Although excited, Po also wishes to spend the holiday with his father, Mr. Ping, and rejects the finest chefs in China's attempts to have him cater the event.

On the night of the Winter Feast, Po realizes that he should be with his father for the holiday, and excuses himself before the masters so he can help Mr. Ping prepare food for the townsfolk.

Additionally, Po is able to restore Wo Hop's honor by presenting him with the Golden Ladle originally intended for the chef selected to cook for the masters' banquet.

Shifu is initially mortified that everyone abandoned the feast, but on seeing the merry time everyone is having at the noodle shop, he realizes Po did the right thing, creating a truly perfect event with his father.

In her review for Common Sense Media, Emily Ashby praised its positive messages and role models, from which Po "learns that listening to your heart is the best way to make the right decision, and his choice inspires others to do the same".