Holiday Heritage (2022) - full transcript

Can you believe it's here,
our favourite time of year?

Smiles are bright
like diamonds all around

Ooh-ooh...

'Cause there's no gift
like the present

Why not live in the moment?

Shake off our yesterdays

Come on and shake,
shake, shake, shake

And let's celebrate good times

Make a memory tonight

Why don't we dance
for the Yuletide

Come on, everyone,
let's celebrate good times



Ah, Ella, there you are.

This is my mom.

Mom, this is the graphic
designer I told you about,

Ella Chapel.

She's a rock star
here at Graphics.

Oh, stop!

Ms. Willis,
it's so nice to meet you.

Rodney talks about you
all the time.

Oh, well, he raves about you.

Oh!

Always so nice to see

a strong young woman
running things.

Oh, well, I don't
exactly run things.

I just work here.



She'll be running things soon.

Ella's planning
on opening her own shop.

Shh!
Rodney!

I haven't told the boss yet.

Well, good for you.

So, do you have
family here in Boston?

No.

No, I don't.

Alright, everyone.

It's such a thrill to have
all your families here

at our Christmas party
this year.

After all,

none of us would be where we are
without them, am I right?

It's been a great year
at Graphics.

Please, go and enjoy your time
with your loved ones.

I'll see you back here...
next year!

- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Family is
the bedrock of our existence.

It's the reason
we do what we do.

It's the reason
we are who we are.

The best interest of our family

should be at the heart
of our decisions.

Now, I know we Chapels
don't always get along,

but as long as I'm around,

we're gonna stick together.

When I'm gone, someone's gonna
have to pick up the mantel.

Ella, that's gonna be you.

Okay, Grandpa!

- Hey, Mom.
- Hey, Ella!

One more day till
my baby comes home!

Ugh, I am so ready!

It feels like it's taking
forever for Christmas

to come this year.

Oh, I know, honey.

How are things in Boston?

Good.
I got the building.

Ella!

You signed a lease?

No.

Well, why not?

I don't know.

Just... maybe it just
seems so real now,

starting my own business
and planting roots in Boston.

I know, sweety,
but you've been talking about it

for months.

Exactly, and I don't
want to talk about it right now.

I just want to come home and
spend Christmas with my family.

You know, last year,
when your grandpa passed,

no one was really
in a celebratory mood.

And, uh, I'm afraid this year
is not gonna be much better.

Don't tell me you and Grandma
had it out again.

Ugh, that is an understatement!

Oh.

Well, you know what Grandpa
always used to say,

"Family has to stick together."
Right?

Ella?

I'm moving to Chicago.

What?!

Your grandma and I,

we never saw eye to eye.

But I don't know,
it's like it's getting worse.

I guess your grandpa was
the glue that held us together.

What does Grandma
say about you leaving?

She doesn't know.

I'm gonna tell her tonight.

No, no!

Not a word until
I get there, okay, Mom?

Please?

I'll see you tomorrow.

My baby!
Oh, I missed you!

How are you?

Gosh, you look fantastic!

Oh, stop!

Let's go surprise them.

Oh, you betcha!

Okay, let's get started
on these holiday brownies!

We already have
12 dozen of them already.

Let's do something different:

white chocolate
peppermint éclairs!

The residents of the
nursing home love my brownies.

Besides, I don't think
they'd take too kindly

to your fancy éclairs.

Really, Mom?

Really!

Merry Christmas!

- Oh!
- Oh, Ella!

- Hi, Grandma.
- Oh my goodness!

- Hi, sweety.
- Hi, Mama.

Ooh!

Well, look at you.
Boston agrees with you.

Tess, Micah?

Brad placed a last-minute order
for the Christmas party

at the fire station:

four poundcakes and a fruitcake.

He does this every year.

Yeah,
but there's not enough time.

I can whip up some pastries.

I came up with this
really cool recipe.

- Hmm!
- Oh, no need.

I knew he was gonna do this

so I baked everything
last night.

Doreen, let's box them up.

I've got this, Micah.

Coffee?

Sure.

Well, despite everything,
honey, it's good to see you.

So, Mom, what is going on?

You and Grandma were
barely looking at each other.

It's been like this
for the past year.

Why didn't you tell me?

Honey, you have your
own life going on in Boston.

I don't want to burden you
with family drama.

It's my family drama.
You and Grandma are my family.

I could have helped.

I doubt anybody
could have helped.

Grandpa did.

Oh, well, that's for sure.

But, you know, with him gone,
I can really see the cracks

in our relationship.

Okay, but do you really think
leaving is the way to fix it?

I'm not sure.

But this is something
that I have to do, Ella.

And I was hoping you'd be
a little more happy for me

pursuing my goals.

I'm happy for you.

No, I am, Mom, of course.

I... I want this for you.

More than anything.

But I just...

I want to make sure that you're
doing it for the right reason.

I am.

And I don't want you to leave
things with Grandma unsettled.

I mean, wouldn't it be nice
if you two were in a good place

when you leave?

It would be nice,
but it's not gonna happen.

You know what Grandpa
always used to say:

"Never go to bed angry."

And you know what I say?

Never leave town angry.

So, what are you gonna do when
you leave Mary's Town, anyway?

Oh, take a page
out of your book.

Maybe get my own spot.

I've always wanted
a cute little bistro,

French pastries, small plates.

You could do that
at the bakery, you know.

Your grandmother
is not open to my ideas.

"Tradition," or so she says.

Well, I mean, I get that.

Her recipes were handed down
from her grandma.

Yeah, and I'm not
trying to change that.

It's just that I have
been helping her run

the family business since
I graduated from college.

I know I had you
when I was young,

but I'm not getting any younger.

I'm in my fifties, Ella.

It's time.

But do you really think that
this is gonna make you happy?

Leaving Grandma and the bakery
and Mary's Town?

You did.

You want to go by
the fire station

and drop off the cakes with me?

Do I have a choice?

Nope!

What?

What?

Stop cutting your eyes at me
and say what's on your mind.

Why don't you
lighten up on Micah?

