Vikki’s brought the kids over to Billy and Sally’s (Claire’s home wrapping presents) Johnny appears carrying a tiny tree – Merry Christmas, Dad.
A troubled Nikki comes home to flashback to celebrating their first Christmas in the new house – oh, how joyful she’d felt. You deserve this and more, Victor had said with a hug. Coming downstairs, he seems surprised – I didn’t think you were coming home tonight.
Diane welcomes Jack home with a mug of ‘holiday cheer’. Peace on earth and good will towards men – except Victor, who Diane doesn’t want to talk about ~kiss~
Where else would Nikki be on Christmas Eve? She left for work early because she’s been avoiding Victor. She’s ‘beyond angry’ but wants to spend Christmas with family.
Nikki was thinking about last Christmas – their first in this new house. We were so happy – Claire’s first Christmas with us. And Cole’s last, Victor’s glad he made peace with him. He and Nikki agree to put their differences aside for the holidays (though Nikki won’t change her mind) Victor brings over a gift from beneath the tree.
Jack and Diane will spend the evening counting their blessings. Ashley’s spending the holidays in Paris, Traci’s out for dinner with Amy and Kyle took Harrison to his friends for a Christmas party. Diane’s worried about him (and Claire) Young love is so complicated (unlike their ‘mature’ love) ~kiss~
The ‘Charlie Brown’ Christmas tree was the only one on the lot, Johnny tells them. Sally declares it ‘perfect’. Billy forgot to get ornaments. What will we do? Katie wonders. Sally has an idea.
** No time for proofreading and stuff.
Sally’s made popcorn to decorate the tree with. Vikki appreciates being invited over. We’re here for you, Billy notes that it’s her first Christmas without Cole. Both kids getting along well with Sally, Johnny asks how Abbott Communications is different from Uncle Adam’s media company. Integrity, Billy explains – we won’t weaponize it. He has a new outlook on life – thanks to Sally; a star he’ll follow anywhere. A star! We don’t have one for the tree, Katie’s alarmed.
Over egg nog, Diane expresses how at home she feels (after being lost for a long time) Jack’s given her so much; love, acceptance, a second chance – her life with him and Kyle is everything she wants. Jack can’t imagine a life without Diane – cheers.
Nikki opens her gift; an antique necklace. It’s exquisite – she’s never seen anything like it. It’s part of a collection that belonged to Maria Theresa (Marie Antoinette’s Mother) After Victor puts it on, Nikki thanks him.
As Nikki admires her magnificent necklace, Victor’s glad to see her smiling again. She won’t change her stance on Jack – but brings over a present for Victor; something she bought before they were fighting.
Jack and Diane have both broken their agreement not to buy one another gifts. A first edition of Max Factor’s autobiography that Jack will cherish forever.