Original subtitles

Downloaded from YTS.MX

[cheery music]

Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX

♪

- Hmm.

It is T-minus two days before Christmas, Daddy,

and my family's coming home,

coming together to celebrate you

on our favorite holiday.

♪ Five golden rings

♪ Four calling birds, three French hens ♪

♪ Two turtle doves

♪ And a partridge in a pear tree ♪

[chuckles]

♪

Mama's special recipe.

[sighs]

[solemn music]

♪

Lord, give me your strength today.

Bless me with your patience to deal with my family,

for they know not what they do.

Lord, I can't believe Daddy's not with us this Christmas.

Please send your loving angels to be with this family

as we get through this first one without him.

Protect us and guide us as only you can.

In your precious name we pray.

Amen.

[bells chiming]

James.

Come on, now, I have cooked, cleaned, and prayed,

and you're still not down?

Do you hear me?

Our children will be here any minute!

Don't let me come up there and get your ass!

Lord, forgive my mouth today.

I told you, I'm gonna need as much patience as I can get.

James Mabry, I have never known you to be this late,

fussing around like that.

What's wrong with you?

- Not getting it right, Baneatta.

- The getting ready on time to greet your family,

or your sermon?

- [chuckles]

Oh, man.

- Honey, you have been speaking

to this congregation seven months now,

and you get better and clearer

and more powerful every weekend.

- But this is Christmas.

And your daddy's Christmas Eve sermons--

- They were something.

People would come from all over to hear his sermons.

Hmm.

- You know, first time, first Christmas I heard him,

I thought God had given up on me.

But I heard him that night,

and I realized I had just stopped listening.

- He was something. - Yeah.

- But you're special in your own way.

Daddy knew it; that's why he gave you the church.

- [chuckles] - And I know it too.

Mm.

- You have your title yet?

- No. No.

That's part of the problem.

How am I--

how am I supposed to top,

"While they're at home,

waiting on Santa, we're in here...."

both: "Praising Jesus!"

- [laughs]

Oh, see? See?

It's a classic. Man.

- It is. - Mm.

- But you'll find your own.

- Yeah.

Your sister here yet?

- Would the house be so quiet if she was?

- I can't be worried about you two

strangling each other out in the parking lot.

- Well, you need to talk to her...

- Wait, Miss. - Not me.

- My point is, Miss Baneatta,

I need you to promise me

you're gonna walk into that church

with a positive attitude.

None of us need a repeat of the funeral.

[mischievous music]

Mm-hmm. Baneatta.

- I promise.

- Good.

- To do my best.

- Lord, have mercy.

All right. Your best is a start.

Now...

Can I have one more kiss before I get ready?

- After you brush your teeth. - Oh, Lord.

Ooh, what-what-what's that? Whoa, I got that booty.

I got that booty. I touched your booty.

[phone ringing] [both laugh]

- Hello?

- This is Louis Lee, your father Bernard's attorney.

- Oh, uh, hello. Good morning, Mr. Lee.

I thought we had already

handled everything with Daddy's will.

He left us this house, his car. Was there more?

- Well, yes.

There was one more part your father instructed us

to wait to execute until the holiday.

I'm calling to let you know that he left

an additional inheritance for the entire family.

But only if-- now, you hear me--

the entire family comes together for Christmas.

He chose that day for a reason.

[heartfelt music]

- It was his favorite holiday.

Wherever we were,

whatever was going on in our lives,

we'd always come together.

- This should be easy, then.

- Great.

Um, our entire family's coming today for Christmas.

- I'll need to see for myself.

- Of course.

Come by tomorrow afternoon before church service.

Do you have the address?

- I do.

- Good. We'll be here.

- I sure hope so.

- Like I said, we will be here.

- Until then.

[doorbell rings] - Oh, Lord.

- Um.

Excuse me, is this the-- the Jenkins home?

- Sure is.

- Are you Baneatta Jenkins?

- Yes.

- Uh, this is for you.

- Oh. Thank you.

May I ask who it's from?

- It's from me. - Oh, do I know you?

- I'm sorry.

I just--I--

been envisioning this moment for so long,

and I thought it was gonna be easier--

would be in my mind.

- Okay.

- You're as beautiful as I imagined you would be.

- I don't understand.

- I'm your sister.

- Oh, you have me confused with someone else.

- No, Bernard was-- he was my daddy too.

I--I didn't know him.

I mean, not-- not like I imagine you do.

My mother kept who he was a secret from me,

but when the cancer--

it, um, came for her quickly.

And it was just the two of us.

And at the end of the day,she--

she just didn't want me to-- to be left alone in this world.

So she told me who he was.

Who you all were.

The only family I have left.

And I know this must be a shock for you,

all those years past,

all the years that we could have known each other,

but I'm here to-- to get to know him

and all of you on his favorite holiday.

'Cause I mean, what's the point of being alone anymore

when I have family?

Right?

Anyway, um, I'm staying downtown

at a hotel across the street from the Fox Theatre, but...

I was really hoping to be

a part of the Jenkins family Christmas.

- Well, you were hoping wrong.

This is a family affair, and I do not know you.

You are not welcome here.

You need to go back to where you came from.

- Tell that to Louis Lee.

- What did you say?

- The lawyer. Daddy's lawyer.

He called me, too, Baneatta.

He said that Daddy-- that our daddy--

left us something behind-- an inheritance.

And the only way we could claim it

is if the entire family were together at Christmas.

The entire family. All his children.

Which I just explained includes me.

Look, I just drove in from Raleigh

to find my family.

- I'm sorry I couldn't have been more help.

- [muffled] Who was that?

- James, put some pants on.

This is not one of your Zoom calls.

- But I--

[inquisitive music]

All right, be like that.

♪

- No need to let a good bottle of wine to go waste.

[doorbell rings]

[laughs] Oh, my baby.

- Hey, Ma.

[chuckles] - Hello, Kenneth.

- It is, like, two days until Christmas.

How you holding up?

- I was all right till a couple of minutes ago.

- Oh, no. What's--what's wrong?

- Well, no one informed me we were gonna have guests,

and you know how much I like to prepare everything.

- Kenny, you told me your mom invited me.

- Hey, remember, I told you about my friend...

- Logan.

- Well, he's here now, so.

Come on, Luke.

- It's, uh, it's actually Lo-- - That's what I said.

- Hey, so, I know that nobody

will ever make it as good as you,

but I attempted to make your famous eggnog.

- Oh.

You really did. [Kenny chuckles]

Try.

Why is it so runny?

my special ingredient--alcohol.

- Boy, why do you need liquid courage

so early in the day?

- Yeah, why do you?

- I'm--look, I'm just trying to do my part

to, like, spread Christmas joy around here.

- Mm. - Right.

- Larry, get your bag

and take it down there to the basement.

[tense music]

- It's, uh, it's-- - Thank you, honey.

