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There was a screen shot of a Gossip Girl article announcing Serena and Noe's return and Noe's amnesia, with a picture of them at the Ivy League Party in 1.03.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Gossip Girl here. Your one and only source into the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite."

From 1.01 "Pilot", in the hotel, Serena and Blair were sitting at the bar.

"Thyra doesn't seem to be doing too good," Serena told her.

"Well, she moved in with me, Wyatt and our mom full time after her parents died," Blair explained. "Plane crash."

Serena sighed, shaking her head. "So, how's Wyatt and your mom doing with the divorce and everything?"

Blair nodded. "Wyatt not so great, but our mom's doing okay. So our dad left her for another man. She's lost 15 pounds, got an eye lift. It's been good for her."

From 1.07 "Victor/Victrola", in the street, Hope and Alex were walking.

Hope managed a small smile. "Dan and I overheard our dad on the phone with our mom, demanding to know if she slept with the next door neighbor, which she did, so that explains why she's not rushing her way back to be part of this family again. Plus, our dad seems to be having his own thing with this woman that we don't know about."

Alex sighed, nodding. "Well, seems both our families are on brink of collapse."

From 1.08 "17 Candles", in the loft, Alison looked at Rufus. "It happened one time, and it's over."

"Then why did Jenny have to go to Hudson and drag you back here?" Rufus asked.

From 1.06 "The Handmaiden's Tale", at Eleanor's party, Rufus and Lily were kissing. Bart was watching.

Rufus: (voice over from 1.06 The Handmaiden's Tale) "I'm sorry I kissed you, but I did it because I thought he should know how it feels to lose you."

From 1.07 "Victor/Victrola", in Bart's office, Dylan, Brooklyn and Chuck had walked in on Bart and Lily kissing.

"You don't say anything to Serena, Nevaeh or Eric," Bart told them. "You don't say anything to anyone. Lily would like this to play out in a certain way, and she's delicate about telling her children because of Nevaeh's accident and mind state."

From 1.06 "The Handmaiden's Tale", in the street, Dan and Vanessa were walking together.

Dan: (voice over from 1.06 The Handmaiden's Tale) "I was with my friend Vanessa."

From 1.06 "The Handmaiden's Tale", at the ball, Dan looked at Serena. "We're very close, and she moved away to Vermont last year, and now she's back."

From 1.06 "The Handmaiden's Tale", at the ball, Vanessa looked at Dan. "You said you love me."

Dan looked down. "Loved you."

From 1.08 "17 Candles", in Blair's party, Serena looked at Vanessa. "You guys just have everything in common, and I'm just getting to know him."

From 1.10 "Hi, Society", in the ball, Hope and Alex were talking.

"I let CeCe Rhodes get into my head when I tried not to let her," Hope explained. "Saying how a girl like me doesn't belong in your world. That a girl like me doesn't belong with a guy like you. And she kept going on about how inevitably, one of us will get hurt."

"Hope, don't believe that," Alex told her. "You know I'll never hurt you."

Hope nodded in agreement. "I know that, Alex. I do. But you're getting hurt enough for the both of us when it comes to your family."

"Which has nothing to do with you," Alex told her. "It's not your fault, and has no connection to our relationship."

From 1.10 "Hi, Society", in Wyatt's room, Wyatt smiled, hitting the bag out of Dylan's grip, stepping closer. After a moment of looking at each other, they started to make out.

Blair: (voice over from 1.02 The Wild Brunch) "My brother Wyatt dating Dylan Bass."

From 1.10 "Hi, Society", in Thyra's room, Brooklyn and Thyra smiled, making out, laying down.

Blair: (voice over from 1.02 The Wild Brunch) "And my adoptive sister Thyra crushing on Brooklyn Bass."

From 1.10 "Hi, Society", in Blair's room, Chuck and Blair were laying down, making out.

Thyra: (voice over from 1.02 The Wild Brunch) "If Nate isn't working, there is always Chuck. That way, we would all be dating the Basses."

From 1.10 "Hi, Society", at the ball, Thyra and Brooklyn smiled while dancing. Dylan and Wyatt watched, smiling slightly, happy for them, but a little upset they couldn't do that in public yet, subtly holding hands, looking at each other.

From 1.10 "Hi, Society", at the ball, Blair looked at Chuck. "This thing between us, it's over, for good."

From 1.10 "Hi, Society", at the ball, While Blair led him to a room, Nate saw Chuck saw them, smiling, winking, thinking his best friend would be happy for him.

Blair: (voice over from 1.10 Hi, Society) "Nate is a gentleman. He would never cause a scene."

From 1.10 "Hi, Society", in the street, Chuck was quickly leaving.

"Where to, Mr. Bass?" the driver asked.

"The airport," Chuck answered.

In the closing, there was a screen shot of the Gossip Girl website, with a picture of Chuck getting into the car to leave.

The headline read: Where is Chuck Bass?

The caption underneath Chuck's picture read: Spotted: Chuck Bass getting into the back of a limo with the luggage in tow. Word has it he's heading to the airport. But why the sudden fast getaway? Is there something you're running from, C? Let's hope you're not gone for good. What will the Upper East Side do without our resident bad boy? Our world might become a lot safer, but it'd also become a lot less fun.

X•O°X•O

Worlds Colliding (Gossip Girl)

X•O°X•O

Day One

Morning - Constance/St. Jude's School - Outside

The Constance Billard Choir, including Jenny, were singing in front of the crowd for school, standing in front of a Christmas tree as they were singing Santa Baby. "Santa, baby / A '54 convertible, too / Light blue / Light blue."

Hope and Noe stood in the crowd, watching the girls sing, smiling, winking at Jenny, making her laugh and try to regain the song, all three girls smiling.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Hey, Upper East Siders. It's Christmas in New York, and along with the season comes the Constance Billard/St. Jude's Bazaar, where the only thing bizarre are the donated items for sale."

Dan and Serena were walking together.

"How about an antique butter churn?" Dan asked.

"Oh, my gosh, that would go so well with my loom," Serena told him sarcastically. She giggled. "I know what I'm getting you for Christmas now."

Serena put a hat on Dan's head, laughing.

"Oh, for when I move to Siberia?" Dan asked.

Serena smiled, shaking her head. "No."

Dan took off the hat. "Come on, New York hardly even gets cold anymore, and it never snows. Who wants chestnuts roasted on an open fire when it feels like Florida?"

Serena smirked in amusement. "Okay, global warming Grinch."

"I'm just saying, Christmas should be white and snowy," Dan told her. "I'd even settle for Manhattan slush."

Serena nodded. "Mm."

They joined Hope and Noe in the crowd.

"Hey, Serena," Noe told her. "Hey, Dan."

"Hey," Serena told her. "You okay?"

"You mean after the disaster of cotillion?" Noe asked. "Grandma CeCe using Carter to stir up memories, and a mystery of Carter's brother James getting us out of trouble that I don't remember, that made me freak out and started a fight between Nate and Carter? Yeah, fine."

Hope nodded. "We can really tell the sarcasm there."

They chuckled.

Vanessa walked up to them. "There you are."

"Hey, Vanessa," Dan told her. "What are you doing here?"

Vanessa smiled, handing a paper to Dan. "Merry Christmas."

Hope smiled. "Oh, you really did it."

"Hey, it was your idea," Vanessa reminded her. "I just helped out some, Hope."

Dan looked at the newspaper. "This is a copy of 'The New Yorker'. Thank you, but you know I already have a subscription."

"There's something else in there," Vanessa told him. "A letter." She handed the paper to Serena. "What does it say, Serena?"

Serena read the letter. "'Dear Mr. Humphrey, we are pleased to advise you that we would like to publish your short story in our summer fiction issue featuring '20 under 20'."

"It's a contest for young unknown writers, and Hope and I might have submitted you," Vanessa explained.

Dan smiled in shock. "Oh, my God! I'm gonna be published in 'The New Yorker'. That--oh. This can--this can't be real. Is--is this--is this real?"

Serena smiled excitedly. "This is so great. I haven't even read one of your stories."

"Oh, don't worry," Hope told her. "He doesn't show them to anyone. I swiped this one out of his drawer on the pretense of borrowing a stapler."

Noe tilted her head. "Slick."

They smiled.

Dan pointed at Hope. "You never did return that stapler, by the way."

Hope smirked, shaking her head. "Mm-mm."

Serena looked at the paper. "Let's see. Your story is called '10-8-05'. What's the date?"

Dan and Hope exchanged a knowing look.

Dan didn't answer, changing the subject. "Hope, Vanessa, thank you. I don't know how you did this, but this is the best present ever."

They all smiled.

The girls choir finished the song. "So hurry down the chimney tonight / Hurry tonight / Santa baby."

There was cheers and applause. Rufus and Alison got out of a cab, walking up to the school.

"I can't believe we just took a cab for $32," Rufus admitted.

"Well, I can't believe you were gonna wait an hour for another subway," Alison replied.

"They said another train was on its way," Rufus told her.

They ran into Lily and Bart.

"Uh, excuse me," Alison told them. "Pardon me."

"Oh, Rufus, Alison, hello," Lily told them.

"Hi," Alison told them awkwardly.

"Oh, Rufus, uh, you remember my friend Bartholomew Bass?" Lily asked.

"Hi," Bart told him. "From, uh, Eleanor's?"

"Yeah," Rufus answered, shaking his hand. "Hello."

"Eleanor's?" Alison repeated.

"Oh, this is my wife, Alison," Rufus introduced.

"Hi," Alison greeted.

Bart shook her hand. "How do you do?"

Lily broke the awkward silence. "Well, it's lovely to see you both. Excuse us, please."

They headed their separate ways.

Alison looked at Rufus. "I guess Lily's targeted her next billionaire."

"Actually, I think she's had him in her sights for a while," Rufus told her.

Alison sighed.

X•O°X•O

Inside - Hallway

Lily was walking with Bart, as they were walking toward Brooklyn and Dylan, who were chatting in the hall. "Well, that was awkward."

