Hey guys! Thanks for all your reviews on the last chapter. I really appreciated them. This chapter was an emotional one, since the Finchel star scene is so meaningful now. I know Rachel's behavior at the beginning is a little obnoxious, but I tried my best to understand it. Hope you enjoy and review if you want me to keep going!
Chapter 56: Extraordinary Merry Christmas
Chrsitmas was coming up, and Finn was looking forward to it. He was sure this Christmas would be better than last year's. He and Rachel had just broken up, Sue had tried to ruin Christmas for the glee club, and things were hectic with him and his mom getting ready to move into the new house with Burt and Kurt.
It had been a few weeks since the whole glee club was back together, and it felt so good to have 15 members - more than they'd ever had before. Even better, the glee club had been invited to do a Christmas special on the local PBS station, directed by Artie.
There was one problem though. With Christmas fast approaching, Finn wasn't sure what to get Rachel. He'd never had a girlfriend at Christmastime before, and in the past, the main person he'd needed to shop for was his mom. Last year he'd needed to shop for Burt and Kurt too, and Kurt had been hard enough to shop for.
Speaking of Kurt - there he was, coming into Finn's room. "So, how's Christmas shopping going?" Kurt asked.
"It's going fine," Finn lied.
"Liar," Kurt said. "I heard you talking to the guys in the locker room today. And their suggestions were totally lame."
"Oh, I know," Finn said. He'd hoped the other glee guys would be helpful, but none of them had suggested anything good. He'd ask his mom, but she and Burt were in DC for congress sessions this week.
"Well, what do you think I should get her?" Finn asked Kurt. "You are her best friend."
"I'm getting her soundtracks of some of the new Broadway shows this year," Kurt said.
That was actually a good idea. Why hadn't Finn thought of that? "I guess I'll figure something out."
"Well, I can take you to the holiday sales if you need to go," Kurt told Finn.
x
Rachel sat in her room when the phone rang. She looked at the caller ID and saw that it was Kurt. "Hey!"
"Hey," Kurt said. "So, your boyfriend might need a little help."
"What do you mean?" Rachel asked.
"I was just talking to him, and I heard him in the locker room today," Kurt told Rachel. "He doesn't know what to get you for Christmas."
Last year for Christmas, Finn and Rachel had just broken up. She still had his gift she'd gotten for him, a new iPod. She figured since she couldn't give it to him last year, she'd do so this year. But since they broke up about a month before Christmas, there was never much of a discussion. The only people who'd ever gotten her gifts were her dads, and they always asked her for a list. Maybe she'd just show Finn the same list she'd given her dads. "Thanks for letting me know," Rachel told Kurt.
"No problem," Kurt said. "The truth is, it was much easier to pick out a gift for you than for him."
"Just get him something for his drums or for one of his sports," Rachel suggested. She already had finished her own Christmas shopping, and she'd gotten Kurt a gift certificate to his favorite store.
"Thanks Rachel," Kurt said. "Guys are so hard to shop for."
"They are," Rachel agreed. Every year, she had trouble deciding what to get her dads.
"Well, hopefully you'll have some decent suggestions for Finn," Kurt said. "I just wanted to let you know so he doesn't give you socks."
Rachel laughed. "I'll just take a look at the list I gave my dads and give it to Finn."
Rachel and Kurt laughed and hung up the phone as Rachel got out the list that she'd given her dads. She had to admit, some of the things on the list were a bit too much for Finn. After a process of of elimination, she'd left the things that she thought Finn might be able to get.
The next day at school, Rachel went up to Finn and gave him the list. "Here's my list."
Finn looked confused. "I thought we agreed the 'things did wrong this week' list was hurting more than helping."
"My Christmas list," Rachel told Finn. "I heard you were having a little trouble figuring out what to get me."
Finn looked embarrassed now. "Who told you? Kurt?"
"No," Rachel lied.
Kurt passed them, clearly overhearing their conversation. "Yes."
Finn looked at the list. "But I can't afford all this stuff."
Rachel knew that. She wasn't expecting all of it. "Oh, no, silly. No, no. I just put 15 things on the list, and you can pick out five. Look, in a few weeks, I'm going to find out if I'm a finalist for NYADA or not, and, well, I just... I'd really love to have a little Yuletide bauble as a good-luck charm for my audition." There was a pair of earrings she'd seen online last night that she hadn't told her dads about. Maybe Finn could get them.
