My note….Hopefully, the passing of the holidays, hasn't deterred any readers from this fic. Either way, I'm very sorry I didn't get these chapters up sooner. This final chapter is a mix of Christmas eve, day and the day after(Boxing day for Canadians as well as the first day of Kwanzaa).

'TIS THE SEASON

CHAPTER 5: WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS...AND A HAPPY KWANZAA

"Thanks Ash", Jimmy sighed gratefully as he took hold of his girlfriend's hand and kissed it softly. "If it wasn't for you, I think my mom would be loosing it right about now".

"Bill...did you pick my red sweater up from the cleaners?", a desperate voice called out from somewhere upstairs.

"Yes dear", came the calm response.

"Are you sure?", another plea. "...because I can't find it anywhere".

"Looks like I spoke too soon", Jimmy laughed heartily.

Ashley smiled at Jimmy's joke, then planted a playful kiss on his cheek before taking her seat on his lap. "I've never seen your mom like this. Why all the stress?", she asked curiously.

Jimmy smirked. "Considering both sides of my family haven't been in the same room in years...", he trailed off, but Ashley could tell there was more to the story. Jimmy could see the questioning look in her eyes and his expression softened, "They don't really get along too well".

"I'm sorry Jimmy, I didn't know", Ashley blurted, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable.

"You couldn't possibly know Ash...I never told anyone", he replied casually.

Jimmy was right, he never did talk about his extended family, it was only him, mom and dad...with an occasional mention of a grandparent or cousin. "Why?", she queried hesitantly.

"Why did I never tell anyone...or why they don't get along?", he asked back.

"Both I guess", she pressed gently.

Jimmy inhaled deeply and entwined his fingers with Ashley's, as his eyes rose to meet hers. "You know my parents met at college?".

"NYU, 1982, right?", she replied confidently...that was one story she had heard.

Jimmy nodded affirmatively before continuing, "Mom was a freshman and Dad was in his second year of law school...". There was a short pause from Jimmy, and another sigh. "They dated for a few months, but didn't mention anything to anyone until my dad brought my mom home during break, and they were already engaged...", as he softly trailed off, Ashley noticed Jimmy distractedly playing with the bracelet she was wearing on her wrist. She gave his hand an encouraging squeeze and he forced a smile back to her. "As you can probably guess, they weren't exactly thrilled with the news".

Ashley's mouth fell open in shock. "Because your mom is white?", she gasped in askance, and Jimmy shrugged speculatively.

"It's obvious that my parents are of different races, so I'm sure that, played a major role in it", he continued hesitantly. "But there were a lot of other factors, on both sides...my mom was really young, she was Canadian, my dad was from the States, she was a business major, he was a law major...", Jimmy snickered at that part and Ashley suddenly realized just how important being a lawyer was to this family. "But the biggest argument was that they were planning on getting married that summer...two years before my dad was to finish law school".

Ashley leaned back a little, taking Jimmy in critically. A part of her was thrilled that he was confiding in her like this, but another part of her...her heart, was aching for him. "Both sides were opposed to the marriage, so my parents decided to elope to Hawaii, then right after their honeymoon, they moved here, to Toronto to finish school, and didn't see anyone until I was born".

"You're kidding?", Ashley gasped, even though she knew he wasn't. "That was like...over four years", she added incredulously. Jimmy nodded affirmatively. Ashley shifted uncomfortably on Jimmy's lap and bit her lower lip. "I'm sorry Jimmy", she whispered softly, and pressed her lips against his left temple.

"It was a long time ago Ash", Jimmy smiled in response as he shrugged it off, indifferently. "Things got a little better...especially after I came into the picture", there was a soft, far away chuckle. "...at least now they actually talk".

Ashley paused for a moment, unsure if she should ask her next question, but finally, her curiosity got the best of her. "So when was the last time you saw them?".

"All together?", Jimmy queried, and Ashley nodded. "Two years ago".

"When you were shot", Ashley stated, more than questioned.

