Friday December 23, 2005
Victoria was thrilled that Brad was joining her family for Christmas. She promised that he'd have "nothing to worry about." (Run, Brad — that's a surefire jinx.). As they sipped eggnog (Yum!), Vicki suggested they "unwrap" their presents in private. Brad was thrilled with her gift, as she was with the fur coat he gave her. "I have a much better method of keeping warm these days," she purred.

At the Winterses, Neil whipped up his "special" cider (which begs the question of what the former alcoholic put in it and served to the recovering addict, since "special" usually implies spiked). Yolanda couldn't understand why they'd invited her to New Hampshire, but Neil and Dru insisted that she's family. Yolanda decided not to go because she needed to work. Devon blamed his foster parents. Yolanda smoothed things over by offering the clan some of homemade custard "with the nutmeg." You know, with the way this woman likes to make desserts, she really should consider opening her own bake shop.

As a melancholy, plinky-plinky version of "The First Noel" played on a guitar, a wistfull Phyllis thought of Jack. Soon, he stopped by. "Merry Christmas, Red," he announced, wishing her and Daniel a happy holiday. He then turned to leave, but she invited him to stay. Jack again explained why he couldn't get behind her and Nikki's business proposal. He wished they could stop letting business get in the way of their relationship, but Phyllis wasn't so sure that could change. Jack suggested they put business aside for one evening.

A beaten-down Michael asked Nikki and Victor to forgive him for what happened to Lauren; the Newmans told him that he shouldn't blame himself. Nikki tried to comfort him (Though the sparkly red sweater she had on made it difficult to take her seriously in this scene.). Soon, the family started arriving, but Nikki and Victor decided to not say anything yet about Lauren.

At Crimson Lights, the "guests of honor," being Nicholas, Sharon and Noah arrived, and were greeted by Daniel, Sierra and the other teens. Daniel presented "Cassie's Corner," in which hung a huge portrait of the deceased girl. Sharon and Nick were genuinely touched by the gesture ... and it's the scenes like this that make recappers tear up.

Michael, Kevin and Scott tried to make sense of what had happened to Lauren. "It doesn't seem real," Scott sniffed. "I just pray to God it wasn't Brenda." Michael admitted to Scott that he wishes he could turn back to clock and understood why Scott blamed him. Scott replied that he doesn't blame him and just wants to be strong for his mom. Kevin then brought in some Christmas gifts that Lauren had purchased before she disappeared. Michael and Kevin told Scott that they still think of him as family.

In the bomb shelter, Lauren worried about what Scott was going through. Sheila told her not to worry, that Scott would get over his "mother" (and yes, the way she said it, it had quotes around it.). Sheila reminded Lauren how she'd made Scott, Sr. unhappy; Lauren argued that while their marriage hadn't been perfect, Sheila had destroyed it and had denied Scott, Jr. the chance to live with his father. "I loved Scott," Sheila stated, "and I love Scott with all my heart." "It's called obsession, not love," Lauren countered, wondering what had turned Sheila into a psycho.

Nick told Sharon that he misses her and knows he has to fight for her. He then gave her an early 10-year anniversary present: a gorgeous ring. No, he did not shout "I LOVE this woman!" a la the De Beers diamond commercials.

Noah excitedly told Nikki and Victor about Cassie's Corner, and how he planned to go down to Crimson Lights all the time and drink smoothies (Hope the Newmans have a good way of calming that child down because he's going to be bouncing off the walls from all of that sugar.).

As "Silent Night" played, the show went through a montage of the various characters. Victoria and Brad kissed; so did Neil and Dru, as Devon told them he has the best foster parents; Michael looked sadly out of a window, why Lauren stared into space; the Newmans gathered round the tree; a naked Sharon and Nick snuggled in bed together; Daniel opened a fortune cookie that read "You have a guardian angel."

And that was Christmas in Genoa City. Have a merry one (or Chanukah, or Kwanzaa, or whatever you might celebrate that wasn't actually mentioned on the show). Cheers!.

Thursday December 22, 2005
At Crimson Lights, Kevin informed Mackenzie that Tom was responsible for "killing" Lauren. Soon, Daniel arrived and they filled him in. Dan tried to give Kevin his condolences, but Kevin brushed him off. He then broke down in front of Mac. Mac comforted him and tried to get Kevin to stop blaming himself for what happened. "I want to tear him apart," Kevin sobbed.

