Arthur must face the fact of grandfatherhood as Louise, Paul's girlfriend, is expecting a baby. Next-door neighbor Vera is expecting a happy event also, but, Arthur wonders, is there really cause for celebration?

Arthur has been keeping very odd hours, and is seen in the company of an attractive woman on several occasions. Is it business or pleasure? Could he be having an affair? Trevor and Vera have their own theories, as do all his own family, who keep him under heavy surveillance.

Arthur becomes depressed when he learns that he may lose his job. But when his family starts to speculate on the size of his severance pay, suddenly a whole new world of possibilities opens up. Even Vera has ideas on how to spend his money.

Arthur is upset at the late-night activities of his offspring and, at Trevor's suggestion, attempts to impose a curfew. Those returning home after the curfew will be locked out. As one might expect, the whole plan backfires when Arthur tries desperately to keep one step ahead of his family.

Loraine leaves home, while her husband Raymond arrives...for good.

Arthur decides the best solution is to sell the house and move into a small apartment with Beryl. Son-in-law Raymond adds to Arthur's aggravation. The children become irritated with Arthur's attitude and all leave home to live elsewhere. The only problem? Beryl has left with them.

Finally Arthur has an ally who is equally opposed to the loose morals of his family. It's Beryl's prim and proper mother, but she arrives with problems of her own. Surprisingly, Raymond comes to Arthur's rescue.

Arthur's first grandchild is due at any moment. A last-minute wedding is in the cards, and Arthur hopes the family will come together for that event. His disappointment lessens with the arrival of a grandson.

Arthur Crabtree balks at having to pay the seasonal bill for his impoverished children and their friends. But when Arthur suggests that they should return to old fashioned values (and cheaper ones), and settle for a quiet Christmas without presents, it is the family's turn to resist. And the last straw comes for Arthur when he learns that the children are planning a rowdy party for all their friends.