04x00 - Christmas Special

[bunniefuu]

[♪♪♪]

[Elizabeth]: It's been three years

since I left the comforts
of big city life

to teach school in the
little town of Hope Valley.

Every winter I spend here,

I become more convinced

that there's nothing more beautiful

than Christmas in my frontier home.

It was a difficult year for
many of our new neighbors.

The people who settled near the river

saw their homes swept away in a flood.

Some even lost beloved
husbands and fathers.

But in the true spirit of giving,

our town has joined together,

promising to those less fortunate

a holiday filled with comfort and joy.

[♪♪♪]

This is a long list.

I am in charge of the
Christmas Committee this year.

It's, uh, it's a bigger
order than usual.

Well, there's extra

for the families from the settlement.

It's the least we can do to
show them how much we care.

I agree a hundred percent.

So do you think you can get it
all here before Christmas Eve?

It shouldn't be a problem.

Great!

I come by later with the grocery order.

I wonder what Miss LeVeaux will say

when she hears you've
taken over her committee.

"Mrs. Coulter" has been
away on her honeymoon

with Mr. Coulter.

I heard they're due back today.

And I'm sure Rosemary will be delighted

that someone volunteered in her absence.

You don't actually believe that, do you?

Christmas is the season for miracles.

[♪♪♪]

Miss Thatcher!

Where would you like this tree?

Um...

How about right here,
in the center of town?

Sounds like the perfect place to me.

Jack!

Elizabeth.

How's the work coming?

Good!

We finished the attic
in Mrs. Sullivan's,

and we're just started work

over the dentist's office.

And what about

the old houses by the north road?

The seven houses are
gonna take some time.

To tell the truth,

I need to find a few
more men to lend a hand.

Oh, there's the Lawson family.

I was thinking

the apartment below Dottie's

would be perfect for them.

Thanks.

Elizabeth... I promised you

that I'd find everyone
from the settlement

a permanent place to call home

by Christmas,

and I intend to deliver.

Christmas is only a week away.

Would you please stop worrying?

[sighs heavily]

I wish I knew how.

Well, I don't know how we're going

to pull off a Christmas Eve banquet.

And this building project,
if you ask me, it's far too ambitious.

I think it's fantastic.

Any word on

when Mayor Gowen is coming back?

Faith was going to check on him
while she was in Union City,

but I haven't heard anything.

Well, I really think it's time for you

to officially step in as mayor, Abigail.

You are head of the town council,

and the town bylaws clearly state

that when the Mayor is absent,

the head of the council
assumes the leadership role.

Florence, I'm not doing
anything official

until we know for sure about Henry.

And quite frankly,
with the cafe, the banquet,

and Christmas for Cody,

I've got my hands full,
thank you very much.

I just hope Miss Thatcher
knows what she's doing.

She may have bitten off
more than she can chew.

She will be fine,
if we all pitch in and help.

I suppose I could bake a cake or two.

Or !

Oh, come on, Florence! It'll be fun.

Abigail!

- Excuse me, ladies.
- Of course.

Do you have the menu for the banquet?

Give me till : .

The sooner the better.

I'm wondering if we should
serve turkey or ham.

Maybe both.

You know, you're starting
to sound a lot like Rose...

Bite your tongue!

[stagecoach rumbling]

Yoo-hoo! Merry Christmas!

Ah. Speak of the devil.

[chuckles]

[Lee]: Okay...

Well, if it isn't the
happy honeymooners!

Hello!

Hello!

We had just a marvelous
time on our honeymoon!

I didn't want to come back.

But then I realized

I had to make an extra special Christmas

for my honey-bunny.

Yeah. That would be me.

Just think. This is our

very first Christmas
as a married couple.

[gasping] And I hate
to disappoint you all,

but I absolutely do not have time

to head the Christmas
Committee this year,

so someone else

will have to remove

that terrible, scrawny Christmas tree

that Mr. Avery is putting
up in front of the saloon.

Actually, I'm in charge of
the committee this year,

and I think that tree is just fine.

You would, dear.

[Cody]: Constable Thornton?

Can I play with Rip?

'Course you can, Cody. He's in the jail.

Oh, Cody. Hold on. That reminds me...

Um, picked up a little something for you

when we were in New York.

Autographed by Doc Crandall himself.

He's the best pitcher in the league!

You bet he is.

What do you say, young man?

Thanks, Mr. Coulter!

You're very welcome.

So, need a hand moving the
luggage back to your place?

Oh, don't be silly, no.

Lee's place is much too
small for both of us.

Yeah, apparently,

I am now building Rosemary

the largest house in town.

But where will you stay in the meantime?

Right next door...

to me.

We're neighbors! Isn't it fabulous?

Come take a peek inside.

All right, give me a hand with this.

Okay.

- Ready?
- Yep.

Okay.

Oh! Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Careful. It's heavy.

What has Rosemary got in here? Lead?

Souvenirs.

Like the Statue of Liberty?

I can't believe you hauled this thing

across an entire continent.

Rosemary went Christmas shopping

every single day we were away.

Well, lucky you didn't
stay another week.

You're telling me.

There's no place like home.

It's good to have you back, Lee.

Good to be back. So, tell me, uh...

You and Elizabeth have big
plans for the holidays?

Yep.

But she doesn't know it yet.

Okay.

Here we come!

Ready? [grunts]

[Frank]: Can I get your attention?

Listen up, everyone!

We're lucky we haven't had much snow

up on the high ground here yet,

but people in town know
it's getting cold,

so they're inviting
you to stay with them

until we finish building you homes.

We can't impose like that.

Oh, sure, you can.

Nurse Carter is here

to help make all the arrangements.

[Faith]: There isn't a lot more to say,

except let's get you

packed up and out of
here as fast as we can!

I can't believe we're going to have

a place of our own by Christmas.

Well, you can believe it,
because it's true.

I wish I could help with the work,

but I'm heading out

for a double shift at the mine.

It's okay, Mr. Lawson.
We've got plenty of volunteers.

People are happy to donate supplies.

Maggie and Timmy are so excited,

I can't get them to sleep at night.

Same with our Ruby!

[laughing]

[♪♪♪]

Nancy, let me help you with that.

I'll be fine.

You sure? Looks pretty heavy.

I said I'll be fine.

[settler]: Frank,
we need a hand over here.

Cody, please put away the ball.

We have lots of things to do today.

Like what?

Well, first, we are going to be making

Christmas decorations for the classroom.

My mom said we're going to be having

a Nativity Pageant on Christmas Eve.

That's right, we are.

What's a Navi-tivity pageant?

"Nativity."

It's a play about the birth of Jesus.

Are there going to be
parts for everyone?

Of course there are!

And...

I have ordered very special costumes

all the way from Hamilton.

And they're going to be my
Christmas gift for the class.

Um...

Miss Thatcher, will we have to audition,

like we did for Miss Rosemary's plays?

I'm gonna audition for Mary.

There won't be any auditions.

The biggest parts

are going to go to the students who show

who show the most Christmas spirit

by being kind and caring.

I want to be one of the wise men.

Then I'm sure you will be
very kind and very caring.

I could clean the
chalkboard after school.

That's a good start,

but it's not exactly what I had in mind.

Well, then,

what did you have in mind?

You will have to figure it out.

And after the play,

there's going to be a Giving Tree,

with presents and special surprises.

Yes, Ruby?

Even for the new kids?

Especially for the new kids.

I really want a train set.

I've never had a dollhouse.

What about you, Maggie?

Is there something special you'd like?

I once had a "Biddy Betsy" doll,

but I lost her.

I miss her a lot.

