Original subtitles

(no audio)

(gentle orchestral music)

♪ I heard the bells on Christmas day ♪

♪ Their old familiar carols play ♪

♪ And mild and sweet their songs repeat ♪

♪ Of peace on Earth, good will to men ♪

♪ And the bells are ringing ♪

♪ Peace ♪

♪ On Earth ♪

♪ Like a choir they're singing ♪

♪ Peace ♪

♪ On Earth ♪

♪ In my heart I hear them ♪

♪ Peace ♪

♪ On Earth ♪

♪ Good will to men ♪

♪ And in despair I bowed my head ♪

♪ There is no peace on Earth, I said ♪

(guns fire)

♪ For hate is strong and mocks the song ♪

♪ Of peace on Earth, good will to men ♪

♪ But the bells are ringing ♪

♪ Peace ♪

♪ On Earth ♪

♪ Like a choir singing ♪

♪ Peace ♪

♪ On Earth ♪

♪ Does anybody hear them ♪

♪ Peace ♪

♪ Peace on Earth ♪

♪ Good will to men ♪

♪ Then rang the bells more loud and deep ♪

♪ God is not dead, nor doth He sleep ♪

♪ Peace on Earth ♪

♪ Peace on Earth ♪

♪ The wrong shall fail, the right prevail ♪

♪ With peace on Earth ♪

♪ Good will to men ♪

♪ Ringing, singing on its way ♪

♪ The world revolved from night to day ♪

♪ A voice, a chime, a chant sublime ♪

♪ Peace on Earth, good will to men ♪

♪ The bells, they're ringing ♪

♪ Peace ♪

♪ On Earth ♪

♪ Like a choir they're singing ♪

♪ Peace ♪

♪ On Earth ♪

♪ And with our hearts, we'll hear them ♪

♪ Peace ♪

♪ Peace on Earth ♪

♪ Good will to men ♪

(guns fire)

(gentle orchestral music continues)

(wind blows)

(wind howls)

(wind howls)

(strong wind blows)

- That darn leg of yours wasn't fit for fighting.

They shouldn't have asked you to go.

You know, I don't think there's one young man left alive

in this entire country.

And now they want the old ones, too?

I know your pride wouldn't let you stay,

but nothing could be worth this.

(Aura-Lee sighs)

Grandpa?

(wind howls)

(lock clacks)

Grandpa!

Grandpa!

Grandpa, listen to my song and come home to me.

♪ Hark thy herald angels sing ♪

♪ Glory to the new-born king ♪

♪ Peace on earth and mercy mild ♪

♪ God and sinners reconciled ♪

♪ Joyful all ye nations rise ♪

♪ Join the triumph of the skies ♪

♪ With angelic host proclaim ♪

♪ Christ is born in Bethlehem ♪

♪ With angelic host proclaim ♪

♪ Christ is born in Bethlehem ♪

Grandpa.

Come home to me.

(wind whistles)

(gentle orchestral music)

(door closes)

(gentle orchestral music continues)

♪ Dearest love, do you remember ♪

♪ When we last did meet ♪

♪ How you told me that you loved me ♪

♪ Kneeling at my feet ♪

♪ Oh, how proud you stood before me ♪

♪ In your suit of gray ♪

♪ When you vowed to me and country ♪

♪ Ever to be true ♪

♪ Weeping, sad and lonely ♪

♪ Hopes and fears how vain ♪

♪ When this cruel war is over ♪

♪ Praying that we meet again ♪

♪ When the summer breeze is sighing ♪

♪ Mournfully along ♪

♪ Or when autumn leaves are falling ♪

♪ Sadly breathes the song ♪

♪ Oft in dreams I see thee lying ♪

♪ On the battle plain ♪

♪ Lonely, wounded, even dying ♪

♪ Calling, but in vain ♪

♪ Weeping, sad and lonely ♪

♪ Hopes and fears how vain ♪

♪ When this cruel war is over ♪

♪ Praying that we meet again ♪

(wind howls)

(fire crackles) (door rattles)

Who's there?

I have a pistol! Stand back now!

- [Douglas] All right.

All right. I'm stepping back.

(door opens)

I heard you singing, ma'am. I don't mean you any harm.

- You're a Yankee.

- Yes, ma'am.

- You're hurt?

- And cold.

And hungry.