"It wouldn't be if you let people know what we were doing together," Bart pointed out.

"I'm just starting to trust you again," Lily replied.

"And the only reason you didn't trust me last time was because of a misunderstanding," Bart countered.

"Yes, and to avoid another one, please understand that if it doesn't work out between us again, I'm gonna feel twice as humiliated," Lily told him.

"Not telling people about us ensures that we don't work out," Bart told her. "Look, when I committed myself to you, I meant it. You know I am in love with you. What are you waiting for?"

Brooklyn and Dylan saw them, walking closer.

"Besides avoiding another meltdown of Nevaeh's after that cotillion where my mother pushed her over an edge when she was trying to use James's brother Carter Baizen to make her remember things she wasn't ready to remember?" Lily asked sarcastically. "Hello, Dylan. Hello, Brooklyn."

"Noe is stronger than you think," Dylan told her. "She proved that at the cotillion."

"Where she made a fool out of the presenter and started a fight," Lily replied. "I just don't want something like that to happen again."

"Well, Carter's the one that rewrote Noe's presentation statement, and Chuck's the one that started the fight between Nate and Carter, though admittedly, Noe was apart of both, even if she didn't instigate much," Brooklyn corrected. "Too bad for them, they didn't have James to pull them out of trouble this time."

"Really?" Lily asked.

"Yeah, really," Dylan answered. "We were there. Noe went along with the presentation statement change, obviously, but she didn't know Chuck was gonna start a fight between Nate and Carter, but Nate did punch Carter because he was pushing Noe too hard to remember whatever trouble that James got them out of."

"But that was because of CeCe asking Carter to," Brooklyn told them.

Bart gave Lily a significant look.

Lily sighed. "I see your point. Maybe Nevaeh is ready to hear about this."

"You think?" Brooklyn asked sarcastically. "If she can handle cotillion with ease, she can definitely handle hearing that her mom is dating our dad, even if she doesn't like Chuck like every other girl in this school."

Bart gave her a look. "Brooklyn."

Brooklyn shrugged. "Just saying."

Bart sighed, looking at Lily. "I think what Brooklyn and Dylan are trying to say is that Nevaeh is more than ready for something like this."

"Especially after she already dealt with Carter and James Baizen drama, even when James wasn't here."

"Yeah," Dylan agreed. "Even though James would likely just get them out of trouble again. She's not gonna have an episode because of this, trust us."

Lily considered this seriously, nodding. "Thank you for telling me this. Why didn't Nevaeh tell me this at cotillion?"

"Because she didn't know what Chuck did," Dylan answered. "All she knew was about the presentation statement change and that Nate punched Carter to stick up for her after Carter brought up James trouble. She really thought that she started the fight, not Chuck."

Lily looked at Bart.

Bart nodded. "Chuck and I will have a long conversation about this when he gets home."

Blair, Thyra and Wyatt were walking together with gift bags.

Lily smiled. "Blair. Thyra. Wyatt. Oh, happy holidays."

They embraced in turn, kissing each other on the cheeks.

"Happy holidays, Ms. van der Woodsen," Thyra told her. "Mr. Bass, Brooklyn, Dylan, I didn't think you were still in town. We figured that you were..."

"With Charles?" Bart finished. "No. Sadly, I am stuck here on business while he suns himself at my hotel in Monaco, and Brooklyn and Dylan wanted to stay here for the holidays because of the two of you. I have my staff keeping an eye on Chuck, and Brooklyn, Dylan and I'll join him for New Year's."

Blair chuckled. "Oh, right. I--I, uh, was wondering why Chuck had been so quiet. Monaco answers my question."

"Yeah," Bart agreed. "Thyra, Wyatt, I overheard Dylan and Brooklyn talking to Chuck about some of what is going on with the two of you, and I wanted to apologize and check in."

"We're fine," Wyatt answered. "Well, we're doing better. Thank you."

"Actually, so much better that I've been thinking more clearly than I have since my parents passed," Thyra told him. "Even with Aunt Aurora away."

"Well, I'm glad to hear that," Bart told her. "When you're feeling more well, when you're older, we can talk about what to do with your family's business, since Aurora is handling the out of country business. Diamond Enterprises is still set to go to you when you're old enough, Thyra. I'm merely making sure the board takes care of the businesses around the world until you're ready to take it."

Thyra nodded. "I know, Brooklyn told me. Thank you, Mr. Bass."

"Lovely to see you guys," Wyatt told them. "Bye."

Brooklyn, Dylan, Thyra, Wyatt and Blair walked away.

X•O°X•O

Outside

Blair walked outside, texting Chuck: "Monaco, huh? Anything I need to know?"

Brooklyn, Dylan, Thyra and Wyatt walked outside. Serena and Noe walked up to them. Alex was walking by.

"Blair, hi," Noe told her. "Thyra, Wyatt, there you are. Hey, Alex. Where's Nate?"

"Nate and my mom went to visit our family," Alex answered. "I'm supposed to meet up with them soon, but I wanted to be here for a little bit. By the way, Thyra, Nate will be back by late Christmas day, so we can still have a little more of a family holiday than what we did on Thanksgiving."

Thyra smiled in relief to hear this. "Well, I'm glad. Even if Aurora and Nate can't be here for Christmas Eve and earlier the next day, I'm happy to spend some of it with both of you, Alex."

Alex embraced her. "You're gonna be okay, you know?"

"Yeah, I know," Thyra answered.

"Brooklyn, Dylan, Alex, Serena, Noe, we--we can't talk right now," Blair told them. "We're late, and we have--"

Noe looked at the large candy canes in their arms. "A huge sweet tooth?"

"They're for us and Wyatt and Blair's dad," Thyra explained. "We get them every year, and he landed from Paris 27 minutes ago."

Serena smiled. "Oh, then vite, vite. Come on. I said vite."

They walked out of the gate, toward a taxi, which drove off.

"Hey!" Brooklyn called after the driver in annoyance. "Nice holiday spirit, Scrooge!"

Noe looked at them. "Oh, gosh. So it's gonna be a real Waldorf Christmas?"

"Well, a real Waldorf Christmas Eve," Wyatt answered. "Our mother drew the line at Christmas day. That's only for us, her and Dorota."

"Well, you still have a couple of days with Harold," Dylan told him. "Wyatt, he can finally be here for when you come clean to your mom."

"And then you and I can finally go public once my mom knows," Wyatt told him. "And I can say I honestly can't wait, Dylan."

Dylan and Wyatt smiled, making the others smile with them.

"And it'll be more than just a couple days," Blair told them. "We're gonna convince him to stay in New York."

"What about Paris and that male model?" Noe asked. "What's his name?"

"Roman," Alex answered.

"Roman is a phase," Blair told them. "Our father belongs here with us. He only left New York to ride out the scandal."

"Blair, is that just what me and Dylan, or Thyra and Brooklyn are to you?" Wyatt asked. "A scandal?"

"No, Wyatt, you and Dylan, and Thyra and Brooklyn, are true love," Blair answered. "But you four didn't run away to be in love, like our dad did with Roman. That's why I'm calling them two a scandal, because they ran away." They waved for another taxi. "Time to come home, don't you think?"

Alex looked at Serena and Noe. "Hey, did you want to ask us something?"

"Well, my question is, what the hell are all of my friends thinking keeping secrets from me?" Noe asked.

"We're just trying to protect you, Noe," Thyra answered. "Especially with after what happened with Carter and the mystery trouble that you and Carter got into that James pulled you two out of."

"Well, I'm tired of being protected, okay?" Noe asked. "I mean, I don't know the trouble that James got us out of, and Nate punching Carter out at the ball for me was pretty cool, I'll admit, but why is your brother protecting me so much, Alex?"

The others exchanged a look, sighing, looking at Serena, who shook her head.

"Maybe because you and Nate used to be best friends," Alex told her. "Maybe that has something to do with it."

Noe tilted her head, unconvinced that there wasn't more to the story. "And nothing else? My grandmother was right about one thing using Carter to get a few memories to shake loose, with the backstory he told me about James."

"You're remembering more?" Wyatt asked.

"Little by little, but yeah, memories are coming faster," Noe answered. "I'm just tired of people keeping me in the dark."

"Well, if you're remembering more faster, then you'll remember why we're keeping you in the dark and you won't be in the dark for much longer," Dylan replied. "Remember it yourself."

"Serena, what did you want to ask?" Brooklyn asked.

"A gift idea for Dan," Serena answered. "Now that Hope and Vanessa got him the most thoughtful Dan-like present ever."

"Why don't you just buy him a new outfit for Cedric and call it a day?" Brooklyn asked.

Noe smiled in amusement. "Thank you for being totally not helpful at all, but very amusing."

Brooklyn smirked. "You're welcome."

Blair, Wyatt and Thyra smiled, walking toward the taxi.

Alex waved. "See you tomorrow night."

Dylan winked at them. "Bye."

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Apartment - Living Room

Blair, Wyatt and Thyra stepped out of the elevator, walking inside, going to hug Harold.

Harold smiled. "Blair-Bear. Wyatt. Hey, Thyra. Oh, look at you three. More beautiful or handsome than ever." They laughed. Roman walked closer. "Uh, sweethearts, you remember Roman?"

Roman gave them each a hug. "Blair. Wyatt. Thyra." They smiled awkwardly. "You are still perfection. Delicate, yet full with flavor, like macaron."

Eleanor walked in. "Imagine my surprise when the elevator door opened and out popped both of 'em."

"Well, I didn't think you'd mind," Harold told her. "It's the perfect opportunity for all of you to get to know each other better."

Wyatt nodded. "Absolutely." He handed a large candy cane to Harold. "It's for you."

Harold smiled. "Oh, you remembered. It's, uh, our tradition."

Thyra handed her large candy cane to Roman. "That's for you."

Roman smiled, nodding. "Merci, Thyra."

Thyra chuckled nervously. "My pleasure."

X•O°X•O

Night - Humphrey Loft - Living Room

The Humphreys were decorating the loft.

Rufus was looking at the newspaper. "My son, the writer."

