[♪♪♪]
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I got your card.
I really appreciate the invite, Aunt Dora,
but I can't make it.
Things at work are just crazy busy.
I will.
I promise.
I love you, too.
[♪♪♪]
Merry Christmas, Miss Aldridge.
Merry Christmas, Jimmy.
You finish your shopping?
Haven't even had a chance to start.
Two more weeks! You'd better get to it!
Large coffee. No cream. No sugar.
Maggie, you are a lifesaver.
You have a meeting on the photo spread
with Swerve at 10.
The editorial leadership meeting is at 10:30.
Then you have a call with Epic at 11:30.
What about lunch?
I don't have anyone scheduled for today.
Okay, great, I'll take it at my desk.
Did the DJ confirm that extra mic?
She has,
and I have you scheduled
for a walk-through downstairs at 4:00 p.m.
Great.
I hope you're going home
to see your family for the holidays.
No, I figured I'd stay in town this year.
Are you sure?
-Yeah, I'm excited
to spend my first Christmas in New York City.
I don't blame you.
I remember my first Christmas in New York.
It was magical.
Hey, I'm gonna be here working over the holiday.
You wanna hang out?
My boyfriend's flying in from Dallas.
Oh, yeah.
Well, I'm probably gonna be really busy.
Sorry.
I get it.
[alert chimes]
That's Garrett's assistant. He wants to see you.
I was very impressed
by the piece you edited on the Miami Jazz Festival.
The story was great.
The photography was beautiful.
Well, I appreciate that.
You're not just a talented editor,
you're a great leader.
I got a feeling that next year's
gonna be an exciting one for the magazine,
and for you.
Well, I like the sound of that.
Speaking of exciting,
I gotta go work on my speech for the Christmas party.
I'll see you there.
Okay.
[♪♪♪]
Cheers.
The party is amazing!
The food is fantastic,
the DJ's killing it,
and the Christmas cheer's flowing freely.
Thank you, Maggie.
I heard a rumor
that Santa might have
something special for you this year.
We'll see.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
Merry Christmas!
I just wanna take this moment
to thank all of you
for making it another great year at Harmony Beat Magazine!
[applause]
A magazine like Harmony Beat
is built on the talent,
hard work,
and dedication of its people.
You guys are so talented.
Congratulations on another great year.
And there's--
there's one person in particular I want to recognize.
One person who has worked night and day
to make this magazine a success.
One person who I am proud to be promoting to Executive Editor...
Charlie Townsend!
[applause]
Charlie, come on up.
Congratulations.
[♪♪♪]
[Garrett] Amber.
I tried to find you at the Christmas party.
Hey. I was just finishing up some paperwork
so I could take off for the holidays.
Take off?
I thought you were working over Christmas.
I was...
and I love Christmas in New York...
but my Aunt Dora--
Dora DuChamp, right?
Yeah. She's--
-I'm a huge fan.
I saw her at Madison Square Garden
15 years ago.
She blew the roof off!
Yeah, she's pretty amazing.
A real force of nature.
She wants me to come home to Colorado.
Is something wrong?
No.
She bought a hotel
about five years ago after she retired.
Every Christmas, she asks me to come spend it with her.
And I thought this year--
You want to give Charlie time
to settle into his new position as Executive Editor.
Something like that.
Amber, I...
I'm sorry the promotion didn't go your way.
It's okay. It's okay.
I mean, Charlie is a great editor.
But...?
But, honestly,
I'm gonna have to think about
what my role might look like working under him.
Nothing has to change.
Maybe it should.
Why don't we talk tomorrow,
and maybe brainstorm over the holidays.
I know you were pitching some new ideas last quarter.
I'd like that.
And thank you again
for organizing the Christmas party.
It was great.
You're welcome.
[♪♪♪]
Hey, Maggie,
I was working up some ideas on the train,
and I was thinking about
a possible proposal for a spin-off to the magazine.
Amber Aldridge?
Hang on one sec.
Please be careful with the bag,
and load it vertically, not horizontally.
It has Christmas presents inside.
Thanks.
So, anyway...
Vertically, not horizontally.
Merry Christmas to you, too.
You're Dora's niece, right?
Excuse me?
Dora DuChamp?
She's your aunt?
Yes.
[driver] When was the last time you were home?
It's not really my home anymore.
I left years ago.
[telephone rings]
Excuse me.
Hey, Garrett.
Yeah, I'm just having Maggie
send some ideas to you about a new magazine proposal.
[♪♪♪]
Well, here's your bag.
Oh, you can just set it up there on that step.
Oh, let me give you a tip.
No, it's fine.
Oh!
I know some car services
don't allow their drivers to take tips,
but I'm from New York, and I always tip.
Really, it's fine.
Oh, come on.
Everybody needs a little something extra
during the holidays.
I can't.
You know, if I've offended you in some way--
Oh, you haven't offended me, Ma'am.
Ma'am?
You just called me "Ma'am"?
You make me sound like my grandmother.
Amber Aldridge, is that you?
Aunt Dora!
[Dora] You look like skin and bones.
I think I've got to get some food into you.
I was just finishing up with this gentleman here.
Allen, I want a big Christmas hug from you, too.
Yeah.
Wait a sec, you two-- you two know each other?
Yes, Allen and I are friends.
All the taxis in town were booked,
and Kenny's car was in the shop,
so I asked Allen
to come and pick you up from the train station.
I'm so sorry, I thought he was a driver from the car service.
Yeah, I noticed.
[Dora] Allen's a very talented musician.
And did you introduce yourself to my niece?
I tried.
She was too busy with her phone.
I have a very demanding job.
Oh, no, I understand.
You're a New Yorker.
[Dora] I think we should try the introduction one more time.
Allen Marshall...
meet my niece, Miss Amber Aldridge.
Allen Marshall, nice to meet you.
The pleasure's mine.
Dora, I've gotta go.
