Still in the barn, Phyllis and Nick argue about 'secrets'. Phyllis knows Nick's not so much pissed off that he wasn't in on saving Daniel - but that he wasn't able to 'save' Sharon (from Adam).

Watching Kay and Murphy sell trees for charity, Sharon admires how in synch they are - such a great team. How lucky. Adam feels lucky too ~kiss~ Commenting on the romance, the supportive Ashley is pleased that Sharon and Adam are so happy together - who cares what anyone else thinks? When Neil comes along, Sharon extends her best wishes to Lily (whom she's already sent a card). He then heads off to help Ashley find the perfect tree.

Back at the Abbott home, Jack and P kiss. P really should get going. Please don't, Jack implores longingly.

All their shopping done, Cane, the sneaky devil, gives Lily an early gift - a Christmas ornament. After all they've been through, the Ashby's now look forward to celebrating being together. Nothing will come between them ever again.

At the mausoleum, JT's still whining to Mac (who understands perfectly) - how could something you thought would last forever slip away so fast?

Still furious, Billy gives Chloe an empty cardboard box. Though she insists he should be grateful - and thank her, Chloe's still FIRED! Now pack up and get out!

Scouring the lot for the perfect Christmas tree, Ashley and Neil discuss the 'pity face' they both get (for being alone). She, from the ranch staff, he from his CI employees. Watching her Dad, Lily stops Cane from going over - let's wait til Christmas Day to announce the pregnancy. Oh how wonderful life is - and Dr P's the angel at the top of their Christmas tree (for OK-ing Mac being their surrogate).

Having suffered a slight injury while skating, P will have room service deliver an ice pack and a Hot Toddy. Yeah, but the club uses Brandy - Jack's is much better with Bourbon - stay. Ok - but just for a Hot Toddy - then, we'll see, P agrees.

Having brought the tree inside, Sharon searches for a stand - leaving Adam time to slip a small gift into her stocking. What did you just do? she grins. Oh nothing, Adam lies.

Yes - Jack DID tell Phyllis about Adam and Sharon - but how did Nick find out? Answer me! she barks. Nick's humming and hawing tells Phyllis that Nick caught them having sex - quite a vision. She recalls Nick acting strange that day - yet didn't tell her. Looks like Nick and Phyllis are back where they started - with honesty out the window. And as Phyllis marches off, Nick follows - but stops when he gets to the barn door.

Negotiating with Kay, Cane ends up paying $100 for a $75 tree. The reason for his good cheer? Is there news of a baby? Grinning, Cane says she'll have to just wait and see.

Over egg nog at the mausoleum, JT continues to whine about his argument with Vikki. Mac understands why Vikki would need a break from GC (and blames Billy). Billy's a jerk, but it's not all his fault. Still, it's hard for JT - seeing Mac with someone so undeserving. It's so easy to get caught up in Billy's charm - Mac's forgotten what it's like to just be herself.

More of the same at RS. Chloe wants a 'thank you' (and gets 'you're fired). Reminding Billy of RS's founders, Chloe claims these walls have seen bigger, badder tantrums than his.

Wondering what Adam put in her stocking, Sharon presents Adam with one of his own - to be placed right beside her and Noah's. Looking at Cassie's framed drawing, Adam tosses his coat at it - and much to Sharon's horror, it shatters to the floor.

Marching into Jack's, Phyllis isn't impressed to see Dr P there. And as P heads to the kitchen muttering something about lemon (and 'tartness going along way'), Phyllis gives Jack a good shove. You've ruined my life she wails (by telling her about Sharon and Adam).

Huh? Cassie's drawing? Adam apologizes profusely. Putting on her brave face, Sharon stoops to scoop it off the floor (telling Adam not to cut himself - which he does anyway). And as Sharon flashes back to Cassie gushing over how nice it was of Nick to have it framed - Nick walks right in (to also stoop down - and wrap his arms around Sharon). We can fix this, he assures his weepy ex.

Misery loves company - as evident by the whining JT and Mac. Once so 'in tune' - it's amazing how a couple realize they have nothing in common. Love doesn't conquer all. What does JT wish for? That he'd go home and work things out with his wife. Have faith? What has faith done for Mac and Billy? Good point.

Carrying her cardboard box, Chloe's still shouting - as the elevator door closes on her and the guard assigned to escorting her out. Now alone, Billy smiles - and sighs with relief.