- If they find you out here, they'll hang you.

(Douglas groans)

Well...

It is Christmas Eve.

Season of love.

- Yeah.

- You best come on in.

(warm orchestral music)

Good Lord.

(warm orchestral music continues)

- Jingle bells.

- An old friend gave it to me a long time ago.

(Douglas chuckles)

(door creaks)

(lock clacks)

(fire crackles)

You know, if you would've slept outside,

with no fire and no shelter,

you would've died.

Grandpa can't be cross with me for doing my Christian duty.

Even if you are a Yankee.

(Douglas groans)

I just hope I don't fix you all on up,

only to have him kill you right away.

Rebel or Yankee, we're all the Lord's children.

(gentle piano music)

Sorry.

My grandpa taught me that before the war and

I suppose nothing will change that.

Sorry.

(gentle piano music continues)

(Douglas groans)

All right. All done.

Go get some rest now.

(Douglas groans)

(gentle piano music continues)

(gentle piano music continues)

(muffled wind howls) (footsteps thump)

(muffled gun fires)

♪ O holy night ♪

♪ The stars are brightly shining ♪

♪ It is the night ♪

♪ Of our dear Savior's birth ♪

♪ Long may he reign ♪

♪ In sin and error pining ♪

♪ Till he appears ♪

♪ And the world felt His worth ♪

♪ A thrill of hope ♪

♪ The weary world rejoices ♪

♪ For yonder breaks ♪

♪ A new and glorious morn ♪

♪ Fall ♪

♪ On your knees ♪

♪ Oh, hear the angel voices ♪

♪ Oh, night ♪

♪ Divine ♪ - I love you, Aura-Lee.

Always have.

- You're awake!

What did you say? I couldn't quite hear you.

- It's not important.

- Well, at any rate, when's the last time you ate?

You must be half starving by now.

Well, I don't have any flour for bread,

but I do have some vegetables still.

And I shot a hare today, so I hope stew's okay.

- [Douglas] You sure I haven't died and gone to heaven?

- When you've been stuffed inside these four walls

for as long as I have,

never knowing what dangers are outside,

never knowing when your loved ones are gonna come home,

well, that doesn't sound like heaven to me at all.

How many men have you killed, mister...

(Douglas sighs) (somber orchestral music)

- Beam.

You know, they never quite felt like the enemy.

I met a few.

Talked to 'em over the picket line at night.

Fought in the morning.

- How many?

- I don't know.

I have hit a few. I know that.

Can't say if they lived or died.

Other times, I stood in a line with my company and fired.

Men on the other side dropped.

I can't say if it was from my bullet.

- Your bayonet has blood on it.

- Yes, ma'am.

- [Aura-Lee] Well, I suppose you didn't have a choice.

- No.

- Is that when you were wounded?

- He shot me in the shoulder.

- [Aura-Lee] Did he die?

- Yes.

Slowly. But he wasn't a bad man.

- Neither are you.

He was doing his duty and you did yours.

Still, it is sad.

Come. Let's say a prayer together.

One more, before we eat?

- Dear Heavenly Father, deliver thou servant from all evil,

and free him from every bond.

Grant him entrance into the land of peace

in fellowship with our saints.

May he rest in peace.

In Jesus' name, we pray.

Amen.

- Amen.

(wind howls)

You'll have to tell me how it is.

My mother taught me how to cook with spices,

but I haven't had any in months.

- It is absolutely delicious.

You know, it reminds me of home.

When food was easy to come by and I was never cold.

- Is your family Irish as well?

- English. Born and bred.

And Protestant, to boot.

- Yeah. I heard your prayer.

- (chuckles) Hope you won't hold it against me.

- You're a Yankee dog, aren't you?

I didn't hold that against you.

- (chuckles) Irish Catholic?

- Aye. Just like me daddy and me great granddaddy before me.

(both giggle)

(muffled thumps)

- Hey, what was that?

- [Aura-Lee] What?

- That noise, up on the housetop. It sounded like steps.

- Steps?

Up on the housetop?