"Yeah", he breathed out, shakily. "My grandparents have all visited a few times since then...at different times of course...but more frequently then before.".

Jimmy suddenly became quiet. "Just to see you, huh?", Ashley teased playfully.

A small grin began to play on Jimmy's lips. "My mom always said I was the glue that held this family together", he shrugged innocently, his grin spreading quickly. "I guess they just love me".

"How could anyone not?", she wondered out loud, taking Jimmy's face in her hands and capturing his lips .

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Ashley stepped behind Jimmy, just as he'd tossed a lit match into the waiting fireplace, and laid her hands on his shoulders. He craned his head to the side. "I guess that's it", he stated simply as he spun around to face her.

Ashley nodded. "Foods in the oven, table's set, wine's chilling...", she rattled off the mental list of to-do's.

Jimmy smiled up at her and reached for her hand. "Now all we have left to do is wait for our company to arrive", he deduced playfully.

"Whatever shall we do while we're waiting?", Ashley quipped suggestively. She clasped Jimmy's hands with hers, and swung their arms back and forth in time with the soft music coming from the stereo, before twirling underneath the bridge they made.

Jimmy grinned as he tugged on Ashley's hand and guided her toward the dinning room. "I have an idea", he answered wickedly and pulled Ashley onto his lap.

"A slow dance...to Jingle Bell Rock?", Ashley asked incredulously, when the music suddenly changed.

Jimmy shook his head. "Something even better", he whispered, his eyes traveling upward, as their lips met.

Ashley smiled at the ring of mistletoe above their heads. "Mmm...much better", she muttered seductively. Their faces were so close, her words tickled Jimmy's tongue.

The two were so passionately caught up in the moment, that they never heard the doorbell ring...that was, until Mrs. Brooks nearly tripped over them on her way to answer it.

Mrs. Brooks was stunned, not only did she find her own parents standing on her porch, but also her husbands parents. "C-come in...everyone", she declared nervously, stepping back so they could enter, while sharing an equally puzzled look with her husband.

"We ran into one another at the airport and soon realized we were staying at the same hotel", Mr. Brooks' mother announced as she greeted her son.

"Not only the same hotel, but the same floor", her husband added with a hearty chuckle, and the four grandparents erupted into a jovial laughter...causing Jimmy and his parents to wonder just who were these people standing in their living room.

As suddenly as it started, the laughter died down and all eyes fell on Jimmy. Ashley could feel his shoulders stiffen under her hands. By the looks on their faces, it was apparent to Ashley that the grandparents hadn't visited nearly enough to become comfortable with the sight of their only grandson in a wheelchair.

Jimmy's maternal grandmother was the first to approach the couple. "Jimmy", she whispered softly, a small, sad smile gracing her face. "How are you doing dear?", she asked concernedly, as she planted a kiss atop his head.

"I'm great Nana", he assured her with a confident smile as he patted the hand laying on his shoulder and glanced up at Ashley. "...never better, in fact".

The older lady took in the beautiful brunette at her grandson's side and her worried features, softened. She offered her hand to the young woman, "And this must be Hazel?".

Ashley stifled the amused smirk that was threatening to break through, while Jimmy's shoulders visibly slumped with embarrassment. "It's Ashley", she corrected, un-phased and accepted the womans hand.

Mrs. Brooks rushed to Ashley's side. "Sorry, but they never met her either", she apologized discreetly, before turning her attention to her mother. "Jimmy broke up with Hazel over a year ago, Mother", she stated shakily. "I know I told you...".

She dismissed her daughters advances with a flip of her hand. "Oh, you know my memory isn't what it used to be", was the playful response.

"It seems Jim has a fondness for the name Ashley", the eldest Mr. Brooks cut in playfully, as he stepped forward, clapping his grandson on the back. "I distinctly recall another girlfriend with the same name some years ago".

"Same Ashley actually", she stated, greeting the older man politely. "Ashley Kerwin. Nice to finally meet all of you".

Jimmy was impressed with Ashley's ease and grace...as were his parents, and the rest of his family. Mrs. Brooks waved her hand over to the couch. "Why don't we sit and get reacquainted", she offered, still with a slight hesitation.

