Broncho Billy becomes enraged when a stranger comes to town and wins the affections of his sweetheart. On the night of the wedding Broncho Billy "shoots up" the church, wounding the bridegroom. He then escapes across the border, after leaving a note to his rival telling him he will finish the job on Christmas night. On Christmas night Broncho Billy returns and intercepts the man who is to be Santa Claus at the church exercises. He dons the costume and gains entrance to the church with the intent of carrying out his threat. He suddenly relents and decides to let his rival go unharmed as a Christmas present to his old-time sweetheart.