A/N: I'm so excited for this chapter. I had a lot of fun researching for it. It has some fluff in it, which I felt was needed in the story. Hopefully it's accurate, but if it isn't, I apologize to those who celebrate the holidays mentioned.

It's a little late for me to update, but I've had some job interviews this week that has had my focus. But I am back to the story and plan to get as much done as possible before I begin working.

December, 1942

Months went by without any sign of being caught, but everyone kept to the current plan. Much to her dismay, Helga stayed inside the house. She never realized how limiting it was to stay indoors, but she garnered sympathy for her friends, who have been hiding for years. As extra precaution, Phoebe also stayed inside. While the government couldn't do anything to her since she had diplomatic immunity, she could still be followed and give their hiding spot away.

All came to agree on the plan created to help them escape. Even Sid, who was rather impressed by the group's tactfulness. Gerald made all the necessary calls to Fuzzy Slippers, who also offered to let them know if there was talk of finding them. They were able to get the cargo ship's captain to let them stowaway whenever they need to leave, as long as he was given proper notice of when they were to arrive to Police. With all the hassle, Gerald decided to move in with the group, now making it eight people living in the house.

Gerald not only found out that Rhonda's parent still owned their vacation home in Stockholm, but she, along with Lila, were occupying the residence, in hopes to avoid the bombings in Britain. Fuzzy Slippers managed to get in touch with them and notify them of the situation. They were both shocked to know their two friends were in danger, and begged for them to come at once. When asked to everyone in the house, most wished to stay where they were. While they wouldn't have to fear every moment of being caught, they didn't see the need to leave while they are already safe.

Harold was adamant on staying because of Patty. While she was able to move on her own, she was still not talking. She would walk around the house in a daze, not fully aware of her surroundings. Harold feared that if were caught, Patty would be considered a mental patient and be experimented on. He asked they wouldn't think of leaving until she started to feel better or if they had no choice. The rest agreed, although they feared that Patty would never be as she was once before.

Curly was more than thrilled to take part in their plan. He even agreed to come with them to Sweden when they decided to leave. Helga couldn't help but laugh at his enthusiasm, but she couldn't blame him. Curly came over so often that he practically lived there. Slowly he began leaving clothes over the house and sleeping in one of the extra cots. Soon enough, he was living there as well, but kept his house outside the city.

Helga confessed to Curly what happened between her and Arnold. Curly smiled at her while giving her an 'I told you so' expression on his face. She jokingly threatened him for teasing her, but he knew it was in jest. The entire house knew about Helga and Arnold. They knew it would be difficult to hide their affections in such a household, so they let their roommates know almost immediately. Some, mainly Gerald, could not understand the attraction between the two blondes, but let them be. Others in the house were supportive the moment they were told. It brought a happiness to the household that has not been felt for quite some time, and no one was willing to take it away.

December had come, bringing a blanket of newly fallen snow. A fire was burning at all times to keep the house warm. The housemates decided that it was important to recognize the upcoming holidays. Some prepared for the Advent of Christmas, while others anxiously awaited the Festival of Lights, or Hanukkah.

Hanukkah came first, and all decided to celebrate it. The Jewish occupants were thrilled. It had been years since they were able to celebrate the holiday. Sid and Gerald were able to purchase ingredients for Jewish food and candles for the menorah Helga and Phoebe discovered in Oswiecim. They were also able to find dreidels to play with later in the nights. The others also asked them, along with Curly, to purchase trinkets in the Christmas market set up in the heart of Krakow. Eugene assisted Helga in preparing the foods, including challah bread, latkes, and jelly doughnuts. Phoebe and Harold set up the table.

At sunset, the group of nine gathered around the table. Harold stood in front of the menorah, which had the center candle lit already.

"Hanukkah," Harold began, "is a celebration of the Maccabee triumph over religious persecution by the Syrian king, Antiochus. When they defeated the king, the Maccabees reclaimed their temple. They had to light the eternal flame, but only had enough oil for one day, and a new batch of oil would not be ready for eight days. They decided to light it anyways. Then, a miracle occurred. The oil was enough to last eight days, when the new oil was ready. That is why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days."

Harold grabbed the center candle. "I will now recite the Hanukkah blessing." He started to light the first candle.

"Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'olam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'olam, she'asah nisim l'avoteinu, b'yamim haheim bazman hazeh.
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha'olam, shehekheyanu, v'kiyamanu vehegianu lazman hazeh."

(Blessed are You, O Lord Our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.
Blessed are You, O Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who made miracles for our forefathers in those days at this time.
Blessed are You, O Lord Our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who has kept us alive, sustained us and brought us to this season.)

When the blessing was finished, the group gathered to eat. All praised Helga and Eugene for their job on the food. When they finished, they cleaned up and retired in the living room. Some would play with the dreidel while others sat on the couches and watched their friends.

"Ha, Gimmel! I win!" Curly shouted. He picked the remaining tokens from the center and ran around maniacally.

"Hey, no fair!" Harold exclaimed. "I want a rematch!"

"You'll have to catch me first." Harold chased Curly around the house until he grew tired and collapsed on the ground. The others laughed at their juvenile behavior, but they were all enjoying themselves to reprimand them.

This continued on each night. The fourth night was a special one. Not only was it the first Sunday of Advent, but it was also the feast day of St. Nicholas. Normally, it was a tradition for children, but the group thought it would be fun to combine both holidays together. After Eugene lit the fourth Hanukkah candle (he and Harold alternated in lighting and reciting the blessing), Arnold lit the first of four Advent candles. Then, they each took their best shoes and placed them outside of their doors for St. Nicholas to leave goodies for them. Phoebe also placed Patty's out. When they woke up the next day, their shoes were filled with various treats.

"Gosh, how did you manage to get all of this?" Eugene asked Sid. "I'm sure it must be difficult with the limitation of sugar?"

"Let me guess," Helga interrupted. "You know a guy."

Sid laughed. "You know me too well."

"It's not my fault you are so predictable," Helga retorted, giggling.

The eighth and final night of Hanukkah came, and the group was saddened that it was almost over. They were able to forget all that was happening around them, even if it was for a short while.

The sun had set, and the group once again met around the table. "Before I begin the blessing," Eugene said, taking his position before the menorah, "I just wanted to thank all of you for helping us make this happen. As we enjoyed this holiday, I took it as our own battle. Even though we are forced to hide in darkness from the Nazis, we are able to light it with friendship and love. We have become a family, and I know we will stick together no matter what."

The group smiled at each other. Indeed they had become a family. They would fight and get on each other's nerves, but they all knew that they were there for each other.

Eugene finished the blessing and lighting the final candle. They had their last dinner together for the holiday. Because it was too expensive, they decided not to exchange gifts until the last night. Sid and Curly bought enough gifts for everyone to receive one. They had wrapped them in paper as a surprise. One by one, each person picked a gift from the pile. Harold picked Patty's for her. Some of the gifts were woodcarvings, while others were food or small paintings. When they finished opening the presents, Sid pulled out a flat square with a picture of a man on it.

"I got us a gift that I think we will all enjoy," he said. "It's American."

"From a guy you know?" they all joked.

"You know it," Sid laughed. "It came out weeks ago but a friend thought we could enjoy it. It is an American singer named Bing Crosby."

"Man, I feel bad for him for getting a first name like that," Helga said.

"How are we going to enjoy it if we don't understand English?" Harold whined.

"Helga and I both know English. One of us can translate," Phoebe offered.

"Sounds good," Arnold said. "What is the song called?"

"White Christmas."

Sid began playing the song on the record player in the corner of the room. The music filled the room before a man's voice began to sing.

"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white"

Phoebe translated the song as it went. Helga couldn't help but notice how beautiful the song was. She remembered of Christmas time in Germany before Hitler rose to power. She remembered the simpler times and wished how it could be like that again. She knew it would never be the exact same, but hopefully it could be better than what they had now. She knew it was important to get out of Hitler's grasp and away from the darkness that envelops them. She knew Sweden was the ultimate light, but for now, she will use the light of the menorah and the Christmas carol.

"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow"

Helga was enjoying the second round of the song when she heard a female voice singing. She looked at Phoebe, who was looking back at her. If neither of them were singing, who was?

"Patty!" exclaimed Harold. Everyone looked to where the two were sitting. Harold face was widened with excitement while Patty sang to the song. This was the first time she said anything since escaping Auschwitz. Overjoyed, Helga and Phoebe joined in as well for the last part of the song.

"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white"