Jason Robards portrays John Tanner, a recent widower who doesn't know what to do with the changes imposed upon his life. He spends Thanksgiving alone in a diner, and when his annual family Christmas trip is jeopardized, he attempts to rescue holiday traditions and usage his loneliness by responding to an ad for social introductions and enlists the services of a woman to be his “Christmas wife.” Played by Julie Harris, Iris is a sad and mysterious woman, who agrees to be his platonic companion. She bids him to not ask about her personal life which harbors a secret that threatens their developing friendship and could ultimately change both their lives. Will there be more for them?