Oh. Well, maybe you could
draw a picture of her

to put on the tree.

I'm not very good at drawing.

I'll help.

That's very kind of you, Emily.

All right, everyone. Let's get
to work on these decorations.

Harper?

I didn't get to hear what
you wanted for Christmas.

Guess I just want my
mom to be happy again.

She really misses my dad.

Well, she has you,

and that's the most important
thing in the world.

Come on.

Can I help you pack?

I can handle it myself, thanks.

You want to tell me what's wrong?

Everyone's so happy out there.

It's hard being alone at Christmas.

You bet it is.

You've all been so generous.

It's wrong for me to
feel sorry for myself.

It's not wrong.

You lost your husband.

Why don't you come by
the church tomorrow?

We can talk.

I don't want to put you to any trouble.

I'd tell you if it was trouble.

So tomorrow?

All right.

[♪♪♪]

How's it coming?

Well, it turns out

the floorboards are rotted.

We're going to need some more lumber.

Have you started on the apartment

for the Lawsons yet?

No. I figured I'd get to that tomorrow.

I'll head to the mill,

see if I can get more lumber.

Thanks, Jesse.

[♪♪♪]

Bill, I need a favor.

What kind of favor?

Think you could cover for
me for about an hour?

Mountie business?

Actually, I promised someone

we would pick out a
Christmas tree together.

Go ahead.

Consider it an early Christmas present.

Actually, consider it your
only Christmas present.

[♪♪♪]

When I was on my rounds yesterday,

I spotted the perfect Christmas tree.

I thought we were going
to pick one out together.

We are.

I just thought I'd do a
little advance scouting

to save some time, that's all.

So?

What do you think?

Uh, um...

it's...

compact.

Well, it's the perfect
fit for your rowhouse.

Or it's exactly what
you need for the jail.

[sighs]

You don't like it.

[bells jingling]

Did you hear that?

Yeah, it sounds like sleigh bells.

[rustling]

[♪♪♪]

Over there.

Here, boy!

[♪♪♪]

Come on.

[♪♪♪]

Where'd he go?

I don't know...

but it looks like

he just found us the most perfect tree.

[laughs]

It's a beauty, all right.

Sam Bailey, at your service.

Constable Jack Thornton.

This is Elizabeth Thatcher.

Hello.

Is that your wagon?

Yeah. It's my wagon and my livelihood.

I pride myself on having
just what my customers need.

Hmm. How long do you think you'll be

staying here, Mr. Bailey?

Don't worry about me, Constable.

I'm just passing through
on my way to Union City.

Need a hand chopping down that tree?

I think I can handle it, thanks.

All right.

I'll leave you to it.

[♪♪♪]

Oh. Hey, honey, I'm home.

Or... maybe I'm in Santa's workshop.

What do you think?

[chuckles] Wow.

I mean, it's, uh...

Hi!

I thought I might as well get started

on the holiday decorating.

"Started?"

You mean you're not finished?

Well, I don't know.

The trees look a little bare.

You do realize, of course,

that most people have one tree.

We're not most people.

But two trees? Really?

Not two, silly.
There's another one upstairs.

Ah. Of course there is.

But now there's hardly enough
room for all the furniture.

There is a place for everything
and everything's in its place.

Mm-hmm. You know,

you really don't need to
go to all this trouble.

It's no trouble at all.

And thankfully, I have the time,

now that Elizabeth is running
the Christmas committee.

I never realized what a burden it was.

I thought you enjoyed being
in charge of all that stuff.

That was before I was a married woman.

Now I can see it's the perfect job

for a spinster

who doesn't have a
husband to take care of.

[gasps] I almost forgot.

I need to rearrange your closet.

Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no. That's okay.

You don't need to do that.

I want to.

[sighs] Your Christmas
present is in the closet,

and... no, no, no, no, no, no.

I want it to be a surprise.

What is it?

Well, if I told you,
it wouldn't be a surprise.

Right?

Uh-uh-uh, stay with me. Stay with me.

You're gonna love it, though.

You must be exhausted.

Packing up that camp
couldn't have been easy.

Oh. At least we got everyone
settled before sundown.

Would you like some dessert?

Oh, you know I love your desserts,

but I gotta turn in early.

Oh.

More construction, first thing.

It's gonna be another long day.

Are you gonna have enough
strength to help us decorate

that Christmas tree tomorrow night?

Oh, you bet.

[♪♪♪]

I hope you don't mind

that I brought some ornaments of my own.

No, I love them.

Especially this one.

Oh, that.

That one was my favorite
when I was a kid.

Looks like Rip used it as a chew toy.

I'll fix it.

- Mounties are handy at lots of things.
- Oh.

Well... how are Mounties

at playing Santa?

Why do you ask?

[sighs]

I need someone to help hand out
presents after the pageant.

The thing is,

I-I wouldn't want to rob someone

more deserving of the honor.

Please?

I really want to make this...

The best Christmas

for the town,

and for the new families, I know.

All I want is to make it
the best Christmas for you.

You have something in mind?

As a matter of fact...

there's something I've
been meaning to ask you.

And if I'm going to do it,
I have to do it now.

Now, as in right now?

Well, it really can't wait.

Would you do me the honor...

the great honor...

of accompanying me to
the Mountie Christmas Ball?

The Mountie Christmas Ball?

We won't be long.

Just an afternoon and an evening.

It's in Buxton this year.

I'll hire a horse and
a carriage to take us.

Oh, but, um, I have the
dinner and the pageant and...

I promise, I'll get you back
in time for everything.

Oh, Jack...

Of course.

I'd love to go.

[♪♪♪]

Have you seen my baseball?

It was under the couch
the last time I looked.

Oh, but don't play with it in class.

Are those cookies?

Yes, but they are for Christmas
Eve, not for breakfast.

Miss Abigail...

if I bring cookies to school,

does that count as
being kind and caring?

Well, it does if you do it

because you think it will
make your friends happy.

So it doesn't

if I want to get a good
part in the Christmas play?

I'm afraid not.

What if it's both?

Well, it's a start.

[chuckles] Have a good day, Cody.

The morning stage just came in.

Is there a problem?

He's back.

Careful! I don't want you to fall.

I'm not going to fall
unless somebody pushes me.

[Faith]: Let's get you home.

You should save your strength.

And you should save your breath.

I'm just fine.

Well, this is a surprise.

[sighs] Mayor Gowen refused to stay

in the hospital another day.

Is he going to be okay?

He'll be fine.

Right now, he just needs plenty of rest.

But he can go back to work, right?

Abigail...

Henry Gowen's under
federal investigation.

He's not allowed to serve as Mayor

unless, or until, he's cleared.

Opal,

that is a beautiful house.

It's for Brownie.

I'm making mine for Biddy Betsy,

but I can't get the roof to stay on.

Well, I think you might need
some more icing to glue it on.

She can use mine.

Thanks, Cody!

Miss Thatcher?

How come Harper isn't here?

I don't know.

Timmy, did Harper walk with
you to school this morning?

His mom said not to wait for him.

[grandly]: Hello, my dear children!

Well, look at all of
the wonderful things

you're making for Christmas!

Miss Thatcher says

there's going to be a nativity play,

presents, and a Christmas feast.

Well, Miss Thatcher's
going to be very busy

with all of that,

and the Mountie Christmas Ball.

- [children oohing]
- You're going to a ball?

With Constable Thornton?

How romantic.

[girls giggling]

[Elizabeth]: Oh, all right, everyone.

Let's keep working on our projects.

How did you know I was going
to the Mountie Christmas Ball?

Oh, my dear Elizabeth.

