Judge Charlie Saunders is in for a pleasant surprise when he learns that his twin daughters, his son, and his wife have planned a trip to the mountains. This, of course, is their annual routine. Once they are at the seven-star resort, they gather around a fire and start planning their Christmas holidays. These planned festivities are due to take place on the Saunders family ranch in Texas, with members of their extended family also in attendance. Robert, the Judge's brother, a swindler of note, has recently been released from the slammer, and they predict that he will come up with another scheme to fleece his wealthy relatives. The real fun begins as the family gathers for the Christmas Day celebrations around the sacred oak tree. The males follow the age-old family tradition of chopping off the mistletoe with a golden sickle; the children have a roar, and the odd drunkard from their mother's side of the family goes tumbling down the stairs. Still, 'tis the period of festivities; a season to be merry, and after midnight mass at their local Catholic Church, the feigned 'decorum' vanishes!