When Christmas Was Young (2022) Movie Script
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Okay, my turn.
Okay, fingers.
Okay, I can do it.Okay. Let's hear it.
Very good. You got it.
I messed up a little.
It's fine.
I only just taught it to you.
Did you always do music, Mom?
Since I was a little girl.
I had one of those toy pianos
and I would just sit all day
and just plunk away...
just making noise, basically.
You love it, huh, Mom? Yeah.
Music is...
Do you know
how you love to draw?
Yeah.
So, you picture in your head
what you're gonna draw
before you draw it, right?
Mm-hmm. I guess so.
Well, writing songs
is kind of the same.
You hear it first in your head
and then your heart
and then you write it all down,
so, you don't forget.
At least it's how it works
for me.
Only, I use notes.
And then it's forever.
Then why don't you be a singer?
Because I already have two jobs
that I love.
Running Smokey's
and being your mom.
I wouldn't trade the second one
for anything else in the world.
And besides...
I can always sing for fun.
Yeah.
Christmas cookies! Oh, okay.
Be careful! Don't forget
to use an oven mitt.
Love you, Momma.
Hello, Nashville music fans,
this is Lindsay Wyatt.
I wanted to invite y'all
to join me for my annual
Christmas benefit concert live
at the Pearl Auditorium
this Christmas Eve
and it'll also be simulcast
right here on Country 99.
Everybody heading home
This year
For Christmas time...
Dawson Grimes, please hold.
Kids and cousins
And families dear...
Dawson Grimes, please hold.
Everybody's heading
home this year
Dawson Grimes, please hold.
Fa-la-la-la, la-a-la...
He had a rough night,
so, speak softly.
Fa-la-la-la-la-a...
Boss,
your noon has arrived. No!
Push everything to later today.
Better yet, tomorrow.
He's already here.
Hi.
Damn. He is.
Stacy, coffee, please. On it.
Name? Chad Madison.
Nope, that's not gonna work.
It's too vanilla.
You got a middle name, Chad?
Dean? Dean. Chad Dean.
That sounds like
a country singer.
You got Tylenol, Chad Dean?
No, sir. I don't think so. Aspirin?
All right.
Come on, I don't got all day.
Oh, okay.
I can head out
On the dance floor
Find a pretty girl
And drink some more
I can call all my friends
Tell 'em that I'm free again
All right, all right.
Enough, enough, enough, enough.
What is that? A love song.
Tell me something, Chad.
You ever had your heart broken?
Who was she? Amber.
And what did Amber do?
She cheated on me
with the bartender
at the Lucky Penny.
Write that! Be specific!
Write the Lucky Penny.
Let it bleed onto the page.
Write the first time
you saw her.
Write about the moment
you fell in love with her
and write about the bitter,
soul-crushing pain
when she betrayed you.
Write Amber.
And when it's perfect,
email it to me
and I'll check it out.
Boss, Ted would like to see you
in his office.
Did he say what it's about? Nope.
Well, wish me luck.
Hey, guys. Good to see you. Hi.Hey.
Happy Holidays.
Hey guys, you guys doing well?
MALE VOICE: Hey, Melody.
Thank you so much for coming.
Thank you.
Hi. You good? You're all set?
Hi, guys.Hi.
You ready? Yep.
Hello everybody!
I'm Santa's helper.
My Dad, Smokey, and I just want
to wish you all a big welcome
to our restaurant
and just a reminder
that we are still looking
for volunteers again this year.
Come and help us
bring some Christmas joy... Yeah.
To needy
Jackson Woods families.
Thank you, thank you
and Happy Holidays!
Providing musical
instruments to kids everywhere.
Great presentation, everyone.
Okay, make those changes
and get it back to me
by end of day tomorrow.
Thank you.
LUKE You wanted to see me?
A half hour ago.
I already donated
to your poor kids music thing,
if that's what this is about.
Not what this is about.
So, you probably heard
I, uh, dropped Billy last night?
Don't worry...
I let him down easy.
I did hear.
And so did everybody else
in town.
Congratulations,
you're trending.
I don't care about your Grammys!
You were nothing before I found
you singing in that rathole.
I made you.
So, if you think
you can drop me,
I've got news for you, buddy.
I'm dropping you!
Can you believe
he wanted to fire me?
Luke, we need to talk.
I brought in every major act
we have!
Me, not you! I'm the closer!
Cover of Music News magazine,
May 4th, 2018.
Luke Dawson, the Closer.
You have become a liability.
A liability?
You tell anyone who will listen
that you are the creative genius
behind our success.
Your ego is out of control
and we can't fit it
in here anymore!
I co-founded this company.
You can't let me go.
My name's on the wall.
You know how it works.
The Board has voted,
it was unanimous,
and you are out.
Fine. I'll take my roster
and go.
We'll see how long
you guys last.
Your clients are staying
with us.
I've already locked them up.
It was easy,
they wanted to stay.
Ted.
You can't take my clients.
I'm sorry, man,
but it's already done.
New server's cute, huh, Kenny?
Why don't you go over
and introduce yourself?
Her name's Olivia.
No way, that would be so lame.
What? Girls like confident guys.
She's probably waiting for you
to make the first move.
I hear she's into yoga.
You can always talk to her
about that.
What...
Well, that's great advice
for Kenny.
Yeah. But what about you? Hmm?
That guy at table seven's
got a huge crush on you.
He's been back two days
in a row.
Dad, he keeps showing up
because you keep
encouraging him.
I'll let you know
if and when I'm on the market.
Angie, it's Luke.
If you decide to stay with me
I will continue to fight
for you, if...
Tye! Text me back.
I really need to talk to you...
AUTOMATED VOICE: This mailbox is full.
Lindsay! Thanks for calling
me back.
Can I, uh, can I buy you lunch,
late lunch, drinks, dinner?
Yeah? Yeah.
I can make that work.
Yeah, I'll be right there.
Deck the halls
With boughs of holly
Fa-la-la-la-la,
La-la-la-la
'Tis the season to be jolly
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Troll the ancient
Yuletide carol
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Fa-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la
Great session, Lindsay.
Yay! Awesome. PRODUCER: Hey.
Thank you. Amazing. PRODUCER: All right,
that's a wrap for today.
Oh, hey you. Sounding good.
Thank you.
It's so good to see you.
Come here.
Well, thank you.
And thank you
for dropping me off at home.
Hey, just like the old days
after a gig, right?
Before anyone knew your name.
Oh boy.
Oh, sorry about that.
I got to move those.
I should probably
throw them away.
What's this?
"When Christmas Was Young?"
I've been looking
for an original Christmas song.
Let's give it a spin.
String the lights
On the roof
Place a star on the tree
The house is filled
With carols
Being sung by family
Just like it was
When Christmas
Was young
Ooh...
Wow.Huh.
Um...
Luke, that...
That... that song is amazing.
That song... It's so sweet
and... and nostalgic.
Who's Melody Douglass?
I don't know, just some wannabe
singer-songwriter.
Luke, when I was listening
just now, it was like...
I could
imagine being back...
under the mistletoe,
kissing my first boyfriend.
I felt... I felt this...
this connection, you know?
I want it.
You want it?
I want to sing it
at my Christmas Eve benefit.
At the Pearl. In seven days?
Mm-hmm. Go get it for me.
You just work that...
Luke Dawson magic.
You get me that
and you're still my manager.
Consider it done.
Okay.
Where the hell is Jackson Woods?
Coming!
Luke? Dawson?
Brett Mayfield? Look at you.
What are you doing?
You live here in Jackson Woods?
Yeah, uh, my wife and I,
we bought the place
a few years back.
You're married?
So, how can I help you?
Uh, looking for a room.
Preferably a suite on the top
floor if you've got it.
Hey, honey,
we're all out of 60 watt.
Oh, hello.
Uh, Luke Dawson,
this is my wife, Emily.
Sweetheart, Luke and I we grew
up together in Knoxville.
You're gonna be a dad?
Sure am.
Wow.
Uh, sweetie,
can you please take a look... All right.
To see what's available
for Mr. Dawson here. Oh, yeah.
Uh... Goodnight Moon
and the Giving Treeare ready.
You name your rooms
after children's books, cute.
Upstairs and to the right.
Hey, you guys wouldn't
happen to know
a Melody Douglass, would you?
Yeah, her family owns Smokey's
Barbecue, over on 4th there.
Thanks man. Good to see ya.
Welcome to Smokey's.
How many this evening?
Uh, what's your name?
Olivia.
Olivia, I'm going to need
a table away from children,
please.
Actually, never mind,
I found one.
Oh, uh, sir, you have to let...
Dude!
Nothing to see here, folks.
You okay, Kenny? I'm good.
Get yourself cleaned up,
and I'll take care of this.
Thanks, boss.
Your busboy was distracted.
Right. Maybe you should
not have been texting.
Well, feel free to pitch in.
LUKE: That's all right.
I'm looking for Melody Douglass,
do you know her?
What if I do?
Then I'd like an introduction.
And why would Melody
want to meet you?
It's confidential.
Here, you can take that
in the kitchen
and dump it in the trash.
I'm... Do you always put
your customers to work?
Well, you're not a customer yet.
Well, this has been a joy,
but I gotta go.
Everything good there, Melody?
Yeah, I just gotta deal
with the food delivery issue.
Make sure you rinse the tub
when you're done.
Melody? Melody Douglass?
Luke Dawson.
The national talent manager.
Dawson and Grimes,
that Luke Dawson.
Manager of the Year,
three years in a row.
Oh, yeah. Yeah, I remember you.Yeah.
I tried to see you years ago,
but you didn't have any time
for me.
Finally have an opening
in that busy schedule of yours,
Mr. Dawson?
Yeah, I do have an opening,
for you.
I'm here to put you
on the map, Melody.
That's what I do.
I make careers happen.
Oh, wow.
So, you're gonna make
all my dreams come true?
That's right. And all I need
are the rights to your song.
And which song
would that be for?
I've written a lot of songs.
"When Christmas Was Young."
I don't want to oversell it,
it's a nice little song.
Make a few tweaks,
we rearrange the chord structure
and it could be something good.
We could do the deal right now
if you like.
Just like that? Huh. Just like that.
No deal.
My nice little song isn't for sale.
Uh... this is a dream
come true for you.
What do you know
about my dreams?
I recommend the chicken
and ribs special.
Maybe you should get it to go.
Be sure to clean up first, yeah?
Linds'.LINDSAY: Hey, Luke.
Um, I'm in the studio,
about the lay down the demo.
Uh, please tell me
that you have the rights
locked up?
I'm working on it.
I'm in Jackson Woods
with the writer right now
about to make her dreams
come true.
Awesome. Great. Well, I knew
I could count on you. Later.
Hi, uh, if you could
send someone
to check the heat in my room
that would be great.
It got a little chilly
last night.
That someone would be my husband
and there are extra blankets
in the closet.
Okay.
You know, you really hurt Brett.
Hmm?
He said you were like brothers
growing up.
Before you cut him off.
I didn't cut him off. It...
We grew apart. It's natural.
It wasn't personal.
It was, to Brett.
He said you were practically
inseparable.
That you spent nearly
every weekend at his house.
Yeah. Yeah, that's true.
His house was a lot more fun
than mine.
And then when you graduated
you were just gone.
Like your best friend
never existed.
I have to run these boxes
of Santa chocolates
over to Melody's. Oh, hey.
Did you just say Melody?
BRETT: Yeah, Douglass.
The woman you were asking about.
She actually runs Smokey's
Christmas Angels.
It's the town's, you know,
local charity drive.
Mind if I tag along?
I wouldn't mind checking it out.
Maybe I could help?
Sure. All right.
Looking good, everybody.
You're gonna make all our angel
families very happy.
Hey. Hey there, Brett. Whatcha got?
We have chocolate Santas
ready for delivery.
Well done, you.
Kara, this is Luke.
We grew up together.
Pleased to meet you, Luke. LUKE: Likewise.
We have chocolate Santas!
Yay. Thanks, Brett.
Brett, follow me.
We can put these over here.
Hey.
Oh, uh... the Dishonator
returns.
Good one.