Katie will be waiting for me.
I appreciate what you did for me.
Bye.
[Allen] Bye-bye.
He's such a nice man.
Amber!
Kenny!
Oh!
Kenny, you are looking sharp!
Well, you know,
I quit the road when Dora retired,
so I had to get cleaned up for the new gig.
Wait, the inn needs a sound engineer?
No, Kenny basically keeps everything going around here.
If something breaks, he will fix it.
If something's missing, he'll find it.
He's my rock.
I do what I can.
It's great to have you back home, Amber.
I'll take your bag up to your room.
No, I got it.
I insist.
Kenny's looking good.
And so are you, by the way.
[Dora] I try, dear.
[Amber] You look fabulous.
[Dora] Thank you.
There's Bonnie.
Can I put you on hold?
It is so good to see your face!
Hey, Bonnie.
I hear you're running things over at Harmony Beat Magazine.
I wish.
We'll visit later?
Yeah, can't wait to catch up with you.
Oh... wow.
Oh, Aunt Dora.
It's just like I remember it.
Do you remember every Christmas Eve,
we'd all be down here for caroling and hot chocolate?
Yep.
And Mom and Dad used to sit right by that fireplace,
and you and I
would park ourselves at that piano all night long.
Good times.
-Christmas Eve caroling night
was a big part of why I bought this beautiful place.
Well, I'm glad you did.
And I'm glad that I came.
Are you gonna go see your old house?
I don't really think so.
It doesn't really feel like home,
and it'd be kinda weird without my parents.
But it's been way too long, Amber.
I know. I know.
I've been meaning to come visit, but...
Life.
Yeah, life.
So, I'm gonna go freshen up and unpack.
I'll be right back.
-I'll see you in a little bit.
I wanna talk to you about our school fundraiser.
Sure.
Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad.
[knocking on door]
Oh!
Uh... come in.
Amber?
Leah!
Oh, my goodness!
I am so happy to have you back home for Christmas.
It's so great to see you.
I love the room.
I know, right?
Isn't it just beautiful?
Yeah.
-Hey, we should celebrate.
You want something from the mini bar?
Oh, no thanks.
I came to take you
to the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Um, I should probably run that by Dora.
I already did.
She's too busy here with the hotel,
but she wanted me to take you anyway.
I have so much work to do.
Come on, you just got here.
Bill and Josie are gonna be at the tree.
They can't wait to see you.
You told them I was going?
I did.
[♪♪♪]
They should be up at the front.
Amber!
Bill!
And who is this beautiful young lady next to you?
This is Josie Petunia Andrews.
Josie Petunia!
It's so nice to finally meet you.
You too.
[crowd cheering]
Oh!
Hello, everybody, and Merry Christmas!
[crowd] Merry Christmas!
If there are any out-of-towners here,
I would like to welcome them to Silver Springs--
the most Christmassy town in the great state of Colorado!
[cheering]
We have a full holiday schedule this year,
starting with tonight's
Christmas tree lighting ceremony,
the Christmas street festival,
the gingerbread house building competition....
and, finally,
the Christmas fundraiser concert for the school music program!
[cheering]
Okay...
so here we go.
Let's all count down.
Five...
four...
three...
two...
one!
[cheering]
Hey, Bill.
Hey!
Amber, have you met our neighbor, Allen?
Yes, we met earlier today.
Hi... again.
Amber, this is my daughter, Katie.
Nice to meet you, Katie.
Is this the pretty lady you were telling Bill about?
That's not exactly what I said.
Oh, that's right...
you said "pretty bossy."
Your dad is right about that, Amber can be pretty bossy.
She can't help herself.
But we love her anyway.
Which is why it is so perfect
that you two are gonna be working together.
What do you mean, "working together"?
Didn't Dora tell you?
Allen's a local high school music teacher.
You two are going to be
organizing the fundraiser together.
[Amber] Aunt Dora.
[Dora] Yeah?
Why didn't you tell me
you had signed me up
to work with Allen for the fundraiser?
I meant to after you unpacked last night,
but then Leah swooped you off to the Christmas tree lighting.
How long have you been working with him?
About five years now.
-Since you came back? -Yes.
I really wanted to give back to the community.
I love seeing the children's faces
when they get their first instrument...
when they play their first song.
But this year, the inn is 100% booked,
and I need some help.
Well, I'm willing to do anything I can to help you,
but Allen is a little stiff.
Honey, Allen's a big old teddy bear underneath.
Sorry to interrupt,
but we have a guest stranded at the train station.
Can you send Kenny?
He's busy trying to fix the furnace.
-I'll be back. -Okay.
-Keep wrapping. -All right.
-I'll catch up with you later. -Okay.
♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas... ♪
♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪
♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas... ♪
♪ And a happy New Year ♪
[♪♪♪]
♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas... ♪
♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪
♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas... ♪
♪ And a happy New Year ♪
♪ Glad tidings we bring to you and your kin ♪
♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas... ♪
♪ And a happy New Year ♪
[♪♪♪]
[playing "Jingle Bells"]
[♪♪♪]
Okay, good. Good.
But you wanna bring some joy to it.
Some energy.
All right?
Okay, let's try it again.
-Hey! -Oh, hey.
So, is your old high school auditorium
bringing back any fond memories?
Band practice with Mr. Kowalski.
Oh, he was so intense.
And then there was that bad English accent you had
when you played Lady Macbeth.
Hey, I got a lot of compliments for that accent.
Ah, but the musical concerts were always a lot of fun.
Mm, your Aunt Dora giving us a standing ovation.
That was something special.
I still remember that night.
Yeah, it was pretty great.
Anyway, what are you doing here?
Parent volunteer.
I'm in charge of decorations for the fundraiser.
-Fantastic. -Mm-hmm.
We're gonna be working together.
I know!
That's awesome!
Shh!
Sorry.
