On Christmas Day
All the song can be found easily on Spotify
Christmas Eve – 8pm
It was Sam's turn to put the children to bed, Mercy was busy downstairs tying to get presents wrapped, sneak a drink in and watch the door for his return, all at the same time. He'd been upstairs a good thirty minutes getting done what it took her 10 minutes to achieve. To make matters worse she'd rushed the wrapping, threw the drink down her neck and he was breaking a promise, he'd told her this evening was all hers, after the children went to bed at 8pm and it was well after that now, she got up and marched up the stairs to see what was up.
"Sorry" he told her when her head popped round the door "I think he knows we need time, he's refusing to even lay down let alone sleep"
"Josh" she smiled at their Sam child, he was everything of his Dad unlike Jahi; their eldest, who was totally her and Jem who looked like Sam sometimes but had Mercy's eyes and the attitude came with that much too early "Mommy's gonna do it" she crept towards him saying as he giggled for the play "You're going to sleep Dude Mommy needs Daddy like now, you're on my time now and you know that's no joke" she took him from Sam telling him, Sam laughing for the conversation she was having with their child "The Christmas Song'" she told him, he smiled and grabbed his guitar and started playing NeYo & Tasha Cobbs Leonard" version of the song as Mercy rocked Josh, he smiled as he watched his son naturally snuggle into his Mom, he loved that look on her
Sam: Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose, yeah, Yuletide carols being sung by a choir, and folks dressed like Eskimos oh
Both: Everybody knows
Mercy: A turkey and some mistletoe, help to make the season bright, tiny tots with their eyes all aglow, will find it hard to sleep tonight yeah yeah yeah
Sam: They know that Santa's on his way, Mercy: he's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh yeah, Sam: and every mother's child is gonna spy,
Both: To see if reindeer really know how to fly
Sam: And so, I'm offering this simple phrase, to kids from one to ninety-two,
Mercy: Although it's been said many times, many ways, Merry Christmas to you, they know that Santa's on his way,
Sam: He's loaded lots of toys and many goodies on his sleigh,
Mercy: And every mother's child is gonna spy,
(Sam) Both: (To see if) reindeer really know how to fly
Sam: I'm offering this simple phrase, oh, to kids from one to ninety-two
Mercy: Ooh although it's been said, many times, many ways, Merry Christmas,:
Sam: Merry Christmas,
Both: Merry Christmas to you!
"Why didn't I think of that?" he whispered as Mercy put a sleeping Josh in his crib
"Because your middle name should be delay"
"All part of the foreplay" he kissed her neck giggling as he grabbed her hips and marched her off to their bedroom
2am
Sam woke up stretched and smiled, kissing a sleepy Mercy's forehead he slowly got out of bed and exited the bedroom, they'd had a heavy evening, it wasn't often they got the opportunity to pay so much attention to each other what with Mercy at the boutique most the time still fitting singing around their life and him at the gallery or writing music while any other time outside of that was all about juggling the children, this festive holiday was more than welcomed
The previous year had been a bit of a lost cause what with Sam's Mom passing just weeks before Christmas sending Mercy into early labour, which came with some unexpected complications and resulted in their youngest Josh; being born on his Mom's passing day. It was a sad but happy day on Christmas day with their then 2 month old, taking over the whole day with feeds, nappy changes and crying for the morning followed in the afternoon by more of the same. In the mix for the afternoon was their moaning diva 5 year old Jem she went on all day because the day wasn't all about her, she'd been so used to being the centre of attention she just couldn't get it that the baby needed attention. By the evening they might as well have forgotten that 10 year old Jahi was even in the house, his new Xbox had become his parents, food and entertainment.
His Dad had told them he couldn't face the festive season this year, and they understood that, but they had three children to pacify so they couldn't ignore the season, Mercy talked her parents into joining Sam's Dad down at the family log cabin save leaving him alone to wallow, they jumped at the invite and made preparations for the holidays.
This Christmas Sam had a good time in mind, Josh was a very independent 14 month old, Jem had calmed down some, finally understanding that Josh was here to stay and Jahi had sort of taken over the TV in the main room so at least they saw him more often.
He'd woken up well before the alarm and stood half dressed in the window waiting for Mercy's unexpected presents to arrive. He ran to the door as he saw the first cab pull up and Blaine and Kurt appeared with 12 year old Angel looking all grown with a learned elegance, her long brown hair tied back in a simple pony tail and her clothes immaculate considering they'd been travelling for 9 hours "Shhh just go straight through" he instructed Blaine and Kurt as they fussed around Angel's case. She was mothered by Rachel, of course they'd vowed to spend every day together before the baby was born but when Jessie got called to Washington DC and Blaine and Kurt found work in New York so that got difficult and later on impossible, everyone knew the real reasons but it was rarely talked of, so these random mash ups were their thing. Sam followed them to the kitchen, and got them a hot drink
"How's things?" he asked Blaine standing at the sink as he hugged Angel "You've grown so much" he kissed her forehead telling her
"Fine thank you Uncle" she replied, her voice gentle and sweet
"The voice of reason speaks" Blaine laughed
"I missed you guys" he looked at her saying before letting her go to hug Kurt
"You mean you miss Blaine" Kurt told him
"He's my best Bud yes, but I miss everyone" he laughed "Rachel's coming you guys know that right?"