Alison smiled. "Published writer."

Jenny chuckled. "Yeah, Dan's only published because of Hope and Vanessa. Yeah, you got your dream girl and your story in 'The New Yorker' Maybe you should just die now."

Dan nodded. "That's true. I may have peaked."

Hope smiled, going through Christmas cards. "This one is from the Smiths. 'Season's greetings'. That's very original."

Jenny rolled her eyes. "Their name's Smith. They don't have to be original."

Hope looked at another card. "This one is from, uh, Alec."

Alison turned toward her. "What?"

Hope read aloud. "'Alison, meet--meet me on the 24th for--'"

"No, Hope," Alison told her.

Hope realized. "And that's not a Christmas card."

Rufus walked closer to take the letter, looking at Alison, walking closer, whispering. "Why is he writing to you? Sending cards to the house? Asking to see you?"

"I don't know," Alison told him.

"Guys, we--we're still here," Dan told them. "We can hear you."

"Rufus, it's over with Alec, okay?" Alison asked. "I-I-I'm home now with my family."

Rufus nodded. "Good." He sighed, turning to the teens. "Let's all rewind and just pretend this never happened. This is not gonna ruin our Christmas."

Dan and Jenny didn't look convinced. Hope looked down.

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Day Two

Morning - Park

Eleanor, Blair, Wyatt and Thyra were walking together down the park trail. Further behind, Harold and Roman were following. They were getting ready to go to the ice rink in the park for ice skating.

Blair looked at Eleanor. "I can't believe you're okay with this."

"Who said I am okay with this?" Eleanor asked. "What am I supposed to do, make a scene? Behave like some pathetic, scorned wife?"

"No," Wyatt answered. "I don't know about any of you, but I don't mind that he's here."

"How could you not mind?" Eleanor asked.

"Wyatt just needs his dad here, okay?" Thyra asked. "And if Roman is here, then it might be a little better for him, so could you two please put aside your differences with Harold and Roman for Wyatt's sake?"

"Roman does not even know how to ice skate," Blair pointed out. "Can't you escort him out of the park on your way to the meeting? Maybe drop him at a nail salon?"

"I cannot bother myself trying to wrestle Roman away from you," Eleanor told them. "I have to mentally prepare. I am meeting with the CEO of Victoria's Secret, after all."

Harold and Roman met up with them.

"Victoria's Secret?" Roman repeated.

"Yes, I'm--I'm designing a line of retro-chic sleepwear and lingerie," Eleanor answered.

"And we're looking forward to the samples," Thyra told them. "We're all very proud."

"In fact, Mom, why don't you tell Roman all about it?" Wyatt asked.

Eleanor sighed, taking Roman's arm, leading him further up. "Oh, yes."

Wyatt chuckled. "I'm sure he'd be fascinated." He looked at Harold in relief. "It's so good to have you here."

Harold smiled. "Well, it's good to be here. And I am very well aware of why you wanted me to be here so much for Thanksgiving and Christmas, Wyatt, and I'm sorry I couldn't be here for Thanksgiving."

"Oh, it's okay," Wyatt told him. "We've all been working out our issues. Mentally or emotionally."

Harold nodded in agreement. "I can see that. You and Thyra, I'm very worried about you two, but I'm glad that you're both getting better with help, and I'm glad to be here for helping. Now, where are the famous Brooklyn and Dylan? Am I gonna see them tonight?"

"Well, they're still in town for a little bit, yes," Thyra answered. "But they and their father Bart are gonna go to Monaco to meet up with their brother Chuck for New Year's."

"What about Aurora?" Harold asked.

"Aunt Aurora can't make it this year," Thyra answered.

"Hmm, sounds typical of Aurora, but what about Nate and Alex?" Harold asked.

"Alex is in town so he can have his first Christmas with Hope, and Nate said that he would try to make it to the party tonight, but he's not sure if he can," Thyra answered. "But that's okay."

"Hope?" Harold repeated.

"Hope Humphrey," Blair explained. "Alex's new girlfriend. Sister to Dan Humphrey, Serena's new boyfriend."

Harold nodded in understanding. "Speaking of Serena, how is her sister? I've heard about Noe's accident. I believe the last time I've seen her was when she and Serena showed up drunk to Thanksgiving last year."

"Well, Noe's slowly getting her memories back, and even with amnesia, she's been trying to be there for Thyra and Wyatt," Blair answered.

Harold chuckled. "That's great. I'm sorry for missing out on so much."

"You know, you don't have to miss any of it," Wyatt told him.

"Yeah, well, I wish that I could be in two places at once, my dears, but impossible," Harold told them. "Sorry. You know that chateau near Lyon that I told you about?"

"Mm-hmm," Thyra answered.

"Roman and I bought it," Harold explained.

"You bought that place?" Thyra asked.

"Yes," Harold answered.

Blair looked betrayed. "And with Roman?"

Harold nodded. "The house is flooded with light. The fireplaces are big enough. I mean, you can walk into them. The gardens are incroyable."

An older man led his niece toward Eleanor, who was standing with Roman, his name being Jack Roth. "Uh, pardon me. I'm taking my niece skating, and I can't seem to locate the rink."

Eleanor pointed straight ahead. "But it--it's right over there."

Jack followed her gaze. "Of course. The throng of children in mittens should have tipped me off. Thank you."

Eleanor nodded. "You're welcome."

Jack took his niece away.

Roman looked at Eleanor. "The handsome man was just flirting with you."

Eleanor scoffed. "That's absurd. He was not flirting with me." She hit Roman in the back with her bag. The Waldorfs, Thyra and Roman walked up to the ice rink. "Roman, it is going to be so dull for you to sit and watch them skate."

"Yes, why don't you go to the petting zoo and feed the sheep?" Blair asked.

"Or why don't I join you on the rink?" Roman replied. "It looks fun."

Harold chuckled. "Wonderful."

Thyra nodded awkwardly, pressing her lips together. "Yes, super."

"I'll get you skates," Harold told him. He pointed at Blair, Wyatt and Thyra. "See you there."

Wyatt smiled tensely. "Super."

X•O°X•O

Cafe

(Song:) O Christmas Tree - The Plush Interiors

Vanessa was working, serving coffee, walking toward where Dan and Hope were sitting at a table with Dan's work. "You're not autographing those and selling them on eBay, are you?"

"No," Dan answered. "No, no, I'm just checking out some of the previous publishees, and I'm--I'm in great company here. It's 'The New Yorker'. V, Hope, how can I top this? I can't, really, unless I rig the Oscars for one of Vanessa's documentaries."

"You got in on your own merit," Hope reminded him. "The only gift I gave you was the idea to turn it in, and the only gift Vanessa gave you was to lick a stamp, and as for me, the annual Dan Humphrey Christmas CD mix is more than enough."

Dan chuckled. "All right, yeah."

Vanessa laughed, walking away. Serena and Alex walked in.

Hope smiled, standing to embrace Alex. "Hey, you made it."

"Yeah, of course I did," Alex answered. "I told you that I wouldn't leave just yet, but I should probably head out soon for family meeting. I just wanted to be here for Christmas Eve or a little bit of Christmas morning with my first official girlfriend. It's the holiday Hope."

Hope smiled. "Oh, thank you."

Serena smiled, looking at Dan and Vanessa. "Aren't Hope and Alex just adorable?"

Vanessa smiled, nodding. "That they are."

Dan chuckled, taking a drink of coffee. "Mm."

"Oh, shut up," Hope told them. They all laughed. Hope took Alex by the hands to lead him to their own table. "Come on. I got breakfast covered."

They sat down to eat and drink coffee.

Dan looked at the bag that Serena was carrying. "What's in the bag?"

Serena sat down. "Perfection. Look, I know it's not Christmas yet, but open it, please. I can't wait. I'm too excited."

Serena took out a box, handing it to Dan.

Dan opened it, revealing an expensive watch. "Oh, my."

Serena chuckled. "I noticed the other day that you don't wear a watch, and then it occurred to me it's because you don't have a watch, and you're gonna need one to be punctual for all the meetings with editors and publishers now that you're a fancy and apparently self-important writer." Dan looked at the watch awkwardly. "You don't like it? You want the brown band?"

"No, no, no, I love the band," Dan told her. "I love the whole thing. It--it's the most amazing watch I've ever seen, but I can't accept this."

"What?" Serena asked. "Oh, yes, you can. Look, it's more of a gift for me because I had so much fun picking it out for you. You have to."

"Serena, I buy a book for my dad every Christmas, and I give Hope and Jenny a Christmas CD mix every year," Dan explained. "I think the most elaborate gift I've ever given has been a pair of rubber boots from I.L. Bean."

"So then I overdid it?" Serena asked.

"I think even your underdoing it would be overdoing it," Dan answered. "Look, um, let--let--let's set some rules, maybe some helpful guidelines."

Serena gave in, nodding. "Fine. Deadline?"

"Um, tomorrow morning," Dan answered. "Price limit?"

Serena sighed. "50 bucks."

Dan smiled. "All right. May the best gift win."

They kissed. Serena stood, taking the gift back so she could leave. Hope and Alex had been listening, exchanging a look.

"Maybe we should take a tip from Dan and Serena before the whole present thing?" Hope asked. "I know everything going on with your family is really intense right now, so I don't want you to worry too much about getting me something that's way out there."

"Oh, don't worry about it," Alex told her.

Hope smiled. "Okay. So how about for your Christmas present, I take you out on the long awaited Hope Humphrey 100% pure date you keep asking me about?"

Alex smiled, nodding. "Done deal."

Alex and Hope shared a slow, sweet kiss from across the table.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Bar

(Song:) Stuck for the Summer - Two Hours Traffic

Rufus walked in, finding the man named Alec sitting at the bar, joining him. "Are you Alec?"

"Who are you?" Alec asked.

"Rufus Humphrey," Rufus answered. "Unless you want to be carried out of here, you're gonna stay the hell away from my wife."

Alec held up his hands in a harmless gesture. "Calm down now."

"You sent a letter to my wife at my house where my children live," Rufus told him. "Whatever you had with her is over."

