Almost Christmas 2016

The film commences in the 1970s, showcasing an evocative montage of the relationship between Walter and Grace Meyers, who fall in love, marry, and raise four children. Fast forward to 2016, where tragedy strikes as Grace passes away, leaving Walter to navigate life alone, now that his adult children have moved out.

As the holiday season approaches, ten months after Grace’s death, Walter is busy preparing for Christmas, just five days away. He takes the time to catch up with his children: his eldest daughter, Cheryl, is married to the self-centered basketball player Lonnie. Their oldest son, Christian, is in the running for congressman, married to Sonya and has two kids, Cameron and Dee. The determined single mother Rachel is balancing her responsibilities to her daughter Niya while pursuing her law degree, and the youngest, Evan, struggles emotionally with the loss of their mother.

Walter honors Grace’s memory by volunteering at a homeless shelter, mirroring her dedication, while attempting to perfect her beloved sweet potato pie—though with little success. His sister-in-law, May, visits to lend a hand in bringing the family together.

Once the festivities begin, Christian arrives with his campaign manager [Andy Brooks](John Michael Higgins), followed by Rachel and Niya, where Rachel encounters an old acquaintance, Malachi. Their interactions are fraught with tension, and the siblings quickly fall into discord over May’s cooking. Evan’s emotional turmoil surfaces as he copes with their mother’s absence.

As Christmas approaches, the family’s mood starts to shift when they indulge in their favorite songs and dance around the Christmas tree. Just as joyous moments begin to emerge, Evan’s struggle with prescription pills takes a dark turn, and Lonnie’s reckless nature booms during a football game, leading to further family disagreements.

Complications arise in Christian’s campaign regarding community re-zoning affecting the local homeless shelter. He grapples with the moral implications of his actions as Walter confronts him about their family’s values.

Amidst rising tensions, Rachel’s ongoing encounters with Malachi escalate into a passionate kiss, indicating unresolved feelings from their past. The sisters attempt to recreate Grace’s recipes, leading to moments of bonding, climaxing with the discovery of a box of treasured family recipes.

On Christmas Day, as the family gathers, secrets unfold. Rachel inadvertently invites Jasmine, Lonnie’s lover, leading to chaos when Jasmine discloses their affair—prompting Cheryl to confront Lonnie with a rifle, causing panic. The revelations culminate with news of Evan being hospitalized after a tragic accident related to his medication.

In the wake of these trials, the family comes together, revealing their vulnerabilities. Walter and Christian shift their focus towards community service, reaffirming their commitment to help those in need. After reconciling, Rachel and Cheryl find common ground, leading to an unexpected financial gesture that propels Rachel closer to her dream.

The film concludes on a hopeful note as Walter, though still grieving, finds solace in the company of his family, rekindling the spirit of joy with Grace’s sweet potato pie, which turns out to be better than he ever imagined. The family ultimately gathers, celebrating love, unity, and the memories they hold dear as they cherish their first Christmas without Grace, together.