document: Hilary: Devon.
  Devon: Wow. Wow, wow.
  Hilary: I'm glad you like it.
  Devon: Like it?
  Hilary: Well, I just -- I want to make sure that everything is gonna be perfect for our first Christmas Eve in our brand-new place.
  Devon: You keep calling it our place. It doesn't feel like home yet, hon?
  Hilary: Well, it's gonna take a little getting used to. The move happened so fast.
  Devon: Yeah, but our suite at the club always felt temporary to me. This is -- this is real, you know? It's permanent. We can start an amazing life here together.
  Hilary: Yeah, I hope so.
  Devon: What do you mean, you hope so? What does that mean?
  Hilary: Devon, you need to accept that I am determined to build a dynamic career for myself, wherever that leads me.
  Devon: Okay, but where, uh, where exactly do you plan on having it lead you? Away from me? Away from here? You gonna go to new York or L.A.? Honey? Are you, by any chance, considering taking one of those new job offers you got?
  Hilary: Hmm, well, what if I am?
  Devon: What if you are? You know what I want for Christmas this year? Just one thing. I want you to come back to the GC buzz.
  Hilary: Oh. Well, if that's true, you're gonna need to talk to my agent. [Chuckles]
  Jack: Barry, I knew things were going well. This donation is substantial.
  Barry: Happy to help. It's a worthy cause.
  Jack: Well, this check will go a long way toward helping our foundation's New Year's Eve celebration be a great success.
  Barry: Glad you're impressed. So, between that check and helping out your friend Hilary, I'm hoping that that favor I owed you has been fully repaid.
  Jack: And you would be right, though I think I did you a favor introducing you to Hilary. Talented woman, isn't she?
  Barry: She is. Her looks, her style. You know, she could really take off.
  Lily: Jack.
  Jack: Hey. How are you, Lily?
  Lily: Good. I just want to tell you I'm really excited about the benefit next week.
  Jack: Thank you for all you've done. I know it has been a good bit of help.
  Lily: Yeah, well, I felt bad that we couldn't host the event here, so my dad kind of guilted me into working for him. But I'm happy to do it, though.
  Jack: Well, we're happy to have you onboard.
  Lily: Yeah, thank you. Well, merry Christmas.
  Jack: And merry Christmas to you, and to cane and the kids.
  Lily: [Chuckles] Thanks.
  Barry: So, you got any plans for the holidays?
  Jack: Oh, uh, playing it pretty low-key this year. Gonna be at home with my... my family.
  Jill: [Sighs]
  Billy: Hey, mom.
  Jill: Oh, ho, ho.
  Billy: You're, uh, leaving it till the last second to get your shopping done, aren't you?
  Jill: I'm telling you, I am a woman on a mission.
  Billy: Taking on the hordes of people running down the aisles, looking for last-minute gifts? You're brave.
  Jill: I will trample and trounce anybody who tries to get in between me and the perfect gift for my grandchildren.
  Billy: [Chuckles]
  Jill: [Sighs] By the way, these are all wrapped and ready to go for you to take to Katie and Johnny.
  Billy: Okay, good. It's gonna have to wait till tomorrow, though.
  Jill: Honey, it's Christmas Eve.
  Billy: Yes, I know, but it's Victoria's day with the kids.
  Jill: What?!
  Billy: Look, if I can deal with it, so can you.
  Jill: Listen to me. That is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard. Neither you nor Victoria have a significant other right now, so do the sensible thing and come together for Christmas for your children.
  Billy: We are divorced, okay? We're doing things separately.
  Jill: I don't want you to be alone tonight.
  Billy: I'm fine with it.
  Jill: Well, I am most certainly not fine with it.
  Traci: Here you go.
  Ashley: Thank you.
  Traci: Here. Uh, what do you think? Maybe we should turn on some Christmas carols, huh?
  Ashley: Do you think it'll help?
  Traci: Got to do something to make it feel like Christmas Eve around here.
  Ashley: Okay. Christmas carols, here we come.
  Traci: Okay. It seems kind of strange, doesn't it?
  Ashley: Hmm?
  Traci: Just the two of us and Jack.
  ["Jingle Bells" plays]
  Ashley: Yeah, Abby's with the Newmans this year. She said that she'll be here in spirit. Does it count?
  Traci: [Chuckles] No.
  Ashley: [Laughs] I know.
  Traci: And what about Billy?
  Ashley: He's keeping his distance. Who can blame him? Every time he reaches out, Jack just shuts him down.
  Traci: I can completely sympathize with Jack. I mean it. But...[Sighs] To push it to the point of forcing brash & sassy out of the jabot building by the end of the year -- I mean, what is the rush?
