CMA Country Christmas (2022) Movie Script
ANNOUNCER: It's CMA Country Christmas.
Here's your host, Carly Pearce.
Merry Christmas, everybody.
I am so excited to be back hosting
CMA Country Christmas.
-And what I love--
-DANNY: Merry Christmas, Carly!
-Hi, Danny! How are you?
-Good. Good.
Good to see you.
As you can see, the band's here,
and they are getting ready to play.
-RACHEL: Hey, Carly.
-Hey, Rachel. How's the family?
-RACHEL: Great. Thank you.
-Awesome.
Like I was saying, this time of year
is a chance for me to disconnect
from my crazy schedule
and spend time with family and friends.
Hey, Desmond. How are you?
-Good. Good to see you.
-Good to see you.
Bottom line, as much as I love touring,
at this time of year,
I think everybody feels the way I do,
there's no place like home.
And, of course, I love Christmas music,
which is why tonight
is gonna be so much fun.
Looks like everybody's ready,
and just in time,
because I think I hear somebody
on the roof.
-(cheers and applause)
-(Here comes Santa Claus playing)
Here comes Santa Claus
here comes Santa Claus
Right down Santa Claus Lane
Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer
Pullin' on the reins
Bells are ringin', children singin'
All is merry and bright
So hang your stockings
and say your prayers
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight
Here comes Santa Claus
here comes Santa Claus
Right down Santa Claus Lane
He's got a bag that's filled with toys
For boys and girls again
Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle
Oh, what a beautiful sight
So jump in bed and cover your head
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight
(jolly music playing)
Here comes Santa Claus
here comes Santa Claus
Right down Santa Claus Lane
He doesn't care if you're rich or poor
He loves you just the same
Santa Claus knows
we're all God's children
That makes everything right
So fill your hearts
with Christmas cheer
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight!
Here comes Santa Claus
here comes Santa Claus
Right down Santa Claus Lane
He'll come around
when the chimes ring out
It's Christmas morn again
Peace on Earth will come to all
If we just follow the light
So let's give thanks to the Lord above
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight
Yeah, he does!
Bells are ringin', children singin'
All is merry and bright
So hang your stockings
and say your prayers
'Cause Santa Claus comes
Toni-i-i-ght
(cheers and applause)
ANNOUNCER: It's CMA Country Christmas.
Appearing tonight, Dan + Shay,
Maren Morris, The War and Treaty,
Steven Curtis Chapman, Scotty McCreery,
Molly Tuttle, Old Dominion.
And now please welcome back your host,
Carly Pearce.
I'm here with two of my longtime friends,
Dan and Shay.
What's going on? How are you?
-Good to see y'all.
-You too.
So guys, I want to know,
what are the first signs
of the holiday season?
-You know, first you have snow in the air.
-Whew.
We don't get a lot of snow here,
but we did last year.
-DAN: We got snow last year.
-Yep.
It was crazy, people--
I have a video of you,
like, in your driveway.
-Yeah.
-You had a sled.
It was dark times. I had a little scooter.
And, uh, yeah.
Those wheels don't do too good on ice,
but it was all right.
Your outfit was pretty great.
I feel like we should try to cut to that.
-I don't think we can.
-We can just go ahead--
What else do we got,
the signs of Christmas?
RACHEL: Well, you might know
a thing about this.
Putting Christmas lights up.
I'm gonna throw Shay under the bus.
He's got his Christmas lights up
from last year.
RACHEL: You're one of those?
He's the first guy decorated this year.
-You're efficient.
-You could say that I'm the most prepared.
You kind of win.
I kind of win.
You're never gonna beat me.
They're already there.
Now, Dan + Shay
have their own musical opinion
of how to tell
when it's officially Christmas.
Guys, take it away.
(applause)
(Officially Christmas playing)
Everybody's starting to feel it
Starting to feel it in the air
BOTH: All of the sidewalks
All of the streetlights
Holiday magic everywhere
(mellow music playing)
BOTH: Then it hits me
It's officially Christmas
And I'm officially yours
I'm officially wishing
For something not in a store
It's already December
The snow's falling too
Then all of a sudden, it's true
It's officially Christmas
Now that I'm with you
(jolly music playing)
Waiting for Santa
Here by the fire
Listen for footsteps on the roof
Jingle Bell rocking
Over the speakers
Singing along just like we do
Then it hits me
It's officially Christmas
And I'm officially yours
I'm officially wishing
For something not in a store
It's already December
The snow's falling too
Then all of a sudden, it's true
It's officially Christmas
Now that I'm with you
(jolly music playing)
We've been counting down
the days all year
Raise a glass
It's finally here
Ohhh
It's officially Christmas
And I'm officially yours
I'm officially wishing
For something not in a store
It's already December,
the snow's falling too
Then all of a sudden, it's true
It's officially Christmas
Now that I'm with you
Now that I'm with you
Now that I'm with you
Ooh, yeah
Now that I'm with you
(cheers and applause)
There are
so many great holiday traditions.
One of mine growing up
was driving around on Christmas Eve
with my mom and grandma
to look at everyone's Christmas lights.
