A New Orleans Noel (2022) Movie Script

1
- Good morning.
- Morning, Alexis.
Welcome to New Orleans, Grace.
I can't believe you're working
the day after flying in.
You haven't even unpacked yet.
Grace, are you ready?
Absolutely.
Why, thank you.
Mmm.
Mmm?
- Is that bourbon?
- You have a big day.
Figured you could
use a little lagniappe.
A la... Who?
It means
a little something extra.
- Like bourbon in your coffee.
- Alexis!
Relax, it's Cajun eggnog coffee.
The strongest thing in
there is the bourbon extract.
Mm-hm.
Cajun eggnog coffee.
Definitely not
in Kansas anymore.
Kansas is just about the only
place you haven't lived.
Oh, not true. Not true.
Remember, about five years ago,
I did that renovation in Topeka.
- Of course, you did.
- Yes.
Well, I'm glad I finally
got you to New Orleans.
For a little while anyway.
Ah, I'm waiting to hear
about this job in Toronto,
so keep your fingers crossed.
Of course you are.
Oh, come on, you know me.
I don't stay in
one place for too long.
The glamorous life
of a freelance architect.
Yes, ma'am.
- Come on.
- Okay.
What ya looking at?
My client just
sent me these pictures
of her family
celebrating Christmas.
Aw, it's so cute.
I know.
I always get these
boring paint by number projects.
And I am so excited
to be doing a family home.
Oh, what she do again?
She's some praline mogul.
You're working
for Loretta Brown?
You know who she is?
Ah, she is only
a New Orleans icon.
Well, yes,
she is the first Black woman
to own her own confectionery
shop in New Orleans.
And I am redoing her family home
for a lifetime of Christmases
and pralines baking.
Aw, a lifetime of Christmases.
I get it.
You know, you are
really obsessed with Christmas.
Hey, I can appreciate it, okay?
You know, White Christmas was
written by one of ours.
What? A white person?
- A Jewish person.
- Okay.
Hey, I know you like to do
the whole solo Christmas thing.
Yes, I do.
I enjoy sitting on
my couch in my pajamas,
watching Christmas movies,
eating those little
peanut butter Santas
and buying myself
a ridiculously expensive gift
that I don't need.
By yourself?
Yes, and I know it may
sound sad to some people,
but hey, I don't
have to worry about
anybody stealing
my Christmas candy.
Hey, you're coming to
my Hanukkahmas party, right?
It's the Friday
before Christmas.
- Hanukkahmas?
- Mm-hm. Are you in?
You know, I...
I may have to work.
Ugh, classic
Grace Hill brush-off.
I know it well.
Everyone is not
a social butterfly like you.
Okay, well,
it's kind of at the house,
so may not have a choice.
Are you serious?
Sorry!
Oh, come here,
let's go this way.
Right here,
right here, right here.
Just... just look normal.
Oh, look at this tree.
This is so nice.
- Was that Anthony from college?
- Yes.
And we hid from him because why?
Because I have a big day
and I don't
need any distractions.
You had the biggest
crush on him in college,
so you would
definitely be distracted.
- No, I didn't.
- Hmm.
All right, maybe yes, I did.
Just a little bit.
What happened with you guys?
Well, you know, we were
in almost every class together
and super competitive.
However, I did think
at the end of senior year,
we maybe had
a little romantic spark,
but then
my parents' accident happened
and we just lost touch.
- Yeah, that was a tough time.
- Yeah.
Man, I cannot believe it's been
ten years since I've seen him.
Really?
He emailed me a couple of times,
but I just
didn't want to bother him
with my family stuff, so...
Then, after that, I went
on my internship to London.
And then moved to
Frankfurt and okay, I see now.
But I wouldn't worry about it.
He'll probably
never see you again.
Famous last words.
I got all these decorations.
It's going to be so cute.
And I am going to be
FaceTiming with,
but with turkey, because...
Oh, we're here.
- 402, Barrack Street, right?
- Yeah.
Thank you so much for
walking me the whole way.
You want me to
wait for you nearby?
- Please.
- Of course.
Oh, and it's prah-line,
not pray-line, trust me.
- Prah-line, got it!
- Okay.
Okay.
Oh, this is such
a cute, little area.
This house is so beautiful.
It's perfect. Why would
anyone want to renovate this?
Grace Hill.
Small world.
Hey, how are you?
Wow. Anthony Brown.
Please.
Uh... What a surprise.
What are you, um, doing here?
Surprise, huh?
Because I'm pretty
sure you saw me back there.
That was you?
What are you
doing in New Orleans?
Actually, I'm here
for a small renovation gig.
Really?
That's great. Yeah.
So, what are you
doing around here?
Getting inspiration or...
No. No, this is
my actual renovation gig.
This house?
- Yeah.
- You sure?
I mean, unless there's
another 402 Barrack Street
in New Orleans
that I don't know about.
I'm sorry. The reason I'm asking
is because I'm doing
the renovations on this house.
- You?
- Yeah.
So, if I'm doing the renovations
and you're
doing the renovations,
that means...
Well, so come on.
Our meeting was supposed
to start a full minute ago.
Get on in here.
Oh, guess we'll be
working together then.
Yeah.
Welcome to my home.
It's so nice to
meet you, Miss Grace,
in person that is.
Such a pleasure to
meet you too, Miss Loretta.
Oh, no, no.
Everybody who walks
through that door is family.
And we hug them as family.
Don't we, baby?
Oh, baby.
Baby, huh?
Didn't he tell you
that he's my grandson?
Your grandson... Your grandso...
This is... You're her grandson?
Ever since I was born.
Well, Miss Loretta,
you didn't include him
in any of the pictures
that you sent me.
You sent pictures?
Grandma, can I speak
to you, please?
Of course.
My darling,
why don't you help yourself
to some pralines
in the living room?
They're my specialty.
- Thank you.
- So good.
I'm sure I don't know why
are you looking at
your grandma like that.
You didn't tell me
I was going to have a partner.
Didn't I?
Must have slipped my mind.
Grandma, you are the smartest
woman I've ever met.
Nothing slips your mind.
I thought you could
use some help, that's all.
And she seems like
the perfect person to give it.
For the record, I am capable
of doing this on my own.
And if I hate the designs
you two come up with, you can.
But right now, you have
to at least try it with Grace.
This is what I want.
Okay, I'll try.
I'll try.
- Good.
- Grace... she's a good architect.
We're just very different.
You know what they say
about opposites, don't you?
Oh, oh, oh.
I'm so sorry.
They are just so good.
Of course. No one can
resist a Miss Loretta treat.
That's a praline promise.
Why don't you and Anthony
take a look around my house
and start coming up
with some ideas?
Don't you want
to brief us first?
I'll be brief.
Make the house look phenomenal.
Okay.
- Should we, uh...
- Let's start upstairs.
Oh, okay.