♪ Up on the housetop, reindeer pause ♪

♪ Out jumps good old Santa Claus ♪

(cheerful orchestral music)

♪ Down through the chimney with lots of toys ♪

♪ All for the little ones, Christmas joys ♪

♪ Ho, ho, ho ♪

♪ Who wouldn't go ♪

♪ Ho, ho, ho ♪

♪ Who wouldn't go ♪

♪ Up on the housetop, click, click, click ♪

♪ Down through the chimney with good St. Nick ♪

♪ First comes the stocking for Little Nell ♪

♪ Ol' dear Santa fill it well ♪

♪ Give her a dolly that laughs and cries ♪

♪ One that'll open and shut her eyes ♪

♪ Ho, ho, ho ♪

♪ Who wouldn't go ♪

♪ Ho, ho, ho ♪

♪ Who wouldn't go ♪

♪ Up on the housetop, click, click, click ♪

♪ Down through the chimney with good St. Nick ♪

♪ Next comes the stocking for little Will ♪

♪ Oh, by golly, what a glorious fill ♪

♪ Here is a hammer and lots of tacks ♪

♪ Also a ball and a whip that cracks ♪

♪ Ho, ho, ho ♪

♪ Who wouldn't go ♪

♪ Ho, ho, ho ♪

♪ Who wouldn't go ♪

♪ Up on the housetop, click, click, click ♪

♪ Down through the chimney with good St. Nick ♪

(both laugh)

- Oh, my goodness.

Would you like more stew?

- Oh, no, I couldn't.

I wouldn't want to eat you out of house and home.

- Oh, you must. I insist.

You must have at least three bowls before you leave.

- [Douglas] Well, then I shall eat slowly.

- I must admit.

This Christmas hasn't been so cheery.

Well...

With my mother gone and I never met my father,

and Grandpa off at war...

Well, I did get Mother's Christmas decorations all out,

but I just couldn't bring myself to put them up.

But now I think I will.

(Douglas chuckles)

- Thank you

(Aura-Lee chuckles)

♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪

♪ Fa la la la la, la la la la ♪

♪ Tis the season to be jolly ♪

♪ Fa la la la la, la la la la ♪

♪ Don we now our gay apparel ♪

♪ Fa la la, la la la, la la la ♪

♪ Sing the ancient Yule tide carol ♪

♪ Fa la la la la, la la la la ♪

♪ See the blazing Yule before us ♪

♪ Fa la la la la, la la la la ♪

♪ Strike the harp and join the chorus ♪

♪ Fa la la la la, la la la la ♪

♪ Follow me in merry measure ♪

♪ Fa la la la la, la la la la ♪

♪ While I tell of Yule tide treasure ♪

♪ Fa la la la la, la la la la ♪

♪ Fast away the old year passes ♪

♪ Fa la la la la, la la la la ♪

♪ Hail the new year, lads and lasses ♪

♪ Fa la la la la, la la la la ♪

♪ Sing we joyous, all together ♪

♪ Fa la la la la, la la la la ♪

♪ Heedless of the wind and weather ♪

♪ Fa la la la la, la la la la ♪

See?

Much better. (chuckles)

- [Douglas] It's beautiful.

- Well, I have to thank you Mr. Beam.

You have cheered me up.

- Well, no! It is I who should be thanking you.

(Aura-Lee chuckles)

Wait.

These decorations are not complete, yet.

I think I saw a saw outside.

(Aura-Lee chuckles) (gentle orchestral music)

♪ O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree ♪

♪ You stand in splendid beauty ♪

♪ O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree ♪

♪ You stand in splendid beauty ♪

♪ Your branches green in summer's glow ♪

♪ And evergreen in winter's snow ♪

♪ O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree ♪

♪ You stand in splendid beauty ♪

(warm orchestral music continues)

♪ O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree ♪

♪ You stand in splendid beauty ♪

♪ O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree ♪

♪ You stand in splendid beauty ♪

♪ Your branches green in summer's glow ♪

♪ And evergreen in winter's snow ♪

♪ O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree ♪

♪ You stand in splendid beauty ♪

- [Aura-Lee] Would you like a cup of coffee, Mr. Beam?

- That would be nice. Thank you.

(fire crackles)

- Oh, how I long for the happy Christmases of my youth.

My whole family used to be here.

- I remember them well.

With my own family, of course.

Do you happen to remember when you were young,

waiting for Santa Claus?

- (chuckles) Oh. yes. I was bursting with excitement.

I'd rush down to the fireplace

to see what old St. Nick had left in my stocking.

- Ladies, and gentlemen.

