**(The stage lights dim to a soft, warm blue. A single spotlight hits a grand piano. The singer sits down, takes a deep breath, and begins to play a soft, rubato, deeply emotional piano intro. It’s lush, romantic, and sweeping—pure, classic Barry Manilow.)** **(Spoken softly over the piano)** *You know… they say the magic of Christmas is for everyone. But sometimes… when you’re young… the magic feels just a little bit bigger. This one is for anyone who ever had their very first Christmas crush.* **(Verse 1)** *(The piano is gentle, accompanied by the very faint, warm hum of a cello)* The gym is decorated with tinsel and with lights The punch bowl’s bubbling softly on this chilly winter night I’m standing by the bleachers in my brand new sweater vest My heart is beating loudly, putting courage to the test I see you by the snowman that the paper-mache made And suddenly my nervousness is starting just to fade. **(Chorus)** *(A lush, sweeping orchestral string section swells beautifully. The tempo settles into a steady, romantic waltz-like 4/4 beat)* And when you ask me for a dance, beneath the mistletoe The whole world stops and sparkles in the winter's gentle glow I’m young, but I know exactly how I feel This is the greatest Christmas, and the magic is so real Like the angels singing softly in the starry sky above It’s the season of peace… and my first Christmas love. **(Verse 2)** *(Acoustic guitar joins in, strumming gently. The vocals are breathless, emotive, and full of innocent wonder)* You walk across the gym floor with a ribbon in your hair The scent of cinnamon and pine is floating through the air You take my hand so gently, and you give a little smile I haven’t felt a feeling like this in a long, long while We’re only in the seventh grade, but in my heart I know This is a Christmas memory I’ll never, ever outgrow. **(Chorus)** *(The drums kick in with a soft, dramatic brush-snare rhythm. The strings are soaring now)* And when we share a little dance, beneath the mistletoe The whole world stops and sparkles in the winter's gentle glow I’m young, but I know exactly how I feel This is the greatest Christmas, and the magic is so real Like the angels singing softly in the starry sky above It’s the season of peace… and my first Christmas love. **(Bridge)** *(The music builds dramatically. A classic Manilow timpani drum roll begins. The vocals become powerful, belted, and full of theatrical emotion)* They say that young love is just a puppy kind of game! But when you look at me, I know I’ll never be the same! The snow is falling softly outside the window pane And I know I’ll remember this moment again… And again… AND AGAIN! **(Guitar and String Solo)** *(A soaring, weeping electric guitar solo harmonizes with a massive orchestral string section. It’s dramatic, romantic, and incredibly lush, building up to a massive crescendo!)* **(The Classic Key Change!)** *(The music drops for a split second, then explodes up a full step in a triumphant, emotional key change. The singer hits the highest, most passionate notes.)* **(Final Chorus)** *(Full orchestra, crashing cymbals, background choir singing "Ahhh")* YES, WE’RE SHARING A LITTLE DANCE, BENEATH THE MISTLETOE! The whole world stops and sparkles in the winter's gentle glow! I’m young, but I know EXACTLY how I feel! This is the greatest Christmas, and the magic is so real! Like the angels singing softly in the starry sky above It’s the season of peace… *(The music suddenly drops out, leaving only the soft piano and a single violin)* …and my first Christmas love. **(Outro)** *(The piano plays a gentle, lingering melody. The singer leans into the microphone, voice soft and tender once more)* Just you and me… Sharing hot cocoa… Beneath the mistletoe. *(A final, soft, resonant piano chord rings out and slowly fades into the sound of gentle, falling snow.)*
