Harold's Café
Dipi insists to an angry Yashvi that she could never abandon her kids. Yashvi isn't convinced given what Dipi has just admitted, and yells at her that she should've been honest from the start. Ned tries to intervene, but Yashvi tells him to stay out of it.

YASHVI (to Dipi): I was on your side the entire time! I didn't like what you did to Dad, but I thought that everything he put you through was so bad that this was your way of dealing with it.
DIPI: I never asked you to blame your dad.
YASHVI: Well, I'm not now! This thing with Pierce was serious!
DIPI: It wasn't. At first.
YASHVI: You never wanted to work it out with Dad. At any point. And what's worse is I felt sorry for you.
DIPI: I was trying to protect you.
YASHVI: That's bull.
DIPI: I hurt everyone - your dad, you guys. I didn't want to make it worse by having you know.
YASHVI: Know what? That you're in love with Pierce?
DIPI: No. I'm not even sure of that myself.
YASHVI: Oh, so that makes all the difference? (...) You didn't just cheat on Dad. You cheated on the whole family.
NED: That's enough.
DIPI: ... I'm sorry.
YASHVI: That means nothing.

Yashvi walks out, followed by Ned. Dipi looks tearful.

No 28
A Santa-clad Karl tells Susan that the back yard is 'lit up like a Christmas tree' in preparation for their Christmas party today.

SUSAN: Well, don't complain to me when we get the electricity bill.
KARL: No, no - that's the beauty of solar-powered garden lights, darling. It's nature's gift - free and clean.

We cut to the back yard, where Bea is hanging up some mistletoe on the greenhouse. She looks a bit miffed. Back indoors, Susan says it's a shame Hendrix can't come to the party, but Karl says it's good he's out looking for a job (they seem oblivious to the fact he's already got a job at the hotel!)

Susan remarks that she's excited about Toadie bringing Audrey to the party. But Karl is still a bit concerned about Nicolette's comments that Audrey gets obsessive with her boyfriends. Susan thinks the party will bring everyone together, which will be nice after the year they've had.

KARL: Agreed. I'm sure Bea feels the same.

But Bea is still wandering around in the back garden looking angsty.

No 26
Sheila is also dressed in a Santa (or perhaps Mrs Claus) outfit, and is showing it off to Roxy. It's all designed to help woo Clive at the Kennedys' party, and she and Roxy go over the plan - which is for Sheila to corner Clive, 'shimmy him under the mistletoe, and plant one on him'. A sulky Levi appears, and announces he's not going to the party.

ROXY: Cos Bea will be there? You know, you're gonna have to see her at some point.
LEVI: The last time we spoke, she wasn't too happy.
ROXY: It is the perfect time to fix things with her, in the spirit of Christmas forgiveness!
LEVI: Is that even a thing?

Roxy asks Sheila to help her talk Levi around, but Sheila says she's learned her lesson about meddling in Levi's romantic life (yeah, sure).

LEVI: I don't want Bea to think I'm avoiding her, but I also don't want to crowd her. It's probably best if I give it a miss.

But Roxy tells him this is his chance to get back to hanging out with Bea.

Lassiter's Complex
Toadie, Audrey and Shane are on the way to the Kennedys' party. Audrey has bought some flowers and food, and is worrying about whether anyone might be allergic to them. Toadie tells Audrey to stop stressing.

TOADIE: They will love everything!
SHANE: Yeah, plus you brought your own bottle of plonk, and that's guaranteed entry in Karl's books.

Yashvi approaches, and asks to talk to Shane, so Toadie and Audrey go on without him.

YASHVI: I've treated you horribly, and I'm really sorry.
SHANE: ... Right. Thanks. What's brought this on?
YASHVI: Mum. She told me what she really wanted with Pierce. Do you think this is what she's always wanted, and she used your addiction as an excuse to leave?
SHANE: I imagine she was angry and frustrated with me. And she made a rash decision, and then things just snowballed from there.
YASHVI: I don't believe it's that simple, and I don't know why you're being so good about it.
SHANE: Well, it's complicated. But no matter what happens between your mum and me, I'm, uh... I'm very glad we're talking again.

