My Southern Family Christmas (2022)

[bunniefuu]

Merry Christmas

Can you feel it?

If you feel it

Then sing with me

I wish you

Merry Christmas

May all your dreams

Come true

And I hear

Choirs singing

Bells ringing

By the Christmas tree

And I wonder if you

Could make my dreams

Come true...

Airventure magazine.

- Oh, here...

- Yeah.

And I wonder if you

Could make my dreams...

Oh. Okay, thank you.

And spend this Christmas

Here with me

All right, Chicago.

Happy holidays from all of us

down here in Dallas.

We'll be wishing you

lots of Christmas cheer.

Stay warm up there.

Bye now.

Speaking of holiday cheer,

you sure look full of it.

Yeah, I'm just thankful that we

planned these articles a year out.

But you've still got to have your

pitch for the meeting tomorrow.

Remember, the feature and the

cover are on the line here.

Thank you for

the added layer of pressure.

Not that I needed it.

I'm just sayin',

after Daniel's cover story

about the history

of The Nutcracker last year,

it got a lot of eyes, hon.

And Daniel got a book deal.

I know. Be like Daniel.

Be like Daniel.

Ha!

All right, guys, tomorrow

morning, uh, 8:30 a.m. sharp,

but I gotta say I need

a little more nuance.

You know, a little more flair.

I need our readers to have

an experience on the page,

'cause if they can't travel

the world for Christmas,

we're going to bring

Christmas to them, okay?

Youse got it?

All right, I know you do.

Don't let me down.

It just seems like every

Christmas tradition on the planet

has already been covered already...

I mean, Christmas wedding, done.

Christmas on the ranch?

Done.

Do you want

a Christmas cruise? Done.

There isn't

a gingerbread competition,

a quaint village or a tree

lighting we haven't explored.

- What else is left?

- Christmas in space?

Do you think I could do it?

Look, maybe you're thinking

too globally here.

Girl, the holidays are

all about family.

Maybe you should try

looking closer to home?

Oh, yeah, yeah.

I'm sure the readers would love

to hear about my parents

struggling to take the Christmas

decorations down from the attic.

Speaking of which,

I promised I would go help them

later tonight, so...

I'm going to go grab

some leftovers from the party

and head out.

Oh, lots of missed calls.

See? Family time.

Who knows? Maybe

you'll get some inspiration.

I don't need inspiration,

I need a Christmas miracle.

Go on and get

that Christmas miracle, girl.

Thank you.

Lord, help her.

Hey, it's Dad. Wondered if you could

pick up some coffees on the way over.

Love you.

Hi, Ms. Wallace.

I'm just calling about

your car's extended warranty.

Hi there, Campbell.

Um... I-I'm Jennifer Bergeron.

I'm not sure if you got

my letter earlier this year,

but I think I'm...

Oh, goodness, this is so...

I think I'm married

to your father...

Everett?

Sorry...

Christmas is coming

The snowflakes

Will be falling...

Mom! Dad!

Are y'all home?

- I got coffee.

- Ah, bless you.

I thought the coffee

would never get here.

And you, of course.

But mostly the coffee.

Hey, kiddo.

Hi.

Your holiday favorite.

Oh! Is that nutmeg I'm tasting?

- Mm-hmm.

- Don't get too cozy.

We can't take a break

until everything's down.

She's so bossy.

Hey, it was your idea

to get a jump start

on clearing out the attic.

Remind me to keep my mouth shut.

Mm!

Oh, no, no, no,

we did beach Santa last year.

Let's do, uh,

Vegas Santa this year.

- Right.

- I don't want to keep you too late,

because you, young lady,

have a pitch to write.

I know, I know.

- Hey, Mom?

- Yeah?

Do you mind if I take

this Campbell box home with me?

Hi, Everett.

Can you get that, hon?

It's probably the Pere Noel

Festival planning committee!

Bergeron residence.

Everett speaking.

Hello? Is anyone there?

Uh, yeah, hi. Um...

Um... is...

Jennifer Bergeron there?

I'm-I'm calling

for this Christmas...

Yeah, yeah.

Hang on, she's right here.

- Here you go.

- Oh.

Hello.

Hi. J-Jennifer.

This is, uh, Campbell Wallace.

You left me a voicemail?

Yes, of course!

Uh... can you give me a minute?

Christmas emergency.

Um, you can start without me,

I'll be right there.

Sure.

Well, um...

hi there, Campbell.

Uh, this is, um...

Well, I'm just so glad

that you called.

Yeah, well,

you left me a voicemail.

Oh, and my letter

a few months ago?

What... How did you find me?

It wasn't easy.

I kept looking

for an Alice Bergeron

because that's what

he calls you, but...

Yeah, there were five Alices

in my preschool

and my dad gave me

the nickname, so...

"Campbell" just kind of stuck.

Well, um, took me

a while, but...

eventually I got there.

It's amazing what you can find

online these days, right?

I know that I may be

overstepping here, and...

when you didn't answer my letter,

I figured I should just leave it be.

Then why didn't you?

Well, um...

here in Ascension Parish

fires on the levee light... they

light the way for Pere Noel,

Santa Claus, you know,

and our old Pere Noel

has retired

and Everett has been chosen

to replace him.

- Okay.

- And...

it's a big deal.

It's an honor that you want

to share with your family,

and I guess what

I'm trying to say is

that ever since

he's been chosen...

he... he just doesn't think

he deserves it because...

he can't stop

thinking about you.

I don't know.

I thought, well, this

is sort of my Hail Mary pass,

- to see if...

- It's a really nice offer,

uh, but I've been fine

without him

most of my life,

so, um, thank you, but...

Mom, dinner's getting cold.

Yeah, come on.

We wanna make Christmas cookies!

Just a minute, girls.

Who... Who was that?

Oh, Mary-Margaret and Amelia.

They would be...

Well, um...

they're your sisters.

Oh, focus, um...

Okay.

Feature...

All right, guys, I am loving the

international angle right now.

Let's run with that. Oh, and the

Christmas Barbecue Cook-Off...

- Oh. Hello, Campbell.

- Sorry.

Nice of you to join us.

Um, anyway, uh...

Oh, the Dallas piece

for the Christmas Cook-Off.

Fantastic.

But for this feature

I'm looking for something,

something with

a bit more culture,

you know, a bit more heart,

something that we haven't

seen before...

What's that?

- Oh, uh, no.

- What's this?

- Nope, that's...

- Oh, this is fantastic.

Are you ready to pitch this?

- Yeah.

- Let's see this pitch.

Give Campbell the floor, guys.

All right.

Yep.

Uh... okay.

So...

there's this town in Louisiana

called Sorrento,

uh, where the people try

to make Christmas special,

even though there's no snow.

And so, on Christmas Eve,

they light the bayou

to guide Pere Noel,

their version of Santa Claus,

to their homes.

And this year,

the new Pere Noel is a man

named Everett Bergeron.

He's a successful businessman.

Runs a popular meat pie shop...

Right, right, but who is he?

Um...

I mean, I guess that

would be the story, really,

figuring that out.

I like it.

Good job.

So, I'm thinking

we finish decorating the tree,

make some hot chocolate, and...

ride around the neighborhood

and look at the lights.

Way ahead of you

on the hot chocolate part.

Gary!

That was for later.

I'm a simple man, Sarah.

I see hot chocolate, I drink it.