"A Visit From St. Nicholas", by Clement C. Moore.

"'Twas the night before Christmas,

when all through the house,

not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

while visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap.

When out on the lawn, there arose such a clatter.

I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window, I flew like a flash.

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

gave a luster of midday to objects below.

When what to my wondering eye should appear

but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment, it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles, his coursers, they came,

and he whistled and shouted, and called them by name.

'Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer!

Now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on, Cupid!

On, Donder and Blitzen! (Aura-Lee giggles)

To the top of the porch. To the top of the wall.

Now, dash away. Dash away.

Dash away, all.'

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.

So up to the housetop, the coursers, they flew,

with the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas, too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head and was turning around,

down the chimney, St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes.

How they twinkled.

His dimples, how merry.

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry.

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

and the beard on his chin

was as white as the snow.

(Douglas chuckles)

The stump of a pipe, he held tight in his teeth,

and the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face and a little round belly

that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head

soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, went straight to his work,

filled up the stockings and then turned with a jerk.

Then laying his finger aside of his nose, and giving a nod,

up the chimney he rose.

He sprang to his sleigh, and to his team gave a whistle,

and away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight.

'Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.'"

(Aura-Lee chuckles) (Aura-Lee claps)

(Aura-Lee chuckles)

You know, I think your clock is broken.

- I know. It was my mother's.

My mother, she always used to put

two little figurines under the Christmas tree,

like they were getting married on Christmas Day

(Douglas chuckles)

- Like we could.

Maybe this time next year?

- Don't tease me, Mr. Beam.

- (chuckles) Oh, no, I wouldn't tease about that.

I think you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.

- Thank you.

I truly have had a magical time.

But my heart belongs to another.

A boy I knew long ago.

He'll return for me, one day.

I know he will.

- He's a very lucky man.

- Well, Mr. Beam, you have been fed,

I have cleaned your wounds,

and my grandfather is probably on the long road home by now.

Lord knows what he'd do if he found a Yankee in his house.

- Aura-Lee, there is something that I need to-

- No.

Please, Mr. Beam.

For your own safety, you have to go.

But you will always be in my prayers.

- Just one more song.

Please? A quiet one.

For me to remember in the days and the months ahead.

(gentle orchestral music)

(gentle orchestral music continues)

♪ The first noel ♪

♪ The angels did say ♪

♪ For certain poor shepherds ♪

♪ In fields as they lay ♪

♪ In fields where they ♪

♪ Lay keeping their sheep ♪

♪ Was a cold winter's night ♪

♪ That was so deep ♪

♪ Noel, noel ♪

♪ Noel, noel ♪

♪ Born is the King ♪

♪ Of Israel ♪

(gentle orchestral music continues)

♪ They looked up ♪

♪ And saw a great star ♪

♪ Shining in the east ♪

♪ Beyond them far ♪

♪ And to the earth ♪

♪ It gave great light ♪

♪ And so it continued ♪

♪ Both day and night ♪

♪ Noel, noel ♪

♪ Noel, noel ♪

♪ Born is the King ♪

♪ Of Israel ♪

(gentle orchestral music continues)

♪ 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 ♪

(gentle orchestral music continues)

(fire crackles)

- Is something troubling you, Mr. Beam?

- Yes.

- What is it?

You can tell me.

- Aura-Lee?

Your grandfather is not coming home tonight.

(Aura-Lee chuckles)

- Sure he is!

I received a message not only a week ago.

He and his company received a pass for Christmas Day.

- Aura-Lee, your grandfather...

Your grandfather died on the road, today.

- What?

- No.

No, how could you know? - He was wounded badly and...

I did what I could to comfort him.

I built him a fire to lay next to.

(somber orchestral music)

- No.

- I gave him my jacket as a pillow.

I did everything I could, but his wounds were just too...

- I don't believe it.

- We spoke for hours.

He asked me for a pencil and a paper and he wrote this poem.

Making his peace with God.

(bells rattle)

(suspenseful orchestral music)

- [Charlie] Lord God, I've never spoken to you,

but now I want to say, "How do you do?"

You see, God, they told me you didn't exist,

and like a fool, I believed all of this.

Last night from a shell hole, I saw your sky.

I figured right then they were telling me a lie.

Had I taken time to see the things you made,

I'd have known they weren't calling a spade a spade.

