The relationships between five men who play cards far into the night on Christmas Eve are the focus of this psychological drama by Pupi Avati. Four of the players are out to skin the fifth, industrial tycoon Santelia (Carlo Delle Piane), but the four are not exactly a united front. Theater-owner Franco (Diego Abatantuono) is nearly bankrupt and harbors a deep and well-founded resentment against Ugo (Gianni Cavina), a wacko television host. Film critic Lele (Alessandro Haber) has his own insecurities, and Stefano (George Eastman) is simply trying to keep the game and the men together. As flashbacks reveal past loves and peccadilloes, antagonisms and alliances, the relationships at the card game are turned around into something completely different by the time Saint Nick has finished his rounds.