Thursday, December 21 2006, Episode 4961

Thomas arrives bearing gifts.

Ridge, Brooke, Hope, R.J., Thorne, Taylor, Alexandria, Felicia and Dino gather at the Forrester mansion to celebrate Christmas. After going with Stephanie to a shelter for battered women and children in the morning, the whole family feels lucky to be together. Felicia returns from putting Dino down for a nap and remarks that she could use a nap herself. Taylor suggests that Felicia have some of Eric's egg nog. "I said a nap, not knocked out cold," Felicia quips, eliciting laughter from the others. Stephanie thanks everyone for coming to the shelter with her. When Felicia says she could never pass up a chance to pass out gifts, Thorne calls her a "black leather Santa Claus," causing more laughs from the family. Thomas arrives bearing gifts for all the kids, as well as one for Dante. Felicia says that Dante should be there soon, as long as his flight is on time. Thomas gives out gifts to Hope, R.J. and Ally; Ally is thrilled when she gets art supplies. While the family mingles, Felicia pulls Eric aside and asks him to scrap his plan to bring her grandmother to L.A. for Christmas; Eric reminds her that forgiving is part of what Christmas is all about. Meanwhile, a deliveryman brings Stephanie a gift basket from Pam; reading the card from her sister puts La Forrester in a pensive mood.

Shane vows to be worthy of Phoebe.

Meanwhile, Phoebe meets with Shane at Bridget's beach house. Shane gives her a gift, a wooden jewelry box with her name on it that he made himself. He promises to fill it with diamonds someday, since he plans to prove that he's someone she can be proud of. He has a bunch of job interviews lined up, so he's sure he can make something of himself and be the kind of guy that's worthy of her. As they sit in front of the fireplace and gaze intently at each other, Phoebe's cell phone rings; it's Ridge, calling to find out when Phoebe will be joining them at the mansion. Phoebe tells him that she stopped at Bridget's house, but she'll be there soon. Phoebe hangs up and tells Shane that she has to go. She hopes that he can come with her next year, so they can spend Christmas together. Shane likes the sound of that. They bid each other, "Merry Christmas" and share a kiss.

Stephanie reflects on the strength of her family.

Bridget arrives at the mansion and is greeted by her mom. Eric and Stephanie watch Brooke with Bridget. Eric is glad to see those two so close after all they've been through. Stephanie says that she knew they'd pull through like they always do. Eric attributes that to the strong mother/daughter bond, but Stephanie thinks that pulling together in a crisis is something their family always does, She admits they had a tough year, but she's pleased that they came through it stronger than ever. Eric tells Stephanie that he's especially proud of how she handled things with her mother, which is why he got a special Christmas gift for her. Stephanie is sure that she'll love it, since he has such good taste.

Ridge and Hope plan a surprise for Brooke.

Meanwhile, Hope and R.J. hide with Ridge in the library. When they hear Brooke approaching, the kids duck inside, while Ridge grabs their mommy and pulls her into the library. Holding some mistletoe over her head, Ridge wishes Brooke "Merry Christmas," Brooke wishes him the same and kisses him. Hope then calls out that it's her turn; Brooke kisses both Hope and R.J.

Brooke sits with R.J. after getting Ridge's surprise.

As they sit the kids down, Ridge explains to Brooke that he wanted to teach the kids about mistletoe, and he figured the best way was to show them. Brooke comments that he was lucky she came by when she did. Ridge says that he was waiting for her. For a long time, Brooke adds. And she was worth the wait, Ridge notes. Brooke thanks him for not giving up on what they had. Ridge tells her that he always knew that someday, no matter how long it took, they'd have their family back together. Brooke agrees. Keeping in the festive spirit, she starts singing "Jingle Bells."

Phoebe has a chat with her dad.

Phoebe finally arrives. She tells the family that she was late because Steffy called her from London. She pulled over to talk to her twin sister, but she told Steffy she'd call back once she got there so Steffy could talk to everyone. Ridge tells Phoebe that they can call Steffy in a minute, but he wants to talk to her first. He asks if she's seen Shane. Phoebe reminds him that she already told him that she was at Bridget's house. Ridge reminds Phoebe that she and her siblings are the most precious things in the world to him, which is why he can't bear to think about anything ever happening to any of them. He hopes she understands if he's being a little overprotective. Phoebe says that she does. Having said his piece, Ridge tells his daughter to enjoy the party. Phoebe is surprised she's not getting a lecture. They wish each other, "Merry Christmas."

Ann tells Pam that Stephanie might not want to forgive.

Meanwhile, the Forrester jet makes it's way back to L.A. from Chicago, carrying Ann and Pamela to Eric's planned reunion. Pam is glad that Eric invited them, since they haven't spent Christmas with family for 30 years. She's sure that they'll have a wonderful time. That will be up to Stephanie, Ann points out, wondering if Stephanie can put aside her justifiable hatred for her own mother and forgive her. When the plane lands, the pilot tells Ann and Pam that there's a car waiting. Ann tells the pilot to wait here and be ready to take them back to Chicago, since they may not be at the Forrester home for long. Pam tells her mother not to be so negative, but Ann thinks she's just being realistic. Pam promises to leave if that's what Stephanie wants, but she wants to believe that Eric's right in thinking that her mother and sister can reconcile.

Ally shows Thorne and Taylor her gift.

While Ally shows Thorne and Taylor her new art stuff, Eric finds Stephanie deep in thought and asks if she's OK. She says that she was just thinking about family. Like her mother and sister? Eric asks. Stephanie tells him that her mother is the last person she'd be thinking about today. She explains that she was thinking about Kristen not being here with them. And she was thinking about Sally, whose laughter is sorely missed with Sally spending Christmas with C.J. And most of all, she was thinking about Darla, and about how hard it is on Ally and Thorne without her. That's why she got Ally a special gift. She sits Ally down next to her and gives her a photo album, explaining that this is actually a gift from Ally's Mommy that she helped finished. Ally opens the album and is delighted to see that it's filled with photos of her, her Mommy and her Daddy. She then shows Ally some blank pages in the back; those are for Ally to fill up with photos of her with Thorne and Taylor, so they can build some new memories. She knows Ally misses Darla, and she misses her, too. But then she remembers the love Darla had for her family, especially at Christmas, and it's like she's still there with them.

Darla watches over her daughter from heaven.

As Ally shows the album to the rest of the family, we hear Darla's voice, talking to her sweet little girl. She says that's here, watching Ally open her presents, pleased to see Ally so happy as she celebrates Christmas. She thinks that's the best Christmas present anyone could ever give her. She wants Ally to know that she's celebrating with her, and that Ally's laughter and smiles are all floating up to her in heaven, tied with a great big Christmas bow. She wishes her daughter "Merry Christmas" and says that she'll always love Ally.