- Hey, Mom, is, uh, Dad around?

- You know him, always late.

- Okay, I just, uh,

I really need to talk to him about something

before we trim the tree, so.

- So this is the fifth ring of Hell.

Got it. [doorbell rings]

- Oh, my favorite is here.

Don't you tell your brother I said that,

but between us girls, you know it's true.

[laughs]

Now where's my favorite son-in-law?

Where's my Michael?

- He couldn't make it, Mom. - Yeah, right.

Like he would miss a holiday. Where's my Michael?

Where you hiding him, in the car?

- I'm serious, Mom. He had to work.

- Since when is work more important than family?

- [coughing]

Ma! Ma, I thought you quit.

- LaTrice, mind your business. - I'm just saying.

- You know what? Say less. And put down that damn phone.

You need to pick up a book and read.

- I am reading. - What?

- Snapchat.

And TikTok is very educational.

- [chuckles] Very funny. Very funny.

Now, listen, we're almost at your auntie's house.

Mm. Oof.

Your Aunt Baneatta's bound

to say something slick this weekend.

I don't need an excuse to slap nobody.

I am trying to be a better Christian.

Now how do the puppies look? Are the puppies doing okay?

[both laughing]

Now there's the smile I've been missing!

[cheery music]

♪

- No!

No! No! No! No! No!

Frosty!

Oh! Oh! Oh!

[car horn honks] - [laughs]

We have arrived! - Ma! Ma!

- Beverly is here! - Oh!

- Get out the car, girl. Get out the car. Hey!

[car horn honks] - Go on.

Go help your Aunt Beverly.

I'll hold back your mother.

- [muttering] - Let it go. Let it go.

- [laughing]

Okay.

- What's up, fam? - Hey.

- [laughs]

Who's the white boy? - Oh, LaTrice, this is--

- Don't get too excited just to see me,

even though I drove to see you 87 hours.

- You call that driving?

- Listen, you think I rented a car

to come up to a Christmas service?

Hell, no.

Beverly came to Atlanta to find herself a man!

Where they at?

- Well, I don't know about all of that.

- Oh, look at you.

- Who is that, and why's she dressed like a Christmas tree?

- Oh, that is crazy Aunt Bev from Tampa.

Sorry.

- Oh, no, you're right. She's batshit.

- She kind of looks fierce.

all: Sort of.

hanging from a thread of life on your car?

- Oh, uh, it used to be a tree.

- You begged me to bring the tree

because you and Daddy used to pick it from the tree farm,

and here you are bringing this mess today, of all days.

I knew I should have bought an artificial tree myself.

One thing you need to accomplish.

- Hi, Auntie! Hey, Auntie!

Hi! [laughs] - Hi, baby.

You look cute. - [gasps] Oh!

Thank you! I know. [laughs]

- Hi, sister! Hi, sister! Hi--uh, sister.

- Uh, LaTrice, come with me.

Let's try to find a place to hide away from the adults.

- Thank you.

- You got on with your cousin now,

and don't open up your mouth and say too much.

You behave yourself!

- Okay, Ma! Dang!

[tense music]

- Hi. - Hey.

- So, uh, who wants to pick out a tree?

Should be a few left for last-minute Christmas shoppers.

I'll--I'll get the truck.

- Why do you do that? - Do what?

- Embarrass me.

- You embarrass yourself,

showing up at this house with your jingle bells out.

- It is not my fault that God has given me all this glory.

- Oh, don't put God in this.

- You know, is this how it's gonna be?

Our first Christmas without Daddy,

and all I want is a hug from my sister.

I mean, what does that say?

[heartfelt music]

[laughs]Okay.

[both laugh]

I've arrived.

- All right. Come on inside. I'm tired already.

- I know. I know I can be a bit much.

And I'll fix the tree-- the thing--

the little--the little man, whatever is name is--Frosty--

whatever is name is. Okay. Okay.

- Of course it is!

- No.

- There he is! My handsome nephew!

- Oh!

- Give your favorite auntie a hug.

Hug my handsome nephew.

- Hey, Aunt Bev! Merry Christmas!

It is so good to see you.

- Ooh, it's good to be seen. Merry Christmas, baby.

And ooh, and who is this beautiful white man?

- This here is--

- Kenneth, we'll discuss this later.

I need help with the ham.

- Oh, wait, wait, stop, wait.

Hold on just a minute. Sit down.

- What's wrong?

- I need you to give me your honest advice.

Now, you tell Auntie-- tell her the truth--

how do I look?

[curious music]

♪

Okay, somebody say something.

- Uh. Uh.

- Well, uh, what--what exactly were you going for?

- Oh, a husband.

Yeah, Deacon Scott was giving me the googly eyes

at Daddy's funeral, so I thought I would bless him

with a different view this time.

The look I'm going for is, um,

engage-able, uh, uh, flexible.

- Uh-huh. - Uh.

- Oh, oh, oh, not too thotty.

Not too thotty. - Okay.

- But definitely exotic.

Roar.

[sultry music]

♪

all: Yes!

- There is definitely a version of that in there somewhere.

- Ooh, okay! Ooh, I like him, Kenny.

Big ol' tall glass of vanilla. Ah!

Baneatta, where'd you go, girl?

- She's insane. - She's so funny.

- Yeah, I know.

- You're not coming.

I will tell them when the time is right.

Michael.

Michael, I am not the one that cheated!

Don't do this.

Michael, you owe me.

[sentimental music]

♪

[knock at door]

- You okay in there, cuz?

Need anything?

- I'm all good. I'm just freshening up.

- Cool.

- Get yourself together, Simone.

Get yourself together.

You're not doing this.

Not here.

Not now.

- Did you see these?

- Teach you-- - Pretty.

- Kenny, kids, come help me with this tree.

- Oh, yeah. We got it.

[festive music]

Oh, man.

- LaTrice, help your auntie fix this tree.

- Okay.

- All right, you got it, muscles?

- Oh, yeah. - Oh, yay.

Oh, this is so wonderful. What you got?

- Is this gonna fit? - Yeah.

Oh, Baneatta. Baneatta, you kept her!

- Of course I did. Where else would she be?

- Do you remember?

- Remember what?

- You tell it. - No, you tell it.

[laughs] Okay, we'll tell it together.

- Standing up? - It's story time.

- Okay. - We'll both tell it.

- Look at these two.

- A long time ago, when we were little girls...

- Okay, not that long ago. - Child.

- Okay, a little long ago. Go ahead.

[both laugh]

- Are you ready for this?

both: Yes.

- Ah!

- Good job! both: Yay!

- All right! Ah! - Good job!

- [laughs] Yes. All right.

Gather round, kids.

Looks like we are all set.

And now, we pray.

Lord, thank you for another Christmas Eve

with my two sweet girls.

And thank you for granting us another opportunity

to celebrate the birth of your only begotten son, Jesus.

