2x05: A Very Glee Christmas

Episode Synopsis: The alumni fly home for Christmas break in order to help out with the Christmas show at McKinley. While agreeing to direct the Christmas show, Finn begins to second guess his upcoming wedding to Rachel after a conversation with Artie. Finn butts heads with Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) but is Sue acting like a Grinch for a specific reason? Rachel meets Marley (Melissa Benoist) who happens to be one of Rachel's biggest fans. Puck attempts to show Rachel that although she's celebrating Christmas for Finn, that she also shouldn't forget about her Jewish heritage. Santana and Brittany have a fallout and Santana wonders if her and Brittany can ever be friends again. Blaine gets upsetting news and Kurt helps him through it.

{Scene shows Rachel slowly walking along the hallway of William McKinley High School as she looks into each of the classrooms with a grin}

[Rachel]

I am dreaming tonight of a place I love

Even more than I usually do

And although I know it's a long road back

I promise you

I'll be home for Christmas

You can count on me

Please have snow and mistletoe

And presents under the tree

{Rachel walks through the snowy McKinley courtyard as she smiled, remembering all her past performances in the quad}

Christmas Eve will find me

Where the lovelight gleams

I'll be home for Christmas

If only in my dreams

Oh, oh, oh

{Scene changes to Rachel standing in the choir room with the band as New Directions, Mr. Schuester, Finn, Puck, Santana, Quinn, Kurt, Mercedes and Mike watch her while she sings, Rachel smiling with glee. All the New Directions sway their heads to Rachel singing, but Marley looks in awe of Rachel as Rachel stares at Finn while singing.}

Please have snow and mistletoe

And presents under the tree

Christmas Eve will find me

Where the lovelight gleams

I'll be home for Christmas

If only in my dreams,

Dreams, dreams

Only in my dreams

New Directions stood up from their chairs applauding Rachel as she started blowing kisses to everyone in the audience. Finn pretended to catch one of the blown kisses, causing Rachel to giggle with merriment. Mr. Schuester walked over to her, putting an arm around Rachel with pride.

"Thank you so much for that lovely rendition, Rachel." Mr. Schuester said. He then paused as the members of New Directions continued clapping. "Also on behalf of everyone in New Directions, congratulations on getting the role of Fanny Brice on Broadway, Rachel!" Everyone applauded once more, this time the alumni joining in.

"Thank you, Mr. Schuester." Rachel said.

"Do you mind if I ask, what brings you home for the holidays?" Marley raised her hand, politely looking at Rachel.

"Oh please, Marley." Tina said from in front of the sophomore. "Everyone knows that Rachel's here because she has family here. And of course, anyone who's anyone knows that Rachel's also here because of her wedding to Finn." Finn's cheeks turned bright red as Rachel looked down to her feet. "You and Finn are still getting married Rachel, right?"

"Yes, of course." Rachel looked up and nodded her head, folding her hands in front of her. "I'm just a little upset that we weren't able to book the chapel before Christmas or on Christmas. A lot of people apparently wanted to get married on Christmas. But enough of that, I'm also here because I wanted to see you guys. Your Regionals is coming up and I can't wait to see all of you on stage performing."

"Speaking of Regionals, when are College Regionals?" Artie wondered. "Blaine told us about how you guys did awesome during your Sectionals."

"Yeah, Blaine also told us that Finn was MVP of the Sectionals show choir. I don't know if that's true or not." Tina said.

"Actually Tina, that part is 100% true." Kurt spoke up. "Finn did win Sectionals MVP."

"Was there any other reason that you wanted to come into this hell hole?" Kitty asked. "I mean, New York sounds like a marvelous place for Christmas. Why would you want to come to the Lima waste dump?"

"I wanted to come back to the school also." Rachel admitted. "Walking through the halls of McKinley made me feel some importance and I felt like home as soon as I entered the doors, walking into the choir room and singing in here. I haven't done that since I graduated. I missed being in here." Rachel looked around the room as Kurt raised his hand slightly.

"You mean in the same room where you got every solo for the last three years?" Kurt's voice sounded dull but he had meant to be comical. "Admit it, you also wanted to brush some of your amazing talent off on these kids." Rachel laughed, shaking her head with a smile.

"I don't think I need to brush my talent off on them." Rachel said. "They're doing just fine on their own." Mr. Schuester smiled as he politely motioned Rachel to take a seat. Rachel skipped over to the seat next to Finn and sat down, Finn pulling her close and planting a kiss on her cheek.

"All right, now as you all know Friday night is McKinley's yearly Christmas benefit concert." The alumni stared at Mr. Schuester in muddle, unable to contain their confusion.

"It's a yearly concert?" Mercedes asked.

"Since when?" Mike added.

"Since this year, that's when." Mr. Schuester spoke before he moved on. "Now, I was talking to Principal Figgins and he said that he would be willing to let the alumni join our concert on Friday. He also had a suggestion that the final gigantic number was sung by…Rachel Berry." Rachel looked around to make sure that she heard that properly. They wanted Rachel to headline the Christmas benefit concert. That was a new one.

"Oh Mr. Schuester, I'm honored. Honestly, I am." Rachel stared at Mr. Schuester. "But are you sure that there aren't any other kids in here that would like the big number instead? I mean, the headlining is a lot of work and I'm past my time as far as performing in a high school concert is concerned."

"Principal Figgins specifically asked for you to sing the big number." Mr. Schuester said. "If you want you can think about it." Rachel turned to Finn, silently asking him what she should do without saying any words.

"Go for it." Finn said with a smile. "You singing the final number will be amazing." Rachel put a hand on Finn's cheek, turning back to Mr. Schuester with a nod.

"I'll do it." Rachel said.

"Excellent." Mr. Schuester stood up from the chair, making his way out of the choir room. "I gotta tell Figgins. He's going to love this." As soon as Mr. Schuester left, the other members of the Glee Club started chatting but as Rachel was talking to Kurt, something caught Finn's eye. Marley was staring down at Rachel and she thought that she was being subtle and that no one would notice she was gazing at the future Broadway star. Finn's mind was whirring, an idea going through his mind. "Finn!" Finn turned to the front of the classroom to spot Mr. Schuester staring at him. He came back while Finn was thinking about Marley. "Do you mind if we talk for a minute?"

Mr. Schuester and Finn entered Principal Figgins's office, standing by one of the chairs as Principal Figgins turned around at his former student. It had only been a year since Finn graduated High School but he was still the same person Principal Figgins remembered seeing when Sue Sylvester brought Finn in after catching him and Quinn making out by the football field.

"Mr. Hudson, please have a seat." Principal Figgins said. Finn sat down in the seat next to Mr. Schuester, looking to the both of them with discomfort.

"Um, am I in trouble or something?" Finn asked.

"No, not at all." Mr. Schuester assured him. "Principal Figgins just wanted to talk to you about the Christmas charity concert."

"Mr. Schuester is unable to plan the concert." Principal Figgins said. "Since you are a College Sectional Champion, we figured that we would ask you to plan the concert instead?"

"Wait, Mr. Schue why can't you plan the concert?" Finn wondered.

"Because Emma got us tickets to go on a cruise." Mr. Schuester sighed. "I tried to get out of it but there was no way how. Anyway, I'll be back in time to see the show but I won't be able to prepare the kids, which is where you come in. Finn, I saw what you did at your Sectionals. The musical numbers, the dance moves, the singing. It was incredible. You have the potential to lead a group of kids. I know you and Rachel are planning the next chapter of your lives while you're here but you can think of this as an opportunity to show everyone what you're made of. Besides, I think I have something that might convince you." Mr. Schuester went into his pocket and took out his cell phone, showing Finn the video from his Sectionals performance. Finn marveled, unable to believe that the person on stage that looked so smooth—was him!

"Wow, you recorded it?" Finn looked at the performance on the phone, still in awe.

"Yes, I did. I couldn't help it." Mr. Schuester said. "This is why we need you to plan the concert. I know it's a lot of work but you're working with a lot of talented kids in that Glee Club. Finn…I really need your help here…please, Finn?" Finn thought about it for a moment, finally realizing that it wasn't such a bad idea. He didn't see the harm in it at all.

