Kate is still struggling over their decision to leave Jack in the hands of the Others as she and Sawyer return to their camp. Meanwhile, Hurley finds an old van in the jungle and attempts to use it to help a fellow survivor in need of faith and hope. Flashbacks reveal more of Hurley’s tumultuous past with the numbers curse.
A new threat emerges.
As a hurricane bears down on Palmetto, Desna proceeds with the plans for her big day, keen for the opportunity to settle all scores; opposing forces converge at a lavish golf resort, each determined to prevail against the others.
Michael hosts a Christmas party at the office, but somehow manages to decrease the holiday cheer when he changes the arranged secret Santa pairs to a game of “Yankee Swap,” where everyone gives their pre-bought presents to a different, random worker. To boost morale, Michael introduces vodka shots while the others compete for an iPod, Jim hopes that his sentimental present, meant for Pam, doesn’t end up with Dwight, and Angela becomes enraged about Michael’s party changes.
In a special one hour Christmas episode, Michael sends out an inappropriate photo Christmas Card which lands him in hot water with his girlfriend Carol (guest star Nancy Walls). Andy (guest star Ed Helms) takes Michael out drinking, with Dwight (Rainn Wilson) and Jim (John Krasinski). Tensions on the party planning committee between Angela (Angela Kinsey), Pam (Jenna Fischer) and Karen (Rashida Jones) results in two rival parties being thrown.
Karen, now the regional manager of the Utica branch, attempts to lure Stanley away from Scranton. When Michael objects, he brings Jim and Dwight into his "war." Meanwhile, the other office workers are disturbed by a "Finer Things Club."
Phyllis’ Moroccan-themed holiday party goes up in flames when Meredith’s hair catches on fire and Michael is forced to deal with the accident. Meanwhile, Dwight corners the market on the hottest toy of the Christmas season.
The entire office is preoccupied about rumors of Dunder Mifflin’s bankruptcy. Michael tries to create a distraction by engaging everyone in murder-mystery game, but Jim wonders if that is a good idea.
After reading an article about China growing as a global power, Michael decides China must be stopped before they take over the US. Everyone in the office complains about Dwight's building standards and Pam threatens to move Dunder Mifflin to a new building.
Andy tries to make this year’s Christmas the best ever by granting each person’s holiday wishes. Meanwhile, Robert California tries to drown his sorrows at the office party.
