A Royal Montana Christmas (2025) Movie Script
1
Lovely ride today, darling.
There you go.
Oh, my.
You are hungry today, Noelle!
Oh, there you are, Victoria.
Gabriel.
We're late.
- What?
- Change of plans.
The lighting ceremony has
been moved up, rescheduled.
Uh, to when?
Uh, now.
Now!?
Well, actually, 15 minutes ago.
So yes, now.
Wh-wh-why?
Something about
the yuletide exhibit.
A partridge getting stuck
in the pear tree...
I... I... don't ask.
The partridge in the pear tree
pushed the winter
lights festival,
which then delayed your arrival
at the Holiday Symphony,
which subsequently changed
the advent wreath celebration
to, again, 17 minutes ago.
Gabriel, the schedule
is bananas.
It's crackers.
Christmas crackers to be exact.
Gabriel.
Sorry, just trying
to lighten the mood.
I hate to tell you this,
but when January comes
and you officially take over
the figurehead
duties of the Duchess,
this chaos will increase
100-fold.
What if we do things
differently next year?
We don't do different here,
Victoria, you know that.
It's just
that I have all these...
Oh, that is very tight.
The goal is to breathe, right?
Unfortunately, I don't
think it is.
Heels.
What if next year,
we do something with less
pomp and circumstance?
Something that the
community can relate to,
feel a part of?
I want them to feel
comfortable, connected,
relaxed.
Oh, you want relaxation?
No problem.
I can totally schedule
that in for you...
two years from now.
Gabriel.
I hear you...
Your Highness.
But, now is not the time
to reinvent the wheel.
Now, is the time
to deck yourself
in the Christmas spirit.
Bah, humbug!
Wrong spirit.
I present to you,
Her Royal Highness,
Princess Victoria of Zelarnia.
Thank you, all.
Thank you for coming.
Please stick to the script
this time.
Ah, I'm so sorry I'm late,
so sorry.
Thank you for waiting.
Thank you.
Sorry.
Welcome to Zelarnia Palace.
It-it-uh-it is my honor
to be your host tonight
alongside, um, my mother
and my younger sister.
Thank you for joining
our advent lighting.
Uh, as you may know,
the four candles,
uh... on the advent wreath
represent hope, joy,
peace and love.
They're all out of order.
Tonight, uh...
- So today...
- Uh, today.
We will be lighting
the first candle
to celebrate the beginning
of the Christmas season.
Oh.
Uh, hmm.
Thank you.
May we all experience the hope
that the holiday brings
to all of our hearts
in Zelarnia.
Left.
Oh.
I'll just light you another one.
Hm.
Thank you.
That was terrible.
Don't worry.
Uh, that was absolutely the
worst thing I've ever done.
Such a lovely annual event,
and, um... uh, you did
very well, Victoria.
Did I, mother?
Well, we can't always
be perfect, my love,
but we must try.
It is our duty to uphold
the royal standard.
The Valentino is hanging in
your room for the next event.
Please tell me you're referring
to Valentino pajamas.
I'm afraid not.
But, feel free to sign
the official royal Christmas
cards in your PJs later tonight.
Thank you.
Thank you, darling.
Did she do her own hair?
Mother.
Oh!
Hm.
To my wild and bright daughter.
Your light illuminates
all of my dark skies.
Merry Christmas.
Love, Papa.
What's her name?
I hear it's Christmas.
Born on the actual day.
Well Christmas,
I'm sure you're the
perfect Christmas present.
That was a lovely evening.
Did you see the way
that Prince Reginald
was looking at you?
Prince who?
Prince Reginald.
Tall, dark, handsome.
You've literally described
every prince
in every fairy tale.
Anyway, he couldn't
keep his eyes off you.
Honestly, I didn't even notice.
Besides, I barely have time
to breathe, let alone date.
Mother, I'm not done.
This one looked ready.
Speaking of time to breathe.
Oh, I already requested
additional time
for future gown fittings.
Thank you, Gabriel.
That is very helpful
and definitely necessary,
but that is not
what I had in mind.
I have an idea.
You do love a good idea,
but before that,
do we all have five
minutes for the Ghost of Christmas Future?
Is that the ghost who tells me
about all the delicious things
I get to eat tomorrow?
- Unfortunately not.
- Excuse me.
These are your...
ho-ho-holiday events
for this week.
That was ho-ho-ho-horrible,
Gabriel.
Have you no shame?
None.
Gabriel, this list
is never-ending.
Mother,
I have been working
very hard so that
I'm ready to take over your
duties come January, but...
something doesn't feel right.
Your duties are expansive
because you need
to get a taste of
what it will be like
when I ease up on
my responsibilities.
I have joyfully fulfilled
these duties for decades.
But, it's time for me
to slow down.
And you are next in line.
But, what if I don't want
to do things
the way they've always
been done?
I want to try something
different and incorporate
my ideas and really connect
with people.
When I first married
your father,
I was thrust into
a royal existence with many expectations.
But, maybe that's the
difference between you and I.
You married into this,
I was born into it.
I've never had the freedom
to choose anything.
What if I want
to have a choice now?
Are you saying you don't
want to be Grand Duchess?
I've always known that
that is the role
I'm going to step into
and I'm very keen to.
It's just that, as that is
becoming more of a reality,
and January is very
fast approaching,
I have so many questions,
questions that I...
I need to find answers for.
And Gabriel says
my next window to think
is in two years.
Six hundred ninety-eight days,
but, who's counting?
I am.
What is your proposition?
Well, I haven't thought it
all the way through yet,
but I have an idea.
Yes?
I'd like to return
to the Dude Ranch
that father and I attended
when I was a girl.
I can't think of a better place
to get clarity.
I can see how important
this is to you.
So, if you can be back
by December 19th
for the lighting of the
third advent wreath candle...
you may go.
Of course!
Of course I will be!
I will, I promise I will
be back by the 19th.
I can fill in while you're away.
Thank you.
Then we should talk.
And, Gabriel, you are
to accompany her.
Me?
Yes, you.
As an American,
you can help Victoria
navigate the country culture.
I'm from New York.
They have ranches in New York.
Madam, the only ranch
I'm acquainted with
is ranch dressing.
Mother.
Thank you so much.
I promise to be back
on the 19th.
I truly hope you find
what you are looking for.
Sweetheart.
Well, I'm glad we
finally made it here.
Oh, come on.
Nice parking.
Oh, thank you.
And you said I was a bad driver.
I will get the coffees.
You're very kind.
Must be the southern
hospitality.
Well, this is the North,
and that was sarcasm.
I'm sorry?
You just crushed Christmas.
I beg your pardon?
You just drove over my
Christmas decorations.
Look, I'm not sure
where you're from,
but around here, we tend
to look where we're going
when we're driving.
I'm from Zelarnia,
where we drive carefully
and consciously.
Okay, well, in Zelarnia,
did you drive
on the left or the right
side of the road?
The right side.
Figuratively, not literally.
Pedestrians are never at fault.
Look at that.
I'm very sorry.
It is kind of ironic, isn't it?
Yeah, how's that?
The irony that the Nutcracker
was crushed
because nutcrackers
crush things.
You know, they crush things
with their mouths, and...
I'm very sorry.
And, I'm more than happy to
pay for anything that I broke.
No, that's fine.
I got more of them.
If you'll excuse us,
we have acquired
our caffeinated beverages
and will now be on our way.
Well, I'm very sorry.
And, it won't happen again.
Yeah.
Seriously?
Sorry!
Extra sorry this time.
It's fine.
It's fine.
We're finally here!
It's exactly as I remember it.
I will go out
and get the rest of them.
With all that stuff,
how long are you staying?
You must be Victoria Thiessen.
You're our last guest to
arrive for the holiday season.
That I am.
And my friend, Gabriel,
has the other room.
Jimmy Blaylock, longtime owner.
We have one safety rule here:
Don't squat with your spurs on.
We'll try not to.
Dude Ranch jokes,
I'm full of them.
So, Zelarnia.
You folks have come a long way.
How'd you hear about us?
Oh well, I was here years
ago on a father-daughter trip.
We did so many fun things.
We cooked over the campfire,
we played games, we danced.
We do all that still and more.
Oh, welcome to Peaceful Pines.
Nadine Blaylock.
Victoria.
I'm so happy to be here.
She's not only
my wonderful wife,
she's also a superb
ranch manager.
Aw, honey.
Which means I'm the glue that
holds this place together.
She's the glue that holds
this place together.
Yeah, I just said that, honey.
Speaking of, here is a list
of ranch activities
that we'd love you
to participate in
while you're here, if you like.
Um, there's also some Christmas
events during your time.
Um, my personal favorite is
the Festival of Lights
on the 18th.
Well, that sounds lovely.
That wasn't here last time.
When is the holiday dance?
Unfortunately, um,
we haven't done that
in a number of years.
Oh, what a shame.
I have such vivid memories of
attending it with my father.
Aww. Well, it was a lovely
Christmas tradition
and now we have new ones.
Why don't you head on
over to the barn
for Christmas games.
It's a really fun way to
break brittle with the others.
We have you in a small
cabin right beside the barn.
And a great room
for you upstairs.
Uh, we'll have the porter
bring your bags
over to your rooms.
Perfect, thank you.
Lovely.
Where's the porter?
My cabin is adorable.
How's your room?
Rustic. Have you actually
read this list?
I skimmed it.
'Cause some of these
words seem really intense.
It's very relaxed here, Gabriel.
I had nothing but fun
the last time I was here.
And I have no reason to believe
it'll be any different
this time.
If you say so.
After you, Your Highness.
Can you hang it on a tree?
No. Ah...
Can I eat it?
Yes!
Um, is it a dessert?
Yes!
Um, could I find it
at the North Pole?
Um, maybe...
That's not helping.
Um, I can eat it?
Yes!
But you'd have
to catch it first,
which is doubtful.
Is it a gingerbread man?
- Yes!
- Woo!
You guessed it!
Hi! You must be
the new guests.
I'm Shelby.
I have some homemade nog
with fresh nutmeg.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
I'm Victoria.
Gabriel.
Do you want to join us?
We'd love to.
- Tons of room!
- Come on in, come on in!
Oh, give her a crown.
Yeah, get her in.
Thank you!
Here. You're never gonna
get this one.
All right.
Can I give it as a present?
Yeah, maybe.
Maybe, maybe?
Oh, okay.
Uh, am I from a Christmas story?
- Yes, yes.
- Yes.
Okay, uh, am I a character
from a Christmas story?
Yes.
Am I Santa Claus?
Santa's not a character
in a story.
Santa's real.
You're absolutely right.
I'm a character from a story
and I can sometimes
be a present?
Am I a nutcracker?
Yes!
- Yes!
- Woo!
Yes, I am a nutcracker!
Well, isn't that ironic?
It's you.
Miss Zelarnia, right?
You two know each other?
Oh, yeah.
She crushed my
Christmas decoration.
It was an accident.
Twice.
Accidentally twice.
Well, I just wanted
to let you know
that your bags are up
in your room.
You work here?
Something like that.
Anyway, have
a good evening, uh...
Victoria.
Huntley.
Huntley.
Oh. You poor thing,
you dropped your water bucket.
Charley? Does it all the time.
Rowdy like that.
Let me help you.
Thanks.
Sorry if I gave you a hard
time about the decorations.
Well, I did crush
your Christmas.
Twice.
So... you work here,
sort of.
I'm Jimmy and Nadine's son.
I just help out
during the holidays.
From where?
Billings.
And what do you do there?
Baseball.
Oh, do you play?
Once upon a time,
but, now I coach.
Well, it's nice that
you're able to come home
over the holidays.
Yeah, it's fun, but,
uh, it's a lot of work.
Oh, I can see that.
Especially now that my parents
are getting up there.
They want to retire
and kind of want to hand me
the reins.
What about you?
What brings you all the way
from Europe to Montana?
Well, I'm actually
a repeat customer.
My father brought me here
when I was a little girl,
and it was my favorite
Christmas ever.
And now you're back.
For some Christmas cheer.
I have been very busy
at work lately,
and I just needed
some time for me.
And, I remembered feeling
so alive and free here
that I thought I'd come back.
Well, there's no better
place to clear your head.
Hm.
Get some rest.
We start early in the morning.
Oh, I'm definitely ready.
Gabriel picked out the most
fabulous outfit for me.
I'm sorry, what?
Oh, uh, it's this
silly little thing
he does for me as my assistant.
He's my assistant.
Okay.
Definitely do things different
in Zelarnia.
All right, well...
see you in the morning.
I'll see you in the morning.
Oh! It's cold! It's...
so cold, so cold...
I'm just saying that was ice,
that wasn't water.
That was ice.
And yet you lived
to tell the tale.
Did you sleep well?
Like a rock.
Even though I had a late night,
I was sidetracked
by Huntley in the barn.
Oh.
Not like that.