"All right, I'll do it." Finn agreed. "But if I'm going to do this, I'm going to need Artie's help. Artie's good at directing people and that way I'm not going to be clueless."

"You got a deal." Mr. Schuester shook hands with Finn, but there was something else on Finn's mind. "Something wrong?"

"I was just wondering…" Finn let out a sigh before continuing. "What do you know about Marley Rose? You know the one that couldn't keep her eyes off Rachel when Rachel was singing earlier."

"Marley's a hard worker in that club; she's actually just like Rachel…except she's not as intense." Finn chuckled before Mr. Schuester continued. "She was actually so excited to find out that Rachel was coming to McKinley. She was bouncing off the walls."

"All right guys! Let's start today's lesson!" Mr. Schuester entered the choir room a few days before, noticing the Glee members taking their seats. "Now, before we begin I have an announcement to make."

"Please tell me you're going to admit that you basically make up every lesson a few seconds before you put them on the board." Kitty raised her hand, causing Mr. Schuester to shake his head.

"Um, no…" Mr. Schuester said. "So as you know, last year we had some great alumni graduate and they've all went off to do great things. The announcement is…drum roll Artie." Artie banged on the drums that were near his wheelchair before Mr. Schuester continued. "They're coming home for the holidays!"

"Are you serious?!" Tina sounded excited as she faced Blaine, Sam, Brittany and Artie.

"That's like awesome, so Finn's coming back right?" Sam asked.

"Not only Finn, but also some of our other alumni. For those that aren't familiar with our alumni," Mr. Schuester took his marker and started writing the alumni's names on the board. "We've got…Finn Hudson, Quinn Fabray, Santana Lopez, Kurt Hummel, Mercedes Jones, Mike Chang, Noah Puckerman and…Rachel Berry." As soon as Mr. Schuester said Rachel's name, Marley let out a gasp and what everyone else thought was a squeal. They stared at Marley with confusion, Mr. Schuester putting the cap back on his marker. "Marley, are you okay?"

"I'm sorry did you say that Rachel Berry is coming here?" Marley said with surprise. "She's coming here? Really? Oh my gosh!"

"All right, why are you going in 'One Direction fangirl mode' over Rachel Berry?" Kitty wondered.

"She's the newest thing on Broadway!" Marley exclaimed, taking out a magazine and showing Kitty the page. "She was cast as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl and I got tickets to the first showing. Sure they were expensive but I really wanted to see her first performance. Although I don't want to take the road of Broadway and I want to be on the radio instead, Rachel is the success story of the Glee Club! She rode the Glee Club train to New York, to NYADA to Broadway, which is something I hope that I can accomplish by the time it's time for me to graduate! She's just so inspiring and her voice is amazing and I just hope that I can be as successful as her although I know that I'll never be talented as her and…"

"All right Marley, we get it." Tina sighed. "You have a girl crush on Rachel."

"No, I think that it's very sweet." Mr. Schuester smiled. "Obviously Rachel is an inspiration to Marley, so I think that we should respect that. From the sounds of it, it looks like you and Rachel are going to be really good friends."

"What?" Marley suddenly looked frightened. "Oh no, I can't say hi to her."

"What?" Ryder stared at Marley as Unique shared the same glance as Ryder.

"And why the hell not, girlfriend?" Unique said.

"Well, she's like…the star here." Marley said. "Whatever Rachel Berry wants, Rachel Berry gets…at least that's what I've been told here in Glee Club." Mr. Schuester immediately shot a glare towards Tina, Artie, Brittany, Sam and Blaine, knowing that one of them said something like that. "It's just…I don't think I could have the courage to actually talk to her. I've seen her before but…that was only when she was helping us out or when we were helping her fiancé out. I've never had a one on one conversation with her. Besides, why would she want to have one with me? I'm a wallflower and she's a…she's a star."

"That's the thing…she wouldn't want to have a conversation with you. You're too boring for her, sweetie." Tina smirked. Everyone looked at Tina with shock and Marley suddenly turned depressed. Marley had to figure maybe Tina was right. Maybe Marley was a little too boring for Rachel's comfort. If Marley said one word to her, she could have possibly put Rachel to sleep. Feeling the sting of tears in her eyes, Marley grabbed her bag and walked to the entrance of the Glee Club.

"Marley…" Mr. Schuester said sadly noticing she slammed the door to the club. Mr. Schuester turned to Tina sternly, Tina simply shrugging her shoulders. Mr. Schuester couldn't help but feel bad for Marley…if only there was something he could do for her.

"Wow…" Finn said after hearing the story. "So Marley really wants to talk to Rachel, huh?"

"I think more than anything." Mr. Schuester said. Finn smirked and got up from the chair, a plan forming in his mind.

"Well…today's Marley's lucky day. I just need to find her." Finn started making his way out of the office. As Finn exited the office, he bumped into someone, causing him to hold his head from the impact. Finn looked up and saw none other than—the devil of McKinley. No, saying she was the devil was just too nice. So Finn would put it this way: Sue Sylvester, the walking 'living hell'.

"Well, well, well…look who we have here." Sue Sylvester smirked. "If it isn't Chubby-Wan Kenobi." Finn groaned as he attempted to walk past Sue. When he found it was inevitable, he let out a tired sigh.

"Nice to see you too, Sue." Finn emotionlessly spoke as he looked away from her.

"So what brings you to my neck of the woods?" Sue walked around Finn, trying to study him from every angle.

"We could try that I'm here on very important business." Finn shrugged his shoulders. "Like we could say the annual Christmas concert which I just found out just started this year."

"So basically you're here because you couldn't stay away from McKinley?" Sue snickered as Finn turned a bright red. "I don't know what I find sadder: You reliving your pathetic glory days by coming back to McKinley for Christmas or the fact you look like you haven't shaved in two weeks and your address it the cardboard box in front of St. Mary's church."

"Rachel likes my barely there…beard…" Finn touched his face, realizing that Sue was trying to get under his skin again. "All right Sue, let me tell you something. You stay out of my way and I'll stay out of your way…or else."

"Or else what, Hudson hog?" Sue grumbled. Finn leaned closer to Sue, grinning as he took out his phone.

"I've been saving this for this moment." Finn skimmed through his phone with a smirk. "You know, it's a good thing Rachel never uses the internet on my computer. My browsing history is a mess…and you wouldn't believe what I found when I was doing a very late night search…" Finn showed the picture to Sue, her eyes suddenly widening with horror.

"Where did you find that?!" Sue screeched.

"Oh, I found this when I was looking at the older issues of Playboy magazine." Finn pretended he was thinking about something as he continued. "I must say Sue you really know how to turn guys off. Santana had to admit that you looked rather…old here. Anyway, one false move…and I post this online where everyone could find it."

"You wouldn't…" Sue growled under her breath.

"Oh, but I will." Finn retorted. "You made my life hell for three years. This time, I have the upper hand advantage, something you don't have. Now if you will excuse me…I have a sophomore to find." Finn walked past Sue Sylvester with a content smile on his face but Sue was filled with rage.

"I will get you for this, Finn Hudson! Don't think I won't! DON'T THINK I WON'T!" Sue turned around and shoved a random kid into the locker, causing a commotion and earning a few looks from the New Directions Alumni. "BAH HUMBUG!"

Finn continued to walk down the hallway until he spotted Marley talking with Jake, Ryder, Kitty and Unique. Finn leaned against one of the lockers to spy on the sophomores, noticing that they were heading Finn's way. Finn could only pick up bits and pieces of the conversation, but it was enough to make him a little saddened.

"I don't know, I don't think she'd be interested in hearing any of my songs." Marley shrugged her shoulders as they walked down the hallway.

"Oh come on Marley, even if Rachel doesn't listen to your songs, you at least need to talk to her." Jake said. "You said yourself she was like your idol."

"I know but you don't just walk to your idol, especially if they think that you're weird or a wallflower." Marley sounded depressed. "Besides, maybe Tina was right. Maybe Rachel would never want anything to do with me because I'm boring."

"Hi Marley." Marley looked up to see Finn standing right in front of her…and she had to really look up to look at Finn. "I know we've seen each other before but I want to formally introduce myself. Hi, I'm Finn Hudson." Finn held out his hand for Marley to shake. Marley shook Finn's hand in shock and she couldn't help but smile at him. "

"It's very nice to finally meet you, Finn." Marley smiled. "Um, I'm Marley Rose." This had to have felt kind of odd. Finn and Marley knew each other—sort of. They never really talked but Marley was there with the Glee Club when Finn needed someone.

