to slow
down a bit on the turns.
[Sam screams]
Sam! I'm sorry.
I'm used to riding solo!
Are you okay?
- Yeah, sure, but...
I slow down
when I'm off the trail.
This has never
happened to me before.
I'll take it from here.
[ENGINE STARTS]
Ha! "Santa had a belly
like a bowlful of jelly".
Ha! That's hilarious!
I don't remember that as a kid.
[Sunny]
[quietly] Showtime...
Okay Sunny, you got this.
They're just kids.
It's no big deal.
Can't be nearly as bad as
taking care of animals
at a refuge, right?
Hi everyone!
Hey! What's your name?
No name?
Okay, what's your name?
Cassie.
All right. Why don't we
all head up on stage
and get this thing started.
Shall we?
All right.
Well,
"The Night Before Christmas"
was first published in 1823.
Okay! Who wants a treat
from the Sugar Plum Shack?
[Annie] Grandpa, those weren't
Santa's real reindeer.
There's no such thing
as magic reindeer.
Because if they were
real we wouldn't be lost.
[George] I'd say she's given us
quite the Christmas
adventure out here.
Well, she were supposed
to go to New York.
New York? Today?
But she's supposed to be with
the others in the North Pole
on Christmas Eve.
Well, I asked her
to go there first.
My Dad wanted to see me
in the Christmas play,
and I thought if he
saw her he'd remember.
Oh, Annie...
[SNOWMOBILE SOUNDS IN DISTANCE]
Grandpa! Do you hear that?
[George]
They found us!
[Sam]
I see smoke up ahead.
[Annie] We're here!
[George] Hello!
[Annie] We're over here!
Over here!
[Sam]
Hey!
[George]
Sam, Austin!
Thank goodness!
How are you guys doing?
A little chilly thanks to
my sorry excuse for a fire.
I'm down to my last two
matches, but you showed up.
So thank goodness.
Can we go home now?
Sure thing. Let's just
get you warmed up first.
So we tracked you guys here.
When did you guys
lose the reindeer?
About 20 minutes ago.
She went off that way.
Yeah, looks like you're right.
She went off this way.
Probably looking for food.
You guys head back now.
Just tell Felix that we're
tracking the reindeer
and we'll be
right behind you.
Just drive slowly and
follow our trail.
And be careful.
The snow is deep out there.
What about the two of you?
We'll carry on on foot.
All right.
Take these matches.
You never know when they
might come in handy.
Thanks.
Hey...
If you need to reach me you
call me on the satellite phone,
all right. I've got it.
Oh, and tell Sunny not to panic.
Just have her follow the
notes in the script.
All right. Great.
Thank you so much.
[Austin]
Let's make sure this is out.
Two people down,
one reindeer to go.
Technically it's a caribou.
Well it escaped from a pen that
said Santa's Reindeer, so...
So it's a deer.
[KIDS GIGGLING]
Hey!
"Not a creature was stirring..."
That includes you two!
Let's try this again?
"Twas the night before
Christmas..."
[Sunny]
"And all through the house..."
"And all through the house..."
Hey! Hey you, Mr. Silent.
Come on.
[Sunny]
Let's try your lines again.
You play Santa Claus, right?
Yeah, the star of the show.
And you have the last line,
which is a really big deal.
And I want to make
those our viral moments
so I need you to make
them stand out. Okay?
Okay, go for it!
Come on. Are you really not
going to give me anything here?
Did you even memorize
your lines, little dude?
Sam is really not going to be
happy with me if she realizes
I've ruined her dream play.
[Sunny]
At least give me something.
[DOOR CLOSES]
Mariana!
My Christmas Miracle!
Look, can you help me? Please?
Sam was supposed
to be back by now
and I have no idea
what I am doing.
Well, what seems
to be the problem?
The kids wouldn't listen
until I brought them to
the Sugar Plum Shack,
but now they're even sassier
than they were before!
And this one kid, he
won't even talk to me.
Total silent treatment.
He's so rude!
Oh, I doubt he's
trying to be rude.
He's probably trying
to tell you something.
That's great. I'd love
to know what that is.
He just needs to speak up!
Come on, Mariana.
You've directed this play
like a hundred times before.
You must have it
totally memorized.
Can you just tell me what to do?
No I can't.
Your sister made it perfectly
clear that she's taking the play
in a new direction this year.
Yes I know but Sam's notes all
revolve around live reindeer.
I don't even have a reindeer!
Well you'll have to adapt.
I was supposed to
be on dog adoption!
Well I'm afraid, I'm not in a
position to direct a play
with my health being
the way it is.
[SNOWMOBILE SOUNDS IN DISTANCE]
Was that a snowmobile?
You go. I'll look
after the children.
[Sunny]
They're back!
[SNOWMOBILE ROARING]
[Felix]
They're back!
Where's the reindeer?
Sam and Austin are
in hot pursuit.
They won't be far behind us.
They haven't found it yet?
George, Annie!
Thank heavens you're okay!
We're fine.
Sorry about all the
commotion, Felix.
I'm just happy
everyone's all right.
I'm sorry for losing
your reindeer.
How could you do such a thing?
- How could you?
The sign says Santa's Reindeer!
That's false advertisement.
I thought she had
Christmas magic.
Wrong.
I wouldn't be so sure, Annie.
Anything can happen
this time of year.
At least they brought the
snowmobile back in one piece.
[Terry]
Wonder how much gas they used.
[Sunny]
You're back!
What a relief.
Things were starting to get
real crazy in that rehearsal.
Where's Sam?
- I'm afraid
you're going to
have to carry on without her.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!
Sam promised me she'd be
back for this rehearsal!
She cannot do this to me again.
She and Austin are still out
looking for the reindeer.
So, I have no reindeer
for my play and no Sam.
Just kids.
My Christmas nightmare
is coming true!
Well, I studied theater
in high school.
I could be an animal wrangler.
Listen to me.
Do you speak "kid"?
And if so, can you figure
out a way to communicate
with the other
kids in there?
I can try.
Or if you need someone to watch
the dog adoption for you, I can.
The dog adoption!
That's how I can adapt!
Annie, you are a genius.
Thank you so much!
[Sunny]
I'll be at the stage in ten!
You see now this, this
is Christmas to me.
What? With a reindeer in danger
and a town on the brink
of losing their festival?
[SAM LAUGHS]
No, I mean, this...
Fresh, undisturbed snow.
The stillness. The quiet...
So...
Not Christmas Town?
Okay. I know.
Look, I know you
like being alone,
but it's really nice being a
part of the community too.
If you open yourself up
to new experiences and
open yourself up to people,
they might surprise you.
I'm not too big on surprises.
Surprise!
Whoa!
Why would you do that?
Because, surprises are
going to come at you
whether or not
you want them to.
- Ah!
[SAM LAUGHS]
[LAUGHTER]
Look at us, you
know, having fun.
Yeah, not so bad.
You know, if it wasn't
a rescue mission,
it's one of the best dates
we've had in a while.
I didn't mean it like that.
[CARIBOU SNUFFLING SOUNDS]
Did you hear that?
- Yeah.
[CARIBOU SNUFFLING SOUNDS]
Over there.
Shhhh!
[Sam] Now we just
have to figure out
how to get to the other side.
[Austin] Looks like she went
down that bank
and across the river.
Yeah, it's the easiest
way to get across.
And the wettest.
And the coldest.
- I hear you.
And the easiest way for
us to get hypothermia.
Oh, there's that old
bridge down here. Come on.
The bridge is close by.
It's not that much further.
I have a better idea.
Austin...
You see this tree?
And you see that tree?
If we can loop the
rope around a branch...
No. That is way too risky.
Let's keep going.
No, no, no. We can do this.
We just need to be careful.
That, and no more mishaps.
Mishaps? Are you
talking about when you
just threw me off
the snowmobile?
Because that was
entirely your fault.
You were going too fast
and you should have listened
to me from the beginning.
Look, I need to tie this line
before I change my mind.
Either that or we take our
chances that that caribou is
going to stick around long
enough for us to continue
running around looking
for a bridge to cross.
Oh! I thought you
liked running.
It seems to be the answer
to everything these days.
Okay, that is not fair! I am
not running from Wolf Creek!
Oh, so it's just me.
All this for a caribou?
For a Christmas play?
You can go whenever you want.
[Sam]
Well, here it is.
[Austin]
You were right.
Sam look, I'm sorry, okay?
I just got a lot
on my mind lately.
But I do, I do want
to be with you.
I want to be with you too.
[Sam]
Let's go get this reindeer.
[Sam]
The trail's gone cold.
There's no more tracks.
She probably continued
down the river.
I think it might be
faster if we split up.
I'll go downstream,
you go upstream.
If one of us sees it,
we just use our phones.
And we meet back
at Christmas Town.
I don't, I don't like the idea
of you being out here alone.
You don't know the woods like I
do. What if something happens?
Remember how we separated
and we helped the wolf?
Don't worry about me.
We've got to find her.
If we don't it could
really destroy everything.
Terry said that he would...
- Yeah, I get it.
You weren't thinking about me,
you were you're thinking about
the festival, the town...
Well, of course I was
thinking about them!
They're important to me.
See, this is what
I'm saying Sam!
Ever since I decided to
move here, you just,
you never make
any time for me.
What is going on with you?
Is there something you're not
telling me? Because I...