I was helping him with a horse.
Is that what we're calling it?
Anyway, it turns out that he is
Jimmy and Nadine's son.
Huh?
Excuse me.
Good morning.
How did you sneak up
on me like that?
Cowboy instinct.
Never stand in front of
a bull or behind a horse.
You guys want coffee?
- Lovely.
- Divine.
Hey, Nutcracker.
Howdy!
Ha-ha, no.
Here you go.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
If it's not too much trouble,
we would love
some cream and sugar.
Sugar's on the table,
creams in the cow.
Feel free to give it a tug.
I'm just kidding, pal.
It's right in front of you
right there.
Oh.
Oh, I have no idea
where to start.
Not bad, huh?
Hey, Mom.
Hey, son.
- Everything smells delicious.
- Thank you.
What are we having today?
We are having cackleberries,
overland trout
and hot rocks.
What?
Eggs, bacon and biscuits.
Yeah. Biscuits are
a family tradition.
They are delicious.
Save yourself
a trip and take two.
May I?
Thank you.
Well, your family has clearly
perfected country cooking.
Well, not me.
All I can make is
son-of-a-gun stew.
He can barely make that.
What is that?
Trust me,
you don't want to know.
I'm gonna try
my luck with that cow.
One for the road.
Thank you.
I will take two for
the road, please.
Thank you.
Mind if I join you?
Sure.
Let me get this for you.
Thank you.
Is this what you call
northern hospitality?
Something like that.
Good morning!
Who's ready for the day?
I am.
Oh, excellent.
Hey Newbie, come on over here.
Newbie me?
Well, if the boots fit.
As you two are
our newest guests,
we have some initiation
tasks for both of you.
What's on the docket today,
Captain?
I prefer Cow Boss.
He prefers Cow Boss.
Oh, all right then, Cow Boss.
Today, you're
going to be cleaning
horse tack and saddles.
You're going to be bringing
in hay.
And my personal favorite...
mucking out the stalls.
Mucking?
Mhm.
Charley made a big
old mess last night.
Sure you're up for this?
Absolutely.
Ow!
Hey, you missed a spot
right there.
Hey, how'd the newbies do?
See for yourself.
Oh, dear.
I do not remember all that
from when I was a child.
Well, over the years we've made
it a little more authentic.
Have you?
- I'll leave you to it.
- All right.
It was not that bad.
Well, I will give it to you,
you didn't act like a princess.
So, when do we get to do
all the real cowboy stuff?
I mean, this is
real cowboy stuff.
Oh, you mean like lassos
and yeehaws and all that?
Exactly.
All right, well,
I guess you two earned it.
Oh, no thanks.
The only thing I want
to lasso is a box of donuts,
and you don't have any.
Giddy up.
- Whoa!
- Yay!
Looks like we've
got an expert here.
She's part of
a local youth rodeo.
Yeah, we're very proud of her.
Yeah, can you teach
my son a thing or two?
Are you trying to show me up,
young lady?
Maybe I am.
Oh, really?
I happen to be pretty
good at this, actually.
All right.
Excuse me, can I have
a little...
Oh, I didn't mean
to intimidate you.
A little space.
No. That's okay.
- I'm sorry.
- That's okay.
Hmm?
- Oh...
- Oh.
Mmm.
Better stick to baseball, yo.
Oh, my goodness.
Maybe we should get our young
rodeo star some hot cocoa.
What do you say?
Deal.
So, you ready to give it a try?
After that amazing
demonstration?
Absolutely.
All right.
All right.
Pressure's on here.
I'll go first, excuse me.
Oh!
Not bad, not bad.
- Very good.
- Thank you.
You've redeemed yourself.
Now, it's your turn.
Here you go.
All right.
Yep. You got that?
- Okay.
- You got your spot there.
I'm gonna back up here
and be safe.
Oh!
Almost, almost!
Almost, almost.
You almost took his head off.
Almost ain't a second.
Can I help you?
Absolutely.
You want to take this hand
just so.
Rope is an extension
of your arm.
So if you're tense, you're
going to come up short.
Mhm.
All right, so you just want
to kind of get in the flow,
and keep an eye on your target.
Swing, release, snap, okay?
Practice your swing.
Swing.
- Release.
- Release.
Close, close.
You were right there.
Now, try it again.
Okay.
- You got it?
- Mhm.
Swing, release, snap.
- Swing.
- Swing.
- Release.
- Release.
- Snap!
- Snap! Oh!
Hey! You did it!
Oh, um...
Hang on a second, sorry.
You've got...
Oh, it's a little...
just that.
Hm.
Well, I should probably
wash my hair.
Yeah, I should go feed
the horses.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Can you please
help us find a ride-share?
We're looking to go into town,
and I just don't want to
let her drive me again.
Ride-share... yeah, around here
we get around on horseback.
I'm sorry, you what?
Ranch rules.
She's joking.
You are joking, right?
Yes, of course.
I'll call you a cab.
Oh, hang on a second.
Where are you trying to go?
Oh, downtown for a little
holiday shopping.
I wanted to pick up some
gifts for my family.
I can drop you off in town.
Heading up the mountain
to work on the Festival
of Lights anyway.
Well, that sounds like fun.
Would you like some help?
Well, it sounds like you've
already got some plans.
Oh nonsense, we'd love to.
Right, Gabriel?
Actually, I've hit my quota
for manual labor today.
I think I'm just gonna go
find the spa.
Ah... we don't have one.
Or the pool.
Yes, it's 30 degrees outside.
Well, then I will just
take a cold plunge.
You know what, come with me.
I'll make your reservation
at the spa in town.
Looks like it's just us.
Looks like it.
I'm glad you trust me around
your Christmas ornaments.
I'm willing to give
you a second chance.
You're never gonna
let that go, are you?
Probably not.
You are going to want
to change your jacket
and definitely those boots.
A lot more snow
up on the mountain.
Look at all this snow,
it's so beautiful.
Here.
Try not to break these.
Very funny.
Whoa!
You okay?
Yes, I almost broke myself.
I'm excited to see
your light walk.
Back home our Christmas market
has an enormous candle carousel.
It's lit every evening
and the flames cause it
to turn slowly.
Sounds beautiful.
It's a lovely tradition.
So, how long have you
been doing the light walk?
Oh, ten years now.
Change up the display
every year.
Make it a little
different experience.
What's this year's theme?
Oh, no, I couldn't
tell you that.
That's top secret.
Wha...
All right. Well, this year's
theme is Big Sky.
Oh, that's perfect.
There's nothing quite
like the Montana skyline.
It's absolutely beautiful.
Yeah, nothing beats it.
I often think about
being here with my father
as we looked up at the night
sky, the stars twinkling,
and we sat around the fire,
just drinking hot chocolate.
He must've been a pretty
special guy to bring you
all this way
for a father-daughter trip.
He was.
He passed a few years ago.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Thank you.
My mom says that
I'm like him, but...
I'm not so sure anymore.
I used to keep my heart open
to everyone and everything,
but lately, it's...
It's just been hard.
Here, let me help you with that.
Well...
being here seems to be getting
you back to that,
don't you think?
Yes, maybe you're right.
Sorry. I'm blathering.
No, I like your blathering.
Okay, well, it's your turn.
I've been doing all the talking.
Uh oh.
Tell me about you and baseball.
Well, it's complicated.
Try me.
Okay.
Well, I grew up playing ball
here as a kid.
Got pretty good.
Good enough to get scouted,
chance to play pro.
Whole town rallied around me.
It was... pretty unbelievable.
Hm.
Then at my first training
camp, I blew out my shoulder,
shredded my rotator cuff.
That was pretty much it.
Ever since then, I've just
been bouncing
from team to team in the minors,
just do coaching wherever I can.
Yeah.
I'm sorry.
Thanks.
Well, I'm excited
to see this all lit up.
Yeah.
You know what?
I am parched.
Please tell me you're
not suggesting
we dip a bucket in a well.
No, no, no.
We'll save that for
tomorrow morning.
What do you say?
Drinks on me?
Sure.
Ready?
Oh, come on.
- Aw.
- Oh.
Well, you hit it.
That's... wow.
Okay.
I might be a bit rusty,
I'm afraid.
Oh!
Not!
Are you hustling me?
Perhaps.
Okay, what other games
do you play?
Mm.
Polo, cricket,
bocce ball, croquet, fencing.
And, I was captain of Oxford's
competitive rowing team.
Indoor shuffleboard?
I have personally
engraved pucks.
Billiards?
Oh, please. Anyone who's serious
prefers snooker.
Let me get this straight.
You play darts, you
fence and you play pool.
Snooker. I shoot snooker.
What about axe throwing?
Is that a thing?
Oh, that's a thing, yes.
Really?
All right!
Holiday drinks on the house.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
You're welcome.
Take him for everything
he's got.
Oh, that will be easy.
Hey.
Shelby, how you been?
Uh, overall really good.
It's been a little bit of
a tougher week, though.
Our fundraising efforts for
the volunteer firefighters
are way down from last year.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Anything I can do to help?
Come up with a really quick way
to raise a whole bunch of money.
The firefighters are really
low on resources.
What about a holiday dance?
You could sell tickets
to raise the funds.
I mean, I absolutely love
that idea.
I just don't think
that I have the time
to pull something
like that together.
Plus, I don't
know where we would do it.
I mean, the town hall
is closed down
due to that frozen pipe
that burst.
What about here?
Here?
Well, yes, here in the barn.
You could bring back
the holiday dance!
Oh, um...
Well, why not?
It was so much fun!
Yeah. It's just, you know,
organizing a dance
with this short amount of time,
it's a lot of work.
With my responsibilities
here at the ranch,
I don't think I can really
take anything else on.
I could do it.
I have been attending
large events my whole life.
I know exactly how they're run,
and it really,
it wouldn't take much.
The place is practically
already decorated.
Just a few bits and bobs
and... and... you could get
live music and drinks and food!
Yeah, I don't know.
I mean, it's a lot of work.
I would love to help.
And plus, I can handle it
all so as not to burden you.
And I can also help.
Yeah. I'm just not so sure
about bringing
the dance back, you know?
Huntley...
Just... just... leave it
with me for a minute, okay?
Absolutely.
Thank you.
Excuse me.
Thank you so much
for offering to help.
Hopefully, he lets us
bring back the dance.
Why did it stop?
You know what, it's complicated.
I'm sure he'll tell you
about it soon.
Good thing we're getting this
done before it gets too cold.
You look after this place,
it'll look after you, son.
Yeah, I get it.
Not real subtle, Pop.
Well, nobody's ever
accused me of that before.
Yeah.
You know, uh...
Shelby asked if we could
host a fundraiser
for the volunteer
firefighters in the barn.
Maybe bring back
the holiday dance.
That's a great idea.
I'm... I'm... still
thinking about it.
Your mother and I would
love that.
You know, for 38 years,
all the most important things
in our lives
have happened right here.
Yeah, it was a great place
to grow up.
I see this place
bringing you the same joy
it's brought to us.
So, what's keeping you
in Billings?
I don't see you getting
the same kind
of joy out of coaching.
I don't wanna
talk about it, Pop.
You think maybe coming back
here makes you a failure?
- Pop.
- Is that it?
Okay, I get it, I get it.
You thought your life
was going one direction,
and it ended up going another.
That is not failing.
The only failure
is failure to try.
Look.
I just want you happy.
I won't deny I want
you back here at the ranch,
more than anything.
But, the only way I want that
is if that's what you want.
If it brings you joy.
Now, to me, it looks like
it does.
But if I'm wrong,
I can accept that.
What I can't accept
is you living a life
you're not happy in.
It's already straight.
Trust your instincts.
So, I heard the lighting
of the second
advent candle went well.
It did.
I even told a funny
anecdote about joy.
But, it sounds like you have
everything under control.
I do...
but, if you're not back for
the lighting on the 19th,
Mother will blow her crown.
Don't worry, I will be.
So, how's it going over
there at the ranch?
Any cute cowboys?
There's definitely not
a shortage of those.
Really? Do tell.
Do you have a minute?
Sure.
Emma, give me a second.
Everything all right?
Victoria?
Okay, let's do it.
- The dance?
- Yeah.
I'm so glad you came around.
Okay, we just have
to figure out which night.
Uh, how about Thursday?
No. Festival of Lights.
Friday?
- The 19th.
- Yeah.
Oh, no.
I meant to be gone.
Well, then I'll just
have to extend my stay.
Okay, first things first,
poinsettias and twinkle lights.
We need lots of them.
And, can you please take a look
at the floor plan I sketched?
You already have a floor plan?
I had high hopes.
Apparently.
This is so exciting.
Are you sure your family's
gonna be okay with this?
Oh, right.
Emma?
It's your mother.
Oh. Hello, Mother.
Hello, darling.
What's this I hear about
a dance?
Let me explain...
