Christmas That Almost Wasn't, The (1966)

[bunniefuu]

(upbeat music)

♪ There once was a Christmas
that almost wasn't ♪

♪ Almost wasn't

♪ Almost wasn't

♪ There once was a Christmas
that almost wasn't ♪

♪ Because of a man named Prune

♪ Now Prune was a man
who jolly wasn't ♪

♪ Sweet wasn't

♪ Merry wasn't

♪ Oh, Prune was man
who just wasn't ♪

♪ A very nice man at all

♪ Prune, Prune was his name

♪ He was a man
who had no shame ♪

♪ Prune, Prune was his name

♪ If there is no
Christmas he's to blame ♪

♪ He tried to
stopped Christmas ♪

♪ We wished he wouldn't

♪ We thought he couldn't

♪ He knew he shouldn't

♪ He tried to stop Christmas

♪ But Santa wouldn't
let him have his way ♪

♪ Though Prune did his worst

♪ Santa worried wasn't

♪ Scared wasn't

♪ Conquered wasn't

♪ Though Prune did his worst

♪ His best it wasn't

♪ Enough to stop Christmas Day

♪ Prune, Prune was his name

♪ He was a man
who had no shame ♪

♪ Prune, Prune was his name

♪ If there is no
Christmas he's to blame ♪

♪ So there once was a
Christmas that almost wasn't ♪

♪ Almost wasn't

♪ Almost wasn't

♪ There once was a Christmas
that almost wasn't ♪

♪ Because of a man named Prune

- [Singer] Um,
Phineas T that is.

Prune.

(gentle upbeat music)

- Where's the snow you
promised us Mr. Whipple?

- Well, a person can be wrong.

It's sure to snow by Christmas.

- Yeah, but you
promised us snow today.

- Huh?

Well so I did.

Well, here maybe this'll
hold you for awhile.

- [Kids] Yay!

(kids applauding)

- Now, where do we start?

Come on everybody, pitch in.

That tree's too
big for one fellow.

All right, here we go.

Up the ladder!

Up, up, up, up, up, up, up,
up, up, up, up, up, up, up, up!

I tell you something,
when we're finished

with this tree it's going to be

the most beautiful tree
in the whole wide world.

Careful now, first one
to drop one's a monkey.

(kids laughing)

Now, how does that look?

- Looks fine Mr.
Whipple but the way

you're fastening
everything down you must

be expecting Christmas to
last the whole year 'round.

- Imagine, Christmas
in springtime.

Wouldn't the Easter
Bunny be surprised?

- Hey Mr. Whipple, how 'bout
Christmas in summertime?

- Hm, not a bad idea.

Let's see.

Swimming in the afternoon,
fireworks at night.

You know something
Davey, the more I think

of your idea the
better I like it.

- But that wasn't my idea, I--

- All those in favor
of having Christmas

every day raise your
right hands and say I.

- [Kids] I!

- But that's
impossible Mr. Whipple.

Christmas is only
supposed to last one day.

- Well Davey, maybe
that's because nobody

ever thought of making
it last any longer.

♪ Why do people always
make the same mistake ♪

♪ Why do they let
Christmas slip away ♪

♪ What a lovely change

♪ If we could arrange

♪ For Christmas Day
to come and stay ♪

♪ And never ever go away

♪ Why can't everyday
be Christmas ♪

♪ Why can't everyday be g*y

♪ Why can't everyday
be Merry Christmas ♪

♪ Each and everyday

♪ No need to wait
until December ♪

♪ It's always Christmas
in your heart ♪

♪ Just as long as you remember

♪ Friends must never ever part

♪ So let each day
be Merry Christmas ♪

♪ Don't let that
feeling get away ♪

♪ Let's make each day
a Merry Christmas ♪

♪ And life a great big holiday

♪ Why can't everyday
be Christmas ♪

♪ Why can't everyday be g*y

♪ Why can't everyday
be Merry Christmas ♪

♪ Each and every day

(kids chattering)
(upbeat gentle music)

(Mr. Whipple whistling)

- Mr. Whipple?

(Mr. Whipple whistling)

Mr. Sam Whipple?

- Hm?

That's me all right.

Oh Sir, would you mind
handing me that ball?

Thank you, Sir (whistling).

I must be seeing things.

Excuse me Sir, I hope
you're not gonna laugh

at me but if I didn't
know any better

I'd say you was Santa Claus.

You certainly look like him.

- I am Santa Claus
and I'm not laughing.

- That's what I thought.

I'd have recognized
you sooner if

it hadn't been for that
sad look on your face.

Wait a minute.

Wait a minute.

If you are Santa what
are you doing here?

You're early.

Aren't you supposed to be
up at the North Pole getting

the presents ready
for the children?

- Christmas is not
coming this year.

- What?

Not coming?

Who's gonna stop it from coming?

- Mr. Phineas T. Prune and he's

just the fellow
who can do it too.

- Did you say Prune?

Phineas T. Prune,
the multi zillionaire

with the pickle face who lives

in that big grouchy
house over there?

But why?

What's got into him so suddenly?

- It isn't sudden at all.

He's been out to ruin
me and stop Christmas

for many a long year now.

- Why should he do
a thing like that?

There's got to be a reason.

- Children.

He doesn't like children.

He wants me to stop giving
presents to children.

- Santa, you couldn't do that.

- Oh, you know me better
than that Mr. Whipple.

Besides, if I stop giving
presents to children,

there'd be no reason for
me at all would there?

But this time he's got me.

I'm licked for sure.

- Oh come on Santa,
don't talk like that.

- [Jim] Good evening Counselor.

- Oh, good evening Jim.

- Well, the town certainly
look Christmas-y doesn't it?

- Yes, it certainly does.

(Jim chuckles)

- I'm going off duty now.

I'm going home to
help the kids write

their letters to Santa Claus.

Would you like them to
send Santa your regards?

- Yes, you do that Jim.

We're old friends Santa and I.

Good night.

Good night, Jim.

- Goodnight.

- Come on Santa, let's talk
this over in my office.

We wouldn't want people
seeing you around this early.

- He called you Counselor, Sam.

Are you a lawyer or something?

- That's me, Sam Whipple,
Counselor and Attorney at Law.

Now tell me, what's
our pickle faced friend

got up his sleeve this year?

- Well, years ago the Eskimos

very generously gave Mrs. Santa

and myself some land up at
the North Pole rent free.

But then last year,
Mr. Prune came up

and bought the whole North Pole,

including our
little plot of land.

- You mean he's
your landlord now?

- That's it Sam,
that's it exactly.

And I owe him a year's rent

and we haven't got
the money to pay it.

- Oh, I see.

So it's either you pay
the rent, or out you go?

- Oh, I wouldn't mind that.

Mrs. Santa and I
could manage somehow.

- Sit down, sit down.

- Thank you.

It's the toys.
(chair creaking)

- Oh, I'm sorry!

- It's the toys you see.

The Christmas presents
I'm worried about.

If we don't pay
him then Mr. Prune

will take all the
presents as payment.

- So that's his scheme.

No presents, no happy children,

no happy anyone, no Christmas.

Nice fella Mr. Prune.

(chair creaking)

(Sam chuckles)
(Santa grunts)

I'm sorry.