Let tomorrow be filled with love and joy,

songs and laughter, and gifts.

Lord, we never take these holidays for granted.

We cherish each and every single one in love.

And now, for all these blessings,

we give you the praise and the honor.

Happy Birthday, Jesus.

both: Happy Birthday, Jesus.

all: Amen.

- Now, it is time for my favorite song in the world.

You know it. We're all gonna sing along.

Let me warm up just a little bit.

♪ Do-re-mi-fa-so-la - Daddy!

- [laughs] - Okay. Fine.

Here we go.

♪ Joy to the world, the Lord is come ♪

♪ Let Earth receive her king

all: ♪ Let every heart prepare him room ♪

♪ And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing ♪

♪ And heaven and heaven...

- That was my favorite Christmas memory with Daddy.

- When she wasn't ruining it with her voice,

you know what I'm saying?

[laughter]

Okay.

- So who is this white boy?

[sentimental music]

♪

- I'm gonna get some more eggnog.

- Logan, come and join us?

- Thank you.

- Take these.

- Hey, Dad, can I talk to you for a second in private?

It's kind of important.

I need to get some church business done first, all right?

- Oh, yeah. Sure, Pop.

- Oh, grab one of those.

Yeah, take one of those. That's cool.

Like actual earrings. They're so hard to get out.

- These are-- [LaTrice laughs]

LaTrice.

["Deck the Halls" playing]

- Hey. Hey.

Why aren't you singing? You love this song.

- I'd hate to let the gay out in front of your whole family.

- You two all right back there? - Yep.

Just filled with energetic Christmas spirit.

- Hey. Logan!

[phone ringing]

[heartfelt music]

♪

Logan.

- Oh, so you do know my name.

Because your mom, she's called me

everything in the books but Logan.

Larry. Lando. Lantois.

I think at one point she even called me Loofa.

- [chuckles] - It's not funny.

- I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

- You know, I'm gonna get a hotel room

to spend Christmas in alone.

- What? No! Please.

Look, do not let my mother ruin the first Christmas alone

without my grandfather.

Hey, I'm sorry.

I'm so tired of hiding you.

But...

Can you please do this for me?

♪

♪ Deck the halls with boughs of jolly ♪

- It's holly. - ♪ Holly

♪ Fa la la la la, la la la la

♪ 'Tis the season to be jolly

♪ Fa la la la la, la la la la

♪ Don we now our gay apparel

♪ Fa la la, la la la, la la la ♪

♪ I don't know the rest of this song ♪

- [laughs] Okay.

But you gotta promise me something.

- What?

- That you stop shrinking when you see your mother.

- Yo, what are you talking about?

- The moment she walks into a room, you freeze up.

Your--your entire demeanor changes.

- That is not true.

- Prove me wrong.

- Deal.

Come on. Let's go back.

Yeah? All right, come on.

Would you get this? - Thanks.

- Yeah. All right, we'll do this.

- Something-- something feels off.

- What is it, sweetie?

- Mm, something's missing, Ma.

- Don't get me started.

Your room is exactly as you left it,

but the living room is mine now.

You all left us here to take care of Daddy,

so don't come telling me you miss something.

- I went to college, Mom. I'm not apologizing for that.

- And for the record, I tried to stay here

and help you with Daddy. - Oh, Beverly.

- But you didn't want me helping with Daddy.

- Hush up that noise.

- Suddenly there's no room for me in this house.

- Now, not this again! - It's Santa.

- All I'm saying is, he better come through

with my presents this year.

He was a little light last year.

- No, he's right. It's Black Santa.

You know, the one that stands there at the front

and greets us every day when we come in?

- [laughs] - That old thing?

I left his broke ass in the garage.

- Oh, come on. He was our favorite!

- He doesn't fit in with the décor.

- Uh, what decor?

- This is not decor.

- Yeah, we would know.

- White boy's right. There's no colorful lights.

- Yeah, other than those bland beige ones.

- Cold and cheerless, just like you, Baneatta.

- Oh, forgive me for trying

to elevate this family a little by not being so tacky.

- Oh, God. - Mama, come on.

You left all the things that make this home

feel like home in the garage.

- You people love to complain.

But where were you when I was unpacking all these boxes

without Daddy, alone?

Huh? I can't hear you.

Oh, right, doing your own thing,

living your own lives,

expecting me to keep up the mausoleum.

- There she goes.

- Uh, come on, guys, let's--

let's go in the garage and find Black Santa.

- Yeah.

Good idea. I'll be right with you.

Hold on.

Mm. Mm. Mm. Mm-hmm. Mm.

I'll be there in a minute. This is good.

- Whoa. Oh, there it is.

Oh.

[sentimental music]

♪

- Remember this? - Yes.

Sitting in the back seat on a Sunday after church.

- [laughs] Reparations?

- LaTrice, shut up.

Hey, Logan, what are you doing?

- Uh, your granddaddy would be rolling in his grave

if he saw these smudges.

- Hey, don't--don't say that in front of my Mama.

I've heard enough from her today.

Man.

- He was really something special.

Did Kenny tell you that he met us in New York?

Yeah, he drove us to Long Island.

I was so scared of meeting him. You know, the patriarch.

But he welcomed me in with open arms.

And he loved this car. So it's the least I can do.

- I never knew that.

- All right, well, if you're gonna clean,

you might as well lean.

- You know?

- Found him!

Fam, maybe auntie was right. He is creepy.

[Kenny laughs]

- Yeah, she's not wrong. - [chuckles]

- There you all are.

- Hey. - Wait.

There's more stuff back here. Check it out.

- What is it, my love?

- They're from Granddaddy.

- Wow!

- How?

- Mom, he, um, he knew he was dying,

and so he got these for us anyway.

- He wanted us to unwrap something from him

on his favorite holiday.

Get these presents under the tree now.

Once we get some s'mores started,

freshen up our drinks,

we'll have a real night before Christmas Eve celebration.

[upbeat music]

♪

- Ma. - Ho-ho-ho, that's good.

- Ma! - What? What?

Come on, listen. Everybody needs to loosen up.

Shh.

♪

Come on, let me get into the festive spirit.

Hold on.[laughs]

Ho-ho-ho.

Mmm. Mmm-mmm-mmm. Mmm.

Some more.

This is gonna make it a very Merry Christmas for everybody.

[laughs]

Oh, yes. Oh, mmm-mmm-mmm. What's Santa bringing me?

Everything.[laughs]

Mmm. Mmm-mmm-mmm.

[laughter]

Oh! Oh, oh!

[chuckles]

Ah, you know, honestly,

I don't see why it's so hard to find a man in this climate.

Simone, tell me some of your secrets.

- I ain't got nothing to tell.

- I mean, I would be thirsty

if I just let anybody roll up on me,

but I am looking for quality like Daddy.

Now that's the kind of man I want.

Mm, mm.