No 28
Toadie and Audrey have arrived, and Susan thanks Audrey for her 'lovely gesture' of the flowers and Christmas treats. Someone knocks at the door, and Audrey takes it upon herself to go and open it. It's Jane, and Susan and Karl are surprised when Audrey then takes Jane's coat for her.

KARL (to Toadie): Audrey does know she's a guest here, right?
SUSAN: She's just trying to be helpful.
TOADIE: She was a bit nervous about today. She wanted to make a good impression (...) Audrey knows how important you guys are to me.
KARL: Yeah. And clearly how important she is to you.
TOADIE: It's getting that way, yeah!
SUSAN (squeals): We're so happy!

Meanwhile, Bea is sitting alone in the back garden, when Yashvi turns up.

BEA: You look about as festive as I feel.
YASHVI: I need a drink.
BEA: Yeah, me too. Karl's in the kitchen making a tasty punch, so it shouldn't be long.
YASHVI: Why are you hiding out here?
BEA: ... I'm not.
YASHVI: Not avoiding a certain cop?
BEA: Hardly - you're here.
YASHVI: Ah, you can't even say his name! That means I'm on the money.

Yashvi asks Bea if she's told Levi about the letter Nathan left her, encouraging her to get together with Levi. Bea admits she hasn't.

YASHVI: Why not? You know Levi's into you, and the only thing holding him back was Nathan. Now there's nothing stopping you two.
BEA: Except my big mouth. Levi admitted that he liked me, and then I just threw it back at him.
YASHVI: Why?
BEA: Because I'm an idiot, and now I'm embarrassed! I don't even want to face him, because he's probably gonna run a mile.
YASHVI: (...) If you could take everything back, would you?
BEA: It's not gonna happen, so it's not even worth going there.
YASHVI: Would you?
BEA: ... Yes.

At this point, Levi appears behind them.

LEVI: Merry Christmas.

They smile at one another awkwardly.

Back indoors, Clive and Dipi have arrived. Clive goes off to locate Karl, while Dipi looks awkward when she sees that Ned, Yashvi and Shane are standing in the kitchen. It's awkward, although Shane makes an effort to talk to Dipi, even if Yashvi doesn't.

DIPI: Yashvi, I hate how we left things before. If we could talk...
YASHVI: I've got nothing else to say.
DIPI: Please?
YASHVI: I came here to have a good time, and now I'm not.

Yashvi walks off, and Ned follows. Shane acknowledges that he knows what Dipi and Yashvi's fall-out is about.

DIPI: I understand why she's angry. Maybe if you could...
SHANE: Me and Vee have only just cleared the air between us. Please don't ask me to get involved.
DIPI: Of course.

In the garden, Sheila explains to Roxy how she's been told off by Karl for coming in fancy dress.

SHEILA: I made a real effort. And he just looks like some old Santa Claus the cat dragged in after a rough old night with the reindeers!

Levi approaches with a bowl of punch, which Karl has asked him to bring outside.

SHEILA: Oh, why, cos he's not game enough to be seen out here with his ratty beard?

Levi tells Sheila that Clive has just arrived, and she goes weak at the knees.

SHEILA: How do I look?
ROXY: Hot to trot.

Sheila rushes indoors to find Clive, while Bea approaches, and has an awkward moment with Levi over who should have the first crack at the punch. Roxy tries to get them to go off and spend time together by telling them to fetch some mint as garnish, from the greenhouse.

Levi and Bea take the hint, and comply. But as soon as they're gone, Roxy whips out a bottle of what looks like vodka from her bag, and tips the whole thing into the punchbowl!

Meanwhile, back indoors, Susan chats to Audrey, who is enthusing about how much she's enjoying the party. Susan's about to put some food in the oven, but...

AUDREY: No need, I've done it already.
SUSAN (mildly peeved): Oh. So you have.

Susan joins Karl and Clive on the sofas. They discuss Karl's new 'man cave' in the spare bedroom, which Susan explains is the only place he's now allowed to play his guitar. Jane appears, and overenthusiastically praises the state of Karl's greenhouse, visibly already drunk on the Roxified punch...

In the kitchen, Audrey compliments Sheila on her outfit. Sheila starts pouring two glasses of champagne as part of her strategy to woo Clive, and approaches the others on the sofas - but Karl is just about to show them all his man cave, and Sheila looks upset when Clive glides past her, apparently without even noticing she's there...

