Original subtitles

♪

♪ Santa bring my baby back to me ♪

♪ I don't need a lot of presents ♪

♪ To make my Christmas bright

♪ I just need my baby's arms

♪ Wound around me tight

♪ Oh oh Santa, hear my plea

♪ Santa bring my baby back to me ♪

♪ Santa bring my baby back to me ♪

♪ The Christmas tree is ready

♪ The candles all aglow

♪ But with my baby far away

♪ What good is mistletoe

♪ Oh oh Santa, hear my plea

♪ Santa bring my baby back to me ♪

♪ Santa bring my baby back to me ♪

♪ Santa bring my baby back to me ♪

♪ Well, the time is drawing near ♪

- You're juggling presents and presentations.

Laurel, you're amazing.

I don't know how you do it.

- I'm just trying not to wrap Emma's doll in my pie charts.

- Well, if anyone can multi-task, it's you.

- (sighs) I better get going.

I lose my sitter at 5:30,

and I promised Emma that I'd help her build a snowman

for her school art project.

- Good luck, oh, incoming.

- Ready for Memphis, Laurel?

- Absolutely, Mr. Hatcher.

Leaving the day after tomorrow.

- Hard at work I see.

- Oh, sorry, just trying to get my Christmas wrapping done,

so I can focus on my meetings in Memphis.

- Well, I'm counting on that Southern charm of yours.

The local touch might be just what we need

to get them off the fence.

Acquiring Cypress Savings and Loan

would give Chicago Financial

the foothold we need in the South.

- I'll make sure it goes perfectly.

- You planning any R and R while you're down there?

- Well, I'm just there for a week,

so when I'm not in meetings,

I'll be prepping for the next one.

- Right answer, you close this deal,

you might just find a promotion in your Christmas stocking.

Oh uh, before you leave tonight,

we need to talk over the revisions to the proposal.

I wanna review their list of fixed assets,

and depreciation schedule.

- Or I could just maybe email you my thoughts later tonight?

- No, I'd prefer to go over it now.

- Yes, sir, Mr. Hatcher.

(light piano music)

Mrs. Novak, I am so sorry I'm late.

- Oh, please, she's an angel.

I just tucked her in,

but I think she's still awake.

- Oh, you are a lifesaver.

Thank you so much.

- Oh, your welcome, dear.

I hope you get a little time to relax over the holidays.

- Merry Christmas, thank you so much.

Oh, before you leave, I got you a little something.

It's not much, but I hope you like it.

- Thank you, Merry Christmas.

(light piano music)

- Hi, Mommy.

- Hello, my little angel.

- I made a snowman.

- I know, I saw the picture.

I'm so sorry I wasn't here to help.

- It's okay, I know you tried.

- You know what?

We're gonna have a great Christmas in Memphis, I promise.

- Okay, Mommy, I love you, goodnight.

- Mm, I love you too, sweetie.

(light piano music)

- Mom, will Santa be able to find us in Memphis?

- Of course he will.

He can find good kids wherever they are.

- Are you gonna be working?

- Yeah, just a bit, but when I'm in meetings,

you'll be with my friend Sally and her family.

You might not remember Sally.

She's my old college roommate.

She has a daughter about your age too,

and if we have time,

I'll get to show you Graceland at Christmas.

- Just like Grandma and Grandpa showed you.

- Yeah, ah, it's lights and Christmas everywhere you look.

- Can I bring my stocking?

- Why not?

If we can hang our stockings here,

we can certainly hang them in our hotel room.

All right, I'm gonna pack you some books for the plane.

Hmm, your school had auditions for a Christmas pageant?

Why didn't you tell me?

Emma, what's wrong, honey?

- I just didn't wanna sing in front of all those people.

- Oh, well, it can be fun to try new things.

Aren't you glad I talked you

into sledding with me last year?

- Yeah.

- Yeah, all right, you ready?

Let's rock and roll.

(upbeat guitar music)

- Memphis is so pretty.

Why did Grandpa move to Arizona anyway?

- Grandpa prefers sand to snow.

- But, I love snow.

- (chuckles) Me too, honey,

and there was nothing that Grandma loved more

than Christmas in Memphis.

Hey, I wanna show you something.

That's the house I grew up in.

The porch swing's still there.

I used to sit on that swing with my mom.

- Looks like whoever lives there still loves Christmas.

- Yeah, looks like they do.

(light piano music)

All right (gasps).

- Mom, can we decorate like this at home?

- I'd love to, sweetie,

but I'm not sure where the roof reindeer

are gonna go in our condo.

(Sally screaming)

- (screams) Sally!

- [Sally] Merry Christmas, oh!

- So good to see you.

- (screams) Oh, my gosh.

- Look!

- Hi, Emma, do you remember me, I'm Sally.

Oh, you've grown so much since the last time I saw you.

- I know.

- (chuckles) I can not believe you're here.

- I know.

- Oh, how was, how was the drive in?

- The city's still as beautiful as ever.

We took a detour past Shelby Farms.

- Yeah.

- They still do the most.

- [Both] Amazing Christmas lights!

- Right.

- [Sally] Well, come on inside.

Here, watch your step, watch your step.

- Ted, Merry Christmas.

- [Ted] Merry Christmas, Laurel, oh.

- [Laurel] Oh, it's so good to see you.

- Good to see you too,

and welcome back to Memphis.

- Thank you, love.

This is my daughter, Emma.

- And Merry Christmas to you too, little lady.

Here uh, let me take your coats.

- Oh, great, Sal, these decorations are amazing.

- Oh, that's what happens when a graphic designer

falls in love with a handsome electrician.

- Like a couple of turtle doves.

- Hi.

- Hi.

- Hey.

- Emma, you probably don't remember Laney.

Since the last time you two saw each other,

you were both elf size.

- We're making mason jar snow globes.

- That is so cute.

- Mom, look how tiny the Santa and sleigh are.

- You add glitter to the mason jars,

and a drop or two of glycerine,

and before you can say Kris Kringle,

instant mason jar snow globes, viola.

- [Emma] Wow.

(Ted chuckles)

Can I try?

- It's okay, honey, go have fun, go have fun.

- Give me a sec to hang these up,

then it's eggnog all around.

- All right, I love me some eggnog.

Laney is so sweet.

- Thank you.

- Emma can be a little shy,

so she doesn't have too many friends back home.

- Laney will make her feel welcome.

- Yeah, God, it's so good to see you.

- It's so good to have you home.

- Yes, you know, if it weren't for work,

then I don't know when I'd been able to come back.

You know, after Mom passed, I just, I wasn't ready,

but Emma's never seen Memphis,

and I've always wanted to show her Graceland,

especially at Christmas.

- And to see me, of course.

- Of course.

(Sally laughs)

Oh, Sal, you've got a backyard.

I remember those.

- Couldn't you find a house in the Chicago suburbs.

- I noticed a pattern at work.

The longer you spend commuting,

the less time you have at home.

- A shame you have to work over the holidays.

- Yeah, but if this week is a success,

then I'm in line for V.P.

So, that will hopefully afford me more time

to spend with Emma.

- Yeah.

- Sal, oh my gosh, I can't believe you kept these,

let alone framed them.

- It's my history too.

I practically went to all of your shows.

- You know, I think the reason

Clay and I booked so many gigs

was the awesome posters you designed for us.

- Well (laughs).

- Ah, speaking of, do you ever see him around?

- I bump into him every once in awhile.

- Uh huh.

- He's doing well.

- Oh, good.

- Still full of surprises, I'm sure.

- Mm, I bet, yeah.

He always did have 20 different things going on.

Even back in third grade, restless.

Spent more time in the corner.

- [Both] Than at his desk.