So, as you may have all heard,
I have committed the ranch
to hosting the holiday dance
to raise funds for
volunteer firefighters.
It's very exciting.
So, I could really use
your help.
Where do we start?
Well, for the party decor,
I thought that we could
embrace classic Christmas
while celebrating life
here on the ranch.
Like, we could turn
old cowboy boots
into floral
centerpieces like this.
That's lovely.
I love those.
Thank you.
And, we could make a Christmas
tree out of hay bales,
dress it up with
Christmas lights,
and then put a big sheriff's
star right on top.
And, I saw some old
tires out back.
I thought we could
stack them up,
paint them white and
turn them into snowmen.
That's adorable.
Thank you.
And of course, at the barn
entrance, I thought we could
build an archway of lights and
take two large nutcrackers
and have them standing guard.
Can we give them cowboy hats?
Brilliant idea!
How about line dancing?
- Oh!
- Yes!
That's how we met!
Tom, do you remember?
Do I?
Let's make some Christmas magic!
Cocoa?
Thank you.
You know, you have a real
gift for motivating people.
Oh.
It's nothing.
Just mix some creativity
and passion.
Thank you for letting me lasso
you into holding the dance.
Oh, yeah.
You really saddled me
with that one.
How'd your family take it
with you extending the trip?
Well, my mother was displeased,
but I... I... promised
that I'd be home
for the fourth and final
advent lighting.
It's this family tradition.
So in the end, she relented.
Good.
It's... it's-going to be great.
- I think so.
- Yeah.
What are you working on?
This?
Uh, well, eventually I'm
hoping it's going to be a horse.
- Eventually.
- Eventually.
You know, my father actually
carved me a horse
when we were here.
I think your father
taught him how.
Well, it does sound like
very standard ranch activity.
Yes, Ranch 101.
I believe we sat
right here, under these stars,
as he carved and
told me stories.
He told me all about
the constellations too, but...
I can't remember any of them.
Well, you see that?
Right there.
Mm.
That is Pegasus,
Zeus's winged steed
and the only being
able to reach the heavens.
That's why people say
that Pegasus
is a symbol of soul,
its everlasting presence.
I wonder if that's why horses
are just so magical
to be around.
You know, remind us of the
connection to the souls
that have moved on, but...
also they never really
leave us, you know.
I've forgotten how
beautiful it is.
I will admit, it is stunning.
Thank you again for staying.
Please.
I didn't bring my cowboy
boots for nothing.
You bring those everywhere.
They make me five foot nine.
Besides...
I didn't want to miss
the sparks flying
between you and Huntley.
That is not why I decided
to stay.
Mhm.
At least it's not
the only reason.
So, you admit it is a reason?
It might be.
I haven't let myself
get this close to someone
in a long time.
It's scary.
But this is what you
needed to explore, right?
Following your heart
with no schedule,
no royal pressures.
Speaking of, have you told him
that you're a princess yet?
No, not yet.
Why not?
It feels like an
added complication.
Maybe yes, maybe no.
Could be a dream come true.
Gabriel, just because
I'm a princess
doesn't mean I'm guaranteed
a happily ever after.
Guarantee is such a strong word.
How's it looking?
It looks great.
Perfectly centered.
How's the hay tree coming?
It's great, we're getting there.
Wonderful.
Looking good, Sammy.
Like it?
Love it!
Ooh!
Precisely as I pictured.
Oh, my silver bells.
It's really coming along
in here!
We're getting there,
we're getting there.
Oh, we never could
have pulled this off
if you hadn't stepped up.
Oh, it's nothing.
Honestly, thank you.
It's also really nice to see
Huntley this happy.
I mean, I haven't seen
him smile this much since...
Well, it's been
a really long time.
You've brought him home,
in a real way.
Oh, well, he's done
the same for me, too.
Huh.
Interesting.
Hey, Victoria.
Can I borrow you for a minute?
I really need your help
with something.
Sounds serious.
It is, we need to cut down
a tree for the dance.
Oh, wouldn't it be
simpler just to buy one?
No, no, you can't
buck tradition.
Now? I have so much to do.
I can help.
Oh, well, I wouldn't
want to impose.
Oh, not at all.
Plot twist.
Quiet, you.
That popcorn is for the Garland.
I thought it was
a little bit stale.
All right, then, let's go.
Just have one stop to make
along the way.
Suspicious.
Things are getting interesting.
Very.
You really didn't have
to buy me this hat.
Although it is fabulous.
Everyone will definitely
be jealous.
My pleasure, it suits you.
So what do you say?
Let's go cut this tree
down, huh?
I'll have you know I am somewhat
of a Christmas tree expert.
Oh, really?
Whenever I choose a holiday
tree, I select a balsam fir.
Its fragrance is effervescent.
Nope, needles fall off
in a week.
Blue spruce is the way to go.
You're joking.
No, you can't be serious.
If you water a balsam,
the needles don't fall off.
But, the needles on blue spruce,
they're like pins.
They hurt.
Yeah, which is why
we wear gloves.
Strong branches,
hold the ornaments.
Plus, I only have
to water it once a week
Regardless, a blue spruce
doesn't emit any fragrance.
Christmas trees are for
looking, not for smelling.
Oh, I completely disagree.
Well, we are at an impasse.
Agree to disagree.
Fine. I agree to disagree.
And I agree that you
are wrong, Cowboy.
It's breathtaking.
Yeah, no place like it.
You know, you're not the
first person to come here
looking for answers.
Oh?
Yeah. You'd be surprised
how many people
find their way to us.
I can see why.
It's liberating being here,
away from the demands
of daily life.
Huntley,
why did it stop, the dance?
Uh.
When I got scouted, uh,
it was a couple
of weeks before the dance,
so they turned this
big surprise celebration for me.
The whole town was there,
and it was amazing.
Then I got hurt.
I let everybody down.
My parents couldn't do it
the next year,
they were too busy helping
me with my recovery.
It's just embarrassing,
you know.
And when they started talking
about planning it
for the next year,
I just, I don't
know, I just lost it.
I took off on a long
cattle drive
and abandoned them, the ranch.
I know how much that hurt them.
After that, they just
kind of stopped doing it.
Never really talked about it,
but I obviously can't help
but feel like it's my fault.
I'm sorry.
Are you sure you're okay
with doing the dance this year?
Yeah.
Yeah no, I feel more alive
than I have in years.
Me too.
Not surprising me.
I mean, you light up
every room you walk into.
Thank you.
It's just being here,
I feel different.
Yeah. Maybe you're
not different,
maybe you're just finally
free to be your true self.
- There!
- What!
That tree, it's perfect.
I thought you said bear.
I clearly said 'there'.
Oh.
That is a balsam.
We already talked about this.
And you were wrong.
That there is the perfect
tree for the dance.
Are you going
to water that tree?
Twice daily.
Okay, you're gonna
pick up the needles?
Gabriel loves manual labor.
I love it!
Better hold the ornaments.
I think it's working.
Getting there, hang on.
Just a little bit more.
No, no, no.
When I push, you pull, okay?
That's what I'm doing.
It does not feel like that.
Okay, here we go.
There we go.
I think it's working.
- There we go! Go, go, go!
- There we go! Hey!
Woo!
You did it!
Oh!
All right.
Now the fun stuff.
You know what? I, uh...
I am going to go give
Christmas a snack, excuse me.
Christmas?
Christmas.
Uh sorry, Charley, um...
Christmas was his mother,
and the favorite horse as a kid,
actually.
I remember Christmas.
Christmas...
Born on the actual day.
Well, Christmas,
I'm sure you're
the perfect Christmas present.
That was you?
I didn't realize until...
No, me neither.
How about a ride?
I'd love to.
How was that?
Perfect, you're a great teacher.
That was my first ride.
Look, I know it sounds funny,
I just...
I kept asking my dad
if you were coming back.
Well, I have returned.
Yes, you have.
I'm so sorry if I...
I... misread...
No, no. I'm sorry, uh.
There's something you
really should know.
Something that I have
neglected to tell you.
Okay, are you in a relationship?
No, no, it's not that.
Uh...
Hm, how do I, how do
I say this? Um...
Do you remember that...
uh, holiday headband game
we played the night I arrived?
Yeah. The one where you
had to be a nutcracker, right?
Yes, exactly.
Except imagine if you
were playing right now.
But, the card in
my headband had a tiara.
Uh, so like...
Beauty pageants?
No, uh, uh,
a tiara and a scepter.
A queen?
Tiny tiara.
A princess?
Yes, exactly.
Sorry?
A princess.
Are... are... you saying
that you're, um...
Princess Victoria?
Well, my official title
is Her Royal Highness,
Victoria Theresa Maria
Olivia Eva Thiessen,
Princess of Zelarnia,
daughter of Charlotte
and Olivier
and heir to the throne.
I see why you go with Victoria.
That is, um...
that is a mouthful.
I don't understand, why
are you telling me this?
I should have told
you sooner, but...
It's just that the whole
reason I came here
was to get away from it all.
Okay.
I am about to take on a much
larger role in my kingdom,
stepping into many of my
mother's public duties, and...
There's so much weighing on me.
The responsibilities,
the pressures, the chaos.
It's... it's... a lot,
and I needed a break.
Only now that I'm here,
everything that I thought
I knew about myself,
it feels upside down.
Except when I'm with you
and it feels right side up.
Because with you...
I feel seen for
the first time in my life.
Oh, Gabriel, what...
What on earth are you doing?
I was just taking a cold plunge.
Well, it was late,
and I was looking for you
and then, I realized
I was gonna interrupt,
and I didn't want to interrupt,
so I was just trying
to sneak away before
anyone noticed.
Well, you were
definitely noticed.
Big time.
Well, who puts a bathtub in
the middle of this thing?
Let's get you dried off.
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
I had a lovely time tonight.
Thank you.
My pleasure.
Good night.
Princess.
Thank you, honey.
- Hey!
- Well, this looks good!
Yeah.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Those are for the house.
Oh. Things never change, huh?
Well, listen, I'd happily
trade you
a broken gingerbread cookie
for your help.
Deal.
Okay.
Ugh.
Hey, I, um, I noticed
a balsam tree in the barn.
Yeah, Victoria insisted.
So, do you guys remember
when I was a kid
and I kept asking
if that blonde girl was coming back?
The one you taught to ride?
Yeah, that's her.
That's Victoria.
- No!
- Really?
Yeah. And here's the really
crazy part...
um, she's a princess.
Oh, I wouldn't call her
a princess.
She's really rolled up
her sleeves around here.
No, no, I mean, she is...
actually a princess.
I mean, real deal royalty.
Princess Victoria of Zelarnia.
Oh.
Oh!
You know,
that explains a few things.
Why aren't you two more
shocked by this?
Does it make a difference?
She's still the same person.
You two seem really
good together.
Oh, come on, Pop.
She's a princess.
I'm a washed-up ball player.
You're more than that.
Your career doesn't define you,
your character does.
You just got the stuffing
kicked out of you, son.
Maybe you should get back up
on the horse
and go after the things
you want.
Yes, well, speaking of horses,
uh, I should probably feed them.
Hey!
I know, that one's broken.
Horse metaphor, really?
- It's all I got.
- Yeah.
I missed you at breakfast.
I was still drying off.
Oh, it looks spectacular
in here.
And I love what you did
with the tree.
Thank you for putting
the lights on it.
Good morning, Princess.
You told him?
I told him.
You told him.
She told me.
How do you like the tree?
I gotta admit, it looks
pretty good... for a balsam.
And the haystack tree
looks great too.
Honestly, I love all your ideas.
Thank you.
I remember the hay from
the first holiday dance
I went to,
and I wanted to find
a fun way to incorporate it.
You know, the... the... wooden
horse that my father gave me.
Sure.
Well, when I was at
the dance, my father hid it.
And when I found it, I
thought it was magic, so.
It was the best Christmas
present I've ever received.
Well, hopefully the kids
that come to the dance
have the same fond memories
that you do.
What if we hide toys
for the kids
in the haystack?
Yeah, it's a great idea.
Listen, um, we kind of
got interrupted last night,
so I was wondering if
you would accompany me
to the Festival of Lights
tomorrow night?
Are you asking me on a date?
Oh, yes, I am.
Unless, of course, there's
some kind of princess protocol
I don't really know
anything about.
Do I have to ask the Queen?
How does this work?
Well, technically, my mother
is the Grand Duchess.
Hm.
You think she'd approve?
No.
But, what matters is
that it's my decision.
And I would love to be
your date.
Well, I guess we have
a genuine rendezvous, then.
I guess we do.
You know, I have
to admit, I was stunned
when Nadine told me that
we've had royalty among us.
I take that as a compliment.
I mean, I was only
the Homecoming Queen,
and I found even that
to be stressful.
Did Huntley ever tell you that
he was Homecoming King?
He did not.
But tell me, what exactly
is a Homecoming King and Queen?
Oh, it's this old
high school tradition.
