Original subtitles

[intense music]

He's gone.

And so are the muffins

'and papa's sweater.'

Okay, buddy, you're in the wrong car.

Come on, pal. Wake up.

You're sleepin' in the wrong bed! Come on, wake up!

Just relax. It's alright.

Hey, Jim-Bob.

This is my new friend, Paul.

Hi.

What did you do that for?

* O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree *

* How true you stand unchanging *

* O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree *

* How true you stand unchanging *

Paul..

...you came.

I wanted to bring you something.

Jeffrey, you better keep this door..

This is my friend, Paul, Uncle John.

* O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree **

[intense music]

["The Waltons' Theme" by Jerry Goldsmith]

[music continues]

[orchestral music]

(John-Boy) My own memories of that Christmas in 1943

are vague and clouded

but those of my family remain vivid in the extreme.

For the first time ever my mother would not be home

for that most special holiday.

She, who'd taught all of us

the meaningand spirit of Christmas

would spend it at the hospital with me.

And though they all agreed her place was there

it put the season in a strange light.

How strange, how unique and unreal it would become

no one could even imagine.

(male #1) 'Wish he bring that fire down here. I'm cold.'

Me too. I wonder who is up there.

- I don't know. - Come on, you two.

Don't you have anything better to do than stand here?

Somebody's got a fire up in the mountain.

I'd do the same thing if I were up there.

I wonder who it is.

Come on, Cindy.

Get in where it's warm.

Seemed like someone should be down here to kiss you goodbye.

I'm only going to Charlottesville.

She'll also kiss you hello when you get back.

Cindy's kind of kissy.

Oh, and it just makes him furious.

- Would you do an errand for me? - What kind of errand?

It's not in Rockfish

but it's in that fine department store in Charlottesville.

- It's called Nights Of Love. - What is?

Perfume. For Cindy's Christmas.

You're gonna be there soon. You can get it, son.

But you're gonna be there today.

Oh, I couldn't ask for anything like that.

Nights Of Love?

No.

But..

[no audio]

- Hi, John. - Mornin', Ike.

- You see that smoke up there? - Yeah.

Good day for a fire. Hope it doesn't get any bigger.

Hmm. Well, I'll keep my eye on it. You want some gas?

Yeah. I've got enough coupons for $2 worth, Ike.

Yeah.

You, uh...you hear any shots up there?

- No. You? - No.

I guess it must not be hunters then, huh?

Not unless they're using darts.

Darts?

That's a good one.

I, uh, see you got a suitcase there.

I'm going to Charlottesville. Probably will be overnight.

Well, what I wouldn't give to go with you.

Well, come on.

Nah, nah, I better not. I'm too busy.

You know what though? You could do a big favor for me.

How big?

When I was last in Charlottesville

I saw somethin' I wanted to buy.

Corabeth wouldn't let me go into town--

I, I'm not gonna have much time for shoppin'.

Well, it's, uh, it's-it's blue and it's

I guess you call it baby blue and it's got little rosettes..

Whatever it is, I, I'm not gonna have the time.

Whatever it is? It's a nightgown.

Ben has to go to town on that kind of an errand.

I'll tell him you want to go along.

John..

...it'll only take five minutes.

Ike..

...Corabeth isn't gonna want me seein' her nightgown.

[instrumental music]

[intense music]

Watch out.

We don't wanna break the ornaments, Elizabeth.

[chuckling]

Funny. Turn.

Serena, would you hand me those other scissors, dear?

Here we go.

Oh, look. Let's see if they're broken.

I still don't know what to get everybody for Christmas.

(Elizabeth) 'We could tell you.'

'It'd take the fun out, but it'd be simple.'

Usually by this time, mama's stealing into my room saying

"I'm knitting a sweater for Elizabeth

why don't you buy her a nice scarf to go with it?"

I remember all John-Boy ever wanted were pencils

and notebooks and, of course, applesauce cake.

Mama'll make sure John-Boy gets anything he wants this year.

I just wish he could be with us.

(female #1) 'We should just be grateful that he's getting better every day.'

You know, I wish you guys would help me find something for Ben.

Something really special for our first Christmas together.

You're about to give him something very special.

