Lucy wakes up to find her sister Sylvie decorating the Christmas tree with Hanukkah lights. Lucy insists they set boundaries, including Sylvie hitting on people she works with. Sylvie, dating Christoph, teases that Cole wants to spend more time with Lucy. She agrees to stop meddling.
Sylvie makes breakfast for Lucy’s daughter Annie, sharing stories about Christoph. Annie questions why she’s not with him, and Sylvie admits she told him she won’t spend another holiday together unless they move forward. She needs an answer before the New Year. When Sylvie learns about Max and Stephanie, she gives Annie advice on getting Max’s attention.
At the cafe, Lucy gets a list of health code violations. Janet suggests calling Cole, but Lucy worries about seeming needy. Meanwhile at home, Sylvie finds a hidden door leading to a suitcase labeled “Joy Box,” filled with their mother Joy’s favorite things, including a menorah they made for her and a vintage recipe for “Joy Bars.”
At the cafe, Sylvie arrives, and Lucy reminds her she’s only a micro-investor, not an active partner. Sylvie urges her to add Joy Bars to the menu as a signature item, but Lucy resists, saying they don’t fit their healthy offerings. Cole arrives to help with repairs, and Janet quietly tells Sylvie they can’t afford the fixes. Sylvie, noticing Lucy and Cole’s chemistry, suggests a trade: Lucy promotes Cole’s business and helps him with the repairs in exchange for free labor. He agrees, and Lucy thanks Sylvie.
Lucy picks up Annie from Max’s and is shocked she’s wearing something from the Joy Box. Annie mentions it, upsetting Lucy, who believes those memories should stay in the past. Lucy accuses Sylvie of manipulating clients and Annie but allows her to decorate the bakery. As Sylvie transforms the cafe into a holiday wonderland, Lucy and Cole work on repairs. The final result amazes Lucy, and Sylvie encourages her to flirt with Cole. Lucy awkwardly asks him to grab a drink, and he accepts.
Before her date, Sylvie helps Lucy get ready, lending her their mom’s shoes and a diamond necklace. Over drinks, Cole admires Lucy’s close relationship with Sylvie. She admits they were closer before their mom died in a car accident. As an only child, Cole envies sibling bonds and shares he’s ready for change.
Meanwhile, Sylvie and Annie bake Joy Bars, discussing the importance of taking risks in love. They decide to take a chance by selling the Joy Bars at the bakery. Lucy’s date takes an embarrassing turn when her lips swell from the lip plumper Sylvie recommended.
The next day, Lucy arrives at the bakery to find Sylvie packaging Joy Bars. Furious, she scolds Sylvie for using all their ingredients, leaving her nothing to bake their usual items. Sylvie argues they should work together because the Joy Bars could be a hit. Lucy hopes she’s right.
At the festival, Annie, inspired by Sylvie, tries to kiss Max on the cheek while taking a selfie. Max is startled, and embarrassed, so Annie runs off. Max later finds Lucy at the bakery, worried about Annie. Lucy finds her daughter alone, comforting her by saying Max cares about her as she is, not because she took a risk.
Back at the bakery, Sylvie struggles to sell Joy Bars when a customer dislikes the menu change. She shifts strategies, giving them away at the festival to attract new customers. Lucy, frustrated, accuses Sylvie of ruining everything. Feeling unwanted, Sylvie considers leaving, but Lucy doesn’t stop her.
As a storm rages, Sylvie packs up. Lucy tells her to stay until it passes, but Sylvie refuses to remain where she isn’t wanted. They argue, with Sylvie accusing Lucy of holding a grudge against their mom. Lucy counters that she had to take care of Sylvie, while Sylvie insists she felt alone regardless. She admits she envies Lucy’s stability but believes family brings pain. Sylvie leaves.
Lucy tries to have a cozy night with Annie, but Annie is distant. When the power goes out, Annie brings out their handmade menorah, and they light it together. Later, Annie encourages Lucy to try a Joy Bar, which stirs up deep memories. Lucy admits she feared becoming her mother, worried she might fail Annie. Annie reassures her she’s the best mom.
Realizing Sylvie might be alone, Lucy learns from Annie that Sylvie and Christoph broke up. They find Sylvie’s diamond necklace left behind, with an apology note to help recover bakery losses. Just then, the storm blows the door open, mysteriously relighting the menorah—a sign from Joy, reminding them to bring joy back into their lives.