Twas the week before Christmas and it was busy at the Bings. Monica had her little helper and she was fascinated with watching her aunt cook and bake , everything with just the right amount of love. Of course, this also meant her special candy. Monica had managed to set aside two special batches, one for her brother in China and one for Joey.

Despite objection from his wife, Chandler and the kids decorated the tree. Each ornament represented a person or an event in the gang's life. Each birth and each marriage was included. There was music notes and masks of comedy and tragedy, a small replica of Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower, little pumps , food, and of course a tiny dinosaur. Chandler put Erica in his arms and lifted her to put the star at the top of the tree. It had been left up to Monica this year to educate the children about Hanukkah. She told them the story of how the lights of the temple were lit and stayed lit for all eight nights. As male head of the household by Jewish tradition, Ben had the honor of lighting the menorah. Rachel had continued to busy herself with holiday plans , even bringing her step son Ben to the fancy holiday party. Ben was now a handsome blonde haired young man who Rachel was proud to have as her date.

Monica played Santa and corresponded daily with Jessica. The two were becoming fast friends as the planned the Christmas surprise. Jessica told Monica that she would watch and entertain Emma so her parents could have alone time. She had also reserved a suite and arranged a romantic dinner for them for New Years Eve in Beijing. Monica took care of the NY plans, while Jessica handled the plans in China. She also knew the size of the scientists' home away from home, and knew that Ross' wouldn't' be big enough for both daughter and wife. She would put a little cot in hers , then Emma could sleep there.

The contributions rolled in. Phoebe and Mike, Joey and Alex , Leonard Greene even contributed so his granddaughter could visit her father for the holidays. Chandler was pleasantly surprised by this.

"He loves his daughter." Commented Monica

"Yeah, but he hates Ross." Chandler answered glibly.

Monica ran her manicured fingernails across the dimple in his chin. "Not everyone can be like your mother." She giggled. Chandler pulled away at that comment. "Don't ever mention that again." He said as he made a gurlgling noise and made a sour face.

Monica tried to be happy as the final contribution was made to the "Send Rachel to China fund." Her and Emma could have a trip to remember. However, once again , Judy made her own daughter feel inferior.

"We are so proud of our son and all the wonderful things he's done. We always knew he was going to be a success.' She crowed. Monica once again felt like she did when she was a teenager and Chandler could sense this. He stood up to defend his wife.

"Just because Monica isn't world famous or has a PHD , doesn't mean she isn't any less special than Ross. She is a great wife and mother and she has managed to accomplish something that your great son couldn't , stay married to one person." Judy stood and stared at her son in law. Then she smiled at him and brought him to her arms for a hug.

"You are absolutely right , Chandler. We have been terrible to Monica ." She asked Monica to come to her and then gave her a huge smile. "We are proud of you. You have grown so much from an insecure teen to the confident and successful woman that you are today. We are proud of both our children." She said with a kiss on her head. Monica went to her husband and through her arms around him and looked into his blue eyes. "Could I BE in love with you more?
" she cooed. His smile told the same to her.

Jessica had confirmed the details to Monica . It brought a smile to her face to do this for her dear friend. She actually couldn't wait for them to come. She was looking forward to spending some time with Emma and she also couldn't wait to see the woman who had captured Dr. Ross Eustace Geller's heart.

"Been spending a lot of time online lately. Internet lover?" Jessica's concentration had been broken by Ross and his joke. She closed the lid on the laptop. "Nope ebay." She lied. "I am starving. Let's go get food." She left the computer and her and Ross went to get something at a local place down the road.

All the presents were now wrapped and carefully placed under the tree. Monica knelt to put the final one down and she was surprised to hear a deep voice saying "Ho ! Ho! Ho!" She got up and then stared at the beaded gentleman before her.

"Have you been a good girl this year?" the Jolly elf asked. She grinned and then ran her fingers through the white beard. She was dressed a red teddy under her red silk robe. "Yes and now I will be even better." She through her arms around his neck and then her and Santa began to make out. Little did they know that there was an audience close by,

"Let's see what Santa left." Whispered Jack as his co conspirators Erica, his cousin Emma, and Uncle Joey peeked from the banister at the top of the stairs. In the dark downstairs , two figures could be seen. One was very familiar and then when he looked, Joey could see that the other was very naked. A smile came to his face when he realized the identity of the one.

"Monica!" he yelled. Monica grabbed the teddy and red robe and thre w them on as Santa stood looking embarrassed. Joey couldn't stop grinning as he watched her dress . "Joey!" she yelled.

"Mommy what were you doing to Santa?" Erica asked innocently. Emma answered in a guilty way. "I don' t know , but I have saw my mommy and daddy play that too." Monica ran from the site , leaving Chandler Claus to face the toddlers. The embarrassing moment was broken when Rachel came from the guest room with a NYU Faculty sweatshirt that hung to her knees. She turned to the gathering and glibly said. "All we need now is the Holiday Armadillo and Superman." She then turned melancholy. "It is now Christmas morning there, Ross just wished me a Merry Christmas." She then turned to enter her room and slammed the door. Monica knew this was the perfect thing and she couldn't wait for her to open the gift.

Rachel laid in the bed and turned to the nightstand and looked forlornly at the framed picture of Ross in a frame. At the same time in China, Ross held the glass of wine and then turned on the cd…

"All I want for Christmas is you." Mariah Carey sang as he looked at the picture of Rachel. He wished with all his heart that night that the next morning he would be staring into her eyes , little did he know that his Christmas wish was about to come true.

Merry belated Christmas friends fans… and sis I hope you enjoyed the Mondler moments….a special Christmas gift to Mondler fans as we get ready for the premiere of Dirt and the return of Studio 60…..

Next chapter …..Rachel's Christmas Surprise…..