"Right" Blaine replied walking towards them with Kurt and Angel's hot drinks in his hand, giving them to them before grabbing a hug off Sam "Bro, take no notice of him I missed you too" he laughed
"Don't forget our Christmas song, we have to win the girls" Sam told them as they sat catching up before they put their cups in the sink and quietly went to bed
"2.30am" he looked at the clock saying as he made his way back to the window to wait for some more presents to come, hearing his phone bleep he knew more where on the way. He stood at the door waiting as the cabs pulled up with Santana, Brittany, Artie, Tina, Rachel and Jessie coming out all donning large parcels and smiles
"Does she know?" Rachel asked him
"Not a clue" he chuckled quietly
"This is going to be such fun" Brittany whispered
"We have an itinerary" Artie told him
"Hot drinks in the kitchen, and you know where your rooms are" he hurried them through the house saying "And quiet"
"I'm used to quiet" Jessie commented
"Things still rocky with you guys?" Sam asked as they followed everyone to the kitchen, watching Jess nod, Rachel had birthed Angel for Blaine and Kurt and a year or so later she'd tried to start her own family but try as they might she couldn't conceive, 2 years on things were getting difficult for the St James' so when the job came up with the view of things in Washington being permanent for him he jumped at it
"I mentioned adoption the other day and she wasn't adverse to it"
"That's a step in the right direction" Sam shook his shoulder saying "Make an appointment and see someone while she's got it in her head"
"Will do"
"By the way Blaine and Kurt are here with Angel, just in case you need to prepare her for anything"
"Thanks for the heads up, I kind of told her that might be the case"
"Art" Sam walked away from Jessie calling "Anything to be mindful of?" he asked when he got to him, watching Tina and Rachel getting into things at the kitchen table
"She's a bit touchy about me being blamed for this whole infertile thing still, her parents think it's me it's just easier that way, and don't ask her what's next, I'll cry"
"Does everyone know?" he looked over at Santana and Brittany
"I guess so, I don't think even Satan would be that insensitive" Artie looked across at them saying
"I'll go check" Sam told him going to stand with Santana and Brittany "I see you guys are as busy as ever, thanks for taking the time out" he said hugging Santana as he spoke
"It's family Sam we're bound to be here, we see each other once every like three years or something" Santana rolled her eyes saying
"And Britt nice to see you again too" he left Santana and hugged Brittany saying
"Looks like those two still have a lot in common" Brittany commented as they all three stood looking at Tina and Rachel talking
"Yeah" Sam sighed, he couldn't imagine life without his three, sometimes he had to just remember to be so grateful "So can we keep the baby subject off the table this holiday please?"
"Sure" Santana hugged him saying "When did you get so sensitive?"
"Prerequisite to being in the life of Mercy Evans" he smiled walking away from them to go break up the pity party Rachel and Tina had going on
"Ladies" he sat at the table smiling at them as he spoke "That's the last of that deep conversation, whatever it was about, we're here to share some time for the holidays let's make the day count"
"How are you Sam?" Rachel asked stroking his arm
"All the better for this day coming together, it's great to see you guys"
"It's great to see you too" Tina got up and hugged him saying "I can't wait to see Mercy"
"And the children, I can't wait to see the children" Rachel added
"You guys should get some sleep" Sam announced as everyone went into hug mode and left the kitchen, while Sam went about cleaning up, he had half an hour before the final couple were due to arrive and then he could get back to bed
Puck and Quinn arrived pushing his motorbike up the drive, they'd decided to act like children a good few years back, after Quinn announced she didn't want any more children. She couldn't keep any of their future babies knowing they'd given Beth away, and for Puck, after a while the bike because his happy place, Quinn sort of got on board with that about a year after and now they treated it like their damn baby "It's not coming in here" Sam stopped them at the door saying "Bring it round the side" he looked at the bike telling them
Puck understood, he did as told and smiled when he found a purpose built bike shed just for his baby "Thanks" he smiled when he got back to the front door to see a waiting Sam hugging Quinn
"Bro" Sam hugged him saying "I was just telling your wife, that baby is keeping you guys too young"
"We try" he replied as Quinn left Sam's side and clung to him
"You can help yourself in the kitchen and then bed or just bed up to you guys, but be quiet about it"
"Is everyone here?"
"Yeah you guys were the last, I got to get back to bed before Mercy misses me"
"Don't kid yourself, your not that good" Puck chuckled
"You could ask her but I'll tell you her answer to that would be the opposite" he laughed climbing the stairs as he spoke "Goodnight, and quiet" he whispered
He opened the bedroom door surprised to see Mercy's eyes open "Where have you been?" she asked sleepily "I was just about to get worried"
"I just popped downstairs to get me a hot drink, I couldn't sleep"
"I thought I'd put you to bed earlier?" she smiled "I must be losing my touch"
"Not at all" he climbed into bed telling her, pulling her to him to find sleep
"Daddy" he heard, it felt like seconds after he'd closed his eyes
"He's coming sweet" Mercy told Jem as she bounced on the bed "He's just got to do something for Mommy first, go on out and shut the door" she smiled watching her do as told
"So what is it that Daddy has to do for Mommy first" he lay resting his head on her arm asking her
"You know exactly what Mommy has to do for Daddy right now" she turned to tell him "You were up last night obviously something didn't go right for us"
"Everything went right, and the children are up, you make too much noise about our shit" he laughed
"I thought you liked my noise" she frowned at him
"I love your noise" he giggled "It's Christmas day let's get..."
"...you your first present" she grabbed his lips telling him, pulling him into her, he knew there was no point in fighting this mood of Mercy, he went about it as quietly as he could keep her, his body blowing as his mind was focused on how many people were in the house "Happy Christmas" she giggled as she rolled off him
"Shit Mercy" he gasped "That was the first present?"
"The very first" she giggled "Come on the children will want to open their presents"
6am
"Yeah sure" he rolled his eyes saying, like that wasn't what he was trying to say just under an hour ago, following her to the bathroom, they finally came out in their Christmas Pyjamas and grabbed the sack of presents from the cupboard before going downstairs
"Is that..." Mercy looked back at Sam following her down the stairs with the sack "It's Santana" she smiled as she listened to her singing
Santana: Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright, round yon Virgin Mother and Child, holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace
She rushing down the stairs to the main room opening the door to see their Glee family sitting around as Brittany and Santana had their youngest two in their laps everyone singing their version of 'Silent Night' by Kelly Clarkson, Reba McEntire & Trisha Yearwood turning to smile as they entered the room "Hi" she mouthed as she went around quietly hugging everyone listening to the song before everyone joined into the last verse
Rachel (Brittany & Santana): Silent night, holy night, Shepherds quake at the sight, glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing Hallelujah
Christ, the Saviour is born, Christ, the Saviour is born
Tina (Santana & Quinn): Silent night, holy night, Son of God love's pure light, radiant beams from thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at thy birth, Jesus, Lord at thy birth.
