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After the Christmas celebration the night before, Henry shares his concern with his wife, Fannie. He hopes Paul won’t pursue the relationship with Mrs Abbot. He also shares a new year resolution. What news will Fannie have about Hazel, and her children? Clifford pops into the comfortable old room to share the sunrise with his parents. Leaving his parents, Clifford goes to talk with Paul, hoping the family will come around to accepting Paul’s new love. The plan is to duck out to spend a romantic Christmas with Chris Abbott, since the family had their big party last evening. Henry joins Cliff and Paul to express his appreciation for being together as a family.
As the Barbers anticipate the over seas phone call from Nicky, we drop in on Joan and Claudia. They share observations of underlying emotions in the rift between Paul and his dad, Henry. Though Joan is ready to accept Chris, and her brother, Rexford Frome, Claudia has trouble articulating why she can’t go there. Hazel enters to bring a new topic, and ease the tension. Join the scene with Betty, Jack, and their maid Nicolette. Jack’s constant complaints about providing for his houseful of girls is as always, just his good natured way. Nicolette is a one time, almost girlfriend of Paul. What did he give her for Christmas? As far as Jack is concerned, she’s as much a part of the family as anybody else. They plan to all be present for the anticipated phone call.
As they wait, Henry complains to Fannie about having to wait for his phone call, the operator, and feels he has to test the phone lines. Why doesn’t the world revolve around him, and be there at the moment that he’s ready for it? The family begin to trickle in, sharing Christmas wishes. The phone rings, and each takes their turn talking to Nicky. As they do, Paul shares a secret. This may be his very last Barber family Christmas.
