In a moment of adversity, Sue and Pete gather all their offspring (including one grandchild) to try and celebrate a traditional family Christmas. But fate, neighbours, hyenas and bus replacement services get in their way.

It is Jake's first day at secondary school and Karen has nits and wants to keep one as a pet.

Dad strays into a job-threatening controversy, while Mum starts a turf war.

Mum, the children, their aunt and grandfather get stuck in a traffic jam on the A3.

Mum makes plans for a romantic night in, but she has to get rid of Karen's little friend.

Ben's got a mystery illness and claims to be far too ill to go to school.

Mum's nagging makes Karen plan a move abroad, and the family prepare for a dinner party.

The children cause trouble at a wedding, while Pete and Sue try to refrain from violence.

Ben tries to get elected as class rep. Dad returns from a funeral troubled by mortality.

The Brockmans attempt to revive 1950s values by banning TV and computers for a whole day.

Mum and Dad must endure the hell of being stuck in a foreign airport with young children.

A Croatian baby-sitter has a night to remember when Mum and Dad go out for a meal.

Chaos reigns as Karen denounces Satan, and Ben gets on the wrong side of a referee.

A thunderstorm brings night-time chaos to the Brockman family.

It is Boxing Day in the Brockman household and Santa has paid a visit, along with some burglars. Seven-year-old Karen is obsessing over a missing hamster, nine-year-old Ben is causing havoc with a mechanical hand, Jake and Mum are trying to find Grandad, and Dad is preparing for dinner guests - some welcome, some not.

The family must decide which of them is going a funeral.

Mum tries to civilise the boys, Dad wars with a domestic appliance and Karen goes shopping.

With Karen and Ben away, Mum and Dad are left with a labrador to look after.

Ben's parents' evening proves eventful, while Mum suspects that Jake is hiding something.

Mum is still convinced Jake has a secret, and Ben forms an unusual double act.

As the family tries to get rid of Auntie Angela, another guest comes to stay.

The family want to go away for Christmas, but can they go with Grandad in hospital? And should they go when Jane is their house-sitter? And was it really wise to give Ben a metal detector as a present?