Michael told Paul that he thinks Tom's responsible since Tom ran away. Paul argued that Jennifer was probably the one in charge. Scott was surprised when Paul shared his theory that Jennifer and Brenda are the same person. Scott was furious that he hadn't been told that his writing partner was a fraud. Paul wished he hadn't kept his promise to Lauren ... that he'd kept quiet about Jennifer visiting her before the wedding. Later, the detectives reported that they found C-4 explosive in Tom's room. Michael thought this was all the evidence they needed to nail Tom, but Paul thought it was too convenient. Mike regretted trying to get revenge on Tom.

At the farmhouse, Lauren tried to escape, but Tom easily caught her and tossed her into the bomb shelter with Sheila. Sheila urged Lauren to untie her, reminding her that she's their only hope of escaping. Lauren refused. Sheila retaliated by taunting how Scott has feelings for her, and revealed that it had been her friend Sugar who'd Lauren had seen in the institution ("Gives a new meaning to extreme makeover," Sheila quipped.). Lauren tried to bargain with Tom, but Sheila undermined her efforts.Tom dismissed both of them and left them to fend for themselves in the shelter (but did leave them some "food."). Lauren and Sheila continued to beg and plead for Tom to release them. Sheila was pleased that she'd now get to see Lauren die.

As Victoria hung ornaments with Victor, she stated that this would be a good holiday for the Newmans. She was also excited about Brad joining them and sales at Newman being up. After, Nikki and Victor agreed that Christmas felt strange without Cassie. Nikki admitted that she'd been working on her project with Phyllis as part of a way to clear her mind, and revealed that Jack had shot it down.

Brad was shocked when Sharon informed him that she'd told Nick about their kiss. Brad feared that Nick would tell Victoria, but Sharon didn't think her husband would do that. Sharon was concerned about gaining Nick's trust back and suggested that she and Brad not spend so much time together.

Phyllis and Nicholas met for drinks, where she gave him a small present for the holiday. She promised him that she'd keep quiet about their liaison. They were taken by surprise when Victoria arrived, and Phyllis quickly left. Nick was less than thrilled when his sister told him that Brad's spending the holidays with them. She implored him not to hate her beau, but things became awkward when he showed up. Brad suggested that he and Vicki celebrate out of town, but she insisted on being home with her family.

Neil and Dru told Devon that Yolanda is invited to spend Christmas with them in New Hampshire.

Phyllis stopped by the Newmans and told Nikki that they shouldn't give up on their spa venture. Victor agreed to hear their pitch, and was impressed.

Wednesday December 21, 2005
Michael continued to believe that Lauren is alive, but Scott wasn't so optimistic. "It's all your fault!" he yelled at his stepdad, blaming Michael for introducing Tom to Lauren. Michael began to accept the fact that Lauren could be dead. Kevin tried to keep Michael's hopes up and urged his brother to go home.

J.T. and Paul went over the Jennifer/Brenda, Tom investigation. Paul concluded that Tom had been working with someone, probably Jennifer. He didn't think Tom was a murderer, so he mused that Jen had been in charge. Paul urged J.T. not to get personally involved. Soon, Michael called and told Paul that the Coast Guard said that the explosive C-4 Plastique had been used to blow up the boat. Paul didn't understand how Tom could've gotten his hands on that.

In the bomb shelter, Lauren and Sheila went at it until Tom broke up their fight. "I don't kill people otherwise I would've gotten rid of both of you by now," he snarled. Lauren worried about Michael, while Sheila berated Tom for ruining their plan. After Tom left, Sheila warned Lauren that he was a novice kidnapper and could become dangerous if he panicked. Tom brought Lauren some water; she realized that Michael thinks she's dead. She begged Tom to call Michael for her and get the word out, but he refused. Sheila tried to apologize to Tom, but he wouldn't buy it. "I never would've blown you up," she sniffled (Hey, what's a little explosion between friends?). She suggested they continue with their plan to go to South America, but Tom argued that he couldn't trust her. Lauren told Tom that she believes he isn't the type to kidnap people and that she'd vouch for him if he let her go. She also offered him money, but he refused. Meanwhile, Sheila struggled to get untied. When Tom turned to check on a noise, Lauren made an escape.

