Number 26
Todd tells Helen he's decided not to go to Adelaide for Christmas but Helen doesn't want him to disappoint his mother and Katie on her account; she will have Glen, Paul and Christina around. Todd says his mum is fine about it. Helen wonders if he would rather join the others in Queensland, or is he worried things will be bad at home? Todd tells her it's because he's met a girl. Helen will have to buy more food now he's staying. She looks in the cupboards and fridge and says Lucy and Josh have wiped them out.

Queensland
Lucy is making breakfast. Josh and Brad love the beach, and the house is terrific. Madge is getting ready to leave to spend Christmas in Ramsay Street, although it won't be the same. Brad states the obvious that she's referring to Harold. Madge is coming to terms with it now; life has to go on, although Lou Carpenter has been asking her to marry him! She doubts she'll ever marry again; nobody can replace Harold.

Josh carries Madge's suitcases outside and tells her they will look after the place. Madge checks Lucy is OK after the kidnapping. Lucy is just a bit nervous. She tells Madge to have a great Christmas despite everything.

MADGE: Silly isn't it? I just felt I had to go back to Ramsay Street for Christmas. At first I thought all the memories would be too much but now I feel as though I need them. I'll feel closer to Harold there.

Madge leaves in a taxi and Lucy asks Josh why he had to invite Brad; he put his foot in it with Madge, and she thought Josh would jump at the chance of being alone with her! She's only teasing and asks how things are going with Phoebe. Josh doesn't think he has a chance with her old man acting like Dracula.

Number 30
Toby is trying to guess one of his presents but it feels like clothes. Dorothy tells him he'll never find his main present. Toby asks if they're going to have decorations but Dorothy isn't keen. Toby is disappointed but tries to get information about his main present. Dorothy, Joe and Melanie have pitched in on something special. Dorothy is leaving to get it now and thinks Toby will be knocked out when he gets it.

Coffee Shop
There are Christmas carols playing. Helen comes in with some heavy bags and says she had to buy some groceries and last minute presents. Brenda tells her Madge is on her way home and asks if she thinks she will turf her out of the house. Helen says Madge can't break the lease and she doesn't think she would want to; the same goes for the shop. Helen asks her what she and Guy are doing for Christmas and Brenda says spending it with rellies who will ask her what she's doing and who she's seeing. She doesn't think she'll ever get a bloke. Helen tells her it is possible to live without one but Brenda wants some company.

Number 32
Bob tells his dad that nobody will miss the food he's eating - Helen thinks the others took it to Queensland - but he's had to put the key for No.32 back on the fridge so she doesn't miss it. He says he's told his mum he's not going home for Christmas and she was stressed about it. Todd has bought a display cabinet for Helen for Christmas but he has to assemble it. Bob offers to help and Todd tells him he's glad he's here.

Coffee Shop
Brenda sits down in the empty shop with a coffee when Santa Claus comes in and asks if he could have a glass of water as he hasn't got any money and it's very hot here; not what he's used to! Brenda says she can do better than that and gets him a bottle of something. Brenda is impressed with his real beard and says they were lucky to get someone who looks so much like the real Santa.

SANTA: What would you like for Christmas?
BRENDA: Well, a tall, good- looking, muscly bloke wouldn't go astray! I haven't had much luck finding one; any kind.
SANTA: Is that all you want?
BRENDA: Well, two or three would be even better but I don't want to be greedy!

Santa leaves, promising not to forget Brenda's wish.

Number 32
Bob and Todd are looking at the instructions for the cabinet. Todd thinks Bob should let his mum know where he is; they could probably make a go of things now she's better. Bob reminds him that the cops are after him. Todd offers again to tell them he was here on the night of the robbery but Bob reminds him it's not just that; he skipped bail too. The two of them just have to enjoy the time they have now. They get back to figuring out how to assemble the cabinet.

Queensland
Lucy, Josh and Brad return to the house from the beach and Brad breaks a lamp with his surf board. He says he'll have to get a job to earn the money to replace it. Lucy says it won't be much of a holiday for him and says she'll lend him the money. Brad goes to put the surf board away and Lucy reminds Josh again that he was the one who invited Brad.

Number 30
Dorothy has returned from buying Toby's present and is locking some presents in a cupboard. She's off to meet Helen at the coffee shop but Toby says he'll stay at the house. As soon as Dorothy leaves he starts trying to get into the locked cupboard.

Coffee Shop
Helen returns to the coffee shop with yet more presents. Brenda says she likes the Santa in the mall but Helen says Paul hasn't hired one. Brenda says perhaps he's the real thing! Dorothy arrives and tells Helen she has left Toby's present on her back porch. Helen says they will look after it. She tells Dorothy about Todd deciding not to go to Adelaide because of a girl. Dorothy mentions she saw Todd going into No.32 with a large package; probably just hiding Christmas presents. Helen says she'll check what he's up to.

Number 30
Toby manages to unlock the cupboard with a paper clip. He unwraps his present and is disappointed to find it's just a book about soccer.

Coffee Shop
Brenda is closing up when a bodybuilder walks in! He's staying at the hotel as he's in the muscle man competition and is looking for somewhere for dinner. Brenda knows lots of great places to eat and offers to show him around. He says he's not alone and calls his two fellow bodybuilders in! Brenda says she'll be with them in a sec.

BRENDA: Virginia, there really IS a Santa Claus!

Queensland
Josh and Lucy are sunbathing and Lucy suggests going to a nightclub this evening. Brad returns with a new lamp and fish and chips. Lucy wonders how he could afford the fish and chips but Brad says he will win enough money to pay her back; he saw a sign for a surf competition and has entered it. Josh suggests he enter too in order to double their chances. Brad apologises again to Lucy for breaking the lamp and promises not to spoil her holiday.

Number 30
Toby locks the book back in the cupboard and tells Bouncer it's not going to be much of a Christmas, but he'll pretend he likes the book for Dorothy's sake. Dorothy comes home and finds Toby down in the dumps. She tells him it's going to be a wonderful Christmas. She's sure he will love his present! She suggests they go and start dinner and sing a carol.

Number 32
Bob and Todd have finished the cabinet and Todd gives his dad a thank you hug, almost breaking the cabinet in the process. Bob tells Todd if he breaks it he'll have to tan his hide and Todd asks with whose army. They start wrestling but then Helen comes in and is shocked to see Bob. Todd asks her not to tell anyone he's here.