Nick continues to assure Sharon that the drawing isn't ruined - just the frame. Nick? Is that you? Adam frowns from the doorway. Hmm - why is Adam bleeding? Did HE ruin Nick's daughter's masterpiece?! Accident? Yeah, right. Huh? Like Adam's going blind on purpose? Spotting Adam's stocking, Nick proclaims that 'nice'. And announcing that he bought Noah a snowmobile - three days ago, he slams out.

Jack's sorry Phyllis had a fight with her husband - but come ON - he's trying to get lucky here. Sure, Jack DID go to Nick (and ask him to 'save' Sharon) but maybe it IS time to back off. YOU'RE the reason MY husband's so torn up over his ex, Phyllis accuses. Sorry just won't cut it. After Phyllis slams out, Jack can't disagree with Dr P - maybe there's a slight problem with 'boundaries'.

Turn it this way - no, that way, Ashley and Lily have great fun watching Neil and Cane wrestle with the Christmas tree. It's strange for Neil to be at the ranch - without Victor there (but in a good way). Hey - how about Ashley and her girls come over to spend Christmas with the Winters family? Initially declining, Ashley then decides Abby might enjoy spending the day with her dead sister's BFF. Hearing Faith cry, Ashley goes to fetch her.

As Kay frets about Mac's pregnancy not 'taking', Murphy comments on the drama in her (and his new) family. Speaking of drama - here's 'free Billy' (to gripe about his Mom and Grandma not visiting in in jail). Well, that was Billy's own decision - and hearing it was Chloe who had the 'good sense' to give up the juror's name, Kay hopes Billy thanked her. Oh yeah - he thanked her alright. Meanwhile, Chloe hauls a cardboard box (that's bigger than her) up the mausoleum's stairs.

Not enthused to see JT and Mac in the living room, Chloe's less delighted to see Billy arrive. It's not his 'day' to see Delia (whom he doesn't 'deserve'). As Billy gets Delia, JT grumbles about justice being fair - you trashed my wife - twice! Billy thinks 'someone' should get home to his wife - unless she's with someone else.

With Cane and Neil 'off being guys', Lily asks Ashley about changing formulas. Yes - they're 'trying' (and there may be news on Christmas Day). Getting the hint, Ashley's delighted (being a Mom who survived cancer and all). Oh - and she and her girls will over that day too. What a wonderful idea - what a wonderful Christmas!

At the tree lot, Phyllis promised her daughter a tree - and by God, won't let her down. Murphy wonders if she's alone - how will she carry a big tree? Let her get any tree she wants, Nick appears to say.

Not allowed to take Delia home with him, Billy hates Chloe using the kid to jerk him around. She's tired? Fine. Good night, he slams out (unaware that Mac's watching him through the window). JT's not 'OK' either - but IS going home (to remind Vikki of what they have to be grateful for).

As Cane and Lily fawn over Faith, Ashley opens an ornament Traci sent (bearing a photo of Ashley and 'her' daughter').

When P starts yawing, Jack admits it might be time to say goodnight. Well - P COULD stay - maybe Jack can show her to a room. Jack's ready to let all his 'baggage' go - to make room for all the good stuff in his life.

With Adam offering to go out and get a new frame, Sharon tells him not to worry about it. It was an accident - never mind what Nick said. Yes, she lost something precious - but things change, and WE need to change too, she concludes.

Realizing he should never have let Phyllis walk away (from the barn), Nick feels it's not too late to save Christmas. No more secrets - or Phyllis is done. Everything out in the open, Nick agrees - we CAN do this. Phyllis isn't so sure - but is persuaded by a kiss.

Next: There's no way she's staying at the dorms, Eden asserts. Why? Mike asks. Cause they're closed for the holiday. Then where on earth is she living? Lauren muses ... What was THAT about? Ryder looks confused. Me playing my part - like I was told to, Daisy explains (cell in hand) ... You made me fall in love with you, P smiles at Jack. What did you say? Jack looks stunned (but happy).

My Thoughts: Sorry for the delay and lack of thoughts. I was plagued by computer issues this evening. I can only hope Santa brings me a new motherboard. FYI - it appears the boards are temporarily down. A support ticket has been submitted and I expect it to be resolved soon. When it rains it pours *sigh* have a great weekend!