Original subtitles

There will be ringing glad, glad news.

Oh, what a Christmas to have the blues.

My baby's gone.

I have no friends to greet me greeting once

again.

Why you'd be singing?

Oh, Christmas carols by candlelight.

Please come home for Christmas.

Please come home for Christmas.

If not for Christmas, by New Year's night.

Coming from the lake, 60 stars swimming.

That's not right, is it?

Not even close.

Swamp swim, geese lay.

Yeah, well, if I ever date a guy who gets me any of those things for

over anyway.

Where would you put them? In your New York City apartment.

Our New York City apartment.

Your New York City apartment. Beth, stop.

You're not just the one who sleeps on my couch. You are my roommate.

End of story.

Now, grab some garland and help me make this tree beautiful for our apartment.

I know it's two weeks until Christmas, but I'm ready for some Christmas cheer.

Yeah, just what I need right now.

Oh, how was closing night of your play?

Shouldn't you be at some cast party or something?

No, I could not go to another closing night party of a terrible play that

saw. My agent couldn't even be bothered to go to this one.

Okay, I would much rather be here with you, trimming our tree, drinking eggnog.

Please tell me that we have eggnog. What am I, an amateur?

We'll finish the tree and then I'll take you for closing night drinks at Fred's

Piano Bar.

No, Fred's is for the Broadway crowd.

You're welcome there. I feel like an outsider. Every time I go, I feel like

riding the coattails of your career.

You are one great audition away from my career being your career.

I was you three years ago, plucked from obscurity by my dad's producer friend,

but that is besides the point.

And now I'm on my second Broadway play.

That'll be you.

Especially if you get that David Mamet play.

My audition didn't go really well.

You're going to get it.

I'm going to get it.

I have to get it.

Because sleeping on the couch, doing bad theater, waiting tables, this is not

how it's supposed to be.

Life is never how it's supposed to be.

You've got to learn how to roll with it, Bessie.

Because maybe it'll be even better.

Good morning, sunshine.

I'm just making some French toast before I go to the Hamptons.

And... Merry early Christmas.

What is this?

Open it.

The first year in forever that you haven't had rehearsals over the

they cut your hours at the diner.

Now you get to go home for Christmas.

On me.

Nicole, too much.

I got you earrings.

They're not expensive ones.

Wow. Thank you for ruining the surprise.

Now, I already checked you in, and I arranged to have a limo pick you up when

you land.

Why are you doing this?

Because you're my best friend.

And nobody should be alone at Christmas.

It's just not right. You can't sit around waiting to hear about the mammoth

play. You deserve a hometown holiday.

So go to cut.

They all expected so much from me, you know?

Destined for greatness, so the yearbook said.

Stupid lying yearbook.

Yeah, yeah, New York is great.

I'm up for a play, actually.

Mamet? Yeah, yeah, David Mamet.

It is, it's very exciting.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas, Mama. Oh, my goodness.

Oh.

Oh, you're home.

It is a Christmas miracle.

Oh, come on, come on, come on. Get inside.

You outdid yourself on the lawn.

I can't help myself.

Well, it's very festive.

You want to tell me what's going on?

Why does something have to be going on?

Christmas. I wanted to see you.

Yeah. First you tell me you can't afford a ticket and then you show up out of

the blue without so much as a phone call.

Surprise.

It was my Christmas present from Nicole.

Hmm. Yeah. My show closed and I just wanted to have a real hometown family

Christmas.

Like we used to have, you know?

Do I ever?

All those Christmases I spent with you in New York, they were fine. We were

together, but they... Oh, we have so much to do. We have to get a tree and...

Santa. We have to go see Santa. You have some sort of Christmas wish, right?

I have, like, a thousand.

I hope Santa has time.

That was my favorite part of Christmas. I had to get everything I wanted.

Then let's get moving.

Can I unpack first, finish my coffee, back?

Of course. Because if you're unpacking, it means you're staying put for a while.

I kept your room exactly as you left it.

You took out all my pageant trophies?

How many was I in?

Some of those are mine.

I won the entire state. You only won the county. Mine should be displayed, too.

It's like stepping through a time machine.

For both of us, evidently.

I saw him today.

Barry McCormick?

He walked into the pharmacy.

I ducked.

I think everything is going to be fine between the two of you, Bethy. It's been

years. I can't imagine he has any hard feelings toward you.

He shouldn't. He stayed.

And you chose to leave, so this is what was meant to be.

Have to accept the choices we make in life.

I guess so.

Okay, let's go.

It is time for some retail therapy. We are going to go see Santa.

We're going to make ourselves some Christmas wishes.

We are going all out this year. Is it going to be our best Christmas yet? Not

until I change first.

Okay.

The gingerbread houses are ready, and May is at the shop today, so you can go

and pick yours up.

The bakery is swimming in gingerbread. I have so many orders. Merry Christmas.

Now, my elf will give you a candy cane, so off you go.

Come on over, lady.

Well, everybody's welcome.

Age is just a number, and I am in the wish -granting business.

It has been far too long since you had a real Christmas. You go first.

No, no, I'm still thinking. Go ahead. Okay.

Because my life is long, and I intend to get everything.

Santa? So, what do you want for Christmas, young? And I do mean young,

Stop. Now, I wrote everything down, lest you forget anything.

And my first wish came true, because my girl came home.

Next, I need a new mixer.

Beth? Terry.

Wow, it is you.

Hey.

Is that Beth Baker?

Can I set this thing down? Yeah, yeah, go ahead. Set it down.

This guy picks the heaviest tree in the lot.

Some things never change.

Hi, Dean.

Beth Baker is in town.

Yeah, she is.

It's been a long time.

Daddy with the tree. Daddy with the what?

Barry, honey, we have been looking for you everywhere.

We have to pay for that tree, you know. Mike, look at what that is. There it is.

Beth!

Wow!

Hi.