"Oh dear...we already have", her mother replied, smiling over at the in-laws in question, as they all gathered in the seats around the coffee table.

A soft gasp escaped the mouth of the elder Mrs. Brooks when Jimmy, who was seated next to her, pulled Ashley onto his lap. "It's fine Gram...", he insisted, his eyes addressing them all. "...she's light as a feather", he quipped playfully, and his joke immediately eased their concern.

There was the beginning of an uncomfortable silence, when Mr. Brooks senior spoke out casually, "So Ashley...are you considering a future in the law profession?".

Ashley heard a sharp intake of breath from Mrs. Brooks and a groan from Jimmy, as he rested his head on her shoulder. And his father nearly jumped from his seat in an attempt to initiate damage control with the offer, "So, can I get anyone a drink?".

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Christmas day, at the Kerwin-Issacs house, was a far cry from the extravagant and elegant affair, Mrs. Brooks drove herself crazy preparing for. And while Jimmy enjoyed seeing his family together again and actually getting along...there was some minor rockiness throughout the night, but no earth swallowing potholes to deal with...his most precious gift came from Ashley.

It was all he could think about, as he sat on the couch in his den, the following afternoon...

The smell of fresh brewing coffee and something cinnamon, permeated his senses as he stirred. He slowly opened his eyes and glanced over at the clock. 6:28. He smiled. Usually he was jarred awake by the incessant buzzing of the alarm and today he had two minutes to spare.

He clasped his hands behind his head, relaxed into the mattress and sighed contently. The alarm sounded, but today it wasn't a nuisance, and with a simple smack of his hand, the noise promptly stopped.

He wished he could stay cocooned in the warmth of his bed, but the desire to investigate the foreign smells was increasing, and of course, there were the more pressing issues that needed attention first...so with a mild reluctance and a childlike curiosity, he heaved himself up, out of bed, and into his chair, then headed for the bathroom.

He emerged about twenty minutes later, still dressed in his pajamas...forgoing his shower for now, as he didn't need to be by Ashley's house until around noon.

The smells became more intense as he propelled through the hall and into the living room. The room was still fairly dim, with exception of the twinkling tree, and a newly started fire, crackling in the fireplace.

The glimmer of shiny paper caught his attention and he moved slowly, toward the tree. There were numerous presents encircling it and spilling out onto the floor in front of him. He spotted his name and smiled, picking up the gift, he gently shook it and chuckled at the rustle inside.

The sound of footsteps could be heard from both the stairs, and the dinning room. Seconds later, his parents came into view, followed by a beaming Ashley carrying a tray. She was beautiful...no make-up, hair still slightly mused with sleep, dressed in candy cane covered flannel pants and a snug fitting red top, complete with fuzzy slippers. The sight of her, in his living room, on Christmas morning, armed with what he could tell, were Kate's famous giant cinnamon rolls...was almost overwhelming.

She crossed the room, laying the tray over on the coffee table, before retracing her steps back over to him. "Ash?", he asked questioningly.

She smiled brightly and gently lowered herself onto his lap. "I know you get up at 6:30 every morning, so I snuck in a little after six to ...".

"How?", he cut in incredulously.

"Your mom gave me the keys", she replied simply, her grin widening even further as she dug the ring from her pocket and dangled them in front of his face . "She said I could keep 'em".

He chuckled heartily and clasped her hand, along with the keys, in his. "But...".

Ashley hushed him with a finger to his lips. "This is why I didn't want to be in London for Christmas", she explained sincerely. "I wanted to be with you on Christmas morning...to give you the kind if Christmas I had growing up...waking up to Mom's cinnamon rolls, hot chocolate and coffee in front of the fire, opening tons of presents...".

He increased his hold around her waist and found her lips. "You are the best present ever, Ash"...

"...today".

"Hmm?", Jimmy muttered, twisting his head over his shoulder to look at Ashley.

"I said, the mall was a madhouse today", she repeated, chuckling at his preoccupation.