All the girls: Silent night, holy night, all is calm and all is bright, round yon Virgin Mother and Child, Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace
"Great start to the day thank you" Mercy smiled looking around the room when they'd finished
"Hi" everyone jumped up saying
"How did you guys..."
"... Happy Christmas" Sam grabbed her saying
"Happy Christmas" she reached for his lips telling him back "That was why you were up last night" she giggled
"We have a planned day" Brittany announced "Everyone get your Dubarry's on we got some early morning hiking to do"
"Seriously" Mercy stood asking
"Seriously Aretha get a move on, you live in LA for crying out loud the great hiking capital of the world" Santana laughed telling her "Lets see if you can reach some of those peaks you reached a while ago, that was the third carol" Sam looked at Mercy smiling
"There you go making too much noise about our shit" he whispered to her
"You could have told me people were in the damn house" she mumbled back at him
"Sam" Puck called getting his attention "Obviously I was wrong" he laughed
"Told you" he laughed
"Told him what?" Mercy looked up at him stood there grinning like a cat, asking
"Nothing" he kissed her nose saying
"Move it" Brittany shouted as everyone finally made a move to go get kitted up, jumped in the cars to get to the Franklin Canyon Park for their 1 mile hike, watching sunrise and ending with a short trip to the nature centre for the children
"Come on we have to get back for breakfast" Jessie told everyone "I'm a stickler for meal times" he looked at his phone telling them
8am
They sat round the breakfast table passing stuff around, tasting each others food and giving the children more than they'd ever ask for until everyone sat back totally stuffed "I guess we need to be thinking about dinner" Sam told them as they waited for their breakfast to settle
"Sorted" Artie told everyone
"I like the sound of that" Quinn replied
"Mistletoe" Kurt said excitedly pulling some out of his bag, everyone moved around trying to grab their partners for his crass game he liked to play every damn Christmas they'd ever got together, putting those cats amongst the pigeons "I have the hat with all the names in" he dangled the bag telling everyone as they all took to a series of eye rolls and tuts at his nonsense. "Here goes" he put his hand in the bag telling everyone "Quinn and ….." he put his hand back in the bag pulling another name out "Artie" he clapped his hands saying, the only one getting any enjoyment out of this game was him. He went over to Artie and waited for Quinn to get there to slap one on him, Artie made a joke of it licking his lips and rubbing his hands down his thighs in funny anticipation
"Give it to me girl" he held his hands out telling her as she came close, the kiss lasted the required minimum 10 seconds before everyone clapped
There'll be impromptu appearances throughout the day from my branch" he announced putting both back in his bag
"I have a song" Puck announced as everyone sat around waiting for him to get things together "Guys help me out" he called as they all went forward to help him with his rendition of 'Mistletoe' by Justin Bieber
Puck & Guys (Artie): It's the most beautiful time of the year lights fill the streets spreading so much cheer, I should be playing in the winter snow but I'mma be under the mistletoe, (I don't wanna miss out on the holiday, but I can't stop staring at your face) I should be playing in the winter snow, but I'mma be under the mistletoe,
Guys (Brittany): (With you) Shorty with you (with you) Shorty with you, (with you) under the All: mistletoe
Puck & Guys (Sam): Everyone's (gathering around the fire) chestnuts roasting (like a hot July), I should be chilling with my folks, I know, but (I'mma be under the mistletoe), word on the street Santa's coming tonight, Reindeer's flying through the sky so high I should be making a list, (I know) but I'mma be under the mistletoe
Puck & Guys (Brittany): (With you) shorty with you, (with you) shorty with you, (with you) under the mistletoe (With you) shorty with you, (with you) shorty with you, (with you) under the mistletoe
Puck & Guys (Jessie): Aye, love, the wise men followed the star, the way I followed my heart, and it led me to a (miracle, Aye, love,) don't you buy me nothing (don't you buy me nothing) cause I am feeling one thing, (your lips on my lips) that's a (merry, merry Christmas)
Puck & Guys (Blaine): It's the most (beautiful time of the year) lights fill the streets spreading (so much cheer) I should be playing in the winter snow (I know) But I'mma be under the mistletoe, I don't wanna miss out on the (holiday) But I can't stop staring (at your face) I should be playing in the (winter snow, but I'mma be under the mistletoe)
Puck & Guys {Artie} (Brittany): (With you,) shorty with you (with you) shorty with you (with you) under the mistle {toe yeah} (With you) shorty with you (with you) shorty with you (with you) under the mistletoe, {under the mistletoe}
All (Puck) {Artie}: Kiss me underneath the mistletoe (Kiss me underneath the mistletoe) Show me baby that you love me so {oh-oh oh, oh, oh yeah}
Kiss me underneath the mistletoe (Kiss me underneath the mistletoe) Show me baby that you love me so {oh-oh oh} oh, ohhh
"Sweet" Quinn smiled
"Can we open presents now?" Jahi asked, dying to get away to do his own thing
"We might save that till after dinner, keep you engaged" Sam told him, smiling as he rolled his eyes reminding him of his Mom yet again, the fact that he looked like her made him smile very time he looked at him, everything he did was like his Mom, stomping about when he didn't get what he wanted, he was fed up of hearing him screaming 'Peak' at everything they said or 'Manz don't even' preceding everything he ever said to them, telling them every time they told him to pack his shit away they were 'low key' or some shit like that. He'd given up trying to have conversations with him about anything except, football, bowling and school, he left him to Mercy because when they got into their conversations or arguments it was totally coded, he didn't get a lot of it, Mercy said 'extra' a lot and everything always finished with a 'done' and then they wouldn't speak for an afternoon or something
"Jahi" Quinn called him over to her "Come here baby, lets see if we can find something exciting to do" she grabbed him to sit with her and they sat cuddled together for a while before her head popped up "We have somewhere to go" she announced "Grab money" she laughed jumping up with Jahi's hand in hers
10am
They moaned about the drive but when they got to the animal sanctuary and saw some of the rare rescued animals, everyone's hearts were melted. The fed, helped walk and washed some of the animals before they took the children to get ice cream and hot doughnuts, Blaine giving them a super clean in the car before their hands could touch their food.
