[♪♪♪]
Okay, gang, remember,
a New York Christmas is one-of-a-kind,
so even though we've done an amazing job with the lobby,
I want to keep changing things up every day
so people want to come back.
Aaron, let's work on the lighting design
in the courtyard.
Maybe snowflakes projected on the wall?
Shauna,
let's put all the golden lights on the trees
and then keep the icicles for the stairs...
And Daisy, can you start working the restaurant?
Great, thanks.
How are you holding up?
Uh, fine. Good.
I mean, as long as I keep busy,
you know, distraction is welcome.
Just forget about him.
He wasn't worth it.
In a month's time, you won't even remember him.
Well, I don't know about that,
but thank you, Jo.
-I appreciate it. -You're welcome.
Call me if you need me.
I will, thanks.
Uh...
Heads up.
Jacobs is approaching at 12 o'clock,
and he doesn't look happy.
Mr. Jacobs, good evening.
Sarah, as my interior designer,
you're supposed to make our lobby look amazing
each Christmas...
And you've done it again.
The afternoon edition of the sentinel
just raved about our window decorations
in their style column,
all thanks to you.
Thank you, sir. I appreciate that.
You know, after the merger,
we're adding a dozen hotels to our portfolio.
How would you like to be the chief designer
for the entire hotel chain?
Sir, I would love that.
I mean, it's always been a dream of mine...
-[Phone ringing] -I think that...
Sorry, I've got to take this.
Chairman of the board.
We'll talk about it in the new year.
Okay. thank you.
Merry Christmas!
So? what did he want?
Well, apparently, the sentinel loved our lobby,
so he was very happy.
Sarah, that's great! Congratulations!
Yeah, it is.
Oh, come on.
Just...
stop thinking about him.
It's hard.
I mean, you realize we were together
for a year and a half,
and then he meets this actress,
and all of a sudden, he dumps me like that.
Suppose now I have to worry about the possibility
of being chased down by the press...
All because he created some silly website.
Uh...
It's actually a search engine
with over a hundred million users a month.
It's...
Uh...
Yeah, I agree, it is silly.
I don't even know what I'm worried about.
Who would care about our little break-up?
I mean, we were just a boring couple.
[Yelling and clamoring]
[Announcer]: after a high profile break-up
with fiancee Sarah mckinney,
tech titan Eric gold is now dating Hollywood star
Lisa Taylor.
Up next, we'll show you the fashions craze
that's getting Hollywood.
Guess you weren't as boring as you thought.
Are you sure you want to just...
Leave town?
Yes, I just need some distance,
and my family's ranch in Colorado
is the perfect place for me to spend Christmas.
I mean, snow-capped mountains,
the horses...
Sitting by the fireplace drinking eggnog...
There's even a Christmas parade
that ends in a tree-lighting ceremony
right at my family's ranch.
Besides,
after we lost my aunt Beth this year...
I don't know, i just think it's important
that we all spend Christmas together.
Well...
You deserve it...
And I'll take care of things here while you're away.
Ah, I know.
Now go...
And have a merry Christmas.
Two tickets to "the nutcracker" tonight,
for you and Jim.
Merry Christmas, Josephine.
Thank you!
See you in the new year.
[♪♪♪]
Merry Christmas, sis!
[Laughing]
Nice hat, Santa.
Why, thank you, ma'am.
How was your flight?
Mm, as good as any red eye from New York can possibly be,
but I'm here now, so I'm not complaining.
Good.
The weather's supposed to be really nice
the rest of the week.
Sounds good.
You okay?
I just miss aunt Beth running out to hug me hello.
I know.
Uncle Roy's in the barn.
He'll be in soon.
Let's get you something to eat.
Well,
I hope my steak and eggs lived up
to your Manhattan standards.
Are you kidding me?
I would take breakfast with you over brunch at the ritz any day.
What's the ritz?
Well, if you ever came to visit me in New York,
you would know.
I know, I know.
I...
I promise,
I will try and come and visit in the spring.
Okay.
But you're here now,
so what do you want to do while you're in town?
Honestly, as little as humanly possible.
The only things I'm looking forward to
are the tree-lighting ceremony and the Christmas Eve parade.
Well, I hate to be the one to break it to you,
but there isn't going to be any tree-lighting this year.
What?
Yeah,
and no Christmas parade either, by the looks of it.
Why?
Without aunt Beth,
Paige is stretched too thin at the cafe
to organize the parade,
and Roy just doesn't want to do the Christmas lighting
without her.
But that's our tradition!
[Man]: it's also a tradition
to hug your uncle you haven't seen in six months.
Uncle Roy!
[Chuckling]
Good to see you.
Good to see you! How are you?
I'm good, I'm good.
You know, keeping busy as always.
Your brother and I got our work cut out for us,
building that new barn out back.
Well, I'm just happy that we can all be together,
for Christmas.
Me too.
It's good to have you home.
Good to be back.
Hey, uncle Roy?
Don't forget,
you have that rotary club lunch.
Oh, that's right, I'm going to be late.
I could drop you in town, if you like?
Yes!
Let me go upstairs and change. I'll meet you down here.
Great.
Ah!
I didn't think you were coming home this Christmas.
I had a last-minute change of plans
oh, I'm so happy.
Paige, you're going to have to stop hugging me,
or people are going to start talking.
Oh, who cares. Let 'em talk.
Oh, gosh! Yay!
Look,
nobody loves the Christmas parade more than me,
but I am swamped this year with work.
Besides, I don't have the creative genius
that runs in your family.
You could probably do it with your eyes closed.
Honestly, Paige,
I came on this vacation
because I wanted to get away from work,
not pick up another project.
But just out of curiosity,
if you were in charge of the parade,
how would you decorate?
Well, I would definitely use aunt Beth's giant candy canes,
and then I would take the pine boughs
with the red and green lanterns,
and I'd put them up over there,
and I'd get all the storefronts
to paint their windows
with different scenes from the advent calendar,
and then for a real country Christmas feel,
I'd use Mason jars with lights
and twig garlands all along the route.
-That'd be perfect. -Go on.
Oh...
No, I see what you're doing.
Nice try! No, Paige...
I just want to relax.
Okay, fine...
And I'm not saying this to make you feel guilty,
but you know that this was aunt Beth's pride and joy.
I know, but I just...
I just spent the past hour
telling you about my broken heart.
Well, this will help keep you busy
and help you forget Mr. what's-his-name.
Besides, you know
you are the only person who could ever replace her.
Agh! okay!
Fine!
Fine, I will... I will do it,
but I'm doing this for aunt Beth.
Okay, so...
These are some flyers i had printed up
for the Christmas parade
when I thought i could still do it.
Convenient.
Well, at least we'll have the parade.
You know, my uncle Roy
doesn't want to do the tree-lighting ceremony
this year.
Yeah, I heard. Everyone's talking about it.
[Sighs]
I knew this Christmas was going to be different.
Guess I was just hoping
that some things would stay the same.
Okay, you know what?
That's it.