"And I have someone who would love to meet you." Finn said "Come on." Marley wondered what was going on as her friends smiled at her. Marley followed Finn to the auditorium, noticing that she was staring at Rachel warming up her vocals. Finn had taken her to meet Rachel!

"Oh no, I can't go down there." Marley looked at Finn, sounding scared. "I can't…"

"Yes you can, come on Marley." Finn encouraged her. "Sure, I was intimidated when I first met Rachel but…she's very nice. I promise you. She has a heart of gold and she is the sweetest person you will ever meet." Finn and Marley walked down to where Rachel was looking at a music sheet. "Rachel? I have someone that would like to meet you." Rachel looked up from her sheet of paper, staring over at Finn and Marley. "Marley Rose, meet Rachel Berry. Rachel, this is Marley. She's your biggest fan…behind me of course." Rachel smiled and walked over to Marley.

"Hi Marley!" Rachel held out her hand with a wide smile. "I'm Rachel. It's very nice to meet you." Marley looked nervous but with Finn's encouragement, Marley held her hand out and shook it, a smile forming on the sophomore's face.

"I'll leave you two ladies alone. I have some work I have to do." Finn waved and made his way out of the auditorium, leaving Marley and Rachel by themselves.

"What were you working on?" Marley found the courage to ask.

"The First Noel. It's the song that everyone wants me to sing for the final number of the Christmas charity concert." Rachel said, looking at the sheet music, shaking her head. "I just find it odd. I mean, I thought I would be excited to do the concert but…"

"You don't really want to do the final number." Marley said, heading over to Rachel and sitting next to her.

"Not really." Rachel admitted. "I mean, between you and me I love singing in front of everyone but…me taking the final number in a High School concert doesn't feel right. There are so many talented people here that could take the final number. I don't even go to school here anymore. It just doesn't feel right."

"Why don't you tell Mr. Schue or Finn about it?" Marley asked.

"I can't tell them about it." Rachel sighed. "Mr. Schuester was so excited and…Finn looked so proud. I can't disappoint them. But…if I please them and I end up sad then I'm disappointing myself. I don't know what to do."

"I know you only knew me for like five minutes…but I think you should follow your heart." Marley said. "Don't let anyone make decisions for you. I'm sure Finn loves you enough that he would understand and Mr. Schue will understand too."

"You really think so?" Rachel smiled to Marley, noticing she was nodding her head.

"I really think so." Marley assured her. "But you have to sing in the show at least, I mean you're so talented."

"You really think I should?" Rachel asked.

"Yes, I mean you have an incredible voice and if you don't want to be in the final act you can sing a Christmas duet with Finn or something." Marley shrugged her shoulders.

"You know what, you're right! I'll tell Finn I don't want to do the final number of the show and I'll sing earlier in the show to prepare for someone's big finale!" Rachel hugged Marley tightly and got up from her seat. "Marley, you really are a doll! You probably are so well liked in Glee Club. Come on, let's go find Finn and tell him." Marley looked over at Rachel as the both of them exited the auditorium, going to find Finn for Rachel to say what was exactly on her mind.

"Are you sure you don't want to do the final number of the show?" Finn asked as he, Rachel, Puck and Santana went to the mall that afternoon to look at the Christmas displays.

"I'm sure." Rachel told him. "I mean, sure the thought of just performing would have been nice but I'm not in High School anymore and I'm kind of tired of things being handed to me because I'm Rachel Berry."

"Hmm…make that Rachel Hudson next week…" Finn smirked as he pressed a kiss in Rachel's hair.

"I'm still keeping the Rachel Berry name for my professional career." Rachel said as she realized that they stopped. Rachel paused for a moment, shifting her eyes way from Finn. "You're not disappointed that I didn't want to do the finale, did you? You're still proud of me, right?"

"What?" Finn stared at her, wondering what gave her such an idea. "Of course I'm not disappointed in you, Rachel. I'd never be disappointed. And I'm always proud of you. Always." Rachel leaned up and pressed a kiss to Finn's lips, inhaling his scent as she parted her lips from his. Her eyes shifted over to the kids line for the mall Santa as curiosity filled her mind.

"Finn, why are we on line to see Santa Claus?"

"Because I never really had a chance to meet the mall Santa and it's something I want to do now." Finn answered.

"What are you going to ask Santa for, Finn?" Santana smirked as she walked over to Finn. "Are you going to ask Santa for a puppy or for a weight loss plan that actually helps you cut back a couple pounds?"

"I lost some weight!" Finn protested. "I've been dieting."

"Was it Rachel's vegan diet?" Puck couldn't help but tease his friend.

"No…it's the No McDonalds diet." Finn answered. "Although…I did cheat with a pack of cookies from there but that was it!"

"That's okay, honey." Rachel assured him. "I admit the No McDonalds diet is a tough one."

"You won't be saying that when Finn goes digging through the cookie jar in about four years and finds another cookie. Would you like the butterscotch aka Quinn Fabray or the Mocha Loca aka myself?" Santana chided. Puck flicked Santana in the back of the head, giving her a stern look as Finn and Rachel gave Puck an appreciative gaze. Finn noticed the line was getting longer—and there was kid right behind Finn who was becoming impatient.

"Hey you! Tubby!" Finn turned around and saw the kid was staring right at him, the mother looking absolutely mortified by her sons behavior.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry sir." The woman said.

"No, it's all right." Finn smiled. "Kids will be kids, right?"

"HEY!" The kid screamed at Finn, causing Finn to look down at him. "Let me go first!" Finn didn't want to lose his patience with the kid, especially in front of his mother so he plastered a smile as he spoke.

"No, we were here first." Finn said.

"Um, Finn maybe we should let the kid go first." Puck suggested.

"Puck, you're scared of a little kid?" Finn kept his eyes on the kid as he spoke to his friend. "Look kid, you're going to have to wait your turn like all the good boys and girls on…" Finn didn't get far as the kid kicked him, causing Finn to let out a pained yelled as he fell over. Puck stared at the kid while Rachel covered her mouth.

"So wish I took out my camera phone for that." Santana chuckled. Rachel rushed over to Finn's aid, leaning down and staring into his eyes.

"Finn, are you okay?" Rachel sounded worried as Finn finally caught his breath, slowly getting up from his fetal position.

"If we can't kids, it's that brats fault!" Finn grimaced as Rachel held Finn close to her.

"Yo lady, control your kid!" Puck shouted. "He just kicked my bro in the groin!"

"Noah, I don't think we should announce this." Rachel said to Puck who shrugged his shoulders with a smile. "All right, Puck come here and help me get Finn off the floor. For one thing, he's causing a scene."

"It's not Finn's fault." Puck shrugged, helping Rachel to get Finn off the floor. "Anyway, are you going to apologize for kicking my friend or what?" The kid considered it, but then stepped on Puck's foot. "SON OF A…okay, get over here!"

"Come on, we can see Santa later." Rachel looked to Finn and Puck as Santana helped Rachel grab the boys. The kid stuck his tongue out at Rachel but Santana turned around and hissed at him. Surprisingly, that scared the kid and he went behind his mother. "Santana." Rachel hissed at her friend.

"What, it worked, didn't it?" Santana shrugged her shoulders, not ashamed of her behavior. "And you should be embarrassed Finn, you were beaten up by a five-year old. I'd be horrified if I were you."

"I'm madder at the fact I didn't see Santa." Finn admitted. "The kid could have clawed my eyes out for all I cared."

"Finn!" Rachel sounded surprised. "You know Finn, I know a better Santa Claus than the mall Santa."

"Oh really?" Finn sounded saddened. "Who?" Rachel smiled and leaned in to press a kiss near his earlobe as she whispered. Finn immediately looked over to Rachel, a wicked grin appearing on his lips. "Rachel Berry, you naughty girl!" Rachel giggled, as Santana looked disgusted.

"Okay, that's disgusting, even for you two." Santana walked past Finn and Rachel. Puck luckily didn't hear what Rachel said and shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't get it how you can celebrate Christmas, Rachel." Puck said.