Here, use my chair.

- Thank you.

(chair creaking)

- When's the rent due Santa?

- Christmas Eve at midnight.

- Doesn't leave you
much time does it?

- That's why I came all the
way down here to find you.

- Why me?

I'm nobody special.

- Years ago when you
were a little boy,

you wrote me a letter.

- So did a million
other children.

- That's very true,
but you see Sam,

you're the only child who wrote
me a letter after Christmas.

You spelled thank
you with two K's.

(Sam laughs)

- I did?

You know I'd forgotten
about that (chuckles).

- Well, I didn't forget.

You even put in a P.S.

- "Dear Santa,

"If you ever need anything
please call on yours truly.

"Samuel Whipple, Esquire."

- Well Sam, I'm calling on
you now if you don't mind.

I'm in trouble.

- How much do you owe Santa?

- Oh, no I couldn't.

- Now, now, now, come on Santa.

I'm a lawyer and lawyers
don't like to lose arguments.

How much?

- Well, here's the rent bill.

(bill rustling)

(Sam whistles)

- That much?

Hm.

(Sam whistling)

(Sam chuckles)

Hm.

Now don't get me wrong Santa,
I'm really a good lawyer.

I just keep forgetting
to send out bills.

(door clinks)

I'm sorry Santa
but I'm afraid it's

a little too steep for me.

We're going over to
have a little chat

with Mr. Prune and tell
him a thing or two.

- You'll never
get in to see him.

- Oh, I'll get in all right.

I'd like to see him stop me.

Come on.

Don't you worry about a thing.

(dog barking)

Nice, nice, nice doggy!

(Sam knocking)
(dog barking)

(locks clinking)
(dog barking)

Good evening Mr. Prune.

You're not Mr. Prune are you?

- No.

- Uh, yes I see.

Well, nice evening isn't it?

- Well, don't just stand there.

State your business.

- Business?

Oh yes, of course
uh, Mr. S. Claus

and Mr. S. Whipple
to see Mr. P. Prune.

- He's not in.

- But I--
- He's not in.

- Well--
- I said he's not in.

- Why isn't he in?

- Because (sniffles), he's out.

(dog barking)

- Santa, we're just gonna sit

right here and
wait for Mr. Prune.

(Santa sputters)
(dog barking)

Oh.

Even if it takes all night.

- We'd better wait at my house.

- Your house?

- That's where he
shows up every evening

at suppertime to ask
for the rent money.

He says it gives him
the greatest pleasure

to spoil our appetites.

- Well then Santa, come on!

Let's head for the North Pole.

- Oh, I do wish
Santa would come.

I'm so worried.

(gentle music)

But I really mustn't
worry must I?

Santa said not to worry.

♪ La la la la la la la la la
la la la la la la la la la ♪

♪ La la la la la la la la
la la la la la la la la ♪

♪ Da da da da da da da da

♪ La la la la la
la la la la la ♪

♪ La la la la la la la
la la la la la la la la ♪

Not a sound.

Not one single solitary sound.

(playful music)

(gentle music)

Well, I declare, I really
must declare, not a lick.

Not a stitch of work being done.

What will Santa think?

- What's the use of making toys

if Mr. Prune is
gonna get 'em all?

- Ah, so that's it.

Now don't you worry
your dear little heads.

Santa's gone to see
a friend about that.

Everything's going
to be all right.

Don't you fret.

Come on now, back
to work everybody.

Just keep saying to yourself...

♪ Christmas is coming

♪ Christmas is coming

♪ Christmas is coming

♪ Twill soon be here

♪ Christmas is coming

♪ Christmas is coming

♪ Christmas Day, it
will soon be here ♪

Good boys.

(upbeat music)

♪ Helter, skelter,
hustle, bustle ♪

♪ Hurry, scurry, hippety-hop

♪ And never shilly
shally dilly dally ♪

♪ Fiddle faddle, flippety flop

- But supposing
Christmas doesn't come?

♪ Shilly, shally, dilly, dally

♪ Fiddle, faddle,
flippety, flop ♪

♪ Why should we helter,
skelter, hustle, bustle ♪

♪ Hurry, scurry, hippety-hop

- But Christmas will come.

(upbeat music)

(sleigh grinding)

Santa's home.

- Let me give you a hand.

We'll get you warmed
up quickly enough.

(sleigh bells ringing)
(wind howling)

- That was quite a ride.

I'm still not sure I believe it.

- Just a short hop.

I do it all the time.

Fun isn't it?

- Uh huh, great fun.

(Santa knocking)
(wind howling)

- Oh Santa, you did it again.

How many times do I have to tell

you not to come down so fast?

- Now, now Mother.

We have a guest.

This is Sam Whipple and
Mother, he's a lawyer.

- Oh good.

- This is a great

pleasure Mrs. Claus.
- My pleasure.

Why the poor young
man is frozen.

Oh the poor dear.

Santa, aren't you
ashamed of yourself?

Dragging Mr. Whipple
up to the North Pole

without so much as a fur coat?

- [Santa] But Mother I--

- Oh, declare you
men are all children.

Everyone of you.

Put my shawl around you.

A nice cup of tea will
fix you up just fine.

- Thank you.

(fire crackling)

- My Santa, such a
fine looking gentlemen.

Reminds me of you when
you were young (laughs).

(Santa laughs)

- You flatter me Mrs. Claus.

- Santa, I haven't heard
you laugh in ever so long.

Does that mean that everything
is going to be all right?

Christmas really is coming?

Oh, I'm so glad.

- Now, now Mother, not so fast.

We hope so but
we're not sure yet.

Sam here will speak to Mr. Pune,

and then we shall see.

- Now that's the best cup
of tea I have ever tasted.

All right Mr. Prune wherever
you are, I'm ready for you now.

(Santa's helpers cheering)

- Gouda.

- Oh you naughty scamps.

Skat, skat.

(playful music)

(head thuds)

(playful music)

- By the way,
where is Mr. Prune?

I thought he'd be here by now.

- Probably waiting outside
for us to start supper.

I'll show you.

Well, Mother, is supper ready?

- [Mrs. Claus] Piping
hot and ready to serve.

- Psst, Mother I repeat.

Well Mother, is dinner ready?

- Piping hot and ready to serve.

(Mr. Prune knocking)

- [Santa] What did I tell you?

He just loves to
spoil our suppertime.

- Well I'm ready
for him if you are.

- Good luck Sam, dear.

Come in Mr. Prune.

(wind howling)

What a surprise.

- Greetings (chuckles),
from an old friend.

- Oh, Mr. Prune
you've done it again.

- What?

What have I done?

- Gone out into this cold
weather without your galoshes.

What you need Mr. Prune is
someone to take care of you.

- Nonsense!

Poppycock.

- Ah, men are such children.

- Children!

Oh, that word.

I feel faint.

Madam, I shall hold you
personally responsible

if I have bad dreams tonight.

- Mr. Prune, isn't
that rather childish?

- Please!

Please!

Please.

Have you ever tried to go

to sleep counting children
jumping over a fence?

Yes, children.

Children, kids, children.

(door latches)
(pensive music)

I've been running away
from children all my life.

(door latches)
(pensive music)

From one country to another
and you can't escape them.