I know, but I want something just for him.

The baby really isn't a Christmas present.

Well, he usually hints pretty well.

He also usually sneaks into every cupboard and drawer

and anything he finds, he shakes it and feels it.

You haven't written your letter to Santa yet, have you, Jeffrey?

- I've been awful busy, nana. - I bet he's got a fever.

He usually starts that right after the Fourth of July.

If I did write one, I'd ask him to trade you in for a brother.

- Oh, what a thing to say! - It won't work, Jeffrey.

I tried to make a deal about getting rid of Jim-Bob.

Now, I'm kinda glad I have him.

You better be good, Jeffrey, or Santa won't come at all.

That's just an excuse to make me act right.

Now, you go write your letter

and I'll mail it first thing in the morning.

I keep forgetting he's still young enough

'to believe in Santa Claus.'

(female #2) 'I'd like to keep him there a long time.'

- 'You don't mean that, Rose.' - 'I do, indeed.'

'When that child is too old to believe in Santa Claus'

'I won't be able to bear it.'

'I won't!'

[cow mooing]

[intense music]

[cow continues mooing]

Psst!

You're a little jumpy, aren't you, Jim-Bob?

- Did Chance wake you too? - Yeah.

Wonder what's the matter with her.

I don't know. I guess we should go find out.

I guess so.

[Chance mooing]

[music continues]

(Ben) Hey!

(Jim-Bob) Don't bother, Ben. You'll never catch him now.

Now you can shut up, Chance. Whoever it was is gone now.

(Ben) Potatoes.

(Jim-Bob) 'Hey, those potatoes are supposed to be in a sack.'

Well, that's crazy. The sack's gone.

Who'd ever steal a gunny sack?

[intense music]

[footsteps]

[doorknob rattling]

[music continues]

[glass shatters]

Where on earth are you going with that thing?

Now, as any person can plainly see, Mr. Godsey

I'm going to try and fill up that hole in the window.

Just wait until I finish cleaning up.

I'll take care of it. Just relax.

In the meantime, I shall catch my death.

Now, that is a raw wind, Mr. Godsey.

Well, n-now, be careful there a-and don't shove too hard.

If it is to serve its purpose, it must fill the entire width..

[glass shatters]

Oh!

Don't dawdle, Mr. Godsey. We desperately need a new window.

Corabeth, if you would just have patience.

Time is of the essence.

When emergency strikes..

...one acts.

[orchestral music]

[humming "JingleBells"]

[Chance mooing]

[intense music]

Well, good morning, Miss Chance.

I haven't had a minute to thank you personally.

Now, I know you've been fed..

...but you deserve an extra little reward

for sounding that alarm last night. Believe you me!

Oh!

[chuckles]

Wait till I write my friends in Baltimore about you.

The whole world could use a watch-cow.

[chuckles]

[mooing]

[humming "JingleBells"]

* La-da-da Da-da-da-da *

* Rumba-ra-ra-rum.. **

[intense music]

A potato?

Yeah. He must've been gnawing on it

when he saw all that food in the store window.

Ben and Jim-Bob saw somebody in the barn last night.

All that was missing was a gunny sack we keep our potatoes in.

Ha! And one potato to eat, don't forget that.

I say that's the only motive we're gonna have.

There's somebody out there that's about half starved.

Still there's something strange about that gunny sack.

- You got any putty, Ike? - Yeah, I got plenty.

You know what? He never touched that cash register at all.

And Corabeth had some very nice displays nearby.

You know, watches and pen and pencil sets

and things like that.

Well, somebody is really starving, I guess.

Still it's strange they'd be stealin' food

what with all the work there is around here.

- Give me a hand with this, Ike. - Sure.

(Corabeth) 'It was exactly one year ago today that we held'

our annual meeting to discuss the Christmas pageant.

My notes reveal that a lively discussion was held by all

everyone having her say and so it shall be today.

Except for poor sister.

The doctor has confined her to her room.

She's highly contagious, don't you know?

Yes, Miss Emily, we are all well aware of Miss Mamie's condition.

And we are all deeply concerned, however, we feel that

she will be well represented here today by you.

I think Miss Emily should have two votes

in case any close decisions have to be made.