So, uh, how's this all work?
Uh, we deliver Christmas care
packages to needy families.
It seems like a lot of work.
Why don't you just
order it online,
have it delivered.
It's not just about the gift.
It's also the love and the care
that goes in the giving.
Ah.
Besides, we rely on our donors
for everything.
Are you here to volunteer?
Sure.
Great. Great.
Um, follow me.
Uh... Luke, Olivia.
We've met.
Luke's gonna take over here
for a little while.
Just show him once
and then he's on his own.
Uh, Okay.
I'll make a deal with you.
I'll wrap presents and you talk
to me about your song.
I thought I made myself clear
last evening.
I'm not interested in giving
you the rights to my song.
It's a good song.
I think it could be...
Oh, so, now it's a good song.
I thought it needed work.
It's an excellent song.
It just needs a little polish.
Mom, who's this?
Uh, hi. I'm Luke. Luke Dawson.
I work in the music business.
And you are?
I'm Bailey. Bailey Douglass.
- I work in the kid business.
- It's nice to meet you.
Okay, Bai', um, back to work.
Make sure you girls
aren't fooling around.
Okay. She's funny.
Yeah. Barrel of laughs.
Wrap gifts or don't wrap gifts,
but just stay out of the way.
Melody. I got the toy donor
on the phone.
Says they can't deliver
for at least
another couple of weeks.
Christmas Eve's in six days.
That's not gonna work.
So... Hi.
Yes, this is Melody.
Thank you so much
for calling me back, uh...
We haven't met. I'm Smokey,
Melody's dad.
Luke Dawson, pleasure.
So, I heard. Big time Nashville
music manager.
Welcome to Jackson Woods.Thanks.
Smokey? Smokey, uh,
the canned food items are here.
Important stuff. Excuse me.
Yep.
So, what can Emily and I
bring to the party tonight?
Just your game faces.
You know how much we love games.
That we can do.Okay.
Uh, you can come.
Uh, he's probably busy.
Yeah, I don't... I don't really
do Christmas parties.
And I don't know anyone, so...
Well, you know Brett,
and now me. And Melody.
You know what? Work can wait.
Count me in.
Great.
Sure, let's do it. Is it uh...
Uh, you're gonna have to show me
this whole thing again.
Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way
Bells on bobtails ring
Making spirits bright...
Oh, can someone get that?
...What fun it is... On it!
...To laugh and sing
A sleighing song tonight...
Seasons' greetings.
Aren't you that songwriter
who refuses to accept
the opportunity of a lifetime?
It won't work. LUKE: What won't work?
Charming my friends into getting
me to sign over my song.
You're not that charming
and I'm too stubborn.
Challenge accepted.
Okay, new category.
Christmas songs.
Brett, you are up. All right!
Come on, Brett! You got this, babe.
All right.
Okay, sometime
before next Christmas, Brett.
Yeah! Let's go! Okay, hold on. Okay, wait.
Just draw!
Okay... uh, sword. FEMALE
VOICE: Uh, I don't know.
The... "Silent Night!"
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Okay. Boo-yeah!
Okay. FEMALE VOICE: Okay. Here we go.
Okay.
Oh. Uh... Wait, wait, wait...
Uh... uh...
Uh... "Grandma Got Ran Over
by a Reindeer!"
Yes! Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!
Who are you?
Here we go.
I don't know.
An ornament!
Not getting it.
That Christmas Blob?
A holiday classic.
Oh. Oh! KARA: Okay, ten seconds!
Okay, okay. Uh...
Um... Not getting it. Hmm...
Ring! Ring! Ring! BRETT: Yeah, yeah, yeah!
Rock?
Bell?
"Jingle Bell Rock.""Jingle Bell Rock."
Yes!
Yes!
"Jingle Bell Rock."
Emily, you're up.
Okay, okay,
here comes the pregnant lady.
Go Emily! Go Emily! BRETT: Em-ily.
Mm. The pie's tasty.
Is that your recipe?
Uh-huh.
All right. So, you were pretty good
at the game.
Not really a Christmas guy,
but I know all the songs.
Lots of my clients have done
Christmas albums.
So, not into Christmas?
Well, my parents
never really celebrated it.
All my presents were clothes
or ties, the odd pair of socks.
I just kind of developed this
"So, what?" Attitude
about the holiday.
Doesn't mean I don't love
your song, though...
You just can't control yourself,
can you?
I am the best at what I do.
So, what about your parents?
They still around?
Yeah, technically.
I think they're in Tahiti
or Bora Bora right now.
I'm not sure. Got it. Not close.
They hoped for a doctor.
So, no wife?
Ex-wife? Wife-to-be?
Nope. Never really found anyone
who could check all my boxes.
Oh, yeah right.
Typical guy thing to say.
Men never think that maybe
it's them coming up short
in the box-checking department.
Oh, yeah? I don't see
any hardware on your finger.
What about you?
Too personal. That's cool.
Redirect.
How come you're no longer
pursuing a career in music?
That part of my life is over.
Okay, Mel.
It is time for the annual Melody
Douglass Christmas Concert.
Let's go. Your fans are waiting.
Oh. Uh... why don't you
go on ahead?
I can finish up.
Don't want to leave
your fans waiting.
Ha, ha, ha.
O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant
O come ye
O come ye
To Bethlehem
Come and behold Him
Born the King of Angels
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us
Adore Him
Christ
The Lord
Good night, you two.
Good night! LUKE: Good night.
Well... Good night.Well... uh, good night.
Are you okay to walk home
by yourself?
Yeah. Of course.Okay.
Okay. All right.
Um... Sorry, you go first...
No, no, you.
How 'bout I walk on the other
side of the street...
and like three yards back,
is that...
I guess we can walk together.
That was really fun, actually.
Ron and Kara are great. Yeah, the best.
They've been throwing
that Christmas party
for over a decade now.Oh.
So, what about you?
How do you usually spend
your Christmas
since you're not really into it?
Well, let's see.
Last year I took clients
to Vegas in the company jet.
Gambled all night,
slept all day.
The year before that,
Monte Carlo.
And this year?
Still up in the air.
I love Christmas.
I especially love finding
the perfect gift.
I spend all year round trying
to find something special
for my friends and family,
so, they feel cherished
and cared for.
Listen, Melody, about that song.
Let me tell you
what I'm thinking...
No, no, no.
Pitching hours are over.
Just relax.
Enjoy this moment,
under the stars.
Shooting star! Where?
Where? If you have to ask
then you're too late.
Okay, this isn't a pitch,
but just hear me out.
I will get you a killer deal.
This is what I do.
I know, I know, pitching hours.
But I believe in this song.
And you do know how many
singer-songwriters
would kill for the opportunity
that I'm offering you.
I'm not a million others.
I'm just me.
I know, but... Look. I get it.
You're here for business
and that's fine.
It's what you do.
But I'm not sure how many more
ways I can tell you
that I'm not interested
in giving you that song.
I know you said that, but...
I'm not interested.
Goodbye, Luke.
I'm not giving up.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Okay, Angels.
There's only five days
till Christmas.
Be sure to bundle up out there
and have fun.
And go spread
some Christmas cheer.
Uh, another lead on toys.
It's a long shot, but we've got
nothing left to lose.
Kara, thank you.
You again. Ready to help.
Yeah, see, the thing is,
I'm not sure if you're really
here to help or just to stalk.
No, families in need
are a good cause.
I want to do my part.
Melody, I told Olivia
I was thinking of trying yoga.
Progress.
Maybe I can ask her to take
a class together some time.
Yeah. LUKE: Careful, dude.
You don't want to be
too available.
She won't respect you. Namaste.
Don't listen to what he says.
You just keep being you,
and doing what you're doing.
I'm just trying to save the kid
heartbreak down the road.
Do you really want to help?
Just show me how.
Fine, I will. Let's see.
Um...
Looks like everyone is paired up
for the Christmas errands. Huh.
Aw, bummer. So, you and me then?
No, that's not a good idea.
Come on, I'll play nice.
No selling me. Wouldn't dream of it.
I'm in charge. I'm okay with that.
Okay, great let's go.
Oh!
Another house?
I don't think I could lift
another Christmas tree
or hang another Christmas light.
One more. And I saved
the best house for last.
Mrs. Figgins isn't exactly
a people person.
Don't take it personally.
I'll be good.
Okay. Don't say
I didn't warn you.
We need to say hello
and then we need to grab
the decorations and the lights
from the shed out in the back.
All right.
Hi, Mrs. Figgins.
It's Melody and Luke
from Smokey's Christmas Angels.
Can you believe
it's been a year?
Yeah. Told ya.
Ooh, hello George.
Huh? Her husband.
Died five years ago.
She was actually
a friendly person
when George was alive.
I look good, right?
You look ridiculous.
Um, I think I have the perfect
job for you.
How's it going? Almost got it.
I can see that.
Good luck with the lights.
Wait, where are you going?
I need to run a few more
Angels errands.
Don't worry, I have
complete confidence in you.
Thanks!
Okay.
Oh. Hi.
Hope you don't mind
I'm wearing this.
It's kind of cold.
You think George would mind?
I bet he loved this hat.
Really keeps the ears warm.
I bought it for him,
Christmas, 1973.
Oh, yeah? How many Christmases
did you guys have together?
Forty-six.
Wow. That's a lot of eggnog.
So, what's it like,
being with one person that long?
When you love the person
you're with,
it can go by in a blink
of an eye.
Can't imagine putting up
with someone that long.
Or someone putting up with you.
George loved Christmas.
No matter what else was going on
or if things were hard.
Christmas was always special.
Because of the traditions
that we created
and we shared together.
George sounds like
he was pretty cool.
He was the love of my life.
I hope to find that one day.
Oh, it is cold.
You've been working hard.
Would you like to come in
and have some hot cocoa?
Sounds great.
Hey! There she is.
Just in time.
Oh.MELODY: Oh, yeah?
Oh, yeah, we're just about
to light her up.
Oh, Luke did a wonderful job.Aww...
I even helped.
Okay, everybody gather round.MRS.
- Ooh.
Figgy, you want to do
the honors?
Oh, yes. Figgy?
Oh!
Oh, it's lovely.Yeah.
Okay, so, what's your secret?
Secret?
Mrs. Figgins
is a borderline recluse.
No. No secret.
I just found her weak spot.
It was George.
You exploited an old lady's
weak spot?
Well, exploited's
a little harsh.
I connected with her.
She's just lonely.
I guess I can relate.
Hey, you up for a drink?
A little music?
I'm really tired.
Come on! Buy me a drink.
Seriously? My treat?
Reminder, no song talk.
Deal!
Should auld acquaintance
Be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance
Be forgot...
He's good.
So what?
You gonna sign him now?
Come on. No, I just think
he's got talent.
Auld Lang Syne's
one of my favorite songs.
It's so nostalgic
and so hopeful.
Whenever I hear it,
I think about New Year's Eve
in our house when I was little.
My mom and dad would just
dance up close
underneath the mistletoe
as the Guy Lombardo version
would be playing on our scratchy
old record player. Oh.
Yeah. No, I got songs like that.
Whenever I hear 'em they just
take me back to a certain time.
It's like, no matter what
I'm doing or where I am,
I just... the memories
come flooding back.
It's why I love music.Mm-hmm.
Songs and lyrics are like
the memory markers for our soul.
Yeah. So, what's your song?
Uh...
All right. I'm 14,
it's the freshman
Christmas dance. Last dance.
And I'm cheek to cheek
under the disco ball
with Tiffany Williams.
Oh, she's the prettiest girl
in the school.
Bing Crosby singing
"White Christmas."
I'm so nervous I can't even
look her in the eye.
And even then,
as terrified as I was,
as stupid as I felt...
I knew I was in a future memory.
Anyway, the song ends and just
before the lights come up,
she leans in...
and she kisses me.
And then, she smiles...
and just walks away.
That was my first kiss. Every
time I hear "White Christmas"
I'm right back
on that dance floor
with Tiffany Williams. Man!
And Tiffany? What happened?
Oh, she never talked
to me again.
And why do you think that was?
I told her I loved her.
Oh! Too soon?
Yeah.
