Country Roads Christmas (2022)

[bunniefuu]

[country version]

Joy to the world!

The Lord has come

Let earth receive her King!

Let every heart

Prepare Him room

And heaven and nature sing

And heaven and nature sing

And heaven and heaven

and nature sing



Joy to the world!

The Savior reigns

Let us our songs employ

While fields and floods

Rocks, hills and plains

[DJ on radio V.O.]

Good morning Nashville!

And Merry Christmas!

Here's a holiday treat for you.

We have a living legend

with us today.

[Harris V.O.] Well that just

makes it sound like

I've been around too long.

[DJ chuckles V.O.]

Welcome Harris Sanderson.

[Harris V.O.]

Great to be here.

[DJ V.O.] Now, you're famous for

your country picking

and your heartbreak ballads.

But this year you're

releasing a Christmas album.

[Harris V.O.]

I know. Who'd a thought?

[DJ V.O.] You got fill us in

here, Harris.

How did you manage to catch the

Christmas spirit?

[Harris V.O.] I call it "The

Tour That Changed Everything."

[DJ V.O.]

Sounds like a story.

[Harris V.O.]

Yep, it's a good one.

But it doesn't begin with me.



Dashing through the snow

In a one horse open sleigh

O'er the fields we go

Laughing all the way

Bells on bob-tails ring

Making spirits bright

What fun it is

to ride and sing

A sleighing song tonight

Jingle bells Jingle bells

Jingle all the way

Oh what fun it is to ride

in a one-horse open sleigh

Jingle bells Jingle Bells

Jingle all the way

Oh what fun it is to ride

in a one-horse open sleigh

[APPLAUSE]

So you have a beautiful voice.

You should sign with a label.

I work at a label.

This is just for fun.

But thank you.

[Annie]

That's Ryan. Ryan, Skye.

He's my friend, and a

part owner of this place.

So that's the friend

that let you decorate

as many trees as you

wanted for the holidays.

Three, at last count.

Did you really tell

Annie there's no limit?

Because you know, she'll put

20 trees in here by next

week.

That's okay.

The more the merrier.

[LAUGHS]

Everybody ready?

You too, Ryan.

[Skye]

Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

Three, four...

[BLUE GRASS VERSION]

Hark the herald angels sing

Glory to the newborn King

Peace on earth

and mercy mild

God and sinners reconciled

[SKYE V.O. PHONE MESSAGE]

You've reached Skye Sanderson.

Please leave a message.

[SKYE'S BOSS LEAVING MESSAGE]

Skye, I want Sophie Hartigan's

signed contract on my desk now!

Make it happen!

[Skye] Okay, Sophie.

Show me what you got.

[SOPHIE SINGING] We've been

stuck in the aftermath

[Harris V.O.] Skye was one

talent discovery away

from her big break at

the record company.

And that discovery

was Sophie Hartigan.

[SOPHIE SINGING]

It never really was before

Can we go back?

Before the aftermath?



Yay!

[SKYE CLAPS]

[Skye]

Thanks Sean.

Your voice moves me

every time, Sophie.

It's so pure and honest.

[Skye]

I smell a hit single.

Mom, Skye loves my song!

It's perfect.

You've been working

hard and it shows.

We'll release some

content online,

Sophie at home,

playing for fun.

And while her socials

gain some momentum,

we'll get her in the

studio, recording the album,

and release

back-to-back singles.

Well, let's all

just take a breath.

We're not interested in

having Sophie's face

splashed across every

screen in the nation.

We're more down home.

Okay.

Well, that's refreshing.

We'll focus on songwriting

and what you have to say.

So I'll send over

the contract today.

Great. I'll look

over every detail.

Merry Christmas.

It's just something small.

Aw. Thank you.

I got something for you too.

When I saw this it

made me think of you.

Merry Christmas.





[Skye]

You know...

I got into this business

because I believe

in the power of music

to uplift the soul,

to motivate and

inspire people.

But now it's hard to find anyone

that cares about

the actual music.

You should be running

our company, Skye.

Your instincts keep the

talent flowing at Alderson.

Not Kelly's.

I don't even think

she has instincts.

I haven't learned one thing

about music from her.

[SKYE'S PHONE ALERT]

[Shelby]

Hey everybody!

I'm here with my

daughter Sophie.

We're at the Bei Panini Cafe...

[Skye]

No. No, no, no, no.

[Shelby] Where she's going to

sing her first original song!

[SOPHIE SINGING]

Why? Why?

Don't do this now!

[Tiffany]

Isn't this good?

You want organic

exposure, right?

Not until after they

sign the contract.

Right now this could

blow everything!

Tiff, I gotta go.

I'm sorry.

Oh. Okay.

[SKYE V.O. ON PHONE]

Kelly, hi...

I'm on my way now.

[KELLY V.O. ON PHONE] I just

saw Sophie's livestream.

Tell me you have

that contract signed.

Get it done, Skye!

Get it done!

Shelby, Sophie, hi!

-Skye.

Loved the video.

Well, I figured I would lift

Sophie's profile and, you know,

raise the stakes a little bit.

Okay...

So, ah, let's just finalize

our working arrangements.

Marketing was our last point and

we settled that in my office.

Listen Skye, Sophie likes you.

But we're going to be

moving in another direction.

Another direction?

You know what I discovered

about you record labels?

Is that you're

kind of like shoes.

Never hurts to shop around.

[CHUCKLES]

And believe it or not, I found

a pair that I like better.

Focus Tone!

[CHUCKLES]

Fits us perfectly.

Let's go baby.





[Kelly] You're from music

royalty, Skye,

but you don't have

the k*ller instinct.

You just lost us the

next Taylor Swift!

My intuition has

brought in every one of

our highest-grossing artists.

Blind luck!

Over the top emotion.

Lack of business acumen.

And today, you lost

us Sophie Hartigan.

You're fired.

Good luck with that.

I quit.

Ah, great!