I just want to feel like
I'm a part of your life,
not that I'm being scheduled
around events. In it.
You never put me first.
Okay, you're the one who's
always talking about how much
you love your alone time, so...
Yeah, I do.
I do like to be alone.
So, maybe you should
move back to the ranch.
You really mean that?
I don't know what
you want me to say.
Yeah, well I don't know either.
Okay, well, we're wasting
daylight. We should get going.
[Cassie] "When out on the lawn
there arose some clatter."
[CLATTERING]
I'll get it.
I did very well with this
in high school, you know.
You might need to work
on your clatter, Grandpa.
We may not have a reindeer
to greet everyone,
but we do have Morty!
Oh, he's so cute!
[Sunny]
Pretty cool, right?
This is such a good idea.
It's going to be so fun!
[whispers]
Thank you!
[whispers]
I got you.
Santa, why don't you come take
your reindeer to the wings
and we will rehearse
your entrance.
Hi Morty. Come on.
You know, I think we made
a little more progress
since you've been gone.
Okay, Cassie, let's take it from
"When what to my wondering
eyes should appear..."
"But a miniature sleigh
and eight tiny reindeer."
And cue St. Nick!
[DOG BARKING, MAYHEM]
[Sunny] No, no, no, no! Morty!
No Morty!
[Sunny] Oh, okay, I think
that's a great time
to wrap up rehearsal everybody!
And we will see you tomorrow.
And Sam will be back, I promise.
Go on now.
- Let's find your parents.
Yup...
"To all a good night",
or whatever.
Sorry.
Morty!
[AUSTIN BREATHING HARD]
I don't remember this.
[BIRDS SQUAWKING]
Ahhh! Ahh!
Ahhh ahhh ahhh ahh!
Perfect.
[AUSTIN PANTING, GROANING]
[AUSTIN GROANS]
[AUSTIN PANTS]
[MUNCHING GRASS]
Hey, girl.
You must be hungry.
Here.
I have got your favorite.
Gotcha.
Oh no.
[CARIBOU GROANS]
That looks deep.
Probably got it when you were
going down the riverbend.
It's okay.
Okay girl. Let's go.
Almost home.
I can see the lights of
Christmas Town from here.
Well, it's a new initiative.
If you sell more cocoa,
you shouldn't have any
trouble with the extra costs.
One marshmallow per cup.
Hey! What took you so long?
Where are you going?
To tell my sister I'm
headed back to the refuge.
Cupid is safely
back in the barn.
She's got a small
wound on her right leg
that's going to take
some time to heal.
But she seems to be
resting comfortably.
Wait! I said if anything
happens to my animal...
Okay, I heard you loud
and clear, Terry,
and you can save it!
I'm sorry but your star
attraction is going to have to
sit out of the
petting zoo this year.
Now if you'll excuse me,
I have some hungry animals
at the refuge that
I have to go feed.
Wait!
I'm not some sort of monster.
Of course I want her cared for.
I just also want to survive as
a festival for years to come.
When you've spent more than a
few days in Wolf Creek,
you'll understand how important
Christmas Town is to us.
And then you might actually have
some true Christmas spirit.
[CLAPPING]
Thank you.
[CLAPPING]
[Sunny] Don't worry, Sam. I've
heard that a bad dress rehearsal
usually means we're
in for a great show.
So we should be in for
a really great show.
Why didn't you just
follow my notes?
Believe me Sam, I tried! But
when there was no reindeer,
I thought a dog would
be great substitute.
Yeah, it's cute, but it's
not what Mom and Dad wanted.
Sorry to break it to you, but
you may need
to adjust those plans.
I've been working on this
for months, I just...
I want this to be
perfect for them.
Okay. You know what? Do whatever
you want then.
I don't care. I didn't even want
to do this in the first place!
Who knows, I might actually
even watch it this year.
Kind of curious to
see how it ends.
If there even is a show.
Guess tradition doesn't
matter to anyone else anymore.
Sam, is everything okay?
- Yeah. Yeah.
I just, ah, I need to
get back to the rescue.
Where's Austin?
He's taking his own way back.
Thank goodness someone
left this here.
[WOLVES HOWLING]
[PHONE RINGING]
Austin, where are you?
[DIALING]
[PHONE RINGING]
[Mariana]
Hello?
Hi Mariana. I was...
[Mariana]
Have you seen Austin?
No, I was hoping
he was with you.
[Mariana]
Why don't you come over?
Okay. Thanks.
[STRIKING MATCH]
[Sam]
Knock, knock!
[SAM CHUCKLES]
Ice cream for dinner?
Mariana, I could have
made you something.
Candy Cane ice cream is exactly
what I wanted for dinner.
I hope you're hungry!
Honestly, it's been nice not
having anyone fuss over me.
Bless his heart, Austin
is a thoughtful boy,
but he's no chef.
No word from him yet, huh?
No.
He should have been home by now.
Wonder if something went wrong?
Oh, Austin knows
what he's doing.
There's nothing we can do
until the morning anyway.
Mariana, I don't
know what to do.
We had a fight.
Hmmm...
I want to be with Austin so
badly, but he loves the ranch.
How am I supposed to
ask him to give it up?
I'm not sure I
make up for it.
Do you love him?
Yes. Completely.
Well, I've never seen him
more relaxed or happy
then when he's with you.
[CHUCKLES] Though we do drive
each other crazy.
Well, if you're going to
move forward as a couple,
you're going to have to
learn to grow together.
I don't know how to do that.
I can barely balance
everything in my own life,
let alone maintain
a relationship.
Ever since your parents died,
you've been balancing and
maintaining your own happiness.
And I am so proud of you.
I mean, look at the amazing
life you've built for yourself.
But now, you need to be
open to a new happiness.
One that you haven't
experienced yet.
The kind that comes
from sharing your life.
Now, I hope you know
that you're also allowed
to have ice cream for dinner.
[SAM LAUGHS]
Now Sam, I'm not asking you to
eat all this delicious ice cream
all by yourself.
I am asking you to
share it with me.
Yum. That is pretty good.
- I know.
[THEY BOTH LAUGH]
I may have lost my eyesight, but
I haven't lost my good taste.
Oh!
Mariana... Help me
direct the play.
I missed the rehearsal today,
and we're not going
to have the reindeer.
But I don't want to
disappoint the town.
I could use the help and I
know you know it so well.
I don't know if I
can be of much help.
I don't believe
that for one second.
You love this play and working
with the kids every year.
Don't, don't let it go because
your eyes aren't what
they used to be.
[OWL HOOTS]
[FIRE CRACKLES]
[WOLF HOWLS]
[WOLF HOWLING]
Well, you got what you wanted.
You're alone at Christmas.
[Mariana]
Hello?
Sam? Are you still here?
I'm sorry, I thought I'd wait
for Austin until he got back,
but I guess he never did.
No I'm afraid not yet.
- Something's not right.
He wouldn't leave you all night
alone without contacting you.
Sam, do you think it's wise for
you to go out there on your own?
I don't care if it's wise.
I want to spend my
life with Austin.
So I'm going to find
him and fight for him.
Well then, go get him!
Can you please cover the
play until I get back?
I'll do what I can.
Take skis. You'll be
faster in the brush.
[upbeat music begins]
[male singing] These winter
months they creak along
They came to a stop since
you've been gone
Those presents hid
all season long
Kept upstairs till
Christmas morn
We'll count all the days
We'll count all the days
The nights and days
We'll count all the days
Till Christmas again
[female singing]
Mistletoe and sparkling minds
I left a note by the bedside
Out east is where
my home was made
Austin?
[Sam]
Austin!
[male and female singing]
We'll count all the days
We'll count all the days
The nights and days
We'll count all the days
We'll count all the days
We'll count all the days
The nights and days
I bet someone's missing this.
Till Christmas again
[DOGS BARKING]
[DOGS CRYING]
[George]
Have you seen Sam?
She asked everyone to come early
for a last minute rehearsal,
but she hasn't shown up.
I haven't seen her since last
night when I explained to her
how I ruined her
vision for the play.
Do you think you could help
us until she gets here?
If we don't get something
together, we won't have a play!
I think I'm better
off with animals
than I am with kids, George.
[LITTLE DOG BARKING]
I don't see much
rehearsing going on in there.
Where's your sister?
It's 1:45.
Terry, I have no idea.
But Mariana has the play under
control. So not to worry.
It's going to be pretty
hard to sell tickets
to a disaster of a show.
Sam already said
there's no paid tickets.
Really, with false
advertising and all.
The poster said "live reindeer".
You call that a reindeer?
Terry, you're one to talk.
You didn't even want
the reindeers involved.
I'm just, I'm trying to
make the most of this.
Good luck with that.
Every kid wants a
dog for Christmas...
Nobody ever gets
what they want.
We still have some
rescue dogs available...
Nope! Dogs shed
and I'm allergic.
That's what my parents
told me all those years.
Are you sure?
Because we could...
Just let me know
when Sam gets here,
so I can tell her
the play's off!
So I wouldn't spend too
much time on those antlers,
if I were you.
[GROWLING]
[Sunny] Aw, Blitzen!
Not the antlers!
A fresh fire.
I'm on to you Austin Spencer.
Wolf tracks.
Looks like I'm not the only one.
Sam's not back yet? [SCOFFS]
Time's a ticking.
