Connie shows her family a recording of last Christmas Eve, when Chuck was arrested after fighting with Manny. She asks if they see a pattern, reminding them that the light show used to be about tradition, not annoying the Camarenas. She urges them to consider that Katie is in love and insists on a no-conflict contract for a peaceful holiday. Chuck reluctantly signs.
Connie wants a nice family photo and demands the mantel be fixed before another Christmas light goes up. Chuck checks in on her, sensing something is wrong. She just wants a Hallmark-worthy Christmas. He mentions that some think the contract might be unlawful. When she asks if he consulted a lawyer, he evades the question, focusing instead on restoring the power.
Chuck’s grandson, Marvin, asks if his advice helped abolish the contract. Chuck says no and demands his money back.
Meanwhile, Katie heads to the Camarenas' house with Chuck’s buzzsaw. When Chuck stops her, she declares her love for Kevin and asks him to accept their relationship. He refuses. She points out that the Camarenas get along just fine without a contract.
Clark suggests modernizing the family’s electrical system, but Chuck takes it as a competition. Meanwhile, Connie tells Wally to watch the kids, but when Willow and Marvin get into the cherry picker lift, she punishes Wally by sending him to the backhouse.
Chuck and Clark exchange sarcastic “compliments” to avoid breaking the contract. Connie interrupts, volunteering them to pick up the reindeer for the Holiday Stroll. Chuck reminds her they never attend, but she insists on breaking tradition. She and the girls head to the salon.
At the salon, Laurie grows suspicious of her dad and brother getting along too well. Rebecca agrees—sarcasm, not kindness, is their family’s love language. When Laurie accuses Rebecca of not caring about her kids, Rebecca realizes her words don’t always land as intended.
Back home, Chuck and Marvin continue sabotaging each other’s Christmas light efforts. When the women return, Chuck casually mentions Kevin asking for Katie’s hand in marriage but says he has his limits. Meanwhile, Willow goes back up in the lift, adding to the chaos.
Overwhelmed, Connie escapes to the backhouse, then silently leaves in her car. She heads to the Oak Bay medical center, but it’s closed.
Laurie accuses Wally of eating the salami from his charcuterie house. Marvin tells Wally that Chuck never competes unless he knows he’ll win. Laurie later catches Rebecca sneaking bites from the charcuterie house in the pantry. Laurie agrees to keep her secret—if Rebecca returns the favor. Laurie apologizes for upsetting her at the salon. Rebecca tearfully admits she and Clark tried for more kids but gave up. She envies what Laurie has. Laurie apologizes for being insensitive but feels let down when Rebecca declines a wine offer.
Chuck forgets to reserve the reindeer. The worker tells him they’ve all gone to those who planned ahead.
Meanwhile, Connie visits Katie, who reveals that Kevin broke up with her. When Katie shares the news with her family, their first instinct is revenge, rather than comfort. Katie wonders if past mistakes define her as a bad person. Connie advises her to prove she’s changed. They decide to go to the Stroll.
At the event, Chuck arrives—with a llama. Laurie brushes off Rebecca’s attempts to reconnect, but Wally assures her she might be misreading things. He also happily learns that Rebecca, not him, ate his charcuterie house.
Chuck tries to get Connie on board with the llama, but she demands an apology for the reindeer mishap. She fills Chuck in on Kevin and Katie’s breakup. Then, dressed as Mrs. Claus, Katie arrives to return the engagement ring.
Meanwhile, the kids get caught stealing candy. As chaos unfolds, Connie finally reaches her breaking point, revealing that all she wanted was one Christmas without drama—because it might be her last. Everyone is stunned.
Back home, still in the dark—literally and figuratively—Connie reveals she needed a biopsy. When she missed the follow-up call, she kept it to herself. As the family erupts into arguments, she points out that not one of them has asked how she’s feeling.
Chuck, shaken, asks why she didn’t tell him sooner. He promises he won’t lose her and asks her not to give up on their family. They exchange heartfelt “I love yous.”
Determined, Chuck gathers everyone to finally get the family photo on the mantel.
Laurie and Rebecca share a moment when Rebecca gags at the scent of wine. They realize she could be pregnant but agree to keep it quiet until they know for sure.
Chuck is impressed when Marvin reveals the updated electrical units he built. He offers genuine praise.
Outside, they finally turn on the house lights. Connie rushes downstairs to see the family, ready for their long-awaited photo. She rips up the no-conflict contract, saying their family already has plenty of love.
Just as they’re about to take the picture—the lights go out.