So the house was built in 1888,
and it hasn't been updated
since the 1920s,
so you can see
how badly this reno is needed.
The first thing I want to do
is probably blow out
these walls down here.
Oh no, no, no, no.
This is a beautiful,
historic home.
You can't just
go blowing out walls.
Well, up until
a few minutes ago,
we weren't doing
anything, were we?
Who got coal in his stocking?
You're afraid of me stealing
your spotlight, aren't you?
Grace, no one's
going to steal my spotlight.
Oh, yeah, no one but me.
It's just like old times.
- Old times?
- Mm-hm.
Back when I used to
beat you at everything.
You think you could
stop teasing me long enough
for us to get some work done?
Maybe when it's no longer fun.
It's very mature.
Listen, I've got to
be honest with you, okay?
This house, it needs to be nice.
I'm talking next level here.
And it is my family's house,
so I'm kind of feeling like
you should let me
take the lead on this.
Yeah, but your grandma hired me.
And I heard that.
But it is my family's legacy.
And I was hired to do a job,
and I'm going to do it.
- Grace...
- Okay, listen, Anthony.
Why don't we pick
this up tomorrow?
I'm going to give you
a little bit of time
to get your mind right.
That's the door, right?
I'll be going this way.
Just like old times.
I mean, she has
this beautiful home
with these historic flourishes
and he just wants
to tear it all down.
Can you believe that?
What I can't believe
is that you didn't
introduce me to Miss Loretta.
- I'm obsessed with her.
- Not now, Alexis.
Anthony really
got under your skin.
Do you know that he
doesn't want to work with me?
And you know, quite frankly,
I'm not sure if
I want to work with him
right now, either.
- He's just so...
- Hot?
- No, he's so...
- Devastatingly handsome?
No, he's...
Better than any Christmas
present Santa ever brought you?
Alexis, stop.
This is my dream job, Alexis.
I just want to create a home
for this family that is
warm and loving and inviting.
And he just wants to
make it cold and unfeeling.
I think you both
want the same things.
You're just going
about it different ways.
I don't know about that.
Try to stick it out.
Help him see your point of view.
Who knows? Maybe you could
learn something from him too.
Ha! That would be a miracle.
And what better time for
a miracle than the holidays?
Oh, my goodness.
- I'm here to pull...
- Okay, I'm pulling.
Can't believe y'all still
haven't decorated this tree yet.
It's kind of hard to
do when the guy who's, you know,
best at untangling lights
is always working.
Chris, you keep this up,
he might never
leave the office again.
Thank you, Mom.
But he is right, you know.
You too?
Anthony, we have not
seen you since Thanksgiving.
You always hold up in
that workplace of yours.
Yeah, because I'm trying
to build something great,
like Grandma did.
And I got some new ideas, too.
Yeah, like your scheme
with the shop.
No, that's... that's not
a scheme. That's a plan.
One day that stubborn of a woman
is going to let me do it, too.
Look, if we modernized the shop,
gave her some
bells and whistles,
she wouldn't
have to work so hard.
Hey, man, I'm with you.
I would love some
new bells and whistles
at the shop myself.
- Thank you.
- Dope, man.
Anthony, you know
your grandmother.
The old ways are the best.
Mm-hm.
But, uh...
it's about that girl,
though, isn't it?
The one grandma hired.
Which girl?
Anthony? What girl?
You got a big mouth.
Mom, I don't have
time for some setup,
I got to focus on this redesign.
Grace is just another architect
that grandma hired, okay?
Let me talk about the shop.
Let's keep it at the shop, okay?
Well, if it's
so important to you,
why don't you
show your grandmother
that you respect
the old traditions?
Meaning?
What if...
What if you made
her pralines from scratch?
- Oh, Grandma's pralines.
- Mm-hm.
- The secret pralines?
- Mm-hm.
The secret recipe
that only Grandma
and one other person
at the shop knows about?
I didn't say it
was going to be easy.
It's not.
But if you want
things to change, it...
It might not be a bad idea
if you show her that you
know where it all started, huh?
Oh, I got to get
to the store. Here.
- Who's working too hard now?
- Only be a minute.
Mom, would you let me
know if Daryl dropped off
that last stack
of pralines, please?
Yeah, folks need to
get those by Christmas.
Yes, they do. Remember what
happened last Christmas?
You got 20 bags of pralines
at the store stocked up?
Yeah, and then we
had to go door-to-door
on Christmas Eve.
That hurt that boy.
You know Daryl, right?
Not really.
If he forgets
another stack of pralines,
there will be no more Daryl.
Oh, calm down, Mr. Boss Man.
- Give me a kiss.
- Mwah.
Give me a kiss. Bye.
You got a big mouth.
Don't worry man,
I won't tell her.
Won't tell her what?
That Grace Hill is the girl
who you had
a crush on in college.
- Hey, hey, man, keep it down.
- What is the problem?
I don't want Grandma to hear.
You know she'll meddle.
- Grandma already knows.
- What?
Yeah, I told her when I saw
Grace in your alumni magazine.
Why else do you think
she brought her here?
Well, I don't have time
for some setup, all right?
I just want to
focus on this redesign.
Yeah, and I'm gonna
let you handle that.
But I am going to
ask you one last time,
just so you don't forget
because it's very important.
Yes, I will pick
Charlene up from the airport.
- On time.
- On time.
- No work emergencies.
- Chris.
Just asking.
And keep it quiet,
it's supposed to be
a surprise for Jordan.
Hey, I got this.
This will be a Christmas
our family will never forget.
Inspiration, inspiration,
I just need
a little bit of inspiration.
Mm-hm.
- Excuse me, Miss?
- Hi, yes.
- Can I ask you a question?
- Um, okay.
Okay.
Well, it's not so much
a question as a comment.
My teacher says
I'm supposed to say it
when I have a comment
instead of a question.
Okay.
I think you forgot
all the people in your picture.
You know what?
You are absolutely right.
So could you help me out
and draw some for me, please?
Hey, Jordan.
Please don't bother this lady.
Hey, Uncle Anthony.
I can't seem to
get rid of you, can I?
I'm sorry, is she bothering you?
Absolutely not.
I'm getting an art lesson
from my new assistant.
At least someone
in your family appreciates
historic design.
That's very funny.
Hey, Jordan,
you remember we talked about
not talking to strangers?
We aren't strangers.
This is, um...
- Grace.
- Yeah, this is Grace.
And I'm painting her picture.
She forgot the people
and the Christmas trees.
There aren't any
Christmas trees, Jordan.
It's a Christmas picture.
It needs Christmas trees.
Yeah, Uncle Anthony,
where is your imagination?
Well, my architectural
table's mighty cozy.
Have you come up
with any designs yet?
Oh yeah.
- Nice.
- If you're looking for
a Christmas-themed house
from the 1800s.
Have these two
been bothering you?
