My Southern Family Christmas

Campbell Wallace is a successful travel writer in Dallas who receives a surprising call from Jennifer Bergeron, the wife of her biological father, Everett. Everett has been chosen as the new 'Pere Noel' (the Cajun version of Santa Claus) for the town of Sorrento, Louisiana, and Jennifer believes it is time for him to reconnect with the daughter he hasn't seen since she was a toddler. Campbell's adoptive parents, Gary and Sarah, encourage her to go, though Campbell is apprehensive. She decides to use her job at Airventure magazine as a cover, pitching a story about the Pere Noel festival to her editor so she can observe Everett without him knowing who she really is. Upon arriving in Sorrento, Campbell meets Jackson Shepherd, the town's record keeper and grandson of the retiring Pere Noel. During a clumsy 'meet-cute,' Campbell accidentally breaks a gift intended for the mayor, establishing a playful, nerdy rapport with Jackson. Jackson eventually discovers Campbell's secret by cross-referencing town records and her interest in Everett's history, but he agrees to keep her secret and helps her navigate the local culture. Campbell is welcomed into the Bergeron home, where she meets her half-sisters: the social-media-savvy Mary-Margaret and the spirited Amelia. She spends the week participating in Cajun traditions, such as making wreaths, decorating a skiff (the Cajun sleigh), and learning the secret family recipe for meat pies. As Campbell gets closer to Everett, she hears his side of the story. He admits to having a difficult past and making mistakes, but expresses a deep desire to be a better man for his family. During the town's Christmas Eve celebration, which involves lighting fires on the levee and 'calling the gators' by name to guide Pere Noel, Everett gives a moving speech about the honor of being a father. Overwhelmed by the fear that her revelation will ruin his 'perfect' life, Campbell nearly flees town. However, Jackson convinces her that the truth is a gift worth giving. On Christmas morning, Campbell returns to the Bergeron house and gives Everett a childhood photo of herself. Everett immediately recognizes her as 'Alice,' his nickname for her. He reveals that he had once secretly watched her at a school pageant years ago but left because she seemed happy with her adoptive father. He then presents her with a stack of journals he wrote to her every single day of her life. The family fully embraces Campbell, and she finally learns the secret ingredient to the family meat pies, realizing she has found the missing piece of her identity.