So, this is where the party's gonna be?
Party?
Yeah, the party after the concert.
You know, a little food, a little wine...
a lot of fundraising.
We've never really had a party before.
So, how do you sell tickets?
We don't.
So, how do you raise money?
We put a donation box in the back.
A donation box? That's it?
Yeah. We raised about $800 last year.
Oh, I think we can do better than that.
I've tried to talk to Allen about making some changes,
but he's not big on compromising.
Well, neither am I.
Great rehearsal, everybody.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Hey, Allen, could I have a word with you
back in the auditorium?
Of course.
Will you keep an eye on Katie for a minute?
Sure.
We'll meet you at the Christmas festival later.
Let's go.
So, you've been in charge of the fundraiser
for a while now, huh?
That's right.
Since your aunt started it.
And the purpose of the fundraiser
is to raise money for the school music program?
Well, we have a grant from the school board
to cover most of our costs.
This event is more of a showcase for the kids.
We don't need to raise that much money.
I'm gonna help you with that.
Help me how?
Where's the Christmas?
I don't understand.
I mean, there are hardly any Christmas decorations,
and the stage has no set dressing.
That's because I like the theatre the way it is.
All plain like that?
Exactly.
The simplicity allows the audience
to focus on the kids.
I think we can do better.
Oh, really?
Better how?
Make it festive.
The whole point of a fundraiser is to raise money,
and in order to raise money, we need to sell tickets.
All right...
Dora told me that you're a...
a big-time New York magazine editor,
and you're used to calling the shots.
Where are we going with this?
See, this is just a small-town fundraiser,
and we've been doing just fine without selling tickets.
But we could start.
Wouldn't it be great
to have a silent auction and a raffle?
I mean, we could make it into a real Christmas event.
It already is a real Christmas event.
It's our tradition.
But traditions can change, can't they?
Not this one.
Okay, let's back this up.
Dora asked me to help organize the fundraiser.
So I heard.
Okay, look...
I'm on your side. I really am.
I grew up here in Silver Springs.
I went to high school here.
I learned how to play piano right here in this room.
I want to help you, I really do,
but I don't want to argue with you.
I don't want to argue either.
Okay. Well, I think I can help you
take this event to the next level,
but if you're not willing to listen to any of my ideas,
then I don't even really know what I'm doing here.
You know, maybe Dora
just wanted to keep you busy over the holidays.
Keep me busy?
Really?
You think so?
Wait, that...
that didn't come out quite right.
What I meant to say--
No, no, it's okay. I get it...
you don't need me here.
[♪♪♪]
Whoo!
Great shot.
First, I get passed up for a promotion at work,
and then I volunteer to work for free,
and Allen doesn't want to work with me either.
Oh, he'll come around.
And, personally, I love having you on the team.
Well, I love working with you, too,
but Allen is taking all the fun out of fundraising.
It's his first Christmas alone with Katie, so...
I just got an email from the school board.
That can't be right.
What is it?
They're cutting our funding for the music program.
Does that mean we can't learn music anymore?
Absolutely not, Katie.
[Allen] Breakfast!
Dad, what do you think my clothes say about me?
Um...
I'm not sure.
Is this a trick question?
That Amber lady looks so stylish.
She's from New York.
They tend to dress up a little out there.
Why can't we dress up?
-We can.
But first, we need to eat breakfast.
I made Santa pancakes.
I'm not really hungry.
These are just like the pancakes your mom makes.
You think Mom makes them in California?
Katie...
your mom and I both love you very much.
You spent last Christmas with her,
and we all agreed
that you'd spend this Christmas with me.
I know.
And then, you can go to California for Spring Break,
and even the summer if you want to.
I love you, Dad.
I love you so much.
Now, why don't you try your pancakes
and see if they're any good.
Delicious.
These Christmas decorations are really pretty.
[Katie] Josie and I made them with Leah.
Can we put them on our Christmas tree?
We're getting a Christmas tree, right?
Yes, of course.
We're gonna get the best Christmas tree on the lot.
Large coffee. No cream. No sugar.
Thank you, Kenny.
How'd you figure out my caffeine habit so quickly?
I remember when you used to visit us on the road.
That was a long time ago.
And my mind's a steel trap.
Apparently.
You know, I heard a rumor
that part of your job
was to remind Dora to call me on my birthday.
Uh, yeah, I deny everything.
You're such a good friend to her, Kenny.
Well, she's more than a friend, she's family.
And I'm so glad you're back home, Amber,
because she hasn't been herself the past couple of years.
Oh, here she is.
-Morning, Amber. -Morning.
How'd you sleep?
Like a baby.
It's something about the air up here.
[Amber] Mm-hmm.
And I was just thinking about
your idea to bring back the Christmas carol sing-along.
Actually, it was your idea, Aunt Dora, but go on.
I'm gonna do it.
That's great.
You know, I would love to help you,
I really would,
but I have to go meet with Allen
so we can figure out
how to save the school music program.
What are you talking about?
The school board pulled the funding.
[♪♪♪]
Can you tell me what we're doing here?
Merry Christmas to you, too, Allen.
Sorry.
Merry Christmas.
Can you please explain
how Santa's Village
is gonna help save the school music program?
Well, since you asked me so nicely,
I just might do that.
Go ahead.
Okay... look at the stage.
[Allen] It's beautiful.
[Amber] Exactly--
the costumes, the set decoration,
the design.
Everything is coming together to create a whole world.
A very expensive world.
Money we don't have.
Sometimes, you have to spend money
to make money.
Okay, we don't have a budget for sets and costumes, Amber.
You let me worry about that.
When you take kids playing Christmas music,
and you add the right costumes and decoration,
it creates a certain atmosphere and emotion.
Well, it makes people nostalgic.
Exactly.
It makes them feel good.
It makes them want to buy raffle tickets
and bid in the silent auction.
We don't have a silent auction.
