My note….I hope I don't offend anyone with this chapter, that is never my intention in any of my works. I wanted to include the holiday of Hanukkah because it is definitely something Ashley would celebrate with her blended family. Unfortunately, I did not learn as much about Hanukkah as I would have liked in my 12 years of Catholic school(sarcastically making fun of school teachings), so most of the content is a mixture of things I've heard from friends and the rest is stuff I looked up.

'TIS THE SEASON

CHAPTER 2: ON THE FIRST DAY OF...HANUKKAH?

"Explain it to me one more time", Jimmy asked of Ashley as they snuggled together on the couch in her living room.

"Maybe I should get Toby or Jeff to explain it...I'm probably not getting it right", she replied self-consciously as she crawled further up into Jimmy's lap.

"No Ash, I want you to do it", Jimmy pressed.

Ashley shrugged and took in a deep breath. "Okay, well this year, Hanukkah starts on the fifteenth...it's different every year".

"Why?", Jimmy asked curiously. Ashley was right, it would probably be easier just to ask Toby or Jeff, but he loved listening to her voice when she spoke... almost as much as he did when she was singing.

Ashley cringed slightly. "To be totally honest, I'm not really sure...but I do know it has something to do with the Hebrew calendar".

"It's the twenty-fifth day of Kislev", Toby cut in from the door way.

"Thank God you're here", she sighed with relief. "...now you can explain it".

"Why? You're doing fine on your own", Toby insisted, pleasantly impressed, and sat down in the arm chair located to the left of the couch.

Ashley smirked playfully at her brother as she continued. "The holiday commemerates the rededication of the second temple in Jerusalem after the first one was destroyed", she stated hesitantly, looking over at Toby for reassurance. His warm smile and nod encouraged her to go on.

"So why the eight days?", Jimmy asked, even though her already knew some parts of the story.

"Well, at this re-dedication ceremony, there was only enough oil to light the eternal flame for one day, but it ended up burning for eight...which was exactly how long it took to press new oil", Ashley explained a little more confidently.

"So the flame never went out", Jimmy stated in understanding. Ashley and Toby nodded in unison.

"Hence the eight day miracle and the birth of the festival of lights", Toby announced with a smile.

"That's so cool", Jimmy replied, lost somewhere in the story he was just told.

Toby shot his sister an expectant look as he motioned toward Jimmy, with his chin. Ashley shrugged discretely in silent reply, but Jimmy caught the action between the two siblings. "Seeing as you and Ash are pretty serious...we were wondering if you'd like celebrate with us this year", Toby jumped in eagerly. "But if you don't want to, I...".

"No, that sounds awesome Tobes", Jimmy cut in, appreciating the invite.

"Great", Toby grinned enthusiastically. "So, every year we go to my Bubbe's on the first and last days, then each family host the other six..."

"Yeah, we have the twentieth", Ashley further elaborated.

Toby nodded and jumped up from the chair he was sitting on. "You'll have to come here right after school...or you and Ash can just meet us at Bubbe's...", he instructed as he made his way toward the kitchen. "...Hanukkah starts at sundown and Bubbe's very strict about puncuality", Toby advised as he let out a chuckle and disappeared through the door way.

Jimmy waited until Toby left the room to speak. "Ash, I really appreciate the offer and I really do want to go...".

"It's okay Jimmy", Ashley cooed softly, wrapping her arms around his neck as she looked directly into his eyes. "You shouldn't have too much trouble getting into Bubbe's house", she said assuredly. "There are two wide stoops and a short lip at the front door". She noticed the slight hesitation still in his eyes and smiled warmly at him, her hand cupping his cheek. "Nothing you can't handle".

Jimmy smiled back and nodded guardedly. "Jeff's brothers house shouldn't be a problem either...if you wanted to go, of course...", Ashley offered suggestively. "The others, I'm not so sure about...", she trailed off slightly, but pushed the thought aside. "But it doesn't matter...just as long as you make it on Friday. Bubbe's really looking forward to seeing you again...".