So... somebody had

a big meeting today.

And somebody is being

very quiet about it.

Uh, yeah. It was good.

I'm in contention

for the feature.

Well, what are we doing

drinking hot chocolate?

We should pop open

the champagne!

It's nothing yet.

And, um...

it does mean that

I'm leaving tomorrow

and that I won't see you two

on Christmas morning.

Landing the feature!

Almost landing the feature.

Well, almost landing

the feature is a big deal.

When we open presents isn't.

Now, tell us everything.

Okay, uh...

There's this small town

in Louisiana

where they ask a man

in the town to be, like,

their version of Santa Claus.

Louisiana?

Ascension Parish, actually.

Sorrento.

So... you want

to meet your father.

Well, no.

Yes?

I just...

I feel like going

is the right thing to do.

When you were 13,

we sat you down

and we asked you

if you wanted to meet him,

if you wanted to have a relationship

with him, and you said that you...

I said it was his loss

when he left

and I have all the family

I need.

That hasn't changed.

Well, I'm not trying to hold you

to what you wanted as a child.

But I do wonder, why now?

Mama, I have sisters.

And I do wonder about him.

You know?

I think that

if I don't do this now,

I always will.

I just don't want you

to get hurt, that's all.

I know.

I...

Will you excuse me?

You aren't mad at me, are you?

Or upset that

I would want to meet him?

Why would I be mad?

You are my dad.

And you're a great dad.

Campbell, it's okay.

I know you love me.

And honestly, I had a feeling

this day would come.

And what about Mom?

Is this what you want, kiddo?

Yeah. It is.

Then she'll come around.

I promise.

Yeah.

Let's finish

decorating the tree.

- Come on, it'll be fun.

- Yes.

Coming.

Campbell. It's so nice

to finally meet you.

- Do we hug?

- Yeah, sure.

Okay.

I'm sorry, I'm just so excited.

I've been hearing about you,

well, since I met your father,

so... 20 years?

- And here you are!

- Here I am.

Um, he's running errands

and the girls are at school.

I thought it would be nice

if it was just us for a minute.

- Great. Thank you.

- Yeah.

So, you'll be staying down the

road at a cute little cottage

owned by friends of ours,

the Shepherds.

Oh, the Shepherds,

they don't know that

I'm Everett's daughter?

No, no, no, no. No.

That's yours to tell, not mine.

But they do know

about the article,

and we're going to give you

a lot to write about.

Mr. Shepherd is the Pere Noel

who's stepping down

and his grandson Jackson

is the town liaison,

so he can help you out too.

- Great.

- But, uh, look.

If it gets too much and you feel

like you need to leave...

Jennifer? I...

I'll be all right.

Don't worry.

That's what moms do, I guess.

We worry.

But you're right, um...

So, uh...

Come on inside.

I got that.

- And I'll show you...

- Thank you.

Show you the house.

So this is it.

So, as you can see,

we do like to decorate

for the holidays.

Yeah, those. Uh...

We started making pecan hand

pies one year for Christmas,

and ever since then, we keep

thinking we need help shelling them.

Don't worry about it. We collect,

um, novelty Santas back home.

Um, can I get you anything?

It is Christmas,

so eggnog or hot cocoa or...

- Any water?

- I can manage that, yes.

Be back in a minute.

You just make yourself at home.

I did have an idea.

You know, if you're not sure

that you want to come out

and tell Everett who you are?

Yeah?

Well, since you're

already doing the article,

maybe you could

use that as a cover?

You know,

observe him, get to know him,

and tell him when you're ready.

Isn't that a little dishonest?

Well, I'm not saying that I feel

great about the idea, but...

I mean, I came

all the way here, right?

I should be able to look him in

the eye and tell him who I am.

Well, of course.

You know, I understand,

though, if...

- Jennifer, are you here?

- Oh, um...

Sure am, darling!

And, uh, we have some company.

Company?

Hello there.

This is Campbell Wallace.

Ah, Everett Bergeron.

Nice to meet you. Welcome.

Um, it's a little complicated

to explain, but she's...

A reporter.

Uh, yeah, I'm here to write

a story about you

for Airvent magazine.

Nothing complicated about it.

Okay.

So, you're a reporter?

Huh?

- Surprise!

- Yeah, it sure is.

Uh, what'd you say

your name was again?

- Campbell Wallace.

- Uh-huh.

Um, your wife tipped me off

about you becoming

Sorrento's new Pere Noel,

and we think our readers

will love it.

Well, look, I'm not much of a story, but...

you're the expert.

No, you really should

read her articles.

- Okay.

- Um, she's been everywhere.

- A real world traveler.

- Sure, yeah, yes.

Um...

And when I cover these things,

I get... I get to know the town

and, uh, the traditions,

and, uh, well, and this time,

the man behind

the big white beard.

And actually, because the honor

is about you and your family,

I would like to get

to know both.

If you'll let me.

Well...

all right, Campbell.

Uh, it sounds fine.

I just hope I don't

disappoint you.

Yeah, I hope so, too.

Uh, I gotta git... a whole new

batch of orders came in.

- Oh, for the meat pie business?

- Yep.

This is the busiest time

of year.

Seems like every town in a

25-mile radius orders from us,

and we ship

all over the country.

Stick around,

I'll show you how we make them.

- I would like that.

- Yeah.

Honey bun. Hey, the mayor's

party, you got that covered?

Yes. I'll get the delivery going

when the girls get home from school.

All right.

"When out on the roof,

there arose such a clatter..."

- We're home! Hello?

- Hello.

Hey, there they are!

How are my best girls?

How you doin'?

- Wow. Father of the year.

- How was your last day of school?

He's made lots of mistakes,

but I know that he would really

like to make it right with you.

Listen,

I gotta fill some orders,

so please

take care of your mom, okay?

Be nice, we have a visitor!

Hi! Dad says not to be nightmares

because we have a guest.

I'm guessing that's you?

Hi, I'm Campbell.

It's nice to meet you.

I'm Amelia.

This is Mary-Margaret.

Um, Campbell is doing an article

on Pere Noel for A irvent magazine.

- Yeah.

- Oh, great.

Love to spend Christmas break

with strangers.

- Mary-Margaret!

- It's okay, I get it.

Um... I probably wouldn't

want to spend Christmas

with someone who writes for an

airplane magazine, either, so...

Wait, you mean the ones that they

give out with the little peanut bags?

Yeah, the... the one

with the peanut bags.

- That's cool.

- Yeah. You know what else is cool?

Uh, Mom, we know what's cool

way more than you do.

- Yeah, we're tastemakers.

- Oh.

Well, how do the tastemakers

feel about chores?

Um, chores are not trending

right now, so...

It's good PR for the business.

Mary-Margaret

runs all of our socials.

She's, uh,

quite the content creator.

Kind of like you.

Fine. But only for the 'gram.

Well, then it's settled.

Catering delivery.

So, off. Put on your shirts.

- All right, okay.

- All right, you too. Go, go!

So, would you like to join us?

- Sure. I would love to.

- Great. Come on.

Let's go, girls!

We're leaving in ten minutes!

Hey.

They put you to work already?

Oh, don't worry.

I'm a very immersive writer.

I like to get in the trenches,

or the Christmas parties,

as the case may be.

Okay. So, is this the part

where, I don't know,

you ask what Pere Noel

means to me

or my top five

Christmas cookies?