Maybe just a little too fast.
Yeah, well,
I've never said it since.
...For Auld Lang Syne
We'll take...
I think you're right.
I think, uh... music does mark
the memories.
Which is why I think a...
an amazing song needs
to be shared with the world.
Did you just
not so subtly violate
our no-song talk agreement? Oh, no.
Ah, that's right. No song talk.
Hmm. Your one condition.
Thank you.
I'm hungry.
Is the food good here?
Today was a good day.
So, do you feel differently now?
About what? Christmas.
Maybe there's more to it
than I thought.
Can I ask you something? Sure.
What happened
to Bailey's father?
Ah, that...
Michael left when Bai was seven.
He went to the store one evening
and never came back.
I'm sorry. That sounds tough.
I guess life turns out the way
it's supposed to.
I don't know
if I believe in all that
trusting the universe stuff.
I think you gotta bend life
to your will, you know?
If you want something,
you gotta go get it.
And how's that going for you?
Go ahead.
No. It can wait.
So, tell me something about you
that would surprise me.
Okay. Uh, I make a killer
pasta sauce.
Really?
Let me prove it to you.
How 'bout tomorrow night?
I'm making this look easy.
Hey! LUKE: Hey, you want to be
my sous-chef?
Yeah.
Wait, what's a shoe chef?
Come here.
All right,
you can help me out here.
Okay.
All right, you look almost
as cool as I do in my apron.
All right, grab some
of that parsley.Okay.
You're gonna stick it
right in here.
Okay.
All right, good.
Give that a stir.
Okay.
Perfect. You're a natural.
Okay, let me try it.
Oh, yeah, check that out.
Mm! Amazing.
Amazing. Bailey says it's good.
All right. You want to try
the spaghetti?
Yeah. Let's test it out here.
How do we do that? Okay. Ooh, ooh, hot!
Okay, take this.Okay.
All right, now,
throw it up at the ceiling.
If it sticks, it's done. BAILEY: Cool!
Um, excuse me.
You're not gonna...
One, two, three! One, two, three!
Oh.
It stayed! Let's eat!
All right.
You're... Oh, I'll get that down later.
Uh-huh.
I have to admit,
your sauce wasn't bad.
Mm-hmm. Our sauce, right Bailey?
Whatcha drawing, baby?
Um, it's a surprise. MELODY: Ah.
I don't believe it. Problem?
My new lead on toys
just fell through. This hurts.
These kids can't go without toys
at Christmas.
It's just not right.
That's too bad. It's more than too bad.
Toys create lasting memories
for kids at Christmas.
This is so frustrating.
I get it.
Hey, thanks for letting me
make you guys dinner.
You seem to enjoy cooking.
You cook often?
Yeah. Yeah, I do.
Though it's not as fun
cooking for one.
Katie and the carolers!
Okay. Bundle up.
How do you feel about caroling?
Hark! The herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King
Peace on earth
And mercy mild
God and sinners
Reconciled...
Hey, Brett. Yeah, hey.
...Joyful all
Ye nations rise
Join the triumph
Of the skies
With angelic host
Proclaim...
...Christ is born...
First the party
and now caroling?
What's come over you?
I don't know.
I think I'm getting caught up
in the magic
of a Jackson Woods Christmas.
Hmm. So, what's up
with you and Brett?
What do you mean? I have eyes.
I heard you two
grew up together.
He doesn't seem
to like you much.
People drift apart.
Is that what happened
with Brett?
I lost touch.
It's not just Brett. I mean...
lots of people,
friends I grew up with.
And why's that?
I don't know. Just focused
on success... Nashville.
Thought I needed a new set
of friends.
True friends are too rare
to just toss to the side.
Kara's been there for me.
Good times and bad.
When my mom died...
when Bailey's father left.
I don't know what I would
have done without her.
Oh! Wait, what? Oooh!
Oh.
Are you okay? Yeah.
Wow. You really are a klutz.
Well...
Well, should we get up now?
Hmm. Yes.
Okay.Okay.
You better not
drag me down again.
Wait, you dragged me down.
All right.
O Christmas tree
O Christmas tree
How lovely are your branches
O Christmas tree
O Christmas tree
How lovely are your branches
On Christmas Day...
Nobody sings like Melody.
Prettiest voice I ever heard.
...O Christmas tree
O Christmas...
Good night, you guys.
FEMALE VOICE: Good night.
Good night, you two. Good night.
Love you. MELODY: I love you back, baby.
You have a fun sleepover.
Okay. Bye, Luke. See ya.
Come on.
So, I'm flying solo tonight.
How about another slice
of that yummy pie?
Sounds perfect.
You work in the music business,
got any musical talents?
Yeah, I played first chair
kazoo in high school.
Uh, yeah, I play a little piano.
My parents had a Steinway.
Yum.
Too much money?
Bailey did that
when she was four.
For my birthday.
I think she was trying to say
her mommy is priceless.
It's cute.
Why don't we adjourn
to the living room?
So, what were your plans
for my song
if I had given you the rights?
Lindsay was gonna sing it live
for her Christmas Eve benefit.
Lindsay? Lindsay Wyatt.
You represent Lindsay Wyatt? I do.
She's huge.
Bailey's favorite singer.
And she loves your song.
She thinks it's special too.
Lindsay Wyatt heard my song.
So, wait, wait, wait.
She sent you to get the rights?
Mm-hmm.
Oh, wow. That's really cool.
Still doesn't change anything.
My reasons for saying no
are personal.
Okay. It's fine.
I'm curious about something.
Oh, yeah? What's that?
How good are you on the piano?
Well, we got that. What else do you got?
Ah, not really much
of a piano player.
But, you know what?
I know this one.
I know what you're doing.
Oh, you are such a salesman.
No wonder Mrs. Figgins
fell for you.
Only someone with real talent
could write a song like that.
What about the other songs
you've written?
Wow. Melody.
I'm impressed.
Ancient history.
I don't write anymore.
Why's that?
I moved on.
Besides, I'm a single mother.
I don't have the luxury
of impossible dreams.
That's too bad.
I was looking forward to hearing
one of these.
I always heard a song
is the window
to a writer's soul.
And you want to see
into my soul?
Just a peek.
Maybe someday.
I better call it a night.
I need to finish getting
these gift bags ready
for the Angels.Oh.
Come on, I'll let you out. All right.
Did I say something wrong?
No. No, I just...
I gave up on that dream
a long time ago.
And I'm okay with that.
I don't believe you.
I think music
still inspires you.
And I think you got a lot left
inside you.
Look, whether you give me
your song or not,
I hope you don't give up
on music.
Thanks.
I had a nice time tonight.
Good night, Luke.
Luke.
Ted. Thanks for, uh,
thanks for picking up.
Listen, um, I need a favor.
A favor? Yeah, from your music charity.
And lest we forget
the double date prom night
from hell. MELODY: Oh.
Where both Justin and Tommy
forgot their wallet.
I will never believe
they didn't plan that.
Worst prom ever.
Okay, enough of that.
Here, a toast.
To love and friendship.
Love and friendship.
So, enough about friendship.
Let's talk about love.
You seem smitten.
Smitten? Oh, come on, Kara. No.
No. It's just
because it's the holidays.
And you know
how much I love Christmas.
It has nothing to do with Luke.
Oh, you said Luke, not me.
You and Luke,
you have a connection.
It's so obvious.
Kara, he's just here
to try and get my song.
So? That doesn't mean
he's not into you.
Besides, you are a catch
and Luke sees that.
What? How do you know
what he sees?
Because I see it.
You're special.
You know what I think?
I think Luke
gets under your skin.
He makes you think about things
you don't really want
to think about. Like what?
Singing, music.
That's crazy. And besides, I...
I no longer have the luxury
of impossible dreams.
Right.
What happened to dream big
and let your dreams
be your wings?
I never said that. Your
senior yearbook quote.
You gotta be kidding me.
You remember that?
Mm-hmm.Oh.
Look, all I know is that Luke
has feelings for you.
I know it, you know it.
And you know what?
I think you feel the same.
Checkmate.
I guess I'm buying
dinner tonight.
Mm-hmm.Mm-hmm.
Thanks for coming out.
I wasn't sure that you would.
Well, I wasn't going to, but...
Melody said I should
at least give you a shot.
Besides, I'm not one
to pass up a beer.
Especially when somebody else
is buying.
Look, Brett, I'm, uh...
not really good
at apologies, you know?
Why'd you leave like that, Luke?
I mean, we can be honest
right now, right?
Did I do something wrong, or...
No, man. It wasn't you.
It was...
I don't know.
I guess I thought in order
to find success
I needed to... erase my past.
Reinvent myself.
And you needed new friends
for that?
You were there for me
when no one else was.
I'm sorry I didn't return
that favor.
When's the last time you've seen
the guys?
I don't even know.
I got all caught up in trying
to be somebody.
You already were somebody
to us, man.
Number 84,
Luke "Butterfingers" Dawson.
Man, you drop one pass,
you're branded for life.
Hey, you know the annual game's
coming up, right?
Game?
Yeah, we get together
every New Year's Day,
play a little bit of flag
football with the old team.
Bring the families together,
have a big cookout.
Oh, man I'm sorry I missed that.
Yeah, well, you know,
we called you at first,
but you never really responded.
I want to be better...
a better friend.
True friends are too rare
to just toss aside.
I'll tell you what, you show up
to this year's game,
and bring the beer...
I might just forgive you.
Consider it done.
To old friends and fresh starts.
Cheers.Cheers.
I did kick your butt at darts,
you gotta admit it,
you're still Butterfingers,
still Butterfingers.
Man, we gotta do this again
and I don't mean in 15 years.
You got it. Sounds good.
Hey, you need a ride?
Uh, I think I'm gonna hang out
for a bit.
All right, man.
Hey. Hey!
So?
How'd it go with Brett?
Good. We worked it out over
a game of darts at Charlie's.
Fun bar. Thanks for the assist,
by the way.
Actually, you know what?
You haven't even seen the best
part of Jackson Woods yet.
Oh, no?
Come on.
I want to show you something.
All right.
So peaceful.
This is where I come to think...
and write.
Ever since high school.
I wrote "When Christmas
Was Young here".
So, tell me something,
how did you get started
in being a music manager anyway?
Let's see,
when I first started off
I just was going to clubs
and coffee houses,
just looking
for that fresh voice.
That one talent that would
launch my career.
And then one night I ended up
in this
beer joint called Brandy's...
and, uh...
that's when I saw her
for the first time.
She was by herself on stage...
beat up guitar, microphone.
That was the night
I met Lindsay Wyatt.
And she signed on and more
clients followed and then, uh...
Shoot, before I knew it
I had it all.
So, what happened?
I Googled you
I know you got fired.
I don't know.
I guess I started believing
my own press clippings.
The Luke Dawson hype
became my reality.
Dangerous.Yeah.
Maybe I lost my way, got swept
up in things that don't matter,
but I still know talent.
And when I heard your voice,
when I heard your song...
I had that same feeling I did
when I first heard Lindsay.
It makes me wonder...
why'd you give up on music?
Really?
I moved on. I don't believe you.
The truth is... I'm afraid.
Afraid?
I'm a single mother.
My dad's on his own,
there's the restaurant.
I have responsibilities.
And what if I fall in love
with performing all over again
and... it doesn't happen?
I don't know if I could face
another heartbreak.
Not long after I graduated
from college...
I decided to leave Jackson Woods
and head to Music City.
I thought I could just show up
on a Monday in Nashville
and get a record deal by Friday.
The reality was a bit different.Yeah.
I couldn't get a meeting,
much less a chance
to sing any of my songs.
And then you... Oh, man.
I remember sitting
on your waiting room couch,
clutching at my demo.
So excited to meet this hot,
young new music manager.
And then you finally came out
of your office and...
before I could even get
my name out...
you walk right past me
and out the door.
As if I wasn't even there.
I'm so sorry.
I can't believe I did that.
When I was in Nashville,
I got a call
that my mom was sick.
So, I put away my dreams
and headed home.
She needed me. Dad too.
After Mom passed,
I realized that maybe
her getting sick when she did
was a sign that my musical
dreams just weren't meant to be.