I am taking the rest of the afternoon off,
and you are coming with me.
Uh-oh.
What have you got planned?
Just wait and see.
I'll go get my coat.
You were right.
This is exactly what I needed.
Starting to feel the Christmas spirit already.
Well, that's great. It's about time.
How long are you in town for, anyway?
I've got to be back in the office
in nine days.
Hopefully, news of my breakup will have died down by then.
I'm just glad you saw this guy's true colors
before it was too late.
Should have never dated a celebrity.
What was I thinking?
Well, you're all the wiser for it.
Besides, you'll be back
out in the dating world in no time.
I doubt that.
All right, here's the last one.
"Mckinney ranch.
Experience what it's like to live and work
on an authentic horse ranch."
This is it, Peter!
This is exactly what I'm looking for.
I don't know. Looks pretty rustic.
I've got a month to get ready
before this thing starts shooting.
I want to show up on that set
looking like I know exactly what I'm doing.
The studio would kill me if they ever found out
I was helping you jeopardize their 50-million-dollar film.
[Car honking]
What was that?
Why'd that guy honk and wave at us?
Do you think he recognized me?
No, of course not.
He was--
haven't you ever been to a small town before?
It's a friendly thing.
He's just doing a small-town honk and wave.
I don't want to be noticed, Peter.
That's the whole point, man. It's the whole point.
You do realize you could've learned ranch life
anywhere around L.A., right?
Yeah, and I would have had a dozen paparazzi
photographing and taping me
every time I fell off a dang horse.
No thanks.
That, see.
That's what I'm talking about.
That's the real ranch life.
Look at that. [Honks horn]
Okay. what are you doing?
Just doing the small-town honk and wave... oops.
Ooh, shoot.
Whoa! hey, hey, hey.
-You okay? -Yeah.
-You okay? -I'm fine.
Nice.
Sorry.
All right, why don't you go look around?
I'll go see if they're open for Christmas.
Yeah.
Hi. how are you?
Hey, you want...
I've got a cookie for you.
You want a cookie?
[Sarah]: excuse me?
What are you doing?
Um...
Are you about to feed my horse a cookie?
Uh, his idea.
I think he smelled it through my jacket pocket, so...
Okay, well, first of all,
he's a she.
Really?
Wait, I know you.
Hmm.
You're the guy who honked at us out on the road
and scared the horses.
Right.
I'm sorry about that.
I was trying to do the small-town honk and wave.
I think it... Think it backfired.
Yeah, you could say that.
Graham Mitchell.
The actor?
Oh, well, that explains it.
Explains what?
Well... pretty much everything.
[Laughing]
Sorry, I'm Sarah mckinney.
My uncle owns this place.
Oh... oh!
Well then, you're the one i want to talk to.
So, I... I came to this town
looking for a place to find somewhere
where I can learn everything about ranch life,
just through Christmas,
and this, I've got to tell you,
looks like the perfect place.
Well, we're shut down for the holidays, so...
Okay, um...
I'll work?
Be like a ranch hand.
You are aware it's Christmas, right?
Yeah, absolutely.
Uh, look, this week is...
It's all about family for us, so...
-Okay. -sorry.
Is there anything that I could do
to change your mind?
I'm afraid not.
It was nice to meet you, Mr. Mitchell.
It was nice to meet you, Sarah.
[Peter]: hey.
I just spoke to the owner.
It doesn't look very promising.
Who's that?
Uh...
Somebody who doesn't like my movies, apparently.
Who's that?
That, little brother,
was Hollywood heart-throb Graham Mitchell.
Seriously?
Yeah.
He wants to stay at the ranch for a week
and learn how to be a cowboy.
Well, that's great.
We could actually use an extra hand on the ranch
this week.
Well, I told him
this week was all about family.
Speaking of which,
what do you say you and me go downtown
and hand out some flyers for the Christmas parade?
I'll even spring for dinner at the pub
when we're done.
As exciting as that offer sounds,
me and uncle Roy still got a lot of work we've got to do
before we can call it a day.
Well, I am going to go get cleaned up.
You let me know if you change your mind.
Sounds good.
Ah!
-Hey, Sarah! -Fiona!
I heard you were back in town!
-Merry Christmas. -Thanks.
So, have you graduated yet?
This summer.
What're you studying again?
Business, although these days,
I feel like I'm majoring in Christmas decorations.
-It looks amazing. -Thanks.
Would you mind putting one of these up
in your window?
For the Christmas parade?
I thought that was canceled.
No, we are back on.
[Laughing]
Can I get a table for one?
Yeah, absolutely. Follow me.
Thank you.
Thank you!
Uh, hello.
Mr. Mitchell.
Can I join you for dinner?
Um...
Sure, pull up a stool.
Great.
You know what?
Hi, hi.
You know what, I've got to tell you something.
This town is very friendly.
Yeah.
I'm actually just home for the holidays.
I live in New York.
Oh! okay.
You're from New York. I can cut to the chase.
I'm about to star in a movie where I play a rancher,
so I need to learn everything there is about ranch life
in one week.
So you want to work over Christmas?
Well, yeah.
I mean, it starts to shoot in a couple weeks, so yeah,
and plus...
I'm not a big fan of the holidays.
That's unfortunate.
I've got two Christmas eggnogs for you both.
Oh, dear, we actually did not order these.
No, they're on the house.
Thank you.
Does that happen a lot?
The free eggnog and the batting eyelashes?
-Yeah. -yeah?
Trust me, a lot of the time,
I wish that i went unnoticed.
So you want to know everything there is to know
about ranch life?
My character, he's a ranch hand.
Primarily deals with horses.
He's willful. He's honest.
He's always trying to do the right thing.
I'm not going to lie to you. Real ranch work is hard.
I'm up for it. Come on.
Look, I've got...
I do my own stunts.
I'm not one of those prima Donna actor boys
who, you know, doesn't want to get his hands dirty.
Come on...
Okay, well, if you're up for it,
my family could use some help.
Let me call my uncle Roy
and see if he'd be willing to take you on as a guest.
Outstanding. ooh!
They've got French toast.
[Chuckling]
Okay, so, let me get this straight.
You're going to help me learn
everything I need to know about ranchers' life,
and in return, I'm going to help you decorate
for the Christmas day parade?
Don't forget about the tree-lighting ceremony.
Right.
Actually, you know what?
Maybe put a pin in that for now,
but my uncle says that you can stay with us
as long as you pull your own weight.
Sounds like a deal, Sarah.
I will see you bright and early,
and if you want to be a real cowboy,
start by losing the $800 boots,
unless you want $800 blisters.
I like my boots.
They're 1,200 bucks.
Okay.
Enjoy your little ranch adventure.
I'm going to head back to civilization
where I belong/
be careful, you hear me?
I mean it. Call me if you need anything.
You got it, boss.
Good morning.
So, as far as accommodations,
we have a couple of beautiful cabins
down in the south end
where we usually put guests.
Yeah, I saw those on your website.
Yes, well,
since you said you wanted
the authentic experience,
I figured you could stay in here.