Oh, you know, well, I have got

so many questions for you,

you wouldn't even believe.

Well, where do we start, then?

Uh, what about your girls?

Your daughters?

My daughters?

It's quite a brood

you've got there.

Oh, yeah. Well...

they're my everything.

I couldn't imagine life

without them.

Campbell! Come on!

- Oh.

- Good luck. You'll need it.

Thank you.

So, you're a writer, huh?

Uh, yeah.

I take pictures, too. See?

Cool.

- Wow, nice.

- You wanna try?

Um, sure.

Uh-uh.

Whoo-whoo.

So, what do you write about?

Um...

Je suis une auteure de voyage.

That's French for

"I'm a travel writer."

- Oh.

- Oh!

And what's French for

"Pere Noel's going to bring me

a big lump of coal

for Christmas"?

Pere Noel doesn't

even bring coal, that's Santa.

- Mm-hmm. There's a difference?

- Oh, yeah.

See, Pere Noel is Cajun,

so he speaks French too.

Oh, and he drinks blackberry

wine and eats meat pies.

And my dad is going to be him now

that Mr. Shepherd is retiring.

Yes. I've heard about that.

I've been told.

- Okay, buckle up.

- Smile, Mom.

- Oh...

- Oh, and by the way,

we're going

to Robert's Coffee House

and my dad used to work there,

and they have

the best beignets, ever.

- Okay. Beignets, meat pies.

- Mm-hmm.

- Okay, so you're ready to do the whole tour?

- Yeah.

- Let's do it, Mom.

- Let's do this.

- I can come back out for those.

- Oh, no, don't worry.

I can get them. I mean,

it's a family business, right?

Right.

Oh! Attention!

Whoops.

- Well, that's broken.

- I'm so sorry.

You know, a warning

might have been nice.

- You don't speak French?

- That's the problem with tourists.

They come through and mess up

the flow of traffic.

Yeah, well, no wonder

you're mowing people over.

- Do you mind if I...? Yep.

- Oh.

Thank you.

So, she knocks over my presents,

she makes fun

of my nerdy glasses...

Well, from one nerd to another,

I think they look cute.

Um... distinguished.

Smart...

I mean.

- But not well-traveled.

- No.

Campbell!

We're setting up.

Yeah, I'm on my way!

You bring out

The holly jolly me...

Okay, good,

if you could tilt it up

towards the Christmas tree.

Yeah.

Okay. Good. Perfect.

Caption time.

I need to find a pen.

Gotta brainstorm.

Oh, Amelia, not on any

of the mayor's important stuff.

Wait, wait, wait!

- Mayor Thomas.

- Yes.

Mayor Thomas,

this is Campbell Wallace.

She's doing the article

about Pere Noel.

Oh, okay.

The mayor

and Everett go way back.

Campbell,

it's a pleasure to meet you.

- And welcome to Sorrento!

- Thank you. Nice to be here.

Absolutely. You know, I think

she should meet Jackson Shepherd.

I think he'd be

a great resource for you.

Actually, she's staying

at his family's cottage.

Ah, there you go.

Meant to be.

He's around here somewhere.

Hey, Jackson!

Come over here!

Jackson Shepherd,

this is Campbell Wallace.

She's the reporter

from the travel magazine.

Ah. Well, bonjour,miss.

Bonjour indeed.

Oh, Mayor Thomas, if you're

wondering why the present I got you

is broken into a million pieces,

that's because of her.

Well, Campbell,

you can ask this rude young man

anything about anything,

he knows it all.

He's the keeper

of all the town records

and he helps us out

when we have visitors.

- Great.

- Okay.

I just hope I don't

ruin your flow,

what with me

being a tourist, and all.

Well, it was her who started.

I mean, I feel like you

started that before.

- And you'll be staying at the cottage?

- Yeah.

- Excellent.

- I can't tell if they're flirting or fighting.

- Maybe both.

- That's why I put her in the cottage.

You're good with people,

you know that?

Well, it's a gift.

What can I say?

So, Jennifer, I wanted to ask,

what's Everett like, to you?

Um, well...

he's smart and hard-working.

And loving.

Um...

You know, when I met him,

he had just pulled himself

out of a really dark place.

And he's spent the rest of his life

trying to do better, be better.

There's not a lot of people

you can say that about.

And, you know,

he makes me laugh... a lot.

Tsk... I think

I just love him to bits.

Yeah, see, I wish I could

see him the way all of you do.

And I wish he could have been

those things for me.

- Hey!

- Hey.

Perfect timing.

I just set out

the last batch to cool.

- Good day?

- Excellent.

I'm thinking of hiring Campbell.

She's a perfect fit

for our little operation here.

- Okay.

- How was your day?

Well, much better

now that you're here.

- Oh.

- Come on, let's eat.

- Well, well, well, okay.

- You too, Campbell.

- Campbell. Come on now.

- Yep.

All right.

Ooh, something smells good.

- Mmm.

- Girls, come on, dinner!

I'm just gonna grab my things

and head out.

You can't leave yet.

Stay for dinner.

Look, there's plenty of food.

I just... I should really get

started on writing my article,

and I don't want to intrude

on family time.

Guess what? After dinner,

we're making wreaths.

It's a family tradition

on the first night off school.

- You can sit by me.

- Uh-uh, she's sitting by me.

We're going

to talk about photography.

Sounds like the girls

already saved a spot for you.

Now, look, this article

is about me, right?

Well, to know my family

is to know me.

Why don't you stay awhile?

How can I say no?

You can just put your stuff

on the chair.

Thank you.

- Mm-mm. Who's first?

- Smells good.

For you.

"This will be

your best Christmas ever."

Hi, Mom.

Hey, baby.

How are you holding up?

Uh... getting settled in.

You know, meeting my father

for the first time,

not telling him

I'm his daughter.

- You haven't told him yet?

- I panicked.

Well, that's totally normal,

sweetheart.

It still feels weird.

It's kind of like lying,

you know?

I mean, it's...

a lot like lying.

Well, it's also a way

of keeping yourself safe

and get to know him better.

How are the girls?

Oh, Mom, they're amazing.

I mean, Amelia is so spunky,

and Mary-Margaret

is just such a moody teenager.

You know, she's trying

to be real cool.

She just, like, reminds me a lot

of myself when I was that age.

And last night we were making

wreaths, and, um...

Oh, hang on, Mom.

Someone's at my door.

It's okay. Go.

Just call me later.

I love you!

Love you.

Well, look who

the reindeer dragged in.

Pere Noel doesn't

actually have reindeer.

Oh, yeah?

What does he use, then?

Alligators.

Oh. The Ayutthaya province

has elephants,

the North Pole has reindeers, and Cajun

country has alligators, naturally.

Oh, right. Sorry.

Uh, so, your coffee machine

here is broken,

so I brought you this.

My grandma's recipe.

I hope you like

Cajun eggnog flavor.

Cajun eggnog. Never had it.

Ah. That's a point for me then.

I mean, essentially

it's eggnog instead of creamer,

with nutmeg, cinnamon, cayenne,

and a little

imitation rum extract.

Sounds different.

It's a southern

Louisiana tradition, so...

Mmm, don't worry,

I love different.

Believe me, in my line of work,

I get plenty of it.

- Ever had mopane?

- I have not.

- What is that?

- Worms.

