Ebenezer the Traveler (2024)

[bunniefuu]

[soft piano playing]

Where did you come from?

You just wandered

in here, didn't you?

There is a process, you know.

I understand why you're here.

You're curious, aren't you?

About him.

Ebenezer Scrooge

in the middle of 21st

century Oklahoma.

It's his first time about

since that last

Christmas, you know.

I'll grant you,

I'm a bit curious

how this goes myself.

You know the story, do you?

Are you certain?

You know what comes

after the happy ending?

Well, sometimes

an ending is just

a place for an

all-new beginning.

But for that,

you need an all-new book.

My book.

My name is Simon Onyx,

Assistant Undersecretary

for Undead Affairs.

And trust me, someday

that will mean

a great deal more to you.

But for now, I'm simply

here to prepare you

for what's about to come.

Something we call

the second chance.

The untold twist

in the life of Ebenezer Scrooge.

[dramatic music playing]

[soft piano playing]

[carriage rattling]

[Simon] For those

with short memories.

Jacob, Ebenezer, away with

the books, away, away!

'Tis Christmas Eve.

Jacob, go downstairs

and help bring the

food in for the party.

Ebenezer, go help

clear the tables

for the warehouse.

The guests will be

here at any minute.

And remember you two,

there are more important

joys in life than money.

[Simon] A valuable lesson,

though too soon forgotten.

[Belle] Isn't it wonderful?

Can't you just imagine

us living here someday?

[Scrooge] Here?

Well, maybe not here per se,

but someplace like it.

I can imagine the costs.

I mean, the taxes alone

make it less wonderful.

It's not always about

money, Ebenezer.

There's happiness and love.

But without money,

you can't have one

or hold on to the other.

That's horrible.

That's life, Belle,

money is key.

It's not the life I dream

of. I want something better.

So do I.



I've got to go.

[Simon] And with that, his

first true love was gone.

Forever.

To be replaced by

something very different.

[winds howling]

But you know that

story, don't you?

Everyone knows that story.

The spirits, the redemption.

[voice echoing]

Ebenezer Scrooge...

you will be haunted

by three spirits.

[Simon] The second chance.

But very few know

what happened next.

You there, young man.

What day is it?

What day is it?

Yes, what day is it?

Why, it's Christmas Day.

[laughing] Christmas Day.

The spirits did it

all in one night.

This...

is a letter I want you

to take to my doctor,

instructing him to do

whatever your boy needs.

No matter what the

cost, he's to bill me.

I don't know what to say, sir.

Why not say thank you?

Thank you, thank you.

It's a Christmas

miracle, indeed.

God bless you, Mr. Scrooge.

And God bless us, everyone.

[Simon] And so, Ebenezer

Scrooge had his happy ending.

- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

[Simon] He'd awoken

Christmas morning after all.

And strangely, even to

himself, a changed man.

So glad you could finally

join us for dinner,

Uncle Ebenezer.

Yes, thank you so

much for coming.

Thank you very much for

keeping the invitation open,

though I really don't

think I deserved it.

Oh, nonsense, you're family.

You'll always be welcome here.

She's very much how I

remember your mother, Fred.

Consider yourself very lucky.

Oh, I do, dear

uncle, I truly do.

Well then, thank you again.

Madam.

- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

Whatever do you suppose

finally changed his mind?

It's Christmas. Perhaps

he was due a miracle.

[Simon] Ah, yes,

perhaps that was it.

He was due a miracle.

[mysterious melody playing]

It's said the more

things change,

the more they remain the same.

And there were those who

were counting on that.

Huh, seems to be some profits

in this goodwill

season, after all.

[grunts]

[voice echoing]

Really, Ebenezer?

Not even a day?

[Simon] Not even a

day yet, but almost.

One perhaps overdone

with goodness,

Scrooge wondered,

considering the strange

unsteadiness he suddenly felt.

Maybe this joy business

was best practiced

in moderation.

That must be it.

Oh well, a good night's rest

and tomorrow would

bring a bright new day.

He had no idea.

[Scrooge] Wait.

You're not the Ghost

of Christmas Future.

Who are you?

And what am I doing back here?

I did everything

they asked of me.

We had a deal.

[voice distorts] Not with I.

No, I was good, I promise you.

It's too late for you.

Your time has expired.

No, no, it's not too

late, it's never too late.

Just give me another chance.

That's not for me to decide.

[indistinct]

[man] Why do you

doubt your senses?

[woman 1] Who suffers

by his own will.

Himself always.

[Fan] I've come to bring

you home, dear brother.

[woman 2] Our

contract is over.

I release you with a full heart

for the love of

whom you once were.

[boy] God bless us. Everyone.

[Scrooge] Spirits, please.

Show me no more.

[pensive music playing]

[crickets chirping]

[ominous music playing]

[people whispering]

Mistress Abigail

Prescott, I presume?

Um, no, sir.

No.

Obviously not.

I hope.

Well, an unexpected arrival.

Not originally on the docket.

But I think you

should see him, sir.

Where is this place?

Not where you're supposed to be.

Well, I seem to be winding

up there quite often lately.

Where am I not

supposed to be now,

if you don't mind?

Ebenezer Scrooge, I see.

You're one of the

special circumstances.

Won't you have a seat?

You seem to have the

advantage over me, sir.

You know me, but

I don't know you.

My name is Simon Onyx,

Assistant Undersecretary

for Undead Affairs.

Undead Affairs?

You mean to tell me that

I'm not dead, I'm alive?

Well, it's a bit of a

gray area at the moment.

A gray area?

What do you mean by

that, a gray area?

It means that you're

not supposed to be here.

Not yet, anyway.

Well, that doesn't

tell me anything.

Of course I'm here,

wherever here may be.

And I expect...

no, no,

I demand to know where I

am and what I'm doing here.

I understand your

conundrum, Mr. Scrooge.

However, you are in absolutely

no position to demand anything.

And I owe you nothing.

Not now, and

especially not here.

Bring me my book.

- Your book, sir?

- Yes, my book.

You must admit, you

lived a wretched life.

- I changed.

- Oh, please, spare me.

I changed, I

promised the spirits.

Your promise was too

little and too late.

No, Ebenezer Scrooge,

your greed filled you,

and in the end, your

greed k*lled you.

Tell me, do you still taste its

bitterness upon your tongue?

Well, what of me, then?

To be neither dead nor alive?

Neither here nor there?

Oh, hardly anything

quite so meaningless.

After all, I did say you

were a special circumstance.

You did say that, didn't you?

"Special circumstances,"

what does that mean?

That means that since

you were offered

a second chance at redemption,

but were denied through

no actions of your own...

You mean I'm to be sent back?

In a way, exactly.

But with certain

different parameters.

What parameters?

Oh, nothing too unusual, really.

Especially not for here.

You will still get a

chance at redemption

by helping others

to find their own.

Like Jacob?

Exactly, like Mr. Marley.

I'll have you know

I was very good

at negotiating in my lifetime.

And look at where

it's gotten you.

Also, like Mr. Marley...

due to your multiple

mitigating factors,

you will spend seven

years waiting to begin.