Lighten up on Micah?

And lighten up
on yourself while you're at it.

I don't know what
you're talking about!

You work and work and work
all the time.

That's all you do!

Work and go home.

Well, what else am I
supposed to do?

Where else am I supposed to go?

Well, you used to
go out with me,

with your friends, with Micah.

I'm too busy.

Too busy to talk
to your daughter?

I talk to my daughter
all the time!

Hmph!

Listen, I know you miss Riley.

We all do.

And I know this
time of year is hard,

but Riley wouldn't want you
cooped up in this bakery

all day and all night.

He'd want you to celebrate.

You have your daughter,
you have Ella, you have me,

and you have your friends.

Don't we count?

Of course you count.

What kind of question is that?

Well, I'm just saying,

at some point you gotta
get back in the game.

I can't celebrate without him.

I don't know how to.

Girl, yes you do.

You can do this.

Come here.

You know I love you.

I love you, too.

Now, let's get back to work.

- Okay.
- Okay.

Oh!

All the deliveries
have been made.

Oh, thank you, sweety.

A little birdy told me

that you don't
have your tree up yet.

Oh, I've been too busy.

Well, no worries.

Mom went home to change

and then she's gonna pick us up
and take us to the tree farm.

You will have a tree
before the night is over.

I guess you're the boss.

Well, if I'm the boss,

then why don't you let me
design you a new logo?

What's wrong with
the one I have?

Oh, well, nothing.

It just, you know,
could use a little updating.

Do I take you and your
mother for granted, Ella?

Because I don't want you to
think that you don't count,

because you both do.

I just...
Oh, well.

What?

Oh, nothing.

Let's go get the tree.

See anything you like, Grandma?

Oh, they all look so beautiful.

You need one, too, Mom?

She's got a fake one.

They're pretty, and less mess.

What?!

There's nothing like
the smell of a real tree.

Yeah, Mom, I like it too.

I'm gonna go
check out these trees.

- Hey, family!
- Griffin!

Mayor Knoxville!

Good to see you guys.

Griffin.

Hey, Ella.

Hey.

Merry Christmas!

So, I didn't... I didn't
know you were in town.

I just got here today.

Okay, cool. Cool.

How are things in Boston?
Good?

They're good, yeah.
Things are good!

Good.

Uh, how are things here?

They're good, they're good.

They're good.

All good.

Uh, we're just
getting Grandma a tree.

This late?

Don't you be
scolding me too, now!

Okay!

- Well, it's good to...
- Okay, yeah...

Um, I should get going.

But I'll see all of you later
at the tree lighting ceremony.

Yeah!

Yeah.
Alright.

Excuse me.

That'll get easier.

Maybe.

Alright, ladies, this tree
is not gonna decorate itself.

I'll go get Grandpa's albums.

Which ones do you want?

Uh, Nat King Cole, Sinatra.

Mm-hm?

Jackson 5...
Just bring 'em all.

Okay!

Let's go get the ornaments.

Oh...

Grandpa Riley's Kwanzaa chest.

Man, that thing was
always filled to the brim.

Mm-hm!

- Come on.
- Yeah.

Last night was fun, right?

Hm.

At least you two didn't argue.

For once!

I'm glad you had
a good time, though.

Seeing all the ornaments

and listening to
Christmas albums,

it all just felt right.

Oh, but we didn't put up
Grandpa's lights

- outside, though!
- Oh, man!

That would have been
the first thing he did.

The day after Thanksgiving!

That man could do
Christmas 365 days a year.

That and Kwanzaa.

Mm-hm.

Seeing that chest last night,

it brought back
so many memories.

"Kwanzaa is cultural medicine
for Black families."

Mm-hm.

He was so dramatic.

Every night,
lighting those candles,

talking about
the seven principles.

Yeah, he believed
in those principles.

Mm-hm.

He embodied them.

He was an awesome man.

He was.

It feels really good to
talk about him for a change.

Mom doesn't mention him.

Not around me, anyway.

Hey, I was thinking...

What if you took a few months?

You know, hang out somewhere
and see how you like it first

before moving away altogether.

Like you said, you need a break.

No, I need a change.

But putting down roots
somewhere else?

Yeah, that's the plan.

I mean, of course
I'll come back and visit,

but the plan is that
I'm moving away for good.

And I'm not gonna
change my mind.

So, did you get your
Christmas shopping done

- this afternoon?
- Yeah, most of it.

Look, they're doing the
Karamu Festival again this year.

That's awesome.

Well, you know Griffin.

He's a lot like your grandpa.

Thinks that Kwanzaa
is a community cure-all.

Hey, Grandma, do you remember
that Kwanzaa scrapbook

that Grandpa had?

Is it in his Kwanzaa chest?

Nope.

Well, where is it?

Oh, either at Griffin's house
or his office.

I gave it to him
after your grandpa died.

I knew that he would carry on
those Kwanzaa traditions

once he replaced
your grandpa as mayor.

Well, can you tell him
that I need it?

No, if you want it,
you ask him yourself.

Okay, everyone!

Three, two, one...

Grandpa would be pleased.

Thanks.

Griffin, I know I'm probably
the last person,

and we haven't spoken
since Grandpa's funeral,

and I probably have

no right to ask you
for anything, uh...

What are you trying
to say, Ella?

My family's falling apart

and I may only have a few days
to turn things around,

and I really need your help.

Okay.

Come on, let's talk.

I can't believe
your mom's leaving town.

I always thought her
and your grandma were

model mother and daughter.

Well, it was only because
Grandpa was around

to keep the peace.

Have you seen them lately?

No, I'm ashamed to say
that I haven't been over there

that much lately. I...

I should have checked
on them a lot more.

No, you had your hands full,
I'm sure.

So did I.

I mean, I had no idea
how bad it had gotten.

I heard you've made a lot of
changes around town.

Yeah, trying to make
the place better, you know?

No place like home.

And you're still doing
the Karamu Festival.

- That's great.
- Yeah.

Yeah, I mean, it wasn't the same
last year without your family,

but some things are
worth preserving, right?