It's a Zimbabwean

Christmas tradition.

That sounds... delicious.

It's actually pretty good.

Almost as good as this coffee.

Glad to hear it.

Hey, I was thinking,

maybe I'd take you on a tour?

You can see the sights.

I mean, it's no Zimbabwe...

Actually, I'm tailing

Everett today,

Pere Noel duties,

but maybe you could help me

do some research after lunch?

Sorrento's resident geek

is at your service.

Great, it's a date then.

Um...

Yeah, cheers.

Cheers.

You know, it's a great honor

to take on the mantle

of Pere Noel from Shepherd here,

who's had that distinction

for nearly 30 years.

Now, as my first official act

as Sorrento's new Pere Noel,

I'm going to hang the first

ornament on the town tree,

as a sign that Christmas

is just around the corner.

Hey, you know,

this is the time of year

where we're supposed to be the

most hospitable and welcoming,

so I'd like to ask

somebody else to help me.

Kind of an honorary Pere Noel

assistant for the season.

Campbell Wallace.

What do you say?

- Uh...

- Go on!

Okay, sure.

- Thank you.

- Anywhere.

- Right here? Yeah?

- Yep.

- Okay.

- There we go. Ta-da!

You didn't have to do that.

Of course I did.

You're our guest.

All right, folks join in!

"Mo' fassa and fassa,

da gator dey came!"

"He whistle and holla

and called dem by name!"

Hey, now, kids,

we have a special visitor,

coming all the way from the

magical land of Dallas, Texas.

- Oooh!

- Now, I reckon she's never

even heard this story before,

have you?

I can't say that I have.

Not this version, anyway.

Well then, she doesn't even know

the names of Pere Noel's gators.

Should we teach her? Y'all

want to practice your reading?

Yeah!

All right, come on up here.

- Let's do it.

- Okay.

- Right here. You ready?

- Okay.

Here we go.

"Ha, Gaston! Ha, Tiboy!"

"Ha, Pierre an' Alcee!"

"Gee, Ninette! Gee, Suzette!"

"Celeste an' Renee!"

- Not my best performance.

- Oh, that's all right.

Look, that's for you.

Now you can practice.

That's how you get ahold

of Pere Noel on Christmas Eve.

- Thank you.

- And remember your time down here.

All right, now, kids,

how does the story end?

"Merry Christmas to all,

'til I saw you some mo'!"

All right.

Hey, hot chocolate

right over here.

Oooh!

Hi there.

Come in.

Oh, hey.

Glad you could make it.

Wow... festive.

Yeah, I get pretty focused

on my work.

Yeah, I mean, I get it.

Practical.

Ah, what the Japanese

call shibui.

Boring?

Understated.

Oh, hey. So, the town paper

is doing a series on Everett.

Asked me to pull

all the public files on him,

old articles, government files,

photographs.

So I thought maybe you could

use it for your article as well?

That's incredible.

Yeah, thank you.

Ugh! So... I haven't

looked at it yet, but...

that should keep you busy

for a while.

- Yep.

- Feel free to work here as long as you want.

- You want coffee?

- The answer to that question will always be yes.

Okay.

Hey, you want cream or sugar?

Uh, just coffee is fine,

thank you.

This is from the year he left.

All right, here we go.

So, where should we get started?

Uh, actually, I have to go.

Sorry, my, uh, my editor

needs a progress report,

so I have to go

and upload some pictures.

But thank you, and, um...

I'll call you?

Yep.

Fine.

She told me about you.

Maybe we'll sit down and visit.

She let me know kind of

what's going on...

I figured, look,

this is something

that I know what I'm talking

about 'cause I've been there.

- You've been there?

- Yeah, and back again.

- Hey.

- Hi.

How'd it go with your boss?

Uh, yeah, good, good.

Yeah, uh...

Just, uh...

just, uh, working away.

Great. Do you care

if I sit down?

Sure. Go ahead.

Thank you.

- Hey, um...

- Yeah.

Who is that guy that Everett

is talking to outside?

- Do you know him?

- Oh, yeah, it's the guy he's been counseling.

- Counseling?

- Yeah, I'm surprised you didn't

figure that out

in all your research.

- Hmm.

- You have a little...

Okay, you have a lot of powdered

sugar on your face right there.

Yeah. Yeah, Everett's been

working with the community center.

You know, helping these guys

through hard times

like he went through, says

it's his way of giving back.

- "Like he'd went through"?

- I don't have the full story.

But, you know, his family's

from here and he was born here.

But then he went away

for a few years and so...

Hey!

Oh, careful now. That powdered

sugar will take you out.

- Mm-hmm.

- Uh, I hope you didn't fill up too much,

'cause I saved you

the last meat pies of the day.

- You have one yet?

- Um...

Pirogues, yes, sambooseh, sure.

But a genuine

Louisiana meat pie,

I can't say

that I've had the pleasure.

Good. Jackson, you all right

if I steal her away?

- Yeah, no, not at all.

- All right.

Meat pie's gonna be

a good walking snack.

Walking snack?

Where are we going?

Down to the bayou.

Girls are already there.

I'm gonna give you

a peek behind the curtain.

What's the verdict?

Wow. These really are amazing.

Ha ha! Made from scratch

every day.

- How?

- Get out of bed, make a cup of coffee.

Start on the dough.

I mean, how?

What goes into them?

Oh, a lot of love.

I'm gonna show you something

that's great for the article.

The article, right.

This little skiff

is soon gonna be a sleigh.

The Pere Noel family decorates

this bad boy every year.

You gonna give us a hand?

Do you want me to help?

In case you haven't noticed yet,

I'm giving you

an all-access pass

like you're part of the family.

Yeah. Sure, yeah.

- Dad, can you help me with this a little bit?

- Yep.

Hey.

Decorating not your thing?

I don't like the water so much.

Do you know how many gators

are in there?

- Alligators?

- Aw, don't worry.

Those mean old gators never eat

one of Pere Noel's girlsl,

they know better.

- But I will!

- Dad, put me down, Dad!

I'll put you down in the water!

She's gator bait!

She's gator bait!

Oh, she escaped.

- Saved your life.

- Whoa!

- I gotcha.

- Thank you.

I know you're looking

for an immersive experience,

but trust me,

going in the bayou ain't it.

Yes. Noted.

Well, don't I just miss

all the fun.

Mom, Campbell almost fell in

the water, but Dad saved her.

- I sure did.

- So that's why you're late.

Well, remember, we have that dinner

we have to cater across town.

- Yeah.

- You girls too, so you're going to have to go change.

Mom, do we have to? I have so many stories to

write down before I forget all the details.

Look, it's gonna be a late night, and I

really don't want you girls here by yourself.

I can watch them.

But, Mom, we do not need

a babysitter.

Oh, I don't babysit.

Don't worry.

No, but we could have,

like, a Christmas sleepover?

And I can give you those

pictures I took today, so...

Yeah... Mom, Dad, please!

Yes, okay, fine. Yes.

All right, but they gotta be

in bed by 10:00.

Not a minute later!

- You got it.

- All right.

And you need to go change.

I do, yeah.

Wow, you look great.

- Is that what you're going to wear?

- Yes.

I mean, ice-cream snowman.

It's brilliant.

It's the closest we can get

to real snow around here, so...

Oh! Think he's melting.

Oh, here, let me help.

Oh, yeah.

Um...