"And I wouldn't want to disappoint Bubbe, right?", Jimmy chuckled lightly. He first met Ruth Isaacs, six and a half months ago when he and Ashely starting dating again...and since then, the elderly woman asks weekly, when Ashley is going to bring that 'nice young man' to her house for a visit. "Or Toby for that matter...", another chuckle escaped his lips. "Did you see how excited he was?".

Ashley nodded and kissed Jimmy softly on the lips. "So am I", she whispered, with complete sincerity. "Now I finally get the chance to show off my gorgeous boyfriend to Jeff's side of the family", she added, her eyes sparkling seductively.

Jimmy tried to down play his nervousness at the thought of meeting new people and being put on display like that...and not as Ashley's boyfriend, but as that guy in the wheelchair. "And here I thought you only invited me so that you and your mom wouldn't be the only gentiles in the room.", he quipped playfully, tightening his grip around Ashley's waist.

"Well yeah, that helps too", Ashley teased back. With that, Jimmy began to run ticklish fingers along her sides. She tried to fight him off, but in the end, resorted to breathless pleads for mercy, "Okay, okay, Jimmy...please...stop". Ashley shifted on the couch so she was laying his lap. She took his right hand in both of hers and looked him straight in the eyes, "Seriously Jimmy, I'm just happy that we're going to be able to spend the holidays...together".

Jimmy looked down at the beautiful sight in his lap, Ashley's curls sprayed across his thighs, her skin glowing from the soft Christmas lights, her eyes sparkling with tears of laughter..."Me too Ash, me too".

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Jimmy caught a ride with Ashley and Toby directly from school, to ensure they'd be on time for Bubbe's Hanukkah celebration. He wheeled out of the bathroom, after changing out of the sport hoodie he wore to school and into a casual dress shirt.

Jimmy stopped in front of Ashley. "Hmmm, handsome as always", she complimented, running her hand over his back and across the smooth material.

"Sure it's okay?", he asked questioningly, straightening the shirt at the hem that hung down and self-consciously running his hands over his thighs.

Ashley gave Jimmy shoulder a gentle squeeze. She knew just how uncomfortable situations like this could be for him, and the fact that he was willing to do this, meant more to her than anything. "You're perfect", she aswered approvingly, the double meaning evident in her reply.

Jimmy reached up and took her hand in his. "When I'm with you, I almost believe that", he whispered, kissing her hand softly.

"Hey, are you two coming?", Toby yelled from the front door. "Dad and Kate are already in the car".

With a slight giggled, Ashley handed Jimmy his coat and followed him out.

They had originally planned on taking two cars for space, but Ashley loaned her car to a desperate Ellie, Jeff's van would be too difficult for Jimmy to get in and out of, and Toby's clunker had barely got the trio home from school. So as a last resort, the group piled up into Kate's mid-sized sedan...Jimmy and Ashley seperated by a uncharacteristically animated Toby, in the middle seat.

The car ride across town went quickly thanks to the encyclopedia of Toby spewing off the history, facts and customs of Hanukkah. Jimmy hoped there wouldn't be a quiz later that night. "Hey Jimmy", Jeff called from the drivers seat. Jimmy looked up to see Jeff's reflection in the rear-view mirror. "You know that expression..."like a kid at Christmas"?", he asked with amusement.

"Yeah?", Jimmy queried.

"...well, this is the Jewish version", Jeff teased playfully as he pulled into his mothers driveway.

Once the laughing died down, Jimmy noticed the soft glow from the lights inside the house, as opposed to the harsh brightness of the neighbors house, two doors down. He was greatful that Mrs. Isaacs stood blocking the doorway from the bevy of activity inside the house, and giving him the opportunity to complete his transfer without an audience.

The three steps were manageable for Jimmy, and with a little nudge by Ashley from behind, they were inside the house. It was a good thing Jimmy was already sitting, seeing as he was bombarded with a hearty welcome from Toby's extended family...with only a some minor stares and awkward glances from a few of the younger kids.

Mrs. Isaacs shook Jimmy's hand, gave Ashley a warm embrace, and pinched Toby's cheeks, before ushering everyone into the dining room. "It it tradition in our family to give the blessing and light the menorah, before we sit down to eat", she announced, motioning for her eldest son to come join her. "David will be doing the honors tonight".