"What's wrong with celebrating Christmas?" Rachel wondered.

"For one thing, you're Jewish. We celebrate Hanukkah." Puck reminded her. Rachel and Finn continued looking at Puck as he grabbed Rachel from Finn and slung his arm around her shoulder. "I know you're doing the whole Christmas thing because you're trying to please Finn over here, but come on Rachel. We all know that deep down inside you are a true Jewish Princess." Finn rolled his eyes at Puck's words but Rachel couldn't help but stifle a giggle.

"I know but…it's just that Finn and I made a compromise that if I celebrated Christmas with him now, then we'd raise our children to celebrate Hanukkah." Rachel said. "But of course, I also promised we'd do Christmas…and we'd get to do Halloween…and…I'm not very good at compromising with Finn."

"Listen to me my Jewish American Princess." Puck gripped onto Rachel's shoulder tightly, giving her a grin. "I know you're doing this because you love Finn…but I had something planned just in case you weren't going to listen. So…look over there." Rachel saw Puck's younger brother Jake holding the guitar as he started strumming it, staring over at Rachel with a smile.

{Jake starts strumming the guitar as he walked over to Rachel, giving her a smile and Puck goes to grab a guitar for himself}

[Jake]

Oh Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah

Come light the menorah

Let's have a party

We'll all dance the hora

Gather 'round the table, we'll give you a treat

Sevivonim to play with and latkes to eat

And while we are playing

The candles are burning low

One for each night

They shed a sweet light

To remind us of days long ago

{Puck leads Rachel around the mall and the both of them look eager as they sing along with Jake. Finn and Santana follow them as they're interested in where they are going}

[Puck and Jake with Rachel]

One for each night, they shed a sweet light

To remind us of days long ago

[Jake and Puck]

Oh Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah

Come light the menorah

Let's have a party

We'll all dance the hora

Gather 'round the table, we'll give you a treat

Sevivonim to play with and latkes to eat

And while we are playing

The candles are burning low

One for each night, they shed a sweet light

To remind us of days long ago

{They get to a part of the mall where everyone is dancing. Puck grabs Rachel and her, Jake and Puck start dancing when everyone starts clapping}

[Jake and Puck with Rachel and Mall-Goers]

Oh Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah

Come light the menorah

Let's have a party

We'll all dance the hora

Gather 'round the table, we'll give you a treat

Sevivonim to play with and latkes to eat

And while we are playing

The candles are burning low

One for each night, they shed a sweet light

To remind us of days long ago

One for each night, they shed a sweet light

To remind us of days long ago

One for each night, they shed a sweet light

To remind us of days long ago

Rachel looked around to see everyone cheering and she couldn't help it when she gave Puck a huge hug. Puck hugged her back with a smile, looking over to Jake with a nod of his head. Puck knew that Rachel was always going to do anything to make Finn comfortable, but all Puck really wanted to do was to make sure that Rachel didn't forget where she came from.

A couple days later, Finn and Artie walked (well in Artie's case rolled) around the auditorium to take in the Winter Concert decorations. Finn felt proud of himself because the decorations came out so beautiful and so amazing. Finn saw Artie whistling as he looked at one of the designs for the concert.

"Wow Finn, these look amazing." Artie marveled.

"I couldn't have done it without you, Artie." Finn smiled, pointing over to his old friend. "You really helped decorate this and it looks just absolutely stunning. I mean, I think everyone is actually excited for this concert and they want to do it."

"Of course they want to do it." Artie rolled towards Finn, continuing to look at the decorations. "Cast members want to work for a director that has vision, a director that has passion, a director that has tenacity. Put those three together and that's you Finn. You're a true leader. I think the only one that doesn't see what a true visionary you are is…well, you."

"You really think I'm a true visionary?" Finn asked. "I mean, I don't think that I'm anything special."

"Nonsense." Artie cut Finn off. "You are a true master, you're an artist. You're amazing." Finn blushed, sitting down in one of the auditorium seats, giving Artie a smile.

"Do you really think that I'm some sort of visionary?" Finn asked. "Because the last thing I want is to let everyone down. I don't want everyone thinking that I was left in charge of something and I was terrible at it."

"No one thinks that Finn." Artie assured him. "Trust me, even the new kids love you. I know that you have heart and they can see it too." Finn noticed Artie was on the fence of asking Finn something, finally realizing that it would have been best to get it out in the open. "So I hear that you're really back in town to get married."

"Yeah, I'm getting married to the girl of my dreams." Finn smiled, thinking about the wonderful life he was going to lead with Rachel.

"Are you sure that you're ready for it?" Artie wondered.

"Yeah, of course I'm ready for this." Finn said. "I know that this is something I want."

"I'm just making sure." Artie shrugged his shoulders, but Finn realized Artie wasn't all on board for the idea. "I mean, this isn't going to be like when you two were dating."

"Yeah, I know." Finn nodded his head to Artie. "We know this was going to be a huge step but we're both very committed to it."

"I know that you're committed now but…what about four years from now or maybe even twelve?" Artie asked. Finn paused, thinking about what Artie was saying. "I mean, marriage is a big step and usually it shouldn't be taken lightly. I know celebrities nowadays don't take marriage seriously but this is something that you two should take as a serious big step and a study shows that divorce rates are higher when a couple is married before 21. I just want to make sure that you know what you're doing." Finn continued to sit in silence, Artie thinking it was a good time to change the subject. "All right, so I was thinking that I was going to have Brittany start off the concert with a rendition of "Christmas Wrapping" and then we can move on to Blaine and Kurt sing their annual Christmas duet—they say it's a tradition. But…I figured out a problem. Since Rachel no longer wants to do the end of the concert finale…who are we going to get?" Finn continued to think about Artie's words, but he did hear the last bit of Artie's question.

"I…I don't know." Finn absentmindedly said. To be honest…he didn't know what he was going to do about his upcoming marriage. What if without knowing it, he and Rachel were making a mistake?

Finn sat in his bedroom late that night, staring up at the ceiling as he continued to cling onto Artie's words. Finn knew he loved Rachel, that was a certain-but what if Rachel somehow fell out of love with him along the line? What if Rachel chose someone else and she truly wasn't satisfied with him? Finn heard the door slightly open as Rachel came in, closing the door behind her while wearing a bathrobe. At a first glance, Finn thought that Rachel was getting ready for bed. But at another glance he noticed she was wearing red lipstick and her hair was messy-in a sexy way of course.

"Why hello there, Finn Hudson." Rachel spoke in a sultry tone, walking towards him with the bathrobe on. "Santa Claus has told me all about you." Rachel took off the bathrobe and put it to the side, showing that she was wearing a Santa lingerie piece. Finn's eyes widened as he sat up, staring at Rachel intently as she straddled his waist, looking into his eyes. "Santa told me that you've been a very good boy this year, was he right?" Rachel pressed kisses along his cheek, but Finn's mind was preoccupied on other things. Rachel sensed it and put a hand on her hip, raising an eyebrow in confusion. "Come on Finn, I bought sexy Santa lingerie for you and your mom, Kurt and Burt aren't home. Why the hesitation?"

"I'm sorry, Rach." Finn sighed. "You look incredibly sexy and I'm touched that you remembered my Santa request at the mall, but I'm not really in the mood right now."

"What's the matter, baby?" Rachel ran a hand through Finn's hair, becoming concerned. "It's not the stress from the Holiday concert, is it? Everything is going to be fine if that's what you're worried about."

"I'm not worried about that babe, it's just..." Finn leaned his head back on the headboard while closing his eyes. "Are you sure you want to marry me?"

"What?" Rachel wasn't understanding Finn's question. "Of course I want to marry you, Finn. Where is all of this coming from?"

"I was just wondering because once we get married things will never be the same." Finn explained. "We're going to be in wedlock and I just don't want you to feel like I'm tethering you."

"Finn, I realized no matter what we do we're tethered." Rachel slightly chuckled. "I'm tethered to you because I know I can't live without you. If you're worried about suffocating me then don't worry. You're not suffocating me and there's nowhere I'd rather be than to be with you. I want to marry you, no matter how old I am or where we are. You're the love of my life and I can't picture being anywhere without you. Okay?" Finn felt better hearing Rachel's words, nodding his head and releasing a smile.