I wish that you believed
in your gift. As much as I do.
If you don't do it for yourself,
do it for Bailey.
If she sees you following
your dream,
maybe she'll have the courage
one day to follow hers.
Lindsay, I told you I'd get you
the song, Okay.
Don't worry. I got this.
"Don't worry.
I got this. Consider it done."
Luke... Luke will you just stop
with the empty promises, okay?
I built my finale
around this song.
If you don't close the deal,
you're fired.
Hello? Are you alive?
Good news,
songwriter just texted.
The deal's now closed.
"When Christmas Was Young"
is now yours.
Good! Okay.
Good work, Luke.
It's gonna be so worth it.
I'll see you at the show.Yeah.
Mom, Luke's brought us gifts.
You can go first.
Okay.
Oh. Wow!
This is awesome. Thank you.
Can you help? Yeah.
Thank you.
Thank you, I love it.
So, you don't forget
who you are.
Hmm. Okay, your turn.
Okay. Here goes.
Oh, Luke...
This is so beautiful.
And then wind it up
with the key there.
"Auld Lang Syne."
I love it. Thank you.
Luke, we have one for you.
All right! Here you go.
Go on and open it. Don't mind if I do.
Oh, man.
This is perfect.
Do you like it?
Oh, like it? I love it.
This is...
Thank you. Those gifts
were incredibly thoughtful.
You're welcome.
Can this day get any better?
I can think of one thing
that'd make it better.
An inspiring and heartfelt
Christmas song.
You are relentless.
When I believe
in something, yeah.
On that note.
My Christmas gift to you.
I wrote my first song
when I was 15.
Songwriting's like my journal.
Melody...
This is the best Christmas gift
I've ever gotten.
Maybe some of these
are even worth recording.
So, are you saying you...
I want you to represent me.
Would you want to be my manager?
I'd be honored.
So, have you thought about
where you want to start?
I've been thinking about
getting out there
and performing again.
We can make that happen.
We can do that.
You believe in my gift
and I believe in yours.
And I want
"When Christmas Was Young"
to be my first single.
Melody, this is...
this is so great and...
and you should definitely
record that song.
As your manager...
I feel obligated to tell you
that if Lindsay records it...
you're gonna get paid.
And I mean, really well.
And you can use that money
to launch your career.
You can still record it, just,
it'll already be a hit by then,
but...
"When Christmas Was Young"
is more than just another song
to me.
I wrote it... as a gift
to my mom,
I sang it to her on her
last Christmas Eve.
Though I didn't know it
at the time.
She loved it.
Said it reminded her
of our family Christmases
when I was little.
How special they were.
Mom would have wanted me
to record it first.
So, are you in?
Of course.
Okay, look, I...
I gotta get going.
Get going? I make you my manager
and you're already
running out on me?
Your new manager's
gotta tell Lindsay
that she can't record the song.
A new artist is gonna cut it.
Okay.
We'll touch base later, yeah?
I'll let myself out.Okay.
Linds', it's Luke.
Please call me,
I have an update.
It's very important
we speak right away.
Linds, it's me again.
Please call me back.
I really need to speak to you.
Country Heart 99 welcomes
the one and only, Lindsay Wyatt.
Good morning, Lindsay.
LINDSAY: Well, good morning.
Alexa, volume to eight.
Okay, Lindsay,
off the air you were telling us
about a new song
you were excited to debut
this Christmas Eve.Hmm.
Mm-hmm. That's right.
And it's called
"When Christmas Was Young"
and I'm so excited
to be singing it
for the first time
tomorrow night at The Pearl.
So, tell us a little bit
about how this song came to be.
Alexa, volume zero. LINDSAY:
Well I was in the...
Don't be a stranger, Dawson.
LUKE: You can count on it.
I'll see you at the game
on the 1st.
Melody?
Brett, Emily, do you mind?
I need a moment with Luke.
Yeah, sure, we'll just... Take your time.
I was just on my way over
to give you the good news... How could you?
How could I... You gave away a song
that wasn't yours to give.
And after everything
I shared with you,
after I asked you
to be my manager?
I never should have trusted you!
Melody, please, let me explain.
I just heard Lindsay
on the radio,
gushing over her new song
that she's gonna sing
at the Christmas Eve benefit,
"When Christmas Was Young."
My song! I told... when I..
No, I don't want to hear
any more of your explanations!
Just the truth, Luke.
You owe me that!
I'm trying to tell you.
You lied to Lindsay
and you told her
I gave you the rights
to my song.
No! I... I mean, yes,
I did, but...
I'm not surprised
your clients left you.
They must have felt betrayed.
Who knows how many times
you've been lying to them too.
Melody...
I was fine
with letting go of my dream.
Until you showed up.
I never should have let you in.
Melody, I talked to Lindsay.
No, you're exactly the person
I thought you were
the first time you walked
into Smokey's.
Melody, I need you
to hear me out.
It's not what you think.
Luke, get your hand
off the door.
I just need two minutes.
Luke, I thought I made
myself clear. Your time is up.
I'm gonna get this out.
I came to Jackson Woods
to make a deal, all right?
I made lots of deals before
and I thought
this would be easy.
I'd just swoop in,
wow you with promises
of fame and fortune
and voila, you'd sign over
your song and I'd be on my way.
Client happy, career saved.
But then I met you.
And at first you were a total
mystery to me.
But then you made me see
my life...
in a whole new way.
Melody, "When Christmas
Was Young" is an amazing song
and the world needs to hear it.
But it shouldn't be on my terms,
it shouldn't be on Lindsay's.
It shouldn't be on anyone's
but yours.
I called Lindsay and I told her
she couldn't have the song.
She fired me.
So, if this ends here,
if this is the last time
I see you then just...
Promise me. Promise me you won't
give up on your dreams.
'Cause I'd hate to think
that I was the cause
of you giving up something
that you truly cared about.
Something that you
were born to do.
I have to go.
Goodbye, Luke.
I'm just sick about the toys.
I know. The kids are gonna
be so disappointed. I...
Hey.
You did everything you could.
Looks like we got
a last-minute delivery.
What is it?
I have 200 more in the van.
It's a mini keyboard.
Who are they from?
Uh, it says Ted Grimes
Music Academy.
Never heard of it. Oh, yeah. Sign.
Dawson Grimes.
Mom, it's just like the one
you had when you were little.
Yeah. You're right.
Awesome news, everybody.
Looks like we're gonna
have a musical Christmas
for the kids this year.
Okay, okay, everybody.
There's a lot of work to do.
Let's go.
You okay?
It's Luke.
He hurt me and...
then he comes
through with 200 keyboards
for the kids.
I just don't know
which is the real Luke.
I don't know if I can trust him
and... I'm afraid.
I'm afraid if I give him
a second chance...
I know all about second chances.
Thank goodness your mother
gave me one.
Or else you wouldn't be here.
But I thought you two always
had this perfect relationship.
There's no such thing.
Soon after we got married...
I had a few lessons to learn
about being a good husband.
I learned them.
And your mother forgave me.
I was smart enough
not to let her down again.
Luke wants my song.
The Christmas song
I wrote for Mom.
Well, if you're holding
onto that song
for your mother's sake,
then know this...
your mother was proud of you
and she just wanted you
to be happy.
So, I know she'd want you
to go after your dream.
And, sometimes, dreams come true
in the most unexpected ways.
Dad...
She's watching over you.
I miss her.
Yeah.
It isn't Christmas
Without you here
It isn't Christmas
Without you near...
...It isn't Christmas
It isn't Christmas
It won't be Christmas
Without you here
Joy to the world
The Lord has come
Let earth receive
Her King
I'm happy if you guys are happy.
Sounds fabulous.
Yeah?
Hey. LINDSAY: Hey.
You showed.
You invited me.
Hey, uh, Linds, just to confirm,
"When Christmas Was Young"
is back on the set list.
Yes, yes. Wait, wait, wait, no, no, no,
I told you Melody didn't
give you the rights to that.
What are you... MELODY:
You sure about that?
- Lindsay, I'm Melody Douglass.
- Hello!
It is such a pleasure
to meet you at last!
Oh, um... Oh, I guess, uh...
we should fill you in.
Your former assistant Stacy
gave Melody my number
and she called me,
filled me in on everything
and said that
I could have the song
on two conditions.
First being that I rehire this,
this manager of mine.
And that she could invite as,
as many people as she wanted
to the show.
Melody, are you...
are you okay with this?
Yeah, I'm sure.
And you were right.
I'm not ready to give up
on any of my dreams.
And what better way
to launch my career
than to have Lindsay
singing my song here tonight.
Thank you.
Lindsay, do you mind?
My daughter is a huge fan.
- Oh, no, of course.
- I'd love to meet her.
Smile, Luke. You just got
your Christmas wish.
Lindsay,
this is my daughter, Bailey.
Hi! Hi.
You're so cool.
I can't believe I'm meeting you.
I can't believe I'm meeting you.
Come on, I have a spot for you
to watch from backstage.
Okay.
Thank you. LINDSAY: Thank you.
Have a great show. Thank you.
Hmm. So, seems like the client
made the deal this time, huh?
It does kind of look that way.
Hey, Linds, I got a big favor
to ask you.
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
Sleep in heavenly
Peace
Whoo!
Once upon a time,
a singer wrote a song about
how Christmas used to feel
when we were kids.
When our hearts were pure
and our dreams,
filled with hope and magic.
It's a song about love.
It's called
"When Christmas Was Young."
Now, please welcome her
to the stage
to sing it with me.
Melody Douglass.
No, Luke.
Luke, I can't.
Yes, you can. No, I, I...
It's too much,
there's so many people
and I haven't rehearsed it
and I'm afraid.
Mom. You can do it.
Melody, I believe in you.
Okay.
Come on,
they're waiting for you.
Wow.
Hi. Wow.
Okay.
Okay.
String the lights
On the roof
Place a star on the tree
The house is filled
With carols
Being sung by family
All the children
Gather round
With wonder in their eyes
What will be the holiday
Surprise
Wherever a star Wherever a star
Shines so bright Shines so bright
A choir sings O, Holy Night
A choir sings O, Holy Night
That's when the Christmas
That's when the Christmas
Spirit comes alive Spirit comes alive
We'll gather around We'll gather around
And we'll pray And we'll pray
That love will find its way
That love will find its way
To everyone To everyone
Just like it was
When Christmas was young
When Christmas was young
Life keeps marching along
So many loved ones gone on
So we're in the attic
Here's a box filled
With Christmas songs
When it's time to celebrate
The day the Lord was born
We'll fill the house
With happy sounds
Like every year before
Wherever a star Wherever a star
Shines so bright Shines so bright
And a choir sings And a choir sings
O, Holy Night O, Holy Night
That's when the Christmas
That's when the Christmas
Spirit comes alive Spirit comes alive
We'll gather around
We'll gather around
And we'll pray And we'll pray
That love will find its way
That love will find its way
To everyone To everyone
Just like It was
When Christmas When Christmas
Was young Was young
Ooh, and even though
Ooh, and even though
The years spread The years spread
Far and wide Far and wide
We come together it's like
We come together it's like
No time has gone by No time has gone by
Wherever a star shines
Wherever a star shines
So bright So bright
And a choir sings And a choir sings
O, Holy Night O, Holy Night
That's when
The Christmas spirit
Comes alive
We'll gather around
We'll gather around
And we'll pray And we'll pray
That love will find its way
That love will find its way
To everyone To everyone
Just like it was Just like it was
When Christmas was young
When Christmas was young
Just like it was Just like it was
When Christmas was young
When Christmas was young
Ooh...
Thank you. Wow.
Thank you so much. Thank you.
Wasn't she amazing?
Way to go, Mom.
I love you.
You sounded incredible.
Thank you.
I couldn't have done
any of this without you.
Bailey was right about you.
Oh, yeah? About what?
You really are too much money.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Merry Christmas all!
Merry Christmas!
Deck the halls
With boughs of holly
Fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la
'Tis the season to be jolly
Fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la
Don we now
Our gay apparel
Fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la
Troll the ancient
Yuletide carol
Fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la
Fa-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la
Okay, my turn.