I wonder, God, if you'll take my hand.

Somehow, I feel that you'll understand.

Funny how I had to come to this hellish place

before I had time to see your face.

Well, I guess there isn't much more to say,

but I'm sure glad, God, I met you today.

I guess the zero hour will soon be here,

but I'm not afraid, since I know you're near.

Well, God, I have to go.

I like you lots. This I want you to know.

Look, now this will be a horrible fight.

Who knows? I may come to your house tonight.

Though I wasn't friendly to you before,

I wonder, God, if you'd wait at your door.

Look, I'm crying. Me, shedding tears.

I wish I had known you these many years.

Well, I have to go now, God. Goodbye.

Strange now, since I met you,

I'm not afraid to die.

- He always was a poet.

You won't be coming home tonight, Grandpa.

Not ever again.

♪ 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 ♪

♪ Silent night ♪

♪ Holy night ♪

♪ Shepherds quake ♪

♪ At the sight ♪

♪ Glories stream ♪

♪ From heaven afar ♪

♪ Heavenly hosts ♪

♪ Sing Alleluia ♪

♪ Christ the Savior ♪

♪ Is born ♪

♪ Christ the Savior ♪

♪ Is born ♪

♪ Silent night ♪

♪ Holy night ♪

♪ Son of God ♪

♪ Love's pure light ♪

♪ Radiant beams ♪

♪ From Thy holy face ♪

♪ With the dawn ♪

♪ Of redeeming grace ♪

♪ Jesus Lord ♪

♪ At Thy birth ♪

♪ Jesus Lord ♪

♪ At Thy birth ♪

(melancholy piano music)

Thank you for taking care of him in his final hours.

(somber orchestral music)

(Aura-Lee sniffles)

Please, sir.

Before the night is over.

Please tell me a little more.

- You don't need to hear the gory details, ma'am.

- I'm begging you.

- He was stabbed in the stomach, with a bayonet.

That kind of wound, you don't recover,

and you don't die quickly.

His last words were of you.

He longed to see you stride down a wedding aisle,

wearing your mother's dress.

The one your grandmother made?

- He had picked out the perfect roses

to string across my wedding path.

You know the ones that look like your cheeks blush?

He even picked out the perfect song, too.

- What was it? (Aura-Lee chuckles)

- You probably don't know it.

- [Douglas] Then sing it to me

♪ As the blackbird in the spring 'neath the willow tree ♪

♪ Sat and piped, I heard him sing, praising Aura-Lee ♪

♪ Aura-Lee, Aura-Lee, maid with golden hair ♪

♪ Sunshine came along with thee and swallows in the air ♪

♪ Take my heart and take my ring, I give my all to thee ♪

♪ Take me for eternity, dearest Aura-Lee ♪

♪ Aura-Lee, Aura-Lee, maid of golden hair ♪

♪ Sunshine came along with thee and swallows in the air ♪

♪ In her blush, the rose was born ♪

♪ 'Twas music when she spoke ♪

♪ In her eyes, the light of morn sparkling seemed to break ♪

♪ Aura-Lee, Aura-Lee, maid with golden hair ♪

♪ Sunshine came along with thee and swallows in the air ♪

♪ Aura-Lee, Aura-Lee, maid with golden hair ♪

♪ When the wintry winds may be blowing everywhere ♪

♪ Aura-Lee, Aura-Lee, maid with golden hair ♪

♪ Sunshine came along with thee and swallows in the air ♪

(wind blows)

Grandpa Charlie always loved the forest,

and he was terrified of the doctor.

I'm at least glad he got to die outside,

under God's big sky.

- I buried him under a big ol' oak tree.

It was a beautiful place.

Even amongst all this...

(sighs) Ugliness.

I sang a song and said a prayer over his grave,

before traveling on.

- Thank you, Mr. Beam.

Thank you for being so kind to him in his final hours.

I...

I wonder if you'll sing that song for me?

The one that you sang to my grandpa.

It'll make me feel like I was almost there.