I think this is jammed.

Here, let me see it.

- Oh, my God.

- Look!

Oh, my God!

- I still don't appreciate it.

- Hair!

No!

Get off!

Okay, smile.

Nice!

Oh, those are good.

So, since I'm

the writer in the family,

I do the Christmas cards

and Mary-Margaret

makes the gifts.

Wait, you made these?

Yeah, it's not a big deal.

That's why

you're so good with the camera.

Like I said,

you've got a great eye.

Oh... it's whatever.

You know it's okay

to like things, right?

Like photography, for example.

Yeah, but it's not cool.

I think it's cool!

And I have made a career

doing it, so...

maybe give me that one?

Fine.

I do like it.

But most people

will see it as...

like a teenage girl,

always on her phone, so...

Well, maybe you just need

a real camera.

You're just saying

this stuff to be nice.

You do this stuff for real.

Yeah, but, you know,

even when you do it for real,

you wonder if you're any good.

Like, for instance,

I wasn't sure

I wanted to take this assignment

and come here to Sorrento.

- I was nervous.

- Really?

Sure. I mean,

being scared and anxious

doesn't just go away

because you get older.

You just learn to not let

those feelings stop you

and go after it anyway.

And sometimes the stuff that

really scares you the most

ends up being the best thing

that's ever happened.

- Deep.

- Thanks.

Yeah, it was pretty deep.

Like, hit this road

and it was like...

I'm doin' my thing.

It was so much fun.

Do they know yet?

No, still Jennifer.

The moment hasn't felt right

and I still have

so many questions.

I feel kind of guilty, and I

know I have to tell him, but...

Remember, you're in control

of how this goes.

I know, Dad,

but it's nice to hear.

Campbell, popcorn's ready!

Oh, I gotta go,

a movie's starting.

I told them about

our movie night tradition,

and they wanted

to do it too, so, um...

I miss you both so much.

I'll call you later.

- Love you.

- Miss you, kiddo.

I love you, bye. Bye.

A merry Christmas to you! I

hope you succeeded yesterday.

I'm afraid it's not

a very pleasant one for you.

But will you allow me

to ask your pardon?

And would you be good enough

to put me down?

Lord bless my soul.

My dear Mr. Scrooge...

We're home. Anyone still...?

- Not a farthing less, sir.

- My dear sir!

- I'm afraid there are many backpayments included in it.

- My dear Mr. Scrooge!

You come round and see me.

You will come round?

Oh, we will, we will!

You're thinking about her,

aren't you?

More than ever.

You think we should

wake them up?

No, no, no, let them sleep.

Hi. Merry Christmas Eve.

Brought the coffee this time.

And this.

Thought it might bring you

a little Christmas cheer.

Thank you very much.

Are you okay?

What are you doing here?

I brought you

the Christmas tree.

And the coffee.

I mean, what are you doing

here in Sorrento?

I'm writing a story.

You know that.

That's not

all you're doing, Campbell.

What do you mean?

You're not here to write

a story, you are the story.

You're her.

You're Everett Bergeron's

other daughter.

It's true, isn't it?

You're Everett's daughter.

C-Campbell.

Campbell!

Hey, Campbell,

will you slow down?

- You're such a fast walker.

- Do you need something?

- Yeah, I want to talk to you.

- There's nothing to talk about.

- It's between me and my dad.

- Ah, see, I knew it!

Yeah, okay, fine,

I'm Everett's daughter.

- He doesn't know, does he?

- No, he doesn't.

I mean, he knows that

he has a daughter somewhere,

but he doesn't know that I'm...

- How do you know?

- I'm the town's sacred record keeper.

I know all, and you took

the file from my office.

I looked at the backup...

three daughters.

- And then I did some digging on the internet.

- Some?

Okay, I did a lot of digging

on the internet,

and I put the pieces together.

- You're such a nerd.

- It takes one to know one, doesn't it?

Well, now you know.

Here's your file.

You better not be following me.

Hey, I just wanna know

why you're doing this.

Because I want to know him.

- I want to know the real him.

- And what have you learned?

Not much.

We've been doing

all the Pere Noel stuff together

and hanging out with the family

and we've had talks, sure,

but we haven't, you know,

sat down and, one-on-one...

Okay, so,

what's holding you back?

Okay, fine, yeah,

maybe I'm a little scared.

I was scared because I didn't

want him to know who I was,

and then I was scared because,

you know, if he knew,

he might not tell me the truth

about why he left.

And now I'm scared because...

you know, I like him.

And maybe I don't want

to know the truth.

He seems like... a good guy.

And... I'm so glad

that my sisters

have a loving

and present father,

but I just...

I... I have so many questions

about the past

and they're really hard to ask.

I think I know someone

that can help.

So, where do we start?

Bit of town history?

We were named

after Sorrento, Italy,

because a German railroad tycoon brought

his wife there on their anniversary.

Honeymoon, actually.

- Nerd.

- You know I can hear you?

Actually, um, I wanted to

ask you about Everett Bergeron?

Just background stuff, you know.

I know he grew up here.

I heard you were

friends as kids.

Sure were. Thick as thieves.

Yeah, he went away after school,

and he only came back

when his dad got sick

and later passed away.

That messed up Everett

really bad.

- How so?

- Well, he was broke.

And when I say broke,

I don't mean money, I...

Well, I do mean money,

but I also mean

that something inside of him

was broke.

And I know that because

at the time,

something inside me

was broke too.

I'd just gotten back

from a deployment,

and I hit rock bottom.

So in a way you two were meant

to find each other again.

That's exactly right.

We were both washing dishes

over at old lady Robert's

restaurant,

and even though it was the worst

time in Everett's life,

he always

had time for me, always.

He's the reason

I am in the place I am today.

Did he ever say anything

about that time he was away,

any idea what happened?

Only that he had to get

his life together.

He always said he didn't want

to be the man his father was.

Uh... maybe that last part

should be off the record.

It's all off the record,

don't worry.

Okay.

Well, fast-forward a bit.

He worked his way up on the job

and inherited old lady Robert's

recipes when she passed away.

He started a business,

married Jennifer,

had two beautiful girls.

Between you and me, he's been

acting a little different

since he was named Pere Noel.

He actually tried

to turn the honor down.

And I've been thinking,

maybe the stuff...

the stuff with his dad

and his family

had something to do with it.

So, should I talk first,

or will you?

The suspense is k*lling me.

It's just, I didn't know

about his father getting sick

and about him wanting

to come back

or turning down Pere Noel.

Do you ever feel like

getting more information

just makes you more confused?

Yeah. But I think

you and I both know

there's only one way

you're gonna find out.

By spending time with your dad.

All right, merry Christmas.

Thank you.

Hey, Joe, what are you

going for today?

Yeah. Yeah.

You're right.

Five, ten.

Thank you, Cindy,

merry Christmas to you.

Hey, Everett,

how you doing up there?

Boy, I tell ya, I'm sorry Jennifer

took the girls Christmas shopping.

- I'm flying solo up here!

- Funny you say that.

Campbell was just telling me that she

wants to learn how the food truck works.

- Really?

- Yeah, uh-huh.

- I sure was.

- Well, get up here, Campbell.

I could use

all the help I can get.

- The best research is hands on.

- That's true.

What are you looking for?

- Okay, got it.

- See ya, Everett.

All right, you be good.