Here?
Yeah.
This?
Of course, yeah, this makes sense.
You're playing a ranch hand, right?
Absolutely.
[Horse whinnying]
There's wood in the corner by the stove.
Should keep you warm enough,
and all the meals are at the main house.
Okay.
Um...
Is there...
Is there anything to do at night?
Uh, you could sit on the porch and name the coyotes.
[Laughs]
Oh. you're... you're serious.
Workday starts in 30 minutes.
I'll see you out there.
Yes, ma'am.
[Creaking]
-Hey. -hey.
Got your new guest all settled in and happy?
Settled, yes.
Happy? in the bunk house?
Well, I'd take him around,
but I've got a lumber and feed delivery this morning.
No, I know you've got a lot on your plate.
Um, Cody, when are you going to take a break?
Probably not for a while
with all the guests we have coming,
and the new barn in the works.
But you've wanted to go to California forever.
I know.
Maybe next year.
After aunt Beth passed,
uncle Roy just seems to need me around here
more than ever these days.
-Hey. -hey.
Beth sure loved this place.
Yeah, the view sure does have a way of pulling you in.
I remember the first time
she brought me up here
for a Christmas Eve picnic.
Turkey sandwiches, mulled cider...
I hung mistletoe from that branch right there.
It's funny...
You do something for a few years,
it becomes a tradition.
You mean like a Christmas parade
or a tree-lighting ceremony?
Yeah, I see what you're getting at,
I always did the tree-lighting ceremony
with Beth.
It's just... I don't know.
I just can't see doing it without her.
I understand that.
Cody told me about your fella in New York.
I'm sorry to hear how it ended.
Thanks.
I think it was probably for the best.
Well, I'll tell you what...
Losing the love of your life is not for the faint of heart.
Though Eric and I...
We didn't have what you and aunt Beth had.
Should probably get the day's work started
with our new guest.
I'll see you later.
[Horse whinnying]
Morning.
Hey. good morning.
Uh, so I took your advice.
I got some better boots.
Nice.
Let's get started.
There's not a chance that we can get a latte,
is there,
or a chocolate donut?
Rule number one of ranch life...
We eat after the horses do.
Okay.
You give them some feed, and then they get a treat.
That means a carrot, not a Christmas cookie.
You know, I wonder how many ranch hands
actually lost their hands doing this.
-Get it? It's a joke. -Keep chopping.
I guess I'll just consider this Colorado's version of cross fit.
You just sit there and work on your iPad.
For your information,
I am working on the Christmas parade,
which is now less than six days away.
In fact, when you're done here,
we need to go into the stable
and get out some of the ornaments.
Uh, that is, unless you're afraid of spiders?
My aunt's Christmas ornaments from a couple years ago.
All right. I'm glad we got that done.
Done?
No, no, no, no.
There's five more boxes back there.
Why do I get the feeling that you're enjoying this?
Rule number two of ranch life...
The boss makes the rules.
Get back there.
Ugh!
[Clattering]
Oh, come on.
Always something breaking down around here.
Morning, Delilah.
Good morning.
What can I do for you?
Just paying a little neighborly visit,
that's all.
And checking up on me, i presume?
I'm not checking up on anybody Roy,
but if I were,
I would say that every ranch in this valley
is decorated for Christmas,
so I don't see
why yours should be so bare this year...
Well, to tell you the truth, Delilah,
I just want to get through this Christmas quietly.
Which is why i didn't say anything.
And I appreciate it.
You're welcome.
Whatcha got here?
A little holiday gift for you and the kids.
Oh, thank you!
Look, Roy...
We all miss Beth,
and I only mentioned the decorations
because she loved them so much.
I know, I know.
Well, thanks for the cupcakes, Delilah.
You're welcome.
Merry Christmas.
And merry Christmas to you, too.
[Sarah]: so you just put on the bow...
And that is how you make
a rocky mountain Christmas wreath.
There we go.
Now we just need to make a dozen more
for the parade.
A dozen?
Are you forgetting our agreement?
I train you how to be a ranch hand,
and you help me with the parade.
Agreed?
Agreed. agreed...
But I've got to be honest with you...
Every square inch of my body is sore.
Well, you said you wanted an authentic ranch experience.
You got it.
All right, so,
since we're getting to know each other better...
I have a confession to make.
I have only done one stunt on my own,
and that was jumping from a helicopter
that was hovering seven feet off the ground,
and when I landed,
I busted my toe.
Well, I'm sure when it hit the big screen,
you still looked picture-perfect doing it.
You have...
Got to come clean.
What is your issue with actors?
My mom is an actor,
in just regional theater and stuff,
but she spent her entire life chasing that dream of fame.
My brother and i grew up
being dragged all over the place
for her auditions and performances.
Thankfully, she started leaving us here at the ranch
with my uncle Roy and aunt Beth.
So they took you in?
I don't know, it's more than that.
My dad was never really in the picture,
and my mom's career became her priority...
And one Christmas,
we decided it would be best for all of us
if Cody and I just lived here permanently.
They're like parents to Cody and me.
Huh.
Yeah, that would turn me off actors, too.
There's actually one more reason
for my aversion to actors.
My ex just dumped me for one.
Lisa Taylor.
What?
Hold on a second.
You're that Sarah...
You're that Sarah mckinney?
Yup.
That's insane.
You're all over the tabloids right now.
Yeah.
Like, the country runs on gossip.
Do we have nothing better to talk about?
No. and they think
I'm dating my co-star, Nicole Collins,
which...
-Are you? -No.
No. it's just, you know,
they have to feed the rumor beast.
Just laugh it off,
because, before you know it,
they'll be talking about somebody else.
Easier said than done.
I know.
Well...
An excellent second day at the ranch.
We can head into the town this afternoon,
pick up some more supplies.
Um...
Thank you...
For your help with the wreath.
Yeah. yeah, of course.
Thank you for showing me how to make 'em.
How'd it go?
He's pretty green, but he held his own.
What's up?
I found these
under some files in the office.
What is it?
Real estate comps
for other ranches in the area.
I think uncle Roy wants to sell the ranch.
[♪♪♪]
Here we are.
So, um, I'm going to meet up with Paige
to hang up the rest of these candy canes.
You've got some errands.
Meet me in an hour?
Yeah. see you in an hour.
Bye.
[Paige]: how's your uncle doing?
He's good.
Did I tell you that Cody thinks
that he wants to sell the ranch?
No, you're kidding!
Did you ask him about it?
Honestly, i haven't even had a chance.
Sarah, you can't let him sell it.
I know...
But, you know, i moved away years ago,
and it's his place,
so who am I to tell him that he can't sell it?
Yeah, you're right. I just...
I know how much that place means to you.
Ribbon?
So, how is your rancher- in-training coming along?
Uh... I have to admit,
he's doing better than I thought he would.
Do you like him?
He's not as annoying as I thought he would be.
There's something about him...
I can't put my finger on it.
I just get the feeling
that I'm not the only person hiding out this Christmas.
Anyway, it doesn't matter.