The world is full of children.

(Mr. Prune groans)

♪ Life I just one
great frustration ♪

♪ When I see all
through the nation ♪

♪ Children spoiled
by adulation ♪

♪ Why won't someone
spoil me too ♪

♪ How I view with indignation

♪ Doting parents adoration

♪ Of their children's
conversation ♪

♪ No one says I'm clever too

♪ It is really most upsetting

♪ To see people always petting

♪ Children who are
always getting ♪

♪ In my hair

♪ They're everywhere

♪ It isn't fair

♪ Kids get all the breaks

♪ They never do a thing

♪ But everybody always
sings their praises ♪

♪ Kids get all the breaks

♪ Oh, for heaven's sakes

♪ I'd rather they would
all go to blazes ♪

♪ Kids get all the breaks

♪ No matter what they say

♪ They're always told
their eloquence amazes ♪

♪ Kids get all the breaks

♪ Oh, the little fakes

♪ With pretty please

♪ Doo-doo, goo-goo

♪ And all the silly faces

♪ Kids live a life of ease

♪ Grownups tremble
when they sneeze ♪

♪ I tell you kids have
got me in a stew ♪

♪ Why don't they grow up

♪ And fend for themselves

♪ The way we
grownups have to do ♪

♪ Kids get all the breaks

♪ They're just a
bunch of fakes ♪

♪ Please understand I
know what I am saying ♪

♪ Kids get all the breaks

♪ I say they're all mistakes

♪ For which we grownups
have to keep on paying ♪

♪ And paying, and paying

♪ The price we grownups
have to keep on paying ♪

- Poor, poor Mr. Prune.

You're all upset.

Now, you sit down and we'll have

a nice cup of tea to
quiet your nerves.

- Madam, I'll thank you to
keep your kindness to yourself.

Now then to business.

Have you got the
money for the rent?

- But Mr. Prune,
it isn't time yet.

- Don't quibble.

Very well then, when
will you have the money?

- [Sam] Mr. Prune, I want to--

- Oh, this is Mr. Sam
Whipple, our lawyer.

- Thank you, Santa.

Now then Mr. Prune--

- Lawyer, huh?

(Mr. Prune chuckles)

I've never met a lawyer
I couldn't handle.

- Now see here Mr. Prune--

- Haven't I seen
you around town?

What's your name again?

Uh, Ripple, Dripple,
Whiffle, Phiffle?

- Whipple!

Now see here Mr. Prune.

- You are waiting
your time, Sir.

I've got my legal
rights, I have.

The North Pole belongs to
me lock, stock, barrel.

Full of bears, walruses and ice.

It's mine.

Mine.

I bought it.

And Ordinance Number 614

of the Housing Code
says and I quote,

"If tenants do not
pay their rent money,

"landlord shall have the right

"to take possession of
all their possessions

"in full payment
and furthermore--"

- And furthermore Mr.
Prune you're going

to sit right down in that
chair and listen for a change.

(Santa's helpers cheering)

- Shh, shh!

- Silence!
(gavel banging)

Silence, silence, silence!

(gavel thuds)

- Money.

Money.

Money, that's all this
man seems to think about.

Mr. Phineas T. Prune.

Thinks money, talks money,
eats money, smells money.

Mr. Phineas middle
initial T. Prune!

That T wouldn't stand for
tightwad by any chance would it?

- I object!

- Objection overruled.

- [Santa's Helpers] Hurrah!

- Silence, silence!

(gavel banging)

Silence!

- All right Mr. Prune.

What were you going to say?

- You can't call me a tightwad.

I am no miser.

Money doesn't mean
a thing to me.

I just don't like to
waste it, that's all.

What are you driving at anyway?

- Just this Mr. Prune.

If money means so little to you,

then why insist that these dear,

good, sweet people
pay the rent when

you know they have no money?

And if you throw them out of
this house, where will they go?

What will they do?

And if they catch cold,

will that mean anymore
money in your pockets?

No Mr. Prune.

I still insist that T
must stand for tightwad.

- No it doesn't.

- [Santa's Helpers] Yes it does!

- No it doesn't.

- [Santa's Helpers] Yes it does!

- No it doesn't!

- Very well then, prove it.

- Yes, but I must
have time to think.

- Take all the time you need.

(playful music)

- I've got it!

- Silence--
- Shh!

- Mr. Claus, I don't
want you to think

that I have anything
against you personally.

Far from it.

You never harmed me.

Why should I want to harm you?

And all for a few
measly dollars.

How ridiculous.

Mr. Whipple's eloquence
touched me deeply right here.

- Oh, what a sweet man you are.

- Madam, I'll thank you to keep

your compliments to yourself.

Now where was I when I
was so rudely interrupted?

- Something touched you here.

- Oh, yes.

I am deeply touched here.

Therefore I have decided,

that you do not have
to pay me the rent.

Not one single solitary penny.

- [Santa's Helper] Hooray!

- But there is one
condition Mr. Claus.

- Name it Mr. Prune, name it.

It's done.

- You must promise never again

to give Christmas
presents to children.

Well, now that's settled I'll
bid you all a good evening.

- Wait, just a moment Mr. Prune.

I can't make that promise.

I won't stop giving Christmas
presents to children.

I don't want to.

- Then out into the
freezing cold you will go.

Oh, come now Mr. Claus.

Don't you think you are
taking all this too seriously?

You would give up this snug,

warm, cozy little
house for children?

Children?

What do they ever
give you in return?

- Love.

- Ah.
- That's what Christmas

is all about Mr. Prune.

- But you keep
spoiling the brats.

Giving, giving, giving.

- So that someday Mr. Prune
they'll learn to give too.

- Ah, poppycock.

Bosh, twaddle and bah.

Well?

You are his lawyer.

Tell him he's a
stubborn old fool.

- Well, I happen to disagree.

I think he's kind of nice.

But as for you Mr. Prune I think

you are just about the
meanest man I have ever met.

- Do you really?

Oh, thank you, thank
you very much indeed.

It's very kind of you to say so.

I pride myself on my meanness.

♪ Oh

♪ I am good, I'm very good

♪ I'm good at being bad

♪ Don't be surprised

♪ Just realize all the
practice I have had ♪

♪ I suppose I could
be very good ♪

♪ But that would make me sad

♪ Right from the first

♪ I've been the worst

♪ A super naughty lad

♪ How bad

♪ So bad

♪ Not good

♪ Just bad

♪ How sad

♪ I'm glad

♪ I'm glad you're sad I'm bad

♪ I'm glad you're here

♪ So glad to have some company

♪ It's sad but I am scared
to be alone with me ♪

♪ When I look into a mirror

♪ I just cover my eyes

♪ I can't stand
the sight of me ♪

♪ You're bad

♪ I'm glad

♪ Not good

♪ But bad

♪ How sad

♪ I'm glad

♪ I'm glad you're sad I'm bad

♪ Had

♪ Who

♪ You

♪ True

♪ Sad

♪ Glad

♪ I'm glad

♪ I'm glad

♪ I am bad

- Please Mr. Prune, don't
take Christmas away from us.

Think of what this will
do to the children.

It will break their hearts.

- Good.

Good.

- Mr. Prune, weren't you
ever a child yourself?