People get to vote
on who they think
should be king and queen.
Somebody who's
kind and energetic
and basically someone
that represents
the values of the community.
I mean, it's kind of silly,
but still, it's an honor
and it's really fun.
Anyway, ever since I found out
who you are,
I have been dying
to tell you that Huntley
was a Homecoming King.
I'm sure he was quite
a handsome king.
He was.
But, you know,
I think he's actually
more handsome now.
Hello?
Hey! Hey, what's going on?
What are you doing?
Nothing. Yeah, nothing really.
What's, uh, what's up?
Are you practicing
your dance moves?
No.
Uh...
Yeah. Yeah, I was.
You're looking good.
Thanks.
You know, Shelby
taught me the dance,
but I'm having trouble
remembering the last bit.
Would you mind showing me?
What do you mean the little
stomp, kick, swing thingy.
Is that the official term?
I'm pretty sure that
is the official term.
I don't really think I'm the
one to show you this dance.
Oh, nonsense.
Please show me the moves.
All right, well, as I stated.
Stomp, kick, swing.
Then you're pointed that way,
and it's...
That direction.
That direction,
if you can, hopefully.
So let's see it.
You got this.
All right.
Put your heart into it.
Stomp, kick...
and ta-da!
Nailed it.
Thank you.
Thank you for allowing us
to have the dance.
I'm really looking
forward to it.
It's one of my favorite memories
from my time here
with my father.
I can remember like
it was yesterday.
Just dancing with him in front
of the giant Christmas tree
while the band played.
That sounds like a
pretty great memory.
Hm. It is.
All right, I am off.
Oh, off? Where to now?
Just some chores.
- Some chores?
- Mhm.
Really?
All right, have fun, cowgirl.
I intend to.
Hey.
What are you doing there?
Just little cowgirl work.
Really?
I figured out why Charley's
bucket kept falling off.
The hook for the bucket
was too small,
so I have attached
a locking latch.
Voila! I can't stop Charley
from being cheeky,
but at least the water bucket
will stay put.
Thank you.
And you just did
all this yourself?
I did.
Oh, really finding
your footing here.
I am.
Here you go, kiddo.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Thanks.
Hey, you two.
Hi, Victoria.
Have fun tonight.
Thanks.
Evening.
Good evening.
You look great.
And you clean up nicely too.
Shall we?
Thanks for coming
with me tonight.
It was an easy yes.
This is one of the
best Christmases
I've had in a long time.
- Yeah, me too.
- Hm.
Your parents are adorable.
Yeah.
Been together forever.
Had the ranch almost as long.
Oh.
Yeah, they make a good team.
Hm.
But they are slowing down a bit.
Dad wants to take my mom
to see the world
before they slow down too much.
Mhm.
Love like theirs is a rare gift.
You know, speaking of gifts,
I have a surprise for you.
For me?
Yeah, well.
You inspired me.
Come on.
It's a starry sky.
Like the other night.
The one with your father.
Hope it's not too much.
It's perfect.
Victoria...
what if we were
on the same team?
What are you talking about?
Of course we're
on the same team.
We... were planning
the dance together.
No, no, you know what I mean.
Look, I understand how
impractical this is.
I looked up your country.
It is very, very far away.
What if we tried?
Huntley, I...
No, listen to me,
there is something here.
And, I know you feel it too.
I don't want to lose this.
You're right.
But, I just need
to think about it.
Yeah, no.
Of course.
Of course you can, um...
take as much time as you need.
Come on.
- Good morning!
- Good morning!
Would you like some help?
Yes, of course.
Did you have fun last night?
It was perfect.
I am just so happy that you're
having a wonderful time here.
I mean, it's the whole reason
we started this ranch.
To give people memories
that would last a lifetime.
Hm.
That is a lot of cards.
Oh yeah well, speaking
of memories.
You know, it started off
as a wall of cards from,
you know, a few guests
thanking us
for having a wonderful time
on the ranch.
And then it sort of
became a tradition.
And, um, well, I love it.
I mean, every year when
I put the cards up,
I'm reminded of
how much fun we've had.
That reminds me.
Reminds me.
Ah, there it is.
I think you're
gonna like this one.
Hm.
Wha..
Jimmy and Nadine,
thank you for your generous
hospitality.
The time I spent with my
daughter has created memories
that I will truly treasure
for the rest of my life.
You've given me a
priceless Christmas gift.
The gift of time
with someone that I love.
Forever in your debt.
Olivier.
Thank you, Nadine.
Thank you.
Of course.
Uh, I thought you might
want to keep that.
Okay, so...
let's get these decorations
to the barn,
we've gotta dance to throw.
Hey, Victoria.
Hi, Sam.
We hid enough presents
for all the kids.
Oh, splendid.
What do you think of this
for the tree topper?
Maybe a little
more to your left.
Victoria...
This place looks amazing.
It's really coming together.
So, I picked up
the catering china
and the candles you asked for.
Thank you.
Also, I wanted to
offer up another option
for the top of the tree.
Oh.
Oh.
Did you make this?
Yeah.
I love it.
Sam, what do you
think about this?
For the tree top?
It's so pretty.
Yes!
Gabriel, we have
a new tree topper.
Oh, thank goodness this
bow was never gonna work.
So...
I know we left things
unresolved last night,
and while I still need
to think about things,
I don't want to waste a moment
that I could
be enjoying with you,
worrying about the future.
So, would you go to
the dance with me?
Are you asking me out on a date?
Absolutely.
Oh.
Very Sadie Hawkins of you.
Who?
Yeah. No, I'd love to.
Pick you up at 8:00.
Who is it?
Uh, by royal decree, all maidens
are asked to attend
the holiday dance.
I'm sorry, are you laughing
at me right now?
Absolutely.
Wow.
You look beautiful.
You look quite handsome
yourself.
May I?
Here we go!
Ready for it.
Not bad.
I think you were good.
Maybe a step behind.
- Maybe a little.
- Just a little bit.
Well, I am going to
go gather the kids
for the gift finding
in the hay bales.
Yeah, of course.
I've never seen
this place so alive.
And looking so festive.
Um...
Look, I am so sorry that
I soured this for so long.
And thank you guys,
thank you for
bringing me back here.
Aww.
Alright, children, when I say go
you are going to start looking
for a special surprise
in the hay.
Now there is one surprise
for each of you
so look for the one
with your name on it.
Okay?
Okay.
Ready? Steady.
Go!
Thank you so much.
Best Christmas ever.
You're very welcome.
Thanks.
I want to introduce you
but I don't know...
Ah! There he is.
Huntley, this dance is amazing.
I want to introduce you
to Peter.
He's one of the
volunteer firefighters.
It's great to meet you.
Thank you for everything you
do for our community, really.
Nice to meet you, too.
And thank you so much
for putting this on for us.
It really helps us out.
Thank you, but that lady
right there,
that is the one
you should be thanking.
She is the mastermind
behind all of this.
It's true.
Oh, well, I'll be sure
to thank her.
Have a Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
It is so great to have
you back on the ranch.
Yeah.
You know, you and Victoria
make a pretty great team.
Hm.
May I have this dance?
You're in luck.
My dance card has an opening.
So... everything
you'd hoped for?
No.
Oh?
So much more.
Oh.
Pretty much every
Christmas wish I've ever had
was granted tonight.
But one.
So, Shelby told me that
you were Homecoming King.
Oh.
It's so embarrassing.
Why didn't you tell me
you were also part
of a royal family?
I never really understood
all that Homecoming stuff.
Hm.
What if we had a Homecoming
King and Queen?
I don't think I can
go through that again.
Hold your horses, Cowboy.
I wasn't talking about you.
Sorry, excuse me for one moment.
Hello. Can I have everyone's
attention, please?
Thank you.
Thank you all for being
here and for making tonight
such a special evening.
The holiday dance was one of
my formative memories,
so being able to bring it
back this year
has brought me so much joy.
Now, I hear tell of
an American tradition,
the Homecoming King and Queen.
So, I thought that we could
start our own tradition
here tonight.
So by the power vested in me,
as Her Royal Highness,
Victoria Theresa Maria Olivia
Eva Thiessen,
Princess of Zelarnia, daughter
of Charlotte and Olivier
and heir to the throne,
I hereby crown
Sam and Mike Blanchard
as our holiday dance
king and queen.
Milady.
May I have this dance?
Yes.
I see what you did there.
Did it work?
Oh, absolutely.
Can we talk outside,
just for a minute?
Sure.
Did you see Sam's face?
She is gonna remember that
for the rest of her life.
That tradition has to stay.
If you're here next year...
I will be here.
I'm gonna be here
all year, not just Christmas.
Really?
Yeah.
Yeah. I want to be here.
I want to be with my family.
I want to be with you,
whatever that looks like.
Huntley, I...
I want that too.
But I can't.
I can't ask you to leave
your family
or this place.
And I can't abandon my family
or my duties.
I would never ask you
to leave your family
or stop being a princess.
No, I know you're
not asking me to, but I...
The time we've shared,
it's freed me.
It's changed me.
And you'll always hold
a dear piece of my heart.
Huntley.
Merry Christmas, Huntley.
Merry Christmas.
You ready to go home?
I don't know.
Do you want to say goodbye?
I'm not sure I want goodbye
to be our last memory.
Victoria!
She's gone, son.
She forgot this.
So, once the public has entered,
Mother and I will stand aside.
And, you will give the opening
remarks and light the candle.
I've already prepared
my own speech.
Huh?
Being away has given you
a newfound confidence.
Thank you for allowing me
the time to attend the ranch.
You would do the same for me.
Oh.
Let's move this
to the other side.
Is everything all right?
Oh, yes, I...
I just remembered something
that I left behind.
Mother.
Darling.
Mother.
Welcome home.
And, uh, was the dance
everything you wanted it to be?
Oh, it was everything and more.
Much, much more, if you
count the cowboy.
Mother!
I mentioned that to you
in confidence.
And I told that to you
in confidence.
Ah, ah, ah.
The cowboy's name is Huntley.
He's the proprietor's son.
Oh, I see.
And, uh, will he be visiting
any time soon?
Oh, no, no.
Uh, I'm so busy here
with my duties,
and he is now taking
over the ranch, so.
I've missed you both dearly.
Victoria, I can see
that being away
has been good for you.
Forgive the interruption,
the guests have arrived.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
It is an honor to be back
for the final lighting,
and for what I consider
to be the most
important advent candle.
The one that represents love.
If you'll excuse me, I...
I had a speech prepared, but...
I'd like to speak
from the heart.
For this time of year,
we're surrounded by
Christmas cheer and love.
Love that takes many forms,
old and new.
Love of the family.
Love of community.
And even love that...
stands the test of time.
It has...
resilience.
But I think...
the love that fills us the most.
Is the love...
that you never expect.
A love that surprises us.
My wish,
my one Christmas wish,
is that everyone could
experience that kind of love.
All right, Christmas.
I know you're hungry.
Are you still making
that same mistake?
The name's Charley.
Hi.
Hi.
You're back.
Well, I heard you were a
popular Christmas destination.
That's true.
You know, one time we had a
real live princess stay here.
Really?
Brought back the holiday
dance too.
The Maverick.
Yeah, she even insisted on
cutting down a balsam fir.
Sounds a bit presumptuous.
She was a little bit, yeah.
But, um, in her defense,
it was the perfect tree.
Well, she sounds like
the most amazing person ever.
She was.
I was devastated when she left.
I'm sure she felt
the same way too.
What are you doing here?
Well, I realize I forgot
my wooden tree topper.
But more importantly,
I realized that I was running
from the one thing I want most.
What? Are you giving up
your title or?
Not exactly.
As it happens, there is someone
better suited for the role...
my sister.
So you're staying?
Well, I'd like to.
For the first time, in as
long as I can remember,
I know who I am and what I want,
and what I want
is to be here with you...
as a team.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
There they are!
Merry Christmas to
the happy couple.
It's about time.
Huntley, this is my family.
Uh, hello, Your Royal
Highnesses.
Merry Christmas.
Pleasure to meet you, Huntley.
Well, it's great
to meet you both.
And, Emma, congrats
on taking the reins.
Thank you.
I'm ecstatic.
Darling.
And I'm guessing you
two knew about this, hm?
Um... maybe.
If the horseshoe fits.
That's what I thought.
Well, you must be so hungry.
Oh. I'm famished.
Well, let's eat!
Right this way!
Now, I hope you're
ready for some cackleberries,
overland trout and hot rocks.
What in the world is that?
Eggs, bacon and biscuits.
That sounds lovely.
Is there any cream
for the coffee?
Oh, yeah. The cows outside.
Oh no, I'm one of them.
He's joking.
Who would have thought that
the Christmas crusher
would become my Christmas crush?
Are you saying
you have a crush on me?
Oh, I don't know,
maybe a little bit.
Merry Christmas, Princess.