In the garden, Ned, Levi and Roxy are hanging out, and discussing Yashvi's reconciliation with Shane. Roxy says it must suck for Dipi, with Yashvi giving her the cold shoulder. Ned admits he can't see a happy family Christmas on the cards for the clan. Bea appears, and tells them all that Susan has decreed they play 'Christmas carol charades'.

ROXY: How old are we?
BEA: I know, it's a little bit lame.

But they grudgingly agree to get involved. Bea explains they need to pair up, and immediately Ned and Roxy nominate one another to pair with - deliberately forcing Bea and Levi to form a team together.

Indoors, Susan is officiating over the same game, and is trying to explain the rules to everyone - but a frosty atmosphere has descended between the Sharma-Rebecchis, as Shane and Yashvi sit at the table looking miserable, while Dipi stands at a distance. Toadie, Audrey and Karl are on the sofas.

KARL: How about I play the tune on the guitar after each correct guess? It'll just liven the game up.
SUSAN: The whole point of that man cave is to -
AUDREY: Brilliant idea, Karl. And while we're all getting sorted, how about everyone sample a glass of my famous eggnog?

Everyone else looks excited as Audrey distributes glasses from a tray of eggnog she's whipped up, but Susan is visibly annoyed that Audrey has taken over again.

SUSAN (to Dipi): I wish she would just relax and let me sort things out. I'm starting to feel like a guest at my own party!
DIPI: I guess it's better than doing nothing.
SUSAN: Mm, it's a fine line! It was endearing at first; now it's just a little bit frustrating.

Dipi glances over at the table, and Yashvi returns an icy stare.

DIPI: Susan, I might give charades a miss. I've got a bit of a headache. But thank you so much for inviting me.

Dipi pauses as she walks past Yashvi and Shane on her way to the front door, but neither says anything to her. However, after she's gone...

SHANE: You really should go talk to your mum. Don't you think it would be good to end the year making things right?

No 26
Yashvi has taken Shane's advice, and finds Dipi in the garden, looking upset.

YASHVI: You wanted to talk, so here I am. Doesn't mean I agree with anything that you've done.
DIPI: I can't imagine you would. I was just so angry at your dad. He was trying so hard to make it up to all of us, and it was just so... it was exhausting. And I didn't want to get you kids involved, and I... I felt like the only person that was there that I could talk to was... was Pierce.
YASHVI: You could've talked to me.
DIPI: ... I'm sorry I hurt you, and that you turned against your father.
YASHVI: I understood when I thought it was just a fling. But given it's way more than that, I don't know what to think, and I just... need time to get my head around it.

Yashvi leaves, and Dipi continues to look sad.

No 28
Indoors, Toadie is telling Shane that he can't believe Dipi had 'another crack at Pierce'. Shane doesn't know if he can see a way past it, but says all he knows for sure is that he wants Yashvi to drop her anger at Dipi.

TOADIE: Even though you've been on the receiving end for months?
SHANE: There's no point shifting it. This family's been through enough hurt, without wishing for more.
TOADIE: You're a bigger man than most would be in this situation, mate.

Meanwhile, Sheila is still sauntering around in her Mrs Claus outfit, pursuing an oblivious Clive as he heads back to the sofas. Jane stops Sheila in her tracks, and tells her she has her dress caught up in her knickers! Sheila says it's lucky Jane was behind her.

SHEILA: I don't want to be showing everything I've got to everybody (...) I didn't get all dressed up like this to look like a fool.
JANE: Oh, you look beautiful!

But Clive walks past Sheila yet again, without saying a word. She's looking increasingly confused.

In the back garden, Ned, Roxy, Bea and Levi continue to play Christmas carol charades. Bea and Levi are winning, and Roxy seems genuinely distraught.

ROXY: This is rigged!
BEA: (...) I guess we just click.
LEVI: I guess we do.

Bea and Levi glance meaningfully at one another. Ned and Roxy exchange a sly glance.

Indoors, an increasingly inebriated Jane asks Susan if she can get the recipe for the punch, as it's 'so very moreish'. Meanwhile, Audrey pesters Karl to play more carols on his guitar, much to Susan's dismay.