Right.

Here, have a seat.

Um...

So?

I was hoping to get my
grandpa's Kwanzaa scrapbook

back from you.

Yeah.
I mean, why?

Well, seeing as Kwanzaa
starts the day after Christmas,

I was thinking that maybe
getting my mom involved

with some Kwanzaa celebrations

might convince her
to stick around,

in case Christmas
isn't enough to nudge her

and Grandma back together.

Do you think that
would actually work?

You don't?

I know better than anyone
you can't change

what's in a person's heart.

Besides, if her and your
grandma have issues,

you've just gotta talk them out.

Like we did?

Sorry, this isn't about us.

Yeah, it never was.

Right?

Before I left Boston,

I dug up this old video
of my grandpa

talking about how important
it is for us to...

- stick together as a family.
- Yes.

He said that once he was gone,
it would be my responsibility.

I thought nothing of it
at the time,

but now I realize that

it's up to me to make sure
that they patch things up.

Even if my mom leaves town

and they're
physically separated,

I've gotta find a way
to unite their hearts again.

I could really use my grandpa's
guidance right about now,

and I think I'll find it
in that scrapbook,

so if you don't mind...

Yeah, sure.
I'll get it for you.

You got it.

Come on.

Look, Ella, I really hope
this works out for you,

because I'd hate to see another
Chapel woman leave Mary's Town.

I'm so happy
to have my baby home, aww!

I'm so happy to be home.

So, what's going on with you?

Why haven't you signed
the building lease yet?

Oh... no reason.

I just want to make sure
it's the right building.

Hmm.

You seeing anybody in Boston?

No.

Why not?

I don't know.

Hmm, Griffin?

What?

No!
I... No.

I just haven't met anybody
that I want to commit to.

Hmm.

Can't commit to
a building lease,

can't commit to a relationship;

I'm starting to see
a little pattern here.

Nope, no pattern.

Oh, if you say so.

I do.

So... did you bring them?

I did!

Have I the pleasure
of addressing Mr. Scrooge

or Mr. Marley?

Mr. Marley has
been dead these seven years!

He died seven years ago
this very night.

Good morning, Miss Tess.

Griffin!

What in the world
are you doing out here?

Putting up your lights.

Well, I can see that, but why?

Because your house
is the only one on the street

without any lights.

And the neighbours threatened
to call the police on you.

They did no such thing!

You know, for as long
as I can remember,

Mayor Chapel would be out here
the day after Thanksgiving,

rain or shine,
putting up these lights,

and I'd be right there with him.

You sure would.

Alright, here we go.

We used to have the best talks
while we untangled these lights.

You know,
it was like he had a way of...

teaching without preaching,
you know?

I know.

That's one of the things
I loved about him.

And he loved you like a son.

He told me.

And I'm glad I told him
how much I loved him, too.

Mm-hm.

But I must say,

I should have checked on you
a lot more, Miss Tess.

Stop it.

No, no, no,
I should have checked on you,

and I should have called
to see if you needed me,

and I should have put
these blasted lights up

the day after Thanksgiving.

You're the mayor, Griffin.

You've got a lot of people
to look after.

I do, I do.

But don't tell them this,

but I like you
a little bit more.

You know,

I thought coming back to his
house and not seeing him here

would make it so painfully real,

but now that I'm here,

it's a comforting reminder that
he was a big part of my life.

Mm-hm.

So I guess...
you know, whenever I miss him,

all I have to do
is come back here.

You know, I hope you're still

coming to the Karamu Festival.

Well, I think Riley
would want us to be there.

Okay.

Thank you for keeping it alive.

Of course.

Yeah.

You know, I can help with that!

No.
Come on.

You have better stuff to do,
I'm sure.

No, no, Ella's supposed to be
coming to take me shopping

for the recipe swap,
but she's always late.

We've got time!

Okay.
Alright, alright.

- I have this.
- Oh!

Oh, I love it.

Oh, yes.

Alright, ladies.

You know that
the Chapel women recipes

- are always the star of the swap.
- Mm-hm!

Except last year.

I heard Marilyn Strand
and her daughter...

Never mind Marilyn Strand!

The Chapel women are back!

We wish you a merry Christmas

We wish you a merry Christmas...

We wish you a merry Christmas

And a happy new year

Good tidings we bring
to you and your kin

Good tidings for Christmas
and a happy new year!

Micah...

That's too many chocolate chips.

Wow, they smell amazing!

Please help yourself!

French pastries...
I baked them myself.

Yes.

Well, if it isn't
Marilyn Strand.

Hmm.

- Hey.
- Hey.

Those look good.

Thank you.

Ah, my pleasure.

This recipe has been
in my family for generations.

They're my original recipe:
cranberry brie bites.

A Mary's Town tradition!

I think it's gonna take more
than a scrapbook to fix that.

Yeah, maybe.

I guess I'm just
feeling hopeful.

I hear you.

Well, we can meet up
later tonight

and I can bring you
the scrapbook.

Yeah.
Great, thanks.

What do you think, seven?

Seven's perfect.

Alright.
Tyler's Diner?

Tyler's Diner!

Alright, I'll see you later.

See you then.

Oh, hey!

Is this little
cookie-nabber yours?

Ella, Griffin told us
you were in town.

Oh, did you lose
my number or what?

Renee, I'm so sorry.

My family has kept me
super busy.

I can imagine.

- These are yummy!
- Oh, thank you, Maisey!

Yeah, still
the gingerbread queen, I see.

Someone's gotta do it.

- Mm.
- Can I go, Mama?

Yes, baby, but just
where I can see you, okay?

- Okay.
- Okay.

Glad to see that two years
in Boston didn't rob you

of your down-home baking skills.

It would take longer
than two years for me

to forget anything that
I learned in Mary's Town!

So, how's the big city?

It's good!

Boston used to be amazing.

Now it's just... "good"?

Is there something
you aren't telling us?

Any time.
Good to see you.

Check you out!

Looking all mayoral.

Hey, Jonah.
Where's Maisey and Renee?

Off enjoying your amazing event.