(Mr. Prune choking)

- Really?

I didn't come to this
house to be insulted!

- I'm sorry Mr. Prune but
it's time we faced facts.

You must've been a child.

- Please!

- Don't you see, you
just had to be a child.

- Never!

- [Santa's Helpers]
Never, never, never!

- Never!

Why, prove it.

I dare you to prove it.

Nobody can prove it.

And now I think I've waisted
enough valuable time.

Either you have the money

by midnight December
24th or no Christmas!

(pensive music)
(wind howling)

(cane clattering)

(ominous playful music)
(wind howling)

- I wonder why that poor man

wouldn't admit he
ever was a child.

- Yes, that did seem funny.

Wait a minute, I think you've

got something there Mrs. Santa.

Mr. Prune is hiding something.

But what?

Now, if we could only prove
that he was a child once,

I've got a hunch we could make
him see things differently.

But how could we do that?

- Wait a minute,
maybe I can help.

You know of course
I keep a record

of every child that ever was.

Why didn't I think
of that before?

Jonathan?

- Yes Santa?

- Can you remember
anything about

a child named Phineas Prune?

- Prune?

Phineas Prune?

Hm.

Oh, him!

Hm, no.

- Phineas T. Prune.

Does that help?

- Hm, hm.

Prune, Phineas T. Prune?

Doesn't strike a spark somehow.

- Well, you look him
up in your records.

There can't be too many
Prune's in this world.

- How do you spell it?

- P-R-U-N-E.

- That's what I though, Prune.

All right men, let's
get the books down

and look for a Prune.
- Hurrah!

(playful music)

♪ If Christmas came in June

♪ We'd say good afternoon

♪ We don't care if
it all makes sense ♪

♪ The name of the
song is Prune ♪

♪ Prune, Prune, Prune, Prune

♪ Prune, spoon, moon, June

♪ Prune, Prune, Prune, spoon

- [Apricot] Apricot?

- No, Prune!

♪ We had a pet raccoon

♪ Ate donuts with a spoon

♪ We don't care if
it all makes sense ♪

♪ The name of the
song is Prune ♪

♪ Prune, Prune, Prune, Prune

♪ Prune, spoon, moon, June

♪ Prune, Prune, Prune, spoon

- Lemon?

- [Jonathan] No, Prune.

♪ There was a big baboon

♪ Who never sang in tune

♪ We don't care if
it all makes sense ♪

♪ The name of the
song is Prune ♪

♪ Prune, Prune, Prune, Prune

♪ Croon, spoon, moon

♪ June, Prune,
croon, Prune, spoon ♪

- Crab apple?

- No, Prune!

♪ We blew up a balloon

♪ It turned into the moon

♪ We don't care if
it all makes sense ♪

♪ The name of the
song is Prune ♪

♪ Prune, Prune, Prune, Prune

♪ Croon, spoon, moon, June

♪ Prune, croon, Prune, spoon

- [Spinach] Spinach?

- No, I told you Prune!

Prune, Prune, Prune,
Prune, Prune, Prune.

- Now you mustn't get
your hopes up too high.

It may take Jonathan
days, weeks,

even months to find anything.

And even if he does it
may not do any good.

So, I figured out a plan
which may just do the trick.

Santa, you and I are
going to go to work.

We're going to find us a job,

and earn the money
to pay the rent.

Come on!

(wind howling)
(playful music)

- Keep working, I'll
get some tea for you.

(playful music)

A job?

Who would ever hire Santa Claus?

(playful music)

- [Sam] I'm looking for a job.

- [Mr. Prim] I'm
sorry young man,

but there are no positions
available at this time.

- [Sam] But Sir, won't
you let me explain?

You see, I have...

(playful music)

- [Mr. Prim] No!

- [Sam] But Sir, you
don't understand.

My friend and I...

(playful music)

- [Mr. Prim] Now stay
out and don't come back.

- No Mr. Prim.

I'm not gonna let you miss
the opportunity of a lifetime.

It wouldn't be fair to you.

Please, please give
me just one moment.

Just one little moment.

- All right, but hurry.

(gentle music)

Oh, my.

(gentle music)

Turn around, turn
around my good man.

That's right.

- I don't understand.

- Let me do the talking.

- It's remarkable.

It's truly remarkable.

Why, he looks just
like Santa Claus.

(Sam chuckles)

Your own?

- But I am Santa--

- Yes, it is a remarkable
coincidence isn't it Mr. Prim?

- Incredible.

Congratulations my
dear man, you're hired.

- But Sam,

I still don't understand.
- Ah, ah, ah, oh,

this is Mr. Prim.

He owns this department store,

Prim's Department Store.
- How do you do, Sir?

- And my name is Sam Whipple.

- Yes, yes, of course.

Let me see.

Now if I understand
this plan correctly,

if the parents wish their
children to meet Santa Claus,

they are to bring them here
to Prim's Department Store.

A mild deception of course since

we know there really
is no Santa Claus.

- [Sam] What?

- My dear young man your idea
is positively revolutionary.

Why, if it works, if it works,

our toy department will
sell more toys than all

the other stores put together.

And this gentlemen, Santa,

I hope you don't mind
my calling you that.

- Well, of course not.

I am Santa.

- Is he going to be all right?

I mean to say he really
seems to be suffering

from some sort of hallucination.

- No, he's just living
the part you might say.

- Oh, an unemployed actor.

Well, as I was uh,
saying, you Sir,

you'll be sitting a throne.

Oh, we'll get something
from somewhere

and then you'll speak
to the children, yes?

And you'll ask them their age

and so on and--
- You mean you call that

a job just being myself?

- That's right Santa and
you get paid for it too.

- Enough to pay the rent?

- Well, no but perhaps Mr. Prim

can find a job for
me too and between us

we can make enough
to pay the rent.

- Is he going to make you
president of the store?

- No, janitor.

- Janitor?

- That's right my boy.

Start at the bottom,
that's my motto.

- Now, how shall I make my
spectacular announcement?

(fingers snapping)
(upbeat music)

I've got it.

All right men.

Haul it up.

Heave!

Heave!

(upbeat music)

I can hardly wait to see Mr.
Macy's face when he sees that.

Matter of fact I think I'll go
over and tell him right now.

All right gentlemen, busy
little bees, busy little bees.

Good morning.

- [Woman] Morning.

(upbeat music)

- Late as usual.

- Sorry Mr. Prim.

(upbeat music)

- Morning.

- Morning.

- Come on Santa, we
gotta get to work.

(upbeat music)

Look, you're throne has come.

You'd better practice before
the kids come rushing in.

- Practice?

Me practice?

(Santa laughs)

(gentle music)

I know children like a book.

I've lost count of
all the children

I've seen fast
asleep in their beds.

That funny little smile

on their faces while
they're dreaming.

The way they curl
themselves around a pillow,

the way they sing to themselves.

- But Santa, these children
aren't going to be asleep.

They'll be wide awake.

- Awake?

- Why, Santa what's the matter?

- Awake.

Awake did you say?

- (chuckles) Santa,
you're blushing.

- You see, the fact
of the matter is,

in all my years I've never seen
on single child wide awake.

They've always been fast asleep.

- Well, what do you know?