I've got bigger fish to fry.
Only you, Sarah mckinney,
would suggest that Graham Mitchell
is a small fish.
[Ringing bell]
Hi!
Yeah, of course. Absolutely.
[Camera clicking]
Good, you got it.
Okay, here, take a flyer.
Come to the parade.
Hey, brother.
[Camera clicking]
Good, you got it. Here, take some flyers.
Pass 'em out. Four days away.
Biggest parade ever.
I have to admit,
your celebrity is not exactly hurting
the promotion of this parade.
Thank you for being such a good sport.
You're welcome.
I'm just going to file this
in the category of doing what the ranch boss says.
Oh, wise decision.
Okay, so we have four days
to put together a parade
that until a couple of days ago
was considered canceled.
You know, I've got to say,
you have a knack for this.
I'm impressed.
Thank you.
I just realized i never told you
what it is that I do.
No, what do you do?
I'm an interior designer
at a hotel chain back in New York,
so making christmases Christmas-y
is part of what I do.
It's what you do.
You know, I've got to say,
I guess this is kind of similar
to making movies,
you know, putting on a Christmas parade.
You need costumes. You need props.
There's music.
Got to have good word-of-mouth.
[Laughing]
Okay, that genuinely surprises me.
I thought that this town would be too small
to have a bell-ringing Santa claus.
Hey, this town may be small,
but we are big on Christmas spirit.
Come on, i don't get you.
You don't like Christmas Carols.
You work straight through the holidays.
How can any one person
be so impervious to Christmas magic?
I don't know. I have my reasons.
You work in a land of make-believe.
Could you at least pretend
to have the Christmas spirit?
Fine. I'll try.
You grew up here?
I did, and I loved every minute of it.
This has always been home to me.
Here.
Put these on.
Oh, no...
No, your hands, they look cold.
They're white with cold, so...
Plus, I've got to get my hands used to the cold.
Seems like you've attracted quite a crowd.
[Laughing] hi.
All right.
I'm going to put these guys to work.
What do you mean?
What's his name?
Phil.
Hey, Phil.
Graham.
Do you mind taking a break?
For just, like, ten minutes, you go inside,
get some hot chocolate, warm up?
Oh, well, uh...
[Sarah]: Phil...
I can vouch for this character.
Well, okay, Sarah. Thank you...
And, uh...
Thank you, young man.
Of course. Merry Christmas, Phil.
-Merry Christmas. -Ten minutes!
Give me ten minutes.
[Ringing bell]
Come on, everybody!
Come on, make some donations!
Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.
Hey, guys, remember,
Christmas parade in four days.
It is going to be the biggest parade
this town has ever seen.
Four days away.
Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.
Thank you so much.
You raised $380 in 20 minutes,
and no, i am not counting
the hundred dollar bill that you put in.
Ah, you saw that?
Yeah.
I don't know. What can I say?
Guess I got carried away with the Christmas spirit.
I don't suppose you'd want to volunteer
to be the grand marshal at the Christmas parade?
I think it's one thing
to be Christmas-y for a minute,
but then...
Right. yeah.
That was dumb. Sorry.
No, it's...
I think I'm going to head back to my bunkhouse.
Oh.
Good night.
Um, there is... One ranch tradition
that we haven't covered yet.
What's that?
Want to help me cut down a Christmas tree?
[Laughing]
Right now?
Yeah.
You don't want to wait 'til the morning?
No.
There's a full moon.
Yes.
Grab your saw. Come on, cowboy.
Ah, yes, ma'am.
Wow.
This was my aunt and uncle's favorite place.
He proposed to her one Christmas Eve
right on this very spot.
They must have had something really special.
They did.
This whole ranch is special.
You know, even when I'm back in New York,
just knowing it exists...
All the happy memories i have here...
[Laughing]
Graham, can i ask you something?
Yeah, sure.
Is there something you're avoiding this Christmas?
What would make you even think that?
Well, I happen to know a thing or two about avoidance.
I mean, I'm the one
who had to travel a couple thousand miles
just to avoid our own breakup.
Um...
All right, so the truth is,
my film doesn't start shooting for a couple of months,
and, uh...
I just had nowhere to be for Christmas,
so the timing was...
Good.
What about your family?
Mm.
I lost my folks when I was in high school,
and I've been on my own ever since,
and so, uh...
And, um...
Christmas time is a really rough season for me.
You know?
It just makes me feel all alone,
so the more I work, the less it hurts.
I'm so sorry.
Don't be sorry.
I have...
Been around the world at Christmas.
Unfortunately for me, Christmas time is...
You know, it's more of a time to be endured than enjoyed...
But, uh, last year,
I was in Barbados,
and...
Next year?
Who knows.
Well...
Looks like we're both hiding out
this Christmas.
Yeah, looks that way.
[Sarah]: you know...
Since you've missed out on so many christmases,
seems only fair
that you get to pick the tree this year.
Me?
Yeah.
Go for it.
Huh. what about...
What about this one?
Nice needles...
Strong branches...
It's a good, dependable tree.
I think we've found our tree.
Y'all picked a great one.
Graham chose it.
We. we chose it.
[Door opening]
Who put that tree in my living room?
Delilah? was it you?
No, I just stopped by
to drop off some Christmas cookies.
And I was just starting the fire.
[Sarah]: look, uncle Roy,
I just wanted to...
It was my fault, sir.
All due respect, i know you're trying
to keep things low-key this year,
but I saw this tree,
and I just thought it would look perfect
in your living room,
but...
I think it would look even more perfect
if it were decorated.
Son, you can save that hundred-dollar smile
for your fans.
You're not the first guy
who's tried to sell me the same horse twice...
But...
Around here, hospitality comes with the territory,
so, uh...
Suit yourselves.
Want to help us decorate?
No, I'm going to turn in.
You could find Beth's ornaments in the closet in the hallway.
Good night.
That's a lot to ask of him right now.
Maybe we should all just give him
a little more time.
Sure.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Uh-oh. i need help.
Looks like I have a movie star to rescue.
Oh, that's pretty.
Put it up?
Sure.
[Phone rings]
Josephine! merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas yourself.
How are things in Colorado?
Are you getting the r&r you wanted?
Hah...
Not exactly,
but I am doing what I do best...
Staying busy.
How are things back at the hotel?
Oh...
Your lobby's such a hit.
Jacobs can't wait to see
what you have planned for new year's.
He wondered if you could come back
a day early
to get a jump start?
Um...
I don't know. I have to think about it.
In the meantime, i have a parade to plan.
Tell everyone at the hotel i say hi.
Bye, Jo.
Morning!
Morning.
You're up awfully early.
Ready to head downtown
and decorate main street?
There is nothing i would rather do
than go decorate main street.
Oh.
Uh...
Why do you have a snowball in your hand?
Uh, well,
this was going to be your wake-up call
if you weren't up yet.
Seems a shame to waste
such a perfectly good snowball.
Really?
Okay. that's it.
[Laughing]
I couldn't resist.
[Laughing]
Okay.