  Ashley: Well, he says it's expansion, you know? He's making a play for Fenmore's. Whatever.
  Traci: Well, that's a calculated business move, but the eviction? It's a personal attack on Billy, and this is the time of year we should be coming together.
  Ashley: Makes me miss dad more than ever.
  Traci: Yeah, me, too. Dad always taught us that Christmas was a time for hope.
  Ashley: Yeah.
  Traci: And he always said, "just because things are bad..." [Chuckles] Come on.
  Ashley: [Laughs]
  Traci: Finish it.
  Ashley: Just because things are bad doesn't mean they won't get better in time.
  Traci: Because we're Abbotts, and we never give up on our own. [Chuckles] We miss you, Daddy.
  Ashley: We miss you, Daddy. Hey jingle bells, jingle bells
  Gloria: Oh, I wish you could have been here to experience it firsthand, fen. It was dazzling. Your grandmother popping out of a box. [Laughs] Best Christmas present ever.
  Michael: I told you. All is come, all is bright situation contained.
  Lauren: [Laughs] Yeah. For the moment. That's because Chloe and Gloria are on opposite sides of the room.
  Michael: Hmm.
  Gloria: [Laughs] Love you, too. I love my grandson.
  Michael: Aww. We're fond of him, too.
  Lauren: Yes.
  Gloria: I think I'm gonna go freshen up, get a second wind. Quite a journey from France.
  Lauren: [Chuckles] You must be exhausted traveling all those miles...in a box.
  [Both laugh]
  Michael: Well, listen, let us know when. We'll get a car service to drop you at the hotel.
  Gloria: Hotel? It's Christmas Eve, Michael. Don't be silly. I came all this way to be with family.
  Michael: Meaning?
  Gloria: I'm going to stay with you and Lauren for as long as you'll have me.
  Jill: I wish I hadn't made these other plans now. I'm going over to join the festivities at Devon's new place with cane and Lily and the kids.
  Billy: Well, have fun. I'm more than capable of spending that on my own.
  Jill: Yeah, but it's Christmas Eve. Why don't you come with me?
  Billy: I need you to understand something, okay? That's not where I want to be right now.
  Jill: If you will not go over to Victoria's, there might be something else familial you can do, somewhere else you could go.
  Billy: Don't even ask me to try and figure it out with Jack, okay?
  Jill: Oh, please. Jack. I wouldn't even ask you to offer an olive branch to that idiot, the way he's behaving right now.
  Billy: Okay. I like that.
  Jill: And Ashley is on jack's team.
  Billy: Okay, mom, listen.
  Jill: But Traci -- you could spend the night with Traci.
  Billy: Mom.
  Jill: Traci would never want you to be out in the cold on the holidays.
  Billy: You're right. It's the holidays, okay? So don't get all worked up. You should be in a good mood. I want to hear your -- your holiday cheer.
  Jill: I am in a good mood. Traci is the solution here.
  Billy: Both of my sisters already reached out to me, okay?
  Jill: They did?
  Billy: [Chuckles]
  Jill: They did.
  Billy: Yes, they did. They did, okay? Ashley is not happy with the way Jack is acting, and of course Traci, who's got the biggest heart in the world.
  Jill: So, honey, call them, okay? Go on over there.
  Billy: I'm not gonna do that, okay? I'm not gonna act like my big brother and make them choose sides on Christmas. Everybody else is all caught between Jack and me, and I don't want to make things harder for them.
  Jack: Just thought I'd say hello.
  Phyllis: Hello. Surprised to see you here on Christmas Eve.
  Jack: Yeah, I'm headed home now. How about you? I assumed you'd be with summer.
  Phyllis: Oh, lucky girl. She is actually in Belize with a couple of friends. It was a birthday present from nick and me.
  Jack: Lucky girl. Then you're...
  Phyllis: Alone, yes.
  Jack: And later?
  Phyllis: Later I am heading to Michael and Lauren's, and I do have plans, Jack, even if they aren't with... even if they're different this year.
  Jack: Hard to believe that was a year ago, the two of us up at the cabin alone before my family surprised us with a visit.
  Phyllis: And now we have moved on. So looking back doesn't make any sense, right? Not even at Christmas.
  Lily: Hi. I didn't get to meet you before. I'm Lily Ashby. I'm the manager of this club, and I saw you come in here before with my sister-in-law, Hilary?
  Barry: That's right. Pleasure to meet you, Lily.
  Lily: Yeah, you, too. You're Barry, right, her new agent?