[SCOFFS]

[MUSIC STARTS]

[FEMALE SINGING]

It's not far to fall

If you don't look down

Don't have to sink too low

Before you drown

Takes a leap of faith

to land on solid ground

It's not far to fall

If you don't look down



Skye, is that you?

Hey...

Yeah.

It's Ryan, right?

Yeah, that's right.

Are you planning on

staying to play tonight?

No, I actually just came by to

let Annie know I can't make it.

I'd love to though.

Ah man, that's too bad.

Um...

What is all this?

I... left my job today.

Wow!

At Christmas time, eh?

Yeah. Me and the boss, never

really saw eye-to-eye.

And today I lost a big client.

It's been a banner day

at Alderson Records.

You work at Alderson Records?

I did.

Until about an hour ago.

When a lovely young artist who

I discovered and nurtured for

months, up and walked

over to Focus Tone Music.

Focus Tone? Um...

Please tell me you're not

talking about Sophie Hartigan?

How do you know Sophie?

I'm with Focus Tone.

I just signed Sophie.

Wow!

Please. Skye.

Shelby said we were

the first people

she had spoken

to in Nashville.

Oh! Good! That's great.

-Best of luck to you.

-No, no, no, no, no.

I wanna talk.

What you did with

her was amazing.

Yeah, I know.

I trained her all up

for another label.

[SAD MUSIC]



Around the bend

You might find something

that you didn't expect

Hi! I'm Skye Sanderson!

And it could be wonderful

In the end

You'll find what you

weren't looking for

Imperfect beautiful

Around the bend

Hi!

I'm just dropping off a resume.

And, uh...



Close your eyes

And you'll find your way

Take a deep breath

And a leap of faith

It's out of your hands

There's a bigger plan

Around the bend

You might find something

that you didn't expect

And it could be wonderful

And in the end

You find what you

weren't looking for

Imperfect beautiful

Around the bend



[PHONE RINGS]

Oh, please be a job offer!

Skye Sanderson.

[Ryan] Okay, promise

you'll hear me out.

It's Ryan Avery from Focus Tone.

Don't hang up just yet.

Skye? You there?

Yeah, I'm a little

busy right now.

I know.

You're on the job hunt.

Listen. We should talk.





[KNOCKS]

Okay, Oscar.

Yup.

Is that it?

Great.

Yup. Call you back soon. Bye.

Hi. Thank you so

much for coming.

Thanks for having me.

I'd love to pretend I'm

fielding offers but

so close to the holidays,

who am I kidding?

Listen, um...

I think that you may think I

did something unethical...

No, you were in the

right place at the right time.

I'm sure you're very persuasive.

You seem charming.

But, I discovered Sophie

Hartigan the old school way.

I flew across the country

to watch her high school

talent show because

my mom's hairdresser insisted

that she was some big talent.

So, I took a risk and

she really was that good.

So I gave her everything I had.

And now she's poised

to break radio.

And that was all my hustle.

I didn't know all that.

So that's who I am.

Someone who cares

more about the music

than going in for the k*ll.

I understand.

So... Why did you

bring me in here?

Did you want me to teach you

about my old school methods?

[CHUCKLES] As tempting

as that sounds, no.

See, I need a new road manager

for a very special talent.

Sorry. I'm not interested.

I spent my childhood

on the road.

I know you did actually.

That's why this is

a special talent.

You see, I need a new road

manager for your dad,

Harris Sanderson.

Are you okay?

Yeah, ah, I don't know

what you've heard,

but I'm not close

with my father.

I've heard a little.

From him. Yeah.

How's he doing?

He's good.

His holiday tour got started

and he's seemed a little bit...

[BOTH SAY TOGETHER]

Lonely.

Yeah. And if I'm being honest,

my boss is having a

hard time finding

a replacement for his

current road manager.

Me.

You've been tour

managing for my...

For Harris?

Yeah.

He is a legacy client so we

try to go the extra mile.

His Christmas tour's

had a hard start.

And of course

he's being very...

[BOTH SAY TOGETHER]

Stubborn.

[THEY BOTH CHUCKLE]

See, I knew you

would get that part.

I do get it.

I haven't seen my dad since

a few Christmases ago.

Listen, this is going to

be the last Christmas tour

I'm going out

with Harris.

And, well you need a job, right?

How many people have you asked?

[CHUCKLES]

Everyone.

I've asked everyone.

[LAUGHS]

Thought so.

Listen, this is the

number I'm thinking. Okay?

And on top this we can add

some per diem and some little

extra 'walking around money'

if it helps close the deal.

I'll think about it.

Okay.

And, um, maybe you

should ask my dad first?

Yeah, probably be a good idea.





[MUSIC BOX PLAYS "TAKE ME

HOME, COUNTRY ROADS"]

[MUSIC BOX PLAYS "TAKE ME

HOME, COUNTRY ROADS"]

[MUSIC BOX PLAYS "TAKE ME

HOME, COUNTRY ROADS"]

[MUSIC BOX PLAYS "TAKE ME

HOME, COUNTRY ROADS"]

[MUSIC STOPS ABRUPTLY]



[Harris V.O.]

Now, Skye loves her mama...

[DJ V.O.] You're talking about

The Meg Sanderson now.

The other half of Harris & Meg.

[Harris V.O.]

Right.

Meg's place in West Virginia

is truly heaven on earth.

And no matter where

Skye might be,

she always comes home

for Christmas.





[MEG SINGING AND PLAYING PIANO]

How lovely are your branches

O Christmas tree

O Christmas tree

How lovely are your ---

[Meg]

Oh honey!

That foolish woman, letting

you go right before Christmas.

Well, I'm sure she's

on the 'naughty' list.

Well, look at the bright side.

Now you can help me with the

best Christmas light display

in the state.

You know, with social media

we really are competing

on a national level.

I know!

You put so much love into it.

Are you sure you're doing okay?

Yes, I'm just,

you know, a little lonely

with the holidays coming up.

Did you see the announcement for

dad's annual Christmas tour?

No, no.

My mood is not your father.

Are you sure? I know these

things get under your skin.

[MEG CHUCKLES]

All right.

It was hard to miss.