The walls at the
rowhouses are paper-thin,

and your squeaky voice cuts
through them like a Kn*fe.

But never mind all that.

I am here on a mission of mercy.

Which is?

The Mountie Christmas Ball is
not just any social event.

It is the event of the season,

and lucky for you,

I have an absolutely stunning gown.

I bought it on my honeymoon
and I want you to borrow it.

Thank you, but I'm sure I can
find something in my closet.

From two seasons ago?

Oh...

I guess it has been a while

since I've gone shopping for a gown.

Let me be your fairy godmother.

As long as you don't
turn me into a pumpkin.

You'll make a beautiful Cinderella.

Now, I really must run.

I have some digging to do.

Digging?

Well, Lee bought me a Christmas present

while we were on our honeymoon.

I haven't been able to find it anywhere!

The only time I can look for
it is when he's at work.

Wouldn't that spoil the surprise?

Oh, my dear, half the fun of a surprise

is knowing what it is ahead of time.

[sighs]

Here you go.

What's all this for?

We're leaving town.

Leaving?

That's... That's kind of sudden.

Well, that's the way of things, I guess.

You never told me.

What's there to tell?

There's nothing here
for us, not anymore.

Not without Harper's father.

Just think about it
for a few days. Stay.

At least until after Christmas.

How can we celebrate
Christmas without Virgil?

Put that in the wagon, Harper.

He shouldn't have d*ed.

He was a good man.

I know he was.

You don't know anything.
I don't need you.

I don't need your church.
I don't need any of this!

Yes, you do.

And we need you.

Just let me help.

You want to help?

Then tell God to give
me back my husband.

We have to go.

Nancy... Nancy, think about
what you're doing here.

Just leave us alone.

[Abigail]: Hello, Henry.

It's good to see you.

Abigail. What can I do for you?

I heard about the accident,

and I came to see how you were doing.

I-I brought you some muffins.

Well, that's very kind
of you. Thank you.

How's Nora?

Is she coming back to take care of you?

You needn't concern yourself with that.

I'm quite fine. Thank you.

Well, then I need to talk to
you about some town business.

There are bills that have to be paid.

Well, if you just leave them,
I'll be back in my office tomorrow.

Henry...

you can't go back to being Mayor.

Not yet, anyway.

Well, says who?

The town charter.

You're still under
federal investigation,

and, apparently, that means

you can't serve Hope
Valley in any capacity

until you've been cleared.

I'm sorry.

Are you?

Seems to me

that you've gotten what
you always wanted.

I have a business to run
and a child to raise.

I certainly do not want your job.

And yet, you have it.

If you could just answer a few questions

about these invoices...

Well, you are an intelligent woman.

I'm sure you will figure it out.

I don't have your experience, Henry.

No, you do not.

I thought we could work together.

Well, you thought wrong.

You're making this harder
than it has to be.

Good afternoon, Mrs. Stanton.

Why should you get to play Mary?

I helped Opal with her spelling test.

I shared my lunch with Ruby.

Is there something wrong, girls?

[girls]: No.

Good! Because we can't be
in the Christmas spirit

if we're fighting with our
best friend, now can we?

[girls]: No.

When I was a kid,

we did a Christmas pageant.

And I wanted to be Joseph,

but the-the teacher,

she chose someone else to play the part.

Mm. So what part did you get?

"Shepherd Number Three."

Never could figure out how
to be the teacher's pet.

Until now.

Is there a problem, Frank?

[sighs]

Nancy Tucker and her boy left
town this morning for good.

Oh, no! What happened?

Too many memories.

[sighs]

Harper said something yesterday.

I should have spoken with her.

I tried to stop her, but...

I couldn't.

I hate to think of her and her son
alone on the road at Christmas.

Anyway, I'm gonna help Lee

with the houses by the north road.

I feel terrible.

Harper's such a sweet boy.

He was doing so well here.

What can we do?

We could pray for a miracle.

Look, everyone!

[bells jingling]

Whoa!

Merry Christmas, boys and girls!

Do you think it's Santa?

[♪♪♪]

Come on!

[taps wagon]

[♪♪♪]

Looks like he's taken a shine to you!

I wish I could have a dog.
What's his name?

"Dasher."

Like the reindeer!

I knew it was Santa!

[♪♪♪]

Did you get my letter about Biddy Betsy?

[chuckles] I'm just an
old peddler, sweetheart.

I'm not Santa Claus.

But I'm sure he got your letter.

And you know what?

I think he knows you've been
a good girl this year, too.

All right, everyone.
It's time to go home.

Your parents are waiting for you.

Let's go.

Bye.

Mr. Bailey. I thought you
were headed to Union City.

I was, but then, well, I figured

maybe I should stick around
a little while longer.

The place sure has grown up
since the last time I was here.

When was that?

Oh, so long ago, I've forgotten.

But, what I remember is,

people around here... pretty friendly.

Well, they still are,

as long as you abide by the rules.

Aw, I can save you the trouble, son.

No selling moonshine.

No selling any home remedies
might happen to be moonshine.

No disturbing the peace,

and no disturbing anyone, at all!

Well, unless, of course,
they want to be disturbed.

[chuckles]

I think you understand
things pretty well.

Some say.

[air kisses]

That a boy.

You're staying till Christmas?

Guess that kind of depends on
what people around here need.

It's like I said before,

I'm good at helping folks find
what they're looking for.

Like the perfect Christmas tree?

[chuckles] Something like that.

[bells jingling]

I don't think I've been this
busy in my entire life.

Well, if you're concerned about

becoming Mayor, Abigail,

I don't blame you, it's a tall order.

So you don't think I can handle it?

I didn't say that.

Then what are you saying?

I'm just saying that

it's a big job for a...

For a what?

Well, for a...

For a busy businesswoman
and mother, like yourself.

It's just a lot of responsibility.

I see.

But since you're my business partner,

I guess you'd have no
problem running the cafe

if I take over as Mayor for a while.

Unless, of course,
it's too much responsibility...

for you.

Bring on the apron.

[♪♪♪]

Looking for somethin' special?

I don't suppose you have
any hair jewels, do you?

Afraid I don't have
anything quite so fancy.

Neither does Mr. Yost.

And the Mountie Ball is in three days.

And you'll be the belle of that ball,

with or without those fancy hair bobs.

[chuckles]

Well, it seems like the mercantile's

out of just about everything this week.

Maybe I can help.

Do you have any pepper?

I'm trying to make a shepherd's pie.

Oh, actually,
it's paprika that you need.

Right.

Paprika. It's my first time.

I'm not a very good cook.

Well, I wasn't any good at first either.

It just takes practice.

Paprika. Let me see.

Um...

Nope. I'm all out.

But maybe you've got some,
in your pantry.

I do!

In fact, I was planning on making
a shepherd's pie later tonight.

You could come by, if you like,
and we could make it together?

I'd like that!

[Elizabeth]: All right. See you soon.

Great!

Yeah, makes a fella happy...

seeing folks getting
together for the holidays,

caring for each other, giving kindness.

Now, that's what the Christmas spirit's

all about, wouldn't you say?

That's exactly what I'd say.

I guess it's a lucky thing
you were out of paprika.

Yep. Lucky indeed, hmm.

[♪♪♪]

[exhales contentedly]

Hopefully, this place
doesn't need too much work.

Well, it's only been
vacant for six months.

How bad could it be?

[sighing heavily]

I remember it being different.

Ah, it's not as bad as it looks.

My crew'll get it fixed up in no time.

We just got to replace that window,

panel up the walls,

fix that hole.

[Jack]: No, it was for the
chimney that was connected...

to the stove, which isn't there anymore.