- Man like that's hard to find.

- Why don't y'all hush up already, talking about men,

talking about things you don't even understand.

"Daddy" this and "Daddy" that.

Enough about Daddy. Daddy was a man.

[solemn music]

That's it.

- Baneatta, what's gotten into you?

- Yes.

He was a wonderful man.

A great husband, a loving father,

a leader in our community.

But Daddy...

♪

I'm--I'm tired.

I'm just gonna go to bed.

- Oh, come.

Come on.

Come on. Come, come on.

- And where you staying tonight?

You know the rules!

Family only in this house, and he ain't family.

- Mama. - Hey, don't say that.

- Why don't we sing Daddy's favorite Christmas song?

Oh, it's tradition.

And you know what, I'll even pretend like

I'm enjoying myself, come on.

- Maybe some traditions need to be put to rest.

- Stop. Stop. Hey. Logan.

Logan!

- Please don't follow me.

I don't want to talk to you right now.

♪

[sentimental music]

♪

That isn't gonna work on me this time.

- Look at me and tell me you want to sleep down here

all by yourself tonight.

Come on.

Let's just sneak back up to my room tonight.

- Sneak? Kenny, you're a grown-ass man.

- What?

- [sighs]

You know, I--I--

I think it's way past your bedtime.

- What--what are you talking about?

- Maybe you should sneak back upstairs

before your mama catches you down here.

- Logan. - Kenny, good night!

- Good night.

- [sighs]

♪

- Why are you so upset? Talk to me.

Whatever it is, we can handle it.

Together, always.

[apprehensive music]

- Earlier today, a woman came by the house.

She said...

She's Daddy's daughter.

I have an illegitimate sister, supposedly.

I don't know what to believe.

She said she's from Raleigh.

Daddy did go there a lot.

Don't just sit there, James. Say something.

- I know.

- What do you mean you know?

- When your daddy died, he confided in me.

- He did what?

- I think when your daddy was dying,

it finally dawned on him what he had done, Baneatta.

[sentimental music]

He wanted to unite the family and bring everyone together,

but he died

before we could make that happen.

- And you didn't think to tell your wife?

- I was going to tell you.

- When? - My love--

- No, no, don't you "my love" me, James Mabry.

- You were so shaken up when he died.

I didn't want to add any more grief to your plate.

I wanted to tell you.

But you were hurting.

Baneatta, you-- you really haven't--

- Haven't what?

- Haven't been yourself since your daddy died.

♪

- Since you kept this a secret from me,

you're gonna go on keeping it.

This stays between us.

- Baneatta, baby, no.

No, that is not the way.

We have to unburden ourselves of this truth and deal with it.

We can't live in a lie.

You know the truth now.

And this is what your daddy wanted.

- I don't care what he wanted.

- If you live this way,

sooner or later, God might find a way

to push you into dealing with the truth,

and you might not like it, Baneatta.

- You want me to ruin my daddy's name on Christmas?

You're taking up the mantle of this church.

I don't understand why today, of all days,

you want to do this,

tarnish his legacy, our family name.

The humiliation-- can you imagine?

Ha.

Don't look at me like that.

- I didn't expect this vanity and cowardice from you.

- No, you take that back.

- Your daddy wasn't perfect, but at least he knew.

- James.

- You call yourself a good Christian,

but look at all the discord you sow in your own home.

You won't open up your heart to this woman,

your sister--your sister, who has done nothing to you,

and who is alone.

And your other sister, Beverly,

the one--the one you do recognize,

all you do is fight with her, belittle her,

and make her feel small.

And your own children.

- No. - Your own children. You--

- Do not bring them into this.

- You are so controlling.

Your own son--he's in love.

He's in love, Baneatta.

And he's still afraid to tell his mama.

How does that sit right with you?

We're all human.

Baneatta, we're all human.

And even though your daddy made a mistake--

a big mistake, I admit it--

it's up to you to decide

how you are going to deal with his legacy.

So you think on that.

What kind of family do you want?

[pensive music]

♪

[twangy guitar music]

singers: ♪ Noel

♪

♪ Noel

- ♪ The first Noel

♪ The angels did say

♪ Was to certain poor shepherds ♪

♪ In fields as they lay

singers: ♪ Noel

- ♪ In fields where they lay

♪ Keeping their sheep

♪ On a cold winter's night

♪ That was so deep

singers: ♪ Noel

- ♪ He was born the king of Israel ♪

singers: ♪ Noel

- ♪ Noel, Noel

♪ Noel

♪ Noel, Noel

♪ Noel singers: ♪ Noel

- ♪ Noel

["Up On the Housetop" playing]

♪

- ♪ Up on the housetop reindeer pause ♪

♪ Out jumps good ol' Santa Claus ♪

♪ Down through the chimney with lots of toys ♪

♪ All for the little ones' Christmas joys ♪

[music warbles out]

[cheery music]

♪

[doorbell rings]

- Merry Christmas Eve to you. I take it that you're Mr. Lee.

- That's right.

It's a beautiful day to celebrate Jesus.

- It sure is. Please, come inside.

- I'm afraid all that won't be necessary.

- But the family is all here and eager

to hear what Daddy left us.

- Unfortunately, you and I both know that's not true.

And as it stands, you'd be forfeiting your inheritance.

Those are the rules of the law. My hands are tied.

However, I heard you cook a mighty fine Christmas lunch,

and if you were to invite me back over tomorrow

before the terms expire,

you could gather the missing pieces of your family,

and we can try this again.

It's up to you.

[sentimental music]

- We would be delighted to have you join us

for Christmas lunch tomorrow.

You'll love my ham.

- Looking forward to it. Good day.

- Um. Oh, who was that?

- Who was who?

- That man.

- Beverly, is that all you ever think about?

- Well, if I'm being honest...[laughs]

- Where's the rest of your outfit?

- It's a dress.

Besides, this is the kind of outfit you wear

to snatch a man.

Where did he go?

Oh, oh, oh, okay.

- All right, and blow. Blow, baby.

[groans] - Yes! Come on!

Aunt Bev, you know you forgot your pants, right?

- I did not forget my pants.

I'm so sick of everybody in this family

talking about my outfits.

No, I'm not wearing pants. You lucky I'm wearing panties.

Get on my nerves. Getting on my nerves.

- Is she mad? - Ma, I told you!

[laughter]

- Oh, my God.

- [clapping]

so we better get moving.

Uh! [laughs]

Did you bring anything suitable

for outside a Las Vegas nightclub?

- Just give me a few minutes.

I'm trying to put something together.

- Been up here all day.

What's this?

- Oh. LaTrice must have packed that.

- Oh, it's gorgeous.

- You would say that.

- What do you mean by that? - 'Cause you gave it to me.

- Clearly, you haven't worn it.

- It's just not me. - Try it on.

- It's not-- - Go on. Try it.

