Hello, everybody; ModernDayBard here! This time around, we're featuring mostly oc's. Not to worry, though, our favorite cannon characters will be more prominently featured for the rest of the time—this is a necessary set-up (and hopefully also enjoyable).

Anyhow, let the Christmas season continue! (We own neither show nor songs).

Script? Check. Notebook? Check. Pencil with an eraser? Check. Bag? Check. Coat, gloves, scarf, hat? Check.

Bundled against the December chill, Jenny made her way out of the apartment, bound for the theater, and rehearsal for her company's production of Marlowe's Faustus, due to open that January. She left early to give herself time to enjoy the walk, with all the Christmas decorations now proliferated through the city.

This was always her favorite time of year—ever since she'd been a little girl—and even though she didn't have as much time with her family as she had in precious years, there was still an excitement that brought out the kid in her, even more than her job normally did.

No more lives torn apart—

That wars would never start,

And time would heal all hearts;

"Hey, Reynolds, you're organizing the Christmas fundraiser this year, right?" Jess called over to the actor laying Sloth at the end of that evening rehearsal, causing Jenny to look up in some surprise.

Jenny paused in swapping out her character shoes for her boots. "The what now?"

Jess glanced down at her young friend. "That's right—your first December here. I was wondering why you were prepping to leave. Stick around, we're having a planning meeting in a few minutes."

"Planning a fundraiser? For the company?" Jenny asked as she finally got her character shoes off. Placing them back in her bag, she opted not to wrestle into her boots at the moment, remaining barefoot as she sat on the floor.

"No," answered Josh Reynolds, walking over to the two girls. "Every December, we organize and run a charity fundraiser as a company. Usually some kind of performance and food element. Last year was dinner and a concert, but it didn't really pay off as much, so we're heading back to the drawing board. And yes, Jess, I'm technically in charge, but believe me: I'm open to suggestions."

As children we believed,

The grandest sight to see,

Was something lovely,

Wrapped beneath our tree.

Well, heaven surely knows,

That packages and bows,

Can never heal a hurting human soul.

"What about a bake auction?" Jenny suggested as the meeting progressed. Her suggestion got a few blank stares, so she elaborated: "I think the concert idea is good, and that works with the flat charge for admission, but if we also baked cookies, pies, and such, we could have an auction at the end and raise a little more. Plus, people are willing to bid more for charity."

"And those of us who can't bake?" asked Will, one of the (many) 'class clowns' in the company and the actor portraying Wagner, though the broad wink he gave the young American took some of the contrariness out of his words.

Jenny smirked back, though internally, she didn't feel as confident: she was still painfully aware of her place as the 'new girl' and foreigner. "Well, than your contribution to the concert had better be worth admission price."

Her retort earned laughs, and Josh playfully shoved Will, adding, "Or you better buy something—we're always willing to take your money." When things settled, though, the project head managed to get everyone back into business mode. "I think it's a good plan. I'm going to get a sign-up sheet together—well, two. One for baked goods, one for concert pieces. They'll be here tomorrow, and you'll have a week to sign up. Sound good to everyone?"

Everyone would have a friend;

And right would always win;

And love would never end—

This is my grown-up Christmas list!

It was even colder as she made her way back to 221C, but Jenny didn't really notice. Now that it was fully dark, the holiday lights were on, and she felt herself practically bouncing. She loved this time of year, and she really loved that her theater company would be giving back this holiday season.

Of course, she had to think through her contributions…there was her mom's pecan pie recipe, of course, or her simple, 3-ingredient pumpkin cookies. Maybe both, if she could swing it in her grocery budget that month. And, she did want to get something ready for the concert, but what?

She was still pondering that question as she turned onto her street, and glanced up, noticing the silhouette of her neighbor in the lit window of 221B, and though she couldn't hear him, she could see he was playing his violin.

No, I couldn't…could I?

So, yeah. OC heavy, only one of which (besides Jenny) has even been mentioned before (Jess was mentioned in 'New Neighbors'), so it was a bit risky, but sets up an event that pays off in a few more chapters, so I decided to go for it—I hope you like it!

As always, if you saw something you liked, or somethin you think I can fix/improve on for next time, feel free to leave a review and let me know!

Song: Grown Up Christmas List

Recommended Version: Peter Hollens or Evynne Hollens