Seeing how everyone decorated their houses
always put me in the holiday spirit.
And here's something else guaranteed
to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
Our next performance.
Here to help us celebrate
a Holly Jolly Christmas,
it's Scotty McCreery.
-(applause)
-(Holly Jolly Christmas playing)
Have a holly jolly Christmas
It's the best time of the year
Well, I don't know if there'll be snow
But have a cup of cheer
Have a holly jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet
Whoa, ho, the mistletoe
Hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Kiss her once for me
Have a holly jolly Christmas
And in case you didn't hear
Oh, by golly,
have a holly jolly Christmas
This year
Go ahead!
Have a holly jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet
Whoa, ho, the mistletoe
Hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Now, kiss her once for me
Well, have a holly jolly Christmas
And in case you didn't hear
Well, oh, by golly,
have a holly jolly Christmas
This year
Well, oh, by golly, have a holly jolly
Christmas
This year
Hey!
(jolly music playing)
(cheers and applause)
Scotty, thank you so much.
Scotty, thank you so much.
When I was little
and got to see Santa Claus,
I was always very clear
with my suggestions
of what he could bring me.
I think my all-time
favorite gift from Santa,
even better than my Barbie Jeep,
was when I was in elementary school.
That Christmas morning, under the tree
was my very first karaoke machine.
And I wore that thing out.
In fact, I even won a few karaoke contests
in my hometown of Taylor Mill, Kentucky.
And if not for that gift,
I may not be on CMA Country Christmas.
And now I have a gift for you,
a performance by an artist
whose music I have been a fan of
for a very long time,
Steven Curtis Chapman.
-Hello, Carly.
-Hi.
Steven is an amazing singer,
a wonderful songwriter,
and one of the greatest
Christian music artists of all time.
Thank you.
And it's his first time
on CMA Country Christmas.
-So welcome, Steven.
-Thank you.
I'm very, very excited
to be here. Honored.
We're so happy to have you.
Now, Steven, before you sing,
let's check out this great photo
that I found of you.
-Oh, boy.
-(Rachel gasps) Oh, my goodness!
Look at you! You're so cute.
What great pajamas!
STEVEN: Yes.
Well, that was a very special Christmas.
That was the Christmas that, you know,
you got your Barbie Jeep.
I got my Mighty Mouse punching bag.
But the bad news is,
between my brother and I,
we wore it out in about a week.
It was--it was deflated.
And so I think it was the next Christmas,
I got my first real guitar.
And that, um--
and that was a gift that obviously,
like your karaoke machine in Kentucky,
mine was in Kentucky,
where I received my first guitar
at about eight years old,
-and here I am, here we are.
-We made it.
Thanks to karaoke machines
and little guitars.
-Yes.
-RACHEL: That's so awesome.
Steven, if you're ready, we are.
With Precious Promise,
here is Steven Curtis Chapman.
(applause)
(Precious Promise playing)
Oh, what a precious promise
Oh, what a gift of love
An angel tells a virgin that
She's gonna have a son
And though it's a precious promise
She wonders, "How can this be?
What will the people say?
And what if Joseph can't believe?"
And her questions and her fears
Are met with an overwhelming joy
That God has chosen her
Oh, what a precious promise
Mary waits as heaven comes to earth
Oh, what a precious promise
Oh, what a gift of love
As Joseph makes his choice to do
What few men would have done
To take Mary as his bride
When she's already carrying a child
That wasn't his own
Oh, what a precious promise
Mary and the child will have a home
And shepherds out on a hillside
Their hearts racing with the news
The angel told them
A star's light fills up the night sky
As the night of precious promise
Is unfolding
Oh, what a precious promise
Oh, what a gift of love
The waiting now is over
And the time has finally come
For the God who made this world
To roll back the curtain
And unveil His passion
For the heart of man
Oh, what a precious promise
Lying in a manger in Bethlehem
Oh, what a precious promise
Lying in a manger in Bethlehem...
(soft music playing)
(cheers and applause)
Our next performers and I
go back at least 10 years,
and whenever we get together
like we are tonight,
we start swapping stories
about how we used to play shows together
in Nashville
before any of us had record deals.
I swear once I think
we played in front of like five people.
I am so glad that
they're here with us tonight.
Please make welcome Old Dominion.
-(applause)
-(What Christmas Means to Me playing)
Candles burnin' low
Lots of mistletoe
Lots of snow and ice
Everywhere we go
Choirs singin' carols
Right outside my door
All these things and more
ALL: All these things and more
That's what Christmas means
to me, my love
ALL: That's what Christmas means
to me, my love
Oh, yeah
You feel me?
I see your smilin' face
Like I never seen before
Even though I love you madly
It seems I love you more
Little cards you give me
Will touch my heart, for sure
All these things and more
ALL: All these things and more
That's what Christmas means
to me, my love
ALL: That's what Christmas means
to me, my love
I feel like running wild
As anxious as a little child
Greet you 'neath that mistletoe
Kiss you once and then some more
Wish you a Merry Christmas, baby
ALL: Wish you a Merry Christmas, baby
And such happiness in the coming year
ALL: And such happiness
in the coming year
Let's deck the halls with holly
Sing sweet silent night
Fill the tree with angel hair
And pretty, pretty lights
Go to sleep and wake up
Just before daylight
All these things and more
ALL: All these things and more
That's what Christmas means
to me, my love
ALL: That's what Christmas means
to me, my love
Yeah
MATTHEW: Christmas bells are ringin'
Christmas choirs are singin', yeah
(cheers and applause)
Now, this is not the first time
that I've worked on the holidays.