Terry, that's quite enough!
Are you feeling okay Grandpa?
You don't look so good.
Here. You should
put your foot up.
[Terry]
Let's get you home safely.
[George] Not to worry.
Sam will be back any minute!
[quietly]
I hope.
[Terry]
She better!
Looks like we've got a
lively bunch of actors here!
[George]
Mariana!
Yes! I hope you don't mind.
I'm filling in for Sam.
[George]
Mind? We'd love it!
We'll take all the
help we can get.
Marvelous!
Now tell me all about "The
Night Before Christmas".
Well they're having some
trouble memorizing their lines.
Oh? Well in that case,
listen up!
"Twas the night
before Christmas,
and all through the house,
not a creature was stirring,
not even a mouse!"
Hey, that's my line!
Now, who wants to hear
what happens next?
I do!
- Me.
All right!
Here we go.
"The stockings were hung by the
chimney with care..."
[Mariana] "In hopes that St.
Nicholas soon would be there.
"The children were nestled
all snug in their beds
while visions of sugar plums
danced in their heads."
"Happy Christmas to all,
and to all a good night!"
[GEORGE LAUGHS AND CLAPS]
That was incredible!
Oh well, muscle memory.
Okay, on your feet.
May I steal Santa quickly?
I just have something
that might help him.
Of course.
Okay, you stand there,
and you stand there.
[WOLF HOWLS VERY CLOSE NEARBY]
You told her you
didn't need her.
She's not coming back.
And, you're delusional.
And talking to
yourself in the woods.
[QUIET FOOTSTEPS]
Surprise!
[SAM LAUGHS]
Man, I hate surprises...
But I love you.
How'd you find me?
Ah, I know a guy who's
an excellent tracker
and he gave me some tips.
Okay, but how are you here?
What about the play?
Oh, well.
Sunny and Mariana and
George, they're on it.
Turns out I don't need
to do it all on my own.
I'm sorry. I know how much
your work means to you.
It's one of the reasons
I fell in love with you.
No, no.
I want to be with you, Austin.
And I'm willing to do
whatever it takes.
So, if ranching
makes you happy,
then we'll make it work.
And, did you say
that you love me?
Well...
[WOLF HOWLS VERY CLOSE NEARBY]
[OMINOUS MUSIC]
[Sam]
Step back. Now.
You know the rest of the
pack is around here, right?
Yeah.
Now that they know that we're
here, they're going to be on us.
They've been following
me since yesterday.
It's not their fault, though.
They're just hungry.
[Austin]
I know.
We're not really leaving
them much of a choice.
Get behind me.
No, no, look.
It's the alpha!
He's got to round up his pack.
He doesn't have time for us.
Well, that alpha
looked pretty healthy.
Well, it looks like you are
doing some good in Wolf Creek.
You are.
Look, it's Christmas Eve.
We got to get back
to Christmas Town,
before that Terry guy does
something crazy.
And your play...
- You don't have to
come to Christmas Town
if you don't want to.
I want to go with you.
No wonder you took
the long way around.
The flat trail must be
easier on your ankle.
Easy? I don't know if I'd
use that word to describe
the last twelve hours.
Feel better?
Yes. Yes, I do.
Okay, ah, let's get
a ride out of here.
Hey! Look at that.
He's happy to see you!
I saw you talking
to him earlier.
Do you like dogs?
Yeah, me too.
They always make
me feel way better.
Especially when I'm nervous,
they really help me out.
Hey if you're nervous about
saying your lines in front of
other people, why don't we
try something different.
Why don't you try saying
your lines to Morty?
With a little extra
doggy power behind you.
Pretty good?
Would do say we say we
get back up on that stage
and get this show
on the road?
Sound good?
Let's do it!
Hope this works.
No, no, no.
There's no show tonight.
I didn't get my reindeer
so there's no show!
That was the deal!
I'm shutting it down.
But it's Christmas Eve!
Annie's Dad promised he
would watch her in the play.
If there's no play
she'll be devastated.
No... Show!
[AUDIENCE GASPS, MURMURS]
Sam! Sam! You were right.
Out there in the woods there is
something I didn't tell you.
Jason, he gave me an ultimatum.
Either come back and work
full time or be replaced.
He gave me till 5 p.m.
today to tell him.
Why didn't you tell me?
We could have figured
this out together.
Because I thought I could
handle it on my own.
But the pressure was killing me.
I was out there,
alone in the woods,
I didn't care
what time it was.
All I wanted to do was
to get back to you
and spend Christmas together.
But, what time is it now?
Wait. Why are the
lights off in here?
[AUDIENCE CHATTERING]
Hey Terry! What's going on?
- Show's canceled.
No. No, you said that if we
brought back the reindeer
that we could do the show.
I have no reindeer
for my petting zoo,
you've missed every dress
rehearsal for your play,
and the live reindeer
is a no show.
I'd say it's curtains
for this production!
People are leaving!
They're getting restless.
We need to start.
But Terry said we can't.
I've ruined Christmas!
Forget Terry!
He's not the boss of us.
We've got the
Christmas Spirit, right?
[Mariana] Okay everybody!
It's not over. Come back!
Ready?
[MARIANA STARTS PLAYING PIANO:
"SILENT NIGHT"]
[Annie sings]
Silent night, holy night
All is calm
All is bright
Round yon virgin
mother and child
Holy infant so
tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
[APPLAUSE, CHEERING]
I'm sorry.
[CHEERING AND CLAPPING]
[Sam] Okay guys!
It's time to put on a show!
[Annie]
You saved Christmas!
[Mariana]
Okay cast! Places please!
We haven't had a turnout
like this in years!
It only took a few tweets to
get people excited about a play
with a dog dressed
as a reindeer.
[FELIX LAUGHS]
Terry, I meant to
tell you earlier,
we have some dogs
in the adoption
that are hypoallergenic.
So, I wouldn't be
allergic to them?
Not at all.
They're really cuddly too!
You mean, I could adopt a dog?
Me?
[Sunny]
You betcha!
A puppy for Christmas?
Even you Terry.
Hey! I hope you don't mind.
I adapted a few things.
Oh, an exciting new play for
the audience that promotes
the rescue dog adoption,
Mom and Dad would love it.
I love it.
I'm trying my best.
I am so proud of you.
After our carol we asked the
audience to help us keep
the lights on in Christmas Town,
and they were more
than happy to help.
Really?
Really. People love it here.
You should try it too.
Wolf Creek did this?
For Felix and me?
[Felix] And thank you Sam!
And Austin!
For risking your lives to bring
the reindeer back safely.
Glad we could help.
Austin, how would
you like a job?
I need a Manager of Animal
Operations, maintaining care of
the livestock and wildlife
here at Christmas Town.
[Felix]
What do you say?
We could expand the business,
start a breeding program,
become a real farm again.
A ranching job
here in Wolf Creek?
I would love that.
Excellent.
[Mariana] All right everybody!
Come along.
It's showtime!
Well if you'll excuse me,
I have a phone call to make.
Get out of here.
[Austin]
Jason?
Hey, yeah, about that job...
Good evening everyone!
Welcome to a very special
Wolf Creek tradition
that I will now forever
look forward to.
Tonight's performance
is brought to you
by Wolf Creek Wildlife
Refuge and friends.
And the dog you will see tonight
is just one of many that are
looking for a home
this holiday season.
They're all very excited
to meet you after the show!
Without further ado...!
[APPLAUSE]
"Twas the night
before Christmas,
and all through the house,
not a creature was stirring,
not even a mouse!"
[APPLAUSE]
On Prancer, On Vixen,
On Comet, On Cupid,
On Donner and Blitzen.
[APPLAUSE]
[CLACKING]
[Kai] Merry Christmas to all,
and to all a good night!
[APPLAUSE]
[Sunny] It was incredible!
There they are!
That was amazing!
Sugar Plum Shack?
Sure! I don't see why not.
I'd love that. Come on.
Great job, Annie!
You really do know
how to make a clatter!
Merry Christmas, Grandpa.
I'm so glad I'm here with you.
Merry Christmas, sweetheart.
But it's not over yet.
Someone else would like to
wish you a Merry Christmas.
Dad?
I put in a special request
with a reindeer I know.
Turned out to be a
pretty magical night.
It did didn't it?
You know, if it wasn't for you,
I'd probably still be limping
out there in those woods.
You'd probably be
half a snowman by now.
I had a lot of time to think
when I was out there alone,
just like I thought I wanted.
But you don't?
All I could think about is
how much better
everything is with you.
Rescuing wolves, snowballs,
making bows for caribou.
Rein...deer!
[SAM LAUGHS]
Reindeer.
I love you.
Just the way you are.
And I don't ever want to
be away from you again.
Austin-
- I mean...
Unfortunately, I don't
have a proper ring.
I mean, I did, but I lost
it out there in the woods.
A ring!
I found a ring when
I was tracking you.
You did?
That's it!
That's my grandmother's
wedding ring. How did you...?
I guess I got your back.
What are the odds?
I guess it's meant to be.
Definitely.
Samantha...
[together]
Will you marry me?
I mean, I have the ring, so...
[Austin] Yes!
[Sam] Yes.
Merry Christmas, Sam.
Merry Christmas, Austin.
