In 1980, the Bascov family gets together to celebrate Christmas. They are Jewish, but do not observe their religion. They gather at the large and luxurious
Upper West Side (
New York) apartment of Julie, a former teen movie star, and her wealthy husband Ben. Also present are their sons Scotty, recently graduated from college and young Timmy, sick with the flu. Ben's sister Faye, her husband Mort and their daughter, Shelley, arrive. Jeff, a school friend of Scotty, is a visitor. 20 years later, in 2000, the family meets again at Christmas at Julie's apartment. However, now Ben, Mort, and Scotty are dead, and Shelley is estranged. Those present are Julie, who has a fatal illness; Faye, now no longer taking medications; and Jeff, returned from a successful law job in
Chicago. Tim (no longer Timmy) comes and goes; he has been forced to leave college and works at a restaurant. ==Critical response==