Seven years?

Seven years for what?

Consider it an opportunity

for self-improvement.

You do have a great

deal to improve.

No, I won't go.

I will not be detained for

seven whole years, sir!

What are you doing?

What are you doing?

[ominous sound playing]

See you soon, Ebenezer Scrooge.

Next.

[ominous melody playing]

- How much longer?

- He won't be late.

No, sir.

I would assume a man as

successful as Mr. Scrooge

would make it a habit to

be punctual, wouldn't he?

That, and the fact that he's

no choice in it, anyway.

[calm piano playing]

Right on time.

Welcome, Ebenezer.

Jacob?

Tiny Tim?

Not quite as tiny as

you remember me, sir.

Huh, and who are you?

I'm Fan.

Fan.

Fan.

Well, if you're both here...

- where am I?

- Dead.

- Dead?

- As a doornail.

- For how long?

- Seven years now.

The same as I had

been on that night.

[Scrooge laughing]

You can't be real.

I'm still trapped in

these wretched dreams.

I must remember to discard the

last of the kidney pudding.

This isn't a dream, and

we aren't manifestations

of your dinner gone bad.

What exactly do you remember,

dreams or otherwise?

I was visited by three spirits.

And Jacob, you were there.

Mm-hmm.

What else do you

remember, Ebenezer?

I journeyed with the spirits.

They showed me the

errors of my ways,

and I vowed to repent.

Unfortunately, a

vow made too late.

I was too lost to be redeemed?

Was I judged so

utterly unworthy?

Oddly enough, you weren't.

Otherwise, this is not

the place you'd be.

No, sir, sadly,

you were m*rder*d before

your final journey.

m*rder*d?

m*rder*d and not redeemed?

[sorrowful piano playing]

Well, I guess I should

be very grateful

I'm not in the other place

where the heat is equal

to the lighting in this room.

I told you we should have

at least dimmed the lamps.

It's not that bright.

It is when you're in

a box for seven years.

Is that the last

thing you remember?

Nothing of who

m*rder*d you, perhaps?

No, no, nothing.

This must be some mistake.

We don't make

mistakes, I assure you.

Simon Onyx,

Assistant Undersecretary

for Undead Affairs.

Finally in the

correct place, I see.

You!

It's funny.

In better lighting, you

don't look a thing like him.

A thing like who?

Yes, a thing like who?

Old Scratch.

It appears to be one

of your common names,

but I fail to see

the resemblance.

Perhaps a bit around

the cheekbones?

Well, now that you're here,

you seem to be in

charge of something.

I'll have you know that

as the Assistant Undersecretary

for Undead Affairs,

you will find that I'm in charge

of practically everything.

Except for the actual

secretary, of course.

Oh, shut up.

What is your name, anyway?

Uh, Tim Cratchit, sir.

Right.

Neither of you have

yet to instruct

Mr. Scrooge on the conditions?

Well, he did just get here,

right before you came in.

Fine.

You two, sign this.

Here.

And here.

Initial there.

- How old are you again?

- Fourteen, sir.

Eh, you're exempt.

Would you like me to sign?

I haven't been fourteen in

a little while, you know.

He is now your responsibility.

- The three of you...

- Four, sir.

Fine, four of you

are now bound

contractually by the terms

of the Redemption

Advancement Compact,

per your request,

which is noted.

Contractually bound by what?

By a standard RAC

Revision 3 form.

Now, if you will all excuse me,

I have pressing

matters to attend to.

Good day.

Well, that's always

a pleasure, isn't it?

What does he mean,

contractually bound?

And what about my conditions?

It means that the four of us

are now dependent

upon each other,

for better or worse.

Dependent on each

other for what?

Redemption.

Your second chance

will have to be

here now, Ebenezer.

The same as ours.

All tied to whether

or not we succeed

and are finally

permitted to rest.

Or not.

And after fourteen years now,

I'm tired.

So, don't muck it up.

[heartfelt piano playing]

Simon.

I need to speak to you.

About?

Why doesn't he remember me?

He's forgotten a lot of

things over the years.

Being human, for one.

This isn't one of

your blasted games!

I'm his sister!

When father banished him

to that boarding

school as a boy,

I got him home again.

I tried to make things

different for him, even then.

I know.

He remembers Jacob and Tim.

Why not me?

Human beings are complex things.

Mixed mash of emotions,

irrationality,

impulses, habits, influences.

It's a long list.

Which makes us human.

Quite.

In your brother's case,

Misters Marley and Cratchit

are recent influences.

Part of who he'd become.

Part of who must be changed.

You, on the other hand,

were part of who he was,

before he chose the

path which led him here.

Part of who he

needs to rediscover,

if he is to even be redeemed.

So, I can't even tell him?

No.

For it to be real, he must

discover it from within.

But I knew he'd need me.

I stayed here all this time.

Waiting.

I never said this, and I

will deny it vociferously.

But...

I'm sorry.

[cunning music playing]

So what city is this, then?

Obviously, we're not

in London anymore,

but it does bear a

strange resemblance to it.

No, not London.

Nor any other earthly

town or village.

This is Purgatory, Ebenezer,

or at least our place in it.

Purgatory, you say?

A lot less bleak than

I thought it might be.

Dare I even say it's pleasant?

Except for him, of course.

Don't make light.

He's failed his redemption,

and is so bound here

now, awaiting...

- his next stop.

- His next stop?

- Hell.

- Hell?

[Scrooge grunts]

Well, last I saw you, Jacob,

you were bound in chains

similar to these poor souls.

Indeed I was.

And I still am, as are we all.

I see no chains on you, Jacob,

nor do I see any shackles

on neither Tiny Tim nor Fan.

- I have none.

- But you do.

We all do, I'm afraid to say,

to varying degrees.

Have you not felt burdened

since you first arrived?

Heavy as if there's

a great weight

on your shoulders?

I merely took it as being

cramped up for so long,

or rigor mortis.

Frankly, I'm surprised

you're still upright.

This is our next stop.

[crafty music playing]

[customers talking]

So is this what the

dearly departed do?

- They shop?

- [Fan chuckling]

I am in Hell.

I recognize that man.

The clerk, Iggy?

No.

The man with the green robes.

That's the Ghost of

Christmas Present.

He's dead and alive?

Father Christmas? Oh no, sir.

He's an immortal, or

practically so, anyway.

His is the ability to

transverse many plains.

So he comes and

goes as he pleases?

I'd imagine he knows

as many or more

on this side than the other.

Oh, my dearest Mr. Iggy.

I do trust the season is

finding you well and prospering.

Always, my friend, and I

trust it finds you busy.

And parched.

[laughs] Just a bit,

just a bit to fight off the

cold and ease my rheumatism.

Hopefully, this

will help with both.

I will be needing just a

bit more help than that,

if you please.

The winters are getting colder.

And I'm getting older, you know.

Aren't we all?

To the joy of Christmas.

May it never get old.

Before I forget.

Just a little Christmas present

for you and your missus.

Oh, thank you, Mr. Iggy.