The Lawsons can't live
here this time of year

without a stove.

Well, what are the chances

of getting one by Christmas?

If I know Elizabeth,

she'll find a way to make it happen.

Okay, well, let's get to it.

[can crashes]

[door creaks]

You want to tell me what you're doing?

My apologies. I knocked over your trash,
but I'm putting everything back.

Doesn't look like "everything."

I kept a few scraps for Dasher.
That's him over there.

The dog eats scones?

He has a refined palate.

Do I know you?

Could be.

You look familiar yourself.

Do you play golf, by chance?

No.

Didn't I arrest you once?

Dougall Flats, petty theft?

The arm of the law has
embraced me from time to time,

but those days are long gone.

I'm a peddler, not a thief.

Well, there can't be much of a profit

in being a peddler.

Helping people find what they need

is what I do best,

but it is more of a calling

than a way to make a living,

but that's all right.

Well, maybe for you,

but I bet Dasher might like something

a little better than a stale scone.

You wait here and I'll heat up

some leftover stew.

You're kinder than
Saint Nicholas himself.

Well, I wouldn't go that far.

Oh, there's nothing wrong with
spreading a little happiness.

Dasher, boy.

Hey, honey.

Well!

Would you look at that?

Isn't it amazing?

No candles?

Lee, candles are so passé.

Welcome to Christmas
in the th century.

If you say so.

Now, you just settle in right there

- while I finish making dinner.
- All right.

Here's your newspaper.

Thank you.

Thank goodness I have the time

to take care of my husband
the way he truly deserves.

I don't want you to take
this the wrong way,

but maybe you take care of
me just a little too well.

I just want you to be happy.

I'm always happy when I'm around you.

[chuckles]

Now I need to get back to the stove!

I've made all your favorites.

Steak-and-potato pie, Yorkshire pudding,

dumplings and gravy.

What, all in the same night?

They say the way to a man's heart

is through his stomach.

They say anything about heartburn?

- Hmm?
- Nothing.

[chuckling]

You know, I'd never had shepherd's pie

until I came to Hope Valley.

Now I think it's my favorite.

Well, next time, we can try spaghetti.

Sounds like fun!

Are you going back to
Hamilton for Christmas?

[sets cup down] No.

I thought I'd be spending
the holidays with my fiancé,

but... [sighs]

You know it wasn't right with him.

I know.

To tell you the truth,

I was worried I'd be
spending the holidays alone.

Well, we are not going
to let that happen.

If you have some free time,

I could really use

some extra help on the
Christmas Committee.

Okay!

Well, I'd better get out of your way.

Let you plan for the Mountie Ball.

Oh, so you've heard about that?

Oh, ho!

I think everyone has.

You and Jack are going
to make a lovely couple.

Thank you.

If you run across any eligible
Mountie bachelors while you're there,

will you wrap one up for me?

With a big, red bow.

[laughs]

Working on your sermon
for Christmas Eve?

I am so sorry.

I lost track of time.

No, that's okay.

Cody and I decorated the tree.

And then I heard you were here,

so I brought you some dessert.

Oh, that's awfully kind of you.

So, how's it coming?

Four drafts, none of them good.

Oh. Still searching for
the right inspiration?

Something like that.

Well, just take a look around town...

all the happy faces, that should help.

Not everyone's smiling.

Frank, I know you're upset about Nancy,

but you did all you could.

Yeah, and it wasn't good enough.

You're being too hard on yourself.

You know, I asked everyone
in the settlement

where they might have gone,

and no one knows.

You can't fix everyone.

Nancy's not everyone, Abigail.

I watched her husband die...

couldn't do anything about it.

My father used to say
we're all soldiers.

Sometimes, we win...

and sometimes, we lose.

But we fight the good fight,

and that's what matters.

And if you don't believe me...

ask Him.

Thank you.

The gentlemen at the table near the door

would like to talk to the cook.

What do they want?

They say they don't like their eggs.

[bangs skillet down]

Somebody here got a
problem with my eggs?

Are you the cook?

Yeah. And I get really
steamed when people don't

like what I serve.

So let me ask you again...

you got a problem with my eggs?

No.

No problem.

Good. Make sure you leave
the little lady a nice tip.

[double-taps table with rolling pin]

How's your breakfast, Constable?

No complaints here, Bill.

[chuckles]

Hey, Jack!

I'm glad I found you.

Everything okay?

Actually, no. Um...

I bought Rosemary a piece of jewelry for
Christmas at an auction at Sotheby's.

Right there.

Paid a pretty penny for it, too.

I went to get it this
morning... it was gone.

Oh, well... you sure
it didn't crawl away?

Ha-ha. Make fun all you like,

but I will have you know...

these are all the rage
in New York right now.

Lady Astor has one just like it.

Anyway, it was in a jewelry box

at the bottom of my trunk.

And you think it was stolen?

Well, it must've been.
It was there yesterday.

- Mr. Coulter.
- Can I get you anything?

Actually, no. Um, couldn't eat a bite.

Rosemary's been stuffing
me like a holiday turkey.

I do like the apron, though.

Oh, thanks. I got it from Sam.

Sam? The peddler?

Does anybody know anything about him?

I sent a wire to Mountie HQ.

No one has ever heard of "Sam Bailey."

Well, that's strange.

He told me he did some jail time.

They couldn't find any records.

Interesting.

Gentlemen! How fortunate
to catch you all together.

Well, how can we help you,
Miss Thatcher?

I am here on official
Christmas business.

Which is?

Well, so far,
none of the men in this town

have stepped forward to play
Santa on Christmas Eve,

so I don't care how you boys do it,

just find someone to volunteer.

Yes, ma'am.

Um, Elizabeth...

Hmm?

With you in charge of
Christmas this year,

Rosemary has a lot of
free time on her hands,

which isn't necessarily a good thing.

So I was wondering if maybe you might...

If I could give her something to do?

It would save me a great
deal of indigestion, yes.

- Consider it done.
- Thank you. I owe you.

How's it going?

You tell me.

Bill hasn't sh*t any of
my customers, has he?

Um, I don't think so.

Well, that's good.

I have to get a new town
budget approved by New Year's.

It's gonna be a while

before I'm in front of that stove again.

Christmas Eve is only three days away.

Are you sure you can handle
the banquet, Abigail?

Bill will do most of the cooking,

but I'll do the coordinating.

Just wish I had more
time to spend with Cody.

Well, if you don't have
a gift for him yet,

I happen to know he really wants a dog.

He's getting a baseball cap.

[laughing]

Well, I am officially out of a job,

just in time for Christmas.

- Henry fired you?
- [Dottie]: Oh, that's right,

and he won't let Nurse
Carter anywhere near him.

It's like he's trying
to shut out the world.

I thought I could get
through to him, but I can't.

I need a cup of tea, please.

Oh.

Maybe you should talk to him, Abigail.

I could try, but the last time I did,

he nearly bit my head off.

He listens to you more than anyone else.

Well...

I may be unemployed,

but on the bright side,

Rosemary brought over the gown

she's loaning you for the
Mountie Christmas Ball.

I have all the time in the
world to do the alterations.

Alterations?

She said it needs to be
let out in the waist,

and taken in at...

other places.

Excuse me?

"Other places"?

[♪♪♪]

Can I give Dasher a treat?

[barking]

That sounds like a yes.

You must be excited,

with Christmas right around the corner.

I guess so.

Well, is something wrong?

It's the nativity pageant.

My friend, Anna,
and I both want to play Mary.

Ah.

And you think you deserve it more.

Well, I do.

Well, seeing as it's Christmas,

maybe you should let your
friend have the part.

