Hello, everybody; ModernDayBard here! This chapter is my final contribution to this story, then Endurance gets to wrap it all up. I've had a blast writing, and I hope you've enjoyed reading it just as much. Merry Christmas, everybody!

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

"Mother, don't you dare!"

There was a reason Jenny had given her mom the chair that made the distinctive squeak when the occupant attempted to get up—she knew her mother too well.

"But, Jenny—"

"Mom," Jenny interrupted, "please, relax. It's my turn to play the host, for once you can relax and just be the guest. You don't have to help; we got this. Most of the food's been prepped in advance and we've been working on the décor for weeks. You don't have to do anything other than sit there, sip your cocoa, and relax."

Mrs. Meyers looked up at her daughter in over-exaggerated pleading. "And if I have to use the restroom?"

Jenny pause, flushing a little at her mistake. "Down the hall, to your left."

Alina stifled a laugh behind her grin. Jenny's father didn't even try to hold his back.

God rest ye merry, gentlemen,

Let nothing you dismay;

Remember Christ, our Savior,

Was born on Christmas day,

To save us all from Satan's power,

When we were gone astray.

Soon, the guests started arriving for the annual Bakers Street party. Some, jenny knew and introduced to her parents and Alina—mainly, John, Mary, and little Michael. Shortly after the Watsons came (early), Jenny had to take the last batch of cookies out of the oven. When she came back, she surmised everyone was getting along, because her father was talking with John and her mother was holding Michael while Mary took a seat.

Soon, though, members of the slightly extended part of Sherlock and John's circle began arriving that Jenny had only briefly, if ever, met: Molly and Lestrade, and a few others she couldn't even put a name to. A few of her introverted tendencies threatened to make themselves known, but it was playing hostess that saved her—as quiet as she could sometimes be in overcrowded situations or in crowds where she didn't know most of the people, she loved giving hospitality: making food, making guests comfortable, and generally making people happy. Fortunately, it was this side of her that was winning out.

From God our Heavenly Father,

A blessed Angel came;

And unto certain Shepherds

Brought tidings of the same:

How that in Bethlehem was born,

The Son of God by Name.

As the evening wound on, Sherlock observed the contained chaos from the corner he'd drifted into. He was doing his best not to make too many observations—these were his friends after all (well, most of them were) and he would prefer to keep it that way—and trying to minimize his impact on preceding, remembering a couple similar evening ending in more-or-less disaster because he'd been in one foul temper or another. Best not to ruin this party, especially not for the American and her family…

Father, mid to late fifties, military background, but that's few years in the past now, he's let his hair grow out. Loves small children and they seem to like him, too, given Michael's reaction. Definitely the extrovert of the family and very comfortable in social situations. Mother, medical background, but hasn't worked in a while—probably a stay-at-home mother. Quiet person, but gentle and friendly. Jenny takes after her in more than just appearance, but with a bit of her father's humor thrown in as well.

Friend…Alina. Teacher. A little blunter, perhaps a tad more cynical than Jenny, but not too hardened. Reader and writer both, mostly used to small town life. Geography alone dictates these two met at college.

Before he could get any further, he was aware of his downstairs neighbor coming up to him, smiling, but a question in her eyes. "You're being awfully quiet."

"For once?" he offered, anticipating some good natured-teasing.

She didn't take the offered bait. "I know you'd rather be joking around with the rest of us, so come on. Trust me: my folks won't mind and Alina can give as she gets. You don't have to exile yourself at your own party."

He muttered something about is position being his own choice, but he followed Jenny nevertheless. Perhaps a little more mingling wouldn't ruin the mood.

Now to the Lord sing praises,

All you within this place;

And with true love and brotherhood,

Each other now embrace.

This holy tide of Christmas,

Doth bring redeeming grace!

After most guests had left, the necessary clean-up commenced, and this time Jenny had no luck keeping her mother form jumping in. Alina also jumped in to help, and Paul Meyers was in his element, entertaining two-year-old Michael Watson while his parents enjoyed a few more moments of rest.

Jenny was clearly exhausted by the evening, but she couldn't stop smiling at the memory of the evening or the thought of the rest of the holidays with her friends and family around her—new and old.

O tidings of comfort and joy—

Comfort and joy!

O tidings of comfort and joy!

So, yeah. I've definitely enjoyed this project, and I hope you all have loved the results. Merry Christmas!

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

Song: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Recommended Version: 4Him