"Why don't you sit down?" Alec asked.

"She told you to leave her alone," Rufus told him.

Alec shook his head. "I'm sorry, that's not what she told me a couple days ago."

"Excuse me?" Rufus asked. "You--you spoke to her?"

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Park - Ice Rink

(Song:) Christmas Alphabet - The McGuire Sisters

Everyone was skating around.

Harold was helping Roman, who was very bad at skating. "You can do it. You can do it. Look at all these children. They're skating around fearlessly. Come on. They got a much shorter way to fall. Blair, Wyatt, Thyra, will you help us here? We need you."

"Just a second," Thyra told them. "My laces came undone."

Thyra knelt down to retie her laces.

Blair's phone went off. She looked at the text from Chuck: "Only 1 question: How did you fake ur virginity for Nate?"

Blair let her jaw drop in shock and incredulity, scoffing.

Harold was helping Roman skate. "Now here we go. Ready? Now go to Wyatt."

Wyatt smiled, waiting for Roman to skate closer. "Okay. You can do it."

Roman was very clumsy at skating alone. "Wyatt. Blair. Thyra. Come give us a lesson."

Wyatt and Thyra were helping Roman skate. When Roman got close enough, Blair held out her leg to trip him to the icy ground.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Spotted, spinning at Wollman Rink. The Blair capades. All the grace of Nancy Kerrigan, but packing the punch of Tonya Harding."

Harold skated closer to help him up. "Pauvre Roman."

Wyatt and Thyra helped Roman up, giving Blair a look. Blair smiled innocently.

Thyra looked at Roman. "You all right?"

Roman nodded. "I'm so clumsy. My foot got caught behind the skate."

Blair skated closer. "Oh, here. Let us help you."

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Mall

Eleanor, Blair, Wyatt and Thyra were walking through the mall with shopping bags, trying to find presents.

"I can't believe Daddy decided to stay with Roman instead of shopping with us," Blair told them. "The ER doctor said he would make a full recovery. Everything is ruined."

"Why would you say that?" Thyra asked. "Wyatt and I had a great time."

Blair sighed. "Thyra, Wyatt, I'm sorry, but it's just not the same with him here. I don't understand how that French fox stole our father and always seems to come off like a--an innocent lamb."

"Roman was not always so innocent, you know," Eleanor told them.

"Really?" Wyatt asked. "What's his story?"

"Mm, well, when I first met him, he was going out with this model named Freddy, and Freddy was a horrible scoundrel," Eleanor explained.

"Roman would actually be into somebody like that?" Thyra asked.

"Into him?" Eleanor repeated. "He was--he was absolutely infatuated with him. Freddy had him under some kind of spell. I was the one who got him to break out of it and turn his life around. Don't mention Freddy to your father. It is a sore subject."

Blair nodded. "Okay. What was Freddy's last name?"

Eleanor, Wyatt and Thyra gave Blair a look. Blair gave them an innocent look in return.

"I will be back soon," Eleanor told them. "Get whatever you're gonna get and meet back up with me at the entrance, then we'll go home."

Eleanor walked away to leave the three teens alone.

"I still can't believe Daddy brought Roman," Blair told them. "I mean, why would he do that?"

"I don't know, Blair," Thyra told her sarcastically. "Maybe because they're together and live together, but what do I know?"

"I'm serious, Thyra," Blair told her.

"So are we, Blair," Wyatt told her. "I need this Christmas to be perfect. It's my chance to finally come out and finally breathe again."

"We know," Blair told him.

"So, please, Blair, try not to do anything else bad to ruin Christmas," Wyatt told her. "For me, please."

Blair sighed, rolling her eyes. "Fine. I promise."

Thyra smirked, wrapping an arm around Blair's shoulders. "Don't worry, Wyatt. I'll make sure she doesn't do anything."

"Yeah, instead of that, you should be looking for a present for Brooklyn, which is why we are here," Wyatt told her.

"How many presents are you buying anyway?" Thyra replied, gesturing to all the bags Wyatt had.

"Well, I have a list," Wyatt explained. "I have one for Serena, Noe, Eric, Alex, Brooklyn, Hope. Also for Chuck and Nate for when they come back."

"Why would you buy Hope Humphrey a present?" Blair asked.

"Well, Alex told me Hope was worried about me and Thyra and went to the cotillion not only for Noe, but for us too, and that she got in trouble for it, so she deserves a present," Wyatt answered.

Thyra smiled. "That's sweet. I'll get a present for Hope, too, then."

"Good, but don't change the subject, Thyra," Wyatt told her. "We are here because I have presents for everyone but Dylan, and you don't have one for Brooklyn. I can't believe I'm good at giving presents to everyone but my boyfriend."

"And I can't believe that you already got my girlfriend a present, but I don't even have an idea for it," Thyra added.

"You guys are really unbelievable sometimes," Blair told them.

"Focus, Blair, we need the perfect presents, and we need your help to do it," Wyatt told her.

Blair smiled. "What do you give to the boy and girl that have everything?"

"I have no idea," Wyatt admitted.

"Well, we have some time, so let's get to shopping," Thyra told them.

"Uh, my favorite words ever," Blair told them. "Come on, let's go."

They all chuckled, still shopping.

X•O°X•O

Humphrey Loft - Living Room

Alison was decorating the Christmas tree when Rufus walked in. "Hey. Where were you? I tried to call you, but your phone was off."

"I kept your date for you with Alec," Rufus answered. "He's actually a pretty cool guy, other than the fact that he's in love with my wife. He told me about your phone call."

Alison sighed. "He felt that I owed him an explanation, and he was right."

"And you didn't tell me that because..." Rufus trailed off.

"Because there was nothing to tell," Alison told him. "I told Alec that I was back with my family and to stop calling."

"Would you have come back if Jenny hadn't shown up to bring you?" Rufus asked.

"If I hadn't, would Lily be here right now?" Alison replied.

Neither of them knew the answers.

"I guess by turning our backs on these other people, we thought we could fix ourselves," Rufus told her.

Alison shook her head. "Maybe other people aren't the problem. Maybe we changed."

Rufus nodded in agreement. "And at what point do we admit that no matter how much we want it or how hard we try..."

"It's just not working," Alison finished.

They looked at each other sadly, but they weren't angry.

X•O°X•O

Cafe

(Song:) Christmakwanzakah - The Dan Band

Hope, Dan and Jenny were sitting at a table. Jenny was with a laptop.

"I know it's been maybe ten minutes since I last asked, but are you still sure you don't want to talk about it?" Dan asked.

"Dad said he didn't want to ruin Christmas," Jenny told them. "That's what I'm trying to do."

"Hey, well, just in case you change your mind..." Dan trailed off.

"You're here," Hope finished. "We know."

Jenny showed them Christmas gift ideas on her laptop. "Okay, how about this? At least you know it's something Serena and Alex don't have."

"A year of cheese for $600?" Dan asked. "Are these people kidding? I could buy a cow for that much money and make my own cheese."

"You just said 'make my own cheese'," Hope told him. "That's disgusting. I'm never gonna find the perfect gift for Alex Archibald, so I'm just gonna take him out on the pure Hope Humphrey date that he has wanted me to take him on since he took me out on the hot air balloon date."

Jenny looked at Dan. "Now Hope has her gift for Alex figured out, Dan. Then your gift has to be especially good to make up for the rest of Serena's Christmas."

"What do you mean?" Dan asked.

"Well, she's living in a hotel," Jenny answered. "You know, how homey can it be? It's not exactly festive. Eric and Noe told us they don't even allow trees."

Dan was now getting an idea for his present.

X•O°X•O

Night - Waldorf Apartment - Blair's Room

Blair was sitting on her bed, on her laptop, on the phone.

Chuck: (voicemail) "Leave a message, and I might listen."

Blair scoffed. "Chuck, you are not answering my calls, to torture me, I am sure, but please, for the love of God, do not tell anyone about us, okay? Please? Please."

X•O°X•O

Mall

Alex, Brooklyn and Dylan were here, searching through the stores.

"Brooklyn, Dylan, I can't believe you guys still haven't bought gifts for Thyra and Wyatt," Alex told them.

"Hey, we were more worried about their health, so we get a free pass, Alex, okay?" Brooklyn replied.

"Plus, it's hard, okay?" Dylan asked. "I can't think of what to give Wyatt, because even if he hates it, he would tell me that he loves it, plus I'm sure that no matter what I give him, he would top it."

"Of course he would, Dylan," Alex agreed. "He is Wyatt."

"And for me, I can't decide what to give to Thyra," Brooklyn admitted. "I need it to be the gift of gifts, okay? Like top of it all, never done before, extremely unique one of a kind, thing."

Alex nodded in amusement. "So no pressure then, Brooklyn. Okay."

"Alex, what are you giving Hope?" Dylan asked.

Alex shrugged. "No idea. I mean, I don't want to overdo it so Hope doesn't feel bad, and she would apologize if her present is not as good, which trust me, she sometimes apologizes for breathing too loud and then starts her rambling mess, but it's cute."

Dylan nodded in understanding. "Wyatt does that too, when he is nervous, or he wants to avoid talking about something, he starts to talk really fast about a lot of things."

"Dylan, does he do that thing where he like, starts rambling about one thing, then finishes with a completely different one?" Alex asked. "You see, there was this one time where Hope started on about sushi then finished talking about one thing where Jenny pushed her and Dan into a duck pond once."

Dylan smiled, nodding. "Yes, Alex, Wyatt does the same. During one of our tutoring sessions, it was one of our first, so he was nervous, and I asked him a question about history and by the time he was finished with the rambling, he had taught me how to build a robot."

They all laughed.

Brooklyn gave the boys an amused look. "Well, Dylan, Alex, now that you bonded over Wyatt and Hope's rambling problems, let's go back to the important thing."

"Right, the gifts," Alex agreed. "Thanks for reminding us, Brooklyn."

"I still don't know what to give Wyatt," Dylan admitted.

"I don't know what to give Thyra," Brooklyn added.