So, I need to tell you.

I actually may have

a new job already.

Honey!

That's great!

Does that mean you have to go

back to Nashville tomorrow?

No. Um...

Focus Tone Music has a

gig that's close to here.

Your dad's label?

Yeah. Dad's label.

The man who hired

me is named Ryan.

Ryan, huh?

Is he cute?

Mom! Really?

I'm hearing yes.

Ryan has been on

the road with dad

but he needs to get

back to the office.

He's just been filling in since

the last tour manager left.

You're tour managing

your father?

If he agrees, yes.

Are you sure about this?

I know it's awkward.

Neither of us has seen

him since that Christmas.

You're not mad?

Oh honey, you need a job.

I understand.

Thank you.

To be honest, I don't even

know what to say to him.

He's your father.

You'll find the words.



[APPLAUSE AND CHEERING]

I love this time of year.

It comes with its

own song catalogue!

[CROWD LAUGHS]

[HARRIS STARTS

PLAYING GUITAR]



Hark! The herald angels sing

Glory to the newborn King

Peace on earth

and mercy mild

God and sinners reconciled

I haven't seen

him play in years.



Let me guess.

Probably about the time he

signed on with me at Focus Tone.

Yeah exactly.

He was supposed to spend

the holidays with me

but Nashville called.

I'm sorry.

It's not your fault.

Ruining Christmas is

kind of his thing.

When I was a kid, he split

with my mom on Christmas,

a few hours after our

big family dinner.

Kind of took the joy out

of music, for awhile.



So that's why you're not

chasing the spotlight then.

I could never.

I'd always be living

in their shadow.

One of the best selling

music acts of all time.

And a tragic love story to boot.

Joyful all ye nations rise

Join the triumph

of the skies

I don't know anything

about love stories.

But I do know music.

And I do know that you

have an amazing voice.

It's kind of my

job to know that.

Yeah, at a small, sort of

well known record label.

Wow!

-Way to k*ll the mood.

[CROWD APPLAUSE]

There was a mood?

Oh you know there was a mood.

[CROWD APPLAUSE]

Thank you all.





Man, you had them with that

Christmas carol at the end.

[SCOFFS]

'Tis the season to make 'em cry.

Yeah, that's the truth.

Somebody wants to meet me?

Skye?

Hey.

You're more beautiful than ever.

Thanks.

You were great up there tonight.

[SNIFFS] These old bones keep

rolling somehow.

How's life?

It's good.

I'm still living in Nashville.

I've been working

in the business.

Sorry to hear that.

[CHUCKLES]

Actually, it's

a funny story.

So I met Skye when I was

on the road in Nashville,

looking for your

new road manager.

It just made sense.

I thought she'd be

the perfect fit.

Ah... Sorry kids.

[SNIFFS]

No can do.

You two can reconnect. Okay.

The holiday tour is the

perfect time to do that.

She's here, she's

come a long way.

Talk to her for a few minutes.

Catch you inside after?



[DJ V.O.]

What did you say to her?

[Harris V.O.]

All the wrong things.

And now they had

something in common.

Complaining about me.

We just don't have anything

to talk about anymore.

It's been too long.

He's just surprised to see you.

We threw him off.

Yeah, that may be it.

The man does love his routine.

So there had to have been some

fun times, growing up, right?

Well, yeah.

I was just reminding

him of this time that

we found a puppy on a side

road in South Carolina.

I bet you he stopped and

scooped it up, didn't he?

Of course.

It took hours to find

that puppy's home.

Long enough that I'd

already named him Renegade.

Mom and dad liked Houdini.

And he would help me

with my English homework.

We'd write poems all the time.

"Songs are poems," he'd tell me.

-Smart man.

-Yeah.

You know, earlier I was telling

him how doing homework together

are some of the happiest

memories I have.

And he barely remembered it.

It meant

everything to me.

And...

And nothing to him.

And then he changed the subject.

Starts talking about that

time he was on stage in LA,

playing the hits,

and Johnny Cash walks in!

Asked dad to sign

his guitar case.

Skye, let me at least

try to talk to him.

You know, I appreciate you

trying to make this work.

I really do.

But it definitely

doesn't feel right.

Merry Christmas.

Skye.

Skye.

Skye! Don't go!

I can't be around the Harris

Sanderson celebrity persona.

It sucks up all the air.

Believe me. I know. Okay?

I get it.

He's not an easy

person to be around.

Ryan, there's a reason

why we don't talk.

There's a reason why my

mom sits at her piano

singing to keep

herself company.

It's always been the

Harris Sanderson show.

He's the star.

There's no room for

us on his stage.

Everyone needs family.

Don't get me wrong.

I love my dad.

We're just not meant to

be in each other's lives.

Not like this, anyway.

He spends every holiday alone.

That's his choice.

Not mine.

He knows where our home is.

[DIALING]

Harris, open the door.

I'm walking over.





[Skye] How do you remember

where everything goes?

[MEG LAUGHING]

I don't.

It's always a new mix.

Keeps it fresh.

Just help me.

We'll pull everything out

and get it separated.

You're pretty quiet.

Are you going to tell me

why you're not on the road

with your dad?

I don't really want

to talk about it.

I'm just going to start

looking for a new job.

I won't lie.

It's disappointing.

Not just because of dad.

Something tells me

you're missing Ryan.

Just a little?

I guess I am.

And you can admit that

you still miss dad?

Even after all

these years. Yeah.

Me too.

[Skye]

Now let's decorate your porch.

[FUN CHRISTMAS MUSIC]

Up on the housetop

reindeer pause

Out jumps good

ol' Santa Claus

Down through the chimney

with lots of toys

All for the little ones'

Christmas joys

h* h* h*, who wouldn't go

h* h* h*, who wouldn't go

[Skye] I honestly think this

is your best display yet.

Down through the chimney

with good Saint Nick

[Skye] You really outdid

yourself this year, mom.

[Meg] Phase 2 starts tomorrow.

You know, I started doing

this to remind myself

there's always

light in the world.

Everyone needs a little

light and happiness

especially during

the holidays.