Oh, my! Then, I must be twice as attentive.

[chuckling] Well, it's all new to me, but if anybody should have two votes..

[chuckles]

Actually, sister and I have definite thoughts concerning

our Christmas program this year.

Mary Ellen and I had some thoughts too.

We talked them over with the family.

Well, while my own thoughts are still fresh

if you will permit me, please

envision, if you will, an altar in total darkness.

While back here.. One moment please.

Just watch, it'll be Three Kings Of Orient.

- I don't understand. - You will.

- Oh, my, she's doing it again. - Ladies, ladies, please.

Now, back here, the three kings of the orient

suitably lighted, of course.

Um, Mr. Godsey, possibly Ben, Jim-Bob.

* We Three Kings Of Orient Are *

* Bearing gifts we traverse afar **

Etcetera and so on, so on.

Corabeth, sister and I feel keenly

that pageantry is not called for this year.

'Sadly, this is our third wartime Christmas.'

Oh, all the more reason.

You do the same thing every year, Corabeth.

Everyone will want to mark the holy days, but quietly.

(Rose) 'Oh, I just love the Christmas story read from the scripture'

and the traditional hymns sung, it just chokes me up every time.

It has a special meaning for all of us.

Prayers for peace.

To the Prince of Peace. Exactly, Elizabeth.

Well, I can see that a subsequent meeting

will have to be called.

You will all be informed of the time, of course.

I asked you not to wash it, remember?

But you were bound you were going to.

It was cotton flannel, all soft and warm.

It was the best shirt I ever had. Where is it?

- I don't know. - Come on, Rose.

Now, wait a minute, it was in the wash.

I remember because it had a button missing

and I made a note to put one on.

That's odd, isn't it?

How does a guy get a woman to listen to him around here?

'Don't worry, Jim-Bob. It'll turn up.'

Yeah, but I need it now.

Well, for pity's sakes, I wouldn't put it in the ragbag.

I don't know, mom and grandma used to put

a lot of my favorite clothes in here.

[chuckles]

Something about that shirt.

It was there and then it wasn't there.

* Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree with anyone else but me *

* Anyone else but me anyone else but me *

* No, no, no, Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree *

*With anyone else but me *

* Till I come marching home *

* Don't go walking down Lover's Lane *

* With anyone else but me *

* Anyone else but me anyone else but me *

* No, no, no, don't go walking down Lover's Lane *

* With anyone else but me *

* Till I come marching home *

* I just got word from a guy who heard *

* From the guy next door to me *

* The girl he met just loves to pet and it fits you to a "T" *

* So Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree *

* With anyone else but me *

* Till I come marching home **

[all cheering and applauding]

I don't suppose you'd let the piano player take a break?

No, no. Don't stop. Keep on playing.

You're a pack of slave drivers.

- How about "Silent Night?" - Yeah.

I was thinking of something little more lively

you know, to help get the decorating done.

Uh-oh, back to work, Callie.

- How about"Deck TheHalls?" - Yeah.

["Deck The Halls"]

* Deck the halls with boughs of holly *

Come on, join us!

* 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 *

* See the blazing Yule before us *

* Fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la *

* Strike the harp and join the chorus *

* Fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la *

* Follow me in merry measure *

* Fa-la-la la-la-la la-la-la *

* While I tell of Yuletide treasure *

* Fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la **

[intense music]

Nana? Wake up.

- Nana. - Jeffrey? Jeffrey!

What on earth?

What's wrong, child?

- I can't sleep. - Do you feel sick?

Not like a cold or as if I ate somethin' wrong.

I'm worried.

Well, you just get under these covers

and tell me about it. I can't have you worried.

I'm gonna break your heart and I don't want to.

Oh!

I've been thinking about this a long time

and every kid has to do it.

Jeffrey, has to do what?

Grow up.

'All kids do.'

I know. I know.

You want me to believe in Santa Claus and I don't.

Well...then I'll just have to be brave for you, won't I?

But no more Santa? Oh, Jeffrey!

See? I knew I'd break your heart.

No, child, no.

- Really no? - 'Really no.'

It had to happen sometime.

Gee, that was easy.

Maybe I'll be able to sleep now.

