As the week went on, the Twinns would stop by to admire the tree or add an ornament or two. One morning Cathy, who had just returned from grocery shopping, met Jeremy carrying a pail of water to put in the tree stand. "Hey, Cathy!" Jeremy called, "Are you going to change the beads in your hair to red and green for Christmas?" He always enjoyed teasing the girls, especially Cathy.
"That takes a lot of time," Cathy replied thoughtfully. "Would you rather have me change the beads in my hair or have me make chocolate chip cookies?"
Jeremy laughed. "No contest. I'll take the cookies. I'll even carry your bag in the house for you."
"Thought so," said Cathy smugly to herself.

Later on, Clinton, Taryn, and Penny stopped by the tree. They were headed for Ye Olde Croc and Keg, where the crocs were hosting their annual Christmas Tea and Carol Sing for the Emmas. Penny added a star-shaped ornament to the tree as Taryn and Clinton looked on.
"My fellow Americans, this tree is just as nice as the ones they get at the White House," Clinton observed. He cleared his throat and struck an official pose. "At this festive time of year, as we light this tree, we make a wish for peace on earth, goodwill to men.. and women," he added quickly, knowing Taryn and Penny would be upset if he didn't. "And crocs."
"Thanks, Clinton," said Penny. "Boy, I can't wait for the party. I hope they have the hot cider again this year."
"We do, and Campbell made scones," Clinton reported. "I don't even know what scones are but I'm sure we will enjoy them."
"I just wish Carlisle would be with us," said Taryn wistfully. "I hope he gets back soon."
"I'm sure he will," said Clinton with a nod. "Taryn, are you going to play 'Hark, the Herald Angels Sing' for us on your bugle again this year?"
"Funny thing about that," said Taryn, looking at Penny, who tried to look innocent. "I can't seem to find my bugle. I don't suppose you've seen it, Penny?"
"Not since Croc Camp," Penny replied, not wanting to mention she had seen Corky hide it just the day before. She quickly changed the subject. "We'd better hurry - we don't want to be late!"

Kerry, (who was a bit forgetful), had forgotten all about the party at Ye Old Croc and Keg. Dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt, she was busily sewing Christmas dresses with the help of Chattanooga, who was sewing on the buttons, and singing Twinn Christmas songs like the Twelve Days of Christmas. “Six pairs of knickers.”
“Five catnip mice,” Chattanooga chimed in.
“Oh my gosh,” said Kerry, “Chatty, we are supposed to be at the party right now! Let’s go get dressed.”
Of course, it took Kerry three or four tries to finally find a dress she liked. “When you have red hair, it is hard to find a Christmas print that suits you,” she told Chattanooga, as they hurried across the yard.
“I’m glad I am always dressed in basic green,” Chattanooga said with a nod.
Rory and January were busily decorating one of the ducks that sat in the garden. “Hi, Kerry,” they called. “Look what we are wearing!” The girls were dressed in Christmas dresses made by Kerry; Rory’s had a dog print and Jan’s was a matching design in cats.

“Hey, you guys look great!” said Kerry. “And January, I really like your new wig!”
“I thought it was more grown up than my old one. Thanks, Kerry,” said Jan with a smile.
“We are lucky to have you to sew for us,” added Roxy.
“Thanks,” said Kerry. “Well, we’re late so we’d better get going. Enjoy your decorating, girls.”
Meanwhile, Meko came upon Teri who was hanging up some Christmas stockings. “Hi Teri,” she said. “I am so glad you are back together and looking good.”
“I feel all new,” agreed Teri. “Nothing like new eyes and a wig change to put new life in a Twinn. Thanks for all your help, Meko.”
“Oh, I was glad to do it,” Meko replied. “I’m just sorry it took so darn long. I’ve got to talk to Kimmie about training a new assistant, especially now that Carlisle is gone. I was hoping to get Pat to help me but Harmony got her to help in the office instead.”
“Meko, now that I am back together I will be needing a job. Maybe I can help you. At least I suspect I would be good at scrounging up dirty socks for the anesthesia cone!”
“Oh, Teri, that would be wonderful,” said Meko. “Sick bay is closed down now for the holidays unless there is an emergency, but if you will come by after New Year’s I will start training you.”

Just then a call came from over by the Christmas tree.
"Yoo hoo!” It was Alice. “Is it too late to hang up my stocking?” She held out a stocking that was many times larger than the other ones that Teri was working on. “I don’t want Santa to forget me! Hand over that scotch tape, Teri!”
Meko and Teri laughed. “Some things never change,” Teri observed.

“Meko, it is unusual to see you out of your scrubs,” said Alice, putting up her stocking with about a foot of tape. “What’s the occasion for the Chinese outfit?”
“I am wearing it because I am going to be in a documentary that David is filming for next Christmas,” explained Meko. “It’s supposed to be about Christmas all over the world. He got me to represent China. He asked Ann Marie to do France practically before she got out of her packing box. I am not sure who else is in the program but I know Randy is representing Ireland and I think David has him step dancing.”
“That will be something to see,” chuckled Teri and Alice.
“Well, gee,” said Alice, “I am going to talk to Dave because I could represent Japan. After all, I am the most ethnic looking Berkeley at the Continuum!”

Sometime later, when the girls had all gone on to other projects, there was a flash of red and green iridescent sparkles by the Christmas tree, and Yrene appeared with a croc in her arms. She set him under the tree and looked at him. “You’ll have a good home here.” Then, suddenly, “Oh bother,” she scowled, “the ribbon and the tag did not materialize. I wish I could get this darn transmogrifyer to work properly.” Seconds later they both disappeared in another flash and only a few sparkles under the tree remained.

A little while later Yrene materialized again, only this time instead of being by the Christmas tree she turned up in the cherry tree, and instead of a croc she had somehow acquired an albino aardvark. But at least he DID have a lovely ribbon. “Oh dear,” said Yrene. “If this keeps happening they will put me back in telemarketing for sure!”