Yet.
We don't have a silent auction yet.
Look, I can see how much it means to you,
and I know the kids really look up to you.
I'm just trying to enhance
the experience for your audience.
We're all gonna have to step it up to make this work.
Fair enough.
What else do you have in mind?
[Reverend] Amber Aldridge, is that you?
Reverend, how are you?
Good to see you.
You must know Allen.
[Reverend] All too well.
He beats me at poker every Saturday.
And then I pray for forgiveness every Sunday.
It is wonderful
that you two are working together
on the school fundraiser.
You are both extraordinary individuals.
[phone ringing]
Oh, excuse me.
Oh, will you excuse me?
I have a little issue at the inn.
I've got to get back.
Send my regards to Dora.
Will do.
Bye-bye.
Oh, she has always been a treasure.
[Amber] Hey, Garrett.
How's Charlie settling into his new role?
He went down to Florida
to visit his family for the holidays,
so I'm holding down the fort.
Ah!
Okay, so how can I help you?
I was telling the board
about your idea for a spin-off to the magazine,
and they want to hear about it.
Right now?
No, I want you to pitch it to me first.
Oh, okay.
Well, you know
we're already developing
an online magazine for the teen space, right?
I want to go the opposite direction.
Go old school...
target the boomers.
Let's call it something like "Vintage."
I like it.
If you wanna work up a PowerPoint,
I can show it to the board over the holidays.
Actually, Garrett,
there is one more thing I wanted to run past you.
I'm working on a fundraiser
for a local school music program.
Actually, my local school, where I learned to play piano.
-Oh, good for you. -Yeah.
And I was wondering
if maybe the magazine might be a sponsor?
It's not really the kind of thing we do.
"Harmony Beat Magazine
reaches out to the community
to support local music program."
Feels a lot like Christmas.
[chuckles]
I'll tell you what,
you get me an interview with Dora DuChamp,
and I'll give you whatever you need.
Whoa...
I don't know if I can do that.
Dora is not crazy about the press.
So maybe you could do the interview yourself.
I don't work as a writer anymore.
That doesn't mean that you've forgotten how to write.
It was how you got your start.
[playing "O Christmas Tree"]
I've never heard that piano sound so beautiful.
Hardly.
I haven't played in a long time,
but there's something about being back here
that makes me want to play again.
We have a lot to talk about.
I know...
I know we do.
And we will.
I just need some time.
All right.
Oh, I have some good news about the fundraiser.
I called my boss,
and he agreed to sponsor the fundraiser
to help us cover some of the costs.
That's fabulous!
But there is one condition.
There always is.
They want you to do an interview with the magazine.
You know I don't like to talk to the press.
They're always trying to stir up some kind of trouble.
I know, I know, Aunt Dora.
But it would just be me,
and it would really make
a huge difference for our fundraiser.
Please.
Okay.
I'll do anything for the kids.
Thank you!
Made you a little Christmas shopping list.
Where are we getting the money to pay for all this?
Aunt Dora agreed to do
an interview with Harmony Beat,
and they're paying me for it.
-That's fantastic. -Yeah.
But there's no way we can get all this stuff by next week.
Watch me.
-We need more icing. -And sprinkles.
People love sprinkles.
[Leah] Girls!
You are meant to be decorating
and selling the Christmas cookies,
not eating them.
We have to make sure they taste good.
Okay, last one.
-Hey. -Hi!
Katie and Josie are in the back.
Actually, we're here to see both of you.
Oh, finally, someone here to see me.
What can I do for you?
How would you feel about catering the fundraiser?
You two do such a great job with this restaurant.
Catering? Like... cookies?
No, like high-end appetizers.
Hors d'oeuvres.
Mini desserts.
How many people are we talking about?
We only had about 50 last year.
Could you do 150?
150? That's ambitious.
We're reaching out to people all across the community.
If we really want to save this music program,
we're going to have to think bigger.
Yeah, I can do 150. The kitchen here's big enough.
Great.
Do you think you could come up with a sample menu we could try?
Sure! I used to cater Christmas parties in Denver
back in the day.
The trick is to keep it simple, yet elegant.
I love that.
Well, Allen and Katie
are coming over for dinner tonight,
so why don't you join,
and we can make it a tasting party?
And that way, you can see the new house.
That's a great idea.
Is that gonna give you enough time?
Sure. It's just us.
[♪♪♪]
[Allen] Do you like that tree?
-Oh! -Whoa!
Amber!
I'm so sorry. Are you okay?
Oh, I'm fine.
I got these.
Did you buy every wreath at the tree farm?
Well, I wanted the auditorium
to look a little bit more festive.
We're getting a Christmas tree!
Nice!
Dad said we could get the best Christmas tree here.
Well, it's a good thing you ran into me.
Oh, so you're an expert on Christmas trees, too,
are you?
As a matter of fact, I am.
I used to work out here during high school.
Come on, let's take a look!
What's the best Christmas tree in the world?
The best Christmas tree in the world?
There's so many great ones.
There's the Grand Fir and the Fraser Fir,
but my favorite is the Noble Fir.
It has the strongest branches,
and the best smell.
Yeah?
Finally, something we can agree on.
It's perfect.
I'll make you a deal.
I'll help you carry these wreaths to your car,
if you give me a hand with this tree.
You got a deal.
Can you help us decorate our Christmas tree?
Um...
Well, that's up to your dad.
Dad, she's a Christmas tree expert.
Okay.
Yay!
[Amber] A little to the right.
Ooh, too far. Try the other way.
All right.
Okay, back a bit. Just a little bit.
[Allen] Mm-hmm.
[Amber] A little more. A little more.
Okay. Katie?
I love it.
Not bad!
We make a good team.
I'll go get the ornaments.
Oh, hey, aren't you supposed to put the lights on first?
Well... not necessarily.
Dad, I think Amber's right about that.
If you say so.
