The family want to go away for Christmas, but can they go with Grandad in hospital? And should they go when Jane is their house-sitter? And was it really wise to give Ben a metal detector as a present?

The Brockman family have decided to foster a sense of community by throwing a Christmas party for their neighbours. However, as expected, festivities do not go as smoothly as planned. They are visited by some colourful guests, including, among others, an opinionated neighbour, a traumatised ex-weatherman and that most unwelcome of guests, a seasonal gastric virus.