AN: All right so this chapter deals with the religious aspect of Christmas. Sam's pretty obviously religious on the show and we know absolutely nothing about Artie but I've always kind of assumed that he just isn't a very religious person in general. I've never really seen religion tackled in a Sartie fic before so I hope I've done it justice. Basically, Artie goes to Christmas Eve mass with Sam for the first time since it's a big deal for Sam. The song for this chapter is 'O Holy Night.'

Although Sam was religious and Artie wasn't, it had never really caused any problems between them. They each respected each other's beliefs and left it at that. They were able to talk about religion and discuss their views on it and had a mutual understanding of what each other thought. Sam often went to a church near where they lived while Artie stayed at home. Some of their friends didn't get how they did it; but they had long ago decided that just because they believed different things in terms of religion, it shouldn't mean they couldn't be together. It was a non-issue for them.

One thing Sam loved more than anything though was midnight mass on Christmas Eve. It was his favorite time to go to church out of the entire year and it just had a magical feel to it. He knew that Artie didn't really like to go to church, but it was such a special event to him that he wanted to share it with the person he loved the most. He cautiously proposed this to Artie over breakfast one day. Artie looked thoughtful and told Sam that he would consider it and get back to him later that day. He hadn't rejected it outright, which was promising. Even though it really wasn't that big of a deal, he couldn't stop thinking about it during the day and wondering what Artie was going to decide.

That night when they both got home from work, Artie didn't waste any time and told Sam right away that he wanted to go to mass with him on Christmas Eve. Sam was delighted of course, but couldn't help asking why.

"Well I know that it's important to you and I'm touched that you want to share it with me," Artie explained. "Besides, I used to go to church when I was younger and I always loved Christmas Eve mass. Plus it gives me another excuse to sing Christmas music."

Sam just grinned in response. Although he never had a problem with the fact that Artie didn't go to church, a little part of him always wished that he would come at least for Christmas. It was a big deal for him and his family when he was growing up and one of his most treasured traditions. He and Artie were a family now and it always felt a little lonely when he went without Artie.

Christmas Eve came and the two of them had a later supper that night since they would be up later. It was a little weird for both of them still to not be able to do any of the standard Christmas traditions – put out cookies and milk for Santa and read the Christmas story – something they had both done for years after they stopped believing in Santa since they had younger siblings. They had discussed adopting kids and both were excited for all the Christmases in the future where they could take part in those traditions again with their own family.

When they entered the church, Sam felt a familiar rush of happiness and calm. It was lowly lit with candles hanging by the ends of pews. Wreaths hung on the walls and people were dressed in their nicest clothes. The choir was lined up as were the bell players. He and Artie found a place to sit where Artie's chair wasn't in the main aisle. Sam couldn't help but gauge Artie's reaction to everything. He knew that he wouldn't be making any snide remarks or anything, but felt almost as though he had to prove that this was a good idea. Artie caught his eye at one point, smiled, and squeezed Sam's hand. He didn't say anything but he didn't need to. Sam finally felt himself relaxing.

The mass itself was lovely. The bells tinkled throughout the church as the choir sang and the priest's deep voice relayed the familiar story of shepherds in a field and a baby in a manger. Sam found himself getting lost in the feeling and could help glancing over at Artie throughout the mass. He couldn't express how happy he was that he was able to share this with the person he loved. He was a big believer in the holidays being about family and Artie was his family now.

Before they knew it, the mass was over and they had to fight the crowds to get back out to their car. As they were driving home, Artie said,

"I'm glad I did that. It was really nice."

"You enjoyed it then?" Sam asked.

"Of course," Artie replied. "I can see why you wanted to share that with me. I can also see why it's so important to you."

Sam didn't want to risk taking his eyes off the road for too long, but he reached out and grabbed Artie's hand. They held hands the rest of the ride home and Sam realized that he didn't really care what their Christmas traditions were – he just wanted to spend them with Artie.