When I was 17,
I was in the Christmas in the Smokies show
at Dollywood.
I was the youngest performer,
so naturally I had to do all of the things
that no one else wanted to do.
Guess who got to wear the Frosty costume
when we sang Frosty the Snowman.
Yep, that's me
on the right of that kick line.
In fact, I danced so much in that
that I had to have help
getting up off the floor most nights.
And with us tonight
for the very first time
on CMA Country Christmas is Maren Morris.
-Welcome, Maren!
-Hey.
Good to finally be here!
So happy to have you.
Now, Maren, I've got another photo
to show everyone.
Look at you in this photo!
Oh, my goodness. You're so cute.
-MAREN: Thank you.
-RACHEL: Tell us about this picture.
MAREN: Uh, so this is probably
the most '90s photo that exists of me,
'cause it's my dad and I
on Christmas morning,
and I got--not even a Walkman,
like the off-brand version of the Walkman.
I was very excited, as you can see.
Your face says it all.
Here with Merry Christmas, Baby
is Maren Morris.
(applause)
(Merry Christmas, Baby playing)
Merry Christmas, baby
You sure did treat me nice
Merry Christmas, baby
You sure did treat me nice
Bought me a diamond ring for Christmas
I feel like I'm in paradise
I'm feeling mighty fine, oh
Got good music on my radio
Ooh
I'm feeling mighty fine, oh
Got good music on my radio
Oh, oh
Feel like I'm gonna kiss you, baby
You're standing
underneath the mistletoe
Santa came down the chimney
Half past three
All these pretty presents
That you're saving for me
Oh, merry Christmas, baby
You sure been good to me
Oh, oh
I haven't had a drink this morning
But I'm lit up like a Christmas tree
Oh, yeah
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas, baby
You sure did treat me nice
Ooh
Merry Christmas, baby
You sure did treat me nice
Ohh
You bought me all these
pretty things for Christmas
Feel like I'm in paradise, oh, yeah
Merry Christmas, baby
Oh, yeah
Merry Christmas, baby
Oh, yeah, yeah
-Merry Christmas, baby
-Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas, baby
-Merry Christmas
-Ooh
Ooh
(cheers and applause)
Every year, my Mom and I
make a very complicated cake for everyone.
Here's a picture of one of our favorites.
And what makes it even more complicated
is that we're drinking wine
while we're making it.
(laughter)
And another of our family traditions is
we love to sit around the living room
singing Christmas carols,
which is what we are gonna do right now
with one of my favorite artists.
Molly Tuttle is the first woman in history
to win Guitar Player of the Year
from the International
Bluegrass Music Association.
Welcome Molly and her band,
Golden Highway.
Molly, we are so glad you're here.
Aw, thanks for having us.
We're so glad to be here.
Take it away, girl.
One, two, three.
(It's Beginning to Look
a Lot Like Christmas playing)
It's beginning to look
a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go
Take a look at the five-and-ten
It's glistening once again
With candy canes
and silver lanes that glow
It's beginning to look
a lot like Christmas
Toys in every store
But the prettiest sight to see
Is the holly that will be
on your own front door
(Let It Snow playing)
Yeah.
The weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we've no place to go
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
It doesn't show signs of stoppin'
And I've brought some corn for poppin'
The lights are turned way down low
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
(God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen playing)
God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our savior
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
comfort and joy
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
Yeah!
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight
We're happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland
Gone away is the bluebird
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song as we go along
Walking in a winter wonderland
In the meadow, we can build a snowman
And pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say, "Are you married?"
We'll say, "No, man
But you can do the job
when you're in town"
Later on, we'll conspire
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid
the plans that we've made
Walking in a winter wonderland
(Christmas Time's a-Coming playing)
Snowflakes are fallin'
My old home's a-callin'
Tall pines are hummin'
Christmas time's a-comin'
Can't you hear them bells ringin'
Ringing joy, joy, hear them singin'
When it's snowin'
I'll be going back to my country home
Christmas time's a-comin'
Christmas time's a-comin'
Christmas time's a-comin'
And I know I'm going home
Yeah!
Okay!
Christmas time's a-comin'
Christmas time's a-comin'
Christmas time's a-comin'
And I know I'm going home
Christmas time's a-comin'
Christmas time's a-comin'
Christmas time's a-comin'
And I know I'm going home
Christmas time's a-comin'
Christmas time's a-comin'
Christmas time's a-comin'
And I know I'm going
Ho-o-o-me
(cheers and applause)
Yes!
(laughing)
I love a good holiday party,
although in 2022,
be careful around the mistletoe,
especially at the office party.
One wrong kiss with the wrong person,
and you're gonna end up
before the HR department.
