The Day Before Christmas (2024) Movie Script
1
They're trying
to tell me
Tell me that I'm
good without you
Just stay with the things
That make you feel good
But I
I don't see it saving me
Put it on a shelf
It's clear to see
That I can see
right through it
Looking so translucent
Being all elusive
That's right
All I want
for Christmas is you
Ain't nobody else
Going to love me like you
Not entertaining thoughts
of the mysteries
Or the fairy tales
All I want for
Christmas is you
Yeah
Why
Oh, why, why, why, why
I try, try, try, try
To hide, hide
Behind the lies
[school bell ringing]
Excuse me.
You can't stop there.
I'm sorry.
I'm just picking up my son.
I'll just be one minute.
OK, well, my daughter
is getting in my car
right now, so if
you could just...
Hey, Bryce.
Look at these new backpacks
they gave out, Mama.
-In a minute, honey.
-Get in the car.
I'm asking a favor of a...
Mister, let me guess, Scrooge?
-Grinch, actually.
-Mr. Grinch.
How you doing, man?
Is this a new book bag?
Oh, from the pageant.
Most of the kids got one.
OK.
We'll talk about it in a second.
See?
How bad was that?
Except it's the day
before Christmas,
and every second counts.
Trust me, I'm a photographer.
I understand.
This is the busiest time
of the year for me.
Well, wouldn't you
want to be on your way?
Not before I properly
introduce myself.
Hi, I'm Rashaad.
Nia.
Let's go, hon.
Crazy.
That's Bryce's dad.
They only see each
other weekends
and every other holiday.
That must be a
little sad for Bryce.
Wish we could still
see your dad, don't we?
They have Christmas
in heaven, right?
I'm pretty sure it's the
biggest celebration around.
Don't worry.
He wouldn't miss
your Christmas pageant
for anything in the world.
Yeah?
He'll be watching,
this time from heaven.
Together forever...
...through whatever.
Next level backpack
you got there.
Most kids in the pageant
got one, except the ones
playing major animals.
They got water bottles.
Hm, lucky you.
[car horn honking]
OK, OK.
[sighs]
[bright music]
[]
Mama, what's that?
Oh, it's just some mail.
Nothing to worry about.
Come on.
We got a lot of work to do.
Christmastime is here
I've been waiting
a long time for it
It's that time of year
Hold on a sec.
Did you mean to hand
me purple frosting?
Helping you make
a good impression.
You said if your catering
is a hit tomorrow,
you'll get contracts
for the whole year.
And you're convinced
that purple candy canes
will be a hit?
Sometimes the unexpected
is just more fun.
After the year we've had, I can
use a little less unexpected.
But if you're convinced
that purple-striped
candy canes will be a hit...
[laughs]
Don't you think you've
had enough sugar
and tablet for the evening?
Those broken cookies weren't
going to eat themselves.
Mm-hmm.
At some point, you're
going to have to start
sleeping in your own bed.
And I promise I'll let you
know when that some point is.
I'm not going to
be up all night.
Are you?
I need as much
sleep as I can get.
I have to wake up
early in the morning
to drop you off at the
church for your field trip.
Plus, I've got a Christmas Eve
to-do list as long as Santa's...
well, as long as
his list, anyway.
A couple more things
to do before bed,
and then it's lights out.
Sugar plum fairies?
Mm, a reindeer or two,
at the very least.
Yeah?
Good night, cupcake.
Night, Mama.
[soft music]
[]
[sighs]
[]
It's been a tough year
without you, babe.
Imani's been an angel.
She's so smart
and kind.
She reminds me of you so much.
I'm making your
favorite dessert.
Chocolate mousse.
I... I keep
forgetting to defrost
the chocolate mousse cups.
[bright music]
[]
[alarm beeping]
Phew.
Just enough time
to thaw them out.
[gasps]
No, no, no, no.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Please.
Please.
Please still work.
Please still work.
[sighs]
To all, good night.
Mama.
Mama.
Mom.
Why aren't you in
your pajamas, baby?
It's morning.
Didn't you go to bed?
[gasps] I only laid
down for a second.
Oh, God.
We're lucky it's the
day before Christmas.
If Santa came last night, he
might have saw you this close
to the tree and skipped us.
OK, I... we will get
a Christmas tree...
a real Christmas tree
later, if there's time.
I promise. OK.
Cookies are frosted.
Chocolate mousse
cups are thawed.
Fried okra succotash.
Red beans and rice are mixed.
More fried okra succotash.
Mom.
What?
Aren't you going
to change first?
-Oh.
-Oh, my God.
Five minutes. Five minutes.
[]
Mom!
Way past five minutes.
Where did I put my gloves?
Probably not all going to fit.
I'm going to need another bag.
You need this
way more than I do.
Are you sure you don't mind?
My stuff fits
in my coat pockets.
OK.
Probably going to impress a lot
of people with this backpack.
Happy to help.
OK, let's grab the food and go.
Yeah?
OK, honey. Here we go.
Parked.
Keys out.
Come on.
-You got it?
-Mm-hmm.
Let's go.
Where are the other
moms and dads?
Maybe we're early.
Yeah?
-What I was saying was...
-Pastor Bob.
Where is everyone?
Well, everybody just
left for Christmas Village
over an hour ago.
I was just explaining
the same to this young man.
No, no, no.
Don't you mean, ho, ho, ho?
I'm sorry.
Just a little Christmas humor.
I got it.
Oh, no, I'm not going
to Christmas Village?
We're not sure
about that just yet.
Pastor, I thought the
permission slip said 9:00.
9:00 is when
Santa Land opens.
The pickup was for 8:00.
Plus, everybody has
to be back early
in time for tonight's pageant.
Mama.
It's OK, baby.
Is there a second bus for the
kids who are a little late?
Yeah.
No.
Look, you can drive
them there yourselves.
It's only about 90 miles west.
90 miles?
Jinx.
I have a full day ahead,
appointments that I can't miss.
You're not the only
one with a full day
on Christmas Eve, OK?
I assure you, mine is
important work-related stuff.
As is mine.
You don't say?
I just did say.
[clears throat]
Look, either you
drive the kids there
yourselves, or just
bring them back
early for tonight's pageant, OK?
OK.
No problem.
We have a problem.
You lied at church?
Let's go with fibbed.
On Christmas Eve.
I'm sure the reverend
will forgive you.
[laughs dryly]
Who are you calling?
The babysitter, but her phone's
going straight to voicemail.
OK.
Nice backpack.
OK, before you
even start joking,
Bryce insisted that I put all
of my stuff in this bag today.
OK?
That's funny.
Imani did, too.
You hate that backpack too, huh?
I wouldn't be
caught dead in that.
Well, have a good day.
Oh, we're keeping
it formal, huh?
"Have a good day" is formal?
It is where I'm from.
-[laughs]
-And what hood is that?
-Hood?
-Wow.
So that's what we're
doing today, huh?
What hood am I from?
Like, I'm just
some type of hood...
do you even know where I'm from?
You're holding up
my time. I don't know.
-It's your swagger...
-That's hood?
-That's hood to you?
-It's everything.
-I mean, gosh.
-What?
You feel like you
went to a good school
so you could get away
with all of this?
-A great school actually.
-Wow.
My grandma says when this
happens in her favorite movie,
it means people are
falling in love.
Ew. No way!
Let's go, honey.
I've got a busy day ahead,
and I can't afford
for anything else to go wrong.
Ah.
It doesn't really look like
you're going much of anywhere.
[gasps]
No, no, no.
Yeah.
I wouldn't drive on
that if I were you.
All right. OK.
OK. I'm joking.
I'm joking.
Hey, you got a spare?
It's in the trunk.
All right.
Or was in the trunk.
I took it out to put
the food in there.
I'm a caterer, or would
be full time, or...
-OK.
-... am going to be if...
-OK, OK.
-Please relax.
Do not blow a gasket.
OK?
I'll call a tow truck.
They can fix these
things really quickly.
Without a tire?
Yeah, I know a guy from my hood.
No, seriously.
I'll call them,
they'll bring a tire over.
You'll see.
Not a problem.
Hello.
It's really in there.
We got a problem.
So the tire is not the problem.
It's the rim.
It's corroded.
Any tire I put on that,
it's going to puncture it.
But...
Now see, I can tow it
down to the shop and get
another wheel and,
you know what,
I'll call you when it's ready.
Do you have a replacement
wheel at the shop?
Well, I need to
find a wheel that'll
fit this suspension,
because, no offense,
but your car is a little old.
I mean, I think I
saw Dr. King drive
one of these in a documentary.
Well, I've been
meaning to get a new one.
It's just been one
of those decades.
Hey, why don't Bryce and
I give you guys a lift?
I mean, if we leave
now, I can get
you guys where you're
going, and I can still
make my first gig on time.
Sounds good to me.
You'll call me when
the car is ready?
I need it
for the rest of the day.
Yes.
As soon as I replace the wheel.
And driving us won't take
you too far out of your way?
I mean, it can't
be that far, right?
[sighs]
[sighs]
So you never mentioned
that you needed to go
to the north side of town.
This holiday traffic is going
be like this all day, man.
Trust me.
I don't want to
be stuck with you
any more than you want
to be stuck with me.
Did I say stuck?
I didn't say stuck.
This is just great, isn't it?
[]
-[sighs]
-What now?
I mean, I'm sorry.
What's wrong?
I need to check my to-do
list, but the passcode
on my phone isn't working.
My mama's got lots
of to-do lists.
My mom said that
my dad doesn't have
enough to-do lists.
Um, I think that's
because you have my phone.
My bad. Sorry.
That's better.
OK, Ladies Auxiliary Christmas
Eve breakfast, check.
Holiday luncheon, good to go.
Let's see.
Pick up real Christmas tree,
bank meeting, all on track.
Then the holiday pageant.
We both have
a very busy day today.
Next year's business is all
riding on how well I do today.
Isn't December 24 a little
late for Christmas photos?
Not in the digital age.
And not if you're the mayor.
Mayor?
Impressive.
[laughs] I'm hoping
that he thinks I am.
He said that if I can capture
the spirit of Christmas
in a shot, then I can count
on a lot of work from the city
next year, so...
Sounds like the lady
from the bank who hired
me for her holiday luncheon.
If I can impress her
and her bougie friends,
she'll help me get a
small business loan.
OK. I mean, I get it.
You know,
impress a couple people.
Hopefully, turns
into new business.
Or at least, just a
new direction for...
both: The new year.
[laughter]
Hey, what's so funny, y'all?
-Nothing.
-Nothing.
OK.
So the Northside Ladies
Auxiliary Christmas Eve brunch.
With minutes to spare.
Three to be exact,
but I'll take them.
Let's go, Imani.
Hey, I'll be
at the pageant later.
I'm bringing
chocolate mousse cups.
-Chocolate mousse cups?
-Mm-hmm.
OK.
Mom, we don't want to be late.
Right.
Good luck with everything.
Thank you.
Hey, day before Christmas,
as far as I'm concerned,
is already starting
on a high note.
Missed field trip, flat tire?
We'll agree to disagree.
Except for you and Bryce.
Thank you.
Really.
Of course.
Dad, you're going to be
late for the mayor's shoot.
-Remember?
-Right.
Southbound traffic
was clear, man.
We'll get there.
No problem.
Watch.
Bryce's dad seems really nice.
I guess so.
I just hope the
ladies like my...
No, no, no, no, no, no.
No, no, no, no,
no, no. Wait!
-Bryce!
-Wait!
Rashaad, wait!
Guys, please wait.
Bryce.
No, no, no, no.
What's wrong?
The food for the Ladies
Auxiliary Christmas Eve
breakfast, and every catering
job we have for today,
is in the back of our car,
which is at...
...the car repair place.
Um, we can figure this out.
You're right.
I'll call the tow truck guy and
see if he can drop the food off
on the opposite side of town.
Worth a try, right?
Everyone knows
Santa is watching.
I like how you think.
What's wrong?
My passcode's not working.
My passcode's not working.
I grabbed the wrong phone!
What now, Mama?
It's OK, baby.
I got a plan.
Just come on.
Ugh.
OK.
Let's see what's going on.
Can we use Bryce's dad's
phone to call him on our phone?
Without the passcode, I
can't even get into his phone.
How many ladies are here
for Christmas Eve breakfast?
About 10, 15.
This would be a good time
for that Christmas miracle.
Yeah.
We wish you
a merry Christmas
Rashaad's ringtone.
-Answer.
-OK.
Hello?
That's it?
Just hello?
What were you expecting?
You've reached
Rashaad Willis' line.
Can I help you?
Let's put a pin in that.
How did you figure
out the passcode
to make a call from my phone?
Well, after a few
failed attempts,
my son Bryce told me
to try Imani's birthday.
Mm-hmm.
What would you do without
that little genius of yours?