I really think your dad's

sacrifice of our family time

was because he knew how

much joy he was bringing

to so many people on tour.

That's one way of looking at it.

[HORN HONKS OUTSIDE]

Ha ha!

Our first 'thank

you' of the season.

We've brightened someone's day.

[KNOCKING AT THE DOOR]

What in the world?

[Ryan]

Hello?

Harris!

Meg...

You look good.

Still your favorite?

Yes.

I'll find somewhere to hang it.

Skye...

Hey dad.

[reading] Little Raven by

himself in the big crow's nest.

Thinking about all the

things that he likes best.

Shiny beads and peanuts,

and a crisp French fry.

Sipping from a water

puddle after it's been dry.

But when his mom

and dad flew home

and kissed his

feathered head...

He realized the best

thing of all...

was getting tucked into bed.

I can't believe

you remember that.

Every word.

Come on the road

with me, please.

Okay. Why not?

Two weeks of the finest

h*nky-tonk bars in the Smokies.

That's the same line you

used on me back in the day!

Come on.

Hey.

Is that Cindy out

there in the driveway?

The original Meg

and Harris tour bus?

Yeah. That's her.

Same blankets and heaters, too.

Okay.

Well, I know where I'm

spending the night tonight.

[SKYE LAUGHS]

That's a lot of enthusiasm for a

vehicle that doesn't even run.

It fuels the imagination.

Um, did you tell him to do that?

I said a few things. Yeah.

But to be honest I did

not see all this going on.

[PIANO PLAYING

"COUNTRY ROADS TAKE ME HOME"]

[HARRIS SINGING]

Country roads

Take me home

[HARRIS & MEG SINGING TOGETHER]

To the place I belong

West Virginia, mountain mama

Take me home country roads

Did you get a good

video there, fanboy?

Cut me some slack.

It's the first time I've

ever heard them together.

And they ain't

legendary for nothing!

In their own home, singing

during the holidays...

That isn't legendary.

That's just a regular evening.

Wow.

You two sound amazing together.

It's a great song from

a great songwriter.

Yes it is.

[Skye] You're bubbly

this evening.

Do you think your dad's eating

okay while he's on the road?

Oh, um... I think so

If I still had a key,

I'd put some meals in the

freezer for when he got home.

He always loved your pot roast.

He's just in those

clubs every night

playing his fingers

to the bone.

Maybe, but mom,

don't forget it's been a

while since you've seen him.

Time has passed.

People change.

Well, I'm glad you're taking

care of him because maybe you'll

get him to eat something

green every once in a while.

How do you know I took the job?

The Little Raven poem? Please.

I almost got on the bus myself.

That was a smooth move.

I'll give him that.





Oscar.

Ah!

[LAUGHS HAPPILY]

Now you are a sight for

sore eyes, young lady!

I've missed you too, Oscar.

Mom's famous shortbread cookies?

Oh!

I should've gotten you some

of those candy necklaces

that you used to love.

I still love those.

And I'm assuming you haven't

given up cheesy popcorn.

Never.

I'm going to need you to play

me some music on this bus.

Any song you want.

I want to hear the songs

nobody's heard yet.

Not even your dad?

Well. He's just the voice.

You're the brains.

Everybody knows that.

[LAUGHS HEARTILY]

Well...

You buy the snacks

and it's a deal.

All right.

It's good to have

you here, Skye.

Welcome back to the

Christmas tour, Ryan.

It's good to be back, Oscar.



[Ryan] So your dad's got the

whole back of the bus here.

Full disclosure,

I sleep in motels.

I love your dad and Oscar,

but a man needs his own space.

Good. Cause I'd really

rather not sleep on the bus.

I need a real bed and

preferably my own bathroom.

Skye, I got to tell you.

Seeing your mom and dad sing

together yesterday, that was,

that was amazing.

Yeah, that was nice.

They sound so good together.

It felt a little bit like

a reunion moment, maybe?

Don't get any big ideas, Ryan.

What are you talking about?

I see those wheels spinning.

You want to set a

parent trap and

get Meg and Harris back

on stage together.

Never had the thought!

But now that you mention

it, it's not a bad idea.



[Ryan]

So tell me...

What happened with

your mom and dad?

You mean why did they split up?

Uh huh.

Well, my dad ate his Christmas

dinner, packed a suitcase

and then left my mom

for LouAnne Mayer.

LouAnne Mayer?

Now there's the fanboy.

You want me to get her to

write on the back of your hand

so you can never wash it again?

-Yeah, yeah.

I didn't grow up with country

music royalty like you did.

Okay.

I did meet Loretta Lynn once.

Really?

She asked me if I wanted

to be a country music star.

What did you say?

I said yes!

And also a large

animal veterinarian.

Apparently, I don't really

remember it but I do remember

she smelled really good.

That's too cool.

I got to tell you though...

Your mom and dad, they really

are great together though.

Like, wow!

Ryan, I don't think

a reunion tour

is even a remote

possibility.

Everyone gets a

Christmas wish, right?

I guess they do.

Well that's mine.



Hey, dad.

Just checking on you.

Oh, Skye.

Come on in.

Wow.

You're really all

set up in here.

Huntington, huh?

Uh huh. Ticket sales

are really good.

If we can trust what

the promoter says.

Never...

[BOTH SAY TOGETHER]

Trust a promoter!

So you did learn something

all those years on the road.

Do you want me to pick out your

wardrobe or is that your thing?

Be my guest.

I like this.

Me too.

It's got an itchy tag.

Drives me nuts!

You know, I can fix

that for you, right?

Nobody deserves an itchy tag.

Now there's a h*nky tonk

holiday

in all the pubs across

So, what song's up first

tonight, H?

Well, well.

She looks like you.

Poor kid.

[THEY ALL LAUGH]

Why don't you decide

how we open tonight.

Well you already know which

song I'm going to pick.

You remember what you

used to say to me

every night before

I went on stage?

"It's show time, Daddy-O."

Yeah!