Another year
coming to an end
I'm thinking bout my
family and my friends
And you out there
so far away
There's something
that I wanna say
Sending you my love
With this season's greeting
Sending you my hope
just in case you need it
May you find comfort and joy
In every word you're reading
[Austin] I thought you and I
had an understanding.
You were going to stay put
while I put this saddle on you.
Now, you can't go anywhere.
[song ends]
Now you know Austin,
Rain here wants nothing
to do with that saddle.
Yeah, I am starting
to get that feeling.
Yeah, they told us at auction
that it'd be a few months.
Now I am a patient man but
this one here is starting
to push me to my limits.
She broke two fences last week.
You know, that's what
I love about your work.
Sheer determination and
well crafted stubbornness.
You're one of the
best, you know that?
Careful now.
My head's not going to fit
through this stall door.
And who's going
to feed this lot?
[JASON LAUGHS]
Now seriously, you're one of
the best wranglers we know.
Thank you.
But I do feel like I'm not
doing my best work these days.
Like I should be spending
a little more time
here at the ranch.
Well, I'm glad you
brought that up
instead of waiting
for me to do it.
Because, there's
been some things
since you've been spending
more time in Wolf Creek,
and less time here on the ranch.
Yeah, I know, we lost
those two steer last week.
But, you do know I got
to spend some time
in Wolf Creek for a while.
Yeah, your grandmother...
You know, she's
lucky to have you.
And my girlfriend...
We're spending
Christmas together.
You? [LAUGHS]
I bet you've never even put
a Christmas tree up before.
Oh I did once, with my Dad.
When I was nine.
Austin. Listen...
You know I love it
here, it's in my blood.
The simple fact is, I need
you full time on the ranch.
If you can't do that I'm
gonna have to replace you.
Look, I'm going to
help you find someone
that's going to fit
in here part-time.
That ain't gonna work.
I need a full commitment from
you son, 'cause right now
you got one leg in the saddle
and one leg on the ground.
Now think about it.
Okay?
Yup.
[WOLF HOWLS]
[CHICKENS CLUCKING]
[DIALING]
[PHONE RINGING]
Hey Sam.
Hey, glad to hear your
new phone is working.
You know, my old phone
got reception here too.
Okay. Just wait until
you're in the backcountry
and then you'll
see the difference
that a satellite
phone makes.
Maybe that's the
point of backcountry,
being out of cell
phone reception.
Spoken like a true cowboy.
[LAUGHS]
How are the horses?
[Austin] They say they miss me.
[Sam] Humans, animals...
Seems you are loved by all.
Do you have any idea when
you're going to be back?
Yeah, I just got one more
drive to do, then I'll be back.
Okay. See you soon.
[HORSE WHINNIES]
[Sunny] It's freezing out here.
Come on, open the door.
[Sam]
Okay Sunny.
[Sam]
Uh! Not again!
They even got out of the
new cages that we got them.
We've wrangled worse.
All right. Let's focus.
One at a time.
Oh what fun it is to ride
in a one horse open
sleigh...
[Sam]
Nice try bunnies!
They are cute little
escape artists.
[Sam] Thanks for all
the work you've done
getting these guys ready
for adoption, Sunny.
I really appreciate it.
That's what little
sisters are for.
What about the rescue dogs?
Do you think they'll be
adopted by Christmas?
I can't think of a better place
to have an adoption booth than
Christmas Town Festival.
I know a rescue dog isn't on the
top of every family's
Christmas list, but
fingers crossed,
a few of them find
a happy home.
I can help you with
the adoption booth.
Oh, that would be great because
I am so swamped right now.
I've got the night checks and
then paperwork for the adoptions
and then costumes for
Christmas Eve show.
I know the show is
super important to you.
Tomorrow is dress rehearsal
and then it's Christmas Eve...
Showtime!
Showtime!
[INSTRUMENTAL,
"DECK THE HALLS"]
Hey!
Hey!
Oh, thank you.
I needed this.
You been at it all night?
Yeah, but I feel a
second wind coming on.
I'm a little worried you might
have taken on a bit too much.
Not at all! It's fun.
It's Christmas.
Yeah, but you know you
can't win Christmas
by doing the most work.
It's not work, it's my life.
Helping people and
animals, and being busy,
it's what I love to do.
I can see that.
[SAM LAUGHS]
So, ah, are you going
to go check on Mariana?
She's in a good place.
I just want to spend
some time with you.
Oh, well, I'm very
glad to hear that.
That means you
can help me set up
the stage at Christmas Town.
You know, Christmas Town
is not really my thing.
In case you
haven't noticed,
I'm not really the
most festive guy.
And I'm actually
not staying long.
I actually got to head back
to the ranch pretty soon.
Ah... Again?
We just keep missing each other.
Austin, I promise you,
spending time with you
is on the top of my
Christmas list this year.
Hey. We rescued a wolf together.
- Yeah.
We'll figure out Christmas.
Yeah.
Thank you for the coffee.
Have fun!
[Felix]
Welcome to Christmas Town!
Join the tradition and
celebrate family,
fun and the Christmas spirit.
[Felix]
Welcome everyone!
Merry Christmas, Felix!
Great to see you doing well.
Next year, I'll be
back on my feet
and doing the
Festival with you!
[Felix]
Thank you for coming.
[RINGING BELL]
Candy canes!
Who wants candy canes?
Ho, ho, ho.
Are you here for candy canes?
Here you go.
Enjoy! Merry Christmas!
[Child]
Merry Christmas to you too!
Please tell me you're not
giving those candy canes
out for free, Grandpa.
Oh, come on, they're
just candy canes.
Where's your Christmas
spirit, Terry?
Sorry Grandpa, but Christmas
Spirit doesn't pay the bills!
I asked for your help
because I'm getting older,
and I don't have the
energy I used to have.
But I need your help out
on the festival grounds,
not in the books!
You're lucky I looked
at those books!
Christmas Town is
losing money, fast.
You put on plays for free,
you don't charge the local
vendors enough to rent a booth!
They can't afford
to pay more.
They need the Christmas
revenue to survive
until summer tourist season.
Your "Christmas Spirit"
is putting this business
deep in the red.
I like red!
Just like Santa's suit.
No one is going to
be feeling festive
if we have to shut this
place down next year.
Please, keep your voice down.
We are providing a seasonal
entertainment experience
and people need
to pay for that.
I am not charging
people more money!
Every activity has
to pay for itself.
Even the candy canes!
They're friends.
And neighbors.
They're customers.
If they don't spend money,
Wolf Creek is going to
lose Christmas Town.
Grandpa, this will
be our last year
if we don't start
charging for things!
That's enough Terry.
You should go rest.
It's only been a few
days since your surgery.
Fine.
But not even you can put a
damper on our fun, Terry.
Christmas Town is the
happiest place around!
[George]
Okay, and smile!
[George]
Smile!
There's a good one there.
Are you sure that
even takes pictures?
My phone is old but
it works perfectly.
Just look! See.
[Annie laughs]
There it is! A smile!
Grandpa...
- I'm just glad
to spend
Christmas with you this year.
I just want us to have fun.
I wish Dad was here too.
You know he wishes more than
anything he were here with you.
No he doesn't.
He chooses to stay
home and work.
He doesn't care about Christmas.
What if we send him
this photo of you
and remind him about
Christmas magic.
I just need to
figure out how to...
Oh Oh...
I think I deleted it.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATION,
LAUGHING]
Oh, look who it is!
Annie, this is Sam
and her sister Sunny.
They run the animal
refuge where I volunteer.
Cool!
- We even saved a wolf together.
And this is my
granddaughter, Annie.
She loves animals.
Welcome to the club!
You have to come to
the Dog Adoption
and the Christmas Eve
play tomorrow!
We will! We will!
My fingers are
about to fall off! Sorry.
Okay. We should
get to the stage.
I'll see you tomorrow!
Merry Christmas!
It'll be fun watching all
those animals, won't it?
Can I call my Dad?
Would a candy cane turn
that frown upside down?
Oh, yes please!
That'll be fifty cents.
Candy canes are always free.
They're candy canes.
Not anymore.
I'm the manager of
Christmas Town now.
This is absurd.
It's Christmas time!
Candy canes are a
staple in the community.
Everyone loves free candy canes.
So free candy canes
equal Christmas spirit?
No! But free candy
canes are the gateway
to peace, joy and
goodwill toward men.
Hey!
[George] Sam can settle this.
[Terry]
There's nothing to settle.
[HORSES NEIGH]
[Austin]
What am I going to do, girl?
[HORSE NICKERS]
Austin.
Have you put in some more
thought on your decision?
Lots of thought,
not much for decision.
What seems to be
holding things up?
Concerned about
your Grandmother?
About her store?
Yeah, I was thinking I was going
to have to take over running it,
but Mariana, she doesn't
want me to feel obligated
to stay or to help her.
Well then the
decision seems simple.
Unless, there's something, or
someone holding things up.
I have somehow managed to fall
in love with a woman who is even
more independent and
stubborn than I am.
I see.
Well, I'm no expert on romance
and such but I do know a thing
or two about ranching, and I
know you're the best ranch hand
in the county.
But you should
know that I put in
an ad for a full
time replacement.
You can't do that just yet...
Unless I hear from you by
5 p.m. on Christmas Eve...
Well I just have to say that
there's a lot of ranch hands
out there looking for work.
I'm stuck between a woman
and a hard nosed rancher.
Oh yeah, I know girl.