(laughter)
But if you're looking
for a great song to play
when friends come over
to the house for a party,
you can't go wrong
with this brand new song from Dan + Shay.
Thank you, Carly.
(cheers and applause)
(Holiday Party playing)
There's a chill blowin' in the air
Pretty white lights everywhere
Strip malls and parking lots
are packin' out
Weatherman sayin' it might snow
Might as well keep off the road
So what you say we stay
here at the house?
Me and you
We'll throw a holiday party
Don't tell anybody
We'll pour us a drink
And hang some lights on the tree
We'll be jingle bell rockin'
Till the neighbors come knockin'
So turn up the fire playing' on the TV
Watchin' for Santa
from the top of the roof
While we're wrapped up
in a blanket for two
We'll throw a holiday party
holiday party
For just me and you
We can say that we're not in town
When our friends say, "Meet us out"
We'll just keep hangin'
like the mistletoe
And we'll sing karaoke
Slip on something cozy
'Cause we got nowhere to go
We'll throw a holiday party
Don't tell anybody
We'll pour us a drink
And hang some lights on the tree
We'll be jingle bell rockin'
Till the neighbors come knockin'
So turn up the fire playin' on the TV
Watchin' for Santa
from the top of the roof
While we're wrapped up
in a blanket for two
We'll throw a holiday party
holiday party
For just me and you
Come on!
And when New Year's Eve rolls around
We ain't gotta shut it down
We'll throw a holiday party
Don't tell anybody
We'll pour us a drink
And hang some lights on the tree
We'll be jingle bell rockin'
Till the neighbors come knockin'
Turn up the fire playing on the TV
Watchin' for Santa
from the top of the roof
While we're wrapped up
in a blanket for two
We'll throw a holiday party
holiday party
For just me and you
(cheers and applause)
Yay! That was so great!
Thank you so much.
You definitely cannot have a holiday party
without Dan + Shay.
I'm gonna be singing that
all the way home tonight.
Love to see it.
O Holy Night is a really special
Christmas song for me.
It was my MaMaw Pearce's favorite song,
and I think of her every time I hear it.
MaMaw, I'll be thinking of you,
because our next performers
are here with your favorite.
They're the wife-and-husband team
of Tanya and Michael Trotter Jr.,
and I love their story.
They were arguing about
what to call their stage name.
And during that argument, Tanya said,
"This isn't war, Michael,
so let's come to some sort
of treaty here."
Please welcome, The War and Treaty.
(cheers and applause)
(O Holy Night playing)
O holy night
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night
of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world
In sin and error pining
Till he appeared
And the soul felt its worth
The thrill of hope
The weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks
A new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees
O hear the angel voices
O night divine
O night
When Christ was born
O night divine
O night
O night divine
O holy night
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night
Of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world
In sin and error pining
Till he appeared
And the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope
The weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks
A new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees
O hear the angel voices
O night divine
O night
When Christ was born
O night
Divine
O night
O night divine
(cheers and applause)
I'm having such a good time
on CMA Country Christmas.
Now, there are two people with us tonight
who I can honestly say,
without them, I wouldn't be here.
Literally.
They have always had unwavering faith
in my country music dreams,
and I owe them everything.
My two best friends, Mom and Dad.
I love you guys.
Anyways, so--
-Carly?
-Yeah?
With all the photos you've showed tonight,
you haven't shown your mom's favorite.
The two of us making
Christmas cookies for Santa.
CARLY: Wow, if that's what my dress
looked like after baking,
I don't even want to imagine
what the kitchen looked like.
Everybody, from my family to yours,
have a merry Christmas
and stay safe this holiday season.
And we have time for one more song.
How about Man With the Bag?
Does that sound good?
-Yes.
-That'd be great.
Great.
(cheers and applause)
(Man With the Bag playing)
Old Mr. Kringle
Is soon gonna jingle
The bells that'll tingle
all your troubles away
Everybody's waitin'
for the man with the bag
'Cause Christmas is comin' again
He's got a sleighful
It's not gonna stay full
Stuff that he's dropping
Every stop of the way
Everybody's waitin'
for the man with the bag
'Cause Christmas is comin' again
He'll be here
With the answers to the prayers
That you've made through the years
You'll get yours
If you've done everything you should
Extra special good
He'll make this December
the one you'll remember
The best and the merriest
you ever did have
Everybody's waitin'
for the man with the bag
'Cause Christmas is comin' again
Yeah
(jolly music playing)
And old Mr. Kringle
Is soon gonna jingle
All the bells that'll tingle
all your troubles away
Everybody's waitin'
for the man with the bag
'Cause Christmas is here again
And he's got a sleighful
It's not gonna stay full
He's got stuff that he's dropping
Every stop of the way
Everybody's waitin'
for the man with the bag
'Cause Christmas is here again
He'll be here
With the answers to the prayers
That you've made through the years
You'll get yours
If you've done everything you should
Extra special good
He'll make this December
the one you'll remember
The best and the merriest
you ever did have
Everybody's waitin'
They're all congregatin'
Waitin' for the man with the bag
Better watch out now.
Merry Christmas!