"And I don't know what to give Hope," Alex finished.

"Are we like the worst boyfriends and girlfriend ever?" Dylan asked.

"No, but we would be if we don't get something," Brooklyn answered. "So chop chop. Let's get on with it."

Brooklyn walked on.

Alex sighed. "Brooklyn, Dylan, to the Brooklyn Mobile."

Dylan laughed, following.

X•O°X•O

Palace Hotel - VDW Suite - Noe's Room

(Song:) Sweet Dreams - Emily Brown

Noe was laying in her bed, listening to music through her headphones.

Eric walked in, pulling Noe's headphones out. "Noe, what are you doing listening to depressing music like that?"

"I'm trying to put myself to sleep and hopefully get another memory or two back, Eric," Noe answered. Serena walked in. "Why? What the hell are you and Serena doing?"

"Serena's freaking out because it's Christmas Eve, and she still hasn't found a gift for Dan," Eric answered. "Now all the stores are closing, and she thinks she's totally screwed. Do you have any idea what you can buy for under $50 these days?"

Noe shrugged. "I don't know. A single entree at a mid-priced restaurant? Three quarters of a DVD box set? Maybe a pair of Wolford stockings."

Serena nodded sarcastically. "Oh, stockings. Yes, great idea for Dan. Noe, Eric, please, this is serious."

"I don't know, Serena," Noe told her. "Why don't you buy him a gold money clip from Cartier, say it's $49.99? He won't know the difference."

Serena sighed, holding her head, sitting back. "I come to you, my sister and brother, hat in hand, tail between my legs, and off my high horse." Eric and Noe chuckled. "I spent the entire day searching for the perfect for Dan. Now all the stores are closing, Christmas Day is looming, and, um, I need your help."

"Help from your amnesiac sister who can't help but screw up everything she touches now that she has a little bit of brain damage because she had a piece of glass going through her skull?" Noe asked. "I could take this opportunity to gloat, but you're my sister, so..."

Eric gave her a little push. "You don't screw everything you touch up, Noe, and even with everything you just said, you're still really smart, even if your decision making and scheming is not as great as it used to be."

Noe nodded sarcastically. "Thanks, Eric. Anyway, let's get down to business. What do you have so far, Serena?"

"Um, I found a first edition J.L. Hall book, original Italian poster for the '400 Blows', and a Montblanc fountain pen," Serena answered.

Eric nodded. "All very thoughtful."

"And all exceed $50," Serena told them.

"Right," Eric agreed.

"Well, Dan's not really that into things, which makes shopping for him kind of hopeless," Serena explained. "The only thing he wants for Christmas is snow. It's not like I can give him that."

Noe got an idea, tilting her head. "You sure?"

Eric and Serena looked at her in confusion. They smiled.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Apartment - Living Room

(Song:) Deck the Halls - The Republic Tigers

People were here for the party, everything decorated.

Eleanor was greeting guests. "Happy Holidays. Welcome, welcome. I don't know if you've noticed. We're doing things a little untraditionally this year. I don't know if you've heard. I'm designing a line of lingerie for Victoria's Secret. I walked into the store, and I fell in love with this tree. Isn't that lipstick clever? Isn't it? Good. Have some eggnog."

Lily answered her phone. "Hello?"

Rufus' voice was on the other line. "Hey, it's me."

"Hey," Lily told him.

Rufus was sitting on the fire escape outside his loft. "So, uh, running into each other at the school fair... kind of awkward."

"I suppose so, especially after our last phone call," Lily agreed. "Rufus, we really shouldn't be speaking."

"No, I know," Rufus told her.

"But if there's something you want to say, you should go ahead and say it," Lily told him.

"Is there something you want me to say?" Rufus asked.

Lily sighed. "Rufus, why are you calling?"

"Oh, I just wanted to say Merry Christmas," Rufus answered. "Hope you have a good holiday."

"Yes, well, I'm, um, flying to Anguilla with Bart tonight, so I'm expecting it to be a--a great holiday," Lily lied. "One for the ages, in fact. Goodnight, Rufus."

Rufus nodded. "Goodbye."

Lily hung up, whispering, chastising herself for lying. "Anguilla? What's the matter with me?"

X•O°X•O

Elsewhere

Eleanor was talking with a man. "I don't think so." She saw Jack from the park walk in. "Oh, excuse me." She walked toward Jack. "What are you doing here?"

Jack was holding a present. "Well, I was hoping to see you again. I thought it great fortune that Roman tracked me down at the skating rink and extended an invitation."

Eleanor took the present. "Oh, well, en--enjoy the party." She walked toward Roman. "How dare you invite a strange man into my home?"

"Jack came?" Roman asked. "Go talk to him. Bring vodka."

Eleanor chastised him in a whisper. "Roman, you practically picked him up of the street."

Roman nodded. "And then I Googled him. His name is Jack Roth. He owns a prominent hedge fund with offices in London and Barcelona, and he finds you very attractive."

"Well, that's no excuse, and--and--and I am doing just fine without your romantic help," Eleanor told him.

"Are you?" Roman asked. "Eleanor, we've been friends for a long time, since before Marc Jacobs went into rehab."

Eleanor gave him a cold look. "Friends don't steal other friends' husbands."

Roman looked down in shame and regret, stunned into silence by her response.

Blair walked by, on her phone. "Is Nate there? Oh. A few hours ago? Chuck Bass didn't call for him, did he? Uh, never mind. Did Nate say where he was going? No, no, don't--don't disturb Mrs. Archibald. Um, I'm sure he's on his way here now to spend time with his brother Alex. All right, thank you."

Alex walked over. "Nate's not coming here yet. He's going to see Chuck first. And then we'll both meet up at our grandfather's place tomorrow morning for Christmas."

Blair nodded nervously. "Okay. Thanks for telling me, Alex."

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

Thyra's Room

Thyra and Brooklyn walked in, seeing that Serena, Noe, Eric and Vanessa were sitting on Thyra's bed and trying to get a Christmas present ready for Dan, making snowflakes out of paper.

"Dorota's gonna kill you if you get glue on that comforter," Thyra told them.

"Sorry we've turned your room into an art studio, Thyra," Noe told her. "But the clock is ticking."

"I'm done," Vanessa told them, pushing the laptop toward them.

"Wow," Eric said.

Noe laughed.

Serena smiled. "Oh, my gosh." Thyra and Brooklyn stood next to them to look at the screen. "Wow, that's--that's amazing." Vanessa chuckled. "Thank you so much, Vanessa. This is gonna be... incredible."

"Good," Vanessa said. "I'm glad I could help. I think he'll really love it."

Brooklyn stood. "Vanessa, I think I'd like to help with this little project. Would you come and help me find another pair of scissors?"

Vanessa stood, following Brooklyn into the bathroom.

Thyra stopped Brooklyn before she went in, whispering. "Be nice."

"No promises," Brooklyn replied, closing the door.

Thyra scoffed, chuckling, shaking her head.

X•O°X•O

Bathroom

Brooklyn turned to face Vanessa. "It's so nice what you're doing for your friend Dan, helping his girlfriend make his Christmas present. Serena is so grateful because she likes to see the best in people. I like to see the truth."

"Yeah, and what's that?" Vanessa asked.

"I think you like Dan a little too much," Brooklyn answered. "Just thought I should let you know someone's watching. Merry Christmas."

X•O°X•O

Thyra's Room

Vanessa walked back in. "I'm taking off. Call me when you're done?"

"Okay," Serena answered, putting the shreds of paper into a waste basket. "Where are you going?"

Vanessa didn't answer, taking her stuff, leaving.

Brooklyn walked toward them. "I'm gonna go get your gift ready to be presented, Thyra."

"I thought you were gonna help," Eric told her.

"I think my work's done here," Brooklyn told them.

Lily walked in. "Oh, hello."

"Hi," Brooklyn told her, leaving the room.

Thyra also left.

"Goodbye," Lily told them. She looked at Serena, Eric and Noe. "When you three are done hiding up here, I'm taking you all out for desert."

"Can't, Mom," Serena told her, taking the scrap of paper from Noe's hands, putting it in the waste basket. "I'm busy."

"But this is important for our family," Lily told them. "It'll just be the four of us."

"Mom, anytime you say it'll just be the four of us, it means you're dating someone new," Serena told her, still picking up the mess.

Noe helped with picking up. "Whoever it is, I don't care. I'll just meet him at the wedding."

Lily sighed. "Fine, fine, then I will just tell you who it is, because you're gonna be seeing him around from now on. It's Bart Bass."

Lily took a sip of her wine.

Noe sat up, Eric, Serena and Noe all looking at her in shock. "Bart Bass?"

"Mom, you cannot date Bart Bass," Noe told her.

"You just said a moment ago you didn't care who it was," Lily told her.

"That was before I knew who it was," Noe told her.

"He only has one facial expression," Eric told her. "He scares me."

"And he raised Chuck, Brooklyn and Dylan," Noe added. "That scares me."

Lily gave them a look. "Oh, as usual, the three of you are being overly dramatic. I'm not marrying Bart. This is very casual, and regardless, I'm not asking your permission."

Lily turned, leaving the room. Eric, Serena and Noe looked at each other in shock.

X•O°X•O

Palace Hotel - Outside

Jenny, Dan and Hope were dragging a tree down the sidewalk up to the hotel.

"We have to be done with this soon because I'm supposed to meet Alex tonight," Hope told them.

"And you know, when I suggested this plan, I didn't know that it would entail a robbery," Jenny told them.

"Hey, hey, hey," Hope told them. "I left a donation, so it was more of a rescue than a robbery. You know, those abandoned trees in that lot were just gonna be kindling the day after Christmas, and this tree that we have here is gonna be loved and admired."

Dan smirked. "Oh, yeah, you have a real talent for spin and rambling, my sister. And I wish I had more talent for heavy lifting."

They put the tree down for a moment.