Okay, fingers.
Okay, I can do it.Okay. Let's hear it.
Very good. You got it.
I messed up a little.
It's fine.
I only just taught it to you.
Did you always do music, Mom?
Since I was a little girl.
I had one of those toy pianos
and I would just sit all day
and just plunk away...
just making noise, basically.
You love it, huh, Mom? Yeah.
Music is...
Do you know
how you love to draw?
Yeah.
So, you picture in your head
what you're gonna draw
before you draw it, right?
Mm-hmm. I guess so.
Well, writing songs
is kind of the same.
You hear it first in your head
and then your heart
and then you write it all down,
so, you don't forget.
At least it's how it works
for me.
Only, I use notes.
And then it's forever.
Then why don't you be a singer?
Because I already have two jobs
that I love.
Running Smokey's
and being your mom.
I wouldn't trade the second one
for anything else in the world.
And besides...
I can always sing for fun.
Yeah.
Christmas cookies! Oh, okay.
Be careful! Don't forget
to use an oven mitt.
Love you, Momma.
Hello, Nashville music fans,
this is Lindsay Wyatt.
I wanted to invite y'all
to join me for my annual
Christmas benefit concert live
at the Pearl Auditorium
this Christmas Eve
and it'll also be simulcast
right here on Country 99.
Everybody heading home
This year
For Christmas time...
Dawson Grimes, please hold.
Kids and cousins
And families dear...
Dawson Grimes, please hold.
Everybody's heading
home this year
Dawson Grimes, please hold.
Fa-la-la-la, la-a-la...
He had a rough night,
so, speak softly.
Fa-la-la-la-la-a...
Boss,
your noon has arrived. No!
Push everything to later today.
Better yet, tomorrow.
He's already here.
Hi.
Damn. He is.
Stacy, coffee, please. On it.
Name? Chad Madison.
Nope, that's not gonna work.
It's too vanilla.
You got a middle name, Chad?
Dean? Dean. Chad Dean.
That sounds like
a country singer.
You got Tylenol, Chad Dean?
No, sir. I don't think so. Aspirin?
All right.
Come on, I don't got all day.
Oh, okay.
I can head out
On the dance floor
Find a pretty girl
And drink some more
I can call all my friends
Tell 'em that I'm free again
All right, all right.
Enough, enough, enough, enough.
What is that? A love song.
Tell me something, Chad.
You ever had your heart broken?
Who was she? Amber.
And what did Amber do?
She cheated on me
with the bartender
at the Lucky Penny.
Write that! Be specific!
Write the Lucky Penny.
Let it bleed onto the page.
Write the first time
you saw her.
Write about the moment
you fell in love with her
and write about the bitter,
soul-crushing pain
when she betrayed you.
Write Amber.
And when it's perfect,
email it to me
and I'll check it out.
Boss, Ted would like to see you
in his office.
Did he say what it's about? Nope.
Well, wish me luck.
Hey, guys. Good to see you. Hi.Hey.
Happy Holidays.
Hey guys, you guys doing well?
MALE VOICE: Hey, Melody.
Thank you so much for coming.
Thank you.
Hi. You good? You're all set?
Hi, guys.Hi.
You ready? Yep.
Hello everybody!
I'm Santa's helper.
My Dad, Smokey, and I just want
to wish you all a big welcome
to our restaurant
and just a reminder
that we are still looking
for volunteers again this year.
Come and help us
bring some Christmas joy... Yeah.
To needy
Jackson Woods families.
Thank you, thank you
and Happy Holidays!
Providing musical
instruments to kids everywhere.
Great presentation, everyone.
Okay, make those changes
and get it back to me
by end of day tomorrow.
Thank you.
LUKE You wanted to see me?
A half hour ago.
I already donated
to your poor kids music thing,
if that's what this is about.
Not what this is about.
So, you probably heard
I, uh, dropped Billy last night?
Don't worry...
I let him down easy.
I did hear.
And so did everybody else
in town.
Congratulations,
you're trending.
I don't care about your Grammys!
You were nothing before I found
you singing in that rathole.
I made you.
So, if you think
you can drop me,
I've got news for you, buddy.
I'm dropping you!
Can you believe
he wanted to fire me?
Luke, we need to talk.
I brought in every major act
we have!
Me, not you! I'm the closer!
Cover of Music News magazine,
May 4th, 2018.
Luke Dawson, the Closer.
You have become a liability.
A liability?
You tell anyone who will listen
that you are the creative genius
behind our success.
Your ego is out of control
and we can't fit it
in here anymore!
I co-founded this company.
You can't let me go.
My name's on the wall.
You know how it works.
The Board has voted,
it was unanimous,
and you are out.
Fine. I'll take my roster
and go.
We'll see how long
you guys last.
Your clients are staying
with us.
I've already locked them up.
It was easy,
they wanted to stay.
Ted.
You can't take my clients.
I'm sorry, man,
but it's already done.
New server's cute, huh, Kenny?
Why don't you go over
and introduce yourself?
Her name's Olivia.
No way, that would be so lame.
What? Girls like confident guys.
She's probably waiting for you
to make the first move.
I hear she's into yoga.
You can always talk to her
about that.
What...
Well, that's great advice
for Kenny.
Yeah. But what about you? Hmm?
That guy at table seven's
got a huge crush on you.
He's been back two days
in a row.
Dad, he keeps showing up
because you keep
encouraging him.
I'll let you know
if and when I'm on the market.
Angie, it's Luke.
If you decide to stay with me
I will continue to fight
for you, if...
Tye! Text me back.
I really need to talk to you...
AUTOMATED VOICE: This mailbox is full.
Lindsay! Thanks for calling
me back.
Can I, uh, can I buy you lunch,
late lunch, drinks, dinner?
Yeah? Yeah.
I can make that work.
Yeah, I'll be right there.
Deck the halls
With boughs of holly
Fa-la-la-la-la,
La-la-la-la
'Tis the season to be jolly
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Troll the ancient
Yuletide carol
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Fa-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la
Great session, Lindsay.
Yay! Awesome. PRODUCER: Hey.
Thank you. Amazing. PRODUCER: All right,
that's a wrap for today.
Oh, hey you. Sounding good.
Thank you.
It's so good to see you.
Come here.
Well, thank you.
And thank you
for dropping me off at home.
Hey, just like the old days
after a gig, right?
Before anyone knew your name.
Oh boy.
Oh, sorry about that.
I got to move those.
I should probably
throw them away.
What's this?
"When Christmas Was Young?"
I've been looking
for an original Christmas song.
Let's give it a spin.
String the lights
On the roof
Place a star on the tree
The house is filled
With carols
Being sung by family
Just like it was
When Christmas
Was young
Ooh...
Wow.Huh.
Um...
Luke, that...
That... that song is amazing.
That song... It's so sweet
and... and nostalgic.
Who's Melody Douglass?
I don't know, just some wannabe
singer-songwriter.
Luke, when I was listening
just now, it was like...
I could
imagine being back...
under the mistletoe,
kissing my first boyfriend.
I felt... I felt this...
this connection, you know?
I want it.
You want it?
I want to sing it
at my Christmas Eve benefit.
At the Pearl. In seven days?
Mm-hmm. Go get it for me.
You just work that...
Luke Dawson magic.
You get me that
and you're still my manager.
Consider it done.
Okay.
Where the hell is Jackson Woods?
Coming!
Luke? Dawson?
Brett Mayfield? Look at you.
What are you doing?
You live here in Jackson Woods?
Yeah, uh, my wife and I,
we bought the place
a few years back.
You're married?
So, how can I help you?
Uh, looking for a room.
Preferably a suite on the top
floor if you've got it.
Hey, honey,
we're all out of 60 watt.
Oh, hello.
Uh, Luke Dawson,
this is my wife, Emily.
Sweetheart, Luke and I we grew
up together in Knoxville.
You're gonna be a dad?
Sure am.
Wow.
Uh, sweetie,
can you please take a look... All right.
To see what's available
for Mr. Dawson here. Oh, yeah.
Uh... Goodnight Moon
and the Giving Treeare ready.
You name your rooms
after children's books, cute.
Upstairs and to the right.
Hey, you guys wouldn't
happen to know
a Melody Douglass, would you?
Yeah, her family owns Smokey's
Barbecue, over on 4th there.
Thanks man. Good to see ya.
Welcome to Smokey's.
How many this evening?
Uh, what's your name?
Olivia.
Olivia, I'm going to need
a table away from children,
please.
Actually, never mind,
I found one.
Oh, uh, sir, you have to let...
Dude!
Nothing to see here, folks.
You okay, Kenny? I'm good.
Get yourself cleaned up,
and I'll take care of this.
Thanks, boss.
Your busboy was distracted.
Right. Maybe you should
not have been texting.
Well, feel free to pitch in.
LUKE: That's all right.
I'm looking for Melody Douglass,
do you know her?
What if I do?
Then I'd like an introduction.
And why would Melody
want to meet you?
It's confidential.
Here, you can take that
in the kitchen
and dump it in the trash.
I'm... Do you always put
your customers to work?
Well, you're not a customer yet.
Well, this has been a joy,
but I gotta go.
Everything good there, Melody?
Yeah, I just gotta deal
with the food delivery issue.
Make sure you rinse the tub
when you're done.
Melody? Melody Douglass?
Luke Dawson.
The national talent manager.
Dawson and Grimes,
that Luke Dawson.
Manager of the Year,
three years in a row.
Oh, yeah. Yeah, I remember you.Yeah.
I tried to see you years ago,
but you didn't have any time
for me.
Finally have an opening
in that busy schedule of yours,
Mr. Dawson?
Yeah, I do have an opening,
for you.
I'm here to put you
on the map, Melody.
That's what I do.
I make careers happen.
Oh, wow.
So, you're gonna make
all my dreams come true?
That's right. And all I need
are the rights to your song.
And which song
would that be for?
I've written a lot of songs.
"When Christmas Was Young."
I don't want to oversell it,
it's a nice little song.
Make a few tweaks,
we rearrange the chord structure
and it could be something good.
We could do the deal right now
if you like.
Just like that? Huh. Just like that.
No deal.
My nice little song isn't for sale.
Uh... this is a dream
come true for you.
What do you know
about my dreams?
I recommend the chicken
and ribs special.
Maybe you should get it to go.
Be sure to clean up first, yeah?
Linds'.LINDSAY: Hey, Luke.
Um, I'm in the studio,
about the lay down the demo.
Uh, please tell me
that you have the rights
locked up?
I'm working on it.
I'm in Jackson Woods
with the writer right now
about to make her dreams
come true.
Awesome. Great. Well, I knew
I could count on you. Later.
Hi, uh, if you could
send someone
to check the heat in my room
that would be great.
It got a little chilly
last night.
That someone would be my husband
and there are extra blankets
in the closet.
Okay.
You know, you really hurt Brett.
Hmm?
He said you were like brothers
growing up.
Before you cut him off.
I didn't cut him off. It...
We grew apart. It's natural.
It wasn't personal.
It was, to Brett.
He said you were practically
inseparable.
That you spent nearly
every weekend at his house.
Yeah. Yeah, that's true.
His house was a lot more fun
than mine.
And then when you graduated
you were just gone.
Like your best friend
never existed.
I have to run these boxes
of Santa chocolates
over to Melody's. Oh, hey.
Did you just say Melody?
BRETT: Yeah, Douglass.
The woman you were asking about.
She actually runs Smokey's
Christmas Angels.
It's the town's, you know,
local charity drive.
Mind if I tag along?
I wouldn't mind checking it out.
Maybe I could help?
Sure. All right.
Looking good, everybody.
You're gonna make all our angel
families very happy.
Hey. Hey there, Brett. Whatcha got?
We have chocolate Santas
ready for delivery.
Well done, you.
Kara, this is Luke.
We grew up together.
Pleased to meet you, Luke. LUKE: Likewise.
We have chocolate Santas!
Yay. Thanks, Brett.
Brett, follow me.
We can put these over here.
Hey.
Oh, uh... the Dishonator
returns.
Good one.
So, uh, how's this all work?