Well, Jordan,
your great-granddaughter here,
has been an absolute delight.
Your grandson,
on the other hand...
Did you hire her
just to have somebody else
to pick at me?
Grace, don't pay him any mind.
The boy's been
working mighty hard.
Jordan's mom, Charlene,
is in Turkey,
so we're all helping out
while her dad goes shopping
for some G-I-F-T-S.
Grandma, you know I can spell.
I know you can.
- So, Turkey?
- She's in the Marines.
Wow, your mama
sounds pretty awesome.
Yeah, I miss her, though.
- I wish she were here.
- Yeah.
Can you come to lunch, Grace?
Oh.
That's a great idea, Jordan.
Grace, I made a sweet potato
pie with a praline topping.
Can't even get one
of those in my shop.
Family only, honey.
I... I'd hate to intrude.
Oh, Grandma always says
that family is who you choose.
If you pick us,
then you can come.
Hey Grace, don't feel
like you are obligated to.
Sure, I'd love to come.
Come on.
Okay, so you like art, sweetheart?
You know,
some people might say it's fate,
her being here today.
Yeah?
Some people might say
she's got a very good guidebook.
You'll never get your
work done talking like that.
If you keep sniping at her,
she's going to leave.
So, I think you
should try another approach.
Okay, well, what approach
do you suggest, Grandma?
Opening your pretty heart.
Big talk coming from a woman
who's been single for 25 years.
I know you didn't just go there.
Let me say something to you.
I've been working for 30 years.
Taking care of my business
and my family, on my own.
Come on, Grandma, you know
I didn't mean it like that.
Okay, let me tell
you what we can do.
If you open your heart,
I'll open mine.
But it's your move first, Boo.
Okay, I'll try.
You'll what?
Try?
Try what?
You better do the darn thing.
Talkin' 'bout "try."
Hi, Mr. Anthony.
Oh, hi, Rose. I love that dress.
Oh, you're pretty popular.
That's just how New Orleans is.
You know, you can't swing
an ornament in this town
without hitting
somebody you know.
Oh, I am just surprised
that you have gotten out
long enough to meet somebody.
You were very
serious in college.
Yeah, I know I... I've been
very intense and I am sorry.
Wow.
Christmas really is
the time for miracles.
How about a fresh start?
Okay, but how do I know
you're not going to run out
before the job's done?
I heard you've
been all over the world.
Oh, have you been
checking up on me?
Social media.
Ah, you have
been checking up on me.
Well, I've been
to London and Paris,
New York, Frankfurt.
I do really love traveling.
But I have to say,
seeing you with your family
and your grandmother's
house has made me
a little bit jealous.
I don't know.
Traveling all over the world
doesn't sound that bad.
Don't worry,
I'm not going anywhere
until at least I finish
your grandmother's house, okay?
Oh, my goodness, decorations.
You know, this is
my first time on a streetcar.
- Really?
- Yes, and it is exhilarating.
I don't think I've ever heard
anybody use that word
for a streetcar before.
You could jog faster
than this thing goes.
No, but there's
just something...
just charming about
this old-school feel.
It's, you know,
kind of romantic.
My grandfather used
to tell me this story
about a guy who won the love
of his life on a streetcar.
Oh.
Yeah, apparently
she was into animals.
So, he filled
the streetcar with animals
from the Audubon Zoo
and drove it to her house.
Oh.
Still think it's romantic?
I mean, it's got potential.
- You okay?
- Huh?
It, um, sounds like you have
a pretty big family, huh?
Yeah, but don't worry.
They're all
a lot nicer than I am.
Hm.
Well, I haven't been
to a family thing since...
um, I'm just feeling nervous.
Well, don't.
None of my family's
cooking's that bad.
Unless my brother
made potato salad.
Oh, they're here!
They're here!
- Hi.
- Hi.
Oh, hi! You must be Grace.
Yeah. I met you
at the graduation,
- I'm Anthony's mom, Tina.
- It's so nice to see you again.
I'm just
stopping by for a second.
- Oh, no, no, you just got here.
- Oh, no. Come on in.
There is plenty
of food for everybody.
Right, and I hope
my brother's not giving you
too much trouble.
Oh, no,
I'm not worried about her,
I know she can
stick it right back to him.
All right, family. Let's all
take hands and say grace.
- Grace?
- Hmm?
Would you like to do the honors?
Oh, I'm... I'm just a guest.
I... I couldn't...
You sit at this table, baby,
and you're family.
Family?
Oh, um, but... but I, um...
Oh, you know what, hold on...
Is that my phone? I'm sorry.
Oh, I am so sorry,
I really have to take this call.
- Is it...
- No worries, yeah,
We'll be fine.
Go and take the call.
Thank you.
Architects, right?
They're always so busy.
Yeah.
Um, that call's probably
going to take a while.
So, Jordan,
you want to say grace?
Okay.
I can't do this.
All right.
And somebody in.
Blessing them to have
the ability to make this food,
Lord, please bless the hands.
Thank you for working
and providing
and blessings...
What's up? How they treatin' you
out there today?
Loretta Brown, there she is.
Marcel LeRay, is that you?
It's me. I read so much
about this place,
I thought now that I'm here,
I should give it a visit.
Come and give me a hug.
- It's been years.
- Yes.
Chris, could you
make him a plate?
- Yes, ma'am.
- Thank you.
Let's catch up.
- I'd like that.
- Okay.
I've been getting a little
lonesome since I've been here.
Figured I should reconnect
with the people I grew up with.
Haven't been able
to find many of the old gang.
I mean, probably wouldn't
recognize me now anyway.
I recognized you, didn't I?
Well, because you
have an eye for beauty.
Oh, maybe the faces change,
but you're still
one arrogant old man.
You know, if I recall,
I also had an eye for beauty.
So tell me, what are
your plans for Christmas?
Well, I'll probably buy a big,
old roast beef po' boy
and watch a game.
That's no way
to spend Christmas.
My family's having
a big party on the 23rd.
You should come.
Pass a good time
with some good people.
- I would be honored.
- Good.
- Then, it's a date.
- A date?
Don't get it twisted, honey.
I'm a little rusty,
but yes, a date.
- I have one question.
- Mm-hm.
Will there be
any gumbo at this party?
I have been
craving me some gumbo.
Oh, there will be gumbo.
Last night,
I started my test batch,
and it's currently
sitting on my stove
for taste testing.
- That so?
- Mm-hm. It is.
If you'd like, you can
come over and give it a try.
Wait a minute.
Are you inviting me
on our second date
before we have the first date?
Let's take it one date
at a time, okay?
Okay.
Okay. Miss Loretta,
I'm just so sorry
that I walked out
on lunch yesterday.
And I just... I just
have to explain that, um...
Grace?
Hey, Anthony.
- Hey.
- Hey.
It is so good to see you.
I wanted to apologize.
