A nod to Tess Gerritsen and TNT: Thank you for creating these lovely characters that we love to play with at times.

Jane and Maura sit on the floor of the living room with rolls of wrapping paper surrounding them. It is a dreary, gray, rainy day outside, but it is cheery inside. The fireplace crackles with warmth, Christmas songs are playing in the background and the Christmas Tree is lit (multicolors today).

Jane sits back and looks at the gifts. "I think we're doing pretty good with the present situation."

Maura looks at her phone. "Yes, the last of the gifts should be arriving by Tuesday. That is unless there are any last-minute emergency gifts we need to pick up."

"Do we have any plans for tonight Maur?"

"No, this is our quiet weekend, Jane. Next weekend we have 2 parties we are obligated to attend."

Jane starts to pick up the wrapping supplies. "Perfect." Jane stops for a moment to focus her attention on Maura. "Sweetheart, I know hosting the Rizzoli family is a lot, and I mean a lot."

"Jane, you know I love your family. It's enjoyable and," Maura pauses to choose her word, "lively visit on Christmas."

Jane guffaws. "Lively? That's a polite way to put it. I was googling something during the week that I wanted to suggest to you. I found this Christmas Lights Road Trip that I thought we could go on." Jane pulls up the road trip on her phone to show Maura. "See? We start here, drive, have dinner, drive some more and how about spending the night maybe here?" Jane is pointing at Stockbridge.

Maura's heart fills at Jane's thoughtfulness. "That sounds lovely Jane. What time do you want to leave?"

Jane looks at her watch. "We have a couple of hours before it gets dark, we don't have to rush. We'll finish cleaning up and then pack an overnight bag. Let's pack some warmer, outdoor type clothes for tomorrow. Just in case…."

Maura raises an eyebrow. "Just in case?"

Jane grins. "Yes, sweetheart, just in case I have something else planned for tomorrow that I want to be a surprise."

The next few hours in the car are spent singing along to Christmas music as they drove along looking for lights. Some are on Jane's list, others Jane will take a detour through neighborhoods with many decorations.

"Oh, look Maura. They have a whole Star Wars them going on."

"Jane, are we going to have cars driving by our house one year?"

Jane laughs, "Maybe."

"Oh, look at that one."

"That is really pretty."

"Wow! I wonder how much his electricity bill is."

"That house could be on that show 'Christmas Light Wars' ".

"See, that looks very elegant in all white."

"Yes, it does, but look how fun and festive that one looks."

"I agree."

Jane and Maura drive into their final destination of the day into Stockbridge. They check into their hotel and make reservations in the dining hall.

"I hear they have 4 poster beds and clawfoot bather tubs." Jane leans toward Maura to whisper in her ear. "I may have brought some toys. Shall we order room service?"

Maura feels her breath catch. "Hmm. I do believe I want dinner in the dining room. This will allow us to eat well to make sure we have plenty of energy for tonight. Let's look at the dessert menu to see what we can bring back to the room. I'm thinking maybe a chocolate cover brownie with extra fudge on the side?"

"I like the way you think darling."

Hey everyone. There really is a Christmas Lights Road Trip in many states. Check to see if there is one in your town! Hope everyone is doing well.

Hugs to all!