[bright Christmas music]
♪ Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree ♪
♪ Such pleasure do you bring me ♪
♪ For every year the Christmas tree ♪
♪ Brings to us all both joy and glee ♪
♪ Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree ♪
♪ Such pleasure do you bring me ♪
[humming]
[thoughtful music]
I'm thinking we go with this one.
-Okay. -For Christmas.
-Come on, Mom, stop. -Okay, okay.
Yeah.
[giggling]
[vocalizing]
No?
[gasps]
Thank you very much.
You look really pretty, Mom.
Aw, a compliment from my teenage daughter?
This is gonna be a good show.
[gentle guitar music]
You're getting really good on that guitar.
Are you sure you don't wanna play for me tonight?
It's been a long time since I played live.
Don't be nervous.
Just picture everyone with their clothes off.
Ew.
Have you seen everyone out there?
No thank you.
[Knocking] Show time Ms. Rose.
-Yes? -What?
Show time?
No, yes, in just a couple minute.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I thought I heard.
Okay.
Sorry.
ROSE: Sorry for what?
Right this way, Ms. Rose.
Okay.
[crowd cheering]
There she is.
Ready for your big night?
You bet.
We're ready for you now Ms. Rose.
-Okay. -You'll be great, Mom.
Thanks baby.
Oh and I have a reserve spot for you out in front.
Are you sure you're gonna be okay?
It's a Christmas charity concert,
not some desert festival.
I'll be fine.
Okay.
Let's do this.
Make sure you keep an eye on her, okay?
[crowd cheering]
Ladies and gentlemen,
we have a very special treat for you this evening.
You're gonna see history in the making
when these two powerhouses take the stage.
What are you talking about, Bret King?
Together they've sold more than 22 million albums worldwide.
And their Christmas songs are still listened to
all around the globe.
Todd, did you know about this?
The show must go on?
This is not what I signed up for!
He's lost his mind.
Let's kick this holiday season off right
and give a warm, Christmas welcome to the Roses.
[crowd cheers and applauds]
Knock 'em dead, Bonnie.
Ashlyn.
Mother.
You look good.
Thanks, can we get on with this?
Yes, well isn't this a Christmas miracle?
Ladies and gentlemen you remember my daughter,
Ashlyn Rose.
[crowd cheers and applauds]
And I am Bonnie Rose.
I believe you know us best as the Roses.
Thank you.
We're gonna sing you one our biggest Christmas hits.
I think you know this one.
It's called "Let's Rock This Christmas".
[crowd cheers and applauds]
♪ Well I've been gone
♪ Far too long
♪ Lord, it's been a while
♪ It's finally here
♪ That time of year
♪ We're gonna celebrate in style ♪
♪ Let's rock, let's rock, let's rock this Christmas ♪
♪ That's how we do it
♪ Get right down to business
♪ There's a party going on
♪ Won't you come with us
♪ Let's rock this Christmas
♪ Lights are hung
♪ Mama's dinner's done
♪ And I'm feeling all right
♪ So fill my cup, turn the music up ♪
♪ This won't be a silent night
♪ Let's rock, let's rock, let's rock this Christmas ♪
♪ That's how we do it
♪ Get right down to business
♪ There's a party going on
♪ Won't you come with us
♪ Let's rock this Christmas
[audience cheers and applauds]
Thank you!
That was fantastic.
Listen to them, they want more.
You two didn't miss a beat.
I suppose this was your doing?
Bret, when will you ever learn?
Like you weren't in on it?
Mother and manager, plotting against daughter?
Wow, that's dramatic.
Bonnie didn't have anything to do with this.
That's right.
I am no glutton for punishment.
[scoffs]
There it is.
That's the laugh that tells me exactly where to go.
Yeah, still the martyr I see.
That was amazing.
We were hoping you'd sign an album
for our silent auction.
Oh, I'd love to.
Sure Todd.
So, I understand our ex-drummer,
or would you prefer ex-husband,
is on tour with Zombie Grease.
I prefer neither from you.
Zombie Grease makes sense.
He is brain dead.
But you know gotta give it to him.
It's a big tour.
Ladies, can we make it a little more sugar plum
and a little less Ebeneezer Scrooge?
BOTH: Bah humbug.
Can we at least keep it down
so we don't make more headlines?
Okay, let it all out.
Well I would say that I'm surprised by your audacity
but being that you've been managing my mother for 25 years
obviously your scruples are outta whack.
You know what, I am gonna go find my daughter.
Mom, that was amazing.
Riley, you're beautiful.
Thanks.
You can call me Grandma or Bonnie.
Whatever you want.
Grandma.
Oh shoot.
Oh, I haven't held you since you were so little.
Why is that, Ashlyn?
I don't know, Mother.
My number's still the same.
Huh, mine is too.
Well, there's no time like the present
to make up for lost time.
Go sit in the truck, Bret--
Please just hear me out.
I've got some good news.
Look, I hope you can find it in your frosted old hearts
to forgive me but it was the only way
to get you two in the same place.
Your old record label wants a Roses reunion.
We all do.
BONNIE AND ASHLYN: No!
I thought you'd say that.
People used to love the Roses.
Oh well.
They still love the Roses.
I uploaded a video of your performance
and it already has 100,000 hits.
Wow.
Well, there ya go.
And...
This is what they're willing to pay.
Wow.
Hmm.
People want to see you again.
They really are something when they're on the same page.
Well we were when your mom let me take care of business.
More like micromanage my life.
I just wanted you to share the gifts God gave you.
Not let them fall like pine needles off a Christmas tree
just because you made a big mistake.
So, tell me a little bit about yourself.
Do you play an instrument or?
I mean I could teach you some of the songs we have.
RILEY: I'm not much of a singer but I love playing.
That's nice.