Well, thanks, but I still
have a lot of work to do.

You're doing great, brother.

Thank you.
I appreciate that.

Do you remember when we
used to come to these events

- and everybody knew everybody?
- Mm-hm.

I know half these people.

- You want one?
- Yeah.

Thank you.

Times are different.

- People keep to themselves.
- Yeah.

Well, I miss the days when
people knew your parents,

and your parents' parents,
you know?

Now the only time
people come to the square

is for Christmas and Kwanzaa.

I wish it could be like that
all the time.

You're the mayor.
Make it happen.

Boston was
a nice change of scenery.

A chance to spread my wings.

Does it have the same allure

that it did when
I first moved there?

Absolutely not.

Do you regret leaving?

I mean, you broke up
with Griffin and all.

No, I regret hurting Griffin,

but Boston has taught me a lot.

Any new love connections?

- Renee!
- Come on, spill!

I've dated a couple guys,
but they're not...

they're not exactly...

Griffin?

This sudden feeling of nostalgia

wouldn't have anything to do
with Ella being back in town,

- would it?
- Come on.

But you know I'm right.

No, I know no such thing.

Yeah, you do, because otherwise

the most eligible bachelor
in Mary's Town

wouldn't still be eligible
two years after his breakup.

Uh-huh, that's what I thought!

Okay, alright,

- I'll give it to you.
- Mm-hm!

Daddy!

Jonah, Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas.

- Welcome home, Ella.
- Aw, thank you.

I think this little one has had

way too much gingerbread today.

Yeah, any more
and she's gonna turn into

a little gingerbread girl!

So, where are
you two off to next?

- Um...
- We're probably gonna...

We're...
going to Tyler's later.

Yes, and talk about
the, uh, Karamu Festival.

Mm-hm.

And other stuff.

That's good.

It's about time
you two caught up.

Aw!

Good seeing you, as always, man.

Yeah.

I'm glad you two are gonna
talk about the festival.

That's all we're gonna
talk about, Renee.

Mm-hm?

Well, see you later.

Okay.

Alright...

Griffin, do yourself a favour

and have the conversation.

Okay.

Hey!

So, I'm going for the...

"I know you hate me
for breaking your heart

"but I hope we can
still be friends" look.

That works!

So, today was interesting.

How did it feel to be
doing your own thing?

It was good.

People really liked my tarts.

A lot of folks took the recipe.

And your gingerbread cookies
were a hit.

Baking is in the blood, I guess.

And of course, everyone
devoured Mom's Bundt cake.

I didn't even get a slice.

Oh, I'm sure
she saved you a piece.

She's always looking out
for you, you know.

We still talking about cake?

Grandma's not a mushy person.

You know that.

It's hard for her to talk about
how she feels, but she shows it.

Oh, she's been showing it,
alright!

She acts tough,

but she's a big old softy,
just like you.

You just gotta get past
the tough exterior

to get to the gooey centre.

Hmm!

But why do I have
to do all the work?

Maybe you guys should stop
fighting about who's baking what

and talk about why you're
really upset with each other.

Spoiler alert...

It ain't brownies or Bundt cake.

Hmm.

Oh!

Thank you.

Thank you for this.

You're welcome.

Oh, look at all these photos!

Yeah!
Right?

Kwanzaa candies?

Yeah, your grandfather
and I talked about printing

candy wrappers with the seven
Kwanzaa principles on them.

It was his idea to hand them out
at the Karamu Festival.

Oh!

- Pretty cool.
- Yeah.

The principle that was on
your wrapper is the principle

that you have to focus on
in the upcoming year.

Huh.

What if we did Kwanzaa cookies?

Kwanzaa cookies?

Yeah, my mom and grandma
could bake them

and I could use icing
for the Kwanzaa principles.

Ah, and get them
working together

instead of fighting?

Yes!

And it would give me more time
to convince my mom to stay,

or at the very least
smooth things out between them.

Kwanzaa cookies could work,
I guess.

I know that they could work,

I just have to convince them
to go along with it.

I think I know a way.

Oh, hey, you are just in time!

For...?

I made a bûche de Noël.

A Yule log cake.

You gotta taste it.

Oh my goodness, Mom!

Right?

Amazing!

I know.

Mmm!
Has Grandma tested this?

Well, you know, she doesn't
sample anything I bake

unless it's a "traditional"
Chapel Family recipe.

Mm-mm, you should
bring her some.

Unless you've already gone over
there to get your cake?

Oh, girl, you know
that Bundt cake is

probably long gone by now.

Would you care for a slice?

Is that a real question?

Oh, yeah!

- Oh... ooh!
- Mmm!

Here you go.

Thank you!

You know, I've been
thinking about what you said

about how me and Grandma need
to deal with our real issues.

Mm-hm, and...?

And... maybe you're
doing the same thing.

With Griffin.

I mean, you're always
talking about Kwanzaa

and Grandpa's scrapbook,

but you're kind of ignoring the
big old elephant in the room,

which is why you broke up
with him in the first place

and left town
and then never looked back.

Talk about going to bed angry.

Away in a manger,

no crib for a bed

The little Lord Jesus

lay down His sweet head

The stars in the night sky

look down where He lay

The little Lord Jesus,

asleep on the hay

To live with Thee there...

Here you go!

Thank you.

- Hey, Griffin!
- Hi, Griffin.

- Hey, guys.
- Hey.

Follow my lead.

Miss Tess, Miss Micah.

Hey there.

Whatcha looking for?

Ha, your time!

If you can spare it.
Both of you guys, actually.

Oh, what's up?

So, you guys know
I'm planning the Karamu Festival

for Kwanzaa, right?

And I'm following Mayor Chapel's
plan right down to the letter.

But I did want
to add one thing...

Kwanzaa cookies.

Oh?

It says "Kwanzaa candies" here.

I know, I know.

Candies, cookies,
they're kind of the same thing.

Well, except cookies are better.

See, cookies are better.

Hmm, looks like a lot of work.

The city's gonna pay for it.

Look, I know it's a lot,

but we need a lot of cookies
for a lot of people, come on.