Taylor, this is Mommy and Daddy's old friend, Beth. Can you say hi?

Say hi.

Barry and Eileen are married.

Barry and Eileen are married. Going on five years.

Wow. Wow.

She's beautiful.

Thank you.

We think so, but then, again, you know, we're a little biased here.

Beth and Mommy did drama together, all of the plays, and then... Me?

Yeah, the plays, exactly.

And then she left, and I guess we lost touch.

It's good to see you.

How are you? Great, as usual.

We promised Taylor that we'd get up the Christmas tree today, so she's very

excited, but luckily Dean has been very helpful.

Listen, we're going to go to the pub later.

Why won't you join us? My mother's going to come to look after Taylor, and I

want to hear all about your fascinating life in New York.

You know, I'm supposed to help my mom put up the lights. Oh, Dean can help you

with that tomorrow.

Yeah, they're always volunteering me for things.

Must be what it's like to be born a weakling. You know, like Barry.

Hey, this weakling beat you for all -state in wrestling, even though you're

bigger than me.

And he's still one most athletic.

He is never going to let me live that down. Never.

Please come. I need you there. I can't listen to this guy's stories anymore.

That's enough out of you.

I'm gonna go pay for the tree. You can lug it to the car.

Bye. We'll see you later.

So, will your family be there?

Will I be the only unmarried spinster of the group?

No. Just me.

No wife, no kid.

You didn't marry Melinda Caswell? You guys were voted most likely to get

married. That's right.

Yeah, no, I did marry Melinda Caswell. She just traded me in for a newer model

couple years later.

I never liked her.

Yeah, nobody did.

You should have told me that.

It'll save me a lot of trouble.

Okay, I'll come.

It was a beautiful wedding.

You went?

I made Eileen's cake.

You never told me that.

Honey, I know how hard it was after he decided not to go to New York with you.

It's not my style to throw salt on the wound. You didn't ask.

I didn't tell.

I asked about Barry. Did you?

Maybe I didn't.

It was just easier to make a clean break.

It's all our news anyway, so leave the pass where it belongs and enjoy your

friends tonight.

This one is perfect.

Excuse me.

We'd like this treat, please.

Sorry. Mom, I don't even know what I would say to them.

Tell them the truth.

I don't even want to tell myself the truth.

Honestly, I feel like I should give up, move back home and...

Go insurance.

We both know you're not going to be doing that.

You're going to get that mammoth play.

Everything is going to be perfect.

Broadway will be lucky to have you.

Now, I'm going to pay for this treat, and I will meet you afterwards.

Thanks, sweetie.

I'll follow you.

Okay.

Ah!

Are you ready for your Christmas wish now?

My mother didn't monopolize your entire afternoon with her laundry list of

wishes.

I'm Santa Claus.

There's no cap on the number of wishes I can grab.

So what's on your mind?

There's this part in a play.

And you want it.

More than anything, it would mean that I'm not spinning my wheels in New York.

Accomplishments don't mean greatness.

Well, they don't hurt.

And if you don't get this part?

How can you say that? You're Santa Claus. You're in the business of wish

-granting. I am.

So, you want this part. That's your wish.

That's my wish.

Consider it granted.

Although I have learned that sometimes what we don't wish for is more powerful

than what we do.

All righty.

Did you make your Christmas wish?

Yeah.

Let's go.

Bye, Tanya.

Here you go, Beth.

It's on the house.

Oh, wow.

Thank you.

Georgia, when I was eight, I saw you in our town.

I cried and cried after your performance.

We still talk about it to this day.

Trauma used to be everything, you know?

Now they may have to shut it down.

They can't afford a full -time teacher anymore.

Yeah, I heard. My mom was telling me that. It's a shame.

I love my drama, Dave.

We all did.

Those were such a good time.

Yeah. Please enjoy, you guys. Thank you. Thanks.

Well, Beth, tell us all about your exciting life in New York.

Oh, well, you know, New York is incredible.

You know, I've never been.

We should really go.

Taylor would love it.

She's learning about the Statute of Liberty, as she calls it, in preschool.

We could all go.

I bet Beth has some fancy New York City apartment we could all crash in, right?

Yeah. Yeah.

You know, I mean, when the weather's nice. I know, it's a mess. How I would

loved to have made a career out of acting, but I did not have the guts or

talent. Not like you, Beth.

I'd probably be one of those perpetually out -of -work actors, living on

someone's couch, waiting tables, praying for that big break that never comes.

Nope. I'm much more suited to the boring old stability of crime.

Well, it's not for everyone.

Hey, do you guys remember that high -speed chase that happened on Main

It's all we've ever talked about for weeks.

Your dad made us go downstairs and turn off the lights in the pharmacy. We

missed it by like 30 seconds.

We were so mad.

The weekly colonel must have done 100 stories on that one event.

High -speed chase.

That is what you need for the paper to really take off.

Yes. I can't believe you took over the weekly colonel. I mean, that is huge.

Started as an intern, worked my way up.

Of course, no one else wanted the job, so that definitely helped my meteoric

rise up the ladder.

Your daughter is adorable, by the way.

Thank you.

She keeps it on her toes, that's for sure.

Barry's running the pharmacy now. Oh.

And my dad, he retired three years ago.

Business is good.

Your dad always wanted to hand over the reins to you.

I'm sure he's glad that you took them.

All right. On that note, I think I'm going to go call my mom and check on

Taylor.

Hey, send her a kiss from me. I'm going to get another picture. Sure.

Bye.

So?

So.

Married Eileen Taylor?

Yeah. I thought you would have heard by now.

Let me get the memo.

Didn't have your address.

I seem really happy.

I am really happy.

Great job, great family, great life.

Couldn't ask for more. I'm glad.

Me too. Everything's great.

So you made the right decision and you decided to leave.

You decided to stay.

I was always going to leave.

We had a plan, we were packed, we had the ticket.

Well, I guess things work out the way they're supposed to.