(Sally laughs)

- Oh, gosh.

- Here you are, ladies, as promised.

- Thank you, Ted.

♪ Christmas, Christmas, Christmas ♪

♪ Well, it's Christmas time, pretty baby ♪

♪ And the snow is fallin' on the ground ♪

- [Laurel] This was Elvis's home.

- Elves lived here?

- No, honey, Elvis, the king of rock and roll.

- Do all these other people live here too?

- No, honey, but Elvis always loved

having family here at Christmas.

It's just a bigger family these days.

- What's it like inside?

- It's so beautiful.

Well, try to take a tour later this week.

In the meantime,

I wanna get your picture

in front of those lights, come here.

All right, all right.

Right up there, all right.

Hang on, Emma.

- [Man] Smile.

- I wanna get as much of the mansion in it as I can.

- [Man] All right, Merry Christmas.

- Oh, my goodness.

Oh, I am so sorry (gasps).

- Laurel.

- Clay.

- What're you doing here?

- I, I'm in town on business.

What're you doing here?

- I'm promoting the show here,

but I still live in Memphis, and you're in Chicago.

- Chicago, yeah.

Wow, it's been years.

- Yeah, 10 of them, I think.

Well, wow, is, what is this, a third grade reunion?

- Oh wow, look at you wearing a tie.

- Tied it myself, yeah.

- Mom, Mom, come and look at this.

- Oh, gotta go, mommy duty.

- Yeah, yeah, wow, you look fantastic.

- [Laurel] Thank you.

- [Clay] And who's this?

- This is my daughter, Emma.

Emma, this is Clay.

- Hi, Clay, how old are you, Emma.

- I'm seven.

- Did you know I was seven when I met your mom?

(Laurel chuckles)

Pretty cool, right?

- So, a Christmas concert.

Does that mean you're still performing?

- I'm still in music,

but on the other side of the piano now.

I'm a concert promoter.

So, we're actually doing the concert here at Graceland.

- That's wonderful.

- Are you a performer like your mom was?

She was awesome.

- Oh.

- She had a voice you'd never forget.

- Clearly, you're in promotion

- Oh, yeah.

- Clay and I used to perform together.

I sang and played guitar, and he played piano.

- She never told you about her musical past?

- Huh, would you look at the time.

Our hotel room at The Guest House is ready.

Are you ready, baby?

- You guys mind if I walk you over?

- Uh, sure, I guess.

Yeah, if you have time.

- Let's go.

So, Emma's first time in Memphis, huh?

Is your husband meeting you at the hotel?

He's not in the picture anymore.

- Oh, sorry to hear that.

- How about you, married?

- Only to my work,

and it's a pretty rocky marriage at the moment.

These things can turn on you in a moment.

- You in a tie is certainly new.

- It's kind of a requirement now.

- Ah, so, a concert promoter.

I'm surprised you didn't stay on the creative side.

- Ah, well, these days I'm on pain side.

Organizing these things

can be like wrangling cats in a circus.

It's where uh, dreaming meets practicality.

- Sounds like us back in the day.

- We were no pipe dream, we were on our way.

- Have you already forgot about our final performance?

- Okay, so we had one show that didn't go so well.

- That's putting it kindly.

It was more like a train wreck.

- That was a long time ago.

How long you in town?

- Just a week.

- Okay, so you gonna take Emma on the Graceland tour?

- I'm gonna try, but I'm in meetings all week, so.

- Whoa, you've come all the way to Memphis,

and you're not gonna let her take a peek

inside the mansion when it's decorated for Christmas?

(chuckles) You know what?

I think I can pull a few strings,

if you can do it tomorrow early, eight a.m.?

- Seriously?

- I'll get it done.

- All right.

- [Emma] Mom, hurry up.

- Hey, girls, wait up.

- [Emma] Okay.

Race ya back to The Guest House.

The last one back is a rotten snowman.

(upbeat piano music)

- [Clay] Guest house, I never would've guessed it.

- (chuckles) Thanks again for walking us back.

- Pleasure.

(girls giggling)

- Cats to wrangle?

- Never ends.

Okay, so we're gonna meet

in the lobby tomorrow at eight a.m.,

and you, I promise I'm gonna get your mom to play a song.

- [Laurel] Uh huh.

- Naughty list.

- Same old Clay.

I'd say he hadn't changed a bit.

Clay could always make me smile.

- Mm hmm, all right, we gotta go.

- Okay.

- Aw, bye.

- Oh, so you'll drop Emma off in the morning?

- Yeah, on my way into town.

- Okay.

- So great to see you, Sal.

- I'm so glad I have you home for Christmas.

- Bye, honey.

- Bye.

- [Emma] Bye.

- [Laurel] Come on.

My goodness.

- Wow.

- [Laurel] You can say that again.

- Merry Christmas!

- Hi.

- Merry Christmas.

- Welcome to The Guest House at Graceland, I'm Kathy,

and I'll be your concierge while you're here.

- I'm Laurel Couper and this is my daughter, Emma.

- What's a concierge, Mommy?

- It's someone who makes sure

you have everything you need while you're here.

Emma, are you looking forward to Christmas (giggles)?

- She's a little sad to be away from home over Christmas.

- Oh.

- Wants to make sure Santa can still find her.

- Are you kidding?

Santa knows this hotel like the back of his mitten.

Hey, I think we need some Christmas cookies here stat.

I'll go talk to the elves in the kitchen,

and see what we can do about that, okay?

- You have elves in the kitchen?

- Of course, all around.

You just have to know where to look.

Y'all make yourselves at home.

I'll be right back.

- Look at that tree.

Isn't it beautiful?

- It's so big.

- Look at that one there.

- No elves in here, Mom.

- Keep looking, honey.

- It's so cool we have our own piano.

- It's really a beautiful room,

but it's still missing something.

To remind you of home.

- Oh yeah, we can't forget those.

- Right.

(knocking on door)

- The cookies are here.

- Just a couple of those, almost bedtime.

(light guitar music)

Hello!

- Hello, hello.

- Hi.

- This jarved for you, ma'am.

- Wow, thank you.

- You ladies have a good evening and Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

Thank you, sir.

- Merry Christmas, bye.

- Oh my, what in the world.

- A guitar?

Who's it for, Mommy?

- Actually, it's for you.

- [Emma] For me?

- Let's see.

Dear Emma, 10 years ago, your Mom left this behind.

Maybe she'll even play you a song?

- This is better than cookies.

Do you really know how to play?

- Yeah, but not as well as I'm being played.

- Can you play me something?

- One short bedtime song, all right.

♪ Joy to the World, the Lord is come ♪

♪ And now it's time for bed

(chuckles) All right, goodnight, baby, mm.

(light piano music)

- Clay was right though.

You played a song.

- Goodnight.

- [Emma] Goodnight, Mommy.

(light piano music)

- [Laurel] Honey, you almost ready?

- [Emma] Just brushing my teeth.

(telephone ringing)

- Hello?

- Good morning, how's the suite?

- It's stunning actually.

Strangest thing though.

Someone delivered a guitar to our room,

and yes, I played a song.

- Ha, I knew you would.

- So, we're almost ready.

Are you in the lobby?

- Ah no, no, in the restaurant actually.

One of my acts just dropped out of the concert,

so I'm a little bit in crisis mode.

- Ah, unpredictability.

Another thing I don't miss about the music business.

Clay, thanks for trying.

- No, I was just thinking maybe we'd push the tour

towards the end of the day,

say, I don't know, around seven o'clock?

- Don't be Mr. Promises.

There are kids involved.

- Think you can trust me?

Look, I have some PR work to do

at the radio studio next to the museum,

so uh, just meet me there.

- We'll be there with bells on.