  Barry: I am her agent, but I'm definitely not new. Been doing this for quite some time, which is why you look familiar to me. Weren't you a model?
  Lily: Wow. I was a model. [Chuckles] A long time ago. You do know your business.
  Barry: I try.
  Lily: [Chuckles] May I sit?
  Barry: Please. Absolutely.
  Lily: So, um, I know that Hilary is very enthusiastic about where her career could go from here.
  Barry: She's been talking to you about it?
  Lily: Oh, yeah. Yeah, yeah, we chat. We have a lot to say to each other.
  Barry: Mm-hmm.
  Lily: So, please. Tell me. What are your plans on making my sister-in-law a big star?
  Hilary: Your family is gonna be here any minute, and I don't want to be in the middle of an argument when they get here.
  Devon: Well, I don't want to be in the middle of the party and have this be unsettled.
  Hilary: It's settled.
  Devon: Sweetheart, I am not going to talk to your agent, okay? I want to speak to my wife.
  Hilary: See? That right there, that is the problem. You only see me as your wife, not as an individual who has her own professional goals.
  Devon: That's not true.
  Hilary: [Scoffs] I disagreed with you, and what did you do? You fired me.
  Devon: Because we had different visions where the show was concerned.
  Hilary: Then why would you even want me back?
  Devon: Because you're a fantastic host. You light up in front of the camera. The audience responds to you.
  Hilary: And? Go ahead, go ahead. Keep -- keep the compliments coming.
  Devon: And I love working with you.
  Hilary: When I agree with you.
  Devon: No. Hilary.
  Hilary: Yes.
  Devon: This is not about you agreeing with me, okay? This is about you and me putting out something that we can both be proud of.
  Hilary: I want that, too. I do.
  Devon: Then what's the problem?
  Hilary: Well, I also want a show that people will watch, okay? Devon, what good is all of that hard work if nobody's gonna see it?
  Devon: I hear you. We will find middle ground.
  Hilary: If you trust me.
  Devon: You know I trust you.
  Hilary: You have to trust me to make my own decisions, Devon. The show needs to be mine. I need to control the stories, and I need to have a title that makes my position clear. And I want a salary, the type of salary that the other production companies were willing to offer me, because this is about my value and my merit. So, you want me? That's what it's gonna take to keep me.
  Michael: Is this okay with you? Honey, is that okay? Gloria staying with us?
  Gloria: Of course it is, because Lauren loves me. Don't you, Lauren?
  Lauren: [Chuckles] Nobody is more extraordinary than you, Gloria.
  Gloria: Thank you. You know me so well. And now that we're going to be roomies, you're going to discover more about me.
  Lauren: I'll bet. I'll bet, I'll bet.
  Gloria: [Chuckles]
  Lauren: Honey? Honey. Now.
  Michael: You can use Fenmore's room.
  Gloria: Excellent. That's settled. Now what are we gonna do about that? Oh, come on. I know you two are as worried as I am about how Chloe's taking advantage of Kevin.
  Lauren: We're very supportive of their relationship.
  Gloria: Oh, please. Do not say that is so.
  Michael: Kevin is very happy to be back together with Chloe. They're good for each other.
  Lauren: That's right. And he went in with his eyes open. Chloe, from moment one, told him that Bella was not his daughter.
  Michael: [Chuckles] It's Kevin's life, Gloria. He gets to decide how he wants to live it.
  Gloria: So when your darling son decides to move in with a crazy woman and her fatherless child, only to get his heart decimated, you tell me how you feel. So never mind about my maternal concerns. Never let it be said that this glorious Grinch was the one who ruined the night before Christmas.
  Lily: I know that Hilary is thrilled to have you as her agent and all of those job opportunities.
  Barry: I can line up any number of jobs for Hilary -- entertainment, news. She'd kill on cable.
  Lily: Oh, yeah, I agree with you. And I'm sure she would love to shine on a bigger stage.
  Barry: Probably, but marriage is a pretty tricky business, especially if your husband is also your boss.
  Lily: Yeah, Hilary and I talked about that, how it might benefit her to distance herself from Devon.
  Barry: I wish she still felt that way. It seems that your sister-in-law only wanted me to prove a point to her husband, make him see her value. She doesn't have plans to make any moves anytime soon.
  Lily: Right. It's smart. Um, so she allowed Devon to think that she had all these offers, but...
  Barry: That is the art of negotiation. She seems to love him very much.
  Devon: I never want you to question your worth.
  Hilary: I know that you say that, but...
  Devon: No, no. No buts. No buts. Um, I don't want to lose you. So I'm gonna make you a deal. If you agree to come back, the show is yours. Completely. And I mean it. The title, money, complete control over every story you tell.