And we both made choices that led us here.

Yeah.

To a great life.

Exactly.

You know, I was hoping this wouldn't be weird between us after all this time.

I'm really glad that they're not. Yeah.

So we're good.

We're good.

Good.

Good.

Good.

Ah, yeah, there he is.

Oh,

over this way.

And now you're the fire chief.

Yeah, I set these little fires in the backyard.

I grabbed the hose and I put them out.

I remember that. You set Barry's tree house on fire.

Well, everyone has a dream, right?

Look at us. We are living hours.

You're in New York, and I am rescuing cats from trees.

What's it like being a real Broadway show?

It's more like off -Broadway.

Well, how far off -Broadway?

Hoboken, New Jersey.

Come on.

Beth, I know we haven't seen each other in a while, but we seem pretty tight.

What's really going on?

I got to New York, and I thought that I would have a career by Friday.

It's not like that. It's a building process. It's a lot of pounding the

pavement.

Nothing worthwhile is ever that easy.

If it were, any old dope could do it.

I mean, I could do it.

I really don't think I can do it.

You... You were always extraordinary.

We had no doubt that you would make it.

The thing is, in New York City, every single girl at every single open casting

call is the extraordinary girl from her hometown.

We're like a dime a dozen there.

Nothing but extraordinary women.

I gotta go to New York.

So it didn't work out with Melinda.

I imagine there's no shortage of dating options here.

I date here and there, but I just haven't really found anyone that I've

with.

Maybe I'm too picky.

What about you? It's a man in New York that is eagerly waiting your return?

I've had boyfriends over the years, but same thing. Nothing clicked. Nothing

felt... Like that?

No.

Nothing felt right.

I just threw myself in my career.

There's this part that could really change everything.

To getting it right.

To getting it right.

Could we give you a ride?

Oh, no, it's such a nice night. I think I'm going to walk.

Well, let's do this again before you go back to New York. Yes, definitely.

You guys drive safe. Will do. Night.

Night.

Please tell me you have good news for me.

I don't.

I'm really sorry, Beth, but you did not get the Mamet show.

I mean, it came down to you and just one other girl, but they went with her.

Listen, sweetheart, you're a terrific actress, very talented, and you know I

wish you only the best, but I'm afraid we're not going to be able to do this

anymore. I got to let you go, Beth. I really don't think I'm the right agent

you anymore.

Hey, we tried.

Right? And I know the timing is bad. Again, I'm really, really sorry. Bill,

please, I need an agent. Don't do this to me.

Yeah, it's already done, Beth.

But good luck to you, okay?

Sweetheart, really, okay?

He can't be the only agent in New York.

Oh, he's not. He's a really good one, and they're hard to come by. And in this

business, nobody wants you until everybody wants you. And at that point,

needs them?

Yeah, same in the fire business.

Yeah, I can only imagine how competitive that must be.

Listen, Beth, I need to ask you, how can we cut things off with all of us?

No phone calls, no visits.

We were all so close.

I didn't mean to, Dean, you know.

Just got...

swept up in my new life. I had every intention of coming back.

You know, once I had something to share.

My last day with Barry was hard.

All right, look.

Neither of you were willing to give up your life for someone else's.

That's no one's fault.

Can you hold on a sec? There's something I have to do.

Sure, I'll wait right here. Okay.

wasn't going to get that part?

No, you didn't get it.

You told me I wasn't going to get it.

No, I said if you don't.

But that was a potential outcome.

I'm sorry to hear that it happened that way.

Well, I didn't get it. And I'm probably never going to get the part. And I don't

know what I'm supposed to do.

Nothing's working out as it should.

I had two options. One was to stay in Kern with Barry, and the other was to go

to New York City, and both of those are completely abut.

So you think leaving was the wrong choice?

I would think so.

Here.

What is this?

It's a key, maybe, to the answers you're looking for.

I want you to have it.

Why? Because that was your wish.

Answers.

Now what would you like to know?

What my life would be like if I never left for New York.

Well then, okay.

Ask yourself.

And maybe you'll have the answer.

Good night.

Good night.

What was that all about?

Just one more little Christmas wish to make.

Santa's always good for granting a wish or two.

Hope so.

Come on. I'll walk you home.

What is that smell?

Oh, my mom is super busy at the bakery this time of year, so her assistant's

there. She's here using the oven.

50 orders of gingerbread.

Gingerbread is very popular. Time of year. 50 cookies.

No, 50 orders. It doesn't eat.

I don't want to eat all your profits, but yeah, I do badly.

Mom, I'm back.

Dean Hubert.

Did you come here to help us bake?

I don't know. Did I?

Beth lured me in with the promise of gingerbread. Oh, then I taught her

Okay, you two.

Into the kitchen. Put on an apron.

I am exhausted.

I'm going upstairs to have a hot bubble bath and recharge.

Huh. What's this?

Oh, it's a welcome home gift from a friend. Cute. Chop -chop. Yeah.

Snack.

Sorry.

Quality control.

Let me see.

Yeah.

Not bad.

You know, you should just give me all the trouble ones and I'll dispose of

properly. Duh -uh.

All right, so how many have we done?

86?

No. 56?

Mm -mm.

I could have sworn we were in the triple digits.

Uh, not even close. Well, actually, no, that's not true.

Sorry.

I hope she's enjoying her relaxing bubble bath while we're down here

away. I hope you're enjoying your bubble bath.

Why, yes, I am.

You sure are something.

It's nice to see you smiling, Beth.

Yeah, tonight's been a lot of fun.

I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm still bummed about the mammoth play, but I am

just so tired of fighting against my life.

What are you fighting against?

What is and what I think should be, those two things are in disagreement.

But I'm letting it go.

I love Christmas. It's my favorite time of year, and I'm here. I'm home.

I feel like myself again.

Then maybe you should stay.

I'm not saying that you should give up on your dreams, Beth.