- You can't go around
waking up children

in the middle of the night.

May I tell you something?

♪ I have been around the world

♪ More times than
you can count ♪

♪ And do you know that
I have yet to see ♪

♪ A child who's wide awake

♪ I wish that for my sake

♪ Just once they'd stay awake

♪ Just long enough
to say hello to me ♪

♪ I know that parents say
Santa Claus will stay away ♪

♪ If children are not
fast asleep in bed ♪

♪ I wish they'd break the rule

♪ On Christmas
there's no school ♪

♪ Why can't all children
stay up late instead ♪

♪ What are children like
when they're wide awake ♪

♪ Are they just as
nice as can be ♪

♪ Are they always as polite

♪ With their faces
scrubbed bright ♪

♪ The way all children
are when they're asleep ♪

♪ What are children like

♪ When they're wide awake

♪ It's always been
a puzzle to me ♪

♪ Do they always wear a smile

♪ Mind their manners
all the while ♪

♪ The way all children
do when they're asleep ♪

♪ Some people say
children are good ♪

♪ Only when they're
fast asleep ♪

♪ I must confess
it's only a guess ♪

♪ They're just as good
when they're wide awake ♪

♪ As when they're fast asleep

♪ What are children like
when they're wide awake ♪

♪ I think they're just
the same as you and me ♪

♪ Some days they
get in trouble ♪

♪ And on other
days they bubble ♪

♪ And that's the way I
think it ought to be ♪

♪ And that's the way I
think it ought to be ♪

Sam, Sam?

I can't face them.

- Santa, Santa wait, wait!

Where do you think you're going?

- Out.

- But Santa wait a minute.

What will Mr. Prim say?

What will everybody say?

That Santa Claus is
scared of children?

No, no, no.

This is no time to quit.

If you lose your job you'll
never be able to pay the rent.

Oh, come on Santa.

Wide awake or fast asleep
they're still children.

- But what do I do?

What do I say?

- Just act natural.

Ask the children if
they've behaved themselves.

Ask what they would
like for Christmas.

Then every once
in awhile throw in

a couple of h*, h*, h*'s just
to show how jolly you are.

- Oh, well that
sounds easy enough.

- Come on, I'll show you.

Ready?

How old are you my boy?

- How old are you my boy?

- No, no, no.

How old are you my boy?

- How old are you my boy?

- That's better.

Now,

h*, h*, h*.

- h*, h*, h*.

- No, no, no.

No, no, no, no, no.

For children, your h*, h*, h*'s
have got to be lots bigger.

h*, h*, h*, h*,
h*, h*, h*, h*, h*.

h*, h*, h*, h*, h*, h*,

h*, h*, h*, h*, h*.
- h*, h*, h*, h*.

(Sam laughing)
(Santa laughing)

- Now,

and have you been a good girl?

- And have you been a good girl?

(Sam laughs)
(Santa laughs)

- And what would you
like for Christmas?

- And what would you
like for Christmas?

(Santa laughing)

Oh, hey Sam this is fun.

(Santa laughing)
(Sam laughing)

(Sam gasps)

- Oh dear, I hope I
haven't broken it.

This would be a fine
time to lose my job.

- Here, you better
let me handle this.

There's nothing about
toys that I don't know.

That's it.

(toy chiming)

Say, Mr. Prim has quite

a respectable
collection of toys here.

You don't suppose he'd mind
if I tried a few of 'em?

(gentle music)

(hooves clomping)
(gentle music)

(Santa laughing)
(Sam laughing)

- Whoops!

(Santa laughing)
(Sam laughing)

(gentle music)
(toys whirring)

(bell clinking)
(men laughing)

(upbeat music)

- [Shopkeeper] Just
a moment please.

- Oh!

(gentle music)

- Grownups playing with toys.

- Well, that's not
the sort of service

I expected at Prim's
Department Store.

(upbeat music)

- Come on Santa,
let's go to work.

(gentle music)

- Please.

(children chattering)
(upbeat music)

- Mama, it's really Santa Claus.

- And how are

you my girl?
- And how are you my girl?

- I'm fine Santa.

Don't you know my name?

- Of course.

Let me see now.

Your name is Suzy.

- Mama, he knows my name.

- Darling, darling, don't
pull the gentleman's beard.

It might come off.

- Oh no, Mama.

It's real.

- May I?
- Please.

(woman gasps)

- Imagine Mr. Prim going to all

that trouble to find an
old man with a real beard.

I declare, really what
will they think of next?

Santa Claus in a
department store.

Well, of course you realize this

could only happen
in a large city.

Now, we come from a small town,

and I keep telling my husband...

(playful music)

But just you wait til
I tell him about this.

A real honest to
goodness Santa Claus

and in a department store.

(shoppers chattering)

- This is what I want.

- My dear Sir, you certainly
do understand children.

(gentle music)

- Blossom!

Blossom!

Blossom!

Blossom!

(ominous music)

Blossom?

- [Blossom] Yes, Sir?

- Blossom, do you
know what he's done?

- Who Sir?

- Santa Claus you fool!

Do you know what he's done?

- Not until you tell me Sir.

(Mr. Prune groans)

- He's found a job.

- Doing what Sir?

- Making children happy.

- [Blossom] Oh, horrible Sir.

- Blossom, I must think.

I must think.

I must think.

I must think.

- Don't you think
you ought to leave

that sort of thing to me Sir?

- Blossom, I am perfectly
capable of thinking for myself.

Where is my book?

Hm.

(ominous playful music)

Hm.

(ominous playful music)

Hm.

(ominous playful music)

Hm.

(ominous playful music)

Hm.

(ominous playful music)

Blossom he must be stopped!

- Calmly does it Sir.

- If he makes enough money
to pay the rent I'm ruined.

I am ruined!

(Mr. Prune sobbing)

- [Blossom] Here Sir, a sip of
this will soothe your nerves.

(Mr. Prune's hand thudding)

- No.

- [Blossom] Please Sir.

- No.

- [Blossom] Please Sir.

- No.

Please Sir.
- No.

- [Blossom] Sir!

- No.

But it...

(Mr. Prune grimaces)

How can you be so calm?

- Because I have a plan Sir.

(upbeat music)

(Blossom whispering)
(upbeat music)

- Good!

Good.

Good.

(Blossom whispering)

Good!

(gentle music)

(ominous playful music)

- Blah!

(Mr. Prune grimaces)
(playful music)

Blah!

(ominous playful music)

- Blossom!

- Yes Sir?

- The chair.

- [Boy] Blah!

- Ah, oo!

Blossom!

(playful music)

(Blossom whispering)

Mm hm.

(playful music)

(gentle music)

(air hissing)

(ominous playful music)

(Mr. Prune spitting)

- Oh!

(ominous playful music)

- Ready?

- Yes Sir.

(balloon bursting)

(Mr. Prune gasps)

(gentle music)

(ominous playful music)
(air puffing)

(Mr. Prune gasping)
(playful music)

(gentle music)

(ominous playful music)

- Oh!

(playful music)

(fire crackling)

Think of something,
think of something,

think of something,
think of something,

think of something,
think of something!

- Oh.

(Mr. Prune sighs)

- I'll think of something.

