Unnerved by the saintly specter of Arlo's adoptive mom – and the barbs of her understudy  – Maddie struggles to adapt to her new life as a mom. Meanwhile, Arlo wonders if they'll ever have a real relationship.

After hearing Arlo's karaoke talent at his birthday party, Maddie is thrilled to find a connection with him and decides to make him a star. Against his wishes, she pulls some strings to try to set him up with a record producer.

Hoping to lift Arlo's spirits, Maddie, Thelma and Frank decide to finally celebrate Christmas for once. Buoyed by the sudden holiday cheer, Arlo surprises Maddie with an unwelcome gift: her estranged mother.