I'm just saying that, you know, life shouldn't be a struggle, and maybe it

wouldn't be if you were you all of the time.

You made your own breakfast? Do I even want to know what the kitchen looks

That's okay. You only spilled twice.

You only spilled twice.

Twice.

Mommy.

Kevin spilled.

Oh, Kevin spilled. Well, I think you should come here and you should help me

clean it up. But I wasn't here.

Kevin was.

Kevin. Well, I think you should be a good big brother and you should be a

helper. And you should be a helper.

And you should be a helper.

And you should help me tickle you.

I have twins.

I'm sorry. Excuse me.

It'll be one minute. I'm so sorry.

Oh, sorry, kids. Important North Pole business to discuss.

Now, who wants candy cans while you wait?

What is this key that you gave me?

Did you get some answers?

I don't know. I don't know. I had this dream, and it was so...

Vivid. I'm a mom.

Or I will be, or I would have been had I stayed. I don't know, but it was so

sweet. Is that what would have happened if I stayed in Kern? I'd be married to

Barry with two adorable sons?

I don't have the answers, Beth.

You kind of act like you do, Santa.

What did I tell you?

I have all the answers.

Well, all I'm getting is a lot of questions.

Hey. You thirsty?

Too much gingerbread last night?

Yeah. No, I'm getting some coffee and donuts for the boys. Keep your morale

We haven't been out on a call in a couple of days. Want some help?

Please. One of the drawbacks of living in a ridiculously safe town.

Do you remember when Barry and you stole the Wixleyville mascot?

The sheriff told us that we were going to go to jail for stealing a raccoon.

laughing now, but I was bawling my eyes out then. I seriously thought that I was

going to have to visit my 15 -year -old boyfriend in prison.

Wixleyville.

You know that's where Melinda lives these days, actually?

You miss her?

Uh, I miss who I thought she was, but not who she became.

She said that she wanted this life with me here, but time changes people.

You know? I do know.

That was fun last night. Like old times.

Ganged back together.

The gang is taking on a very different form these days.

It's not a bad thing, Beth.

Change is good. People evolve.

You either fight it or you can go with it. I think that's the biggest thing

I've learned from my divorce.

Yeah. You know that's actually been my motto this week?

Go with it. You were right.

You know what you were saying last night?

You're thinking of staying?

I didn't say that. I'm just trying not to think so much.

Good.

Because... There's been something I've been wanting to ask you, and I'm not

how you're gonna feel about it.

But if you're not thinking, then you're not gonna say no.

I have been put in charge of the children's performance at the holiday

since they can't seem to find a part -time drama teacher.

I know, me, of all people.

I'm a disaster.

You want to help me out?

And by help me out, I mean completely take over and I'll just shut up and do

whatever you say.

Well, I'm sure you're not a complete disaster.

I would love to help.

I figure you and me together, we do all right.

I mean, last night we accomplished the task of making 468 gingerbread cookies.

One stop.

All right.

Count me in.

So there's a festival meeting tonight, 7 o 'clock, very nightly. 7 o 'clock.

It's a date.

Well, not a date.

Date. You know, it's a meeting date.

Just two days of meeting tonight.

I will see you there.

Thank you, Beth.

Yeah.

Don't be so hard on yourself.

You're not a dime a dozen.

Shirley?

Principal Hyde. Good evening.

Boy, Beth, we could sure use someone like you around here. Do you know how

it is to find someone who knows the drama game and is willing to work part

-time? I imagine you have quite the search on your hands. If Beth ever

to stay in Curran... Look at that, Beth.

A job offer.

So, Harold, so sweet of you.

You should consider that, Beth.

Just a few more minutes and then we'll get started.

Oh, Eileen, let me help you in the kitchen. Excuse me.

Hey, sweetheart.

Hey. Are you going to bed?

Here she is.

You want to say night -night to Daddy?

Night -night, Daddy.

I'll go tuck her in.

Night,

sweetie.

Well, I guess you don't need any help in the kitchen.

All of the decorations are going to be delivered on Wednesday, which means we

are all going to have to hit the ground running. We only have one week left

until Christmas, and the clock is seriously ticking.

Now, as for the actual theme in the town hall, I have some plans right here that

I'm going to pass out.

Here we go.

This isn't even our domain.

This is all about decorating, and I'm starving.

You want to sneak out of here and get a corner diner burger?

I can anything, yes.

When things weren't really bad with Melinda and all the other guys were

I would come down here.

Just always found clarity here.

Figured everything out right here on this bench.

Was that why you never left Card?

Never had to leave.

My life is here. My job.

My family.

This is where I'm happy.

So what about you?

Why, uh...

Why did you leave the real reason?

I wanted to be great.

You can't be great here.

I had already set Kern on fire, so to speak.

I wanted to set the rest of the world on fire.

The problem is you have to be invited to act and...

The invitations just aren't coming.

And that's the only way you can be great?

Everyone seems so content, and I'm... Well, you have to love what you're

That's why we're content.

You have so many people walk through their lives without ever knowing what

they're passionate about.

Can't give up on your dream, Beth.

I just have to figure out how much more fight I have in me.

You always have more fight.

He's got to figure out if the payoff is worth the effort.

I missed Corner Diner.

I think my thighs wouldn't have handled it if I stayed.

What if you stayed?

You know, what if you never went to New York?

Think you'd be sitting here on the bench with me, having fries?

Probably not.

Probably married to Barry.

Maybe. You know, I gotta be honest. I never really thought you guys were right

for each other.

Really?

Yeah. It probably had to do with some unrequited schoolboy crush, but... On

But you were always with Melinda. Well, before Melinda.

It was a long, long time ago.

Yeah. I'm a very different person now.

No, you're not.

You're still kind to others.

You give your time to people.

You're not even mad at Barry for changing his mind at the last minute.

You think that you need to find some big, fancy career to have greatness,

Greatness comes in all shapes and sizes.