Okay, you know what?
This has all been a lot.
I think it's about time for Riley and I to go home.
Not many people get a second chance
to share their gift with the world.
At least agree to come by my office tomorrow.
We can go over the rest of the details.
I--
Mom, you have to.
Fine.
I will come by to listen to the details.
But seriously, Riley, it's time for us to go home.
Good to see ya again, Ashlyn.
ASHLYN: Yeah, you too, Bret.
RILEY: Bye Grandma.
[gentle music]
Don't even try.
Would you get my things?
I'm gonna go sit in the truck.
[playful music]
Riley Rose!
Breakfast is ready, come on down!
Okay, I'm dying to know, how does it look?
What do you think?
It's hard to mess up breakfast
so I wouldn't get too high on the hog.
I will take that as a compliment.
My early Christmas gift to you.
Speaking of Christmas, what do you want this year?
So for once I actually know what I want.
Okay, let's hear it.
Don't worry, it's not expensive.
Well that's good.
Okay, what is it?
I want Grandma.
Uh, what do you mean?
I want to spend Christmas with Grandma.
I just want us to be a family, that's all.
There's a lotta history there.
Well yeah, she's your mom.
Yeah but it's a lot more complicated than that.
You always tell me how short life is
and how I should chase my dreams.
This is all I want this year.
[Ashlyn sighs]
[bright music]
Okay, are you ready for your warm ups?
[laughing]
Look, you're an internet star.
Well that's a new one, even for me.
That is a lot of views!
Yeah, it is.
How do you get all those views?
Oh, you know, when people share it.
Share.
That's a new concept.
[bright music]
How you holding up, Bon?
That was some stunt you pulled.
I shoulda told ya.
But I knew if I did, you wouldn't show.
She broke my heart when she quit the Roses
and ran off with that Beau.
I know.
We had such a good thing going and she just,
she left for some hair brained idea that--
Love.
People do some crazy things.
Risk a lot for love.
Um hmm.
And once his meal ticket dried up, he was gone.
Just like I said he'd be.
I know that too.
I was there through it all.
Remember?
I know.
You were a faithful manager and friend.
But if we do this again
it's got to be different.
ASHLYN: You can say that again.
Oh, I love that we agree on something.
I didn't give ya a proper hello last night.
ASHLYN: Hey Bret.
Good to see ya.
You too.
Okay ladies, to your corners.
So, have you given some thought to the proposal?
Question, what exactly do they want for this offer?
A Christmas EP.
Two classic Christmas songs and one original.
A new one?
This says we only have a few weeks.
Yep.
They want to release the songs on Christmas Eve.
[Bonnie sighs]
I think it's a great offer.
Especially considering your illustrious solo careers.
Oh!
Okay fine.
I'll do it.
But then I go my way.
And I go mine.
Great.
So I've lined you up with Smith Carter.
He's the hottest producer in the industry right now.
I've also got you a photo shoot for the promo kit
and a one to one interview.
Wow.
That didn't take long.
I might be grayer but I can still make things happen.
Well I think you look distinguished.
Thank you.
Um hmm.
[happy music]
You must be Smith.
Ms. Rose.
It's really great to meet you.
Looking forward to digging into this with the both of you.
Cool, great.
ASHLYN: Mother.
Ashlyn.
Riley, I'm so glad you came!
I'm Smith.
Hi, I'm--
The Ashlyn Rose.
I dropped the "the" years ago.
This is my daughter Riley.
Hey.
You're here to keep these two in line?
I do what I can but I make no promises.
[all chuckling]
So what do you have planned for your original?
I can only imagine what you have after all this time.
We don't actually have anything written yet.
Oh, okay.
Then let's tackle the other two songs.
What classics have you chosen?
Well, we haven't, yet.
We could always do "Little Drummer Boy".
[sighs]That's been done to death.
Then by all means, why don't you choose.
Smith, would you please put us out of our misery
and choose a song?
Anything but the "Little Drummer Boy".
Okay, how 'bout "Hark the Herald Angels Sing"?
Been working on a more modern, upbeat version
that I think you might like.
I've got a rough instrumentation to use as a guide track.
If you wanna hear it?
-Let's do it. -Cool.
[Bonnie chuckles]
BONNIE: Let's go.
Here it comes.
[bright music]
Do you wanna take that?
-Yeah. -Then I'll take?
Then I'll go?
-Yep. -Okay.
All right, we can go.
[bright music]
♪ Hark the herald angels sing
♪ Glory to the newborn king
♪ Peace on Earth and mercy mild ♪
♪ God and sinners reconciled
♪ Joyful all ye nations rise
♪ Join the triumph of the skies ♪
♪ With angelic hosts proclaim
♪ Christ is born in Bethlehem
♪ Hark the herald angels sing
♪ Glory to the newborn king
Yeah?
[applauding]
That was amazing.
It's okay, you can be happy.
I'm just happy you're happy, sweetheart.
Any notes?
No.
That was perfect.
Let's call it a day while I play around with the mix.
Meanwhile you both can figure out
the next song you wanna do.
Sounds good.
And Ashlyn, I was hoping you'd come in another time
to lay down some guitar.
I'm gonna add a second guitar to make it pop.
I was thinking maybe something like this.
[bright guitar music]
That was great.
Yeah, really something.
But you know, we oughta get going
because we've got a lotta work to do
and we gotta get up early for an interview in the morning.
So.
Hey Riley, we should talk about [whispers].
It was really great to meet you, Smith.
You too.
[gentle music]
So the studio and the upcoming tour
that we're looking forward to.
I mean there's a lot coming down the pike.
Stick to the music.
Personal lives off limits.
Agreed.
And here they are.
The Roses.
BONNIE AND ASHLYN: Hi.
-Ashyln. -Nice to meet you.