It sucks to be me.
At least I got you.
[Sunny]
Why are these boxes so heavy?
Are they full of coal?
No, that's for your stocking.
Wait, where's that handsome
cowboy of yours Sam?
I feel like he'd love to help
you carry these heavy boxes.
Ah, he is at Jason's ranch.
He'll be by in a bit
to help, though,
I'm not sure if he wants to.
What do you mean?
I don't know where his
head is at right now.
Anyone with eyeballs can tell
the guy's madly in love
with you.
Yeah. We had a weird talk.
He's not happy
here in Wolf Creek.
Just give him some time.
It's not easy moving
from one life to another.
Yeah...
I wish Mom and Dad were here.
It was always so fun watching
the play every
Christmas Eve with them.
This play reminds
me of simpler times.
It's just so important to me.
I would usually sneak away for
treats at the Sugar Plum Shack.
[LAUGHTER]
I know it meant a lot to you.
Okay, I'm going to go
set up the dog adoption.
Good luck with the rehearsal.
And I'll be back to take some
photos for Wolf Creek's socials.
Oh, great! Because we need
some photos with the reindeer.
I know. I'm on it.
It's going to be amazing!
You are a great hype woman.
I know. You do all the hard
work and I make you look good!
Bye!
[Mariana on phone message]
Hi Austin, it's your Nana.
I was just calling to make sure
you received a
package I sent you.
It should have arrived by now.
Now I know you're pretty
much opposed to Christmas,
and all the expectations it
brings, and I don't blame you.
But you can still find
reasons to celebrate, Austin.
I thought this might help.
It's an heirloom, and one
of my favorite things.
Which is why I am
giving it to you.
When Jack proposed,
he made me the happiest
woman in the whole world.
I hope when the time is right,
it'll bring you
great happiness too.
I know your heart's
with the ranch
and with Sam in Wolf Creek.
But in the meantime, maybe
you'll find the holiday spirit.
I know Sam would love
to share it with you.
Talk to you soon.
Love you.
[CHRISTMAS MUSIC
IN BACKGROUND]
[INDISTINCT CHATTERING]
[Terry]
Christmas Town is ours!
So we should be able to
charge anything we want!
Yes, but I take care of all of
the animals at the Petting Zoo
free of charge.
I handle the reindeer
all the time!
That's not my concern!
Felix agreed to this weeks ago.
I'm running Christmas Town now!
All I'm saying is we charge
a few dollars per ticket.
No! The play has always
been free to anyone
that wants to come to...
- Okay well,
maybe I don't want
my reindeer to participate.
You can't be serious!
I've already advertised
that everyone will meet
a real reindeer on their
way into the show.
Yeah, free selfies does
nothing for my bottom line.
It's more profitable to keep my
reindeer in the petting zoo.
Please, we've got to be able to
find some middle ground here.
You can forget
about the reindeer.
Make other plans.
I'm just trying to
modernize the experience!
[Terry]
Too late!
Has anyone seen Annie?
Um, no. I haven't.
[George] I thought she
was right behind me.
Oh! Check the
Sugar Plum Shack.
I used to hang out there
all the time as a kid.
I'll go with you.
Great idea.
She's a good kid;
she can't be far behind.
[Annie]
Whoa!
Are you really
Santa's reindeer?
You don't want to be
here either, do you?
[REINDEER SNORTS]
If I let you out, can we
go find my Dad in New York?
If he saw you,
he'd have to believe in
the magic of Christmas!
He wouldn't want to work,
he'd want to be with me!
[REINDEER SNORTS]
Okay, come on.
We don't have a lot of time.
Come on!
Are you sure New
York is this way?
Annie?
Annie!
So it sounds like my replacement
isn't working out at the ranch.
Jason isn't too happy with him.
Well of course!
You are the bestest, most
handsomest Cowboy around!
[SAM GIGGLES]
He wants me to come
back full time.
Oh. Wow. Umm...
Well that's a nice
offer, but ah...
You're considering it?
I don't know. Maybe.
Umm... Okay, stop, stop.
Put down the stockings down!
It is against the rules to hang
stockings when you're upset.
Well, how do you see me
fitting into your life?
I'm mean, besides helping with
the adoptions and the plays
and the Refuge?
Austin, I want to
make time for us.
Sure, but you love what you do.
And I don't want to
take that away from you.
You would resent me.
I love ranching. I make
a real difference there.
Okay, so you move back
and then...
we do long distance?
What?
We break up?
I don't know what it means!
How can you not know about us?
Sam!
[Terry] These pellets cost
more than my dinner!
No wonder Pops is exhausted.
Has anyone seen my reindeer?
[Terry]
Has anyone seen Cupid?
Sam!
Sam!
Sam! Just wait a
minute and talk to me!
What? What do you
want me to say?
I'm not going to twist your arm
and force you to be with me.
I do want to be with you.
I'm just trying to
figure out how we fit
into each other's lives.
You mean if we fit
into each others lives.
Just excuse me, I've got
to go save the play
that me and my family
dreamed about.
What did you do with it?
With what?
Christmas Town's
main attraction!
The reindeer, Samantha.
She's missing?
Did you think I
wouldn't find out?
All right. Everybody just hold
on a second. All right.
She just didn't just
vanish into thin air.
Animals leave tracks.
[Sam]
I'm grabbing my coat.
Here. Footprints follow the
tracks into the forest.
They're small. Child sized.
There's another second set.
Adult.
A coordinated reindeer heist!
I'm calling Sheriff Munn.
Someone's going to pay for this!
There must be some explanation.
Do you have any idea how much
money that reindeer's worth?
Enough Terry.
I just want her
back safe and sound.
Did you do this because I
don't want it in the play?
Of course not!
Look, the longer she's
in the nature reserve,
the more danger she's in.
Won't she just wander
back when she's hungry?
No. She was raised in captivity.
She's never had to find food
or deal with predators before.
Hey...
Is this what you're been
feeding her? Pellets?
Caribou need greens, vegetables.
Maybe you don't shouldn't be
looking after animals after all.
Who's this guy?
[PHONE DIALING]
[SAM'S PHONE RINGS]
Hello?
[George]
[STATIC] Hello. Sam?
Sam? Hello?
George? George?
I can't quite hear you.
George?
[George] I'm in the woods
with Annie!
We followed the
reindeer out here.
[Sam]
Did you say reindeer?
George took the reindeer?
[Sam]
[STATIC] Where are you?
Sam? Can you hear me?
I'm with Annie in the woods.
I tried to grab hold
of the reindeer,
but I lost it and now we're
completely turned around.
Stay where you are.
I'm coming to get you.
George?
[STATIC]
[DISCONNECT BEEPS]
They'll find us.
Where are they?
With George's old phone I
barely had a connection,
but he's with Annie,
somewhere in the woods.
Well that's not helpful!
Well, I can follow the trail.
Sam, you're going after them?
What about the rehearsal?
No, no, no, no, no!
Not again!
I will be back
before you know it.
The kids won't be arriving
for a couple of hours. So...
Kids?
Do it for Mom and Dad.
Please.
Fine.
Thank you.
Sam! Wait.
Yeah?
It's going to be
dangerous out there.
It'll be icy under the snow.
Temperature is going to
drop after it gets dark.
Yeah, I know. That's why I
have to get to them asap.
So I'm coming with you.
Please. I want to.
Take my snowmobile.
[KEYS JINGLE] It's all
gassed up and ready to go.
- Thanks.
- Thanks.
What do you feed your reindeer
when they're not eating pellets?
I don't know, uh,
carrots sometimes?
How long is this going to take?
It's going to take as long
as it's going to take.
Christmas Eve is tomorrow.
It's our busiest
night of the year!
I need that reindeer
back here ASAP.
Well, we're going to
make sure that everybody
makes it back here safely.
I promise you that.
- Thank you!
If I don't have my reindeer
for my paying petting zoo,
your money pit
play is off!
You can't do that.
I have to recoup
my loses somehow.
That little girl might
have even done me a favor.
I'll get you your reindeer.
You stay away from my play!
[Felix] Wait! Christmas Town
is about more than money!
Terry! Terry!
If conditions stay the same,
we should be able to follow
the tracks all the way
to George and Annie.
All right. Let's get going.
- Yeah.
I wouldn't want to keep you away
from the ranch for too long.
Sam! That isn't fair.
I'm sorry, I didn't...
If we have any chance of
bringing everybody back safely
we're going to have
to work together.
Fine. Agreed.
[KEYS JINGLE]
[ENGINE STARTS]
[ENGINE RUMBLING]
[Terry] I hope Austin and your
sister know what they're doing.
Are you kidding me?
The day they met, they went into
the forest to rescue a wolf
and they came
back as a couple.
No way they were
in love that fast.
I'm serious.
Spontaneous animal
rescues are their "thing".
Dangerous too.
Not as dangerous
as falling in love.
Trust me. It is expensive.
What are you doing Terry?
Taking out every
second lightbulb.
Electricity's expensive too.
Wow.
[SNOWMOBILE ROARING]
Sam, look at this!
Lots of tracks here.
Lots of movement.
Something happened here.
Yeah, this must be
where George and Annie
met up with the reindeer.
She doesn't look too impressed
with George's rescue attempt.
Looks like she ran off
to the woods this way.
George and Annie followed her.
Yeah, this is where
George lost the trail.