"I'm loving this Christmas day" Mercy announced "What time's lunch?"
"About 2ish" Artie replied
"I guess we have time for some more good will stuff, remember that commercial Christmas we had a lifetime ago?" Mercy asked
"The soup kitchen" Tina smiled "Feeding the world"
"Maybe just a few people at the centre, I know where one is" she clapped telling them "Come on it's nearly dinner time"
12pm
They rushed back to the cars and made their way to the centre "Mrs Fray I brought helpers" Mercy walked in telling everyone
"We have mouths to feed" she looked up at Mercy smiling as the crowd followed her in "Grab something, feed, read, play, clean or chat, take your pick" she fanned everyone off saying, too busy to stop just now "And we're grateful" she looked up from serving to tell them all
Everyone went about making themselves busy, then presents were handed out and Jem threw a fit for not being included "Jem" Sam shouted across the room as he heard her screaming concerned something was wrong, when he got there Jessie explained about the presents before Sam took her away from the crowd "Jem" he said sitting her on his knee
"Daddy" she huffed crossing her hands across her chest showing him she was having no other explanation except her present was on it's way, he looked over at Mercy and saw her smiling, she knew he had difficulty being serious with this child that had come out looking just like her damn mother, twice as sweet if that was possible and rude, she was much too young for him to label it as Tude
"Jem" he sighed "Could you not huff when Daddy needs to talk to you please, I've told you before it's rude"
"Sorry" she forced out rolling her eyes, Mercy style
"A lot of these children don't have warm beds, lots of presents and a house to go to, that present that they're getting will be the only one they get today, can you imagine getting one present?"
"No" she snapped
"And that's because Mommy and Daddy and Gramps and everyone make sure you get lots, it's not a right, its a privilege to get presents at Christmas, you know the story about Jesus yeah?"
"Yes"
"What was he born in"
"A manger"
"In a cold barn that had no heating, water, windows, food or anything" he lifted her face to look at him before carrying on "And the shepherds and the wise men came didn't they, bringing gifts remember?"
"Gold and stuff yeah"
"Today baby we're the wise men, so please be nice to all those people out there, remember their living like baby Jesus, and he turned out to be the most important person to have ever been born, one of them might become important too" he kissed her forehead telling her
"Sam" Mercy called when she saw he'd dealt with their daughter "Mrs Faye asked us to sing for these people" she told him as he came towards her, Jem making a sharp exit, knowing it wasn't the time to get her Mom involved in anything
"Yeah fine, what's on your mind?" he smiled watching Jem scurry off
What about 'When Christmas Comes' by Mariah Carrey & John Legend"
"Get in on this one Ladies" Sam called out as everyone congregated to sing a Christmas song
Mercy: The whole world, feels a little bit more love, when Christmas comes, when Christmas comes, and everywhere that you go, people singing 'Let It Snow' and hanging up, that mistletoe,
Mercy, Santana, Brittany, Rachel & Sam: And me and you gonna have ourselves, a holiday, and we don't need nobody else, to celebrate, and we're gon' kiss our worries, and our cares away, I can't wait, because this Christmas time, get together, it's gonna be so nice, better than ever, and baby you're the one, special treasure, I can't wait to unwrap your love, until Christmas comes, Oh baby...
Sam: So many souls hurt, so many don't have enough, when Christmas comes when Christmas comes, but baby if you spread love, someday it might be enough, to heal each other one by one
Mercy, Tina, Kurt, Quinn & Sam: And we gon' get together and rejoice and pray, and we gon' help the world become a better place and we gon' sing and shout, because the saviour reigns so don't dismay,
Sam & Mercy: Because this Christmas time get together it's gonna be so nice, better than ever because this gift of love lasts forever the Lord makes our hearts open up soon as Christmas comes, it's gon' be alright when Christmas comes oh jingle all the way oh what fun, hmm
Everyone: And we gon' reminisce about the good old days and we gon' laugh together as the children play and through the years is always, gonna be this way come what may
Sam & Mercy: Because this Christmas time get together, it's gonna be so nice better than ever and baby you're the one that I treasure, I can't wait to unwrap your love when Christmas comes
Everyone: Lalala dada dada dada dadada dada
"That was for Jem, she hears me better when I sing" Mercy whispered to Sam when they'd finished
"She does look" Sam smiled pointing at her giving a present to one of the babies "That's made my Christmas, she's growing so fast"
"They all are" Mercy looked around at Angel and Jahi helping to build a train track and Josh sitting quietly for once, listening to the story Uncle Jess was telling to a group of children, granted he was on his lap, but he was still quiet
"It's nearly time" Artie called across the room as everyone checked time, said their goodbyes and left for home
"Quickest couple of hours ever" Puck smiled not wanting to leave the children
2pm
"Half and hour" Tina called as they jumped out the car "Dress to impress" she walked off saying leaving everyone wondering what was going on
"I thought we were going to eat?" Puck asked looking more puzzled than usual
"I guess it's a special dinner" Brittany commented
"It's Christmas day" Blaine told her "Of course it's special"
"Come on guys presents after this" Rachel told the children to get them moving, watching as everyone ran into the house and Sam picked Josh up
Just over half an hour later everyone was back down sitting around the very well decorated dinner table, chatting about things that had happened throughout the day already, as they watched the children in their Santa's palace, sat with all their presents around them "Jahi" Mercy shouted as she saw him get up to grab one of his presents "If you get to do that everyone will want to do it, and Uncle Artie went to all the trouble to arrange this meal specially for us"
"Peak" he rolled his eyes saying finding his chair again, flashing bad looks to his Mom behind her back
"And I know you know who created that look boy" she told him before she turned to look at him again, her eyes telling him what he was saying to her straight back at him he could do no more than smile and carry on waiting for his dinner
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Chief" Artie announced grabbing hold of Tina for the excitement "Josiah Citron" he shouted as everyone gasped, especially Sam and Mercy for having the top Chef from Melisse in their home doing their Christmas dinner
"How did you..." Sam started to ask shaking his head when he just couldn't believe, the man was there in his house "Priceless" he knocked fists with Artie saying, as they tucked into a five course meal fitting for any royal family before slumping down to watch the children open their presents before exchanging theirs and everyone sat digesting
"I have a song for the children" Rachel announced "Grab some instruments guys" she told no one in particular but every man grabbed something "My Favourite Things' by Barbra Streisand of course" she smiled as Jessie timed her in and everyone sat listening to her well oiled instrument
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woollen mittens, brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favourite things, cream coloured ponies and crisp apple strudels, doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings, these are a few of my favourite things, girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snow flakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes, silver white winters that melt into springs, these are a few of my favourite things
When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad, I simply remember my favourite things, like sliver white winters that melt into springs
And then I don't feel so bad!