Meat? Meat, just regular meat.

Okay, that's $4.00.

- Okay.

- Hey, all right, get comfy.

- It's hot in the kitchen here.

- Yep.

You run the window.

Uh, I'll fill the orders.

There's your cash box.

Four bucks a pie.

Hi.

- What else you got?

- Two meats, two sweets.

- Two meats, two sweets.

- Thank you, sir.

That's for you.

Have a merry Christmas.

- Hey.

- Oh, hey.

How's, uh... had fun

shopping with the kids?

Yeah, I just thought

I'd break away

and see how Everett was doing.

Tout de suite!

- See what I did there?

- Yeah, that was pretty cool.

Hey, Karen, how are you doing?

Those two seem to be

getting along.

Yeah, which is a good thing.

Why is that?

Well... 'cause Campbell's

here all alone, you know,

and Christmas,

and Everett's like a father.

Figure. A father figure.

Which is good,

you know,

'cause it's Christmas time.

Wait, what do you know?

I don't know,

is there something to know?

I think you know there is.

I may know something.

Thank goodness.

I thought I was going

to explode keeping that secret.

So you're responsible for this?

Sorry, I didn't mean

to skip you.

She didn't count right.

Well, I just didn't want

Campbell to miss out

on something that could be

potentially great.

Nah, I'm kidding.

Come on, now, merry Christmas.

I'm gonna need your help.

But we have to keep it

a secret until Campbell's ready.

Deal.

Better count her money

real quick, 'cause I don't know.

You're doing good, though.

Oooh!

- Thank you.

- There you go. Cheers.

Good day, thanks for the help.

Of course.

So, you do this every time?

Oh, food truck goes out

about twice a week,

but at Christmas time, the demand

is like you wouldn't believe.

Oh, I believe it.

Um... I heard something

about a secret ingredient?

Any chance I might

pry it out of you?

Well, I could tell ya,

but then I'd have to

feed you to the gators.

Sorry, that's

a Bergeron family secret.

Yeah. Do you mind if I

ask you a few questions?

We haven't had the chance

to do that yet.

- Now's a good time.

- Okay.

Um...

Well, how did you meet

your wife, Jennifer?

Oh, uh...

at the supermarket,

if you can believe it.

She was a cashier,

and I was making a run

for a restaurant

I was working for.

Oh, old lady Robert's?

I forget sometimes

I'm talking to a reporter.

Well, anyway, they said, "Bring

back as many onions as you can,"

so there I am pushing a cart full of

nothing but onions up to her register,

and, I mean, it was weird for

sure, and we laughed about it.

And then she threw in

a chocolate candy bar.

For free.

And she said...

"We all need to treat ourselves

every now and again."

Next day, I go back to

the store, buy her a candy bar,

ask her out on a date.

And the rest,

as they say, is history.

Oh, speaking of history,

I heard there were

a handful of years,

uh, that you lived in Texas.

That's where I live.

I... I was born in Houston,

but, um, we moved to Dallas

when I was a kid.

- Really?

- Yeah.

Everett, I, um...

I-I was wondering

if you would teach me

how to make a meat pie sometime.

Me and the girls

are way ahead of you.

- Great.

- You'll see.

Good.

Um, "We all need to..."

- Treat ourselves.

- "...treat ourselves..."

- Every now and again.

- "...every now and again."

- Words to live by.

- You do still?

- Oh, yeah.

- And I wonder if you

Very sweet. -Could

make My dreams come true

And spend it

Here with me

All right, Campbell. What

do you know about meat pies?

I understand there's

a meat component

and a pie component.

- And they're delicious.

- The best.

- Yes.

- Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

- Baking boot camp?

- Baking boot camp.

- I'll get the aprons.

- Oh.

- It's a real thing.

- It's a thing, okay, yeah.

- For you.

- Thank you.

Thank you. Lookie there.

- All right.

- Beautiful.

Not too tight.

Hu-hu-humm!

All right.

First things first.

- Let's talk dough.

- Ooooh!

Ohh!

Prep your surface.

Good, good, good.

- Nice and even.

- Now the dough.

Grab a baseball.

Perfect, just like that.

Okay, now, let's get

that thing flat.

- That's a shaper.

- Oh.

Wisht!

- Voil!

- Hey!

Time to fill 'em up!

Ooh, is this

secret ingredient time?

Family only, remember the rules.

Okay!

Moment of truth...

Mmm!

- Ten!

- Okay!

You couldn't have made this

better if you were one of us.

Oh, let's take a photo. We can generate

some buzz for Christmas Eve tomorrow.

- Like that? Gr-Grab on.

- Smile!

- How's that?

- Perfect.

- Good?

- And smile!

Ha ha!

Good. Perfect.

All right.

- Mm-hmm.

- Okay, let's go compose the ultimate post for mom.

- I'm taking this with me!

- Okay.

Yeah, don't you worry

about a thing.

- We'll clean up, yeah.

- Thanks, Dad!

Hey, thanks for sticking around.

Appreciate it.

Uh, I know it's late,

but, um, I have a few more

questions for you

if you don't mind?

- Sure.

- Why don't we talk about,

um... you being Pere Noel?

- Yeah, sure.

- He's sort of the ultimate father figure, right?

Yeah. You could say that.

How does it feel to be

honored in that way?

Well, uh, I mean, I've had a...

a difficult family life.

You know, my own father,

he... he wasn't the greatest,

and I made some mistakes

concerning my family,

but, you know, now I would do

anything to make things right.

Anything. Huh.

Now, listen, we are talking

about Pere Noel the character,

the festival, all that, right?

Yeah, it's

a human interest piece,

and, um, you're

a very interesting human.

Okay.

It's just that I have

done a little digging.

Really?

What did you find out?

Well, this is a sight.

Where are the other two

little elves that live here?

I hope they didn't leave you

both all this mess.

They're upstairs composing

the ultimate post.

Well, don't mind me.

I just brought some things

for the truck.

No, we were just wrapping up.

I'm sure Campbell's

gotta get back to the cottage

and work on that article.

Yeah, yes, yep.

Lots to catch up on.

Thank you for a great evening.

Mm-hmm.

I'll see you tomorrow.

- Bye.

- Bye.

Hey, Mom, do you have a minute?

Sure. What's going on?

Well, uh... I learned how

to make meat pies tonight.

That's a first.

And I'm heading back

to the cottage

to write my article.

Hey, um...

why did Everett leave?

Campbell, you know this.

Yeah, sure.

Uh, just...

just walk me through it.

We were young

and Everett wasn't ready

to be a father.

I mean, I wasn't ready

to be a mother either,

but it just hit him hard,

and when you were two,

he lost his job,

and he was a wreck.

Anyway, after he left,

it was just like

he didn't want to be found.

So I stopped trying.

You don't think maybe

he wanted to come back?

Well, if he wanted to come back,

he would have.

Why? Did he say something?

No. No, not officially.

I'm still trying

to get the truth out of him.

- You want my two cents?

- Sure.

He's never going to spill

his guts to a journalist,

but he might tell his daughter

everything she wants to know.

Oh, I forgot my camera

back at the house.

Can I call you back?

- Sure. Love you.

- I love you too.

Everett, wait, wait!

Everett, just talk to me!

Talk to me.

Jennifer, I know that your heart

is in the right place,

but having Campbell here digging

into my past, it's too much.

Okay, yes.