I'm... I'm sorry that
I left early yesterday.
No, that's okay.
Uncle Anthony says
that you're a great architect,
and sometimes great architects
have to take important calls.
Oh, yes,
so I'm a great architect, huh?
Hey, Jordan,
why don't you go ahead
and go inside, okay?
Wait for me, all right?
- We missed you yesterday.
- Yeah, I'm... I'm sorry.
You know, obviously I've...
I've said grace before,
but everything
was just a little bit, um...
Overwhelming?
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
I just... I was just
so afraid to mess up.
And I'm not really that good
at being put on the spot.
It's hard for me.
It's okay.
You know,
my brother, Christopher, he, uh,
he's been trying to get
out of saying grace for years.
He usually just
stumbles and mumbles along
until I say "amen"
to put him out of his misery.
It's fine.
Honestly, the truth
is that, um...
I haven't gotten
to do this whole...
Whole family thing since...
Since I lost my parents.
Being around your family
and all of this love, it...
made me realize
how much I missed my family.
Yeah, I get it.
My grandfather
died when I was ten.
My parents split after that.
My dad moved to Atlanta,
and I just...
Well, I just think you
have to love who you got,
while you got 'em.
Mm. So, is that
why you work 24/7
and don't make time
for your family?
I mean, I'm just saying,
people do talk.
I love my family
more than anything.
They're the reason
I work so hard.
Anthony, they don't care
about how much money you make
or how big
of a business you build.
Wow. You know,
I came here for pralines
and now I'm getting read.
Okay.
Well, I guess, we both
have something to learn, right?
You want to come inside with me?
Grab a snack?
- I'm not intruding...
- No.
Are you okay
with me tagging along?
Yeah. Yeah.
You know, in fact... I think
you might be able to help me.
With what?
Are you sure
this is a good idea?
I need
my grandma's secret recipe.
But why?
I have something to prove,
and I never lose a bet.
Once I get this place updated,
Loretta's will be
a household name.
- Why are you not standing watch?
- I see her out there
having coffee with someone.
Don't worry.
It's just a praline recipe.
Just a praline recipe.
You are clearly
not from around here.
- Oh!
- Oh, you did it.
Yeah.
What?
All right,
now feast your eyes on this.
Look at the note!
You think
that's funny, don't you?
Oh, it's funny.
Did you think your mama
wasn't going to tell me
about your little praline plan?
Hey, Grandma.
Don't you "Grandma" me.
If you want to
modernize this place,
you have to figure
that out all on your own.
Grandma, I've been trying,
it's just...
- Can you give me a hint?
- A hint.
I'm a manager here.
She ain't give me a hint yet.
You want a hint?
Take a hint and get out of here.
- Oh.
- Okay.
- Come on. Let's go.
- Okay.
Let's go.
I know when I'm beat.
Mm-mm-mm.
- Um, hi, Miss, Loretta.
- Yes, honey?
I'm really
sorry about yesterday.
There's nothing to be sorry for.
No, no. I... I shouldn't have
run out the way that I did.
Honey, when I met you,
I could see
something in your eyes
I used to see in my own.
- What's that?
- Loneliness.
When I lost my husband,
Anthony's grandfather,
I felt it, too.
But having my family
helped me get through it.
So, if you ever want
a little bit of family
and if you're ever
ready to open your heart
and let some other
people love you again,
just know that
this door is always open.
- Thank you.
- No problem, baby.
So, have you had
a tour of the city yet?
Not yet.
Because I happen to
know a fabulous tour guide.
I'm sure you do.
Another thing to notice
as we move through the city
is that much of the architecture
you're seeing isn't even French.
Oh.
You know, French Quarter
is kind of a misnomer
because most of the city...
Burned down and was rebuilt
by the Spanish colonists.
Okay, listen, Anthony,
I know all
of textbook New Orleans.
Why don't you show me
your New Orleans?
My New Orleans?
- Okay, let's go.
- Okay.
Where are you taking me?
You'll see.
Oh, my goodness,
this is beautiful.
Anthony! Oh, what are
you doing here?
I thought you were too busy
with work to come by today?
- Hi.
- Oh, we're working.
Yeah, we're just
doing some city research
getting ready to draft plans
for Grandma's house.
Now, if you really
want to learn your way
around the city,
there's no better way
than the Jingle Bell Hop.
- Jingle Bell Hop?
- It's nothing.
It's only the best way
to experience
New Orleans at Christmas.
But you have to go by teams.
Well, I mean, if it's
the best way to see the city...
Mm-hmm.
Yeah, Grandma
put you up to this?
No, you know, I'm helpless
against your grandmother.
Come on,
let's get you two signed up.
All right,
everyone, welcome, welcome.
Thank you so much for
coming for the Jingle Bell Hop.
Yeah.
Whoo!
Let me tell you about the rules.
They're pretty simple.
All around downtown,
locations are marked
with a Jingle Bell Hop wreath.
And at each location,
there is a challenge.
And if you succeed in
that challenge, you win a bell!
And the first team
that returns here
with the most bells, wins.
Okay, so what exactly
does the winner get?
Only the best prize of all.
- Hm?
- Bragging rights.
All right, everyone,
on your marks.
Get set.
Yay!
Oh, my goodness,
the detail on these
buildings is incredible.
- Yeah, some other time.
- What?
You were talking about work?
What?
I got the pearl,
I got the pearl.
We got the pearl.
Yeah!
Yay!
Whoa!
I found it! I found it!
You know, I still remember
the day you screamed
because you thought this
little lizard was an alligator.
Oh, you weren't any better.
That was the day
your hair started turning white.
Oh.
We had some good times
back in the day, didn't we?
Yeah.
And the good times
aren't over yet.
You're right.
I'm going to
a Christmas pageant today.
Would you like to join me?
Well, let me check my calendar.
Baby, you know
you don't have no calendar.
- Hush up and try this.
- Okay.
Mmm!
You weren't wrong.
This is some of the best
gumbo I've ever had.
Mm-hmm.
Well, I know it's good gumbo.
But don't you go
falling in love with me.
We haven't had
our first date yet.
Well, let's get
this party started.
Okay.
Oh, all right, you guys,
you're the first ones to arrive.
Oh, wait, in order to win
the final and most coveted bell,
you must find the beautiful
fleur de lis on this tree.
That's going to
be like a hundred...
Well, 304, to be exact.
One for every year
since New Orleans was founded.
- Go, go, go. Get going.
- Okay.
You know,
others can't be far behind you.
I'll take this one.
This one here.
This one?
Oh, my goodness,
this is the most fun
that I have had
in such a long time.
What, what, what? Oh!
I can't reach it.
Oh, okay,
hang on, hang on, I got you.
Ooh!
Um...
We found it! We found it!
Ladies and gentlemen,
with all
of the bells and the final one.
The winners this year
are Grace and Anthony.