  Hilary: [Sighs] Devon, that's -- that's all that I want.
  Devon: With that being said, you know the standards that I want to uphold, okay? So no more, uh, "creative editing" and no more slander, because if you keep going down that road, there will be a lot of people with their lawyers lined up waiting to make sure we don't have a show anymore.
  Hilary: You have my word. Can I kiss you now?
  Devon: Yeah, by all means, please. I know we've both made mistakes, and I really hope that moving forward we can, uh, do it with a little bit more respect for each other.
  Hilary: We will. We will. We most definitely will.
  Devon: Well, welcome back.
  Hilary: [Laughs]
  [Doorbell rings]
  Devon: Oh, geez.
  Hilary: Well, let's get this party started, shall we?
  Devon: No, no. Yeah, okay. Let's do it. [Sighs]
  Hilary: [Squeals]
  Devon: [Chuckles] Who is it?
  Neil: Hey, hey.
  Devon: Hey!
  Hilary: Merry Christmas, Neil!
  Neil: Merry Christmas! Santa Claus has arrived.
  Devon: How are you, dad?
  Neil: Good, good. Well, happy faces. Aren't you both in the holiday spirit.
  Hilary: Never better. [Chuckles]
  Jack: Well, have a nice holiday. I guess I'll see you at the office next week.
  Phyllis: Will you?
  Jack: What does that mean?
  Phyllis: Well, you've been trying to oust me from the company for months. I thought maybe giving me a boot just before Christmas would give you some sort of joy.
  Jack: You almost look as if you're disappointed I didn't fire you.
  Phyllis: Well, I know it's coming. I just think maybe I'm hoping for you to put me out of my misery.
  Jack: And what about your threat to sue me for half my share in the company if I did fire you?
  Phyllis: Oh, Jack, you knew that was never gonna happen.
  Jack: What about this new project of yours you seem so excited about, excited about working at jabot again? You really willing to walk away from that?
  Phyllis: I am. I am very excited about this new project, and I am not excited about working for jabot.
  Jack: Then you did want to get fired. Um... wow. You're looking elsewhere? I mean, have you found another position?
  Phyllis: No. It's just time. It's what you wanted. Ashley's gonna be thrilled I'm gone.
  Jack: You're really to the point where you're ready to walk away?
  Phyllis: You were right. It's what's best for both of us. Merry Christmas, Jack.
  Jack: Merry Christmas.
  [Upbeat music playing]
  [Traci and Ashley laugh]
  Traci: Whoo! [Laughs] Oh.
  [Laughter]
  Ashley: Mrs. Martinez.
  Traci: Oh, so sorry about the noise. We were -- we were just --
  Mrs. Martinez: Dancing like you used to. It's so fun. [Laughs] Still only three for dinner?
  Traci: Yes, unfortunately.
  Mrs. Martinez: Ay.
  Ashley: [Chuckles]
  Traci: Well, you heard the lady. Crank it up.
  [Doorbell rings]
  Ashley: Oh. Annoyed neighbor? Oh! Billy! Billy!
  Billy: Hey.
  Traci: Oh, you came!
  Billy: I did. Just long enough to -- mwah -- drop off some presents before Jack comes downstairs.
  Ashley: He's not home.
  Billy: What?
  Ashley: He's not home!
  Billy: Well, in that case... ohhh, my goodness. Cookies and homemade fudge.
  Ashley: Yeah.
  Billy: Wow, it actually feels like Christmas in here.
  [Clears throat]
  Ashley: Hey.
  Billy: All right. Hold on a second here. Priorities.
  Ashley: Yep, go ahead.
  Traci: Yeah, that's right. [Laughs]
  Ashley: [Laughs]
  Billy: Mmm.
  Traci: Well?
  Ashley: Right?
  Billy: Mm. Where is Mrs. Martinez?
  Traci: [Laughs]
  Billy: Look at you!
  Mrs. Martinez: My little Billy! Mwah!
  Billy: You made all my favorites!
  Mrs. Martinez: My present to you. This family is so generous to me and my children.
  Billy: Well, you tell those children they have the best mom in the world and they better take care of you this Christmas. Here. This is for you.
  Mrs. Martinez: Oh!
  Billy: From me.
  Mrs. Martinez: Oh! [Sobs quietly]
  Traci: [Chuckles]
  Billy: I didn't mean to make her cry.
  Ashley: Yeah, I've heard that before.
  Traci: Happy tears, though, Billy.
  Billy: Happy tears? Well, in that case, give me some presents.
  Ashley: Right.
  Billy: Here. [Clears throat] Okay.