- All right, see you then.

- Yes, Mr. Hatcher,

I'm headed in to meet with Mr. Franklin now,

and I will call you as soon as we're through, bye.

(light piano music)

- Ooh, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, a little Christmas help

if you please, young lady.

- Of course.

- Thank you.

- Yes, sir.

- Is there something I can help you with, Miss?

- If you could point me to MrFrin

then I'll be on my way.

- Certainly, because that's me.

- Mr. Franklin, you're Mr. Franklin, the company president?

- One and the same.

You must be from Chicago Financial.

- Yes, sir, I'm Laurel Couper.

- Am I'm William Franklin.

I'm delighted to meet you.

- My pleasure.

This is a lovely Christmas display you have here.

- Well, thank you.

Since the cypress tree's our logo,

we tend to do Christmas big around here.

Though, my wife drew the line at live reindeer.

(Laurel chuckles)

We've even been giving out

snowman piggy banks for Christmas.

- Oh, how cute.

- You have kids?

- Yes, sir, I do, a daughter.

- Here you go.

- She will love it.

Thank you so much.

What next, Christmas stockings

instead of safe deposit boxes?

- You just may have an idea there.

So, this is our main branch.

Though, there are three others in the Memphis area.

It's just sad letting go of the reigns.

I need a way to make sure that all this continues

for our employees and bank family.

- I understand.

Well, Chicago Financial would make a great partner.

- Yes, of course, but I need to be sure

that when I pass on those reigns

the sleigh is in good hands.

- I understand.

I brought the formal proposal down for you to look at.

- Great, please, have a seat.

- Thank you.

- Perfect, you know, Laurel, I'll be honest with you.

I'm a little worried about being gobbled up

by a big corporation.

We're all about family looking after each other down here.

- Well, that is the Memphis spirit.

- You sound like a local.

Are you from Memphis?

- I am, born and raised, sir.

- Okay, best barbecue here in Memphis?

- Rendezvous, of course.

- Brisket and pork ribs?

- Slaw on the side.

- Exactly, best Christmas decorations in town.

- (sighs) Most people say Starry Nights

or The Enchanted Forest at the Pink Palace.

- Mm hmm.

- But Graceland has always been my personal favorite.

- Outstanding, now forgive all the questions,

but we do like to get to know the folks we do business with.

So, do you have any plans for Christmas fun this week?

- Well, just working on this deal a hundred percent.

- How about this?

I'll look over the proposal tomorrow,

and then maybe you can join us Wednesday?

We're having a Christmas gathering at company headquarters.

It would be a great way for you

to meet the rest of the bank family.

- Um, sure.

- And feel free to bring a small gift if you like.

We do a gift exchange.

It's a little tradition my father started years ago.

- Wednesday, company headquarters, it's a deal.

- Outstanding.

- The fact of it is,

Christmas was Elvis's favorite time of year,

so Clay, since you're heading up

this year's Christmas concert at Graceland,

what can fans expect?

- Argo, fans can expect an amazing lineup.

We have everyone from major superstars to (chuckles),

with Graceland Mansion decked out in Christmas lights,

it should be an amazing event.

- Sounds like a Christmas celebration

the King of Rock and Roll would approve of.

You will definitely see me there.

Be sure to get your tickets before they're gone.

Clay Sheppard everybody.

- Argo, pleasure.

You can always break my concentration, but now you?

What did you do today?

- I painted Christmas plates for Santa's milk and cookies.

- Fun.

- Sally sure knows her Christmas crafts.

- How'd you meeting go?

- It was fine, I guess.

Mr. Franklin is quite the character.

You know, I was armed with facts and figures,

but all he wanted to talk about was barbecue.

- My kind of guy.

- (chuckles) How's your family?

- Good, folks retired to the Smokies,

and uh, I have a sister on each coast.

- Well, they must be proud of you.

Seems like you're doing well for yourself.

- Hit a little bit of a wall in Memphis,

but if you wanna move up, you gotta move on.

- Really?

- The V.P. of Gotham Global is flying in from New York,

and they promote concerts all over the world,

so if this show goes well,

they might offer me a gig.

- You'd leave Memphis?

- No reason for me to stay.

To see the world, tour with bands.

- Well, it sounds like the perfect job.

You never were one to settle down.

- [Clay] Hmm.

Well, ladies, welcome back to Graceland.

Okay, who's ready to go inside?

- [Emma] Me!

- [Laurel] Wait, Clay, where is everybody?

- Oh, it's just a little private tour set up.

- You're kidding?

- Guess Mr. Promises delivered.

(upbeat orchestral music)

- [Emma] Wow.

- [Clay] What do you guys think?

- It's beautiful.

- Mom, look at the peacocks!

I bet the North Pole isn't even this pretty.

- And look, it's Elvis's piano.

- [Emma] Wow.

- If those keys could talk, I bet they'd share some stories.

- So, I mean, come on.

Just being here,

it's gotta make you miss performing a little bit.

- Sure, I miss it when I have time to daydream,

which is rare.

Sounds like you miss performing plenty.

- Occasional open mic night, but it's not the same.

- Fix your concert crisis?

- No, I still can't find an act to fill the spot.

You and I could do it.

- (chuckles) Funny.

- Why is that funny, why?

The band that dropped out was a local favorite,

and if you forgot, you were a star in Memphis.

- Mom, you were a star?

- No, honey, not really.

- Bet she still sounds fantastic.

- She does, she sings in the shower all the time.

- [Clay] Hmm.

- Now, you two are ganging up on me.

- Okay, we'll stop for now (chuckles).

- I saw that.

Did you have fun today?

- It was great.

Mom?

- Yeah?

- Is it true that people would come

to hear you and Clay sing?

- Mostly just friends tagging along to concerts.

- Do you miss it.

- A little sometimes.

It was just a little dream of mine.

- Then why'd you stop?

- Well, you know you have dreams, then you grow up,

and then you have responsibilities.

- But can't you have both?

- Not always, sometimes you have to chose one of the other,

and my most important responsibility is being your mommy.

All right, it's really time for bed.

I love you, baby.

Mm, goodnight.

- I love you too, Mommy.

- Goodnight, love.

(whimsical music)

(Laurel chuckles)

- [Desk Clerk] Front desk.

- Hey, what's your hotel policy on Christmas trees?

- We can get anything, even the biggest tree here?

- Well, anything that'll fit in our hotel room.

- Mom, how does Santa get into the hotel without a chimney?

- Same way as back home, magic.

- [Emma] And then what do the reindeer do

while they're here?

- (chuckles) They hit up the breakfast buffet.

(Emma giggles)

Any more questions, little Miss Curious?

- Do you think Clay is funny?

- He has his moments I suppose.

- That's it, that's the tree.

- Ooh, not too tall, perfect width.

I'd say it's a keeper.

- [Woman] Look at that.

- Christmas delivery, excuse us, excuse us.

Christmas delivery.

- [Laurel] Good morning.

- [Sally] Good morning.

- What're we making today?

- Birdseed ornaments.

- [Laurel] Oh, cool.

- Emma, let's go hang these up, come on.

- Bye, Mommy.

- [Laurel] Bye, love.

- How'd the Graceland tour last night go?

- Clay kept trying to convince me

we should try singing again while I'm here.

- Why not, it's a great idea.

(phone buzzes)

- Ugh, sorry Sal, I gotta run.

See you at the Christmas festival after work?

- Yeah.

- Thanks again for keeping Emma.

- No problem.

- He said he's reviewing our proposal,

and in the meantime,

he invited me to some,

some kind of company shindig tomorrow.

- Shindig?

- Oh, a company gathering.

- Okay, look, just keep the pressure on.