Yes!
Thank you!
Good job, son.
Yeah. So, you said
this was the most fun
you've had in a long time.
Don't let it go to your head.
Too late.
- So...
- So, uh...
- Oh, is it that time?
- What? What time?
I, uh...
I told Jordan I'd go
to her Christmas pageant.
Oh.
- Would you want to come with me?
- Yeah.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
I mean, we got to show
our bells off somewhere, right?
Yes, we do.
Okay, let's go.
Okay, I'll follow you.
Anthony, you okay?
- Yeah, why?
- You look nervous.
Dancing and prancing like
one of Santa's reindeer.
So, you got jokes tonight.
Well, I could talk about
your bad design aesthetic
if you want me to.
Please don't.
You're reminding me
I got to get back
and work on that redesign.
Tonight is about Jordan.
She's going to be
so happy that you are here.
I hope so.
Is that my grandma?
Who is she with?
I don't know, but he is handsome
and she is looking very happy.
Unbelievable.
It's only been a day,
she's already got a man.
Listen, be nice, okay?
And I'm going to go get
in the hot cocoa line.
You want some?
I think I'll need
something stronger than cocoa.
I'll see what I can do.
Oh, thanks.
- Hey.
- Hi.
Pick up, pick up,
pick up, pick up.
Hey, Grace, what's up?
Hey, um, did I catch you
at a bad time? Can you talk?
Are you all right?
Yes, I'm at a Christmas pageant.
With Anthony?
Uh, sounds romantic.
Dish, please.
No, no, no, no.
There is nothing to dish.
Right. Lots of architectural
drafting to be done
at a Christmas pageant,
I'm sure.
Okay, just... just...
Just listen, please.
So yesterday,
I completely embarrassed myself
in front of his whole family.
We're still not seeing
eye to eye on this project,
and for some reason,
everyone is being so nice to me.
I don't know. It's just...
It's just this weird feeling,
like I might
actually belong here.
And that can't happen
because I'm so close
to getting this Toronto job,
and I haven't felt
like this in so long.
Well, first of all, enjoy it.
Second of all, you never
know what everyone is thinking.
I remember...
Alexis, hold on one sec.
Actually, let me
give you a call back, okay?
But don't you wanna
hear the rest of my speech?
I'll call you later.
All right, bye.
Oh.
I give great advice.
Hey. I heard you back here
and thought
I'd come wish you luck.
What's going on?
Did they send you back here
to try to make me go up there?
No, but why
don't you want to sing?
Can I tell you something?
And you promise you
won't tell any other grown-ups?
I promise.
Pinky promise.
There's a lot
of people out there.
I just wish mom
was here to sing, too.
Can you keep a secret for me?
I completely understand.
Because I feel the same way.
- Really?
- Mm-hm.
Do you know what makes you
so incredibly special?
What?
Even though your mom isn't here,
you have
a whole family of people
who are out in the audience
waiting to cheer you on
and loves you.
You know what? They don't care
if you forget the words
or if your voice cracks.
None of that matters to them.
Come on, I'll walk you out.
Oh, you've got this.
You got this, you hear me?
So, where's your colleague?
Shouldn't you be
worried about your boyfriend?
He is not my boyfriend.
Not yet.
Whoo!
Ladies and gentlemen.
Welcome, everybody,
to our annual Christmas pageant.
I know you're excited
to get into the holiday spirit,
so I will go ahead
and introduce our first number
sung by Jordan Brown!
Go.
Me?
Please?
Okay.
I don't have the words.
It's okay.
Let's do this.
Hark, the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn king
Peace on Earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled
Joyful, all ye nations, rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic host proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem
Hark, the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn king
All right, I think I figured out
Grandma's recipe.
These are the best ones
right here.
Uh, are you sure?
Because, listen, I'm still full
from your grandmother's
jambalaya.
- I can really sit this one out...
- Grace, stop making excuses.
Eat the praline.
Ready?
Three, two...
Mm-mm, mm-mm, mm-mm.
That is awful.
Oh my goodness, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, but it is...
The worst thing
I ever tasted in my life.
I don't know
what I'm doing wrong.
I mean, what are pralines?
They're sugar, they're butter,
they're...
Apparently, burnt pecans.
- Funny.
- Well, listen,
let's look
at the bright side, okay?
At least
you decided to be an architect,
and not a candy maker.
- Ha-ha-ha.
- Ha-ha-ha.
Speaking of which,
let's see what you got here.
- Wait, Grace.
- Yes.
What did you do with
my beautiful house design?
Okay, look, you are not
going to put concrete finishes
in this house.
I'm not going to allow it.
I don't know.
You're impossible.
Anthony, your grandmother
is a New Orleans icon,
and we have to give her
an iconic New Orleans home.
Yeah, but this New Orleans
is the 21st century,
not the Dark Ages.
New Orleans
is a melting pot, right?
- Yeah.
- Exactly.
And we have to give
your grandmother a home
that reflects that melting pot.
A little bit of French,
a little bit of Haitian.
The warmth of reclaimed wood
with modern metal.
It's classic meets modern.
- That could work.
- Good.
Because when I talked
to your grandmother,
she said her dream was
to have a house that generations
could come and spend Christmas.
And we can give her that.
Okay, well, what about you?
- Me?
- Yeah.
What about your Christmas?
- My Christmas?
- Yeah.
Like, we spend so much time
talking about me and my family,
our traditions.
But you have some
traditions, I'm sure.
Okay, yeah, we're not
here to talk about me.
We're doing this project
for your family,
so let's get back to work.
Grace, you can share. It's okay.
Okay, either you start talking,
or you start eating.
Okay, anything but that.
They're not that bad.
Fine. When I was a little girl,
me and my parents,
we would go outside,
and we would make snow angels.
And, um, I know it sounds
so silly, but to this day,
when I'm really missing them,
that's exactly what I do.
I go outside
and make snow angels,
and it instantly
feels like Christmas.
I know it's impossible
here in New Orleans, but, um...
I would give anything...
to make snow angels with them
one more time.
Well, hey, it is
the city of New Orleans, right?
Anything's possible.
- Even snow?
- Maybe.
Let's get back to work.
All right. Now show me
what you're thinking.
I gotta get this.
Here we go.
Mmm.
Mm-hmm. Hmm. Mm-mm.
Mm. Mm. Mm-hmm.
I don't know what went wrong.
The... the recipe online said...
Online?
Well, that's your problem.
Miss Loretta's recipe
is five generations old.
I had to start
from somewhere, Ma.
I definitely wouldn't
give that to your girlfriend.
- Mm-mm.
- She's not my girlfriend.
That's not what
Christopher's saying.
Well, she won't
be your girlfriend,
not with that attitude.
- Okay, who sent these?
- Anthony.
I thought we talked
about you opening yourself up.
I tried to.
But just hanging around her,
it brings up
these feelings that...