[SKYE GIGGLES]

[APPLAUSE AND CHEERING]

[Ryan]

I don't know what it is,

but he has a pep in his step

since you've came along.

[HARRIS ON STAGE]

Y'all know this one?

[AUDIENCE MEMBER]

'Unpolished Dreams'!

-[HARRIS LAUGHS]

-[APPLAUSE]

[HARRIS STARTS

PLAYING HIS GUITAR]





-So, two days, in between here.

-Uh huh.

It's going to be a little tight.

[Skye]

Yeah.

[STRUGGLING SOUNDS, DOOR CLOSES]

-Hey!

-Hey!

Whatcha got there?

Christmas pudding.

Charleston Diner's

holiday special.

Is that where we are right now?

Pro tip: Always know what

town you're in. Right?

Other than geography, how's

my new road manager doing?

She's doing good.

I'll have her trained

up by Christmas,

and I'll be back in the

office by New Year's.

Right on schedule.

That's my girl.

He got one for you too!

There's a great

big world to see

We can go look

at it you and me

Even when your sky is gray

Together we'll

always find our way



Whatever you want

you can have it

Beautiful life full of magic

If it gets heavy I

will carry your load

So you can let it go

There's a great

big world to see

We can go look

at it you and me

Even when the sky is gray

Together we'll

always find our way

[Harris] I mean it!

I'm fine, I'm fine.

I'm fine. Just a bit dizzy.

It must've been the heat.

They had the hot white spotlight

on for most of the set.

What've you eaten today?

I hope it was more than

a donut and some coffee.

I just need to sit down.



[Skye O.S.]

I really don't think he's okay.

[Ryan]

I keep telling him,

he needs to take

better care of himself.

[Skye] My mom told me to

do exactly that.

Now I understand why.

[Ryan]

He needs more exercise

than going from the bus

to the stage every night.

That's all he gets.

All I see him do is

eat, sleep and work.

That's pretty much it. Yeah.

I might book him in

to see his doctor.

He should probably get

some blood work done.

I bet he hasn't gone in

forever.

And when was the last time

he went to see a dentist?

He's up to date on all

his wellness checks. Okay.

'Wellness checks'?

That doesn't sound like him.

Well, no. He calls

them 'pokes and prods'.

[SKYE CHUCKLES]

Of course he does.

Of course he does.





[TIFFANY ON PHONE]

Wow, where are you?

It's beautiful behind you.

That is the wonderful

wilds of West Virginia.

But I miss Nashville.

I miss you.

How's your new job?

[Skye] I'm getting used to it.

Dad is more stubborn.

If that's possible.

-Oh no.

-Yeah.

This is a hard life even

when you're younger.

It's even harder when all you

do is work, eat, sleep, repeat.

True. Even if you

love your work.

I'm right here with him,

but I still feel like we're

so far apart.

[Tiffany] You should try

opening up to him.

You never know, it

might help you both.

Yeah. We'll see about that.

[TIFFANY'S DOORBELL RINGS]

Oh, I gotta go, Skye.

Food delivery is here.

Okay. Love you!

Love you. Merry merry.

Mwah, mwah, mwah!

[HARRIS STRUMMING GUITAR]



[HARRIS SINGING]

Fall on your knees

[HARRIS & SKYE SINGING TOGETHER]

O hear the angel voices

O night divine

O night when Christ was born

Was it worth it, dad?

Was what worth it, sweetheart?

All those years on the road.

The fame.

The fans.

That took your time,

from me and mom.

When all that stuff

went down with mom...

It felt like you were

at a fork in the road.

And we just weren't your path.

I knew a long time ago,

that it was better

for me to be alone.

For all of us.

I don't think that was the case.

You deserve better.

We missed you.

Your mom wasn't happy.

She still cares for you.

[Harris V.O.] I don't care how

much of a loner cowboy you are,

there's nothing worse than

seeing your baby girl cry.

Something changed for me

backstage that night.

I realize all this time,

I've been wrong.

And now, more than ever,

I wanted Skye to

find her happiness.

[Skye] Do you think

he'll try to eat

any of the healthy

stuff we ordered him?

[Ryan]

He'll probably eat those

cheese and eggs we got him.

Do you think we're trying a

little too hard with him?

What do you mean?

I mean, it's a steep ask to go

from eating biscuits and gravy

to eating salad for every

meal, in just a few days.

Yeah, but he's got to

get some vitamins in him.

Right.

Skye, he's not going to

eat salad for breakfast.

That was a fruit salad!

There was juicy Florida oranges,

crunchy California almonds...

Kale.

Okay there was

some kale in there.

Then tell me how to get

him off the French fries.

Slowly.

And no kale.

Cowboys don't eat kale.

Okay, so...

Broccoli? Collard greens?

You're getting warmer.

But try a different color.

Purple!

Purple it is.

[CHUCKLES]

Purple food...

[MEG'S PHONE RINGS]

Hey honey.

[Skye quietly]

Hey mom.

Oh oh. What's wrong?

[Skye]

It's dad.

What's he done now?

He's just not taking very

good care of himself.

A body can only handle

that for so long, right?

[Meg] Well, he loves his work

and his work loves him.

It just doesn't leave a lot of

time or energy for self-care.

Small steps, honey.

Small steps.

It works for everyone.

I'm trying.

I think he's trying too.

[KNOCKING AT SKYE'S DOOR]

Hey, mom. I got to go.

Ryan's outside. We got

to head to the venue.

I love you.

Love you too, honey.

[Harris onstage] I'd like to end

with a Christmas song for y'all.

I know it's sentimental...

But this is the time of year

to really cherish

the ones you love.

[Harris]

And on that note...

I'd like to invite my

beautiful daughter

Skye Sanderson for

this next number.

[WHOOPING, APPLAUSE]

[Harris] I think

she's going to need

a little more

encouragement, folks.

[LOUDER WHOOPING, APPLAUSE]

Come on, honey.

They won't bite.

[CHEERING, APPLAUSE]

[HARRIS STARTS

PLAYING GUITAR]



O holy night the stars are

brightly shining

It is the night of our

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 and glorious morn!