[ENGINE STARTS]
Hold on tight. Snow's
getting deeper through here.
[ENGINE RUMBLES]
[Sam] You might want to slow
down a bit on the turns.
[Sam screams]
Sam! I'm sorry.
I'm used to riding solo!
Are you okay?
- Yeah, sure, but...
I slow down
when I'm off the trail.
This has never
happened to me before.
I'll take it from here.
[ENGINE STARTS]
Ha! "Santa had a belly
like a bowlful of jelly".
Ha! That's hilarious!
I don't remember that as a kid.
[Sunny]
[quietly] Showtime...
Okay Sunny, you got this.
They're just kids.
It's no big deal.
Can't be nearly as bad as
taking care of animals
at a refuge, right?
Hi everyone!
Hey! What's your name?
No name?
Okay, what's your name?
Cassie.
All right. Why don't we
all head up on stage
and get this thing started.
Shall we?
All right.
Well,
"The Night Before Christmas"
was first published in 1823.
Okay! Who wants a treat
from the Sugar Plum Shack?
[Annie] Grandpa, those weren't
Santa's real reindeer.
There's no such thing
as magic reindeer.
Because if they were
real we wouldn't be lost.
[George] I'd say she's given us
quite the Christmas
adventure out here.
Well, she were supposed
to go to New York.
New York? Today?
But she's supposed to be with
the others in the North Pole
on Christmas Eve.
Well, I asked her
to go there first.
My Dad wanted to see me
in the Christmas play,
and I thought if he
saw her he'd remember.
Oh, Annie...
[SNOWMOBILE SOUNDS IN DISTANCE]
Grandpa! Do you hear that?
[George]
They found us!
[Sam]
I see smoke up ahead.
[Annie] We're here!
[George] Hello!
[Annie] We're over here!
Over here!
[Sam]
Hey!
[George]
Sam, Austin!
Thank goodness!
How are you guys doing?
A little chilly thanks to
my sorry excuse for a fire.
I'm down to my last two
matches, but you showed up.
So thank goodness.
Can we go home now?
Sure thing. Let's just
get you warmed up first.
So we tracked you guys here.
When did you guys
lose the reindeer?
About 20 minutes ago.
She went off that way.
Yeah, looks like you're right.
She went off this way.
Probably looking for food.
You guys head back now.
Just tell Felix that we're
tracking the reindeer
and we'll be
right behind you.
Just drive slowly and
follow our trail.
And be careful.
The snow is deep out there.
What about the two of you?
We'll carry on on foot.
All right.
Take these matches.
You never know when they
might come in handy.
Thanks.
Hey...
If you need to reach me you
call me on the satellite phone,
all right. I've got it.
Oh, and tell Sunny not to panic.
Just have her follow the
notes in the script.
All right. Great.
Thank you so much.
[Austin]
Let's make sure this is out.
Two people down,
one reindeer to go.
Technically it's a caribou.
Well it escaped from a pen that
said Santa's Reindeer, so...
So it's a deer.
[KIDS GIGGLING]
Hey!
"Not a creature was stirring..."
That includes you two!
Let's try this again?
"Twas the night before
Christmas..."
[Sunny]
"And all through the house..."
"And all through the house..."
Hey! Hey you, Mr. Silent.
Come on.
[Sunny]
Let's try your lines again.
You play Santa Claus, right?
Yeah, the star of the show.
And you have the last line,
which is a really big deal.
And I want to make
those our viral moments
so I need you to make
them stand out. Okay?
Okay, go for it!
Come on. Are you really not
going to give me anything here?
Did you even memorize
your lines, little dude?
Sam is really not going to be
happy with me if she realizes
I've ruined her dream play.
[Sunny]
At least give me something.
[DOOR CLOSES]
Mariana!
My Christmas Miracle!
Look, can you help me? Please?
Sam was supposed
to be back by now
and I have no idea
what I am doing.
Well, what seems
to be the problem?
The kids wouldn't listen
until I brought them to
the Sugar Plum Shack,
but now they're even sassier
than they were before!
And this one kid, he
won't even talk to me.
Total silent treatment.
He's so rude!
Oh, I doubt he's
trying to be rude.
He's probably trying
to tell you something.
That's great. I'd love
to know what that is.
He just needs to speak up!
Come on, Mariana.
You've directed this play
like a hundred times before.
You must have it
totally memorized.
Can you just tell me what to do?
No I can't.
Your sister made it perfectly
clear that she's taking the play
in a new direction this year.
Yes I know but Sam's notes all
revolve around live reindeer.
I don't even have a reindeer!
Well you'll have to adapt.
I was supposed to
be on dog adoption!
Well I'm afraid, I'm not in a
position to direct a play
with my health being
the way it is.
[SNOWMOBILE SOUNDS IN DISTANCE]
Was that a snowmobile?
You go. I'll look
after the children.
[Sunny]
They're back!
[SNOWMOBILE ROARING]
[Felix]
They're back!
Where's the reindeer?
Sam and Austin are
in hot pursuit.
They won't be far behind us.
They haven't found it yet?
George, Annie!
Thank heavens you're okay!
We're fine.
Sorry about all the
commotion, Felix.
I'm just happy
everyone's all right.
I'm sorry for losing
your reindeer.
How could you do such a thing?
- How could you?
The sign says Santa's Reindeer!
That's false advertisement.
I thought she had
Christmas magic.
Wrong.
I wouldn't be so sure, Annie.
Anything can happen
this time of year.
At least they brought the
snowmobile back in one piece.
[Terry]
Wonder how much gas they used.
[Sunny]
You're back!
What a relief.
Things were starting to get
real crazy in that rehearsal.
Where's Sam?
- I'm afraid
you're going to
have to carry on without her.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!
Sam promised me she'd be
back for this rehearsal!
She cannot do this to me again.
She and Austin are still out
looking for the reindeer.
So, I have no reindeer
for my play and no Sam.
Just kids.
My Christmas nightmare
is coming true!
Well, I studied theater
in high school.
I could be an animal wrangler.
Listen to me.
Do you speak "kid"?
And if so, can you figure
out a way to communicate
with the other
kids in there?
I can try.
Or if you need someone to watch
the dog adoption for you, I can.
The dog adoption!
That's how I can adapt!
Annie, you are a genius.
Thank you so much!
[Sunny]
I'll be at the stage in ten!
You see now this, this
is Christmas to me.
What? With a reindeer in danger
and a town on the brink
of losing their festival?
[SAM LAUGHS]
No, I mean, this...
Fresh, undisturbed snow.
The stillness. The quiet...
So...
Not Christmas Town?
Okay. I know.
Look, I know you
like being alone,
but it's really nice being a
part of the community too.
If you open yourself up
to new experiences and
open yourself up to people,
they might surprise you.
I'm not too big on surprises.
Surprise!
Whoa!
Why would you do that?
Because, surprises are
going to come at you
whether or not
you want them to.
- Ah!
[SAM LAUGHS]
[LAUGHTER]
Look at us, you
know, having fun.
Yeah, not so bad.
You know, if it wasn't
a rescue mission,
it's one of the best dates
we've had in a while.
I didn't mean it like that.
[CARIBOU SNUFFLING SOUNDS]
Did you hear that?
- Yeah.
[CARIBOU SNUFFLING SOUNDS]
Over there.
Shhhh!
[Sam] Now we just
have to figure out
how to get to the other side.
[Austin] Looks like she went
down that bank
and across the river.
Yeah, it's the easiest
way to get across.
And the wettest.
And the coldest.
- I hear you.
And the easiest way for
us to get hypothermia.
Oh, there's that old
bridge down here. Come on.
The bridge is close by.
It's not that much further.
I have a better idea.
Austin...
You see this tree?
And you see that tree?
If we can loop the
rope around a branch...
No. That is way too risky.
Let's keep going.
No, no, no. We can do this.
We just need to be careful.
That, and no more mishaps.
Mishaps? Are you
talking about when you
just threw me off
the snowmobile?
Because that was
entirely your fault.
You were going too fast
and you should have listened
to me from the beginning.
Look, I need to tie this line
before I change my mind.
Either that or we take our
chances that that caribou is
going to stick around long
enough for us to continue
running around looking
for a bridge to cross.
Oh! I thought you
liked running.
It seems to be the answer
to everything these days.
Okay, that is not fair! I am
not running from Wolf Creek!
Oh, so it's just me.
All this for a caribou?
For a Christmas play?
You can go whenever you want.
[Sam]
Well, here it is.
[Austin]
You were right.
Sam look, I'm sorry, okay?
I just got a lot
on my mind lately.
But I do, I do want
to be with you.
I want to be with you too.
[Sam]
Let's go get this reindeer.
[Sam]
The trail's gone cold.
There's no more tracks.
She probably continued
down the river.
I think it might be
faster if we split up.
I'll go downstream,
you go upstream.
If one of us sees it,
we just use our phones.
And we meet back
at Christmas Town.
I don't, I don't like the idea
of you being out here alone.
You don't know the woods like I
do. What if something happens?
Remember how we separated
and we helped the wolf?
Don't worry about me.
We've got to find her.
If we don't it could
really destroy everything.
Terry said that he would...
- Yeah, I get it.
You weren't thinking about me,
you were you're thinking about
the festival, the town...
Well, of course I was
thinking about them!
They're important to me.
See, this is what
I'm saying Sam!