Merry Christmas, Cowboy.
Lovely ride today, darling.
There you go.
Oh, my.
You are hungry today, Noelle!
Oh, there you are, Victoria.
Gabriel.
We're late.
- What?
- Change of plans.
The lighting ceremony has
been moved up, rescheduled.
Uh, to when?
Uh, now.
Now!?
Well, actually, 15 minutes ago.
So yes, now.
Wh-wh-why?
Something about
the yuletide exhibit.
A partridge getting stuck
in the pear tree...
I... I... don't ask.
The partridge in the pear tree
pushed the winter
lights festival,
which then delayed your arrival
at the Holiday Symphony,
which subsequently changed
the advent wreath celebration
to, again, 17 minutes ago.
Gabriel, the schedule
is bananas.
It's crackers.
Christmas crackers to be exact.
Gabriel.
Sorry, just trying
to lighten the mood.
I hate to tell you this,
but when January comes
and you officially take over
the figurehead
duties of the Duchess,
this chaos will increase
100-fold.
What if we do things
differently next year?
We don't do different here,
Victoria, you know that.
It's just
that I have all these...
Oh, that is very tight.
The goal is to breathe, right?
Unfortunately, I don't
think it is.
Heels.
What if next year,
we do something with less
pomp and circumstance?
Something that the
community can relate to,
feel a part of?
I want them to feel
comfortable, connected,
relaxed.
Oh, you want relaxation?
No problem.
I can totally schedule
that in for you...
two years from now.
Gabriel.
I hear you...
Your Highness.
But, now is not the time
to reinvent the wheel.
Now, is the time
to deck yourself
in the Christmas spirit.
Bah, humbug!
Wrong spirit.
I present to you,
Her Royal Highness,
Princess Victoria of Zelarnia.
Thank you, all.
Thank you for coming.
Please stick to the script
this time.
Ah, I'm so sorry I'm late,
so sorry.
Thank you for waiting.
Thank you.
Sorry.
Welcome to Zelarnia Palace.
It-it-uh-it is my honor
to be your host tonight
alongside, um, my mother
and my younger sister.
Thank you for joining
our advent lighting.
Uh, as you may know,
the four candles,
uh... on the advent wreath
represent hope, joy,
peace and love.
They're all out of order.
Tonight, uh...
- So today...
- Uh, today.
We will be lighting
the first candle
to celebrate the beginning
of the Christmas season.
Oh.
Uh, hmm.
Thank you.
May we all experience the hope
that the holiday brings
to all of our hearts
in Zelarnia.
Left.
Oh.
I'll just light you another one.
Hm.
Thank you.
That was terrible.
Don't worry.
Uh, that was absolutely the
worst thing I've ever done.
Such a lovely annual event,
and, um... uh, you did
very well, Victoria.
Did I, mother?
Well, we can't always
be perfect, my love,
but we must try.
It is our duty to uphold
the royal standard.
The Valentino is hanging in
your room for the next event.
Please tell me you're referring
to Valentino pajamas.
I'm afraid not.
But, feel free to sign
the official royal Christmas
cards in your PJs later tonight.
Thank you.
Thank you, darling.
Did she do her own hair?
Mother.
Oh!
Hm.
To my wild and bright daughter.
Your light illuminates
all of my dark skies.
Merry Christmas.
Love, Papa.
What's her name?
I hear it's Christmas.
Born on the actual day.
Well Christmas,
I'm sure you're the
perfect Christmas present.
That was a lovely evening.
Did you see the way
that Prince Reginald
was looking at you?
Prince who?
Prince Reginald.
Tall, dark, handsome.
You've literally described
every prince
in every fairy tale.
Anyway, he couldn't
keep his eyes off you.
Honestly, I didn't even notice.
Besides, I barely have time
to breathe, let alone date.
Mother, I'm not done.
This one looked ready.
Speaking of time to breathe.
Oh, I already requested
additional time
for future gown fittings.
Thank you, Gabriel.
That is very helpful
and definitely necessary,
but that is not
what I had in mind.
I have an idea.
You do love a good idea,
but before that,
do we all have five
minutes for the Ghost of Christmas Future?
Is that the ghost who tells me
about all the delicious things
I get to eat tomorrow?
- Unfortunately not.
- Excuse me.
These are your...
ho-ho-holiday events
for this week.
That was ho-ho-ho-horrible,
Gabriel.
Have you no shame?
None.
Gabriel, this list
is never-ending.
Mother,
I have been working
very hard so that
I'm ready to take over your
duties come January, but...
something doesn't feel right.
Your duties are expansive
because you need
to get a taste of
what it will be like
when I ease up on
my responsibilities.
I have joyfully fulfilled
these duties for decades.
But, it's time for me
to slow down.
And you are next in line.
But, what if I don't want
to do things
the way they've always
been done?
I want to try something
different and incorporate
my ideas and really connect
with people.
When I first married
your father,
I was thrust into
a royal existence with many expectations.
But, maybe that's the
difference between you and I.
You married into this,
I was born into it.
I've never had the freedom
to choose anything.
What if I want
to have a choice now?
Are you saying you don't
want to be Grand Duchess?
I've always known that
that is the role
I'm going to step into
and I'm very keen to.
It's just that, as that is
becoming more of a reality,
and January is very
fast approaching,
I have so many questions,
questions that I...
I need to find answers for.
And Gabriel says
my next window to think
is in two years.
Six hundred ninety-eight days,
but, who's counting?
I am.
What is your proposition?
Well, I haven't thought it
all the way through yet,
but I have an idea.
Yes?
I'd like to return
to the Dude Ranch
that father and I attended
when I was a girl.
I can't think of a better place
to get clarity.
I can see how important
this is to you.
So, if you can be back
by December 19th
for the lighting of the
third advent wreath candle...
you may go.
Of course!
Of course I will be!
I will, I promise I will
be back by the 19th.
I can fill in while you're away.
Thank you.
Then we should talk.
And, Gabriel, you are
to accompany her.
Me?
Yes, you.
As an American,
you can help Victoria
navigate the country culture.
I'm from New York.
They have ranches in New York.
Madam, the only ranch
I'm acquainted with
is ranch dressing.
Mother.
Thank you so much.
I promise to be back
on the 19th.
I truly hope you find
what you are looking for.
Sweetheart.
Well, I'm glad we
finally made it here.
Oh, come on.
Nice parking.
Oh, thank you.
And you said I was a bad driver.
I will get the coffees.
You're very kind.
Must be the southern
hospitality.
Well, this is the North,
and that was sarcasm.
I'm sorry?
You just crushed Christmas.
I beg your pardon?
You just drove over my
Christmas decorations.
Look, I'm not sure
where you're from,
but around here, we tend
to look where we're going
when we're driving.
I'm from Zelarnia,
where we drive carefully
and consciously.
Okay, well, in Zelarnia,
did you drive
on the left or the right
side of the road?
The right side.
Figuratively, not literally.
Pedestrians are never at fault.
Look at that.
I'm very sorry.
It is kind of ironic, isn't it?
Yeah, how's that?
The irony that the Nutcracker
was crushed
because nutcrackers
crush things.
You know, they crush things
with their mouths, and...
I'm very sorry.
And, I'm more than happy to
pay for anything that I broke.
No, that's fine.
I got more of them.
If you'll excuse us,
we have acquired
our caffeinated beverages
and will now be on our way.
Well, I'm very sorry.
And, it won't happen again.
Yeah.
Seriously?
Sorry!
Extra sorry this time.
It's fine.
It's fine.
We're finally here!
It's exactly as I remember it.
I will go out
and get the rest of them.
With all that stuff,
how long are you staying?
You must be Victoria Thiessen.
You're our last guest to
arrive for the holiday season.
That I am.
And my friend, Gabriel,
has the other room.
Jimmy Blaylock, longtime owner.
We have one safety rule here:
Don't squat with your spurs on.
We'll try not to.
Dude Ranch jokes,
I'm full of them.
So, Zelarnia.
You folks have come a long way.
How'd you hear about us?
Oh well, I was here years
ago on a father-daughter trip.
We did so many fun things.
We cooked over the campfire,
we played games, we danced.
We do all that still and more.
Oh, welcome to Peaceful Pines.
Nadine Blaylock.
Victoria.
I'm so happy to be here.
She's not only
my wonderful wife,
she's also a superb
ranch manager.
Aw, honey.
Which means I'm the glue that
holds this place together.
She's the glue that holds
this place together.
Yeah, I just said that, honey.
Speaking of, here is a list
of ranch activities
that we'd love you
to participate in
while you're here, if you like.
Um, there's also some Christmas
events during your time.
Um, my personal favorite is
the Festival of Lights
on the 18th.
Well, that sounds lovely.
That wasn't here last time.
When is the holiday dance?
Unfortunately, um,
we haven't done that
in a number of years.
Oh, what a shame.
I have such vivid memories of
attending it with my father.
Aww. Well, it was a lovely
Christmas tradition
and now we have new ones.
Why don't you head on
over to the barn
for Christmas games.
It's a really fun way to
break brittle with the others.
We have you in a small
cabin right beside the barn.
And a great room
for you upstairs.
Uh, we'll have the porter
bring your bags
over to your rooms.
Perfect, thank you.
Lovely.
Where's the porter?
My cabin is adorable.
How's your room?
Rustic. Have you actually
read this list?
I skimmed it.
'Cause some of these
words seem really intense.
It's very relaxed here, Gabriel.
I had nothing but fun
the last time I was here.
And I have no reason to believe
it'll be any different
this time.
If you say so.
After you, Your Highness.
Can you hang it on a tree?
No. Ah...
Can I eat it?
Yes!
Um, is it a dessert?
Yes!
Um, could I find it
at the North Pole?
Um, maybe...
That's not helping.
Um, I can eat it?
Yes!
But you'd have
to catch it first,
which is doubtful.
Is it a gingerbread man?
- Yes!
- Woo!
You guessed it!
Hi! You must be
the new guests.
I'm Shelby.
I have some homemade nog
with fresh nutmeg.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
I'm Victoria.
Gabriel.
Do you want to join us?
We'd love to.
- Tons of room!
- Come on in, come on in!
Oh, give her a crown.
Yeah, get her in.
Thank you!
Here. You're never gonna
get this one.
All right.
Can I give it as a present?
Yeah, maybe.
Maybe, maybe?
Oh, okay.
Uh, am I from a Christmas story?
- Yes, yes.
- Yes.
Okay, uh, am I a character
from a Christmas story?
Yes.
Am I Santa Claus?
Santa's not a character
in a story.
Santa's real.
You're absolutely right.
I'm a character from a story
and I can sometimes
be a present?
Am I a nutcracker?
Yes!
- Yes!
- Woo!
Yes, I am a nutcracker!
Well, isn't that ironic?
It's you.
Miss Zelarnia, right?
You two know each other?
Oh, yeah.
She crushed my
Christmas decoration.
It was an accident.
Twice.
Accidentally twice.
Well, I just wanted
to let you know
that your bags are up
in your room.
You work here?
Something like that.
Anyway, have
a good evening, uh...
Victoria.
Huntley.
Huntley.
Oh. You poor thing,
you dropped your water bucket.
Charley? Does it all the time.
Rowdy like that.
Let me help you.
Thanks.
Sorry if I gave you a hard
time about the decorations.
Well, I did crush
your Christmas.
Twice.
So... you work here,
sort of.
I'm Jimmy and Nadine's son.
I just help out
during the holidays.
From where?
Billings.
And what do you do there?
Baseball.
Oh, do you play?
Once upon a time,
but, now I coach.
Well, it's nice that
you're able to come home
over the holidays.
Yeah, it's fun, but,
uh, it's a lot of work.
Oh, I can see that.
Especially now that my parents
are getting up there.
They want to retire
and kind of want to hand me
the reins.
What about you?
What brings you all the way
from Europe to Montana?
Well, I'm actually
a repeat customer.
My father brought me here
when I was a little girl,
and it was my favorite
Christmas ever.
And now you're back.
For some Christmas cheer.
I have been very busy
at work lately,
and I just needed
some time for me.
And, I remembered feeling
so alive and free here
that I thought I'd come back.
Well, there's no better
place to clear your head.
Hm.
Get some rest.
We start early in the morning.
Oh, I'm definitely ready.
Gabriel picked out the most
fabulous outfit for me.
I'm sorry, what?
Oh, uh, it's this
silly little thing
he does for me as my assistant.
He's my assistant.
Okay.
Definitely do things different
in Zelarnia.
All right, well...
see you in the morning.
I'll see you in the morning.
Oh! It's cold! It's...
so cold, so cold...
I'm just saying that was ice,
that wasn't water.
That was ice.
And yet you lived
to tell the tale.
Did you sleep well?
Like a rock.
Even though I had a late night,
I was sidetracked
by Huntley in the barn.
Oh.
Not like that.
I was helping him with a horse.