[SKYE AND HARRIS SING TOGETHER]

Fall on your knees

O hear the angel voices

O night divine!

O night when Christ was born

-Man! They're amazing.

-Uh huh. Yup.

O night

O night divine

[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]

[Harris] Skye Sanderson,

ladies and gentlemen!

[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]

Thanks y'all.

Good night.

And Merry Christmas.

[Harris V.O.] Singing with

my little girl again,

well that touched my heart.

But after that,

the road got rocky.

Skye was heading to Meg's,

but me...

I didn't belong anywhere.

[Ryan] So I saw Raspberry

White Hot Chocolate

on the board and

I thought of you.

-Thank you.

-You're welcome.

You know,

there's no real chocolate

in white chocolate, right?

I meant regular hot chocolate

with extra marshmallows.

How much extra?

-A lot.

-Perfect.

[HARRIS YAWNS LOUDLY]

Hey Dad.

How about you take

me on a walking tour

of your hometown today?

Um...

I was just thinking about

having some coffee,

write some lyrics maybe.

For old times' sake.

This place is like

an hour from mom's

but I haven't been here since...

I don't know when.

All right. Invite that

boyfriend of yours?

[SKYE LAUGHS]

He's not my boyfriend.

Don't think your dad doesn't

see the way you two light up

when you look at each other.

He's all right.

Although you could do better.

He could not do better.

He'd be lucky to have you.

And he knows it.

[LAUGHING] Okay. That's good.

Thank you.

Go get ready.

Hey! We're going on a walk.

You're coming.

Okay.

Where can I find the

key to your place?

Honey...

Dad. I'm not going to

judge your messy house.

I just want to get

your walking shoes.

You're not going to be comfy

walking around

in your boots all day.

I don't have a house anymore.

What do you mean?

I sold it... a while back.

You sold grandma's house?

And everything in it?

So where've you been living?

Right here.

You live on the tour bus?

[Harris]

It's not how it sounds.

Then enlighten me.

My walking shoes are here now.

[Meg]

I'm not surprised.

I tried calling the

house once last year

when the

furnace went out here.

I couldn't remember the name of

the service company we used.

I just thought he got

rid of the landline.

People don't use

them much anymore.

Nobody seems to be alarmed

that my father is homeless!

Who lets that happen to someone

they're supposed

to be taking care of?

[Ryan] To be fair, he does

love it on the bus.

It's like living on a boat.

Everything he needs.

Just a little smaller.

A lot smaller.

He had a garden, a real

bathroom, dignity.

We doubled the tour budget

whenever we went out full time.

So that takes care

of everything.

He had roots!

He got rid of everything

from our past.

Grandma's jewelry,

our record collection.

It's like none of

it mattered to him.

I thought the whole

family knew about this?

That's what he told me.

It's not your fault Ryan.

Harris is a grown man.

If he wants to sell the

house, he's going to do it.

There's nothing you

could do to stop him.

Well, I'm bringing him

here in the morning.

Oh. Does he know that?

Good luck, sweetheart.

[Harris]

More pancakes!

They're delicious.

More coffee!

You come get the coffee, Harris.

[HARRIS CHUCKLES]

So you're just going

to brush over the fact

that you've been

living on a bus?

That's not a home, dad.

It's one step away

from being homeless.

Music is my life and

that life is on the road.

You know that.

It's a bus.

It's a short commute to work,

right across the parking lot.

That's great. Joke about it.

Another wonderful 'Harris

Sanderson' decision

that you can blame

on your career.

Skye, please.

I'm worried about you!

You don't need to be.

You happy now?

I told you I didn't want

her touring with me.

But you went on and on and on

about contractual obligations.

Only because you shut down

when I said you should spend

Christmas with your family.

Have a heart, it's the holidays.

She got fired.

She needs a paycheck.

So that's what this was.

-No!

You didn't really want to spend

Christmas with me, did you dad?

Or any day, really.

-Sweetheart, I...

-Stop!

I've gotten pretty use

to your rejection by now.

Don't even get me

started on you.

You're one stubborn guy.

Come on, Skye.

At least let me explain.

I already understand.

Completely.

[DOOR SLAMS CLOSED]

[PLUCKING CHORDS ON GUITAR]

[KNOCKING]

Am I interrupting?

Actually, I can't find

it in my heart to care.

[HARRIS GROANS]

I can't think straight.

I don't even know

what to say to her.

Well you could start

by coming inside

and not hiding out

here in the driveway.

Of course I want to spend

Christmas with my daughter.

Pushed her away all these years.

I know she'll be

happier without me.

Oh, you know that, do you?

You are as stubborn as a mule.

So I've been told.

I didn't know you

got rid of the house.

I didn't need it.

Everything's here on the bus.

You don't need a home?

Home is where the heart is.

Well you better decide where

your heart is because it's been

rolling down the highway with no

sense of purpose or direction.

Don't be so stubborn

that you don't see

the hand you've

truly been dealt.

Well, I always was a

terrible poker player.

[THEY BOTH LAUGH]

Do you remember that

card shark in Memphis?

Oh, he took you for a ride!

[HARRIS LAUGHS]

Thank goodness you

walked in when you did.

I was about to lose

my wedding ring!

[HARRIS LAUGHS]

Coming in?

Yeah.

[Skye]

How did it not bother you

that he didn't have a

roof over his head?

I know how this may look,

but in my defense, your

father is not the kind of guy

who is going to be

told what to do,

even by the person who

sign his paychecks.

I get it. He's been

working non stop.

A label likes to keep

their earners earning.

Oh, so you think that

somehow I've abandoned

your father's well

being and health?

See, you don't know that

I send him and Oscar

down to the Gulf Coast three,

four times a year for fishing,

a little R&R, on my dime.

But how would you know that?

You hadn't been here.

I know that you lied to me.

I know that you forced

him to spend time with me

so that you could go

back to Nashville.

[Harris]

All those years ago...

I owe you an explanation.

No, Harry. Don't.

I could see the road was

wearing on you and Skye.

