Barney: Get a puppy! Force of habit. I was Marshall's best man. Merry Christmas. Robin: Marshall and Lily. Ted: And you! We give them food, a place to live, clothes for job interviews. [OPENING CREDITS]
Ted from 2030: Kids, this is the story of the 36 hours we all thought Lily was pregnant, and how it caused each of us to reexamine our own lives.
Plan: A: shocking news; Q: What do Marshall and Lily receive? A: a profound effect; Q: What kind of effect does the news have on the gang? A: their own lives; Q: What does the shocking news force the gang to reexamine? A: Robin; Q: Who gets a new job? A: Barney; Q: Who discovers the joy of giving on Christmas? A: Best Man; Q: What is Ted's role in Punchy's wedding? A: Punchy; Q: Who is Ted's old friend? Summary: When Marshall and Lily receive shocking news, it has a profound effect on the gang and forces them to reexamine their own lives. Meanwhile, Robin gets a new job, Barney discovers the joy of giving on Christmas and Ted begins his duties as Best Man for his old friend Punchy's wedding.