Is that what we're calling it?
Anyway, it turns out that he is
Jimmy and Nadine's son.
Huh?
Excuse me.
Good morning.
How did you sneak up
on me like that?
Cowboy instinct.
Never stand in front of
a bull or behind a horse.
You guys want coffee?
- Lovely.
- Divine.
Hey, Nutcracker.
Howdy!
Ha-ha, no.
Here you go.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
If it's not too much trouble,
we would love
some cream and sugar.
Sugar's on the table,
creams in the cow.
Feel free to give it a tug.
I'm just kidding, pal.
It's right in front of you
right there.
Oh.
Oh, I have no idea
where to start.
Not bad, huh?
Hey, Mom.
Hey, son.
- Everything smells delicious.
- Thank you.
What are we having today?
We are having cackleberries,
overland trout
and hot rocks.
What?
Eggs, bacon and biscuits.
Yeah. Biscuits are
a family tradition.
They are delicious.
Save yourself
a trip and take two.
May I?
Thank you.
Well, your family has clearly
perfected country cooking.
Well, not me.
All I can make is
son-of-a-gun stew.
He can barely make that.
What is that?
Trust me,
you don't want to know.
I'm gonna try
my luck with that cow.
One for the road.
Thank you.
I will take two for
the road, please.
Thank you.
Mind if I join you?
Sure.
Let me get this for you.
Thank you.
Is this what you call
northern hospitality?
Something like that.
Good morning!
Who's ready for the day?
I am.
Oh, excellent.
Hey Newbie, come on over here.
Newbie me?
Well, if the boots fit.
As you two are
our newest guests,
we have some initiation
tasks for both of you.
What's on the docket today,
Captain?
I prefer Cow Boss.
He prefers Cow Boss.
Oh, all right then, Cow Boss.
Today, you're
going to be cleaning
horse tack and saddles.
You're going to be bringing
in hay.
And my personal favorite...
mucking out the stalls.
Mucking?
Mhm.
Charley made a big
old mess last night.
Sure you're up for this?
Absolutely.
Ow!
Hey, you missed a spot
right there.
Hey, how'd the newbies do?
See for yourself.
Oh, dear.
I do not remember all that
from when I was a child.
Well, over the years we've made
it a little more authentic.
Have you?
- I'll leave you to it.
- All right.
It was not that bad.
Well, I will give it to you,
you didn't act like a princess.
So, when do we get to do
all the real cowboy stuff?
I mean, this is
real cowboy stuff.
Oh, you mean like lassos
and yeehaws and all that?
Exactly.
All right, well,
I guess you two earned it.
Oh, no thanks.
The only thing I want
to lasso is a box of donuts,
and you don't have any.
Giddy up.
- Whoa!
- Yay!
Looks like we've
got an expert here.
She's part of
a local youth rodeo.
Yeah, we're very proud of her.
Yeah, can you teach
my son a thing or two?
Are you trying to show me up,
young lady?
Maybe I am.
Oh, really?
I happen to be pretty
good at this, actually.
All right.
Excuse me, can I have
a little...
Oh, I didn't mean
to intimidate you.
A little space.
No. That's okay.
- I'm sorry.
- That's okay.
Hmm?
- Oh...
- Oh.
Mmm.
Better stick to baseball, yo.
Oh, my goodness.
Maybe we should get our young
rodeo star some hot cocoa.
What do you say?
Deal.
So, you ready to give it a try?
After that amazing
demonstration?
Absolutely.
All right.
All right.
Pressure's on here.
I'll go first, excuse me.
Oh!
Not bad, not bad.
- Very good.
- Thank you.
You've redeemed yourself.
Now, it's your turn.
Here you go.
All right.
Yep. You got that?
- Okay.
- You got your spot there.
I'm gonna back up here
and be safe.
Oh!
Almost, almost!
Almost, almost.
You almost took his head off.
Almost ain't a second.
Can I help you?
Absolutely.
You want to take this hand
just so.
Rope is an extension
of your arm.
So if you're tense, you're
going to come up short.
Mhm.
All right, so you just want
to kind of get in the flow,
and keep an eye on your target.
Swing, release, snap, okay?
Practice your swing.
Swing.
- Release.
- Release.
Close, close.
You were right there.
Now, try it again.
Okay.
- You got it?
- Mhm.
Swing, release, snap.
- Swing.
- Swing.
- Release.
- Release.
- Snap!
- Snap! Oh!
Hey! You did it!
Oh, um...
Hang on a second, sorry.
You've got...
Oh, it's a little...
just that.
Hm.
Well, I should probably
wash my hair.
Yeah, I should go feed
the horses.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Can you please
help us find a ride-share?
We're looking to go into town,
and I just don't want to
let her drive me again.
Ride-share... yeah, around here
we get around on horseback.
I'm sorry, you what?
Ranch rules.
She's joking.
You are joking, right?
Yes, of course.
I'll call you a cab.
Oh, hang on a second.
Where are you trying to go?
Oh, downtown for a little
holiday shopping.
I wanted to pick up some
gifts for my family.
I can drop you off in town.
Heading up the mountain
to work on the Festival
of Lights anyway.
Well, that sounds like fun.
Would you like some help?
Well, it sounds like you've
already got some plans.
Oh nonsense, we'd love to.
Right, Gabriel?
Actually, I've hit my quota
for manual labor today.
I think I'm just gonna go
find the spa.
Ah... we don't have one.
Or the pool.
Yes, it's 30 degrees outside.
Well, then I will just
take a cold plunge.
You know what, come with me.
I'll make your reservation
at the spa in town.
Looks like it's just us.
Looks like it.
I'm glad you trust me around
your Christmas ornaments.
I'm willing to give
you a second chance.
You're never gonna
let that go, are you?
Probably not.
You are going to want
to change your jacket
and definitely those boots.
A lot more snow
up on the mountain.
Look at all this snow,
it's so beautiful.
Here.
Try not to break these.
Very funny.
Whoa!
You okay?
Yes, I almost broke myself.
I'm excited to see
your light walk.
Back home our Christmas market
has an enormous candle carousel.
It's lit every evening
and the flames cause it
to turn slowly.
Sounds beautiful.
It's a lovely tradition.
So, how long have you
been doing the light walk?
Oh, ten years now.
Change up the display
every year.
Make it a little
different experience.
What's this year's theme?
Oh, no, I couldn't
tell you that.
That's top secret.
Wha...
All right. Well, this year's
theme is Big Sky.
Oh, that's perfect.
There's nothing quite
like the Montana skyline.
It's absolutely beautiful.
Yeah, nothing beats it.
I often think about
being here with my father
as we looked up at the night
sky, the stars twinkling,
and we sat around the fire,
just drinking hot chocolate.
He must've been a pretty
special guy to bring you
all this way
for a father-daughter trip.
He was.
He passed a few years ago.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Thank you.
My mom says that
I'm like him, but...
I'm not so sure anymore.
I used to keep my heart open
to everyone and everything,
but lately, it's...
It's just been hard.
Here, let me help you with that.
Well...
being here seems to be getting
you back to that,
don't you think?
Yes, maybe you're right.
Sorry. I'm blathering.
No, I like your blathering.
Okay, well, it's your turn.
I've been doing all the talking.
Uh oh.
Tell me about you and baseball.
Well, it's complicated.
Try me.
Okay.
Well, I grew up playing ball
here as a kid.
Got pretty good.
Good enough to get scouted,
chance to play pro.
Whole town rallied around me.
It was... pretty unbelievable.
Hm.
Then at my first training
camp, I blew out my shoulder,
shredded my rotator cuff.
That was pretty much it.
Ever since then, I've just
been bouncing
from team to team in the minors,
just do coaching wherever I can.
Yeah.
I'm sorry.
Thanks.
Well, I'm excited
to see this all lit up.
Yeah.
You know what?
I am parched.
Please tell me you're
not suggesting
we dip a bucket in a well.
No, no, no.
We'll save that for
tomorrow morning.
What do you say?
Drinks on me?
Sure.
Ready?
Oh, come on.
- Aw.
- Oh.
Well, you hit it.
That's... wow.
Okay.
I might be a bit rusty,
I'm afraid.
Oh!
Not!
Are you hustling me?
Perhaps.
Okay, what other games
do you play?
Mm.
Polo, cricket,
bocce ball, croquet, fencing.
And, I was captain of Oxford's
competitive rowing team.
Indoor shuffleboard?
I have personally
engraved pucks.
Billiards?
Oh, please. Anyone who's serious
prefers snooker.
Let me get this straight.
You play darts, you
fence and you play pool.
Snooker. I shoot snooker.
What about axe throwing?
Is that a thing?
Oh, that's a thing, yes.
Really?
All right!
Holiday drinks on the house.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
You're welcome.
Take him for everything
he's got.
Oh, that will be easy.
Hey.
Shelby, how you been?
Uh, overall really good.
It's been a little bit of
a tougher week, though.
Our fundraising efforts for
the volunteer firefighters
are way down from last year.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Anything I can do to help?
Come up with a really quick way
to raise a whole bunch of money.
The firefighters are really
low on resources.
What about a holiday dance?
You could sell tickets
to raise the funds.
I mean, I absolutely love
that idea.
I just don't think
that I have the time
to pull something
like that together.
Plus, I don't
know where we would do it.
I mean, the town hall
is closed down
due to that frozen pipe
that burst.
What about here?
Here?
Well, yes, here in the barn.
You could bring back
the holiday dance!
Oh, um...
Well, why not?
It was so much fun!
Yeah. It's just, you know,
organizing a dance
with this short amount of time,
it's a lot of work.
With my responsibilities
here at the ranch,
I don't think I can really
take anything else on.
I could do it.
I have been attending
large events my whole life.
I know exactly how they're run,
and it really,
it wouldn't take much.
The place is practically
already decorated.
Just a few bits and bobs
and... and... you could get
live music and drinks and food!
Yeah, I don't know.
I mean, it's a lot of work.
I would love to help.
And plus, I can handle it
all so as not to burden you.
And I can also help.
Yeah. I'm just not so sure
about bringing
the dance back, you know?
Huntley...
Just... just... leave it
with me for a minute, okay?
Absolutely.
Thank you.
Excuse me.
Thank you so much
for offering to help.
Hopefully, he lets us
bring back the dance.
Why did it stop?
You know what, it's complicated.
I'm sure he'll tell you
about it soon.
Good thing we're getting this
done before it gets too cold.
You look after this place,
it'll look after you, son.
Yeah, I get it.
Not real subtle, Pop.
Well, nobody's ever
accused me of that before.
Yeah.
You know, uh...
Shelby asked if we could
host a fundraiser
for the volunteer
firefighters in the barn.
Maybe bring back
the holiday dance.
That's a great idea.
I'm... I'm... still
thinking about it.
Your mother and I would
love that.
You know, for 38 years,
all the most important things
in our lives
have happened right here.
Yeah, it was a great place
to grow up.
I see this place
bringing you the same joy
it's brought to us.
So, what's keeping you
in Billings?
I don't see you getting
the same kind
of joy out of coaching.
I don't wanna
talk about it, Pop.
You think maybe coming back
here makes you a failure?
- Pop.
- Is that it?
Okay, I get it, I get it.
You thought your life
was going one direction,
and it ended up going another.
That is not failing.
The only failure
is failure to try.
Look.
I just want you happy.
I won't deny I want
you back here at the ranch,
more than anything.
But, the only way I want that
is if that's what you want.
If it brings you joy.
Now, to me, it looks like
it does.
But if I'm wrong,
I can accept that.
What I can't accept
is you living a life
you're not happy in.
It's already straight.
Trust your instincts.
So, I heard the lighting
of the second
advent candle went well.
It did.
I even told a funny
anecdote about joy.
But, it sounds like you have
everything under control.
I do...
but, if you're not back for
the lighting on the 19th,
Mother will blow her crown.
Don't worry, I will be.
So, how's it going over
there at the ranch?
Any cute cowboys?
There's definitely not
a shortage of those.
Really? Do tell.
Do you have a minute?
Sure.
Emma, give me a second.
Everything all right?
Victoria?
Okay, let's do it.
- The dance?
- Yeah.
I'm so glad you came around.
Okay, we just have
to figure out which night.
Uh, how about Thursday?
No. Festival of Lights.
Friday?
- The 19th.
- Yeah.
Oh, no.
I meant to be gone.
Well, then I'll just
have to extend my stay.
Okay, first things first,
poinsettias and twinkle lights.
We need lots of them.
And, can you please take a look
at the floor plan I sketched?
You already have a floor plan?
I had high hopes.
Apparently.
This is so exciting.
Are you sure your family's
gonna be okay with this?
Oh, right.
Emma?
It's your mother.
Oh. Hello, Mother.
Hello, darling.
What's this I hear about
a dance?
Let me explain...
So, as you may have all heard,
I have committed the ranch
to hosting the holiday dance
to raise funds for
volunteer firefighters.