Hi there, I'm Bonnie.
-Nice to meet you. -Nice to meet you too.
Let's get right into it.
ASHLYN: Okay.
How does it feel seeing how popular the video
of your performance was?
I think we were both a little shocked.
Yes, I don't think we realized
how loyal our fans were after all these years.
We were very touched.
It must feel great being back in the studio
and recording.
Well there is no place I'd rather be, honestly.
It's like we never stopped.
Yes.
But you did stop.
For about 15 years when you both pursued
rather disappointing solo careers.
Is that what brought you back together as a duo?
Well our retirement was pretty public.
So it just felt right for the Roses to come back.
Um hmm.
Bonnie, how do you reconcile with the fact
that Ashlyn walked away from the Roses
and broke up the band?
Well we try not to dwell on the past.
I mean it was tough, but that was then.
Hmm.
Ashlyn, your mom can be quoted
saying that she didn't like Beau Niland, your ex-husband.
Thank you.
I know who Beau Niland is.
She called you silly, young and impulsive.
Have you worked through those differences?
Well you know, mothers always think they know best.
And sometimes they do.
Yeah and as a daughter,
you just really want your mother to be there for you
and it's disappointing when she's not.
And it's painful you know,
when you hear through the press
of your daughter's engagement
and subsequent departure from the band.
Hmm.
How will it be different this time?
Okay, I thank you for your questions.
It looks like you got what you came for.
We're on a very tight deadline
and the Roses need to practice.
Are you guys dating anyone?
Did you get all that?
Well that was a disaster.
And yet I'm not surprised at all.
You could've controlled yourself a little more, Ashlyn.
Oh, so now you're blaming me, again.
You never wanna hear the truth.
Not about Beau, not about yourself.
Because you're such a great judge of character, mother.
Hey, we can work through this.
No press is bad press, right?
ASHYLN: No thanks.
This was never going to work, Bret.
Yeah.
At least we can agree on that.
[thoughtful music]
[sighs]
BEAU: Hey, I'm probably somewhere making music.
Leave a message.
Hey Beau, I'm sure you're off living your best life.
But could you please
send the child support for our daughter that she needs?
So if you could send the money ASAP
that would be great.
Thanks.
[sighs]
Riley.
What's going on?
Why couldn't you just get along?
I barely started to get to know her
and you blow it up in one day.
Riley, what happened between your grandmother and I,
there's a long history there
and I don't know that things
will ever be the same between us.
I'm sorry.
So when you told me you would do everything you could
to get me what I wanted for Christmas,
you meant only if it was cheap and easy?
No, Riley, these are grown up problems
and you are not privy to all the details
that made it not work out between us.
Didn't work out?
Mom, me not getting the part of Tiny Tim
in the school Christmas play didn't work out.
This is way bigger.
This is just you being stubborn.
Riley, wait!
[sighs]
[door lock jangles]
Riley come on.
Please, you know the rules.
No locked doors.
Just leave me alone.
[sad music]
[soft guitar music]
Hello?
Yeah.
Hi, yes the guitar is still available.
Sure, 10 o'clock tomorrow works.
6 Onetree Lane.
[gasps]But I have dogs.
Big dogs.
I hope you're not allergic.
Okay.
No.
No I cannot get Bonnie Rose to sign the guitar.
Ashyln is.
Do you want the guitar or not?
Great.
See you tomorrow.
[sighs]
[doorbell rings]
[thoughtful music]
[sighs]
Wow, you sure know how to make a guy feel special.
I'm sorry, I thought you might be Ashlyn or Riley.
Have you heard from either of them?
No, I have not.
So I don't know what to tell you.
I guess the whole thing's off.
Turns out time heals pretty much nothing with that girl.
Come in. Nope.
Put your jacket on.
You're coming with me.
Bret, would I go out at this hour?
'Cause you're not sitting around brooding all night.
I am taking you to dinner.
Bret--
I know you Bonnie Rose
and I know being along in this house
is not doing you any good.
It's Christmas time.
Let's go enjoy it.
Come on.
[bright music]
Let me get my jacket.
I thought that bringing Ashlyn back into your life
would make ya happy again.
I thought you two would find a way to work things out,
you know 'tis the season and all.
Um hmm.
Well sometimes things can't be worked out.
They just gotta be worked through.
So how long before you reach out this time?
What?
As far as I'm concerned, the ball is in her court.
How do ya figure?
[sighs]Look, I can't do this again.
I mean all I did was care for her.
You know I mean I knew what was best for her
as her mother and her business partner
and I did the best I could.
She picked the loser and I'm the bad guy?
No, I can't do it again.
To be fair, you have picked a loser too, as well.
[laughs]You must think the sun wakes up
just to hear you crow.
I'm just saying everyone makes mistakes.
Okay, well thank you wise one.
Everyone makes mistakes.
Let's drop it.
♪ The herald angels sing
Oh, you've gotta be kidding me.
It's Christmas.
Joy tends to lurk in every corner.
I'm about 10 seconds away from a meltdown.
♪ God and sinner reconciled
♪ Joyful all ye nations rise
Thank you, if you could keep moving along,
we'd appreciate it.
Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas. -Thanks!
That wasn't so hard, was it?
I'm gonna need dessert.
I'm gonna need more wine.
Those carolers reminded me of that time
we got caught in the snowstorm
after the Philadelphia show.
-Oh yeah. -Remember?
It's like they appeared out of nowhere,
little Christmas angels who kept us company
until the snow plow came.
Remember we called it snow jam?
[laughing]
Oh.
Aw.
You're a great man, Bret.
You really are.
Cheers.
[doorbell rings]
[sighs]
Smith.
I'm, I'm confused.
Well this is awkward.
I was given this address to pick up a guitar
that was once yours.
Was that you?