[♪♪♪]
Looks good.
Only one more left.
You do it, Amber.
Okay.
[♪♪♪]
Perfect.
-Pretty tree. -Thanks.
Mom says it's time for the food tasting.
-Great! -Okay.
We'll be right over.
So cute.
Oh...
I love your house.
Oh, thanks. We just moved in last year.
It's beautiful. It's just beautiful.
So, I thought we would have a Christmas theme for the food.
And, first, we have a mini cranberry-glazed meatball.
Ooh, I gotta try one of those.
[Amber] Mm-hmm.
[Bill] Yeah?
All right, we've got bacon-wrapped water chestnuts.
All right...
Mm! Bill, I knew you were a great cook,
but these are amazing!
Well, before we try any more of my husband's amazing food,
I would just like to make a toast.
It is so good to have Amber back home after all these years.
You've always been like a sister to me,
and you always will be.
Aw!
I'm so happy to be here with you.
-Oh, me too.
So, my toast for tonight is to good friends and family.
To good friends and family!
So, I haven't interviewed anyone in years,
so I thought we could just chit-chat.
Just keep it casual.
Just you and me.
Like we used to.
Exactly, just like we used to.
Yes.
So, what is your first musical memory?
That would be of my grandmother.
She used to sing to me and your mom
when we were little babies.
And I can't remember how old I was,
but what I remember is her voice--
it was clear as day.
And she had the voice of an angel.
That's great. Perfect. Come on.
Yeah.
[♪♪♪]
[Amber] What were your most important
musical influences?
Well, I grew up in the church,
and my foundation is gospel.
And your voice?
My voice is not my own.
It's a gift that flows through me.
I'm just a vessel.
[♪♪♪]
What's your favorite record?
Well, records are like family, you love them all equally.
How about your favorite song?
Same for songs--
except the one I wrote for you-- that's my favorite.
"Amber in Gold." That's my favorite, too.
Yeah.
[♪♪♪]
Hey, Sammy, I was wondering
if you'd be willing to donate anything
to a silent auction that I'm having
for a Christmas fundraiser.
Yeah, to raise money for a music program.
I know it's a lot to ask, but I'm...
I don't know,
maybe you could donate one of your guitars.
Really?
Oh, wow, that is great!
You're the best.
Thank you so much!
[Amber] Do you have any regrets?
[Dora] A few more than Frank Sinatra.
Can you talk about them?
Hey, how are we doing with those raffle prizes?
Most of the local merchants in town are donating prizes.
Silver Springs is pretty special.
And not only that,
we got folks wanting to help out all the way from Telluride.
From Telluride?
Wow. I hear it's really beautiful up there.
It is.
Maybe I could show you one day.
Maybe you could.
What made you keep going out on the road?
[Dora] The fans.
The fans were always so generous.
Perfect strangers would open up their homes to me,
cooked for me like I was family.
But it wasn't always easy.
What do you mean by that?
I missed a lot of things back home.
Like what?
-Your Christening.
Your mom said you screamed
when that holy water splashed on your head.
Because the water was so cold.
Oh, my mom used to love to tell that story.
She sure did.
Look...
I've never had children of my own.
It didn't matter before,
because you and I were always so close.
You were such a special child.
So full of joy and love.
And I've always been so proud of you--
of all your accomplishments.
And I'm not sure I ever told you that.
You didn't have to tell me...
I felt it.
I knew, in everything you've ever done, that...
from when you used to sing to me when I was a little girl
to paying for my college education.
You know, I...
I always felt like I had two moms.
And I've always been grateful for that.
But then,
when you needed me the most, after your parents died,
I wasn't there for you, honey.
You had to go back out on the road, Aunt Dora.
You had contracts.
I thank you for saying that,
but the truth is, I should've been there for you.
And I'm so sorry that I wasn't.
I love you, Aunt Dora.
I love you, honey.
And I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to come home.
You're here now, that's all that matters.
I love you.
Allen said you designed a website for the fundraiser.
Yeah, last year.
But it didn't get much traffic.
Fundraising extravaganza...
love that!
Did Allen see this?
I'm not sure he even looked at the website last year.
Well, it's fantastic.
Oh, thanks.
Maybe we can include photos
of all the different kids in the recital.
You could do a little write-up on each one of them.
They could write something themselves.
Even better.
They could write about
how the music program
makes them feel like they're part of a community
and gives them a special bond.
Well, that's how we met, and we're still friends.
Exactly!
And then, you can edit it all and make it look all cool,
like you do for your magazine.
Done!
Oh, and we can include a list of all the silent auction items,
the raffle...
and we could maybe put a donations link.
That is perfect.
[playing "We Wish You A Merry Christmas"]
That's one of my favorite Christmas carols.
Mine too, but I can't get it right.
What's the problem?
I can't get the chord change for "...and a happy new year."
Maybe if you pick up the tempo in the beginning,
that might help you with the transition.
I don't get it.
Can I help?
Mm-hmm.
All right, let's see here.
[playing a jolly version of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas"]
See?
If you pick up the tempo,
it makes the tune
seem a little bit more like a celebration.
Which is what it's meant to be.
Right.
And when you smile when you're playing,
that forces you to relax.
All right, now you try from the beginning.
[Katie plays a bright version of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas"]
Good!
Pick up the pace a little bit.
Very good.
Go-- Where's your smile?
Where's that smile? I don't see any teeth.
There they are.
Very good, Katie, you got it.
I did it!
You did it. That was great.
That was awesome.
Hi, Dad! Did you hear me?
I did.
You were incredible.
Amber helped me.
She's pretty good.
[Katie] She's amazing.
Actually, I'm a little rusty.
Oh, you don't seem so.
How are your construction skills?
My construction skills?
We're going to the Christmas
gingerbread house building competition at church tonight.
You want to come?
Well...
That's going to be wonderful.
How's it going with Allen?