Well, seeing as it's Christmas,

maybe she should let me have the part.

It always feels better
to give than receive.

You take Dasher, here,

why did you ask to feed him a treat?

Because dogs like treats.

You see? It's not the joy
you get from something,

it's the joy you get
from giving something.

[munching]

My teacher said the same thing.

Well, she's one smart lady.

I have to find Anna.

You're up early, Pastor.

Got work to do.

Ah. Finish that sermon?

You ask too many questions.

You sound like a man who's lost
the Christmas spirit, my friend.

I got just the thing for it. Right here.

Dr. Othon's Miracle Elixir.

I don't look for answers
in the bottom of a bottle.

I'm guessing there was
a time when you did.

Ancient history.

And then...

you found answers from above?

Pretty much.

Least till now.

What changed?

Couldn't help a friend.

She took her son and left town.

It seems to me you've had
it pretty easy here so far.

Town of good, God-fearing people...

Maybe the fact you've
been given a challenge

means you're ready for something more.

Or maybe I'm not.

Got my work cut out
for me with this one.

[♪♪♪]

[exhales]

If I get a Biddy Betsy for Christmas,

she can have a tea party with Brownie.

Brownie would like that.

They can visit Ruby's dollhouse.

Maggie?

If you and Opal want to come to the cafe

with your doll,

you can have a real tea party.

Do you really mean it?

I'll ask Miss Abigail,
but I bet she'll say yes.

Miss Thatcher?

Mm-hmm?

Anna and I need to talk to you.

About what?

We've been thinking about the pageant,

and we think Ruby should
get to play Mary.

You do?

[Hattie]: She's new.
It would mean a lot to her.

But I thought you both
wanted to play Mary.

We did, but we decided

that being friends is more important

than fighting all the time.

[♪♪♪]

Emily?

Is there something wrong?

This was Harper's ornament.

You miss him, don't you?

Yeah.

When I'm worried about someone,
I say a prayer for them.

I'll say a prayer for Harper at bedtime.

I will, too.

[♪♪♪]

Well, Mr. Newlywed, how's married life?

It's everything I thought it would be.

I've done enough interrogations

to know an evasive
answer when I hear one.

The first rule of a happy marriage...

don't do anything

that Rosemary might take the wrong way.

Gentlemen!

How are we going to settle this?

Darts.

Loser wears the big red suit.

So who goes first?

I feel lucky.

[thud]

Well, I guess we know
who's playing Santa.

As someone wise once said,

there's nothing wrong

with spreading a little happiness.

♪ Deck the halls With boughs of holly ♪

♪ Fa-la-la-la-la La-la-la ♪

♪ 'Tis the season To be jolly ♪

♪ Fa-la-la-la-la La-la-la-la ♪

♪ Don we now Our gay apparel ♪

♪ Fa-la-la-la-la La-la-la ♪

♪ Troll the ancient Yuletide carols ♪

♪ Fa-la-la-la-la La-la-la ♪♪

Only three days till Christmas,

and there's still lots to do.

It'll all be taken care of

by the time we leave.

♪ Deck the halls With boughs of holly ♪

It's been years since I've
been to a Christmas Ball,

and I've never been to a Mountie Ball.

To tell you the truth,
I'm a little nervous.

Nervous? Why?

There is gonna be dancing.

[chuckles] And?

And, I'm pretty good at the two-step,

but I've never really gotten
the hang of the waltz.

The waltz is easy.

Do you think that you could show me?

[laughing]

Right here, right now?

Yeah. Why not?

Well, there isn't any music.

[tinny music begins to play]

I couldn't help overhearing.

[♪♪♪]

I'll leave you to it.

[chuckling]

[♪♪♪]

Okay, put one hand here...

and your other hand goes on my waist.

I like this already.

Jack, you're not paying attention.

Now, that's where you're wrong.

I heard our apartment

is going to be a lot of work.

Kurt will pay you back

just as soon as we're settled.

Mrs. Lawson,

all you have to do is
be a good neighbor.

Just the same,

we don't like taking charity.

We can talk about all that later.

[voices rising]

What is this new piece you've acquired?

Isn't it beguiling?

That's... one word for it.

Excuse me.

It's amazing

you would buy that for yourself.

Well, I needed something special

to wear for Christmas Eve.

Sorry to interrupt, ladies,

but I need to speak to Mrs.
Blakeley for a second.

Of course.

Thank you.

That is an interesting piece of jewelry.

Thank you, Constable.

Is it new?

I bought it from that lovely peddler,

Mr. Bailey.

He said it's one of a kind.

I bet it is.

Too bad there's only one, though.

It would look great with the gown
Elizabeth is wearing to the Mountie Ball.

Oh... Oh, I'm sorry, I...

I know that you can't

put a price on something
like that, Mrs. Blakeley,

but I'd be willing

to give you twice what you paid for it.

It would mean a lot to me.

And then you could get
yourself something even nicer.

Well...

there was a dragonfly pendant,
a truly stunning piece.

But it cost...

$ .

You know what, Mrs. Blakeley?

I think you deserve to
have a stunning Christmas.

Well, if you insist.

[Dasher barks]

Does Dasher know any tricks?

Most dogs like to play catch.

Not with this ball.

Hey, Cody.

Aren't you late for school?

I guess so.

What can I do for you, Constable?

Well, I just spoke to Mrs. Blakeley,

and she told me

that you sold her this
special piece of jewelry.

So I did. Hard to forget that one.

You mind telling me where you got it?

Oh, I buy and sell a lot of things.

- Hard to keep track of them all.
- Really?

Because this happens
to be stolen property.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Maybe the circuit judge
can jog your memory,

but I'm afraid he won't
be coming though town

till after Christmas.

I still can't remember.

That's a shame,

'cause you know I'm going
to have to arrest you.

Well, you gotta do what you gotta do.

May I have your attention, please?

All right, everyone.

It is time to assign the parts
for the nativity pageant.

Now, several of you have shown
excellent Christmas spirit,

and I am very, very proud of you.

All right. Ruby...

you'll be playing the role of Mary.

Hattie and Anna...

there will be two angels this year

because the two of you
have both been angels.

Cody, you'll be playing
one of the Wise Men,

and Robert and Timmy,
you will also be Wise Men.

Do we get to ride camels?

[laughs] I'm afraid they were
fresh out of camels in Buxton.

But your new costumes

should be arriving first
thing tomorrow morning.

[door opens]

Um, Emily, would you mind
finishing reading the cast list?

Thank you.

Opal, you're going to be
the little drummer girl.

If this is about the gown
for the Mountie Ball,

I'm kind of in the middle of something.

Not at all.

Dottie's finishing the
alterations as we speak.

No, I am here because Lee told me

you were in desperate need

of help with the Christmas festivities.

Well, it wasn't really an emergency.

Now, I know it's hard for you to admit

that you are in over your head,

and you don't want to exhaust yourself

before the Mountie Ball.

You certainly don't want

any more of those unsightly
little worry lines...

I don't have worry lines.

Of course you don't.

Thankfully,

I have done dozens of
these Christmas pageants,

and I am ready to jump right in.

Actually, what I really need

is some help stringing popcorn
for the Christmas tree.

Stringing popcorn?

Mm-hmm. Jump right in.

Henry.

I told you I didn't want to
talk about any town business.

That's not why I'm here.

Why did you fire Dottie?

Fired Dottie

because I no longer had
use for her services.

But she was trying to take care of you

until you got back on your feet.

And why are you here?

You here because you care about me?

Is that so hard to believe?

A while ago,

that might have meant something to me.

A while ago?

Believe it or not,

I cared about what happened to you

after your husband passed.