Uh, we deliver Christmas care
packages to needy families.
It seems like a lot of work.
Why don't you just
order it online,
have it delivered.
It's not just about the gift.
It's also the love and the care
that goes in the giving.
Ah.
Besides, we rely on our donors
for everything.
Are you here to volunteer?
Sure.
Great. Great.
Um, follow me.
Uh... Luke, Olivia.
We've met.
Luke's gonna take over here
for a little while.
Just show him once
and then he's on his own.
Uh, Okay.
I'll make a deal with you.
I'll wrap presents and you talk
to me about your song.
I thought I made myself clear
last evening.
I'm not interested in giving
you the rights to my song.
It's a good song.
I think it could be...
Oh, so, now it's a good song.
I thought it needed work.
It's an excellent song.
It just needs a little polish.
Mom, who's this?
Uh, hi. I'm Luke. Luke Dawson.
I work in the music business.
And you are?
I'm Bailey. Bailey Douglass.
- I work in the kid business.
- It's nice to meet you.
Okay, Bai', um, back to work.
Make sure you girls
aren't fooling around.
Okay. She's funny.
Yeah. Barrel of laughs.
Wrap gifts or don't wrap gifts,
but just stay out of the way.
Melody. I got the toy donor
on the phone.
Says they can't deliver
for at least
another couple of weeks.
Christmas Eve's in six days.
That's not gonna work.
So... Hi.
Yes, this is Melody.
Thank you so much
for calling me back, uh...
We haven't met. I'm Smokey,
Melody's dad.
Luke Dawson, pleasure.
So, I heard. Big time Nashville
music manager.
Welcome to Jackson Woods.Thanks.
Smokey? Smokey, uh,
the canned food items are here.
Important stuff. Excuse me.
Yep.
So, what can Emily and I
bring to the party tonight?
Just your game faces.
You know how much we love games.
That we can do.Okay.
Uh, you can come.
Uh, he's probably busy.
Yeah, I don't... I don't really
do Christmas parties.
And I don't know anyone, so...
Well, you know Brett,
and now me. And Melody.
You know what? Work can wait.
Count me in.
Great.
Sure, let's do it. Is it uh...
Uh, you're gonna have to show me
this whole thing again.
Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way
Bells on bobtails ring
Making spirits bright...
Oh, can someone get that?
...What fun it is... On it!
...To laugh and sing
A sleighing song tonight...
Seasons' greetings.
Aren't you that songwriter
who refuses to accept
the opportunity of a lifetime?
It won't work. LUKE: What won't work?
Charming my friends into getting
me to sign over my song.
You're not that charming
and I'm too stubborn.
Challenge accepted.
Okay, new category.
Christmas songs.
Brett, you are up. All right!
Come on, Brett! You got this, babe.
All right.
Okay, sometime
before next Christmas, Brett.
Yeah! Let's go! Okay, hold on. Okay, wait.
Just draw!
Okay... uh, sword. FEMALE
VOICE: Uh, I don't know.
The... "Silent Night!"
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Okay. Boo-yeah!
Okay. FEMALE VOICE: Okay. Here we go.
Okay.
Oh. Uh... Wait, wait, wait...
Uh... uh...
Uh... "Grandma Got Ran Over
by a Reindeer!"
Yes! Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!
Who are you?
Here we go.
I don't know.
An ornament!
Not getting it.
That Christmas Blob?
A holiday classic.
Oh. Oh! KARA: Okay, ten seconds!
Okay, okay. Uh...
Um... Not getting it. Hmm...
Ring! Ring! Ring! BRETT: Yeah, yeah, yeah!
Rock?
Bell?
"Jingle Bell Rock.""Jingle Bell Rock."
Yes!
Yes!
"Jingle Bell Rock."
Emily, you're up.
Okay, okay,
here comes the pregnant lady.
Go Emily! Go Emily! BRETT: Em-ily.
Mm. The pie's tasty.
Is that your recipe?
Uh-huh.
All right. So, you were pretty good
at the game.
Not really a Christmas guy,
but I know all the songs.
Lots of my clients have done
Christmas albums.
So, not into Christmas?
Well, my parents
never really celebrated it.
All my presents were clothes
or ties, the odd pair of socks.
I just kind of developed this
"So, what?" Attitude
about the holiday.
Doesn't mean I don't love
your song, though...
You just can't control yourself,
can you?
I am the best at what I do.
So, what about your parents?
They still around?
Yeah, technically.
I think they're in Tahiti
or Bora Bora right now.
I'm not sure. Got it. Not close.
They hoped for a doctor.
So, no wife?
Ex-wife? Wife-to-be?
Nope. Never really found anyone
who could check all my boxes.
Oh, yeah right.
Typical guy thing to say.
Men never think that maybe
it's them coming up short
in the box-checking department.
Oh, yeah? I don't see
any hardware on your finger.
What about you?
Too personal. That's cool.
Redirect.
How come you're no longer
pursuing a career in music?
That part of my life is over.
Okay, Mel.
It is time for the annual Melody
Douglass Christmas Concert.
Let's go. Your fans are waiting.
Oh. Uh... why don't you
go on ahead?
I can finish up.
Don't want to leave
your fans waiting.
Ha, ha, ha.
O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant
O come ye
O come ye
To Bethlehem
Come and behold Him
Born the King of Angels
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us
Adore Him
Christ
The Lord
Good night, you two.
Good night! LUKE: Good night.
Well... Good night.Well... uh, good night.
Are you okay to walk home
by yourself?
Yeah. Of course.Okay.
Okay. All right.
Um... Sorry, you go first...
No, no, you.
How 'bout I walk on the other
side of the street...
and like three yards back,
is that...
I guess we can walk together.
That was really fun, actually.
Ron and Kara are great. Yeah, the best.
They've been throwing
that Christmas party
for over a decade now.Oh.
So, what about you?
How do you usually spend
your Christmas
since you're not really into it?
Well, let's see.
Last year I took clients
to Vegas in the company jet.
Gambled all night,
slept all day.
The year before that,
Monte Carlo.
And this year?
Still up in the air.
I love Christmas.
I especially love finding
the perfect gift.
I spend all year round trying
to find something special
for my friends and family,
so, they feel cherished
and cared for.
Listen, Melody, about that song.
Let me tell you
what I'm thinking...
No, no, no.
Pitching hours are over.
Just relax.
Enjoy this moment,
under the stars.
Shooting star! Where?
Where? If you have to ask
then you're too late.
Okay, this isn't a pitch,
but just hear me out.
I will get you a killer deal.
This is what I do.
I know, I know, pitching hours.
But I believe in this song.
And you do know how many
singer-songwriters
would kill for the opportunity
that I'm offering you.
I'm not a million others.
I'm just me.
I know, but... Look. I get it.
You're here for business
and that's fine.
It's what you do.
But I'm not sure how many more
ways I can tell you
that I'm not interested
in giving you that song.
I know you said that, but...
I'm not interested.
Goodbye, Luke.
I'm not giving up.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Okay, Angels.
There's only five days
till Christmas.
Be sure to bundle up out there
and have fun.
And go spread
some Christmas cheer.
Uh, another lead on toys.
It's a long shot, but we've got
nothing left to lose.
Kara, thank you.
You again. Ready to help.
Yeah, see, the thing is,
I'm not sure if you're really
here to help or just to stalk.
No, families in need
are a good cause.
I want to do my part.
Melody, I told Olivia
I was thinking of trying yoga.
Progress.
Maybe I can ask her to take
a class together some time.
Yeah. LUKE: Careful, dude.
You don't want to be
too available.
She won't respect you. Namaste.
Don't listen to what he says.
You just keep being you,
and doing what you're doing.
I'm just trying to save the kid
heartbreak down the road.
Do you really want to help?
Just show me how.
Fine, I will. Let's see.
Um...
Looks like everyone is paired up
for the Christmas errands. Huh.
Aw, bummer. So, you and me then?
No, that's not a good idea.
Come on, I'll play nice.
No selling me. Wouldn't dream of it.
I'm in charge. I'm okay with that.
Okay, great let's go.
Oh!
Another house?
I don't think I could lift
another Christmas tree
or hang another Christmas light.
One more. And I saved
the best house for last.
Mrs. Figgins isn't exactly
a people person.
Don't take it personally.
I'll be good.
Okay. Don't say
I didn't warn you.
We need to say hello
and then we need to grab
the decorations and the lights
from the shed out in the back.
All right.
Hi, Mrs. Figgins.
It's Melody and Luke
from Smokey's Christmas Angels.
Can you believe
it's been a year?
Yeah. Told ya.
Ooh, hello George.
Huh? Her husband.
Died five years ago.
She was actually
a friendly person
when George was alive.
I look good, right?
You look ridiculous.
Um, I think I have the perfect
job for you.
How's it going? Almost got it.
I can see that.
Good luck with the lights.
Wait, where are you going?
I need to run a few more
Angels errands.
Don't worry, I have
complete confidence in you.
Thanks!
Okay.
Oh. Hi.
Hope you don't mind
I'm wearing this.
It's kind of cold.
You think George would mind?
I bet he loved this hat.
Really keeps the ears warm.
I bought it for him,
Christmas, 1973.
Oh, yeah? How many Christmases
did you guys have together?
Forty-six.
Wow. That's a lot of eggnog.
So, what's it like,
being with one person that long?
When you love the person
you're with,
it can go by in a blink
of an eye.
Can't imagine putting up
with someone that long.
Or someone putting up with you.
George loved Christmas.
No matter what else was going on
or if things were hard.
Christmas was always special.
Because of the traditions
that we created
and we shared together.
George sounds like
he was pretty cool.
He was the love of my life.
I hope to find that one day.
Oh, it is cold.
You've been working hard.
Would you like to come in
and have some hot cocoa?
Sounds great.
Hey! There she is.
Just in time.
Oh.MELODY: Oh, yeah?
Oh, yeah, we're just about
to light her up.
Oh, Luke did a wonderful job.Aww...
I even helped.
Okay, everybody gather round.MRS.
- Ooh.
Figgy, you want to do
the honors?
Oh, yes. Figgy?
Oh!
Oh, it's lovely.Yeah.
Okay, so, what's your secret?
Secret?
Mrs. Figgins
is a borderline recluse.
No. No secret.
I just found her weak spot.
It was George.
You exploited an old lady's
weak spot?
Well, exploited's
a little harsh.
I connected with her.
She's just lonely.
I guess I can relate.
Hey, you up for a drink?
A little music?
I'm really tired.
Come on! Buy me a drink.
Seriously? My treat?
Reminder, no song talk.
Deal!
Should auld acquaintance
Be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance
Be forgot...
He's good.
So what?
You gonna sign him now?
Come on. No, I just think
he's got talent.
Auld Lang Syne's
one of my favorite songs.
It's so nostalgic
and so hopeful.
Whenever I hear it,
I think about New Year's Eve
in our house when I was little.
My mom and dad would just
dance up close
underneath the mistletoe
as the Guy Lombardo version
would be playing on our scratchy
old record player. Oh.
Yeah. No, I got songs like that.
Whenever I hear 'em they just
take me back to a certain time.
It's like, no matter what
I'm doing or where I am,
I just... the memories
come flooding back.
It's why I love music.Mm-hmm.
Songs and lyrics are like
the memory markers for our soul.
Yeah. So, what's your song?
Uh...
All right. I'm 14,
it's the freshman
Christmas dance. Last dance.
And I'm cheek to cheek
under the disco ball
with Tiffany Williams.
Oh, she's the prettiest girl
in the school.
Bing Crosby singing
"White Christmas."
I'm so nervous I can't even
look her in the eye.
And even then,
as terrified as I was,
as stupid as I felt...
I knew I was in a future memory.
Anyway, the song ends and just
before the lights come up,
she leans in...
and she kisses me.
And then, she smiles...
and just walks away.
That was my first kiss. Every
time I hear "White Christmas"
I'm right back
on that dance floor
with Tiffany Williams. Man!
And Tiffany? What happened?
Oh, she never talked
to me again.
And why do you think that was?
I told her I loved her.
Oh! Too soon?
Yeah.
Maybe just a little too fast.
