CHARMED

"Deck The Halls"

By J. B. Tilton (a.k.a. NoAzMale) and Teri Thibeault (a.k.a. Tessalynne)

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evilgidget_

Rating: K

Disclaimer: "Charmed" and all related characters and events are the property of the WB television network, except for those characters specifically created for this story. This is a work of fan fiction and no infringement of copyright is intended.

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The Charmed Ones set out to teach the true meaning of Christmas to an old friend of Gram's with some surprising results.

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ONE

Piper came into the dinning room carrying a tray with glasses on it filled with a yellowish-white liquid. She sat the tray on the table and everyone gathered around.

"Well, Paige," said Piper, picking up one of the glasses and handing it to her, "since this is your first Christmas in the manor you get the honor of the first glass."

"You actually make eggnog from scratch?" Paige asked, taking the glass.

"Every year," said Phoebe as the others each picked up their glasses. "Non-alcoholic of course. And it's the best eggnog I've ever tasted."

"She uses only fresh ingredients," said Leo. "No powdered spices for her. If they're not fresh she won't use them."

"I am a chef, after all," said Piper. "Nothing but the best for my family."

"Well, I'm really looking forward to it," said Cole. "I remember your eggnog from last year. If it's that good I hope you'll be making extra this year."

"I'll see what I can do," said Piper.

"Uh, Piper," said Paige. "I think you may have miscounted. There seems to be an extra glass here."

"Oh, she didn't miscount," said Phoebe. "Especially with the first batch there's always one extra glass. For a very special guest who shows up this time of year."

"Guest?" Paige questioned. "What guest?"

"Why, me of course, dear."

Paige just watched as Grams suddenly materialized in the dinning room next to them. Only she wasn't the transparent spirit she usually was when she came to the manor. She was just as real and as solid as any of the others in the room. She reached over and picked up the last glass of eggnog.

"Grams always comes by for a visit at Christmas," said Piper. "This is the first year without Prue. I'm glad to see at least this much hasn't changed."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," said Grams, sipping the eggnog. "And Piper this is the best batch you've ever made."

"Well, it is your recipe," said Piper. "Well, mostly it is. I did make a few changes to it."

"Phoebe's right," said Paige. "This is the best eggnog I've ever tasted. But then I'm afraid the only eggnog I have to judge it by is the type you get at the grocery store."

"I actually like that eggnog," said Cole. "Oh, not as much as Pipers' but for non-alcoholic it's not bad."

"Well, you can only get that eggnog between Thanksgiving and Christmas," said Piper. "Since I have the recipe I can make it any time I want to."

"Oh, that would ruin it," said Phoebe. "One of the great things about it is that we can only get it at this time of year. It kind of makes it special."

"Well, my time here is limited," said Grams. "They only allow me to stay a couple of days. I say we go into the living room and have a seat and enjoy this wonderful eggnog and you can all catch me up on what's been going on. Especially with Paige. There's still a lot about you I want to know."

"Well, they've told me a great deal about you all ready," said Paige. "But I'm sure there is still a lot the haven't told me. It's nice to have a family to learn things about. It's something I did miss while I was growing up."

"Then I'd say we have a great deal to talk about," said Grams as she took Paige by the arm and started heading for the living room. "I assume you've all ready read about the family history in the Book of Shadows. Now, why don't I fill you in on some of the family gossip that's not in the Book of Shadows? Some of the more interesting stories."

"Oh, God," said Piper. "You don't think she's going to tell her the story about the rag doll, do you?"

"I'd bet on it," said Phoebe. "We'd better get in there so she doesn't embarrass us too much."

"The story about the rag doll?" questioned Cole. "Just what is that about?"

"Never you mind," said Phoebe, dragging him toward the living room. "It's not something you need to know about."

Together the four followed Grams and Paige into the living room.