It's the Christmas season. Simon discovers that Rose (Sarah Thompson) may have secrets, and begins to wonder if his parents were correct when they warned him not to rush into marriage. Meanwhile, Kevin and Martin come to blows over Martin's attitude about becoming a father and Eric and Annie finally allow Ruthie to date Jack (guest star Garrett Strommen). Simon drops by to Glen Oak to talk to Eric and have...pie. Rose tells her dad about her being embarrassed about his numerous failed marriages as well as her mother's numerous relationships. That is the reason why she hasn't introduced her family to Simon yet. Philip encourages Rose to hold back on marriage with Simon and just live with him, while Rose debates that she tried that and the Camdens hate her even more.

The Camdens are in the Christmas spirit in this episode. In a montage with the song ""Rocking Around the Christmas Tree"", Eric is spending time at a retirement home and dancing with the elderly patrons. Ruthie is volunteering at the hospital and gives gifts to kid patients, even her old friend Katelyn (guest star Katelyn Salmont). Lucy is working for Habitat for Humanity again. Annie, Sam, and David are talking and spending time to Sudanese students at a Catholic church. Kevin dresses up as Santa and hands out gifts at the pool hall with Savannah by his side. Kevin takes a lost dog to the kennel, but changes his mind afterwards and gives it to a deserving family.

The twins use an interesting weapon to coax the entire family into sharing their personal secrets. As everyone figures out what's going on, there are hurt feelings and confusion as they try to guess what's being hidden from them, and it turns out that Ruthie might have the biggest surprise of all.

Meanwhile, the famiy doesn't quite understand Annie's newfound fondness for Rose, and it is especially irritating for Lucy and Ruthie.

Ruthie is nervous when she finds out that Eric and Annie are heading to Scotland. She reveals a very unattractive side of herself when she openly admits that she's not about to sacrifice her own freedom and happiness to come home and be with her sick father. Kevin has a difficult time helping Lucy come to grips with Eric's illness; Sandy accepts Martin's marriage proposal just to get rid of her clingy boyfriend; and Kevin finds out a secret about Jane.

Eric takes a new approach to counseling members of the church. T-Bone stuns Ruthie by telling her what he really thinks of her selfish and obnoxious attitude, then ending their argument with a kiss.

Ruthie insists that T-Bone get his driver's license so they can go away for privacy; unfortunately, T-Bone makes the mistake of asking Kevin to help him get ready for the test. Lou informs a stunned Eric that the church deacons feel he and Lucy are no longer appealing to the younger church members, so it is suggested that Sandy deliver the next sermon. Mac gets a job at the movie theater so he can afford an apartment with Jane and Margaret.