Feelings?
Feelings.
Mm. Like what, son?
Weren't we talking about
Grandma and her flowers?
Your mother's not
going to fall for that, boo.
Did Marcel send these?
As a matter of fact, he did.
Not that that's
any of your business.
We're talking
about Anthony and Grace.
Oh.
Probably wouldn't work anyway.
She says
New Orleans is growing on her,
but she's always moving.
Then you need
to give her a reason to stay.
- A reason to stay?
- Mm-hmm.
You have to show people
how you feel, Anthony.
You tell us all the time
that you love us,
but when was the last time
you actually spent time with us?
What she's trying to say, son,
is that if you'd like her
to feel like she belongs here,
like she could stay,
then you need
to prove it to her.
Exactly. And please
don't go baking your feelings,
because we all know
you can't cook.
No. Uh-uh.
Ooh. Mm.
Did you want
to try one of these?
- Oh, no.
- I'm good.
Mm-mm.
There's a little step down.
If I... If you let me
run into something.
Okay, where are we going?
- Just trust me.
- Please don't let me fall.
- I got you.
- Oh, this feels shaky.
Okay, one more step.
- It's kind of a big one.
- Okay.
Just one more after that,
just one more.
- Oh, my goodness.
- Okay.
- Okay, where are we going?
- Just walk further.
- How much further?
- Almost there.
How much?
Oh, wait, this feels weird.
This is a change,
change, change?
- Uh-huh.
- What's this under my feet?
- What's happening?
- You're gonna sit right there.
- What am I walking on?
- Okay. You're gonna find out...
All right. No, no.
Right about...
- Now.
- Oh!
I couldn't get a miracle,
but I could get you a whole
bunch of fake snow.
How did you-
Called in a few favors.
Stuff was on
a Mardi Gras float last year.
You did all of this,
all of this for me?
Yeah. Grace, you said
you wanted to make snow angels.
It's the least I could do.
Come on, you got
to make one with me.
- Let's go, let's go, let's go.
- Oh, this was for you.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Come on.
- Okay.
- Okay, lay back.
- All right.
- Lay back.
Okay. I've never done this
before, so don't judge my form.
Nobody's judging you.
That's some
interesting form, though.
You know how you were saying,
um, you were starting to feel
like you wanted
to belong somewhere?
Do you think
you could want to belong here,
like in New Orleans?
- Maybe.
- Yeah?
I just... I don't
know how to do that.
Well, my grandma always
says that
if you want to do anything,
you need...
To practice. Yes, I heard.
Um...
You know,
I have a question for you.
Shoot.
Do you want to come
to this party with me?
Really?
Yeah.
I mean, it's not every day
that a guy makes it snow
for you in New Orleans.
I'd love to.
Good.
Well, I do have one
last question for you.
This is absolutely beautiful. Um...
Do you expect me
to help you clean all this up?
Because if so, we probably
need to start now if we want
to be done by New Year's.
No, I think we can
enjoy it a little bit longer.
Perfect answer.
Hey, y'all, it's Christmas!
Ha!
- I celebrate Christmas
- Christmas
It's the best time of the year
Sure, there's just the cheer
Everyone that celebrates
it's Christmas
Christmas
Snow is falling down
Santa's coming to town
Everyone, let's celebrate
Let's celebrate the good times
I know you're an introvert,
but are you ever going
to leave the kitchen?
I'm helping.
- Is he here yet?
- Oh, honey, you need a drink.
Maybe I shouldn't
have invited him.
You really like him, don't you?
I really do.
Well, then come on.
You want to be in the middle
of the action when he shows up.
- Okay.
- Yeah.
Thank you.
I think people
like being outside.
Looks like
your date finally got here.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Sorry, I'm late,
but I brought pralines.
- Thanks, um...
- It's the tie, right?
- Too much, isn't it?
- You look all right.
Yes. He looks beautiful,
she looks beautiful.
Hey, Alexis. Oh, hey.
You haven't changed
a bit since college.
Oh, you are still a charmer,
and I love it.
Now, come on. Join the party.
Let's get drinks!
All right now, be careful,
because she has rigged
this whole party with mistletoe.
We wouldn't want to, uh, fall
into one of her traps, would we?
Yeah, we, uh, can't have that.
Oh, yes, I'm glad you asked.
Hey, everyone, I brought some
of my grandma's pralines.
Oh.
- Dig in.
- Mmm.
Come on.
Are you sure
they're Miss Loretta's?
Did you tell her?
- I didn't say anything.
- Sounds like you told her.
I mean, the taste
isn't going to lie.
Let me see.
Mm.
Looks like you're
going to have to keep trying.
I'm just can't seem
to figure out what I'm missing.
Holiday glow
Attention, everyone!
Come here, please.
As the host of a multi-faith
melting pot holiday party,
I obviously
appreciate all religions.
So my office is having
a benefit where for every letter
for Santa they receive, they'll
be donating $1 to charity.
- I have one.
- Oh.
We have our first letter.
Thank you, Grace.
Before the night is over,
I want everyone here
to write one letter to Santa.
And at the end of the night,
we'll pick the best one
to be crowned King...
or Queen of the holidays.
Make them funny.
Make them sweet.
But don't make me cry.
Okay.
You know, I almost forgot
Alexis is, uh...
The best?
Yeah. This is why
you two get along so well.
You know what?
You, sir,
need to write a letter to Santa.
Mm-hm.
Christmas wish
- I think that's enough, right?
- Yeah.
Okay.
I feel it!
Yeah.
Come on, Anthony, you've
been hiding this for years.
Let's...
just tell the truth.
- So, what you writing?
- Hey, hey, no cheating!
There's no cheating
in letters to Santa.
It is when the prize is being
crowned King of the holidays.
But don't you worry,
I'll be a fair and just ruler.
Come on, let me see, let me see.
You can't use
your height against me.
All's fair
in love and war, Grace.
You'll see that once you
recognize me as Christmas King.
Well, what is this?
Is it love or is it war?
Can we go somewhere
and talk privately?
Oh, is that a command
from the Christmas King?
How could I refuse?
Come on.
What is this, um,
Christmas emergency?
Um... Well...
I wanted you to read my letter
before anyone else did.
What?
You giving me the advantage?
That's not like you.
Yeah, I'm not so good
with words sometimes,
and I wanted
to get your feedback.
You need to give
yourself more credit.
You are a brilliant architect
and a good man,
and a pretty good
Bell Hop partner.
Okay. Ahem.
"Dear Santa, this might
sound like an unusual request,
"but there's only one thing
on my list this year...
One dream you could
help me make come true.
I'd like for this one woman
to feel about me the way
I felt about her since
the first moment I laid eyes
on her all those years ago
in Dr. Carp's
freshman lectures. Um...
The way I felt about her since
she walked into my life
again a few days ago.
