Ep 8. Compton Around The Christmas Tree

In the Black-ish season 7 episode 8 titled "Compton Around The Christmas Tree," Dre and Bow are struggling with finding meaningful Christmas presents for their children now that they are older and more interested in expensive gadgets and designer clothes. They decide to take a trip to Compton, where Dre grew up, to try and recapture the magic of their own childhood Christmases and to find gifts that would be more meaningful and less materialistic for their kids.

However, when they arrive in Compton, they find that the neighborhood they remembered has changed significantly, with many of the local businesses and landmarks they frequented as children now gone. Dre is distraught and feels like he has lost a piece of his childhood and his identity, while Bow is more optimistic and suggests they try to find new ways to connect with the community and create new Christmas traditions.

Throughout the episode, they have various encounters with local residents, including Dre's old barber and a group of carolers, who help them appreciate the value of community and the importance of giving back during the holiday season. They eventually come up with a plan to throw a Christmas block party for the neighborhood, complete with food, music, and games, and invite all the people they met during their trip to participate.

As the party gets underway, Dre and Bow realize that even if some things have changed, the spirit of Christmas and the importance of family and community remain the same. They are able to find gifts for their children that reflect these values and make them realize that the best presents are often the ones that cannot be bought. The episode ends with the family sitting around the Christmas tree, exchanging heartfelt gifts and feeling thankful for the memories they have made.

Overall, "Compton Around The Christmas Tree" is a heartwarming episode that captures the essence of the holiday season and reminds viewers of the importance of family, community, and generosity. It is an excellent addition to the Black-ish canon, showcasing the series' trademark blend of humor, heart, and social commentary.