- [sighs] Okay.

Mm.

[inquisitive music]

♪

- Deacon Scott has been asking about you.

- Oh, has he now? [laughs]

- Hear he's on his own this Christmas.

- I don't feel safe.

- What?

- What have you done with my sister?

- I just think you deserve a good man in your life.

See? Gorgeous. Classy.

Any man would be lucky to have you.

- [sighs] You know what, this is scary.

I liked you better when you were a bitch.

- Oh! [both laugh]

- This is a new day.

I am ready for James' Christmas Eve service.

Let's get kicking. [chuckles]

- You know what, having you as a sister

ain't so bad after all.

All right. Help me find some shoes.

Let's see, I've got something in--

Hey.

What's the matter?

- Fine. Everything's fine.

- Baneatta.

- Beverly.

That man at the door you saw...

- Yeah?

- I have to tell you something.

- Okay, what is it?

- Hey, Mom.

- Kenny, I'm talking to your auntie right now.

- Right. - Can it wait?

- But, um, Logan is--

- What about him?

- I really care about him.

I mean, I--I more than care about him.

I-- - Whatever you do

behind closed doors in your house

is your business.

This is my house. There are rules, right?

- Mama. - Right?

- Right.

- Good.

So put on that cute Christmas sweater I bought for you.

- Okay.

- Some people never change.

- What is that supposed to mean?

[solemn music]

- You'll figure it out.

- Beverly.

♪

- Oof.

She really got you down, huh?

It's only fun to pick at you when I know you'll fight back.

- No, I'm tired, sis. Y'all win.

- Y'all? What did I do?

- No, don't--don't-- don't act innocent, okay?

None of y'all can stand to see me happy.

- Oh, come on. That's not fair.

- No, no, no, Ma is one thing,

but you not defending me, that's the same thing.

- Okay, I'm sorry.

When you got that earring,

who stopped Mama from ripping your ear out?

- You did. - That's right.

- Mm-hmm.

- And when Mariah Carey came

and played downtown at the arena,

who took you after getting tickets?

And I don't even like that mess.

- You did. - I'm sorry, say that again?

- You did. - Mm-hmm.

So don't be accusing me of not supporting you.

I love you, Kenny.

- Then I don't get it.

Why don't you like Logan?

- Okay, first of all,

I have been really nice to him.

And second of all, if you really want to know,

I just don't understand why all your guys have to be white.

You have never brought home anyone that looks like us,

and I've always wondered about that.

Why can't you find happiness within your own race?

- All right, for the record, I have dated Black guys.

Just not long enough for you to meet.

And I don't know, I think growing up gay

and Black and suppressed,

you learn to idolize the things that you can see

from inside of your closet, and the other Black boys,

they can't see each other from inside of their closet.

So...

I don't know, our first crushes are the things

that are paraded in front of our faces,

and that is happy, self-loving, free-spirited white boys.

I don't know, without even realizing it,

the world conditioned my taste.

- Whoa. That's something.

- Okay, but that doesn't mean that I don't love myself

or the men that I share skin with,

so let's just cut that notion today.

Okay?

I'm not with Logan because he's white.

I am with Logan

because nobody makes me happier.

[heartfelt music]

Can't you--can you find

a way to be happy for me, just this once?

- Yeah. [both chuckle]

- Thank you.

And since we're on the topic of men,

am I supposed to keep pretending

that I don't notice that Michael's not here?

I--I promise, I won't say anything.

- A couple of weeks after Grandaddy's funeral, I--

I came home from work and I found Michael...

Banging his new client Melissa in our bed.

It happened after my promotion.

I started making more money than him, and...

It seemed like everything that I did

that made me successful made him

feel smaller and smaller,

until he couldn't take it anymore.

I couldn't process it.

That he could do that to me...

When I was taking care of us,

when I wanted us to win.

- God, I'm so sorry.

Simone.

- He took all of the good parts of me with him.

- No.

No, that's not-- that's not true, Simone.

No, he didn't. Listen to me.

You deserve somebody who treats you like a queen, okay?

Somebody who brings you absolute joy.

- Like Logan brings you.

- Yes.

Yes, yes.

Like Logan brings me.

Come on.

God, if--if you're struggling, you gotta call me.

Okay? 'Cause I'm your brother.

'Cause we cannot end up like Ma and Aunt Bev.

- No. - No.

- No, no, no, we can't. - We cannot. Okay?

- No, we can't.

[both laugh]

- All right, so let's just be better for each other.

Okay?

- Let's. - Okay.

Okay.

- I love you.

- I love you.

- Give me some of that pie.

- Deacon Scott just called me.

We have a plumbing leak at the church.

Sounds bad. We gotta go. Now.

- What? Oh, my God. - Mmm, that's good.

- I know, it's really great, right?

Okay.

[suspenseful music]

♪

- How bad?

- You remember that time Miss Ella threw up

during Thanksgiving service?

- Don't remind me.

- Yeah, well, it's worse than that.

Come on.

- Y'all, stay here.

- Oh, wow, what's going on?

- Are we gonna be able to have service, Mama?

- Hey, Miss J.

- Have a cookie, Deacon Scott.

- [laughs] Yes, ma'am.

You know, truth be told, this be a--

this be an early treat for me,

since I won't be getting much of a,

you know, Christmas lunch.

You know, uh, just me at the house, you know, no--

you know, microwave turkey meal,

something like that, by myself.

- What are you talking about?

Surely you'll be celebrating with your people.

- No, no, ma'am, they, uh, they all gone up to Chicago.

You know, I was aiming to go with them,

but, uh, got a little busy around here,

so, you know, here I am.

- I insist you come by the house tomorrow.

- No, no, I couldn't do that.

- Oh, nonsense.

My Daddy treated you like a son.

Don't you forget it. You're family.

- Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am.

- Hello. Deacon Scott.

[both laugh] - Hey. Beverly.

Hello.

[both laugh]

I mean, hello. Yeah.

- Yes. Yes. - Yeah.

Yeah. How you doing?

- I'm doing just fine, just fine, just fine.

- Look at you. Too blessed to be stressed.

- Ooh!

- Too anointed to be disappointed.

- Ooh, say what, now?

[quirky music]

- All right.

Sure is nice to have you back in town for the holiday.

- Oh, well, I'm only here for a few days.

- Yeah.

All right. Let me ask you something.

Are you--are you a camera?

- Say what now?

- 'Cause every time I see you,

I smile.

- Oh, that's sweet. - Yes.

Yes, it's very, very, very sweet.

- Yeah. Well, hey, I'ma, um,

I'ma let y'all go ahead and get out there.

I need to get on back in here

- Yeah, okay. - All right.

- You better come by the house tomorrow.

- Oh, yeah.

Yeah, I'll be by the house tomorrow.

[chuckles]Yeah.

- Yes. Yes. - Yeah.

- All right. - All right.