It's too bad about me and Santa.

If I still believed in him

I could have wrote him a letter about a puppy.

[door closes]

[sighs]

Alright, I will.

I'll see you later. Goodnight.

Okay, buddy, you're in the wrong car.

Come on, pal. Wake up.

You're sleepin' in the wrong bed. Come on, wake up!

Just relax. It's alright.

[dramatic music]

Hey, where you going? You don't have to run!

[orchestral music]

(Emily) 'Yes, sister, I know it's cold in here.'

'I'm about to go out and get more wood for the fireplaces.'

John Walton has promised to come by this morning

and check the furnace, so please be patient.

[pounding]

Oh, sister can be such a bear when she can't talk.

A blessing in disguise perhaps.

(male #2) 'Pardon me.'

'Please, don't-don't be alarmed.'

Uh..

I-I-I was just looking for my dog.

Oh? What kind of dog is it, in case I see him?

He's just a little one. He's a little brown one.

Oh. Well, I'm afraid I haven't seen him.

You must be cold without your coat.

Oh, yes, I am.

Uh, well, I-I didn't have time to put one on.

Well, my dog, he ran away.

Well, you must come inside and get warm.

I just came out for some wood.

Oh, please, let me get it for you.

Oh!

Thank you, young man. How very nice.

It would be good to get warm for a moment.

Of course.

Please, do come in.

If you put it by the fireplace in the parlor

I would be most grateful.

Right in there.

You simply must take this old sweater of papa's, young man.

- You'll be chilled to the bone. - Oh, is your papa here?

Oh, dear, no.

Papa's been gone these many years.

Oh. Are there others in your family?

Just my sister, poor soul.

She's up there now. Sleeping peacefully, I pray.

Oh. Sorry to hear that.

It's this cold weather.

And our broken furnace, don't you know.

Well, I was about to have some breakfast.

Would you like some coffee and perhaps a muffin?

- Oh, thank you. - Oh.

You may sit right here, young man.

Thank you.

You must eat your fill.

Christmas time is not the season

to turn a cold and hungry man away from one's door.

- Do you come from around here? - Mm...no, ma'am.

- I used to live in Milwaukee. - Oh.

- That's in Wisconsin. - Oh, so it is.

Mm-hmm.

My, you are hungry.

Here, have my eggs and bacon.

I can't eat all this and I'm sure sister won't.

[knock on door]

[knocking continues]

Oh, that must be John Walton.

You just keep on eating, young man.

- Good morning, John. - Miss Emily.

- Cold spell is still with us. - Yes.

Too bad your furnace is acting up.

Oh, it isn't acting up. It isn't doing anything.

Especially it isn't furnacing.

We'll fix that.

How's Miss Mamie?

Still highly contagious, I fear.

Maybe you'd like some coffee first to warm you up.

Yes. It's a good idea.

I'd like you to meet a nice, young..

- How strange? - Something wrong?

Why..

...he's gone.

And so are the muffins and papa's sweater.

A nice, young man, John.

'He came to the door half frozen and ravenously hungry.'

My!

He certainly did like my muffins.

[orchestral music]

Come along, Jeffrey.

Can I stay out here? Please, nana?

It's so cold, Jeffrey.

Elizabeth can stay out and play ball with me.

I might've couple of years ago, but I'm working on

being a young lady. Besides, it's too cold.

Please, nana?

Well, you come inside if you feel chilled.

He's never going to admit to being chilled.

Grandmothers have to say things like that. I don't know why.

[chuckles]

[harmonica music]

Go on, fetch! Get it, boy.

Go get it, boy. Come on, fetch. Bring it back.

[music continues]

Who are you?

Here. It's no good to play ball alone.

What's your dog's name?

I don't have a really dog.

I was almost related to one.

She was my cousin's, but she had to die.

Well, Christmas is coming.

Does your family know how much you want a dog?

I sure have tried to tell 'em.

Well, I hope they hear you.

Me too.

This, of course

has taken a great deal of soul searching as it were.

As you know, this is our third wartime Christmas.

As I said to Mr. Godsey

we must do something in keeping with that idea.

'Something simple. Something tasteful.'