Everyone knew she was dealing with some stuff singing that song they sat for a while reflecting "This can't be the end of the day" Blaine announced
"Actually no it isn't" Kurt pipped up, lightening the air "I took note of Sam's comment about Jahi attaching himself to the electricals and thought we'd maybe go somewhere cold for a bit remind ourselves its actually winter in parts of the world" he smiled that mischievous smile as he looked around "So grab your warm jumpers, hats,scarves and gloves"
"I didn't bring anything like that" Blaine protested
"I packed you remember, you have it" Kurt smiled "We're going Ice skating"
5pm
They got to the Ice rink, grabbed skates and the children before any of the parents could get to them and they were on the ice "Klaine" Quinn shouted across at them as Jem hung onto her for dear life "I know it's usually your thing, but I have a song do you mind?"
"Go for it" Kurt waved he was too busy watching Brittany swinging Angel around like they were doing some sort of competition performance, gasping at every move, expecting to see his only child broken in a pile not too long from that second
"Girls, back me up" she shouted as she stopped at the DJ's set to give her instructions, he shouted out happy Christmas to their group and the music started as she skated around grabbing hold of Puck, he eventually grabbed Jem's other hand and she started singing her version of 'Winter Things' by Ariana Grande everyone grabbed their other halves as they skated about singing to the music blasting out
Quinn: It ain't even cold outside, not where I'm from, feeling like it's mid-July under the sun, my jacket don't get no love, no hats and no gloves
Not even a chance of rain, but my baby's in town and we're gonna do some winter things
Chorus
Quinn (Girls): (Heyo) I wanna pretend we're at the (North Pole) turning the heat into an (ice cold, holiday), made just for me and my (baby, oh
My baby's in town and we're gonna do some winter things) hey
Quinn (Girls) Take me to the ice-skating rink down town (Oh, no, no, no, down town), even though it's 100 degrees, gotta get out, (Out, ain't no ice and no chills, no snowmen to build, most of our friends at the beach, but my baby's in town and we're gonna do some winter things, hey)
Chorus
Quinn, Tina & Brittany: Just imagine that we're laughing, In my cabin, chilling by the fireside, even though this sun is blasting, we can be wherever if we visualize
Chorus
"Yeah" they heard as people around started clapping, they looked around at each other and laughed
"Thanks" Puck shouted proud of his wife
"Time to go" Sam told everyone as he looked at Jahi not having such a good time "Let's do something Jahi likes, Bowling" he told everyone looking at Jahi's face light up as a thank you to his Dad, that was one of their things they'd done since he was 1 year old, at first of course Sam let him beat him but the kid was good, he wasn't giving him any breaks now-a-days it was a running competition "Just for an hour, it's nearing Josh's bedtime"
6pm
"Gosh we've squeezed a lot into this day" Rachel sat to put her bowling shoes on saying "I'll need a holiday after this" she rested her head on Jessie's shoulder
"Night's coming" Kurt smiled
"Yeah" Puck looked at him waiting for his explanation
"I haven't forgotten about the Mistletoe, I just thought some of it was inappropriate for the children"
"If that was the only fun thing to do left in the world I think I'd stay sad" Mercy whispered to Sam making him laugh as they tended to Jem and Josh's shoes, Mercy went about setting up the teams of course Jahi was on her team, to Sam's disappointment, they played the three games Mercy's team consisting of Rachel, Santana, Puck, Jessie, Tina, Angel and Jahi won 2:1 so the losing team had to buy the snacks for later
"Okay home time" Sam announced looking at Josh getting fidgety in Mercy arms, the one place he loved to be, before looking at his phone to see it was nearly 8pm, finally everyone finished their game and settled in the cars for the drive home
"Dad" Jahi turned to look at him when he got to the top of the stairs "Thanks I had a great day today"
"Made all the better for you being in it son" he used his free hand to hug him kissing the top of his head "Kiss your Mom and straight to bed please" he told him putting Josh's head back down to rest on him
"I'll sort Jem" Mercy told him as she let go of Jahi and grabbed Jem's hand, leaning up Sam to kiss Josh, before Sam stooped down to kiss Jem and they went about their tasks, she washed Jem and put her to bed, checking Jahi had come out the bath as she left Jem's room and stood at Josh's bedroom door watching Sam with his son, she loved those moments, the one's you never get back
"Hi" he smiled when he turned and realised she was standing watching him
"I was just standing here in awe of my boys" she walked towards him saying "Do you think it's time?" she asked
Sam looked at his phone "Yeah it's time" he told her dialling his Dad's number "Dad" they smiled at each other saying, knowing they weren't feeling this conversation but they needed to have it "How did it go?" they stood listening to his Dad telling them it was nothing like last year and not a touch on the year before but he'd smiled and he was grateful for Mercy's parents being there, he asked about the children and finally told them to get back to their friends "Bye Dad, love you" they sung hanging up the call, standing in Josh's room hugging each other thinking about their Mom "Come on" Sam said a while later "Lets go be with our friends"
Meanwhile there was planning going on downstairs "I guess it might be our turn to suggest something for the adults?" Rachel asked everyone left in the room, as the sat around drinking
"As long as it's in the house" Blaine informed then as Kurt, Sam and Mercy were off putting the children to bed
"I've managed to get their regular sitter to agree to come in, she was glad to do it"
"And they know this" Quinn asked
"Not yet but I'm looking for some moral support here guys" Rachel looked around the room telling everyone
"Wait" Santana said holding her hand up "Before I agree to help anyone with anything I want to know what it is"
"We didn't know anything about your hike this morning" Jessie told her
"That's actually true" Tina piped in
"If Rachel's willing to do it, it can't be dangerous" Puck told everyone as they nodded in agreement
"Okay we'll help" Santana seemed to make the deal for everyone
"Why no snacks?" Sam came into the room asking with Mercy hand in his, looking around the room as everyone looked at someone else
"It's always left to me" Santana jumped up looking around the room, as Kurt came in "Rachel's hired your usual sitter she wants us to go somewhere this evening and we don't know how you guys feel about leaving the children on Christmas night" she got out as quickly as she could
"Where do you want us to go?" Kurt stepped forward asking before looking at Sam "I'm assuming we can trust your sitter?"