Tell me about it.
And guess what?
My passcode is Bryce's birthday.
Perfect.
Now, we could just
trade back phones,
and everything
will be good to go.
Except I am in a standstill
on the freeway right now,
so I think it's best to plan
to switch everything back
after our first appointments.
If I even make it to
my first appointment.
I don't know how long
my first appointment
is going to last because
I'm going to get fired.
My catering supplies are
in the back of my trunk.
[laughs] Wow.
Don't tell me that
you find this amusing.
Um, it's not right now,
but I bet that we'll laugh
about this in the future.
I'm not going to
have a career or a home
if I can't figure this out.
Home? What do you mean?
Disregard that statement.
I didn't mean to say home.
Anyway, I have your passcode.
Let me call
the tow truck driver.
Right.
-Talk to you later.
-I'll talk to you later.
[phone ringing]
Y'ello.
You blow them, we tow them.
Can I help you?
Hello, this is Nia Owens.
You towed my car from the South
Franklin Church parking lot
-this morning.
-Oh, yeah, yeah.
-How's it going?
-Fine, thanks.
Well, not fine.
I need something out
of the trunk of my car.
Out of the trunk of your car?
Yeah. Is that a problem?
I can't really reach it
right now because it's up
on the lift, and I
ain't authorized
to touch any of that equipment
until I get certified.
And when might that be?
You know, I don't really
know because, you know,
I've been putting
it off and putting
off that online certification
test for a while now.
I'm talking about my car.
Isn't there someone
who can help me?
Well, you know what?
I tell you, I'll get
one of the mechanics.
Look, can they... can they
reach you back at this number?
I guess so.
But please hurry.
OK, well, look,
now you may have should
have thought about... hello?
[line trilling]
Hel...
Everything OK?
Not really, honey, but...
Oh, there you are.
Are you the caterer I
spoke to on the phone?
Nia Owens.
-And this is Imani, my daughter.
-Mm-hmm.
Mother-daughter caterers.
Nice touch.
Where's the food?
The food... um, the...
um.
[laughs] Of course, the food.
It's on the way.
My assistant is
bringing it by shortly.
Great. Thank you.
-What?
-Shh.
[sighs]
[alarm beeping]
This is ridiculous, man.
What do you mean, Dad?
I'm just saying, if your
friend Imani's mom was just...
[alarm beeping]
A little more relaxed, none
of this would have happened.
Like look, look,
look, look, look.
Like, how many pop up
notifications does a person
need to get through a day?
I hope she gets her
food from her car.
You know what,
I do, too, man.
You know what, I got an idea.
Come on.
Hmm.
OK.
Mom, are we hiding?
Of course not.
We aren't hiding.
We are just laying low until I
figure out this food situation.
OK.
[phone buzzes]
If you ask me, Rashaad's dad
is a little too relaxed.
Organization is hardly
his middle name.
[clears throat]
[mockingly]
I'm so cool, heh-heh!
I'm Rashaad.
I'm a photographer.
I got a son, heh-heh!
I double park wherever
I want to because it
doesn't matter who's there.
It's just... it's all about me.
It's my world.
It's Rashaad.
What?
I think it's snack time.
OK.
Yeah.
Let's not do this.
OK.
Oh, no.
What?
Um,
Mom.
[gasps]
What?
What do you mean you
took the wrong bag?
OK. OK.
All right.
I'll call you back.
[car horns honking]
She took the wrong bag.
Like, first she took
the wrong phone,
then she took the wrong bag.
Like, who does that?
What is wrong with her?
Why would somebody even do...
Breathe, Dad.
[exhales slowly]
You know what, it's all good.
Who needs a camera, right?
I'll just tell the mayor
that I'll be photographing
his family with my phone.
You mean Imani's mom's phone.
Please tell me there's something
of interest in that book bag.
Let's see.
There's leftovers.
They expire 12-31.
She puts expiration
dates on the leftovers?
-Ooh.
-Broken Christmas cookies.
Mmm, these are really good.
Oh.
These aren't from the store,
are they?
I mean, the ingredients
are from a store,
but it's like she actually
just magically whipped
these things into the
best tasting cookie
I've ever had in my life.
No wonder she's a caterer.
Hey, I told you you we're going
to have a gourmet breakfast.
You're having a gourmet
breakfast from a caterer.
Ha.
Your mother said that I
need to plan more, right?
Is this is a bad time
to say that I'm hungry?
We wish you a
merry Christmas
It might be good news.
OK.
Hello.
Hello. Who's...
[in British accent] You've
reached Rashaad Willis's line.
Can I help you?
This is Myra, the mayor's wife.
We need to switch this morning's
photo session from City Hall
to our home on the north side.
I'll text the address.
Photo shoots?
Your home on the north side.
Got it. I'll let
Rashaad know.
11:00 a.m. sharp.
The mayor has a very busy day.
Rashaad will
see you at 11:00.
Merry Christmas.
Pretty good, Mom.
You make a good receptionist.
Seeing as how today
is going, that job
is probably in my near future.
OK.
Your call has been forwarded
to an automatic
voice message system.
I got voicemail.
Leave a message.
For who?
It's our voicemail.
This is getting
really confusing.
Yeah.
I guess it's time we go
back into the dining hall
and give them the bad news.
What the...
A Christmas miracle.
There's even paper
plates and napkins.
I don't understand.
He must have had them delivered.
I can't believe he...
oh, quick, help
me get them ready.
OK, it's not very Christmassy.
Not normally a fan
of traditional green
and red, but...
How did you...
why did you...
I hid them in my
coat pocket last night.
So you wouldn't change
the purple candy
canes after I went to bed.
You're a life saver.
[laughter]
Let's hope that the ladies
auxiliary don't mind going
a little old-school with...
Donuts?
My favorite.
You know, this is the
perfect time of year,
since I am not worrying
about my diet until January.
[laughs]
Oh, this looks so good.
We wish you a
merry Christmas
Do you mind if I take this call?
Of course not, dear.
Everything's perfect.
Hold down the fort, Imani.
Just one.
Yeah.
Thanks, uh-huh.
A merry Christmas, we wish
you a merry Christmas
Hello?
So now you're Santa Claus.
Ho, ho, ho.
I can't believe
what you did for me.
Thank you.
Hey, man,
I'm just happy to help.
Oh, before I forget, you got
a call from the mayor's wife.
They're switching the
photo session to their home
instead of City Hall.
Wait, what?
That's all the way
on your side of town.
Is there any way
you can turn around?
Turn around?
I didn't even get
to where I was going.
I had to get off the
highway because traffic
was at a standstill.
Ain't no telling
how long we're going
to be in this Christ-mess.
Huh?
You heard... you heard
the joke, right?
Christ-mess?
Yeah.
Funny.
She doesn't get
my sense of humor.
What sense of humor?
Wow.
Look, Rashaad,
I'm really grateful.
If there's anything that
you ever need from me...
Actually, it's funny
that you mention that.
Where are we going?
There's something that
we have to do for Rashaad.
-What?
-I'll explain in the Uber.
Let's go.
I'm here.
You sure you don't mind that
I used your digital wallet
for the Uber?
Obviously, I'll pay you
back anything I spend.
How else were you
going to get there?
Now, serious thing.
Are you good with the plan?
Tell the Mayor I work with you.
Use the 50-millimeter lens.
Take as many shots as
they'll let me take.
OK, and what is
the number one rule?
Take the lens cap off.
Please, take the lens cap off.
Yes, yes.
Um, Dad.
What's up, B?
I need to use the bathroom.
Oh, oh.
Uh, um, uh, can we... can we
talk after the photo shoot?
Talk soon.
Better together.
What was that?
Good luck finding the bathroom.
That was an accident.
Better together
is what we always
used to say to Daddy before...
before...
Baby, I... I miss
Daddy a lot, too.
But wouldn't Daddy want
you to continue living life,
and continue
building new relationships?
That's not one of your
Christmas wishes, is it?
Maybe I need a
new wish, because I
already got my first one...
spending more time with you.
Come on, let's go.
OK?
What do you mean,
the original photographer
isn't available?
I've been working
with Rashaad for years,
and I can assure you...
I thought you
were a photographer.
She's also a caterer.
Yes. Yes, I am.
You know, you'll never know when
you need a tube of green
frosting for filtration.
This camera, this is the
real star of our operation.
It's backwards.
Oh.
Because that's what makes
our photography different.
Taking the photo
from the inside out.
There's no lens.
There will be, I think.
Oh.
You don't look like a Rashaad.
Well, I'm Nia.
Rashaad and I work together.
[whispering] Today.
OK.
Just give us a few minutes.
-We'll be right with you.
-Yes.
We need to present
a united front,
especially with the
upcoming campaign.
A united front?
-Mm-hmm.
-Like always.
Kids, let's go.
We're about to take
the family photo.
We need to pull it together.
At least for the shoot.
You mean for your image?
For us.
For the kids, too.
Baby, let's do this.
Kids, let's go.
I know you can
hear me, big head.
No, I can't.
You just answered me, dummy.
For the last time, I don't want
to do a TikTok video with you.
Why not?
Whenever we do one,
it ends the same way.
You do some weird dance,
and then you go crying to Mom
because I call it stupid.
Just admit it.
You're bad at dancing.
I can't dance?
What about you?
You call this dancing?
You look like you're
having a seizure.
At least I don't
fail all my classes.
You're so dumb, you stand
on a chair to raise your IQ.
You're so dumb, you thought
a quarterback is a refund.
Yo mama.
Hey.
Oh, uh-huh.
-Not this...
-Sorry, Mom.
OK, yes.
Do y'all see we have company?
-Hi.
-Hi.
OK, now, she's here
to take our family photo.
I hope you have insurance,
'cause her face
is going to break the camera.
You wish.
The camera loves me.
I'm sorry.
No, It's fine.
You know, you two
remind me of how
my husband and I used to be.
I'd do anything to just have
another moment with him.
I realize now that everything
is just so small and trivial.
I'm sorry.
Are you two going
through a divorce?
No, no.
My husband died last year.
Seeing you with
Mayor Sam, it just
makes me miss him even more.
You know, he wasn't
perfect, but he
completed both me and Imani.
Cherish the moments, Myra.
Yeah.
Thank you.
Yeah.
OK, let's take this photo, kids.
Mayor. All right.
You good? You ready?
-Mm-hmm.
-OK.
Excuse me.
Yes?
Um, don't you want to
take the lens cap off?
Um, sure do.
Um, you know, I was just
checking the exposure.
I'm not used to seeing
such a beautiful family.
[jazz music]
[]
You know, that is
true, technically.
[laughs]
Baby girl, don't you
want to sing a Christmas
song for Ms. Nia and Imani?
Sure.
Silent night
Holy night
All is calm
And all is bright
Did you see the
way they did that?
Almost embarrassing
us like that.
Right. Right.
Boy, you guys are funny.
Nia, great job.
So we'll expect that
card in an hour?
Yes, I will get Rashaad
on that immediately.
[soft music]
Nia, thank you so much.
You know, you've made this
more enjoyable than any
of our photo shoots.
And you really are
skilled at what you do.
And do you really cater?
She specializes in donut
Christmas wreaths and candy
canes with purple stripes.
Well, does she now?
OK.
Well, as you can imagine, I do
quite a bit of entertaining.
Can I get a card?
Yes.
[]
We have your number.
We can text you the information.
Well, quite the
assistant you have.
-Yeah.
-Right.
Come on, sweetie.
We got to get the
photos to Rashaad.
-Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas.
-Thank you.
[]
We wish you a
merry Christmas
-Rashaad.
-Hey, Nia.
How was the shoot?
The photo shoot went great.
And the mayor loves you.
Oh, nice.
I knew you could do it.
Thank you so much.
Are you calling to
tell me the holiday
luncheon starts in an hour?
I'm actually calling
you to tell you
that I found some
back roads and got
to the repair shop early.
Good.
Your food is out of the
car, but, um, the driver
wants to talk to you.
OK.
Hey.
Yeah, we got a situation
with your car.
It's not that the rear
wheel is the only thing
that needs to be replaced,
it's the whole transmission.
Now, that's not going to be
cheap to repair, or to replace.
So, uh, you're definitely not
going to get your car back
for a little while, all right?
So merry Christmas.
Nia, I'm... I'm sorry.
I...
Can you at least
get the food for me?
Well, about that food.
Um...
Somehow the mechanics
thought that your food
was for their Christmas party.
What?
If I don't figure out
this luncheon, I'm ruined.
And it's way too early in my
business plan to be ruined.
Unless...
Unless?
I cater the luncheon for you.
But you have to go to one
of those shipping places
with a computer,
retouch, edit, and send
the best photo to the mayor
for his Christmas card.
You trust me to do that?
Do you trust me to
cater your luncheon?
So far, so good, I guess.
Right?
Yeah, I guess.
