Christmas in the suburbs at "The Family Stone" household unravels as togetherness takes on a new meaning, and everyone’s patience is pushed to the limit. Everett Stone (Dermot Mulroney) brings his overly self-conscious girlfriend, Meredith Morton (Sarah Jessica Parker), home for the holidays for the first time, seeking a thumbs-up from his liberal-skewing parents Sybil and Kelly Stone (Diane Keaton, Craig T. Nelson), and his grown-up sibs Amy (Rachel McAdams), Susannah (Elizabeth Reaser) and her daughter Elizabeth (Savannah Stehlin), Ben (Luke Wilson), and Thad (Ty Giordano) and his partner Patrick (Brian White).

When Meredith feels she has failed miserably to impress the potential in-laws, she calls upon her own sister, Julie (Claire Danes), to save the day. The plan goes awry as the enchanting Julie eclipses Meredith’s presence and further drama ensues causing the traditions of Christmas take a backseat. For as we all know, no one can push your buttons like your own family.