- See you tomorrow. - Uh-huh.

Hey, hey-- [imitates camera snapping]

- [laughs] Oh. Heh-heh.

Oh, God.

I don't remember him being so extra.

- Oh, he is a good man, and Daddy loved him.

Isn't that what you said you wanted?

- You always think you know what's best for me,

but I don't think he's good for me anymore, mm-mm.

- As much time as you spend in the mirror,

I'm surprised you haven't figured something out.

- What?

- You are not getting any younger.

Time is ticking. That is a good man.

- Mama, people are starting to get restless.

- Where are they going?

- Oh, not all these God-fearing Christians

looking for an excuse to go home.

- Like you can talk.

[inquisitive music]

- You know what? I have an idea.

- I don't have time to entertain your ideas.

They always make things worse.

- No, no, no, no, Baneatta, you gotta trust me on this.

It's gonna be so good.

Merry Christmas, everybody. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, everybody.

You know, it's been a long time

since my sister and I have sung.

- Oh, absolutely not. [scoffs]

- I will let you sing lead.

- Well, if you insist.

- [laughs] Okay. There she goes.

Okay. All right. So--thank you, sir.

All right. All right. You're a little high.

[both vocalizing]

Ah. Okay.

- ♪ Why don't you

all: ♪ Go, tell it on the mountain

♪ Over the hills and everywhere ♪

♪ Go, tell it on the mountain

♪ That Jesus Christ is born

♪ Go, tell it on the mountain - ♪ Over the hills

all: ♪ Over the hills and everywhere ♪

- ♪ Go to tell it all: ♪ Go

♪ Tell it on the mountain - ♪ That Jesus

all: ♪ That Jesus Christ is born

- ♪ Go and tell it

all: ♪ Go, tell it on the mountain

- ♪ Over the hills

all: ♪ Over the hills and everywhere ♪

- ♪ Go and tell it

all: ♪ Go, tell it on the mountain

- ♪ That Jesus

all: ♪ That Jesus Christ is born

- ♪ He is born

all: ♪ That Jesus Christ is born

- ♪ He is born

all: ♪ That Jesus Christ is

♪ Born

- Hallelujah! Hallelujah! [laughs]

[cheers and applause]

[indistinct]

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah![laughs]

Whoo, that was good. - All right.

- Pass the collection plate,quick.

- Jesus is scolding you right now.

- Jesus--Jesus knows my heart.

- Jesus can save you.

- Saint, everyone, everyone,

I have some really terrible news.

There's no way to have a sermon.

[crowd murmuring]

There's a pipe that's busted, and it's just not safe.

I am so sorry. Thank you, everyone.

Um, Merry Christmas.

- I need my Christmas Eve sermon.

- And you shall have it. Just give us a few minutes.

[inquisitive music]

They need you, James.

- We don't have a church.

- You have a congregation, and that is all that you need.

People willing to gather

and hear the good word of the Lord.

These people, our people,

they care, they're here,

and they are ready.

It's a beautiful night.

Daddy used to love to walk up these steps

every Sunday morning.

It's a sign. I know it.

You'll stand on these steps and use that mighty voice

that God gave you, and people will listen.

You'll be wonderful. I know you will.

- You're right. - [chuckles]

- You're right, Baneatta.

But it's so dark. What are we gonna do?

- Bev, girls, come with me.

- Deacon Scott, get my robe.

[heartwarming music]

♪

Y'all can't see it from my angle,

but you are a most beautiful congregation this evening.

You look like fireflies shining your light back on me.

Now, I'm gonna be honest with you.

I'm gonna be honest with you,

I haven't slept much this past week.

Becoming your new pastor has been my complete honor.

But--but--but stepping-- - Okay.

- I say--I say stepping... - All right.

- Into Bernard's shoes... all: Yes.

- Has terrified me. - Uh-oh.

- Uh-oh. - You're all right, Pastor.

- You see, over the past two weeks,

I've been racking my brain. You hear me, folk?

I say, saints, I've been racking my brain

trying to figure out--

figure out what the sermon title gonna be.

I was more worried about me

than I was feeding this congregation

with the mighty word from the Lord.

[crowd cheers]

So--so the sermon title this year--

the take-home title this year is...

[laughs] - Come on.

- "Ain't No Christmas Without Christ."

I say hallelujah!

- He is heating up now.

- I say there ain't no Christmas without Christ.

Say that to one another.

all: There ain't no Christmas without Christ.

- Hallelujah!

all: Yeah!

Well, well, well, church.

Church, I--I think our service has come to its close.

I pray your spirits are as full as mine is.

But before we depart the house of the Lord,

I must offer these steps to anyone

who might want to bring Christ into their life.

Know that it is never too late.

He is always there for you.

- That's right. - Yes, he is.

- Might there be anyone?

No one? Well.

Oh, wait, wait, wait.

I might have-- I might have spoken too soon.

Come on up here, ma'am.

It's never too late to usher God into your life.

Give this brave soul a hand, please.

- Amen. - Welcome.

- Thank you. - Give us your name.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

- Hello, everyone. all: Hello.

- Merry Christmas. all: Merry Christmas.

- Hey, who is that, Mama?

- I, um--well, when I heard about this service,

my spirit got real excited.

- Yes.

- And I've, um,

I've driven quite a ways to be here.

And I almost didn't come, but--

but my heart told me it was the right thing to do.

- Praise God.

- So I did. - Mm-hmm.

- I'm Brianna.

Brianna Jenkins.

I'm-- I'm Bernard's other daughter.

[crowd gasps] - Oh, hell no!

- Lord, have mercy. Praise God!

Oh, Lord.

- I didn't mean to cause the family any--

any harm or anything.

I just wanted to come here to see my family,

to be with them.

I mean, 'cause it's been--

it's been a longtime dream of mine.

But when I went to my sister Baneatta's house earlier

to tell her who I was, she turned me away.

So I had no other choice but to come here.

[crowd murmuring]

[tense music]

- Kenny, what is happening right now?

- Uh, you know as much as I do.

- Say something. - Listen here, now.

I don't know what you trying to pull,

but you better stop right now.

- Everyone-- - No!

- Everyone settle down. - No!

- This is the Lord's house. All are welcome.

All are welcome. This is the Lord's house.

- No way! - All are welcome.

- No way!

- Baneatta, you gave me no choice!

- Baneatta, stop!

- You tell her to stop!

She's the one trying to ruin Daddy's name

the first Christmas without him!

- Baneatta, stop! - No! She is lying!

- I'm not lying! And I know you know it!

Tell them, Baneatta! James, please, tell her!

- No! - Baneatta, it's the truth!

It's the truth!

all: Whoa!

- Baneatta!

- Did you know about this?

- Do I look like I knew about this?

- Did Grandma Rita know about this?

- She couldn't have.

- I can't believe you let that woman

speak at my Daddy's church without my permission!

