DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS!

Written for Sehrezad for NFA's 2011 SeSa. Prompts: Christmas tree; "I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus". Pairings: the main paring should be Zibbs (established) but I also like Tate, McAbby. Must Haves: I'd like to read something light-hearted involving the team; it should be a holiday fic and a family fic; maybe Fornell interrupts the family Christmas asking help in a case (if you can come up with a case that is somehow connected to Christmas that would be great but at any rate, it doesn't have to be very complicated, I'd like to have the focus on relationships)

XMAS TRADITION

Ch. 1

"Come on Gibbs. You promised," Ziva held the outfit up in front of her husband.

"I did. And I will," he pushed her hands down and gathered the fabric in his arms to stow behind his desk. "Just don't want to spoil the surprise for everyone," he smirked and his eyes twinkled.

"Yes, Jakob and Angela will be very excited," she smiled imagining the looks on the faces of their son and Tony and Kate's daughter. "I know you are a man of your word."

Tony exited the elevator giving them each a smile as he brushed some melted snow from his hair. "It's snowing again. Looks like it'll be a white Christmas after all."

"Yes. It surely makes for a pretty holiday," Ziva returned his smile. She gazed at Gibbs who was enjoying seeing the happiness in his wife's face. She was putting a lot of planning into this year's festivities.

Tony coughed, "Rule 12."

His boss turned his gaze on the senior field agent, "It's not in the office. Ziva was just leaving."

"I was," she said somewhat surprised. "Oh, yes, I do have to jog some errands," she nodded retrieving her purse and coat from her desk.

"Run some errands," Gibbs corrected gently as he watched her walk toward the elevators. He waved as she turned back to wiggle her fingers at him. Tony stood smiling at the pair of them.

His smile faltered when he heard his boss, "Something the matter DiNozzo?"

The smile not quite gone he replied, "I can't believe how much you've changed." When Gibbs turned to stare at him his head tilted slightly to the side, Tony sputtered, "Not that you aren't the same no nonsense Boss. But when you aren't the boss," Tony decided to quit before he buried himself in it. Pointing at the phone on his desk, he continued, "I'm going to start making some phone calls."

"Uh-huh," Gibbs rolled his shoulders and returned to sit in his chair smiling when his back was turned.

Tim and Abby's voices carried in ahead of their appearance. "I have to McGee." Abby whined.

"Drop it Abby. The directive is clear," he turned to stop her in her tracks holding her shoulders gently. "It's a wonderful thought, but please, please drop it."

"Abs?" Gibbs asked.

"Tell him Gibbs," she pulled her shoulders free to stand in front of the lead agent's desk.

"Tell him what?" he looked at his forensic scientist with wide eyes.

"No Abby," Tim said firmly. "Boss," he turned his attention toward Gibbs. "She has it in her head to throw an office holiday party. The director made it clear it was not allowed."

Gibbs couldn't help but smile at Abby as she turned on her heels to face off with her husband.

"McGee, he's being a scrooge and I won't stand for it," she almost stomped her boot clad foot as she put her hands on her hips. "I was going to include all the different holidays into one so that everyone would feel welcome."

Tim softened his approach. Knowing Abby's heart really was in the right place he talked to her gently. "I know you mean well. I do. But there are people that work here that don't celebrate anything and that's why the director wants to keep things out of the office."

Looking to further placate the Goth he saw as a daughter, Gibbs called to her, "Abby."

She turned her lips twisted in a frown. She still hung her hopes that Gibbs would save the day.

"Ziva and Ducky have it covered," he nodded at her.

Her lips curled into a smile and she stood taller, "Thank you Gibbs." She gave Tim a hug, showing all was forgiven and forgotten. "I'm going to see Ducky," she gave Tony a wave and walked off with a skip in her step.

"Thanks, Boss," Tim gave him a grateful smile.

"No problem. Now get to work," he nodded his head at Tim's desk.

"I've got a search going as we speak," he sat down and checked out the progress on his computer.

Abby entered autopsy to find the ME at his desk finishing his report. "Hey Ducky," she greeted.

"Why, hello Abigail. What brings you here?" he smiled warmly.

"Gibbs says you and Ziva are planning something for the holiday and I want to help," she stated pulling her shoulders back ready to take orders.

"Ah, yes, of course," Ducky stood fixing his glasses. "I know how much you like to partake in the planning for the holiday festivities. Ziva and I have saved the most important detail just for you."

Abby squealed and clapped her hands. "What do I get to do?" she asked excitedly.

"You, my dear are in charge of procuring the Christmas tree and its decorations," he told her solemnly, but couldn't quite hold back the grin seeing her enthusiasm grow.

"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you," she repeated jumping up and down. "I know just where I'll start and the perfect place to get the perfect ornaments and don't worry I'm sure I'll include something for everyone."

"Yes. Yes, I'm sure you will," Ducky tried to reel her in. "Now I'm sure you have some work that needs finishing, before you get too engrossed in your purchasing."

"Right you are. Work first," she turned to leave, but turned back again. "Thanks, Ducky."

"You're welcome. Ziva and I could think of no one finer for the job," he waved her away before sitting back at his desk.