Think of something,
think of something,

think of something,
think of something,

think of something, think of
something, think of something.

- What Sir?

- Mm.

(Mr. Prune sighs)
(fire crackling)

- I've though of something.

Thought of something,
thought of something,

thought of something.

(Blossom whispering)

- Yes.

That is something.

That's something.

That's something.

That's something.

That's something.

That's something.

(upbeat music)

♪ The clock keeps
ticking away the hours ♪

♪ Four and 20 hours everyday

♪ My heart keeps adding
up all the hours ♪

♪ How much longer can it
be til Christmas Day ♪

♪ Got no time to be sorry

♪ Got no time to be sad

♪ Now's the time to be jolly

♪ Christmas comes and
ya gotta be glad ♪

♪ Christmas 'round the corner

♪ Hey, get busy

♪ Paint a smile upon
that sour face ♪

♪ Practice grinning til
your head turns dizzy ♪

♪ Or on Christmas Day you
will feel out of place ♪

♪ That's the time to be jolly

♪ That's the time to be g*y

♪ Not the time to be grumpy

♪ When that time
is Christmas Day ♪

♪ I just think of Christmas
and I grow ecstatic ♪

♪ I can hardly wait
for it to come along ♪

♪ My heart keeps jumping,
gets so acrobatic ♪

♪ And to while the time
away let's sing this song ♪

♪ Got no time to be sorry

♪ Got no time to be sad

♪ Now's the time to be jolly

♪ Christmas comes and
ya gotta be glad ♪

♪ Christmas comes and
ya gotta be glad ♪

♪ You gotta be glad

(shoppers chattering)

(kids chattering)

- Well, Santa December 23rd.

Just one more day to go and you

and Mrs. Santa will have
enough money to pay the rent.

And Merry Christmas to you too
Mr. Prune wherever you are.

- You know Sam,
speaking of Mr. Prune,

I wonder if Jonathan
found his name anywhere.

It must be somewhere
in one of those books.

(Jonathan snoring)

- Jonathan?

- Hm?

- Jonathan?

- Hm?

Pickles, popcorn!

- Tea.

- Oh.

Have you found it yet?

- I'm sorry Mrs. Santa.

We looked through
every single book

but still no sign of a Prune.

- Then you'll have to
start all over again.

It must be somewhere.

Do you realize it is
now December 24th?

It's Christmas Eve.

You must find it.

Nothing must stop
Christmas from coming.

- [Santa's Helpers]
But we're sleeping.

- No sleep until
you find that name.

Now come on everybody.

Prune, Prune, Prune.
- Prune, Prune, Prune, Prune,

Prune, Prune,
Prune, Prune, Prune.

- Goodnight Joe.

- [Joe] Night.

- Night Joe.

Merry Christmas.

- [Joe] Merry Christmas, Sam.

- Well Santa we've done it,
we've done it, we've done it

and as soon as Mr. Prim
pays us we'll be off.

- Well Sam, while we're waiting,

let's tidy up the place a bit.

- Good idea.

(boxes clattering)

Now how'd I do that?

- Spooks.

(boxes clattering)

- More spooks I guess.

(boxes clattering)

- [Santa] Sam, what's going on?

(objects clattering)

- My, my, my, aren't we
the industrious ones?

- Mr. Prune, what are you doing
in Prim's Department Store?

- Correction!

You mean Prune's
Department Store don't you?

Prune!

P-R-U-N-E.

(Mr. Prune tsking)

Oh (chuckles).

All those dear
little toys broken.

Mr. Claus, one will think I've
never handled toys before.

Now, let me see.

Your name is Billy (chuckles),

and have you been a good
little boy (chuckles)?

And how are you my
little girl (laughs)?

- And what would you like for--

- Oh!

And what would you like
for Christmas (laughs)?

- Just a moment.

Did you say your
department store?

- As of six o'clock this
evening it became mine.

All mine, signed,
sealed and delivered.

And now it is my great pleasure
to announce you are fired!

- Wait a minute.

What about our pay?

You're not going to try to
get out of that are you?

- My dear young man, how can
you even suggest such a thing?

Of course not.

No.

What's right is right.

Blossom.

- Oh, thank you Mr. Prune.

I'm afraid we've misjudged you.

- All right now Santa.

Pay him the rent.

- Please, please.

Just one moment.

What about these toys?

I'm not blaming you.

Of course I realize
it was an accident,

but look at my side of it.

I've been fair with
you, I paid you.

Now in turn you must
respect my rights.

According to my new regulation,

4211 and I quote, "An
employee shall always pay

"for broken merchandise
out of his own pocket."

Unquote.

Now let me see.

Dolls, two, windmill uh, four.

Horses, 700.

And that leaves you exactly one.

And now gentlemen, try and
pay the rent with that.

- Oh dear.

I'm sorry.

- Not at all my
dear, dear friend.

This will just about pay
for repairing the damage.

Gentlemen, this way out!

- All right Mr.
Phineas T. Prune,

but we're not licked yet.

There's still some
time before midnight.

Come on Santa, come on.

- At last, at last.

At last!

All these years I waited
and now victory's mine!

Do you hear that?

Victory's mine!

Mine!

Mine!

Mine!

And Merry Christmas
I don't think!

(Mr. Prune laughing)
(ominous music)

(upbeat music)

♪ I've got a date with Santa

♪ At half past Christmas time

♪ I've got a date with Santa

♪ We'll have a lovely time

♪ I've had my nap,
I'm feelin' great ♪

♪ My mom says I
can stay up late ♪

♪ I'm dressed up
in my very best ♪

♪ To meet my Merry
Christmas guest ♪

(footsteps thudding)

♪ I've got a date with Santa

♪ He's got a date with me

♪ I've got a gift for Santa

♪ And he'll have some for me

♪ He said he'd stay
and chat awhile ♪

♪ He's got the nicest
friendly smile ♪

♪ I've got a date with Santa

♪ At half past Christmas time

♪ I must try to stay awake

♪ He comes just once a year

♪ There's a speech
I want to make ♪

♪ I love you Santa dear

(footsteps thudding)

♪ I've got a date with Santa

♪ How lucky can you get

♪ I've got a date with Santa

♪ I hope he won't forget

♪ We're meeting at
my Christmas tree ♪

♪ 'Cause that's where
he said he would be ♪

♪ I've got a date with Santa

♪ At half past Christmas time

(footsteps thudding)
(wind whistling)

- What time is it Sam?

- 10 o'clock.

- Two more hours to go.

(footsteps thudding)
(wind whistling)

- I'm sorry Santa.

I've been racking my brains but

I still can't come up
with any bright ideas.

- Now, my boy you
mustn't blame yourself.

You did your best.

Nevermind.

Something will turn up.

- What?

I can't think of anything.

- A miracle perhaps?

I don't know of a better time

for a miracle then
on Christmas Eve.

(Charlie whistling)

- Merry Christmas Sirs.

- And a Merry Christmas to you.

You're out kind of
late aren't you?

- I know, but I've
got permission.

You see, trees are
always less expensive

if you pick 'em up
at the last minute.

You know something Mister?

You look kinda familiar.

I've seen you someplace before.

Would you mind stepping
closer to the lamppost?

Well of course.

No wonder.

Why, it's Santa Claus.