Well I guess better you than a stranger.
Come on in.
Wow, I can't believe you're selling Rosie.
With all the artists you've produced,
what makes you want this guitar?
[Smith sighs] [gentle music]
My mom, she was a huge fan of the Roses.
And I guess I was, am too.
I figured it'd be a great addition to my collection.
Especially because we're working together now.
So, what's up?
Well, sometimes you have to let go
of the things that you love for the greater good.
So.
Wait.
You can't.
You're not ready.
You're right.
She's been with me from the beginning.
I'm sorry if you're in a tough spot.
I mean, if that's what it is.
I'll figure it out.
Just do me a favor, don't tell anyone,
especially not my mom.
Yeah, of course.
Yeah, I guess it's just fake it 'til ya make it.
And then fake it again in my case.
Ashlyn, there's nothing fake about you.
[soft guitar music]
Is that Riley playing?
Yeah.
She plays a little.
And she sings too.
Just like you.
She's a really good kid.
She just really wants my mom around
and I messed that up.
That was over sharing.
No, no, it's nice to see behind the curtains.
Adds context to the art.
I just wish I could do something to help you both
finish the record.
I appreciate that.
But when my mom digs her heels in,
you know that saying wild horses.
What?
Well it seems to me
that maybe stubbornness runs in the family.
Maybe.
So maybe it wouldn't be so terrible
if you gave it another try.
Maybe.
And maybe Riley would like it if you did too.
And so would I.
All right, all right.
I give.
So I'll see you at the studio then?
Bring Rosie.
ASHLYN: Thank you.
Really.
Just doing my job.
[sighs]
[bright music]
[beeping]
♪ Silent night
♪ Holy night
♪ All is calm
♪ All is bright
♪ Round yon virgin
♪ Mother and child
♪ Holy infant
♪ So tender and mild
♪ Sleep in heavenly peace
Wow.
You both still have it.
It took me back to a special place in my childhood.
Was there ever a doubt?
Mom!
I'm just, I'm just kidding.
I mean there was probably legitimate doubts
that we would even show up today.
It felt good out there.
It really did.
We should talk about your original.
And considering the time constraints,
I took the liberty of writing a little something
that I hope you might like.
Let's hear it.
[energetic guitar music]
Wow, that was amazing.
I think I'm beginning to get in the Christmas spirit.
Yeah, you're quite the talent, Smith.
Glad you like it.
So, let's try and get back in the studio in a few days
and we'll knock this outta the park.
Yeah, but in the meantime we should get out of your hair
so you can work your voodoo to make us sound fabulous.
SMITH: Hey Ashlyn.
Yeah?
Would you like to go out tonight?
Talk about guitars over dinner.
Oh wow.
I would love to, but I have to pick up Riley
and then we do homework and dinner.
That sort of thing.
Right.
Well hey, maybe you could come to a gig I have tomorrow.
If you have time.
I literally don't stay up past 11 o'clock.
It's the exciting life of a mom.
Well it's at 3 o'clock.
So you'll be home by dinner.
Who has a gig at 3 o'clock in the afternoon?
I do.
So, I'll text you tomorrow.
You in?
Yeah.
I would love to.
Cool.
See ya then.
You made it.
I did.
This was not what I was expecting.
You look really beautiful.
Thank you.
Come with me.
I got some people I want you to meet.
ASHLYN: Okay.
[chuckling]
This is Karen and Michelle.
You're in good hands.
These two are my personal body guards.
Ladies, this is Ashlyn Rose.
Nice to meet you both.
I should get up there.
Don't want them to start a riot if I start late.
Good luck.
Hi.
What's up everyone?
[audience applauds]
So I just wanna thank you guys so much for having me back
for our little Christmas concert.
You guys know how much I enjoy spending time with you.
[whistling]
Carol!
I know that was you.
[crowd chuckles]
♪ Up on the housetop reindeer pause ♪
♪ Out jumps old Santa Claus
♪ Down the chimney with lots of toys ♪
♪ For all the little ones, the Christmas joy ♪
♪ And ho, ho, ho who wouldn't go ♪
♪ Ho, ho, ho who wouldn't go
♪ Up on housetop click, click, click ♪
♪ Down the chimney with old Saint Nick ♪
[audience applauds]
ASHLYN: That was amazing.
And so incredibly sweet.
Well, as the cliche goes I get more out of it
than they'll ever know.
I have a million questions.
Like what made you start doing this?
Well my grandma stayed there
and it would always make her so happy
when I'd visit and play.
I loved seeing her lit up like a Christmas tree.
I just had to keep coming back.
So you're the joy bringer.
The joy bringer.
I like that.
[giggling]
You know a lot of 'em don't have any families
or they've been forgotten about.
So they go there for sense of community.
No one should be left alone.
Especially on Christmas.
Like my mother.
I mean that's really special.
And they love you.
I mean they really love you.
Yeah, especially Carol.
Oh I felt more than one set of eyes
burning a hole in the back of my head.
I mean I feel lucky that I just got outta there
in one piece.
So you must've always had a musical Christmas then.
We did.
Back when I was 20, but my mom,
she passed away unexpectedly.
I'm so sorry.
Thank you.
What was she like?
Oh God, she was amazing.
[chuckling]
What resonates with me most is just how selfless she was.
She'd always remind me to consider
what the person next to me was going through
before I got caught up in my own life.
-There you go. -Thank you.
-Yes, thank you. -Enjoy.
What?
She loved, I mean really loved the Roses.
Every Christmas we would listen to your albums on repeat.
She'd be crazed to know I'm producing your album.
That's so sweet.
I'm just happy
that we could be a part of your memories with her.
Yeah you know I guess I just learned
to appreciate what you have while you have it.
'Cause you never know.
That is really good advice.