"Of course but it's Christmas day"
"And it's been at least two years since we all spent a damn day together" Mercy reminded him "And do we know when this is going to happen again? No" she answered her own question "So I'm in, if you want to stay and look after them that's fine by me too" she looked up at him saying
"I see we have 21 year old Mercy back" he looked at her saying
"I can get 17 year old Mercy back if you want" she looked at him saying
"I don't think we knew..." Brittany started to say as Santana stopped her, shushing her quickly
"So Kurt, Sam, what are you saying?" Rachel asked
"Well we've done everyone else's stuff so I suppose, but I thought I'd get my mistletoe thing in check this evening" Kurt sulked
"I'm in with Rachel's idea" Sam stepped forward saying on hearing that "We need to get changed" he grabbed Mercy to leave the room
"What's up?" she looked up at him asking
"Nothing" he ran up the stairs telling her, shutting the door as they entered their room, before he spun her round to face him "This game" he held her close to him "Don't tell me your shit's totally gone about those girls, I know it hasn't"
"It has, totally" she smiled "I got much bigger shit about you" she pulled his head down to meet her lips "I forgot to tell you this morning" she looked into his eyes "I love you Sam Evans"
"Always loving you right back Mercy Evans" he pulled her into him taking her lips again "Come on we better get dressed before this gets out of hand"
"And apparently I'm not quiet about it" she laughed
"Now you believe me" he laughed letting her go to get dressed
They got dressed and ended up going as you'd guess to see the Christmas day showing of Wicked, there was no hiding it, they all enjoyed it, that stuff was definitely their thing
10.30pm
"Please tell me it's time to relax" Quinn said kicking her shoes off as she walked through the door, Sam picked them up and put them in the cupboard, Mercy had a thing about that stuff
"What are you doing?" Mercy looked stunned at him asking
"Nothing" he rolled his eyes in reply "Well Quinn left her shoes in the hall and I put them in the cupboard"
"So now your her what?"
"I was trying to stop this" he hissed "Can we not, while she's in the damn house" he cut his eye at her saying "Shit's totally gone, not" he snapped
"I'm tripping maybe I'm tired" she tapped his chest telling him "Sorry" she reached up kissing his lips
"We can sleep all day tomorrow" Kurt announced taking the dreaded mistletoe out of his man bag, everyone rolling their eyes at that sight of it "Let's get this over and done with" he smiled pulling the bag of names out as he spoke
"We need to go down to the den, just in case the children wake up" Sam told everyone as they made the final move to where most of them would be sleeping if their past party hard morning afters were anything to go by
"Shots" Puck shouted and all the guys jumped for that, they needed some Dutch courage and an alcohol mask for the shit that was going to hit the fan for this supposedly fun activity of Kurt's
"Line them up" Sam said grabbing the bottles of anything he could find and shot glasses
"Okay" Kurt demanded order saying "I'll call all the pairs and then we'll have a marathon" he dipped in his bag telling everyone "So Puck and... Rachel" he laughed "Blaine and ..." he looked at Blaine before he read it out "Mercy" he laughed "Brittany and … Tina" he clapped his hands excitedly"
"Tina's still going to be straight after that kiss Kurt" Artie assured him
"Sam and ...Me" he squealed "You know I've wanted on those lips since the first day we met" he laughed "Don't worry I'll be gentle" he smiled as everyone looked at Sam with sorry eyes "That just leaves Santana and Jessie" he looked at each of them saying "In no particular order"
"Here you go" Puck said handing the shots out "Come on Lentil we've been here before" he threw his drink down his throat, grabbed her head a attached his lips till everyone counted to 10 and came out of it alive and victorious "Shot" he ordered with his hands in the air
Sam was drinking and chatting just like the next man, but his eyes were on Mercy, he knew she never liked these games and with Kurt blowing that shit up like he did she'd be fuming, she was hiding it well, but that just meant there was going to be a night without sleep when everyone left, she stored shit like that.
"I guess we'll go next?" Santana asked Jessie "No tongue" she warned before he came close, they went in for their 10 seconds and licked their lips at the end of it "Nice kisser" she told Rachel
"Shot" Jessie called smelling trouble, Sam didn't question it, when a man called shots he had his reason, he poured a round
"Sam, shall we?" Kurt asked
"I'm not ready yet" he told him throwing another shot down him
"Sam" Mercy came up to him a short while later tapping him
"What's up?" he turned to ask
"Nothing, just stop stressing and do it, we'll play his game" she smiled as she stepped off
He pulled her back to him "Are you laughing at me?"