"Yeah, well, what you're doing for Serena is really romantic, Dan," Jenny told him. "And, Hope, what you're doing for Alex is more fun than romantic, but since it's a real Hope Humphrey date Alex Archibald has wanted for so long, it does go on the romantic side, too. I wonder what Mom and Dad are getting each other for Christmas. I thought that if I got them under the same roof that things would go back to the way they were. They haven't, have they?"

Hope sighed. "I think there's a real possibility that they might split up."

Jenny shook her head sadly. "If I hadn't brought her back, though, we could've just kept pretending that she's just in Hudson doing her art."

The three siblings embraced for a moment, pulling away.

"You did the right thing, Jen," Dan told her. "Really, you did, 'cause whatever happens now, at least, uh, we're not living in a fantasy, you know?"

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Apartment - Living Room

Blair was sitting down, texting. Thyra was pacing through the party. Dylan and Wyatt were sitting down, laughing.

Brooklyn brought over two champagne glasses, one for herself and one for Thyra. "Just champagne, all right? Nothing heavier for tonight."

Thyra smiled. "Okay."

They clinked their glasses, taking a drink.

Eleanor made her way over to Jack. "So you ice skate?"

"Occasionally, with my niece, but she's much more talented than I am," Jack answered.

Eleanor cleared her throat. "Well, I haven't skated since ages, but I used to love it when I was a girl."

"You must have been very beautiful out there on the ice," Jack told her.

Eleanor chuckled. "Oh, thank you." She saw Thyra and Brooklyn in the crowd, nodding, walking to the center of the room, clinking her glass. "Can I have everyone's attention, please?" Everyone quieted down to listen. "Most of you have known that for most of her life, this family or the Archibald family has taken care of Miss Thyra Diamond while her parents were away around the world doing their business, may Victoria and Matthew Diamond rest in peace. It's been three months now since they've passed, and after recent events last month, I wanted to make sure that Thyra never felt like she was alone without family ever again. Which is why, it is official. As of tonight, the adoption is sealed, and the 14 year old is now... officially apart of the Waldorf family." Everyone was in shock but awe, some clapping, some cheering. Thyra was emotionally thrilled, tears in her eyes, smiling. Serena, Noe, Eric, Alex, Brooklyn and Dylan were smiling, cheering, applauding louder than the others. Blair and Wyatt had tears in their eyes from happiness and shock as well, wrapping their arms around Thyra, their now official adoptive sister. Alex embraced Thyra as well. "You've always been apart of this family, Thyra, but now it is official. This is our present to you, darling. Merry Christmas."

Thyra wiped her tears away, walking up to Eleanor so the two could embrace, laughing lightly.

Brooklyn smiled, biting her lip, walking up to Thyra, chuckling, reaching into her case, pulling out a diamond tiara. "Looks like now is a good as time as any to give you my present, especially after that." Thyra smiled in shock, laughing. Brooklyn smiled, placing the tiara on her head. "Remember what the Gossip Girl blast said after our first kiss during the photo shoot went viral. Every princess needs their Diamond, and you, Thyra, are my Diamond, but you are also a princess."

Thyra's Tiara:

Thyra laughed, smiling. "This is perfect, Brooklyn, because I have something for you, a lot like this, too."

"Really?" Brooklyn asked.

Thyra nodded. "Goes with your 'Princess BB' thing, and what you said about every princess needing their diamond. You got me a diamond crown." She removed a scepter from its gift case, handing it to Brooklyn. "And I got you this."

Brooklyn's Scepter:

Brooklyn smiled in shock and happiness, thrilled and impressed, chuckling. "Oh, Thyra."

Thyra and Brooklyn smiled and laughed as the two embraced, with the crown on Thyra's head, and Brooklyn holding the scepter, and everyone cheered again. They surprised everyone when they kissed in front of everyone, shocking them into silence, but they weren't hateful or rude.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Looks like even the black Diamond can have a perfect Christmas moment that is sugar and spice and everything nice after all. Congratulations, Thyra. You're also officially a Waldorf. And it looks like Princess BB and T couldn't be happier. Looks like the princess got her Diamond after all."

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Apartment - Wyatt's Room

It was after the Christmas party when everyone but the Waldorfs, now including Thyra officially though her last name would remain as Diamond, were gone. Wyatt was sitting on his bed. There was a knock on the door. Eleanor and Harold walked in, closing the door behind them.

"Honey, there you are," Eleanor told him.

"Is everything okay?" Harold asked.

"Mom, there's something we have to tell you," Wyatt told her. "Please sit down."

They both sat down.

"Eleanor, you should know that after what's happened between us, this does not come easy for Wyatt," Harold told her.

"Mom, I've been keeping something from you, and I've been trying to get it out so many times, but every time I tried, I couldn't, and it's felt so awful that I felt like I couldn't breathe," Wyatt explained.

"There's nothing wrong with you, Wyatt," Harold told him.

"Sweetie, is this about your anxiety and anger issues?" Eleanor asked in concern. "Is the medicine not working?"

"No, no, it's not about that," Wyatt answered. "The medicine is working fine."

"Then what is it?" Eleanor asked.

"I haven't been honest with you about who I am," Wyatt answered.

"What do you mean?" Eleanor asked.

"I didn't know how to say it, and I didn't want to break our family again, so I thought that if I didn't think about it, it would go away, but then I realized that it's not going way, because it's who I am," Wyatt told her emotionally, taking a deep breath.

"It's okay, son," Harold told him. "Take your time."

Wyatt nodded, relieved to have his father here to help him through this. "Mom, I can't do this anymore. I don't want you to hate me, or to love me less."

Eleanor was growing more concerned. "Sweetie, there is nothing you could ever do that would make me hate you or not love you."

Wyatt took a deep breath, nodding. "Mom, I am... I'm gay, and I love you, and I hope you don't stop loving me because this doesn't change me. I'm still me." Eleanor was in shock. Harold was proud and sympathetic, giving Wyatt a hug. "Mom? Say something, please."

Eleanor took a deep breath. "How long have you known?"

"A while," Wyatt answered.

Eleanor slowly put a hand to her head. "I am an awful mother."

Wyatt frowned in confusion, surprised by this response. "What? No, don't say that."

"I should have known about you, and about Thyra, but instead, I was so focused on myself, that I didn't see how much you've been suffering," Eleanor told him. "I was awful. I led you to believe that I wouldn't love you."

Eleanor stood.

"Eleanor, it's not your fault," Harold told her.

"Yes, it is," Eleanor told them.

Wyatt stood, shaking his head. "No, Mom, don't say that. It's not your fault. I wasn't ready, and I didn't know how to do it."

Eleanor sighed, walking closer, taking his hands. "Wyatt, you are my only son, and you will always be my baby boy, no matter what. I'm sorry that you had to go through this with everything else. I love you, Wyatt. No matter what. There is nothing you could do or be to change that."

Wyatt smiled in relief, tears in his eyes from happiness. "I love you too, Mom."

There was a knock on the door. Blair, Thyra and Roman walked in.

"Hello, guys, come down," Roman told them. "The chocolate is getting..."

Roman trailed off when they took in the scene before them.

"Everything okay?" Thyra asked. "Wyatt, you okay?"

"Yes, actually, more than okay," Wyatt answered. "I just told Mom."

"You did?" Thyra asked.

"Wait, they know?" Eleanor asked.

"Yeah, for like a long time now," Blair answered.

"Who else knows?" Eleanor asked.

"Well, not everyone," Wyatt answered.

"I kinda figured it out," Roman answered. "I'm a very intuitive man."

"And he asked me for help with this conversation, so..." Harold trailed off.

"Our friends know," Thyra answered.

"So everybody else but me?" Eleanor asked. "Any other secrets?"

"I have a boyfriend," Wyatt answered.

"And I have a girlfriend, but you saw that secret in the party," Thyra answered.

Blair smiled. "Yeah, Dylan and Wyatt, and Brooklyn and Thyra, they're so cute together."

Roman was very interested and intrigued. "So Thyra is with one Bass twin, Brooklyn, and Wyatt is with the other, Dylan?"

Blair smiled, nodding. "Yep."

Blair gave Thyra and Wyatt a look so they didn't say anything about her being with Chuck, the other Bass.

"Oh, I wanna hear everything," Roman told them.

Eleanor pointed at Wyatt and Thyra. "No, no, no boyfriend or girlfriends. Not allowed at this age."

"Oh, come on, Eleanor," Thyra told her.

"We're 14, Mom," Wyatt told her. "We're old enough."

Blair smirked. "Oh, please. You both look like you're 12."

"We do not," Thyra told her.

"You kinda do," Blair told them. They all laughed. Wyatt and Thyra gave them a look but also started to laugh. Blair sighed, looking at Harold. "You know, I was gonna convince you to move back to New York, but you bought a vineyard in France with Roman. What's next a commitment ceremony? Great. There's no room in your life for us anymore."

"Sweethearts, there is always room for you," Harold told them. "No matter where I am, no matter who I'm with." He pulled out his phone to show them pictures. "I, uh... this is part of your Christmas gift."

"Your house in France?" Wyatt asked. "It's very nice, Dad. I'm sure you and Roman will totally enjoy it."

"And so will you, because these are your rooms," Harold told them.

Blair gasped. "It's beautiful."

Harold smiled. "We're having them decorated just for you. And since I've spent the majority of the last 14 years helping raise you, Thyra, and you are officially part of the Waldorfs as of tonight, even if it was Eleanor adopting you, you are always welcome in our home, and you will have your own room, too."

Thyra smiled, seeing a cat in the next picture, chuckling. "A cat."

Roman nodded in agreement. "A cat named 'Cat', like in your favorite movie."

"It was Roman's idea," Harold explained. "So Merry Christmas, sweethearts. We're hoping that you'll spend the whole summer with us."

They smiled.

X•O°X•O

Palace Hotel - Outside

Dan, Hope and Jenny were trying to find a way to take the tree inside.

"Okay, stop, stop, stop," Jenny told them. "Ow." They put the tree down. "Okay, what now?"

Hope pointed at the door. "Jenny, you go in there, you distract Dexter, the humorless concierge, okay? While Dan and I try to sneak this into an elevator."

