Peace and goodwill reign in Ambridge – but not where Jim’s concerned.

Radio Times: Jim enjoys some festive spirit.

Characters: David, Heather, Jim, Kathy, Kenton, Ruth, Shula

• As Christmas Day arrives, the children of Ambridge are all delighted with their presents. Ruth does the early milking, while Heather produces croissants for breakfast, and has the Christmas Dinner safely in the oven.
• Kathy seems much happier. She’s touched by a card from Lynda, and is looking forward to lunch at the Bull.
• Shula takes Jim to Brookfield, but has to endure endless carping as she does. His mood changes when he sees Heather, and he continues to charm her. Out of the blue, Jim announces that he’s accepted an invitation to the Grundys for New Year’s Eve. It will much more fun than an evening at the Stables.
• Kathy, Kenton and Jamie have an excellent lunch, and Jamie is pleased to see Sid. Sid and Kenton get on well, and a relaxed Kathy says she’d like to stay on for the quiz. When Kenton produces tickets for the pantomime, she’s delighted – and Jamie says how nice it is that she’s off work.
• Jim dozes off after lunch, and Shula persuades the children to draw all over his plaster cast. Jim fails to see the funny side of it.