I don't know.

I think it sounds
like a great idea.

You two have each other,
you have Doreen,

and then, of course,
I'll decorate them.

I'm just not sure about
the timing of all this, Ella.

What do you mean?

We'll be done all
the Christmas stuff by then.

I know it's a lot
to ask and it's last-minute,

so it's okay
if you guys can't do it.

It's okay.

Marilyn Strand and her
daughter offered to do it,

so I'll just have them do it
and we can...

Oh, wait.

Marilyn Strand has offered to
make my Riley's Kwanzaa cookies?

Yeah, yeah.

Well, it was Riley's recipe.

If anybody's gonna do it,
it's gonna be me and my family.

If you want to.

You two could kill this, Mom!

I mean, the two of you,
working side by side

as one team, one mission,
one goal... a thousand cookies!

Oh, at least.

What do you think?

I think...

we're gonna be making
Kwanzaa cookies.

Yes!

Okay, let's make
a list of ingredients.

Alright, I'll make the order.

- Oh?
- That was brilliant.

Thank you.
You, too.

I'll walk you to your truck?

Yeah.
Yeah, yeah.

Uh, hey, I was wondering
if you might be free

for dinner or something.
Um, I think we need to talk.

Sure.

We'll make it happen.

Okay.

Actually, Antonio's reopened.

Oh!
We should go.

Then I'll make
reservations for us.

- Great.
- Seven?

Oh!
Uh, yeah, seven is good.

Alright, so then
I'll see you then.

- Okay.
- Alright.

See you tonight.

So, are you and your mom still

staying at Miss Tess'
for the next few nights?

Mm-hm.
Yeah.

That's good.

Yeah, it'll be nice for her
to have some company

during the holidays.

Well, in spite of everything,
of course.

Well, it'll definitely
be interesting.

Yeah.

So, Griffin, we never
really talked about...

Look, Ella, don't...

Don't do that.
What's done is done.

The reason my mom
is thinking of leaving

is because she can't
talk to my grandma.

And I have a feeling
that you and I broke up

because we never talked about
our feelings or the future or...

You followed your heart.

Don't regret that.

I don't regret
following my heart,

but I do regret breaking yours.

Hmm.

Okay, well, since we're
talking and we're...

we're opening up,

I have something
that I need to tell you.

That night that you told me
that you were going to Boston,

I was gonna propose to you.

To... what?!

Mm-hm.
I had the ring, everything.

Griffin, we never talked about...

I know.

It's because I thought
we were on the same path.

I don't know what to say.

Well, would it have
changed anything?

Don't answer that.

Some stuff
is better left unknown.

Look, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.

I didn't tell you that
to make you feel bad.

It's just I know that I didn't
tell you how I felt back then,

and then I just...

I assumed you knew.

Well, I have
a confession to make, too.

I hoped that you would
come with me to Boston.

You never asked me
to come with you to Boston!

And you never offered.

I didn't!

I didn't.

Well, um...
communication, right?

It's a beautiful thing, I guess.

You know, from now on,

how about open
and honest communication?

- Agreed.
- Alright.

Maybe we can accomplish
as friends

what we could not as a couple.

Exactly.

Alright.

Um, I want to talk to you...

about something.

You first.

No, no, you.

I was just... wondering...

what you wanted to do
for the Kwanzaa cookies.

Oh.

I was thinking maybe
your shortbread recipe.

I think we should go with
the traditional

Kwanzaa sesame cookies.

Yeah, the benny cakes?

Yes.

Perfect.

What was it that you
wanted to talk to me about?

Oh, uh, you and Ella

are still planning on spending

the next few nights
at my house, right?

Well, yeah, we always
stay through Christmas.

- Of course.
- Oh, okay.

Okay.

Ooh!
Pancakes?

Girl, you know how we do!

I do!

So, are we opening
gifts tonight?

You and your grandpa
always wanted to open gifts

on Christmas Eve!

You and Mom
always wanted to wait.

That's the one thing
we agree on.

Hmm.

You okay, Grandma?

I'm fine.

You know, you should
take a break after the holidays.

Go somewhere that you've
always wanted to go.

I'm right where I've
always wanted to be.

Well, sometimes seeing
new places can help.

You know,
get a different perspective.

Make you appreciate
what you have.

I already appreciate
what I have.

Sometimes people
need to hear that.

People like who?

Like Mom.

Oh, Ella.

Your mom and I have
never been well.

We don't speak
the same language.

But you love each other.

Just speak to her
with love, Grandma.

Hey.

- Hey!
- What you guys up to?

Grandma and I were
just talking and...

Ella wants
to open gifts tonight,

and I told her to
wait until tomorrow.

What do you think?

Open one gift tonight
and all the rest tomorrow,

like we usually do.

That's what I thought, too!

Now, who wants some
Christmas Eve pancakes?

Ooh, I do.

Where did you
and Griffin leave things?

Well, we agreed to be friends.

- That's terrible!
- Oh!

At least he's not bitter
or angry with me anymore.

I just wish I had known he was
planning to propose, Renee!

Would you have stayed?

- That's what he asked me!
- And...?

I don't know.

Oh!
I'm sorry.

Ella!

Hey!

Merry Christmas Eve.
To both of you.

Hey, Griffin.

Hey, Renee.
Wait, where's Jonah?

Oh, he's hanging out
with Maisey.

It gives me a chance to finish
up some Christmas shopping

without her little eyes
scoping out everything I buy.

Got you.

Uh, I'm gonna go in here.

The hardware store?

Yeah, Jonah needs some... nails.

Some nails?

Nails, yeah.

Doing some last-minute shopping?

Yeah, you know,
I got a couple things.

Me, too.

Okay, cool, cool.

Are you coming
carolling tonight?

Oh, yeah, I'll be there
with Christmas bells on.

Okay, alright.

Oh, is there any update
on your mom and your grandma?

Baby steps,
but I do think that the ice

is starting to thaw,
just a little bit.

Okay.

Alright.
Well, then... tonight?

I gotta...

Oh, tonight?