Ever since I decided to
move here, you just,
you never make
any time for me.
What is going on with you?
Is there something you're not
telling me? Because I...
I just want to feel like
I'm a part of your life,
not that I'm being scheduled
around events. In it.
You never put me first.
Okay, you're the one who's
always talking about how much
you love your alone time, so...
Yeah, I do.
I do like to be alone.
So, maybe you should
move back to the ranch.
You really mean that?
I don't know what
you want me to say.
Yeah, well I don't know either.
Okay, well, we're wasting
daylight. We should get going.
[Cassie] "When out on the lawn
there arose some clatter."
[CLATTERING]
I'll get it.
I did very well with this
in high school, you know.
You might need to work
on your clatter, Grandpa.
We may not have a reindeer
to greet everyone,
but we do have Morty!
Oh, he's so cute!
[Sunny]
Pretty cool, right?
This is such a good idea.
It's going to be so fun!
[whispers]
Thank you!
[whispers]
I got you.
Santa, why don't you come take
your reindeer to the wings
and we will rehearse
your entrance.
Hi Morty. Come on.
You know, I think we made
a little more progress
since you've been gone.
Okay, Cassie, let's take it from
"When what to my wondering
eyes should appear..."
"But a miniature sleigh
and eight tiny reindeer."
And cue St. Nick!
[DOG BARKING, MAYHEM]
[Sunny] No, no, no, no! Morty!
No Morty!
[Sunny] Oh, okay, I think
that's a great time
to wrap up rehearsal everybody!
And we will see you tomorrow.
And Sam will be back, I promise.
Go on now.
- Let's find your parents.
Yup...
"To all a good night",
or whatever.
Sorry.
Morty!
[AUSTIN BREATHING HARD]
I don't remember this.
[BIRDS SQUAWKING]
Ahhh! Ahh!
Ahhh ahhh ahhh ahh!
Perfect.
[AUSTIN PANTING, GROANING]
[AUSTIN GROANS]
[AUSTIN PANTS]
[MUNCHING GRASS]
Hey, girl.
You must be hungry.
Here.
I have got your favorite.
Gotcha.
Oh no.
[CARIBOU GROANS]
That looks deep.
Probably got it when you were
going down the riverbend.
It's okay.
Okay girl. Let's go.
Almost home.
I can see the lights of
Christmas Town from here.
Well, it's a new initiative.
If you sell more cocoa,
you shouldn't have any
trouble with the extra costs.
One marshmallow per cup.
Hey! What took you so long?
Where are you going?
To tell my sister I'm
headed back to the refuge.
Cupid is safely
back in the barn.
She's got a small
wound on her right leg
that's going to take
some time to heal.
But she seems to be
resting comfortably.
Wait! I said if anything
happens to my animal...
Okay, I heard you loud
and clear, Terry,
and you can save it!
I'm sorry but your star
attraction is going to have to
sit out of the
petting zoo this year.
Now if you'll excuse me,
I have some hungry animals
at the refuge that
I have to go feed.
Wait!
I'm not some sort of monster.
Of course I want her cared for.
I just also want to survive as
a festival for years to come.
When you've spent more than a
few days in Wolf Creek,
you'll understand how important
Christmas Town is to us.
And then you might actually have
some true Christmas spirit.
[CLAPPING]
Thank you.
[CLAPPING]
[Sunny] Don't worry, Sam. I've
heard that a bad dress rehearsal
usually means we're
in for a great show.
So we should be in for
a really great show.
Why didn't you just
follow my notes?
Believe me Sam, I tried! But
when there was no reindeer,
I thought a dog would
be great substitute.
Yeah, it's cute, but it's
not what Mom and Dad wanted.
Sorry to break it to you, but
you may need
to adjust those plans.
I've been working on this
for months, I just...
I want this to be
perfect for them.
Okay. You know what? Do whatever
you want then.
I don't care. I didn't even want
to do this in the first place!
Who knows, I might actually
even watch it this year.
Kind of curious to
see how it ends.
If there even is a show.
Guess tradition doesn't
matter to anyone else anymore.
Sam, is everything okay?
- Yeah. Yeah.
I just, ah, I need to
get back to the rescue.
Where's Austin?
He's taking his own way back.
Thank goodness someone
left this here.
[WOLVES HOWLING]
[PHONE RINGING]
Austin, where are you?
[DIALING]
[PHONE RINGING]
[Mariana]
Hello?
Hi Mariana. I was...
[Mariana]
Have you seen Austin?
No, I was hoping
he was with you.
[Mariana]
Why don't you come over?
Okay. Thanks.
[STRIKING MATCH]
[Sam]
Knock, knock!
[SAM CHUCKLES]
Ice cream for dinner?
Mariana, I could have
made you something.
Candy Cane ice cream is exactly
what I wanted for dinner.
I hope you're hungry!
Honestly, it's been nice not
having anyone fuss over me.
Bless his heart, Austin
is a thoughtful boy,
but he's no chef.
No word from him yet, huh?
No.
He should have been home by now.
Wonder if something went wrong?
Oh, Austin knows
what he's doing.
There's nothing we can do
until the morning anyway.
Mariana, I don't
know what to do.
We had a fight.
Hmmm...
I want to be with Austin so
badly, but he loves the ranch.
How am I supposed to
ask him to give it up?
I'm not sure I
make up for it.
Do you love him?
Yes. Completely.
Well, I've never seen him
more relaxed or happy
then when he's with you.
[CHUCKLES] Though we do drive
each other crazy.
Well, if you're going to
move forward as a couple,
you're going to have to
learn to grow together.
I don't know how to do that.
I can barely balance
everything in my own life,
let alone maintain
a relationship.
Ever since your parents died,
you've been balancing and
maintaining your own happiness.
And I am so proud of you.
I mean, look at the amazing
life you've built for yourself.
But now, you need to be
open to a new happiness.
One that you haven't
experienced yet.
The kind that comes
from sharing your life.
Now, I hope you know
that you're also allowed
to have ice cream for dinner.
[SAM LAUGHS]
Now Sam, I'm not asking you to
eat all this delicious ice cream
all by yourself.
I am asking you to
share it with me.
Yum. That is pretty good.
- I know.
[THEY BOTH LAUGH]
I may have lost my eyesight, but
I haven't lost my good taste.
Oh!
Mariana... Help me
direct the play.
I missed the rehearsal today,
and we're not going
to have the reindeer.
But I don't want to
disappoint the town.
I could use the help and I
know you know it so well.
I don't know if I
can be of much help.
I don't believe
that for one second.
You love this play and working
with the kids every year.
Don't, don't let it go because
your eyes aren't what
they used to be.
[OWL HOOTS]
[FIRE CRACKLES]
[WOLF HOWLS]
[WOLF HOWLING]
Well, you got what you wanted.
You're alone at Christmas.
[Mariana]
Hello?
Sam? Are you still here?
I'm sorry, I thought I'd wait
for Austin until he got back,
but I guess he never did.
No I'm afraid not yet.
- Something's not right.
He wouldn't leave you all night
alone without contacting you.
Sam, do you think it's wise for
you to go out there on your own?
I don't care if it's wise.
I want to spend my
life with Austin.
So I'm going to find
him and fight for him.
Well then, go get him!
Can you please cover the
play until I get back?
I'll do what I can.
Take skis. You'll be
faster in the brush.
[upbeat music begins]
[male singing] These winter
months they creak along
They came to a stop since
you've been gone
Those presents hid
all season long
Kept upstairs till
Christmas morn
We'll count all the days
We'll count all the days
The nights and days
We'll count all the days
Till Christmas again
[female singing]
Mistletoe and sparkling minds
I left a note by the bedside
Out east is where
my home was made
Austin?
[Sam]
Austin!
[male and female singing]
We'll count all the days
We'll count all the days
The nights and days
We'll count all the days
We'll count all the days
We'll count all the days
The nights and days
I bet someone's missing this.
Till Christmas again
[DOGS BARKING]
[DOGS CRYING]
[George]
Have you seen Sam?
She asked everyone to come early
for a last minute rehearsal,
but she hasn't shown up.
I haven't seen her since last
night when I explained to her
how I ruined her
vision for the play.
Do you think you could help
us until she gets here?
If we don't get something
together, we won't have a play!
I think I'm better
off with animals
than I am with kids, George.
[LITTLE DOG BARKING]
I don't see much
rehearsing going on in there.
Where's your sister?
It's 1:45.
Terry, I have no idea.
But Mariana has the play under
control. So not to worry.
It's going to be pretty
hard to sell tickets
to a disaster of a show.
Sam already said
there's no paid tickets.
Really, with false
advertising and all.
The poster said "live reindeer".
You call that a reindeer?
Terry, you're one to talk.
You didn't even want
the reindeers involved.
I'm just, I'm trying to
make the most of this.
Good luck with that.
Every kid wants a
dog for Christmas...
Nobody ever gets
what they want.
We still have some
rescue dogs available...
Nope! Dogs shed
and I'm allergic.
That's what my parents
told me all those years.
Are you sure?
Because we could...
Just let me know
when Sam gets here,
so I can tell her
the play's off!
So I wouldn't spend too
much time on those antlers,
if I were you.
[GROWLING]
[Sunny] Aw, Blitzen!
Not the antlers!
A fresh fire.
I'm on to you Austin Spencer.
