A Merry Friggin' Christmas

The film opens with a nostalgic scene where a young boy hides behind a Christmas tree. When his drunken father stumbles in, the boy excitedly shouts 'Santa!' but is met with the father's dismissive response, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of the moment.

Years later, Boyde takes his son Douglas to see Santa at a retail store. The experience disappoints him as the Santa looks more like a drunken bum than the jolly figure he hoped to portray, leading to a conversation about the existence of Santa.

During the outing, Boyde's daughter Vera drops a bombshell about gossip she overheard, which shocks Boyde while also leading to a humorous exchange about inappropriate terminology. This awkward family dynamic highlights the pressures of maintaining childhood innocence.

That night, Boyde and his wife Luann share a moment in bed where she attempts to rekindle their intimacy. However, Boyde chooses to prioritize their son’s belief in Santa for one more year, showcasing the challenges of balancing adult life and family traditions.

Boyde receives a call from his brother Nelson inviting him to be the godparent at his new baby's Christening on Christmas Eve. This news evokes dread in Boyde as it means spending the holiday with his chaotic family in Wisconsin.

Boyde is seen trying to hide a Christmas present for Douglas, determined to keep the magic of the holiday alive. This act reflects his commitment as a father amidst the impending family chaos he anticipates.

The family's drive to Wisconsin takes a stressful turn when Boyde gets pulled over for speeding. This incident marks the beginning of a series of misadventures on their journey to the family homestead.

Arriving at Boyde's family home, he is bombarded by the eccentricities of his relatives. From his father's disapproval over dinner choices to his mother's frantic search for her camera, the chaotic family atmosphere is palpable.

Amidst the chaos, Boyde is served squirrel for dinner and witnesses his nephew Rance participate in a gluttonous contest eating dinner rolls. This odd blend of nostalgia and absurdity encapsulates the essence of family gatherings.

Boyde devises a plan for a late-night drive to retrieve Douglas's present after the children are tucked away. This mission signifies Boyde's dedication to preserving the holiday spirit amidst family craziness.

Boyde experiences a series of mishaps during his drive, including another speeding ticket and a comedic pickle-eating contest initiated by Rance. These incidents highlight the unpredictability of family interactions during holidays.

Upon finally arriving at their home, Boyde realizes he forgot the keys, resulting in a quick decision to break a window to retrieve the present. This moment of desperation amplifies the chaos surrounding his attempts to provide for his son.

Boyde discovers a family photo that has been altered to omit Mitch, triggering tensions between the brothers. This moment reveals underlying familial issues that resurface during their chaotic holiday experience.

In a surprising turn of events, Boyde and Mitch get help from a wine-drunk Santa who drives them home on a vintage snowmobile. This whimsical moment breaks the tension and adds a humorous twist to their chaotic journey.

Just in time for Christmas, Boyde and Mitch deliver the present to Douglas. Despite initial disappointment, Douglas's joy upon receiving a vintage game symbolizes the triumph of holiday magic and familial love.