With Christmas approaching everyone works hard to make the holidays special. While Mary begins working overtime for the town seamstress, Charles raises extra money by reconstructing some wagon wheels, but perhaps the biggest shock of the season comes from little Laura, whose personal sacrifice will reaffirm everyone's understanding of genuine family love.

Harriet Oleson's young niece comes to town for a visit and is immediately attracted to Doc Baker. A whirlwind romance follows, and despite their significant age difference, they become engaged – until an unexpected event leaves them both with a critical choice to make.