"Oh yeah, I bet", Jimmy replied distractedly.

Ashley sat down on the couch next to him, handing him one of the two plates she was carrying. "Thanks", Jimmy smiled sincerely.

Ashley smiled back and nodded, as she snuggled against him. "Your mom went with my mom to distribute the casseroles they made today...one for the woman's shelter and one for the homeless", she rambled as they ate their lunch. "There's two in the fridge, along with some of the other leftovers, for the potluck tonight".

Jimmy nodded, but continued to look straight ahead. Ashley followed his gaze. "So how's Dylan's team doing?", she asked as she watched the action from the muted tv.

"Huh?", Jimmy grunted, then shot Ashley an apologetic look. "Sorry, I wasn't really paying attention", he added.

Ashley's face wrinkled with puzzlement. It was when she leaned further into Jimmy's field of vision, that she finally noticed the opened laptop sitting on the seat of his chair. "Kwanzaa?", she queried.

Jimmy shrugged, then nodded. "My Grandpa mentioned it when he was here and I realized, I know nothing about it", he answered, a hint of disappointment evident in his voice.

"And your dad never talked about it?", she asked curiously.

"No...and he wouldn't", Jimmy shook his head. "Even though Kwanzaa was first celebrated in 1966...it didn't really become popular until recently", he paused to retrieve the computer. "It's a cultural thing. My grandpa only mentioned it because a few of his younger associates celebrate it".

"Your family doesn't?", Ashley stated questionably.

Another head shake. "Ash, my family barely celebrates anything", he laughed playfully, but Ashley could now see the disappointment as well as hear it. "Besides...my dad's side doesn't really identify with being anything but wealthy and lawyers", there was another paused, followed by a sigh. "Sometimes I wonder if they even know that they're black".

A small giggle escaped Ashley's lips, in spite of her self, and Jimmy couldn't help but smile along with her. "So, what's it all about?", she asked, genuinely interested, as she took the laptop from his hands.

"Well, it's a celebration of African culture. It takes place for seven days, with a principle to be represented on each day...unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. It starts today and lasts through New Year's day...".

"I don't leave for London until the second...", Ashley cut in suggestively. "Why don't we celebrate it?".

Jimmy looked at her with surprise. "Really?", he asked incredulously.

"Sure. It sounds like fun.", Ashley replied happily, then returned her focus to the screen in front of her. "I can even try to attempt this recipe for the potluck tonight", she added, determinately.

"I don't know Ash", Jimmy sighed. "We can't just jump right into celebrating something we really know nothing about...", he trailed off as he scrolled down the page. "We don't even have a Kinara...the candle holder...".

"We could use Jeff's Menorah...they look almost the same", she offered.

Jimmy shrugged and groaned, "That won't work, it's a Jewish symbol...".

Ashley tapped on the screen to get his attention, "It says right there that while Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday, it can be celebrated by anyone".

"Okay", he conceded begrudgingly. "But there are eight spaces on a Menorah and only seven on the Kinara...three red candles on the right, three green on the left and one black in the...".

"What if we added a white one", Ashley suggested sweetly, taking Jimmy's hand in her. "That way we could have something that represents the two of us coming together to make our own Christmas traditions", there was a noticeable twinkle in her eyes when she said this. "...after all, the first principle of Kwanzaa is unity, isn't it?".

"Coming together to make our own traditions...I like that", Jimmy softly parroted back.

And as Jimmy pulled Ashley closer to his chest and kissed the top of her head, he hoped that having her with him at Christmas and everyday, would be a tradition...for many years to come.

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The End. Hope you liked it. It took me forever to get this chapter just right, and like I told Kelley a few days ago, I still don't think it's as perfect as it could've been...but after rewriting it numerous times, it'll have to do. Total JimAsh fluff...what's not to love?

New fics in the works, so stay tuned.

My thanks, as always to those wonderful, faithful readers and reviewers, including...lilfiftyfour and SAMii, for their reviews of chapter 4.

Degrassi is not mine.