"I love you, Rachel." Finn sincerely said. Rachel leaned closer and pressed a kiss to Finn's lips, slowly parting them as she gave Finn a grin.

"I love you too, Finn." Rachel put her hand through his hair again, biting her lower lip. "Speaking of 'tethered', I kind of want to be tethered to you now if you catch my drift..." Finn couldn't help but slightly laugh as he and Rachel took off his t-shirt, still looking into each other's eyes.

"I love when you talk all sexy like that..." Finn whispered as he started to bring the zipper down to Rachel's lingerie. "You really know how to get to me..."

"No, you know I can't go to your house for Christmas." Sue sat in her office as she spoke into her phone, looking down at the phone book that was in front of her. "Mom, it's not because I don't want to see you because...as much as I hate to admit it, I do want to see you. It's just..." As Sue continued to speak on the phone, Finn walked by Sue's office, and he couldn't help but notice that Sue looked a bit saddened. Finn leaned towards the office to listen in on Sue's conversation as he felt his heart break hearing Sue's words. "Christmas isn't the same without Jean, you know that. Ever since she died...I haven't loved Christmas the same. I think instead I'll just make other people miserable and possibly egg someone's house. No mom, I know that's for Halloween but I hate Christmas. Anyway I have to go. I have rotten tomatoes I have to throw at Finn Hudson and the Glee Club during their pathetic Winter Concert." Sue put her phone down as she stared up, noticing that Finn was staring right at her. She narrowed her eyebrows as she continued to stare at the young adult before her. "Can I help you, Frankenturd?"

"Um, I couldn't help but overhear your conversation." Finn rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

"Of course you heard my conversation, you have elephant ears." Sue retorted, folding her hands on the desk. "What do you want?"

"Well, I kind of understand why you're being a Grinch." Finn muttered. "You're upset about your sister not being here to spend the Holidays with you, are you?" Sue considered kicking Finn out of the office, and she wasn't about to let Finn really see how she really felt. "Come on, I know that you hate me and you hate everyone in this school...but sometimes it helps to talk things out." Finn walked into the room and took a seat in front of Sue, folding his hands together. "If you want to talk...I'm here to listen." Sue continued to eye Finn, slowly letting out a sigh.

"Christmas isn't the same without her...you know?" Sue sighed. "Every year when we were little we would wake up and run downstairs to see what presents our parents had gotten us. Christmas was this magical time of year for the both of us. It was the one time of year that we felt like anything could happen and surprisingly the one time of year my mother wasn't a Nazi hunter. No matter how my sister was different from the other kids, she was still the same because she loved the same things the other kids liked. She liked dressing up for Halloween, she loved watching the parade floats on Thanksgiving, she loved seeing hearts all over the place for Valentines Day, she loved wearing green on St. Patrick's Day even though we weren't Irish but hey, everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day. She loved playing jokes on April Fools Day, she loved the fireworks on the fourth of July...but her favorite holiday was Christmas; seeing a gigantic Christmas tree with presents underneath them, sugar cookies baking, Christmas carolers singing outside..." Sue felt her voice crack as she continued speaking. "I'm never going to hear her infectious laugh on Christmas day, see her beautiful smile when she opens her presents and I'm never going to be able to tell her how much I love her...because just like that...she's gone. I mean how do people go through losing their relatives, their brother or their sister. I know that there were some times that I would wish that I were an only child because she would annoy me like any brother or sister would...but I didn't want it to happen like this!" Sue buried her face into her hands as she started to sob. Finn felt his eyes water as he continued to stare at Sue, feeling absolutely terrible for her. He had to say something, he had to make her feel better. Finn took the box of tissues that were on the desk and handed them to Sue. Sue took one and started blowing her nose as Finn grabbed a tissue for himself and dabbed one of his eyes.

"I know it sucks losing someone so close to you and I'm sorry you had to go through that." Finn sincerely said. "I know Christmas won't be the same without your sister, but this is the time where you get to make new memories and look back on the old ones. It's also important to surround yourself with people that care about you and love you."

"There's just one problem." Sue sighed, looking down at the tissue. "There's no one that actually cares about me in this school. I don't know if you noticed but I am terrifying to the students and I'm pretty sure Butt-Chin over there doesn't really care about me."

"Are you kidding?" Finn waved his hand dismissively. "The Glee Club loves you. I'm sure that they do. I mean you have an odd way expressing how you feel and so does the Glee Club. As for Mr. Schue, he appreciates you. Your his friend, and at the end of the day there's nothing that he wouldn't do for you." Sue stood quiet for a moment, taking in Finn's words. "Listen, I don't want you to be alone...so how about you come to our Winter Concert and watch it. It will make you feel a whole lot better. I promise. The past is the past..." Finn held his hand out across the table, giving Sue a smile. "But we can make some memories that we'll cherish forever, and I promise you won't regret this." Sue continued to gaze at Finn, nodding her head slowly.

"I won't regret this?" Sue raised an eyebrow.

"No, you won't." Finn smiled. Sue slowly felt a smile creep on her face as she put her hand in Finn's, taking the tissue that was in her other hand and dabbing her eyes with it. Sue released a sigh as she wiped the last few tears from her face.

"If it was any other person that had come into my office and attempted to make me feel better, I would have put them in a cardboard box and send them to Timbuktu." Sue's face softened as she continued to gaze at Finn. "I'm glad that it was you that came in here so...thank you."

"You're welcome." Finn patted Sue's hand. "And if it makes you feel any better, I deleted the photo of you from my phone. No one deserves to be humiliated near Christmas. Not even you." Sue continued to eye Finn, showing a genuine look.

"You know Hudson...you're a good kid." Sue softly said. "I know I don't say it at all and I treat you and your friends like crap but you really are a good kid. Just don't expect me to be nice to the Glee Club all year."

"I wasn't counting on that." Finn chuckled, getting up from his seat to walk over to Sue. Finn hugged Sue, a smile appearing on both of their faces. "Merry Christmas, Sue."

"Merry Christmas, Finn." Sue answered. Finn took notice of the rotten tomatoes in the corner of the office, his eyebrows furrowing as his smile diminished.

"You weren't going to throw those at the Glee Club during the Winter Concert, were you?" Finn questioned.

"In the spirit of Christmas, I cannot lie." Sue looked at Finn with her signature smirk as Finn rolled his eyes. "Yes, yes I was going to throw those tomatoes at you and your Glee Club."

It was the night of the Winter Concert and the New Directions were currently being fitted into their outfits for the first number of the concert. Some of them looked nervous while others looked excited for the show. The one thing they all had in common was that they wanted to make Finn proud. They knew Finn worked hard on preparing this show and the last thing they wanted was to make Finn look incompetent in front of everyone. Finn came in the room while everyone continued putting on their costumes.

"All right! Is everyone ready for the show?!" Finn clapped his hands, motioning for everyone to get into the show circle. "All right, I know show circle is more for Sectionals, Regionals and Nationals competitions but I thought it would be appropriate here. I just want to say something. Just…go out there and have fun. Don't worry about anyone else out there, just go and have a rocking Christmas show. And don't worry…I made sure no one brought tomatoes in here—mostly Sue Sylvester and Becky." Finn noticed Marley raising her hand slowly, a smile creeping on his face. "Yes, Marley?"

"I just wanted to thank you." Marley said in front of everyone. Everyone stared at Marley, but she kept her eyes on Finn. "You sacrificed so much time for us and this show is going to be great. I'm already sure of it. It's because of you that we're going to have a show that's going to be amazing and…I don't think I can thank you enough, personally as well." Finn stared over at Rachel, noticing that Marley was also talking about Finn introducing her to Rachel. Finn couldn't help but grin, looking over to the sophomore.

"You're very welcome, Marley." Finn looked down at his watch, clapping his hands as the other members started leaving for the stage. "All right, let's go, let's go, let's go!" Finn motioned for everyone to follow him but as Brittany was following everyone, Santana held her back for a moment, wanting to talk to her. Santana had noticed how close Brittany and Sam were this week and now was when Santana was going to strike. She was going to tell Brittany what she really thought of the Bram relationship, and she hated it.

"Brittany, I need to talk to you." Santana said.