I just, I wish you could see yourself the way I see you.

I do.

And now I have upset you.

That was not my intention, I'm sorry.

Well, I'm gonna take you home.

to you guys. You're going to be great for the festival. Okay, time to pack up

your stuff and go to your homeroom.

Bye.

Beth, it's time for career day in Mrs. Beasley's class.

Your husband is on his way. I thought you'd want to know so you could see him

with the kids.

Thank you, Principal Hyde. I'll head over there right now.

Worst time.

Sorry I'm late.

Hi. Thank you for doing this.

Are we okay?

I was going to call you this morning.

I really didn't mean to upset you last night.

No, no, we're fine.

Yeah? Yeah, I know you were just trying to lift me up. I appreciate it. More

than you know.

I don't ever want to feel that.

Well, let's get some Christmas going in here.

Okay, everyone.

As you can see, I've rounded up a little bit of help.

Miss Beth Baker of New York City is going to be the new director, and I will

co -director. Does that make this any bit more appealing to any of you?

Well, I have a chocolate Santa for each of you after we finish song, okay?

So let's start with some scales.

We can't bribe them every day with delicious treats and candies.

We just haven't earned their trust yet. We will. They're going to love it. And

soon. How do you know?

Because I was them once upon a time. We just have to infuse them with Christmas

spirit and the love of theater.

How do you suppose that we do that?

We put on a show.

And then the elves...

Bring all the gifts to fill Santa's sleigh, which will go right here as soon

it's done being built.

This one's a train.

And this one's a doll.

And as snow fell on Christmas Eve, the big guy himself, Santa Claus, comes to

bring presents to all the children of the world.

I forgot my line. What does Santa say?

This is your part, Noah.

Mrs. Claus, is my sleigh ready for flight?

It is, dear, and the children of the world are waiting.

Then I shall go and deliver presents to all the wonderful little boys and little

girls throughout this beautiful land.

And remember, children...

It was all you.

No, you're the one that won them over. Yeah, but it was your idea.

Let's be honest, you guys.

It was all me.

I killed the setup.

You know, after all these years, it felt so good to be back on stage. I can't

wait for Taylor to be old enough to be in the pageant.

Just a few more years.

It's too bad you're not going to be here when it's her turn. Well, this year is

going to be a success.

I knew we'd be a good team.

Oh, did you now? Yeah, we got a full 15 minutes of actual rehearsal today.

That's more than I've had the entire week before you came on board. We make a

great team.

Um, I'm gonna call home and check on Taylor.

I'll come with you.

Okay.

So, question for you.

What are you doing tomorrow night?

Hanging Christmas lights in the foyer with my mom.

That is so funny because I was going to ask you if you wanted to hang lights

with me and your mom tomorrow night. What a strange, weird coincidence.

So what do you say?

Yeah, we could use the manpower.

Why don't you come over about six? I'll make some food.

Perfect. I love food.

since I had someone to help me hang them in here.

This was Daddy's job.

He's been gone a long time. So thank you, Dean.

It is my pleasure.

Do you remember that time when Daddy was hanging the lights outside and he slid

down the roof?

He slid right into the snowbank.

I don't remember much. I was only eight when he died, but I do remember that.

You know, I think my favorite Christmas time memory with him...

After every Christmas dinner, he would take me ice skating at Wink -O -Rama.

They were open past midnight, so I felt so grown up.

But every year, he would carry you home, fast asleep, into the house by 11.

I love those times.

Me too, sweetheart.

And now we're making new memories.

Yes. Yes, we are.

Listen, I promise you have some good food coming to you as reward for all

No reward is necessary.

What kind of food are we talking about here?

Thank you for tonight.

It meant a lot to my mom.

And to me.

It's my pleasure.

But tonight's not over.

It's not?

There's something I want to show you.

With surprise.

Okay.

Where are we going?

You'll see.

Watch your step.

Okay.

Okay,

we're ready.

Rink of Rama?

Rink of Rama.

Wait, this is the important phone call you're going to make?

The owner owes me a favor.

I saved his cat.

Come on.

Let's get you to escape.

Ah, brings it all back. I didn't realize how much I missed this, you know? All

of it. Thank you.

This is the most incredible thing anyone's ever done for me.

I just want to do whatever I can to make you smile.

It's not that hard. I love you.

I make you laugh.

I'm glad.

Good people, Dean Hubert.

You got me.

Yeah. Okay.

What?

I don't understand.

I'm not following?

Melinda... Caswell, I... I don't understand why she couldn't see what she

had with you.

I mean, guys like you, they don't come around very often.

Evidently they do for Melinda, because I heard she has a third husband now.

Well, that's her loss.

Because I just... I think that you're the most selfless, caring person I've

met.

Where's all this coming from, Beth?

I don't know.

This?

Tonight?

You?

You make everything feel right.

No, it's not really me.

It's Rinkorama and Christmas, the ice... No, it's you.

It doesn't matter what was or what might have been.

This feels right.

We feel right.

Next to talk about his career is the husband of our very own Kern Park High

School drama teacher.

Dean.

Oh, I can't. No, I would ruin it. Are you kidding?

We could always use a real Broadway star in the chorus.

Hello there.

And to what do I owe this pleasure? And that smile?

I came to give it back to you.

Oh, no, you keep it. No, I couldn't possibly. It's too special.

It showed me a lot, and I'm good.

What are you talking about special?

I found it in a thrift store.

I liked what it represented, and so I gave it to you.

So this didn't... You had all the answers, Beth.

And it's cute, no?

It's cute.

I think it'll look good on you.

Thank you.

Step. Now.

Step. Very good. But where are the rest of my... Oh.

Greta.

Greta, come on.

Let's go. All right. So we dance and we dance and we dance. And then Mrs. Claus

sings the line.

Mrs. Claus sings the line.

Did you forget your line?

Okay.

Hey, Dean.

Want to help me with this ladder?