That's one of the reasons

why I invested in your cafe.

It was a business deal.
You were just trying to make money.

Well, you can believe whatever you like.

Henry, I know that you're
upset about a lot of things.

Here's what you know.

What you know is that
I don't want your help.

You're here because
you want to feel good

about the fact that you made an effort.

You're here

because you want to be able
to go to sleep at night,

comforted by the fact that
you know that you tried.

You're just saying that because
you think I took your job.

Then why can't we just
stop playing games here?

Why can't you just admit that you enjoy

feeling morally superior
to the rest of us?

You're here for you.

Not for me.

For you.

If you really believe that,

then there is nothing more to say.

Well, I really believe that,
so I guess we're done.

We're done.

[huffs]

[door opens, then shuts]

Oh!

[♪♪♪]

[Sam]: Sure could use some more coffee.

Really?

[chuckles softly]

Most people don't like my coffee.

Well, most people forget to be grateful.

That's true enough.

Got any family, Sam?

The world is my family.

The world's your family.

You sure are hard to read.

What I do is who I am.

[chuckles]

Got a special occasion coming up?

The Mountie Christmas Ball.

I bet you're taking that
pretty schoolteacher.

Yep.

Gonna hire a carriage, go in style.

I got it all planned out.

Yeah, you seem like the kind of guy

who always has everything planned.

I guess I do.

Plans are a funny thing, you know.

How's that?

Well, they don't always turn
out the way you expect.

Take me, for instance.

I didn't plan on spending
the night in jail.

No, I suppose you didn't.

A few hours ago,

I was hungry, cold.

Now I got a roof over my head,

a hot meal.

Sometimes, what you don't want

turns out to be exactly
the thing you need.

It's kinda the story of my life.

How's that?

Well, time was,

like most people,

I wanted to be rich and powerful.

Important.

Well, I never got to be those things,

so I had to make a
different life for myself.

Had to figure out what I really wanted.

Well...

I guess we all got to figure
that out sooner or later.

Yep.

And when life doesn't
go the way you want,

it's a good time to stop
and think about it.

[♪♪♪]

♪ Five golden rings ♪

♪ Four calling birds ♪

♪ Three French hens ♪

♪ Two turtle doves ♪

[all three]: ♪ And a
partridge in a pear tree ♪

You're a really good singer, Mr. Avery.

And a good babysitter.

Well, thanks to you both.

Now off to bed with you, young man.

It's late. Good night.

'Night!

[exhales heavily]

As a rule,

it's good to have
dinner before midnight.

Well, with the town budget,

committee meetings, hearings,

and all these invoices to pay,

I must've lost track of time.

So, how was your visit with Henry today?

Or should I ask?

Well, let's just say it wasn't pleasant.

Abigail, forget about Gowen.

You're trying too hard.

You're absolutely right.

And there's so much to do.

I had no idea how much work
went into running a town.

Well, that's my point exactly.

Gowen should be thanking you for
relieving him of his duties.

And I should be thanking
you for babysitting Cody.

And for this soup!

It's almost as good as mine!

I won't tell if you won't.

[chuckles]

Mm!

[♪♪♪]

Jack!

Rosemary. You're up early.

I didn't catch a wink of sleep
after I heard what had happened.

How could you arrest
that lovely old man?

Mr. Bailey?

Just doing my job.

You have made a terrible mistake.

How so?

He didn't steal that...

oh! ...horrible pin.

How do you know what he stole, Rosemary?

[chuckles]

Funny thing, that.

Amuse me.

Well...

I just happened to be
straightening out Lee's things,

when, lo and behold,

I accidentally

found this small box.

You accidentally

unwrapped it and opened it?

The details aren't important.

What is important is...

have you seen...

that... that thing?

I have.

[sighs heavily] Well, then you know
I could never have worn it.

So you sold it to Sam?

Well, I didn't want to
hurt Lee's feelings.

I thought that, if he
thought that he had lost it,

well, then he would just
pick something else out.

Something a little less...
ugh! ...terrifying.

I know he means well!

Oh, Jack!

I didn't know what to do!

I'm gonna tell you exactly
what you're gonna do.

Your husband bought you
a very special gift

for your first Christmas together.

So...

you are going to put it right
back where you found it,

then, on Christmas morning,
when he gives it to you,

you will act surprised and delighted.

"Surprised and delighted"?

You're a very talented actress.

It'll be the performance of a lifetime.

Do you promise

not to say a word about what happened?

My lips are sealed.

[♪♪♪]

You should've told me

Rosemary Coulter sold you the pin.

Oh, it wouldn't have been right!

Because?

Well, the way I see it,

it gave the young lady an opportunity

to learn a lesson about
telling the truth,

which is exactly what she
needed for Christmas.

So it all worked out the
way it was supposed to.

Come on, Dasher.

[door closes]

Pastor!

You're just the man I want to see.

I got something for you.

I don't think you have anything I need.

Don't be too sure.

What do you say?

A man of God can always use a Bible.

And I'll let it go for cheap.

That's okay. I've got
plenty of those at church.

Well, it is pretty old.
I got it from Granville Penitentiary.

They were giving away some old books.

Wait.

Do you mind if I look
at that for a second?

[♪♪♪]

I did time at Granville.

Lot of people did time at Granville.

I saved it because of the
inscription on the back.

The Saint Francis prayer.

"Lord, let me be an
instrument of Thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,

where there is doubt, faith,

where there is despair, hope."

It's a favorite of mine.

Mine, too.

Which is why I wrote it there.

[astonished chuckle]

This was my bible.

Is that right?

Oh...

You must've changed a lot
of lives with this book.

And I have a feeling you're
gonna change a lot more.

Like that friend you
were telling me about,

the one with the little boy.

She left without telling
anyone where she was going,

there's no way to find her.

Three wise men found Bethlehem
by following a star.

Well, they had a lot of help.

So have you, my friend.

How much you want for that?

Oh, take it.

The way I look at it,

I'm just returning it
to its rightful owner.

Good morning, Miss Yost.

Katie!

Katie, when-when Nancy Tucker
came to you for supplies,

did she happen to mention
where she was headed?

I don't think so.

Wait! She did say

she needed enough rations
to get to Albert Falls.

Albert Falls.

Thanks.

Looks like the pastor just
found his star after all.

[♪♪♪]

Oh, it's pretty snug.
You want to hand me that mallet?

Yeah.

- Thank you.
- Yeah.

[♪♪♪]

[mallet and hammer pounding]

[wood groaning]

Watch out!

[creaking]

[crashing]

[♪♪♪]

The freight wagon's late.

That silly wagon is always running late.

I'm sure it'll be here in no time.

I want to make sure
everything's taken care of

before we leave for the ball tonight.

Don't you worry about it.

I will tie up any loose ends.

You will?

Of course. You asked for my help,

and Christmas is the season for giving.

Pardon me. I thought I should
deliver this in person.

Thank you.

"Train derailed outside Union City.

Track closed."

There won't be any deliveries
till after Christmas.

Oh!

[♪♪♪]

Everyone's going to be so disappointed.

It's not that bad.

Yes, it is.

What am I going to tell the children?

Timmy wanted a train set,

and Ruby had her heart set

on a doll's house.

And poor Maggie,

all she wanted was a "Biddy Betsy."

Maggie isn't going to get her doll?

Cody, why don't you run outside
and play for a little while?

The stove I ordered for the
Lawsons was on that train.

They'll understand.

I know, but it's...

it's so unfair.

I better let Jack know.

No, we're fine,

but we could use some
help shoring up the beam.

[sighing]

Excuse me.