One lesson I've learned

is that when it comes to negotiations,

you've gotta keep the clock ticking.

Stay on the offensive.

- Yes, sir.

(whimsical music)

Oh my ,

I forgot how much I love this festival, y'all.

- Don't they have Christmas festivals in Chicago?

- Well sure, but they can never

get the pecan pie quite right.

(Ted chuckles)

- Seems like you've had a great day today.

Especially since you found

the perfect gift for Mr. Franklin.

- And Sal, you're sure you have time

to put your fancy touch on it?

- Absolutely, it would be so much fun.

- Hey girls, what did you ask Santa for?

- Mom, we can not tell you or it won't come true.

- Ooh, right.

(Sally chuckles)

- And look who's here.

- Hello, how are you?

- [Laurel] Clay.

- What's happening?

How's it going?

Call your bank?

- Not yet, did you find a new act yet?

- Not yet, you know anyone?

- Nope.

- Okay.

- We'll let you two catch up.

Are you girls ready to go Christmas shopping?

- I am!

- [Ted] Yes, all right.

- Well, I can come with y'all.

- No, Mom, I'm sorry, you can't,

because we're shopping for your present.

- Ooh, well, in that case.

- We're drop Emma off at the hotel in a couple of hours.

- Y'all have fun.

- Bye, Mommy.

- Bye, honey.

- Need some cocoa?

- Let's do it.

Cheers, (sighs) my mom always loved this festival.

Used to bring me here every year.

- She was the best.

- She'd be so happy we're back.

- You know your mom was your biggest fan.

Laurel, I gotta tell you,

it's not a crime to share your voice.

You working at a bank is like da Vinci being an accountant,

and that's no offense to bankers or accountants.

- Well, you always did believe in me more than I did.

- Rightfully so, I mean, we almost had a record deal.

- Almost, success was always around the corner,

and the corner after that,

and the corner after that,

and the corner after that.

Before long you realize you're just running in circles.

- Or you realize that you have to come back

to where you started from to find those dreams.

That looks good on you.

- You know what I just realized

is that I never properly thanked you

for the guitar or the tour,

so if you ever need any banking advice,

you just let me know.

- My pleasure, because you know um,

my momma did not raise me to be elfish.

(Laurel giggles)

You know what?

Come to think about it,

there is something you could help me with.

- What's that?

Clay, what're we doing here?

- [Clay] You'll see.

Enough little privacy for you?

- [Laurel] What is this, your personal clubhouse?

- [Clay] Give it a try.

- You're kidding, really?

Oh my gosh.

(Clay chuckles)

It's beautiful.

- Elvis bought this in 1974 to replace the gold one

that he gave to his Aunt Nash.

Give it a shot.

- Okay, here it goes.

(light piano music)

- You're playing Elvis's piano.

- I know, it's amazing.

(light piano music)

You were right about one thing.

- What's that?

- We were great together.

- As a duo, or a couple?

- Maybe a little bit of both.

- What do you think happened?

- [Laurel] What do you mean?

- With us.

- I, I really did love being out on the road

and living out of a suitcase and all,

but after my mom passed away,

I just, I realized I needed a break.

- Yeah, you know, we can't remake the past,

but uh, we can go out on a good note.

(light piano music)

♪ 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

(light piano music)

- You know I had an act drop out of the Christmas concert?

- And?

- I, I, I still think it should be us.

- You're crazy.

I can't possibly prepare a song by the weekend.

- Yeah, well, you can't, we can.

- If I agree, will it get you to stop talking?

- Maybe.

- Well fine, I'll think about it.

- I'll take a think about it over a no any day.

(Laurel chuckles)

- [Laurel] You're crazy (laughs).

- Clay Sheppard, the hardest working man in music.

- Becca, thank you for meeting me so early.

Uh, it's been a crazy morning already.

When did you get in from New York?

- Last night, looking forward

to the Christmas concert this week.

- Yeah, it, it should be great.

Um, I wish I could control the weather,

but it looks like we have a winter storm coming our way, so.

- Well, from what I've heard, you can handle anything.

- Likewise.

- I understand you threw your hat in the ring

for that job opening of ours.

I think you'd be perfect for it.

- Thank you, um, yes, that would be an amazing opportunity.

- We have a lot of resources.

Imagine not having to manage everything on your own.

- That would certainly have its advantages.

- Well, a few of the execs will be in town

for the show on Saturday.

I told them to expect great things.

- Absolutely.

(knocking on door)

- Come on inside.

- Thank you, I wasn't sure if I had the right address.

I thought we were meeting at the company headquarters.

- Well, exactly, which also happens to be my home.

- Oh.

- Now, I'd like you to meet my wife, Glenda.

- Hi, Laurel, oh it's soe to meet you.

- My pleasure.

- Welcome.

- Your home is so lovely.

- Oh, thank you very much, dear.

Well listen, let me take those from you.

- Oh, thank you.

- Sure, your welcome.

- And I'll have your coat.

- Thank you.

- Because I want you to meet everybody.

- Yes,diyou have a chance

to look over the latest proposal?

- I did, and it is very generous,

but I flagged some of the reducing redundancy language.

- Well, you know, in these acquisitions,

there's always some duplications of jobs,

so it's about finding ways to streamline things a bit.

- True, but there is a larger family

I feel an obligation to.

I have to know that our employees will be protected.

- Well, I'm sure we can put your mind at ease.

I'll try to find ways to cut your operating costs.

- We can discuss business later, but now it's time.

- For what?

- How good are you at pin the nose on the reindeer?

(Laurel chuckles)

(upbeat music) (guest chattering)

- Go straight forward, straight forward.

(upbeat music) (guest cheering)

- Oh, I got it.

Oh, thank you.

This is so cute.

(guests cheering)

- Okay now, I want you to take this over to here.

Oh, would you make sure that that gets to Miss Laurel.

She's a lovely lady.

That's a good idea.

- Thank you, baby.

(guests laughing and chattering)

That is so funny.

- Laurel, why don't you open up yours.

- Okay, my goodness.

Oh, a reindeer wallet.

- Almost as good as a Christmas stocking safe deposit box?

- I love it, thank y'all.

- You're very welcome.

- I have a little something for you both.

- Oh boy (chuckles).

I can't wait to see what this is.

Oh my goodness, honey look.

- Circa 1945, and if I'm not mistaken,

that third building down is your bank.

- Where on earth did you find that?

- Oh, I still know my way around the antique stores in town.

And my friend Sally, she restored all the colors.

- That is outstanding, just outstanding, thank you.

- I'm so glad you like it.

- Thank you again for coming, Laurel, and Merry Christmas.

- [Laurel] Merry Christmas.

- Bye bye, Laurel.

(telephone ringing)

- [Laurel] Hello?

- Laurel, I've been trying to reach you.

- Yeah well, the meeting just wrapped up.

- And how did it go?

- Well, Mr. Franklin wants to take things slow.

He just has some concerns

about retaining the staff and the culture.

- (sighs) Ah, this is starting to sound like a run around.

My guess is he's stalling.

Do you think someone else is circling?

- No, I think we're just getting to know each other.

- We're running out of time for that.

We've gotta close this deal

for our end of year earnings report.

I think it's time for me to get involved.

I want you to set up a video conference for tomorrow,

so I can walk him through the value proposition.

- I'm not sure that the money's

what it's all about for him, sir.

- Trust me, it's always about the bottom line.

- Now, the key to Christmas s'mores

is you gotta get your marshmallow perfectly toasted.

It's all in the wrist.

Otherwise, it's all in the fire (chuckles).

- It looks so yummy.

- Good evening, ladies.

- Clay.

- Hi, Clay.

- Do you mind if I join you?

- Sure.

- What're you guys doing?