"All right, um, who's gonna..." Jenny trailed off. "So you and Dan can carry this thing by yourselves?"

Hope sighed. "I did--I did not say this plan is fool proofed."

Noe walked up through the gates of the hotel, seeing them.

"Hey, Noe," Dan told her. "Hi."

Noe smiled. "Hope. Dan. Jenny. Tree."

Jenny waved. "Hi."

"Yeah, um, they don't allow Christmas trees inside, which is why we're out here," Hope told her.

"Which is why Dan's about to as you for a favor," Jenny told her.

"Ah, does it involve distracting the very boring Dexter and sneaking into the elevator?" Noe asked.

"Why, would that work?" Dan asked.

"No, never," Noe answered. "He has the eyes of a hawk, and he takes his job very seriously."

Dan nodded. "So I've noticed."

"Yeah, my mom has Dexter keep an eye everywhere at all times so I don't try to sneak out in the middle of the night because of the amnesia or something like that," Noe explained. "I could never get past him. But Bobby, at the service entrance, I always could buy him off so that I could sneak out and just have a moment to myself, get some fresh air. Looks like I'm helping my family and you Humphreys with their Christmas presents. Come on."

Noe and the three Humphreys smiled.

X•O°X•O

Industrial Room

Serena was talking with Vanessa, smiling excitedly. "I just sent him a text, and Dan's on his way." She squealed. "Thank you so much."

"It's really no problem, and since there are no problems, I should go," Vanessa told her.

Serena shook her head. "Oh, no, no, no. Stay, please."

"You don't need me," Vanessa told her. "We talked about how to turn everything on."

"No, I know I can do it, but I just want you to see Dan's face," Serena explained.

"I've really gotta get going," Vanessa told her.

"Okay, well, I'll tell him how much you did," Serena told her.

"Please don't," Vanessa told her. "It's your present. Just enjoy your night."

Even though she looked a little jealous, Vanessa was also a little happy for them, leaving.

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Apartment Building - Rooftop

(Song:) The General Specific - Band of Horses

Wyatt and Dylan walked onto the rooftop. Dylan was blindfolded. Wyatt was guiding him.

"Remind me again, Wyatt, why did I agree to this?" Dylan asked.

"Because it's part of the surprise," Wyatt answered.

"So I blindfolded you for our first date, and now you blindfold me?" Dylan asked. "Is that it?"

Wyatt tilted his head. "No. Well, yes, you can say it's part of our tradition."

"Can I take it off now?" Dylan asked. He was being overly cheesy to make Wyatt smile and laugh. "I miss you."

"I'm literally not even five steps behind you," Wyatt told him.

"I meant your cute face," Dylan told him.

Wyatt knew what he was doing just to make him smile, laughing. "That was one of the most cheesy things you've ever said."

Dylan smirked. "Oh, please, Wyatt, you know you love it."

Wyatt smiled. "I do."

"So can I take it off now?" Dylan asked.

"You're so impatient," Wyatt pointed out. "And I'm the one with anxiety and anger."

"Wyatt," Dylan complained.

Wyatt walked away to stand a few meters away. "Fine, wait a minute. Now." Dylan took off the blindfold, turning around. "Surprise."

Wyatt took off a sheet from his present for Dylan, revealing a black motorbike.

Dylan's eyes widened in shock as he ran closer. "Oh, my God, you got me a motorbike?"

"Yes," Wyatt answered. "Do you like it?"

"Do I like it?" Dylan repeated excitedly. "Are you kidding me? I think I'm in love with it. Thank you, Wyatt."

Dylan grabbed Wyatt to kiss him passionately, hugging him tightly. They smiled, pulling away.

"Well, I have one more present," Wyatt told him.

"No, no, wait, before you do that, you got to open mine," Dylan told him, handing him his present.

Wyatt opened his present, eyes widening in shock and happiness. "No way."

Dylan smiled at his reaction. "Yes way."

Wyatt was completely excited. "You got me a DJI Mavic Air Fly with DJI Goggles! I can't believe it."

"So I'm guessing you like it?" Dylan asked sarcastically.

Wyatt answered with a tight embrace. They both laughed.

"How did you even get this, Dylan?" Wyatt asked. "It's not even out yet. I've been wanting one since forever."

Dylan smirked, shrugging. "I'm Dylan Bass. Us Basses got influence."

"You have no idea how much I love you right now," Wyatt told him.

"You could say it again, Wyatt," Dylan told him. "I don't mind hearing it. And I love you too."

They both smiled.

Wyatt remembered something. "Oh, my God, I forgot your other present."

Dylan shook his head. "You didn't have to get me anything else."

"No, trust me, you're gonna love this," Wyatt told him, putting the drone down, taking out his phone, making a call. "Yeah, it's time. We are ready. You're on."

Wyatt hung up.

"What's happening?" Dylan asked.

"Just wait and look up," Wyatt told him. Dylan turned around, looking up. Wyatt looked at his watch. "In three, two, one."

There was a noise like fireworks, when the first one shot into the sky.

Dylan was in shock, mesmerized by the dancing colors. "Oh, my God. You got me fireworks?"

Wyatt smiled. "There is more." Next fireworks that shot into the sky spelled out Wyatt Waldorf is dating Dylan Bass. Dylan was in even more shock, his mouth hanging open in awe, because of how many people would be looking up at the sky due to the sound of fireworks, knowing that now everyone knew about them. "Surprise. We are officially public."

Dylan realized what this meant, turning to face him. "You told Eleanor."

"Yes," Wyatt answered.

"And she..." Dylan trailed off.

Wyatt smiled. "Took it perfectly, and said that she would always love me."

"So we..." Dylan trailed off.

"Are officially public, yes, Dylan, we are," Wyatt answered. "Does the firework show not give that away?"

Dylan laughed. "Oh, shut up. Come here, Wyatt."

They laughed happily, hugging tightly, pulling away to look each other in the eyes, kissing passionately as the fireworks continued to burst into the sky and fade away, the sparks raining down as they went out above them.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Spotted literally everywhere in the Upper East Side. Our golden boy and our bi player are officially out. Their love is so bright that even the sky is rooting for them. How's this for a Christmas surprise, kids? You know what they say. No one does extra better than the Waldorfs. Which now officially includes Thyra Diamond as well, who does extra just as well as they do."

X•O°X•O

Inside - Thyra's Room

Brooklyn was messing with the scepter that Thyra had given to her as her present, smiling, pointing it at Thyra. "This is amazing, Thyra. And I can't believe that you and Wyatt finally came clean to Eleanor about me and Dylan and who you guys are and who you like. And I'm in even more shock about Eleanor finally adopting you into the family officially."

Thyra smiled. "Me, too. But I'm loving every single moment of tonight, Brooklyn. It's just... perfect. So much better than Thanksgiving. Christmas is actually a holiday that I can say that I loved this year." They both smiled. Thyra was wearing the tiara that Brooklyn had gotten her, taking it off, placing it on Brooklyn's head. "And you were right about the 'every princess needing her diamond' thing, Brooklyn. It might sound corny, but..."

Brooklyn shook her head innocently. "Hey, don't blame me. Gossip Girl's the one that coined that phrase for both of us."

Thyra smiled. "And Wyatt literally told the whole city that he's with Dylan now. Via fireworks."

Brooklyn chuckled. "Gotta give him top points for that one. I'm glad he's not afraid anymore, Thyra."

Thyra nodded in agreement. "Me too."

Brooklyn used her scepter to pull Thyra closer. "And I'm glad that you are better. And you have more official family than you ever thought possible. Merry Christmas, Thyra."

Thyra looked at her for a moment, smiling. "Merry Christmas, Brooklyn."

After another moment of looking at each other, they finally kissed passionately, only pulling away when they noticed the snow starting to fall outside through the window, smiling in shock, running up to the balcony doors so they could walk out onto the balcony and stand outside in the falling snow, smiling.

X•O°X•O

Brooklyn River

While it was snowing, Hope and Alex were using a little mini boat they could pedal with their feet to get across the river.

"So a pure 100% Hope Humphrey date equals a row across the river?" Alex asked in amusement.

"Not just that," Hope answered, smiling. "Are you up for that?"

"Up for what?" Alex asked.

Hope pointed across the way to where there was a paintball park.

X•O°X•O

Paintball Park

Hope and Alex were in white suits and goggles. Hope threw a paintball at Alex, making the red explode and splatter all across his chest, hiding behind a paintball dispenser, sticking out her tongue teasingly. Alex laughed, throwing a blue one at the glass. Hope laughed, pointing at him. Alex hit her with a red paintball, making it splatter, also making Hope squeal, laughing. Hope took cover before he could hit her again, smiling, throwing a yellow one at Alex. Alex ran out of the way, dodging it. Hope ran closer to where Alex was taking cover, throwing a purple paintball around his cover, making it hit his side. They both took cover on either side of a piece of equipment, both smiling, exhilarated and having so much fun, both reaching up to look over the equipment at each other. Hope splashed a green paintball over Alex's head, laughing, running away before he could hit her with another. Alex threw a green paintball at her back, making it splatter on the white suit, running closer, holding another over her head. Hope held her hands up like in defeat, smiling innocently. Alex smiled, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, splashing a yellow paintball over her head. They hid on either side of a haystack, throwing paintballs at each other, laughing. Hope ran at Alex, making them both fall onto more hay. They laid together in the hay, smiling, taking off their goggles, looking at each other, smiling happily, free and at ease, very content, kissing slowly and passionately. As it started to snow harder, they looked up at the sky in shock but happiness.

"Merry Christmas, Hope," Alex told her.

Hope smiled. "Merry Christmas, Alex."

They watched the falling snow for a moment longer, looking at each other, laughing, continuing to kiss, covered in multi colored paint in the middle of the falling snow.

X•O°X•O

Industrial Room

A fan was blowing around paper made snow throughout the room. The projection monitor was showing a snowy background while snowing. The paper snow flakes that the van der Woodsen siblings had been making were taped to the walls. Dan walked in, seeing Serena sitting on a blanket in the middle of the floor.

