Mrs. Mutterance (Katherine Helmond) a widow, runs a candy shop in the lower level of the building where she lives on the second floor with her two adopted children (Kimble Joyner, Melissa Joan Hart). On the top floor lives the mean-spirited, old landlord, Mr. Snyder (Sid Caesar). On the day before Christmas, Mr. Snyder informs Mrs. Mutterance that she, her store, and family will have to vacate the.