(gentle piano music)

♪ All things bright and beautiful ♪

♪ All creatures great and small ♪

♪ All things wise and wonderful ♪

♪ The Lord God made them all ♪

♪ Each little flower that opens ♪

♪ Each little bird that sings ♪

♪ He made their glowing colors ♪

♪ He made their tiny wings ♪

♪ All things bright and beautiful ♪

♪ All creatures great and small ♪

♪ All things wise and wonderful ♪

♪ The Lord God made them all ♪

♪ The purple headed mountains ♪

♪ The river running by ♪

♪ The sunset and the morning ♪

♪ That brightens up the sky ♪

♪ All things bright and beautiful ♪

♪ All creatures great and small ♪

♪ All things wise and wonderful ♪

♪ The Lord God made them all ♪

♪ The cold wind in the winter ♪

♪ The pleasant summer sun ♪

♪ The ripe fruit in the garden ♪

♪ That fed us, everyone ♪

♪ All things bright and beautiful ♪

♪ All creatures great and small ♪

♪ All things wise and wonderful ♪

♪ The Lord God made them all ♪

♪ He gave us eyes to see them ♪

♪ And lips that we might tell ♪

♪ How great is God Almighty ♪

♪ That has made all things well ♪

♪ All things bright and beautiful ♪

♪ All creatures great and small ♪

♪ All things wise and wonderful ♪

♪ The Lord God made them all ♪

- Thank you.

Now, could you help me with this bench?

(Aura-Lee chuckles)

(fire crackles) (gentle orchestral music)

Where are you from, Mr. Beam?

- Here. West Virginia, same as you.

- So many men from West Virginia.

Seems like half are fighting for the South

and the others for the North.

Kinda just seems like we're fighting each other.

- Yes. (chuckles)

Yes, it does.

- Why did you put on the Yankee uniform?

I mean, I never thought to ask Grandpa

why he was fighting for the Confederacy.

I just asked him to come home safe.

- West Virginia's brand new.

It's barely even a state. (chuckles)

Most of us consider ourselves residents

of where we came from.

- Grandpa joined the Virginia volunteers.

He grew up not even 10 miles south of here.

- My family has always fought slavery.

- But how do you operate your farm?

- We pay our workers.

In turn, they rent their lodgings from us

and pay us for the food we provide.

- [Aura-Lee] That doesn't seem any different.

- (chuckles) No. I suppose not.

But they're free to come and go, as they please,

and no one will ever be whipped.

- I did see a whipping, once.

I was on a trip, deep in the South.

It was awful.

- [Douglas] I'm sure it was.

- We had a family of Negroes when I was younger.

I mean, Grandpa told me to always treat them well,

and be nice to them, but to remember that they are property.

- (sighs) I'm sure he meant well by that.

But I don't really think that that's-

- [Aura-Lee] You Yankees just think he's an awful person.

- No!

No.

I think he grew up in a different time and

at a different place.

- And all this is worth it to you?

All the killing?

All the fighting?

- Well, it is most regrettable.

- Nobody would fight for us. We're just poor Irish.

- I would.

- Well, you're a good man, Mr. Beam.

Do you really think they'd be happier working for you,

than working as slaves on a plantation?

- They have their freedom now.

They can learn to read and write.

They are free to better themselves,

and choose their own destiny.

Same as almost any other man.

- Not the same as any woman.

- Well, now you're just being silly.

- Forgive me, sir, for I'm only a woman.

(Aura-Lee chuckles)

Would you mind if I sing another song?

It was my mother's favorite Christmas song.

My grandpa loved to listen to her sing it.

- Please do.

(brooding orchestral music)

♪ What child is this, who, laid to rest ♪

♪ On Mary's lap, is sleeping ♪

♪ Whom angels greet with anthems sweet ♪

♪ While shepherds watch are keeping ♪

♪ This, this is Christ the King ♪

♪ Whom shepherds guard and angels sing ♪

♪ Haste, haste to bring him laud ♪

♪ The Babe, the Son of Mary ♪

♪ Raise, raise a song on high ♪

♪ His mother sings a lullaby ♪

♪ This, this is Christ the King ♪

♪ Whom shepherds guard and angels sing ♪

♪ Haste, haste to bring him laud ♪

♪ The Babe, the Son of Mary ♪

♪ What child is this, who, laid to rest ♪

♪ On Mary's lap, is sleeping ♪

♪ Whom angels greet with anthems sweet ♪

♪ While shepherds watch are keeping ♪

(fire crackles)

You may sleep on the floor by the fire tonight, Mr. Beam.

I wish you safe travels in the morning.

- You sing as beautifully as your mother.