Jason, I'm sure, will play beautifully.

And the congregation will join in the singing of hymns

appropriate to the season.

"Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful" from the original Latin

"Adeste Fideles."

'Uh, "Silent Night, Holy Night."'

'"O Little Town Of Bethlehem."'

I'm sure we can leave the selections up to Jason.

I'm partial to "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."

I too, Rose and "The First Noel."

Mm-hmm.

I like "Three Kings Of Orient."

Just the song.

Ladies, ladies, we digress

although I do appreciate your lively interest.

Now, we come to the reading of the scripture.

And, perhaps, the reverend, Bradshaw will do that.

He is the minister, Corabeth.

Well, he or someone blessed by birth

and training with the gift of beautiful speech and diction.

I could gather boughs to decorate the church with.

That would be most appreciated.

Uh, now, for the conclusion

I thought that we might have prayers of peace

for the Prince of Peace.

- It sounds lovely, Corabeth. - Oh, I'm so glad.

Because, you see, I felt that we should steer away

from bizarre pageantry this year.

How come you walk just right?

Just right?

Well, I don't have to keep on running to keep up to you.

- See, we're right even. - How old are you? Seven?

- Eight, maybe? - Eight.

So is my brother and we've walked many roads together.

Where?

Where have you and your brother walked?

Everywhere.

Country roads, through woods like these.

A forest, a great black forest.

Jeffrey!

Come along, Jeffrey!

Where has that child got to?

- Jeffrey! - Rose.

He's not back there. Maybe he went home.

Or maybe he wandered off anywhere.

He does that more and more.

Well, boys his age tend to do that.

[chuckles]

[orchestral music]

- Here. - Thanks.

You know, I think I would like to be eight again.

Such a gentle time.

And so full of innocence.

I think I would like to be eight forever.

You can't do that, can you?

No.

You know, all you can do is keep a little corner of your heart

just a little corner, that never quite grows up.

Do you believe in Santa Claus?

'Do you?'

I had to give him up.

Like you said, you can't be eight years old forever.

Oh, but Santa's such a nice idea.

He's generous and giving.

If I still believed in him

I could write him that letter about the puppy.

Well, I'll tell you, there is St. Nicholas.

You might think about him.

- Isn't he just like Santa? - Oh, no.

No, he is a saint.

He is much more than the idea of giving.

Hey, could you tell my nana about him?

It'll make her feel a lot better

and we just live right over there.

No. I think your nana will like it better coming from you.

I'll tell you about St. Nicholas

if you will play a game with me.

We will be secret friends, you and I.

We will know we are friends, but nobody else will know.

And we can meet some secret place.

Sure.

Right here. It's a fine place to meet.

I think you're gonna like St. Nicholas.

He's in many ways a lot like Santa Claus.

- Uncle John. - Mm-hmm.

Anyone ever tell you about St. Nicholas?

It's another name for Santa Claus, isn't it?

It is not. He is a saint and he's got his own day.

Is that so?

I've never heard of St. Nicholas Day.

It's true.

So I'm gonna keep St. Nicholas

and let anybody who wants to have Santa Claus.

You learned that in Sunday School, did you?

See, the way it works is he knows if you're a good boy

and if you are, he'll bring you a gift from the Christ Child.

(Jim-Bob) 'What if you're bad?'

He brings you switches.

Where are you getting all this stuff, anyway?

It's not stuff. It's true.

And you can write to him, but I forgot to ask where.

Who did you forget to ask?

A guy I know.

[orchestral music]

Oh, this is generous of you, Jeffrey.

You shared with me yesterday.

I made it myself.

- Oh, I believe you. - I never made one before.

I, uh, believe that too.

[both laughing]

- Paul? - Yes?

You forgot to tell me where to write to St. Nicholas.

Oh, you don't write to him.

You just leave a letter at the church maybe.

Or under your pillow. He'll find it.

I sure hope so. I really want that puppy.

What would you name him?

Nick.

Nick?

Good. That's a perfect name.

I wish you could come to our house for Christmas.

But I guess you'll be at your house with your brother.

No. I'm not going home.

You can come to our house for Christmas.

We're gonna have lots of people. Uncle John won't mind one more.

