Beth has cooked a curry for Ian and Gordon's anniversary, but there's no such thing as a quiet family meal, what with the neighbours inviting themselves over and completely hijacking the occasion.

It's merry and bright over at Michelle and Alan's as they welcome the neighbours for a Christmas get together. But with Beth and Eric agreeing to a last-minute invitation to spend Christmas away leaving Christine feeling vulnerable, Gordon irritating Ian with all his fussing, and Cathy desperate to find the ‘real' party, Michelle struggles to keep the evening on track. There are brief glimmers of harmony when the neighbours play a silly kazoo game and decide to do something special for Christine, but Alan's attempt to de-stress Ian backfires when Gordon ruins things for everyone.