Let's try that. Yeah.

Okay. Ready? I actually wanted to talk to you. Step.

Now.

Good. It just happened last night at Rinkorama of all places, but I wanted

to hear it from me, you know, because of all the history.

Oh. Ancient history.

I know.

But if you've got a problem with it, it ends here.

Not really, Dean. I'm fine with it.

I'm happy for you guys.

I just... What's up?

Has she mentioned anything about staying in Kern after Christmas?

Oh, we haven't really gotten that far, you know. The only one kid.

Right.

But just be cautious.

Beth has big dreams and a life in New York. And you live here.

But hey, I mean, you're a pretty charming dude.

Not terrible looking.

A worse wrestler than me, but... You know, maybe, uh... Maybe we should look

around this time.

Yeah, we'll just see where it goes.

Sounds good.

Okay,

so now that we have our costumes on, let's do this for real.

You can do this, Francis.

You know, I was nervous.

When I started performing.

You were?

Terrified.

But I did it, and it was so much fun.

And I still get nervous when I go on stage, but it's the good kind of

It's an excited nervous.

Okay. I'll try to be the good kind of nervous.

Yeah. That's why Mrs. Claus.

Should we do it together?

Okay.

Ready?

Here comes the man, the man with the plan.

Here comes Santa!

That's your cue.

Well, we're going to need seamstress.

All right, guys, I think we're done for today. Who wants a snack?

Bye!

I thought I'd drop by just to see how things were going.

You're wonderful with them.

You think so?

Not to sound like a broken record, but I still haven't filled that part -time

drama teacher job.

Just let that simmer for a little.

Okay. Thank you.

You know, that's not a terrible idea.

Yeah, well, you know what they say.

Those who can't do, teach.

And those who can do teach incredibly well.

Just let me get through this performance first.

Yeah, Dean, great.

I think you'll really like him.

You sound like a new person.

I feel like a new person.

Although, at the same time, I feel like myself again.

So you're glad I talked you into going home?

It's festive and fun here, and I feel like I'm getting involved.

Dress free.

Well, I am back at the apartment.

My dad brought his new girlfriend to the Hamptons, and she is perfectly

terrible.

Put on the first jitney back to NYC.

Well, now you're going to be alone for Christmas.

Eh, it's fine. I'm good.

A few people from my last show are here, so we're going to go get Christmas dim

sum. You could come here for Christmas.

like you're going to be pretty busy for the next four days.

I can't intrude on that.

But I'll see you when you get back and you can give me all the gory details.

When I get back.

Yeah, what happens with this Dean guy when you come back to New York?

I'm sure you're doing a great job.

Those kids are doing a great job. I'm just teaching them the box step.

But I think they're going to pull it off in time.

Five days till Christmas. If anyone can do it, you can.

Here you go. And don't forget to come back. Valentine's Day is just a few

away.

Hey.

What?

Do you think I'd make a good mother?

Where did that come from?

You were an exceptional mother.

Thanks, honey.

It was just you and me for all those years after Daddy died.

Wasn't always easy, but I did the best that I could.

You're so selfless.

You lifted me up. You gave me everything.

That's what a mother does. She nurtures her baby so that she can feel free to

fly.

I just don't know if I would have it in me.

Oh, of course you do.

I mean, today.

To have a family, live life.

Are you thinking about staying?

I'm thinking about all kinds of things that I never considered before.

Is it because of Dean?

Dean? The kid?

I feel like something has opened inside of me. I feel good.

I never imagined this life for myself.

Look, Kathy, it may be small and it may be simple, but I

get to walk out my front door and I know everyone.

And when something bad happens or something good,

a hundred people show up at my front door with either condolences or

congratulations.

I have more love.

that I know what to do with.

This is home.

But that's just it. I don't know where home is.

How do you know?

How do you really, truly know when it's right?

You know because your heart tells you that it is.

And your head shuts up.

So I was in the fitting with Frances and she looked at me and she said, you're

right, it's the good kind of nervous.

I love that kid.

You're really quiet.

Just thinking.

Yeah?

Yeah. About anything specific?

About this.

Us.

Do you want to share any particulars?

I really like you, Beth.

A lot.

I can't help but wonder if this is just some sort of holiday thing that's going

to end with the new year.

What do you think?

I'm trying not to think so much.

I've also been thinking about what Principal Hyde said.

There's a life and a job for you here.

In Kern.

I want you to stay, Beth.

I'm just worried.

About what?

About falling for you.

And then January 1st comes around, and you have to go.

So, maybe we just shouldn't do that.

Then what if I do?

If you do what?

Day and Kern.

That would make me really...

good, you guys. You didn't make one mistake. You didn't miss one note.

going to be so great for the festival. I'm so proud of you.

I'm proud of you.

Thanks, Frances. We did it together, right?

Okay, I have a surprise for you. In the hall, Mrs. Pratt made gingerbread

cookies. Go get them.

You are doing such a great job. The kids are so lucky that you came home

this year. You're doing a great job. The decorations look fantastic.

The hall looks fantastic.

At the rate we're going, I'm starting to think I might have to rope off the

other half so no one can see it.

Do you need an extra set of hands? I can help.

Yeah, please.

That would be great. You can start by helping me hang this tinsel. Yeah,

absolutely.

You know, Principal Hyde asked me to work on you to take that job, but I had

break it to him that we will be once again losing you to the glitz and the

glamour of New York.

Yeah, full disclosure, Eileen.

My life in New York is anything but glitzy and glamorous.

It's actually been a complete struggle since day one.

I'm sorry to hear that, Beth.

I know what the theater's always meant to you.

You know, I thought it was the only thing I was good at, but I don't know.

Maybe I had it all wrong.

And maybe you have more gifts than you know what to do with.

The way you are with those kids.

I don't know.

Maybe we can convince you to stay.

Maybe. I would love that.

And I think I know someone else who would really love that.

Christmas Day.