It's very exciting.
So, I could really use
your help.
Where do we start?
Well, for the party decor,
I thought that we could
embrace classic Christmas
while celebrating life
here on the ranch.
Like, we could turn
old cowboy boots
into floral
centerpieces like this.
That's lovely.
I love those.
Thank you.
And, we could make a Christmas
tree out of hay bales,
dress it up with
Christmas lights,
and then put a big sheriff's
star right on top.
And, I saw some old
tires out back.
I thought we could
stack them up,
paint them white and
turn them into snowmen.
That's adorable.
Thank you.
And of course, at the barn
entrance, I thought we could
build an archway of lights and
take two large nutcrackers
and have them standing guard.
Can we give them cowboy hats?
Brilliant idea!
How about line dancing?
- Oh!
- Yes!
That's how we met!
Tom, do you remember?
Do I?
Let's make some Christmas magic!
Cocoa?
Thank you.
You know, you have a real
gift for motivating people.
Oh.
It's nothing.
Just mix some creativity
and passion.
Thank you for letting me lasso
you into holding the dance.
Oh, yeah.
You really saddled me
with that one.
How'd your family take it
with you extending the trip?
Well, my mother was displeased,
but I... I... promised
that I'd be home
for the fourth and final
advent lighting.
It's this family tradition.
So in the end, she relented.
Good.
It's... it's-going to be great.
- I think so.
- Yeah.
What are you working on?
This?
Uh, well, eventually I'm
hoping it's going to be a horse.
- Eventually.
- Eventually.
You know, my father actually
carved me a horse
when we were here.
I think your father
taught him how.
Well, it does sound like
very standard ranch activity.
Yes, Ranch 101.
I believe we sat
right here, under these stars,
as he carved and
told me stories.
He told me all about
the constellations too, but...
I can't remember any of them.
Well, you see that?
Right there.
Mm.
That is Pegasus,
Zeus's winged steed
and the only being
able to reach the heavens.
That's why people say
that Pegasus
is a symbol of soul,
its everlasting presence.
I wonder if that's why horses
are just so magical
to be around.
You know, remind us of the
connection to the souls
that have moved on, but...
also they never really
leave us, you know.
I've forgotten how
beautiful it is.
I will admit, it is stunning.
Thank you again for staying.
Please.
I didn't bring my cowboy
boots for nothing.
You bring those everywhere.
They make me five foot nine.
Besides...
I didn't want to miss
the sparks flying
between you and Huntley.
That is not why I decided
to stay.
Mhm.
At least it's not
the only reason.
So, you admit it is a reason?
It might be.
I haven't let myself
get this close to someone
in a long time.
It's scary.
But this is what you
needed to explore, right?
Following your heart
with no schedule,
no royal pressures.
Speaking of, have you told him
that you're a princess yet?
No, not yet.
Why not?
It feels like an
added complication.
Maybe yes, maybe no.
Could be a dream come true.
Gabriel, just because
I'm a princess
doesn't mean I'm guaranteed
a happily ever after.
Guarantee is such a strong word.
How's it looking?
It looks great.
Perfectly centered.
How's the hay tree coming?
It's great, we're getting there.
Wonderful.
Looking good, Sammy.
Like it?
Love it!
Ooh!
Precisely as I pictured.
Oh, my silver bells.
It's really coming along
in here!
We're getting there,
we're getting there.
Oh, we never could
have pulled this off
if you hadn't stepped up.
Oh, it's nothing.
Honestly, thank you.
It's also really nice to see
Huntley this happy.
I mean, I haven't seen
him smile this much since...
Well, it's been
a really long time.
You've brought him home,
in a real way.
Oh, well, he's done
the same for me, too.
Huh.
Interesting.
Hey, Victoria.
Can I borrow you for a minute?
I really need your help
with something.
Sounds serious.
It is, we need to cut down
a tree for the dance.
Oh, wouldn't it be
simpler just to buy one?
No, no, you can't
buck tradition.
Now? I have so much to do.
I can help.
Oh, well, I wouldn't
want to impose.
Oh, not at all.
Plot twist.
Quiet, you.
That popcorn is for the Garland.
I thought it was
a little bit stale.
All right, then, let's go.
Just have one stop to make
along the way.
Suspicious.
Things are getting interesting.
Very.
You really didn't have
to buy me this hat.
Although it is fabulous.
Everyone will definitely
be jealous.
My pleasure, it suits you.
So what do you say?
Let's go cut this tree
down, huh?
I'll have you know I am somewhat
of a Christmas tree expert.
Oh, really?
Whenever I choose a holiday
tree, I select a balsam fir.
Its fragrance is effervescent.
Nope, needles fall off
in a week.
Blue spruce is the way to go.
You're joking.
No, you can't be serious.
If you water a balsam,
the needles don't fall off.
But, the needles on blue spruce,
they're like pins.
They hurt.
Yeah, which is why
we wear gloves.
Strong branches,
hold the ornaments.
Plus, I only have
to water it once a week
Regardless, a blue spruce
doesn't emit any fragrance.
Christmas trees are for
looking, not for smelling.
Oh, I completely disagree.
Well, we are at an impasse.
Agree to disagree.
Fine. I agree to disagree.
And I agree that you
are wrong, Cowboy.
It's breathtaking.
Yeah, no place like it.
You know, you're not the
first person to come here
looking for answers.
Oh?
Yeah. You'd be surprised
how many people
find their way to us.
I can see why.
It's liberating being here,
away from the demands
of daily life.
Huntley,
why did it stop, the dance?
Uh.
When I got scouted, uh,
it was a couple
of weeks before the dance,
so they turned this
big surprise celebration for me.
The whole town was there,
and it was amazing.
Then I got hurt.
I let everybody down.
My parents couldn't do it
the next year,
they were too busy helping
me with my recovery.
It's just embarrassing,
you know.
And when they started talking
about planning it
for the next year,
I just, I don't
know, I just lost it.
I took off on a long
cattle drive
and abandoned them, the ranch.
I know how much that hurt them.
After that, they just
kind of stopped doing it.
Never really talked about it,
but I obviously can't help
but feel like it's my fault.
I'm sorry.
Are you sure you're okay
with doing the dance this year?
Yeah.
Yeah no, I feel more alive
than I have in years.
Me too.
Not surprising me.
I mean, you light up
every room you walk into.
Thank you.
It's just being here,
I feel different.
Yeah. Maybe you're
not different,
maybe you're just finally
free to be your true self.
- There!
- What!
That tree, it's perfect.
I thought you said bear.
I clearly said 'there'.
Oh.
That is a balsam.
We already talked about this.
And you were wrong.
That there is the perfect
tree for the dance.
Are you going
to water that tree?
Twice daily.
Okay, you're gonna
pick up the needles?
Gabriel loves manual labor.
I love it!
Better hold the ornaments.
I think it's working.
Getting there, hang on.
Just a little bit more.
No, no, no.
When I push, you pull, okay?
That's what I'm doing.
It does not feel like that.
Okay, here we go.
There we go.
I think it's working.
- There we go! Go, go, go!
- There we go! Hey!
Woo!
You did it!
Oh!
All right.
Now the fun stuff.
You know what? I, uh...
I am going to go give
Christmas a snack, excuse me.
Christmas?
Christmas.
Uh sorry, Charley, um...
Christmas was his mother,
and the favorite horse as a kid,
actually.
I remember Christmas.
Christmas...
Born on the actual day.
Well, Christmas,
I'm sure you're
the perfect Christmas present.
That was you?
I didn't realize until...
No, me neither.
How about a ride?
I'd love to.
How was that?
Perfect, you're a great teacher.
That was my first ride.
Look, I know it sounds funny,
I just...
I kept asking my dad
if you were coming back.
Well, I have returned.
Yes, you have.
I'm so sorry if I...
I... misread...
No, no. I'm sorry, uh.
There's something you
really should know.
Something that I have
neglected to tell you.
Okay, are you in a relationship?
No, no, it's not that.
Uh...
Hm, how do I, how do
I say this? Um...
Do you remember that...
uh, holiday headband game
we played the night I arrived?
Yeah. The one where you
had to be a nutcracker, right?
Yes, exactly.
Except imagine if you
were playing right now.
But, the card in
my headband had a tiara.
Uh, so like...
Beauty pageants?
No, uh, uh,
a tiara and a scepter.
A queen?
Tiny tiara.
A princess?
Yes, exactly.
Sorry?
A princess.
Are... are... you saying
that you're, um...
Princess Victoria?
Well, my official title
is Her Royal Highness,
Victoria Theresa Maria
Olivia Eva Thiessen,
Princess of Zelarnia,
daughter of Charlotte
and Olivier
and heir to the throne.
I see why you go with Victoria.
That is, um...
that is a mouthful.
I don't understand, why
are you telling me this?
I should have told
you sooner, but...
It's just that the whole
reason I came here
was to get away from it all.
Okay.
I am about to take on a much
larger role in my kingdom,
stepping into many of my
mother's public duties, and...
There's so much weighing on me.
The responsibilities,
the pressures, the chaos.
It's... it's... a lot,
and I needed a break.
Only now that I'm here,
everything that I thought
I knew about myself,
it feels upside down.
Except when I'm with you
and it feels right side up.
Because with you...
I feel seen for
the first time in my life.
Oh, Gabriel, what...
What on earth are you doing?
I was just taking a cold plunge.
Well, it was late,
and I was looking for you
and then, I realized
I was gonna interrupt,
and I didn't want to interrupt,
so I was just trying
to sneak away before
anyone noticed.
Well, you were
definitely noticed.
Big time.
Well, who puts a bathtub in
the middle of this thing?
Let's get you dried off.
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
I had a lovely time tonight.
Thank you.
My pleasure.
Good night.
Princess.
Thank you, honey.
- Hey!
- Well, this looks good!
Yeah.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Those are for the house.
Oh. Things never change, huh?
Well, listen, I'd happily
trade you
a broken gingerbread cookie
for your help.
Deal.
Okay.
Ugh.
Hey, I, um, I noticed
a balsam tree in the barn.
Yeah, Victoria insisted.
So, do you guys remember
when I was a kid
and I kept asking
if that blonde girl was coming back?
The one you taught to ride?
Yeah, that's her.
That's Victoria.
- No!
- Really?
Yeah. And here's the really
crazy part...
um, she's a princess.
Oh, I wouldn't call her
a princess.
She's really rolled up
her sleeves around here.
No, no, I mean, she is...
actually a princess.
I mean, real deal royalty.
Princess Victoria of Zelarnia.
Oh.
Oh!
You know,
that explains a few things.
Why aren't you two more
shocked by this?
Does it make a difference?
She's still the same person.
You two seem really
good together.
Oh, come on, Pop.
She's a princess.
I'm a washed-up ball player.
You're more than that.
Your career doesn't define you,
your character does.
You just got the stuffing
kicked out of you, son.
Maybe you should get back up
on the horse
and go after the things
you want.
Yes, well, speaking of horses,
uh, I should probably feed them.
Hey!
I know, that one's broken.
Horse metaphor, really?
- It's all I got.
- Yeah.
I missed you at breakfast.
I was still drying off.
Oh, it looks spectacular
in here.
And I love what you did
with the tree.
Thank you for putting
the lights on it.
Good morning, Princess.
You told him?
I told him.
You told him.
She told me.
How do you like the tree?
I gotta admit, it looks
pretty good... for a balsam.
And the haystack tree
looks great too.
Honestly, I love all your ideas.
Thank you.
I remember the hay from
the first holiday dance
I went to,
and I wanted to find
a fun way to incorporate it.
You know, the... the... wooden
horse that my father gave me.
Sure.
Well, when I was at
the dance, my father hid it.
And when I found it, I
thought it was magic, so.
It was the best Christmas
present I've ever received.
Well, hopefully the kids
that come to the dance
have the same fond memories
that you do.
What if we hide toys
for the kids
in the haystack?
Yeah, it's a great idea.
Listen, um, we kind of
got interrupted last night,
so I was wondering if
you would accompany me
to the Festival of Lights
tomorrow night?
Are you asking me on a date?
Oh, yes, I am.
Unless, of course, there's
some kind of princess protocol
I don't really know
anything about.
Do I have to ask the Queen?
How does this work?
Well, technically, my mother
is the Grand Duchess.
Hm.
You think she'd approve?
No.
But, what matters is
that it's my decision.
And I would love to be
your date.
Well, I guess we have
a genuine rendezvous, then.
I guess we do.
You know, I have
to admit, I was stunned
when Nadine told me that
we've had royalty among us.
I take that as a compliment.
I mean, I was only
the Homecoming Queen,
and I found even that
to be stressful.
Did Huntley ever tell you that
he was Homecoming King?
He did not.
But tell me, what exactly
is a Homecoming King and Queen?
Oh, it's this old
high school tradition.