She needed a normal life and

I wanted to let you

get off the ride

without feeling like

you'd let me down.

You didn't have to cheat.

Nothing happened with LouAnne.

I slept on her couch and

listened to her snore

more nights than I can count.

How was I supposed to know that?

You brought her as your

date to Christmas dinner.

The two of you seemed

so happy on tour.

LouAnne's a friend.

That's all.

It just...

seemed easier to have

you mad at me than

to talk about the truth.

I'm sorry.

I thought you didn't

love me anymore.

I love you Meg.

I've only ever loved you.





And yeah, I'm sorry,

I didn't tell you that

he needed a little push.

But he loves you.

Surely you know that by now.

Ryan, nothing that

my dad says or does

shows me that he loves me.

That little poem.

He looked at you like

you were his whole world.

Oh you believed that

performance, did you?

I think you should go.

Back on tour, back to Nashville.

It doesn't matter.

Skye. I know you're mad.

But I care a lot about you.

I'm just asking you to trust me.

I don't trust you.

[Meg] I've been doing a

lot of thinking.

And I have something

to tell you too.

I'm lonely.

And I'm not going to beat

around the bush, Harris.

Will you come home?

Uh, look...

I don't want your life

to be on that bus.

I want my husband back.

I want you beside me for life's

big events, and small moments.

For everything.

You gave Skye a stable life.

But are you just going to

continue to give up on us?

I'm on the road all the time.

It's who I am.

You said you love me.

I've loved you since

the day we met.

But I'm not going to

burden you with this life.

Your love is not a burden,

it's a blessing.

Don't you know that?

You love your life.

I love mine.

But we can compromise.

We can find a balance.



[Harris V.O.] I swear on my

oldest Martin guitar,

I had no idea Meg would

ever want me back.



Hey, have you seen my parents?

No.

Your dad was supposed to

cook breakfast. But, no.

Well, they're

not in the house.

They're not outside.

Neither one of them is

answering their phones.

-I'm actually getting worried.

-[RYAN DIALS HIS PHONE]

The car's still here so I

don't know

where they would have

got to.

Ryan. What are you

doing calling?

We left you a note

on the fridge.

[Meg] You stay at the farm over

the holiday with Skye.

Work it out.

Skye doesn't want me here.

You need to come get me.

Harris is going to finish the

last few dates on the tour.

He and Oscar know what to do.

What? No. Absolutely not.

That's an unbreakable

Focus Tone rule.

No one goes anywhere

without a manager.

You have to have

someone there to be...

Responsible.

[Meg] They have a very

responsible tour manager.

She was tough to book right

before the Christmas holiday.

And this mystery manager...

She's been on tour

before, I'm guessing?

[Meg]

Of course I have.

I even know the

words to the songs

because I co-wrote

half of them.

And you never know.

I might be rusty but maybe

I'll get up on stage.

Bye, Ryan!

I found your parents.

Thank you.

For finding them.

Not bad for someone

who doesn't care. Right?



[HORSE SNORTS]





So I read my mom's note.

She actually used the

words 'second honeymoon'.

It's kinda sweet,

though, right?

Giving each other

a second chance.

What are you so angry about?

I'm not angry.

That hay begs to differ.

It just bothers me

that you actually think I let

your father go 'homeless'.

From the time I signed him

everyone said he was washed up.

Said he was a has-been.

For weeks, I'd be on the

phone with promoters trying

to convince them that he was the

one who could fill their rooms.

And guess what?

He wasn't.

Not at first.

I had to eat a lot of

crow in those days.

But I kept working, I kept

promoting, getting press.

First it was the old timers.

They remember his old tunes.

But then the radio picked

up his music again.

Carved out a whole new audience.

A loyal audience at that.

Skye, I care.

About your family.

And I care about you.



Thank you.

Yeah, you're welcome.

[HAPPY MUSIC BEGINS]

In the magic of December

[Harris V.O.] Being on

the road again with Meg

was like a dream I never

thought would come true.

But there was one more

stop on the tour.

I had a few more

things to make right.

I felt bad leaving

the kids in the dark.

But then again,

something was bound to

push those two together.

And that someone lets you in

In their heart

you are invited

Feels like coming home again

Light the tree

and make a memory

And raise a glass or two

This Christmas wish

Has brought me here to you

Light the tree

and make a memory

And raise a glass or two

This Christmas wish has

brought me here to you

[Harris]

Hey Oscar...

Been thinking about how to

make things right with Skye.

I was wondering...

If I were to quit the

road for awhile...

What would you do?

I'd go to that place that

Carmen and me have on

the coast in Mexico.

What would you do down there?

[LAUGHS]

Retire, Harris.

Retire?

You mean, like, when

people stop working?

That's when people like me

start spending those big

songwriting royalties,

and stop worrying

about life.

That sounds nice.

[Oscar] You're finally

tired of the road.

I get it.

Maybe there's more

to life, you know?

More than sleeping,

singing, and scratching?

More Meg.

More Skye.

More life.

You should try it.

At least for a while.

It's been a good

ride, hasn't it?

Yeah! [LAUGHS]

The best.

[APPLAUSE]

Umm...

I want y'all to do

something for me.

You remember it's

Christmas Eve, right?

Take that warm feeling

inside you right now.

Bring that feeling

home to your family.

Bring it to the one you need

to make things right with.

The one you love more than

anything else in the world.

[Harris]

Can y'all do that for me?

[CROWD CHEERS AND CLAPS]

Thank you.

Merry Christmas!

[APPLAUSE]





Well, that's the last stop.

Your rental car's waiting.

You going to drive this

baby all the way to Mexico?

[LAUGHS]

You're kidding me, right?

Once I drop this

off in Nashville,

Carmen is doing

all the driving.

I'm putting my feet

up for a change.

We're going to miss you.

[Oscar]

We'll miss you too.

We'll wait for you on the beach.

I'll build you a guesthouse.

We'll be there.

[Oscar]

You better be.

[Harris]

Megan Caroline Sanderson.

[Meg]

Harris Alfred Sanderson.