Serena smiled. "Merry Christmas. Do you like it? Do you think it's cheesy?"

Serena giggled.

Dan shook his head, smiling, walking closer. "No, no, it--it's incredible. How did you do this?"

"Well, I had help from my elves," Serena answered.

Dan joined Serena on the blanket, sitting with her. "Your present is waiting for you at home, but, um, I did bring a little pre-present for you."

Dan pulled out a story, handing it to Serena.

Serena read the title. "Wait, this is your story."

"Yeah, it's the original," Dan answered. "It's right out of the spiral notebook."

"I'm kinda scared to read it," Serena admitted. "What happened to October 8th, 2005?"

"Well, I was accidentally invited to a birthday party where I met a girl," Dan answered. "She only spoke two sentences to me, but I've never forgotten her."

"Wait," Serena told him in surprise. "Your story's about me?"

Dan nodded. After a moment of looking at each other, they started to make out passionately. Serena pulled back the straps of her dress.

"Are we really gonna do this?" Dan asked.

"Yeah," Serena answered.

They continued to make out, laying down, not noticing in the sky light above them, that it was actually snowing.

(Song Ends)

X•O°X•O

X•O°X•O

Day Three

Morning - Industrial Room

Dan and Serena were laying on the blanket, covered by another, looking up at the skylight to see that it was still snowing outside.

"The arts and crafts were impressive, but how did you manage the real snow?" Dan asked.

Serena laughed. "I'm well connected."

"This is, without question, the best Christmas ever," Dan told her.

Serena put a hand to his cheek. "Ever in the history of Christmas."

"I hate to break the spell, but, uh, we better get home before our families wake up," Dan told her.

They smiled.

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Apartment - Living Room

Jack and Eleanor walked downstairs.

Jack pulled her closer to kiss her. "Eleanor, you are a marvel."

Eleanor chuckled. "Oh, stop it. Who knew there were men like you wandering around Central Park, lost?" They laughed. Harold and Roman walked out of the elevator. "Harold."

"Eleanor, good morning," Harold told her. "Jack, nice to see you."

Jack nodded, pulling on his jacket. "Morning."

Roman smiled. "Yes, wonderful."

"The flights were all canceled because of the weather," Harold explained. "I wanted to tell Blair, Thyra and Wyatt in person. Do not worry. We--we have a room at the Pierre."

Eleanor shook her head. "No, it's nonsense. You--you'll stay with us."

Harold smiled. "Thank you."

Eleanor walked Jack to the elevator. "You'll call me later?"

Jack smiled. "Oh, yes."

Eleanor turned to face him. "I'll be spending Christmas with my family."

"Bye," Jack told her, walking into the elevator, leaving.

Thyra, Blair and Wyatt walked downstairs.

"What's going on?" Blair asked.

"We're back for Christmas," Harold answered.

The three teens laughed in relief, walking downstairs, in their pajamas.

"Well, Roman, you are in for a treat, because a Waldorf Christmas is like no other," Thyra told him.

Wyatt smiled. "Come on, guys."

X•O°X•O

Palace Hotel - VDW Suite

Serena walked in, seeing the Christmas tree decorated with white lights and a big red bow at top, smiling in surprise.

Noe was sitting on the couch, in pajamas, looking back at Serena. "Hope you like it, Serena. Dan, Hope, Jenny and I did it last night, before your date with Dan, and before Hope's date with Alex."

Serena smiled, walking up to Noe, wrapping her arms around her from behind. "You were just a little elf for both families last night, weren't you, little sister?"

Noe smiled. "Would you stop calling me little sister? 10 months. That's all I'm saying."

Serena and Noe laughed, hugging.

X•O°X•O

Humphrey Loft - Living Room

Dan returned home. "Merry Christmas, Dad. You're up early."

"And you're getting in awfully late," Rufus replied.

"Oh, yeah, well, I left you a message," Dan told him.

"Saying the tree shenanigans were taking all night, but I didn't think you meant literally all night," Rufus told him.

Dan nodded. "Oh, yeah, yeah, the tree. It was a big production. Uh, luckily, Noe was there to help with the plan. We got everything ready for her, Serena, Lily, Eric."

"Lily was there?" Rufus asked. "I thought she mentioned she was out of the country."

"No, no, they're here," Dan answered. "They're gonna go see 'The Nutcracker' tomorrow."

Hope, Jenny and Alison walked out of their rooms, in pajamas.

"Do I smell chocolate chip waffles?" Hope asked.

"With hot caramel sauce," Rufus answered.

"Your father's Christmas specialty," Alison remarked.

"Dan, pass the chocolate chips," Jenny told him.

Dan did as told. "Good morning."

"Morning," Jenny replied.

"Hope, how did your date with Alex go last night?" Dan asked.

"Amazing," Hope answered. "He got me this whole fashion sewing set for my own outfits to make for my Christmas present because he knew that I was running low on stuff like that, and I tested it out this morning, and it was beyond incredible. What about you, Dan? And Serena last night?"

Dan smiled. "Like you said, amazing."

Jenny laughed happily.

"After breakfast and presents, I need to go to the gallery to take care of some stuff," Rufus told them.

Jenny frowned in confusion. "On Christmas morning?"

"Well, yeah, you know, art never sleeps," Rufus told them.

"But you know what?" Alison asked. "The four of us could hang out together. It'll be great. We'll drink hot cocoa and watch a movie, and then when your dad comes back, we can all go for a walk."

Jenny, Hope and Dan seemed to know that this meant Alison was going back to Hudson.

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Apartment - Living Room

(Song:) All That I Want - The Weepies

Wyatt, Thyra and Blair were opening their presents, spending time with Harold, Roman, Eleanor and Dorota as their family, all laughing happily.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Hear those silver bells? It's Christmas time in the city. Some families actually do make the yuletide gay, managing to leave their troubles far away."

Blair was trying on a robe. "Oh, it's beautiful. Thank you, thank you."

Roman stood shakily, limping on his injured leg. "You look like a brunette Catherine Deneuve Quelle magnifique."

Thyra was wearing a new jacket, smiling. "It's so gorgeous."

Wyatt gave Dorota a phone for Christmas. "Merry Christmas, Dorota. It's so we can text. Do you like it?"

Dorota smiled, nodding. "Thank you, Mr. Wyatt."

X•O°X•O

Humphrey Loft - Living Room

Hope, Dan and Jenny were opening their presents, spending time with Alison.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Other families have a Merry little Christmas even when their troubles aren't so far away."

"So what did Dad have to do at the gallery, exactly?" Dan asked.

"Uh, paperwork, I--I think," Alison told them.

"You're going back to Hudson, aren't you?" Hope asked.

Alison looked up sadly, nodding. "Yeah. But, hey, we are gonna be okay. Come here."

Alison embraced her family.

"We know," Jenny told her. "I'm sorry."

X•O°X•O

Palace Hotel - VDW Suite

Bart, Dylan and Brooklyn were here with the VDWs for Christmas morning. Eric looked at a jersey for the Marlins that was from Bart. Noe looked at the sun dress with palm trees all over.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Some presents might end up getting returned."

Bart looked at Noe. "I know how you like Florida." He looked at Eric. "And I know how you like the Marlins."

"Yeah," Noe said with forced brightness. "Wow."

"Uh, number one fan," Eric told him.

Brooklyn and Dylan laughed.

Noe looked around. "You know, Brooklyn, Dylan, Mr. Bass, I--I'm sorry, I didn't get anything for you, but, uh, I didn't know you'd be coming for Christmas."

"Uh, no worries, Noe," Dylan told her.

"We didn't even know that we were coming over until this morning, so no worries, like Dylan said," Brooklyn agreed.

"And please call me Bart," Bart told her. "I'll call you Noe if you call me Bart."

Noe nodded awkwardly in agreement, looking from Serena to Eric.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "But some gifts are for keeps."

Serena stood, picking up two presents, handing Noe the gold box. "For you." She handed Eric the blue box. "And for you."

"Thank you," Eric and Noe told her.

"Eric, Serena, Noe, I just want you to know that I have deep feelings for your mother," Bart told them. "And Brooklyn, Dylan, I hope you two and Chuck come to accept this rightly."

"Deck the Halls" ringtone started to play.

"Mom, your phone," Noe told her.

"Uh, Lily, you're not gonna want to interrupt this moment," Bart told her, kneeling next to her, holding out a small box.

Lily looked at him in surprise.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Other presents come when you least expect them."

X•O°X•O

Outside

Rufus was standing outside the hotel in the snow without a jacket on, hugging himself to keep warm, leaving Lily a message. "Hey, Lil. You know everything's closed on Christmas? Diners that claim to be open 24/7? It's false advertising."

X•O°X•O

Inside - VDW Suite

When Bart was proposing to Lily, Serena, Eric, Noe, Brooklyn and Dylan looked at them and each other in shock.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "And everyone knows the biggest present comes in the smallest box."

X•O°X•O

Outside

Rufus left Lily the voicemail. "So, uh, Alison's leaving. She's spending time alone with the kids. And I seem to have walked all the way from Brooklyn to your doorstep without a jacket, in the snow, so what the hell? I miss you, and I have been missing you for a while."

Rufus hung up.

X•O°X•O

Inside - VDW Suite

Bart opened the box to show the engagement ring. "Lily, would you do me the honor of being my wife?"

Lily's cell phone alert beeped. Serena, Eric, Noe, Brooklyn and Dylan looked at each other in shock.

X•O°X•O

Waldorf Apartment - Living Room

The Waldorfs, Roman and Dorota were taking a family picture together. "Fromage!"

"Ah, perfect," Harold told them.

They all laughed.

Blair's phone went off. She walked closer to pick it up, looking at the text from Chuck. "Don't worry, B. Who would I tell?" Blair opened the attachment from Chuck, seeing a picture of Nate and Chuck hugging on a beach, looking worried.

Gossip Girl: (voice over) "Then there are those boxes you wish you had never opened. Have a holly jolly Christmas. XOXO. Gossip Girl."