In real life, few people would be naive enough to choose the holiday season to introduce a new lover to the family.
In movies, it's almost a given someone will commit this faux pas.
In the hilariously touching The Family Stone, it's eldest son Everett (Dermot Mulroney) who chooses Christmas to introduce Meredith Morton (Sarah Jessica Parker) to the Stone clan.
It's the equivalent of pitting a steely gladiator against a pride of lions.
Meredith is an uptight career woman; the Stones are as bohemian as middle-class Americans can get.
The matriarch, Sybil (Diane Keaton), talks openly about when and to whom her children lost their virginity, while dad (Craig T. Nelson) gets stoned with Ben (Luke Wilson), the slacker son.
Thad is not only openly gay but hearing impaired. He and his African-American partner, Patrick (Brian White), are trying to adopt a child.
The bitter and judgmental Susannah (London-born Rachel McAdams) has already met and hates Meredith, while the pregnant Amy (Elizabeth Reaser) just wants everything to be as harmonious as her marriage.
The Family Stone showcases one of the best ensemble casts of the year, headed by Keaton, who plays the film's melodrama and comedy with equal aplomb.
It's another Oscar-worthy performance, but Keaton makes it seem far too easy to nab a nomination, let alone a statue.
Wilson has never been better.
And Mulroney has captured the stalwart depth his character needs to undercut all the manic slapstick that pervades the first half of the film.
Parker makes Meredith completely unlikable, which is necessary if she and the Stones are going to have the kind of character epiphanies a holiday movie of this kind needs.
Meredith is the kind of Grinch or Scrooge who's ripe for salvation, which adds immensely to the fun.
Thomas Bezucha, who wrote and directed The Family Stone, has a knack for writing dialogue that is simultaneously comic and cutting.
It's a joy to revel in the banter of the characters.
Even if people don't talk like this, he makes us believe or wish they did.
He also handles the gay relationship with subtlety and sensitivity, ensuring most viewers will cringe when Meredith questions the gay lifestyle.
With its joyous mix of mirth and heartache, The Family Stone captures the true spirit of family and Christmas.
It's the kind of warm-hearted, insightful comedy that should become a holiday viewing tradition.
(This film is rated PG)
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