Ah!
Truce, truce, truce, truce.
Truce.
Oh...
[Screaming and laughing]
You know what?
I called a truce.
Yeah, but I didn't agree to it.
And you said you can't trust an actor.
Hi, Graham.
Nicole! hi.
Well, you'd know
if you ever checked your phone, silly!
Ha.
Um... this is...
I'm Nicole Collins, Graham's co-star.
And this is...
Sarah.
It's a pleasure to meet you, Sarah.
Peter told me all about your ranch.
He said that I'd be
in very capable hands here.
Whoa, wait. Are you staying here?
If that's okay.
I figured, since we're both in the same film,
I should probably learn
about ranch life, too, right?
You want to learn how to be a ranch hand?
I just figured
I'd learn my lines with Graham
and absorb all the atmosphere here...
And then we can spend Christmas together.
I've missed you.
Huh... heh. 'Kay.
[Nicole]: you have to catch me up...
On everything.
Yeah.
I'm just going to...
It was a pleasure to meet you, Sarah.
I look forward to getting to know each other.
Yeah, me... Me too.
You have bags?
Yeah, lots of bags.
Hey.
Um...
Sorry about Nicole.
I had no idea that she was coming.
It's fine.
She seems nice.
Yeah, she is. She's great, but...
Graham... it's fine.
You don't need to explain.
I'm just happy when the guests are happy.
Okay.
Can somebody please tell me
why Nicole Collins is out on our porch?
She's our new guest.
Are you serious?
Um....
[Cody]: can't swing a lasso
without hitting a movie star these days.
You know, actually,
she's not going to be staying here.
Why not?
Well, i explained to her
that you guys aren't really open.
The ranch is closed for the holidays.
I can help show her around...
I mean, only if that would be useful.
No.
No, it'll be okay. Thanks, though.
That's fine.
There's an extra room in the main house.
I'll go get it set it up.
[Typing]
Hey, you sure you're okay?
Of course.
You know, I've been doing double-duty
with Graham and the parade,
so it's good.
Now I can just focus on the parade full-time.
If you say so.
You know, I think you should really maybe try
taking it a bit easier on yourself.
I'm fine.
You said it best.
It's best for me to just keep busy.
Well, i can keep you caffeinated.
Thank you.
Promise me you'll be careful on that ladder.
Okay?
I will.
♪ Christmas is here again ♪
♪ everybody's home for Christmas ♪
♪ Christmas is here again ♪
♪ everybody's home for Christmas ♪
♪ everybody's home for Christmas ♪♪
Hey, Sarah.
Hey!
Those are darling.
Oh, it's just a little something
to spruce up the rotary guys during the Christmas parade.
Need any help?
Um...
Yeah, sure. Come on in.
Just want to take one of the red ones
and one of the green ones.
The pin...
Okay.
Don't you just love it here
during Christmas-time?
The snow and the lights
and the trees...
I do.
Got a lot of memories at this ranch.
It's partly why I'm here.
Figured maybe if things work out
between Graham and me,
we can make a few Christmas memories
of our own.
Perfect place for it.
Oh, really?
Yeah. us dating...
It was originally just a publicity set-up,
you know.
They actually... They do that?
Sure.
Our publicists thought we looked good together,
so we went along with it,
I was surprised
at what a nice guy Graham was,
but, uh... unfortunately,
we've both been so busy with our careers,
the whole thing never really went anywhere.
Oh, yeah?
I figure this movie's a perfect opportunity
to get to know each other again.
And you've all been so welcoming here.
Let me know if there's anything i can do to help.
You know what? There actually is.
Cody has always dreamed
about, you know, being, like, a stunt guy
who works with horses.
Do you think you could...
Talk to him about it?
Yeah.
Sure.
That would be great.
Thank you.
Yeah.
Hey.
Hey, uncle Roy.
What's all this?
I just figured if the horses were going to be in the parade,
they might as well look the part.
Just like your aunt--
always figuring out a way to decorate things differently.
She was the best at it.
Yes, she was.
You okay?
Yeah, fine. Why?
I don't know.
It just seems like there must be a reason
why you've been working your fingers to the bone lately.
That obvious, huh?
Mm-hmm.
It's been tough...
With everything that's happened this year.
Seems like as soon as things calm down,
another storm moves in.
Well, the good news is,
there's always sunshine after a storm.
Sometimes, you've just gotta be a little bit patient.
So...
Hang in there, okay?
Thanks.
You know,
you might want to consider taking it easy yourself.
Sure the barn can wait until the new year.
Unfortunately, it can't.
What are you doing?
Oh, um,
my aunt Beth always said
the Christmas parade ran on sweets.
Her, um, peppermint bark recipe
was always my favorite.
Okay, you need to stop avoiding me.
We need to talk.
Um...
Just if you're going to steal, you've got to help, so...
Fine.
Can we talk about Nicole?
What's there to talk about?
Well...
There's a difference between movie relationships
and real relationships.
Yeah, I know.
Nicole told me it started as a publicity stunt.
What, what started? A rumor?
Graham, you're going back to L.A. in a few days,
and I am going back to New York.
Maybe so, and maybe I came here
to lose myself at Christmas time,
but I did not expect to find you.
[Nicole]: Graham, ready to run our scene?
[Clearing throat] Hey, Nicole.
Oh, um...
I've got to head to town while you guys work,
so... see you later.
Hey.
Hello.
Can I help you with something?
Hi, is Roy around?
Uh, no, he's not.
Is there anything i could help you with?
Uh, that's okay.
Just have him give me a call when he gets back.
Sure, can I tell him what it's about?
Just tell him i have some good news.
I have a client that's ready to make an offer.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas.
Is there anything you can't do?
You know, I love Roy and Cody,
but I've often imagined
how different that ranch would look
if you ever decided to return home.
Paige, you know i can't do that.
My life is in New York now.
I know, but a girl can dream, right?
How is that movie star?
Any Christmas magic between you two?
I do not have time to think about Graham.
I have enough going on.
Besides, who wants to be with an actor, right?
I mean, they're entitled,
and have to be in the spotlight,
and they are always leaving.
So he is guilty by association?
No.
I mean, in a week,
we'll be 3,000 miles apart,
and we'll probably never see each other again.
Okay, that's optimistic.
No, it's realistic...
And besides,
he's got this, you know,
gorgeous Hollywood co-star.
She followed him all the way out here.
She'd...
She'd probably marry him in a heartbeat.
Okay, now, Sarah,
you're just making assumptions.
No, Paige.
I've been down this road before,
and I am not doing it again.
You know, I know you came here
to hide out while things settled down,
and I am really glad you did,
but at some point, you're going to realize
that there's a difference between hiding out,
and just plain hiding.
Morning.
Morning! sleep well?
Yeah.
Um...
So, uncle Roy,
a real estate agent stopped by last night.
Jenny someone?
What did she say?
She said she has an offer for you.
Are you going to sell the ranch?
Is that why you're making a new barn?
Well, nothing's final yet,
but things can't go on like this much longer.