"Santana, you heard Finn." Brittany didn't look at Santana. "We're supposed to go on stage now for the Christmas show."

"We're not in the number so I think we'll be fine." Santana retorted before calming down again. "So, I noticed you and Sam…and it kind of made me sick to my stomach. I don't get what you see in him. All right, here's how it's going to go. I'm giving you a get out of jail card and you're going to use it to get out of that toxic relationship and come back to me where I will do nothing but shower you with love. It's a limited time offer, Brittany so I'd choose wisely if I were you."

"Maybe I don't want the 'get out of jail card'." Brittany said. Santana stopped, staring at Brittany as if Brittany was making some terrible mistake. "Santana, you were the one that did this when you decided to be with Dani, and I know that you and Dani aren't dating anymore…but still I need to think about what's best for me right now. And I know this is going to sound harsh and un-me like, but you're not what's best."

"But don't you get it, Brittany?" Santana walked over to her, giving her a sad expression. "You're the only person that can make me feel really happy without making me feel like I'm settling for less. I don't want anything expensive for Christmas or anything. All I want for Christmas is you."

"But maybe, I don't want you." Brittany sounded cold and harsh, but Brittany had to get her point across. Santana had to realize it was time to move on. "Have you ever thought of that? I have everything I want already. You're either going to be there for me or you're going to be on the outside looking it. It's a limited time offer, Santana so I'd choose wisely if I were you." Brittany walked away from Santana, exiting the choir room, leaving Santana to stand there in sadness. Maybe it was time for Santana to move on, but she also had to keep in mind…she was never going to stop loving Brittany for as long as she lived.

{Scene changes to Mercedes, Quinn, Tina, Santana and Rachel on stage but Santana looks saddened as she looks over at Brittany from the sidelines while the others stare at the audience}

[Mercedes] (Tina, Quinn, Santana and Rachel)

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 have gone astray (o tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy)

Oh tidings of comfort and joy (tidings of joy)

[Tina](Quinn)

From God our heavenly father

(A blessed angel came)

And unto certain Sheppard's bought

(Tidings of the same)

How that in Bethlehem was born

The son of God by name

[Quinn]

Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy

Oh, tidings of comfort and joy

[Santana](Mercedes, Tina, Quinn and Rachel)

Oh, "Fear not" said the Angel (aah-aah)

"Let nothing you affright"

This day is born a Savior (This day)

Of pure Virgin bright (Virgin bright)

To free all those who trust in Him (to trust, in Him)

From Satan's power and might (power and might)

Oh tidings of comfort and joy (Comfort and joy)

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

[Quinn, Tina, Mercedes and Santana]

Oh joy (tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy)

Oh joy (tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, comfort and joy, comfort and joy)

[Rachel](Mercedes, Tina, Quinn and Santana)

Now to the Lord sings praises

All you within this place

And with true love and brotherhood

Each other now embrace (Each other now embrace)

This holy tide of Christmas

All other doth deface

Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Oh joy (Tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy)

Oh joy (Tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy)

We have gone astray

[Rachel, Mercedes, Tina, Quinn and Santana]

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

The curtain closed on the five of them as the audience applauded, all of them giving each other hugs to congratulate one another for a job well done. Rachel saw Finn and made her way to him, hugging him tightly and staring into his eyes with a smile.

"Weren't we great?!" Rachel laughed while keeping her arms around his neck.

"You were all terrific." Finn smiled down at her, pressing a kiss to her cheek. "Especially you." Rachel blushed at Finn's comment, but she noticed that there was something bothering him.

"Finn, is something wrong?" Rachel asked. Finn continued to stare at Rachel, still feeling slightly insecure.

"No, everything's fine." Finn assured her, or at least he tried to. Rachel was still suspicious but she decided to let it go. "You were amazing." Finn once again said, but Rachel had a feeling that Finn was just saying it to change the subject. "Now, it's the Klaine duet. Can you go find them for me? I have to go and find someone for the final number."

"Oh, Finn I actually wanted to talk to you about that." Rachel removed her arms from around Finn's neck, gazing into his eyes. "I had someone in mind for the final number and it's not me."

"It's not you?" Finn wondered. "Then who did you have in mind?"

In one of the dressing rooms, Blaine was staring at an envelope that had recently come in the mail for him. It wasn't good news to say the least. Blaine continued to stare at the letter, but he didn't notice Kurt enter the room. Kurt sat in the seat next to him as he folded his hands together, trying to make sure that nothing was wrong with his boyfriend. It was evident, no matter how hard Blaine tried to fight it—he was extremely sad.

"Hey, what's the matter?" Kurt wondered, taking a hold of Blaine's hand.

"I'm fine." Blaine simply said, getting up from the chair and heading towards the dressing room door. "Um, we should probably go…I mean…isn't Finn expecting us or something? We're supposed to be singing our Christmas duet."

"Jake and Puck are singing some song about Hanukkah. Finn said they sang it with Rachel before in the mall…" Kurt noticed he was getting on a tangent, going back to the task at hand. "Come on now, Blaine what's the matter."

"What makes you think something's the matter with me?" Blaine questioned.

"Well, for one thing I know there's something you're not telling me." Kurt creased his hands together. "You're acting extremely…sad."

"Maybe I kind of have a right to be sad." Blaine said. "I mean, I'm a failure while Finn over there is the success story of the club behind Rachel of course."

'What makes you say that?" Kurt got up from the chair to look Blaine in the eye. "Okay, let me take a guess. Was that letter from NYADA?" Blaine slowly nodded his head and Kurt smiled. "Okay, that's great! So what did NYADA say? Are they letting you in for the fall or…?" Blaine slowly shook his head.

"They're not letting me in…at all." Blaine sighed. "I wasn't selected for an interview."

"What?" Kurt stared at Blaine, noticing that Blaine was in a terrible mood. "Blaine, I'm so sorry."

"I'm sorry too, Kurt." Blaine looked away. "I mean, we had this plan all set up. I was going to join you in New York after graduation and we were going to live in the loft, go to NYADA with Rachel…I didn't know Finn was going to get in at the time and I'm still really surprised by that. Anyway, we were going to be together but how can we be together when the only school that I ever really wanted to go to didn't even accept me?"

"Hey, it's all right." Kurt held onto Blaine's shoulders, giving him an encouraging glance. "Remember, I haven't gotten into NYADA yet so we're both kind of on the fence right now. But here's the good news. Now we can apply together. We can do it in the fall. You can still come to New York and we can both just apply again. You just have to finish here first and I could work at the diner still and…"

"I know that this whole planning thing is fun Kurt…but…" Blaine stopped as he became discouraged again. "This whole waiting a year thing wasn't in the plan."

"Plans can change Blaine." Kurt said. "Plans change and people change, Gabriella: High School Musical 2. But the point is, if we work hard enough we can make it anywhere. We can do whatever we set our mind to…and it's not going to be a failure if we work hard and then achieve our dream. Some have it slightly easier than others. I mean, do you know how many times Finn has hit rock bottom before deciding he wanted to become a teacher? Pretty much a lot. He lost Rachel, went to the army, shot himself in the thigh and came to New York without a dream in mind. With Rachel's help, everything fell into place for him. I'm going to do the same thing Rachel did for Finn for you Blaine. You're so talented….but you really need to cut back on the solos." Blaine laughed and Kurt patted Blaine's shoulder. "Just believe in yourself and soon everything will fall into place."

"Thank you Kurt." Blaine softly said, feeling a smile creep on his face. "No one has been there for me like you have, so it's actually pretty refreshing. I love you."

"I love you too, Blaine." Kurt reciprocated the smile. "Always have and always will." Kurt and Blaine shared a hug, the both of them feeling comfort in each other's arms. After a moment, Blaine broke the hug.

"So what do we do now?" Blaine wondered, staring at Kurt with confusion. Kurt led Blaine out of the dressing room and towards the backstage area.

"Now…we go and sing our annual Christmas duet!" Kurt proclaimed, hoping that this could be just the thing to keep Blaine's mind off the letter of rejection.