All I want for Christmas
this year is Grace Hill."
Is this true?
Do you mean this?
Every word.
I wanted to tell you
back in college,
but it was just
not the right time.
I had feelings
for you too, back then.
And I still do.
Really?
Yeah, and, uh...
Looks like we're
under the mistletoe.
- Good?
- Good.
Great.
Is that a second line?
- We've got to go. We should go.
- Okay, let's go.
Okay. Remember when
I said the Jingle Bell Hop
was the most fun I'd ever had?
- Yeah.
- Yeah, that was back then.
This is the most fun
I've ever had.
Oh, good, because
it is only going to get better
from here on out.
- Really?
- Yeah.
Come on!
Okay!
Sorry. We're getting ready
to close up.
So early? I need
to get my praline fix on.
Marcel!
Now, you've been every day.
There's no way that you've
gone through all those
pralines by yourself.
Of course not.
I've been giving
them away as gifts.
- You must have a lot of friends.
- Well, you know,
New neighbors. I'm trying to
make an impression.
Mm, looking for your usual?
Well, since you'll be
closed for Christmas,
we should double that.
That'll just about clean me out.
- There you go.
- I'll take it.
Thank you.
Marcel, what are
you really doing here?
You can't have this many
neighbors. I know that.
You could always
see right through me.
You know, I...
I like talking to you,
I like seeing you,
so I've been
getting all these pralines
and giving them out
to shelters for the holidays.
I just use it as an excuse
to swing by and see you.
You never need an excuse
to come and see me.
Really?
I've been out of the game
so long I forgot how to play it.
Well, we'll just have to
figure that out together then.
But I do know where to start.
Yeah?
Well, are you
going to kiss me or what?
Ooh, my, my, my.
They're right.
- Right about what?
- Things do get better with age.
Oh, yeah. All right.
Look out now.
Got you.
I'm glad my massive shoe closet
is helpful to someone.
Oh, my goodness, it's endless.
You know, I really don't think
it's fair that you're going
to fancy French Quarter party
and I have to say here,
eating leftovers all by myself.
You sound so sad.
I suppose we've
got leftover booze too.
A-ha!
Oh, my God,
that dress is incredible!
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I mean, keep my shoes
out of the puddles on Bourbon,
but honestly,
you can do whatever you want.
Oh, you know, I just... I really,
I really want to look beautiful.
Anthony's whole family
is going to be there,
and I just, I want to fit in.
You and Anthony
looked pretty cozy last night.
But this time his whole family
is going to be there.
You know, sometimes family isn't
the people we're born into.
It's the people we pick,
and they're going
to pick you just like I did.
Now you know
I don't do all that mushy stuff.
Oh, I know.
I love you, too.
You don't have to say it.
I feel it. Now, go get dressed.
Listen, please make sure
you don't eat all
the challah while I'm gone.
No promises.
Okay.
Oh, hold on.
What's wrong?
I, um, I just got a text.
The Toronto job is a go.
Well, what are you going to do?
I don't know.
So, is Grace going
to be here tonight?
I need a new dance partner
since Dad is always
stepping on my feet.
Yes, uh... yes.
Yes, she is going
to be there tonight.
That's why your uncle
can't stop taking measurements
of the door frame.
Actually, he's got
a very important errand to run.
- And then a party to get to.
- Mm-hmm.
You can't miss
the family picture.
Oh, he won't. No, he won't.
'Cause everyone will be there.
What's that?
Nothing. Just talking
about your date tonight.
The only date
anyone should be talking
about up in here is mine.
You know, Grandma,
you are absolutely right.
- You look beautiful.
- Hm, thank you.
Ooh, I have to run.
My date is here.
He better be
good to you tonight.
Don't worry, he'll bring me
back at a decent hour.
My latest batch.
Mm, almost there, Anthony.
Maybe it needs more water?
Water? You put water
in pralines?
Oh, no, baby.
Keep trying, bro.
I don't want
to keep Marcel waiting.
I'll see you guys
at the par-tay. Goodbye.
They grow up so fast,
don't they, Uncle Anthony?
You look...
Is Anthony Brown speechless?
I never thought I'd see the day.
- I am not speechless.
- Mm-hm.
I'm just looking
for some of the million words
to describe how you look.
Well, I'm going
to need you to find your words
and, uh, do it quickly because
you're making me nervous.
Like Christmas.
Like Christmas? Please explain.
You look the way
Christmas makes people feel,
all warm and beautiful
and absolutely perfect.
I'm not used
to compliments like that.
Get used to it.
They're coming all night long.
Oh, let me find out
you're secretly a softie.
Don't tell anybody. I do
have a reputation to protect.
- Oh!
- Shall we?
We shall.
You were right.
You sure know much more
than me about young love.
Do you think people our age
could find something like that?
Or do you think it's too late?
Well, Loretta, you should know,
it's never too late.
Not for love.
A dance?
Of course, Marcel.
Deck the halls
with boughs of holly
'Tis the season to be jolly
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la
That's out there, right?
You having a good time, honey?
There are so many people here.
- I wish Mom could see.
- I know, honey.
Well, you stay here
with Grandma.
I have
a little surprise for you.
What is it?
Wouldn't be surprised
if I told you now, would it?
- And that's my uncle Wilbur.
- Uh-huh.
And next to him, those are
my cousins, Amani and Nick.
Wow. That's a lot of people.
You aren't going to run
out on me again, are you?
No.
I'm not going anywhere.
This is going
to be an amazing night.
Yes, it is. I can feel it.
I'm glad I get
to spend it with you.
May I have this dance?
Absolutely.
You are a pretty
good dancer, Mr. Brown.
You should see my samba.
- Oh, your samba?
- My samba.
I would love to see that.
- You will see that.
- Mm.
Mom, have you seen Charlene?
I'm sure she's here somewhere.
Okay.
I'm gonna go ask Anthony.
No, no.
Let them have their fun.
Yeah, I guess you're right.
How was that for a start?
- Very good.
- Yeah.
You are definitely
full of surprises.
I'm sure she's getting
dressed somewhere.
I know, I just... I don't wanna
miss the family photo, you know?
I'll help you look for her.
So do you have any
weird childhood sweethearts
hiding around here?
Oh. I wouldn't know.
- Oh?
- I've only been looking at you.
Mm. Perfect answer.
Give me just a few minutes?
Absolutely.
- Don't go far.
- I won't.
- Hey, Jordan.
- Hey.
May I have this dance?
- Yeah.
- Yeah?
Okay.
Moving pretty good!
Hi, it's Charlene.
I'm not here right now.
Leave me a message.
Oh, this party is so much fun.
Oh, my goodness,
Miss Loretta, it is incredible.
Your family
is just so wonderful,
and thank you for having me.
Can I show you something?
Of course.
Okay.
- Is that my house?
- Yes, ma'am.
