Arkansas furniture maker Grins Jenkins is a loving father to his five kids, as well as the life of every party in their small town. When his wife Sharon, who used to be the 'bad cop', slowly dies of TB, so does Grins' sense of fun. The kids refuse to keep mourning forever, but Grins turns his back on the world and can't believe the kids are enjoying life again. Then Christmastime arrives and son Alvin refuses to let his siblings' dreams be spoiled.—KGF Vissers