(cheers and applause)
(jolly music playing)
Here's your host, Carly Pearce.
Merry Christmas, everybody.
I am so excited to be back hosting
CMA Country Christmas.
-And what I love--
-DANNY: Merry Christmas, Carly!
-Hi, Danny! How are you?
-Good. Good.
Good to see you.
As you can see, the band's here,
and they are getting ready to play.
-RACHEL: Hey, Carly.
-Hey, Rachel. How's the family?
-RACHEL: Great. Thank you.
-Awesome.
Like I was saying, this time of year
is a chance for me to disconnect
from my crazy schedule
and spend time with family and friends.
Hey, Desmond. How are you?
-Good. Good to see you.
-Good to see you.
Bottom line, as much as I love touring,
at this time of year,
I think everybody feels the way I do,
there's no place like home.
And, of course, I love Christmas music,
which is why tonight
is gonna be so much fun.
Looks like everybody's ready,
and just in time,
because I think I hear somebody
on the roof.
-(cheers and applause)
-(Here comes Santa Claus playing)
Here comes Santa Claus
here comes Santa Claus
Right down Santa Claus Lane
Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer
Pullin' on the reins
Bells are ringin', children singin'
All is merry and bright
So hang your stockings
and say your prayers
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight
Here comes Santa Claus
here comes Santa Claus
Right down Santa Claus Lane
He's got a bag that's filled with toys
For boys and girls again
Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle
Oh, what a beautiful sight
So jump in bed and cover your head
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight
(jolly music playing)
Here comes Santa Claus
here comes Santa Claus
Right down Santa Claus Lane
He doesn't care if you're rich or poor
He loves you just the same
Santa Claus knows
we're all God's children
That makes everything right
So fill your hearts
with Christmas cheer
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight!
Here comes Santa Claus
here comes Santa Claus
Right down Santa Claus Lane
He'll come around
when the chimes ring out
It's Christmas morn again
Peace on Earth will come to all
If we just follow the light
So let's give thanks to the Lord above
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight
Yeah, he does!
Bells are ringin', children singin'
All is merry and bright
So hang your stockings
and say your prayers
'Cause Santa Claus comes
Toni-i-i-ght
(cheers and applause)
ANNOUNCER: It's CMA Country Christmas.
Appearing tonight, Dan + Shay,
Maren Morris, The War and Treaty,
Steven Curtis Chapman, Scotty McCreery,
Molly Tuttle, Old Dominion.
And now please welcome back your host,
Carly Pearce.
I'm here with two of my longtime friends,
Dan and Shay.
What's going on? How are you?
-Good to see y'all.
-You too.
So guys, I want to know,
what are the first signs
of the holiday season?
-You know, first you have snow in the air.
-Whew.
We don't get a lot of snow here,
but we did last year.
-DAN: We got snow last year.
-Yep.
It was crazy, people--
I have a video of you,
like, in your driveway.
-Yeah.
-You had a sled.
It was dark times. I had a little scooter.
And, uh, yeah.
Those wheels don't do too good on ice,
but it was all right.
Your outfit was pretty great.
I feel like we should try to cut to that.
-I don't think we can.
-We can just go ahead--
What else do we got,
the signs of Christmas?
RACHEL: Well, you might know
a thing about this.
Putting Christmas lights up.
I'm gonna throw Shay under the bus.
He's got his Christmas lights up
from last year.
RACHEL: You're one of those?
He's the first guy decorated this year.
-You're efficient.
-You could say that I'm the most prepared.
You kind of win.
I kind of win.
You're never gonna beat me.
They're already there.
Now, Dan + Shay
have their own musical opinion
of how to tell
when it's officially Christmas.
Guys, take it away.
(applause)
(Officially Christmas playing)
Everybody's starting to feel it
Starting to feel it in the air
BOTH: All of the sidewalks
All of the streetlights
Holiday magic everywhere
(mellow music playing)
BOTH: Then it hits me
It's officially Christmas
And I'm officially yours
I'm officially wishing
For something not in a store
It's already December
The snow's falling too
Then all of a sudden, it's true
It's officially Christmas
Now that I'm with you
(jolly music playing)
Waiting for Santa
Here by the fire
Listen for footsteps on the roof
Jingle Bell rocking
Over the speakers
Singing along just like we do
Then it hits me
It's officially Christmas
And I'm officially yours
I'm officially wishing
For something not in a store
It's already December
The snow's falling too
Then all of a sudden, it's true
It's officially Christmas
Now that I'm with you
(jolly music playing)
We've been counting down
the days all year
Raise a glass
It's finally here
Ohhh
It's officially Christmas
And I'm officially yours
I'm officially wishing
For something not in a store
It's already December,
the snow's falling too
Then all of a sudden, it's true
It's officially Christmas
Now that I'm with you
Now that I'm with you
Now that I'm with you
Ooh, yeah
Now that I'm with you
(cheers and applause)
There are
so many great holiday traditions.
One of mine growing up
was driving around on Christmas Eve
with my mom and grandma
to look at everyone's Christmas lights.
Seeing how everyone decorated their houses
always put me in the holiday spirit.
