On December 4th, Bell College's President announces the transition to remote classes due to Covid infections, upsetting Roddy Harris who's concerned about the lack of lab access.
Emily is resigned to the changes and is preoccupied with missing the annual Christmas party and potential negative press from The BellRinger if they proceed.
A week later, Emily shares an idea with Roddy in their garage where he is working on their cars, which he finds ingenious.
They go ahead with the Christmas party scheduled before Christmas—it's a Zoom party with an innovative twist.
The Harrises hire “Santa's elves” via the college department websites to deliver food and drinks to local participants.
At the party, people from various locations including other states and Bangladesh join, with no need for masks.
An elf arrives at the Harrises' to deliver canapes and beer. The Harrises undergo polite exchanges with her.
The elf, Bonnie, who is also a former student and an aspiring writer, is recruited for potential future work by Emily.
Roddy and Emily enjoy the success of their virtual party and add Bonnie to their list of potential candidates for an unspecified plan, hoping she's not vegan.