Want some other unsolicited advice?
Sure.
Eat that pie and get a piece to go.
I don't know what's they're doing to it,
but it's the best pie I've ever had in my life.
-Really? -Yeah.
Hmm.
[happy music]
Umm, that's good.
It's real good.
Hey, you wanna take a break from the homework
and help me decorate the Christmas tree?
I'm not doing homework.
What are you doing?
I'm trying to write my own song.
Oh.
I can't wait to hear.
Hey I just, I want you to know
that I'm doing my best.
You know but sometimes life is a box of Christmas lights.
You know ya pull 'em outta the box every year
and sometimes they're all tangled up and knotted
and sometimes the lights are broken
but you don't know which one it is
so ya don't know how to fix it.
Sometimes life's just a big ol' mess.
Okay, well I will help you decorate the tree
if you wanna help me bake cookies for my
school fundraiser.
Deal.
And I was thinking maybe you could join us
at the photo shoot tomorrow.
Grandma will be there.
A photo shoot?
Talk about needing help.
You just need me there to do your makeup.
Oh really?
Oh I'm sorry, what are you talking about?
[happy music]
Wow.
This is spectacular.
This is pretty cool, Mom.
If it isn't my three favorite ladies.
There's my moral support.
Wow Bret, this look amazing.
Thank you for setting it up.
Anytime.
We'll see how this one goes.
Hey!
And there's my moral support.
Wow, looks awesome.
I thought you would be in the studio working on our album.
I think it's great that he's here.
Get him in some promo shots.
Uh huh.
Ashlyn, you look great.
You look fantastic.
Thank you, Mother.
You know, you might wanna rethink the lipstick.
It's okay, I'm sure they can change it.
Here we go.
What?
I'm just saying.
Just saying that you have to have your two cents
on everything in my life.
Actually you are both wearing the wrong shade of lipstick.
And you are not highlighted or contoured nearly enough.
Don't worry, I can fix it.
Let's go Roses.
Lead the way.
I had no idea I needed to brighten my eyes.
And this is not a color I would normally use.
Do you trust me?
Of course I do.
I would say you're my go to girl.
But don't forget how beautiful you are without makeup.
It's self expression, Grandma.
It's empowering to choose how I want to show myself
to the world.
Everything okay in here?
Yeah, but we could use some get ready music.
I can make that happen for ya.
♪ We wish you a merry Christmas ♪
♪ And a happy new year
♪ Good tidings we bring for you and your kin ♪
♪ Good tidings of Christmas and a happy new year ♪
♪ We wish you a merry Christmas ♪
♪ And a happy
♪ New year
[bright music]
♪ Look at the moon
♪ Singing a lonely tune
♪ And I'd be singing a tune without you ♪
Thank you.
♪ The words won't do
♪ I know you know
♪ But still I wanna show
This is weird.
[Ashlyn laughs]
One, two, three.
♪ No work of art now
♪ To show what I feel for you
Grandma.
♪ There's only one way I could start ♪
♪ Just listen to my heart
♪ Listen to my heart
♪ It's the only place to start
♪ So listen to my heart
What's wrong, Grandma?
Oh I've just missed this so much.
Oh, lucky for you I am right here.
[giggling]
I missed you.
Okay?
Wait oh here.
Get in here.
-No. -Yes.
Oh stop it!
[laughing]
You guys, come on in.
You too.
Let's do a family photo.
Three generations.
And the manager.
For some reason.
So, me and my mom are baking Christmas cookies after this.
Do you wanna come over and help?
Are you kidding?
Love to.
ASHLYN: That's a nice shot.
If it's okay with your mom of course.
Everyone put a hand up.
Come on.
Who wants to help us bake cookies?
[Bret chuckles]
Okay, well I guess everyone's coming over
to bake some cookies.
Mom, would you like to join us?
I would love to.
I gotta get these photos to the label,
but I volunteer to be the official tester.
[laughs]I will save you some.
Sneaky.
[happy music]
These are so good.
Your mom and I baked those every single year.
One of my earliest Christmas memories
is of us making these cookies.
It was a mandatory Christmas tradition.
It was.
Sprinkles were here favorite thing.
Maybe that's why it's the only thing
that I'm actually good at making in the kitchen.
But you were always over my shoulder
making sure I followed the recipe to the letter.
Well there are rules to be followed
to get the desired results.
Oh, with cookies of course.
Of course.
Among other things.
Wow, this is pretty cool.
Where'd you get it?
I gave that to Ashlyn after our first show together.
Oh the song is--
First Noel.
Yeah, I know it well.
It's my mom's favorite.
Oh.
It was the first song
that Ashlyn and I ever sang together on stage.
ASHLYN: That was a good show.
It was a good show.
[chuckling]
What's up Riles?
It's Dad.
He just texted me.
Oh boy.
What'd he say?
His tour is bringing back through town on Christmas Eve.
And he wants to hang out with me.
Oh, he's calling.
Hi Dad.
No.
Excuse me?
It's not your decision.
Well then it's my opinion, you should say no.
He's her father.
If she wants to have a relationship with him
then she can make that decision.
Ashlyn, it's your job to protect her.
Protect her from her father?
From everything.
Your father wanted to see you again after he left,
but I protected you.
Dad actually wanted to see me?
Maybe I should go too.
No stay, this won't take long.
He only came back when the Roses started to take off.
He didn't care about us.
He cared about the money.
I can't believe you kept him away from me.
It's more like I kept him from breaking your heart again.
It wasn't your decision to make.
I was the one who raised you.
I was the one who kept you safe.
Safe from him, safe from all those people
that could've taken advantage of you in the music industry,
it was you and me.
[sighs]
'Til that drummer swooped in
and took you away from me anyway, didn't he?
That drummer was my husband.
And the father to my beautiful daughter.