Aura-Lee, there is more that I need to tell you.

(somber orchestral music)

In the battle, I became separated from my company.

I wandered the woods for some time,

and then I came upon the trail to your cabin.

It's like an angel was guiding me,

and for the first time in my life, I was on the right path.

And then I felt it.

(muffled gun fires)

Pain in my shoulder that you cannot imagine.

The bullet went straight through.

I turned. The man who shot me was busy reloading.

So, I charged him and I...

I stabbed him with my bayonet.

(somber orchestral music continues)

(somber orchestral music continues)

- [Aura-Lee] What are you saying to me?

- I had no choice.

(Charlie pants and groans)

- Douglas?

Douglas.

I'm sorry. - It's okay.

- No! - It's okay.

(Charlie groans)

- I can't move.

- You killed my grandfather?

- I never wanted this, Aura-Lee. It's this war.

- You monster.

- [Douglas] No. No, he was doing his duty.

I was doing mine. You said so, yourself!

- I fed you!

I cleaned your wound! (scoffs)

I sat here and I sang Christmas songs with you!

- [Douglas] Aura-Lee, I'm sorry!

- I should've shot you, the moment you knocked on my door!

Leave! Get out!

- I'm so sorry. - Get out this instant!

- I never wanted to hurt him!

I never would've wanted to hurt Charlie!

I loved that man like I loved my own grandpa!

- How could you love a Rebel you've never even met?

- Aura-Lee, my name is Douglas Beam!

I have always loved you, and when my family moved north,

I swore that I would return for you one day!

- No, no. (gasps)

You are not the boy I loved.

- I'm sorry I hurt Charlie.

It was too late before we recognized who we were.

I never wanted to hurt Charlie.

- No. Grandpa kept a diary.

You went trifling through his pockets

and you learned about Douglas' name,

so you could come here and trick me!

- No. - And then he was...

He was delirious and he was dying.

- No! I chased you when you were six and I was 11!

I chased you with frogs around the pond. Do you remember?

- No.

- Yeah.

Yes.

And then years later, we tied bells around Charlie's mule,

and we sang jingle bells while he ran, and...

You kept one, and you gave one to me.

Yours is still tied around your neck.

(Aura-Lee gasps)

- It can't be you.

- [Douglas] When you turned 12, I kissed you by the lake.

It was your first kiss.

- My only kiss.

- I still love you, Aura-Lee.

- No.

I could never forgive you for what you've done.

(Aura-Lee sighs)

(bleak orchestral music)

- Charlie wrote one more letter, before he passed.

Please.

Please.

Just...

Just read it.

(Douglas winces)

And then, then I will go.

(Douglas winces)

(Douglas sniffles)

(fire crackles)

(paper rustles)

(somber orchestral music)

(somber orchestral music continues)

- [Charlie] My dearest granddaughter.

I'm leaving this letter with

a good friend of ours,

Douglas Beam.

He has grown into a strong, honorable man.

One of us had to die today, so that one may live,

and I'm glad how it turned out.

I'm an old man.

We all have our times that come.

Well, Douglas has his whole life in front of him.

He has been very kind to me in my final hours,

and has always good boy.

I ask you do not hold a grudge against him,

because I do not.

I wish for you to know that I have always loved you.

But you're grown now and you don't need your old granddad.

Douglas, he has professed his love for you to me,

and I believe him.

So, if your love for him still exists,

and his for you,

then know that you have my permission.

My blessing.

I will soon be going off to join your grandmother.

So, please, think of this as a happy Christmas for me.

Love always.

Grandpa

Charlie.

(bright orchestral music)

(bright orchestral music continues)

(bright orchestral music continues)

(bright orchestral music continues)

(bright orchestral music continues)

- Douglas.

It really is you.

- Yes.

(Douglas chuckles)

Just do one more thing for me, okay?

And then I'll go.

(gentle music)

The inside pocket of my jacket is sewn shut.

Reach inside, rip it open and see what you find there.

(gentle music continues)

(Aura-Lee gasps)

- You kept it.

After all these years. (chuckles)

- Right next to my heart. (warm orchestral music)

- You really do love me.

- I always have.

