Martin (Ralph Richardson) is a widowed British reverend who knows his parishioners better than his own children. Martin's detachment from his family is never more evident than at Christmas, when the family comes together to celebrate. While Martin's daughter Jenny (Celia Johnson) lives at home out of devotion, she doesn't have the heart to tell him that she wants to move out. Martin's children struggle to hide family secrets during the emotional reunion that brings back memories of World War II.