"Would I do that?" she turned fully to him to ask
"No I guess I'm bugging out about this shit"
"Just do it" she smiled up at him kissing him quickly before walking off
Sam threw one more shot down before he called "Kurt, I think I'm ready now" he swallowed hard telling him, broadening his shoulders and taking a breath "Hit me" he told him closing his eyes for the vision he had in his mind, putting him in a mind to punch this guy out, he felt Kurt's lips on his and he seemed to be going for gold on Sam's puckered lips, Sam started wishing the time along with his hands as the crowd stood counting slower then he ever remembered counting. Suddenly he heard 10 and pulled himself away from Kurt's lips to see his eyes still closed, it looked like he was savouring the moment
"Sam Evans you have just officially kissed all the original girls of Glee club" he opened his eyes telling him
"Shot" Sam shouted, wiping his lips, as Puck did the honours and he took another one straight after
"Can I do mine really quickly before I flake out?" Tina giggled running up to Brittany "Come on girl, let's get this done" she went towards her saying and before they knew it they were hearing 10 and parted company "it's not that bad" she turned to Mercy telling her
"I don't have a problem kissing Blaine" she told her as Sam stood wondering how to feel about that, it was just never a pairing he'd imagined "Blaine" she called him to her as everyone looked on, Sam recognised the look
"What the fuck?" he muttered as he saw his wife coming on to his gay best friend, he watched as she threw her arms up over his shoulders and pulled his head into hers, doing that thing she does with the hair at the back of his head, her eyes definitely telling him she wanted more, they rarely reached the bedroom with those moves "Mercy" he shouted as everyone stood watching this seduction for want of a better word, noises around the room as everyone all but cheered at the show
"I'm gonna kiss you Blaine" she told him, her voice seeping sex as she pulled his head towards hers and took his lips, Sam was counting in his head from the first look so when their lips touched he was at 8 as he heard everyone starting at 1, he looked to his left to see Kurt standing with his mouth dropped open and his face as red a beetroot and smiled
"She's dealing with it" he smirked to himself relaxing in the payback his wife was giving, pissed that she stayed with it till nearing 15 but hey Kurt got the message 'Don't fuck with the Evans' he thought laughing when Blaine turned round and he looked genuinely blown away
"What was that word Jahi taught us today?" Blaine asked Kurt
"Savage" Kurt told him still looking perplexed
"Savage, I get it now" Blaine said grabbing Sam's t-shirt as he walked past him, Sam laughed
"Right that's the very last game of that ever, it's banned" Kurt announced as he went off to talk to Blaine obviously about what just happened while everyone stood clapping
They slowed down on the shots after that as everyone sat around relaxing, this was the first opportunity they'd got to actually catch up since they'd arrived, the girls grabbed the wine and found the couch while the guys went nearer the bar and pool table
The Guys
"Doubles?" Puck asked as he set the game up
"Yeah" Jessie replied as Sam poured drinks and Blaine grabbed the cues
They were playing pool for anyone looking in from the outside, but in that circle they were sharing
"I'm so fed up of fucking crying" Artie told them looking back at where the girls were sitting "She's like this ray of light all through the day, forever conscious that someone's watching her every move, and at night she bawls I mean proper bawls like life needs to end, this past night's been the best in ages, because we were travelling" he wiped his face telling the guys "I wished I could make her happy"
"I'm sure you do Art" Sam told him
"I mean really happy" he looked at them saying, a silence falling as everyone considered what their happy actually was
"I long to have children, more children I mean, I just went along with the no more thing to keep Quinn happy, I need her to be happy, I was mad about it for a long while before I finally brought my substitute kid, as in bike, and sometimes I sit and think deep about it, I think there's just so much we could offer a child"
"The only children my wife acknowledges are the one's that are in this house right now, don't even think about mentioning my brother's boys that's a week without talking, sealed with a 'you hate me for this life' ten day conversation. As I told Sam earlier on I mentioned adoption the other day and she didn't blow" Jessie smiled "That would bring us so much joy, I feel like crying too for what could have been" he looked at Blaine saying "And don't get me twisted, I'm not blaming you guys for anything Angel's the most beautiful young lady, I just wish we'd get a break you know"
"Your play" Sam told Blaine because he'd stopped moving to look at Jessie
"We do appreciate what Rachel and you did for us, every day" Blaine told him
"And I'm sure, in fact I know, we're happy that Angel's here and she's such a happy child, you guys should be proud" Jessie told him
"So Sam" Puck said pointing to the table "What's it like in paradise?"
"Ha" Sam laughed "Paradise is great today, it's been a while since we got time to be, all of us, in the same place I mean"
"I'm talking about you and your wife Dude"
"So am I" he laughed "If she's off I'm here and visa versa, I swear she has our babies on a clock just to slow shit down when it all gets too much you know, so she'll be back at it hard when Josh gets to two" he frowned "Give that a year or so before I get the crying, begging, shouting, full blown Diva shit when she wants her babies, but I wouldn't want anything else in their place" he smiled looking across at his wife as he smiled "We're blessed" he told them "We all are, look at them"
"What's up?" Mercy asked as she turned to see him looking at her
"I love you, did I tell you that today?" he shouted across at her
The Girls
The girls conversation was much the same focus as "Santana asked the question she'd told Sam she wasn't going to be so insensitive about "So how are you girls getting on with the treatments?" she looked at Rachel and Tina asking
"It's not going well" Tina replied "I was telling Rachel this morning that every treatment we try it ends in disappointment, I think Artie cries a lot but he hides it from me, or at least he thinks he hides it, it breaks my heart that he doesn't feel he can be honest about his feeling with me, but you all know I'm a cry baby" she giggled "I just need him to keep remembering I know this isn't him, I know he loves me as much as I love him"
"Jess can be a cry baby too, I see him sometimes wiping his eyes" she looked over at him telling the girls "I don't want to hurt his feelings, you know men don't cry and all that, so I just let him be"
"Talk about soppy men, Puck's cleaning his baby with his damn tears" she chuckled "I love him but I need to have answers when Beth decides to come find us again"
"I told her I was coming here when I spoke to Mom the other day" Rachel told her
"She has a good life, and that's what we wanted for her" Quinn replied smiling at Rachel "We're grateful to your Mom"
"But seriously Quinn I know it's your choice, but me personally more all the way" Brittany told her
"Sam just moans a lot, when I decide our family needs to grow, it takes some talking, shouting even crying" Mercy laughed
"We've all witnessed you bring him to tears too" Santana laughed as the others all looked round at their men playing pool
Sam shouted something to Mercy she smiled before replying "I remember hearing something, apparently I was being very vocal this morning" she laughed looking back at Santana
Everyone
"So" Kurt said as everyone rolled their eyes for his suggestion again "No no, this is about our Christmas sing off" he waved his hands about telling everyone "We have a song ready
"We've been talking and we have a song for you guys first" Brittany told them "Nothing to do with the sing off"
"We do?" Mercy asked looking back at Brittany
"Well everyone was saying how you guys like to cry in private..."
