Hester is standing for chairperson of the residents' association and is not pleased to learn that the other candidate, Miss Henshaw, is a glamorous young woman whom William hopes to attract as a client. At Sonia's cheese and wine party Hester meets her rival, who may be younger and prettier but has a truly irritating laugh. Fortunately Hester has the last laugh when she wins the election. 

Eager for their first Christmas with their grandson, Hester and William are disappointed when Emma says she and Peter have suddenly made other plans. Who will help them consume all that extra food and drink? Fortunately Sonia is happy to come bringing husband John, and Guy will join any party to be close to Nancy. William invites his secretary, and the Fields have one of their best celebrations ever.