- Hello Charlie.

- You know my name too.

But wait a minute.

What are you doing here Santa?

You're not due for a
couple of hours yet.

- Well, I, that is...

- Hey Santa, are you all right?

This is no time to
be down in the dumps.

Christmas is coming (chuckles).

Imagine me telling Santa
Claus about Christmas.

- You're very kind my boy.

- Are you in trouble
or something?

- No, no, no, no, no.

No, no.

I'm all right, I'm all right.

- No, something's wrong.

I can feel it in my bones.

Come on Santa, tell me.

What's the trouble?

Well, do you know?

- [Sam] Mm hm.

- Well?

Come on.

Tell me.

- No Sam, please.

- I'm sorry Santa but
this is no time for pride.

(Sam whispering)
(wind whistling)

- Golly Santa.

You really are in trouble.

Boy.

This is an emergency.

We've got to do something.

And quick.

Hey, I've got a
quarter you can have.

Will that be enough?

No, I guess not.

Well, we better think fast.

Hey!

I've got it.

Why don't we ask all
the kids to chip in?

I'll bet they'd be glad to help.

- Oh, I couldn't allow that.

- Why not?

You've been doing thing
for us for a long time.

It's time we started
doing something for you.

What are friends for anyway?

Hey kids, wake up!

Hey kids, wake up!

Hey kids, do you hear me?

Wake up, wake up!

Do you hear me?

Listen kids, Santa
Claus is in a jam.

Got no time to explain but he
needs money to pay the rent,

so start diggin' in!

Do ya hear me?

Wake up, wake up!

Do you hear me?

Wake up!

Wake up kids, wake up!

Wake up!

Wake up!

Do ya hear me?

Wake up!

Hey kids, do you hear me?

Santa's in trouble.

Bring your pennies.

Do ya hear me?

Wake up!

Hurry up, come on.

Wake up.

Wake up!

Come on kids.

Wake up, do ya hear me?

Wake up!

Wake up kids, wake up.

Come on, do ya hear me?

Santa needs you.

He's in trouble.

Hurry up do ya hear me?

Wake up.

Do ya hear me?

Bring your pennies.

Wake up.

Come on kids, wake up.

Santa's in trouble.

He needs you.

Do ya hear me?

Wake up.

Come on kids.

Hurry up.

Wake up.

Santa's in trouble.

He needs you.

Bring your pennies.

Wake up.

Wake up, come on kids.

Wake up.

Santa needs you.

He's in trouble.

Come on.

Wake up.

Hurry.

Wake up, faster!

(gentle music)

♪ Santa Claus, Santa Claus

♪ Merry Christmas Santa Claus

♪ Children sing, ting-a-ling

♪ Lend a hand to Santa Claus

♪ Not much time

♪ Christmas time
is so very near ♪

♪ Bring your pennies
to Santa Claus ♪

♪ Let Christmas come this year

♪ Santa Claus, Santa Claus

♪ Merry Christmas Santa Claus

♪ Children sing, ting-a-ling

♪ Lend a hand to Santa Claus

♪ Santa Claus, Santa Claus
♪ Not much time

♪ Christmas time
is so very near ♪

♪ Bring your pennies
for Santa Claus ♪

♪ Let Christmas come this year

♪ Santa Claus, Santa Claus

♪ Merry Christmas Santa Claus
♪ Merry Christmas Eve

♪ Children sing ting-a-ling
♪ Lend a hand to Santa Claus

♪ Lend a hand to Santa Claus

♪ Not much time,
Christmas time ♪

♪ Is so very near
♪ Merry Christmas Santa Claus

♪ Bring your pennies
to Santa Claus ♪

♪ Let Christmas come this year
♪ Lend a hand to Santa Claus

♪ Santa Claus, Santa Claus

♪ Merry Christmas Santa Claus
♪ Merry Christmas Eve

♪ Children sing, ting-a-ling

♪ Lend a hand to Santa Claus

♪ Not much time,
Christmas time ♪

♪ Is so very near

♪ Bring your pennies
to Santa Claus ♪

♪ Let Christmas come this year
♪ Merry Christmas Santa Claus

♪ Santa Claus, Santa Claus

♪ Merry Christmas Santa Claus

♪ Children sing, ting-a-ling

♪ Lend a hand to Santa Claus

♪ Santa Claus Santa Claus

♪ What are children like
♪ Merry Christmas Santa Claus

♪ When they're wide awake
♪ Children sing, ting-a-ling

♪ The answer is so easy to see
♪ Lend a hand to Santa Claus

♪ Not much time

♪ They're really just as nice
♪ Christmas time

♪ As sugar and spice

♪ And that's the way I
knew that it would be ♪

♪ And that's the way I
knew that it would be ♪

(clock ticking)
(cane thudding)

- Christmas is coming,
Christmas is coming,

Christmas is coming,
Christmas is coming,

Christmas is coming,
Christmas is coming,

Christmas is coming,
Christmas is coming,

Christmas is coming,
Christmas is coming,

Christmas is coming,
Christmas is coming,

Christmas is coming,
Christmas is coming,

Christmas is coming,
Christmas is coming,

Christmas is coming,
Christmas is coming,

Christmas is coming,
Christmas is coming,

Christmas is coming,
Christmas is coming,

Christmas is coming,
Christmas is coming,

Christmas is coming,
Christmas is coming,

Christmas is coming,
Christmas is coming,

Christmas is coming,
Christmas is coming.

(clock ticking)

Christmas is coming,
Christmas is coming.

(clock ticking)

(upbeat music)

♪ Nothing to do but wait

♪ What do you do when you wait

♪ Your fingers you twiddle

♪ It's really a riddle

♪ What else can you
do when you wait ♪

♪ You sit and you make a date

♪ The clock you investigate

♪ You're starting to twitch

♪ With a wandering itch

♪ What else can you
do when you wait ♪

♪ Father time why are
you standing still ♪

♪ Can't you see I have
some time to k*ll ♪

♪ You walk up and
down and you wait ♪

♪ What else can you
do when you wait ♪

♪ Keep watching the clock
and its silly tick toc ♪

♪ Keep saying you'll
just have to wait ♪

♪ Have to wait, have
to wait, have to wait ♪

♪ Keep saying you
just have to wait ♪

♪ Keep saying you
just have to wait ♪

♪ Have to wait, have
to wait, have to wait ♪

♪ How long do I have to wait

(clock chiming)

- Do you hear that?

The clock is striking 12.

Three, four, five, six,

seven,
- Oh, Santa hurry,

- eight,
- please hurry.

- nine, 10.

- Hurry Santa please.
- 11, 12.

(sleigh thudding)
(Santa's helpers cheering)

- Oh, I knew it
would be all right.

(Santa's helpers cheering)

- Merry Christmas everybody.

- Here's the money for
the rent Mr. Prune.

(coins clattering)

- Ah, foiled, foiled,

foiled again!
- Santa you're late.

I think you'd better hurry up
and get that sleigh loaded.

- Oh my goodness yes.

You and Mrs. Santa will have

to come along and
give me a hand.

Come on men, let's get moving.

- Now, now Mr. Prune.

You'll feel better after
you've had a cup of tea.

(coins clattering)
(packages rustling)

- Hurry up Mother,
no time to lose.