Wolf tracks.
Looks like I'm not the only one.
Sam's not back yet? [SCOFFS]
Time's a ticking.
Terry, that's quite enough!
Are you feeling okay Grandpa?
You don't look so good.
Here. You should
put your foot up.
[Terry]
Let's get you home safely.
[George] Not to worry.
Sam will be back any minute!
[quietly]
I hope.
[Terry]
She better!
Looks like we've got a
lively bunch of actors here!
[George]
Mariana!
Yes! I hope you don't mind.
I'm filling in for Sam.
[George]
Mind? We'd love it!
We'll take all the
help we can get.
Marvelous!
Now tell me all about "The
Night Before Christmas".
Well they're having some
trouble memorizing their lines.
Oh? Well in that case,
listen up!
"Twas the night
before Christmas,
and all through the house,
not a creature was stirring,
not even a mouse!"
Hey, that's my line!
Now, who wants to hear
what happens next?
I do!
- Me.
All right!
Here we go.
"The stockings were hung by the
chimney with care..."
[Mariana] "In hopes that St.
Nicholas soon would be there.
"The children were nestled
all snug in their beds
while visions of sugar plums
danced in their heads."
"Happy Christmas to all,
and to all a good night!"
[GEORGE LAUGHS AND CLAPS]
That was incredible!
Oh well, muscle memory.
Okay, on your feet.
May I steal Santa quickly?
I just have something
that might help him.
Of course.
Okay, you stand there,
and you stand there.
[WOLF HOWLS VERY CLOSE NEARBY]
You told her you
didn't need her.
She's not coming back.
And, you're delusional.
And talking to
yourself in the woods.
[QUIET FOOTSTEPS]
Surprise!
[SAM LAUGHS]
Man, I hate surprises...
But I love you.
How'd you find me?
Ah, I know a guy who's
an excellent tracker
and he gave me some tips.
Okay, but how are you here?
What about the play?
Oh, well.
Sunny and Mariana and
George, they're on it.
Turns out I don't need
to do it all on my own.
I'm sorry. I know how much
your work means to you.
It's one of the reasons
I fell in love with you.
No, no.
I want to be with you, Austin.
And I'm willing to do
whatever it takes.
So, if ranching
makes you happy,
then we'll make it work.
And, did you say
that you love me?
Well...
[WOLF HOWLS VERY CLOSE NEARBY]
[OMINOUS MUSIC]
[Sam]
Step back. Now.
You know the rest of the
pack is around here, right?
Yeah.
Now that they know that we're
here, they're going to be on us.
They've been following
me since yesterday.
It's not their fault, though.
They're just hungry.
[Austin]
I know.
We're not really leaving
them much of a choice.
Get behind me.
No, no, look.
It's the alpha!
He's got to round up his pack.
He doesn't have time for us.
Well, that alpha
looked pretty healthy.
Well, it looks like you are
doing some good in Wolf Creek.
You are.
Look, it's Christmas Eve.
We got to get back
to Christmas Town,
before that Terry guy does
something crazy.
And your play...
- You don't have to
come to Christmas Town
if you don't want to.
I want to go with you.
No wonder you took
the long way around.
The flat trail must be
easier on your ankle.
Easy? I don't know if I'd
use that word to describe
the last twelve hours.
Feel better?
Yes. Yes, I do.
Okay, ah, let's get
a ride out of here.
Hey! Look at that.
He's happy to see you!
I saw you talking
to him earlier.
Do you like dogs?
Yeah, me too.
They always make
me feel way better.
Especially when I'm nervous,
they really help me out.
Hey if you're nervous about
saying your lines in front of
other people, why don't we
try something different.
Why don't you try saying
your lines to Morty?
With a little extra
doggy power behind you.
Pretty good?
Would do say we say we
get back up on that stage
and get this show
on the road?
Sound good?
Let's do it!
Hope this works.
No, no, no.
There's no show tonight.
I didn't get my reindeer
so there's no show!
That was the deal!
I'm shutting it down.
But it's Christmas Eve!
Annie's Dad promised he
would watch her in the play.
If there's no play
she'll be devastated.
No... Show!
[AUDIENCE GASPS, MURMURS]
Sam! Sam! You were right.
Out there in the woods there is
something I didn't tell you.
Jason, he gave me an ultimatum.
Either come back and work
full time or be replaced.
He gave me till 5 p.m.
today to tell him.
Why didn't you tell me?
We could have figured
this out together.
Because I thought I could
handle it on my own.
But the pressure was killing me.
I was out there,
alone in the woods,
I didn't care
what time it was.
All I wanted to do was
to get back to you
and spend Christmas together.
But, what time is it now?
Wait. Why are the
lights off in here?
[AUDIENCE CHATTERING]
Hey Terry! What's going on?
- Show's canceled.
No. No, you said that if we
brought back the reindeer
that we could do the show.
I have no reindeer
for my petting zoo,
you've missed every dress
rehearsal for your play,
and the live reindeer
is a no show.
I'd say it's curtains
for this production!
People are leaving!
They're getting restless.
We need to start.
But Terry said we can't.
I've ruined Christmas!
Forget Terry!
He's not the boss of us.
We've got the
Christmas Spirit, right?
[Mariana] Okay everybody!
It's not over. Come back!
Ready?
[MARIANA STARTS PLAYING PIANO:
"SILENT NIGHT"]
[Annie sings]
Silent night, holy night
All is calm
All is bright
Round yon virgin
mother and child
Holy infant so
tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
[APPLAUSE, CHEERING]
I'm sorry.
[CHEERING AND CLAPPING]
[Sam] Okay guys!
It's time to put on a show!
[Annie]
You saved Christmas!
[Mariana]
Okay cast! Places please!
We haven't had a turnout
like this in years!
It only took a few tweets to
get people excited about a play
with a dog dressed
as a reindeer.
[FELIX LAUGHS]
Terry, I meant to
tell you earlier,
we have some dogs
in the adoption
that are hypoallergenic.
So, I wouldn't be
allergic to them?
Not at all.
They're really cuddly too!
You mean, I could adopt a dog?
Me?
[Sunny]
You betcha!
A puppy for Christmas?
Even you Terry.
Hey! I hope you don't mind.
I adapted a few things.
Oh, an exciting new play for
the audience that promotes
the rescue dog adoption,
Mom and Dad would love it.
I love it.
I'm trying my best.
I am so proud of you.
After our carol we asked the
audience to help us keep
the lights on in Christmas Town,
and they were more
than happy to help.
Really?
Really. People love it here.
You should try it too.
Wolf Creek did this?
For Felix and me?
[Felix] And thank you Sam!
And Austin!
For risking your lives to bring
the reindeer back safely.
Glad we could help.
Austin, how would
you like a job?
I need a Manager of Animal
Operations, maintaining care of
the livestock and wildlife
here at Christmas Town.
[Felix]
What do you say?
We could expand the business,
start a breeding program,
become a real farm again.
A ranching job
here in Wolf Creek?
I would love that.
Excellent.
[Mariana] All right everybody!
Come along.
It's showtime!
Well if you'll excuse me,
I have a phone call to make.
Get out of here.
[Austin]
Jason?
Hey, yeah, about that job...
Good evening everyone!
Welcome to a very special
Wolf Creek tradition
that I will now forever
look forward to.
Tonight's performance
is brought to you
by Wolf Creek Wildlife
Refuge and friends.
And the dog you will see tonight
is just one of many that are
looking for a home
this holiday season.
They're all very excited
to meet you after the show!
Without further ado...!
[APPLAUSE]
"Twas the night
before Christmas,
and all through the house,
not a creature was stirring,
not even a mouse!"
[APPLAUSE]
On Prancer, On Vixen,
On Comet, On Cupid,
On Donner and Blitzen.
[APPLAUSE]
[CLACKING]
[Kai] Merry Christmas to all,
and to all a good night!
[APPLAUSE]
[Sunny] It was incredible!
There they are!
That was amazing!
Sugar Plum Shack?
Sure! I don't see why not.
I'd love that. Come on.
Great job, Annie!
You really do know
how to make a clatter!
Merry Christmas, Grandpa.
I'm so glad I'm here with you.
Merry Christmas, sweetheart.
But it's not over yet.
Someone else would like to
wish you a Merry Christmas.
Dad?
I put in a special request
with a reindeer I know.
Turned out to be a
pretty magical night.
It did didn't it?
You know, if it wasn't for you,
I'd probably still be limping
out there in those woods.
You'd probably be
half a snowman by now.
I had a lot of time to think
when I was out there alone,
just like I thought I wanted.
But you don't?
All I could think about is
how much better
everything is with you.
Rescuing wolves, snowballs,
making bows for caribou.
Rein...deer!
[SAM LAUGHS]
Reindeer.
I love you.
Just the way you are.
And I don't ever want to
be away from you again.
Austin-
- I mean...
Unfortunately, I don't
have a proper ring.
I mean, I did, but I lost
it out there in the woods.
A ring!
I found a ring when
I was tracking you.
You did?
That's it!
That's my grandmother's
wedding ring. How did you...?
I guess I got your back.
What are the odds?
I guess it's meant to be.
Definitely.
Samantha...
[together]
Will you marry me?
I mean, I have the ring, so...
[Austin] Yes!
[Sam] Yes.
Merry Christmas, Sam.
Merry Christmas, Austin.