The main theme running throughout "Visions of Sugar Plums" is Christmas. Stephanie Plum is confused by Christmas. Although Stephanie is grown up, she can't seem to get a handle on the important holiday. The apartment is not decorated, there is no tree, and not a single present has been purchased and wrapped. Some part of Stephanie wants to hang on to her childhood in which her mother, Helen Plum, always bakes the right cookies, sets a great table, and although there is usually some fiasco, things always turn out okay. Stephanie does not feel capable of taking on such a big chore. Therefore, every year, Stephanie methodically screws it up. This year, however, Stephanie has Diesel to help.