The Grundys rejoice in their change of fortune at Christmas time and Elizabeth tries to offer a despondent David some hope.

Radio Times: Will Eddie’s Christmas surprise be a hit or a turkey? Elizabeth offers some sisterly support.

Characters: Clarrie, David, Eddie, Elizabeth, Emma, Jill, Joe, Lynda

• Clarrie is serving Christmas lunch; she fixed a pork chop for Joe who refused to eat the Fairbrothers’ goose. They discuss the reappearance of Scruff when Clarrie notices that the pork chop is gone. Joe claims George’s dog Holly must have snatched it without his noticing. Oh, well, now Joe will have to eat the goose. Everyone laughs knowingly.
• Jill comes to visit Lynda and see Scruff. Much fuss is made over the dog and Lynda mentions that Alistair came round to check on him. After a deworming and a flea treatment, Scruff’s remaining problem seems to be a loss of appetite. Robert went to a kennel to fetch fresh tripe which is supposed to be specially nourishing. Lynda declares that Scruff has reminded everyone of the importance of hope is at this time of year.
• The meal is finished at the Grundys’ and there is praise all around for the goose. They all tease Joe for eating up his share and he finally admits it was the best goose he ever tasted. Eddie whispers to Clarrie that he has a Christmas surprise for her.
• Clarrie’s surprise is her old sideboard! It isn’t the same one exactly, Eddie notes, but he tried his best to find one as much like it as possible. Thanks to the internet, this is the best Christmas ever.
• Elizabeth finds a disconsolate David; he confides that he has made only bad decisions in the past year. David fears the gap between him and Ruth may be too large to bridge. He says aloud that Ruth may not want to stay at Brookfield if she returns and there may not be a profitable farm to run. And what will happen to Pip? Elizabeth declares that the New Year brings new beginnings.
• The Grundys are making merry and Clarrie makes a toast. Just when they thought they had reached rock bottom, they found the true Christmas spirit in such good friends who helped them out. Everyone declares their love for each other.