Jeff's oldest brother took the lighting candle from his mother and said, "It is also tradition in our family to have the youngest child light the first candle, but since my grandson Caleb is only seven months old, and would probably put this candle right into his mouth...".

"I'll do it", pipped Toby's youngest cousin, four year old, Leah.

"No Lee-lee, your turn is tomorrow, at our house", whispered her older sister Rachel.

The adults smiled briefly at the precocious little girls, before David continued. "So, in light of that...we'd like to have our guest today, help little Cal with the honors", he paused to light the candle and held it out. "Jimmy?".

Surprised, Jimmy looked up at Ashley, who smiled back and nodded. He hesitated slightly before wheeling forward and taking the candle from David. The group gathered in closer, Ashley directly behind Jimmy, with her hands on his shoulders. David's oldest daughter Stephanie, stepped next to Jimmy, with her young son in her arms. Her father recited the blessings then nodded to Jimmy, and with little Caleb's hand wrapped around his finger, Jimmy reached out to lite the first candle of Hanukkah.

There was laughter and clapping and a shout of, "Let's eat".

After a delicous dinner, the group filed into the living room for presents and sweets. Ashley walked over to Jimmy and handed him a mug full of steaming hot cider, then sat down on the floor, at his feet. "There's plenty of room up here", he suggested softly as he patted the tops of his thighs.

"I think it's time for a break, I've been on your lap all night", she replied playfully and snuggled up against his knee. Jimmy knew too much pressure wasn't good for his legs, but he couldn't help feeling a pang of disappointment...that was, until Ashley folded her arms across Jimmy's lap and laid her head down.

The exchange of presents was simple, everyone got one from another person in the room...almost like a secret santa. Jimmy sat with a growing grin as he watched the kids tear into their packages. Suddenly, a blur caught his eye and he turned to see Mrs. Isaacs handing him a package. "This one is for you Jimmy", she said sweetly.

Jimmy was taken aback...he wasn't expecting a gift, especially since he wasn't family and had just been invited three days ago. Jimmy was about to protest, when Toby leaned over his shoulder and whispered, "Trust me...just take it".

"Thank you", Jimmy smiled appreciatively and moved to open his present.

Ashley twisted so she was standing on her knees, at Jimmy's side. "You go through like five pair every winter and Bubbe wanted to get you something you needed, so I figured...", she trailed off as he gaze traveled to the pair of heavy-duty, waterproof ski gloves Jimmy was holding.

"No, they're exactly what I need", Jimmy assured her, trying the gloves on for size. "I mean, you have seen the condition of my current pair, haven't you?", he added, jokingly.

Ashley's grin widened. "Then you won't mind getting another pair as one of the gifts from my mom?", she teased innocently.

"Not at all", Jimmy chuckled and shook his head, then spied the gift at Ashley's feet. "So, what'd you get?", he asked curiously.

Ashley dug through her gift bag to pull out an outerwear set of scarf, gloves and head wrap. "Today's theme was warmth", she stated, as she playfully wrapped the pink chenille scarf around Jimmy's neck and slid onto his lap.

"The gifts are themed?", he asked, intrigued.

"No, not just the gifts Jimmy...the whole day. Each day has a different theme", Ashley explained casually.

Jimmy nodded in understanding as he pulled Ashley closer to his chest and kissed the top of her head. She sighed contently into his embrace and fingered the scarf that still hung loosely around his neck. Jimmy slowly lifted her chin, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss...

Neither of them had ever felt warmer.

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So there it is...Hanukkah, JimAsh style. I hope the characters weren't too overly mushy or sentimental, just filled with the holiday spirit...and a deep, deep love for one another.

I hope to get another chapter up before Christmas, as well as the next chap of You're Still You, but life is beyond crazy right now...we have four performances this weekend, I'm not done shopping and we still have to find time to bake cookies...(Huh?).

Many thanks to all who read the first chapter and especially to...lilfiftyfour, SAMii and havocmangawip, for their wonderful reviews. Hope you all like this one too.

Degrassi does not belong to me.