Um, look, the mayor's email
address is in my contacts.
The luncheon details are
on the list app on my phone.
List app. OK.
OK, got it. Talk to you later.
-Peace.
-Bye... wait, wait.
Hello? What's up?
If the mechanics
ate all my food,
what are you going to
serve at the luncheon?
Bryce and I'll figure it out.
All right?
Bye.
You feed this boy?
Rideshare's here.
Let's go.
[upbeat music]
All right.
OK, I think this is where
she gets her supplies.
Wouldn't fast food be easier?
Actually, you may be right.
Come on.
Go.
I thought the camera
had automatic focus.
Did you select
the automatic focus option
before taking the pictures?
How'd you get so smart?
Take after my dad.
And my mom.
Better together.
Through whatever.
There's got to be one picture
we can send to the mayor.
We wish you a
merry Christmas
Just in the Saint Nick of time.
Any way we can make a photo we
took look a little less blurry?
Excuse me?
You've reached
Rashaad Willis' line.
Can I help you?
Who's this?
This is Nia.
Nia who?
Nia Owens.
Nia?
This is Gabrielle Woodbury.
We go to the same church.
Gabrielle.
Merry Christmas.
Merry... mind if I ask
why you're answering
my ex-husband's phone?
Ex-husband?
Yes. Ex.
I didn't think you
two had ever met.
We didn't.
I mean, we did.
I don't know.
[sighs]
Girl, it's been
one of those days.
I'm not even sure if
Rashaad realizes that you
and I go to the same church.
One of the symptoms of divorce.
Rashaad is definitely
on a need-to-know basis.
We accidentally mixed up
phones when we were dropping
off the kids, and now we've
got each other's phones
and cameras and
catering supplies.
It's a whole thing.
Oh, really?
I have my daughter with me.
She's been great.
And Rashaad and Bryce
have been amazing.
I'm sorry.
I think we have
a bad connection.
Did you say Rashaad's
been amazing?
I don't think I'd
be getting through
this mix up without him.
OK, well...
Do you want to call my number?
Aren't I talking to you now?
To reach Rashaad.
We haven't been able
to trade back phones.
Would you mind giving
Rashaad a message for me?
Sure.
Tell him not to be
late to the meeting
at the lawyer's office
that he insisted
on having on Christmas Eve.
Oh, OK.
Thanks, Nia.
No...
problem.
[soft music]
[]
I found a picture
that isn't blurry.
Which one?
That's fantastic.
No. No, no.
What?
This is really fun.
I don't think the
residents of our city
are going to want to see
the Mayor being this silly.
Didn't they say they
wanted the picture
to show Christmas spirit?
I don't know, Dad.
What?
She said she trusted
me to get the food.
You got the same stuff you
get when you have friends
over to watch football.
OK, OK.
Who doesn't like Buffalo wings,
French fries, and potato salad?
OK. Watch.
Watch.
Buffalo wings?
You sound surprised.
Gabrielle sounded
surprised, too.
Gabrielle?
She called you to remind
you of your appointment
this afternoon.
Right, um, and that
is an important one.
Thankfully, we would have
traded lives by then.
After we finish the Mayor's
digital Christmas card,
and after you help out
with the luncheon, right?
Absolutely.
Then we can trade phones,
trade backpacks,
wish each other well.
And then to all a good night...
or a good afternoon, anyway.
And return to our
regularly scheduled lives.
Yep.
Everything back to normal.
Just me and Imani.
Just you and Bryce.
Right.
Right.
Um, was there another
reason that you called?
To tell you about Gabrielle.
Right. Right.
And to suggest that you
serve something other
than Buffalo wings
at a formal luncheon.
Uh, uh, uh.
Buffalo wings taste just
as good as short ribs.
Except they don't.
Clearly, you've never
had good Buffalo wings.
You know, do what
you feel is best.
But just a reminder
that my entire future
is riding on this.
As is mine with this
digital Christmas card.
How's that going, by the way?
It's likely to be one
of the most original cards
they've ever sent out.
Really? OK.
Well, you know where
to send it, right?
I've been getting pretty
familiar with your phone,
Mr. Candy Crush.
OK, OK, OK. Please.
That is only on my
phone for Bryce.
And myself.
[phone buzzing]
Hold on.
Your phone is the boss
of me. I got to go.
Bye.
Rashaad and Bryce
will be picking
us up after the luncheon, but we
still have a couple
of hours till then.
What should we
do in the meantime?
[phone dings]
Rashaad?
Not a call.
A reminder.
I think I know a way we can
help Rashaad out while we wait.
How do you feel about
being a Christmas elf?
100% yes.
Are you tempted to call and
see how the luncheon is going?
To quote my favorite
person, "100% yes."
Let's just assume
that if Rashaad
doesn't call me that
everything is going great.
Right?
100%...
both: Yes.
[laughter]
Let's see.
[upbeat music]
[]
Hi.
Hi. May I help you?
Yes, we're here
for the caterers.
We are the caterers.
Um, you don't sound the way
that you did on the phone.
Oh, you must have spoke to Nia.
Yeah.
You're referring
to Ms. Owens?
Yes. Yes.
You can go ahead and arrange
everything on the buffet table.
Thank you.
OK, let's do it.
-OK.
-I have a question.
Shoot.
What silverware
shall I make ready?
The salad fork?
The dinner fork?
The butter knife?
The cutting knife?
The dessert spoon?
And the coffee spoon?
-None of the above.
-We got it covered.
Yeah.
Take those, hit each table.
Wet naps?
Uh, yeah.
We thought that, you know,
a Christmas luncheon
would be a little fun
with finger foods.
Sounds amazing.
All right. Hey.
Hit that table first,
then that one.
All right? Go.
It is going down, baby.
[]
So you take the wing like
this, you dip it in the sauce,
then you eat it.
I'm aware of how to eat
a chicken wing, young man.
Well, we know that you guys
have a lot of formal dinners
coming up over
the next few days,
so we just wanted to make sure
that you guys had something
light, something fun, some...
some finger foods.
Please, try it.
Yes.
[]
Mm.
It's like heaven on Earth.
[laughter]
Mm-hmm.
Please, ladies, dig in.
Uh-huh.
Thank you.
Dad, look.
Can we enter
for Imani and her mom?
Wait.
So... so you're saying
that if we win a car,
you want to give it
to somebody else?
Yeah, someone who
needs it more than us.
I've got a method.
We could fill out more
than one entry card.
Bryce, that's cheating.
[clears throat]
Go ahead.
Go win us that car.
Go. Go, go.
Would you like some?
-No, thank you.
-OK.
[]
Ah, perfect.
Hey, merry Christmas, ladies!
Doing some last
minute shopping, I see.
Hey, listen, all the
popular good toys, sold out.
Gone.
Yeah, but if you need something,
my car is right there.
I got you. 50% off.
50% off.
-Is that right?
-Yeah.
Right there. Right there.
10 feet. Come on.
Come on. Here we go.
Right here.
I got you.
Go ahead.
Yeah.
[laughs]
Yeah.
What can I do for y'all, ladies?
Now, take a look.
Be quick now.
We're looking for
a cool present...
-Of course.
-... for a boy.
-Uh-huh.
-He likes dinosaurs...
-Rawr.
-... spaceships...
-Spaceships.
-... and slime.
And... a child's
trifecta of joy.
Hold on.
I think I got something
in there for y'all.
Let me... If I could...
I got to get up
in there with it.
One second.
-It's really in that trunk.
-Look at that.
Look at that, huh?
Look at that right there.
Limited edition.
Exclusive.
That's not even
in the States yet.
That's not even here yet.
Limited edition?
Limited!
-Huh.
-$99.99.
Come on, now.
-$99.99?
-Holiday special, yeah.
-You have a good day, sir.
-That's the hookup.
Ho, ho...
hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
Didn't mean to grab the baby.
Come on back.
One family.
One...
One family.
What you trying to spend?
Honestly, it's just
not in my price range.
Plus, I don't have
any cash, so...
Cash?
Girl, I'll take debit, credit,
Venmo, Zelle, EBT, Cash App.
I mean, what you need?
I'll even take them
earrings if you... $50.
$50. $50.
$50?
Half off.
It's fun buying things
with Bryce's daddy's phone.
He said we could use it.
Hope he doesn't mind us
using it to play Santa.
Santa's really going
to need Rudolph tonight.
Yeah, we might need
Rudolph ourselves.
No telling how long this
awful traffic will last.
You know, we should take an
Uber to the car repair place
ourselves, instead of waiting
for Rashaad to pick us up.
They can meet us there.
We trade everything back.
Pick up our car,
and then make it in time
for the bank appointment.
Who are you calling?
Rashaad, to let him
know our plan of attack.
[clears throat]
Oh. Sorry.
I... I didn't realize we'd
be finished this early.
Hardly anything to tidy up, huh?
I've already informed
my staff that they could
take the whole afternoon off.
They were delighted.
Ah.
Happy we could help.
OK.
So you know what
this means, right?
We could head north,
go pick up Nia and Imani,
and trade everything
earlier than expected.
This way, I won't be
late seeing your mom
at her lawyer's office.
And we can still take
pictures at the Christmas tree
lighting ceremony ourselves.
OK?
You've reached Nia.
Voicemail.
Rashaad Willis at your
service, or will be,
for all of your photography...
Leave a message.
For myself?
Right.
OK.
I'll call an Uber.
[tires screech]
[laughs] What's up, y'all?
Ho, ho, ho.
Did you order a rideshare?
What's wrong, Dad?
Um, nothing.
I just got a... a...
a weird feeling.
Hey, Nia.
You've reached
Rashaad Willis's line.
Can I help you?
[laughs]
Um, listen, we...
we finished a little
earlier than we expected.
-Same here.
-We're heading...
-... your way.
-... side of town.
You didn't?
-You did.
-You did.
Oh, my...
I thought it'd be
easier if Imani and I
met you on the South side.
So did Bryce and I,
and that's why
we're heading north right now.
[laughs]
Are... are you laughing at me?
I'm laughing with you.
Laughing with me?
Oh, OK.
That's perfectly fine.
Please, carry on.
You know, Rashaad, you're
much more thoughtful than...
-Than what?
-Let me guess.
What Gabrielle says?
No.
Than I imagined.
After the year Imani and I had,
I guess I just stopped
going with the flow,
much less believing in the
kindness of strangers.
Only, I'm not a stranger.
I mean, maybe not.
Um, yeah.
I'll see you in a minute.
Bye.
It'll be good to have
everything back to normal.
Right, Mama?
Going to be a relief, for sure.
No more constantly checking
in with Bryce or Rashaad.
Just you and your list.
And you, who's always
at the top of any list.
[soft music]
No more Rashaad.
Never thought that love
would come this way again
[]
Let's see.
Whoa.
Looks like they really gobbled
up all your cooking and baking.
Guess I'll take the good
reviews where I can get them.
Ooh.
[coughs]
Oh, hi.
Hey.
Hey, ladies.
You know what?
Everybody here
in the shop says this
is probably the best Christmas
party we've ever had.
You mind putting those
reviews on my Yelp page?
Not a problem.
Any word on the
new transmission?
Yeah, I got some good news,
and I got some bad news.
Of course.
Yeah.
Your car, you definitely
ain't going to get it today.
Hmm.
That's the bad news, right?
Yes, ma'am.
But the good news is that I've
been online all day trying
my best to get certified.
You know, like you suggested.
-Did I?
-Yes.
[laughs] I mean,
um, that's great.
Well, look here,
you know, these tests online,
they're actually timed.
So I'm going to have to go
on and get on back to it.
All right? But look here.
I'll give you a call later.
All right?
And I'll give you an
update on what's going on,
and when your car's
going to be ready.
-All right?
-OK.
-All right.
-Take care now.
-Thanks.
-Be in touch.
Whoever made that potato salad,
they had the anointing.
So now what, Mama?
We're going to do what
we've been doing all day.
Finding a way.
Wouldn't you say, so far,
we've done a pretty good job?
I mean, I'd say it
was pretty fantastic.
Ah!
[laughs] Oh, my gosh.
Hi.
Oh, oh.
Both: Sorry.
It's just, you know, the...
the day, excitement.
-Sorry.
-Yeah, all the feels.
You know, jingle bells
and all that stuff.
And, you know,
why not hug a stranger?
Or maybe a friend.
"Friend."
I like that.
Oh, hate to interrupt.
But your appointment
at the bank.
Appointment with the lawyers?
Um, right.
Right.
Uh, where's your bank?
Southside Tower.
Where's Gabrielle's lawyer?
Southside Tower.
Both: Perfect.
-Come on, guys.
-Let's go.
[]
I got to admit, I'm more
nervous for my bank meeting
than I was about letting
you serve the Buffalo wings
at a formal luncheon.
[laughs]
I get it.