  Ashley: [Sighs]
  Billy: Um, ash.
  Ashley: Oh, it's a big one.
  Billy: This one's you, Traci.
  Traci: Thank you. And here's your giant gift from us.
  Billy: Socks?
  Traci: Big box. [Laughs]
  Billy: And here, this is for, uh, for Abby. We can just stuff that under the tree.
  Ashley: Oh, that was sweet of you.
  Traci: Anything for Jack?
  Billy: Yeah, I got him something, but I, uh, I'll just hold on to it for now.
  Ashley: Oh, that was really nice of you.
  Billy: Did you think I was gonna miss Christmas Eve with my sisters? Come on. Just because my brother's a tyrant and he hates me.
  Ashley: He doesn't hate you, Billy.
  Billy: Hey, no lying in front of the Christmas tree, okay? It's bad luck. [Sighs] Okay. I should get going.
  Ashley: No.
  Traci: Oh, no, no, no, no. Not yet, not yet, not yet.
  Ashley: You have to stay at least so we can open our presents.
  Billy: I don't think we should.
  Traci: Please. Just stay long enough to spend some time with your sisters on Christmas Eve. Please?
  [Chuckles]
  Billy: [Chuckles]
  Kevin: [Laughs]
  Bella: [Giggles]
  Lauren: Listen, honey, uh, hang in there where Gloria's concerned.
  Chloe: Ugh. I feel like I should be telling you that. I don't know which is worse -- her giving me the stink eye or her loving you so much that she wants to move in with you.
  Lauren: Oh, well, that's a good point. Trade ya. [Laughs] Come on.
  Chloe: Fat chance. I think Kevin and I are finally ahead on that one.
  Lauren: Uh-huh.
  Kevin: Well, it's a bummer that fen and Scotty couldn't join us.
  Michael: Ah, well, maybe we'll all be together next year, but I'm gonna make sure Lauren sees them soon! She misses her boys, doesn't she? Mwah!
  Kevin: Hey, is fen still planning on doing the whole lawyer thing?
  Michael: Yeah, it's looking that way.
  Kevin: Wow. That's impressive. He's really turned his life around.
  Michael: And so have you. I mean, think about where you come from. You work for the police.
  Kevin: Right? Who'd have thunk the two of us, given where we came from, that we would end up on the side of law and order?
  Michael: Oh, not me. Come here, you little scamp. Ohh! Man, I'm thankful for it. And I'm happy for you. In a serious relationship again and getting to look after this little cutie here. Mwah!
  Bella: [Giggles]
  Michael: [Sighs] [Groans] I'm sorry Gloria's giving Chloe such a hard time.
  Kevin: I'm not Bella's dad. Chloe's been honest about everything. I don't understand why mom doesn't get that.
  Michael: All right, just give her some time to warm up to the situation.
  Jill: Wow, Devon. Oh, this place is spectacular.
  Devon: Thank you, Jill. We like it.
  Jill: And what a lovely holiday party. Thank you for including me.
  Hilary: Well, we thought it would be a nice gesture.
  Jill: Ohh, Hilary, Hilary, Hilary. Somehow I doubt you turned to your husband and said, "Devon, sweetie, let's include Jill for Christmas Eve."
  Hilary: True.
  Neil: Hey, uh, Devon. I'm looking around here, and I know you're enjoying this place 'cause there's nothing like having a place you can call your own.
  Devon: I couldn't agree with you more, man.
  Hilary: And we have really big plans not just for this apartment but for the whole building.
  Jill: The whole building, Devon?
  Hilary: Yeah. Devon didn't tell you? Well, we bought the entire place from the developer.
  Neil: Wow.
  Devon: It's a good investment.
  Neil: Yeah. Putting down some serious roots here, ain't you?
  Cane: All right. Who's ready for Santa?!
  Mattie: Me!
  Cane: [Laughs]
  Mattie: I'm gonna stay up all night to see him!
  Charlie: And the reindeer, too!
  Cane: And the reindeer? Huh? Yeah?
  Lily: Hey.
  Cane: Hey, mommy's here!
  Lily: Hi! I'm sorry I'm late, you guys. Hi.
  Cane: I missed you, baby.
  Lily: Hey, everyone. Merry Christmas.
  Devon: Merry Christmas. Hey, Lily. Make yourself at home.
  Billy: Do you like them? Do you like your presents?
  Ashley: Of course.
  Traci: Absolutely.
  Billy: Yeah? Are you lying? Are you glad I put the gift receipts in there?
  Ashley: Absolutely.
  Traci: Yes, we are.
