The scent of Christmas cookies and pine trees is in the air-and so is the scent of trickery.

The winter wind is ripping through the Midwest and Big the Barn Cat is seeing to his winter jobs on the farm and hoping he'll avoid catching a cold during the chilly season.

The week before Christmas, Big unexpectedly encounters a creature in need. Under the influence of the Christmas spirit-and possibly a touch of cat curiosity-he steps in to help. But it turns out that the critter he rescues is a fugitive and Big is dangerously close to becoming one himself.

Can Big unravel the secrets this odd creature hides, save it from the cruel weather in which it can't survive, and escape from the clutches of a murderous mob all by Christmas day?

Big is counting on a certain jolly elf's help. But how does a cat talk to Santa anyway?