And a Merry Christmas

to you, sir.

Merry Christmas.

Maybe I should

have spoken to him.

Why?

Maybe he could have shed

some light on that night.

I'm sure more will

come to you in time.

Hopefully.

There are so many

things that are unclear.

- You, for instance.

- Me?

Yes, you.

I recognize Jacob,

and Tiny Tim, although

a few years older,

and not so tiny anymore.

But you,

I feel I should know

you, but I don't.

[Fan] In time, Ebenezer.

All things will become

clear to you again.

And trust me,

now you have all the

time in the world...

And beyond.

Ah.

Were you able to fill

my rather special order?

It wasn't easy, but I did.

Anything for a lovely lady.

Your effort is

greatly appreciated.

Madame, sir.

- They'll function properly?

- Of course they will.

I could have found any old

garden variety mirrors.

I assure you, these are not.

Observe.

[magical sparking]

Oh, splendid.

I apologize for

ever doubting you.

- Is this all they do?

- Certainly not.

That wouldn't be much

of a trick by itself,

now would it?

Here.

What's this?

The instructions.

That's for you.

Ah, and I've got yours as well.

You've got something for me?

What's this?

No, thank you, mine is fine.

Trust me, it isn't.

Instructions.

Thank you very much.

[heartfelt orchestral

music playing]

[joyful melody playing]

Ebenezer, would you

please sit down?

The view, it never changes.

Same old thing,

each and every day.

Yes, well, welcome to Purgatory,

or at least your

little corner of it.

Just be glad there

aren't vultures

picking at your kidneys all day.

I guess I should be thankful

to learn of the little things.

Among other lessons, but

you're getting there.

Ebenezer, sit.

[playful music playing]

- How do you do that?

- Do what?

Bark, and cause me

to yield that way,

on occasion.

Let's just say I've

had some practice.

Now, would you please sit down?

Have some tea with me and maybe

you'll begin to figure it out.

I'm still not quite used

to that either, you know.

I never imagined that being

dead would be so unsettling.

[coughing in disgust]

Oh, that's not tea. It's syrup.

Oh, my mistake, I'm sorry.

You never were the sweet one.

Try it now.

[magic chiming]

Better.

Now that tastes like tea.

Obviously, I'm sweet enough.

Like horseradish.

Oh, well, hello to you,

my crickety cadaver friend.

You rattle any

good chains lately?

Don't tempt me.

I'm already overwhelmed

and out of sorts today

and it's still early.

Overwhelmed by what?

By the evil men can do

and the times they

choose to do it.

Seems like nothing

changed, eh, Jacob?

It seems it takes both

of you to save an angel.

Angel?

- How am I to do that?

- Calm down, Saint Scrooge.

We're not girding you in

holy armor to slay a dragon.

Just... almost.

Be clear.

What do you need

Ebenezer and I to do?

Oh.

[magical sparking]

Mama, we're about out of milk.

Do you want me to pick some

up before I go to work?

Do you have any money?

Yes, ma'am, I can afford a

gallon of milk just fine.

Do you need anything else?

Well, I'm fine, but, uh...

I think Winton could

use some cookies.

Oh, Winton, huh?

He's a growin' boy.

Okay, Mama,

but I think he can

get by until tomorrow.

I'll pick some up then.

[soft piano playing]

[Mama grunts]

Are you going to be

okay while I'm gone?

Of course I am.

I'm not completely

falling apart, you know.

You treat me like I'm

an old woman sometimes.

Well, I should know better.

- Yes, you should.

- [both giggling]

- Mama, Mama!

- There you are.

I was wondering if you were

going to come tell me goodbye.

- Sure, I was.

- Now, you be a good boy

for your mama today, all right?

- You take care of your grandma.

- I will.

That young lady is

who you have to save.

So her name is Angel...

but what are we

to save her from?

A monster, a man

named Big Ed Rangle.

Big Ed Rangle?

And pray tell, what does

the "Big" stand for?

Don't worry.

I have to worry when

it's my neck on the line,

especially going back

to the mortal realm.

[Fan clears throat]

And Fan's, of course.

Look, I've already been

m*rder*d once back there.

It wasn't very pleasant.

You don't have to worry,

Mr. Scrooge, you have us.

Fourteen years in purgatory,

dragging chains, most of them.

You want to compare

unpleasantness?

[Tim] Please forgive us.

As I said earlier,

we've been very

overwhelmed today.

I understand.

Well, I don't.

But then again, why

should that matter?

Eccentricity must

go post and parcel

with being a spirit around here.

Why are we there?

What are we to do?

Things are fluid, Fan,

in life and death.

Decisions, actions, choices,

even chance, are

the only constants.

And once those are

set for a moment,

the future is plotted.

Everything is still in play.

But there's more

and more of a chance

that something will

set Angel's future

on a horrible and sad path.

- How so?

- It's unsure,

but the time draws

near, very near.

This isn't simply a matter

of saving someone's

Christmas spirit, Ebenezer.

This is a matter

of saving her life,

and perhaps her soul.

How much time do we have?

And where do we to start?

[tense melody playing]

You've less than 24 hours.

- Not even a day?

- No.

By her tomorrow, everything

that's to come to be, will,

and destiny's decision

shall be made.

You best get going.

We'll continue to do what

we can from this end.

Come along then, we don't

have much time to waste.

[sighs] Not much time to waste,

nor much to go on, it seems.

More spirited riddles

and portents of doom.

And a chance for

redemption, Ebenezer.

Never forget.

Believe me, that's

constantly on my mind.

[venturesome music playing]

Before you go off

this first time,

there's something

I want to show you.

Well, I'm not sure I really

am up for a pep talk.

And I'm not sure I want to spend

an eternity in chains either,

so here we are.

You know, I was going

to ask you about those.

They're always there,

whether we show them or not.

So, even though they're unseen?

They're never unfelt.

This is the way a

lifetime of mistakes

and misdeeds bears

upon a soul, Ebenezer.

But they can be changed.

Mistakes can always be changed,

unlike some things...

- which never will.

- [Scrooge laughing]

Remember when we first opened

our own counting house?

We were so sure of ourselves.

We almost starved.

We had to stretch everything,

even down to the

last lumps of coal,

which we had to break

up just to keep warm.

If we hadn't landed

our first account.

Oh, yes.

Mr. Fezziwig.

Your old boss.

If it weren't for his faith,

we'd have been forced to

close before we even began.

I remember.

Faith, Ebenezer.

Never forget.

Begging your pardon, sir,

but Miss Fan needs

to speak with you.

Duty calls.

- First mission nerves, sir?

- Not really.

Don't worry, you

have us and these.

- What's this?

- Instructions.

Instructions?

Instructions for?

Your walking stick,

[indistinct] with the mirrors.

We best be going, Miss

Fan is waiting for us.

We can't keep the woman

waiting now, can we?

Wait, before you go...

I have something to ask you.

[pensive piano playing]

Now, it's not that I'm

not happy to see you, lad,

but why are you here?

Now, I don't remember much.

But I do remember

arranging for a doctor.