And here's something else guaranteed
to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
Our next performance.
Here to help us celebrate
a Holly Jolly Christmas,
it's Scotty McCreery.
-(applause)
-(Holly Jolly Christmas playing)
Have a holly jolly Christmas
It's the best time of the year
Well, I don't know if there'll be snow
But have a cup of cheer
Have a holly jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet
Whoa, ho, the mistletoe
Hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Kiss her once for me
Have a holly jolly Christmas
And in case you didn't hear
Oh, by golly,
have a holly jolly Christmas
This year
Go ahead!
Have a holly jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet
Whoa, ho, the mistletoe
Hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Now, kiss her once for me
Well, have a holly jolly Christmas
And in case you didn't hear
Well, oh, by golly,
have a holly jolly Christmas
This year
Well, oh, by golly, have a holly jolly
Christmas
This year
Hey!
(jolly music playing)
(cheers and applause)
Scotty, thank you so much.
Scotty, thank you so much.
When I was little
and got to see Santa Claus,
I was always very clear
with my suggestions
of what he could bring me.
I think my all-time
favorite gift from Santa,
even better than my Barbie Jeep,
was when I was in elementary school.
That Christmas morning, under the tree
was my very first karaoke machine.
And I wore that thing out.
In fact, I even won a few karaoke contests
in my hometown of Taylor Mill, Kentucky.
And if not for that gift,
I may not be on CMA Country Christmas.
And now I have a gift for you,
a performance by an artist
whose music I have been a fan of
for a very long time,
Steven Curtis Chapman.
-Hello, Carly.
-Hi.
Steven is an amazing singer,
a wonderful songwriter,
and one of the greatest
Christian music artists of all time.
Thank you.
And it's his first time
on CMA Country Christmas.
-So welcome, Steven.
-Thank you.
I'm very, very excited
to be here. Honored.
We're so happy to have you.
Now, Steven, before you sing,
let's check out this great photo
that I found of you.
-Oh, boy.
-(Rachel gasps) Oh, my goodness!
Look at you! You're so cute.
What great pajamas!
STEVEN: Yes.
Well, that was a very special Christmas.
That was the Christmas that, you know,
you got your Barbie Jeep.
I got my Mighty Mouse punching bag.
But the bad news is,
between my brother and I,
we wore it out in about a week.
It was--it was deflated.
And so I think it was the next Christmas,
I got my first real guitar.
And that, um--
and that was a gift that obviously,
like your karaoke machine in Kentucky,
mine was in Kentucky,
where I received my first guitar
at about eight years old,
-and here I am, here we are.
-We made it.
Thanks to karaoke machines
and little guitars.
-Yes.
-RACHEL: That's so awesome.
Steven, if you're ready, we are.
With Precious Promise,
here is Steven Curtis Chapman.
(applause)
(Precious Promise playing)
Oh, what a precious promise
Oh, what a gift of love
An angel tells a virgin that
She's gonna have a son
And though it's a precious promise
She wonders, "How can this be?
What will the people say?
And what if Joseph can't believe?"
And her questions and her fears
Are met with an overwhelming joy
That God has chosen her
Oh, what a precious promise
Mary waits as heaven comes to earth
Oh, what a precious promise
Oh, what a gift of love
As Joseph makes his choice to do
What few men would have done
To take Mary as his bride
When she's already carrying a child
That wasn't his own
Oh, what a precious promise
Mary and the child will have a home
And shepherds out on a hillside
Their hearts racing with the news
The angel told them
A star's light fills up the night sky
As the night of precious promise
Is unfolding
Oh, what a precious promise
Oh, what a gift of love
The waiting now is over
And the time has finally come
For the God who made this world
To roll back the curtain
And unveil His passion
For the heart of man
Oh, what a precious promise
Lying in a manger in Bethlehem
Oh, what a precious promise
Lying in a manger in Bethlehem...
(soft music playing)
(cheers and applause)
Our next performers and I
go back at least 10 years,
and whenever we get together
like we are tonight,
we start swapping stories
about how we used to play shows together
in Nashville
before any of us had record deals.
I swear once I think
we played in front of like five people.
I am so glad that
they're here with us tonight.
Please make welcome Old Dominion.
-(applause)
-(What Christmas Means to Me playing)
Candles burnin' low
Lots of mistletoe
Lots of snow and ice
Everywhere we go
Choirs singin' carols
Right outside my door
All these things and more
ALL: All these things and more
That's what Christmas means
to me, my love
ALL: That's what Christmas means
to me, my love
Oh, yeah
You feel me?
I see your smilin' face
Like I never seen before
Even though I love you madly
It seems I love you more
Little cards you give me
Will touch my heart, for sure
All these things and more
ALL: All these things and more
That's what Christmas means
to me, my love
ALL: That's what Christmas means
to me, my love
I feel like running wild
As anxious as a little child
Greet you 'neath that mistletoe
Kiss you once and then some more
Wish you a Merry Christmas, baby
ALL: Wish you a Merry Christmas, baby
And such happiness in the coming year
ALL: And such happiness
in the coming year
Let's deck the halls with holly
Sing sweet silent night
Fill the tree with angel hair
And pretty, pretty lights
Go to sleep and wake up
Just before daylight
All these things and more
ALL: All these things and more
That's what Christmas means
to me, my love
ALL: That's what Christmas means
to me, my love
Yeah
MATTHEW: Christmas bells are ringin'
Christmas choirs are singin', yeah
(cheers and applause)
Now, this is not the first time
that I've worked on the holidays.