"Spray tan? Teeth whitening?" Finn asked.
Rachel didn't expect those things from Finn. She just didn't want to seem too specific, so she left a few of the things from the list for her dads on the one for Finn. "I mean... I'm just trying to make it easier for you. If you'd like, you can make a list for me also."
"Well, like the song says, all I want for Christmas is you," Finn said.
Rachel felt guilty now. "All I want for Christmas is you, too. And five things on that list." She gave Finn a kiss. "I love you."
x
The glee club had been preparing for the Christmas special throughout the week. Finn and Puck had suggested singing Santa Claus is Coming to Town for their song in the special, and Artie had loved it. However, he hadn't liked the song Rachel had suggested today. If he hadn't already had a song he'd tried out with, he would do another song with Rachel. But maybe she'd feel better if he gave her one of the gifts he'd gotten for her. He went up to her at her locker. "Hey. Bummer about Artie going all Scrooge on your song."
"I'm getting a song in that Christmas special," Rachel declared. "Christmas is all about giving, and Artie certainly wouldn't be in the Christmas spirit if he didn't let me give my talents to the people of Western Ohio. At least, the ones who don't have cable. Speaking of giving, don't you think it would be a shame for me to sing on television for the first time without me sparkling in the glow of one of your generous gifts?"
It was as if Rachel had read Finn's mind. "Oh, you want me to give you your present early?"
"I hadn't even thought about that, but what a sweet idea," Rachel said.
Finn got out the envelope with the gift he'd found online. He thought it was a good idea after the commercial he'd seen.
Rachel looked confused when she opened it. "Okay. Where's my bling?"
Finn knew Rachel had wanted the earrings, but they were a little expensive. "Well, that was a little out of my price range, but-but then I saw this commercial for these African sow pigs you can adopt. You pay, like, two bucks a month to fatten them up for a whole year, and then they feed a family for, like, a month."
Rachel looked horrifed. "You gave me a dead pig for Christmas?"
"No, no, it's not dead yet; you got to get it fat first," Finn explained.
"I'm a vegan," Rachel rminded Finn.
Why did Finn always forget that? "Look, I thought Christmas was about giving, okay?"
"Which is why I gave you a super specific list. Look... it's very sweet that you gave me a pig..." Rachel began.
"It's an African sow pig," Finn confirmed.
"Whatever it is, I appreciate it," Rachel said. "But I made you a list so that you wouldn't embarrass yourself like this. I'm not asking for much. All I want is what's coming to me. All I want is my fair share."
Finn did feel a little insulted. "Guess I'll give the sow pig to my mom or something."
"That is such a great idea," Rachel said. "It's gonna be the best Christmas ever."
x
That weekend, the glee club was at the local PBS station, filming their Christmas special live. Kurt and Blaine were opening it, and Finn sat in the studio, watching them perform with what Kurt had told him was the second annual "Klaine Klistmas Kluet."
Blaine: Oh the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
And since we've no place to go,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Kurt: It doesn't show signs of stopping,
And I've brought some corn for popping,
The lights are turned way down low,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Blaine and Kurt: When we finally kiss goodnight,
How I'll hate going out in the storm!
But if you really hold me tight,
All the way home I'll be warm.
Kurt: The fire is slowly dying,
And, my dear, we're still good-bying,
Blaine: But as long as you love me so,
Blaine and Kurt: Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let it, Let It Snow!
Blaine: Oh the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful (Kurt: Fire is so delightful),
And since we've no place to go,
Blaine and Kurt: Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Kurt: Oh the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
Blaine and Kurt: And since we've no place to go,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Kurt: It doesn't show signs of stopping,
Blaine: And I've brought some corn for popping,
Kurt: The lights are turned way down low (Blaine: Way down low),
Blaine and Kurt: Let It Snow!
Blaine: When we finally kiss goodnight (Kurt: Finally kiss goodnight)
How I'll hate going out in the storm (Kurt: In the storm)
But if you finally hold me tight, (Kurt: Finally hold me tight)
All the way home I'll be warm (Kurt: Warm)
Blaine and Kurt: And, my dear, we're still good-bying,
As long as you love me so,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Blaine: Let It Snow!
Kurt: Let It Snow!
Blaine: Oh, Let It Snow!
Kurt: Oh, Let It Snow!