- We're making Christmas s'mores.

Do you wanna have one?

- Absolutely.

- [Emma] It has peppermint chocolate.

- Thank you so much.

That looks fantastic.

That is so good.

- Emma, would you like to join us?

We're gonna read The Night Before Christmas.

- Can I, Mommy?

- Absolutely, thank you, Kathy.

So, guitar in hand, huh?

- Yes.

- Thought you would've forgot about it.

- Oh no, no, no, no such luck.

(Laurel chuckles)

I remember your favorite was Silent Night.

Mine was Silver Bells.

Which should we try?

- Both.

- Both.

♪ Silent night

♪ Silver bells

♪ Holy night

♪ Silver bells

♪ It's Christmas time in the city ♪

♪ All is calm, all is bright

♪ Round yon Virgin

♪ Ring a ling

♪ Mother and child.

♪ Hear them ring

♪ Holy infant so tender and mild ♪

♪ Ring a ling

♪ Hear them ring

♪ Sleeping heavenly, peace

♪ Soon it will be Christmas day ♪

♪ Sleeping heavenly, peace

♪ Soon it will be Christmas day ♪

- [Man] All right.

(crowd applauding)

- That was great, Mommy.

- Oh, thank you, baby.

- I agree, but would did you think?

- I love it.

- Oh, what am I sitting on?

Well, that was just randomly here.

(whimsical music)

- My name's already in the concert program?

- That is amazing, congratulations.

- Can you please do it, Mommy.

It would be the best, best, best Christmas present ever.

- And probably the craziest thing I've ever done.

(Clay chuckles)

Why not, if I'm gonna do this,

you're gonna have to help us out with something.

(light piano music)

(light piano music)

There, strung with microwave popcorn

and the hotel sewing kit.

Whatcha think?

- I think it looks great.

- Yeah?

- I think this is the nicest

hotel Christmas tree I've ever seen.

Did you know she was this creative?

(knocking on door)

- [Laurel] Let me get that.

- Room service again?

- Gingerbread cookies.

- [Laurel] Kathy.

- Ho ho ho.

- Come on in.

- Special delivery.

- [Clay] Whoa.

- Hey!

- [Clay] Hello.

- My goodness, what is all this?

- Well, I always buy way too many ornaments,

and this year is no exception.

- Yeah?

- I thought you could use some.

- Thank you, Kathy.

- [Clay] Wow.

- You are most welcome and y'all have fun decorating.

- Thank you so much.

- Bye, Miss Kathy.

- Oh, thank you.

- Thank you.

- All right, are you gonna help me with this?

- [Emma] Uh huh.

- All right, let's do it, come on.

What should we do first?

- This one.

- This one, all right.

I haven't decorated a tree in years.

- But, don't you like Christmas?

- I love Christmas.

My family used to do huge Christmases,

and your mom, she's come to a couple of them too.

But, my family moved away and I don't do Christmas anymore.

- Why?

- Because I think Christmas is more fun

when you have someone to share it with.

- Well, you're with us.

- (chuckles) That's a good point.

You like that one?

- [Emma] Yeah.

- Awesome.

One more.

- Yep.

- All right, it's time for the lights.

- Let's see it.

- All right, three, two.

(light orchestral music)

- Not bad.

- It's so pretty.

- Yeah.

Oh, thanks so much for the help.

- My pleasure.

- You know, for someone who never wanted

to be tied down with family,

I'd say you've got a knack with kids.

- (chuckles) Doesn't hurt you have an exceptional one.

(light orchestral music)

Well, I have a, I have a show to put together, so.

- Clay?

- [Clay] Yeah?

- Why are you so set on us performing together again?

- Maybe I'm not ready to give up on the past.

Why did you say yes?

- Honestly, I'm trying to raise a girl who's fearless,

and chases her dreams,

and yet I realize that I'm the one who's been holding back.

Maybe it's time I put myself on the line.

- (chuckles) It's kind of ironic,

you showing up in Memphis when I'm about to say goodbye.

- Well, timing was never your greatest strength.

- (chuckles) That's true.

- (scoffs) Oh, no.

- [Clay] Hmm?

- Sally has a new project that fell in her lap tomorrow.

- [Clay] Really, hmm.

(whimsical music)

- Clay Sheppard, did you have anything to do with this?

- She might be doing the Christmas concert posters.

- What?

- She's the best designer in Memphis,

and then she found out you were doing the concert.

What's the problem?

- The problem is she's supposed

to be watching the girls tomorrow.

- Look, I'm just juggling a few phone calls tomorrow,

so if you'd like,

I can watch the girls.

You said I have a knack with kids, so.

- Well, if you think you're up for it.

- I handle showbiz types all the time.

I can, I can do this.

Now, how hard would that be?

- Well, you better get a good night's sleep.

- You get a good night's sleep (laughs).

(Laurel humming)

- What?

I got a spring in my step and a song in my heart.

- I like how happy you are when you sing.

- Baby, there's pretty houses here, yeah?

- And big yards too.

- [Laurel] Mm hmm, hey.

- [Sally] Hey.

- Sal, are you sure about Clay

watching the kids while you're at work?

- Sure, I just need a couple hours to finish up the posters,

and then pop out to the printers.

- Yeah, but you'll be mostly in earshot

in case you hear crying?

- Oh, I'm sure the girls will be fine.

- I meant Clay.

(both laughing)

- See you later.

- Thanks, Sal, bye girls.

- [Emma] Bye, Mommy.

- [Laurel] Morning.

- Good morning.

- You sure about all this?

- No problem.

- Well, gotta run, thanks again.

(whimsical music)

Come on, guys, seriously?

I have a big meeting to get to.

- (chuckles) All right, let's go in.

- Bullseye, ha (laughing loudly)!

(Clay mumbles)

(upbeat guitar music)

All right, I'm pulling up the presentation now.

Whoops, sorry, my bad.

- (chuckles) Not at all.

I'm glad to see you're having a little fun

while you're in town.

- I took Emma to Graceland.

We had the best time,

and I was able to catch up with some old friends too.

- Outstanding, oh, by the way,

we rented the local ice rink for our employees tonight,

and everyone's welcome.

Why don't you bring your daughter and your friends?

- Oh well, I don't know.

- Now, if you're going to help

preserve our company's culture,

shouldn't you experience it first hand?

- (chuckles) Good point.

All right, let's see here.

Let me get this right.

There, showtime, I mean, we're on (clears throat).

- Greetings from Chicago.

- [William] Good morning.

- Glad we could all meet to work this out.

- Well, sir, if your company

is as good as the emissary you sent,

I think great things are in store.

Although, we do have some concerns

when it comes to this eliminating redundancies.

The language is fairly vague.

- And I've been looking for ways

to cut costs without layoffs,

so perhaps we should discuss.

- We can talk about that in a minute,

but uh first, Mr. Franklin,

I wanna make sure you fully appreciate

the value proposition here.

Of course, we're offering a very generous stock package,

but I think there's several other items

you're gonna find very attractive.

We could start by looking at the operations side.

- Mm hmm, right.

Yeah, perfect, perfect.

So, the flight should be on time

as long as they avoid the snowstorm in Denver.

(girls giggling)

You know, I'm gonna call you back.

I think the snowstorm just hit.

(girls giggling)

- So, as you can see from the tax benefits alone,

you stand to make a huge profit.

- Yes, that is impressive,

but I don't think we're quite reaching each other here.

- Hang on, hang on, I have saved the best for last.

(Laurel laughing)

I haven't even touched on how

our stock is projected to spike.

Perhaps, Laurel can run you through

some of the projections for our profits next year.

Laurel, are you with us, Laurel?

- Sorry, yes, sir.

Um, next year's profits.