- I'm ready.

Here Mr. Prune.

Drink this cup of tea.

You must feel very badly.

- I can't stand the kindness.

(ominous music)

(wind howling)
(gentle music)

- Get the presents
on the sleigh.

(Santa's helpers chattering)
(upbeat music)

(wind whistling)
(upbeat music)

- [Santa's Helpers] Hoorah!

Hoorah!

No more!

No more!

Yay!

No more.

- Oh.

Oh, yes.

Just a minute.

(playful music)

- All comfy Mother?

- Yes dear.

Oh, I'm so excited.

You've never taken
me along before.

- All ready Santa!

- Here we go then.

- Santa, Santa!

Hey, wait!

- Hoorah, hoorah, hoorah!
- Yep, bye!

Goodbye.

- [Jonathan] Wait Santa!

Guess what?

- [Sam] Sorry Jonathan no
time for guessing games.

Throw it in.

- Bye!

- [All] Bye!

- [Santa] Goodbye, goodbye.

(upbeat music)
(sleigh bells ringing)

- Bye!

(upbeat music)
(sleigh bells ringing)

♪ We've got a date
with children ♪

♪ It's half past
Christmas time ♪

♪ We got a date with children

♪ We'll have a lovely time

♪ We paid the rent

♪ We're feeling great

♪ Sorry we're a little late

♪ We're going to
do our very best ♪

♪ To deliver our presents
to the right address ♪

♪ La la la la la la la

♪ La la la la la la

♪ La la la la la la la

♪ La la la la la la

♪ La la la la la
la la la la la ♪

♪ La la la la la la la
la la la la la la la la ♪

(upbeat music)

(wind howling)

- Here's a package
we forgot to deliver.

- Oh dear, how could
we have missed it?

- Let me see.

Oh, that must be the
package Jonathan threw

in at the last minute.

- Does it say who it's for?

- Uh, Mother?

- Why,

it's for Mr. Prune.

- Prune?

(wind howling)

- Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas,
Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas (groaning).

Mustn't say such things.

Merry, Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Merry
Christmas, no, no.

(Mr. Prune groaning)

- Shh, quiet.

Down you come Mother.

(Mr. Prune mumbling)

- Shh.

- I'll just leave the package
on his bed and off we go.

(Mrs. Claus exhales)

- My goodness, look
at all the dust.

The poor man certainly needs
someone to take care of him.

(Sam gasping)

(Santa gasping)

(Mr. Prune sneezes)

- Bless you.

- Thank you.

Oh!

Ghosts!

Three ghosts.

Have you come to haunt me?

- Now, now Mr. Prune.

Whatever gave you such an idea?

- Really, Mr. Prune there's
nothing to be frightened of.

It's only Santa and
Mr. Whipple and me.

- Invasion of privacy!

Ask your lawyer over there.

- All we wanna do is wish
you a Merry Christmas,

and deliver this package to you.

- A package?

A present?

For me?
- Why not Mr. Prune?

Christmas is for everybody.

Go on, open it.

(gentle music)

- A sailboat.

Why, it's a sailboat.

- Oh dear, I'm sorry Mr. Prune.

I hope you don't think
I'm playing a joke on you.

- Joke?

Why no.

I think I have always
wanted a sailboat.

- You mean you asked
for a sailboat?

- I don't know.

I seem to remember...

I...

(gentle music)

From Jonathan.

- My head bookkeeper.

- "Dear Mr. Prune,

"Santa asked me to see if
there was any record of you.

"I couldn't find
anything in my books,

"but in a corner
behind my desk I found

"this postcard with
your name and address."

(gentle music)

- Santa?

"Dear Santa,

"Please, may I have a
sailboat for Christmas?

"I love you and I'm
five years old."

Signed Phineas T. Prune.

- "And that's why Santa
never came to visit.

"I am so sorry.

"Please forgive me.

"But I shall never
forgive myself.

"Sincerely, Jonathan."

- Now I understand why.

- Everybody said that there

is something funny
about little Phineas.

Why doesn't Santa
ever visit him?

Maybe he isn't a
child after all.

I made up my mind I
didn't want to be a child.

I wanted to forget
I ever was a child.

- [Santa] Poor Phineas.

- Oh no, there is no need
to feel sorry for me.

I got the one thing I ever
really wanted with all my heart.

I do believe I feel better than

I have felt in years
and years and years.

- That's right my boy.

There's nothing like Christmas
to make a fellow feel better.

May I say just one more thing?

Merry Christmas.

- Dear, dear Phineas.

But Santa, we can't just
leave Phineas like this

in such a gloomy house
at Christmas time.

Well then, don't
just stand there.

Do something.

(gentle music)

- Go on, go on.

♪ We wish you a
Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a
Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a
Merry Christmas ♪

♪ And a happy new year

♪ We wish you a
Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a
Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a
Merry Christmas ♪

♪ And a happy new year

♪ Good tidings to you
wherever you are ♪

♪ Good tidings for Christmas
and a happy new year ♪

♪ Good tidings to you
wherever you are ♪

♪ Good tidings for Christmas
and a happy new year ♪

♪ We wish you a
Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a
Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a
Merry Christmas ♪

♪ And a happy new year

♪ We wish you a
Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a
Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a
Merry Christmas ♪

♪ And a happy new year

♪ Good tidings you
wherever you are ♪

♪ Good tidings for Christmas
and a happy new year ♪

♪ Good tidings to you
wherever you are ♪

♪ Good tidings for Christmas
and a happy new year ♪

♪ We wish you a
Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a
Merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a
Merry Christmas ♪

♪ And a happy new year

- Merry Christmas.

(Mr. Prune laughs)

- Merry Christmas to you.
- Merry Christmas Mr. Prune.

- Merry Christmas.

- Oh, I never knew that
Christmas could be so wonderful.

To think of what I
missed all these years.

Why?

Why?

Why?

Why?

Why?

Why?

Why?

Why?

Merry Christmas!
- Please, please Sir,

you'll catch cold.

- Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

♪ Why can't everyday
be Christmas ♪

♪ Why can't everyday be g*y

♪ Why can't everyday
be Merry Christmas ♪

♪ Each and every day

(gentle music)

- Thank you, Sam.

Thank you.

(gentle upbeat music)

♪ Why can't everyday
be Christmas ♪

♪ Why can't everyday be g*y

♪ Why can't everyday
be Merry Christmas ♪

♪ Each and every day

(playful music)

♪ So that was the Christmas
that almost wasn't ♪

♪ Almost wasn't

♪ Almost wasn't

♪ So that was the Christmas
that almost wasn't ♪

♪ Because of a man named Prune

♪ But Prune changed his mind

♪ And said I'm sorry

♪ Really sorry

♪ Awful sorry

♪ I've changed my mind

♪ And I won't be sorry if
Christmas comes every day ♪

♪ Prune, Prune was his name

♪ There is one thing
we must explain ♪

♪ Prune, Prune was his name

♪ And a very nice man
Mr. Prune became ♪

♪ So that was the Christmas
that almost wasn't ♪

♪ Almost wasn't

♪ Almost wasn't

♪ So that was the Christmas
that almost wasn't ♪

♪ But it won't
ever happen again ♪

(playful music)