{Scene changes to a fake ice rink that has Finn, Rachel, Quinn, Puck, Marley and Jake skating around on rollerblades. Blaine and Kurt join them with roller blades as they all pretend to go ice skating on stage}

[Blaine]

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

Just like the ones I used to know

Where the treetops glisten

And children listen

To hear sleigh bells in the snow

The snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

With every Christmas card I write

May your days, may your days be merry and bright

And may all your Christmases be white

Whoa, whoa

[Kurt]

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

Just like the ones I used to know

Where the treetops glisten

And children listen

To hear sleigh bells in the snow

The snow

[Kurt and Blaine]

I, I, I, I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

With every Christmas card I write

[Kurt]

May your days, may your days be merry and bright (Blaine: Oh, let them be bright)

And may all your Christmases be white,

[Blaine and Kurt]

I, I, I, I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

With every Christmas card I write

May your days, may your days be merry and bright

And may all your Christmases be white

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

Doom beam doom beam doom, doom, doom be doo, doo

Backstage a while after Kurt and Blaine's performance, Finn looked all over for a certain person. The finale was coming up, and Finn still needed someone to sing the final number since Rachel was adamant that she wasn't going to do it. Finn stopped by the dressing room, noticing Tina, Unique, Kitty, Ryder, Jake and Marley talking while looking into the mirror. Finn heard the conversation and it was mostly Tina talking while he was sure that the others were pretending to listen.

"I heard through the grapevine that Finn still doesn't have someone for the finale." Tina haughtily said. "I just know that he's going to pick me for the final number."

"Why would Finn pick you for the final number?" Kitty rolled her eyes but kept eye contract on the mirror. "I mean there are plenty of people that he could choose for the number, even one of his old classmates."

"True, but I heard Finn was looking within New Directions for the performer. I just know it's going to be me." Tina smiled. "I mean who else is he going to get? I'm one of the most diverse singers in Glee Club. Sure I haven't had much time to shine but I know Finn is going to pick me because it's time for this diva to get some sun." Just as Tina was finishing her ranting, Finn entered the dressing room, holding the clipboard close to him.

"Hey guys." Finn smiled.

"What are you doing here?" Kitty wondered. "We already finished our back-up vocals and dancing for everyone else."

"I know, but there was one person that I wanted to talk to before I left." Finn faced Marley, noticing that she was unbelieving that he had come to see her…again. "Marley, I was talking with Rachel earlier and she said that she knew the perfect person that wanted to sing the final number of the show. Someone that has a voice that will make everyone want to look up at the stage and just say…'wow'."

"That's great Finn, but why are you telling Marley this?" Tina didn't understand what was going on here.

"Marley…" Finn held the clipboard to his chest, giving her a grin. "You're singing the final number of the show." Marley's mouth opened in shock—but Tina just looked angry.

"How can you choose this sophomore over me, Finn?!" Tina shouted. "I knew you for three years and this is how you repay me?!"

"Tina, I didn't choose anyone…Rachel did. It was Rachel's number to begin with so it was only fair that she chose someone to replace her." Finn explained. "Rachel chose Marley." Marley couldn't believe it—Rachel Berry chose her to sing the finale number in the show. "Which means, Marley we need to get you to hair and makeup! The finale's in ten minutes!" Marley was ushered out of her seat by Finn, the NYADA freshman leading the sophomore out of the dressing room. As Marley was getting ready for the final number, it had begun to sink in. Marley was going to sing the final number because Rachel wanted her to. Marley wasn't sure why but she was glad that Rachel did choose her. It was a prestigious honor. Marley had on a slinky white dress that went down to her ankles, some white heels and her hair was sleek and straight. Her makeup was simple with some red lipstick. Yep, Marley looked like she was on fire-figuratively.

"And for the final act tonight, ladies and gentlemen…Marley Rose!" Marley heard Finn call out her name from on stage. This was it, it was show time…

{Marley walks on stage and she stares at the crowd looking nervous. Marley turns to the side of the stage and sees Rachel and Finn standing there with a smile and Marley begins to turn confident again as she looks back at the audience and sings}

[Marley]

The first noel the angel did say

Was to certain poor Sheppard's in fields as they lay

In fields where they lay keeping their sheep

On a cold winters night that was so deep

[Marley with New Directions]

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

Born is the king of Israel

[Marley with New Directions harmonizing]

They looked up and saw a star

Shining in the east beyond them far

And to the earth it gave great light

And so it continued both day and night

[Marley with New Directions]

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

[Marley]

Born is the king

[New Directions]

Born is the king

[Marley with New Directions]

Of Israel

The audience erupted into cheers as Marley gazed down at her fellow classmates. She had never felt so alive in her entire life—and no one had ever cheered for her like that before. It was almost like for the first time in her life, someone noticed her and she was a completely different person because of it. On the sidelines, Finn clapped but as he clapped, he felt pride swell up in his chest for Rachel. He knew Rachel did this for Marley…she wanted Marley to get a chance in the spotlight.

"I know what you did for Marley…" Finn said to Rachel as he continued to clap for Marley. "The old Rachel never would have done what you just did. The old Rachel would have pushed anyone for a solo; she would have probably done almost anything to be in the spotlight. She would have killed her best friend in order to be the star of a musical. I'm also sure old Rachel would have chosen pretty bad boyfriends…you know…aside from me."

"Old Rachel grew up…" Rachel simply said, looking back at Finn with a smile. "You know…Old Finn never would have agreed to do an entire Christmas show. He would have balked at the idea and go to the football team because he was hiding his insecurities. Old Finn never would have openly admitted that he loved a girl in a Glee Club or even admit that he loved singing." Finn smiled back at her, wrapping her into a hug.

"Old Finn grew up…" Finn cheekily said. Finn noticed Rachel looking up and biting her lip, causing Finn to stare in the direction she was looking in. Up above both Finn and Rachel, there was mistletoe. Finn looked down to Rachel, giving a slight a chuckle. "I may have grown up but there are still some traditions to follow. I love you, babe."

"I love you too, honey." Rachel giggled slightly before leaning up and planting a sweet kiss on Finn's lips. Finn held Rachel tightly, a smile forming while both their lips were connected to one another.

A couple days later at the Hudson-Hummel home it was Christmas morning and Finn and Rachel were currently asleep in Finn's old bedroom. However, Finn woke up and saw the clock, noticing it was time to go downstairs and open presents. Finn's mood immediately transformed as if he was a five year old, wanting to go downstairs and hope that he received something he wanted for Christmas. Finn looked over, seeing Rachel sleeping with her pillow and some drool dripping from her cheek, something Finn thought was really sexy, even if Rachel thought it was gross. Finn pressed a kiss to Rachel's cheek, noticing she was stirring in her sleep slightly but a smile was evident on her face.

"Rachel, wake up. It's Christmas!" Finn excitedly whispered to her. Rachel eyes began to flutter, looking up to see Finn gazing down at her. "Merry Christmas…" Rachel giggled, bringing Finn down to her face to kiss his lips. As soon as Rachel parted, she looked at Finn with a loving gaze.

"Merry Christmas, love." Rachel responded. She got out of bed with Finn following her as they rushed downstairs to begin Christmas morning. Finn was surprised to find that Carole, Burt, Blaine and Kurt were in the living room already, the presents all in front of them.

"What the…"Finn was surprised. "Mom, I wanted to wake you up." Finn started to whine like a child. Carole knew that her son was just joking around.

"Sorry honey, but I thought that you'd want to open gifts as soon as you got up…" Carole grinned. Finn and Rachel went down towards Carole and Burt, giving the each of them hugs. "Merry Christmas you two. Now, get over here and open some presents." Finn and Rachel laughed, going down to grab some of their gifts. Finn looked over at Rachel, taking a small gift and holding it out for her.

"Rachel, this is for you." Finn said. Rachel looked at the gift, taking it into her hands and eyeing the wrapping paper. "I know that you said you didn't want anything for Christmas and I know that you don't really celebrate Christmas but…"

"Hush you." Rachel playfully said, still looking at the present. Rachel opened the gift and as she did, she immediately covered her mouth with her hand. She looked back up to Finn, almost unable to speak. "Oh my god, Finn…"

"What? What did he get you?" Burt became nosy as Carole giggled, staring at her son. Rachel took the necklace out of the box, running her hands across the nameplate. It was a chain that said the word "Finn", but it wasn't a typical gold chain. Finn's name was bedazzled in sapphire blue gems. Rachel gazed at Finn, noticing he was nervous.