Oh, it's going great.
The show's coming along really well.
That's not what I meant.
Leah, he lives here in Colorado,
I live in New York.
It would never work.
How long has it been
since you last went out on a decent date?
A while.
How long?
I honestly don't know.
Well, get to know him a little...
see what happens.
Yeah, I don't know.
When I came back home to Silver Springs,
I thought it was just going to be for the holidays.
And I know it hasn't been long,
but it already feels like home again.
[Leah] Well, you know I'd love it
if you moved back.
Hi, Katie!
[Katie] Hi, Josie.
Cool house!
[Josie] There's more gingerbread
and decorations back here.
Come on.
Sorry we're late.
We had a little clothing crisis.
Katie wants to be stylish now.
Oh? Well, that happens.
I can't believe she's growing up so fast.
I just want to take a remote and put her on pause.
[Amber] Yeah.
What kind of gingerbread house are you making?
A big skyscraper.
Like where you live in New York.
I don't think you can make that out of gingerbread.
Why don't you try to build a more traditional house,
like the one you live in in Silver Springs?
Great.
Well, let's get started.
[telephone rings]
This is Leah.
No!
What happened?
The pipes burst in the school auditorium.
Oh, my...
Oh!
I'm sorry.
You worked so hard on this.
-We both did.
We can't cancel...
not now.
It'll kill the music program.
I don't wanna cancel the fundraiser either,
but the maintenance staff
say they've got to close down the auditorium for repairs.
Now, these pies are all homemade.
We have cranberry apple pie,
sweet potato pie,
pumpkin cheesecake,
and my favorite-- the Christmas pecan pie.
Oh...
Bonnie, will serve them, please? Thank you.
[Bonnie] So, who's hungry?
So how bad is it?
-The set decoration is ruined.
The decorations are trashed.
We can't use the building anymore,
and the concert is in three days.
All you really need is a place for the kids to sing,
and something for the audience to sit on.
Yeah, but there's no theatre in town, Aunt Dora.
We can't do it outside in the snow.
I've got an idea.
I mean, but do you really think people are gonna pay
for a concert
at the Silver Springs Fellowship Church?
Absolutely,
especially if you have someone they've heard of as a headliner.
Yeah, but somebody like who?
Me, baby.
But I thought you were retired.
-I was retired,
but watching how hard
you've been working on the fundraiser,
and seeing how much you care for the kids,
that makes me want to sing again.
Aunt Dora!
Okay, I'm gonna go talk to Reverend Williams.
Okay.
And for a fact, I know he loves "O Holy Night."
This is awesome.
Are you talking about a carol service?
No, it's just for
the musical part of the school fundraiser.
I understand, but this is a house of worship.
I can't have any stages or sets in here so close to Christmas.
Yeah, but you don't need any.
It already looks so beautiful in here.
Plus, I have a surprise for you.
I do love a good surprise.
Okay.
Aunt Dora is coming out of retirement
to sing for the fundraiser.
I never thought I'd see the day.
And she said something about wanting to sing "O Holy Night."
My favorite Christmas carol.
Tell me what you need.
What's going on here?
We have to let the folks know the show's been canceled.
Canceled? Who said anything about canceled?
Dad.
It's only two days until the concert.
It's better to let people know sooner rather than later.
We did everything we could, Amber.
Dora's coming out of retirement?
Performing at
the Silver Springs Fellowship Church,
just for our fundraiser.
What?
That's amazing!
You heard it, everyone! The show's back on!
Hot chocolate, one dollar!
All proceeds go towards the school music program!
It looks good, right?
Yeah, it does.
What do you think?
-Nice! -Right? Look at that...
That's you.
-Yes. -No pressure.
"Dora DuChamp represents an old-school understatement,
an elegance based on absolute simplicity.
Her powerful voice
is reminiscent
of the great Harlem jazz clubs of the 20th century,
while her belief in the power of redemption and love
is absolute."
And this quote from Dora is perfect.
"All the songs I've ever loved tell a story,
and for me, that story is about family.
Family first.
All the rest is static."
I love that, Amber!
This is great!
Thanks, Garrett.
You know, I really enjoyed doing it.
It felt great
to get those writing muscles working again.
I felt like I was right there in the room with you,
talking to Dora myself.
Thank you.
But I wanted to ask you
if you're available
for an interview
with the board of directors tomorrow at 5:00.
Oh, about Vintage?
No, about the whole thing.
I don't understand.
Charlie wasn't going to Florida after all.
He's been poached by another magazine.
Oh!
So, the job is yours for the asking.
If the interview goes well,
you will be the next Executive Editor
at Harmony Beat Magazine.
Well, thank you, Garrett.
I...
I don't really know what to say.
Well, good luck.
And call me after the interview.
[band rehearsing "Jingle Bells]
They sound lovely, don't they?
They really do.
You nervous about your performance?
Maybe--just a little.
You're gonna do great.
You just have to keep practicing.
But I want it to be perfect.
Here's a little secret, Katie,
there's no such thing as a perfect piano performance.
I was so nervous
the first time I performed in front of other people.
There was so much pressure.
But you know what my Aunt Dora told me?
What?
Pressure makes diamonds.
Cool!
Mm-hmm.
They sound great.
Yeah, we're getting there.
Katie's a little nervous about her performance.
Ah.
All the kids feel that way.
She'll be fine.
She's staying with Leah and Bill tonight,
and she can practice with Josie.
That's great.
So...
it's the last night before the show.
I know, I can't believe it came up so quickly.
And I haven't eaten all day.
There are snacks in the church hall.
Oh, right.
Um...
I was wondering...
if you have plans.
Plans?
I have a million little things
I need to get done before tomorrow.
Plans for dinner.
I want to take you to dinner.
As a way to say thank you
for everything you've done for the fundraiser.
[Reverend] Can we have a word?
Oh! Sure, I'll be right there.