Gabrielle's been wanting
this meeting with me for some
time now.
[sighs]
Depending on how it goes,
it could affect...
both: Everything.
If I don't secure
this loan by this evening,
I'm going to lose my home.
I won't be able to catch up
with my mortgage payments
without it.
But we got this, right?
Catered luncheons and
the mayor's Christmas card
is one thing,
but ex-wives and bank loans,
something else completely.
Christmas miracles.
Remember?
I always knew where Imani was.
Somewhere in her... her dad's
arms or up on his shoulders.
Those two,
they were inseparable.
I'm sorry about that.
The loss of your
husband, I mean.
I'm at peace with it,
believe it or not.
I mean, don't get me wrong,
I will miss him every day
for the rest of my life.
Anytime I start getting
down about it, I ask myself,
would I have rather had
not known him at all?
And that just levels
everything out for me.
Hmm.
You know, I still
love Gabrielle, too.
I think we just realized
that we're really
just better off as friends.
I mean, for Bryce's sake.
I think she forgets
that all I want
is what's best for Bryce.
And I know she does, too.
Trust me, I do.
But we haven't been able
to find common ground lately.
Not a hologram.
[laughs]
Not a hologram.
[laughs]
Nia.
Yes?
[alarm beeping]
Oh, um, my appointment.
-Likewise.
-Yes.
Hey, are you sure you don't
mind keeping an eye on them?
Hey, my son knows karate.
Hey, kids.
We'll be right back, OK?
Hey, are you OK?
How do you feel
about crazy ideas?
Based on the fact that we've
done pretty well filling
in for each other today.
[upbeat music]
[]
OK, I'm listening.
You have all my talking points?
OK, great.
Nia?
I'm here on behalf of Rashaad.
Let's hear her out.
[]
Didn't you hand me a Buffalo
wing earlier this afternoon?
Ah, can't go wrong
with wings and sauce.
Am I right?
Nia's a member of my church.
But I thought you two hadn't met
before today when
you were dropping
the kids off at the church.
We didn't.
Uh, wait.
We did. We did.
It was with our
children, who are
actively decorating the tree
in your lobby right now.
We accidentally switched phones,
and Bryce and Imani
had the same backpack,
which we confused by mistake.
All of which, weirdly
enough, led to my being
here instead of him.
OK, listen.
This meeting was very
important to Nia...
Ms. Owens.
Mrs. Owens.
So important that she
couldn't attend herself?
Rashaad's actually
been with Bryce
the entire day,
both of them working
together to cover for me.
Oh, that catering business
that I'm working on taking
full time in the new year.
Rashaad and Bryce, catering?
The Buffalo wings
were Nia's idea.
Look, she's full of surprises,
and that is what's going
to make her catering business
so special.
Well, if her
business is so special,
then why does she need
a small business loan?
Well, you got to spend
money to make money, huh?
Am I right?
OK.
OK.
Without Rashaad,
this meeting is moot.
Is it?
Rashaad's dedication
to Bryce is inspiring.
I never made that an
issue in our divorce.
My goal today was to
clarify a visitation
schedule for legal reasons.
Gabrielle, I would have
never imagined Rashaad
to be the man he is,
the father that he is,
the husband that he is.
Husband?
He loves you, Gabrielle,
and he knows that you only
want the best for your son.
Are you sure
you're not a lawyer?
I'd like to think of
myself as an advisor
and a wing deliverer.
OK. OK.
Look, the point is,
Nia Owens' catering business
is poised to take off.
I'd get your bank on board,
if I were you.
We are looking to support
more Black-owned businesses.
Ah, ah.
Black and female owned.
That's two.
You're welcome.
Owens Catering?
Is that the official name?
Maybe.
Maybe I have rushed this
formal custody agreement.
Maybe it's not as
necessary as I thought.
I should be less
formal about all this
and discuss the schedule
with my husband.
Ex-husband.
[sighs]
I'm really glad you
came today, Nia.
[]
Thanks to you,
I'm seeing Rashaad
in a whole new light.
You are?
You are.
That's great.
I'll see you tonight
at the Christmas pageant?
I wouldn't miss
it for the world.
I got to admit, Nia, you've
given me a lot to think about.
[sighs]
I might have just
saved a marriage.
[laughs]
I might have just
saved a marriage.
Why am I... what am I...
Mom, Bryce and I came up
with a cool TikTok dance
for the play tonight.
Aw, you guys.
That's amazing.
Amazing is definitely
a word I would use.
You two are a great team.
Yes, you are.
Just like you and Bryce's daddy.
I mean, she's not wrong.
I mean, I can bet
that you're going
to hear the news that you
want to hear about that loan
any time now.
And, uh, you and Gabrielle,
you know, you're going to...
What's wrong, Imani?
Wish we had a real tree
like this at home.
Oh, we'll try and find time
to get a real tree, Imani.
Wait, so things with
Gabrielle went OK, right?
Yeah, she said
she'd give you a call.
No lawyers necessary.
Might even be better news
than you were expecting.
[sighs] OK.
All right.
Well, now all we need is a good
enough response from the Mayor
with the Christmas card
that you guys sent over,
and I can get my job as
the official photographer
next year.
Yeah.
Well, I get my loan, and we
can cut to the happy ending.
Yeah.
It's like we're
practically there.
-Yeah.
-Yeah.
Um, are you sure you guys
don't need a ride back
to the repair shop?
No. You've done enough.
We'll take an Uber.
OK.
Um, yeah.
Just getting back
to our normal lives.
Mm-hmm.
You know, just two single
parents making it work.
Making it work.
[laughter]
It's not like we're not going
to see each other again, right?
Are you kidding?
I mean, we got the Christmas
pageant tonight, for starters.
Right.
The Christmas pageant.
OK, well, um, you definitely
have the right backpack, right?
We all good?
OK.
So?
So, I'll, um,
save you a seat tonight?
I would like that.
Yeah, me too.
Yeah.
I... um... yeah.
-Yeah.
-Yes.
OK.
-Tonight.
-Tonight.
Come on.
[]
[phone ringing]
-Hello?
-Hi, Nia?
-Yes?
-Yeah, this is Leroy.
Look, unfortunately,
replacing your transmission
is going to cost more than
your car is actually worth.
And I personally don't
think that it's worth it.
OK.
Wow.
Um, I was expecting that,
but one day.
Just didn't expect that
one day to be here so soon.
Yeah, I understand.
You know, I... I hate
delivering this type of intel,
but I didn't want
you to be wondering
what's going on with your car
during the Christmas holidays.
-I can appreciate that.
-Yeah.
-Thank you.
-Well, look here.
Just contact your
insurance adjuster
and have them call
the shop, and we'll
fill them in on
the details, all right?
OK, bye.
-All right.
-All right, now.
-Wait.
-Yes.
The good news.
Oh, that's nice
of you to remember.
So, uh, I passed my
online exam with a 98%.
Great.
You're talking to
somebody who is certified.
Congratulations.
-Thank you.
-Thank you so much.
You know, your
daughter was right.
Today is full of
Christmas miracles.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas to
you too, Ms. Owens.
Bye-bye.
[sighs]
Mama.
Yeah, baby?
I'm not sure I want things
to switch back to the way
they were before, I mean.
After this crazy day,
I feel even closer to you
than I ever did before.
Together forever.
Both: Through whatever.
Even though, we weren't
really together with them,
I think Bryce and his dad
were a big part of it.
Part of a miracle.
And maybe sent from Daddy.
You could be right.
[]
Well, there you are.
Where's Imani?
I just dropped
her off backstage.
Ah, great.
She's a wonderful little girl.
Yes, she is.
And I pray for both
of you all the time.
Thank you, pastor.
You know, I am aware
that this past year
has been a very trying year
for you, and your daughter.
But know that God never gives
you more than you can handle.
But we have to stay open,
prepared, ready
to receive all the
wonderful blessings
that He will put in our lives.
Even when we least expect it.
Nia.
-Gabrielle, hi.
-Hi.
Long time no see.
I know, right?
Rashaad and Bryce
are already here.
He mentioned the four of you had
the craziest adventure today.
Adventure?
-Yeah.
-Yeah.
I... I guess that's
what you'd call it.
-I think so.
-[laughter]
So, did you and Rashaad
work everything out?
Yeah.
I wanted him to know
what I told my lawyer
about his and my future.
Your future together.
Together?
[laughs]
What, me and Rashaad?
[laughs]
Oh, Nia.
Look, don't get me wrong.
I love Rashaad.
He's an awesome dad.
And I sort of forgot that
until you reminded
me this afternoon.
Look, he and I will always
parent together, but that's it.
We're definitely
better as friends.
Anyway, I just wanted to thank
you again for everything.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
-You have fun.
-I'll see you around.
Yes, you will.
[laughter]
Hey.
Excuse me. Excuse me.
Hi.
Hey.
Thanks for saving me a spot.
Of course.
Welcome, everybody,
to this glorious evening,
our evening before Christmas.
I am not going to talk long.
I am going to give it
over to our children.
So let's give a wonderful
round of applause,
warm welcome for the children.
[applause]
O holy night
The stars are
brightly shining
It is the night
Of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world
In sin and error pining
Till He appeared
Jingle bells,
jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh
Hey, jingle bells,
jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh
[applause]
Let's go, Bryce!
Yeah, Imani!
You know, Imani was amazing.
And I see where Bryce
gets his charisma from.
-[laughs]
-Wow.
-Thank you.
-Mm-hmm.
[soft music]
[]
Not a hologram.
Not a hologram.
So here we are,
finally the same place
and the same time.
I got to admit,
it's more fun in person
than it is on the phone.
-Yeah.
-Yeah.
But it was fun
covering for you today.
Yeah.
I actually got
a chance to feel what it
actually means to be driven.
And to make a lot of lists.
You have a lot of
pop-ups on your phone,
like pop-up reminders.
Mm-hmm.
[laughter]
But I liked it.
Believe it or not,
it was refreshing
having a reminder-free day.
-Really?
-Yeah.
Hmm.
We wish you a
merry Christmas
We wish you a
merry Christmas
Ah, I'm sorry. I got
to take this real fast.
-OK?
-Yeah.
I have a voicemail.
Ms. Owens, so sorry to call
so late on the day before
Christmas, but after seeing all
of the positive reviews online
about your catering business...
most of them from
the people who work
at that car repair
place off of Main Street...
well, those reviews
put you over the top
of my lender's board.
And I just received word,
you're approved.
Merry Christmas, to your
business partner, too.
[]
Hey, business partner.
-You got the loan?
-Mm-hmm.
[laughs]
What?
Girl, yeah.
I know.
OK.
Your grandma might be
right about the falling
in love thing.
Told you so.
I couldn't have
done it without you.
Aw, stop it.
No, I'm serious.
You've... you've been
my perfect storm today.
From this morning, not
knowing if Imani and I were
going to be evicted
to now an approved
loan, and a new friend.
"Friend."
I like that.
So, friend,
that was just the mayor.
He just approved the
digital Christmas card
and said he has a lot
of projects coming
for me in the upcoming year.
-Rashaad...
-[laughter]
Really?
That's amazing.
Yeah.
He also said I should
keep you on my team.
Excuse me.
Aren't you forgetting
something, Dad?
The parking lot.
Yes.
Yes.
So what are you and Bryce up to?
Oh, nothing that your
phone didn't tell us to do.
A tree?
Really?
Yeah, I mean, every house
deserves a real
Christmas tree, right?
And why is there
a ribbon on that car?
Oh, I mean, it is
under your tree, right?
[beeping]
[laughs] Wait.
You... you got us a car?
[laughs]
Well, technically, Bryce got
you the car by entering you guys
into a car raffle about 100...
No, 200.
200 times.
Yeah.
We can't accept this.
Yes, we can.
Ah.
Imani's right.
I mean, it's actually rude
to give back Christmas gifts.
Rashaad, it... it...
[laughs]
We got something for Bryce, too.
Well, I hope it's
not a car, because then
this would be awkward.
This is for me?
Cool.
-So?
-So?
We have old own lives back.
Yeah, we do, don't we?
You know, now that we know
what life is like separate,
imagine what life
could be like together.
[]
Faithful friends
who are dear to us
Better together.
Gather near to us
Once more
Through the years
We all will be together
-[laughs]
-Oh, OK.
You two.
[laughs]
Hang a shining star
Upon the highest bough
[]
And have yourself
A merry little Christmas
[]
Now
[]
Merry Christmas, everybody.