- And I can't believe you would keep the truth

from the rest of the family!

Would you want someone to do that to you?

Ignore you?

Erase you, like you don't exist?

Her showing up at our church was a final act of desperation.

She's in pain, Baneatta, and you contributed to it.

I mean, I just preached on being--

on being devoted to one another in love,

honoring one another above ourselves.

That same love applies here, Baneatta!

Did you ever stop and put yourself in her shoes?

[apprehensive music]

♪

You can be as mad at me as you want to be,

but you better make this right, Baneatta.

You better make this right.

- Don't look at me like that.

You don't know what I'm going through.

- You're right, Mama, I don't.

But the thing is,

I thought you were better than this.

- [chuckles]

Heavy is the head that wears the crown, right?

The crown is heavy on the head.

The-- - Bev.

- The queen--you think that you're the queen.

You know what I'm talking about.

You know, you want to be the queen,

but it's harder than it looks, right?

- She's ruining Daddy's name.

- Oh, he did that on his own.

- Why would he do that to us?

- To us? To us?

You're taking this personal.

You're take--he-- I loved Daddy.

I did. I loved him more than anyone.

More than anyone.

But you know the difference between you and me?

- Please enlighten me.

- I loved him, and he knew that I loved him

as he was, as a man. As a man.

You've turned him into a deity, into a god.

But he's just a man.

Imperfect, messy, crazy, just like me,

which is why I was his favorite.

- Ha! Girl.

- The man loved us, sis.

But he was just a man.

But the question is...

Question is, can you love him now?

Now that you know that he's--

that he's just...

- Like us. - Just like us. Just like us.

Exactly. Exactly.

You talk about your family a lot, Baneatta.

But do you love us as we are?

Messy, broken, learning to be better?

[sentimental music]

- Of course I do.

- Sometimes it doesn't feel that way.

- I'm sorry.

- I know. I know.

I know.

And--and Brianna,

you're punishing her for something she didn't do.

Hasn't she been alone long enough?

- [groans]

- I was a monster!

Mm. - You--you were.

- I can't show my face to her again.

- Oh, you can.

- I can't. - Why not?

- I don't know if I can let her into my heart.

- You can, and you will.

I've known you my whole life.

You're my sister.

And you can be a big ol' B sometimes,

but that's because you want the best for us.

I get that. We get that.

We love you anyway.

You're a good sister, Baneatta. You're a good sister.

- I am. - You are.

But don't you tell anybody I said that or I will deny it.

Tell you what, I'll go with you.

Let's go fix this together.

As sisters.

- Sisters.

- Oh, it's right down here.

- Mm-hmm.

- Okay, okay, here we go.

Okay. We're here. Okay.

♪

- Sister!

- Can I help you?

- We'd like you to come to Christmas lunch tomorrow.

I'd like you to come to lunch.

- That's it? No apology?

- Well, you know what, apologizing

is not really her strongest suit.

I mean, these are great steps, you know, baby steps

all in the right direction.

Trust me, girl.

- An hour ago, you were trying

to attack me in front of your whole congregation.

- I am so sorry about that.

- You know...

All I really wanted was family.

Sisters.

Be a part of something bigger than me.

Or at least that's what I thought I wanted.

And then I met you,

a Jenkins,

and I realized,

if that's what family is,

I don't want any part of it.

- Oh. Oh.

- Oh. - Come on, let's go.

♪

I know.

[heartwarming music]

♪

- He lied about that too.

This is calm, Mom. I'm trying my best here.

- Hi, Logan.

- Oh, my God.

Uh, Mom, I gotta go.

Yeah, I--I love you too. Bye.

- Are you not staying?

- I'd like to, but Kenny loves his mom,

as he should, but she hates me.

So I don't know how it could work.

- Aunt Baneatta is tough.

Why do you think I was asking everybody,

"Who is this white boy?"

I was asking because I wanted the family to see you,

acknowledge you, accept you.

It was never about your color.

It was about how much you meant to my cousin Kenny.

- That's amazing.

I thought you hated me, just like everybody else.

- No. No, I don't.

Um, we're basically family now, but, like, get off me.

- Oh, yeah, sorry. - Yeah.

- LaTrice, this has been such a stressful day.

But you somehow just made it a lot better.

- Hmm. - Thank you.

- No sweat, white boy.

[chuckles]

- Let me get some of this butter over here.

Yeah. This here.

I have--

I have not had no cornbread like this.

I swear, I'm gonna have to take a nap

and come back for some more.

- [chuckles] - Mm-hmm.

- Y'all think I'm playing.

Y'all gonna have to roll me out this house or let me die,

'cause let me tell you something, this--

this right here?

This is heaven. Okay?

- You are so sweet, Deacon.

[laughs]

- Which one of these plates is yours, Bev?

- Uh, I made the Brussels sprouts.

- Oh, I should have known.

Yep.

Sweetest Brussels sprouts I ever seen,

I'll tell you that.

Yeah. - [laughs]

Oh, Deacon Scott, you are too much.

You are really too much.

- That's what they usually say about you.

- You met your match, Mama.

- Could you pass that ham, Lenny?

- His name is Logan, Ma!

- Do not use that tone of voice with me at my table, Simone.

- Yes, yeah, it's your house,

it's your rules, your table, it's your everything.

But this is also Grandaddy's house,

where everybody is welcome.

God, I, uh, I'm just happy

he's not here to see what you turned it into.

- How dare you! - Baneatta.

[tense music]

- Mm.

You know, yesterday,

an attorney came by the house

and told me that Daddy left us an inheritance.

- What?

- Well, how much did Daddy leave us?

- What did we get? - Nothing.

You all get nothing. Nada.

All he wanted was for our whole family to get together.

But look at this family. What a mess.

- And you contributed to a large part of it.

- And let's call it what it is.

You ran away that girl Brianna. She's part of our family.

- And I am in pain, and not once have you noticed,

because all you care about is yourself.

- I can't believe I've been working so hard

to make you happy,

when you don't care about my happiness!

- Your image is more important than our well-being.

- You're the judgiest bitch I know.

- I love you, Ma, but you need to look at yourself

in the mirror before you come at us like that again.

- You think you are so perfect,

when you have been lying to the entire family!

- You can be a bitch with us, but you know who's not here?

Brianna, and that's all on you. - Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

- Look at yourself in the mirror,

just like you said, and you know what?

it's your fault, sister. It is your fault.

[all speaking at once]

- Silence!

You're right.

I have been taking it all out on you.

I trusted Daddy. And I'm just hurt.

If he could lie to me like that, to us, then...

[solemn music]

Anyone can betray us.

And that's terrifying.

♪

I didn't know he could be that kind of man.

I kept the secret, and that was wrong of me.

I didn't want you to know that he was that way.

I tried to protect us.

I know it doesn't make any sense, but that's the truth.

- Mama, we're all hurting.