Thank you, Jeffrey.

(Elizabeth) It smells so nice.

If it smells real good, you're cutting too close to the resin.

Ew. You're right. So sticky. How do I get it off?

Gasoline would probably work

but that'd take your nose off too.

Are brothers ever nice and helpful?

Only when they're a lot older.

I figure we'll have to have them along the front of the church.

Then maybe we can lay them down each pew aisle.

What do you think? Think we got enough?

Don't ask me. I'm not old enough to be nice and helpful.

Well, we better get some more, just in case.

Maybe I will, maybe I won't.

Brothers!

How come you can do that so good?

Oh, you should learn how to do this.

It isn't hard.

See. It's a whistle.

I can never learn how to do it as well as you can.

That's what my little brother used to say.

But I taught him how well enough.

Maybe I could teach you.

- For me? - Try it out.

[blows]

[Jeffrey blowing whistle]

Hey, Jim-Bob.

This is my new friend, Paul.

Hi.

What did you do that for?

Hey! Whoa! Slow down. You're not going anywhere.

- Who is he, Jeffrey? - He was my friend.

I never had one like him before.

- Then, you had to come along. - Hey! Wait a minute.

Darn you! Jim-Bob!

And the guy's got my shirt on.

He had to steal it off our clothesline.

You never saw him before?

Well, he's not from around here.

Did Jeffrey say how they got to be such good friends?

(Jason) 'What did he look like, Jim-Bob?'

Kind of tall and skinny, with dark hair.

'It's hard to say. He took off real quick.'

Sounds like the guy I found in my car outside the Dew Drop.

He was sleeping in it. Took off like a shot too.

Sounds like the guy that we saw in the barn.

Also one that broke Ike's window.

Baldwins' had a visitor too. Said he looked cold and starved.

- He took off when I got there. - Did you see him?

Beginning to sound like one person all the way through.

Beginning to sound like something else too.

Like he's runnin'. Maybe from the law.

Or maybe a deserter from the army.

Jeffrey say anything to you about him?

Well, just that he was his friend.

That I made him run away.

[knock on door]

- You hidin' from someone? - If I am, it's Jim-Bob.

Yeah.

He told me you didn't want much truck with him.

You wanna tell me about your new friend?

We are secret friends.

- Whose idea was that? - Paul's.

He's the one who gave you that whistle?

There's nothing wrong with having new friends.

It's just that those who love you would like to know him too.

- Kinda hard if we are secret. - Hmm.

He tell you that story about St. Nicholas?

It's a mighty nice story. How come he told you that?

He has a brother just my age.

He was telling me about him

and Christmas, all of a sudden, popped up.

I think he misses his brother.

I bet he does.

He can't go home for Christmas.

I invited him here.

Well, I'm glad you did.

He won't come now that Jim-Bob made him go away.

Hmm.

Well, let's see. Maybe he will.

[blows]

Paul!

Paul! Paul, you over here?

[blows]

[intense music]

- Hi, daddy. - Jason.

I checked. Camp Rockfish doesn't list any deserters.

Maybe he's from somewhere else.

Could be, but I don't think so.

The MPs and law officers exchange that kind of

information all the time with other camps and bases.

Jeffrey's invited him for Christmas.

Well, when he comes, we'll ask him.

Paul! I'm alone. You don't have to be afraid.

["Joy To The World"]

* Joy To The World the Lord is come *

* Let Earth receive her King *

* Let every heart prepare Him room *

* And heaven and nature sing and heaven and nature sing *

* And heaven and heaven and nature sing *

* He rules the world with truth and grace *

* And makes the nations prove *

* The glories of His righteousness *

* And wonders of His love and wonders of His love *

* And wonders and wonders of His love **

Oh, how spirited!

How appropriate that we should all be together

for this wassail!

[chuckling] Is that what it is, Corabeth?

I thought it was just good friends and family

getting together on Christmas Eve.

(laughter)

I should like to propose a toast.

With coffee, Ike?

Well, since Miss Mamie is still highly contagious

we're not about to have any of the recipe.

So...I toast..

...John-Boy..

'...Olivia..'

'...and Esther..'

'...and the Baldwin sisters..'

