Christmas with the Kranks

The Krank family struggles with the emotional void following their daughter Blair's departure for a Peace Corps mission in Peru. Luther and Nora, her parents, feel a deep sense of loss as they face the upcoming holiday season without her.

Luther reflects on the previous year's holiday expenses, realizing they spent an exorbitant $6,132 on decorations, gifts, and entertainment. This revelation prompts him to seek an alternative to their traditional celebrations.

Inspired by the hefty financial burden of the previous holiday, Luther proposes a radical idea: to spend the holidays on a ten-day Caribbean cruise. After some reluctance, Nora agrees, and they abandon their customary holiday festivities.

The Kranks' decision to skip the holiday celebrations sends shockwaves through their neighborhood. Vic Frohmeyer, serving as the local leader, feels personally insulted and begins a campaign urging the Kranks to decorate their home for Christmas.

Children in the neighborhood, led by Vic's son Spike, join the campaign to convince the Kranks to put up a Frosty the Snowman decoration. This growing societal pressure adds to the tensions felt by Luther and Nora as they try to stick to their plans.

To reinforce their commitment to skipping the holiday, Luther resorts to icing the front yard of their home. This act is met with further backlash as the community ramp up their efforts to sway Luther and Nora into festive spirit.

The local newspaper catches wind of the Kranks' unconventional approach to Christmas, publishing a front-page article featuring a photograph of their unlit home. This public exposure only increases the frustration of their coworkers and community members.

As Christmas Eve approaches, panic sets in for Luther and Nora when they learn that Blair is unexpectedly returning home, accompanied by her fiancé Enrique. With only twelve hours left, they scramble to prepare for her arrival despite the chaos.

Luther attempts to find the perfect Christmas tree but returns with a dried-up sapling. In desperation, he decides to 'borrow' a lush tree from their neighbor Wes Trogdon, enlisting Spike for help.

While transporting the borrowed tree, Luther and Spike are confronted by nosy neighbors who misinterpret their actions and alert the authorities. A tense situation unfolds, but it is defused when Spike shows proof of the borrower's permission.

Returning without any substantial food, Nora comes back with only a disappointing smoked trout. This highlights the increasing stress and disappointment both parents feel as they attempt to prepare for their daughter's arrival.

In a last-ditch effort to bring holiday spirit, Luther tries to install a Frosty decoration on the rooftop. This mission goes awry and results in both Luther and the Frosty crashing down, further intensifying the scrutiny from their neighbors.

The long-awaited party starts, with Blair still unaware of the chaotic preparations that took place to welcome her home. Luther's efforts stem from his wish to surprise her, but the celebration takes on an unexpected tone.

After a moment of reflection, Luther decides to check on the Scheels and finds Walt and Bev grappling with Bev's cancer recurrence. Moved by their plight, Luther offers to take their spot on the cruise, revealing a newfound spirit of generosity.

As the evening wraps up, Nora suggests they rethink their decision to skip Christmas. This idea resonates with Luther, who finally acknowledges that abandoning their holiday traditions was a significant mistake.