When I was 17,
I was in the Christmas in the Smokies show
at Dollywood.
I was the youngest performer,
so naturally I had to do all of the things
that no one else wanted to do.
Guess who got to wear the Frosty costume
when we sang Frosty the Snowman.
Yep, that's me
on the right of that kick line.
In fact, I danced so much in that
that I had to have help
getting up off the floor most nights.
And with us tonight
for the very first time
on CMA Country Christmas is Maren Morris.
-Welcome, Maren!
-Hey.
Good to finally be here!
So happy to have you.
Now, Maren, I've got another photo
to show everyone.
Look at you in this photo!
Oh, my goodness. You're so cute.
-MAREN: Thank you.
-RACHEL: Tell us about this picture.
MAREN: Uh, so this is probably
the most '90s photo that exists of me,
'cause it's my dad and I
on Christmas morning,
and I got--not even a Walkman,
like the off-brand version of the Walkman.
I was very excited, as you can see.
Your face says it all.
Here with Merry Christmas, Baby
is Maren Morris.
(applause)
(Merry Christmas, Baby playing)
Merry Christmas, baby
You sure did treat me nice
Merry Christmas, baby
You sure did treat me nice
Bought me a diamond ring for Christmas
I feel like I'm in paradise
I'm feeling mighty fine, oh
Got good music on my radio
Ooh
I'm feeling mighty fine, oh
Got good music on my radio
Oh, oh
Feel like I'm gonna kiss you, baby
You're standing
underneath the mistletoe
Santa came down the chimney
Half past three
All these pretty presents
That you're saving for me
Oh, merry Christmas, baby
You sure been good to me
Oh, oh
I haven't had a drink this morning
But I'm lit up like a Christmas tree
Oh, yeah
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas, baby
You sure did treat me nice
Ooh
Merry Christmas, baby
You sure did treat me nice
Ohh
You bought me all these
pretty things for Christmas
Feel like I'm in paradise, oh, yeah
Merry Christmas, baby
Oh, yeah
Merry Christmas, baby
Oh, yeah, yeah
-Merry Christmas, baby
-Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas, baby
-Merry Christmas
-Ooh
Ooh
(cheers and applause)
Every year, my Mom and I
make a very complicated cake for everyone.
Here's a picture of one of our favorites.
And what makes it even more complicated
is that we're drinking wine
while we're making it.
(laughter)
And another of our family traditions is
we love to sit around the living room
singing Christmas carols,
which is what we are gonna do right now
with one of my favorite artists.
Molly Tuttle is the first woman in history
to win Guitar Player of the Year
from the International
Bluegrass Music Association.
Welcome Molly and her band,
Golden Highway.
Molly, we are so glad you're here.
Aw, thanks for having us.
We're so glad to be here.
Take it away, girl.
One, two, three.
(It's Beginning to Look
a Lot Like Christmas playing)
It's beginning to look
a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go
Take a look at the five-and-ten
It's glistening once again
With candy canes
and silver lanes that glow
It's beginning to look
a lot like Christmas
Toys in every store
But the prettiest sight to see
Is the holly that will be
on your own front door
(Let It Snow playing)
Yeah.
The weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we've no place to go
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
It doesn't show signs of stoppin'
And I've brought some corn for poppin'
The lights are turned way down low
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
(God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen playing)
God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our savior
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
comfort and joy
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
Yeah!
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight
We're happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland
Gone away is the bluebird
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song as we go along
Walking in a winter wonderland
In the meadow, we can build a snowman
And pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say, "Are you married?"
We'll say, "No, man
But you can do the job
when you're in town"
Later on, we'll conspire
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid
the plans that we've made
Walking in a winter wonderland
(Christmas Time's a-Coming playing)
Snowflakes are fallin'
My old home's a-callin'
Tall pines are hummin'
Christmas time's a-comin'
Can't you hear them bells ringin'
Ringing joy, joy, hear them singin'
When it's snowin'
I'll be going back to my country home
Christmas time's a-comin'
Christmas time's a-comin'
Christmas time's a-comin'
And I know I'm going home
Yeah!
Okay!
Christmas time's a-comin'
Christmas time's a-comin'
Christmas time's a-comin'
And I know I'm going home
Christmas time's a-comin'
Christmas time's a-comin'
Christmas time's a-comin'
And I know I'm going home
Christmas time's a-comin'
Christmas time's a-comin'
Christmas time's a-comin'
And I know I'm going
Ho-o-o-me
(cheers and applause)
Yes!
(laughing)
I love a good holiday party,
although in 2022,
be careful around the mistletoe,
especially at the office party.
One wrong kiss with the wrong person,
and you're gonna end up
before the HR department.