(Aura-Lee chuckles)

♪ Jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle all ♪

♪ The way ♪

♪ Oh, what fun ♪

♪ It is to ride ♪

♪ In a one-horse ♪

♪ Open sleigh ♪

♪ Jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle all ♪

♪ The way ♪

♪ Oh, what fun ♪

♪ It is to ride ♪

♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪

♪ Dashing through the snow ♪

♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪

♪ O'er the fields we go ♪

♪ Laughing all the way ♪

♪ Bells on bobtails ring ♪

♪ Making spirits ♪

♪ Bright ♪

♪ What fun it is ♪

♪ To ride and sing ♪

♪ A sleighing song tonight ♪

♪ Oh ♪

♪ Jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle all ♪

♪ The way ♪

♪ Oh, what fun ♪

♪ It is to ride ♪

♪ In a one-horse ♪

♪ Open ♪

♪ Sleigh ♪

(warm orchestral music continues)

- My grandpa's wish for me was to be happy,

and he was right.

We must always think of today

as the happiest of Christmases.

For it's the day that the angels

have brought us together again.

(Aura-Lee giggles)

♪ Angels we have heard on high ♪

♪ Sweetly singing o'er the plains ♪

♪ And the mountains in reply ♪

♪ Sweetly sing their joyous strains ♪

♪ Gloria ♪

♪ In excelsis Deo ♪

♪ Gloria ♪

♪ In excelsis Deo ♪

♪ Gloria ♪

♪ In excelsis Deo ♪

♪ Come to Bethlehem and see ♪

♪ Him Whose birth the angels sing ♪

♪ Come to Him on bended knee ♪

♪ Christ the Lord, the newborn King ♪

♪ Gloria ♪

♪ In excelsis Deo ♪

♪ Gloria ♪

♪ In excelsis Deo ♪

(Aura-Lee giggles)

♪ It came upon ♪

♪ The midnight clear ♪

♪ That glorious song ♪

♪ Of old ♪

♪ From angels bending ♪

♪ Near the earth ♪

♪ To touch their harps ♪

♪ Of gold ♪

♪ Peace on the earth ♪

♪ Goodwill to men ♪

♪ From heaven's all-gracious King ♪

♪ The world in solemn ♪

♪ Stillness lay ♪

♪ To hear ♪

♪ The angels sing ♪

♪ Still through the cloven ♪

♪ Skies they come ♪

♪ With peaceful wings ♪

♪ Unfurled ♪

♪ And still their heavenly ♪

♪ Music floats ♪

♪ O'er all the weary ♪

♪ World ♪

♪ Above its sad ♪

♪ And lowly plains ♪

♪ They bend on hovering wing ♪

♪ And ever o'er ♪

♪ Its Babel sounds ♪

♪ The blessed ♪

♪ Angels sing ♪

♪ For lo, the days ♪

♪ Are hastening on ♪

♪ By prophets long foretold ♪

♪ And with the ever ♪

♪ Circling years ♪

♪ Comes round the age ♪

♪ Of gold ♪

♪ When peace shall over ♪

♪ All the earth ♪

♪ Its ancient splendors fling ♪

♪ And the whole world ♪

♪ Sang back its song ♪

♪ Which now ♪

♪ The angels sing ♪

(Aura-Lee giggles) (cheerful orchestral music)

I do believe you are right.

The angels brought us together, all those years ago,

and they have brought us together again, on this Christmas.

So we must remember this as a very, very happy Christmas.

Aura-Lee, will you marry me?

- Yes!

Yes! A thousand times, yes!

(cheerful orchestral music continues)

Come with me!

♪ Joy to the world, the Lord is come ♪

♪ Let earth receive her King ♪

♪ Let every heart prepare Him room ♪

♪ And Heaven and nature sing, and Heaven and nature sing ♪

♪ And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing ♪

♪ He rules the earth with truth and grace ♪

♪ And makes the nations prove ♪

♪ The glories of His righteousness ♪

♪ And wonders of His love, and wonders of His love ♪

♪ And wonders, wonders, of His love ♪

(both chuckle)

(cheerful orchestral music crescendos)

("Silent Night")

("Silent Night" continues)

("Silent Night" continues)

("Silent Night" continues)

("Silent Night" continues)

("Silent Night" continues)

("Silent Night" continues)

("Silent Night" continues)

("Silent Night" continues)

("Silent Night" continues)

("Silent Night" continues)

("Silent Night" continues)

("Silent Night" continues)

("Silent Night" continues)

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