"... Brittany" Santana pulled her down hissing "That was a girl secret"
"Well nobody told me" she pulled away from her saying, looking back at the guys "So here's a song that came to my mind to make you guys feel better" she told them as she made her way to the pod to put the music on for the girls to sing their version of 'Snowman' by Sia "Take it away" she ran back as everyone smiled at the song choice before finding their other halves
Brittany: Don't cry, snowman, not in front of me, who'll catch your tears if you can't catch me, darling, if you can't catch me, darling
Rachel: Don't cry, snowman, don't leave me this way, a puddle of water can't hold me close, baby, can't hold me close, baby
Chorus
Girls & Kurt: I want you to know that I'm never leaving, cause I'm Mrs. Snow, 'till death will be freezing, yeah, you are my home, my home for all seasons
So come on let's go, let's go below zero, and hide from the sun, I love you forever and we'll have some fun yes let's hit the north pole and live happily
Please don't cry no tears now It's Christmas baby, my snowman and me, yea my snowman and me, Mercy: Baby
Quinn: Don't cry, snowman, don't you fear the sun, who'll carry me without legs to run, honey, without legs to run, honey,
Tina: Don't cry, snowman, don't you shed a tear, who'll hear my secrets if you don't have ears, baby If you don't have ears, baby
Chorus
"That was nice Britt" Rachel hugged her saying
"It was" Tina turned to the girls to say "And I guess we all meant it when we said we'd love you guys forever" she told everyone gaining herself a group hug "I understand crying" she told Artie as they hugged "And there's no shame in us doing that together, we share the same pain"
"I know" he said wiping his eyes
"Why didn't you tell me you knew?" Jessie asked Rachel
"I do it in private too" she hugged him telling him
Quinn just hugged Puck they stood for a while not saying anything before she looked up at him "We'll talk about this again" she finally told him bringing a smile to his face
"There's very little we understand when she does talk, but then she brings shit like this making everyone cry and she's so sweet" Mercy hugged into Sam telling him with cry in her voice
"I know" Sam held her saying
"I hate to break this moment up because no doubt that was so sweet, but the competition is still on" Blaine announced "We'll do ours give you guys a rest for a second" he went over to change the song choice as the guys got into mode
"We went traditional" Puck said as the music started playing
"No no you guys can't have that we chose that" Rachel jumped up telling them
"Declare it a tie and we'll share" Sam told them smiling
"We'll see what you bring before we decide on that" Santana told them
"A firm yes or no deal" Puck demanded
"A firm deal" Quinn told him grabbing his hand as they made ready again to sing their version of 'Hallelujah; by Pentatonix
Blaine& Kurt: I've heard there was a secret chord, that David played and it pleased the Lord, but you don't really care for music, do ya?
Sam & Artie: Well it goes like this, the fourth, the fifth, the minor fall, the major lift, the baffled king composing Hallelujah
All: Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Puck & Jessie: Well, your faith was strong but you needed proof, you saw her bathing on the roof, her beauty in the moonlight overthrew ya
Blaine & Sam: She tied you to the kitchen chair, she broke your throne and she cut your hair, and from your lips, she drew the Hallelujah
All: Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Rachel & Tina: Well baby I've been here before, I've seen this room and I've walked this floor, I used to live alone before I knew ya
Santana & Mercy (Boys): And I've seen your flag on the marble arch (marble arch), and love is not a vict'ry march (a vict'ry march), It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah (broken Hallelujah)
All: Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Quinn & Brittany: Maybe there's a God above, but all I've ever learned from love, was how to shoot somebody who outdrew ya
Mercy & Rachel: And it's not a cry that you hear at night, it's not somebody who's seen the light, it's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah
All: Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Mmmm, Mmmm,Mmmm, Mmmm
"I can't deny that was beautiful, Happy Christmas everyone" Jessie said as everyone went around hugging everyone else, repeating the Happy Christmas wishes
"And that brings us nicely to 2am, and time for bed" Mercy announced
"Not quite" Kurt smiled at her saying "A little bird told me you had a little Christmas song of your own come out this year Mrs Evans, and if there was ever anything that sent me to a happy sleep it was your voice so will you do us the honour?" he asked
"I knew it was too much to ask"
"What was?" Quinn asked as Mercy walked past her to sit with Sam
"Not to hear my own voice too much for the day" she laughed
"But Diva, that's all we want for Christmas" Santana laughed as they settled down to hear Mercy sing 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' by Amber Riley (Leading Ladies)
Have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light, next year all our troubles, will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas, make the Yuletide gay, from now on our troubles, will be miles away
Here we are as in olden days, happy golden days of yore, faithful friends who are dear to us, will be near to us, once more
Someday soon we all will be together, if the fates allow, until then we'll have to muddle through somehow
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now
"Happy Christmas Babe, I love you" Sam kissed her nose telling her as she lay on his arm
"Happy Christmas, I love you too and thanks for my present, best Christmas ever"
The End
Happy Christmas all, hope you got everything you needed