Episode Overview
With Christmas approaching, Eric enlists his three eldest kids to engage in community service. However, Mary and Lucy are far from thrilled about their tasks—Mary is serving at a soup kitchen while Lucy is in charge of auditions for the church's "Live Nativity." Meanwhile, Eric secures a lucrative gig for Matt, who will be playing Santa at the mall. Simon, filled with holiday cheer, dons his snug candy cane pajamas and is eager to hang lights inside, as he isn't permitted to do so outside alone. In a family tradition, everyone draws names for gift-giving, but Eric and Annie slyly manipulate the process. Just before leaving for vacation, Jordan mistakenly gives Lucy a shoe shine kit intended for his uncle's monkey instead of a signed basketball meant for her. Additionally, Mary meets Carlos at the soup kitchen, a man without a home for Christmas, and invites him to stay with them.