The special began, and Finn spent most of his time waiting backstage. He and Puck would be dressed as Luke Skywalker and Hans Solo. After a commercial break, they rang the bell of the "house" and Rachel came to the door to greet them. "Ladies and gentlemen, Finn Hudson and Noah Puckerman!"
"Say, are you dressed like Luke Skywalker and Han Solo?" Blaine asked.
"No. That's copyright infringement. Any resemblance to Star Wars characters is purely coincidental," Finn declared.
Puck looked around. "Hey, guys, why the long faces? It's Christmas Eve or something."
"We thought we heard Santa Claus, but with the climate change and end times, we just don't think Santa Claus is coming to town," Rachel pouted.
Finn took his seat at the drums. "Well, that's not what we heard." He began drumming as he and Puck sang their song for the special.
Finn: Oh, You better watch out
You better not cry
You better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town,
Santa Claus is coming to town,
Santa Claus is coming to town,
Puck: He's making a list
And checking it twice;
Gonna find out Who's naughty or nice
Santa Claus is coming to town,
Santa Claus is coming to town,
Santa Claus is coming to town,
Puck: You better watch out!
You better not cry
Finn: You better not pout
I'm telling you why
Puck and Finn: Santa Claus is coming to town (Finn: Yeah)
Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to
Santa Claus is coming to town
Brittany, Santana, Tina, Mike (dressed as Santa) and some of the cheerios arrived next and did a dance number, and then a jingle was heard. "Oh, my goodness, could it be? Could it be?" Rachel asked.
Rory came in dressed as Itchy the Holiday Elf. "Itchy the Holiday Elf!" everyone exclaimed.
"We asked our friend Itchy to stop by and read us a lighthearted, heartwarming, upbeat, happy Christmas tale," Kurt said. "Frosty the Snowman."
"Actually, I was going to read that, but... I searched my heart, and I'm going to read one from a different book. I think it's something that's going to remind people what the true spirit of Christmas really is," Rory said.
"Are you sure you don't want to read Frosty?" Rachel asked. "We all really want to hear Frosty."
Rory got out his book. "Lights, please." He began reading. "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not. 'For behold, 'I bring ye good tidings 'of great joy, which shall be to all people: 'for unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, 'and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men.'"
Finn noticed Rachel giving him a loving look as Rory read. Yes, they'd had disagreements about presents this week, but even though that had happened, he knew she really loved him. Besides, the pig had kind of been stupid, but he was sure he'd found something else to make up for it.
At the commercial break, the PBS broadcaster came in. "I'm sorry, we'll have to cut you off. You were great, but the yule log burning is still on."
Finn had to admit, he was disappointed. Then Rachel spoke. "The dinner at the homeless shelter."
"What?" Finn asked.
"We should go and see if we can help out," Rachel said. "I'm sure there's still time."
Finn had almost forgotten. Coach Sylvester had wanted them to perform at a dinner at a local homeless shelter, but they'd declined because of the PBS deal. "That's a really good idea," Finn told Rachel.
"Yeah, we should go," Blaine added.
Everyone else spoke their agreement, and Finn smiled at Rachel. Some people thought she was selfish, but she really wasn't. The glee club got in their cars and drove to the shelter. "Hey!" Mr. Schue said as they walked in.
"I know we're late, but we were all hoping there's still time to help. We brought the turkey from the special with all the fixings," Artie said.
"Yeah, it's a prop but it's real," Mr. Schue added.
Sue Sylvester: Why don't you put it on the table over there, kiddo.
"You guys finally me around," Sam pointed out.
"Well, you can thank Rory for helping us see the light," Finn said.
Rory looked at Sam. "I was just following my Christmas sponsor's lead."
Puck looked at the food. "Would it be weird if I made myself a plate?"
"We have a song, too," Artie told Coach Sylvester. "We were gonna perform it as our final number for our Christmas special, but we lost the final ten minutes of airtime when the station reached a last-second agreement with those Yule log people."
"As long as it's not Jingle Bells," Coach Sylvester agreed. "It seems it's the only song our janitor knows how to play, and I'm bleeding from the ears."
Mr. Schue took a seat at the piano as the glee club performed what they'd planned to be the closing number of the Christmas special.