We just need to figure out parking for tomorrow.
Okay.
7:00?
I'll pick you up from the inn.
It's a date.
Hey!
Hey, girl.
Everybody's so excited about the show tomorrow night.
I am, too.
[alarm chiming]
Oh, that's my alarm.
I have a big interview to go to.
Good luck.
Amber, I'm just connecting you to the conference room now.
Amber?
Amber, can you hear me?
Yeah, I hear you loud and clear.
[Allen] You look amazing!
You look pretty amazing yourself.
Oh, and a gentleman too, huh?
I try.
[Allen] You were so great with Katie on the piano.
Did you ever teach?
I used to, a little.
After college.
Nice. Where'd you go?
Rossmore School of Music.
Me too!
What?
Oh, my...
Wow.
So, you stopped playing?
Well, originally, I wanted to be a concert pianist.
That was the dream.
-Right.
But then I moved to New York,
and I realized there were thousands of musicians
with more talent in their little finger
than I had in my whole body, so...
So you quit playing.
Kind of.
I mean, I sidestepped into music journalism.
I love Harmony Beat, by the way.
Thanks.
Yeah.
Do you still write for them?
Uh... I did.
I'm an editor now.
Hmm.
The food was delicious.
Right?
Although Silver Springs must be a little boring
for a fancy New York music magazine editor.
Believe me, I am not that fancy.
And the New York magazine world isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Hmm.
I used to live in New York for a while.
Really?
-Mm-hmm. Lower East Side.
I mean, it was a tiny little walk-up,
but I loved it.
Dora said you used to work as a musician.
Yeah, a long time ago.
I was a trumpet player.
I thought I'd be the next Miles Davis.
Hmm.
-Then I met Tracy, my ex-wife.
We got married.
And...
You know, I didn't want to raise a family in the city,
so we moved to Colorado.
Well, it is beautiful here.
-Yeah.
And it was perfect...
for a couple of years.
But it didn't work.
I'm sorry to hear that.
-No, no, no, no, it's okay.
It was for the best.
She got remarried a year ago and moved out to California.
So, what about you?
Anyone in your life?
Used to be.
I married a saxophone player a few years ago,
and things were really good...
for a while,
but...
It didn't work out.
Nope.
And I guess, since then,
I've just never found the right guy.
Well...
here's to you...
finding the right guy.
I'll drink to that.
[phone ringing]
Kenny just finished setting up the sound system in the church.
Want to go check it out?
I'd love to.
Mic check.
One, two. One, two.
♪ It came upon a midnight clear ♪
Wow, that sounds really good.
This system's fantastic!
Yeah.
Kenny was Dora's sound guy for 10 years,
so he helped me pick it out.
Must have been expensive.
Got it comped in exchange for a mention in the magazine.
Amazing.
I love this song.
Well, you have great taste.
Oh, does that mean you have great taste, too?
It means we have certain things in common.
Oh, really?
Like what?
Well, first thing we have in common...
we both love music.
Check.
We both love Dora.
Check.
We both love...
Yes?
Gingerbread.
Gingerbread?
[laughing]
And you have the best laugh I've ever heard.
[Kenny] How's it sound, Allen?
Good, Kenny.
Sounds great.
All right.
Well, I'm gonna head home.
Thanks.
Good night, Kenny.
-'Night.
Well, I should be getting back.
Yeah.
I had a great time tonight.
Thank you so much.
The best.
Well, big day tomorrow.
It's gonna be great.
Good night.
[phone ringing]
Hey, how's it going?
Oh, great!
The silent auction and raffle are set up,
and Bill has got
the food and drink coming at 5:00.
Now all we need is people to show up.
Oh, they'll show up.
Everybody in town is talking about Dora
coming out of retirement for this.
The whole community
is rallying behind her and our fundraiser.
I think we might sell out.
How's Allen doing?
He's on cloud nine.
-Good.
So, I'm guessing the date went well.
It...
It wasn't really a date.
Well, whatever it was,
neither of you seem to be able to stop smiling today.
Hey, I can stop smiling whenever I want to.
-Oh?
Well, go on then.
I knew it.
Come on, spill.
He's sweet.
Sweet?
Then let's just say
we may have more than a few things in common.
Seriously, that's all you're giving me?
Enjoy the show.
Welcome! So glad you're here!
Two tickets?
That'll be $40.
Love your ears.
Enjoy the show.
This is amazing.
Look at you!
You look so relaxed!
That's on the outside.
Inside, it's a whole different story.
Well, we have a full house, and you're gonna do just great.
I'm gonna go check in with Bonnie.
Okay.
I wish your parents could see you now, Amber.
They'd be so proud of you.
Thank you.
And I am, too.
I'm proud of you.
You're all gonna be great!
Just remember to breathe and smile.
Keep your eyes on me.
And focus on the beat.
You've done the hard work, Katie.
The music is in you.
Now is the time just to relax and have fun.
-Okay. -Okay.
[♪♪♪]
[applause]
Merry Christmas, everyone!
[audience] Merry Christmas!
[Allen] I want to thank you all for coming out tonight
to raise money
for the Silver Springs school music program!
[applause]
With our ticket sales and donation page,
we've already raised a record amount of money--
enough to fund
the school music program for a whole year!
[applause]
But if any of you are feeling lucky,
we have a raffle and a silent auction
in the church hall after the show.
Now, I know you're all excited about tonight's show,
so, without further ado,
I'd like to introduce our first performer...
and my daughter...
Katie Marshall.
[playing "We Wish You A Merry Christmas"]
[♪♪♪]
[applause]
Whoo!
♪ 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 ♪
[band playing "Jingle Bells"]
The kids are so sweet, aren't they?
Beautiful.
You ready for this?
It's been five years
since I've sung in front of an audience.
You are a legend, Aunt Dora.
You still got it.
I might need a little help.
Help with what?
