Christmas Eve 1977.
Julie, a who-like little girl, sleeps soundly on her living room couch. Startled by the gust of a wicked winter wind, she wakes to find something unusual moving beyond the frosted windows of her front door… “Santa?”
Then suddenly, standing in the doorway in his decaying robes of ever-consuming darkness, is DEATH.
The moment of grandeur passes quickly and Death takes on a casual tone.
He informs little Julie Jones that he has come for her soul.
But, much to the reaper’s chagrin, he has arrived early and the wee girl is still very much alive.
In an awkward exchange, Death tries to convince his prey to devour a delightful plate of chocolate chip cookies (which she was destined to choke on). But Julie is wise beyond her 9 young years and sees right through Death’s offer.
Christmas is a busy time for the Reaper’s line of work, and the hour is running short. So Death decides to cut a deal: He must either take Santa’s soul (thus crushing the hopes and dreams of children for all eternity), or hers. And if she were to go with him, she will have saved Christmas Day for everyone!
Julie’s response is… unexpected. Death is confounded, then rightfully dumbfounded as he wonders how Julie could possibly allow Santa Claus to die.
But this little girl only wants what every other little girl in 1977 would want… to meet Elvis Presley.
Death ends their negotiations and makes his demands; but his pint-sized rival reveals that she had never believed in Santa in the first place. The deal being set, and her choice made, Death can do nothing more but grant her grand wish.
In a flash, a hip-shaking and moderately rotund Elvis appears.
Julie Screams.
The upstairs light flicks on and Julie’s parents descend to find The King standing in their living room. Julie’s mom screams like a teenage groupie and glues herself to his body.
Julie gives Death a big hug and looks up admiringly at her tall and frightening new friend. She then joins her family for a photo and Death makes for the door. A thin, skeletal finger lands on Elvis’ shoulder as he leaves with a whisper.
“Merry Christmas, Mr. Presley. I’ll be seeing you REAL soon.”
Blind to his fate, Elvis happily busts out a Christmas carol. But mid-song, he discovers the perilous plate of chocolate chip cookies.
Elvis chokes and tumbles, the family screams, and from deep within his horrible hood, Death flashes a gruesome smile.