I have them right here.

("Deck the Halls")

- How's it going down there?

- Great, just making Christmas Krispies by myself.

Girls, where'd you go?

Kinda need a hand in here.

Well, you don't wanna help Santa Clay?

You'd help me if I was Santa Claus.

(telephone ringing)

("Deck the Halls")

- (grunts) Clay Sheppard speaking.

(telephone ringing)

- Hi, Mr. Hatcher.

- Laurel, what happened back there?

- I'm sorry, my mind just wandered for a minute.

- Look, you've gotta call Franklin right now,

and remind him this is a limited time offer.

The clock is ticking.

- I really don't think pressuring him will help, sir,

but I will.

- Laurel, I'm counting on you.

(Laurel sighs)

(light piano music)

- Merry Christmas, enjoy your cocoa.

- Ah, hot cocoa stand.

What a great idea.

Think you ladies could set me up with a tall one?

I need it.

- Here you go, Mommy.

- Thank you, baby.

- Hope you enjoy it.

- Thank you, girls.

- Hey, stranger, how'd it go?

- Frustrating, but I survived.

More importantly, did Clay?

- He left about an hour ago,

but yes, Clay survived.

Actually, the girls had a great time.

- Good, good, it's funny,

I never pictured Clay with kids, but.

- [Sally] Yeah.

- I guess it figured he'd be good, given that he is one.

(Sally giggles)

(telephone ringing)

My boss is relentless.

- Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, we sold all our cocoas.

Come make snow angels with us.

(telephone ringing)

- You know what?

- I'll call him back in 10.

We got some snow angels to make.

Let's go, baby.

- You can blame me if you get fired.

(whimsical music) (all giggling)

(light piano music)

- These are old programs and photos

of when Clay and I used to perform together.

This one right here was from a show at Shelby Farms.

This one here was one that your grandma and grandpa came to.

- Grandma looks really pretty.

- Yeah, Grandma lived her life to music.

She was the reason I fell in love with singing.

She'd be so happy that we're back in Memphis for Christmas.

- [Emma] What's that one?

- The Orpheum Theater.

That was my last concert.

- Why?

- Well, Clay told me he'd booked us a show in a small club.

Come to find out it was a lot bigger than I expected.

3,000 people in the audience.

- That's a lot.

- Yeah, I got scared.

- You did?

- Lost my voice and Clay had to finish the show by himself.

- That's how I felt about the school Christmas pageant.

I didn't want all the people staring at me.

- Sometimes facing our fears, best way to conquer them.

That's exactly what I'm gonna do on Saturday.

- Ho ho ho, whew!

- [Emma] Clay!

- My favorite elf, mm!

What're you doing?

- Momma's showing me old pictures

of when you guys performed together.

- Oh, she did?

- Sally kept everything.

There's even a picture in here

of you and I rehearsing in your dad's workshop.

- Well, speaking of rehearsing, who's up for some caroling?

- I am!

- Uh, wait, now?

We don't have time, Clay.

We're supposed to go skating remember?

- Oh, I think we'll be okay, trust me.

- All right.

I don't know how you talked me into this.

- [Clay] It's a gift (chuckles).

- Mom.

- What, baby?

- Can I stand here and watch?

- Why, are you a little nervous?

It's okay.

- Hey, Em, you know the number one rule is I'm performing?

Picture everyone in the audience wearing elf hats.

(Emma giggles)

♪ The First Noel, the Angels did say ♪

♪ Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay ♪

♪ In fields where they lay keeping their sheep ♪

♪ On a cold winter's night that was so deep ♪

♪ Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

♪ Born is the King of Israel

♪ Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

♪ Born is the King of Israel

- That was lovely, thank you.

- Thank you.

- And Merry Christmas.

- Bye, Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

That was great, honey.

- Thanks, Mommy.

On to the next house.

(light violin music)

Come on, Mommy!

- Emma, I'll be right there, honey.

- I am so glad you could join us.

- Well, an ice rink is a unique place to talk business.

- Well, it's the perfect place to talk business.

It's hardly slippery when you're already on ice.

- Good point (chuckles).

- So, tell me, you like your job in Chicago?

- The people are great.

- [William] Uh huh?

- Really friendly.

- Uh huh, but you didn't answer my question.

- Well, I wish I had more time to spend with my daughter,

that's for sure.

- Yeah, look, Laurel, your boss's offer is generous,

but he won't rule out layoffs and branch closings.

I would happily give up some of my equity

in exchange for some ironclad promises.

- Why don't you make a list for Hatcher

with all your must haves and a counter offer,

and in the meantime,

I'll look for ways to cut costs in your operations.

- That sounds perfect.

Now, I'm gonna try to do a little skating with my family.

(Laurel laughs)

- [Clay] Hey.

- Hey.

- Everything okay?

- (sighs) Just trying to figure out

how to get Franklin and Hatcher on the same page.

They're so different.

- Have a good time.

- Yeah, two instruments can always sound good together

if the music's right.

- I like how you put that.

Do you remember this rink?

- Oh, you mean our first date?

It was just an excuse to hold your hand.

Too bad it was unnecessary.

You were so graceful.

♪ I said Merry Christmas, baby

- You always were a showoff.

♪ Sure do treat me nice

- Well, I could always count on you for an honest opinion.

I miss that.

- Really, I thought that annoyed you?

- Well, you know what's funny?

The uh, qualities you come to appreciate in people.

Clay, thank you.

- For what?

- For pushing me to perform this week.

You know, after Mom passed away, it was tough,

and you know, I needed stability.

I got it, but I was missing something else

that I didn't even realize.

Make sense?

- It does make sense.

Something was missing with me too.

Thank you for this week.

I haven't had any family around Christmas in a long time.

I miss it.

- Even with that restless spirit of yours?

- (chuckles) I'm trying to figure out

how to settle down without settling.

You know, get the best of both worlds.

- Hey, we managed to combine two carols together.

I think anything's possible (screams)!

(Clay laughs)

Woo, oh my gosh!

- [Clay] You having fun yet?

- Oh, so much fun.

I did not expect to be doing this on a business trip.

- Right?

I always wondered what it'd be like if you hadn't have left.

- I wonder that too sometimes.

- Woo hoo, come on, Clay, let's go skate!

- All right, you wanna do a quick selfie?

- Okay.

- Here, you ready?

Okay, one, two, got it.

All right, let's go.

- [Emma] Come on, let's go fast.

- Look how happy she is.

- Look how happy you are.

(light piano music)

- Hey, you were supposed to be sleeping.

- I was thinking how pretty you sound.

- Thank you, baby.

- Clay said I should make sure

you rehearse for the Christmas concert.

- Thanks, coach.

- You need help with the words?

- Of course, come here, baby.

All right.

(light piano music)

♪ 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

- That means you.

- Goodnight, Mommy.

- Goodnight, love, mm.

I love you so much.

- I love you too.

- Sleep tight.

(light piano music)

- Come on, Laurel,

we can use some more frost on these cookies.

- Suits me, because I could sure use a Christmas diversion.

(telephone ringing)

Oh, gosh.

Hello!

- [Mr. Hatcher] Hello, Laurel?

- Mr. Hatcher, sorry about the noise.

- Okay, I've got Franklin's counter proposal here.

It is ridiculous.

There's not layoffs, no forced retirement.

There's no reduction of employee benefits.

- Yeah, but he said he's willing to give up stock in return.

- If they don't play ball, the deal's not worth it.

- But I found other ways to cut costs.

There's uh, unused space in three of their branches

they could sublet out,

and I could boost revenue

with online banking to millennial customers.

- Look, these are all good ideas.

They don't change the big picture.

- I have two more days.

I can finesse this.

