Bob finds it extremely difficult to tell his mother that he loves her.

Howard falls head over heels in love with Bob's sister Ellen. Under most circumstances, Bob would find this perfectly acceptable—except that Ellen is getting married to someone else.

Emily's plans for a wonderful turkey dinner go downhill when Bob's mother and Emily's father begin insulting one another the night before Thanksgiving.

Bob takes on the role of Christmas peacemaker when he attempts to reconcile his parents.