He actually saw something in me
that you never wanted to see.
He actually encouraged me to do what I wanted to do.
And what was that?
To find my own identity,
one outside of being one of the Roses.
You were suffocating me.
Hmm, well pardon me for wanting the best for you.
Maybe it's not the best time to take--
You know, this is none of your business.
You know, we don't need any of this.
That's just what you want, right?
To get out from under my thumb.
[door slams]
[sighs]
Well, maybe she'll be just like you
and not talk to you for 15 years.
You guys are unbelievable.
Just as bad as the tabloids said.
Riley was happy all day today.
We all were.
I was wrecked when I lost my mom and grandma.
Riley has you both but neither of you
can look past your own noses to see what you have.
Your music, it brings joy to people.
To me, even.
But I gotta say, you pretty much do
the exact opposite to everyone around you.
Smith.
[sighs]
Your turn.
[laughs]
[sad, thoughtful music]
[sighs]
Riley.
Too soon.
Come on Riles.
We shouldn't have got into it like that.
Riley come on.
Please, no locked doors.
I'm sorry.
[sighs]
[phone buzzes]
Hey Bret.
Hey to you.
Got the proofs back on the photos.
They're incredible.
You and Ash have copies in your inbox.
So many good ones we can use.
I even got a favorite.
-Listen. -You see the chemistry
between you two in every shot.
It's nice seeing you guys getting along so well.
-About that. -What?
Oh please don't tell me there's a problem.
[sighs]Well--
Christmas Eve is in three days.
What are you doing?
Are you available right now?
Don't answer that.
I'm coming over.
I-- [phone beeps]
Bret?
[sighs]
What are you so happy about?
[playful music]
Okay Christmas angel,
could you please send me some of your Christmas joy?
I sure could use it right now.
[knocking at door]
Tell me all about it.
We can fix this.
I don't know what to say.
I'm just really sorry.
[sighs]
We were doing so well.
I thought maybe we could get, you know close again.
You both gave it a good effort.
Oh, she's just so stubborn.
What?
Now I want you to take this with all the care
with which it is intended.
Spit it out.
Ashlyn is indeed a very stubborn woman.
Well cheers to that.
And so are you.
-I beg your pardon? -Oh come on, Bonnie.
You're two peas in a pod.
Even if the pod bursts apart.
Same stubborn thoughts that are running through your head
are running through hers.
I have a question for you and I want you to be honest.
More honest than I've been?
Well let's say as honest as you've been so far.
Okay.
[sighs]Am I overbearing?
[thoughtful music]
[sighs]
I think you love hard.
And yes, it can come across as overbearing.
I know where your heart is, but sometimes I can imagine
it can be hard for others to see.
Well I don't know any other way to be.
Truth is, she's as independent as you are.
So naturally she pulls when you push.
Who died and made you the relationship expert?
[chuckling]
I wouldn't say I'm a relationship expert.
But, I'm pretty sure I'm a Bonnie expert.
I'll give you that.
I just pushed really hard to make this happen.
Well let's just say your reputation's preceded you
and people are just afraid
to let you back on the same stage together again.
Think about it, I literally had to trick you
into performing with your own daughter.
And vice versa.
You must see how ridiculous that is.
I didn't ask you to do that.
Of course not.
You gals are the ones with the talent.
I just wanted you to see how special what you have is.
I don't need your help, Bret.
I didn't say you did, Bon.
[sighs]Is that why you came over here tonight,
to let me know that this reunion idea of yours
was like some sort of a favor?
Look, Bonnie, slow down.
I'm here because I wanna be.
Because this grand scheme of yours has failed.
I kinda stuck my neck out here.
In more ways than one.
I didn't ask you to do that.
I learned a long, long time ago
that the only person that I can rely on is myself.
Bonnie Rose, I've known you for 22 years.
22.
And I've done everything I can to show you
how important you are to me.
Now you tell me one time, just one when I've let you down.
Right.
Goodnight Bonnie.
[sighs]
Nice job, Ashlyn.
Hmm.
♪ Holy infant
♪ So tender and mild
Bonnie.
I'm not here to argue or cause trouble.
We're all professionals.
Okay.
There's a lot of work to be done.
And there are a lotta butts on the line,
not just mine and Ashlyn's.
I know.
Okay, good.
So, what do you have in mind?
I was thinking that maybe I could come in
and record my part and then Ashlyn could come in
and record hers and then we could,
you know get this done without all the contention.
Let me take a look at the song
and I'll see what I can do in the timeframe we have.
Well, we don't necessarily have a song.
Of course you don't.
What's that supposed to mean?
Well because that would require
the both of you working together for more than a day or two.
Which in hindsight, seems impossible.
[sighs]
♪ Holy infant
♪ So tender and mild
[playful music]
Have a good day at school, Riley!
[sighs] [phone dings]
[sighs]
[happy music]
Now we wait.
-Hi. -Hey.
I wanted to apologize.
I'm...
I'm sorry.
I overreacted yesterday and things got a little outta hand.
I'm embarrassed about it.
Hello Mother.
BONNIE: Ashlyn.
ASHLYN: Could you give us a second?
Oh, sure.
It's okay.
We're all professionals and we're here to record a song.
Right?
Right.
Absolutely.
So, you both ready to record the song you don't have?
Well I was hoping that maybe we could use
the melody from that song that you played last time.
If that's okay with you.
Sure.
We can do that.
Okay.
And Ash...Lyn, Ashlyn,
well you've always been so great with your poetic lyrics,
maybe we could start with that.
Sure, I've got the beginning of something we can use.
-Okay. -Okay.
I'll lay it down, play it in the booth for you.
Thank you.
[Clears throat] So.
[playful music]
Well I'll umm...
[happy music]
Wow, you really write small.