At the Winterses, Yolanda wrapped gifts. Devon gave Neil a list of CDs that he thought Lily would like. Neil revealed that Lily isn't coming home for Christmas, and that they'll visit her instead. Devon correctly concluded that Neil and Dru were doing this in order to keep Lily from Daniel. Devon was pleased that he was invited, too, but felt bad that Yolanda wouldn't be coming. Yolanda told him not to worry, but Devon later asked if she could join them.

Dru concluded that Sharon had almost done "something stupid" on her business trip with Brad. "Do not tell Nick," Dru urged, but Sharon revealed that she'd already come clean to her husband. Dru advised Sharon to nip her attraction to Brad in the bud before she destroyed her marriage. Later, Dru told Victoria that she thinks she should go on the road with Sharon, rather than Brad.

In the gym, a sweaty Victoria worked out with Brad. Vicki noted that part of the reason they work so well together is because they have a competitive edge. She invited Brad and Abby to spend Christmas for the holidays, but he revealed that Abby will be with Ashley. Victoria thought it could help Nick and Sharon to be around a happy couple over the holidays. Later, Sharon spied Brad and stared longingly at him.

At the coffeehouse, Mackenzie chatted with someone on the phone about his or her "great idea." Later, J.T. visited Mac, but she was concerned that she hadn't heard from Kevin. Mac asked if Paul and J.T.'s case had anything to do with Kevin. He assured her that Kev isn't in trouble. Kevin then called and filled her in on what had happened with Lauren. After, Mac reamed J.T. out for not telling her when he knew.

Tuesday December 20, 2005
Kevin and Scott went to see Michael. Scott questioned Michael about Lauren's purse being found, but Michael insisted that they're not giving up on finding her. Scott began to get hysterical, but Mike reminded him that his mom is a survivor. His words sank in and Scott also began to believe that Lauren would be okay. Michael urged the Coast Guard to go after Tom, but the man in charge disagreed. Scott became understandably anxious when he realized that someone may have blown up the boat on purpose. Kevin did his best to calm him. Michael was frustrated at the way the search was being handled, but insisted that he could "feel" that Lauren is alive.

At Crimson Lights, J.T. came to see Mackenzie. Their meeting was cut short because he had to work. Mac declared her beau a "man of mystery" since he couldn't discuss it. Mac shared that she'd received an odd message from Kevin, but J.T., of course, couldn't stick around to listen.

Paul reported to Ashley that Tom didn't show up for his trial and is officially a fugitive. Paul wasn't sure what they'd even find of Tom's, but Ashley believed Paul would get what he wanted. Ashley asked if Paul thought Tom was responsible. However, Paul noted that he thought Jennifer/Brenda was the mastermind behind the tragedy.

Sheila awakened and found that Tom was holding her hostage in a windowless room. Sheila realized that they were in the bomb shelter of the farmhouse they'd scouted out. She was thrilled to learn that boat had exploded and that Lauren was dead. Tom tied her up and taunted her on how her plan went bust. "If I'm such a loser, what does that make you?" he wondered. "I got to see the fear in Lauren's eyes," she replied "... and then I blew that bitch to Kingdom Come." "So that's what you think?" Tom quizzed. "Guess what? Your plan was a joke." "What are you talking about?" Sheila wondered. "This," Tom said, indicating an unconscious Lauren. "NOOOOO!" Sheila yelled, doing her best Darth Vader (from Revenge Of The Sith) impression. Tom explained that he knocked Lauren out, then knocked out Sheila and took them to the shelter. "Why her, what is she to you?" Sheila asked. "Lauren saved my life by clueing me in to the truth about you," Tom said. "You're a certified psychopath." Later, when Lauren awakened, Tom warned her that if she pulled any "tricks," he'd knock her out again. He filled her in and explained how he'd saved her life. Lauren was shocked that Sheila had set off the bomb.

Daniel, Devon and Sierra went over Christmas letters from kids, including one from a kid who wanted to donate her presents to hurricane victims (aww). Sierra praised Daniel for going though these letters. After, they discussed Noah and wondered how he'd get through the holidays. Daniel opened Noah's letter, where Noah wished that he could feel like Cassie is still near him.

