It's Christmas 1955 in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Maryellen, the middle child, yearns to be noticed among her large family's hustle and bustle. When Maryellen's family friend Benji is diagnosed with polio and comes to stay with them, she is determined to make the holiday special. After her grandiose celebration preparations fall apart, she realizes that the finest gifts are frequently modest, meaningful acts of friendship.