Oh, I was thinking about Christmas dinner, and I'm going to make your

glazed ham and green bean casserole with the crunchy onions. I cannot believe

you would even ask me that. You can't make that dish without crispy onions.

That sounds great.

Can I invite Dean?

Of course.

You really like him, don't you?

I do.

It's funny, growing up, it was always me and Barry. I never really saw Dean that

way, but... He makes me laugh all the time.

Makes my day to see you happy.

Makes my day to see you happy?

Are you?

Of course I am.

Honey, I love my life.

I raised a sweet, compassionate daughter.

I get to bake for the people of this town on a daily basis.

And this year, I get to have a perfect Christmas with my favorite girl.

What more could a lady ask for?

Well, what about a boyfriend?

Well, um, I... I... date.

What?

Oh, occasionally.

Principal Hyde takes me out for a nice dinner to the Cobalt Buffet.

You never told me that. You never asked.

I didn't.

Did I?

Honey, it's going to change.

I promise.

Who, you and Principal Hyde?

The man that wears the same suit every day.

That is his work outfit.

He wears khakis every time he takes me out.

They're very nice.

Bill? Beth.

Got some interesting news for you.

What's going on?

Well, I just got off the phone with the director of The Mammoth Show. It seems

the star is understudied, flipped on some ice, and broke her ankle.

She's going to be off it for eight weeks, which means you are on a plane

tonight. Back to New York, baby.

Rehearsal starts at 9 a .m. tomorrow morning. And the show opens in four

so you've got to be ready. Did it, Beth.

You got the part.

So what are you going to do? I don't know. I don't know, but I have to

like, now, because they have me on a flight in three hours.

What do you think? It doesn't matter what I think. I have so much to do here.

The festival, the kids, you.

We had so many Christmas plans.

Dean, I practically told Dean that I'm staying in Kern.

This has always been your dream, Beth. It's Broadway.

I just feel like I'm letting so many people down. Hey.

What have I always told you? Don't you ever apologize for following your

But maybe you do need to ask yourself if this is still what you want.

I think I need to go to New York.

So I can be sure.

Can we talk?

For how long?

Four weeks of rehearsal, six -month run with a possible extension.

You could come to New York.

I live there?

No. I don't know.

Yeah, I could come visit that, but...

My life is here. I have a town that relies on me. I can't just stop and

I know. I hate to even ask it of you, Dean, but I have to go.

This is it. This is what I've been wanting my whole life.

Greatness.

You know, call me crazy, Beth, but I watch those kids and I see greatness

day.

What about them?

You could direct the show.

You've gone to every rehearsal. You are so good with them.

They want you.

You're the one that inspires them to be great. That is great.

They just want to perform.

I don't care who directs it. I really think that you're underestimating the

these kids are feeling about you, but... I get it.

You have to go find out.

It doesn't mean that this has to be the end.

I don't want a weekend girlfriend, Beth.

I want to start a life with someone.

Family. Home.

Not the long -distance relationship that goes on through who knows how long with

a possible extension.

I know.

I'm sorry. This is not how I intended it to go.

I know.

I hope you find that greatness that you're looking for.

Hey!

Now neither of us will be alone for Christmas. We'll be together.

You okay?

It was hard leaving.

Dean?

The kid, my mom.

They'll be fine.

I came in and I wreaked havoc on these people's lives and I just left.

I guess this is what I do.

That's not true.

I feel like I'm letting a lot of people down.

And I don't want to be that person anymore.

You're doing a Broadway show, Beth.

It's what you've always wanted.

Enjoy it.

You're right.

It's a Broadway show.

I'm going to try and enjoy it.

Try?

If I'd never gone home for Christmas.

Home is where the heart is.

Hi, Mom.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, sweetheart.

I just wanted to call and see what your plans were for the day. Oh, I just

finished getting dressed and doing my hair, and I'm going to head over to

Marilyn Ralph's house in a minute.

Good. Good.

Just wanted to make sure you weren't spending Christmas alone.

I love you.

I love you too, sweetheart.

I got your beautiful pendant.

Thank you.

Sorry I couldn't come home.

I know how hard things are for you right now, Bethy.

I meant every word from that pendant.

Home is a feeling, not a place.

No matter where you are, I'm always with you.

Okay, elves and Santa's helpers, we are about to begin one of our last dress

rehearsals. Are you guys ready to knock them dead?

Where's Beth?

Beth had a thing in New York. She had a really important work thing in New York

that she had to fly back for last night.

Lucky for you, you have me.

You know, so...

They don't call me Beethoven for nothing.

You want to step in here?

Dean, I'm worse than you.

You are awful.

This is not going to work without Beth.

Of course it will.

You guys have the talent and you're all so good.

But we want Beth.

Yeah.

I'm sorry, but Beth's not coming.

But you guys are going to be great because it's Christmas and that's what

all about. So everyone, grab your places on stage.

We only have a couple of days and we've got a lot of work to do.

You okay?

Yeah, I'm fine.

I'm sorry, man. I really didn't want to be right.

I know you didn't.

Hey, Eileen's mom plays piano.

I'll give her a call. Maybe she'll help out.

So he says it's completely safe. It just depends on your sense of danger.

Oh, oh.

Beth.

Thank you for cutting your trip short and coming to join us here.

You know, when Jane broke her arm, or her leg... What did Jane break?

Oh, what does it matter?

Anyway, we knew that we had to get you here AFAP.

Now,

you were my first choice, but the producer made an attack, and he fought

Jane. But you're here now, and we're thrilled.

Thank you. I am very excited to be here. It is an honor to be understudying

Alexis Avery.

You'll be saying that in three months, I can assure you. Nine Broadway shows,

and I've never missed one performance.

Not once.

Sorry, doll.

But at least you're getting paid, and it's a Broadway credit, right? Yeah.

So should I just stand up like this? Oh, no, no, no, no, no.