(laughter)
But if you're looking
for a great song to play
when friends come over
to the house for a party,
you can't go wrong
with this brand new song from Dan + Shay.
Thank you, Carly.
(cheers and applause)
(Holiday Party playing)
There's a chill blowin' in the air
Pretty white lights everywhere
Strip malls and parking lots
are packin' out
Weatherman sayin' it might snow
Might as well keep off the road
So what you say we stay
here at the house?
Me and you
We'll throw a holiday party
Don't tell anybody
We'll pour us a drink
And hang some lights on the tree
We'll be jingle bell rockin'
Till the neighbors come knockin'
So turn up the fire playing' on the TV
Watchin' for Santa
from the top of the roof
While we're wrapped up
in a blanket for two
We'll throw a holiday party
holiday party
For just me and you
We can say that we're not in town
When our friends say, "Meet us out"
We'll just keep hangin'
like the mistletoe
And we'll sing karaoke
Slip on something cozy
'Cause we got nowhere to go
We'll throw a holiday party
Don't tell anybody
We'll pour us a drink
And hang some lights on the tree
We'll be jingle bell rockin'
Till the neighbors come knockin'
So turn up the fire playin' on the TV
Watchin' for Santa
from the top of the roof
While we're wrapped up
in a blanket for two
We'll throw a holiday party
holiday party
For just me and you
Come on!
And when New Year's Eve rolls around
We ain't gotta shut it down
We'll throw a holiday party
Don't tell anybody
We'll pour us a drink
And hang some lights on the tree
We'll be jingle bell rockin'
Till the neighbors come knockin'
Turn up the fire playing on the TV
Watchin' for Santa
from the top of the roof
While we're wrapped up
in a blanket for two
We'll throw a holiday party
holiday party
For just me and you
(cheers and applause)
Yay! That was so great!
Thank you so much.
You definitely cannot have a holiday party
without Dan + Shay.
I'm gonna be singing that
all the way home tonight.
Love to see it.
O Holy Night is a really special
Christmas song for me.
It was my MaMaw Pearce's favorite song,
and I think of her every time I hear it.
MaMaw, I'll be thinking of you,
because our next performers
are here with your favorite.
They're the wife-and-husband team
of Tanya and Michael Trotter Jr.,
and I love their story.
They were arguing about
what to call their stage name.
And during that argument, Tanya said,
"This isn't war, Michael,
so let's come to some sort
of treaty here."
Please welcome, The War and Treaty.
(cheers and applause)
(O Holy Night playing)
O holy night
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night
of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world
In sin and error pining
Till he appeared
And the soul felt its worth
The thrill of hope
The weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks
A new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees
O hear the angel voices
O night divine
O night
When Christ was born
O night divine
O night
O night divine
O holy night
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night
Of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world
In sin and error pining
Till he appeared
And the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope
The weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks
A new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees
O hear the angel voices
O night divine
O night
When Christ was born
O night
Divine
O night
O night divine
(cheers and applause)
I'm having such a good time
on CMA Country Christmas.
Now, there are two people with us tonight
who I can honestly say,
without them, I wouldn't be here.
Literally.
They have always had unwavering faith
in my country music dreams,
and I owe them everything.
My two best friends, Mom and Dad.
I love you guys.
Anyways, so--
-Carly?
-Yeah?
With all the photos you've showed tonight,
you haven't shown your mom's favorite.
The two of us making
Christmas cookies for Santa.
CARLY: Wow, if that's what my dress
looked like after baking,
I don't even want to imagine
what the kitchen looked like.
Everybody, from my family to yours,
have a merry Christmas
and stay safe this holiday season.
And we have time for one more song.
How about Man With the Bag?
Does that sound good?
-Yes.
-That'd be great.
Great.
(cheers and applause)
(Man With the Bag playing)
Old Mr. Kringle
Is soon gonna jingle
The bells that'll tingle
all your troubles away
Everybody's waitin'
for the man with the bag
'Cause Christmas is comin' again
He's got a sleighful
It's not gonna stay full
Stuff that he's dropping
Every stop of the way
Everybody's waitin'
for the man with the bag
'Cause Christmas is comin' again
He'll be here
With the answers to the prayers
That you've made through the years
You'll get yours
If you've done everything you should
Extra special good
He'll make this December
the one you'll remember
The best and the merriest
you ever did have
Everybody's waitin'
for the man with the bag
'Cause Christmas is comin' again
Yeah
(jolly music playing)
And old Mr. Kringle
Is soon gonna jingle
All the bells that'll tingle
all your troubles away
Everybody's waitin'
for the man with the bag
'Cause Christmas is here again
And he's got a sleighful
It's not gonna stay full
He's got stuff that he's dropping
Every stop of the way
Everybody's waitin'
for the man with the bag
'Cause Christmas is here again
He'll be here
With the answers to the prayers
That you've made through the years
You'll get yours
If you've done everything you should
Extra special good
He'll make this December
the one you'll remember
The best and the merriest
you ever did have
Everybody's waitin'
They're all congregatin'
Waitin' for the man with the bag
Better watch out now.
Merry Christmas!
(cheers and applause)
(jolly music playing)