But why?
I thought we were doing okay.
Well, I...
I simply don't have the energy to run this place anymore,
and it's just not the same
without your aunt.
We all miss her, uncle Roy,
but, heck, I'll help you run the ranch.
I've pretty much been doing it anyway.
Yes, yes, you have,
and you're starting to resent it.
Nah...
No, don't deny it.
Anybody can see
that you're itching to get out there into the world.
-Yes, but I... -And Sarah--
you're heading back to Manhattan soon, so...
But uncle Roy, this is our home.
No, I understand that, honey, I do...
And wherever I end up,
that'll be your home, too.
You'll always be welcome,
but unfortunately,
this place is getting much more expensive to operate,
and, I mean,
we barely broke even the last two years.
Yeah, but...
There's no buts about it!
There's no buts about it.
This place'll take every choice you guys have in life,
and it's going to whittle it down to just one,
and I don't want to saddle either of you with that.
Okay?
Now, look, like it or not,
we got guests here,
so let's give them the experience that they expect.
Okay?
What do you think, Nicole?
Nice riding, Graham!
You both look great.
Anyway, I've got to head into town
on some official parade business, so...
I'm going to go with you, hang on.
Uh, I don't need any help.
All right, too bad.
Uh...
You're stuck with me.
Fine.
I just have to go down to the local radio station
and talk about the parade
and beg for more volunteers,
'cause we probably need
about two dozen more on the day.
Okay, well,
if you want me to go with you
to the radio station,
you know, i have been known
to do a little press here and there.
I think I can handle the local dj.
Okay.
But if you insist on helping,
you could run to the store for me
and pick up some more ribbon for the wreaths.
Would be my pleasure, ma'am.
[Engine starting]
I will say this about life on a ranch.
After all the work's done around here,
doesn't seem like there's a whole lot to do.
Yeah, can't argue with you there.
I could take you into town later,
if you prefer...
Or...
I could show you how we do Christmas stockings
on a ranch.
You take one of these,
just add a little green and red paint,
a snowflake, some mistletoe,
hang it on the fireplace,
got yourself a Christmas country stocking.
That is adorable!
Yeah, you get creative
when you're out here as much as I am.
Sarah said you're quite the movie buff.
Western films, mostly.
She also mentioned you were interested
in maybe doing some stunt work one day?
That's silly, i know.
I've always had a dream of working in the movies.
I almost moved to California last year,
and then aunt Beth got sick,
and, you know, i couldn't leave then.
Since she passed,
Roy's needed me around here
more than ever,
so here I am.
Sorry, Cody.
It's all right.
Now that Roy's determined to sell the ranch,
I might get my chance sooner than I think.
If you do make it to L.A.,
I could introduce you to our stunt coordinator.
Really?
That's...
Thank you, Nicole.
And with Christmas in a couple of days,
rock creek's annual parade is back on,
and a new organizer this year, Sarah mckinney,
is here with us to tell us all about it.
Hi, Sarah.
Hi!
Um, yes, the parade is definitely back on,
and it is very special for me this year
because we'll be having it in honor of my aunt Beth,
who was the organizer for the past 20 years.
However, this year,
we are in desperate need for volunteers,
so if anyone out there is interested,
you can go down to the harvest cafe
and ask for Paige.
And who's going to be marching this year?
Well, we have the, uh...
The high school band,
and, um...
The rotary club,
and some people from the fire department.
Any floats?
My kids just love those floats.
Yeah, well,
we got a bit of a late start this year,
so, um, we haven't made an official decision
about the floats yet.
Word around town is that afterwards,
there won't be a tree-lighting
at your family ranch this year?
Um, no,
but, um...
We're-- we're still hoping for a great turnout,
and, uh...
Um...
Uh...
[Laughing]
Wow, um, listeners,
a very special guest has just joined us.
Uh, the one and only Graham Mitchell...
Hi there.
Has just joined us in studio.
Welcome, Graham!
Welcome.
Awesome to be here.
Thank you so much for having me.
Um, I just wanted to stop by
and tell you
and your great listeners out there in rock creek
that if you love Christmas as much as I do,
then this year's Christmas parade
is not one to be missed,
and in fact, i have an exclusive announcement
for you and for your listeners.
I'm working on a float
that I'm pretty sure
is going to be...
The thing that everybody's talking about
on parade day,
and, to top that,
I have accepted the position of grand marshal
for the parade this year.
Well, there you have it, rock creek!
You heard it here first!
Graham Mitchell has just turned this year's parade
into the hottest event of the year!
Thank you so much.
You are listening to kxjp 109.4,
Colorado's best country station.
We will be right back.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Thank you for coming in.
Do you know anything about this?
[Laughing]
It's my great-grandfather's old sleigh.
It's seen better days.
You know, Cody and i used to play in this
when we were kids.
Well, you know,
I did promise at least one float,
so I think
if we can get this thing cleaned up...
It'll look a lot like Santa claus's sleigh.
It's perfect.
♪ We dust off that old record ♪
♪ and sing along with nat king Cole ♪
♪ grandpa falls asleep ♪
♪ while grandma tells of days of old ♪
♪ all the crazy family's come to town ♪
♪ and they're knocking at the door ♪
♪ 'cause it's finally Christmas ♪
♪ it's finally Christmas ♪
♪ we've been waiting for it all year long ♪
♪ we feel it in the air ♪
♪ and we hear it in the songs ♪
♪ there is peace on earth and no place like home ♪
♪ it's what the world's been missing ♪
♪ it's finally Christmas ♪
You know...
I just feel
like this tree could use more color.
Oh!
See, I'm sorry. I missed.
First take is always a bust.
It's my second take. That's where the genius is.
Feel the flow... You go for it.
Look at that. See?
Right?
It's nice.
Some vacation this has been for you.
All you've done is work.
Same goes for you,
and you know, i feel really badly.
I feel like you've just taken on a lot,
hosting Nicole and I, and I...
I'd like to make it up to you.
What do you mean?
Well...
Cody told me
that your uncle Roy is thinking about selling the ranch.
I'd like to call my business manager and...
Look, I appreciate you wanting to help...
But what?
But this is between my uncle and my brother and me,
and one way or another,
we just have to figure it out ourselves.
Besides...
Besides what?
We have a parade to deliver...
And we're not done decorating.
You did not just...
Did you really?
No, no, no!
[Laughing]
[Sarah]: ah! No!
[Laughing]
Hey.
We're going to head into town,
do a little Christmas shopping.
Since when do you go Christmas shopping?
Uh, since I found out
it was half the joy of the holiday season.
Do you want to join us?
Uh, no, I should probably stay here.
Got to make a couple more of those wreaths
for the lampposts.
Wait a minute, you mean...
Hold on.
You mean these wreaths?
Boom.
[Laughing]
And there are ten more just like 'em.
Wow.
[Cody]: so you coming, Sarah?
Come on, it'll be fun.
Looks like you're out of excuses.
Let's go.
I can't believe you're responsible
for all of this.
It's beautiful.
