As Christmas lights appear around the Boughery, Theo arrives at Glissen House for the holiday gathering, encouraged by the early signs of the season. Asher waits on the porch and ushers the arriving guests through the wreath-decorated door into the warmth of the home.

Basil comes dressed up for the occasion and introduces his girlfriend, Trina. Trina greets Theo with immediate friendliness, kissing his cheek and thanking Theo both for Basil’s portrait and for supporting Basil. Theo jokes about her full name, Katrina, and Basil plays along by warning Theo not to provoke her, revealing an affectionate, easy dynamic between the couple.

Simone arrives carrying a cake, also dressed formally in what Theo recognizes as Simone’s performance clothes. The chapter explains that Simone has spent a lonely, unusually silent day in the music building practicing for an upcoming Christmas performance, and that the isolation has made him crave company. Simone’s gratitude at being included is emphasized, along with the distant reassurance of Simone’s mother, who is thankful her son has somewhere to go for the holiday.

Earlier in the day, Minnette and Derrick arrive to help Asher and Brooke prepare the feast. Minnette’s memories of Thanksgiving and Christmas are rooted in Glissen House, where she learned belonging and care while helping Gammy in the kitchen as a child.

In the week before the dinner, Brooke and Minnette cook intensively together, repeatedly invoking Gammy’s methods while assembling a wide spread of dishes. As they prepare casseroles and dressing, their kitchen work becomes a space for shared trust, where they trade confidences and talk through family concerns, health, friends, and the pressures of everyday life.