Uh-huh.
I'll see you later.

Yeah, see you.

See you later.

Hmm, not my best work.

You were only seven!

No matter
how many times I asked,

he would just not let me
replace that stocking.

Good thing I chose a career
in baking instead of art.

Did you, Micah?

Did you choose to
be a baker or...?

Or did I just
follow your footsteps?

I'm not sure.

I mean, there are times where
I don't know that I feel like

I ever really had a choice.

And if you had?

I don't know, Mom.

You know, is it me or...

are these lights looking
extra bright this year?

It's definitely the lights.

Mom, we're gonna be late!

Let's go!

Silent night,

holy night

All is calm,

all is bright

Round yon virgin,

mother and child

Holy infant, so tender and mild

Would you look at that?

Sleep in heavenly peace

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Mmm!

Smells good.

Aw, I missed doing
all this stuff last year!

Carolling and shopping

and hanging out
with you and Grandma.

Yeah, I missed it, too.

You know, moments like these?

They're priceless.

You're not gonna
get them anywhere else.

Not even in Boston?

Hmm, especially not in Boston.

Well, not that there's
anything wrong with Boston,

but you're not there
and Grandma's not there.

Ella, I know what
you're trying to do.

I haven't changed my mind.

Well, she's gonna think
that you're leaving

because you're mad at her if you
don't convince her otherwise.

Well, how?

Whenever it's just
the two of us,

she comes up with
every excuse possible

to avoid having
a real conversation with me.

Hm.

Unfortunately,
I know what that's like.

What do you mean?

Let's just say that my life
would probably look

a lot different right now

if Griffin and I had been honest
with each other back then.

Aw, baby.
Come here.

Mmm!

Look, I love you,
and that is not gonna change,

even though
I'm moving to Chicago.

And don't you worry,
I will still help your grandma

make all those Kwanzaa cookies.

Hello?

Hey... yeah,
I think you might be right.

It's gonna take
more than cookies

to convince my mom
to stick around.

What did you have in mind?

W.W.G.R.D.?

I'm sorry, what?

"What Would Grandpa Riley Do?"

Okay, I got it.

Oh...

Bailey's makes everything good!

Oh... I wonder
who that could be?

I'll get it.

Grandma, you dig out a present
for each of us to open.

Girl.

What?
One gift each on Christmas Eve.

That was the deal!

That child of yours!

I remember that.
That is kind of the deal!

Hey, family!

Oh, hey, Griffin!
Merry Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas Eve.
Merry Christ...

Sorry to pop in
and drop by like this.

- I was...
- Oh, no!

He was in the area.

Yeah.

Yeah, and you just
happened to have

our Christmas gifts with you?

Well, I was gonna come by
tomorrow, so I just...

Why didn't you just
bring them by tomorrow?

- Uh...
- Well...

Because I...

Oh, Griffin, just come clean.

We know why you're here.

You do?

You came to see Ella!

That's right.
I came to see Ella.

Yeah!

Well, take his coat, Ella.

Oh, right.

And get him some hot chocolate!

You're just in time
to hear Ella read

"'Twas the Night
Before Christmas."

Grandpa Riley used to read it
to me every Christmas,

which was fine before
I became a teenager.

But now that I'm an adult,
I love it again.

It just reminds me of
so many wonderful Christmases

with my family.

Well, you better
make the old man proud.

I will try.

Alright.

"He sprang to his sleigh,
and to his team gave a whistle,

"and away they all flew
like the down of a thistle.

"But I heard him exclaim
as he drove out of sight,

"'Merry Christmas to all,
and to all a good night!'"

Thank you, Ella.

Your grandpa loved to read
that poem every Christmas Eve.

Sitting in that very chair.

He was a stickler
for his traditions.

Mm-hm!
Yes, he was.

Like going shopping
for a Christmas tree.

Mm-hm!

Waking up at the crack of dawn
Christmas morning.

Celebrating Kwanzaa.

And I must say,
celebrating it last year

was not the same
without the Chapel Family.

We'll be at the festival,
for sure.

Alright.

Well, I think what
Griffin means is

what about all
the other days of Kwanzaa?

We should celebrate as a family.

And friends.

I don't know, Ella.
I mean, I've got that thing.

What thing?

Oh, Mom, it's nothing.

We should light
the candles every night.

Yeah, and cook a family feast.

And talk about
the seven principles.

Ella...

There was something about
talking about those principles

that really just put things
into perspective.

Right, Griffin?

That's right.

You remember all those
wonderful African dishes

you used to make, Grandma?

Oh, they were really good,
weren't they?

They were amazing!

I don't think we have time
to make those this year.

We really didn't
plan for any feasts.

Grandma, Mom, I've seen you two
whip up 200 cookies

for last-minute parties
more times than I can count!

I mean, we can do this.

I'll pitch in.

We'll all pitch in.

So, it's settled?

Kwanzaa celebrations,
all seven days?

That sounds really nice, actually.

Great.

Mom?

Sure, Ella.

Sure.

There you go, my sweetheart.

Thank you.

Oh... Micah!

Thanks, Micah.

Thanks, Mom.

I hope you like it.

Aw.

To remind you of home.

It's perfect.
Thank you.

You're welcome.

Okay, open yours.

Alright.

Wait, it's the same
exact Christmas pin

that Riley used to wear during
the Christmas tree lighting!

Gotta look the part, right?

That's right.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Dear heavenly father,

we thank you
for this time together,

and for your provisions.

In his name we pray.

- Amen.
- Amen.

Dad's Kwanzaa chest!

Happy Kwanzaa, baby.

Habari Gani?

Umoja!

On this,
the first day of Kwanzaa,

we strive to maintain
unity in our family.

Now, who's ready
for some ground nut stew?

Mm-hm!
Oh, yes.

Yes!

Thank you.

Ooh!

Stew, stew, stew!

I'd like some of that.

This looks so good.

Thank you so much.

Don't take all those greens!

Give the lady her greens!

Thank you.

On this day,

we pledge to define ourselves,

name ourselves,
and speak for ourselves.

Grandma?