Honestly, at first,
I was a little overwhelmed,
but then I started thinking of it
as one big hotel lobby to decorate.
You did an amazing job.
Wow... snowmen!
I haven't built one since I was a kid.
We should join in!
Sure, but it looks like we missed the deadline.
[Nicole]: mm... hang on.
[Laughing]
What is she doing?
Nicole has a way of winning people over.
She's good at using the charm card.
Right, and you would never do that.
Who, me?
C'mon guys! Let's build a snowman!
See?
-Thank you! -Thank you.
Appreciate it.
I have to say,
you are pretty good at this for a California boy.
Well, I hope so.
You know, I...
I took a sculpting class for this film
I shot a few years ago,
so it's... It's finally paying off.
Sure seems like things come easy to you.
Yeah?
Is that what it looks like?
Everything that I've ever really cared about,
I had to work pretty hard for.
You know, like my career.
So I went from doing car commercials
to guest spots on TV
to feature films...
What?
And then... [Clearing throat]
Of course...
There's you.
You guys almost done over there?
[Cody]: uncle Roy just texted.
Delilah came over,
and she's not leaving until we all head home
and join them for hot cocoa.
Well then, shoot.
Let's go.
There you go.
Christmas stockings, old west style...
I love them!
So Sarah, what's the word?
Will you be ready for the parade tomorrow night?
Surprisingly, yes.
Thanks to our new grand marshal,
we had a surge of volunteers.
Just doing my job.
[Cody]: and...
That's not the only good news.
Nicole put a call in to her producer,
and got me a job on the film.
Cody, that's amazing!
[Delilah]: congratulations!
Looking at the new assistant stunt coordinator.
I'll help wrangle the horses.
I'm happy for you, Cody.
Thank you. It's a start.
And Sarah, you go back to New York next week, right?
Yeah, there are a dozen hotel lobbies
eagerly awaiting their new year's Eve makeovers.
Canvases awaiting an artist.
And Graham and i will be back in L.A.,
rehearsing for our new movie.
That's right,
and all the more realistically
for having been here.
Thank you.
[Chuckling]
Well, since we're all going our separate ways,
I propose a toast.
To Cody's new job, and to all of us...
Merry Christmas.
Cheers.
-Merry Christmas. -Merry Christmas.
Hey, come here.
I want to show you something.
Um...
I got you something.
You didn't have to buy me anything.
I didn't buy it. I made this for you.
My free time.
It's for good luck.
It's perfect.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
[Delilah]: wonderful boot for women.
Even for men.
I can't believe you made this.
[Cody]: quite well, I'll add.
I can't believe it.
The Christmas parade is happening.
We pulled it off.
I know!
I mean, I wish we were doing the tree-lighting ceremony,
but... at least we have the parade.
Have you decided what you're going to wear
as grand marshal?
Something very Christmas-y.
That's my thought exactly.
[Cell phone ringing]
Hang on a second.
I've got to get this.
Just give me one second.
Hey.
Hey, Peter. How you doing?
Cold!
I'm in New York right now.
All right, what's up?
Well, looks like
you better start packing, buddy.
Your little ranch adventure?
It looks like it's coming to an end.
The studio needs you and Nicole for some advance promotion.
Okay, well,
I'll get on a flight right after Christmas.
No! no, no, no, no.
No can do, buddy.
They need you guys there tomorrow.
All right, the studio is hostig a Christmas party on the lot.
Marketing needs you there.
They're turning it into a huge press junket,
so, you know,
they want to see you and Nicole, walking arm-in-arm.
So, uh, better come home, cowboy.
[Knocking]
Nicole, hi.
I just wanted to say thank you.
Cody is over the moon.
Hey, it's the least i could do.
Oh, are you packing already?
Yeah, I'm headed back to L.A. tomorrow,
unfortunately.
-Oh. -Peter called,
and the studio needs us there
for a press event tomorrow night.
Graham's not going, right?
He is.
When the studio head says jump,
the right response is, "how high?"
He just...
He hadn't said anything.
Oh...
Well, I'm sure he's going to tell you.
Yeah.
Good night.
Bye.
[Sarah]: uncle Roy.
What are you doing up here?
Oh, just out for my evening stretch.
You?
I...
Was just thinking about how foolish I've been.
Graham's leaving. He's going back to L.A.
Well...
I wouldn't judge him too harshly.
He seems to have a good heart.
I wish I could be as forgiving as you.
Well...
It's not always a question of forgiveness.
It's just accepting folks for who they are.
I know.
It's my mistake more than his.
It was too soon for me
to start something with someone new.
Do you remember that foal that your aunt raised?
It was born three weeks too early.
It could barely stand.
Yeah.
The vet said, "don't get too attached..."
But Beth spent every waking minute
with that animal...
Made sure that it was well-fed and warm.
I think she stayed in that barn
for about three weeks!
Now, that little foal is a very big, healthy horse,
and your aunt's the one who's gone.
You've got to accept, honey,
that...
Things come and go.
Best we can do is just enjoy them while they're here.
It's just so hard to make sense of it sometimes.
It is...
But I promise you this...
Tomorrow is always going to be just a little bit better
than today.
Well, hopefully, our Christmas parade
will put some smiles on people's faces.
I think it already has.
[Chuckling]
[Cell phone ringing]
Sorry.
It's probably my boss. He doesn't sleep.
[Picking up]
Good night, uncle Roy.
Good night, honey.
Mr. Jacobs?
Merry Christmas to you, sir.
Nice work.
Ha!
Looks like you've really caught the Christmas bug, huh?
I think so.
Voila .
Maybe you can show me how to do that when we're on location.
You know what? That I can.
I'll be an expert by the time we start shooting.
[Laughing]
Graham...
I want to apologize.
For what?
For not seeing things more clearly before.
Look, I get it.
Despite our headlines, you and I...
We weren't meant to be...
And I have to admit,
Sarah's pretty great.
I can see how you feel about her.
It's that obvious, huh?
Well, you're not that great of an actor.
Oh, ouch.
Hey...
We're still friends?
We better be.
We have to spend three months on location together.
Hey, yeah, we do.
Hey?
Thank you.
Hey, Sarah...
I've been looking for you.
Were you going to let me know you were leaving?
Nicole told me.
Hold on... Hold on, Sarah.
It's fine.
I know you have responsibilities
back in L.A.
Sarah...
I knew we'd have to say goodbye sooner or later.
It might as well be sooner, right?
It would never work out between the two of us.
Your... life is in Los Angeles,
and... i have to head back east.
Look, I trained you
how to be a ranch hand, right?
So you're ready for your movie, and...
You helped me out with the parade,
so... you held up your end of the bargain.
It's done.
What's done? What are you talking about?
The deal's done.
Good luck in L.A.
Uncle Roy?
It's so early. What are you doing up?
I couldn't sleep.
Me neither.
So I came down, and I started looking at these.
Oh... all our old christmases here?
[Roy]: mm-hmm.
[Sarah]: remember that one?
Yes, I do.
I'm going to miss this place so much.