People get to vote
on who they think
should be king and queen.
Somebody who's
kind and energetic
and basically someone
that represents
the values of the community.
I mean, it's kind of silly,
but still, it's an honor
and it's really fun.
Anyway, ever since I found out
who you are,
I have been dying
to tell you that Huntley
was a Homecoming King.
I'm sure he was quite
a handsome king.
He was.
But, you know,
I think he's actually
more handsome now.
Hello?
Hey! Hey, what's going on?
What are you doing?
Nothing. Yeah, nothing really.
What's, uh, what's up?
Are you practicing
your dance moves?
No.
Uh...
Yeah. Yeah, I was.
You're looking good.
Thanks.
You know, Shelby
taught me the dance,
but I'm having trouble
remembering the last bit.
Would you mind showing me?
What do you mean the little
stomp, kick, swing thingy.
Is that the official term?
I'm pretty sure that
is the official term.
I don't really think I'm the
one to show you this dance.
Oh, nonsense.
Please show me the moves.
All right, well, as I stated.
Stomp, kick, swing.
Then you're pointed that way,
and it's...
That direction.
That direction,
if you can, hopefully.
So let's see it.
You got this.
All right.
Put your heart into it.
Stomp, kick...
and ta-da!
Nailed it.
Thank you.
Thank you for allowing us
to have the dance.
I'm really looking
forward to it.
It's one of my favorite memories
from my time here
with my father.
I can remember like
it was yesterday.
Just dancing with him in front
of the giant Christmas tree
while the band played.
That sounds like a
pretty great memory.
Hm. It is.
All right, I am off.
Oh, off? Where to now?
Just some chores.
- Some chores?
- Mhm.
Really?
All right, have fun, cowgirl.
I intend to.
Hey.
What are you doing there?
Just little cowgirl work.
Really?
I figured out why Charley's
bucket kept falling off.
The hook for the bucket
was too small,
so I have attached
a locking latch.
Voila! I can't stop Charley
from being cheeky,
but at least the water bucket
will stay put.
Thank you.
And you just did
all this yourself?
I did.
Oh, really finding
your footing here.
I am.
Here you go, kiddo.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Thanks.
Hey, you two.
Hi, Victoria.
Have fun tonight.
Thanks.
Evening.
Good evening.
You look great.
And you clean up nicely too.
Shall we?
Thanks for coming
with me tonight.
It was an easy yes.
This is one of the
best Christmases
I've had in a long time.
- Yeah, me too.
- Hm.
Your parents are adorable.
Yeah.
Been together forever.
Had the ranch almost as long.
Oh.
Yeah, they make a good team.
Hm.
But they are slowing down a bit.
Dad wants to take my mom
to see the world
before they slow down too much.
Mhm.
Love like theirs is a rare gift.
You know, speaking of gifts,
I have a surprise for you.
For me?
Yeah, well.
You inspired me.
Come on.
It's a starry sky.
Like the other night.
The one with your father.
Hope it's not too much.
It's perfect.
Victoria...
what if we were
on the same team?
What are you talking about?
Of course we're
on the same team.
We... were planning
the dance together.
No, no, you know what I mean.
Look, I understand how
impractical this is.
I looked up your country.
It is very, very far away.
What if we tried?
Huntley, I...
No, listen to me,
there is something here.
And, I know you feel it too.
I don't want to lose this.
You're right.
But, I just need
to think about it.
Yeah, no.
Of course.
Of course you can, um...
take as much time as you need.
Come on.
- Good morning!
- Good morning!
Would you like some help?
Yes, of course.
Did you have fun last night?
It was perfect.
I am just so happy that you're
having a wonderful time here.
I mean, it's the whole reason
we started this ranch.
To give people memories
that would last a lifetime.
Hm.
That is a lot of cards.
Oh yeah well, speaking
of memories.
You know, it started off
as a wall of cards from,
you know, a few guests
thanking us
for having a wonderful time
on the ranch.
And then it sort of
became a tradition.
And, um, well, I love it.
I mean, every year when
I put the cards up,
I'm reminded of
how much fun we've had.
That reminds me.
Reminds me.
Ah, there it is.
I think you're
gonna like this one.
Hm.
Wha..
Jimmy and Nadine,
thank you for your generous
hospitality.
The time I spent with my
daughter has created memories
that I will truly treasure
for the rest of my life.
You've given me a
priceless Christmas gift.
The gift of time
with someone that I love.
Forever in your debt.
Olivier.
Thank you, Nadine.
Thank you.
Of course.
Uh, I thought you might
want to keep that.
Okay, so...
let's get these decorations
to the barn,
we've gotta dance to throw.
Hey, Victoria.
Hi, Sam.
We hid enough presents
for all the kids.
Oh, splendid.
What do you think of this
for the tree topper?
Maybe a little
more to your left.
Victoria...
This place looks amazing.
It's really coming together.
So, I picked up
the catering china
and the candles you asked for.
Thank you.
Also, I wanted to
offer up another option
for the top of the tree.
Oh.
Oh.
Did you make this?
Yeah.
I love it.
Sam, what do you
think about this?
For the tree top?
It's so pretty.
Yes!
Gabriel, we have
a new tree topper.
Oh, thank goodness this
bow was never gonna work.
So...
I know we left things
unresolved last night,
and while I still need
to think about things,
I don't want to waste a moment
that I could
be enjoying with you,
worrying about the future.
So, would you go to
the dance with me?
Are you asking me out on a date?
Absolutely.
Oh.
Very Sadie Hawkins of you.
Who?
Yeah. No, I'd love to.
Pick you up at 8:00.
Who is it?
Uh, by royal decree, all maidens
are asked to attend
the holiday dance.
I'm sorry, are you laughing
at me right now?
Absolutely.
Wow.
You look beautiful.
You look quite handsome
yourself.
May I?
Here we go!
Ready for it.
Not bad.
I think you were good.
Maybe a step behind.
- Maybe a little.
- Just a little bit.
Well, I am going to
go gather the kids
for the gift finding
in the hay bales.
Yeah, of course.
I've never seen
this place so alive.
And looking so festive.
Um...
Look, I am so sorry that
I soured this for so long.
And thank you guys,
thank you for
bringing me back here.
Aww.
Alright, children, when I say go
you are going to start looking
for a special surprise
in the hay.
Now there is one surprise
for each of you
so look for the one
with your name on it.
Okay?
Okay.
Ready? Steady.
Go!
Thank you so much.
Best Christmas ever.
You're very welcome.
Thanks.
I want to introduce you
but I don't know...
Ah! There he is.
Huntley, this dance is amazing.
I want to introduce you
to Peter.
He's one of the
volunteer firefighters.
It's great to meet you.
Thank you for everything you
do for our community, really.
Nice to meet you, too.
And thank you so much
for putting this on for us.
It really helps us out.
Thank you, but that lady
right there,
that is the one
you should be thanking.
She is the mastermind
behind all of this.
It's true.
Oh, well, I'll be sure
to thank her.
Have a Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.
It is so great to have
you back on the ranch.
Yeah.
You know, you and Victoria
make a pretty great team.
Hm.
May I have this dance?
You're in luck.
My dance card has an opening.
So... everything
you'd hoped for?
No.
Oh?
So much more.
Oh.
Pretty much every
Christmas wish I've ever had
was granted tonight.
But one.
So, Shelby told me that
you were Homecoming King.
Oh.
It's so embarrassing.
Why didn't you tell me
you were also part
of a royal family?
I never really understood
all that Homecoming stuff.
Hm.
What if we had a Homecoming
King and Queen?
I don't think I can
go through that again.
Hold your horses, Cowboy.
I wasn't talking about you.
Sorry, excuse me for one moment.
Hello. Can I have everyone's
attention, please?
Thank you.
Thank you all for being
here and for making tonight
such a special evening.
The holiday dance was one of
my formative memories,
so being able to bring it
back this year
has brought me so much joy.
Now, I hear tell of
an American tradition,
the Homecoming King and Queen.
So, I thought that we could
start our own tradition
here tonight.
So by the power vested in me,
as Her Royal Highness,
Victoria Theresa Maria Olivia
Eva Thiessen,
Princess of Zelarnia, daughter
of Charlotte and Olivier
and heir to the throne,
I hereby crown
Sam and Mike Blanchard
as our holiday dance
king and queen.
Milady.
May I have this dance?
Yes.
I see what you did there.
Did it work?
Oh, absolutely.
Can we talk outside,
just for a minute?
Sure.
Did you see Sam's face?
She is gonna remember that
for the rest of her life.
That tradition has to stay.
If you're here next year...
I will be here.
I'm gonna be here
all year, not just Christmas.
Really?
Yeah.
Yeah. I want to be here.
I want to be with my family.
I want to be with you,
whatever that looks like.
Huntley, I...
I want that too.
But I can't.
I can't ask you to leave
your family
or this place.
And I can't abandon my family
or my duties.
I would never ask you
to leave your family
or stop being a princess.
No, I know you're
not asking me to, but I...
The time we've shared,
it's freed me.
It's changed me.
And you'll always hold
a dear piece of my heart.
Huntley.
Merry Christmas, Huntley.
Merry Christmas.
You ready to go home?
I don't know.
Do you want to say goodbye?
I'm not sure I want goodbye
to be our last memory.
Victoria!
She's gone, son.
She forgot this.
So, once the public has entered,
Mother and I will stand aside.
And, you will give the opening
remarks and light the candle.
I've already prepared
my own speech.
Huh?
Being away has given you
a newfound confidence.
Thank you for allowing me
the time to attend the ranch.
You would do the same for me.
Oh.
Let's move this
to the other side.
Is everything all right?
Oh, yes, I...
I just remembered something
that I left behind.
Mother.
Darling.
Mother.
Welcome home.
And, uh, was the dance
everything you wanted it to be?
Oh, it was everything and more.
Much, much more, if you
count the cowboy.
Mother!
I mentioned that to you
in confidence.
And I told that to you
in confidence.
Ah, ah, ah.
The cowboy's name is Huntley.
He's the proprietor's son.
Oh, I see.
And, uh, will he be visiting
any time soon?
Oh, no, no.
Uh, I'm so busy here
with my duties,
and he is now taking
over the ranch, so.
I've missed you both dearly.
Victoria, I can see
that being away
has been good for you.
Forgive the interruption,
the guests have arrived.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
It is an honor to be back
for the final lighting,
and for what I consider
to be the most
important advent candle.
The one that represents love.
If you'll excuse me, I...
I had a speech prepared, but...
I'd like to speak
from the heart.
For this time of year,
we're surrounded by
Christmas cheer and love.
Love that takes many forms,
old and new.
Love of the family.
Love of community.
And even love that...
stands the test of time.
It has...
resilience.
But I think...
the love that fills us the most.
Is the love...
that you never expect.
A love that surprises us.
My wish,
my one Christmas wish,
is that everyone could
experience that kind of love.
All right, Christmas.
I know you're hungry.
Are you still making
that same mistake?
The name's Charley.
Hi.
Hi.
You're back.
Well, I heard you were a
popular Christmas destination.
That's true.
You know, one time we had a
real live princess stay here.
Really?
Brought back the holiday
dance too.
The Maverick.
Yeah, she even insisted on
cutting down a balsam fir.
Sounds a bit presumptuous.
She was a little bit, yeah.
But, um, in her defense,
it was the perfect tree.
Well, she sounds like
the most amazing person ever.
She was.
I was devastated when she left.
I'm sure she felt
the same way too.
What are you doing here?
Well, I realize I forgot
my wooden tree topper.
But more importantly,
I realized that I was running
from the one thing I want most.
What? Are you giving up
your title or?
Not exactly.
As it happens, there is someone
better suited for the role...
my sister.
So you're staying?
Well, I'd like to.
For the first time, in as
long as I can remember,
I know who I am and what I want,
and what I want
is to be here with you...
as a team.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
There they are!
Merry Christmas to
the happy couple.
It's about time.
Huntley, this is my family.
Uh, hello, Your Royal
Highnesses.
Merry Christmas.
Pleasure to meet you, Huntley.
Well, it's great
to meet you both.
And, Emma, congrats
on taking the reins.
Thank you.
I'm ecstatic.
Darling.
And I'm guessing you
two knew about this, hm?
Um... maybe.
If the horseshoe fits.
That's what I thought.
Well, you must be so hungry.
Oh. I'm famished.
Well, let's eat!
Right this way!
Now, I hope you're
ready for some cackleberries,
overland trout and hot rocks.
What in the world is that?
Eggs, bacon and biscuits.
That sounds lovely.
Is there any cream
for the coffee?
Oh, yeah. The cows outside.
Oh no, I'm one of them.
He's joking.
Who would have thought that
the Christmas crusher
would become my Christmas crush?
Are you saying
you have a crush on me?
Oh, I don't know,
maybe a little bit.
Merry Christmas, Princess.
Merry Christmas, Cowboy.