Aye, sir, I'm very

grateful for that.

That's why I no

longer need my crutch.

Yes, I see that,

but why are you here?

What you did for my

family that Christmas,

it changed our lives.

I saw hope in my parents'

eyes I'd never seen before.

But after you passed...

After I was m*rder*d?

Right, yes, sir, after

you were m*rder*d...

things changed.

Um, it was as if

everything you had

was suddenly gone.

Gone? Everything gone?

[Tim] It was like someone

had blown out a candle.

We... we best be going, sir.

Give me a minute.

Wherever you are, sir...

wherever you may be...

we will meet.

[eerie hissing]

[majestic music playing]

[guitar strumming]

Welcome to Oklahoma.

Well, it isn't Cardiff,

that's for sure.

[chuckles] You have no idea.

[man] Whoa, partner,

excuse me there.

Um, no harm done, um, partner?

[laughs] Last minute shopping.

I never know what to buy folks,

so I end up running around like

a chicken with my head cut off.

- You know what I mean?

- Uh, no, I'm afraid I do not.

[Scrooge chuckling]

I apologize there, ma'am.

I swear I wasn't

meaning to be rude.

I'd tip my hat if I could.

It's quite all right,

you have your hands full.

Just a tad, ma'am.

Anyways, I apologize.

Y'all have a Merry Christmas...

Uh, wait, wait, wait,

before you go, sir.

Have you heard of an

establishment called the...

Boar's Den?

The Boar's Den?

That can be a rough place,

are you sure you

want to go there?

Well, I'm afraid

we'll eventually have

to wind up there.

Well, it's about a quarter

of a mile right up the road.

Turn left on the

county road a ways,

you won't miss it.

[Fan] Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

[man] If you want to go

there, you be careful.

[uplifting country

music playing]

This stupid stick is...

bent.

[indistinct]

What's wrong with this

pool table anyway?

This table ain't letting

me make any sh*ts.

[chuckles] Well, maybe

it's not the table.

It is the table!

And these sticks.

This one's bent.

It's a bunch of junk in here.

[manager] Is there

a problem out there?

[chuckles] No problem.

Just someone who

can't sh**t pool.

What'd you say, boy?

Just sit down over there

and finish your beer.

[laughing] All right.

It's 'cause it's Christmas.

I hate to whip a

man at Christmas.

[country music intensifying]

You hate to whip a man

at Christmas, do you?

Yeah, well,

you're a real tough

guy, aren't you?

There was one

person in this world

I was ever afraid of...

and it ain't you.

- [glass shattering]

- [groans]

Where's your

Christmas spirit now?

[man on floor grunting]

You came into the

wrong place, buddy.

[man on floor grunting]

This just isn't a good idea.

Of course it is,

we have a deadline.

No pun intended.

Jacob, would you please tell

him this isn't a good idea?

It's a stupid idea.

You haven't even heard it yet.

What idea?

My perfectly sound

idea to deal with this

in the most meaningful

way possible.

These things take

finesse, Ebenezer.

We can't just dictate terms.

Humbug.

Just like in business,

there's gains and losses,

profits and penalties.

All we have to do is

enforce the penalties.

Change cannot be forced, sir,

it must be accepted willingly.

It's free will.

Marley, when you showed

up rattling your chains

and set those spirits upon

me, was that your free will?

Not mine, yours, Ebenezer.

What is it you're

planning to do?

I'm going in there to speak

to this big-head fellow

and explain to him

that he has to do right

by this young lady or else.

Sounds like a marvelous plan.

Let me know how it turns out.

[wacky country music playing]

[Scrooge grunting]

[loud clattering]

Next time, it's

really gonna hurt.

- Bad.

- Old man.

Merry Christmas, you

Ebenezer wannabe.

What kind of guy

wears a ponytail?

He's an Ebenezer...

I thought it was

George Washington.

I take it all went

well with the big-head?

No, not really.

I thought that being dead

was good for something.

That was really painful.

It's a matter of location.

Being dead where you're dead

means you're fairly safe.

Being dead here, though,

it's a lot different.

- You're telling me this now?

- I've...

We've tried to tell you a

lot of things, Ebenezer,

it's just sometimes

you don't listen.

I see.

Ebenezer, this isn't your

counting shop any longer.

Here, you're basically

an apprentice.

You mentioned something

about finesse?

Among other things.

Let's go.

Do you think that was wise, sir?

What?

Agreeing with

Mr. Scrooge's plan?

Seemed rather reckless to me.

It did to me, too.

Reckless and foolish.

Then why let him do it?

Because it was his plan.

And none of us would

convince him not to do it.

I guess I just don't understand.

Look, lad, Ebenezer and I

were friends and

partners for many years.

Practically our whole lives.

I know him as well

as I know myself.

When he gets

something in his head,

there's no talking

him out of it.

Even if it's something bad?

The only way Ebenezer Scrooge

ever learned any lesson

was by having to learn it.

Why do you think it took

three spirits that night?

And you knew he'd be all right?

I had faith.

[Scrooge] Are you sure

this is the place?

[Fan] Yes, this is the

address we were given.

Have you figured out what

you're going to say yet?

[Scrooge] Well,

of course I have.

Generally.

I suppose.

No.

I'll just wing it.

- [bell chimes]

- [Fan] Well, I suppose

that will be your cue.

Salvation Army?

Oh, no, ma'am, we have

no military affiliation.

What we mean to say

is that we aren't here

collecting for charity.

Charity? Oh, no,

ma'am, not at all.

You needn't worry about that.

I wasn't worried

about you collectin'.

We don't have much to collect.

I was more wondering if

you were dropping off.

Not... not that we would have

accepted anything anyway.

We're... we're doing fine and...

and there's plenty

of others who ain't.

So, what can I help

you folks with?

Um, we're looking for Angel.

Would by chance she be home?

She's at work.

What are you looking

for her about?

We really are here

to help, I promise.

You're showbiz

folks, aren't you?

That explains the costumes.

Well, I... I suppose

we are, uh...

We specialize in

Christmas miracles.

Oh, my.

Well, that is one thing we

sure could use around here.

Come in, come in.

Wipe your feet.

[festive melody playing]

Well, this should

be interesting.

Would you like some

coffee or anything?

Oh, no, thank you, we're fine.

I'm sorry.

It's not often that

anyone comes to visit,

so, I really don't

have much to offer.

Don't apologize.

We're grateful that

you invited us in

and are speaking with us.

[sighs] You have a

lovely home, by the way.

It used to be, a long time ago,

when my... my husband

was still here.

He kept the place up.

Things just got harder and

harder after he passed.

I'm sorry.

This time of year when, um,

when Angel was still little,

we had a big tree in that corner

with lights and candles

and presents all under it,

and... and music.

I think that's where

she gets that from.

There was always music.

How long has it been

just the two of you?

Three of us.

Angel's little boy, Winton,

he's down for a nap now.

And me and Angel.

Her, uh, her daddy passed

away when she was ten,

and, uh...

well, her husband

got himself k*lled

working on a rig while

she was pregnant.

Well, he was supposed

to be down for his nap.