...and I wish them all a merry Christmas.

And all of us too.

(all) Hear, hear.

Merry Christmas, Ike.

That was nice, Ike.

It was, Mr. Godsey.

It really was.

I think there might be a bottle of pop in the refrigerator, son.

I don't want it.

He hasn't gone near that tree.

I'm beginning to wish I'd never seen Jeffrey's friend.

John Curtis..

...this is an honor reserved for the youngest Walton.

Now, put this up on the tree. Jim-Bob. Give it to Jim-Bob.

[piano music]

["O Christmas Tree"]

* O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree *

* How true you stand unchanging *

* O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree *

* How true you stand unchanging *

* Your boughs so green in summertime *

* Remain so green in wintertime *

* O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree *

* How true you stand unchanging *

* O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree *

* How true you stand unchanging *

* O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree *

* How true you stand unchanging *

* Your boughs so green in summertime *

* Remain so green in wintertime.. **

Paul! You came!

I wanted to bring you something.

Jeffrey, you better keep this door..

This is my friend, Paul, Uncle John.

Come in. Any friend of Jeffrey's is a friend of ours.

Hey, everybody, this is my friend, Paul.

- Hello, Paul. - Hi, Paul.

- Merry Christmas. - Nice to meet you, Paul.

This is like the first Christmas tree, Jeffrey.

It had no ornaments on it.

It was small and growing out in a snow-covered forest

one bright Christmas Eve hundreds of years ago.

Really?

When Martin Luther was walking through that forest

on the way home to his family

the stars seemed to glisten on the snow on its boughs

and so he took it home to his children.

And to recreate the beauty he saw he added candles

to light the tree like stars.

I've never heard that before. It's lovely.

Tell them about St. Nicholas.

There's so much to tell, Jeffrey.

Well, just about the part where if you're good, he--

Ah, he brings you a gift from the Christkind..

- From the Christ Child. - And if you're bad?

You would never be bad, Jeffrey.

I must tell you something.

We do have some questions.

I should not be here

but I am tired of running.

And it is Christmas Eve.

I am homesick.

It's nice to see the faces of a family on this night.

Do you have a family?

Oh, yes.

A mother and a father..

...and a brother, so like Jeffrey.

Then you should stay.

No, Jeffrey.

I have escaped from a prisoner of war camp in South Carolina.

- You're a Nazi? - No.

I am a German and an American.

I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

When I was 10, my father decided to take us back

to the land of his father.

And he is still there.

You are a soldier.

I turn myself in to you.

I could not think of Jeffrey as the enemy.

As you would find it hard to think that of my brother.

My son was gunned down by Germans.

We don't know if he'll recover.

I'm sorry.

I would like you to know I have never killed a man.

Daddy...I think we have to remember

that it was a German fishing boat

that found John-Boy and helped him to safety.

This is a special evening in our home.

And Jeffrey wants you to stay.

So you're welcome here.

- Merry Christmas, Paul. - Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas. - Thank you.

[dog whimpers]

[dramatic music]

[laughter]

- What's his name? - Merry Christmas, Jeffrey.

(John-Boy) It was a Christmas Eve long remembered in our home.

An escaped prisoner of war

brought the spirit of Christmas to Jeffrey

and to all those gathered who longed for peace on Earth

goodwill toward men.

(Jim-Bob) 'You're really gonna let that dog sleep with you, Jeffrey?'

(Jeffrey) 'His name's Nick.'

(Jim-Bob) 'If he keeps me awake, his name's mud.'

(Jeffrey) 'He'll be quiet. I'll hold him real close.'

(Jim-Bob) 'Okay. Goodnight, Jeffrey.'

(Jeffery) 'Goodnight, Jim-Bob. Go to sleep now, Nick.'

[dog whimpers]

(Jeffrey) 'Uh-oh! Jim-Bob'

'you know when you told me to take Nick outside?'

- 'Uh-huh.' - 'I forgot.'

- 'Can I get in bed with you?' - 'No! Goodnight.'

(Jeffrey) 'Merry Christmas, Jim-Bob.'

(John) 'Good night, boys. Merry Christmas!'

["The Waltons' Theme" by Jerry Goldsmith]