Bear's friends awaken him the day before Christmas and help him to stay awake as they bake fruitcakes, fill stockings, and sing carols; then, while they sleep, he prepares his own surprise.
Though it is winter in the forest, Bear can't sleep and his many animal friends are filled with suggestions to help him get to bed, from hot tea to lullabies.
Egged on by a ground squirrel, a dog named Doug digs miles underground--taking a detour through the White House--until he returns home, goes to bed, and dreams of digging some more.
The forest friends all gather to help care for Bear when he feels sick, and when they come down with the same symptoms, the newly recovered Bear returns the favor.