It's a small book, Mother.
Surely you can see it's a small book.
Here it comes.
♪ The bells ring hear my spirit sing ♪
♪ With this Christmas joy you bring ♪
What?
Well it's really pretty.
It really, really is.
It just, it feels generic to me.
Ah, here we go.
Why don't you try that line right there.
Would it matter if I said no?
What, you don't want my input into our song?
♪ The snow, the lights, the twinkle in your eyes ♪
No?
Okay.
♪ Here I am another Christmas, another crazy Christmas ♪
♪ My mother's right, no matter what ♪
♪ Dear Christmas why me
[Bonnie laughs]
♪ Here we are another Christmas another crazy Christmas ♪
♪ My daughter's never wrong
♪ Not even for the sake of a Christmas song ♪
♪ Why me
♪ I don't want to write anymore ♪
♪ Look over there it's the door ♪
You made me come here.
You're a grown woman, dear.
Maybe you both should go home
and write something real that we can record.
So we can all fulfill our contracts.
[Smith sighs] Oh man.
Oh good, save me.
Got a text from Bonnie, she told me she's gonna fix things
and get the last song recorded.
Oh, yeah.
They working on a song right now?
They're laying something down.
Well, can I hear it?
Sure.
BONNIE: Why can't you forgive me?
We will never agree.
That man, he took you away from me.
At least I took a chance on love.
Mom, you have had the same sweet man knocking on your door
for 22 years.
I mean even for you that's sad.
I've heard enough.
[Bonnie sighs]
[Smith sighs]
ASHLYN: Guess they didn't like our song.
Shocking.
[gentle music]
[Bonnie sighs]
♪ All is calm
♪ All is bright
♪ Round yon virgin
♪ Mother and child
I don't mean to bother you,
but are you Bonnie Rose?
I suppose I am.
Could you, would you mind
singing a Christmas carol with us?
It would be a huge honor.
Can I make a deal with you?
Come on.
So.
["The First Noel"]
[chuckles]
♪ Born is the king of Israel
♪ Noel, Noel
♪ Born is the king of Israel
♪ Noel, Noel
-Grandma?
♪ Born is the king
♪ Of Israel
BONNIE: Thank you.
-Goodnight. -Merry Christmas.
My mother.
Always a show stopper.
I never meant to make this the Bonnie Rose show.
I'm sorry if I held you back.
It wasn't just you, Mom.
I just needed to fail on my own
to know how much I needed you.
How much we needed each other.
Get on inside!
Come on!
[bright music]
♪ Fa la la la la
♪ Oh
♪ Fa la la la la la la la la
[women laughing]
♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holy ♪
♪ Fa la la la la la la la la
♪ Tis the season to be jolly
♪ Fa la la la la la la la la
♪ Don we now our gay apparel
♪ Fa la la la la la la la la
♪ Troll the ancient yuletide carol ♪
♪ Fa la la la la la la la la
[humming]
Yeah, I mean I like that.
Yeah, I think we've got a really good song here,
don't you?
-I love it. -I do too.
We're just missing the bridge.
What's a bridge?
Oh a bridge is what brings the whole song together.
It connects the end of the song with the beginning.
Yeah, no bridge, no song.
-Yep. -Maybe, let's do...
[Bonnie humming] I like this.
-So when we do. -Yeah.
Oh that's, that's not bad.
[gentle guitar music]
♪ Tis the season to remember everything that you've got ♪
♪ Make them know, everyone that you love ♪
♪ That they're all loved
♪ Beautiful, indisputable truth ♪
♪ And every time you hear this song ♪
♪ You know how much I love you ♪
Does that work for a bridge?
Um no.
That doesn't just work, I think you made a hit song.
-Really? -Yes.
Come here.
Oh my God.
Riley Rose, where did that come from?
I just write stuff and try to put it to music.
That's just like your mom.
Wow, you were, that was amazing!
Okay listen, we've gotta get back to the studio
while we still have this Christmasy thing going on
and we're running outta time, okay?
I will call Smith.
But Mom, could you do me a favor?
BONNIE: Of course, anything.
[Piano Music]
Smith, I owe you an apology.
For what?
For being stubborn, for being selfish.
I think I was so afraid of being hurt
that I just closed myself off to everyone.
To you, to my mother, and I let Riley down.
It's okay.
No.
It's not.
So, do you think you can forgive me?
Well, it is Christmas.
And speaking of Christmas, I have something for you.
Is that what I think it is?
From the best diner in town.
This is awesome.
I actually have something else too.
No Ashlyn.
Just open it.
Okay.
Come on.
I can't.
Well you have to.
I mean it'd be pretty weird if I was playing a guitar
that I already signed, right?
Pretty weird.
Thank you.
I can't begin to tell you how much this means to me.
BONNIE: Hey.
What did we miss?
I think we've got a song to record.
♪ I thought I knew all the things that I had to know ♪
♪ I thought I grew in the ways
♪ That I had to go -There they are.
♪ I let you go, I stepped out on my own ♪
♪ But the winter's cold
♪ The winter's cold
♪ I'm coming home
And a merry Christmas Eve to you listeners.
You heard it here first.
That was the brand new hit Christmas single by
the Roses.
It looks like a Christmas comeback.
[knocking at door]
Come in.
Hey Bon.
What brings you this way?
You.
I wanted to see you because I have a few things to tell you.
I owe you an apology.
I've been taking you for granted
and acting like a spoiled child.
We've had too many highs
to let one low get in the way of a good thing.
[sighs]
I have been so afraid of getting hurt again
that I've let it come between us.
[sighs]I wanted to be tough.
Not afraid.
What?
You are tough.
And admitting you were afraid, just made you even tougher.
I brought something for you.
Oh you didn't need to get me anything
for crying out loud.