Who are they?

I'm Fan and this is Ebenezer.

Ebenezer? That's funny,

like his clothes.

- [Fan chuckling]

- Winton Richard.

You mind your manners

- and apologize.

- Yes, ma'am.

I'm sorry, Mr. Ebenezer,

but they are kind of funny.

He's not wrong.

Oh, and he is off.

And I'm sorry.

So, um, where were we?

How do you get by?

Oh, well, we manage.

I get my little bit from

Social Security and...

and Angel, she

does what she can.

I worry about her, though.

Why do you worry about her?

Other than what I believe

parents naturally do.

Oh, you don't have, uh,

children of your own?

Uh, no, I do not.

I was never blessed in

that way, I suppose.

Nor do I guess any child

was ever cursed that way either.

[emotive piano playing]

Well, you always worry.

But, uh...

she works down at, uh,

the thrift store to

get by in the daytime,

and, uh...

while she sings down

at that bar at night.

That place scares me.

Why does it scare you?

It's not somewhere a mother

wants her kids hanging around.

Especially not her daughter.

I know she is a good girl,

and she is a real good singer.

Well, she has won contests,

and she even sang

on the radio once.

I have faith in my daughter.

I know she can do better,

and one day she will.

[sighs]

She tells me that, uh,

well, it takes time

to be discovered,

and you just gotta do what

you have to do until then.

But, uh...

she and Winton, well...

they're all I have, and...

well, I'm not gonna

be here much longer.

I'm sorry, I...

I just get so worried sometimes.

[Scrooge] Well...

we're here to make sure

you don't have to worry longer.

I promise.

Mr. Scrooge.

You seem to be almost...

Human?

How can people just ignore

those in need like that,

pretend they don't exist?

Unfortunately, it's a lot

easier than you may think.

Well, I think it's an

absolutely horrible thing.

I know you do, but then again,

you tend to think with

your heart and your head.

Not many other people

think that way.

Believe me, I

ignored far too many

far too easily in the past.

And the past is the key part

to that sentence, Ebenezer.

- Yes, it is.

- [bell dinging]

Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!

[chuckles] Merry

Christmas to you as well.

Hey, back off, mack.

Social distancing.

I am... I'm terribly sorry,

you look like someone

I thought I'd known.

Of course I do, I'm,

uh, Santa Claus!

Father Christmas! Ho, ho, ho!

Uh, not the one I know,

but a very good

resemblance, mind you.

Um, tell me,

the donations, where do they go?

They don't lie in some

administrator's pockets,

now, do they?

Uh, no, sir, they go straight

to Mrs. Keeler's

21st Street mission.

They're a little out there,

a little preachy at times,

but she does all

that she can do.

- [coin jangling]

- Oh, thank you, sir.

- [bell dinging]

- Merry Christmas!

[Fan] [indistinct].

What was that all about?

What was what all about?

Don't all what me, I saw you

drop a crown into that bucket.

Yes, indeed I did, and?

And you heard what he said

about how far it had

to go, and how many.

Well, that's why I gave

him the whole crown.

Was I being too generous?

Uh, would you like me to

go and ask for it back?

You certainly shall not!

Sometimes, Ebenezer, I

don't understand you.

I think you've

changed, and then...

My dear Fan,

what is the one true

talent I possessed

throughout my whole

wretched life?

- [sighs] Money.

- Exactly.

The one thing I knew

above all others.

Now, you saw me drop

one shiny, bright crown

into that man's

donation box, hmm?

One bright, shiny crown,

about 180 years old.

So it's not just worth

a crown any longer?

I highly doubt it.

Probably about 2 or

300 colonial dollars.

I misjudged you,

and spoke harshly

without reason.

Can you forgive me?

- [Fan chuckles]

- [bell dinging]

Come along, we must hurry.

[wind howling]

[heartfelt music playing]

[footsteps approaching]

Can I help you with anything?

Yes, ma'am.

My son is picking me up

for Christmas dinner,

and I haven't seen him

in such a long time.

- Well, that sounds very nice.

- Yes, I think so, too.

I got a grandson, you know,

and he just turned seven.

I've got a little boy,

he just turned nine.

They grow up awful fast,

and you just don't get enough

time to spend with them.

I know.

So, are you looking

at this train set?

I sure am.

I remember getting his

daddy one for Christmas.

We used to play with it

all Christmas morning,

till his mama called

us up for dinner.

- The best Christmas ever.

- I can just imagine that it was.

Would you like me to

wrap this up for you?

Yes, ma'am.

How much you want for it?

It looks like

it's 19 dollars and 50 cents.

$19. Okay.

[man grunts]

I'm sorry, ma'am.

I'm afraid I'm a little short.

Sorry to bother you.

Sir. Sir.

- Yes, ma'am?

- I'm so sorry.

I don't know what's

wrong with me,

but I completely misread

the price tag for

this train set.

It's actually $15,

if you'd still like to buy it

for your grandson's Christmas.

Really? Thank you, ma'am.

There you go, sir.

I hope you both enjoy

this Christmas morning

as much as the last.

Thank you, and have

a merry Christmas.

Have a very merry Christmas.

What's that all about?

Well, I sold that old train

set to that gentleman.

I saw that. For $15.

It was marked 20.

Well, it was donated for free,

just like everything

else in here.

That's supposed to be sold to

help out the less fortunate.

Exactly.

That poor old man was

the less fortunate.

He had $17 to his name,

and he wanted to

buy something nice

for his grandson for Christmas.

So you could have

gotten 17 for it

instead of 15?

No, I couldn't have.

I'm not going to

take his last penny.

For heaven's sakes,

Max, it's Christmas.

Exactly.

This is our best

time of the year.

Not if you [indistinct]

the whole store.

Well, isn't that what

we're supposed to be doing?

This is Helping

Hands Thrift Shop.

Aren't we supposed

to be helping people?

We're not helping handouts.

There's expenses,

overhead, salary.

So, how much does

go to helping, Max?

Huh? How much?

- A percentage.

- Well, how much of a percentage?

A reasonable one.

Sound familiar?

Uh, he's got to make a profit.

And costs and expenses involved.

See? That guy knows

how to run a business.

Um, maybe not so

much about fashion,

but he knows business.

Oh, well, I... [laughs]

Maybe I should fire you

and hire that guy instead.

Hey, old timer, you want a job?

You know what?

I quit.

Oh, miss? Miss?

- Miss, mind holding up, please?

- Well, why should I?

You are Angel Lynn, are you not?

Maybe. Who wants

to know, and why?

We're here to help you.

My name is Ebenezer,

and this is Fan.

We truly are here

to help if we can.

Look, I'm sorry.

It's just not been

a wonderful day.

We've noticed.

That was a very kind

thing you did back there.

[Angel] Well, I

thought that it was.

And look where it got me.

I'm not sure it can get

much worse than that.

Oh, it can always get worse.

But then again, it'll

always get better.

If you choose to let it.

Well, that sounds real nice.

But right now,

I just don't have

any choices left.

Oh, you mustn't think that.

You'll always have choices.