You are more beautiful now

than the day we met

at the county fair.

All these years on the road

I thought that was

the only life for me.

I told reporters I

didn't have a home.

It fit the image, you know.

But getting close

with you again...

You remembered

you have a home.

I remembered where my heart is.





Merry Christmas, sweetheart.





[RADIO TURNED ON]

[SONG ON RADIO PLAYING]

[HARRIS SINGS ALONG]

Country roads take me home

[PHONE RINGING]

[Harris V.O.] I finally

found my way home again.

[PHONE CONTINUES RINGING]

[Harris V.O.] But a big

part of Skye's journey

was just beginning.

[Tiffany]

Hey Skye.

Merry Christmas Eve!

[Skye]

Merry Christmas Eve!

Umm, any chance you have

something to drink nearby?

Will hot cocoa work?

[LAUGHS]

Yes!

Anything chocolate

definitely works.

We're celebrating my new job.

[SQUEALS WITH HAPPINESS]

[Skye]

That's amazing!

Who finally stepped up?

Viva? Strikers?

Alderson!

You've got to be kidding me!

Nope.

Kelly's chair is

really comfortable.

[LAUGHS]

I'm so happy for you!

You're going to take the

music world by storm!

Actually, I think you'll be

taking the music world by storm.

I want you to be

my first artist.

What do you think?

I don't think I'm ready.

[Skye]

I only play for small crowds

like tonight at my mom's

Christmas display.

Skye Sanderson! Stop

doubting your talent.

You were born ready.

Tiff...

I don't know what to say.

Say you'll help your best friend

launch her career

as a music exec.

[Tiffany]

Say you believe in me.

[Ryan]

You seem really chipper.

Good news?

Yeah, um, I wasn't

expecting this,

but my friend Tiffany

just got promoted

to head of

Alderson Records.

So she's better than Kelly Kain?

Am I right?

Yeah. Definitely.

And she's always been

my biggest supporter.

She wants to sign me

and she wants me to start

in the studio next week.

So you'll be gone next week?

You're going to do great!

The world needs to hear

that voice of yours.

Thank you, Ryan.

I got a little surprise.

Stay right there.



New addition to the

Christmas light display.

In honor of the most amazing

woman I've ever met.

[Ryan] And who has truly

lit up my heart.

You like?

I love it.

And I love you, Ryan Avery.

I love you, Skye Sanderson.

Thank you...

For getting my

family back together.

It was really a selfish act.

Why is that?

Because I plan on being

part of that family.

Are you sure you know

what you're getting into?

I got a pretty good idea. Yeah.

Well, a house ain't a home

without some music, right?

That's right!

[Harris V.O.]

Every year Meg sings

for the neighborhood

folks at Christmas.

But since the two of us skipped

out like a couple of runaways,

this year was up to Skye

to hold down the tradition.

And good ole Ryan,

he was there to help.

Not that outlet, Ryan!

[Ryan]

Oh yeah. Copy that!

Hey y'all.

How about that

Christmas light display?

[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]

So, there's someone who's

very important to me.

This song's for you Ryan.

[STARTS PLAYING GUITAR]



This year for Christmas

I don't need a thing

Just your love

My heart flutters

when you say my name

It's enough

I don't need no gifts

under my Christmas tree

All that I want is

you here with me

Just to hold for Christmas

You in my arms

It's where

you belong

Just to hold for Christmas

All that I need is

you here with me

[APPLAUSE]



[MESSAGE NOTIFICATION]

Tiff just texted me.

A video of my performance

tonight is going viral.

Yes it is!

Well I guess everyone likes

a little taste of home.

I feel lucky that I can being

some light into their lives.

[Ryan] I'm lucky that

you're in my life.

I never actually got

a full walk thru

of the Christmas

tree display.

You want to do me the honors?

After you!

[Ryan] I want to always be

by your side.



You're so beautiful.

I'm so happy right now.

I want you to be

happy every day.

So what would you say...

I'll partner up with Tiffany,

help manage your career.

I'd say that's sounds

too good to be true.

The label would still be

Alderson

and Focus Tone will

handle the management.

We can hammer out the

details, but it'll work.

I think that's genius.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.





[Harris V.O.] Things were coming

out pretty good

for the Sandersons.

But I needed one more thing

for Christmas.

Forgiveness.

[HARRIS SNIFFLES]

[Harris] It was your first

almost Christmas.

Your mother was so beautiful.

You made us wait a

whole another week.

[THEY BOTH LAUGH]

Good things take time, right?

[Harris]

Your Star of Bethlehem.

First grade art class.

I never knew a child could

love glitter so much.

I remember I got it all over my

hands, my clothes, the tour bus.

I never cared.

No, I didn't think you did.

You would just tell me to

be creative and get messy.

You got it all over the back

of my favorite guitar.

I like to see it there.

Keep you close.

I love you, Skye.

I made such a mess of things

because I just wanted you

to have a normal life.

But you didn't deserve

to feel rejected.

This Christmas, I still

had to come to you.

I hurt you so much

over the years.

How could I come back from that?

I told myself you're

better off without me.

But I'm not, though.

I'm really not.

Well, I'd like to spend every

Christmas with you from now on.

Me too.

[LAUGHING]

You're such a sap.

Ain't it amazing

How everything changes

Hearts just seem

to be more tender

[Harris V.O.]

Listen to your loved ones.

If you can.

Learn from my

stubborn mistakes.

No matter how far you stray,

you can always come back home.

Somewhere with

the ones you love

[Harris V.O.]

Merry Christmas.

Loving the ones you're with

I'll tell you what it is

It must be Christmas

That candlelight service

Where we all sing

Silent Night

About a baby in a manger

Puts a tear drop in your eye

As you stand so close

To what matters most

Ain't it amazing

How everything changes

Hearts just seem

to be more tender

'Round about mid-December

Yeah you get the good stuff

'Cause you always wind up

Somewhere with the ones you

love

Loving the ones you're with

I'll tell you what it is

It must be Christmas

It must be Christmas

It must be Christmas