I'm sorry, I really am.

But maybe it's a good thing?

It could be cathartic.

Look, I'm only trying

to do what's best for you.

I know.

I know, and...

I love you for it.

I ever tell you about

the last time I saw her?

No.

After I was away

for a few years,

I started to think,

I'm on my way to being

a better man, better father,

so I thought,

well, I should look her up.

So I researched Alice's school,

and it turns out

they're having

a Christmas pageant.

I thought, well,

that's the perfect time.

So I drove back to Texas

all night

and I stood in the back

of the auditorium and...

I watched the whole thing.

And...

she was just the cutest thing

you've ever seen.

So after the show,

I thought I'd go talk to her,

but her... her mom

and this other man

get their first,

and he gives her roses

and she jumps into his arms.

They were so happy, Jennifer.

It was...

it was the perfect family.

Then what happened?

I left.

But I never stopped loving her.

Even if I have to love her

from a distance...

she'll always be right here.

Christmas lights

See them shine

In the eyes

Of a child

Let them shine

Hi, merry Christmas Eve.

What can I get you?

How are my two

favorite tastemakers?

Hungry.

You're awfully quiet.

What's up?

Just...

when tonight is over,

you've got to go home, right?

Well, she has work, Amelia. She

can't just stay here forever.

Well, I know that, but...

Well, that doesn't mean

I'm leaving, not really.

I mean, we still

have Christmas breakfast,

and then we can

video-chat and text,

and I'm only

an hour away by plane.

So... I can come back

and visit.

- You promise?

- Yeah.

- You'll come back?

- I promise.

In the meantime,

I have a very important

mission for you guys.

I need to go help your mom with

my new skills in the truck,

and I need someone to go around

and take some pictures

for my article.

Are you guys up for it?

- Wait, for real?

- Yeah.

- You can count on us.

- Okay, good. Here. Be careful.

- Yes!

- -Come on, Mary-Margaret.

Here. And needless to say,

he never went caroling again.

Everything all right, there?

Um, yeah. I'm just, um...

just thinking.

Anything I can help with?

Not unless, uh, you know

how to tell the man

you're writing a story about

that you're his daughter.

You're gonna tell him?

Yeah, it's, uh... it's time.

I don't know why

you did it, you know,

uh, finding me, and, uh,

asking me here

and helping me through the week.

But, um...

thank you...

from the bottom of my heart.

Well, you know,

you don't need a reason

to bring more love

into the world.

Ladies, we're out of meat pies.

Need some more.

Excuse you, we were having

a moment here.

You know what?

Why don't you take it easy,

go walk around the party,

and I can handle things here?

Okay.

Have fun.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

All right, so,

what are you going to tell him?

You are just as bad as Jennifer.

- It's a big moment, Campbell.

- I know it's a big moment.

I'm trying not to freak out, and

the two of you are making it worse.

Ah, so what you're saying is,

you need a distraction.

- Yes, please.

- Hmm.

Do you know how to two-step?

- No?

- No.

- Really good.

- Yeah.

Oh, wow, you think

you're really smooth, huh?

I promise you I did not know

it was going to be a slow song.

- I am so sorry.

- So, you don't want to dance?

- No, I didn't say that.

- I'm messing with you, Jackson.

Take my hand.

Never had a Christmas quite

like this one, I must say.

Yeah?

Where was your last one?

Uh, I was about a hundred miles

outside of Ulaanbaatar,

learning how

the Mongolian herders

keep their animals alive

during the winter.

- So a very normal one.

- Yes, yes. Mm-hmm.

Don't worry,

this one is... much better.

Yeah, way less chance

of frostbite here.

I'm pretty sure

I read every book

on the outside world

past the parish lines,

and I've never been past them.

I can't believe that. How?

My family's been here

for generations.

My parents had me later in life,

and I'm pretty sure

they don't want me to leave.

- Hmm.

- Follow in the old family footsteps.

Become Pere Noel,

work for the city.

Settle down, essentially do

everything that they did.

I mean, I know

it's none of my business,

but I think your family

would want you to be happy

and leave Sorrento,

if that's what you want,

you know, see the world

outside of your books.

Yeah. Maybe.

So, okay, where would you go

if you could be anywhere?

That's a very good question.

- Thank you.

- You're welcome.

Um...

Where are you going next?

Um...

my editor was talking

about me doing a story

in Morocco.

- Morocco?

- Mm-hmm.

That's where I want to go.

Campbell, come on!

Oh, it's starting.

Are you coming?

Merry Christmas, everybody!

Merry Christmas!

Now, you know I'm not

one for big speeches.

It occurred to me that Christmas

happens during the darkest

and coldest time of the year.

And here in Louisiana,

that's about 50 degrees.

But with our care

for each other,

we cast off that chill.

We illuminate the darkness

with fire and celebration.

So it's only fitting

that we would ask the family

of our newest Pere Noel,

Everett Bergeron,

to join us in the tradition

of calling out

the Christmas alligators

to welcome him back to Sorrento

and kick off Christmas.

Ladies, please.

Come on.

Come on.

Yeah. Okay.

- Wait, what is it again?

- It's like the book.

- Oh! Okay. Okay, okay, okay.

- You girls ready?

- Yes.

- All right, here we go.

Ha, Gaston!

Ha, Tiboy!

Ha, Pierre an' Alcee'!

Gee, Ninette!

Gee, Suzette!

Celeste an' Renee!

Allons-y!

There it is!

Merry Christmas, y'all!

Merry Christmas!

Happy holidays!

Yohhhh!

h* h* h*!

Merry Christmas, y'all!

Merry Christmas!

Hey-hey! Hey there, my girls!

Merry Christmas.

Some candy canes

for my favorite girls.

That's right, let's get

this Christmas party started!

This time of night

it's customary for Pere Noel

to make a little toast.

I'm sure Mayor Thomas has

already given a fine speech.

Exactly.

But since it's tradition, I feel

obliged to carry the torch, so to speak.

Now, this year you've

chosen me to be Pere Noel,

"the ultimate father figure,"

as a friend of mine once said.

Because at Christmas,

you know, as parents,

we're busier

than ever, aren't we?

You know, it's a time of year

when our love for them

really shines.

It's a time when we remember

just how special that bond is.

I haven't always been

a perfect man or perfect father,

but having kids has been

the greatest honor of my life,

and if I ever accomplish anything on

this Earth, it will have been that,

so I would like to raise

a toast to my family, my girls,

my everything...

and to you and yours,

wherever they may be.

Cheers!

Cheers!

Whoo, whoo!

Cheers, you guys.

- Dad!

- Hey, how are y'all?

- How are ya?

- You did great, Dad.

Merry Chr... Thank you.

I practiced in the garage.

I didn't want to tell anybody.

You can't have any of that.

Okay.

Okay, uh...

Dad. No.

That's so strong.

Uh...

Okay, okay, Everett.

I wanted to say

something to you and...

Hey. What are you doing

all the way out here?

Eh, nothing.

Are you rehearsing?

No.

Maybe.

Okay, fine.

You and Jennifer got in my head.

And... that speech

from Everett...

This is just such

an important night, and...

it's my last chance to tell him before I leave

tomorrow, and I don't want to mess it up.

So speak from the heart.

Listen, I was wrong, okay?

Don't think so much.

Now you tell me.

Campbell...

who wouldn't love you?

I just...

