Archie is understandably outraged when he and Harry discover they've accepted five counterfeit $10 bills. Their frustration is compounded when Edith calls from the police station with news that she's been arrested for passing another fake bill she got from Archie.

Archie, Edith, & Stephanie arrive in Santa Barbara to spend Christmas with the Stivics. However, the happiness they are greeted with is merely an illusion, as Mike and Gloria try to hide the major change in their personal lives to avoid ruining the holiday.