Finn: It's Christmas time
There's no need to be afraid
At Christmas time,
We let in light and we banish shade
Mercedes: And in our world of plenty
We can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world
At Christmas time
Rachel: But say a prayer,
Pray for the other ones
Oh, at Christmas time it's hard
But when you're having fun
Blaine and Kurt: There's a world outside your window,
And it's a world of dread and fear
Artie and Brittany: Where the only water flowing
Is the bitter sting of tears
Puck and Tina: And the Christmas bells that ring
Are the clanging chimes of doom
Mercedes: Well tonight thank God it's them
Mercedes and Rachel: Instead of you
New Directions: And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas time (Santana: This Christmas time, no)
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life (Santana: Is life)
Where nothing ever grows (Santana: Nothing ever grows)
No rain or rivers flow (Santana: River flows no)
Do they know it's Christmas time at all? (Santana: Christmas time at all)
Here's to you (Santana: Raise a glass for everyone)
Here's to them (Santana: Underneath that burning sun)
Do they know it's Christmas time at all? (Santana: Yeah)
Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmas time again
Feed the world (Rachel: The world!)
Let them know it's Christmas time again
Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmas time again
Feed the world (Rachel: The world)
Let them know it's Christmas time again
At the end of the song, those in attendance for the dinner were on their feet. "Can you sing another?" someone asked.
"How about we all take turns doing songs for you?" Sam suggested.
"Well, how about Blaine and I do our first Christmas duet first?" Kurt said.
"That's fine with me, I'm hungry," Finn said.
Rachel poked Finn. "Of course you are."
"Well, let's go get some food," Finn said, taking Rachel's hand. "I'm glad you remembered..."
"Yeah, I did feel bad that we said no earlier," Rachel admitted.
"Me too," Finn said. "But everything worked out."
"Yeah," Rachel said. They sat down together to watch Kurt and Blaine perform.
Kurt (Blaine): I really can't stay (But baby, it's cold outside)
I've got to go away (But baby, it's cold outside)
This evening has been... (Been hoping that you'd drop in) ...so very nice (I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice)
My mother will start to worry (Beautiful, what's your hurry?)
My father will be pacing the floor (Listen to the fireplace roar)
So really, I'd better scurry (Beautiful, please don't hurry)
But maybe just a half a drink more (Put some records on while I pour)
The neighbors might faint (Baby, it's bad out there)
Say, what's in this drink? (No cabs to be had out there)
I wish I knew how... (Your eyes are like starlight now) ...to break the spell (I'll take your hat; your hair looks well)
I ought to say no, no, no, Sir (Mind if I move in closer?)
At least I'm gonna say that I tried (What's the sense in hurting my pride?)
I really can't stay (Baby, don't hold out)
Blaine and Kurt: But Baby it's cold outside
Kurt (Blaine): I simply must go (But, baby, it's cold outside)
The answer is no (But, baby, it's cold outside)
This welcome has been... (How lucky that you'd drop in) ...so nice and warm (Look out the window at that storm)
My sister will be suspicious (Gosh, your lips look delicious)
My brother will be there at the door (Waves upon a tropical shore)
My maiden aunt's mind is vicious (Ooh, your lips are delicious)
But maybe just a cigarette more (Never such a blizzard before)
I've gotta get home (But baby, you'll freeze out there)
Say, lend me your coat (It's up to your knees out there)
You've really been grand (I thrill when you touch my hand)
But don't you see (How can you do this thing to me?)
There's bound to be talk tomorrow (Think about a lifelong sorrow)
At least there will be plenty implied (If you caught pneumonia and died)
I really can't stay (Get over that hold out)
Blaine and Kurt: But Baby it's cold outside!
"It is cold outside," Finn commented.
"It is," Rachel agreed. "But not in here."
Finn gave Rachel a kiss on the top of her head. "I'm so glad this year is already so much better than last year."
"You think so?" Rachel asked.
"Yeah," Finn said.
"I'm really sorry about how demanding I was being earlier in the week," Rachel said.
"Well, the whole pig thing wasn't such a good idea," Finn admitted.
"Don't say that," Rachel said. "Want to go sing together? Despite the circumstances last year, that song we did last year was pretty amazing. Want to do it for everyone?"
Finn smiled. "I'd love to." He and Rachel took their spots on the stage as they began to sing.