["Joy to the World" playing]
[]
Joy to the world,
the Lord is come
Let earth receive her king
Let every heart
prepare Him room
And heaven
and nature sing
And heaven
and nature sing
And heaven, and heaven,
and nature sing
Oh, whoa
[]
Oh, whoa
[]
Joy to the world
the savior reigns
Let men their songs employ
While fields and floods,
rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat
the sounding joy
[]
They're trying
to tell me
Tell me that I'm
good without you
Just stay with the things
That make you feel good
But I
I don't see it saving me
Put it on a shelf
It's clear to see
That I can see
right through it
Looking so translucent
Being all elusive
That's right
All I want
for Christmas is you
Ain't nobody else
Going to love me like you
Not entertaining thoughts
of the mysteries
Or the fairy tales
All I want for
Christmas is you
Yeah
Why
Oh, why, why, why, why
I try, try, try, try
To hide, hide
Behind the lies
[school bell ringing]
Excuse me.
You can't stop there.
I'm sorry.
I'm just picking up my son.
I'll just be one minute.
OK, well, my daughter
is getting in my car
right now, so if
you could just...
Hey, Bryce.
Look at these new backpacks
they gave out, Mama.
-In a minute, honey.
-Get in the car.
I'm asking a favor of a...
Mister, let me guess, Scrooge?
-Grinch, actually.
-Mr. Grinch.
How you doing, man?
Is this a new book bag?
Oh, from the pageant.
Most of the kids got one.
OK.
We'll talk about it in a second.
See?
How bad was that?
Except it's the day
before Christmas,
and every second counts.
Trust me, I'm a photographer.
I understand.
This is the busiest time
of the year for me.
Well, wouldn't you
want to be on your way?
Not before I properly
introduce myself.
Hi, I'm Rashaad.
Nia.
Let's go, hon.
Crazy.
That's Bryce's dad.
They only see each
other weekends
and every other holiday.
That must be a
little sad for Bryce.
Wish we could still
see your dad, don't we?
They have Christmas
in heaven, right?
I'm pretty sure it's the
biggest celebration around.
Don't worry.
He wouldn't miss
your Christmas pageant
for anything in the world.
Yeah?
He'll be watching,
this time from heaven.
Together forever...
...through whatever.
Next level backpack
you got there.
Most kids in the pageant
got one, except the ones
playing major animals.
They got water bottles.
Hm, lucky you.
[car horn honking]
OK, OK.
[sighs]
[bright music]
[]
Mama, what's that?
Oh, it's just some mail.
Nothing to worry about.
Come on.
We got a lot of work to do.
Christmastime is here
I've been waiting
a long time for it
It's that time of year
Hold on a sec.
Did you mean to hand
me purple frosting?
Helping you make
a good impression.
You said if your catering
is a hit tomorrow,
you'll get contracts
for the whole year.
And you're convinced
that purple candy canes
will be a hit?
Sometimes the unexpected
is just more fun.
After the year we've had, I can
use a little less unexpected.
But if you're convinced
that purple-striped
candy canes will be a hit...
[laughs]
Don't you think you've
had enough sugar
and tablet for the evening?
Those broken cookies weren't
going to eat themselves.
Mm-hmm.
At some point, you're
going to have to start
sleeping in your own bed.
And I promise I'll let you
know when that some point is.
I'm not going to
be up all night.
Are you?
I need as much
sleep as I can get.
I have to wake up
early in the morning
to drop you off at the
church for your field trip.
Plus, I've got a Christmas Eve
to-do list as long as Santa's...
well, as long as
his list, anyway.
A couple more things
to do before bed,
and then it's lights out.
Sugar plum fairies?
Mm, a reindeer or two,
at the very least.
Yeah?
Good night, cupcake.
Night, Mama.
[soft music]
[]
[sighs]
[]
It's been a tough year
without you, babe.
Imani's been an angel.
She's so smart
and kind.
She reminds me of you so much.
I'm making your
favorite dessert.
Chocolate mousse.
I... I keep
forgetting to defrost
the chocolate mousse cups.
[bright music]
[]
[alarm beeping]
Phew.
Just enough time
to thaw them out.
[gasps]
No, no, no, no.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Please.
Please.
Please still work.
Please still work.
[sighs]
To all, good night.
Mama.
Mama.
Mom.
Why aren't you in
your pajamas, baby?
It's morning.
Didn't you go to bed?
[gasps] I only laid
down for a second.
Oh, God.
We're lucky it's the
day before Christmas.
If Santa came last night, he
might have saw you this close
to the tree and skipped us.
OK, I... we will get
a Christmas tree...
a real Christmas tree
later, if there's time.
I promise. OK.
Cookies are frosted.
Chocolate mousse
cups are thawed.
Fried okra succotash.
Red beans and rice are mixed.
More fried okra succotash.
Mom.
What?
Aren't you going
to change first?
-Oh.
-Oh, my God.
Five minutes. Five minutes.
[]
Mom!
Way past five minutes.
Where did I put my gloves?
Probably not all going to fit.
I'm going to need another bag.
You need this
way more than I do.
Are you sure you don't mind?
My stuff fits
in my coat pockets.
OK.
Probably going to impress a lot
of people with this backpack.
Happy to help.
OK, let's grab the food and go.
Yeah?
OK, honey. Here we go.
Parked.
Keys out.
Come on.
-You got it?
-Mm-hmm.
Let's go.
Where are the other
moms and dads?
Maybe we're early.
Yeah?
-What I was saying was...
-Pastor Bob.
Where is everyone?
Well, everybody just
left for Christmas Village
over an hour ago.
I was just explaining
the same to this young man.
No, no, no.
Don't you mean, ho, ho, ho?
I'm sorry.
Just a little Christmas humor.
I got it.
Oh, no, I'm not going
to Christmas Village?
We're not sure
about that just yet.
Pastor, I thought the
permission slip said 9:00.
9:00 is when
Santa Land opens.
The pickup was for 8:00.
Plus, everybody has
to be back early
in time for tonight's pageant.
Mama.
It's OK, baby.
Is there a second bus for the
kids who are a little late?
Yeah.
No.
Look, you can drive
them there yourselves.
It's only about 90 miles west.
90 miles?
Jinx.
I have a full day ahead,
appointments that I can't miss.
You're not the only
one with a full day
on Christmas Eve, OK?
I assure you, mine is
important work-related stuff.
As is mine.
You don't say?
I just did say.
[clears throat]
Look, either you
drive the kids there
yourselves, or just
bring them back
early for tonight's pageant, OK?
OK.
No problem.
We have a problem.
You lied at church?
Let's go with fibbed.
On Christmas Eve.
I'm sure the reverend
will forgive you.
[laughs dryly]
Who are you calling?
The babysitter, but her phone's
going straight to voicemail.
OK.
Nice backpack.
OK, before you
even start joking,
Bryce insisted that I put all
of my stuff in this bag today.
OK?
That's funny.
Imani did, too.
You hate that backpack too, huh?
I wouldn't be
caught dead in that.
Well, have a good day.
Oh, we're keeping
it formal, huh?
"Have a good day" is formal?
It is where I'm from.
-[laughs]
-And what hood is that?
-Hood?
-Wow.
So that's what we're
doing today, huh?
What hood am I from?
Like, I'm just
some type of hood...
do you even know where I'm from?
You're holding up
my time. I don't know.
-It's your swagger...
-That's hood?
-That's hood to you?
-It's everything.
-I mean, gosh.
-What?
You feel like you
went to a good school
so you could get away
with all of this?
-A great school actually.
-Wow.
My grandma says when this
happens in her favorite movie,
it means people are
falling in love.
Ew. No way!
Let's go, honey.
I've got a busy day ahead,
and I can't afford
for anything else to go wrong.
Ah.
It doesn't really look like
you're going much of anywhere.
[gasps]
No, no, no.
Yeah.
I wouldn't drive on
that if I were you.
All right. OK.
OK. I'm joking.
I'm joking.
Hey, you got a spare?
It's in the trunk.
All right.
Or was in the trunk.
I took it out to put
the food in there.
I'm a caterer, or would
be full time, or...
-OK.
-... am going to be if...
-OK, OK.
-Please relax.
Do not blow a gasket.
OK?
I'll call a tow truck.
They can fix these
things really quickly.
Without a tire?
Yeah, I know a guy from my hood.
No, seriously.
I'll call them,
they'll bring a tire over.
You'll see.
Not a problem.
Hello.
It's really in there.
We got a problem.
So the tire is not the problem.
It's the rim.
It's corroded.
Any tire I put on that,
it's going to puncture it.
But...
Now see, I can tow it
down to the shop and get
another wheel and,
you know what,
I'll call you when it's ready.
Do you have a replacement
wheel at the shop?
Well, I need to
find a wheel that'll
fit this suspension,
because, no offense,
but your car is a little old.
I mean, I think I
saw Dr. King drive
one of these in a documentary.
Well, I've been
meaning to get a new one.
It's just been one
of those decades.
Hey, why don't Bryce and
I give you guys a lift?
I mean, if we leave
now, I can get
you guys where you're
going, and I can still
make my first gig on time.
Sounds good to me.
You'll call me when
the car is ready?
I need it
for the rest of the day.
Yes.
As soon as I replace the wheel.
And driving us won't take
you too far out of your way?
I mean, it can't
be that far, right?
[sighs]
[sighs]
So you never mentioned
that you needed to go
to the north side of town.
This holiday traffic is going
be like this all day, man.
Trust me.
I don't want to
be stuck with you
any more than you want
to be stuck with me.
Did I say stuck?
I didn't say stuck.
This is just great, isn't it?
[]
-[sighs]
-What now?
I mean, I'm sorry.
What's wrong?
I need to check my to-do
list, but the passcode
on my phone isn't working.
My mama's got lots
of to-do lists.
My mom said that
my dad doesn't have
enough to-do lists.
Um, I think that's
because you have my phone.
My bad. Sorry.
That's better.
OK, Ladies Auxiliary Christmas
Eve breakfast, check.
Holiday luncheon, good to go.
Let's see.
Pick up real Christmas tree,
bank meeting, all on track.
Then the holiday pageant.
We both have
a very busy day today.
Next year's business is all
riding on how well I do today.
Isn't December 24 a little
late for Christmas photos?
Not in the digital age.
And not if you're the mayor.
Mayor?
Impressive.
[laughs] I'm hoping
that he thinks I am.
He said that if I can capture
the spirit of Christmas
in a shot, then I can count
on a lot of work from the city
next year, so...
Sounds like the lady
from the bank who hired
me for her holiday luncheon.
If I can impress her
and her bougie friends,
she'll help me get a
small business loan.
OK. I mean, I get it.
You know,
impress a couple people.
Hopefully, turns
into new business.
Or at least, just a
new direction for...
both: The new year.
[laughter]
Hey, what's so funny, y'all?
-Nothing.
-Nothing.
OK.
So the Northside Ladies
Auxiliary Christmas Eve brunch.
With minutes to spare.
Three to be exact,
but I'll take them.
Let's go, Imani.
Hey, I'll be
at the pageant later.
I'm bringing
chocolate mousse cups.
-Chocolate mousse cups?
-Mm-hmm.
OK.
Mom, we don't want to be late.
Right.
Good luck with everything.
Thank you.
Hey, day before Christmas,
as far as I'm concerned,
is already starting
on a high note.
Missed field trip, flat tire?
We'll agree to disagree.
Except for you and Bryce.
Thank you.
Really.
Of course.
Dad, you're going to be
late for the mayor's shoot.
-Remember?
-Right.
Southbound traffic
was clear, man.
We'll get there.
No problem.
Watch.
Bryce's dad seems really nice.
I guess so.
I just hope the
ladies like my...
No, no, no, no, no, no.
No, no, no, no,
no, no. Wait!
-Bryce!
-Wait!
Rashaad, wait!
Guys, please wait.
Bryce.
No, no, no, no.
What's wrong?
The food for the Ladies
Auxiliary Christmas Eve
breakfast, and every catering
job we have for today,
is in the back of our car,
which is at...
...the car repair place.
Um, we can figure this out.
You're right.
I'll call the tow truck guy and
see if he can drop the food off
on the opposite side of town.
Worth a try, right?
Everyone knows
Santa is watching.
I like how you think.
What's wrong?
My passcode's not working.
My passcode's not working.
I grabbed the wrong phone!
What now, Mama?
It's OK, baby.
I got a plan.
Just come on.
Ugh.
OK.
Let's see what's going on.
Can we use Bryce's dad's
phone to call him on our phone?
Without the passcode, I
can't even get into his phone.
How many ladies are here
for Christmas Eve breakfast?
About 10, 15.
This would be a good time
for that Christmas miracle.
Yeah.
We wish you
a merry Christmas
Rashaad's ringtone.
-Answer.
-OK.
Hello?
That's it?
Just hello?
What were you expecting?
You've reached
Rashaad Willis' line.
Can I help you?
Let's put a pin in that.
How did you figure
out the passcode
to make a call from my phone?
Well, after a few
failed attempts,
my son Bryce told me
to try Imani's birthday.
Mm-hmm.
What would you do without
that little genius of yours?
Tell me about it.
And guess what?