But sometimes it takes

extraordinary ones

to bring out the correct ones.

Uh, we went to see your mother.

[Angel] You spoke

with my mother?

You went to my house?

[Ebenezer] We're here to

help you and your family.

Look, whoever you two are,

it's just not a

good day for this.

And I don't know you

from Adam [indistinct].

So I'd really appreciate

it if you would just leave.

Well, we're here to save you.

Save me? You know what?

You two and Max can

all just go to...

She may very well get her wish.

This isn't going

very well, is it?

I'm afraid it's going

pretty much the way

it's supposed to be going,

all things considered.

We have to think this through.

I suggest we take a moment,

settle ourselves,

and we discuss this.

[rain pattering]

You think Mr. Scrooge

meant to do that?

I'm sure he meant to.

Unfortunately, I'm also sure

that he had no idea it

would turn out that way.

So, he miscalculated?

He mucked it up.

- [thunder rumbling]

- Where did this rain come from?

[ominous music playing]

So...

is that house done now?

Um, it's not very

polite to eavesdrop.

So I've been told.

Clearly one of my

brother's projects.

I wasn't aware

Mr. Scrooge had a brother.

He doesn't.

Who are you?

I appear to be out of cards.

Suffice it to say...

I'm just another

player in grand scheme.

Nothing more.

Looks like you

gentlemen have your work

cut out for you.

I'll let you get

on with it then.

Good day.

[thunder rumbling]



What do you make of that, sir?

I don't know.

Yet.

[uplifting music playing]

If only.

[Alex] Alex Matthews.

What?

They can't cancel, not now.

We're days away.

No, I do understand, but...

'Cause here with you

Is where I will stay

The thought of losing you

Just tears my soul away

Did you hear what I just heard?

No, not you. The singing.

Listen, I think I may

have it taken care of.

I gotta go. I'll call you back.

And I'll be here

With tears in my eyes

Could this be

Love in disguise?

Excuse me, miss.

That was fantastic.

I just stepped inside

to get out of the

cold for a bit.

And to sing.

I heard you, I was in the wings.

Like the Phantom of the Opera?

Oh, well, except I hopefully

don't need the mask.

[scoffs] Look, it's just

been one of those days

and it's still being one

and I don't care if

you haunt the theater

or ring cathedral bells,

I'm just not interested.

You're very good.

Call me.

Hmm.

This place will do.

[chuckles] Um, Ebenezer,

hold on a moment.

Uh, this may not be

exactly what you expect.

It's tea.

I mean, granted, things

have changed all around,

but it's tea.

It's... it's as solid as

the... the British Empire.

Uh, well, about that. Um...

Hail Britannia,

Britannia rule the waves

I'll show you that things

have never really changed

I see that. Fine then. Shall we?

[upbeat music playing]

[man slurping]

Good afternoon, madam.

May I please have two teas?

Um, iced or hot?

Iced tea?

Uh, no.

Two hot proper teas,

one with two sugars, please.

Let me rescind that

order, if you don't mind.

May I please have

two hot proper teas,

one with three sugars...

and the other simply

tasting of tea.

May I ask you also

for that little

square sweet cake?

- Please cut it in half.

- Okay.

Tea and cake?

Have you seen the time?

When you're in Rome,

you do as the Romans do.

And even if we're not in Rome,

we're doing what we want to do.

And besides, I'm famished.

There you go. That'll be $5.74.

$5.74 American?

Um, yeah, that

would be preferable.

- [Ebenezer] Right.

- [waitress chuckles]

$5.74 American.

[chuckles] Thank you.

[coins jangling]

[rock music playing]

Yeah, I should be out on

a motor ride today, man.

My bike is just...

[exhales]

[knocking on door]

Well...

To what do I owe this

unexpected pleasure?

I need to talk to

you about something.

Well, you know, my door is

always open to you, sweetheart.

Come on in, sit down.

Here you go, Angel baby.

I was wondering if I could

maybe pick up another set,

or maybe even some

waitressing hours.

I'll bus tables. I

just... I need something.

Time's getting rough, huh?

Just a little bit,

and it's Christmas.

Well...

I bet you're a girl...

of many talents besides singing.

[somber music playing]

I'm sure we could find

something worthwhile extra

for you to do around here.

You know, make a

few extra bucks.

Why don't you come

see me after your set?

Park your little

butt in that chair,

and we're gonna talk

about this a little more.

All right, baby, there you go.

Oh, God, I love to watch

you walk away all day.

Oh.

[upbeat music playing]

This is the correct

one, is it not?

You didn't do anything

to it, did you?

Yes, that is your cup. Bitter.

- What was that?

- Hmm? Oh, nothing.

- I asked if you were better.

- Quite.

Not only am I feeling better,

but I also have something

I want to tell you

all about a new idea.

I am certainly

anxious to hear it.

[slurping]

[coughing]

[laughs]

It is bitter.

[laughs]

[melancholic music playing]

I don't know how I got here

I don't know where I'm at

Am I staying for reasons

that are not my own?

I'm hoping I'm

smarter than that

Is it wrong that I'm

looking for something

That wasn't

supposed to be mine?

Believing is meant

for believers

I'm hoping I'm

not out of time

If you see me crying

without any tears

It's 'cause I wasted

them all on a dream

But the last thing I want

is to live with regret

Before writing my

one final scene

I'm aware that I

should be much stronger

But sometimes it's

hard to stay true

When you're

fighting for people

You love more than life

You do what you have to do

You do what you have to do

[audience applauding]

Thank you all so much.

It's been so much fun

hanging out with

you all tonight.

- [man] I love you.

- Well, I love you, too.

Without any of you, I wouldn't

get to do all of this.

On, now, come on, we

are not going to go

and ruin our

relationship like that.

Anyways, anyways, we also

will be back tomorrow night.

Take care till then.

And for the rest of y'all,

have a very merry Christmas.

Thank you.

It's tea. Why does it

have to be so, so...

[Jacob] Mucked completely up.

It's not just bad now,

Ebenezer. It's worse.

- What's worse?

- [Jacob] Everything.

Whatever you did,

things have sped up.

What do you mean?

[Jacob] You no

longer have hours,

maybe not even minutes.

Whatever changes are happening,

get to the Boar's Den.

- Now!

- We have to get there then.

We have no time.

We have no time.

Psst. You got plenty of time.

I used to drive a

cab in New York.

Come on, get in.

[ominous music playing]

[Big Ed] Angel,

can I talk to you for a minute?

Well, I was just

about to head home.

I'm really tired, Mr. Rangle.

We had a good show.

Yeah, well, uh, you

can head home after.

Come on in for a minute.

That a girl. That's my girl.

Nice night out here

tonight, don't you think?

Yeah, it is.

Should be out on my

bike tonight, man.

Oh.

- You know.

- Not too much traffic out there.

This could be a problem.

[laughs] Don't worry,

I'll handle them.

You go on to handle Big Ed.

How are you going

to handle them?

Remember what happened

the last time?

[sighs] That was you.

I have much more experience

dealing with this

time and these types.

Now go.