Yeah, well,
I've never said it since.
...For Auld Lang Syne
We'll take...
I think you're right.
I think, uh... music does mark
the memories.
Which is why I think a...
an amazing song needs
to be shared with the world.
Did you just
not so subtly violate
our no-song talk agreement? Oh, no.
Ah, that's right. No song talk.
Hmm. Your one condition.
Thank you.
I'm hungry.
Is the food good here?
Today was a good day.
So, do you feel differently now?
About what? Christmas.
Maybe there's more to it
than I thought.
Can I ask you something? Sure.
What happened
to Bailey's father?
Ah, that...
Michael left when Bai was seven.
He went to the store one evening
and never came back.
I'm sorry. That sounds tough.
I guess life turns out the way
it's supposed to.
I don't know
if I believe in all that
trusting the universe stuff.
I think you gotta bend life
to your will, you know?
If you want something,
you gotta go get it.
And how's that going for you?
Go ahead.
No. It can wait.
So, tell me something about you
that would surprise me.
Okay. Uh, I make a killer
pasta sauce.
Really?
Let me prove it to you.
How 'bout tomorrow night?
I'm making this look easy.
Hey! LUKE: Hey, you want to be
my sous-chef?
Yeah.
Wait, what's a shoe chef?
Come here.
All right,
you can help me out here.
Okay.
All right, you look almost
as cool as I do in my apron.
All right, grab some
of that parsley.Okay.
You're gonna stick it
right in here.
Okay.
All right, good.
Give that a stir.
Okay.
Perfect. You're a natural.
Okay, let me try it.
Oh, yeah, check that out.
Mm! Amazing.
Amazing. Bailey says it's good.
All right. You want to try
the spaghetti?
Yeah. Let's test it out here.
How do we do that? Okay. Ooh, ooh, hot!
Okay, take this.Okay.
All right, now,
throw it up at the ceiling.
If it sticks, it's done. BAILEY: Cool!
Um, excuse me.
You're not gonna...
One, two, three! One, two, three!
Oh.
It stayed! Let's eat!
All right.
You're... Oh, I'll get that down later.
Uh-huh.
I have to admit,
your sauce wasn't bad.
Mm-hmm. Our sauce, right Bailey?
Whatcha drawing, baby?
Um, it's a surprise. MELODY: Ah.
I don't believe it. Problem?
My new lead on toys
just fell through. This hurts.
These kids can't go without toys
at Christmas.
It's just not right.
That's too bad. It's more than too bad.
Toys create lasting memories
for kids at Christmas.
This is so frustrating.
I get it.
Hey, thanks for letting me
make you guys dinner.
You seem to enjoy cooking.
You cook often?
Yeah. Yeah, I do.
Though it's not as fun
cooking for one.
Katie and the carolers!
Okay. Bundle up.
How do you feel about caroling?
Hark! The herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King
Peace on earth
And mercy mild
God and sinners
Reconciled...
Hey, Brett. Yeah, hey.
...Joyful all
Ye nations rise
Join the triumph
Of the skies
With angelic host
Proclaim...
...Christ is born...
First the party
and now caroling?
What's come over you?
I don't know.
I think I'm getting caught up
in the magic
of a Jackson Woods Christmas.
Hmm. So, what's up
with you and Brett?
What do you mean? I have eyes.
I heard you two
grew up together.
He doesn't seem
to like you much.
People drift apart.
Is that what happened
with Brett?
I lost touch.
It's not just Brett. I mean...
lots of people,
friends I grew up with.
And why's that?
I don't know. Just focused
on success... Nashville.
Thought I needed a new set
of friends.
True friends are too rare
to just toss to the side.
Kara's been there for me.
Good times and bad.
When my mom died...
when Bailey's father left.
I don't know what I would
have done without her.
Oh! Wait, what? Oooh!
Oh.
Are you okay? Yeah.
Wow. You really are a klutz.
Well...
Well, should we get up now?
Hmm. Yes.
Okay.Okay.
You better not
drag me down again.
Wait, you dragged me down.
All right.
O Christmas tree
O Christmas tree
How lovely are your branches
O Christmas tree
O Christmas tree
How lovely are your branches
On Christmas Day...
Nobody sings like Melody.
Prettiest voice I ever heard.
...O Christmas tree
O Christmas...
Good night, you guys.
FEMALE VOICE: Good night.
Good night, you two. Good night.
Love you. MELODY: I love you back, baby.
You have a fun sleepover.
Okay. Bye, Luke. See ya.
Come on.
So, I'm flying solo tonight.
How about another slice
of that yummy pie?
Sounds perfect.
You work in the music business,
got any musical talents?
Yeah, I played first chair
kazoo in high school.
Uh, yeah, I play a little piano.
My parents had a Steinway.
Yum.
Too much money?
Bailey did that
when she was four.
For my birthday.
I think she was trying to say
her mommy is priceless.
It's cute.
Why don't we adjourn
to the living room?
So, what were your plans
for my song
if I had given you the rights?
Lindsay was gonna sing it live
for her Christmas Eve benefit.
Lindsay? Lindsay Wyatt.
You represent Lindsay Wyatt? I do.
She's huge.
Bailey's favorite singer.
And she loves your song.
She thinks it's special too.
Lindsay Wyatt heard my song.
So, wait, wait, wait.
She sent you to get the rights?
Mm-hmm.
Oh, wow. That's really cool.
Still doesn't change anything.
My reasons for saying no
are personal.
Okay. It's fine.
I'm curious about something.
Oh, yeah? What's that?
How good are you on the piano?
Well, we got that. What else do you got?
Ah, not really much
of a piano player.
But, you know what?
I know this one.
I know what you're doing.
Oh, you are such a salesman.
No wonder Mrs. Figgins
fell for you.
Only someone with real talent
could write a song like that.
What about the other songs
you've written?
Wow. Melody.
I'm impressed.
Ancient history.
I don't write anymore.
Why's that?
I moved on.
Besides, I'm a single mother.
I don't have the luxury
of impossible dreams.
That's too bad.
I was looking forward to hearing
one of these.
I always heard a song
is the window
to a writer's soul.
And you want to see
into my soul?
Just a peek.
Maybe someday.
I better call it a night.
I need to finish getting
these gift bags ready
for the Angels.Oh.
Come on, I'll let you out. All right.
Did I say something wrong?
No. No, I just...
I gave up on that dream
a long time ago.
And I'm okay with that.
I don't believe you.
I think music
still inspires you.
And I think you got a lot left
inside you.
Look, whether you give me
your song or not,
I hope you don't give up
on music.
Thanks.
I had a nice time tonight.
Good night, Luke.
Luke.
Ted. Thanks for, uh,
thanks for picking up.
Listen, um, I need a favor.
A favor? Yeah, from your music charity.
And lest we forget
the double date prom night
from hell. MELODY: Oh.
Where both Justin and Tommy
forgot their wallet.
I will never believe
they didn't plan that.
Worst prom ever.
Okay, enough of that.
Here, a toast.
To love and friendship.
Love and friendship.
So, enough about friendship.
Let's talk about love.
You seem smitten.
Smitten? Oh, come on, Kara. No.
No. It's just
because it's the holidays.
And you know
how much I love Christmas.
It has nothing to do with Luke.
Oh, you said Luke, not me.
You and Luke,
you have a connection.
It's so obvious.
Kara, he's just here
to try and get my song.
So? That doesn't mean
he's not into you.
Besides, you are a catch
and Luke sees that.
What? How do you know
what he sees?
Because I see it.
You're special.
You know what I think?
I think Luke
gets under your skin.
He makes you think about things
you don't really want
to think about. Like what?
Singing, music.
That's crazy. And besides, I...
I no longer have the luxury
of impossible dreams.
Right.
What happened to dream big
and let your dreams
be your wings?
I never said that. Your
senior yearbook quote.
You gotta be kidding me.
You remember that?
Mm-hmm.Oh.
Look, all I know is that Luke
has feelings for you.
I know it, you know it.
And you know what?
I think you feel the same.
Checkmate.
I guess I'm buying
dinner tonight.
Mm-hmm.Mm-hmm.
Thanks for coming out.
I wasn't sure that you would.
Well, I wasn't going to, but...
Melody said I should
at least give you a shot.
Besides, I'm not one
to pass up a beer.
Especially when somebody else
is buying.
Look, Brett, I'm, uh...
not really good
at apologies, you know?
Why'd you leave like that, Luke?
I mean, we can be honest
right now, right?
Did I do something wrong, or...
No, man. It wasn't you.
It was...
I don't know.
I guess I thought in order
to find success
I needed to... erase my past.
Reinvent myself.
And you needed new friends
for that?
You were there for me
when no one else was.
I'm sorry I didn't return
that favor.
When's the last time you've seen
the guys?
I don't even know.
I got all caught up in trying
to be somebody.
You already were somebody
to us, man.
Number 84,
Luke "Butterfingers" Dawson.
Man, you drop one pass,
you're branded for life.
Hey, you know the annual game's
coming up, right?
Game?
Yeah, we get together
every New Year's Day,
play a little bit of flag
football with the old team.
Bring the families together,
have a big cookout.
Oh, man I'm sorry I missed that.
Yeah, well, you know,
we called you at first,
but you never really responded.
I want to be better...
a better friend.
True friends are too rare
to just toss aside.
I'll tell you what, you show up
to this year's game,
and bring the beer...
I might just forgive you.
Consider it done.
To old friends and fresh starts.
Cheers.Cheers.
I did kick your butt at darts,
you gotta admit it,
you're still Butterfingers,
still Butterfingers.
Man, we gotta do this again
and I don't mean in 15 years.
You got it. Sounds good.
Hey, you need a ride?
Uh, I think I'm gonna hang out
for a bit.
All right, man.
Hey. Hey!
So?
How'd it go with Brett?
Good. We worked it out over
a game of darts at Charlie's.
Fun bar. Thanks for the assist,
by the way.
Actually, you know what?
You haven't even seen the best
part of Jackson Woods yet.
Oh, no?
Come on.
I want to show you something.
All right.
So peaceful.
This is where I come to think...
and write.
Ever since high school.
I wrote "When Christmas
Was Young here".
So, tell me something,
how did you get started
in being a music manager anyway?
Let's see,
when I first started off
I just was going to clubs
and coffee houses,
just looking
for that fresh voice.
That one talent that would
launch my career.
And then one night I ended up
in this
beer joint called Brandy's...
and, uh...
that's when I saw her
for the first time.
She was by herself on stage...
beat up guitar, microphone.
That was the night
I met Lindsay Wyatt.
And she signed on and more
clients followed and then, uh...
Shoot, before I knew it
I had it all.
So, what happened?
I Googled you
I know you got fired.
I don't know.
I guess I started believing
my own press clippings.
The Luke Dawson hype
became my reality.
Dangerous.Yeah.
Maybe I lost my way, got swept
up in things that don't matter,
but I still know talent.
And when I heard your voice,
when I heard your song...
I had that same feeling I did
when I first heard Lindsay.
It makes me wonder...
why'd you give up on music?
Really?
I moved on. I don't believe you.
The truth is... I'm afraid.
Afraid?
I'm a single mother.
My dad's on his own,
there's the restaurant.
I have responsibilities.
And what if I fall in love
with performing all over again
and... it doesn't happen?
I don't know if I could face
another heartbreak.
Not long after I graduated
from college...
I decided to leave Jackson Woods
and head to Music City.
I thought I could just show up
on a Monday in Nashville
and get a record deal by Friday.
The reality was a bit different.Yeah.
I couldn't get a meeting,
much less a chance
to sing any of my songs.
And then you... Oh, man.
I remember sitting
on your waiting room couch,
clutching at my demo.
So excited to meet this hot,
young new music manager.
And then you finally came out
of your office and...
before I could even get
my name out...
you walk right past me
and out the door.
As if I wasn't even there.
I'm so sorry.
I can't believe I did that.
When I was in Nashville,
I got a call
that my mom was sick.
So, I put away my dreams
and headed home.
She needed me. Dad too.
After Mom passed,
I realized that maybe
her getting sick when she did
was a sign that my musical
dreams just weren't meant to be.