Yep.
A lot of wonderful memories.
[Sarah]: I know, no matter how much I want to,
it's not fair for me to ask you to hold on to the ranch,
if I'm going back to New York,
and Cody's moving to L.A...
But tonight's Christmas Eve.
It's probably our last one here,
so...
And?
And I think we should light this place up
as much as aunt Beth ever did.
I mean, she was so proud of this place.
Wouldn't she want us to show it off
and decorate that tree one last time?
Aw, honey, there's so little time.
I don't know how we can ever do that.
Well, we could try.
Well...
In that case...
We'd better wake up Cody and see what Delilah's up to.
I love you, uncle Roy.
I love you back.
Heading out to the airport, huh?
Yeah.
Just waiting for the cab to show up.
Uh-huh.
Any chance you could stick around
'til after Christmas?
Unfortunately,
I've got to be back in L.A. tonight.
Sarah made it pretty clear that she wants me to go,
so...
You know...
I was in a situation not so different than yours
back when I was your age.
I was at a train station,
heading home from Chicago.
So I went and bought my ticket,
sat down on a bench to wait for the train,
and, uh...
This amazing girl sat down next to me.
[Chuckling]
Well, we struck up a conversation.
It turns out we had a whole lot in common.
We talked for hours.
And?
And...
Turns out, i missed my train.
[Laughing]
Wasted a ticket, too...
But what I got back...
Was a wonderful life.
Matter of fact, i still got that ticket.
Kept it all these years.
It's my little reminder
not to let life pass me by.
May I?
I probably should've pulled this out
a lot sooner,
but, uh, you know what?
It's never too late...
For any of us.
You have a good flight.
All right, guys.
We might be up against the clock,
but we are going to make this
the best tree-lighting ceremony ever!
Cody, the decorations and the lights
are out in the barn.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news,
but it usually takes days to get the tree up properly.
He's right.
Well then, we'd better get going!
That tree ain't going to decorate itself.
Delilah, call as many people as you can.
We're going to need help.
I'm going to put a phone call in to the radio station, too.
Come on! Let's go!
Do you think i could lend a hand?
I thought you'd left.
No, you're not going to get rid of me that easy.
But...
I'm here. I'm here for the parade.
I'm here for the tree-lighting.
I'm here for you.
You don't have to do that.
But I do.
I don't want to lose you...
And besides,
a ranch hand doesn't leave a job half-finished.
What about Nicole?
There was never anything between me and Nicole.
You're just going to have to trust me on that.
Trust an actor?
Come on.
Everyone, make sure you keep looking
at aunt Beth's old photo albums.
We want to make sure we get as many of her personal touches
as possible.
Who knew a movie star could climb like that?
How are we doing for time?
Well, we're cutting it close, but I think we'll make it.
[Paige]: well, i closed down the cafe,
and my staff should be here any minute to help.
Oh, hey!
Sarah, can I get one more?
I just wanted to make my aunt Beth proud.
Well, you did.
I think you did.
Looks amazing.
Thank you.
[Text alert chimes]
I'm sorry.
Um, the parade starts in an hour,
so we should probably--
it's Peter.
Do you need to get that?
No. no. I'll call him back.
[Thunder rumbling]
Wow.
I hope it doesn't rain on the parade.
See what I did there? Come on.
What is it?
It's just perfect.
My last Christmas Eve at the ranch.
You okay?
I'm fine.
Let's go make this a parade to remember.
Come on.
[♪♪♪]
-[Paige]: hey! -Hi.
You ready to go?
How do I look?
You look
like you were born to be in the spotlight.
Well, I figured it was time
to stop hiding out.
It's too bad about all this rain.
It doesn't matter. It's Christmas.
Would you take him for a sec?
Yeah, of course.
Okay.
C'mon, buddy.
Has anyone seen Graham?
He said he'd be right back...
Something about a little Christmas surprise?
We're going to have to start without him.
Don't worry, he'll be here.
Oh, and Sarah?
Thank you.
See you up there.
Come on, boy.
[Bells jingling]
That's the signal to start the parade.
Well, looks like we'd better get started,
Graham or no Graham.
[Graham]: hey, not so fast,
not so fast.
[Laughing]
Merry Christmas.
See, I told you
these $800 boots were going to come in handy.
[Laughing]
Well, looks like someone finally found
a little bit of Christmas spirit.
Thanks to you, Sarah mckinney.
Come on.
♪ ...in the hearts of all people both near and far ♪
♪ Christmas everywhere ♪
♪ hear the love of the season wherever you are ♪
♪ all the small country roads lined with green mistletoe ♪
♪ big-city streets where a thousand lights glow ♪
♪ let it be Christmas everywhere ♪
♪ let heavenly music fill the air ♪
♪ let every heart sing ♪
♪ let every bell ring ♪
♪ the story of hope and joy and peace ♪
♪ and let it be Christmas everywhere ♪
♪ let heavenly music fill the air ♪
♪ let anger and fear and hate disappear ♪
♪ let there be love that lasts through the year ♪
♪ and let it be Christmas... ♪
♪ Christmas everywhere ♪
Hi.
Ready?
Yep.
-All you. -Here we go.
Ready?
[Cheering]
[Graham]: there it is.
-And everything else. -Hey!
It's nice.
Looks amazing.
Thank you.
Do you guys want some muffins?
-Hi. -hey.
-How's it going? -Good.
Everything looks amazing.
...holding the reins of the horse.
I've never seen anything like it.
-Hey. -hey!
Hi!
Well...
Beth would've loved this.
[Sarah]: she sure would have.
It's too bad you're going home for new year's.
You're right. I am going to be home...
Right here in rock creek.
No, no, hold on a minute.
I thought we already talked about this.
I know we did...
But I've been thinking about the horses,
and the mountains,
and all the people in this town that I love.
I am home.
This is my home. I belong here.
Are you sure?
I am...
And I want to run the ranch, too,
if you'll let me.
You've worked so hard. You deserve a break.
You know how hard it can be here sometimes.
If you're trying to talk me out of it,
you are taking the wrong tack,
'cause I'm cut from the same cloth as you.
Okay then. You got a deal.
That's great. Just great.
Merry Christmas.
Hi, Roy.
Do you mind if I borrow your niece for a second?
No, not at all.
Thanks.
Hey, unkie.
Hey, let's have some pie.
-Yeah! -let's go!
Stay right here. Don't move.
This is for you.
[Laughing]
What do you think?
You did all this yourself?
Well, you know, i, uh...
I've gotten pretty handy,
if you hadn't noticed,
and I just wanted you to have a new memory
to take back with you to New York City.
[Sarah]: thank you.
You're welcome.
Actually, I think I'm going to stay here
for the foreseeable future.
I have an overqualified assistant in New York
who can take over my job, and...
Figured I'd try ranch life full-time.
You know anybody who's looking for a ranch hand?
Depends.
Does he have any experience?
Yeah, he's got seven days on the best ranch in Colorado.
I think I could use someone like that.
See, I was hoping you would say that.