Once I tell him,

everything's going to change...

For the better.

Yeah, I hope so.

Jackson, you were

supposed to bring her back.

I am now the rescue party

for the rescue party.

So, Campbell,

there's sort of

a lull over there.

I think now

might be a good time.

Yeah. Okay.

Yes.

Yeah.

I'm ready.

- Cool.

- You got this.

Yep.

Why am I so nervous?

Because you love her too.

Aw.

- Ooh, hey there.

- Hi.

All right, so...

what do you think of Sorrento?

Uh, compared to...

London, Paris?

Yeah, it's a special place,

that's for sure.

I'm sad I have

to leave tomorrow.

We feel the same way.

Got enough for your article?

Uh, actually,

I was hoping to talk to you,

you know, kid to Pere Noel.

Uh... yeah, of course.

- What's up?

- Um...

So, Everett, uh...

tonight in your speech,

you said that being a father was

the greatest honor of your life.

- Yeah.

- Yeah. And, um...

Dad, Campbell! We ran

into some fellow reporters

all the way from Mississippi!

- Oh!

- Pere Noel, if we could just get a few photos

of you and your family.

- Do you mind?

- Um...

Then we'll finish

our chat later?

- Yeah. Yeah, okay.

- Okay.

- Girls, what is all this?

- Oh, regional exposure, Mom.

Come on, get in the picture.

Yeah, actually, if you can stand

right next to Pere Noel.

Oh, yeah.

- Campbell.

- Oh, no, this is great.

Just the family's all we need.

All right.

Everybody look here.

All right, get together

and say, "Hot chocolate!"

Hot chocolate!

Yeah, the mayor did a good job.

So sorry, I'll be right back.

Hey, slow down!

Where are you going?

- I need to go home.

- Okay, well then, give me a minute, I'll go with you.

No, I'm...

I'm going home.

I'm sorry.

This was a huge mistake.

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.

What happened?

- What did he say?

- I didn't tell him, okay?

- Oh, Campbell.

- And I ask that you please don't either.

I just... I don't know

what I was thinking.

I have a family back in Dallas,

a great family, actually,

and, you know, maybe Everett not

coming back and not changing things

was for the best.

He left things alone, and maybe

I need to do the same thing.

Campbell.

Campbell!

Will you please just wait?

You need to let me go, Jackson.

This is your family,

your choice,

but you're leaving behind

such a gift.

It's so much more complicated

than that.

Of course it's complicated,

it's family.

I get it.

But they obviously

care about you.

Maybe if you just

told them the truth.

Maybe not all family

is meant to be.

Yes.

But can you honestly spend

the rest of your life

knowing what you left

behind here?

Campbell, hi, it's me again.

Uh, merry Christmas.

We, uh, missed you last night,

and I was just calling to see

if you're all right

and to let you know that the offer

for Christmas breakfast still stands.

Um, give us a call.

Bye.

She'll call.

I don't know,

maybe she finished her story.

I just feel bad for the girls. I mean,

they really took a liking to her.

I did too. I mean, do you really think

she would leave without saying goodbye?

Hey, it's Jackson.

- In the kitchen.

- Is it her?

Is she here?!

Merry Christmas,

Bergeron family.

- Oh, it's just you.

- Be nice.

It's okay, I get it. Campbell was a

very special person, I'd be sad too.

Luckily for you, though,

you don't have to be.

- Oh! Hey!

- Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Hello!

- Hello.

- See?

I told everyone you wouldn't

leave without saying goodbye.

- Never!

- We were worried you ran off.

And miss all this? No way.

I just couldn't come

to Christmas morning

without getting

some presents, and, uh...

my story is far from over.

Oh, and if anyone's wondering

if the big-box store out on I-10

is open at 2 a.m.

on Christmas Eve... it is.

Come on, now. Let's eat.

Give me those!

- Oh!

- Merry Christmas.

Thank you.

All right, girls,

put those under the tree,

and, uh, yeah, Jackson,

grab a seat.

Campbell, grab a seat.

- Juice!

- -All right, grab one and pass it down.

- Thank you.

- Gravy's on the side.

They're beautiful!

Thank you.

- You're welcome.

- Okay, so, last but not least...

Okay.

Uh... Mary-Margaret.

Oh, for me?

Yes.

For your budding

influencer career.

Seriously? Oh, my goodness.

I love it. Thank you!

Oh!

I thought you might.

Thank you so much.

Amelia.

A place to put your thoughts.

I have a lot of thoughts.

Uh, okay, and, Jennifer.

- One for you.

- Oh, wow, me too?

- Mm-hmm.

- Thank you.

It's our saying!

Yeah, well,

he shared your story with me,

and I was... inspired.

Oh, thank you so much.

Look at that.

You're good at this.

That is so sweet!

And, um...

Uh... Everett, yours is

the only one I didn't buy.

You can't be.

She...

my baby girl had darker hair

and a little crooked tooth.

Yeah, right in the front.

Alice?

I should have told you

the truth sooner,

but I needed...

I thought...

Everett.

Campbell, I'm so sorry.

Mama, what... what was it?

- Is she crying?

- It's okay.

No, it's fine.

I'm fine. I just, um...

- Campbell.

- We should get going anyway.

I... I have loved

every minute of my time here,

and all of you are, uh...

Wait, hang on.

Don't go.

What's this?

It's a gift, for you.

When I left,

I thought I was protecting you.

I thought it was

the right thing to do,

and I wanted you to know it

and to know how much

I missed you.

And so I sent some letters.

But we moved

and we changed our name.

- Yeah.

- Yeah.

And, uh,

when the letters came back,

I...

bought a notebook,

and I wrote in that instead,

everything that I was thinking,

everything that I was feeling,

all the regret and sorrow

and apologies and...

I wrote every day.

It's a lifetime

of days spent missing you

and loving you.

I thought you didn't want me.

No. Never.

I am so sorry.

I just... I can't believe

that you're really here.

I can't believe it, either.

Jennifer, you were

in on this, weren't you?

Yes.

But I had help from Jackson.

What can I say, I love to keep

the town family records complete.

Uh-huh.

Um, could somebody please

explain what's going on?

Yeah, why is everyone crying?

Well, uh, girls,

uh, years ago,

I had another daughter,

your older sister.

And Campbell...

- Wait, she's our sister?

- I knew it!

- You did not!

- I had a hunch.

Oh, a hunch!

Okay, so I'm not the oldest?

I guess not.

Wait, so if you're our sister,

then that means...

That's a great idea.

The secret ingredient.

We only share it with family.

- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

Oh, I gotta get a piece of this.

Come on, now.

Oh, Jackson, come in.

Come in.

- Come on in! Come on!

- All right.

All right, merry Christmas on 3.

1, 2, 3!

Merry Christmas!

Yeah, that's a good one.

Ever since that fateful Christmas,

I get asked a lot of things.

"What did it feel like

to meet your father?"

"Are your sisters

really that cool?"

"What made you go back

on Christmas morning?"

And "Is Jackson

as cute as he sounds?"

And all those

are fair questions,

but the question I get asked

the most often is,

"What happened next?"

What happened after my first

Louisiana family Christmas?

Well, that's easy.

Everything.

...and spend it

Here with me

Should old acquaintance

Be forgot

And never brought

To mind?

Should old acquaintance

Be forgot

And days

Of old lang syne?

For auld lang syne