  [Laughter]
  Billy: Well, I'm not returning this. It's perfect. It's exactly what I wanted. It's beautiful.
  Traci: Oh, Billy, we got exactly what we wanted, too. [Chuckles] We got to spend some time with you today.
  Ashley: Aren't you glad you hung around? You could open up your great gift.
  Billy: Yeah, I am. I mean, you know, to spend time with my sisters in this beautiful place on Christmas Eve.
  Traci: Do you remember all the Christmases when you were a little boy?
  Billy: Oh, gosh, yeah.
  Traci: [Chuckles]
  Billy: Running up the stairs as soon as the sun set.
  Ashley: That's because you wanted to get to sleep as early as you could so that Christmas morning would come sooner.
  Traci: [Laughs]
  Billy: Come running down the stairs, dad behind me snapping photos, laughing.
  Ashley: Never, ever wanted to miss you opening up your presents, not once.
  Billy: So many fantastic Christmas memories in here. Thank you for adding another one today, tonight.
  Traci: [Voice breaking] Billy, have a cookie.
  [Both laugh]
  Ashley: I might have a cookie.
  Traci: Have another cookie before I lose it. [Laughs]
  Billy: I got to say, cookies, fudge, laughs, love -- it's not what I expected this year.
  [Door opens]
  Billy: I think most people would say all I deserve is a lump of coal --
  Jack: Did you not get the message the last time you stopped by here?
  Billy: You mean when you changed the locks on the front door?
  Jack: You're not welcome here.
  Billy: I just came to bring some Christmas presents for my sisters, Jack.
  Jack: You all had some time together. So --
  Traci: Jack.
  Ashley: This is insane.
  Traci: Can't you and Billy just have a cease fire long enough to get through Christmas Eve dinner?
  Ashley: One meal. Just a couple of hours, Jackie? Can't you manage that for Traci and me, who just want us to be together as a family so we can remember what this holiday is for?
  Billy: Thank you. I'm sorry, but I, uh, I don't think that's gonna happen. [Sighs] Bye. Thank you very much. I love you. Bye.
  [Door opens]
  [Door closes]
  Ashley: Have you nothing to say for yourself?
  Jack: Wow. Something smells amazing, Mrs. Martinez.
  Michael: Merry chri-- oh, my gosh! I love the new look. Mwah!
  Phyllis: Thank you.
  Michael: It suits you.
  Phyllis: Thank you. Whoo, looks like someone started the party early.
  Michael: Well...
  Chloe: Hey.
  Phyllis: Hi, guys.
  Chloe: Merry Christmas!
  Michael: It's quite the Christmas Eve we're having.
  Phyllis: Hmm.
  Lauren: Hi, sweetie!
  Phyllis: Hey!
  Michael: Look who's here!
  Phyllis: Here she is. Hey, did fen come home?
  Lauren: Uh, not this year, but I am planning a sit-in in his apartment for valentine's day.
  Phyllis: [Laughs]
  Michael: Well, we did get a, uh, surprise visit this year.
  Lauren: Yes, we did.
  Phyllis: Gloria! Holy -- wow. You're back.
  Gloria: And your hair looks fabulous! Oh, maybe I need to switch it up a little bit. Bet you had one of those "wash that man right out of my hair" moments. Ah, but which man was it? Billy or Jack?
  Lauren: Honey, come help me in the kitchen.
  Chloe: You know that Santa is going to come soon on his sleigh. Yes, he is! I know, I'm as excited as you are.
  Kevin: It's gonna be a really, really special Christmas.
  Chloe: [Sighs]
  Bella: Whee!
  Both: Whee!
  Chloe: There he goes! Well, this is the first time that we're gonna wake up together. We're gonna have a real traditional Christmas morning.
  Bella: Whee, whee!
  Chloe: [Laughs] You know, I mean, I'll have you take a million photos --
  Bella: Christmas, Christmas!
  Chloe: Christmas business!
  Kevin: [Chuckles]
  Chloe: A million photos because I'm gonna cherish every one of these moments.
  Lauren: So, honey, you know, I've been wondering how long is it gonna be till you finish developing that online strategy for Fenmore's we were talking about? I-I want it up and running really, really fast.
  Phyllis: Things are coming along.
  Lauren: Good.
  Phyllis: Yeah, I think you're gonna have something in about a month or two.
  Lauren: A month?
  Phyllis: Mm-hmm.
  Lauren: Can we expedite that or...?
  Phyllis: Well, uh, things could speed up considerably if I actually worked for you full time.
  Lauren: You would leave jabot?
  Phyllis: Lauren, look, I'd like to get out of there before Jack tosses me out on my butt. He's on a tear. He wants to get rid of brash & sassy, and there is no doubt I'm gonna be next.