Can't you see?

The only way to survive is to protect each other,

to trust each other.

You take care of our pain, but we take care of yours too.

And you gotta let us in.

- You're right, my angel. You are right.

But I don't know how to do that.

- Look, and--and Granddaddy, he made a mistake.

Yeah, he messed up.

But he's not that one mistake.

You've gotta remember that.

- The reality is, I feel ugly.

I don't care what Daddy left behind, his inheritance.

What I care about is, I hurt this innocent woman,

that I piled more pain onto her life,

and she didn't deserve that.

I didn't know I could be so cold.

- Listen to our son, Baneatta.

None of us have to be defined my our mistakes.

None of us.

- Mama, I know you sharing that was hard.

So I have something I want to get off my chest as well.

- What is it, baby?

- Michael and I are getting a divorce.

- What?

Oh, no.

- Our relationship has been suffering for a while now.

But I didn't--

I didn't want to be alone.

And I didn't want to disappoint you.

- Oh. - No.

- So I tolerated it.

I know how much you love him.

But when Michael cheated on me...

That was the line, and he crossed it.

- Simone, I am so sorry, baby.

♪

- [clears throat] Um, I, um--

Mama, I need to tell you something.

I am in love with this man.

- Kenny-- - No, no, no, no. No.

I, um, I need you to hear me.

I love you.

I do.

But I also love him.

He is my family.

So you can either accept him-- you can--you can accept us--

Or I'm gonna leave with him tonight.

And Mama...

I'm not coming back.

Unlike Brianna,

there are no do-overs here.

- Can you bring some hot sauce?

- I'm sorry, Kenny. - It's fine.

- Ooh, I didn't see any of this coming.

- Son, son, you stay where you are.

- No, Daddy, I can't.

I meant what I said. Come on.

[sentimental music]

♪

What is that?

- Your Grandaddy's ring.

This is what you came here to do, right?

To ask Logan to marry you.

- You knew?

- You didn't think I knew

why you wanted to talk to your daddy?

Don't you know mothers know everything?

- Including my name.

[laughter]

- Kenny.

Do you love him?

Kenny, do you love Logan?

- With all my heart.

- Then what are you waiting for?

♪

[laughter]

- Logan...

Will you do me the honor of becoming my husband?

- Yes.

[all cheering]

♪

- Oh, man. Welcome.

[all speaking at once]

[lively music]

♪

- We should sing. We should sing.

- Ready? - Yeah. Ready? Go.

- ♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪

both: ♪ Jingle all the way

all: ♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride

♪ In a one-horse open sleigh - Hey!

- Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!

[laughter]

- Stop. - I told you that!

[doorbell rings]

- I'll get the door.

Brianna.

- Your husband's sermon really got me thinking.

Truth is, crazy or not crazy,

I didn't come all this way to leave empty-handed.

- I'm glad to hear that.

- I had years to think about you.

And I only gave you a day to take all this mess in.

- Daddy would have been proud of you to be so forgiving.

It's a Christian value I'm still trying to get right.

I appreciate your giving us a second chance.

Join us?

- I thought you'd never ask.

- Well, come right on in.

Come on in. You're home now. Give me your coat.

I'll take your coat. Hello.

[heartwarming music]

♪

- Family.

Beverly and I would like to introduce Brianna,

our sister.

- Our sister. - Welcome home.

- Thank you.

- Well come on. Let's say hello. Here she is.

- Hi. - Get over there.

- Hi. - Come on.

- Nice to see you. - Oh, wow.

- Hi, Auntie. - Give her a hug.

- Come, come.

You know what?

Now that we are all finally together...

- Yes. - We need to pray.

We are going to pray. Take a hand.

- Okay. Oh.

- Come on. Come on.

Lord, Lord, I dare say

this is one Christmas we will never forget.

- Sure won't.

- And as messy as things got,

I truly believe that we are right

where you would have us to be,

with new traditions and new family members.

So keep us, keep us,

and let this year's celebration of your son

be our first of many.

Heavenly Father--

take it, girl.

- Oh. And...

both: Happy Birthday, Jesus.

- Amen! Amen! all: Amen.

[laughter]

- Amen!

- And can I say one more thing? - One thing.

- Daddy, thank you for my two sisters.

- Aw. - Baneatta.

- ♪ Home for the holidays

- ♪ Presents and familiar faces ♪

- ♪ Home for the holidays

- ♪ Heart in hands and saying our graces ♪

- ♪ Home for the holidays

- ♪ It feels good to be

- ♪ Home for the holidays

[doorbell rings]

- We got more guests?

- Okay.

[laughter]

- Well.

It seems like you managed a Christmas miracle

and gathered the whole family.

- I'm sorry to have brought you all this way,

but your services are not needed.

- I beg your pardon?

- We don't care for anything you have to offer us.

We're good.

It took me a while, but I finally realized

we have everything we need and more.

- Everything. - I'm glad to hear that.

'Cause there is no inheritance.

- Oh. Say what now?

- Okay, well, let me explain.

There was an inheritance, a small amount of money.

However, the amount of money left behind

wasn't enough to cover the costs of my fees.

- I'm sorry, that makes no sense.

- Your daddy just wanted to bring his girls together,

and I was so happy to help.

[laughter]

- Wow. - No. Bernard! Bernard!

[all speaking at once]

- But if I'm being honest,

you Jenkins turned out to be a lot of work,

so actually, I'm here to collect the rest of my bill.

Come on.

- Uh, this man is crazy.

- Uh, but, like I said before,

I heard the lunch here is to die for,

so I'll settle for some leftovers.

- Man, get on in and have a seat.

Let me get you a drink.

- Well--well, I can help you with that appetite.

- Oh, no.

- With the leftovers. I know where the leftovers are.

I mean, he's cute and everything,

but I am off men for now.

Right, LaTrice?

- Okay, family, money or no money,

Daddy played us, but we won.

Because we still got an inheritance this Christmas--

two new Jenkins.

- Two new Jenkins.

Ooh, I know Daddy's up there just smiling at us right now.

Oh, yes.

- Oh, I love this song. - Mm.

- ♪ Come to Bethlehem and see

♪ Him whose birth the angels sing ♪

♪ Come adore on bended knee

♪ Christ the Lord, the newborn king ♪

- ♪ Angels we have heard on high ♪

- Okay!

- ♪ Sweetly singing over the plains ♪

- ♪ And the mountains in reply ♪

♪ Echoing their joyous strains ♪

- ♪ Gloria

all: ♪ In excelsis deo

♪ Gloria

♪ In excelsis deo

[upbeat rock music]

♪

- No way.

- Let's go. Whoo-hoo!

- Oh! [laughter]

all: Oh!

- Oh, Brianna, you are definitely our sister.

I thought Beverly was a bad driver,

but you may be worse.

- I think she is worse.

We love you, girl.

[all laugh]

♪