And now...
the moment you've all been waiting for.
Coming out of retirement for one night only...
the indescribable Dora DuChamp!
[applause]
Thank you, thank you so very much.
I wasn't originally scheduled to perform tonight.
In fact, the whole concert was going to be canceled,
but then this town and this community
came together and we worked to save it--
because we all share love for the school music program.
And more importantly, we share love for each other.
[applause]
None of us could've saved this concert on our own,
and I don't think I can sing this next song on my own either.
Amber...
come and join Auntie.
Go. Go, come on!
Come on.
[applause]
[plays "O Holy Night"]
♪ O holy night ♪
♪ The stars are brightly shining ♪
♪ It is the night of the dear Savior's birth ♪
[♪♪♪]
♪ Long lay the world ♪
♪ In sin and error pining ♪
♪ Till He appeared ♪
♪ And the soul felt its worth ♪
[♪♪♪]
♪ A thrill of hope ♪
♪ The weary world rejoices ♪
♪ For yonder breaks ♪
♪ A new glorious morn ♪
♪ Fall on your knees ♪
♪ O hear the angels' voices ♪
♪ O night divine ♪
♪ O night when Christ was born ♪
[♪♪♪]
♪ O night... ♪
♪ O night ♪
♪ O night divine ♪
♪ Mm-hmm... ♪
Thank you.
You are amazing!
Hold it together, honey.
Now take your bow.
How's it feel to be out of retirement?
Not bad at all.
I think I might have to sing
every year at the fundraiser from here on out.
And I'll be there with you every step of the way.
We did it.
Dora says she wants us
to hold the concert here again next year.
Us?
So you're going to help next year, too?
If it's okay with you.
I would love that.
She is determined to save this music program.
She says she's gonna perform at the concert
every year from here on out.
And what about you?
Be right here with her.
So does that mean
you're thinking of staying in Silver Springs?
About that...
I had an interview yesterday.
For a job in town?
No, it was a Skype interview
with the board of directors at Harmony Beat Magazine.
They were considering me
for Executive Editor of the whole magazine.
They'd be lucky to have you.
When do you find out?
They already offered me the job in New York.
But I heard you tell Leah that you might move back here.
That's...
That's not exactly what I meant.
At the gingerbread house competition,
I was walking up to the table,
and I heard you tell Leah
that Silver Springs felt like home.
It does.
It does feel like home.
That's why it's so hard to leave.
Look around at what you have here, Amber.
Friends.
Family.
People who love you and who you love, too.
What job could be more important than that?
Allen, this promotion...
I've been working my entire career towards this.
I see.
I should go.
Yeah, I need to get Katie back home to bed.
I'm telling you,
I got goosebumps when I heard you sing.
[Dora] Thank you.
I felt so good.
Just like old times.
It was.
Yeah.
[Dora] Hey, baby girl.
You look exhausted.
I didn't sleep last night.
You think you'll be able to play the piano?
I wouldn't miss it.
Well, I'm gonna go get myself ready for later.
Have you gotten in touch with Allen yet?
I tried to call him, but he didn't respond.
I think it's too late, Aunt Dora.
He lives here, I live in New York.
It was never gonna work.
I changed my flight to after Christmas.
-So who are you gonna be with for the rest of the holidays?
-Nobody.
Just me and a carton of take-out Chinese.
You should be with family, honey.
Today is Christmas Eve.
I have to go.
I have no choice.
Do you remember the time I told you that I had regrets?
About being on the road?
-Exactly.
I thought I had to choose between my career and my family,
but I didn't have to choose one over the other,
I could've had them both.
I just needed to figure out a way to make it work for me.
And so do you.
I'm gonna go take a walk into town...
get some fresh air.
I'll be back.
Who wants my famous Christmas Eve Santa pancakes?
Thank you.
Nice.
Is Amber coming for breakfast?
No, I think she's heading back to New York soon.
But I didn't get to say goodbye.
[Leah] We're all going
to the Christmas carol sing-along at the inn later.
I don't think we're gonna make it.
What?
You know, maybe you can give Amber a call instead.
You missed Amber's call, Dad.
Why didn't you call her back?
♪ 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 ♪
[Bill] So...
what are you gonna do about Amber?
[Allen] I'm not sure what to do.
Well, that's it?
Yes.
You know, I've known you for a long time,
and I have never seen you look at another woman
the way that you look at Amber.
She's going back to New York.
Did you ask her to stay?
I mean...
not exactly.
Women like Amber,
they don't come around every day,
and when you finally find someone like that...
someone that you really connect with...
you gotta fight for them.
You can't give up.
You can't quit.
[line ringing]
Hi. You've reached Amber. Leave a message.
It went to voicemail.
I have to go find Amber.
She's gonna be at the carol service.
Okay! Let's all go!
All right.
Have you seen Allen?
Honey, I don't think he's coming.
Is everything okay?
Can I borrow your car?
Yeah.
Thanks, Kenny.
I was just coming to find you.
I need to tell you something.
Me too.
I'm really sorry
for walking away from you last night.
It wasn't fair.
And I'm really sorry
for springing that New York stuff on you at the church.
That wasn't fair either.
-You don't need to apologize.
We both always knew you were going back to New York.
But I realized I haven't told you how I feel.
These last few days with you...
have been amazing.
And I don't want you to leave.
I want you to stay.
I turned down the job.
What?
I turned down the promotion.
You've been working towards this position your whole life.
You can't leave the magazine.
This whole experience-- interviewing Dora--
it made me remember the feeling I had
when I first started in this business.
The feeling that I had being a writer.
I want to get back to that feeling--
that passion.
Are you sure?
I am.
And guess where I have to live
in order to be a freelance journalist?
Anywhere you want?
And where I want to be is right here in Silver Springs.
This was the greatest Christmas gift
I could ever wish for.
You knew this was going to happen, didn't you?
I hoped.