My passcode is Bryce's birthday.
Perfect.
Now, we could just
trade back phones,
and everything
will be good to go.
Except I am in a standstill
on the freeway right now,
so I think it's best to plan
to switch everything back
after our first appointments.
If I even make it to
my first appointment.
I don't know how long
my first appointment
is going to last because
I'm going to get fired.
My catering supplies are
in the back of my trunk.
[laughs] Wow.
Don't tell me that
you find this amusing.
Um, it's not right now,
but I bet that we'll laugh
about this in the future.
I'm not going to
have a career or a home
if I can't figure this out.
Home? What do you mean?
Disregard that statement.
I didn't mean to say home.
Anyway, I have your passcode.
Let me call
the tow truck driver.
Right.
-Talk to you later.
-I'll talk to you later.
[phone ringing]
Y'ello.
You blow them, we tow them.
Can I help you?
Hello, this is Nia Owens.
You towed my car from the South
Franklin Church parking lot
-this morning.
-Oh, yeah, yeah.
-How's it going?
-Fine, thanks.
Well, not fine.
I need something out
of the trunk of my car.
Out of the trunk of your car?
Yeah. Is that a problem?
I can't really reach it
right now because it's up
on the lift, and I
ain't authorized
to touch any of that equipment
until I get certified.
And when might that be?
You know, I don't really
know because, you know,
I've been putting
it off and putting
off that online certification
test for a while now.
I'm talking about my car.
Isn't there someone
who can help me?
Well, you know what?
I tell you, I'll get
one of the mechanics.
Look, can they... can they
reach you back at this number?
I guess so.
But please hurry.
OK, well, look,
now you may have should
have thought about... hello?
[line trilling]
Hel...
Everything OK?
Not really, honey, but...
Oh, there you are.
Are you the caterer I
spoke to on the phone?
Nia Owens.
-And this is Imani, my daughter.
-Mm-hmm.
Mother-daughter caterers.
Nice touch.
Where's the food?
The food... um, the...
um.
[laughs] Of course, the food.
It's on the way.
My assistant is
bringing it by shortly.
Great. Thank you.
-What?
-Shh.
[sighs]
[alarm beeping]
This is ridiculous, man.
What do you mean, Dad?
I'm just saying, if your
friend Imani's mom was just...
[alarm beeping]
A little more relaxed, none
of this would have happened.
Like look, look,
look, look, look.
Like, how many pop up
notifications does a person
need to get through a day?
I hope she gets her
food from her car.
You know what,
I do, too, man.
You know what, I got an idea.
Come on.
Hmm.
OK.
Mom, are we hiding?
Of course not.
We aren't hiding.
We are just laying low until I
figure out this food situation.
OK.
[phone buzzes]
If you ask me, Rashaad's dad
is a little too relaxed.
Organization is hardly
his middle name.
[clears throat]
[mockingly]
I'm so cool, heh-heh!
I'm Rashaad.
I'm a photographer.
I got a son, heh-heh!
I double park wherever
I want to because it
doesn't matter who's there.
It's just... it's all about me.
It's my world.
It's Rashaad.
What?
I think it's snack time.
OK.
Yeah.
Let's not do this.
OK.
Oh, no.
What?
Um,
Mom.
[gasps]
What?
What do you mean you
took the wrong bag?
OK. OK.
All right.
I'll call you back.
[car horns honking]
She took the wrong bag.
Like, first she took
the wrong phone,
then she took the wrong bag.
Like, who does that?
What is wrong with her?
Why would somebody even do...
Breathe, Dad.
[exhales slowly]
You know what, it's all good.
Who needs a camera, right?
I'll just tell the mayor
that I'll be photographing
his family with my phone.
You mean Imani's mom's phone.
Please tell me there's something
of interest in that book bag.
Let's see.
There's leftovers.
They expire 12-31.
She puts expiration
dates on the leftovers?
-Ooh.
-Broken Christmas cookies.
Mmm, these are really good.
Oh.
These aren't from the store,
are they?
I mean, the ingredients
are from a store,
but it's like she actually
just magically whipped
these things into the
best tasting cookie
I've ever had in my life.
No wonder she's a caterer.
Hey, I told you you we're going
to have a gourmet breakfast.
You're having a gourmet
breakfast from a caterer.
Ha.
Your mother said that I
need to plan more, right?
Is this is a bad time
to say that I'm hungry?
We wish you a
merry Christmas
It might be good news.
OK.
Hello.
Hello. Who's...
[in British accent] You've
reached Rashaad Willis's line.
Can I help you?
This is Myra, the mayor's wife.
We need to switch this morning's
photo session from City Hall
to our home on the north side.
I'll text the address.
Photo shoots?
Your home on the north side.
Got it. I'll let
Rashaad know.
11:00 a.m. sharp.
The mayor has a very busy day.
Rashaad will
see you at 11:00.
Merry Christmas.
Pretty good, Mom.
You make a good receptionist.
Seeing as how today
is going, that job
is probably in my near future.
OK.
Your call has been forwarded
to an automatic
voice message system.
I got voicemail.
Leave a message.
For who?
It's our voicemail.
This is getting
really confusing.
Yeah.
I guess it's time we go
back into the dining hall
and give them the bad news.
What the...
A Christmas miracle.
There's even paper
plates and napkins.
I don't understand.
He must have had them delivered.
I can't believe he...
oh, quick, help
me get them ready.
OK, it's not very Christmassy.
Not normally a fan
of traditional green
and red, but...
How did you...
why did you...
I hid them in my
coat pocket last night.
So you wouldn't change
the purple candy
canes after I went to bed.
You're a life saver.
[laughter]
Let's hope that the ladies
auxiliary don't mind going
a little old-school with...
Donuts?
My favorite.
You know, this is the
perfect time of year,
since I am not worrying
about my diet until January.
[laughs]
Oh, this looks so good.
We wish you a
merry Christmas
Do you mind if I take this call?
Of course not, dear.
Everything's perfect.
Hold down the fort, Imani.
Just one.
Yeah.
Thanks, uh-huh.
A merry Christmas, we wish
you a merry Christmas
Hello?
So now you're Santa Claus.
Ho, ho, ho.
I can't believe
what you did for me.
Thank you.
Hey, man,
I'm just happy to help.
Oh, before I forget, you got
a call from the mayor's wife.
They're switching the
photo session to their home
instead of City Hall.
Wait, what?
That's all the way
on your side of town.
Is there any way
you can turn around?
Turn around?
I didn't even get
to where I was going.
I had to get off the
highway because traffic
was at a standstill.
Ain't no telling
how long we're going
to be in this Christ-mess.
Huh?
You heard... you heard
the joke, right?
Christ-mess?
Yeah.
Funny.
She doesn't get
my sense of humor.
What sense of humor?
Wow.
Look, Rashaad,
I'm really grateful.
If there's anything that
you ever need from me...
Actually, it's funny
that you mention that.
Where are we going?
There's something that
we have to do for Rashaad.
-What?
-I'll explain in the Uber.
Let's go.
I'm here.
You sure you don't mind that
I used your digital wallet
for the Uber?
Obviously, I'll pay you
back anything I spend.
How else were you
going to get there?
Now, serious thing.
Are you good with the plan?
Tell the Mayor I work with you.
Use the 50-millimeter lens.
Take as many shots as
they'll let me take.
OK, and what is
the number one rule?
Take the lens cap off.
Please, take the lens cap off.
Yes, yes.
Um, Dad.
What's up, B?
I need to use the bathroom.
Oh, oh.
Uh, um, uh, can we... can we
talk after the photo shoot?
Talk soon.
Better together.
What was that?
Good luck finding the bathroom.
That was an accident.
Better together
is what we always
used to say to Daddy before...
before...
Baby, I... I miss
Daddy a lot, too.
But wouldn't Daddy want
you to continue living life,
and continue
building new relationships?
That's not one of your
Christmas wishes, is it?
Maybe I need a
new wish, because I
already got my first one...
spending more time with you.
Come on, let's go.
OK?
What do you mean,
the original photographer
isn't available?
I've been working
with Rashaad for years,
and I can assure you...
I thought you
were a photographer.
She's also a caterer.
Yes. Yes, I am.
You know, you'll never know when
you need a tube of green
frosting for filtration.
This camera, this is the
real star of our operation.
It's backwards.
Oh.
Because that's what makes
our photography different.
Taking the photo
from the inside out.
There's no lens.
There will be, I think.
Oh.
You don't look like a Rashaad.
Well, I'm Nia.
Rashaad and I work together.
[whispering] Today.
OK.
Just give us a few minutes.
-We'll be right with you.
-Yes.
We need to present
a united front,
especially with the
upcoming campaign.
A united front?
-Mm-hmm.
-Like always.
Kids, let's go.
We're about to take
the family photo.
We need to pull it together.
At least for the shoot.
You mean for your image?
For us.
For the kids, too.
Baby, let's do this.
Kids, let's go.
I know you can
hear me, big head.
No, I can't.
You just answered me, dummy.
For the last time, I don't want
to do a TikTok video with you.
Why not?
Whenever we do one,
it ends the same way.
You do some weird dance,
and then you go crying to Mom
because I call it stupid.
Just admit it.
You're bad at dancing.
I can't dance?
What about you?
You call this dancing?
You look like you're
having a seizure.
At least I don't
fail all my classes.
You're so dumb, you stand
on a chair to raise your IQ.
You're so dumb, you thought
a quarterback is a refund.
Yo mama.
Hey.
Oh, uh-huh.
-Not this...
-Sorry, Mom.
OK, yes.
Do y'all see we have company?
-Hi.
-Hi.
OK, now, she's here
to take our family photo.
I hope you have insurance,
'cause her face
is going to break the camera.
You wish.
The camera loves me.
I'm sorry.
No, It's fine.
You know, you two
remind me of how
my husband and I used to be.
I'd do anything to just have
another moment with him.
I realize now that everything
is just so small and trivial.
I'm sorry.
Are you two going
through a divorce?
No, no.
My husband died last year.
Seeing you with
Mayor Sam, it just
makes me miss him even more.
You know, he wasn't
perfect, but he
completed both me and Imani.
Cherish the moments, Myra.
Yeah.
Thank you.
Yeah.
OK, let's take this photo, kids.
Mayor. All right.
You good? You ready?
-Mm-hmm.
-OK.
Excuse me.
Yes?
Um, don't you want to
take the lens cap off?
Um, sure do.
Um, you know, I was just
checking the exposure.
I'm not used to seeing
such a beautiful family.
[jazz music]
[]
You know, that is
true, technically.
[laughs]
Baby girl, don't you
want to sing a Christmas
song for Ms. Nia and Imani?
Sure.
Silent night
Holy night
All is calm
And all is bright
Did you see the
way they did that?
Almost embarrassing
us like that.
Right. Right.
Boy, you guys are funny.
Nia, great job.
So we'll expect that
card in an hour?
Yes, I will get Rashaad
on that immediately.
[soft music]
Nia, thank you so much.
You know, you've made this
more enjoyable than any
of our photo shoots.
And you really are
skilled at what you do.
And do you really cater?
She specializes in donut
Christmas wreaths and candy
canes with purple stripes.
Well, does she now?
OK.
Well, as you can imagine, I do
quite a bit of entertaining.
Can I get a card?
Yes.
[]
We have your number.
We can text you the information.
Well, quite the
assistant you have.
-Yeah.
-Right.
Come on, sweetie.
We got to get the
photos to Rashaad.
-Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas.
-Thank you.
[]
We wish you a
merry Christmas
-Rashaad.
-Hey, Nia.
How was the shoot?
The photo shoot went great.
And the mayor loves you.
Oh, nice.
I knew you could do it.
Thank you so much.
Are you calling to
tell me the holiday
luncheon starts in an hour?
I'm actually calling
you to tell you
that I found some
back roads and got
to the repair shop early.
Good.
Your food is out of the
car, but, um, the driver
wants to talk to you.
OK.
Hey.
Yeah, we got a situation
with your car.
It's not that the rear
wheel is the only thing
that needs to be replaced,
it's the whole transmission.
Now, that's not going to be
cheap to repair, or to replace.
So, uh, you're definitely not
going to get your car back
for a little while, all right?
So merry Christmas.
Nia, I'm... I'm sorry.
I...
Can you at least
get the food for me?
Well, about that food.
Um...
Somehow the mechanics
thought that your food
was for their Christmas party.
What?
If I don't figure out
this luncheon, I'm ruined.
And it's way too early in my
business plan to be ruined.
Unless...
Unless?
I cater the luncheon for you.
But you have to go to one
of those shipping places
with a computer,
retouch, edit, and send
the best photo to the mayor
for his Christmas card.
You trust me to do that?
Do you trust me to
cater your luncheon?
So far, so good, I guess.
Right?
Yeah, I guess.