- [Mr. Hatcher] Well, I hope you do.

- Everything okay?

- (sighs) It's like juggling glass ornaments.

- Take a break, relax a little.

Maybe you should go for a walk.

There's a nice house across the street

that has great Christmas lights.

- You mean the cute little house

with the for sale sign out front?

- For sale sign, does it really (laughs)?

I have always dreamed

that we could live next door to each other one day,

and when I saw the for sale sign,

my heart skipped a beat.

I mean, just imagine.

The girls could play.

We could alternate dinners.

You can babysit.

- You're missing one thing, my job.

I mean, I worked for years to get where I am in Chicago,

and I can't just walk away now.

(sighs) I just, I really hope this deal goes through.

- You're you, you'll find a way.

- Thanks, Sal.

All right, I'm gonna run,

and remember, dinner's on me tonight.

I'm gonna roast a turkey.

- Oh, why don't you drop off a care package for Clay.

I just made too many cookies.

- Somebody trying to play Christmas cupid?

- Well, I am your biggest fan.

I mean, why wouldn't I try

to get the band back together (chuckles)?

- [Laurel] Maybe living across the street isn't a good idea.

You are hungry.

- Starving, okay, guess what?

- [Laurel] What?

- We have a show in 48 hours.

(Laurel sighs)

(chuckles) You ready?

- Getting there.

Emma's been helping me practice.

- (laughs) I bet she has.

- How about you, everything okay on this end?

- The talent's stranded in Denver, 70% chance of a blizzard,

and all the Gotham music execs

are gonna be there to witness it.

So, if I could pull this off,

I write my own ticket,

and if not, back to square one.

- Might not be a bad thing.

- What (chuckles)?

- Clay, I was thinking that if this deal goes through,

then maybe I could ask my boss

for a transfer here in Memphis.

- Seriously?

- I mean, if it's possible.

You know, coming back here,

it's like coming back home,

and, and I really feel like this is a place

where Emma would be happy,

and I found a dream house for my imaginary dream life

right down the street from Sally, crazy, right?

- No, not at all.

I mean, the past couple days getting to enjoy Christmas

with you and Emma back in our hometown.

I mean, it's like that old saying,

you don't really know what you've missed.

- Until it's gone.

- Exactly.

- It's not gone yet.

- I've been wanting to get back on the road so bad,

but I realized what made the road really great was you.

- There's just so much to figure out.

- I think sometimes these obstacles are a blessing.

- How so?

- It inspires us to dream bigger.

Wanna see the view from the stage?

- How many people are gonna be here again?

- You'll do fine.

- [Laurel] I'm back.

- [Emma] Hi, Mommy!

- [Sally] Hi!

- Hi, honey, I got the turkey.

And pine cones elves?

Sally, you never seize to amaze.

- I know a joke.

What do snowmen like to do on vacation?

- What?

- Chill out.

(all giggling)

- Emma really came out of her shell this trip.

- [Sally] Oh, and made a new friend along the way.

(telephone ringing)

- Let's see, sorry.

I gotta take this.

Mr. Hatcher, I found few more ysstreamline costs.

- Laurel, is there anything you'd like to share with me?

- About the deal, I'm sorry.

It's just been a little more tricky than I imagined.

- Well, I think I might know why.

Helen in finance just noticed a uh, Laurel Couper,

on the website performing in the Graceland Christmas Show.

Wouldn't happen to be you, would it?

- Um, I, it is, but please let me explain.

I was just doing a favor for a friend.

- I see, well, we'll discuss it tomorrow when you're back,

with or without the deal.

- Tomorrow, but we're staying through Christmas.

- I don't mean to be the Scrooge to your Christmas plan.

Sometimes the only hope for a deal

is to walk away from the table.

You get on a plane today, tomorrow at the latest,

and get back here.

That'll send Franklin a clear message that we mean business.

- Sir, I understand, but don't you think.

- Laurel, you've done great work for us.

Maybe you just got caught up in things down there,

but I still see a big future for you,

and I'll see you tomorrow.

(mellow music)

(knocking on door)

- [William] Well, Laurel, hello.

- Hey, wasn't sure dropping by was okay,

but then I remembered you said that your home is--

- Company headquarters, that's right, come on in.

- Thank you.

- Oh my, excuse the reindeer games.

- [Laurel] (chuckles) I'm so sorry for intruding.

- No.

- Mr. Hatcher called,

and he wants me back in Chicago tomorrow.

- Oh.

- Yeah, he feels that our talks are not advancing,

so it leaves us no other choice.

- [William] Mm hmm.

- But is there anything we can do

to come to some sort of agreement?

I know it's not everything you wanted, but--

- Look, Laurel, I, I, I know

that you have fought hard to make this work,

but there'd still be layoffs,

and even a few is too many.

Come here, I wanna show you something.

Now, you see that painting?

That's the cypress tree

my grandpa planted on our family farm

over 80 years ago.

- Wow.

- [William] That's how our bank got its name.

- It's beautiful.

- Mm hmm, and every year someone says we oughta cut it down.

Maybe use it for a Christmas tree.

I prefer to see that tree keep growing.

Now, I realize it may not last forever,

but I know it'll be growing even after I'm gone.

- So, your decision, it's final?

- Somethings just don't have a price,

and I'll just make due until I find another solution.

- Well, I'm disappointed.

- Mm.

- But to tell you the truth,

if I were you, I'd do the same thing.

- You would?

- Yes, sir.

It was such a pleasure to meet you.

- You too.

- Thank you so much, Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

- William, you can't forget this little item we picked up.

- Oh, that's right, I almost forgot.

Now, I'm sorry we can't send you home

with a victory, Laurel,

but Glenda and I did get you a little Christmas present.

- Oh, you shouldn't have.

- Well, go ahead, open it.

- Thank you.

Oh, barbecue sauce, I love it.

All I need is a little slaw on the side.

- That's right.

- And I have a little something for you as well.

- Well, you already gave us a present.

- Yes.

- It's just a few ideas

to help cut costs and boost revenue,

so that Cypress Bank can continue to grown into the future.

- Thank you, above and beyond.

(light piano music)

- [Clay] Hey, it's Clay, you know what to do.

- Clay, it's Laurel again.

I know you're busy,

but will you please call me when you get this?

It's important.

t stay but will you please call and have Christmas here?

- No, no, babe, we have to fly back tomorrow.

We'll have a good Christmas in Chicago, I promise.

- But Laney won't be there.

- I know, baby, but we have to go.

It's Mommy's work.

- And what about the Christmas concert?

- I'm afraid the show's gonna have to go on, but without us.

(telephone ringing)

(sighs) Clay?

- A-S-A-P as in when?

- Tomorrow, he thinks leaving the table

is the only way to make this deal happen.

- So, that, that's it?

- Clay, I'm struggling to keep my job,

and everything I've worked for,

and performing in this concert

is the last thing I need to do

to convince my boss that I'm committed.

- It's fine, I just don't know why

I expected anything different.

- But, what's that mean?

- Does this not seem familiar to you at all?

This is history repeating itself.

- This isn't my choice, please understand.

- I do, I was just hoping it would be different this time.

A little bit older, maybe even a little wiser,

but in the end it's just fool me twice.

- That's not fair.

I, I think we just, we both took on too much.

- At least stay for the show.

It's Christmas Eve.

We can go out on a great note.

- I'm sorry, I can't.

The last flight we can get is tomorrow afternoon.

- Not sure what else to say then.

You would've been great.

We would've been great.

Um, could you just do me one favor?

Tell Emma I said goodbye and Merry Christmas.

- [Laurel] Clay.

