It is Christmas Day in the Royle household and Barbara is up to her eyes in it, as Jim is out of action following an unfortunate incident in the precinct. Dave and Denise are feeling the effects of the recession the most, and worry that Anthony's lavish gifts will eclipse their gift of a fridge magnet. Joe reminisces about a tipsy evening of naked wrestling in front of the fire with Bobby Carter, while Cheryl recounts her romantic encounter in the local supermarket car park.