Well, I kinda did.
It's the least I could do.
You gave me that beautiful song, label loves it.
They just played it on WZPZ.
Yeah, that's good.
That's good.
Have a look.
I owe you one more apology.
I almost lost everything again.
But it made me realize
what was in front of me the whole time.
You're the only man who has never let me down.
It has been my absolute pleasure all along.
I love you, Bret.
I just hope I'm not too late.
I've loved you for 22 Christmases.
Nothing was gonna get in the way of 23.
What took you so long?
I've been told I'm stubborn.
You don't say?
Oh hey, I didn't expect you back so early.
So, how'd it go?
It was good.
He flies back tonight for a Christmas show tomorrow.
Oh, wow.
So what'd you do?
We ate and we talked.
And we listened to your song, Mom, it was awesome.
I think he was jealous.
Oh really?
And he gave me these.
I think he thinks I'm a drummer.
Okay, well maybe it's wishful thinking.
He told me he's gonna try and get better
at keeping in touch.
But I'm not holding my breath.
And he wanted me to give you this.
Wow.
I'm sure he's gonna do his best, sweetheart.
Just know that you always have me and your grandmother.
You brought this family back together.
You're our Christmas miracle.
I know.
[both laughing]
Speaking of which, it is Christmas Eve.
Would you like to open your present
or are you over that now?
No way, I want to.
Okay, well there is one gift
that I would like to give you
before we go over to your grandma's in the morning.
Okay, you're totally not gonna guess what it is.
Okay, you ready?
[ashlyn exclaims]
Oh my gosh.
Do you like it?
RILEY: Thank you.
I love it.
Well I figured you've been playing mine for so long
it's about time that you deserved one
of your very own.
Thank you, Mom.
I love you, Riley Rose.
Mom.
Okay, I just had to have one mom moment.
I love you too.
[gasps] I'm sorry, what was that?
RILEY: I love you too.
Okay, just a little bit.
I love you too.
Oh!
♪ He's the reason I can say
♪ I'll be home by Christmas Eve ♪
♪ Wrapped up beneath the tree
♪ A gift to you from me
♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holy ♪
♪ Don't forget to pray for snow ♪
♪ Watch the scene change while I'm driving ♪
♪ Christmas time I'm coming home ♪
-There. -Perfect, thank you.
Yeah, that feels good.
There they are, those handsome men.
Well, are you guys excited?
Super excited.
Riley?
How are they doing?
They haven't missed a beat.
Well, should we do this?
Let's do it.
Okay.
I love you.
I love you too.
Go get 'em.
I will.
WOMAN: Standing by.
[audience cheers and applauds]
They need no introduction,
but I'm gonna do it anyway.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Roses!
[audience cheers and applauds]
Thank you, Mr. Rose.
She never gets tired of saying that.
I don't.
Hey everyone, we are so blessed to be here
with you on this beautiful Christmas Eve.
This has been an incredible year.
And we could not think of any place we'd rather be
than right here in our hometown with all of you.
[audience cheers and applauds]
So this next song that we're gonna play for you
is a very special song,
because it talks about how important family is.
Especially at Christmas.
All right, ready?
[audience cheers and applauds]
♪ I thought I knew all the things that I had to know ♪
♪ I thought I grew in the ways that I had to go ♪
♪ I let you go, I stepped out on my own ♪
♪ But the winter's cold yeah, the winter's cold ♪
♪ And all the lights shining bright on the boulevard ♪
♪ Remind me of better times before things got hard ♪
♪ The same old song, another year has gone ♪
♪ Around the tree ain't the same if it's not you and me ♪
♪ Falling snow, mistletoe
♪ Red and gold, all for naught
♪ If we are apart
♪ When the bells ring out on Christmas morn ♪
♪ I will be right where I belong ♪
♪ No one should ever be alone at Christmas ♪
♪ I'm coming home
♪ I saw the change in your eyes when you spoke to me ♪
♪ Forgiving tone in your voice, could this really be ♪
♪ A miracle, blessed and lyrical ♪
♪ I don't need a present baby, this is all I ask for ♪
♪ Falling snow, mistletoe
♪ Red and gold, all for naught
♪ If we are apart
♪ When the bells ring out on Christmas morn ♪
♪ I will be right where I belong ♪
♪ No one should ever be alone at Christmas ♪
♪ I'm coming home
Ladies and gentlemen, my daughter, Riley Rose!
[audience cheers and applauds]
♪ Tis the season to remember everything that you got ♪
♪ Make it known to everyone you love ♪
♪ That they're loved a lot
♪ Are beautiful, indisputable truth ♪
♪ Every time you hear this song ♪
♪ Remember that I love you
♪ When the bells ring out on Christmas morn ♪
♪ I will be right where I belong ♪
♪ No one should ever be alone at Christmas ♪
♪ I'm coming home
♪ When the bells ring out on Christmas morn ♪
♪ I will be right where I belong ♪
♪ No one should ever be alone at Christmas ♪
♪ I'm coming home
[audience cheers and applauds]
♪ Well I've been gone
♪ Far too long
♪ Lord it's been a while
♪ It's finally here, that time of year ♪
♪ We're gonna celebrate in style ♪
♪ Let's rock,Let's rock ♪
♪ Let's rock this Christmas
♪ That's how we do it, get right down to business ♪
♪ There's a party going on, won't you come with us ♪
♪ Let's rock this Christmas
♪ Lights are hung
♪ Mama's dinners done
♪ And I'm feeling alright
♪ So fill my cup
♪ Turn the music up
♪ This won't be a silent night
♪ Let's rock,Let's rock ♪
♪ Let's rock this Christmas
♪ That's how we do it, get right down to business ♪
♪ There's a party going on
♪ Won't you come with us
♪ Let's rock this Christmas