Rachel: Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away
This year
I'll give it to someone special
Once bitten and twice shy
I kept my distance
But you still catch my eye
Tell me baby
Do you recognize me? (Finn: Oh)
Well, it's been a year
Finn and Rachel: It doesn't surprise me
Last Christmas
I wrapped it up and sent it
Finn: With a note saying "I love you" I meant it
Rachel and Finn: Now I know what a fool I've been
But if you kissed me now
I know you'd fool me again
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
Finn: And the very next day you gave it away (Rachel: Gave it away)
This year to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special (Rachel: Oh, oh, oh)
Finn and Rachel: Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day you (Rachel: You gave me away) gave it away
(Rachel: Oh)
This year to save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
Finn: I'll give it to someone
Rachel: Special
x
The day before school let out for Christmas break, Rachel went up to Finn in the hall. "Just the guy I was looking for! I wanted you to know that I named my pig."
"The African sow pig?" Finn asked.
Rachel led Finn to her locker and opened it. "Yep. Come here. Her name is Barbra. After my hero. I mean, I'm assuming that she's a girl. But I just hope that pig Barbra inspires all of the children who eat her as much as the real Barbra inspired me." Now that she thought about it, having a gift of food given to kids who needed it in her name was a pretty good gift.
"So it's a kosher sow pig?" Finn asked.
"Yeah," Rachel said. "Look, the important thing is, is that I just want you to know that I'm really sorry. Okay, I love her and I love you, and that's all that matters to me on Christmas. Okay?"
"Well, I'm glad you like the pig..." Finn began.
"Barbra," Rachel reminded Finn.
"Barbra," Finn remembered. "But, uh, then I realized that once they kill and eat Barbra, you're not gonna have anything to show for this year's Christmas. So I got you something else. You ready?"
Rachel didn't feel like she deserved anything after what happened earlier. "Yes."
Finn handed Rachel an envelope. She opened it and saw a star. "It's your own star," Finn said.
"You named a star after me?" Rachel asked.
"Well, no," Finn admitted. "I thought about that, but then I named it Finn Hudson. Because there's already a star named Rachel Berry. And she's right here on earth and she's brighter than any of those stars up there. So I just wanted to make sure that whenever she feels lonely, she can look up in theky, and no matter where I am, she can know that I'm looking down on her. When it's nighttime."
Rachel felt so touched. "I love this. I'm gonna put it up right over here."
Finn handed Rachel another small box. "And just in case it's cloudy or, uh, the middle of the daytime or the star explodes in some massive supernova... these should shine just as bright."
Rachel opened the box and saw the pair of earrings she wanted. Now she felt even worse. She'd been rude and demanding and now she was getting so much. "It's too much."
"No, it's okay. I hawked my letterman jacket on eBay, so..." Finn assured Rachel.
"No, no. It's too much wonderful for one girl. I mean, I get the guy and the stars and..." Rachel began.
"The pig," Finn added.
Rachel nodded. "I think it's time that I start giving back. Come on. Let's go get our coats."
"What's going on?" Finn asked.
"I'm going to return these and donate the money to that drive for Salvation Army that Sam and Rory are having," Rachel said.
"Are you sure?" Finn asked.
"Yeah," Rachel said.
"What did you get me?" Finn asked.
"We're not returning your gift," Rachel said.
"I'm not letting you return yours unless we return mine too," Finn demanded.
Rachel sighed. "But I want you to have something."
"I have something," Finn said, kissing Rachel.
Rachel smiled. "Are you sure?"
"I'm sure," Finn said.
"Okay," Rachel said. She took Finn's hand as they returned the gifts and then went to where Sam and Rory were ringing bells to collect donations for the salvation army. Finn threw a snowball at Sam as Finn and Rachel went over. "So how's business, guys?" Rachel asked.
"A little slow," Sam admitted. "But the revival house across the street is showing It's a Wonderful Life, so pretty sure we'll clean up when it gets out."
"Well, just in case, we wanted to make our own little contribution to the cause," Finn said. "Sure you want to do this, Rachel?"
Rachel smiled at Finn. "Yes. I already got my Christmas present."
Finn gave Rachel a kiss and dumped the money into the donation bin.
"Whoa, did you guys knock off a liquor store or something?" Sam asked.
"No, we just finally realized what really matters," Finn admitted.
"Yeah, we returned the earrings that Finn got me for Christmas and the iPod that I bought him," Rachel added. "We decided we wanted to do something special this year for Christmas."
"We've got a couple of extra bells if you want to join in," Rory said.
"We'd love to," Rachel said.
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