"Shukura."
Grateful.

"Unika."
To shine.

"Khalfani."
Destined to lead.

"Taliba."
Seeker of knowledge.

And I would add
"seeker of self."

What do you think?
Pretty cool, huh?

I'm having a silent auction
for the Karamu Festival

and proceeds benefit
local charities.

Griffin, I love this.

It's pretty good.

I mean, some of these artists
have worked all year

to create some of these pieces,

and the money helps fund
art programs in our community.

Hmm!

See, let me show you something.
Come here.

Okay.

Check that out.

I mean... wow!

I know, I know.

I was thinking,
wouldn't it be nice to have

a set of the seven principles
for the auction?

What do you think... donate
your talents for a worthy cause?

I would absolutely love that.

Alright, alright!
Okay.

Well, here are
some art supplies.

If you need anything else,
just let me know.

- Okay.
- Alright, alright.

Hey, we're up here.

Have a surprise for you.

Ooh, now you've
piqued our interest!

- Oh, wow!
- Look at this!

Oh, wow!

- Oh, you look so precious!
- Look at you!

Oh, I remember this place!

Renee and I used to sit here
for every morning assembly.

Yeah, and this was
always my seat.

Well, Habari Gani?

Nia.

So, uh... why did you
bring us back to the school?

Well, because today's
principle is "purpose."

You see, this is
where we all dreamed

of what we wanted to be.

This is where the seeds
of our purpose were planted.

Now, as you guys know, I lost
my parents when I was young,

and this community
became my family,

and they lifted me
and they guided me

and they gave me my purpose:

to strengthen
and unify the community

that has just given me so much.

Miss Tess?

I guess my purpose
has always been

tied to other people.

My husband, my family.

I never really thought about
who I was apart from them.

Maybe I should have.

I guess.

I always thought being
an artist was my purpose,

but it's not enough
just to create.

You need to know
why you're creating,

and for whom.

You need to know
what fulfils you.

I've been asking myself
a lot of those questions lately.

Even at my age,

I still struggle to
carve out a space for myself,

a space separate
from my parents.

It's always been
a little scary for me,

but I think I found out how.

A shop of my own,

in a town where nobody knows me,

where I can build something,
my way.

Now, I don't know if...

leaving Mary's Town

and moving to Chicago
is the answer, but...

I think I'm ready to find out.

You're leaving?

Mom.

And this is how you tell me?

Mom, I was talking to Ella
and we thought maybe

it would be better if we just...

Ella, you knew about this?

I-I...
Oh...

Mom!

Grandma!

It's fine, Micah.

Go find your purpose.

By all means,
don't let me stop you.

Mom?

Mom!

Grandma!
Grandma!

Mom!

I hear winters in Chicago
can get pretty cold.

Yeah, well, it gets
kind of cold here, too,

so I'll be fine.

So, uh, what time do you want to

head to the Karamu Festival
tomorrow?

And are we taking separate cars?

I'm not going.

Mom, look...

Ella.

Now, I know what
you've been trying to do,

and I really appreciate it,

but it didn't work.

Well, you didn't
want it to work!

You made up your mind
that you were leaving

and there was
no talking you out of it.

Oh, like what you did
when you left?

I'm sorry.

Is that what this is about?

I left, so now it's your turn?

Oh, come on, Ella,
you know I would never

begrudge you
for following your dream.

Is that what
you think I'm doing?

I don't really know
what you're doing.

I'm trying to keep
my family together.

I didn't realize we were broken!

Mom, look at you!

Look at Grandma!

I mean, you two can barely
be in the same room together.

You don't laugh together.
You don't cry together.

I mean, I almost wish
that you two would just have

one big fight and get
everything out in the open

and be done with it!

Well, maybe you're right,

or maybe we'll both say things
we could never come back from.

Is that what you're afraid of?

Ella, despite
what you may think,

I don't want to lose my mom.

You two...

you're all I've got.

So tell her how you feel!

Maybe some day.

But not now.

Are you worried that
she'll convince you

to change your mind?

No.

Well, maybe.

And I don't want to.

That's a lot of dough.

Why didn't you tell me?

- You knew all along.
- I...

I knew something was up

because you were trying
too hard to play peacemaker.

She wanted to tell you herself.

Well, she sure picked
a great way to do it!

She thought that
you'd be upset with her.

I am upset with her.

For crying out loud, Grandma,

why can't you two just be
honest with each other?

Why can't you be honest with us?

What's really
going on here, Ella?

And where do you fit
into all of this?

What do you mean?

Something's bothering you,
and somehow this whole thing

between your mother and I
is making it worse.

I promise I will fill you in

on all of the gory details
of my life,

but can we just
go to the festival?

I am not going to the festival!

What, are you just gonna
stay in here and bake all day?

Oh no... the cookies!

With everything going on,

we forgot to start
the cookies yesterday!

Oh my goodness!

We're never gonna
get them done in time!

We promised Griffin!
I can't let him down, not again!

- Please!
- Oh...

Before you say anything,
Mom, Ella called.

And you need all
the help you can get.

Griffin's on his way, too.

One thousand cookies
in less than 24 hours.

Do you really think we'll
get this all done in time?

I've been wondering the same
thing myself, to be honest.

We're gonna be just fine.

Okay.

Did someone call for
the baking brigade?

Oh!

Well, give us our baking orders.

Strand Family Bakery here.

Anything we can do to help?

Welcome to the team.

Matunda ya Kwanza

For the first fruit of the land

Matunda ya Kwanza

The time for lending a hand...

to each other

I can't believe everyone
showed up to help like that.

That's what community's
all about, you know?

Even little Maisey
made it to the bitter end.

Looks like we're
gonna be alright.

Mom, please!

It'll be alright.

Hm.

You know, when I was a kid
and I would get into trouble,

my mom would sit me down
and give me a good talking to.

Just me and her,
in a room, talking.

I think I have an idea.

Before we go to lunch,

I just want to stop
at Grandma's.

Why?

There's something I need to do.

I promise it won't take long.

What are you doing here?

I have to get to the bakery.