♪ I'll have a blue Christmas without you ♪

♪ I'll be so blue just thinking about you ♪

♪ You'll be doin' all right, with your Christmas of white ♪

♪ But I'll have a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas ♪

♪ You'll be doin' all right, with your Christmas of white ♪

♪ But I'll have a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas ♪

- We're so sorry to see you go.

It's been a pleasure having you here.

- I wish we could stay.

- Well, the sign of a good trip

is when you hate for it to come to an end,

but the way I see it,

anyone who loves Christmas so much

they put a Christmas tree in their room,

well, that's my kind of guest.

This is for you, Miss Emma.

Go ahead, open it.

- [Emma] A snow globe of Graceland.

- [Kathy] So you'll remember us (chuckles).

- Thank you, Miss Kathy.

- You're welcome, and when you get to Chicago,

don't you forget all your friends here in Memphis.

- I won't, I promise.

- Okay (chuckles).

I'll have the valet pull your car up front.

- Thank you.

- [Kathy] This way, please.

- All right, how sweet.

Thank you, honey.

All right, you ready?

- [Emma] I guess so.

- All right, come on.

Oh my gosh, what're you guys doing here?

- Laney wanted to wish you

one more Merry Christmas in person

before we went over to the concert.

- I'm sorry you're going.

- So am I.

- Is Chicago closer to the North Pole?

- I guess so, Santa finds us every year, so probably.

- I'm so glad y'all came by.

- We're gonna miss you, roomie.

- I'm gonna miss you too, oh.

Hey, my Christmas promise is that it won't be years

before we see each other again.

- I'm gonna hold you to that.

- I know you will.

(both laughing)

- [Emma] I'll miss you too.

- All right, let's go, baby.

- [Emma] Let's go.

- It'll be great to be home in Chicago

for Christmas, won't it?

You'll have your own room again.

We'll even hang our stockings up.

- Mom.

- What, honey.

- I just wish we could he Chstmas.

- Me too, angel.

How about a little music?

- Okay.

♪ O come, all ye faithful

- I like this one.

♪ Joyful and triumphant

- This was one of your grandma's favorites too.

Everyone has a favorite carol.

♪ O come ye to Bethlehem

- What is it, Mommy?

- I just need to make a quick call.

(upbeat guitar music)

(crowd cheering and applauding)

- Shockley and Fields, ladies and gentlemen.

Just a couple more friends of Elvis here

to ring in Christmas Eve

at The Graceland Christmas Concert Spectacular.

- I gotta say, Clay, this is going really well.

The execs are gonna be awfully pleased.

- Thank you, appreciate it.

- I'll catch you after the show.

(light guitar music)

- We'll put some country into this one for ya.

(light guitar music)

♪ O come, all ye faithful

♪ Joyful and triumphant

♪ O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem ♪

- [Man] Say, Clay, we're almost done.

You ready to wrap it up?

Clay, hey, you with me, buddy?

- Hey yeah, sorry, um, stand by to wrap things up.

- [Laurel] Clay?

- [Emma] Clay!

- I know the show is almost over,

but we, we were driving,

and something just guided us back here.

- You look beautiful.

- Quick change in the car before a concert.

Reminds me of old times.

Maybe we're going our separate ways,

but how about one last song for the road?

- Let's do this.

(crowd cheering and applauding)

Guys, thank you so much.

Um, I wanna leave with a special thank you

to the people of Graceland

for allowing us to be here tonight

for such a wonderful event,

but before we close the show,

we have one last addition.

Please give a warm Christmas welcome

to Memphis's own Laurel Couper.

(crowd cheering and applauding)

- Mom, just remember, picture them all wearing elf hats.

(both giggles)

- Thank you, baby.

- I believe in you.

- I love you.

- I love you too.

(crowd cheering and applauding)

- The last time I performed in front of so many people,

it didn't end so well.

All those folks looking at me and whatnot,

I just kind of froze like a Christmas snowman.

(crowd laughing)

When I was a little girl,

my parents brought me here every Christmas to Graceland,

and now I get to be here with my own daughter tonight.

(Emma giggles)

So, I'd love to share a song with y'all, Clay.

(light piano music)

♪ Silent night, holy night

♪ All is calm, all is bright

♪ City sidewalks, busy sidewalks ♪

♪ Dressed in holiday style

♪ In the air there's a feeling of Christmas ♪

♪ Silent night, holy night

♪ All is calm, all is bright

♪ Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child ♪

♪ Strings of streetlights, even stoplights ♪

♪ Blinking bright red and green ♪

♪ As the shoppers rush home with their treasures ♪

♪ Hear the snow crunch, see the kids bunch ♪

♪ This is Santa's big scene

♪ And above all this bustle you hear ♪

♪ Silver bells, silver bells

♪ Silver bells, silver bells

♪ It's Christmas time in the city ♪

♪ Ring a ling, ring a ling

♪ Hear them ring

♪ Hear them ring

♪ Soon it will be Christmas day ♪

(crowd cheering and applauding)

- What do you guys say

we kick this up a notch, Memphis style?

(upbeat piano music)

♪ We all gather 'round, oh yeah ♪

- Come on, come on.

Come on, y'all, here we go.

♪ Joy, joy, joy, joy

♪ 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 nature sing

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

(upbeat piano music)

♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh ♪

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

♪ To the world

♪ To the world

♪ To the world

♪ To the world, oh yeah, yeah

(crowd cheering and applauding)

- That was great, angel, I'm so proud of you, oh.

- [Emma] Ah, thank you.

- [William] Laurel.

- Mr. And Mrs. Franklin,

thank y'all so much for being here tonight.

- Now, if there was ever evidence

that you are still a local, young lady,

that performance just proved it.

- Well, you can't beat Christmas at Graceland.

- Now, Laurel, I know that you're still planning

on going back to Chicago.

- That's the plan, sir.

- I'm looking for somebody with your kind of smarts

to be on our team.

- [Becca] That was an incredible show.

- Somebody who fights for what they believe in,

and who knows that not every extra penny really is a profit.

You know anyone like that?

- I think I might, sir.

- Well, I'm not sure I can match the pay

of some hotshot Chicago firm,

but we never work weekends,

and we leave everyday at five to be with our families.

- Mm hmm, that's right.

- How does that sound?

- Sounds perfect to me, sir.

- Great, then we'll talk about it the first of the year.

- Merry Christmas, thank you.

- Merry Christmas, Laurel.

Welcome to the family (chuckles).

- [Becca] You did it, you pulled it off.

- Thank you, I appreciate that.

- I'd say after what I saw tonight,

you're a shoe-in for that job in New York.

Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

- [Becca] Thanks for a great show.

(light piano music)

- You are amazing.

- You too, it was just like old times.

Hey, you like surprises, right?

- Eh.

- Franklin offered me a job.

- You serious.

- Yeah, and I'm gonna take it.

- (chuckles) You know, it's funny,

I was thinking about sticking around too.

- But I thought you said

you were more than ready to leave this town?

- Well, it took almost leaving

to realize what's been here all along.

- Oh, hey, the snow held off till now.

- Oh, that's good timing (chuckles).

- So, no New York for you?

- New York has it's pluses, but um, my heart's in Memphis.

Are you, you really moving back?

- Everything I want is here, especially you.

(light piano music)

- I love you and I always have.

- I love you too, always will.

- You know, I might have booked us a little gig.

I hope you don't mind, New Year's Eve.

Does that work for you?

- (chuckles) What?

(Clay laughs)

Just like old times (giggles).

- Yes, it is.

- Hey.

- Where did you come from (chuckles)?

(light orchestral music)

♪ Please have snow and mistletoe and presents ♪

(upbeat guitar music)

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

♪ Joy to the world

♪ To the world

♪ To the world

♪ To the world

♪ To the world, oh

(dramatic orchestral music)