Spending Christmas at Finch's Landing is always a bit of a chore for Scout, especially because of Aunt Alexandra's unwelcome presence. The two don't get on very well, not least because Alexandra is forever trying to get the tomboy Scout to act like a lady. And at Finch's Landing that Christmas, Alexandra is on Scout's case once again, taking sides with her grandson, Francis, against Scout. She accuses Scout of keeping him trapped in the kitchen, where he's not supposed to play. Alexandra is upset at what she perceives as Scout's outrageous treatment of her little darling grandson (though it was actually Francis who started the conflict by making a hurtful remark about Atticus).
Alexandra gets even more upset when Scout actually gives Francis a good whupping for his trouble. Francis makes himself out to be the victim, earning the sympathy of his grandma, who, as always, takes his side.
