Nikki arrives at the Newman ranch, dazed by the decor. As she approaches the tree, she flashes back to happy memories of last year. Victor

suddenly appears and admits he didn’t think she would be back tonight. Nikki remains beyond angry, but she wants to spend Christmas

with her family. “I agree,” he says. They remember how happy their last Christmas was. For the sake of the children, he hopes they can set their anger aside. She warns she’s not backing down on opposing what he did to Jack.

 

 

Victor suggests they not discuss that and pulls out a gift. She’s startled to see it’s an elaborate necklace. He explains that it belonged to the only female monarch of the Hapsburg Empire and the mother of Marie Antoinette. Pulling up her hair, he slips it around her neck and says it’s as beautiful as she is. When she accuses him of trying to charm her into dropping the fight over Jack, he insists he only wants to resolve their conflicts so they can spend time with the children. To his surprise, she pulls out a gift and explains she got it before their fight began. He’s surprised to see she got him one of Hannah Arendt’s private journals. He loves that.

Victor reminds her that the Christmases they have shared have been the happiest times of their lives. She points out that not all of their Christmases have been merry. They recall when she gave him a tree, even though they had split up. He admits that tree meant everything to him. He remembers when he was left in an orphanage on Christmas Eve… now look at all they have? Sobbing, he reminds her of the life they have built and their grandchildren. They have a lot to be proud of. They kiss.

Victor reminds her that the Christmases they have shared have been the happiest times of their lives. She points out that not all of their Christmases have been merry. They recall when she gave him a tree, even though they had split up. He admits that tree meant everything to him. He remembers when he was left in an orphanage on Christmas Eve… now look at all they have? Sobbing, he reminds her of the life they have built and their grandchildren. They have a lot to be proud of. They kiss.

Johnny carries the tiny Christmas tree into Billy’s place, where his father, Sally, Victoria, and Katie have been waiting. “Clearly, you beat Charlie Brown to the tree,” Billy jokes. Sally is sure it will be beautiful. Billy admits he forgot to get ornaments. In a flash, Sally gets an idea. The former carny gets them some popcorn and explains that they rarely had a tree, but when they did, they had to be creative with decorating it. Johnny eats the popcorn while the others string it. They chat about the launch party, and the kids wonder how Abbott Communications will be different from Newman Media. That sets Billy off on a rant about Adam’s lack of integrity. He claims he’s learned from his mistakes and that Sally has helped him see what’s important.

Once the tree is decorated, they realize there’s no star. Billy leads the kids to the kitchen to make one from tin foil. Sally and Victoria discuss how hard Billy tries to sell the idea that he has a new, optimistic outlook to everyone, including himself. That always makes them worry about what’s really going on. The rage is always simmering under the surface. Little in his life seems motivated by anything other than anger. Victoria is sure that Billy’s feelings for Sally are only about her. Sally knows that, but his other feelings worry her. Her father also had “white knuckled optimism” and was always going for broke. She would end up picking him off the floor. “Are you trying to love Billy or save him?” Victoria asks.

Sally grew up expecting little. But one year, she wanted a sewing machine. Her dad promised it to her, but then he took off for a week, pursuing his latest doomed dream. Billy stands in the hall and listens as Sally explains that losing Abbott Communications once reminded her of that. She can’t go through that loss again. What they have needs to be real. Sally is sorry for unloading all this on her. Victoria appreciates her sharing. The kids return with the star, and Katie puts it on the tree. Billy declares it perfect. Sally crunches up her nose. The children and their mother exit.

As Sally and Billy sit alone, he remembers how much Delia loved the season of believing. He assures Spectra that he believes in her and what they can accomplish. He’s grateful to have her in his life. They kiss.