You will sit right here in this chair, and you will watch and you will study

every move that Alexis makes in the event that you ever go on for her.

That's your job.

Easy peasy, right?

All right, my lovelies.

I'll begin with Act 3. All right, Jerome, can you come in from upstage

Make your way down to Alexis.

David will find you on the couch where you were from before.

It was like I was invisible. I mean, there's no guarantee that

I'll ever perform. It felt like... A stepping stone?

A waste of time.

How can you say that, Beth? This is what you've always wanted. It's a great

opportunity.

Maybe it's not anymore.

I feel like I'm having an out -of -body experience. What did that town do to

you?

It felt like I was part of something that mattered.

Like I belonged there.

I belong there.

So you're just going to give up?

You're committing career suicide.

I think I wanted my career to define me so I could feel worthy of this praise

that I've been given my whole life, but it doesn't define me.

You know, what I did with those kids.

That defines me. My family does. Community does. I don't feel like I'm

anything up. I feel like I'm moving towards something.

I need to go home for Christmas Eve.

Well, let's get you a flight home, then.

You're back.

I am back.

It's a long story, but I am here, and I am available, and I want to help at the

festival or however you need me.

You haven't heard.

Heard what?

Come in.

I've been on a lot of planes in the last 24 hours.

The festival was canceled.

Wait, what?

I haven't been gone that long. What happened?

Someone set off the sprinklers in the town hall.

Everything was ruined. Everything.

And we can't even use the hall because we have to wait for it to dry out, which

could take a week more.

I don't know. It was a nightmare. Just be glad that you were not here for it.

Those poor kids.

Yeah, they were pretty devastated.

Dean took them to the Rink -O -Rama today, though, to cheer them up.

Of course he did.

Everyone must be so upset. This is the biggest event of the year in Kern.

No decorations, no budget, no location, no festival tomorrow.

There has to be something that we can do.

Wait a minute. It's the inside of the hall that's ruined, not the outside? The

outside is fine, but it's supposed to snow, and we don't have any decorations,

not to mention time. It's Christmas Eve tomorrow, Beth.

I have an idea.

I'm going to ask the rules if we can borrow their decorations as well.

Go?

Yes, ma 'am.

Beautiful.

How you got them to deliver this tent 60 miles away the day before Christmas

Eve, I don't know.

Well, I just told them our story and about the people at Kern, and then I

begged, and that seemed to be the trick.

And you got everyone, at least on my street and your mom's, to donate their

decorations. We owe a lot to you, Beth. Well, it's Christmas, and in Kern, we

always have a festival.

Which we may just have ready in time for Christmas Eve tomorrow.

I hope everyone got their Christmas shopping done.

Because we're pulling an all -nighter.

Not a problem. I do have one more favorite ask of you, though.

What's that?

Is that out?

Beth?

What are you doing here? Listen, I'm going to tell you everything tomorrow at

the festival.

You haven't heard.

There's not going to be a festival this year. No, there will be.

You'll see. It's going to be different.

Better, but different.

What are you talking about?

Look, can you do me a favor?

Read the paper tomorrow?

Special Christmas Eve edition.

Can you promise me that?

Sure.

Okay. All right. We'll talk tomorrow night.

for the paperboard to get here. Scared the heck out of it.

It's here.

Okay, I guess I'm up.

All righty.

Kern is where the heart is by Beth Baker, my daughter.

Home is where the heart is.

I didn't realize that as I turned my back on the place that valued and

me throughout my childhood.

I would leave Kern and set the world on fire.

But Christmas...

is a time of renewal, of rebirth, so to speak.

And that's exactly what the people of Kern and the spirit of this season have

given me, my rebirth.

A brilliant mind once told me that greatness comes in many shapes and

To me, it always had a huge connotation, like you had to be Abe Lincoln, Susan

B. Anthony.

But greatness...

Greatness could be the challenge of raising a child all by yourself, or the

daily production and distribution of a newspaper, or running a pharmacy with

nothing but your intuition to guide you, or being given a fire truck and

entrusted with the safety and well -being of an entire town.

A truly great life is filled with love and family and those pivotal moments

we get to share.

And Christmas is when we come together to honor the other person.

And so, I humbly offer a replacement Kern Holiday Festival this evening

in front of the town hall so we may continue to celebrate this time of year

only our community can.

I thank you, the people of this beautiful town, for helping me to find

back to myself.

I will never stop striving for greatness, but I understand it now in

never did before.

And only now do I feel truly worthy.

Merry Christmas.

Oh, honey.

That's beautiful.

Thank you.

Oh, I hope everyone reads it, and I hope they show up.

Even if they didn't read it, news in this town travels like tumbleweeds. They

will show.

Ladies, do you have any more Christmas wishes for me before I head back up to

the North Pole?

Got a busy night ahead.

I think I'm good.

Merry Christmas, ladies.

Merry Christmas, Santa.

have tables and tables of delicious treats generously provided by my mother

shirley baker of the baker's dozen merry christmas everyone

thank

you hi merry christmas merry christmas can we talk outside i'd like that

Nice night.

Mm -hmm.

I think the only thing that would make it more perfect is if it snowed.

I love it when it snows on Christmas Eve. Yeah, me too.

I read your article.

You have a knack for writing.

Maybe Eileen will give you a job on the paper.

I think my talents would be better suited elsewhere.

I talked to Principal Hyde this afternoon.

I took the job.

You'll be good for them.

Uh -huh.

They'll be good for me.

I mean, it's part -time, but I can stay with my mom and help out at the bakery

from time to time.

What?

I think I owe you an apology.

I was pretty hard on you.

I know what I want now, Dean.

Without a doubt.

welcome home beth good to be home

Okay,

okay, I'm off.

Let's go find out where the banner brought you.

Merry Christmas, Beth.

Merry Christmas, Jean.

Countdown to Christmas, all season long.

Go to HallmarkChannel .com for complete schedules, new peeks, and more.