I need to go out with

Marley for a ride soon.

The garage's too much.

I'm working on...

[rock music playing]

- Howdy, boys.

- How you doing?

[Fan] I'm good.

Um, can you help a

girl out, please?

I seem to have locked

my purse in my car,

and I just don't

know what to do.

That happens all

the time, ma'am.

Luckily, you found

the right man.

Yeah, because he knows the guy

who can handle stuff like that,

and that would be me.

Come on.



[upbeat music playing]

Please pardon the interruption.

Or actually don't. It

was quite purposeful.

Now's your chance.

Go meet Fan outside.

Who in blue blazes

do you think you are

coming to my place of business?

And...

I know who you are.

You're the guy they

threw out of here today.

Quite right. Where

are my manners today?

My name is Ebenezer Scrooge.

[laughs] Yeah, well,

I think you know

what my manners are.

Indeed I do, sir.

That's what I came to

speak to you about today.

Yeah.

But not in the

presence of a woman.

Yeah, well, there's

no women here anymore.

You know, you've

got a lot of guts

for a Yankee, you know that?

A lot of brain in your

fancy little head.

And I plan on finding out.

I'm not a Yankee.

I'm from Edinburgh.

Don't you understand? He's

gonna k*ll your friend.

Oh, it won't be the first time.

You don't have to

worry, I promise.

My friend is much more

capable than you'd imagine.

I'm certain they'll

just have a nice chat

about the error of

your boss's ways.

My boss?

Oh, my God, I'm... I'm

so sorry about earlier.

I... I really am.

And I don't know

what I'm gonna do.

Not that. [sighs]

Your mother has faith

in her daughter.

And I know your little

boy loves his mom so much.

You have so much and

deserve so much more.

Oh, here now.

Remember I told you

we were here to help?

I do. Thank you.

Oh, don't thank me quite

yet. We're not through.

There's someone I

want you to meet.

- Ladies.

- Mr. Matthews.

I'm so glad you could

make it tonight.

This is the young

lady I told you about.

Angel Lynn.

I know, I caught your

act. You were amazing.

The Phantom of the Opera.

Thank you, I appreciate that.

You know, normally I don't

come out blind like this.

Honestly, I would never

come out blind like this.

But when you called...

- I could be very persuasive.

- Apparently so.

Whatever made me do

it, I'm glad I did.

Sorry.

Here, this is my card.

I manage several local artists,

and I'd like to talk to

you about managing you.

That is, if you're

not with anyone else.

[Fan] As a matter of fact,

she is recently open

to new management.

With the proper

person, of course.

And I'd like to think

it might be me, then.

Remember what we

said about choices?

Not really.

Make this one an

extraordinary one.



How did you do this?

Believe it or not, I finally

read the instructions.

I really hated to do

this to you, you know,

but you left me little choice.

What kind of trick are

you trying to pull here?

Oh, I assure you,

sir, it's no trick.

Those shackles are as

real as real can be.

And it is my understanding

that people like you

tend to wear them forever.

Oh, I do understand

they're very uncomfortable,

rather binding and terribly

hard to get used to.

I have a friend who's

been wearing them

for the better part

of 14 years now.

You dirty piece of...

Oh, I understand he was

quite disagreeable as well.

Look, what do you want?

The girl, is it?

That's who you want,

Angel, is that it?

You don't understand.

That girl is not

yours in any way,

shape or form, neither

to give nor take,

you miserable cretin, you.

Of course she is. I

have her under contract.

I'm her manager,

so what I say goes.

That's how it works.

That, sir, is how sl*very works.

Well, it's show business.

Same thing.

Where did you get that? How.

- How did you get that?

- Yada, yada, yada.

The first part, et cetera,

et cetera, et cetera.

This contract is not worth

the paper it's written on.

The paper it was

written on, anyway.

Morally, ethically,

and especially legally,

This little pile of ash

is now null and void.

You know, I am

gonna skin you alive

when I get out of here.

Nobody does this to Big Ed.

Nobody!

You simply will not

listen, will you?

Will not or cannot see?

See what? What am

I supposed to see?

You tell me.

You're a monster and

you lost your humanity

and you're on your way to

losing your soul as well.

Don't you care about that?

Wouldn't you rather trade

redemption for

certain damnation?

Redemption? Damnation?

What, are you gonna start

preaching to me now?

Cause I ain't buying it.

[Ebeneezer] Fine.

I tried.

I can see when bigger

g*ns are required,

and it's more than I can do to

get through your thick skull.

What are you talking about?

I'm referring to,

my dear Big Ed...

Now, do you mind if

I simply call you Ed?

It sounds so silly to

me when I say Big Ed,

and there's nothing silly

about this situation.

I'm referring to, Ed,

Or shall I say, Edward R...

to the one person who might

yet get through to you.

Oh, no, no, no.

No, it can't be.

No, it can't be.

It can't be.

MeMaw?

She's been watching you, Ed,

and she's very disappointed.

MeMaw. MeMaw, I didn't...

What...

Edward R...

What am I gonna do with you?

You were raised

better than that.

I... I didn't...

I can take it from

here, young man.

[Ed] No, don't go. Don't go!

No, no, no, no, no,

no, don't go. Don't...

- [belt cracks]

- You've been very, very naughty.

You need a time out.

No, no! [screaming]

No! No! No!

I'm gonna punish you

until you see stars.

You are never gonna

see the light of day

until you know how to

act like a gentleman.

You were bad to that young

girl and now you're gonna pay.

You knew better

than that, Edward R.

You knew better than that.

[sobbing] I'm sorry.

I'm sorry!

I take it all went

well with Big Ed.

I suppose. It depends.

Let's say I definitely

had faith in the process.

And, um, [indistinct]

the outcome.

That's all anyone could ask for.

Indeed.

But what about on your end?

I would say that

Angel has been given

an opportunity to make

an extraordinary choice.

Will she, though?

Let's say that I definitely

have faith as well.

...Like you wanted me

Saying boy come

on, [indistinct]

I just had to try

That's a good sign.

I'll drink to that. If

we ever get any service.

So. Can I get y'all something?

Could you bring us two

decent pints, please?

Pints of what, darlin'?

- [woman] In your dreams!

- [loud slap]

I'll have what she's having.

I guess I'll just take

a large sherry then.

You found her, darling.

That's my name.

Oh, God save us.

Follow along with

your hips, feet

Heartbeats on the floor

and dress in your hair

Girl it ain't fair

whatever you do

Just don't stop

[grand instrumental]

[Fan] Isn't this a much better

way to spend your Christmas Eve?

Where do you think you're going?

Well, into the

theater, of course.

Not that way you're not.

What way would you have

us go in then, please?

Around the back with

the other performers.

- You should know that.

- It's his first time.

I just wanted him to see

what it was all about.

Well, then buy tickets

and put those moth eaten

costumes in a trunk.

Who's supposed to be

performing anyway?

Old Man Winter?

Well, then, can you please lead

us in the proper direction?

Okay, fine. Follow

me, this way.

You know, people tell

me I should be an actor.