"I remember watching those chick flicks and when the girls get married there's usually something borrowed, something new and something blue." Finn said. "I got you something blue...and I hope you don't mind that I wrote my name on it. I mean, I know how much you love the other necklace with my name on it but I want you to wear that and be proud of the man that loves you…so much."

"Finn…" Rachel walked over to Finn, embracing him tightly. "I love it so much…I love it and I love you…"

"So you wouldn't get bored of me in like…four to twelve years from now?" Finn asked, Rachel's smile only growing wider.

"I could never get tired of you, Finn." Rachel said, wrapping her arms around Finn's neck. "I love you…and thank you so much. This is the best Christmas gift I've ever gotten. Oh, but I got you something too. Close your eyes." Finn closed his eyes with anticipation, wondering what his gift could be. "All right, open your eyes." Finn opened his eyes, spotting Rachel…but this time she had a Christmas bow on her head. "I'm your present! Merry Christmas, Finn!" Finn laughed but saw Rachel take out the real gift from behind her back. Finn took the gift from Rachel, opening it with interest. He immediately gasped, going in and pulling out a pair of gold drumsticks. "It's not real gold so you could actually use them and you can play the drums with them. What do you think?"

"I love it." Finn directly said. "I love them, I love them, I love them. But I did like my first gift much better though." Finn pointed to the bow on Rachel's head, causing Rachel to laugh. "Rachel…I love you so much. I can't picture another moment without you in my life. It took 19 years of soul searching but I know there's no one else for me. This is it. You're the one." Rachel walked over to Finn, putting her forehead on his. "I love you…and I'm going to be honored that I could call you Mrs. Hudson." Rachel kissed Finn while the rest of the family gazed lovingly at the couple. Their moment was interrupted by a knock on the door, causing Finn to wonder who could possibly come at this time in the morning. Finn walked over to the door, opening it to spot Marley standing there with her mother Millie, holding what looked to be a casserole. "Marley, hi there!" Rachel immediately came to the door, a smile flashing on her face when she spotted Marley and Millie at the door.

"Marley! Hi!" Rachel hugged Marley tightly, Marley hugging Rachel back. "What brings you two here?"

"Well we were in the neighborhood because we were on our way to the soup kitchen." Millie explained. "Marley insisted that we'd come here first so that we could wish you two and your family a Merry Christmas."

"That's no problem at all." Finn looked over to Marley, the grin still on his face. "We actually are thrilled that Marley came to visit."

"Hey Marley, do you guys need any help at the soup kitchen?" Rachel wondered. "Finn and I would be happy to help you two."

"Are you sure?" Marley asked, wanting to make sure it was okay with Finn. Finn quickly nodded his head, agreeing with Rachel's statement. "I don't want to interrupt your Christmas."

"No, you're not interrupting anything." Finn said. "Just give us a few moments and we'll be back to help you." Finn and Rachel went into the house to go up the stairs to go and get ready, causing Burt and Carole to become interested in where they were going.

"Finn, honey what's going on?" Carole asked.

"Rachel and I are going to help at the soup kitchen with Marley and her mom." Finn came back down with his jacket. "I hope you don't mind, mom."

"Of course I don't mind, Finn." Carole proudly said. "Would you guys like any help?" Finn nodded his head as Kurt clapped.

"Of course we would." Kurt got up from his position. "Let's go and help those wonderful people!" Finn grinned from ear to ear, seeing Rachel was coming down the stairs with her jacket. Finn opened the door, noticing Marley was marveling at the sight before her. Members of New Directions, including Mr. Schuester, Sue Sylvester and Principal Figgins were standing there along with the alumni.

"I hope you don't mind, Marley." Finn said. "I invited some people to help us."

"The more the merrier!" Marley clapped her hands together, turning around and giving Finn a hug. "Thank you Finn."

"You're welcome, Marley. Merry Christmas." Finn looked down at Marley, not noticing that Rachel was watching with a smile. Even though their stay in Lima was far from over, Rachel and Finn both knew that this Christmas was the best Christmas ever—by a long shot.

{Scene changes to the soup kitchen and Finn and Rachel help Marley as Marley smiles at Finn and Rachel. Finn looks around and sees his old classmates helping out some of the other homeless people and Finn smiles as he sees Sue Sylvester actually acting genuine along with Mr. Schuester. Rachel, Puck and Jake light up the menorah and Rachel and Puck grin at one another.}

[Finn]

So this is Christmas and what have you done

Another year over, and a new one just begun

And so this is Christmas, I hope you had fun

The near and the dear one, the old and the young

[Finn with New Directions, Mr. Schuester, Sue Sylvester and New Directions Alumni]

A very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Let's hope it's a good one, without any fear

{Shows Rachel, Finn and Marley walking with presents and everyone else follows them as they give them to kids at a nearby shelter. Marley and Finn watch Rachel give a toy bunny to a little girl and Marley and Finn gaze at one another. Santana helps out and stares over at Brittany and Sam kissing under mistletoe and Santana looks away to focus on one of the little boys as she hands him a present. Blaine and Kurt look up at the mistletoe and kiss as Quinn and Mercedes throw confetti on them while laughing.}

[Finn](New Directions, Mr. Schuester, Sue Sylvester and Alumni)

So this is Christmas (war is over) for weak and for strong (if you want it)

For rich and for poor ones (war is over) the road is so long (now)

And so happy Christmas (war is over) for black and for white (if you want it)

For yellow and red ones (war is over) let's stop all the fight (now)

[Finn with New Directions, Mr. Schuester, Sue Sylvester and New Directions Alumni]

A very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Let's hope it's a good one, without any fear

{Scene changes to everyone standing under a gazebo where everyone watches them sing as they smile at one another. Snow begins to fall as Finn grabs Rachel and he hugs her tightly to him. Marley walks over to Finn and Finn puts a free hand on her shoulder as Marley and Rachel share a glance.}

[Finn with New Directions, Mr. Schuester, Sue Sylvester and New Directions Alumni]

So this is Christmas (war is over) and what have you done (if you want it)

Another year over (war is over) and a new one just begun (now_

And so happy Christmas (war is over), I hope you had fun (if you want it)

The near and the dear one (war is over), the old and the young (now)

[Finn with New Directions, Mr. Schuester, Sue Sylvester and New Directions Alumni]

A very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Let's hope it's a good one, without any fear

War is over, if you want it

War is over, war is over

If you want it, war is over

Now

[Finn]

Happy Christmas

[Everyone]

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

{Scene ends with everyone cheering in the park and hugging one another}

GUEST STARRING

Melissa Benoist as Marley Rose

Jacob Artist as Jake Puckerman

Blake Jenner as Ryder Lynn

Alex Newell as Wade "Unique" Adams

Becca Tobin as Kitty Wilde

Kevin McHale as Artie Abrams

Jenna Ushkowitz as Tina-Cohen Chang

Heather Morris as Brittany Pierce

Darren Criss as Blaine Anderson

Chord Overstreet as Sam Evans

Dianna Agron as Quinn Fabray

Amber Riley as Mercedes Jones

Harry Shum Jr. as Mike Chang

Matthew Morrison as Will Schuester

Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester

Iqbal Theba as Principal Figgins

Trisha Rae Stahl as Millie Rose

Remy Rosemont as Carole Hudson-Hummel

Mike O'Malley as Burt Hummel

SONG(S):

I'll Be Home For Christmas (Originally by Bing Cosby): Performed by Rachel Berry

Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah (Originally by Traditional [Barenaked Ladies Version]): Performed by Jake Puckerman and Noah "Puck" Puckerman with Rachel Berry

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Originally by Traditional): Performed by Mercedes Jones, Tina Cohen-Chang, Quinn Fabray, Santana Lopez and Rachel Berry

White Christmas (Originally by Traditional [Michael Buble and Shania Twain Version]): Performed by Blaine Anderson and Kurt Hummel

The First Noel (Originally by Traditional): Performed by Marley Rose with New Directions

Happy Xmas (War Is Over) (Originally by John Lennon & Yoko Ono): Performed by Finn Hudson with New Directions, New Directions Alumni, Will Schuester and Sue Sylvester