Um, look, the mayor's email
address is in my contacts.
The luncheon details are
on the list app on my phone.
List app. OK.
OK, got it. Talk to you later.
-Peace.
-Bye... wait, wait.
Hello? What's up?
If the mechanics
ate all my food,
what are you going to
serve at the luncheon?
Bryce and I'll figure it out.
All right?
Bye.
You feed this boy?
Rideshare's here.
Let's go.
[upbeat music]
All right.
OK, I think this is where
she gets her supplies.
Wouldn't fast food be easier?
Actually, you may be right.
Come on.
Go.
I thought the camera
had automatic focus.
Did you select
the automatic focus option
before taking the pictures?
How'd you get so smart?
Take after my dad.
And my mom.
Better together.
Through whatever.
There's got to be one picture
we can send to the mayor.
We wish you a
merry Christmas
Just in the Saint Nick of time.
Any way we can make a photo we
took look a little less blurry?
Excuse me?
You've reached
Rashaad Willis' line.
Can I help you?
Who's this?
This is Nia.
Nia who?
Nia Owens.
Nia?
This is Gabrielle Woodbury.
We go to the same church.
Gabrielle.
Merry Christmas.
Merry... mind if I ask
why you're answering
my ex-husband's phone?
Ex-husband?
Yes. Ex.
I didn't think you
two had ever met.
We didn't.
I mean, we did.
I don't know.
[sighs]
Girl, it's been
one of those days.
I'm not even sure if
Rashaad realizes that you
and I go to the same church.
One of the symptoms of divorce.
Rashaad is definitely
on a need-to-know basis.
We accidentally mixed up
phones when we were dropping
off the kids, and now we've
got each other's phones
and cameras and
catering supplies.
It's a whole thing.
Oh, really?
I have my daughter with me.
She's been great.
And Rashaad and Bryce
have been amazing.
I'm sorry.
I think we have
a bad connection.
Did you say Rashaad's
been amazing?
I don't think I'd
be getting through
this mix up without him.
OK, well...
Do you want to call my number?
Aren't I talking to you now?
To reach Rashaad.
We haven't been able
to trade back phones.
Would you mind giving
Rashaad a message for me?
Sure.
Tell him not to be
late to the meeting
at the lawyer's office
that he insisted
on having on Christmas Eve.
Oh, OK.
Thanks, Nia.
No...
problem.
[soft music]
[]
I found a picture
that isn't blurry.
Which one?
That's fantastic.
No. No, no.
What?
This is really fun.
I don't think the
residents of our city
are going to want to see
the Mayor being this silly.
Didn't they say they
wanted the picture
to show Christmas spirit?
I don't know, Dad.
What?
She said she trusted
me to get the food.
You got the same stuff you
get when you have friends
over to watch football.
OK, OK.
Who doesn't like Buffalo wings,
French fries, and potato salad?
OK. Watch.
Watch.
Buffalo wings?
You sound surprised.
Gabrielle sounded
surprised, too.
Gabrielle?
She called you to remind
you of your appointment
this afternoon.
Right, um, and that
is an important one.
Thankfully, we would have
traded lives by then.
After we finish the Mayor's
digital Christmas card,
and after you help out
with the luncheon, right?
Absolutely.
Then we can trade phones,
trade backpacks,
wish each other well.
And then to all a good night...
or a good afternoon, anyway.
And return to our
regularly scheduled lives.
Yep.
Everything back to normal.
Just me and Imani.
Just you and Bryce.
Right.
Right.
Um, was there another
reason that you called?
To tell you about Gabrielle.
Right. Right.
And to suggest that you
serve something other
than Buffalo wings
at a formal luncheon.
Uh, uh, uh.
Buffalo wings taste just
as good as short ribs.
Except they don't.
Clearly, you've never
had good Buffalo wings.
You know, do what
you feel is best.
But just a reminder
that my entire future
is riding on this.
As is mine with this
digital Christmas card.
How's that going, by the way?
It's likely to be one
of the most original cards
they've ever sent out.
Really? OK.
Well, you know where
to send it, right?
I've been getting pretty
familiar with your phone,
Mr. Candy Crush.
OK, OK, OK. Please.
That is only on my
phone for Bryce.
And myself.
[phone buzzing]
Hold on.
Your phone is the boss
of me. I got to go.
Bye.
Rashaad and Bryce
will be picking
us up after the luncheon, but we
still have a couple
of hours till then.
What should we
do in the meantime?
[phone dings]
Rashaad?
Not a call.
A reminder.
I think I know a way we can
help Rashaad out while we wait.
How do you feel about
being a Christmas elf?
100% yes.
Are you tempted to call and
see how the luncheon is going?
To quote my favorite
person, "100% yes."
Let's just assume
that if Rashaad
doesn't call me that
everything is going great.
Right?
100%...
both: Yes.
[laughter]
Let's see.
[upbeat music]
[]
Hi.
Hi. May I help you?
Yes, we're here
for the caterers.
We are the caterers.
Um, you don't sound the way
that you did on the phone.
Oh, you must have spoke to Nia.
Yeah.
You're referring
to Ms. Owens?
Yes. Yes.
You can go ahead and arrange
everything on the buffet table.
Thank you.
OK, let's do it.
-OK.
-I have a question.
Shoot.
What silverware
shall I make ready?
The salad fork?
The dinner fork?
The butter knife?
The cutting knife?
The dessert spoon?
And the coffee spoon?
-None of the above.
-We got it covered.
Yeah.
Take those, hit each table.
Wet naps?
Uh, yeah.
We thought that, you know,
a Christmas luncheon
would be a little fun
with finger foods.
Sounds amazing.
All right. Hey.
Hit that table first,
then that one.
All right? Go.
It is going down, baby.
[]
So you take the wing like
this, you dip it in the sauce,
then you eat it.
I'm aware of how to eat
a chicken wing, young man.
Well, we know that you guys
have a lot of formal dinners
coming up over
the next few days,
so we just wanted to make sure
that you guys had something
light, something fun, some...
some finger foods.
Please, try it.
Yes.
[]
Mm.
It's like heaven on Earth.
[laughter]
Mm-hmm.
Please, ladies, dig in.
Uh-huh.
Thank you.
Dad, look.
Can we enter
for Imani and her mom?
Wait.
So... so you're saying
that if we win a car,
you want to give it
to somebody else?
Yeah, someone who
needs it more than us.
I've got a method.
We could fill out more
than one entry card.
Bryce, that's cheating.
[clears throat]
Go ahead.
Go win us that car.
Go. Go, go.
Would you like some?
-No, thank you.
-OK.
[]
Ah, perfect.
Hey, merry Christmas, ladies!
Doing some last
minute shopping, I see.
Hey, listen, all the
popular good toys, sold out.
Gone.
Yeah, but if you need something,
my car is right there.
I got you. 50% off.
50% off.
-Is that right?
-Yeah.
Right there. Right there.
10 feet. Come on.
Come on. Here we go.
Right here.
I got you.
Go ahead.
Yeah.
[laughs]
Yeah.
What can I do for y'all, ladies?
Now, take a look.
Be quick now.
We're looking for
a cool present...
-Of course.
-... for a boy.
-Uh-huh.
-He likes dinosaurs...
-Rawr.
-... spaceships...
-Spaceships.
-... and slime.
And... a child's
trifecta of joy.
Hold on.
I think I got something
in there for y'all.
Let me... If I could...
I got to get up
in there with it.
One second.
-It's really in that trunk.
-Look at that.
Look at that, huh?
Look at that right there.
Limited edition.
Exclusive.
That's not even
in the States yet.
That's not even here yet.
Limited edition?
Limited!
-Huh.
-$99.99.
Come on, now.
-$99.99?
-Holiday special, yeah.
-You have a good day, sir.
-That's the hookup.
Ho, ho...
hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
Didn't mean to grab the baby.
Come on back.
One family.
One...
One family.
What you trying to spend?
Honestly, it's just
not in my price range.
Plus, I don't have
any cash, so...
Cash?
Girl, I'll take debit, credit,
Venmo, Zelle, EBT, Cash App.
I mean, what you need?
I'll even take them
earrings if you... $50.
$50. $50.
$50?
Half off.
It's fun buying things
with Bryce's daddy's phone.
He said we could use it.
Hope he doesn't mind us
using it to play Santa.
Santa's really going
to need Rudolph tonight.
Yeah, we might need
Rudolph ourselves.
No telling how long this
awful traffic will last.
You know, we should take an
Uber to the car repair place
ourselves, instead of waiting
for Rashaad to pick us up.
They can meet us there.
We trade everything back.
Pick up our car,
and then make it in time
for the bank appointment.
Who are you calling?
Rashaad, to let him
know our plan of attack.
[clears throat]
Oh. Sorry.
I... I didn't realize we'd
be finished this early.
Hardly anything to tidy up, huh?
I've already informed
my staff that they could
take the whole afternoon off.
They were delighted.
Ah.
Happy we could help.
OK.
So you know what
this means, right?
We could head north,
go pick up Nia and Imani,
and trade everything
earlier than expected.
This way, I won't be
late seeing your mom
at her lawyer's office.
And we can still take
pictures at the Christmas tree
lighting ceremony ourselves.
OK?
You've reached Nia.
Voicemail.
Rashaad Willis at your
service, or will be,
for all of your photography...
Leave a message.
For myself?
Right.
OK.
I'll call an Uber.
[tires screech]
[laughs] What's up, y'all?
Ho, ho, ho.
Did you order a rideshare?
What's wrong, Dad?
Um, nothing.
I just got a... a...
a weird feeling.
Hey, Nia.
You've reached
Rashaad Willis's line.
Can I help you?
[laughs]
Um, listen, we...
we finished a little
earlier than we expected.
-Same here.
-We're heading...
-... your way.
-... side of town.
You didn't?
-You did.
-You did.
Oh, my...
I thought it'd be
easier if Imani and I
met you on the South side.
So did Bryce and I,
and that's why
we're heading north right now.
[laughs]
Are... are you laughing at me?
I'm laughing with you.
Laughing with me?
Oh, OK.
That's perfectly fine.
Please, carry on.
You know, Rashaad, you're
much more thoughtful than...
-Than what?
-Let me guess.
What Gabrielle says?
No.
Than I imagined.
After the year Imani and I had,
I guess I just stopped
going with the flow,
much less believing in the
kindness of strangers.
Only, I'm not a stranger.
I mean, maybe not.
Um, yeah.
I'll see you in a minute.
Bye.
It'll be good to have
everything back to normal.
Right, Mama?
Going to be a relief, for sure.
No more constantly checking
in with Bryce or Rashaad.
Just you and your list.
And you, who's always
at the top of any list.
[soft music]
No more Rashaad.
Never thought that love
would come this way again
[]
Let's see.
Whoa.
Looks like they really gobbled
up all your cooking and baking.
Guess I'll take the good
reviews where I can get them.
Ooh.
[coughs]
Oh, hi.
Hey.
Hey, ladies.
You know what?
Everybody here
in the shop says this
is probably the best Christmas
party we've ever had.
You mind putting those
reviews on my Yelp page?
Not a problem.
Any word on the
new transmission?
Yeah, I got some good news,
and I got some bad news.
Of course.
Yeah.
Your car, you definitely
ain't going to get it today.
Hmm.
That's the bad news, right?
Yes, ma'am.
But the good news is that I've
been online all day trying
my best to get certified.
You know, like you suggested.
-Did I?
-Yes.
[laughs] I mean,
um, that's great.
Well, look here,
you know, these tests online,
they're actually timed.
So I'm going to have to go
on and get on back to it.
All right? But look here.
I'll give you a call later.
All right?
And I'll give you an
update on what's going on,
and when your car's
going to be ready.
-All right?
-OK.
-All right.
-Take care now.
-Thanks.
-Be in touch.
Whoever made that potato salad,
they had the anointing.
So now what, Mama?
We're going to do what
we've been doing all day.
Finding a way.
Wouldn't you say, so far,
we've done a pretty good job?
I mean, I'd say it
was pretty fantastic.
Ah!
[laughs] Oh, my gosh.
Hi.
Oh, oh.
Both: Sorry.
It's just, you know, the...
the day, excitement.
-Sorry.
-Yeah, all the feels.
You know, jingle bells
and all that stuff.
And, you know,
why not hug a stranger?
Or maybe a friend.
"Friend."
I like that.
Oh, hate to interrupt.
But your appointment
at the bank.
Appointment with the lawyers?
Um, right.
Right.
Uh, where's your bank?
Southside Tower.
Where's Gabrielle's lawyer?
Southside Tower.
Both: Perfect.
-Come on, guys.
-Let's go.
[]
I got to admit, I'm more
nervous for my bank meeting
than I was about letting
you serve the Buffalo wings
at a formal luncheon.
[laughs]
I get it.