To be or not to be,

- that is the question.

- [tinkling sound]

- What do you think?

- [Ebeneezer] Humbug.

No more eggnog on

break for you, Ray.

[audience applauding]

Ladies and gentlemen,

good evening

and of course,

Merry Christmas Eve.

It's our pleasure to present to

you the Wonders of Christmas.

A collection of

music and stories

from the most

joyous time of year.

Tonight, as a very special gift,

I'm proud to

introduce a young lady

that just recently joined us.

I know you'll love her

as much as we do...

Miss Angel.

I've forgotten what

the meaning was

Lost so much no longer care

So uncertain if I'd

ever come around

Living life so unaware

You showed me how

I was missing out

On the things that

mattered most to me

Letting go of all the

weighing down of doubts

The magic of Christmas

is what I needed to see

Christmas

Christmas

What does it mean to you?

Families gathered round

the Christmas tree

Children opening

presents, laughing merrily

Couples that end up

below the mistletoe

Dreaming of a white Christmas

and seeing it start to snow

Christmas

Christmas

What does it mean to me?

Never thinking I

would see you again

Thought my happy endings

had come to an end

But like an angel who

was just given wings

A new light is shining

and everybody sings

It's been so long

since we felt alive

Something missing

all these years

Dreams forgotten and

were pushed aside

But now are

becoming so clear

A new day is dawning

around the bend

The future is starting anew

It's time to step

in the light again

This feeling of Christmas

Is inside all of you

Christmas

Christmas

What does it mean to us?

Spending time sitting

round the fire

Roasting chestnuts,

hearing caroling choirs

A time for giving

some holiday cheer

And starting the countdown

to a brand new year

Christmas

Christmas

What does it mean to me?

Cherishing moments,

grateful each day

Through good times and

bad times, come what may

Remembering our loved ones

and the ones that we've lost

The spirit of giving

No matter what the cost

Christmas

Christmas

How I missed you, Christmas

[audience applauding]

[cheering]



[quiet instrumental]

You know, it's really good

to be home, I suppose.

All things being considered.

Of course, I wouldn't want

to remain here in perpetuity.

What you mean to say

is you're comfortable.

Quite. As comfortable

as one can be in this...

parlor in purgatory.

Remember, vultures.

You know, I worry

about you sometimes.

By the way,

what are you constantly

writing about over there?

Or dare I ask?

Well, obviously you

dare, because you did.

However, it's nothing

you need to know about.

At least not right now.

Well, that's not

curious now, is it?

I hear congratulations

are in order.

You're one step closer to

your redemption, Mr. Scrooge.

I had my doubts about this one.

I'm glad you proved me wrong.

Oh, ye of little faith.

What happened with Angel?

I gather we acted in time.

You did.

And her life, as

well as her family's,

are much the better for it.

Would you like to see?

Turkey's done cooking.

It's a big bird.

It sure is.

It'll be nice to have

company over for a change.

And the house looks

beautiful, Mama.

Just like when you were

little. Do you remember?

I do.

I'm surprised because I thought

I'd forgotten all about it.

Never forget.

For a long time, you and

those memories were...

all I had left.

[doorbell ringing]

Well, hello, Santa Claus.

I've definitely

been called worse.

Come on in.

Welcome, Alex.

I am so glad you could join us.

Of course. Thank

you for having me.

Mama's under the mistletoe.

So, who's hungry?

All right, who wants

to carve the turkey?

Alex, do you want

to do the honors?

Come along, sir. We still

have some work to do.

No rest for the

wicked, eh, Marley?

As you'll no doubt find out.

Oh, and by the way,

even Big Ed was

redeemed in the end.

[Jacob] You only get half

credit for that, though.

For using unorthodox methods,

sicking someone's

grandmom on them. Really?

Timothy Cratchit!

Quite frankly, I thought

that was very original.

I'd have to agree.

[man] So would I.

You.

You're the gentleman who

bought that train set.

I had to be certain.

She's a fine young lady.

And he is a fine young man.

Well, of course he is.

That's my grandson.

Well, seeing as how

everything turned out,

and since Tim isn't here,

don't you think someone

ought to say it?

Say what?

[scoffs] You know.

Really?

[sighs] Okay, I will.

God bless us, everyone.

Humbug.

[festive music]





Mr. Scrooge.

Where would you be now?

That will be all.

[man] Hmm.

Something certainly smells

better than the one I'm used to.

Your sense of timing

leaves a bit to be desired.

But you were

expecting me, right?

Of course.

Just not now.

Yeah, I actually get that a lot.

New outfit.

Not exactly the regulation

uniform, now, is it?

What do you think?

Pretty snazzy, ain't it?

Look, custom made just for me.

I'm sure it's very snazzy.

However, it is not

what death wears.

And it is certainly

not how he speaks.

Yeah, you know,

I've been meaning to

talk to you about that.

Don't do that.

Capiche?

Don't do that, capiche?

Very well.

Would you mind explaining

all of all of this, then?

I just need to change, you know?

Some fresh air,

some new scenery.

I mean, this whole

bag with the robe

and the bones and the scythe?

[chuckles] It's really

starting to take a toll on me.

I mean, it's like this:

being the Grim Reaper,

it's just that, it's grim,

it's not popular, no

one's ever glad to see me.

It's all dark and depressing.

You're death.

Isn't that somewhat the

majority of the job description?

You've been doing this

for your whole life...

death... forever.

[Death] Exactly.

And that's just too long.

So I found this nice little

side gig where I can go out,

have a few drinks,

tell some stories,

sing some songs, even

mingle a little bit.

Have a little fun.

You've gone mad, haven't you?

It's not really

surprising, I suppose.

You really need to loosen

that collar a little bit.

I think it's

affecting your brain.

No, I'm not going mad.

I'm just gonna do it my way.

What about your actual

responsibilities?

Collecting souls,

harvesting the dead.

I got it taken care of.

Don't worry about it.

I'm the Assistant Undersecretary

for Undead Affairs.

It's my job to worry about it.

What you need to do

is learn to relax.

You know what?

Stop by the show tonight.

Take a load off.

Have a drink.

It's on me.

How can you even do this?

I'm in the hottest

show at the Strip.

And I'm a star.

That's how I do.

Listen, I gotta run.

Just because Death's

taking a holiday

doesn't mean he can sit still.

Oh, and by the way,

the 7 o'clock shows

are the dinner shows,

so if you're gonna order the

prime rib, that's on you.

Mrs. Dilbert.

Where exactly is The Strip?

[man clearing throat]

Dinner with my brother?

Eh, not exactly.

Just happened to drop in

while he was having his.

Oh.

I bet that went over

well, didn't it?

Not really, but...

But you knew it wouldn't,

yet you did it anyway.

That's what I like about you.

Well, I try.

Of course you do.

Which is also why I

know that [indistinct].

If I can count on you.

Absolutely you can.

No doubt about

it. Can I, then?

Whatever I can do.

Hey, how about a

ticket to my show?

VIP pass.

Even includes dinner.

[man cackling]

Prime rib?

[man] I'm a vegan.