  Lauren: But I thought you wanted to fight for him.
  Phyllis: Ooh, I fought. I fought and I lost. And I am done fighting. And I am done being the masochist. And you can only beat your head up against a wall so long.
  Lauren: That's true.
  Phyllis: Yeah.
  Lauren: You sure you're over it?
  Phyllis: Yeah. I am. In fact, I told Jack I hope to be on my way soon. So, if you want me, I'm all yours.
  Lauren: Are you kidding?
  Phyllis: Nope.
  Lauren: Yes!
  Phyllis: [Laughs]
  Lauren: Deal!
  Phyllis: Yay.
  Lauren: Oh, my gosh.
  Phyllis: Good.
  Gloria: What?
  Kevin: You know it doesn't have to be like this, right? Chloe over there, you over here and this big, dumb wall separating all of us.
  Gloria: Stop it. I've been civil. And if you have a problem with that, why don't you just go back over there and talk to everyone's favorite unwed mother?
  Kevin: Look, I need you to accept that I am committed to Chloe and Bella. I don't understand why that's so hard for you.
  Gloria: You don't even know --
  Kevin: Mom, listen. Listen to me. I love that little girl like she's my own, which means that you would be like a grandmother to her, a very young and beautiful grandmother.
  Gloria: You don't even know who the father is, Kevin.
  Chloe: Gloria. You have made your position perfectly clear. And thankfully Bella already has a grandmother, and her name is Esther. And she is happy to spend Christmas with us, so please, Kevin, do not waste your breath asking Gloria for something she obviously does not want to give.
  Jill: Oh, look at that.
  Cane: So... you do realize that you can't stop staring at Hilary.
  Lily: I'm not staring.
  Cane: Yes, you are.
  Lily: No, I'm not. I'm just wondering what changed. Because last time I heard, Devon told me that she wasn't even speaking to him.
  Cane: Well, maybe they made up.
  Lily: Yeah, and then some. They're acting like they're newlyweds or something. And look, he buys her a penthouse?
  Cane: Lily Ashby, you sound like you're jealous.
  Lily: No, I'm nauseous, because I'm hoping there's an end to it. He has to draw a line somewhere, right?
  Cane: Well, uh, I know you don't like this woman, but it is her house and it's Christmas, so please don't make a scene.
  Lily: I'm not gonna make a scene, but I will never forgive or forget what she has done to our family.
  Cane: And I don't blame you and understand, okay?
  Charlie: Mom, dad!
  Cane: Hey!
  Mattie: When are we going to the concert in the park?
  Cane: You want to go to the park now? Why?
  Mattie: We found the presents aunt Hilary and uncle Devon got us.
  Charlie: And there's one for Moses, too.
  Neil: There is. He'll love that. I'll be sure to give it to him tomorrow.
  Charlie: Can we open them now?
  Mattie: Please?
  Lily: We said that we would keep the presents under the tree until tomorrow morning, remember?
  Jill: That's right. We should always stick to the rules, shouldn't we? But there is one little known exception, and that's when you have a favorite grandma and she brings presents on Christmas Eve. They're Christmas Eve presents, and you can open them on Christmas Eve. [Laughs] So run over there and get the bags I showed you. Okay. Quick like bunnies. Sorry.
  Cane: It's all right.
  Neil: Hey, there. I don't mean to put you on the spot, but, um, just checking in to see if you're still gonna host our New Year's Eve benefit.
  Hilary: Yeah, I would never let you and Jack down, and I've been helping with the planning for weeks. Why would you think that I wouldn't be there?
  Neil: I don't know, I heard you found yourself an agent. You trying to broaden your career?
  Hilary: Yes, that -- that is true. But the benefit is very important to me, and I would never turn my back on the foundation.
  Neil: That's good to hear. I'm real glad that we're still on your agenda.
  Devon: About that, actually. Hey, could I get everyone's attention? I, uh, I just want to say thank you all for being here. I really appreciate it. This is definitely the first of many holiday parties we will be throwing for our friends and family. And I have some exciting news to share. Hilary will be coming back to the GC buzz as our host, but also as our executive producer, and I'm very happy about that.
  Neil: Wow. That's wonderful news.
  Cane: Well, congratulations, Hilary.
  Chloe: I'm sorry if I made you and everyone uncomfortable, but I refuse to let Gloria look down on me and my daughter.
  Bella: [Gibberish] Chocolate.
  Michael: Gloria, Bella wants to give you this. Yay!
  Gloria: Thank you, sweetie.
  Kevin: Well, it's a start.