I know.
This'll be quick.

What's going on?

A couple of years ago,
I was playing around

on my new phone and I decided
to interview Grandpa.

Now I realize that he was
sending us a message.

And, um, it's... edited a bit,
but just listen.

Family is
the bedrock of our existence.

It's the reason
we are who we are.

The reasons we do what we do.

The best interest of our family

should always be
at the heart of our decisions.

Now, I know us Chapel family
don't always get along,

but as long as I'm around,
we're gonna stick together.

So I want my family
to promise me a few things.

Do and say everything with love.

Remember,
you're stronger together

than you are apart.

And never, ever go to bed angry.

Apologize when you're wrong,

and forgive each other
and trust each other, always,

in all ways.

Make me proud, family.

I know that you both believe

that what you feel is right,

but just this once,

can you really talk
to each other?

And more importantly,
really listen.

No judgement.

I... I don't know
where to start.

Just start from
your heart, Grandma.

Micah, I think that
a part of me always knew

that you would leave.

I knew that you had dreams,

and I swear I never
wanted you to abandon them.

I just... I didn't know
how to let you go

and keep you close
at the same time.

And after your father died, I...

I knew the thing
that I feared most

would finally come to pass,
and I was right!

Mom...

We all know how hard Dad
tried to keep us together.

And...

But if you think that
the only reason I stayed here

for all those years
was because of him,

you're just wrong.

I stayed for you.

But you're leaving
because of me!

No, I'm leaving because of me.

I made a promise to myself,

a promise that I need to keep.

But if it's... if it's
gonna hurt you this much...

No.
No, Micah.

I know what your father
meant when he said

that we had to stick together.

He wasn't talking about here,

he was talking about here.

Micah, I want you
to have your dreams, baby.

Wherever they may lead,
I want you to go and get 'em!

Please, promise me
that you'll keep me close.

You can't get
any closer than my heart.

Oh!

- I love you.
- I love you, too.

Oh!

Thank you, sweetheart.

My girls!

Remember these?

Ah-ha-ha!

- Oh!
- Wow...

I would be so honoured

if you would wear them
to the festival tonight.

So we're going?

Oh, yeah!

The Chapel women
will be in the house!

Oh, gosh...

Oh...

Habari Gani?

Kuumba!

Today,
on this sixth day of Kwanzaa,

and the last day of the year,

we pledge to leave our community
more beautiful and beneficial

than we inherited it.

And I must say
that Mary's Town looks

more beautiful than ever tonight.

Now, everything I learned about
Kwanzaa I learned from one man,

Mayor Riley Chapel.

So I think it only fitting
that I ask his family

to join me here
on stage tonight.

Please.

Yes!

And as the elder Chapel,
Miss Tess,

would you do the honour of the
reciting the Tamshi la Tambiko,

the Libation Statement, please?

My pleasure.

"For the motherland,
cradle of civilization;

"for the ancestors
and their indomitable spirit;

"for the elders,
from whom we can learn much;

"for our youth,

"who represent
the promise for tomorrow;

"for our people,
the original people;

"for our struggle,

"and in remembrance of those who
have struggled on our behalf;

"for Umoja,
the principle of unity,

"which should
guide us in all we do;

"and for the creator,

"who provides all things
great and small."

Thank you.

- Hey.
- Hi.

Ah...
Happy Kwanzaa.

Happy New Year.

Same to you.

Thanks, thanks.

So, how'd things turn out
between your mom and grandma?

Great.

My mom is moving to Chicago...

with my grandma's blessing.

Wow.

"Wow" is right.

But it's okay.

They're okay.

And are you?

You know, it's funny,
this whole...

chasing your dreams thing.

Dreams don't have zip codes.

Sometimes it takes going away
to realize that your dream

can grow wherever you feel

the sun shining
on your face the brightest.

Wherever it gets watered.

Wherever your roots
are the deepest.

Habari Gani?

Imani!

Oh, Grandma, I know
you don't want a new logo.

I was just doodling.

I like it.

Could you change the letters
to a different colour,

like bright red?

Oh...?
Okay!

So, missy, did you
finally sign the lease?

No, I decided
not to get the building.

Did you find one
you like better?

Yeah, 424 Maple Street...

Mary's Town, Pennsylvania.

I finally realized why I was
reluctant to sign that lease.

I'm not ready to put down
roots in Boston.

I want to come back
to the roots I already have.

Oh, sweety!

That is awesome.

Look at this:

one leaving and one coming back.

Yeah, well, you know,
it was actually Mom's decision

that made me realize
what I wanted.

It's not easy to leave home.

And it turns out it's not
easy to come back.

So, thank you,
for inspiring me to be brave

and to follow my heart,
like you're doing.

Aw!

Even though
my heart is leading me

right back to where I started.

Well!

The heart wants what it wants.

Yes, it does.

Speaking of which...

I think I need to speak
to someone else, too.

You know,
everyone's been wondering

why I delayed signing
a lease on this building

and starting my own
business in Boston, and...

I'm not even sure I knew
the answer until I got here.

But...

I've been in Boston
for all these years, and...

I don't have a life there.

I don't have a family there.
I don't...

have a community.

I don't have a purpose.

Or a you.

I don't have a you in Boston.

Sit?

I thought I had to go away

to find myself and my purpose,

but it turns out
it was here all along.

What are you saying, Ella?

I'm saying yes.

To you.

If it's not too late.

Wait...

I want to start
my own design company

and maybe even
a youth art program...

right here.

Are you serious?
In Mary's Town?

There's no place
like home, right?

That's right.

And I gotta say,

there's no one like you,
Ella Chapel.

Never has been.

Ditto, Mayor Knoxville.

- So...?
- So...?

Should we start over?

Start from scratch?

Or should we pick up
where we left off?

We'll talk about it!

To all of you,

to all of us.

To Riley.

To my mother, and my daughter.

My roots and my wings.

To family, to community,

to unity and purpose,

to holding each other down,

365 days of the year.

To all of us pulling together.

Or as we say in Swahili...

Harambee!

Let's get together

Come together, children