’Twas the Night

Criminals Bill and Harry track Nick to his apartment and deride him for the Internet scam he pulled. They make it clear they want their $30,000 back by Christmas, threatening to escalate if he fails. Faced with mounting pressure, Nick realizes he must flee to avoid violence.

Nick is chased by Eliot through the streets and narrowly escapes. He reaches a North Pole stage where kids meet Santa and steals the Santa costume, using it to slip away in disguise. He then makes his way toward his brother's house while in costume.

Nick arrives at his brother's house wearing Santa's suit and quietly settles in. Danny welcomes his uncle, while his parents Abby and John, who are doctors, are called away to the hospital. With the adults absent, Nick is left to look after Danny and his two siblings.

Nick receives a threatening email indicating the criminals are tracking him down. He decides to use a virus to throw them off his trail and protect his family. The move leaves him morally uneasy as the danger remains.

On Christmas Eve, Santa enters the house bearing a device that can freeze time to deliver presents unseen. An object strikes the device, time reverts to normal, and Nick knocks Santa unconscious. The chaotic encounter plunges the family into a frantic holiday night.

Despite the chaos, Nick and the kids decide to help deliver Santa's gifts around the neighborhood. Danny, discovering Nick's involvement, feels betrayed and steals Santa's sleigh to go on a midnight ride. The siblings become enmeshed in the looming holiday misadventure.

Kaitlyn and Peter find an unconscious Santa in their living room. He wakes up and explains he is Santa, while they realize that Nick and Danny have stolen the sleigh and presents. Santa says Danny will be on the naughty list forever.

Danny returns home to apologize to Santa, but the sleigh is broken from the night's chaos. The family copes with the disruption while continuing to deliver presents. The tension grows as the criminals close in on their target.

Nick spots Bill, Harry, and Eliot near the bus stop and realizes they are heading toward his brother's house. He refuses to reveal the address, then races back to protect his family. The clock ticks toward Christmas as the threat nears.

Back at the house, Nick uses Santa's time device to shrink Eliot, scattering the criminals in fear. Bill and Harry flee in panic, and the family is momentarily safe. Nick retrieves the device and prepares for a final rescue.

Nick returns the device to Santa and gives Santa his laptop to fix the sleigh and save Christmas. Santa works to repair the magical ride, rekindling the holiday's spirit. The family watches as Christmas hope is restored.

The next morning, Santa rewards Nick with the guitar he always wanted but was denied because of his past. He plans to sell the instrument to pay debts, but first strums a tune to entertain the family. The scene ends with a hint of redemption and a fresh start.