It's a little bit
of old New Orleans,
with a little bit of modern,
and a little bit of Anthony.
And a lot of you.
Look, I have something for you.
What?
- Come over here, baby.
- Okay.
Here it is, right here.
Let me hold your purse.
- Oh, thank you so much.
- But you have to open it.
Okay.
Miss Loretta, it's beautiful.
I make them every Christmas
for everyone in the family.
But I'm... I'm not, um...
But I didn't...
I didn't get you anything,
But you did.
You gave me more
than I could ever imagine.
My grandson always
thought that working
would make a life worth living.
But you, my dear,
you brought him back home,
back to the family.
He's so lucky
to have family like you.
And we're lucky to have you.
And you know what?
I've got to go find my boo thing
before my cousins, they're gonna
think it's open season.
Please let me grab this purse.
- Take your purse, bye, boo.
- Bye!
- Oh boy, don't hurt him.
- I will.
He is so happy.
I see you got
my grandmother's gift.
You are so lucky
to have such a great family.
But why didn't you tell me?
You didn't even warn me.
I didn't have anything for her.
She wanted you to have it.
You know, she wants you
to feel like part
of the celebration,
and part of the family.
All right, folks.
Now, we have one more song,
and then it's time for
the annual Brown family photo!
A one, two...
- Oh, Charlene.
- What? Huh?
- Um, I got to go. Excuse me.
- Wait. Huh?
Excuse me.
Anthony, Anthony, hey.
Uh, where's Charlene?
Wait. Where's my wife?
Charlene, my wife, you're
supposed to picked her up.
Where is she?
- My wife...
- Charlene.
Charlene, baby.
Hey, baby!
Oh, oh, I missed you.
Mm. I missed you more.
- Oh, you look so good.
- Oh, thanks.
- Hi!
- Oh, hi. I am so sorry.
How could you forget? I reminded
you over a hundred times.
I took a cab. It's okay.
Yep, but you told me you was
gonna get her.
I was up in the party all night.
It's fine, Christopher. I heard
you got a new girlfriend.
- Did you get Jordan's gift?
- It's in the car.
She doesn't need
a gift until Christmas.
Chris, you know love
gets folks distracted sometimes,
you should know.
Hey, I don't want you guys
to think that I'm not pulling
my weight around here.
I just... I'm trying to be
a part of more things here.
Nobody thinks that you're
not pulling your weight, man.
Is that... Is that
what this is all about?
All the rebuilding
the house and the store, like...
No, just, the family is
the most important thing to me.
It's more important
than anything or anyone.
I just want to get it right.
Family first, right?
Family first.
Mommy!
Oh, my big girl!
Look at her!
- Y'all about the same size!
- I know.
- Hey.
- Hey.
You're ready
to go take this photo?
Anthony, this is your family.
I shouldn't be in this picture.
Oh, of course you should.
The plan was for me to come,
to stay a while, and to leave.
I got this offer in Toronto...
So, you're leaving?
The blueprints for
the redesign are complete,
so, um,
technically my job's done.
Unless...
Yeah, your job here is done.
I can oversee the build myself.
My family's legacy, right?
Yeah. It is.
- Well, uh...
- Goodbye, Anthony.
Anthony, you know, Christmas
ain't until tomorrow, right?
Someone dropped this off.
It's nice.
What happened, honey?
I'm just ready to take
another crack at these pralines.
You know, just because you don't
work in the shop with us
doesn't mean that you're not
a part of what we build.
We all did this together.
I know. I just...
I want to get this right.
You know, and I don't know
what I'm missing.
Don't lie to me now.
You know exactly what
you're missing, don't you?
Pralines aren't a metaphor, Grandma.
Baby, let me say
something to you.
Pralines are everything.
You miss her, don't you?
Yeah, but...
And you want her back, right?
You know, maybe
it's better this way.
Maybe I'm supposed to buckle
down and get back to work
and get back to my life
like it was before her.
Is that what you really want?
Hmm.
Mmm. This looks pretty good.
Mm, but you're right.
It's wrong, wrong, wrong.
Not bad, just wrong.
Ooh, and that's what happens
when your recipe
isn't in balance.
How much sugar is in that?
A lot. Pralines are
all about sugar.
Exactly. And your life
is all about work.
But it isn't satisfying, is it?
It's not even fun.
Grandma.
You want to know
what it is, Anthony?
My secret ingredient?
I don't know, love?
No, it's salt.
Salt?
Sometimes you just
need a little bit
of the unexpected
to make life sweeter,
to bring everything
back into balance.
Now, don't you want to make
life a little sweeter again?
I tried,
but she won't answer my calls.
Well, you have to try harder.
It's that simple?
Most things usually are.
Thanks, Grandma.
You don't have to thank me.
You just need to go
out and find that girl.
Don't worry. I think
I might have an idea for that.
You don't have
to take a red eye.
You can stay one more night.
Hey, do you have any extra
packing cubes that I can borrow?
Oh, no. I have helped you
do this too many times.
Come on. We're going for a walk.
I have all this
packing to do still.
It'll be there.
Okay, fine.
Where are we going?
You know, Grace, we have
a saying here in New Orleans.
- What?
- Guys are like streetcars.
One is coming around
the corner every few minutes.
What? What is this?
Grace Hill, I need you to
know that you belong right here
in New Orleans with me.
Anthony...
My grandma... she has a saying.
She says,
"Family is who you choose."
I'm standing here
and I'm choosing you.
I used to...
believe that I didn't want
to be attached to any place.
Or anyone.
But your beautiful family... has
shown me something different.
Grace, I know that
you are so good on your own.
I know that you have
independence and you...
You don't actually need me.
Could you want me?
Yeah. Yeah.
Yeah, I do.
Do you think you could
find room in your heart
for me and this big family
of mine that loves you?
Well...
that depends.
Depends on what?
Do I get to ride
a streetcar, too?
One second,
I always wanted to do this.
All aboard!
This is so perfect.
Welcome to the family, Grace!
Okay, what do you think?
I can't believe
you got me a whole streetcar.
Just like the story.
You know, a very wise woman
once told me
that sometimes
the old ways are the best ways.
- And the most romantic.
- And the most romantic.
Mm-hmm.
It's her! It's her!
Oh, I almost forgot. It's not
Christmas without presents.
Is this what I think it is?
Anthony, these are so good.
- Yes.
- You did it!
I can't believe it.
- Mm!
- Yeah? Okay.
- All right, one more thing.
- You're taking them?
This is for you.
Merry Christmas, Anthony.
Merry Christmas, Grace.
Ho, ho, ho, who wouldn't go?
Ho, ho, ho, who wouldn't go?
Ho, ho, ho, who wouldn't go?
Ho, ho, ho, who wouldn't go?
Up on the housetop,
click, click, click
Down came the chimney
with good Saint Nick
Go!
Come on, come on!
Hey, hey, hey, hey!