- Elizabeth!
- Jack...

I've got some bad news.

You heard about the train?

It gets worse. The beam fell

at the apartment

we were fixing up for the Lawson family.

Now, we're all okay,

but we're behind schedule.

What are we gonna do?

Whatever we have to.

Now, we said we're gonna make this

a special Christmas for the town,

we're gonna deliver.

Even if we have to work

straight through till Christmas Eve.

But the Mountie Ball...

Yeah.

I really want us to go...

but I think this is more important.

I'm so glad you said that.
We can't leave now.

So... what's the next step?

[♪♪♪]

[bustling chatter]

If I could have everyone's attention...

Just because the freight
wagon didn't come through

doesn't mean we have to
give up on Christmas.

It just means we have
to change our plans,

because everything we need,

we have right here, in Hope Valley.

Where are we going to get
toys for the children?

Well, we'll make them ourselves.

There simply isn't time!

Christmas Eve is tomorrow night!

[murmuring in agreement]

We can do it if we all pitch in.

When I was a girl, we made dolls

from cornhusks and clothespins.

Well, there's plenty of
scrap wood at the mill

to build toys with, if we want.

Well, what about the new
homes for the settlers?

I heard they can't be finished in time.

Anything can be fixed.

All we need are a few
extra sets of hands.

What are we going to do about the stove

for Kurt and Wilma's place?

I've kept my old stove,

but the bottom's rusted out.

[Jack]: We've got a new welder in town.

Mr. Edwards, I'll see what he can do.

What about costumes for
the nativity pageant?

I could probably whip something up.

I have a wonderful idea!

Why don't we hold the
Nativity Pageant right here?

We could decorate it to
look like an old barn.

It'll be like a real manger.

There's still Christmas Eve dinner.

- For about a hundred of us.
- [Bill]: Leave that to me.

Everyone go home and look
through your pantries.

Then go to your neighbor's house,

and look through their pantries.

Whatever you can spare,
bring to the cafe.

I think this calls for a vote.

All those in favor of saving
Christmas, say "aye."

[all]: Aye!

[chatter rises]

What can I do for you, young man?

I need a toy. Do you have any left?

I'm sorry, it's almost Christmas.

- I'm all out of toys.
- Oh.

Uh, what was it you were looking for?

A doll. It was for a friend.

I see! You're trying to be a good boy

so you get a part in
that Christmas pageant.

I already got the part.

Then you don't need
to give her the doll.

I just want to, I guess.

And I promised she could have
a tea party at Miss Abigail's.

Now that I think on it...

I just might have something left.

Let me check.

Oh... It's not very fancy, I'm afraid.

Just an old "Biddy Betsy" doll.

That's just what she wanted!

Imagine that.

Can I buy it?

Uh... it's my last one.

[♪♪♪]

I've got seven cents!

She's worth more than that,
wouldn't you say?

It's all I've got.

Maybe we could make a trade.

[♪♪♪]

[quiet conversations, indistinct]

I brought these cotton
balls from the infirmary.

I thought we could use them
as stuffing for the dolls.

Oh! They will do very nicely.

I haven't done much sewing,

apart from stitching
up cuts and scrapes.

- We're very glad you're here.
- Indeed.

I've never built a house
for a doll before.

Oh, It's just like
building a real house.

Only, um, smaller.

Yes, but a real house
has a set of plans.

I took the liberty of
drawing something up.

It's got the flavor

of a Frank Lloyd Wright
Colonial Revival.

[♪♪♪]

Great. Great.

Ah, this is pretty much a goner.

Bottom's all rusted out.

Yeah, and the firebox is cracked, too.

So? How long do you
think it'll take to fix?

Well, maybe a couple of days.

Can you get it done by tomorrow night?

I'll do my best.

Thanks, George.

[hooves clopping]

Frank, you look like you're
headed somewhere in a hurry.

Nancy Tucker. Giddyap!

[quietly]: Good luck.

So what have we got?

Canned fish, canned oysters,

more canned fish, more oysters,

lots and lots of beans,

and then there's some bacon
from the Campbells' farm.

Not much of it.

Ned Yost brought over the flour
and the sugar and the potatoes,

but he says it's the last of it.

And you knocked on every door?

Everyone was counting
on the freight wagon,

so there wasn't much left.

How do we make a Christmas
Eve banquet out of this?

We start with an oyster soup,

fish stew, potato pie,

bacon and beans,

and finish it with

a carrot-and-chicken surprise casserole.

But we don't have any chicken.

That's the surprise.

[laughs]

What's the count?

Including the ones that you brought,

we have a dozen that are ready,

and that leaves to go.

We still need to do finishing
touches on the tree

and the backdrop for the play.

And it's getting late.

Do you think they work this
hard in the North Pole?

The next time I see Santa,

I'm gonna ask him.

[chuckles] Abigail...

[♪♪♪]

[bangs door shut]

Abigail...

What time is it?

- It's nearly : .
- Where's Clara?

I sent her upstairs to take a break.

How're things going at the saloon?

Well, people are fading fast.

We're gonna have to do something

if we want to finish on time.

Yeah.

I guess it's time for my secret w*apon.

You have a secret w*apon?

Special blend of coffee
from south of the border.

I used it when I tracked "Billy the Kid"

to the coast of Mexico.

Stayed awake for three straight days.

Oh. Well, let's not make it that strong.

I'll boil the water.

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

[exhales]

Good morning.

Oh... good morning.

I'm so tired I can barely move,

but we got it all done.

Good.

And we finished the place
for the Lawson family.

And the stove?

Well, George Edwards fixed it,

so I'm gonna take it over there

as soon as I can find a
volunteer with a wagon.

It just so happens I have one of those!

You're on, Sam.

[chuckles]

This is gonna sound crazy,

but I'm kind of glad the freight
train didn't come through.

You're right.

That does sound crazy.

I always knew the people of Hope Valley

really cared about each other,

but I never realized how much.

Well, I guess good things

really do happen when plans change.

Truer words were never spoken.

I'll hitch up the horse and
we can go get that stove.

Sounds good.

Good work.

You too.

[fire crackling]

[hooves clopping]

Pastor!

You wouldn't by chance
have a cup of coffee

for a weary traveler, would ya?

Of course.

What are you doing way out here?

I was worried about you and your mom.

[Nancy]: You don't have
to worry about us.

We'll be fine.

So where are you headed?

Someplace new.

There are too many
memories in Hope Valley.

They're not all bad.

It's where your father d*ed, Harper.

It's where he taught me how to fish.

And where I made friends.

- Harper.
- You still have friends there,

and they'd like you to come back.

And I'd like you to finish
up your coffee and leave.

I already said I don't
want anything from you.

Yeah, you did.

Then I remembered a prayer I
learned a long time ago...

"Lord, let me be an
instrument of Thy peace."

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,

"where there is doubt, faith..."

"Where there is despair,"

"hope,"

where there is darkness,

"light, and where there is sadness..."

[together]: "Joy."

Saint Francis' prayer.

My dad taught it to me.

It was his favorite.

I didn't know.

I think your husband would
like you to come back, Nancy.

Dad was the one who brought
us to Hope Valley, Mama.

You used to say that he
always knew what was best.

[Frank]: I think he still does.

[♪♪♪]

Whoa!

- Thanks, Sam.
- My pleasure.

Good boy.

Hey, Jack! You got a minute?

Yeah, Lee.

Hey. I just took the stove
to the Lawsons' place.

Uh, some of the ladies
are cleaning it up now.

Oh, great. Well,
then I have more good news.

Remember the gift that I bought
for Rosemary that went missing?

The pin?