AUDREY: What would a Christmas party be without them?
SUSAN (sarcastic, to Jane): Fun?

Susan tries to stop Karl's impromptu concert in its tracks, and suggests they continue the charades game.

KARL: Susan, where's your Christmas spirit?
SUSAN: I think I lost it on the third round of Jingle Bells.

Audrey apologises for 'railroading the party', but Toadie assures her it's fine, and the pair head outside to see what the others are doing.

KARL (to Susan): Who's Scrooge now?
SUSAN: I think you mean Grinch, Karl.
JANE (tipsy): Oh, now, no fighting! I think what everyone needs is more of this delicious punch!

Susan tells Karl she wishes Audrey would back off a bit, and act like a guest.

JANE: She's only trying to impress you. It is her first relationship, after all. She probably doesn't know when she's going overboard.
KARL: Hang on, hang on. Her first? Who told you that?
JANE: Nicolette!

Karl looks shocked, as this is quite at odds with what Nicolette told him!

In the back garden, Sheila finally corners Clive, telling him he's a hard man to pin down. He makes the excuse that he's been 'getting around'. Sheila shows off her dress, which Clive says looks 'festive as'.

SHEILA: Susan and Karl have done a lovely job with the decorations (...) And I've got my eye on one over there.

Sheila encourages Clive to walk with her towards the greenhouse, where the mistletoe awaits. But at this moment, Levi and Bea appear. Bea asks if they're interrupting something. Clive assures them not, and asks Sheila what it was she wanted him to see.

SHEILA: Uh... nothing. I can show you later.

Clive heads off inside, with Sheila scurrying after him - leaving Bea and Levi perilously close to the mistletoe! Levi says he had fun with the charades.

LEVI: Also, I'm really sorry I admitted I was into you. I know the timing wasn't great, and I don't blame you for going off at me.
BEA: No, I should be apologising to you. And I kind of forced it out of you, anyway. But... why didn't you say anything before?
LEVI: I dunno. It just never seemed like the right time. And when I finally decided to say something, you were into Nathan. I didn't want to ruin that for you, Bea. You guys would be great together.
BEA: No, we're not.
LEVI: What?
BEA: Well, the only reason why I was interested in Nathan was because I didn't think you were into me. And I was sick of waiting.
LEVI: You were waiting for me?
BEA: And you were waiting for me?
LEVI: I'm crazy about you, Bea. I have been for ages, and all I can think about is us being together.

She takes his hand, and leads him under the mistletoe.

BEA: So, are you gonna keep on waiting to kiss me, or am I gonna have to make the first move? Levi pulls the mistletoe towards them, and they move in for a kiss...

No 22
Roxy and Ned have returned home, with Yashvi in tow. Roxy admits that she spiked the punch, as 'my little present to the hosts'. Yashvi declines to arrest her, saying she's had enough drama for today.

ROXY: When we were walking through Karl and Susan's back yard... you heard it too, right?
NED: No? Heard what?
ROXY: Someone was getting it on in the greenhouse!
NED: Seriously?
YASHVI: Yeah. Whoever was in there was having a very good time.
NED: Bea and Levi? They were definitely heading in that direction.
ROXY: No. I saw them in the kitchen post-mistletoe hookup.
YASHVI: Finally!
NED: Well, who, then?
ROXY: Surely not Susan and Karl?
YASHVI: Toadie and Audrey were getting pretty cosy.
ROXY: And there's more privacy back there than at yours. I think we're on the money.
NED: Merry Christmas, Toadie!

We cut to random evening shots of the Lassiter's Complex kitted out in Christmas decorations as people wander through, before fading to Ramsay Street the following morning.

No 32
Jane wakes up in bed, looking a little disoriented. When she glances across to the other side of the bed, she gasps in shock - Clive is fast asleep next to her, and neither look to be wearing anything other than duvet! Jane looks worried...

Coming up on Neighbours
- Amy Greenwood is back, 'and I look exactly the same,' she tells Karl and Toadie. 'Don't I?'
- Terese banging on a door, saying, 'Hendrix?'
- An apparently friendly scene between David, Aaron and Nicolette...
- ... followed by David furiously telling Aaron that 'that woman' could be their child's mother
- 'We have no idea who she is... if that doesn't freak you out, I don't know who you are,' he says