Luther and Nora Krank are at the airport on the Sunday after Thanksgiving with their 23-year-old daughter, Blair. Blair, who has joined the Peace Corps, is leaving for Peru, where she will spend two years teaching young children to read. Nora clings to her daughter and asks repeatedly if Blair is sure she wants to go. Luther is in a foul mood. He is sad that Blair is going so far away, but he keeps assuring Nora that Blair will be fine. Luther is more preoccupied by the crowds jamming the airport. He thinks it is ridiculous, all these people traveling on the same day, making themselves and each other miserable. He can’t believe there is already a Santa Claus collecting donations.

After Blair boards the plane, they return to the car. On the way home, Nora asks Luther to stop at Chip’s, a small, overpriced grocery near their home. She wants Luther to go in and get her a few things. He argues, but they both know he will do as she wants. He goes out in the rain. Christmas decorations are already up, and Christmas music is playing. The store is packed with people, chaotic, and disorganized.