The pin. Yes. Well...

turns out that it was at the bottom

of the trunk after all.

It slipped behind the lining.
I don't know what happened.

Anyway, I'm really sorry
if I caused any trouble.

No trouble at all.
I'm just glad you found it.

Me too, and I can't wait
to see Rosemary's face

when she opens that box.

I bet she's going to be
surprised and delighted.

I hope so. Anyway,
I'll see you tonight, okay?

I think if we put the
buffet against the wall

and move the tables out,

there'll be enough standing
room for everyone.

Christmas is officially back on track!

Oh, except that you and Jack

didn't get to go to the Mountie Ball.

It was the right decision to stay.

[footsteps]

Can I go play with Robert?

Yes, if you are back
in time to get ready

for the pageant.

Okay.

[Elizabeth]: Cody,
where's your baseball?

I...

traded it.

Traded it? With who?

Mrs. Stanton!

I don't think we've had the
pleasure of a formal introduction.

No, but I've heard all about you,

and I know you've met my little boy.

Cody. Yeah, I saw him earlier.

Oh, I'm not looking for him.

I came to talk to you.

About the baseball.

It was a fair trade.

May I ask what he got in exchange?

Humanity. Kindness.

Everything Christmas is all about.

I don't think you answered my question.

Cody traded that ball

for something one of his friends wanted.

He said she'd be heartbroken

if she didn't get it for Christmas.

A "Biddy Betsy" doll?

One and the same!

And you had one?

Yes, indeed!

It's funny how those kind of things

just work out sometimes.

He really loved that baseball.

I can't believe he did that for Maggie.

He's a pretty special young man.

Yes, he is.

We're serving Christmas
Eve dinner tonight

for everyone in town.

I... Well, I hope you'll join us.

Well, that's a fine invitation,

but I think I'm heading out soon.

Don't want to wear out my welcome.

Well, if you change your mind,
we'd love to have you.

How about you, Mrs. Stanton?

Any last-minute shopping to do?

Oh, I think I've got
Christmas taken care of.

You sure you haven't forgotten anyone?

I'm sure.

Well...

there is Henry Gowen.

But he doesn't want anything from me,

or anyone else.

Yeah, I saw him out for a walk.

He looked like a real sourpuss to me.

That's him, all right.

So... why are you worried
about him at all?

I don't know.

Maybe because he's one of us,

for better or worse.

Have you told him that?

Well, he didn't give me a chance.

He said I was pretending to
care to keep up appearances.

Oh, that can't be true.

It's not.

Well... [sighs]

Guess I'm right out of luck.

Well, how's that?

Because the best gift you
can give Old Sourpuss

for Christmas

is the truth.

Even though I'd rather
sell you a necktie.

[laughs]

I think I will pass on that.

[chuckling]

Thank you for everything, Mr. Bailey.

You've been a real angel.

Oh, I have been called worse.

[chuckles]

[knocking]

Meant to lock that door.

I thought we were done here.

We were.

And then someone started me thinking...

And I realized something...

There's a reason you're here, Henry.

There's a reason you came back.

I don't need to listen
to this right now.

Yes, you do.

And you're gonna hear me out,
whether you like it or not.

You came back to Hope Valley
because this is your home,

and the people here are your family.

You need us, Henry.

And the truth is,

I need you.

So you were right after all.

I am here for me.

I'm here because I have a town to run,

and I need your help to do it.

And I won't let you push me away.

I'll be back tomorrow,

and the day after that
and the day after that.

Because I'm giving you a
second chance for Christmas.

A chance to work together.

And a chance to start over.

Merry Christmas, Henry.

And welcome home.

[♪♪♪]

[Elizabeth]: "And the glory of the Lord

shone round about them,
and they were sore afraid.

But the angel said unto them..."

"Fear not,

for behold,

I bring you good tidings of great joy,

which shall be to all people."

"For, unto you is born this day,

in the city of David

a Savior which is Christ the Lord."

"And this shall be a sign unto you...

you shall find the babe

wrapped in swaddling clothes
and lying in the manger."

[♪♪♪]

♪ Away in the manger ♪

♪ No crib for his bed ♪

♪ The little Lord Jesus ♪

♪ Lay down his sweet head ♪

♪ The stars In the night sky ♪

♪ Looked down where he lay ♪

♪ The little Lord Jesus ♪

♪ Asleep on the hay ♪♪

[all applauding]

You mind if I say a few words?

Oh, of course!

I don't have a sermon
prepared for you tonight.

It's hard to follow the
greatest story ever told,

so I won't even try.

But I do want to remind everyone

that the greatest gift we receive

is God's love.

The greatest gift that we give

is the love we have for one other.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

[overlapping]: Merry Christmas!

[together]: Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

All right, everyone, well,
I believe our program is over,

unless, of course,
I'm forgetting something.

[children]: Santa!

Oh, no! How could I forget Santa?

Ho, ho, ho, ho!

Merry Christmas, boys and
girls! Merry Christmas!

Now, that is a sight I never
thought I'd live to see.

Well, my money's on you for next year.

You can't keep winning at
darts forever, my friend.

["Santa" Bill]:
Merry Christmas, everyone!

Well...

I believe this one is...

for Timmy.

That's me!

Merry Christmas, young man.

Thank you.

Who's Ruby?

That's me!

Is this really for me?

Yes, it is. Merry Christmas.

Is there someone here named Maggie?

Biddy Betsy!

Merry Christmas!

[♪♪♪]

[quietly]: I know what
you did for Maggie,

and I'm very proud of you.

[door opens and shuts]

[♪♪♪]

["Santa" Bill]:
This says it's for Harper!

That's me.

Merry Christmas, son.

Merry Christmas, children. Come!

Merry Christmas!

[♪♪♪]

[light laughter and quiet conversations]

I have to lock up the jail.

Save me a seat if you can?

Oh, I'm pretty sure we'll be standing.

All we need now is some snow

for a perfect Christmas Eve.

Well, I don't know.

It's pretty clear for that.

Maybe I'm asking too much.

Looks like everyone enjoyed themselves.

I believe they did.

I'm surprised to see you're still here.

Isn't there somewhere else
you're supposed to be tonight?

Not that I know of.

Think again.

How much?

No charge.

Jesse!

I need your help with something.

Of course.

What can I do for you?

Mr. Bailey!

Are you sure you don't want
to join us for supper?

Well, that's very kind of you,
but it's time for me to leave.

I hope you'll come back and visit us.

I will.

But, in the meantime,
I have a favor to ask.

I have a long trip ahead of me, and...

Dasher here, he never
signed up for that.

He needs a real home.

Do you know anyone in town I
could trust to look after him?

Someone... kind?

With a good heart?

I know the perfect person.

You really mean it?

If you promise to take
care of each other.

I promise! I promise! I promise!

[barks]

[♪♪♪]

Come on, Dasher!

[♪♪♪]

[Elizabeth, writing]: And so...

with a little help from a simple peddler

who knew exactly what everyone needed,

what looked like disappointment

turned into a Christmas miracle.

The new families from the settlement

were able to move

out of the tents and into real homes.

Rosemary was surprised and delighted

with Lee's unique gift.

And the warmth of the Christmas spirit

was rediscovered and reborn.

By the time I got home,

I didn't think there could be
a more perfect Christmas,

but it turned out...

I was wrong.

[♪♪♪]

"The pleasure of your company
is requested at the saloon.

Formal attire."

[doors creaking]

[♪♪♪]

[music box begins to play]

[♪♪♪]

May I have this dance, Miss Thatcher?

I would be delighted,
Constable Thornton.

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]

Giddyap!

[♪♪♪]