Gabrielle's been wanting
this meeting with me for some
time now.
[sighs]
Depending on how it goes,
it could affect...
both: Everything.
If I don't secure
this loan by this evening,
I'm going to lose my home.
I won't be able to catch up
with my mortgage payments
without it.
But we got this, right?
Catered luncheons and
the mayor's Christmas card
is one thing,
but ex-wives and bank loans,
something else completely.
Christmas miracles.
Remember?
I always knew where Imani was.
Somewhere in her... her dad's
arms or up on his shoulders.
Those two,
they were inseparable.
I'm sorry about that.
The loss of your
husband, I mean.
I'm at peace with it,
believe it or not.
I mean, don't get me wrong,
I will miss him every day
for the rest of my life.
Anytime I start getting
down about it, I ask myself,
would I have rather had
not known him at all?
And that just levels
everything out for me.
Hmm.
You know, I still
love Gabrielle, too.
I think we just realized
that we're really
just better off as friends.
I mean, for Bryce's sake.
I think she forgets
that all I want
is what's best for Bryce.
And I know she does, too.
Trust me, I do.
But we haven't been able
to find common ground lately.
Not a hologram.
[laughs]
Not a hologram.
[laughs]
Nia.
Yes?
[alarm beeping]
Oh, um, my appointment.
-Likewise.
-Yes.
Hey, are you sure you don't
mind keeping an eye on them?
Hey, my son knows karate.
Hey, kids.
We'll be right back, OK?
Hey, are you OK?
How do you feel
about crazy ideas?
Based on the fact that we've
done pretty well filling
in for each other today.
[upbeat music]
[]
OK, I'm listening.
You have all my talking points?
OK, great.
Nia?
I'm here on behalf of Rashaad.
Let's hear her out.
[]
Didn't you hand me a Buffalo
wing earlier this afternoon?
Ah, can't go wrong
with wings and sauce.
Am I right?
Nia's a member of my church.
But I thought you two hadn't met
before today when
you were dropping
the kids off at the church.
We didn't.
Uh, wait.
We did. We did.
It was with our
children, who are
actively decorating the tree
in your lobby right now.
We accidentally switched phones,
and Bryce and Imani
had the same backpack,
which we confused by mistake.
All of which, weirdly
enough, led to my being
here instead of him.
OK, listen.
This meeting was very
important to Nia...
Ms. Owens.
Mrs. Owens.
So important that she
couldn't attend herself?
Rashaad's actually
been with Bryce
the entire day,
both of them working
together to cover for me.
Oh, that catering business
that I'm working on taking
full time in the new year.
Rashaad and Bryce, catering?
The Buffalo wings
were Nia's idea.
Look, she's full of surprises,
and that is what's going
to make her catering business
so special.
Well, if her
business is so special,
then why does she need
a small business loan?
Well, you got to spend
money to make money, huh?
Am I right?
OK.
OK.
Without Rashaad,
this meeting is moot.
Is it?
Rashaad's dedication
to Bryce is inspiring.
I never made that an
issue in our divorce.
My goal today was to
clarify a visitation
schedule for legal reasons.
Gabrielle, I would have
never imagined Rashaad
to be the man he is,
the father that he is,
the husband that he is.
Husband?
He loves you, Gabrielle,
and he knows that you only
want the best for your son.
Are you sure
you're not a lawyer?
I'd like to think of
myself as an advisor
and a wing deliverer.
OK. OK.
Look, the point is,
Nia Owens' catering business
is poised to take off.
I'd get your bank on board,
if I were you.
We are looking to support
more Black-owned businesses.
Ah, ah.
Black and female owned.
That's two.
You're welcome.
Owens Catering?
Is that the official name?
Maybe.
Maybe I have rushed this
formal custody agreement.
Maybe it's not as
necessary as I thought.
I should be less
formal about all this
and discuss the schedule
with my husband.
Ex-husband.
[sighs]
I'm really glad you
came today, Nia.
[]
Thanks to you,
I'm seeing Rashaad
in a whole new light.
You are?
You are.
That's great.
I'll see you tonight
at the Christmas pageant?
I wouldn't miss
it for the world.
I got to admit, Nia, you've
given me a lot to think about.
[sighs]
I might have just
saved a marriage.
[laughs]
I might have just
saved a marriage.
Why am I... what am I...
Mom, Bryce and I came up
with a cool TikTok dance
for the play tonight.
Aw, you guys.
That's amazing.
Amazing is definitely
a word I would use.
You two are a great team.
Yes, you are.
Just like you and Bryce's daddy.
I mean, she's not wrong.
I mean, I can bet
that you're going
to hear the news that you
want to hear about that loan
any time now.
And, uh, you and Gabrielle,
you know, you're going to...
What's wrong, Imani?
Wish we had a real tree
like this at home.
Oh, we'll try and find time
to get a real tree, Imani.
Wait, so things with
Gabrielle went OK, right?
Yeah, she said
she'd give you a call.
No lawyers necessary.
Might even be better news
than you were expecting.
[sighs] OK.
All right.
Well, now all we need is a good
enough response from the Mayor
with the Christmas card
that you guys sent over,
and I can get my job as
the official photographer
next year.
Yeah.
Well, I get my loan, and we
can cut to the happy ending.
Yeah.
It's like we're
practically there.
-Yeah.
-Yeah.
Um, are you sure you guys
don't need a ride back
to the repair shop?
No. You've done enough.
We'll take an Uber.
OK.
Um, yeah.
Just getting back
to our normal lives.
Mm-hmm.
You know, just two single
parents making it work.
Making it work.
[laughter]
It's not like we're not going
to see each other again, right?
Are you kidding?
I mean, we got the Christmas
pageant tonight, for starters.
Right.
The Christmas pageant.
OK, well, um, you definitely
have the right backpack, right?
We all good?
OK.
So?
So, I'll, um,
save you a seat tonight?
I would like that.
Yeah, me too.
Yeah.
I... um... yeah.
-Yeah.
-Yes.
OK.
-Tonight.
-Tonight.
Come on.
[]
[phone ringing]
-Hello?
-Hi, Nia?
-Yes?
-Yeah, this is Leroy.
Look, unfortunately,
replacing your transmission
is going to cost more than
your car is actually worth.
And I personally don't
think that it's worth it.
OK.
Wow.
Um, I was expecting that,
but one day.
Just didn't expect that
one day to be here so soon.
Yeah, I understand.
You know, I... I hate
delivering this type of intel,
but I didn't want
you to be wondering
what's going on with your car
during the Christmas holidays.
-I can appreciate that.
-Yeah.
-Thank you.
-Well, look here.
Just contact your
insurance adjuster
and have them call
the shop, and we'll
fill them in on
the details, all right?
OK, bye.
-All right.
-All right, now.
-Wait.
-Yes.
The good news.
Oh, that's nice
of you to remember.
So, uh, I passed my
online exam with a 98%.
Great.
You're talking to
somebody who is certified.
Congratulations.
-Thank you.
-Thank you so much.
You know, your
daughter was right.
Today is full of
Christmas miracles.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas to
you too, Ms. Owens.
Bye-bye.
[sighs]
Mama.
Yeah, baby?
I'm not sure I want things
to switch back to the way
they were before, I mean.
After this crazy day,
I feel even closer to you
than I ever did before.
Together forever.
Both: Through whatever.
Even though, we weren't
really together with them,
I think Bryce and his dad
were a big part of it.
Part of a miracle.
And maybe sent from Daddy.
You could be right.
[]
Well, there you are.
Where's Imani?
I just dropped
her off backstage.
Ah, great.
She's a wonderful little girl.
Yes, she is.
And I pray for both
of you all the time.
Thank you, pastor.
You know, I am aware
that this past year
has been a very trying year
for you, and your daughter.
But know that God never gives
you more than you can handle.
But we have to stay open,
prepared, ready
to receive all the
wonderful blessings
that He will put in our lives.
Even when we least expect it.
Nia.
-Gabrielle, hi.
-Hi.
Long time no see.
I know, right?
Rashaad and Bryce
are already here.
He mentioned the four of you had
the craziest adventure today.
Adventure?
-Yeah.
-Yeah.
I... I guess that's
what you'd call it.
-I think so.
-[laughter]
So, did you and Rashaad
work everything out?
Yeah.
I wanted him to know
what I told my lawyer
about his and my future.
Your future together.
Together?
[laughs]
What, me and Rashaad?
[laughs]
Oh, Nia.
Look, don't get me wrong.
I love Rashaad.
He's an awesome dad.
And I sort of forgot that
until you reminded
me this afternoon.
Look, he and I will always
parent together, but that's it.
We're definitely
better as friends.
Anyway, I just wanted to thank
you again for everything.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
-You have fun.
-I'll see you around.
Yes, you will.
[laughter]
Hey.
Excuse me. Excuse me.
Hi.
Hey.
Thanks for saving me a spot.
Of course.
Welcome, everybody,
to this glorious evening,
our evening before Christmas.
I am not going to talk long.
I am going to give it
over to our children.
So let's give a wonderful
round of applause,
warm welcome for the children.
[applause]
O holy night
The stars are
brightly shining
It is the night
Of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world
In sin and error pining
Till He appeared
Jingle bells,
jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh
Hey, jingle bells,
jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh
[applause]
Let's go, Bryce!
Yeah, Imani!
You know, Imani was amazing.
And I see where Bryce
gets his charisma from.
-[laughs]
-Wow.
-Thank you.
-Mm-hmm.
[soft music]
[]
Not a hologram.
Not a hologram.
So here we are,
finally the same place
and the same time.
I got to admit,
it's more fun in person
than it is on the phone.
-Yeah.
-Yeah.
But it was fun
covering for you today.
Yeah.
I actually got
a chance to feel what it
actually means to be driven.
And to make a lot of lists.
You have a lot of
pop-ups on your phone,
like pop-up reminders.
Mm-hmm.
[laughter]
But I liked it.
Believe it or not,
it was refreshing
having a reminder-free day.
-Really?
-Yeah.
Hmm.
We wish you a
merry Christmas
We wish you a
merry Christmas
Ah, I'm sorry. I got
to take this real fast.
-OK?
-Yeah.
I have a voicemail.
Ms. Owens, so sorry to call
so late on the day before
Christmas, but after seeing all
of the positive reviews online
about your catering business...
most of them from
the people who work
at that car repair
place off of Main Street...
well, those reviews
put you over the top
of my lender's board.
And I just received word,
you're approved.
Merry Christmas, to your
business partner, too.
[]
Hey, business partner.
-You got the loan?
-Mm-hmm.
[laughs]
What?
Girl, yeah.
I know.
OK.
Your grandma might be
right about the falling
in love thing.
Told you so.
I couldn't have
done it without you.
Aw, stop it.
No, I'm serious.
You've... you've been
my perfect storm today.
From this morning, not
knowing if Imani and I were
going to be evicted
to now an approved
loan, and a new friend.
"Friend."
I like that.
So, friend,
that was just the mayor.
He just approved the
digital Christmas card
and said he has a lot
of projects coming
for me in the upcoming year.
-Rashaad...
-[laughter]
Really?
That's amazing.
Yeah.
He also said I should
keep you on my team.
Excuse me.
Aren't you forgetting
something, Dad?
The parking lot.
Yes.
Yes.
So what are you and Bryce up to?
Oh, nothing that your
phone didn't tell us to do.
A tree?
Really?
Yeah, I mean, every house
deserves a real
Christmas tree, right?
And why is there
a ribbon on that car?
Oh, I mean, it is
under your tree, right?
[beeping]
[laughs] Wait.
You... you got us a car?
[laughs]
Well, technically, Bryce got
you the car by entering you guys
into a car raffle about 100...
No, 200.
200 times.
Yeah.
We can't accept this.
Yes, we can.
Ah.
Imani's right.
I mean, it's actually rude
to give back Christmas gifts.
Rashaad, it... it...
[laughs]
We got something for Bryce, too.
Well, I hope it's
not a car, because then
this would be awkward.
This is for me?
Cool.
-So?
-So?
We have old own lives back.
Yeah, we do, don't we?
You know, now that we know
what life is like separate,
imagine what life
could be like together.
[]
Faithful friends
who are dear to us
Better together.
Gather near to us
Once more
Through the years
We all will be together
-[laughs]
-Oh, OK.
You two.
[laughs]
Hang a shining star
Upon the highest bough
[]
And have yourself
A merry little Christmas
[]
Now
[]
Merry Christmas, everybody.
["Joy to the World" playing]
[]
Joy to the world,
the Lord is come
Let earth receive her king
Let every heart
prepare Him room
And heaven
and nature sing
And heaven
and nature sing
And heaven, and heaven,
and nature sing
Oh, whoa
[]
Oh, whoa
[]
Joy to the world
the savior reigns
Let men their songs employ
While fields and floods,
rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat
the sounding joy
[]