At the Newmans', Noah, Sharon and Nicholas decorated their tree. Noah recalled Cassie hanging a Santa ornament that had been her favorite. After, the three planned to go to Crimson Lights so Noah could try a special smoothie. At the coffeehouse, Noah noted that it felt different there. Daniel was disappointed when Noah didn't speak to him. Later, Mac, Sierra and Devon urged Daniel to tell Nick and Sharon about Noah's letter.

Phyllis and Jack dined together at the GCAC. Jack noted that Phyllis had seemed restless in the bed the night before, but she insisted that nothing was bothering her. Jack wanted to make sure they didn't have any "issues" between them; she became defensive, however, when he called Nick her "new best friend." Soon, Nikki stopped by and asked if Phyll had "softened" Jack up (um, no comment) in regards to their business venture. Phyllis reminded her that she has more at stake than just their idea. Jack sooned joined them, expecting to be "putty in [their] hands" as he listened to their pitch. Nikki and Phyllis went on to discuss their idea for putting together a spa venture. Jack declared it a "goldmine," but didn't think it was a good time to branch out. Phyllis was furious that he blew them off.

Monday, December 19, 2005
At John and Gloria's do-over wedding, a tearful and broken Michael called Kevin and reported that his honeymoon boat had exploded ... with Lauren on it. Michael believed they'd find his wife. "There's still hope," he stated. "People live through this kind of thing all the time." After, Kevin (now blinking back tears), held in his fear and anger as his mom and John continued with their wedding. John and Glo, unaware of the looming tragedy, happily exchanged vows. When they were finished, Gloria excitedly got ready to go to the spa for her hot stone massage (Mmmmm .... they should offer those free to recappers).

With John and Gloria safely gone, Kevin turned his attention to Paul and Ashley. "Something really terrible's happened," he began, then filled them in about the explosion and how Michael believes Tom's responsible. Paul went to investigate and found that Tom had flown to Miami.

Meanwhile, Michael desperately tried to get the captain and Coast Guard to help him find his wife. Mike went from hysterical (when he was told it might be an act of terrorism) to steely determination (when he asserted that it was Tom's doing) as he tried to make sense of what had happened. Kevin then called to reveal what they'd found on Tom. Later, Michael began to suspect the worst when they discovered Lauren's purse on the scene. "Tom, if you killed her, you will pay," Michael muttered.

Sharon told Nicholas that her almost-affair with Brad in St. Louis had been a "moment of weakness." "Am I supposed to be relieved?" Nick asked. Sharon explained that she hadn't felt like Nick was interested in her. Nick, flashing back to his very real affair with Phyllis, apologized and took Sharon in his arms. Soon, they were interrupted by Noah, who asked if they could attend a Christmas event at the GCAC. Nick and Sharon agreed to put their issues aside for Noah's sake.

Phyllis, dressed in blue satin, fielded questions about her odd behavior from Daniel (who was dressed like an elf). Daniel noted that his mom seems to be happiest when she's with Jack. Daniel told her he loves her and resumed elf duty with "the ankle biters." Phyll embarrassed her son by signing off with some current youthful slang. "Don't say that!" Dan cried, cringing. Soon, Jack joined Phyllis at the GCAC. She tried to make amends, but he believed she was doing so just because she and Nikki had a meeting with him later on. Phyll insisted that she loves Jack, but also thought back to her encounter with Nick. Later, she and Nick shared an awkward moment when he and Sharon arrived at the club.

At the Chancellor manse, Mackenzie asked Jill how Katherine is taking her moving out to be with J.T. Jill admitted that she misses having Mac around. Meanwhile, Kay went to the loft and questioned the young man about his "intentions" toward her granddaughter. J.T. was honest as he admitted that marriage isn't currently in the cards for him and Mac, and insisted that he won't hurt Mac. Kay thought they should make some sort of contract. Later, J.T. and Mac got cozy, and made a "contract" of sorts as they divvied up the house duties. (Ahh, dish-pan hands ... there's romance for ya!) After, J.T. went to order Chinese and agreed to get an almond cookie for his girl.
.... Jill urged Kay to let Mac and J.T. "do their own thing." Jill admitted that she's looking forward to spending the holidays with Kay.

An alive Sheila awakened and looked around, confused.