  Chloe: Well, she is being nice to a sweet, little girl. How could she not?
  Kevin: That is not just any little girl. It's Bella, and she's irresistible.
  Chloe: You're right. She is.
  Michael: You did a great job! Look, everybody, come here! Come here! I think Bella has just shown us the true meaning of Christmas, and I want to thank you 'cause you're the best! -- Mwah! -- The best baby ever! And I would like -- glasses, everyone.
  Lauren: Okay.
  Michael: [Sighs] I would like to wish a very merry Christmas -- ooh! -- To each and every one of you, and especially you.
  Lauren: Aww.
  Michael: Mwah.
  Lauren: And you!
  Kevin: Merry Christmas.
  Chloe: Merry Christmas.
  Lauren: Merry Christmas.
  Michael: Merry Christmas, darling.
  Chloe: Merry Christmas, baby!
  Michael: [Chuckles]
  Jill: This looks really interesting, but I think we should open it at home. There's a lot of pieces.
  Cane: It doesn't take batteries.
  Jill: It doesn't take batteries, which is much more educational.
  Lily: Hey.
  Devon: Hey.
  Lily: What, uh, happened to you standing your ground, not letting Hilary back on the show?
  Devon: I obviously changed my mind. And I don't really appreciate you approaching me like this at our party. We talked it through.
  Lily: You mean you were afraid that she would go elsewhere so you gave in. You know she had no intention of leaving GC buzz, right?
  Devon: She very well could have. She, uh, had plenty of other job offers, and she has a talent agent.
  Lily: Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Her agent is legit. Hilary is the one who's a phony.
  Devon: Excuse me?
  Lily: I hate to tell you this, but all of her "job offers" were a ploy.
  Devon: And what do you mean?
  Lily: She used that agent to manipulate you to get everything that she wanted.
  Devon: Lily, stop this, please.
  Lily: I talked to the agent. His name is Barry. He told me everything.
  Devon: What exactly did Barry tell you?
  Lily: He told me that he thinks that she has serious potential but that she wasn't interested in any job offers. All she wanted to do was make you grovel. Devon, I'm sorry, but she played you again, just like she always does.
  [Indistinct conversations]
  Jack: Look, I know we don't always see eye to eye.
  Ashley: Thanks.
  Jack: And I know sometimes I, uh, I make it pretty difficult for both of you. But I love you very much. And you have no idea how much it means to me that you're spending this holiday with me.
  Ashley: We love you, too, Jack.
  Traci: I would like to pray before we eat. Thank you for the many ways in which we are blessed this Christmas Eve. For those who are no longer with us, know that you are in our hearts and our memories. For those who simply couldn't join us, know that we are thinking of you, and whether we are together or apart, we will always be family.
  Ashley: Amen.
  Jack: Amen.
  Billy: [Sighs]
  [NEXT_ON]
  Connor: Merry Christmas.
  Victor: Merry Christmas to you, young man!
  Jill: You belong with your kids.
  Billy: I was actually hoping for a Christmas miracle. O Christmas tree Such joy you bring
summary: Jill was concerned when she realized Billy would be alone for Christmas Eve, but he insisted that he'd be fine. Barry gave Jack a large donation for the Abbott-Winters Foundation. Lily tricked Barry into telling her that Hilary never planned to take a job on another show. Hilary and Devon came to a deal about GC Buzz that they were both happy about. She'd come back to the show in exchange for full control, an executive producer's title and a competitive salary. They shared a kiss after their agreement. Jill, Neil, Cane, Lily and the twins celebrated Christmas Eve with Devon and Hilary at their penthouse. Lily was angry when she found out Devon rehired Hilary. Lily told Devon what Barry said. Jack approached Phyllis and tried to strike up a chat about her holiday plans. She was distant with him. He was shocked when Phyllis said she was ready to leave Jabot. Ashley, Billy and Traci had a joyous celebration at the Abbott Mansion until Jack arrived and kicked Billy out. Billy ended up alone at the Athletic Club bar, while his siblings had Christmas Eve dinner at the family home. Lauren and Michael hid their dismay when Gloria announced that she planned to stay in their spare bedroom. Gloria unsuccessfully tried to convince Lauren and Michael to help her break up Chloe and Kevin. Lauren hired Phyllis to help her out with Fenmore's. Chloe and Kevin shared some happy moments with Bella. Kevin urged Gloria to give Bella and Chloe a chance. Gloria wasn't interested, and Chloe told Kevin not to waste his breath asking Gloria to do something she didn't want to do. Michael engineered a warm interaction between Bella and Gloria, which gave Kevin hope.