I wish that you believed
in your gift. As much as I do.
If you don't do it for yourself,
do it for Bailey.
If she sees you following
your dream,
maybe she'll have the courage
one day to follow hers.
Lindsay, I told you I'd get you
the song, Okay.
Don't worry. I got this.
"Don't worry.
I got this. Consider it done."
Luke... Luke will you just stop
with the empty promises, okay?
I built my finale
around this song.
If you don't close the deal,
you're fired.
Hello? Are you alive?
Good news,
songwriter just texted.
The deal's now closed.
"When Christmas Was Young"
is now yours.
Good! Okay.
Good work, Luke.
It's gonna be so worth it.
I'll see you at the show.Yeah.
Mom, Luke's brought us gifts.
You can go first.
Okay.
Oh. Wow!
This is awesome. Thank you.
Can you help? Yeah.
Thank you.
Thank you, I love it.
So, you don't forget
who you are.
Hmm. Okay, your turn.
Okay. Here goes.
Oh, Luke...
This is so beautiful.
And then wind it up
with the key there.
"Auld Lang Syne."
I love it. Thank you.
Luke, we have one for you.
All right! Here you go.
Go on and open it. Don't mind if I do.
Oh, man.
This is perfect.
Do you like it?
Oh, like it? I love it.
This is...
Thank you. Those gifts
were incredibly thoughtful.
You're welcome.
Can this day get any better?
I can think of one thing
that'd make it better.
An inspiring and heartfelt
Christmas song.
You are relentless.
When I believe
in something, yeah.
On that note.
My Christmas gift to you.
I wrote my first song
when I was 15.
Songwriting's like my journal.
Melody...
This is the best Christmas gift
I've ever gotten.
Maybe some of these
are even worth recording.
So, are you saying you...
I want you to represent me.
Would you want to be my manager?
I'd be honored.
So, have you thought about
where you want to start?
I've been thinking about
getting out there
and performing again.
We can make that happen.
We can do that.
You believe in my gift
and I believe in yours.
And I want
"When Christmas Was Young"
to be my first single.
Melody, this is...
this is so great and...
and you should definitely
record that song.
As your manager...
I feel obligated to tell you
that if Lindsay records it...
you're gonna get paid.
And I mean, really well.
And you can use that money
to launch your career.
You can still record it, just,
it'll already be a hit by then,
but...
"When Christmas Was Young"
is more than just another song
to me.
I wrote it... as a gift
to my mom,
I sang it to her on her
last Christmas Eve.
Though I didn't know it
at the time.
She loved it.
Said it reminded her
of our family Christmases
when I was little.
How special they were.
Mom would have wanted me
to record it first.
So, are you in?
Of course.
Okay, look, I...
I gotta get going.
Get going? I make you my manager
and you're already
running out on me?
Your new manager's
gotta tell Lindsay
that she can't record the song.
A new artist is gonna cut it.
Okay.
We'll touch base later, yeah?
I'll let myself out.Okay.
Linds', it's Luke.
Please call me,
I have an update.
It's very important
we speak right away.
Linds, it's me again.
Please call me back.
I really need to speak to you.
Country Heart 99 welcomes
the one and only, Lindsay Wyatt.
Good morning, Lindsay.
LINDSAY: Well, good morning.
Alexa, volume to eight.
Okay, Lindsay,
off the air you were telling us
about a new song
you were excited to debut
this Christmas Eve.Hmm.
Mm-hmm. That's right.
And it's called
"When Christmas Was Young"
and I'm so excited
to be singing it
for the first time
tomorrow night at The Pearl.
So, tell us a little bit
about how this song came to be.
Alexa, volume zero. LINDSAY:
Well I was in the...
Don't be a stranger, Dawson.
LUKE: You can count on it.
I'll see you at the game
on the 1st.
Melody?
Brett, Emily, do you mind?
I need a moment with Luke.
Yeah, sure, we'll just... Take your time.
I was just on my way over
to give you the good news... How could you?
How could I... You gave away a song
that wasn't yours to give.
And after everything
I shared with you,
after I asked you
to be my manager?
I never should have trusted you!
Melody, please, let me explain.
I just heard Lindsay
on the radio,
gushing over her new song
that she's gonna sing
at the Christmas Eve benefit,
"When Christmas Was Young."
My song! I told... when I..
No, I don't want to hear
any more of your explanations!
Just the truth, Luke.
You owe me that!
I'm trying to tell you.
You lied to Lindsay
and you told her
I gave you the rights
to my song.
No! I... I mean, yes,
I did, but...
I'm not surprised
your clients left you.
They must have felt betrayed.
Who knows how many times
you've been lying to them too.
Melody...
I was fine
with letting go of my dream.
Until you showed up.
I never should have let you in.
Melody, I talked to Lindsay.
No, you're exactly the person
I thought you were
the first time you walked
into Smokey's.
Melody, I need you
to hear me out.
It's not what you think.
Luke, get your hand
off the door.
I just need two minutes.
Luke, I thought I made
myself clear. Your time is up.
I'm gonna get this out.
I came to Jackson Woods
to make a deal, all right?
I made lots of deals before
and I thought
this would be easy.
I'd just swoop in,
wow you with promises
of fame and fortune
and voila, you'd sign over
your song and I'd be on my way.
Client happy, career saved.
But then I met you.
And at first you were a total
mystery to me.
But then you made me see
my life...
in a whole new way.
Melody, "When Christmas
Was Young" is an amazing song
and the world needs to hear it.
But it shouldn't be on my terms,
it shouldn't be on Lindsay's.
It shouldn't be on anyone's
but yours.
I called Lindsay and I told her
she couldn't have the song.
She fired me.
So, if this ends here,
if this is the last time
I see you then just...
Promise me. Promise me you won't
give up on your dreams.
'Cause I'd hate to think
that I was the cause
of you giving up something
that you truly cared about.
Something that you
were born to do.
I have to go.
Goodbye, Luke.
I'm just sick about the toys.
I know. The kids are gonna
be so disappointed. I...
Hey.
You did everything you could.
Looks like we got
a last-minute delivery.
What is it?
I have 200 more in the van.
It's a mini keyboard.
Who are they from?
Uh, it says Ted Grimes
Music Academy.
Never heard of it. Oh, yeah. Sign.
Dawson Grimes.
Mom, it's just like the one
you had when you were little.
Yeah. You're right.
Awesome news, everybody.
Looks like we're gonna
have a musical Christmas
for the kids this year.
Okay, okay, everybody.
There's a lot of work to do.
Let's go.
You okay?
It's Luke.
He hurt me and...
then he comes
through with 200 keyboards
for the kids.
I just don't know
which is the real Luke.
I don't know if I can trust him
and... I'm afraid.
I'm afraid if I give him
a second chance...
I know all about second chances.
Thank goodness your mother
gave me one.
Or else you wouldn't be here.
But I thought you two always
had this perfect relationship.
There's no such thing.
Soon after we got married...
I had a few lessons to learn
about being a good husband.
I learned them.
And your mother forgave me.
I was smart enough
not to let her down again.
Luke wants my song.
The Christmas song
I wrote for Mom.
Well, if you're holding
onto that song
for your mother's sake,
then know this...
your mother was proud of you
and she just wanted you
to be happy.
So, I know she'd want you
to go after your dream.
And, sometimes, dreams come true
in the most unexpected ways.
Dad...
She's watching over you.
I miss her.
Yeah.
It isn't Christmas
Without you here
It isn't Christmas
Without you near...
...It isn't Christmas
It isn't Christmas
It won't be Christmas
Without you here
Joy to the world
The Lord has come
Let earth receive
Her King
I'm happy if you guys are happy.
Sounds fabulous.
Yeah?
Hey. LINDSAY: Hey.
You showed.
You invited me.
Hey, uh, Linds, just to confirm,
"When Christmas Was Young"
is back on the set list.
Yes, yes. Wait, wait, wait, no, no, no,
I told you Melody didn't
give you the rights to that.
What are you... MELODY:
You sure about that?
- Lindsay, I'm Melody Douglass.
- Hello!
It is such a pleasure
to meet you at last!
Oh, um... Oh, I guess, uh...
we should fill you in.
Your former assistant Stacy
gave Melody my number
and she called me,
filled me in on everything
and said that
I could have the song
on two conditions.
First being that I rehire this,
this manager of mine.
And that she could invite as,
as many people as she wanted
to the show.
Melody, are you...
are you okay with this?
Yeah, I'm sure.
And you were right.
I'm not ready to give up
on any of my dreams.
And what better way
to launch my career
than to have Lindsay
singing my song here tonight.
Thank you.
Lindsay, do you mind?
My daughter is a huge fan.
- Oh, no, of course.
- I'd love to meet her.
Smile, Luke. You just got
your Christmas wish.
Lindsay,
this is my daughter, Bailey.
Hi! Hi.
You're so cool.
I can't believe I'm meeting you.
I can't believe I'm meeting you.
Come on, I have a spot for you
to watch from backstage.
Okay.
Thank you. LINDSAY: Thank you.
Have a great show. Thank you.
Hmm. So, seems like the client
made the deal this time, huh?
It does kind of look that way.
Hey, Linds, I got a big favor
to ask you.
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
Sleep in heavenly
Peace
Whoo!
Once upon a time,
a singer wrote a song about
how Christmas used to feel
when we were kids.
When our hearts were pure
and our dreams,
filled with hope and magic.
It's a song about love.
It's called
"When Christmas Was Young."
Now, please welcome her
to the stage
to sing it with me.
Melody Douglass.
No, Luke.
Luke, I can't.
Yes, you can. No, I, I...
It's too much,
there's so many people
and I haven't rehearsed it
and I'm afraid.
Mom. You can do it.
Melody, I believe in you.
Okay.
Come on,
they're waiting for you.
Wow.
Hi. Wow.
Okay.
Okay.
String the lights
On the roof
Place a star on the tree
The house is filled
With carols
Being sung by family
All the children
Gather round
With wonder in their eyes
What will be the holiday
Surprise
Wherever a star Wherever a star
Shines so bright Shines so bright
A choir sings O, Holy Night
A choir sings O, Holy Night
That's when the Christmas
That's when the Christmas
Spirit comes alive Spirit comes alive
We'll gather around We'll gather around
And we'll pray And we'll pray
That love will find its way
That love will find its way
To everyone To everyone
Just like it was
When Christmas was young
When Christmas was young
Life keeps marching along
So many loved ones gone on
So we're in the attic
Here's a box filled
With Christmas songs
When it's time to celebrate
The day the Lord was born
We'll fill the house
With happy sounds
Like every year before
Wherever a star Wherever a star
Shines so bright Shines so bright
And a choir sings And a choir sings
O, Holy Night O, Holy Night
That's when the Christmas
That's when the Christmas
Spirit comes alive Spirit comes alive
We'll gather around
We'll gather around
And we'll pray And we'll pray
That love will find its way
That love will find its way
To everyone To everyone
Just like It was
When Christmas When Christmas
Was young Was young
Ooh, and even though
Ooh, and even though
The years spread The years spread
Far and wide Far and wide
We come together it's like
We come together it's like
No time has gone by No time has gone by
Wherever a star shines
Wherever a star shines
So bright So bright
And a choir sings And a choir sings
O, Holy Night O, Holy Night
That's when
The Christmas spirit
Comes alive
We'll gather around
We'll gather around
And we'll pray And we'll pray
That love will find its way
That love will find its way
To everyone To everyone
Just like it was Just like it was
When Christmas was young
When Christmas was young
Just like it was Just like it was
When Christmas was young
When Christmas was young
Ooh...
Thank you. Wow.
Thank you so much. Thank you.
Wasn't she amazing?
Way to go, Mom.
I love you.
You sounded incredible.
Thank you.
I couldn't have done
any of this without you.
Bailey was right about you.
Oh, yeah? About what?
You really are too much money.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Merry Christmas all!
Merry Christmas!
Deck the halls
With boughs of holly
Fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la
'Tis the season to be jolly
Fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la
Don we now
Our gay apparel
Fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la
Troll the ancient
Yuletide carol
Fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la
Fa-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la