Thursday, December 24, 2009, Episode #5719

Ridge and Brooke get a visit from Thorne.

With a fire burning in the fireplace, Ridge and Brooke sit in front of their Christmas tree and drink hot chocolate. When Brooke holds some mistletoe over their heads, Ridge is happy to engage in his favorite holiday tradition and kisses her. Brooke says that loving him and being loved by him is like having Christmas all year long. They kiss again, trying to make the most of their time before Brooke's parents bring the kids back, but they're interrupted when Thorne comes to their front door. Thorne tells them that he's worried about Stephanie, who is spending Christmas Eve at Jackie M instead of with her children. He's sure Stephanie won't be happy there, especially on this first Christmas since her mother died. Ridge doesn't know what to do; he offered to drive their mother to Eric's tomorrow, but she said she had other plans. He doesn't like it, but he thinks they have to accept that Christmas will be different this year. Thorne thinks their mother needs to be around family after everything she lost this year and wants to do something about it. Brooke reminds him that Stephanie declined the invitation for Christmas, but Thorne doesn't see how his mother could accept an invitation to "Donna's home." Brooke suggests that they do something there for Stephanie during the day, but Thorne doesn't think it will be the same and decides to go to Jackie M to cheer his mother up.

Pam and Stephanie think about their mom and Sally Spectra.

At Jackie M, the Christmas party is in full swing. All the employees and their families are there. While Nick and Bridget smooch under the mistletoe, Owen carries in Jack, who is dressed like an elf, on his shoulders. Nick gathers everyone together and announces that they're there to celebrate "the best Christmas this ragtag group ever had." Stephanie and Pam put reindeer antlers on their heads and smile as Nick breaks out his guitar and leads the group in singing Jingle Bells. Observing all the happy faces, the Douglas sisters step off to the side and discuss how it feels to celebrate their first Christmas without their mom. They miss Ann, but they agree they gave her the send-off she wanted. Looking at the familiar "Sally Says Recycle" sign by the elevator, decorated for the holidays, Stephanie remembers her old friend Sally and notes that she didn't get a Christmas card from Sally this year. Taking a glass of eggnog, she looks at the sign and toasts, "I love you and I miss you. Merry Christmas, wherever you are."

Nick and Bridget have a gift for Sandy.

Bridget finds Sandy and thanks her for coming. "Christmas wouldn't have been the same without you," Bridget states, giving Sandy a warm embrace. Nick joins them and they give Sandy a gift certificate for a spa day of pampering. Sandy tells them that they shouldn't have done it, but the Marones think it's the least they can do for the woman carrying their child.

Thorne is pleased to see his mother so happy.

While Stephanie and Pam hand out candy to the kids, Owen pulls Jackie to her office to give her a special gift: a palm tree pendant to remind her of their Hawaiian wedding. He knows their marriage has been challenged, but he thinks that made them stronger. They share a passionate kiss. After Jackie rejoins the party, she corners Stephanie and expresses how happy she is that Stephanie is there with them. "Sugar Plum, I wouldn't be anyplace else," Stephanie laughs. Stephanie then goes into Jackie's office, where the daughter of one of the employees asks her for help tying a scarf on her stuffed bear. Thorne pops in and watches as his mother cheerfully ties the scarf on. The little girl thanks Stephanie with a hug, which makes Thorne smile. By the elevators, Jackie and Owen announce that dinner is served, so everyone files out to where the food is. As she leaves the office, Stephanie spots Thorne standing in the doorway and greets him with a hug. Thorne tells her that he came over because he thought she'd be lonely, but he sees she's having the time of her life. Stephanie reminds him that it's always better to count your blessings than fret your regrets. While he and his siblings will always be number one with her, she feels blessed to have found this crazy special place where she fits in. Thorne admits that he didn't understand that before, but he does now. They hug as they wish each other "Merry Christmas" and exchange "I love you's."

A new ornament evokes fond memories for Brooke and Ridge.

Thorne returns to Brooke and Ridge's place and reports that it's total mayhem at Jackie M, but in a good way. When he recounts that Stephanie was having a ball, Ridge wonders if she was faking for his benefit, but Thorne assures that Stephanie has found her niche at Jackie M and is truly happy there. After Thorne leaves, Brooke looks at the new ornament she and Ridge added to the tree this year with a photo of their heart in the sand. "Thank you for not giving up on me," she tells Ridge. She recalls how she went to Paris thinking that their love story was over, but then she saw the heart in the sand and knew that their story would never end. "Our love would always bring us back to each other," she says. Excited to be together for all time, they wish each other "Marry Christmas" and kiss.

Whip and Sandy share a warm moment.

While everyone is eating, Whip comes over to Sandy to tell her how glad he is that she decided to come tonight. He's also glad that they're getting along better lately. "Merry Christmas, Cuz," he tells her. Sandy smiles at him. Jackie asks for everyone's attention and thanks them for all the hard work they've put in this year, raving about the amazing ragtag family they've become. She especially wants to thank her son Nicky for his part in their success and for helping them find a true sense of family here. Everyone applauds and cheers. Stephanie adds her thanks to "Nicky" as well, since he brought them all together and gave her the kick in the butt she needed to realize she was still needed. Telling everyone that the season is all about love, hope and peace, she states, "Let's extend goodwill to everyone." Everyone in the room is moved.

Jackie and Owen get in the holiday spirit.

A bit later, Jackie opens the door to her office to let the kids in. The kids are thrilled to see Santa (Nick) and Mrs. Santa (Bridget). Mrs. Santa hands her hubby a book and he reads 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to the kids. Smiles fill the room, including one from Sandy, who stands next to Whip. As Santa finishes, Stephanie joins him and declares that they'll remember this night they spent together as a family, albeit a unique one. Taking Nick's hand, she wishes everyone, "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night." Everyone then joins together to sing Joy to the World.